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For anyone who is interested in an update.

I'm pretty certain that Emily Pearce on the 1901 census is my great-grandmother and that she was married to Richard Pearce. I'm sure that the Emily Pearce visiting the Rogers household in 1891 is a different one even though her husband (and Richard Pearce) were both seamen, although as was pointed out there seems to have been a lot of military activity in the area, so perhaps not unusual.

It's a real shame that the forenames of the Pearce children are missing from 1901. I think the 14 year-old is almost certainly Minnie but the other two are mysteries. The 7-year-old could well be Edie.

It's frustratingly difficult to be 100% on identifying ancestors as their places of birth often vary from census to census. Tracking Richard back (1871) shows him as being born in St Veep but his 1891 entry states Pelynt. It's not helped by the area being a ferry ride away from Devon as it seems to be interchangeable with Cornwall!

Also it appears unlikely that Emily married my great-grandfather. I wish we could get access to the 1911 census, I'm sure it would help.

Hi Carol

There is limited access to the 1911 census. A search of a known address costs £45.

See

http://www.1911census.org.uk/

You could order Beatrice's certificate (Oct-Dec 1910) for £7, and use the address to request the 1911 census (pricey though). Moody Blue/Brenda found the ref for you above (see 20th Jan 21:23)

Keep us posted, lots of us are interested!

I've now got the birth cert for Edith Pearce. Her parents were Richard & Emily and she was born in 1892 - so much for dad thinking she was the eldest! Edwin was first (c1886), Minnie (c1887), Edie (1892) and a boy (c1894). The younger two must be mixed up on the 1901 census. Emily couldn't read or write so presumably a census taker wrote the details down.

Emily and Richard married in June 1885. I think Ivy's death registration for Richard is correct. Emily was clearly on her own in 1901 but had my grandad by 1902 so I wouldn't be all that surprised if she didn't actually marry my great-grandfather and simply took his name. I haven't found a marriage registration.

The 1911 census would given me more information on my great-grandfather but I'm reluctant to pay £45. Maybe I can find out another way - any thoughts?

Hi Carol,

If you have an address from a birth certificate once the second family is established, you can check on the electoral roll, but I'm not sure whether this would give you much more info than you had from the birth certificate...

If Edward is in the military, perhaps there are some military records? Apologies if you have already covered this point earlier.

This chap from the 1891 census does not seem to be on the 1901 census; the names are in the wrong order though.

Name: John Edward Knight
Age: 19
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1872
Relation: Soldier
Gender: Male
Where born: St Mary; London, Middlesex, England

Civil Parish: Aldershot
Ecclesiastical parish: St Michael
Town: Aldershot
County/Island: Hampshire
Country: England

Registration district: Farnham
Sub-registration district: Frimley
ED, institution, or vessel: 5th Dragoon Guard

I found Edward John Knight on the 1871/81/91 & 1901 census'. He was born about 1869 in Poughill, Cornwall. He was still living at home in 1901 with his mother, Ann & two sisters - which makes it seem likely he is my great-grandfather.

He had six siblings. They were certainly prolific in those days, considering they probably were quite poor. Makes for a huge family tree!

The electoral roll would probably only give me his name, as women weren't allowed to vote at that time.

Hmm, sounds as if the 1911 census would give very little more info then. I'd be inclined to wait until it is generally available!

All the best