Genealogy Chat

Thanks for your responses everyone, whilst I've been out and about... Yes, I've previously found both Ethelinda and Frederick on the 1881 and 1901 census - and I also have their marriage certificate. Ethelinda was a widow when she married Frederick; she had previously married Richard HUMPHREYS and I have that certificate too. On the VRI, I've found what I think are Ethelinda's siblings: Eliza (1853), Ernest (1855) and Emily (1862). Frederick had a whole load of siblings: Henry (1856), Cecila (1860), then Frederick (1863), Charles (1864), Alice (1868), George (1870), Louisa (1872) and Minnie (1874). Isn't it just typical that the only births I can't find (and therefore can't get the certificates!) is for the two siblings who happen to be my great grandparents!!! Aaaagggghhhh!

1837online is as complete as records go - there will always be BMDs not registered, registered way after the event, illegible or mis-spelt entries. Records will have been lost, damaged or overlooked when it came to sending them off.

1837online is as complete as records go - there will always be BMDs not registered, registered way after the event, illegible or mis-spelt entries. Records will have been lost, damaged or overlooked when it came to sending them off.

Hi Linda, The only reference to ETHELINDA FREEMAN I found was on Ancestry (Civil Registration Index 1837 - 1983). Ethelinda Freeman - Dec. Quarter 1879 - Marriage - London, Surrey. Vol 1d Page 1167 Also: FREDERICK GEORGE BERRETT - March Quarter 1884 - Marriage - London, Middlesex - Vol 1b Page 53 Guess it would be advisable to check before ordering certificates. Linda (East Sussex)

There's also a Frederick Berrett on the 1901: FREDERICK BERRETT - Age 35 - Born Deptford, Kent. Administrative County - London, Civil Parish - Fulham. Occupation - Police Constable. Linda.

Hi Linda, Found a Frederick Berrett on the LDS. FREDERICK BERRETT - Age 21 - Born 1860 Deptford, Kent. Pawnbroker - living 64 & 66, High Street, Kingsland, London, Middlesex. Linda (East Sussex)

Hi I went back to some of my (many) records I have saved from 1837 online and it's not unusual to jump from Emily to Fanny (in a manner of speaking). I don't think it's entirely complete and there are spelling variations from the way we might spell names today. There was no penalty for non registration before 1875. Having said that I had a look for your Ethelinda just out of curiosity and had no joy either around the period you are quoting. (not that I disbelieved you!) I do some transcribing for FreeBMD and get scans of the original registers so the source material I work on is identical to that on the pay per view site. It's nowhere near complete yet so .. any volunteers welcome! Did you find either of them in any census? Maybe you should phone the local records office and share your dilemma. Perhaps someone might feel like being helpful rather than sending off to GRO because if they can't find them they deduct a partial fee from you anyway, I think. Best wishes Ann

Hi Pam We seem to be helping each other this afternoon - I've just posted a reply to your John Boon query on the Records Board... I take your point about freeBMD, but aren't they effectively just transcribing what is on 1837 Online into a more user-friendly format? Maybe not... I know that freeBMD wasn't complete but assumed that 1837 was... Can anyone else help us out here? Please!! Thanks!!!! Linda

Hello Linda, I have been having the same trouble with finding my great grandfather's birth in 1861 on FreeBMD. I can't comment on 1837 online but if you look at the transcription progress for the years 1864 and 1857 on FreeBMD they are 60% for 1864 and only about 2% for 1857! I should imagine that they would have been registered but not yet transcribed, like me you are unlucky enough to be looking in the wrong years. Pam

For ages, I’ve been searching in vain for the births of my great grandfather Frederick George BERRETT and great grandmother Ethelinda FREEMAN. I’ve been told that Frederick was born 4/6/1864 in Deptford, Kent, and Ethelinda 5/11/1857 in Walthamstowe, Essex – but have been unable to find either of them on freeBMD or 1837 Online. Does this mean that their births were not registered? Is it worth me sending off to the GRO for their birth certificates quoting the dates above? Strangely, when searching the name FREEMAN on the 1837 Online site, the names (all alphabetical) suddenly jump from Emily to Fanny… Does anyone think it a bit odd that there isn’t a single Ethel, Eva, Eunice or whatever? All ideas and suggestions will be appreciated. This pair are proving to be a real pain!

Please see below!