Richards Surname

[philRichards]

Hi all.

I have been searching for a few years and I am stumped..

So I thought I would join this amazing site, the amount of info is daunting..

If anyone is searching for relations to John Richards from South Shields let me know.

Many thanks

Phil

[KGarrad]

Welcome to RootsChat!

Do you have any dates to help us get started?
Or any people connected to John?

[philRichards]

Wow that was quick.

According to the 1911 census he was 47, born in Bolton Lancashire.

His wife Elizabeth (no surname) was born in Backworth Northumberland.

I also believe his family originated from Wales.

A lot of info I found in a newspaper clipping as he worked at the William pit in Whitehaven.

For some reason, I can't find Birth and Marriage records...

Any help much appreciated.

Thank you

Phil

[Ruskie]

Phil, if you purchased the birth certifcate of any of the children, you will get Elizabeth's maiden name.

I chose Donald as I think the same is a bit less common:
Births Jun 1899
Richards  Donald   
S. Shields 
10a 898
Let us know if you need help with the ordering process through the GRO (General Register Office).

You might want to wait a little longer in case we find John and Elizabeth's marriage, but as you have some common names there, the above birth certificate may be the best option to ensure you are tracing the right family.

I will see if I can come up with anything more.

[KGarrad]

The 1911 census also gives the number of years married.
Added to that, the eldest child was born c1889.

So maybe this marriage fits?

June qtr 1885
Gateshead district    vol 10a, page 1083

Richard, John
+ and on the same page +
Fee, Elizabeth

But, as Ruskie pointed out, much safer to buy one of the children's birth certificates!

[Ruskie]

Have you looked for the family in any other census Ken?

I was just about to do so (in case there are any relatives living with the family to give clues about Elizabeth's surname), but I don't want to repeat anything you have already done. 

[Ruskie]

Added to that, the eldest child was born c1889.

There is an earlier one, Henry, b 1887, Seaham. Looking at the places of birth of the children, it seems that father John was following the work.

[KGarrad]

1901 census doesn't offer much help!

Class RG13, Piece 4745, Folio 82, Page 40

John is born Manchester
Elizabeth born Backworth
Plus Henry(14), Elizabeth(12), Mary(10), Alice(8.), John(6), Joseph(4), and Donald(2)

[KGarrad]

1891 census (RG12, 4140, 111, 71) at Ryhope Colliery, has John's brother George Richards (age 31, b Bolton) staying with them.