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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: TinyUK on Monday 29 August 11 04:27 BST (UK)

Title: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 29 August 11 04:27 BST (UK)
Hi, have recently come across this board and it looks so interesting and full of so much knowledge and information ;D

I have just, literally a few weeks ago, started to try and locate where I came from.

My problem is I don't know where to go now...

My father told me he was born in Rochester, Kent UK in 1913; but  it lists it as  Medway. My grandfather was supposed to be from Broughty Ferry, Angus. And his family, were all fisherman from generations back. But no trace in BF or Dundee. I was told this  by my father. But I cannot find any trace of him....The closest match is Renfrew... Not exactly a fishing village. lol

I used the 1911 census and I believe he was a private in the Army. I located him in Chatham Barracks, Kent. It lists him as Private  413 1St Bn S W Borderers.

I cannot find any informatiion for why he was there. The war didn't start until 1914.

Also, my father remembers him transcribing music whilst in the army. I believe he was a bandmaster.

My grandfathers' name was Robert Sim If the Renfrew birthplace is true, and his age does hold out, he was born 1884.

My fathers' name was Leslie Robert Sim Born, I was told 'back of Rochester cathedral' Sept 8, 1913 .... I am most confused, not knowing how to authenticate any of the information. I cannot believe my father would have misled me.
Any help, would be greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Monday 29 August 11 04:38 BST (UK)


Hi TinyUK

Welcome to  Rootschat.  I am sure that you will receive heaps of assistance from people on this site.

Firstly though, do you have a copy of either your father's birth certificate or his marriage certificate??  This would be a good place to start as it will confirm a few facts for you. 

Also have you used FreeBMD as a resource??  It shows that a Leslie SIM, mother's maiden name SIDER was born about the right time as your father.  There is also a marriage for a Robert SIM and a Maud L M SIDER which could be his parent's.

Cheers
Karenlee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: crisane on Monday 29 August 11 07:06 BST (UK)
I looked for a Robert Sim in both England and Scottish 1901 census. None with a birth year close to 1884 born Renfrew living in England but this in
Scotland 1901 census

Robert Sim age 18 born abt 1883 at renfrew, Linlithgowshire, Montrose, County Angus.
Occupation -  2nd Roye Highrs,
Address Near Wet Dock Montrose (no of registration district 2)
Panmure Barracks Montrose.

If this is your man he joined the army at an early age not just when there was a war on.
Askarenlee says you need certificates certificates to make sure you have the right man and not wasting your time chasing the wrong family.
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: Valda on Monday 29 August 11 08:00 BST (UK)
Hi


Medway is a civil registration district. It covered all these areas listed, including Rochester

http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/medway.html

Civil registration districts should not be confused with individual places whose names they might share in the area they covered.


Regards

Valda
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: portybelle on Monday 29 August 11 08:28 BST (UK)

Robert Sim age 18 born abt 1883 at renfrew, Linlithgowshire, Montrose, County Angus.
Occupation -  2nd Roye Highrs,
Address Near Wet Dock Montrose (no of registration district 2)
Panmure Barracks Montrose.
.

Definitely some comfusion over where he was born! Renfrew is in West of Scotland, Linlithgowshire is in modern West Lothian!

Only one Robert Sim born 1883 - 1885 Angus according to Scotland's People - you might want to check this one out.

1 1883 SIM ROBERT M ST PETER DUNDEE CITY/ANGUS 282/01 0484
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: Valda on Monday 29 August 11 10:10 BST (UK)
Hi


Robert Sim's marriage details will give information on his father.

Marriages Jun 1913   
Sider  Maud L M  Sim  Medway  2a 1318   
Sim  Robert  Sider  Medway  2a 1318

You can obtain a copy of the marriage certificate from the General Register Office

http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/


Maud L M Sim death registration
December quarter 1967 aged 80
Death registered Southport civil registration district
Volume 10f
Page 772

There is a death registration for a Robert Sim also in Southport registration district
December quarter 1965 aged 82
Volume 10f
Page 638

Findmypast hold the military service records for a Robert Sim born circa 1879 at Broughty Ferry, Forfarshire (Angus). Findmypast hold military service records for soldiers serving pre the First World War. His service records will inform you where (if he was serving) he was stationed in 1911. Ages on service records are not always accurate - men had a tendency to adjust their ages, but this earlier date of birth might mean it is worth checking for his birth in Scotland over a wider span of years. His service records will also give where and when he attested. Census returns for soldiers would be completed by the army based on the information they held.

http://www.findmypast.co.uk/home.jsp


Regards

Valda
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Monday 29 August 11 11:43 BST (UK)
THis looks like your dad's death registration.

