Genealogy Chat

OC Thats a nice thought. But his parents married in 1887 and he had two elder brothers! He was born in 1892 and it seems its from here sometime that the father disappears. Having real trouble finding a death. Mum has another child with a different man in 1894, can't find a marriage though! On the 1901 census the three boys all have this different mans name, however, I know they all reverted to their birth name. The mother, half sister and 'different' man all seem to vanish. Gosh! this is a tough nut! Don't want to give up but am feeling rather lost! Swiz

Is it possible that the child was born to a respectably married couple, but the father found out that he was not the biological father? Or he was 'covering' for the biological father, by marrying the mother? The child was sent to boarding school - paid for by biological father, perhaps? Biological father 'took an interest' in the child, but the child did not know the truth and this only emerged after his death? Only a scenario! OC

Thanks OC We have found evidence on war office records signed by his 'father' stating soldier was my adopted son. The strange thing is the adoptee's marriage cert was officially altered four months after his death. It had stated the details of his adoptive father but this was changed ie. father's name and surname and rank or profession of father to the birth father, as stated on adoptees birth cert. We have been informed by the adoptees school records that his father was dead and whereabouts of mother unknown in 1903. But can't find any trace of fathers death. He was adopted while at this school. Its all rather puzzling. Swiz

Legal Adoption did not start in this country until 1927, so there will be no organised records to find. It sounds as if this was a private agreement between the parties, perhaps using a solicitor. I honestly don't think you stand much chance with this, unless you can find Wills, or something of the sort, which may give you a clue? OC

Does anyone know where to look for adoption records for between 1903 and 1908. Presume it must have been official as the adoptive father was a Barrister and the adoptees name changed on official documents such as marriage cert and name of his child. Any help much appreciated. Thanks. Swiz