Michael Swords

[liverpoolgenealogy]

Hi,

My ancestor Michael Swords claimed on his wife's death certificate in 1891 that he was a army pensioner, and he was the informant. He admitted himself to the workhouse in 1900, and he gave his occupation as a pensioner, I'm not sure if that's related. His death certificate (28 Mar 1900) lists him as a pensioner, but it doesn't say he was in the army. I haven't found any other records claiming he was an army pensioner, or ever in the army, but I'm not really sure where to look anyway.

He was born around 1826 around the Kilkenny/Carlow area.

He married Anastasia Freeman on 27 September 1858 in Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny, Ireland
Michael Swords to Anastasia Freeman, witnesses James McEvoy and Catherine Freeman

They move to Liverpool around 1861. They have a child, James, who is baptised in nearby Rathgeran, Carlow, in 1860:
James Swords, son of Michael Swords, Anastasia Freeman, Rathgeran (Carlow) 19 February

I've located Michael on the 1861 census, aboard the Arabia (Piece   4504 Folio   102)
Michael Swords, married, 34, fireman, born Liverpool

1871: 21 Vescock Street, Liverpool
Michael Swords, Head, Married, 48, Labourer amongst tar, Ireland
Anastasia do, wife, married, 34, -, Ireland
James do, son, single, 11, -, Ireland
Kate do, daughter, single, 6, -, Liverpool 

In 1881, Michael must've been away at the time of the census, because only his wife appears:

1881, 56A Hopwood Street
Anastasia Swords, Head, Married, 41, Fireman's wife, Ireland
No results for James or Catherine either for this census, not sure if that's related. I assume he would've been too old for military activity at this point, though.


His wife died in March 1891, and he appears in the census a few weeks after:

1891: 24 Telary Street
Michael Swords, Head, Widower, 62, Dock Labourer, Ireland
Michael Finn, son-in-law, married, 28, Dock Labourer, Liverpool
Catherine Finn, daughter, married, 25, -, Liverpool
William Finn, grandson, single, 3, -, Liverpool

If anyone could help substantiate his claims that he was in the army, I would be very grateful! Thanks!

[Milliepede]

claimed on his wife's death certificate in 1891 that he was a army pensioner,

As that is the only army reference you have would you mind posting a clip of that part of the certificate please?

Just to double check in case it's some other similar word 

Have you his occupation on a baptism for his daughter?

[liverpoolgenealogy]

As that is the only army reference you have would you mind posting a clip of that part of the certificate please?

As requested!

[tonepad]

You can search and download British Army service, pension and discharge records from findmypast.co.uk (charges apply).

https://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-records/british-army-service-records

There are 14 results for Michael Swords, but the date of births or periods of army service do not seem to match your Michael Swords.


Tony

[tonepad]

There is a Michael Swords in the 1841 Census:
Born 1822 Ireland
At Citadel And Barracks Hull
Private Soldier in the 73rd Regiment


Tony

[liverpoolgenealogy]

Thank you for your responses