Leslie Robert SIM............ DOB 7 Sep 1913

Died Ormskirk Dec 1/4 of 1973 aged 60

Volume 10f page 422

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: Annette7 on Monday 29 August 11 13:07 BST (UK)
Think the Renfrew Robert could be the one.   Checked his birth certificate:

b.24/1/1883 at 2hr.30m a.m. at 8 Bell Street, Renfrew to James Sim, Joiner and Elizabeth Jane Sim, formerly Bennie (or Bernie), who married 24/6/1879 Dundee.

Informant was James Sim, father.

I am only able to view a transcript of the 1891 Census but living at King Street, Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Angus:

Elizabeth Sim   31       Dressmaker          b. Denny, Stirlingshire
Robert Sim         8                                    b. Renfrew
Jessie Sim          2                                    b. Dundee

In 1901 Robert Sim 18   b. Renfrew is a private in 2nd. Royal Highlanders in Montrose, Angus.

The 1891 Census thus clearly shows that Robert lived at Broughty Ferry as a child, and I note on 'google' that Broughty Ferry is described as an old fishing village.

Annette
 
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: portybelle on Monday 29 August 11 13:24 BST (UK)
Well done Annette! ;D So Renfrew and Broughty Ferry both part of Robert Sim's back ground right enough!
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: trish1120 on Monday 29 August 11 17:39 BST (UK)
This looks like them in 1881 although Elizabeths age is a little out and POB different;

1881 Census
St Mary, Dundee, Angus
James SIM, 27, (1854), Head, Joiner, born Dundee, Forfarshire
Elizabeth Sim, 25, (1856), Wife, born Dundee
William Sim, 8mths, Son, born Dundee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 29 August 11 23:33 BST (UK)


Hi TinyUK

Welcome to  Rootschat.  I am sure that you will receive heaps of assistance from people on this site.

Firstly though, do you have a copy of either your father's birth certificate or his marriage certificate??  This would be a good place to start as it will confirm a few facts for you. 

Also have you used FreeBMD as a resource??  It shows that a Leslie SIM, mother's maiden name SIDER was born about the right time as your father.  There is also a marriage for a Robert SIM and a Maud L M SIDER which could be his parent's.

Cheers
Karenlee

Hi, Karenlee.
Many thanks for the welcome and the advice. I have ordered my grand parents marriage cert, from the GRO. (Cheapest place I think) I haven't ordered my fathers birth cert., as yet because of the cost. I had lung cancer nearly 4 years ago and a lobectomy, so am now unable to work it left me with COPD.
Now I think on, Sider was my grandmothers maiden name. I remember my father telling me many years ago, that anyone with the name Sider or Smee were possibly relatives of mine.

I think you may have scored accurately on the info. It must be a gift you have.

I have tried the BMD but I could only get so far, when they wanted payment. bummer.

But I am most grateful for your help, and the help of all the other replies I have had; I will be writing to those, too.

One more question, if I may. How do we know the information we find is correct? Very much like a detective novel. lol

Take care.

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 29 August 11 23:53 BST (UK)
I looked for a Robert Sim in both England and Scottish 1901 census. None with a birth year close to 1884 born Renfrew living in England but this in
Scotland 1901 census

Robert Sim age 18 born abt 1883 at renfrew, Linlithgowshire, Montrose, County Angus.
Occupation -  2nd Roye Highrs,
Address Near Wet Dock Montrose (no of registration district 2)
Panmure Barracks Montrose.

If this is your man he joined the army at an early age not just when there was a war on.
Askarenlee says you need certificates certificates to make sure you have the right man and not wasting your time chasing the wrong family.

Hi, Crisane.

Many thanks for the post and info. I have already replied to Karenlee, so will not duplicate what I have said to her, I presume everyone can see the replies I have received? Never done anything like this before or even used anything like rootschat.

