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Hi one of my ancestors isn't on the 1901 census and I wondered if he was in the Boer War.
HIs name is John Morrison and he was from Manchester, He would have been about 40 at the time so it maybe a longshot.
Thanks

Margaret 52

Any chance you could provide more details regarding your ancestor?
Was he married? His profession, his Father / Mothers name ? Lancashire address maybe ?
Any additional information may give the forum a fighting chance at the longshot.

Dave......

John Morrison born 9 April 1959
Parents Patrick Morrison and Sarah Gollogher
Wife Catherine Hoffey/Glynn
Address 20 Stonhewer St, Manchester
Occupation scavenger in 1911 census
Thanks

Are there any connections in your family pertaining to Liverpool, especially merchant Seaman?

We have very little information
He is on the 1881 census as an engine fitter living in Manchester then nothing til 1911.
His parents were Irish so he could have gone to Ireland for a while.

It's a difficult one for sure. With little information and the numerous John Morrison's to cross reference it will be a mammoth task without additional family info. I noticed that the 1881 census you referred to, had John living with his mother. Also, his occupation regarding engine fitter led me to the idea that he may have been a crew man on a ship?
He seems to be missing from the 1891 & 1901 census. I did find a John Morrison aged 39 from Manchester who served on the ship Cestrian in 1897. The Cestrian was used during the Boer War. I believe it was for the transport of Cavalry and their horses. However, the ship was only used up until 1900 and had the shortest time as a troopship during the Anglo Boer War. I found no additional information on John Morrison having served on the ship after 1897. It's possible he transferred to another ship, another profession or as you say could have moved to Ireland. Alas, all supposition on my part, but it was the only long shot I could find that may be your ancestor. If he had been a Seaman, I would have expected the family to be aware of it?
Please keep the forum updated if you find any other clues that might lead to discovering John's disappearance between 1881 to 1911.