Genealogy Chat

I have tried looking for the marriage of Willam GORNALL to Ann HIGSON, probably around 1858/59 ish in Preston (assuming the couple actually married). I can't find one. To muddy the waters further there is a marriage of a william GORNALL to Ann Nixon about this time, According to 1881 census, William's wife was called Ann. I have been unable to find the birth of my great grandfather George Thomas GORNALL abt 1860 in Preston. I know that William's last Child called Margaret was born in 1881 and that the mother was Ann HIGSON, (I have Margaret's birth cert). I really want to confirm the mother of George Thomas GORNALL, (I can trace Ann HIGSON's family back), but if Ann is not George Thomas' mother, how do I find out who is? Really stuck on this one. Jenny

I know it's usually spelling mistakes that hold us up, but in your case Nixon & Higson do "sound" very similar although you wouldn't think one could be mis-transcribed into the other. Stranger things have happened though. Sam

Jenny Higson and Nixon sound similar. Many people could not read in those days so it could be that Ann Nixon is Ann Higson. I would apply for the certificate or alternatively ask the Register Office to do a 3 year search. Good Luck Lynne

Hi Jenny My first thought was that Ann might have been married before but I'm wondering if its a soundalike and the vicar mis-heard what was said? I wonder if she signed this marriage certificate and if the father's name fits with what you know? Heather

Sammy and Lynne, Thanks for your thoughts. I may have to send for the marriage cert of William and Ann Nixon (if only for elimination purposes)......if William's father, Mark Gornall, is on there I think I could safely assume it is the right one. Jenny

Jenny When you apply, make sure you quote the father's name then if it's not the right one they won't send it.