Genealogy Chat

I have decided to take a look at my grandmother's side of the family. I know exactly when she was born, died etc so finding her on the 1901 census was easy and I found 2 brothers. I know for a fact that she was one of many .. and I know the name of one other and have found her (I think) HOWEVER .. from 1895 after the last child on the census was born until 1911 when another child was born .. I have nothing and don't know where to go to look. Any help or suggestions please ?

How common was the surname? Did they stay in the same place or move about?

Where have you been looking? Could the family have moved into a different registration area? Heather

Thomas Owens married Miriam Evans (both born around 1871) married in June 1891 (first child born the same year!) I think they were from St Asaph, Denbighshire .. Thomas was a Coal Miner (not what grandmother said .. but she tried to 'big herself up') That's all I know! Ali

I have exactly the same problem with some of my dad's cousins. Big families, common names and huge gaps between 1901 and 1911. The only ray of hope is that the GRO are having their records reindexed. When that is complete in a few years time, all the birth indexes will show mother's maiden name, so you will be able to pick out the likely candidates. Other things you might do, if local to the area, is see if school records survive, which should give father's name look at electoral rolls, in case adult sons are are living with parents look at local directories, in case children are living next door to parents 1901 - 1911 is the great black hole. Hope you have luck with your family.

Thank you for that .. unfortunately I am in Surrey and she was from North Wales! I shall put her side of the family on hold for a while .. we didn't like grandmother much .. she was 103 when she went and had been a right cow for all 103 of them!

You could consider that if they didn't move around, all the children might have been baptised at the same church.......find one.....find the lot!! Merry