Genealogy Chat

Terri Father in Law. Apparently had a meaning of Step Father. Hope this helps Liz

Thanks for all the informatin Liz

In 'The Pickwick Papers' Sam Weller refers to his step mother as mother in-law, so presumably this was normal usage in Dickens' day Sean

Hi As Margaret says it can be used for step children. I have been doing some transcribing for freecen and have come across this on quite a few occasions. Unfortunately its a case of looking at the info and deciding if Son-in-law as we know the term today would fit the relationship to head better than step children. Another way of confirming the actual relationship would be to get the head of households marriage from free bmd and see if the spouce was entered twice, maiden & married name which I have also come across in my own research. Clear as mud now!! Karen

Margaret Thanks for this - now looking at printout - it looks possible that there is a younger brother with him - and 2 other children with the same name as the head and wife - think it is as you say - mum must have remarried- will have to delve around. Once again many thanks for reply. Much appreciated. Had not thought of remarriage. Liz

I have come across this in the past. I think it was usual to use this term for step children. Perhaps you think he is living with none relatives but the head of the house may be his step father? Margaret

Would Son in Law in the 1880's - have had a different meaning than today? If some one is shown on census as son in law and unmarried and living with non relatives? Thanks in advance Liz