Appearing on 1841 census twice

[OldBrummie2018]

Hello,

Is it possible the same individuals could be listed on two 1841 census’s at different locations.

From other documents I am confident about the following:

John Robert Gardner dob unknown, occupation Silk Weaver.​

​

Harriet Bridget Gardner dob 1800 (+/- 2 years ?), location Ireland, could not write. Shown as widow on 1851 census. Died 1862 with age on death certificate being 62.​

​

Jane Harriet Gardner baptised September 1826, Loughborough .​

​

Mary Ann Gardner baptised and died 1828 Birmingham.​

​

John Robert Gardner baptised May 1832 Dudley.​

These individuals with similar profiles appear on two 1841 census records, albeit with discrepancies. Please see the attached copies of the 1841 census


1841 possible 1.pdf

Shows them living around Bilston, but does not have John Gardner (senior) at all. Harriet Gardner is listed as 45 and from Ireland; Jane Gardner is listed as 15 and also from Ireland. Finally Jno Gardner is listed as being 9 and not from Ireland.​

1841 possible 2.pdf

Shows them living Porters Field Dudley, with John Gardner listed as being 45, Harriet Gardner is now listed as being 30; Jane Gardner listed as being 15 and John listed as being 9. But the whole family now listed as being from Ireland.​

Given the baptism location of their three children, it would seen John and Harriet were itinerant. Could they have moved around the time of the 1841 census and thus appeared twice?

 

[MWS]

Quick answer is yes.

One explanation could be that John was at the address on his own and misunderstood what was being asked and gave the details of the whole family (who were usually there) whilst in fact they were somewhere else (for whatever reason).

Not saying that they are the same family though.

 

[OldBrummie2018]

Hi MWS

Thank you for that plausible suggestion, it is one I had not considered.

 

[Astoness]

some time ago i was searching for a family on the 1851 census...found them no trouble in nechells mom dad and children...then i thought i would try and find out where granny was living..found her in aston but also living with her was one of the grandchildren that was also on the nechells census of the same year...the census papers state that all those in the house at the time the census was take must be named...i assumed that the grandchild was probably staying over night at grannies

lyn

 

[pjmburns]

There is a relative of my husband on the 1891 census twice. Once with her husband and once with her parents. Both under her married name. I assume her Dad was asked for the names of his children and included her.