Zacharias Theophile Canet (Zacharie Théophile Canet) was born in France around 1813. His father may have been Bertrand or Bernard. Both were linen and cloth merchants. Zacharias was listed on the 1841 English Census with his wife, Margaret (Turnbull) as living at Frith St, St Anne Soho, Middlesex and was listed as a Tailor. In the 1851 London Post Office Directory, he is listed as a Tailor at 8 Air St, Picadilly. After this, Theophile disappears from the records.
The family story is that he caught yellow fever from a bolt of cloth imported from Brazil and went to Lisbon to recover but he and one son, Theophile, died there. But this doesn't align with the records. There is an English death record for the son, Theophile, but no record for Theophile senior.
There aren't records of major yellow fever outbreaks in London during this period. However, there are major outbreaks during this period in Lisbon. Is it possible that the family was there and that is where he caught the disease and died. And upon his death, the family came back to England? But why would he be travelling with all his family?
I think it's more likely that Theophile was in Lisbon on a business trip, caught the disease and then died. I've checked the overseas deaths index but can't find anything.
He must have died sometime after the conception of his daughter Margaret, who was born in 1851 and before 30 Mar 1851 when the census was held as his wife, Margaret is listed as a widow.
Brickwalls
When and where did Theophile die?
Who were his parents?
DId he have siblings?
Where in France is he from?