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Would like a second opinion??

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Gemma

Gemma Report 17 Jul 2007 21:35

I was hoping to get another opinion on a search I have carried out. I was searching for the parents of William Spencer (b. 1831) St. Mary, Nottingham. I found in the 1841 census that his parens were Joseph Spencer (b.1816) and Sarah Unknown (b. 1816). All living in St. Mary, Nottingham at the time. I then looked on the 1861 census and found Joseph and Mary Spencer (both born in Belper, Derbyshire) still living in St. Mary, Nottingham and with other children. I found that Joseph was a nail maker. William was not living with them as by this time he had married and was living with his wife Diana Mercer. The confusion hit when I looked at the 1851 census. I found who I thought was Joseph Spencer with his parents (Thomas and Elizabeth Spencer), all living in Belper, Derbyshire. Although they had his birth date wrong, as 1826 and not 1816, but his profession was correct (nail maker). I thought that this may just have been written incorrectly. However I then went back to the 1841 census and found Thomas and Elizabeth in Belper with more children and also Joseph (b. 1826), therefore it cannot be incorrect twice, indeed I have Joseph living with Sarah in the 1841 census. Hope you have followed me so far!!! So my question is do you think that Thomas and Elizabeth are the parents of Joseph (b. 1816), and that they simply had another son called Joseph (b. 1826). Or do you think that they are NOT Joseph (b. 1816) parents????? Hope you can figure this out!!!! Gemma.

Clive

Clive Report 17 Jul 2007 22:43

Haven't worked it out in detail but remember for the1841 census age was supposed to be rounded down to the nearest 5 eg 39 was shown as 35. However I have come across examples of 39 being recorded as 30, I have also met 39 being shown as 39. So don't trust the 1841 for age (unless under 15) Treat ages on census returns with a pinch of salt. Age on wedding certificates are only true when it suits. Baptisms may have happened long after birth. C

Wendy

Wendy Report 17 Jul 2007 23:57

As you know the marriage of William to Diana Mercer, do you have the marriage certificate? If you get this you will find his father's name. This will help you find him pre marriage. When did they marry? Have you looked for William in 1851? You only mention looking for his possible parents in 1851, but where was William? Wendy