Your info is great, will certainly be checking everything when I get his marriage certificate.

What is puzzling, is the info you have found shows your Robert Sim to be in the 2nd Royal Highlanders;
So how come I have him in 413 1st Bn S W Borderers based in Chatam Barracks 1913? I know nothing about the army and how it/was structured. As Holmes might say, the plot thickens...lol

Again, you have been great help, many thanks.

Kind regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 30 August 11 00:16 BST (UK)
Hi


Medway is a civil registration district. It covered all these areas listed, including Rochester

http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/medway.html

Civil registration districts should not be confused with individual places whose names they might share in the area they covered.


Regards

Hi, Valda

Many thanks for the link.

That explains why I couldn't get any  info searching just Rochester.

Again, thanks for posting.

Kindest regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 30 August 11 00:21 BST (UK)

Robert Sim age 18 born abt 1883 at renfrew, Linlithgowshire, Montrose, County Angus.
Occupation -  2nd Roye Highrs,
Address Near Wet Dock Montrose (no of registration district 2)
Panmure Barracks Montrose.
.

Definitely some comfusion over where he was born! Renfrew is in West of Scotland, Linlithgowshire is in modern West Lothian!

Only one Robert Sim born 1883 - 1885 Angus according to Scotland's People - you might want to check this one out.

1 1883 SIM ROBERT M ST PETER DUNDEE CITY/ANGUS 282/01 0484

Hi. Portybelle

Thanks for info.

I am finding everything confusing at the moment. lol

My grandfather didn't have a middle name that I am aware of.

I have taken your info on board, and will have to cross ref it with the info I get from their marriage cert.

Many thanks for the posting.

Kindest regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 30 August 11 07:32 BST (UK)
What is puzzling, is the info you have found shows your Robert Sim to be in the 2nd Royal Highlanders;
So how come I have him in 413 1st Bn S W Borderers based in Chatam Barracks 1913? I know nothing about the army and how it/was structured. As Holmes might say, the plot thickens...lol

Again, you have been great help, many thanks.

Kind regards

TinyUK


Tiny

You say you have him in 1913.........do you mean the 1911 census?

Do you know for definite that is your grandad? Born in 1884 in Renfrew?

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 30 August 11 07:58 BST (UK)
I have tried the BMD but I could only get so far, when they wanted payment. bummer.

TinyUK


The website http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/ is, as it says free to look at,is that the one you were using?

The Scottish one,Scotland's People IS a pay per view one,but not the England and Wales one  ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 30 August 11 23:57 BST (UK)
What is puzzling, is the info you have found shows your Robert Sim to be in the 2nd Royal Highlanders;
So how come I have him in 413 1st Bn S W Borderers based in Chatam Barracks 1913? I know nothing about the army and how it/was structured. As Holmes might say, the plot thickens...lol

Again, you have been great help, many thanks.

Kind regards

TinyUK


Tiny

You say you have him in 1913.........do you mean the 1911 census?

Do you know for definite that is your grandad? Born in 1884 in Renfrew?

Carol

Hi, Carol.

Thanks for the reply.

I made a mistake, I was searching the Scottish site, and as you say that is a Pay site.

I have now searched the Free BMD site, and can confirm that my grandparents were married in 1913. I searched the marriages section. Another member of Rootschat has found a record for Renfrew. Until I get the marriage cert. through the post, I do not have many other leads.

I have always been told that my grandfather came from Broughty Ferry; but that could have meant his parents...

Thanks for the effort you are putting into this.

Kindest regards
Tiny

I do know that my father was born Sept 8 1913
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Wednesday 31 August 11 00:18 BST (UK)
Think the Renfrew Robert could be the one.   Checked his birth certificate:

b.24/1/1883 at 2hr.30m a.m. at 8 Bell Street, Renfrew to James Sim, Joiner and Elizabeth Jane Sim, formerly Bennie (or Bernie), who married 24/6/1879 Dundee.

Informant was James Sim, father.

I am only able to view a transcript of the 1891 Census but living at King Street, Broughty Ferry, Monifieth, Angus:

Elizabeth Sim   31       Dressmaker          b. Denny, Stirlingshire
Robert Sim         8                                    b. Renfrew
Jessie Sim          2                                    b. Dundee

In 1901 Robert Sim 18   b. Renfrew is a private in 2nd. Royal Highlanders in Montrose, Angus.

