George Wilfred Frederick Shepherd

[LucyLockett]

Really really stuck...... I have this guy as marrying in 1909 to Elizabeth Louise Mortimer but I cannot find his birth certificate anywhere at all... I have just ordered one but it is wrong. He is listed as 25 on his marriage certificate as is his bride. I have been told that George was known as Fred by everyone but when he died he is still listed as George W F Shepherd. The marriage took place on 23.10.1909 and george's father is listed as Charles Edward Shepherd, Labourer. The wedding was at St Thomas' Church, Bethnal Green. I did manage to have a sneak view of the 1911 census and George is listed as Frederick from what I can remember and his place of birth was Islington on the census return. Elizabeth and Fred moved to Luton a couple of years after they married and that is where they both died. On the marriage certificate George is listed as a Chair carrier (I think) and Elizabeth is a book writer. I know Elizabeth was blind from childhood. On their daughter, Ivy's, birth certificate George is listed as a Blind Society Collector and I think it has been said he was blind or partially sighted too. Does any of this ring any bells to anyone.... I have just come to a dead end... any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[avm228]

Hi

I wonder whether he's the Frederick SHEPARD who in 1901 is 16 b Islington, parents Edward (a dustman) & Elizabeth: RG13/159/58/41? There's no indication of his being blind, though.

Which was the birth certificate you purchased but found to be wrong?

Anna

[LucyLockett]

Hi, Thanks for replying! The birth certificate I have is for George Frederick Shepheard born 7.08.1885, parents Charles William Shepheard and Elizabeth Ann Shepheard formerly Bennett. I always knew the spelling of the surname was wrong but was the closest I could get, the year was out a little too... I suppose in a way I knew it was wrong but this is so frustrating. They are living 32 Bryantwood (possibly) Islington. Obviously the father's first name is the same but way out on middle name. Think found the guy whose certificate I have in 1901 census living with his family in Mitcham. The father's occupation on the birth certificate I have is a pawn brokers manger.
Thanks
Vicky

[avm228]

OK, well the family I found in Islington in 1901 are in Islington in 1891 as well:


1891 census: RG12/146/7/1

3 Blenheim Rd, Upper Holloway (one of several households at the address):

Edward C. Shepherd Head M 35 Carman Oxford N[ot] K[nown]
Elizabeth do Wife M 26 London Islington
Eliza J. do 13 General servant London Islington
Millie do Daur 12 Scholar London Islington
Fred so Son 6 Scholar London Islington
Edward C. do Son 2 London Islington
John do Son 4m London Islington

The ages and spacing of the children strongly suggest that Elizabeth was not Edward C.'s first wife.

Anna

[LucyLockett]

Hi Anna,
Thanks for all the help. I have this family listed down in my notes and I do think that we may be on the right track for him, I suppose both George and Charles could be using their middle names else George/Fred has gotten confused with his dad's first name. Where I am stuck is trying to locate a birth certificate. Do you have any idea of a quarter, date and location.. I cannot find one to fit?
All your hard work is really appreciated.
Vicky 

[avm228]

I'm just trying to piece together a story step by step at the moment (and I agree, it's not easy to see an obvious birth certificate for Fred).

Likely birth reg for his younger brother Edward C.:

Edward Charles SHEPHERD Jun 1889 Islington 1b 196

Anna

[avm228]

Fred's father does seem to have called himself "Charles" in 1881, if I've got the right chap:

1881 census: RG11/268/99/22
9A Albert Place, Highbury, Islington

Charles Shepherd Widr 27 Carman Oxford

(his likely birth: Edward Charles Shepherd Dec 1853 Oxford 3a 461)

It was not at all uncommon for people to alternate between first and middle names, and/or to switch their order, in the 19th century.

Anna

[LucyLockett]

Hi Anna,
Your a star!
Been working on this one for about 3 weeks and it is a nightmare!!! I have Edwards Charles Shepherd (Q4 1853 Oxford) as the father. I have him marrying a Mary Ann Onslow or Sarah Smith possibly Q2 1876 Islington and having Eliza Jane Shepherd (Q2 1877 Islington) and Rose Emily "Millie" Shepherd (Q3 1878 Islington). Then I am presuming the wife died but I cannot find a death that matches. I then think he may have married Anne Louisa BANTON Q3 1884 Islington and had George tho this could be wrong. Then maybe she died and he married Elizabeth Shaw maybe Q2 1887 Shoreditch (not sure why Shoreditch but only Elizabeth that fits I can find) and they have Edward Charles that you have, John Q1 1891, William c1896 (cant find a birth for him) and Harriet Mary Ann Q1 1901 Islington. Any help you can give is much appreciated although I do understand you must be busy. I just dont want to spend a fortune out on wrong certificates.... why if he called himself Fred was his proper name, supposedly, George Wilfred Frederick which I can find no trace whatsoever of?? Yes I do think you have the right guy.... Have him in 1881 living with his brother while Eliza and Emily are living nearby described as "nurse child" - Livin with Mary Ann Ward, wid, 54 and her family at 73 Queensland Road, Islington St Mary.
Vicky

[avm228]

I've just found the Elizabeth Shaw marriage myself - 1887 as you say - raising the possibility that Elizabeth brought Fred into the marriage and he wasn't born a Shepherd at all...