Genealogy Chat

How do you find someone that has dropped of all records My G G Grandfather Ignatius Smith is recorded as marrying Elizabeth Ann Taylor in 1888. He is then on the 1891 census, then nothing at all, no death cert, no immigration, no nothing. Elizabeth Ann appears in a different town (Burnley) living with her children Alice and Samuel and a man called Moses Taylor. Is it possible for someone to just dissapear like that or is there somewhere I have not looked. Any ideas?

Colette, have you tried looking for his death on the 'overseas' section of 1837 online? Also, you could try the National Probate Calendar (in record offices on microfiche) to see if he left a will. Oh, and you could try to find out if he was buried in one of the local cemeteries. Kate.

Colette, I looked for Ignatius Smith from 1889 - 1901 on Ancestry deaths and couldnt find him.He does seem to just disappear, as you say. As to Moses Taylor, there is one b Preston 1871 who married Margaret Ann Sharples Blackburn AMJ 1890 8e 595.He is living with her in Blackburn 1891 plus children. On 1901 Margaret is still living with children in Blackburn, down as married but no sign of Moses. Do you think he left his wife to live with Elizabeth A Smith (nee Taylor)? They wouldnt need to marry - her maiden name is Taylor.Just a thought. Will continue to look for Ignatius Smith. Elaine x.

Perhaps he was in prison or a lunatic asylum, and only on the census with his initials? Try looking for IS with his birthplace and year. nell

Have you considered that he may have been away fighting the French?