The 1891 Census thus clearly shows that Robert lived at Broughty Ferry as a child, and I note on 'google' that Broughty Ferry is described as an old fishing village.

Annette
 
Hi, Annette.

Many thanks for the posting, and you great results.

I see the link with Broughty Ferry, maybe he was just brought up there and not born. Being young he may not have been told he was born in Renfrew...or maybe it was easier just to say BF...lol

I didn't know he had a sister; never mentioned it. If she is not mentioned in later records, could it mean she died young?

I have so much info to go through, and now have to try and piece it all together.

If I am able to do this, do you think the people that have been invaluable in assisting, would like to know how far I have managed to get?

Kindest regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Wednesday 31 August 11 00:19 BST (UK)
Tiny

I look forward to hearing from you with regards the information on the marriage certificate that you have ordered. It should advance your cause no end.  

Karenlee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Wednesday 31 August 11 00:38 BST (UK)
THis looks like your dad's death registration.

Leslie Robert SIM............ DOB 7 Sep 1913

Died Ormskirk Dec 1/4 of 1973 aged 60

Volume 10f page 422

Carol

Hi, Carol.

Thanks for the posting.

Indeed it is. He died July 21st, 1973 aged 59 at 6:30 AM

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

Kindest regards

TinyUK
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Wednesday 31 August 11 00:43 BST (UK)
Hi

This might be useful to hold onto for future reference if it turns out that Maud Louisa M SIDER is a relative...


1901 Census England Kent Strood
RG13/721/5/42
163 Garden Road

SIDER
Emma Head Wid 49 Essex Great Oakley
Robert Son Unmarr 26 Sailmaker Essex Harwich
Henry Son Unmarr General Carter/Carrier Essex Harwich
Ernest Son Unmarr 22 General Labourer Essex Harwich
James Son Unmarr 20 General Labourer Essex Harwich
Maud Dau Unmarr 13 Essex Harwich


1891 Census England Essex Harwich
RG12/1402/69/29
166 Ingester? Street

SIDER
Emma Head Wid 41 Laundress Essex Great Oakley
Robert W C Son Unmarr 16 Sailmaker Essex Harwich
Henry J G Son Unmarr 13 Scholar Essex Harwich
Samuel R E Son Unmarr 10 Scholar Essex Harwich
James E Son Unmarr 9 Scholar Essex Harwich
Florence E M Dau Unmarr 8 Scholar Essex Harwich
Maud L M Dau Unmarr 3 Essex Harwich
George HAYHOE Boarder Unmarr 18 Baker Essex Harwich

Cheers
Karenlee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Wednesday 31 August 11 01:13 BST (UK)
Hi

This might be useful to hold onto for future reference if it turns out that Maud Louisa M SIDER is a relative...


1901 Census England Kent Strood
RG13/721/5/42
163 Garden Road

SIDER
Emma Head Wid 49 Essex Great Oakley
Robert Son Unmarr 26 Sailmaker Essex Harwich
Henry Son Unmarr General Carter/Carrier Essex Harwich
Ernest Son Unmarr 22 General Labourer Essex Harwich
James Son Unmarr 20 General Labourer Essex Harwich
Maud Dau Unmarr 13 Essex Harwich


1891 Census England Essex Harwich
RG12/1402/69/29
166 Ingester? Street

SIDER
Emma Head Wid 41 Laundress Essex Great Oakley
Robert W C Son Unmarr 16 Sailmaker Essex Harwich
Henry J G Son Unmarr 13 Scholar Essex Harwich
Samuel R E Son Unmarr 10 Scholar Essex Harwich
James E Son Unmarr 9 Scholar Essex Harwich
Florence E M Dau Unmarr 8 Scholar Essex Harwich
Maud L M Dau Unmarr 3 Essex Harwich
George HAYHOE Boarder Unmarr 18 Baker Essex Harwich

Cheers
Karenlee

Hi, Karenlee.

Talk about confirmation...

I have literally minutes ago, opened an email from my wife's cousin,  who has been tracing their ( maiden) surname, and as my missus mentioned to her that I was trying to find info about my relatives, she went and searched my fathers maternal side....

