Scotsmen James Wilson and Hugh Wilson

More about the Scots I call family . . .

1840 Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut

It was easier to find 3^rd Great Grandfather James Wilson in the 1840 federal census than in earlier census years.  Brothers James and Hugh lived near each other in the Town of Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut with Erastus Huntington 2^nd enumerated between them.

You’ll notice from the census image below, James was known as James Wilson 2^nd. When Hugh Wilson mortgaged his property to Jedidiah and Jonathon G. Huntington, James witnessed the agreement. Grandfather’s name was transcribed into the Norwich court records as James Wilson 2^nd by the town clerk. I’m uncertain how the suffix 2^nd applies in this case, but it differentiates him from other men of the same name.

1840 Federal Census, District No. 14,

Town of Norwich, New London Co., Connecticut

Roll: 30; Page: 189; Image: 384; Family History Library Film: 0003022

I found each man had a larger household than I expected.

Nine people resided in 3^rd Grandfather James Wilson’s home:

   1 male under 5 years—Son Walter Wilson.

   2 males between 5 and ten years—Son Hugh and unknown male.

   1 male between 10 and 15 years—unknown male.

   1 male between 30 and 40 years—James Wilson, head of household.

   1 female between 5 and 10 years—Daughter Janett.

   2 females between 10 and 15 years—Daughters Ann and Marion.

   1 female between 30 and 40 years—Marion (Moore) Wilson, James's wife.

   1 male employed in manufactures and trades--Grandfather James.

3^rd Great Granduncle Hugh Wilson’s dwelling housed five people:

   1 male between 20 and 30 years—Son James.

   1 male between 40 and 50 years—Hugh Wilson, head of household.

   2 females between 20 and 30 years—Louisa, daughter-in-law to Hugh/wife to James and unknown female.

   1 female between 40 and 50 years—Charlotte, wife of Hugh.

   1 male employed in manufactures and trades—Uncle Hugh.

The 1840 census represents the last instance where I find my Great Grandfather James Wilson in any document. The opposite is true for Uncle Hugh. His name can be found in city directories, census, deeds and probate estate.

When I learn more about the Scots that I call family, you’ll hear about it at Barb’s Family Stories.