Finding proof of relation to my father

[Maggie1895]

Michmoor, it was the formally/formerly (which was what you posted) that was confusing me.   If both certificates spell it formerly then it really does seem as if it has to be the same woman and you've got your proof of relationship between the girls.
Even better, at least you know your father's family stories were based on fact. Good luck with it all

[Michmoor]

Okay Everyone I just want to thank everyone for their contributions.

Whilst the family tree is not 100% I think I have enough to demonstrate a good case that my father is the only living relative of Thelma and therefore entitled to the estate.

Am posting all the evidence off tomorrow so we see if the authorities agree!  But will let you know the result.

Also interestingly enough have also managed to locate some old photographs of some of the relatives, its interesting to be able to put some names to faces!

Thanks everyone.

[Michmoor]

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone who contributed to the above is still around 

I was asked to let you know how it turned out 

Well thanks to the contributions in the thread it set me on a journey which had its twists and turns and I found out some very interesting family secrets.  In the end I went back to 1876, paid a visit to the ancestral home of Stourbridge and a lot of phone calls and requests to the registry within the Isle of Man, the Isle of Man board here was also helpful in plugging a few leaks in the knowledge as well; but the end result was 

The Isle of Man authorities have accepted my father is the rightful heir to his first cousins estate   

So again thank you for your contributions and helping me on the way to a successful conclusion, it has been a hard, sometimes frustrating, rewarding but in the end very worthwhile six months, have learned a lot   

I think I am going to carry on and investigate the rest of the family tree now 

[silvery]

Good news about the inheritance!!          It's nice to hear the ending.   I'm sure you'll have just as much interest and pleasure in finding out about the rest of the ancestors.

[Maggie1895]

Michmoor, as Silvery says, really pleased to hear you had a happy ending!

I once described family history as like "playing Sudoku with people".   Re-reading your thread I think that bears it out.     Good luck with the rest of your tree, it sounds as if you have the bug well and truly now, just like the rest of us, and if (well, 'when' rather than 'if') you hit brick walls, remember there's so much help available here.