And Maud Louisa M Sider is my grandmother, married to Robert Sim in 1913

The only difference is she only has 1911 info and the address as Gordon not Garden.

I googled Garden Rd, Strood and it asked me if I meant Gordon....

So you must have posted literally minutes before cousin did...

Many many thanks.

But I still can't find my father's birth.

Kindest regards, as always.

Tiny


Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Wednesday 31 August 11 01:17 BST (UK)

Tiny

I really think this is him...


Leslie R SIM September Quarter 1913 Medway Kent 2a 1605 Mother's Maiden Name SIDER


Karenlee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Wednesday 31 August 11 01:38 BST (UK)

Tiny

I really think this is him...


Leslie R SIM September Quarter 1913 Medway Kent 2a 1605 Mother's Maiden Name SIDER


Karenlee

Hi, Karenlee

You a detective?

Where did you find this? I have tried BMD (the free one) and kept coming up with no results.

I don't think it will give me this info on my grandparents marriage cert....lol

Kindest regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Wednesday 31 August 11 07:19 BST (UK)
Tiny,

When you search FreeBMD less is more! Don't try and put in too much info.

Just his name and 1913 and you WILL get his birth.

Also a tip,when you want to reply with a quote,make sure you type your reply well after the word "quote" in [ and ] at the bottom of the previous poster and then yours won't become included in the blue section  ;D

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Thursday 01 September 11 22:48 BST (UK)
Tiny,

When you search FreeBMD less is more! Don't try and put in too much info.

Just his name and 1913 and you WILL get his birth.

Also a tip,when you want to reply with a quote,make sure you type your reply well after the word "quote" in [ and ] at the bottom of the previous poster and then yours won't become included in the blue section  ;D

Carol



Hi, Carol.

Thanks for the info and the tip. If...IF I have done this correctly, then this small missive should appear well below, and not in the blue.

Still waiting for the marriage cert of my grandfather/grandmother.

Kindest regards, as always.

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 05 September 11 02:48 BST (UK)
Tiny

I look forward to hearing from you with regards the information on the marriage certificate that you have ordered. It should advance your cause no end.  

Karenlee

Hi, Karenlee

I presume that all those who have been helpful, will be able to read this post to you?

I have his marriage cert. in front of me.....So here goes..

Married on June 15 1913 ( was married on June 16) Robert Sim to Maud Louisa May Sider. Her father was one James Sider (deceased) Mariner and his father was James SIm Joiner (deceased)

He is shown as being a musician in S W Borderers @ Chatham Barracks. Maud residing at 120, Ordnance St, Chatham, he was aged 29 she was aged 25.

Lot of confirmatory information there, don't you think?

BUT (there has to be one. lol) I cannot trace him in the S W Borderers.

I know that James Sider died in 1888 @Woodbridge, Suffolk and his birth was June (qtr?) 1849 and records for the Sider family match that info.  I( think I would have to get a copy of his death cert to find out what he died of? and maybe shed some light as to why he was in Suffolk.

Do you think (anyone) that the next best step is to get my Great grandparent's marriage cert? Or is there a better route to follow?

I would like to find out more about Robert Sim's army career. I was told he was wounded in WWI, but cannot find any ifo on that. I understand that about 70% of war records were blitzed in WWII

Again, that  you all for your invaluable help, and for starting me off with a new hobby.

Kindest regards, as always

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Monday 05 September 11 02:56 BST (UK)

Wonderful news Tiny... that helps heaps.

There is a Medal Card for a Robert SIM of the South Wales Borderers which shows that he was awarded the Victory Medal, British Medal, 1914 Star, Clasp and Roses..... and that his rank was Corporal and his Regimental Number was 10420.  As you note, there are many WW1 Service Records that were destroyed in WW2 so it is likely that you may not find his.  Perhaps a post on the WW1 forum might help.

Karenlee
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 05 September 11 03:48 BST (UK)

Wonderful news Tiny... that helps heaps.

There is a Medal Card for a Robert SIM of the South Wales Borderers which shows that he was awarded the Victory Medal, British Medal, 1914 Star, Clasp and Roses..... and that his rank was Corporal and his Regimental Number was 10420.  As you note, there are many WW1 Service Records that were destroyed in WW2 so it is likely that you may not find his.  Perhaps a post on the WW1 forum might help.

