Here is a Method that is Helping Identify Hidden Ancestor Treasures

When I opened the 1871 census return, I was pleasantly surprised to find not only both of my great-grandparents, the four daughters, but also an elderly man, who was my great-grandfather's father - my great-great grandfather!

The information regarding him identified him as a carpenter, and born in Nigg, Ross-shire, Scotland. I was also able to get his birth date, which was invaluable in latter searches.
I deducted that he had probably died after 1871 and before the census taking in 1881, since he was not listed in that return.

I now had enough good material to venture elsewhere for more information.

In the provincial archives I was searching for two things: death records and land grant records. The first would be easier since I could reasonably tie the period down to the decade framing the 1870s. The other would be a bit more difficult to pin down but, with some reasoning, a band of years could be framed.

Having been born in 1798, it would be reasonable that he not likely would have qualified for a land grant before his twentieth birthday. Thus, a lower frame would be around 1818. Since he was 73 years old in 1871, it would be reasonable that he likely had his land grant prior to age 40. So, a upper frame would likely be 1831.

First though, I focused on the death records, which, to my surprise and glee, revealed something quite significant.

To be continued . . .

Gary