Genealogy Chat

I have a couple, Charles Skillman, born Oxfordshire whose wife was Sophia, Born Gloucestershire. They had all of their children in London (well all the ones I can find). My problem is that they married pre 1837, and whilst I have traced Charles's line, I would like to trace Sophia's. There is nothing on the IGI, so was wondering what people think: London, Gloucestershire or Oxfordshire?

Tricky one. I have the same problem with one of my couples and don't know where to look for the marriage. I think that I would start in London near where their first child was baptised, then try Gloucestershire as a couple usually married in the bride's parish. Have you tried any of the marriage indexes (such as Pallots)?

I haven't thought of trying that.. It's a good idea though - do you know where I can search it?

You say they married pre 1837 - but were any of the kids born after that golden date? If so, buy one of their birth certs for Sophies maiden name.

Well - that's tricky. On the 1841 census there is one child who was born after 1837 (in 1840) but I can find no reference for her even though I have searched 1837 to 1841, so can only presume that she was never registered.

have searched Pallots for you there isn't a william skillman marrying a sophia, however there is an entry that just says Skillman, it doesn't give the mans christian name or the brides name, but the marriage took place in 1824 st George Hanover Square. Would this date fit?

Tom - I have just looked at Pallots index on Ancestry and they are not on it. Good idea from Heather. The birth certificate of one of their children will give you the mother's maiden name.

Sorry - I really must learn to keep up to date and abreast of the situation!!!!!

Hi Karen, That would fit - the earliest child I have found was in 1827, but Charles was born in 1799 and Sophia c. 1802. That would be great if you could let me know the woman's surname. Thanks,

What is the first name of the child born c.1840? Perhaps someone else can find the birth. Kath. x

Kathleen, She was called Mary. All of the other children are on the IGI, with birth dates as well , but Mary isn;t. (I'm going down to the LMA to check out the ones on the IGI)

There is this birth:- Mary Ann Skillman Sept. qtr. 1839, Shoreditch, II, 355. I don't know if this is in the right area for your family? I couldn't find the family on the 1841 census. UPDATE - just found the family and they ARE in Shoreditch, so that could be the right birth. Kath. x

Thanks Kath - I don't know how on earth I managed to miss that one! Think I'll order it (another long wait) but I think I will pay extra and have the express delivery - can;t bear another 4 week wait.

If it was me I'd have to put up with the wait. £28 is rediculous for a certificate - you can get 4 for that!!! lol. Kath. x

Hi Tom, The entry does not give the womans name I am afraid, all the other entries on the page do, sods law eh?!! Hopefully you have other avenues to follow now from the others you have helped. Good Luck

£28.00???? I thought it was about £15.00. too right - I'll have to wait. Maybe I'll get Sophia's death cert as well.

Karen, thanks for looking anyway - I am going down to London Met Archives in June so will have a look then. Could you possibly tell me the date so it narrows my search down when I get there. Thanks,

Sorry Tom no date just the year, very few entries include the date. This is all designed to make us pull our hair out I think! Good Luck Karen

Hi Ann, yes that is the family and looking on the IGI in wooton under edge there are two Sophia's born in the right time - but I wanted to find the marriage first so that I know that I had the right Sophia. I think that I will order Mary Ann's birth certificate and see what comes from that.