Genealogy Chat

Morning guys! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, just logged on. Working nights at the moment, so not up terribly early! Hi Christa, Yes that's right, still waiting for that marriage cert, to see if/who is mentioned as Matilda's father!!?? Again, sure it's the same Matilda, but can't be 100% sure. Hi Matt, Both their address are simply 'West Bromwich', no detail. I have not been able to go any further with Elizabeth's family, as she is not on a census with her family. This was the main reason for trying to solve the Hannah thing. I'm fairly sure they are sisters, but the different fathers names on the marriage certs, has completely thrown me! Ah well, back to the drawing board! Thanks all for your help. Debbie

Hi Debbie I have emailed you direct...hope you don't mind. Mary

Just checked and I guess Matilda was a Mills as she married Job Coley, James' brother. Crista

Hi Karen, Yes, you can specify father and/or mother's names to help locate the right cert. Trouble is I have no idea who her mother was, and not sure if her father was William or John!! Also her age yo-yo's a bit - 22 in 1881, 33 in 1891 and 45 in 1901. Why can't these people keep it simple?? lol It would be helpful if I could find her on 1871 with her family, but no such luck!! Thanks again Debbie

Apologise in advance, as this may get rather lengthy & complicated, but would really appreciate any help, anyone can give. I’m sure there is something startlingly obvious to someone else, that I can’t see!! I feel like I’m just going round in circles at the moment. My husbands gr-grandfather was James COLEY bn1858, Tipton, Staffs His parents were Thomas & Hannah. In 1882 he married Elizabeth MILLS, age 23, Spinster, father John MILLS, Occup Miner. They married in West Bromwich. Witnesses were Hannah Mills (Sister?) and Thomas Neale. They later married in 1883. 1901 & 1891 census - no problems or queries. In 1881 James Coley is listed as the son of Thomas & Hannah Coley, Age 22 Unmarried (which he was) In the same house is an Elizabeth Coley, Boarder, Marr 22 and a Matilda Coley, Boarder, 3mths. I have always been sure that this Elizabeth is Elizabeth Mills and her child (Matilda). Matilda appears with James & Eliz in 1891. Have recently received the marriage cert for Hannah Mills & Thomas Neale. Was very surprised to see her father listed as William Mills (not John) Have been searching the 1871 census with not much luck. But have found 2 Hannah MILLS age 6, and by process of elimination, and the bit of info I do have, I have concluded that the Hannah I am looking for, is the one listed as niece to Thomas & Hannah Cornfield. Not anywhere can I find an Elizabeth Mills, around the age of 11/12/13 that fits the bill! However in 1881 Hannah is listed as the daughter of John & Mary LEE, also Hannah Cornfield is a boarder there. The only obvious thing I can think of (if Hannah & Elizabeth are sisters) is that their father WAS William. He died, and their mother later married John Lee. Though I can't find a marriage. When asked who her father was, at the time of the marriage Elizabeth answered ‘John’ (Lee, her step-father) and it was assumed John MILLS???? At the moment my only choice seems to be to order all the birth certs for Elizabeth Mills and Hannah Mills a couple of years either side of their approx birth years!! A rather costly exercise to say the least! Of course they may not even be sisters - cousins, perhaps!? Am open to any ideas at the moment! Debbie

Pleae see below