Andrew Bruce - Why Can't I find Him ?

[darylrodger]

Hi,

Here's another puzzler about my one of my ancestors!

I can't find Andrew Bruce, stone mason who was married to Helen Mitchell.
I know she died in 1866 in Brechin aged 78, and the death certificate stated she was a widow but try as I might, he doesn't want to be found. I think they came from the Logie Pert, or Brechin area so that's where I've been looking i.e census's etc but without any luck.

Any ideas ?

Thanks,

Daryl

[SarahND]

Hi Daryl,
You may already have this, but this is probably Helen and daughter Carr in 1851. They were both using their maiden names! Looks like Andrew was already gone by then, although I can't tell from the Ancestry transcription whether or not Helen is a widow.

1851
8 India Street, Montrose, Angus
Carr Bruce, 29, Head, born Logie Pert, Forfarshire, Seaman's Wife
Helen Mitchell, 61, Mother, born Logie Pert, Forfarshire

In 1841 Helen is with two of her sons. Alas, Andrew isn't there. I assume I'm just repeating your vain efforts, but it will help for others to know what has been done.

1841
Hill Craigo, Logie Pert, Angus
Hellen Bruce, 50, born Angus, Ind
David Bruce, 25, born Angus, Ag Lab
James Bruce, 20, born Angus, Ag lab
Jean Robert, 9, born Angus, F S

I'm just going by the names of the children as given in a parent search on the IGI.

Have you tried to trace any of them down to see if the name and profession of their father agrees with Helen's death cert? Probably does, and it won't change the fact that he is not with the family for a single census But a name like Carr is so remarkably different that it seems to be begging to be followed through the years

All the best,
Sarah

[Alcluith]

Daryl,

There is a Andrew Bruce born 29 Mar 1786, christened 02 Apr 1786 in Logie Pert parents John Bruce and Jannet Reid. ref: C113042 1717-1820.

looking at the children's births :
Ann 1810
Jean 1811
William 1814
David 1816
James 1818
Catherine 1820
Carr 1822

The last is Carr born 15 Aug 1922. He would be 36 so it is possible that he died some time within the next few years after this. The other possibility is he left home(unlikely).

Hope this helps

Alcluith

[darylrodger]

Hi Sarah & Alcluith,

Well done for tracking down Andrew's wife & children in the 1841/1851 census.

I did find his daughter Jean's death certificate dated 27th May 1898, which states his occupation as a master stone mason, and his wife's death certificate for 1868, which also confirms his status a stone mason. It's a shame it looks like I won't be able to find out who his parents were.

Thanks again,

Daryl

[HeatherH]

If Andrew isn't showing on the census then perhaps he died before statutory reg in 1855 and thats why you haven't found his death.
perhaps there is something in the kirksessions that may help. Maybe his wifie asked for some relief after his death .
HeatherH

[SarahND]

perhaps there is something in the kirksessions that may help. Maybe his wifie asked for some relief after his death .

Good suggestion! I just checked the NAS catalogue and the kirk session minutes exist for Logie Pert. Looks like Daryl is off to Edinburgh!

Reference Title Date
CH2 Records of Church of Scotland synods, presbyteries and kirk sessions 1569-1998
Country code GB
Repository code 234
Repository National Archives of Scotland
Reference CH2/248
Title Logie-Pert Kirk Session
Dates 1717-1982
Access status Open

All the best,
Sarah