Genealogy Chat

Can anyone help? My g-g-grandfather Richard Rennells Drew was a Mariner, based in Devon and although I've found him on 1861 and 1901 censes, he doesn't appear anywhere on the 1871, 1881 or 1891 records. His wife Elizabeth is never down as the 'Head' of the household, just as 'Wife' and invariably no 'Head' is written down at all. Children were born over these years, so he obviously hadn't deserted poor Elizabeth, he must just have been away at sea. Does anyone know if he would have been registered ANYWHERE on census night? Many thanks.

He could be on one of the vessels on the various census's. One of my ancestors is listed on 3 census returns on a vessel or naval place namely a place or ship. As he maybe on a vessel his name may be shorter etc enabling mistranscription to creep in or various other errors. This is for Royal Navy however Hope this helps Steve P.S - If he was an Officer you can trace him in the Navy List of which I have access to as I come from Plymouth, Devon the naval capital of the world. I could search them for you if he is of Officer grade (Engineer, Paymaster, etc)

Not absolutely sure, although someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they would be included in the census unless they were in port at the time. Kath. x

I found this very interesting web site on 'Google' just type in the words: Ships in UK Ports 1881 It gives the names of the vessels, names of passengers and crew, also ages, and where from etc. One ship lists emigrants going to the USA.

I think it rather depends on how diligent the captain of the vessel was. I cant find my Great Grandad who was a mariner for the 1871 or 1881. I have found a fishermen on a vessel with the rough idea of where it was off the coast - so I think its just a matter of the captains attitude to completing forms!

Sarah you're kinda right. I have a few exceptions, but mainly I think in the most circumstances thats how it was done. One of my relatives was docked at a foreign port (in Africa) and was shown. Steve

Most of my Mariners are missing from at least one census, more often than not 2 or 3

Thanks everyone. I don't think he was in the Navy (though I can't be sure). On his daughter's marriage certificate he is down as a Master Mariner. I'll keep looking!