Genealogy Chat

Hello, Does anyone know if there is way to search for birth records when I only have the parents names? in England for the years 1901-1911? ............................................................................................... more info follows..

I am trying to track down my grandfather Dowson's siblings. Only one was born in time to be listed on the 1901 census (Joseph in Gateshead, Durham 1900). My grandfather (Thomas V. 1911- Sunderland) and his younger brother(William S. 1913-Sunderland) were found using the mothers maiden name - Hunter - in Ancestry's BMD search. Unfortunately I don't know these missing siblings first names...only that they were born between 1901 and 1911. I have been told that there were 'about seven children, mostly boys'...so that leaves me looking for four more. Parents Walton Dowson and Annie Hunter, Durham co Any suggestions? I am out of leads and ideas. Thank you Joanne

There are 408 Dowson births recorded between 1901 and 1911, mostly in Durham. (There are 48 in Sunderland and Gateshead alone.) I think the only way (without costing a ton) to work out his siblings would be to find Baptism records for them, which would be available from the local records offices.

that's what I was afraid of that...thanks Orangeblossom!

I think all you can do is go through all Dowson births and note down any that are registered in the Gateshead/Sunderland areas (hoping that they didn't move around too much). Then you would have to order them (perhaps one at a time) and give the parent's names as checking points. That way if they are not your family, the GRO will refund £4 of the £7 cost. I know this might be expensive at £3 a time for nothing, but I can't see any other way of doing it, without knowing their first names. Kath. x

You can order parish records from LDS Family History Centres for just a few pounds. Kath. x

Thanks Kath! I hadn't thought of that. I may do after checking for recurring names in the family...well, I may try it once or twice. lol Thanks again! Joanne

Kath, Are those parrish records (ordering info that is) from the LDS general website? Sorry, new to this and am not very familiar with the LDS site. Joanne

No, what I meant was that if you go to your nearest LDS Family History Centre (addresses on www.familysearch.org), they will order the parish records on film for you and they keep them for about a month, to give you time to view them. p.s. most family history centres are run by volunteers who are very knowledgeable and helpful, and they are not allowed to mention their religion to you unless you ask. Kath. x

Thanks Kath! I just went to the website and there is an office 10 min from my home...who knew? They are only open 3 hours twice a week...but I can arrange for that. Thanks again! I have new hope on finding those elusive family members. Joanne