Genealogy Chat

I take it that the only reason you think he died before 1901 is the fact that you could not find him on the census? Besides the possibility that he might be abroad, or have found a job as a sailor, it is also feasible that the enumerator has mistranscribed him. Not merely by mangling his surname but, say, by ascribing to him the same surname as the head of the household. Such people are almost impossible to spot unless they remained in a small village. It would be worth working your way forwards, to find a later death. Good luck B

Mike, I didn't think about that! Something I will have to look at. Might explain a few things! Lou, Esther - the wife - died in 1895 so does not appear as far forward as the 1901 census. Thanks for your help though! Regards Julie

Ho Julie I also cannot find a death but have been told all were not registered as just a doctors certificate would have been enough to bury someone. Regards Margaret

Julie The 1901 census image should tell you whether Ellen is married or a widow. If she's still down as married, chances are he's still alive but elsewhere too. Lou

Greeting's Julie...... Just a thought was William involved with the Boar War ? 1899 ~ 1902. Which might go towards explaining the reason Esther and Family were living with other members of the Family...... Worth exploring the Forces records at KEW ?..... MIKE.

Hi there, Thanks for your responses. I have tried every spelling I can think of! In the various census' the Mattless family have been transcribed as Matlers, Matliss, Matthews and various others!! I have just not been able to find his death! I don't really need it to continue my research, it is just niggling me now that I can't find it and I am determined to carry on until I do!! Thanks again, Julie

Did you try other spellings? All the census transcriptions are vulnerable to mistakes, but the 1901 seems particularly so. I had a look on the Norfolk Transcription site and followed this link: http://apling.freeservers.*com/1891Census/Clenchwarton.htm (without the asterisk). The only name in their index which could be Mattless is MATTLERS 56/14 Hence my suggestion about trying other spellings (and even wildcards) on the 1901 census. Christine

Hi there - hope some kind soul can help. Did all deaths have to be registered? I am looking for the death of my ggggrandfather who I think died sometime between 1891 and 1901. The reason I think this is he was on the 1891 census with his wife and children but on the 1901 census there is no trace of him and his wife and the younger children are all living with other brothers and sisters. Have searched 1837 online for all quarters from May/June/July 1891 and Jan/Feb/March 1901 but can't find him. I found ggggrandmother's death as 1895. Maybe died of a broken heart or in some kind of accident with ggggrandfather? Names are: William Mattless, b 1844, Clenchwarton Norfolk and Esther Mattless, b 1849, Clenchwarton, Norfolk. Thank you for reading my plea and I hope someone can help before I go totally mad!!! Regards Julie