Hollands in Farningham, Kent

[sirhc]

Hi, I am trying to find any info on James Hollands b abt 1785 in Farningham, Kent.  He married a lady called Mary Howlett on 3 may 1807 in Lewisham.  The family were living in Bermondsey in 1841. (HO107/104712) in 1851 they were living at Upper mIll, Southwark.

I have found a possible but not sure whether I have the right one.  

possible James Hollands born in Farningham 1785 bapt 23 Oct 1785 to James & Charlotte, sisters Ann b1788 & Charlotte b1790

How can I make sure that this is my James?

Grateful for any help
Thanks
Chris

[lizdb]

You probabyl  have as much evidence as you are likely to get.
If there are no other James Hollands chr in Farningham around that time it seems you must have found your man!
Other possible checks could be if the Dad left a will mentioning him, with an address in Bermonsey or some other indication that it was "your" guy. Or maybe one of the sisters in a later census visiting, or being a witness at his marriage ... you really never know till you find it!

But it seems likely you have the right one. It is always difficult to prove once you get back before Civil Registration.

[sirhc]

Thanks very much for your reply.  I suppose before Civil Registration we must go with our gut feeling. 
Now to find James and Charlotte – any ideas?

[lizdb]

I wouldn't say go with gut feeling particularly, but rather follow all the evidence you possibly can, until something comes up to counter it.
In this case the lead you had was that he said he was born in Farningham in 1785.
So, following that, you are led to someone with the right name, right place , right year.
So unless there is any reason to suppose this isnt him (most likely scenario being there are others with the same name in the same place at about the same time, and you have homed in on the wrong one - but you can check that out easily) then no more is needed.

[casalguidi]

I see that the witnesses to the 1807 marriage were Edward KIRBY and Eliza RUDDERFORTH - have you  researched them to see if either of them are related in some way?

What about Ann HOLLANDS bp 1788 and her sister Charlotte bpp 1790 - have you established what became of them .......... who they married/where they lived/are they ever with any other relatives etc. and similarly for their parents?

Casalguidi

[sirhc]

Can you send me more details re the marriage as I have been unable to find a marriage for them.  I will research the witnesses and the sisters. 
Thank you for your help – it is really kind of you.  I have been looking at this family for so long I cant see the wood for the trees!

Chris

[sirhc]

Sorry got really confused then (and excited) thought you had found a marriage for James and Charlotte.  My brain is really getting haggled.

[casalguidi]

Lewisham St Mary 3 May 1807 by banns
James HOLLANDS ba otp (native of Farningham Kent)
Mary HOWLETT sp otp (native of Norwich)
Wit:  Edward KIRBY and Eliza RUDDERFORTH

Casalguidi

[casalguidi]

Oh, ok, just seen your new post.

Casalguidi