Genealogy Chat

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One of my ancestors was called Ann Davenport, born c1815 in Stoke on Trent (according to census info). I have found in the parish records, a baptism for Ann Davenport in 1815, St Peter Ad Vincula, Stoke. Parents James Davenport and Martha. How can I prove that this is the correct one? The church is the same one that Ann married in and her first daughter was named Martha, possibly after her mother? Is there anyway to prove this? The only James Davenport I can find in 1841 is in the Workhouse and he seems to have died before 1851. Sam x

Is there any siblings born after registration to get parents names? Have you looked at the actual entry in the parish registers?Sometimes they give lots of info ie on a baptism it may say 'Elizabeth daughter of John Brown and his wife Mary,daughter of Ralph and Mary Smith' and sometimes even give an address.Its worth checking the actual entries incase there is any other info which helps or eliminates.

Hi Thanks for that. Unfortunately all children were born before registration and I have checked the actual records but all it gives is the parents names James and Martha and occupation of labourer (wasn't everybody!!) Sam x

Have you checked if an Ann died or married apart from your Ann? Just realised Ann must have married after 1837 - cant you get her marriage cert to find out her fathers name?

Hi Heather Ann married in 1833 unfortunately! Sam x

Blow it, she would have to marry young. The parish records may give at least the fathers name. In Norfolk, the records can give fathers names occupations - in one it even gave the grooms occupation and his address (and these were very early ones, before your date even). If you try on the 'other' site on the county boards may be someone has some cds or something to help??

If you are looking in the actual registers IN the Stoke Archive then you may be able to see entries for the marriage - as Ann was under age there should be somewhere a copy of the permission given by her parents apart from the father may be shewn on the actual form of certificate they gave pre 1837 OR the Banns or Licence entry.

If you look at the marriage entry in the parish register then at least it will give you the witnesses' names, which might help. And you can search the burial register to make sure that the Ann whose baptism you found didn't die in infancy. Also, you could see if the possible father left a will. Kate.