Hi listers, I have details of a "family" in the 1861 census, but I'm somewhat bemused by the fact that the "family" is split in three. the widowed mother, Elizabeth harvey, is working as a cook at St John's vicarage, Forton, Gosport, while 3 of her children aged 10 (Charlotte), 8 (George) and 5 (William), are at the South Stoneham Union workhouse. A 4th child, aged 12 (Elisha), is living with an aunt at Millbrook, Southampton. Does anyone have any suggestions as to why this may have been the case? In 1864 and 1868, Elizabeth has 2 more children, and in 1871is recorded as Elizabeth Hardy, wife of Charles Hardy. There is no sign of the daughter Ann born 1864, only amelia born 1868. Ann is found with her brother William in the 1881 census though. This all seems like a very odd set of circumstances to me, so any suggestions that may explain all this would be gratefully appreciated. regards to all, Jon -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.1/64 - Release Date: 8/4/05