Canal People in Lancashire mid 1800's - help needed

[Jan Ann]

Hi 

I have also posted this on the Lancs board - hoping someone help 

Just discovered that my in law's mother  Margaret Tivey (1903) nee Heathcote,  was from a family that worked the canals during 1860-1890's in Lancashire.  Their children one of which is Great Grandad George Heathcote, were born anywhere between Leigh, Astley, Wigan and Runcorn. Parents John Heathcote (1838ish) and Margaret Clare were married in Manchester 1870  and this is also where the family were situated in the 1891 census - Margaret is a widow.   Margaret Heathcote (1849 Wigan) is listed as a Boatman's wife in 1881 and her husband John is a patient in Manchester Royal Infirmary.

I am finding it really difficult to track down this family espscially pre 1881 - were people who lived on Canal boats not listed in the census listed on a separate roll from the town they were docked in?

All extra pairs of eyes really needed on this one - Margaret Clare was born 1849 in Wigan, John Heathcote born 1838 Manchester, marriage 1870 Manchester -
in 1891 their children are listed as David 1871 Runcorn
John 1873 Leigh
Martha 1875 Astley
William 1876 Astley
James 1878 Astley
Daniel 1880 Manchester
George 1882 Astley
Joseph 1884 Leigh
Margaret 1880 Astley

Cant find them in 1871 - nor their families in 1861, 1851 or 1841.

 Also having difficulty finding George 1882 Astley  in 1901 and his bride to be Frances Mckenna (Daughter of Frank Mckenna, a boilermaker according to their wedding cert in 1902 St Simon's Church Salford - wondering wether Frances was Irish?

Also need info on the canal people that covered Wigan, Leigh. Astley Runcorn and Manchester - was this a particular coal route? Really have no idea on the careers and lifestyles, culture etc of canalboat people during mid/late 1800's - if anyone can suggest a good book, website or offer their help in anyway this would be gratefully appreciated

Cheers
Jan

[Keith Bateman]

Hi Jan

 

I am finding it really difficult to track down this family espscially pre 1881 - were people who lived on Canal boats not listed in the census listed on a separate roll from the town they were docked in?

I have found that most of mine were listed at the end of the town they had stopped at - usually a couple of pages of bargees tacked on at the end - think they tried to forget them most times!!

As for a website - you could always start off by reading my website!! 
http://batemans-history.rootschat.net/canalsofengland.htm

Will a t least get you started!

Cheers

Keith

[jacquelineve]

Hello Jan
   
  I think this could be your Margaret Clare in 1861 census

         RG9/2800  folio74  page2.

  Get back to me if you don't have access to census + I'll
send details.

                       Jackie.