Genealogy Chat

I've hit my first stumbling block in my tree and I'd like some advice on how to proceed. My mother (Margaret Ann Biggins nee Cardella) has always said that she was named after her grandmother, Margaret Ann Arkle. I found her grandmother's marriage certificate of 1894 when she married William Calder. On this cert, she is listed as Margaret Arkle (no Ann), age 19, and her father is called John (a boiler maker). In the 1901 census, Margaret is listed as being born in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The closest match to her birth I can find is Margaret Ann Arkle, born 1876, in South Shields, but her father is called Robert, a coal miner. Should I accept the Margaret Ann Arkle i found as my g.grandmother, even though her father is not the one stated on her marriage cert and she wasn't born in Newcastle (although near by), or could my mother be mistaken about her grandmother's name being Ann, and I should widen my search?

Could Margaret's mother have married again when she was quite young? This would explain a different name, if Margaret thought the second husband was her dad. Have you found them on 1881 & 1891 census? Sarah :-)

Well, too many non fitting bits here. Ive found that women particularly will add all their names to a certificate - Im surprised she didnt have a second name on the marriage. But I wouldnt settle on the one you have found just yet Have you found her on the 1881?

If I was you I would be looking for YOUR grandmother's birth certificate (your mother's mother). This will give you HER mothers name. Or maybe it's your mother's father's mother that she was named after. In either case, start with your grandparents and work backwards, to be sure of names. Kath. x

I searched BMDs, and the only ones born in Newcastle around 1876 are Margaret Campbell Arkle in 1875, and Margaret Emily Arkle in 1875. Margaret Campbell married in 1893, but not to a Calder. I can't find any more records for Margaret Emily.

@ Kathleen I already have my grandmother's birth certificate and it also says she was called Margaret Calder formerly Arkle. Again, no Ann. My mother's father's mother was called Dorothy Ann Malcolm (one of my aunt's is named after her!).

Just searched 1881 and 1891 census. There are three matches in 1881; Margaret A (the one I found), Margaret Campbell (now discounted), and Margaret, born c1878 in New Deleval, Northumberland, whose father is Thomas. There are four matches in 1891; Margaret C (Campbell), and three Margarets, two whose fathers are called Thomas, and one whose father is Robert (again, the one I found). In 1881, Margaret A is living in Bedlington, but born in South Shields. By 1891, she is born and living in Bedlington.

Hiya, On 1881 Census - Margaret CAMPBELL Arkle is the daughter of John - Mason and Elizabeth - Arkle. She was born c.1875 in Benwell which is a suburb or Newcastle upon Tyne. On 1891 Census - Margaret C Arkle - dressmaker. Father is bricklayer. Perhaps you are including the Ann when your wife was just named Margaret after her grandmother? Just checked 1837online Margaret C Arkle born 2nd Qtr 1875 in Newcastle upon Tyne 10b6. I would be checking her out as G-Grandmother. Kristeen

Eric, You say you have her birth cert. What is date? Does it have father occupation listed? Exactly where was G-Grandmother born? Kristeen

Kristeen My grandmother was born Elizabeth Pye Calder on 30 May 1903 in Newcastle. Her parents are listed as William Calder and Margaret Calder formerly Arkle. William's occupation is general labourer. I know that Margaret was William's second wife, marrying on the 14 Apr 1894 in Newcastle. Her father (John) is listed as a boiler maker. Her address at the time is 35 George Street, Newcastle. As for Margaret Campbell Arkle, she married in Q2 1893, one year before my grandmother. All very confusing.

Eric, Let's recap on what we know. Margaret Arkle married William Calder in Qtr2 1894 aged 19 Margaret Arkle father named John Arkle 2 Births of Margaret Arkle (one middle name Campbell, one middle name Emily) in Newcastle June 1875 1891 Census we have Margaret Arkle of the right age living with John Arkle (job not the same) 1881 Census we have Margaret Arkle of the right age living with Margaret Arkle mother (husband seaman) with brother John James 1881 Census John Arkle seaman on Lady Beatrix John William Arkle married Margaret PYE Qtr3 1873 John William Arkle b.Qtr1 1852 Margaret Vardey Pye b. Qtr3 1853 I would be buying a birth certificate for a Margaret Arkle (June 1875) with a father John. Hopefully the birth certificate will show mother being Margaret Vardey Pye and it all ties up. What do you think? Kristeen

Kristeen Pye is interesting. My grandmother's name was Elizabeth Pye Calder. I think you're on to something here. Thanks Eric