Genealogy Chat
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Name Change?
| Profile | Posted by | Options | Post Date |
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Unknown | Report | 2 Nov 2004 16:54 |
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Susan Don't expect much from later records either. My mum and I recently discovered her dad's death cert has 3 errors on it - even though her brother registered the death! nell |
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Susan | Report | 2 Nov 2004 16:51 |
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Thanks very much Carol and Nell for your replies and information. I'm new to this research and am just realising that I musn't expect early records to be perfect! Sue |
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Unknown | Report | 1 Nov 2004 23:22 |
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Its quite likely that the name was misheard, miswritten and then later misread. I have Mealings who are also Malins, Chowns who are Chownes, Chowndes and Chouns, Emmes who became Emms and Purvy who became Purvey. It is only comparatively recently that we've become aware of correct spellings. In the first half of the 19th century our ancestors would probably never have seen their name written down to know if it was right. On the other hand, if someone wanted to change their name, they could just do so, they don't need to complete any legal formalities. If they did change their name by deed poll, it might be worth reading here: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/familyhistory/name/ nell |
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Carol | Report | 1 Nov 2004 22:00 |
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A lot of people were illiterate in the 19th century so enumerators and registrars wrote down what they heard. It is possible that when BENTHAM is said in a certain accent, it could be heard as BENTON. Just a thought |
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Susan | Report | 1 Nov 2004 21:38 |
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I know there are lots of very knowledgeable people on this site who can help me with this query I hope. In the 1871 Census I have family surname spelt BENTHAM and also a marriage in that name in 1872. In all subsequent Census, marriages, biths, deaths the name has changed to BENTON. Why would this happen and would there be any legal documentation or records please? Sue |
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