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I asked about the birth certificate for Lilian May Weston mother listed as Elizabeth Anne Fletcher( her maiden name) father listed as William Weston. On 1911 census father listed as John Thomas Richards on Lilian's marriage certificate father listed as John Thomas Richards. Lilian's son only found out about the Weston name when sorting through his mothers belonging after she died. So he never got chance to find out more details.

ok try to see him over next few days he's a nice old gentleman and has no computer and wants to find out about his family.

Lynn, do please come back on this thread and let us know what the birth cert says when you get a copy.

I don't like loose ends!

I will ask him for a copy of the birth certificate.

There are two births for a Lilian May Richards in Staffordshire in 1903. Is it possible that the person who has the birth certificate with the name Weston on it has the wrong certificate?

You really need to see a copy of that certificate to see if the mother's maiden name is right.

Kath. x

Yes I have been given a copy of the marriage certificate.

Lynn, I take it someone has a copy of the marriage certificate?

Surname First name(s) District Vol Page
Marriages Dec 1897
Collins Sarah Ann Walsall 6b 1181
Fletcher Elizabeth Ann Walsall 6b 1181 <<
Horton Ernest William Walsall 6b 1181
RICHARDS John Thomas Walsall 6b 1181 <<

Thanks for looking

Sadly Lynn I can't find a baptism - may not be on-line.

Hi Kath

John Thomas Richards and Elizabeth Anne Fletcher got married in December 1897 at Christ Church, Blakenall, Walsall. Selina was born in the March 1898 I think. Soon after the marriage. James was born in the May 1900. Lilian in June 1903. Why Weston not Richards really puzzles me.

I can't find a marriage for William Weston and Elizabeth Anne Fletcher /Richards.

I can't find baptisms for Selina, James and Lilian. Other children baptised at All Saints Church Bloxwich.

Thank you for find Lilian May Weston in birth index. Is it possible to find her baptism which would list her father. I understand her mother Elizabeth Richards was a church going lady and would have had her children baptised with the right name maybe. its a longshot.

Thanks everyone

Is it possible that John Thomas Richards and Elizabeth never married? I can't find a marriage for them.

Could Elizabeth have married someone else (called Weston) which is why Lilian was registered with the Weston surname?

Kath. x

Is this Lilian's birth? :-


Name: WESTON, Lilian May
Registration district: Newcastle under Lyme
County: Staffordshire
Year of registration: 1903
Quarter of registration: Apr-May-Jun
Mother's maiden name: Not available before 1911 Q3
Volume no: 6B
Page no: 36

Kath. x

Yes Lynn - found it, now you've mentioned middle name:

Births Jun 1903
Weston Lilian May Newcastle L. 6b 36

Can anyone find that William Weston on any other census, particularly 1911, or a suitable death?

Lilian was born in Madeley Newcastle Under Lyme in 1903. Full name Lilian May Weston later known as Richards when the family moved back to the Walsall area.

I can't see a birth registered for a Lilian Weston for the appropriate time and area, but there is a Lilian Richards:

England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index, 1837-1915
Name: Lilian Richards
Date of Registration: Apr-May-Jun 1903
Registration district: West Bromwich
Inferred County: Staffordshire
Volume: 6b
Page: 882

Mightn't be right but that covers Wednesbury.

Is there any chance that the chap could scan and email you a copy of that birth certificate.

Heaven knows - but people did, we've come cross a few.

Could be hiding from someone he owed money to, just for one. Could have been avoiding police for another.

Why would John Thomas Richards use a false name of William Weston on the 1901 Census.

I have been in touch with Lilian's son and its on her birth certificate but I haven't seen it myself.

Hi Kathleen

John Thomas Richards grandfather was James Richards born 1825? His mother was Mary Richards guessing he was illigitimate. 1881 census John Thomas Richards is listed as Thomas Richards living with just his grandfather.

Lynn