husband missing on 1901 census

[SCH2]

Hi there,
I am looking for John Ivers b Ireland c1869 on the 1901 census.
His wife, Anne and the two children, Lottie and William were with Anne's sister and family, living in Gillingham, Kent and Anne is listed as married, not widowed - so where was John? I haven't found his death as yet. In 1891 they were living in Stoke Damerel and he was listed as Stoker Royal Navy.
Any information or advice would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Sue

[Nick Carver]

Records of deaths are much more scarce on on-line search engines, so it is not surprising you have not found a record. The most likely possibilities are that he was dead by then, he was away and out of reach of the census - perhaps supporting the war in South Africa or he was missed off the census for some reason. If as a sailor he was out of British territorial waters, he would not have been classed as being in the country at the time of the census.

There are many records at the PRO relating to members of the armed forces. Perhaps that would be worth a check?

[SCH2]

Hi Nick,

Thank you for your reply and advice. I must admit that although I had considered that he might have been at sea, I had not considered the world events at that time, that may have influenced his whereabouts. I will keep my options open and maybe (hopefully!) I will strike lucky!

Best wishes and thanks again

Sue

[JustinL]

Hello Sue,

I had the same problem. My ggf managed to miss the 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses. You would swear that he did not exist. I am yet to find his death record for 1929-ish.

He took the family to South Africa in about 1880. Most of them returned in the late 1890s, but he was back in Cape Town sorting out his business affairs in 1901.

I would guess that he was simply out of the country. Travel was easier than we often imagine.

The marriage certs of John's children may note that he was deceased.

You could also try historical post office directories.

Good luck!

Justin Levy
(Dublin, Ireland)

[SCH2]

Thanks for your reply Justin,
I'd love to get hold of his daughter, Lottie's marriage details as my father spent a lot of time with her as a child and she was about the only member of his family that he spoke of, as his father remarried very quickly after his mother's death.
As a child I can remember Aunt Lottie's death and I think she was living in the Midlands at that time, but I don't think I ever knew her married name and she would have married after the 1901 census.
Guess I shall just have to be patient and wait another 6 years until the 1911 comes out! 
C'est la vie!
Sue