Genealogy Chat

Strange isn't it?! I've got a relly on the 1881 census who is recorded as retired and he was 41! Lyn x

I've a couple of relatives born in the 1770s/80s who died in their 90s, as well as lots who died in their 40s and 50s. nell

Yes, certainly opened my eyes when I started all this - had always thought/been told that our ancestors popped off at 30 or 40 if they were lucky. Ive got generations of them in the 80s and even 90s. Old Jonas popped off at 87, his dad was 92 and his mother 87 (and they were born c1735). Meanwhile Jonas son who had been carted off to Stepney from Norfolk when poor little devil was only about 17in c1835 dropped down at the age of 50.

Can't think who from???!!!!!!!!!! But its possible, I suppose. nell

he might have come into an inheritance

I was thinking that Heather. I can't believe they weren't working. I have lots of ag labs in their 70s and 80s toiling away. No doubt all that fresh air and physical exercise made them strong. It's certainly true that the least healthy members of my family were in London, there was higher infant mortality and so on. nell

Wow, yes thats unusual, I have Jonas Horstead still working as a ag lab when he was in his 80s. Nell, I wonder if it meant they were out of work at that time? Perhaps laid off from the farm and not yet in another job?

Just found Robert Ruck, 65 and his son Thomas on 1901 census in Rodmarton, Gloucestershire. They both seem to be retired farm labourers. Did they work for a benevolent farmer or what? No sign of disability. All my other ag labs worked till they dropped. RG13/2449 92 Page:2

see below