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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Durham => Topic started by: pudden on Thursday 23 July 09 19:43 BST (UK)

Title: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: pudden on Thursday 23 July 09 19:43 BST (UK)
Could do with other pairs of eyes and fresh brains for this one please  ;)

I am trying to find  missing relative  Elizabeth Ann Richardson born Evenwood 1867 to parents Mary Ann and William Richardson. She is on 1871, 1881 and 1901 (the latter showing age incorrectly as 22 rather than 34) census living at Evenwood, Byers Green and West Cornforth. I can't find her in 1891. In 1901 census shows her living with my Gt Grandmother, Mary Ann Richardson , my Grandmother (Mary Jane) and grandmothers illegitimate child William at balaclava Row, West Cornforth. (and lodgers) There is also a 'granddaughter' mentioned , Dorothy Richardson and I cannot attatch her to any of my Great grandmothers other children- I have a feeling that Dorothy was the illegitimate child of Elizabeth Ann Richardson and possibly her DOB on the 1901 census is wrong as well (given as 1887).

I am looking and looking at details until it resembles swahili  and would be so grateful if anyone could through some light onto it

many thanks
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: JenB on Thursday 23 July 09 20:23 BST (UK)
In the 1901 census Dorothy's birthplace is given as 'Metal Bridge' (I haven't seen the original image).

What about this family in 1891

RG12/ 4055/ 121/ 5

Sharps Buildings, Cross Row, Cornforth

Thomas Storey, head, m, 28, coal miner, Northumberland, Bankfoot
Elizabeth Ann Storey, wife, 23, Durham, Evenwood
Dorothy Storey, daur, 4, Durham M?? Bridge (with the eye of faith it could say Mettle Bridge)


Thomas Storey married Elizabeth A. Richardson, 2nd quarter 1885, Stockton 10a 73

Jennifer
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: JenB on Thursday 23 July 09 20:30 BST (UK)
Dorothy Storey, born 4th q. 1886, Stockton 10a 90.
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: danuslave on Thursday 23 July 09 20:34 BST (UK)
Hiya

1901 original image has

Elizabeth A Richardson Dau  S  22  b Evenwood
Dorothy Richardson Grand Dau  S  14  b Metal Bridge

Google shows village of Metal Bridge just north-west of West Cornforth

Linda
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: JenB on Thursday 23 July 09 20:34 BST (UK)
Metal Bridge is in fact a Durham place-name http://nd.durham.gov.uk/recordoffice/dro.nsf/vwebplaces?OpenView&Start=600&Count=30&Expand=613#613
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: danuslave on Thursday 23 July 09 20:37 BST (UK)
Snap!
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: pudden on Thursday 23 July 09 20:39 BST (UK)
I'm just a mile along the road from Metal Bridge :) Seems like everything fits (dates of birth and place name etc)  *but* I am confused as to why Elizabeth would start using her maiden name in 1901 (and also her daughter using it as well)  ???

I need tea...and lots of it

thanks to everyone so far and also to those who may have more answers
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: mim on Thursday 23 July 09 20:44 BST (UK)
Hi,

Could this be another possibility? An Elizabeth J Richardson, aged 24,bn Woodlands (Woodland next to Evenwood)? is a domestic servant in the home of Maria Thompson in Barnard Castle in 1891.

Just thought it could be a possible enumerator error!

mim

Census Information is Crown Copyright from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: JenB on Thursday 23 July 09 20:47 BST (UK)
Perhaps Thomas had walked out on her and she didn't like to use his name any more.

Perhaps the head of household who filled in the census form simply forgot her married name.

There could be a host of reasons.
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: danuslave on Thursday 23 July 09 20:59 BST (UK)
Perhaps she left her husband and went home to Mother!  She may have had all sorts of reasons for changing their names - most of which probably don't bear thinking about!

...or perhaps Mother disapproved of Thomas and, as she filled in the census return, she changed their names

...or....

that tea sounds like a really good idea  :D

Linda

JenB beat me to it - again!
Title: Re: possible illegitimate child??
Post by: pudden on Friday 24 July 09 09:02 BST (UK)
thank you everyone for all your help (and it has helped) . Elizabeth Ann and Dorothy kept the name Richardson so you must be right and either the marriage was not a happy one and husband/wife left or even bigamous  :o

I have just traced my Dad's long lost sister (after 60 years) as she was 'farmed' out shortly after birth as my Granny couldn't cope after a long,very difficult labour & illness after; I've gained a cousin I (and she, I ) didn't know existed. What an emotional roller coaster!

thank you and 'happy hunting'