Genealogy Chat

I have been doing well researching my RHODES family tree, but for months now I have been coming up with a complete blank on my gggrandfathers place of birth and I would really appreciate any suggestions. His name was William Rhodes he was married to an Elizabeth Critcher in Staines in 1873 (she came from Sunninghill in Berks). On the 1881 census, he gives his place of birth as Pirbright, Surrey, and his age as 30 and on the 1901, he gives it as Guildford, Surrey, and his age as 49. I've estimated his DOB as 1850, but I've searched wide either side of this. Guildford and Weybridge record offices have been very helpful, but cannot find him, I've been to the library to search their BMD records, I've tried free BMD and I've trawled through 1837 online. I've tried the LDS online search, but just can't find him. He had two children, (Ethel Mary and William John) whilst he lived in Staines, he then had three more (George Victor, Edith Dorothea and Edward Reginald) after moving to Sunninghill, Ascot, Berks. If anyone can suggest anywhere else to look, I would be so grateful, otherwise, I think this is going to drive me mad! Teresa

Presume you have his marriage cert and therefore his dad's name. Have you looked for them on 1851 and 1861 census?? Do you know of any siblings, maybe this could give you a lead. Maz. XX

Maz Thanks for replying. Yes, I have his marriage certificate, but I haven't looked on 1861 or 1851 census, actually never thought of it, duh!, but I have to admit, I wouldn't know where to go to look for find them, do you know? As for siblings - haven't got any, I thought if I could get his place of birth, I could look either side of his birth for possible brothers and sisters, though of course a census entry would be even better! Teresa

You can view the census at the FRC in London, the relevant county record office, or at your nearest LDS family history centre - they would probably have to order it for you. If you are not sure of the family's whereabouts it is just a case of trawling through all the villages until you either find them or your eyes drop out - about 4 hours in my experience! Happy hunting!! Maz. XX

Maz Sounds like I'll be spending 2004 at my local LDS centre! Thanks for your help Teresa

Teresa. Be aware that the transcribers of the 1901 census made quite a few mistakes. e.g. My GG G/dad was entered as being 57 when he was in fact only 51. So if I was you I would go with the age he stated on the 1881 census. Have you actually been to the FRC in London to look for the birth cert?

Janet Thanks for replying. The birth date given on the 1901 census more or less matches up with the 1881 census date and I have been generous searching either side of the possible birth date. I haven't been to London to search for his certificate, there is the issue of the cost of the journey from Bristol and also getting there and back between drop-off and pick-up from school! but it remains a possiblity if I can't find him on earlier census entries. Thanks Teresa

Hi Teresea, My sister lives in Pirbright - I'm not sure how or if I can help but if you find an address and want a picture of the house or any information on Pirbright I will see what I can do. Maggie

Hi, You don't have to go to London to look at records. The LDS have filmed the GRO index and all censues 1841 - 1891. There is bound to be a centre near you where you can search. Gwynne

Gwynne Thanks for replying. There is a LDS centre not too far from me, and as soon as my girls are back at school, I'm going to visit (I have thought about doing it before, but must admit to being a little nervous of not knowing what the process involves) there is just too much info there not to go. I'm going to be busy this New Year with family research. I'm off to Dublin Record Office and Library in February researching my mothers side. My husband is coming too, he gets a couple of evenings in some great bars and I get another transcriber during the day! Win-Win! Cheers Teresa