FREEMAN Family missing on 1841 census in Meesden

[LyndseyB]

Hi

Can anyone suggest a possible reason why my Freeman family do not appear on the 1841 census as living in Meesden?

My Gt Gt Grandparents were both born there in 1821 & 1823 according to the census records from 1851 onwards.

I also found baptisms registered for my Gt Gt Grandfather's siblings in between the years 1820 - 1834 in Meesden Parish church.

Thanks

Lyndsey

[Rick]

Hi Lyndsey

It was not uncommon for Ag Labs to have to move around for work, so perhaps that is why your James FREEMAN is not in Meesden in 41.  Have you checked nearby parishes? 

If he is was working outside of the county in 41 it may be difficult to find him as his county of birth would not have been recorded in other counties.

The fact that there are no FREEMANS at all in Meesden in 41 is intriguing though, and makes me wonder if the whole family (James, his parents and siblings) were engaged in some migratory work.

I have checked the Herts Removal Orders and Settlement Certificates with negative results I'm afraid.

Interesting.......

Rick

[LyndseyB]

That's very kind of you Rick, thank you for checking the removal orders and settlement certificates.

One of my relatives who knows that area far better than me is making a list of the surrounding parishes so that I can check them.

Do you think there might be parts of the Ancestry 1841 census missing? There are a lot more pages in all the other census years for that area?

Regards

Lyndsey

[Rick]

Hi Lyndsey

I have checked Meesden (I have my own copy) and there are definitely no FREEMANS living there in 41.  The return did not appear to have any missing pages. 

As for missing Herts parishes on Ancestry, we have started a list.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,156070.0.html

These may help with nearby parishes.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,112167.0.html

http://website.lineone.net/~pjoiner/genuki/HRT/hrtmap.html

Rick

[LyndseyB]

Thanks Rick

Please do add Meesden to the missing list.

I've had a quick look at the links you have sent me. Can't look in detail right now, but will later this evening

Regards

Lyndsey

[Rick]

Thanks Rick

Please do add Meesden to the missing list.

Hi Lyndsey

It would appear that Meesden is on the Ancestry 1841 database.

Rick

[LyndseyB]

Hi Rick

It's taken a couple of evenings to look at all the links you sent me - there was so much information there! I certainly learnt a lot through looking at it all. Thanks very much.

I've been in touch with Hertford Archives who tell me they have a copy of the 1841 census so am planning visit there.

Regards

Lyndsey

[LyndseyB]

Hi Rick

May I ask - how many pages does Meesden take up in your copy of the 1841 census?

I have received an e-mail from Hertford Archives to say that they do hold the section for Meesden Parish in 1841 and it consists of just eight pages.

I'm hoping that theirs will include what is missing on the Ancestry version.

Regards

Lyndsey

[Rick]

Hi Lyndsey

The parish of Meesden - H0107/443/13 only consists of 8 pages on my copy and indeed on the Ancestry database. 

Rick