Genealogy Chat

Hi All Have I got the right person. I have my grandfathers marriage and death certs and possibly his birth. The birth cert I have is: Ernest John Challis b 1889, no father, mother Elizabeth Challis, birth registered by Lydia Challis, grandmother. I've traced this family back through census records quite easily as Lydia was born in Castle Camp, Cambs and her husband Edward was born in Bumpstead, Essex with most of the children being born in Tottenham. Edwards occupation being market garden labourer. Ernest shows up as son of Edward/Lydia in 1891 and then as their grandson in 1901. The marriage cert arrived this morning and it has name of father Edward Challis (deceased), occupation farm labourer. Is this my grandfather? Have I missed something that I haven't checked? Is it likely he would have said his grandfather was his father? Any thoughts, as always, would be gratefully received. Marilyn

Perhaps Ernest was brought up by his grandparents, thinking they were his parents? Perhaps he either didn't know at the time of his marriage, or, more likely, he didn't want it recorded on his marriage certificate that he had no father?

Hi Janet Thanks for replying - this is what I've been thinking as well. But is it okay to go ahead on this basis and claim him as my grandfather or should I only proceed with absolute, definite proof? I do feel in my water he's the right one! LOL Marilyn ;)

I think you should go for it. I am not sure there is ever anything which is absolute definite proof, but I think you probably have enough. Look to see the number of people called Challis on this site compared with other, more common, names. If the name is relatively uncommon, it becomes more likely that you have found the few members of the family whose address and occupation details match up. You could also try electoral registers and directories to see if a younger Edward Challis should turn up, but I doubt it. Best wishes Stan

Thanks Stan I think you're right, everything seems to fit and I do have this gut feeling that I've found the right one. Now on to my grandmother's family - Taylor and Clark - can't be many of those !!!! Happy hunting Marilyn