Genealogy Chat

Hi again Jeanette I have the Birth Cert' for the second born child (my G/Grandfather) His mother is Jane Lea formerly Cartwright. I am presently waiting for delivery of Birth Cert' of the first born, but I just KNOW it's going to say Jane as well. Grrrrrrrrrrr Christel

Hi Karen Hi Irene I am beginning to think it was simply a mix up of names, especially as both witnesses and the bride signed with a cross, neither of them would have spotted the mistake. What do you reckon? Christel

Christel, you are probably right if they were illiterate how could you check that it was right? Have a look for the grundy family in neighbouring households they could be neighbours if they are not relatives. KIM

Hi In 1881 are the family living in Mill St, Prescot. If they are the correct family there is a Daniel Large who is a step son to the head of the house hold which might give you a clue. This could be John's second marriage! Karen

christel, have you found an Ann on later census after 1851??? Shelli

Hi KAREN No, the family are at 11 Manor Street - Census district: Sutton They were there on 1861,71 and 81. 1871 and 81 Jane is a widow. On 1881, next door at No9 is her eldest son William (my G/Grandfather) and family. Hi KIM Have checked the whole of Manor Street, no Grundy, mind you the earliest Census I have access to on-line is 1881, so they may have moved or died by then!! Hi SHELLI I haven't been able to find Ann on any later on-line Censuses. You are all brilliant! I think I will now go and take out my frustration on Mr Tesco Will check back later. Christel

My gut feeling for this would be the registrar put down the name of the witness. But is this a GRO certificate you have or a parish entry copy ? I would check both copies if you can. I have a very odd one. I have an original certificate - grey colour, perforations and penny stamp on it - yet I don't believe the information to be correct. On it Isabella PITCHER married and gave her father's name as Harry PITCHER (deceased). Now Isabella was born in a workhouse but no father listed. Her mother Ellen Deborah PICTHER married a Harry STEER less than year later. On this cert - one of the witnesses was a Dorothy STEER. Oh, I thought - who is Dorothy. I looked at parish entry of this cert and it shows the signature as Deborah STEER ( the name the mother used on 1901 census). I am sure the mother was the witness but why would it be Dorothy on the cert I have ( Not listed as mark of) - but all the writing looks like it could be written by same person.

Nina -- the registers signed at the wedding weren't perforated. One will now be with the local Supt Registrar, and the other is the one you've seen The perforated one was written out by the parson afterwards to give to the couple as a souvenir. So as you say all the signatures will be in his handwriting. Obviously he miscopied

Thanks Robin Although the witness details are incorrect it is still good to have the original certificate that the couple were given. Found in my late mother-in-law's belongings in an envelope with wrapping paper that nearly went straight in the loft to be sorted later.

Hi NINA It is a GRO Copy, but a kind person is going to check the parish records for me. Hi ROBIN Thanks for that info on Certificates, I didn't know that. Christel

Hi Christel I do know they both signed their names, and Arthur was in the Army. I haven't had time yet to check out this puzzle yet as it only came to light yesterday. Until three weeks ago I was stuck on Arthur born abt 1848 and what a wall that proved to be. I will have to try and get to Winchester to check it out there if its at all possible. But they married in a Chapel, and I don't know if that will be included with the Church Records. Will see if the Registry Office have their marriage it may be worth paying for another copy just to see what that one is. I hope you have some luck working out your mystery but how ever long it takes its worth it in the end. Irene

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE, YOU ARE ALL STARS!! Christel :)

Thought all you helpful friends might like to know, apparently the parish records microfiche shows quite plainly that the brides name was JANE Cartwright. The person responsible for the copy had beautiful handwriting, but their brain was definitely NOT engaged on that day. It just goes to show, you can't believe everything you read!!! Thanks again for all your help Christel :)

Glad that you sorted it all out, you can sleep peacefully now! KIM