Genealogy Chat

Does anyone know what the term 'als' means , as in 'sarah Pershouse als Sarah Howl' I thought it may mean 'alias' but now not sure. Thanks Ellen

I would think you are right, alias or aka (also known as). Kath. x

I think it could be 'shorthand' for also, ie. nee, maiden. Kathlyn

I think your guess was right - I had one and it meant just that. She was using a different name for some reason best known to herself! Chris

Depending on the date when the 'alias' appears, it can mean different things. It could just mean 'she was using a different surname for reasons best know to herself' It could mean 'she was previously pretending to be married to someone' It could mean that she was born illegitimate, her mother then married her real father. It could mean she was illegitimate but later took on the name of a step father. It could be that she found out at some point that the man she thought was her father, wasnt, and she took to using her real father's name instead of a (hated?) stepfather. But, pre about 1820, 'alias' written in a Parish Register, is the C of E's snotty way of indicating that her parents were married in a non-conformist church or chapel, and that the C of E did not recognise such marriages. The C of E also used this 'alias' thingy, when the Vicar did not believe that a couple were really married, and he was baptising their child. The happy parents never saw this entry of course, so didnt know what the Vicar had put. OC

Thank you all kindly. Its a strange one as its a document regarding will of 'James Pershouse bequeathing all estate to Sarah Pershouse als Sarah Howl, sister of late wife????? I know its possible but would be strange for Sarah to have the same name as Pershouse or as you point out she may just want to call herself that. Thanks again Ellen X

Perhaps Sarah stood in as the new wife of James and just adopted the name but kept her former name offically? Rod

It might be he married Sarah after his wife died, would this date be about right?? Surname First name(s) District Vol Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marriages Dec 1858 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blackford Sarah Aston 6d 361 ..........>Howl Sarah Aston 6d 361 Maund George Aston 6d 361 ..........>Pershouse James Aston 6d 361 Was his first wife Mary? Surname First name(s) District Vol Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marriages Dec 1851 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Belli_s William Painter Aston 16 366 Eldershaw Charlotte Aston 16 366 Haines John Aston 16 366 ..........>Hawl Mary Aston 16 366 Munslaw Emma Aston 16 366 ..........>Pershouse James Aston 16 366 Smith Elizabeth Amy Aston 16 366 Tranter Richard Birmingham 16 366 Wankling James Aston 16 366

If this is Mary's death he didn't wait too long before marrying her sister. Surname First name(s) Age District Vol Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deaths Mar 1858 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pershouse Mary W.Bromwich 6b 455

Thank you all again so much. What is even more confusing now is that I have found James Pershouse living with a family called'Blade' in 1841 and 51. He is described as lodger. On 51 there is also Sarah Pershouse living with him and the 'Blades' described as step daughter to the 'Blades'. Thank you again for searching out those records, it certainly looks like he married his sister in law which is why I find Sarah Pershouse on the 1841 so confusing. Ellen X