Karenlee


You are a detective.

I have just been crawling all over a site that has free records (until you find one then they wan paying) And couldn't find anything. Even the SIMs' they found, were the wrong ones.

There is a WWI forum now.....thanks

Thought I was the only person up in the middle of the night....

Take care

Regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: karenlee on Monday 05 September 11 03:52 BST (UK)

Just gone lunch time here in Oz....  so you must be the only night owl then.... ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Monday 05 September 11 03:59 BST (UK)

Just gone lunch time here in Oz....  so you must be the only night owl then.... ;D ;D ;D


G'day

Sorry, didn't realise you were so far away. I keep forgetting that we are now a global village.

I even have a cell 'phone.

BTW, where did you find the medal records, and 2. How can I know I have the right Robert Sim?

I do not have any of his medals (sigh)

Going to try and sleep now. But had to get the Marriage cert info out to everyone, and then I just strted looking again, and time flies...

Again, many thanks

Kind regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Monday 05 September 11 07:23 BST (UK)
I know that James Sider died in 1888 @Woodbridge, Suffolk and his birth was June (qtr?) 1849 and records for the Sider family match that info.  I( think I would have to get a copy of his death cert to find out what he died of? and maybe shed some light as to why he was in Suffolk.

Tiny

Well Woodbridge in Suffolk isn't that far at all from the coast and harbour areas of Felixstowe and Harwich,so being a mariner you can see why he might have reason to visit there.

If you're not sure of UK geography you can see it on www.streetmap.co.uk and then pan out to see where Woodbridge is in relation to the rest of the county.

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 06 September 11 01:23 BST (UK)
I know that James Sider died in 1888 @Woodbridge, Suffolk and his birth was June (qtr?) 1849 and records for the Sider family match that info.  I( think I would have to get a copy of his death cert to find out what he died of? and maybe shed some light as to why he was in Suffolk.

Tiny

Well Woodbridge in Suffolk isn't that far at all from the coast and harbour areas of Felixstowe and Harwich,so being a mariner you can see why he might have reason to visit there.

If you're not sure of UK geography you can see it on www.streetmap.co.uk and then pan out to see where Woodbridge is in relation to the rest of the county.

Carol


Hi, Carol.

Thanks for your input.

I am pretty well up to speed on UK and European geography. When I left the navy, I was a commercial driver. Artics. to be precise. Oh happy days....


I thought he was living in Kent, but I have no record of that. He could have died at sea, and returning to the port he left from, presumably, they would have registered his death there.

I have no idea (yet) where he was living, at the time of his death.

I have just ordered his marriage certificate.

BTW, do you know if it's possible to order, online, Scottish marriage certificates?

I am going to try and get my Great-grand-father/mother's marriage cert. ( James Sim )

The searching continues.

Many thanks for the help you have been.

Kindest regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 06 September 11 07:27 BST (UK)
HI there

Scotland has a completely different system to us,you pay a small amount on http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ to look at the entry and you see the actual image of the cert,which you can then download.

Works out at about £1 for each cert.

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:00 BST (UK)
HI there

Scotland has a completely different system to us,you pay a small amount on http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ to look at the entry and you see the actual image of the cert,which you can then download.

Works out at about £1 for each cert.

Carol

Hi, Carol.

I was afraid you were going to say something like that....lol

I did a quick search and came up with hundreds.....

Am trying, as I type, to trace to my grandmother's mother.

I know she married James Sider, and her name is Emma, nee Smee.

I have a death record for her on Freebmd, aged 91 at Maldon

BUT....Her DoB could be 1849/50/51

So, it isn't easy...

Take care.

Regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:19 BST (UK)
According to the 1901 and 1891 censuses found for you on the previous page Emma was born in Great Oakley- not Scotland?

In 1881 she is at 44 Church Street Harwich.

James Sider 32 head fisherman out of employment b Boreham essex
Emma Sider 31 wife b Stones Green Essex
Robert W. Sider 6 son... .kids all b Harwich
Henry J. Sider 4 son
Samuel R. Sider 2 son
James E. Sider 10 mths  son

RG1/1782 folio 12 page 17.

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:24 BST (UK)
I see that Emma and James married in Tendring.

This looks like her birth reg.

