Nikki-ann

Miriam at AnceStories has started a meme called “Where Were You During the Censuses?”, so I thought I’d join in.

So far, I have appeared in 3 censuses - 1981, 1991 and 2001 - and I hope to be in a few more! I was in the same village but in a different house for each of the censuses. In fact, I can see the roof tops of the other 2 houses from my window - one to the left and the other to the right. I haven’t a clue what details were put down for me in the censuses (apart from the obvious details) and I’m not likely to find out due to the 100 year rule.

Randy from Genea-Musings has added another challenge to the meme - “Who is your ancestor that appears the most often in Census records?”

I believe my ancestor who appears the most often in Census records is my Great Grandfather Alfred.

Alfred first appears in the 1851 England census aged 2, living in Ash Magna, Shropshire with his parents Francis (a Mole-Catcher) & Margaret, and brothers George, John, Thomas and William.

He next appears in the 1861 England census aged 12. Alfred is still living in Ash with his mother (an Agricultural Labourer’s widnow) and 2 of his older brothers - Francis (an Agricultural Labourer) & John (a Farm Servant). Alfred is also a Farm Servant.

In the 1871 England census Alfred is living in the parish of Adderley in Shropshire. Alfred is now a 22 year old Agricultural Labourer and married to Martha. They have a 3 month old daughter, Margaret. They live next door to a family which has not 1, not 2, but 3 Ellens!

Alfred appears in the 1881 England census twice! Firstly, he is shown age 33 with his wife and 3 children (Mary, Thomas and Henry), living in Wigland, Cheshire. Still an Agricultural Labourer. Alfred is also shown as a visitor in his brother’s household in Audlem, along with daughter Margaret. Alfred’s brother Thomas is shown as a farmer of 12 acres and is married to Mary.

In the 1891 England census Alfred is aged 44 and still living in Wigland. Alfred and Martha now have 4 children living in the household - Martha, Frank, Maud and May. Alfred is now listed as a General Labourer.

In the 1901 England census Alfred is still living in Wigland, but how has a new wife - Mary. 4 children are living in the household - May, Mabel (both from Alfred’s first marriage), Sarah (listed as a daughter, but is actually a step-daughter) and John. Alfred is again listed as an Agricultural Labourer. Alfred’s son Henry (now aged 23) lives next door with his wife, 2 daughters and his mother-in-law.

Censuses after 1901 are protected under the 100 years rule. However, I believe Alfred and family would have still been living in Wigland for the 1911 census and most probably for the 1921 census too, but by 1931 Alfred was living in Montgomeryshire, Wales. He didn’t make it for the 1941 census, but then there was no 1941 census due to the war.

I am eagerly awaiting the 1911 census (as are many UK family historians!).

Nordic Blue has tagged me for a meme, so here goes!

The Rules

Pick up the book you are reading, turn to page 161, and divulge the contents of the sixth sentence on that page.

The Book

I’m currently reading ‘White Night‘ (The 9th book of ‘The Dresden Files’) by Jim Butcher. To tell the truth, I’ve been reading it for a while now. I usually can’t put The Dresden Files books down, but I’ve been so busy with work in the past few months that I’ve just not had the energy. Still, as usual, Jim Butcher has excelled himself. His books just keep getting better and better. Some of you may have seen the TV series on the SciFi channel (it’s a shame there won’t be a 2nd season), but you really should read the books. I definitely recommend them!

Page 161 - Sixth Sentence

“Elaine just stared at the women for a long moment, then at Thomas. “Olivia,” she asked. “Is he telling the truth?”

I know that’s slightly more than a sentence, but I thought I’d bend the rules slightly!

Tags

Now I’ve got to tag 5 people. I choose:

• Karen
• Craziequeen
• Bobkat
• Simply Pink
• Miss M

All done!