Hi All,

I'm having trouble tracking down Sarah Ann COSTER (nee LUCAS) in the 1881 census.

Sarah Ann LUCAS was born about 1853 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. However, each census on which she appears has a different birthplace (1861 -Birmingham, 1871 - Newbold, Warwickshire, 1881 - not located yet, 1891 - Bretby Estate, Derbyshire and 1901, Cornwall).

On 2 April, 1871 I believe that Sarah Ann is resident in the Union Lane Workhouse, Chipping Barnet, Hertfordshire, England. Listed with her is a 1 month old called Charles LUCAS. She is unmarried, a pauper whose previous profession is listed as General Domestic Servant. At this time, her parents and siblings are listed as living at East Barnet. This proximity leads me to believe that I've got the right Sarah Ann LUCAS.

On 20 Jul 1873, in Barnet, Hertfordshire, England, she married Henry COSTER and had three children, George Henry COSTER, Alfred John COSTER and James COSTER. Their first son was born in New Barnet, but the last two were born in Southgate, London, indicating that the family had moved during this period. In Sep 1877 Henry COSTER died.

I've been unable to find Sarah Ann LUCAS on the 1881 census. However, I have found a Charles COSTA (10 yrs), George COSTA (6 yrs) and Alfred COSTA (4 yrs) who are resident in the Edmonton Union School. All of this would seem to indicate that Sarah and her young family fell on hard times after the death of Henry and that the children were placed in the Union School while Sarah and her youngest son resided somewhere else, possibly her working in service somewhere.

In 1891 and 1901 she is living in Edmonton.

I've tried everything I can to track her down and would appreciate any assistance anyone can give me!

Cheers,
Michelle