Mar 1848

Emma  SMEE in Tendring volume 12 page 279

The marr cert will confirm her dad's name(hopefully!) and then you can follow her through the censuses.

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:35 BST (UK)
According to the 1901 and 1891 censuses found for you on the previous page Emma was born in Great Oakley- not Scotland?

In 1881 she is at 44 Church Street Harwich.

James Sider 32 head fisherman out of employment b Boreham essex
Emma Sider 31 wife b Stones Green Essex
Robert W. Sider 6 son... .kids all b Harwich
Henry J. Sider 4 son
Samuel R. Sider 2 son
James E. Sider 10 mths  son

RG1/1782 folio 12 page 17.

Carol


Hi, Carol, again.

Yea, I am also looking for my Grandfather Sims' family; they are Scottish.

My Grandmother Sims' family Sider, and before that Emma Sider was Emma Smee.

All hail from Essex/Suffolk way

I have problems with dates.

When I strted trying to continue what a lot of you good people on roots chat have done for me; I was sane. I am slowly going mad.

Regards

Tiny

P.S. Just seen your latest posting. How are you searching? should I say which datbase?
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: carol8353 on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:40 BST (UK)
http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/

I narrowed it down by putting in Essex as the county and between 1845- 1851.

And then checked by clicking on the blue word Tendring to see that Great Oakley came under that district.

http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/tendring.html

Also using An.....ry for censuses.

Carol
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 06 September 11 16:56 BST (UK)
I see that Emma and James married in Tendring.

This looks like her birth reg.

Mar 1848

Emma  SMEE in Tendring volume 12 page 279

The marr cert will confirm her dad's name(hopefully!) and then you can follow her through the censuses.

Carol


Hi, Carol.

Guess the only thing to do is wait until I get the marriage cert.

I just hope I have ordered the right one. lol

Any ideas how I can trace a birth dating circa 1823 in England?

Regards

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: TinyUK on Tuesday 06 September 11 17:22 BST (UK)
http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/

I narrowed it down by putting in Essex as the county and between 1845- 1851.

And then checked by clicking on the blue word Tendring to see that Great Oakley came under that district.

http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/genuki/reg/districts/tendring.html

Also using An.....ry for censuses.

Carol


Hi, Carol.

I see...I don't think I can make my searches in the free BMD that selectful....


I guess I have a heck of a lot to learn...

Thanks

Tiny
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: Dingross on Friday 08 November 13 12:13 GMT (UK)
I'm new to family history research so realise I am coming in rather late on this topic, but I was very excited to discover it.  Robert Sim was my grand uncle.  I know quite a bit about his family but there are gaps that I'm struggling to fill.

Here's some of what I know (and have the GROS registration entries to support the info):

Robert Sim's father was James Sim, born about 1854 in Dundee; died at sea 16th November 1905.  He was a joiner, who later became a ship's carpenter and it was while working as a carpenter on the Ancenis that he was swept overboard and drowned.

Robert's mother was Elizabeth Jane Benny.  She was born 27th October 1853 in East Borland, Denny, Stirlingshire.  She and James Sim married on 24th June 1879 in Dundee.  She was a Milliner.  they had 7 children:

William James Benny Sim (my grandfather) was born 11th July 1880 in Dundee.  He was a Stationer's Porter.  He married Barbara Donaldson 9th September 1904 in Glasgow.  They had one son, Malcolm, born 16th November 1906.  Barbara died in 1907 of TB and William returned to Dundee, where he died 20th July 1942.

Ann Sim was born prematurely in October 1881 in Dundee and lived only 3 days.

The next two children, Robert and Annie, were both born in Renfrew.  Renfrew is on the River Clyde and there was a strong shipbuilding industry.  My guess is that James Sim may have moved there to work as a joiner/carpenter on the ships, but it's just a guess.

Robert was born on 24th January 1883 as you know and I have also found the records relating to Panmure Barracks and the SW Borderers.  I know that he served in India while in the army - from his father's testament  and the SW Borderers were certainly in India at the time in question.

