Something else to consider .....

[caraid]

Hi all
While searching for one of my husbands greats in the Censuses I learned something new . Said lady was Elizabeth Mcadam m.s. Waddel. She lived most of her married life in East Lothian, was Widowed in 1856 and Died herself in 1866 age 78. Had found her in the 1841 & 1851 so went looking in the 1861. Couldn't find her anywhere, been searching on and off since the 1861 came online, then today, after printing of all the Mcadam's in the 1861 for East Lothian I spied who I hoped was her daughter Jessie, had a look, and yes, it was Jessie, and also her Mother, under the name of Elizabeth Waddel, head, widow 74yrs. Why O Why did she use her maiden name. I would have never thought of looking for her under her maiden name, so another lesson learned. If at first you don't suceed, try using a maiden name

Caraid

[LesleyB]

Hi Caraid
Yes, I've come across that before too - a Mary Dick who was married to a John McGregor, widowed in her thirties and back as Mary Dick in the 1881 when living with her father....
...and is McGregor in the 1891!

Best wishes
Lesley

[Jack]

Hi Caraid & Lesley,
I've also come across a few censuses that have no forenames at all for the ladies concerned.
For eg - as Mrs. Smith; and also just as Widow Smith.
These were mainly on the earlier censuses, and fortunately for us it doesn't occur too often.
Jack

[DavidWW]

In Scotland, unlike in other countries, a woman never loses her maiden name, although general custom and practice is for Jean BROWN to become known as Mrs SMITH, and it's far from unusual for a widow to revert to using her maiden name.

David