Genealogy Chat

My friend has tried to trace a birth record for 'Henry Grinnell' c1869, mother Rhoda People, father Charles, without success. He was possibly born in Worcester where parents married in 1868. We found one that nearly fitted born Tetbury but found that one again on 1871 census with parents so its not him. Henry was with his grandparents in Severn Stoke in 1871 and by 1881 he was living in Birmingham and called Henry Mann (his stepfathers name). Not only can we find no birth/baptism of Henry but can find no trace of his father either. We have tried many combinations of his name, Grennell, Grinnall, Greenhil even Grinnett. Any suggestions please? Ellen X

Where have you actually looked for the birth? GRO listings? Free BMD? Just so we have an idea where not to look. Ann Glos

Ellen Have you seen this. 1871 census View Record Rhoda Grinale abt 1847 Kinnshy, Worcestershire, England Servant [Upton on Severn] Worcestershire Source Citation: Class: RG10; Piece: 3056; Folio: 132; Page: 51 If you look at the marital state she is neither married or unmarried. Her name on the orriginal page looks like Grinall. Victor

Could this be him, - birth registered June Quarter 1869 Grinnall Henry George........ Shipston 6d 545 Gwyn

Thank you all so much and sorry to take so long getting back. I couldnt get into GR and even now its very slow. We have tried the GRO, IGI and parish records for Severn Stoke and surrounding area. Its seeme improbable as Henry was not baptised as his aunt had two 'out of wedlock' done. I will try swopping names, thank you. I think its worth £7 to rule out the one registered in Shipston. Thank you. Ellen X

We did find Rhoda in 1871 by herself and she remarried in 1872 but we can find no trace of her 1st husbands death or whereabouts after or before the marriage. We have also looked at freebmd for both of them. Thank you. Ellen X

It is possible that the birth simply was not registered..............registration wasn't compulsory until 1875. Reg

This, presumably, is the marriage Charles Grennell 1868 Jul-Aug-Sep Upton Upon Severn Worcestershire View Record Rhoda People 1868 Jul-Aug-Sep Upton Upon Severn Worcestershire Reg

Charles in 1851 perhaps? Charles Grennell James, Elizabeth abt 1849 Evesham, Worcestershire, England Son Evesham All Saints Worcestershire And 1861 Charles Grinnell James, Elizabeth abt 1849 Evesham, Worcestershire, England Son All Saints Worcestershire Reg

Thank you Reg, will check Charles out. I realise that the birth may not be registered although the family had registered other births (even illegitimate ones) but the lack of baptism and fathers disppeareance seems at odds. While searching I uncovered a Frank Grinnall born who's circumstances mirrored Henrys, both born c1868 in the same area, father Charles who had disppeared by 1871? Had Charles got a swift pony and a liking for wedding cake? It may be that Henry did not know of his father as he was called 'Mann' after his stepfather until his marriages x2 entered his fathers name as 'Henry Grinnall' not Charles. Ellen X

A slight correction to what Reg said: Registration of births was in fact compulsory from the very beginning of the system. There was just no penalty available until 1875 or so if you broke the law! And Ellen: 'Had Charles got a swift pony and a liking for wedding cake?' Heh! I'm glad that I wasn't drinking something when I read that, as the keyboard would've gotten splattered!