Hello Rootschatters, maybe someone has better eyesight than me but I am trying to find Nicholas Humble Purves (sometimes noted as Purvis) b. 1835 on the 1881 census but without luck, I have tried all of the UK under both names. He was married to Margery Purves b. 1837. 1861 census has them living in Gillingham, Medway, Kent (although both born in South Shields). 1871 has them back up in Westoe, South Shields with 2 children but the 1881 census has no mention (that I can find) of Nicholas. Their home address is Eldon (listed as Eldin) Street, Westoe and the eldest (living) daughter Maria E (aged 18) is there along with 3 of her brothers and listed as 'head'. Their mother Margery is in Throston, Hartlepool (St. Mary Street) with the youngest daughter Alice (aged 1) and listed as visitors. (Both Margery and Maria are listed as Purvis). So where was Nicholas? He is listed on all census before and after as 'Shipwright' so not someone who would be overseas or sailing on a ship.
Secondly and this might be obvious, although Maria E is listed at Eldon Street, she is also listed as a visitor with a family in Wawn Street, Westoe. It has to be the same person as both are born in New Brompton, Kent in 1863. Not knowing how census worked back then the most obvious answer is that she was visiting friends, got added onto the register there, went home and then got added onto the register there as well. I presume people came around and either completed the form with the families or left them there for the family to complete.
Any assistance in trying to find Nicholas Purves/Purvis would be appreciated.
Many thanks, Paul
