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I've come across a bit of an enigma in my research. Matthew Kennedy of Chepstow died on 18th January 1898, aged 75, at a property in Chepstow adjacent to his son's business premises. His son, James, was the informant on the death cert. Forty-one days later, Matthew's second wife, Mary Ann, died aged 68. One might have thought that Matthew's wife, if not in hospital when she died, would at least have been in the care of his family. However, she died in the Chepstow Union Workhouse. The informant was the workhouse master.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to why someone might be in the workhouse, when close family lived nearby. Obviously there are numerous possibilities that might account for the situation, but I'd be interested in any thoughts on the matter.

Many thanks,
Chris.

Just looking at the army record. Nearly 31 years of service, 1812-1843.

Yes, joined when he was 15. I'm now trying to find out more about him, and the regiment as it was in the early 1800s.

Thank-you all for the excellent responses.

Thanks Neale for your investigative work and the link. Great stuff. The military connection is completely unexpected, based on other aspects of the family in question.

Edit: what was the source for the information given on reply #4 ?  Birth date 19 Feb 1797 etc.

Thanks David, I'll use the information in my family history write-up.