Where can I look for info on a Sheffield worker?

[sjc204]

(I've previously listed this on Sheffield Records forum, but I need more ideas.)

I'm trying to trace the origins of Michael Comer.  From his Marriage Cert, Death Cert and some censuses he would be born around 1866 in Galway, Ireland.
 
I am already in touch with many cousins and relations and I have been told his likely parents, but looking in Irish records there are at least two births that could be him.  I need a bit of extra data to show if one or neither of these is correct and make a positive link.
 
If I could find his actual birth date that would do it, but no-one in the family has it.
 
My hope is that there might be records in Sheffield that would have a clue.
 
He was a bricklayer's labourer in 1891, and "bricklayer's labourer in Steelworks" in 1901 & 1911.  (Not found in 1881 - he was probably still in Ireland.)  He lived until 1922.
 
Are there any records of the steelworks employees?  George Senior's Ponds Forge is probably the place, his son worked there.  Or are there any trade union records?  They lived at Park and were supposed to be in the Park & Arbourthorne Non-Political Club  - does anyone have their membership records?  (I have written to them and had no reply).  I think he was too old for war service but could have been in something that would have records! Criminal records? Anything would do!
 
Any inspiring answers would be great!
 
Many thanks, Steve

[Calverley Lad]

What about the sheffield indexers?
I believe they have a forum, you could ask for nothing.
 Brian

[sjc204]

I'd just like to open this again in case anyone has any ideas! 

I want to find the birthday of a Sheffield worker so that I can identify which birth certificate and parents are right (more than one are possibilities).

The ancestor in question was a bricklayer's labourer in 1891, and "bricklayer's labourer in Steelworks" in 1901 & 1911.  (Not found in 1881 - he was probably still in Ireland.)  He lived until 1922.  I think he was born about 1866 (roughly).

He may have worked at George Senior's Ponds Forge, been in a trade union, been in the Park and Arbourthorne Club, but I cannot find any record for any of these.

(no luck from Sheffield Indexers website, although it is great!)

Any other ideas anyone?

[calmar]

I found this burial on Sheff Indexers. is this him?

According to 1911 census he was born in Galway.

Comer, Michael (Labourer, age 56).
     Died at 2 Smilter Lane; Buried on February 13, 1922 in Roman Catholic ground;
     Grave Number 3625, Section GG of City Road Cemetery, Sheffield

You could try  checking with the cemetery if they have any more info on him.

City Road Cemetery
City Road
Sheffield S2 1GD

Tel: (0114) 239 6068

Calmar

[sjc204]

Hi Calmar,

Many thanks for looking that out, but I already have that information, maybe I should have said.  I have his death and marriage, and I've found him in censuses 1911, 1901, 1891.  I've also visited the cemetery. 

The ages don't tally up exactly, giving his birth between 1865 - 67.  Unfortunately, even though I have his father's name from his MCert (John Comer) there are no unique Michaels within the date range, and a couple of possibilities if I go to 1864 or 1869, or further.  So I'd like to get some kind of fact that would make it clearer.

Best wishes
Steve