Genealogy Chat

There is an Amos Watson age 20 born in Newhall, Derbyshire in the 1901 census. Some time after this he had a bucket load of children. The last being around 1916. What is best way i can confirm the name of his children? Thanks James (Learner)

Hi James Unfortunately Watson is a common name, so to identify the children will be a problem. The indexes after about 1910 or 1911 include the mother's maiden name. That means that if you can identify a marriage, which will give the maiden name, you can identify children after that date. Those before that date will be a problem. If the family did not move around, they will be in the same Registration District, and you may be able to eliminate a few names in that area by looking at a reasonable space between births, normally at least a year, and more likely 18 months to two years. Basically you will have to look in a records office or library at the microfiche indexes, or pay to look at 1837online. Sending for the certificates then would be the only way to be certain you had the right people. Start with the marriage if you don't have it. If the children were christened, which is quite likely, you may get the details from Parish records in the records office or library, which will be cheaper, but it is like looking for a needle in a haystack if you don't know the place, and perhaps the religious denomination as well. Best wishes Stan

Hi, I've had some success with schools admissions records. By that time most schools included the parents' names and addresses and the birthdate of the child. It takes quite a long while to search through them, though. Gwynne

Hi gwen please could let me have more info on how to search schools and their information Interested in searching schools in the Epping / Romford area Many thanks Sally

James I gave you this info about Amos in Newhall. Don't assume that this is the correct person. You really need to send for the birth cert for the Amos born in Burton I told you about. Don't jump too far too quickly. You could make a mistake that could take you off course for years. I speak from experience. You need to put your hand in your pocket and buy some certificates. Otherwise your research is based on guesswork. Margaret

Hi Sally, Many school log books and admission books have been deposited in county record offices. If you know the name of the school email the county RO to see if they have them. I was lucky in that the LDS have filmed admissions to some of the schools in the area I wanted so I was able to order the film at the local LDS centre. Check their catalogue on familysearch to see if they have filmed any schools in your area. It is a slow process ploughing through them but worthwhile when you find them. Gwynne