What Happened to Sarah Ann Wheeler (Nee' Goatcher)?

[DavidJP]

Hi all,

I have been looking into a new branch of my tree & have been left rather mystified as to the whereabouts of the above named lady on three censuses!

Sarah Ann Goatcher was born in Mitcham in Surrey in 1841. By 1843 the family including Sarah Ann had moved to Storrington in Sussex. Both parents William Goatcher (1819-1887) & Ann Reed (1814-1896) were born in Sussex.

Sarah Ann Goatcher married Nelson Wheeler (As Ann Goatcher) on 16th June 1862 at St Nicholas, Brighton, Sussex.

She appears on the censuses of 1871 & 1881 with husband Nelson & family in Brighton. From this point on however, is where I am mystified as I have been unable find anything of Sarah Ann after this point!

On the 1891, 1901 & 1911 Censuses, husband Nelson (1844-1924) states that he is married, however there is no sign of Sarah Ann whatsoever!

The last of their three sons was born in 1881.

I have seen a possible death for Sarah Ann Wheeler in 1925 in Lewes registration district.

If the 1925 death is her, then where was she between 1881 & 1925?


If anyone can assist with this I would be extremely grateful.

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

David

[avm228]

Have you looked for her under her initials, in case she was in an asylum or other institution?

[DavidJP]

Hi avm228,

Have you looked for her under her initials, in case she was in an asylum or other institution?

Yes, I did, unsuccessfully though!

Many thanks.

Kind regards

David

[avm228]

There is a possible match on initials in Brighton County Lunatic Asylum (in Wivelsfield - fell within Lewes registration district).  Can’t give full details from last census but try navigating to S A W aged 68 living in Wivelsfield - should be on page 37 of 93 in the asylum return.

[DavidJP]

Hi avm228,

There is a possible match on initials in Brighton County Lunatic Asylum (in Wivelsfield - fell within Lewes registration district).

Many thanks for that, I will very definitely check that out!

Kind regards

David

[avm228]

I have added to my post - hope it helps you.  Her age is slightly out (68), birthplace London.  But Mitcham is pretty much south London, right?  Worth a look, anyway.

[avm228]

Obviously if her death certificate were to reveal that she died in the asylum then that would help in confirming the sighting.

[DavidJP]

Hi avm228,

I have added to my post - hope it helps you.  Her age is slightly out (68), birthplace London.  But Mitcham is pretty much south London, right?  Worth a look, anyway.

Many thanks indeed, age being out a couple of years isn't a problem, as she had knocked a couple of years off her age on both the 1871 & 1881 censuses anyway!

As regards the death certificate I agree  that it would indeed confirm the sighting if it were to show her death as having taken place in the asylum.

Your assistance is much appreciated.

Kind regards

David

[avm228]

There’s also a possible entry for her in the same asylum in 1891 - S.A.W., female, 48, married, lunatic.