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Birth Certificate Terminology

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Katie

Katie Report 13 Nov 2008 13:54

I have recently got my grandmothers birth certificate and some things have really stumped me. Firstly, my grandmothers (Elsie May Ward) father was left blank, however she lists him as Harry Ward on her marriage certificate. Her is listed as May Ward (same maiden surname name as father?) but also has after her name "A note - folder paper". Does anyone know what this means?

Any help solving this puzzle will be much appreciated!

Katie

Sam

Sam Report 13 Nov 2008 14:04

Many illegitimate children invented a father for their marriage certificate, to save the embarrassment of people finding out I suppose.

The fact that her mother shares the same surname suggests to me that she was umarried and that Elsie was illegitimate.

When/where was Elsie born? Can you find her or May n a census to confirm this?

Sam x

Katie

Katie Report 13 Nov 2008 15:06

Elsie May Ward was born in 1912.We don't know any other information about her mother apart from the fact that she lived in islington at the time of Elsies birth. We also know that Elsie had a sister, who my mother thinks was younger and moved to america, but again no name and no birth.

Ideally we want to trace Mays mother as my mum knows that Elsie was more fond of her and never talked bout her mother. But without a marriage certificate of May to find her parents i really am stumped.

Katie

Selena in South East London

Selena in South East London Report 13 Nov 2008 15:19

Are you able to look up the electoral roll for the address on the birth certificate? I don't know if women appeared on the electoral roll that early though, but there might be other family members listed i.e. May's father.

Selena

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 13 Nov 2008 16:12

I think that Elsie May was illegitimate if no father is listed.

Are you certain of what is written after the mother's name. On an illegitimate child's birth certificate it usually gives the mother's occupation after the mother's name.

Women wouldn't be mentioned on an electoral register from that early.

Kath. x

Katie

Katie Report 13 Nov 2008 22:14

The electoral register is a good idea, thank you.

do you know where i could view this?

Katiex

Katie

Katie Report 13 Nov 2008 22:17

Kath...

Im pretty certain that is what it says directly after her name.

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 13 Nov 2008 23:14

Katie,

Are you able to scan the certificate and send it by email? If you are able to and would like me to have a look at the words under the name just let me know and I'll send you me email address in a pm. It may be tomorrow though as I have to go shortly.

Kath. x


Katie

Katie Report 13 Nov 2008 23:59

Ok thats fine. I will scan it tomorrow and get it over to you as soon as i have your email.

Thank you very much!!!

Katie

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 14 Nov 2008 09:12

Have pm'd you my email address.

Kath. x

Selena in South East London

Selena in South East London Report 15 Nov 2008 11:43

Katie regarding electoral rolls, you will need to contact the archives library for the area that the address comes under. Try Islington council.

Ryan

Ryan Report 15 Nov 2008 12:53

The local record office sometimes hold electoral registers on microfilm, we found some relatives but took a bit of time.

Katie

Katie Report 19 Nov 2008 22:15

thanks for everyones help

Katie

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 19 Nov 2008 22:17

Hi Katie,

Did you get my reply regarding the certificate you sent by email?

Kath. x

Ozibird

Ozibird Report 19 Nov 2008 22:23

Kath, let us know what you think.

Ozi.

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 19 Nov 2008 22:25

Ozibird,

What was written under the mother's name was her occupation - "A note-paper folder".

Kath. x

Ozibird

Ozibird Report 19 Nov 2008 22:41

Thanks.

Ozi.