Looking for Robert HODGES, son of Robert

[POSITIVE Pauline]

I put a post up a few days ago looking for Robert and his family in 1891, but nobody could find him. Since then I have received his wedding certificate which is not really very helpful - it says he's of full age :(, a bachelor, a dealer (fits with census occupations), resident in Bethnal Green (no actual adress), and his father is given as Robert HODGES, deceased, and no occupation given.

The census I can definitely find him gives his birth details as follows:

1861 - Age 23 born Hertfordshire - RG9; Piece: 209; Folio: 85; Page: 14
1871 - Age 33 born Middlesex, Shoreditch - RG10; Piece: 411; Folio: 28; Page: 26
1881 - Age 43, born Hertfordshire - RG11; Piece: 365; Folio: 18; Page: 30
1891 - missing
1901 - Age 62, born London, Shoreditch - RG13; Piece: 264; Folio: 177; Page: 1

His age increases consistently through the census, so he's born about 1838, but is is Middlesex or Hertfordshire? I can't seem to find him in 1841 or 1851, so wonder if anybody else can.

The only possible on IGI that I can see is a Robert John HODGE, (no s) christened 9th July 1837 in St Alban Wood St, London with parents Robert and Sarah.

[Little Nell]

I'd discount the Middlesex bit except he specifies Shoreditch twice. So why say Herts? If he'd been born somewhere on the borders it would make sense.

I'll have a look 1851 and 1841. I suppose it depends who gave the info to the enumerator - does he have other family members born Shoreditch or Herts? And where is he living in census?

[Little Nell]

This birth would fit with Shoreditch (St Luke is next door)
Robert Hodges
1838 Oct-Nov-Dec St Luke Middlesex Volume: 2 Page: 217

[POSITIVE Pauline]

Hi Nell,

I saw that one. Think I might have to squander £7 to see whether it's my man or not. I was really hoping to be able to find him in 1841. Hope somebody has some joy.

[Little Nell]

********* Just found probable Robert born St Lukes in 1841 in St Lukes with father JOHN!!!

Can;t find him elsewhere. Sorry. I can only think that perhaps he was known by another name in his early life.

[POSITIVE Pauline]

Nell

I got excited when I saw that one as well :( It's the closest I can find in 1841. I've even trawled through all Roberts born in 1838 on the 1851 census, and I can't even see a possible mistranscription for him.

[POSITIVE Pauline]

Got to disppear for a while to get tea. Will check back later.

[Merry Monty Montgomery]

Were the marriage witnesses of any use?

[POSITIVE Pauline]

Hi Merry,

Marriage witnesses are Harriet Burlow and Emma Edwards. Harriet is an elder sister to Robert's wife Ann. I have no idea who Emma is though. By the 1881 census, there are 2 neices living with the familiy with the surname Barlow, but I think this is more like to be the Burlow family. Sadly this is of no help to finding Robert though.