Annie was born 23rd January 1885.  She was living with her grandparents, Donald and Sarah Sim and brother William in Coupar Angus at the 1891 census.  Donald Sim died in 1894.  In the 1901 census, Annie and Sarah Sim were living at 5 Reid Street, Govan (also a shipbuilding area), Glasgow and this is also the UK address given in James Sim's testament.  Annie married Joseph George Reynolds in 1907 and they remained in Glasgow.  They had 3 daughters.  One, Annie Sim Reynolds, died as a toddler of TB.  The other 2 still have family members in the Glasgow area.

The next of James and Elizabeth's children was Janet Benny Sim, born 25th May 1888 in Dundee.  The 1891 census shows her living with Robert and mother Elizabeth in King Street, Broughty Ferry (which is very close to Dundee).  She married Archibald Rogers in Liverpool in 1908 - her address on the marriage registration was in Dundee.  Archibald was killed in WW1.  Their son, Henry John Rogers was born in 1909 and he was killed during WW2 when his ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat.  There was also a daughter, but I don't have details, other than that she was known as "Bunt".

Janet remarried in 1923 to William Henry Bomford.  They had 2 children, Vera and William Douglas (known as "Douglas" or "Doug".  Vera settled in Panama  and Douglas lived in Chile, Peru and Panama before settling in Florida.  He died in September 2013.  Janet settled in Wallesey in the Birkenhead area of Merseyside.  she died in 1970.

The next child was Donald, born 13th April 1892 in Broughty Ferry.  I haven't located him in the 1901 census.  In the 1911 census he was with the Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers in Aldershot.  He married Annie Dodds and settled in the Birkenhead area.  He died in 1955.

The youngest child was David Taylor Sim, born 3rd November 1893 in Broughty Ferry.  I can't locate him in the 1901 or 1911 censuses.  He married Florence Teggins in 1922 and they lived in Wallesey, Birkenhead.  He was a baker / confectioner.  He died in 1972.

I would be really interested to here more about Robert Sim and his descendants.  I was aware of Leslie Robert Sim.  Were there other children? Where did Robert and Maud live and die?

I've not really discovered anything about Elizabeth Jane Benny/Sim after 1893 (the birth of the David Taylor Sim) although there was an Elizabeth J Sim who died in 1931 in Wallesey, who might be her.  I haven't worked out how Janet, Donald and David all wound up in Wallesey/Birkenhead.  the other strange thing is that James Benny's testament was handled by Annie Sim, who at that time stated that she had not heard from her mother in 12 years and the only sibling she makes reference to is a brother in the army in India (who would be Robert) so it seems that she had also lost touch with older brother William (who was actually living only a few miles away in a different part of Glasgow at the time) and the younger siblings, Janet, Donald and David.

I have the birth registrations for all the siblings, showing parents James and Elizabeth and the correct date and place of their marriage, so am confident that there's no mistake there.

I have more information about the family if it's of interest and would be very interested in what you've been able to find out.
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: dawnsh on Friday 08 November 13 23:33 GMT (UK)
Hi Dingross

Welcome to Rootschat  ;D

According to his profile, TinyUK hasn't been online here since 2011.

As long as his email address hasn't changed he should receive email notifications that we have posted and hopefully come back soon.

Dawn
Title: Re: Newbies first post
Post by: GrenPen on Wednesday 14 December 16 11:07 GMT (UK)
Hi,

I came across this, and I have a little extra to add.

It would appear that Robert Sim started his career in the Royal Highlanders, and that he went to India. Based on his later service number, it appears that he transferred to the 1st Battalion South Wales Borderers on or around 14 April 1910, and subsequently returned to Chatham with the battalion at the end of 1910.

As well as his three campaign medals, he also received a Long Service and Good Conduct medal in 1919.

It appears there are two further courses of action:

1a. Write to the MOD Medal Office, and ask as to his medal entitlement. I would also ask if they can let you know when he left the army. There is a remote (and unlikely) possibility that he served elsewhere (such as Waziristan), and the Medal Office could double-check for the legal next-of-kin.
1b. It could be the case that he left the army from 1922 onwards. If this is the case, his service record could well survive, but you would need to find out his seven digit service number as issued in 1920
2. The museum at Brecon has a 1920 Description Book. If he was still in the army in 1920, he would appear in the book. I do not know if you could pay a visit there, or if they will get a volunteer historian to look at it for a fee, but this is worth following up. I do not see any legal reason why anyone can be prevented from asking for this information.

Hope this helps.

Regards