Widowed?

[scottishlad]

Hi! I’m just trying to confirm that somebody was listed as widowed here. I believe it does, but was just looking for a second opinion. I can see that the “u” is unmarried, and there’s a clear “Mar.” for married, but all I can tell is that the other is different. I’m assuming it says “Wid”, but I’m not sure and the big X over it doesn’t help haha Any ideas? Thanks!

[Girl Guide]

Is this from a census record?  If so have you considered looking at the census before and the one after to see what they say?

It may help to clarify the snippet you have given.

[scottishlad]

Unfortunately I can’t find an 1841 census, and yes she is widowed for sure on 1861.

[Girl Guide]

Are you able to find the husband's death?  If so that may help with this as it would pinpoint when she was widowed.

[ShaunJ]

It would be helpful to see some more of the enumerator's handwriting. Can you post a link or a page reference please.

[arthurk]

It would be helpful to see some more of the enumerator's handwriting. Can you post a link or a page reference please.

I'd second that request. Census images aren't always identical - in many cases one site has them in simple black and white (like the one you've used), while another has them in greyscale and often higher definition too. This makes them much clearer, and it's usually easier to distinguish what the enumerator wrote from any checkers' marks that were added later. So even if you don't have access to a better image, giving us the reference will allow someone else here to look at it.

[scottishlad]

The file is too large to add as attachment so here is the link:https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/image-viewer/census/census-2655177_4195_644_2_43_?image_number=007Z&search_token=17373443564008c75825e7

[Girl Guide]

I presume the name we are checking is Bridget McKenzie?  Appears to be age 50 in this census and born Ireland.

It is still difficult to determine her status.  It certainly doesn't look like married as the word doesn't match with the 'Mar' of the lady at the top of the page.

There appears to be a loop coming round from the back of the word to the front.  Certainly not a 'U' so that, in theory, leaves widowed.  The problem is how to prove it if you don't know her husband's name.

[scottishlad]

well her husband was George McKenzie (Tinsmith). I have no records whatsoever for him. I only know he existed because he’s listed on Bridget’s death certificate and those of his children. I presume she was widowed 1851, just trying to narrow down when he might have died.