General Chat

I'm trying to find info about my grandfather's mother. He was called James Noble and was born in Houghton le Spring, Co Durham in Jan 1900 (I've checked this on 1837 records site and it fits in with what my mother's told me). He doesn't appear in the 1901 census - I've tried everything like reversing first and last name, searching for James in Houghton le Spring of that age etc etc. Has anyone any other ideas of how I can find him/his family? (I've already put a message on the looking for notice board). Grateful for any suggestions.

Diane it is possible that he was serving in the forces,or at sea.I had the same problem with one of mine.He was at sea on the night of the Census.Does that make any sense to you-Rose

Diane I have found a couple of possibles. Will e-mail you. Chrissie

I thought that too Jess lol Diane, have you located the childs parents ? I have a family that seems to go missing every census night too - complete mystery, been looking for them for the past year.

Paul Have you let someone else have a look too? New perspective and all that. I would be happy to have a look if you like. Chrissie p.s. They aren't Smiths are they?????

Chrissie, Various people have looked at various times... They aren't Smith's no, it's my paternal grandmother and her parents, surname HALL, from Richmond (Surrey). Grannie (Clara Jane HALL) was born 1882, but can't find her in 1891 or 1901. She married my grandfather, in Surrey, in 1902. I'll mail you the details though if you're up for a challenge :)

Always up for a challenge Paul:))

Ok Jes-I misread the posting no need to be iffy-Rose I was actually trying to help

Paul and Jess I don't know anything about his parents - apart from that his mother wasn't married when he was born. I don't even know her first name or her age. I think she married somebody other than his father a few years later. His mother originated from Houghton le Spring or surrounding area. Linda M Yes - that's the one. Born in January (I'm pretty sure) but assume his birth must show as registered in March because they updated records quarterly (??) Rose Thanks - I am very grateful for all attempts to help! Chrissie Thanks for your help with searching - hope we manage to come up with something.

Diane, Obvious comment, but if you're checked his birth on 1837, have you applied for his birth certificate ? That should confirm parents names (ven if it's only the mother, if he was illigitimate) Paul

I couldn't find my gt granmother or the kids on the 1901, gt grandad was there, but not the rest (just doing a mane search) then when i eventually got to look at the image, my gt grandad was Arthur Hewlett, no surprise there, that was his name. but gt Granny and the kids were transcribed as HERBERT!!!!!! even though she was down as 'wife' Bev

Oh I feel really silly now ... I just assumed that if he was illigitimate it wouldn't record his parents - didn't realise it would have his mum's details! I'm going to apply for copy of certificate straight away! Yes, perhaps it's bad transcription that makes him 'invisible' as James Noble. When I get the certificate I'll hopefully solve the mystery. Thanks again Diane

Diane I am sure I have found him with his mother. Have sent you a message. Chrissie

I've found him - or rather Chrissie did. He's down as Nobel! Thanks to everyone who tried to help solve this mystery, and to Chrissie who finally did. Diane