Genealogy Chat

Think am looking for a criminal record but not 100% positive. As of Feb 1897 when 3 child born in Grimsby Lincolnshire my gr-grandparents were Charles William & Mary Jane Richardson (formerly Hardy). As of Nov 1899 when 4th child born in Andover Hampshire they were Harry & Mary Jane Hardy (formerly Richardson). On 1901 census they were Harry & Mary - In 1902 still Harry & Mary June 1905 - they were Charles William & Mary Jane Hardy (formerly Richardson). Still in Andover I have birth certficates for last 4 children verifying facts. I know Harry Hardy to be my Charles William Thompson. Sometime after 1905 the family moved to Plymouth and returned to using Thompson. - have found marriage records for 5 of the 6 children - all married using Thompson. So - whatever happened that caused him to change his name and move away from Lincolnshire happened between Hilda's birth in 1897 & Ethel's birth in 1899. Know this long story but - can anyone suggest where I might look for records as to why the name change? Thanks Sue (confused in Canada)

You could try National Archives site - they have some pics of victorian prisoners - or you could google or contact the local records office. I cant help asking are you absolutely sure about them being same family. May be someone would change a second name but a first? I cant concentrate to read all the above - no glasses to hand - but have you checked that the first guy didnt die and mary remarry? (Tip, when you have a lot of text - put just 'see below' in first box because it gets all jumbled up and a lot of us do have dodgey eyes. Then click add reply and you can paragraph it properly for people to read)

HI Heather, Yes I am absolutely positive is right person - have obit for Charles Wiliam, he died 1936 in Plymouth. Youngest child - Harold was my grandfather. His birth registered as Harold Thompson Hardy - took a VERY long time figure that one out, but I have the cert now and am positive is him. Grandpa used to joke his father was a stage coach robber - now we're not to sure if wasn't hiding truth in humour! I have looked for a birth for Harry Hardy given information on 1901c - no luck, have looked for a marriage between Harry Hardy & Mary Jane Richardson - again no luck. Children listed on 1901 census with Harry & Mary (figure he did this for a joke) names, ages match my grandfather's siblings exactly. 2 children born after 1901 census match my grandfather & sister exactly to dates of birth, place of birth provided to my mother by my grandfather. Am pretty positive whatever happened, it was in Lincolnshire - in Feb 1897 was in Grimsby. Will try googling, couldn't find anything on a2a If I don't seem to answer to quick, please be patient - I am head zoo keeper today. Sue

Well, assuming he fathered all the kids, there is only a gap of about a year when he would have been away isnt there? So not a horrendous crime for then. Id contacted the local archives/record office, giving his name and the time span to see if the local papers pick anything up?

Thanks will give a try with Lincs record office. Even if they can't help might be able to tell me where to look. This is a real mystery to us. My grandfather never spoke a lot about growing up in England, except funny little stories. Definately did not appear to have much use for his father! Sue