Hello,

I've lost one man in a single census and wonder whether local knowledge can help.

Samuel Horrobin (also Horobin, Horribin, Harrobin), baptized Drybrook 13 March 1831, son of Thomas and Ann, collier, of Coalway Lane End:

- 1852: married Mary Ann Hale at Parkend, both of Coalway Lane End
- 1863: his wife buried at Coleford Congregational, residence given as Bristol
- 1866: married Alice Lewis at Coleford Congregational (FamilySearch gives her as Alice Preece — I have not resolved which)
- 1870: his second wife died, aged 34, buried at Coleford Congregational
- 1871 census: at Coalway Lane End, West Dean, widower, aged 40, coal miner, head of household
- 1881: I cannot find him under any spelling
- 1887: said to have died at Beadling, Pennsylvania, having emigrated from Bristol on the SS Devon in April 1881

If he sailed in the spring of 1881 he may simply have left before census night, but I'd welcome confirmation, or any sighting of him in 1881. I'd also be glad of advice on which spellings and districts tend to hide Forest families in that census.

A second, smaller question if anyone knows: the 1863 burial entry gives his wife's residence as Bristol, though he was at Coalway throughout. Was it common for Forest families to go to Bristol for medical treatment?

Thank you,

Lottie Aston