Genealogy Chat

Herbert was a colliery deputy, and the witnesses appear to be a pair of Parrats - John and Ellen. I've found 2 Herberts on the 1901 census working in the coal industry, but from the places of birth, I've discounted them, as I checked the fathers' on the 1891 census. Herbert from 'H'adwick is in the army corps. The only extra info I can really count on is the middle name of Charles, and unless he was born between Christmas and New Year, he was born in 1881. Helen

Hi Helen What was Herberts occupation on his marriage certficate? and also what were the names of the witnessess, if any of them were Smith's they may be one of his siblings, this would help you to prove you have the right family on a census. Regards Sharon

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll have to start looking on 1837 for Herbert Charles. At least I've got a starting point, or maybe I'll stick with his wife - surname Pilgrim, a lot less common. Helen

Hi Stan I dont mind you dissagreeing I wondered why it was crossed out. You learn something new everyday. Liz

Hi Helen Sorry to disagree with Liz, but William is actually listed as a carter in 1891. The person checking the form has over-written the word horse at the same time as ticking off the various entries. I have found this frequently as they attempted to classify occupations. Regards Stan

Hi Helen I have looked on 1891 and find 7 School House Aldwick William aged 56 occ Horse!! born Newland Yorkshire Herbert aged 10 born Aldwick This appears to be the same family as the one you found in 1881 you now need to know if it is the right family. Liz

Thanks Helen. I've just been checking the '91 census. Have Herbert and William still in Adwick - William still a carter. Mother Elizabeth is in Doncaster with a widowed daughter, another 2 sons and another daughter. Widowed daughter is head of house. Of the other 3 children only one was with the main family in '81, although all are old enough. Helen

Hallo Helen I would say you can't assume ANYTHING in family trees, especially with common (in the nicest sense) names. I myself have two William Williams living in a village of 257 people, both with sons called Charles, and I have spent an age trying to disentangle them and get the right one! How many other Smiths called Herbert, father's name William of the right age were born in Rotherham? How many other possible candidates are there on 1881? It's up to you if you do assume this, but you may well be doing what many (including me) have done before you and find you are barking up the wrong tree! I would suggest you find/ask someone kind to find your Smith family on 1891 census, which may give you a clue. Are there any witnesses who might be family which you can use to cross check census info? Helen

Hi. I've just started looking up my husband's family - Smiths. I have my father-in-law's parents' marriage certificate. The groom is Herbert Charles Smith, aged 32. Father William Smith, dec, a farmer. The marriage took place on 24th Dec 1913, in Rotherham. I have found a Herbert Charles Smith on the 1881 census aged 3mths, father William, a carter. Location Adwick le Street, which is several miles east of Rotherham. Do I assume he is the right person, or can anybody suggest how I can be more certain. I think it's a bit catch 22. Thanks Helen