1881 census entry problem (General)

by Gordon , Monday, December 08, 2008, 03:14 (5901 days ago)

I was wondering if there are many instances of persons being logged twice during a census. I am having a problem with two entries that may be for the same person.

Entry 1 (1881 census) - James Williams, bapt. 1863 Tidenham shows him age 17 living at home.

Entry 2 (1881 census) - James Williams, born abt. 1862, Tidenham serving as an ordinary seaman in the Royal Navy, age 19 on "Triumph" (Institution = "Mosquito").

NOTE: There are not two James Williams' born around this date in Tidenham.

My only thoughts are that perhaps he was on leave but the RN registered him as aboard. Also did he give an older age to get into the RN?

I would appreciate any help with this.

Gordon.