Genealogy Chat

Has anyone got any tips for looking for more common names? I'm lucky in that most of my ancestors have fairly rare surnames making them easier to find on the census. I have now found a Parker and am having problems pinpointing the right one. I have a birth record so is it just a case of getting his certificate to get his parents names so I can find the right one on the census? Thanks

If anyone fancies a challenge the person I'm trying to find is Arthur Rodber Parker on the 1881 or 1891 census. He was born in 1874 in West Ham, Essex (on 1901 his place of birth is listed as Stratford by Bow). I'm pretty sure this comes under Essex rather than London.

1901 just for our reference Arthur R Parker abt 1873 Stratford by Bow Head Tottenham Middlesex Florence K A Parker abt 1896 Tottenham, London, England Daughter Tottenham Middlesex Kate A Parker abt 1877 Poplar, London, England Wife Tottenham Middlesex occ brass finisher

Think I´ll let you get the birth certificate for the parents names !! Can´t see an obvious one on 1881 / 1891 census.

It is best to get certificates, especially with a common surname like Parker, and then you should be able to avoid going on a wild goose chase. But having said that... with an unusual middle name like Rodber, if you do want to try searching on the 1881 and 1891 censuses first, and find a few possibles, you could note down the names of the 'possible' fathers and then try each one of those names on a marriage search to see if any of them married a Rodber. But you may well find it much much easier to order the birth certificate anyway! Kate.

Thanks for your help! Another 3 week wait it is then! I had to get a certificate to find the family of a Webb ancestor so shall do the same!

there is a birth of arthur rodber parker june qtr 1874, west ham, essex. also a marriage in 1895 edmonton, essex to kate amelia proctor. this would tie in with the 1901. edith