Genealogy Chat

I am trying to find out who where the parents of my great granma Elizabeth Robinson (maiden name). She was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland in 1860 according to the 1901 census. I cannot find her in the 1881 census at all. The only other things I know about her is that she had a brother Frederick and her parents were carpenters/funeral directors in Cockermouth. Please help! Thanks, Gillian

An Elizabeth Robinson was christened on 13 May 1860 at All Saints, Cockermouth, parents John Robinson and Mary. John Robinson married Mary (Robinson) on 24th December 1859 at same church, he was 26, she was 21. Several John Robinsons were christened in Cumberland in 1833, but none in Cockermouth. This from the Family Search site. Jan.

Thanks Jan! I'll see if I can find anything on the 1881 census using her parents. Gillian

I cannot find an Elizabeth living in the same household as parents Mary & John in Cockermouth. I suppose she could have been living elsewhere. She would have been 21 at the time and I know she was still unmarried as she didn't marry until 1890. Gillian

I found an Elizabeth Robinson in the 1881 listed as a servant, but I didn't stop to check it. I think Cumberland, not necessarily Cockermouth. Jan

Thanks again Jan! I have had a look and I think I have found the same entry. She is listed as Lizzie living in the household of John Thornburn. Would anyone have access to an earlier Census eg 1871, to see who she was living with then, her parents? Gillian

I think the "Lizzie" one is most likely, as her place of birth is right. The other one I found is from Cumberland, but miles from Cockermouth. Obviously Elizabeth was too grand a name for a servant. Poor Lizzie. Jan.

Just did a check on BMD for John Robinson's marriage in December quarter 1859 - only one in Cockermouth, and he married Mary Robinson! Perhaps a cousin. Jan.

Gillian, I think you ought to start a new message headed "1871 Cumberland Lookup Please", then anyone who might be able to help will check your message. Jan.

Thanks Jan! Yes I have found the entry in BMD. Usually I don't have much luck with BMD as I keep getting error messages!! I have also found a Mary Robinson widow on 1881 living in Cockermouth. She is listed as having a son Fred, so that ties up, however the profession of Domestic seems strange as I was told her family where carpenters/funeral directors!! I'll take your advice and try another message. Ta, Gillian

Have you looked for Mary's brother Fred in 1881? Perhaps he's the carpenter etc. Domestic sounds more like woman's work for those days, doesn't it. Jan.

Hi I dont know if this helps there is a Elizabeth ROBINSON who was married 12 Feb 1896 at AIKTON to a Daniel SPENCER. Father of the groom was Thomas SPENCER. Best Wishes Sarah

Thanks Sarah. I know she was married in 1890 to James Ellwood. It's going further back in time that I'm having problems with! Gillian