I'm stuck :(

[jensav]

I'm trying to trace my fathers ancestors but its proving a bit difficult as the surname is Smith and everyone seems to be named after each other lol.

My grandad was John George, born in 1914 and died in 1976, his father was Sam who was born in 1888 - I can't find any death details for Sam at all although I know it was before my father's birth in 1950.

Sam was married to Kathleen who was born in 1896 but again I cant find any details of death my Dad vaguely remembers a grandma but doesnt know if it was this one or the one on his mothers side.

then I found some details for sams parents and siblings from census reports but again I cant find any details of deaths at all which is very frustrating.

I also can't find any siblings listed for my Grandfather (and I know there was at least one brother) because of the dates of birth and the 1921 census not being online... does anyone know when I'll be able to check these records?

I cant go to the cemetary where they were all buried because the graves were moved to make way for a housing estate and no one can tell me where they went to..

It's been said in family folklore that Sams dad (fred) owned a mill on Tong Street in Bradford called Montserrat Mills but I cant find a thing for that either although someone did help me find a street called Montserrat Road not too far from the location I had.

I'm frustrated and losing heart, I've spent a fortune on subscriptions to various sites and I'm hardly any further than the information I already knew really..  how do you all do it?

[Spidermonkey]

Hi Jensav,

It's a nightmare when out ancestors wont cooperate isn't it! 

Lets work from what is a definite.  Do you have a birth date for JOhn George, and any idea of area?  This will give his mother's maiden name.  We can then look for possible siblings (provided they were born after 1911)

[jensav]

it totally is!! lol

I have, John George was born in Bradford on the 11 nov 1914 and his mum was called Kathleen, her maiden name was Briggs, I believe she was born in 1896 (ish)

I know there was at least one brother, Uncle Billy - but William may not be his actual first name, as it seems everyone was named after someone else... I knew Grandad as "Jack" rather than John George and I think Billy's 'real' name might have been Fred after his ... well take your pick, could be an uncle...Grandfather!! lol

[kizmiaz]

There is a marriage record for a Kathie Briggs to Sam Smith in North Bierley, Yorkshire West Riding registered in 1913 which is a possibility [Jun 1913 North Bierley Vol 9b Page 167]

That may be the wedding of John George's parents which should give Sam's father's name and occupation. If its the right people and you are lucky with an unusual occupation, it should get you back at least another generation

Glen

[Spidermonkey]

Following on with the North Bierley theme, there is:
Frederick W Smith bn Sept qtr 1913 9b 14
John G Smith bn Dec qtr 1914 9b 25
Sam Smith bn Sept qtr 1915 9b 81

all with mothers maiden name Briggs

[jensav]

There is a marriage record for a Kathie Briggs to Sam Smith in North Bierley, Yorkshire West Riding registered in 1913 which is a possibility [Jun 1913 North Bierley Vol 9b Page 167]

That may be the wedding of John George's parents which should give Sam's father's name and occupation. If its the right people and you are lucky with an unusual occupation, it should get you back at least another generation

Glen

thats them!  john George's Dad was called Sam. thank you

[jensav]

Following on with the North Bierley theme, there is:
Frederick W Smith bn Sept qtr 1913 9b 14
John G Smith bn Dec qtr 1914 9b 25
Sam Smith bn Sept qtr 1915 9b 81

all with mothers maiden name Briggs

I didn't even know there was another sam, he must have died young.

See you both found more than I did in 5 minutes! lol

[Spidermonkey]

Kathie/Kathleen Briggs in 1901? RG13; Piece: 4177; Folio: 161; Page: 16
Wyke, Yorkshire
Banks Royd
James B Briggs  H  Mar  40  Worsted Spinner Manufacturer  bn Yorks W R Bradford
Julia E Briggs  W  Mar  37
Elsie B Briggs  Dau  11
Dora E Briggs  Dau  9
Kathleen J Briggs  Dau  5
Leslie B Briggs  Son  3 mnths
All born in Yorks W R Bradford.
Also in household
Emily Smales  serv  21  Cook domestic
Lucy Smales  serv  19  Housemaid
Both born Barnsley


NExt door at the Red Lion,  there is Squire Briggs - relation?

[kizmiaz]

If thats the correct family in 1901, then they were recorded in North Bierley in 1911.

There is a Julia Evelyn Briggs living with Dora Evelyn Briggs, Elsie Beatrice Briggs and Leslie Baterson Briggs. (Its probably Leslie Bateman Briggs, though. Registered birth in Mar 1901)

Kathleen isn't at home by the looks of things and I can't see a likely candidate

Can't get any more details without viewing a transcript I'm afraid.

Glen