Genealogy Chat

Can anyone tell me how on earth I can find out which of two record files is correct? I have been looking at Edward Miles Flesher, born about 1849 in Haywards Heath, Sussex. I trace him on the late 1800s censuses, and I have his marriage certificate dated 3rd May 1874 indicating that he was 25. I also know his father was called Joseph. However, when I try for birth details I have had no luck other than 2 IGI records: one gives his mother as Ellen Sheard and the other as Frances (no surname). I have just no idea how I will be able to resolve whether his mother was Ellen or Frances. Obviously if I could find some proper reference numbers I could apply for his birth certificate which would then reveal all. But how do I get these numbers when noone seems to be listing his birth? Any help would be gratefully received. Janet.

look up on census returns what was his occupation when got married?

hi janet - where have you looked for a birth - freebmd, 1837online, www.familyrelatives.org ? You could ask for a lookup on 1851 and 1861 census - should be with parents ....

IGI Individual Record FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0 British Isles Search Results | Download | Pedigree -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edward Miles Flesher Male Family -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Event(s): Birth: About 1849 Haywards Heath, Sussex, England Christening: Death: Burial: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parents: Father: Joseph Flesher Family Mother: Frances -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marriages: Spouse: Mary Ann Coomber Family Marriage: 03 MAY 1874 St Wilfrids, Cuckfield, Sussex, England Don't know if this helps

If you have his marriage certificate and it says he married Mary Ann Coomber then his mother's name was Francis

Sorry, only just now seen all your nice replies. Thanks for your efforts on my behalf, but my problem is still which mother to go with. As Georgina says if you follow the IGI link with Ellen Sheard you get a brother Joseph (and a sister Mary,) which at first led me to believe this must be the right one. However, as Yvonne says, his wife was indeed Mary Coomber and this link gets me to mother Frances! Laird, how do I get into the 1851 census? (I presume I can't see him in the 1861 as not yet on line for Sussex)

Sorry to say I am trying to get my head round why the LDS register is being so used to trace a birth ! You have the marriage certificate and it says that this chap was 25 years old .... so where does the LDS come into the equation ? I have scanned the 1837online from 1848-1850 and this is a surname that may be seen once a quarter so the chances of there being any duplication of forename is slight and the only Edward that I have seen for that period is EDWARD ELLEWELL FLESHER birth registered Cuckfield 1849 4th quarter Vol. 7 Page 355. Where the Miles comes from I wouldnt try to guess, but then the marriage registrar writes the name he is given- and this would not be the first time, in my experience, that a person has 'amended' the forename, and I am sure that many people have found that forenames are not always described as we expect.

Reply to Joseph - the LDS was just used at the very beginning of my search. Through other research I eventually found his presumed siblings, and then his marriage with Mary Ann Coomber. I, too, scanned 1837 (from Jan 1847 right through to Dec 1852, just in case!) with no luck. I also saw the Edward Elleswell Flesher which does fit in exactly with the presumed date of birth. I take your point on the possibility that Elleswell got switched to Miles!!!! I think I will go ahead and order this one's birth certificate. Thanks again, for your efforts on my behalf.