Genealogy Chat

I know that my gg Grandad John Timms was born 10 March 1864, but unfortunately I dont know where he was born (I got the date from the family bible). I ordered his birth certificate from GRO but they said they cant find the entry. His parents were Benjamin Timms and Sarah (dont know her maiden name). On the census records that I found for him his place of birth varies from Warwick to London. Any suggestions what I do now? apart from design a time machine :-)

Do you know of any middle names for your gg g/father?? I looked on the 1837online and found the following: Jan-Feb-Mar 1864 John Dive Congleton 8a 282 John Goode Meriden 6d 381 Apr-May-Jun 1864 John Westminster 1a 292 John Oxford 3a 567 John Andrew Hardingstone 3b 51 John Henry Bangor 11b 576 I don't know if any of the above helps but good luck in your search. Caroline

Hi Karen Had a look on IGI and found that there was a Benjamin H Timms born in 1861 in Warwick to parents - Benjamin and Sarah Timms. Also Anne Timms Birth: 1849 Warwick, Warwick, England Elizabeth Timms Birth: 1851 Warwick, Warwick, England James Timms Christening: 12 OCT 1856 Saint Nicholas, Warwick, Warwick, England Death: 20 FEB 1857 Mary Jane Timms Christening: 19 MAR 1858 Saint Nicholas, Warwick, Warwick, England Also showing parents Benjamin and Sarah but quite possible granddaughter of original Benjamin and Sarah. Elsie Adelaine Timms Female Birth: 07 OCT 1883 Birmingham, Warwick, England Christening: 17 FEB 1884 Birmingham, Warwick, England hope this helps Michele

The sad truth is that he may not have been registered. Between 1837-75 up to 15% of births weren't in some areas. He may be on the local registers but not on GRO, they are not all on, as many people think. Warwick might be worth a try since you know the exact date but some of the London ones are "too busy". Another possibility is that he was baptised but not registered. Many peaople in those days thought that counted as registration. Bob

It could be that the date in the bible is the baptism date not the birth date. Try searching the 1837 a year either side. Free BMD repeats what was found in 1837 online. Ann Glos

Hi Caroline, Michele, Robert, Ken and Ann Thanks for all your help. On Johns marriage and death certificate there no middle name mentioned. I found the IGI entries last week (which made my Xmas as I only knew about him and Mary Jane), but I cant work out why it doesnt show my gg Grandad unless John is his middle name, but the last one from later on I dont think can be my Benjamin and Sarah, as Benjamin (Johns dad) died in 1875. I'm going to try and request one of his siblings birth certificates just incase Sarah was her middle name which was why GRO couldnt find it as I was determined that it was the Westminster entry. I might have to take you up on your offer Ken for searching the records. Thanks again for all your help and happy new year Karen

Hi, This may not be a fault of the GRO because births did not HAVE to be registered until 1872, I think. Census records are your best bet. Good Luck Jan Karnovski Gravesend Kent.