Genealogy Chat

I have recently got my grandmothers birth certificate and some things have really stumped me. Firstly, my grandmothers (Elsie May Ward) father was left blank, however she lists him as Harry Ward on her marriage certificate. Her is listed as May Ward (same maiden surname name as father?) but also has after her name "A note - folder paper". Does anyone know what this means?

Any help solving this puzzle will be much appreciated!

Katie

Many illegitimate children invented a father for their marriage certificate, to save the embarrassment of people finding out I suppose.

The fact that her mother shares the same surname suggests to me that she was umarried and that Elsie was illegitimate.

When/where was Elsie born? Can you find her or May n a census to confirm this?

Sam x

Elsie May Ward was born in 1912.We don't know any other information about her mother apart from the fact that she lived in islington at the time of Elsies birth. We also know that Elsie had a sister, who my mother thinks was younger and moved to america, but again no name and no birth.

Ideally we want to trace Mays mother as my mum knows that Elsie was more fond of her and never talked bout her mother. But without a marriage certificate of May to find her parents i really am stumped.

Katie

Are you able to look up the electoral roll for the address on the birth certificate? I don't know if women appeared on the electoral roll that early though, but there might be other family members listed i.e. May's father.

Selena

I think that Elsie May was illegitimate if no father is listed.

Are you certain of what is written after the mother's name. On an illegitimate child's birth certificate it usually gives the mother's occupation after the mother's name.

Women wouldn't be mentioned on an electoral register from that early.

Kath. x

The electoral register is a good idea, thank you.

do you know where i could view this?

Katiex

Kath...

Im pretty certain that is what it says directly after her name.

Katie,

Are you able to scan the certificate and send it by email? If you are able to and would like me to have a look at the words under the name just let me know and I'll send you me email address in a pm. It may be tomorrow though as I have to go shortly.

Kath. x

Ok thats fine. I will scan it tomorrow and get it over to you as soon as i have your email.

Thank you very much!!!

Katie

Have pm'd you my email address.

Kath. x

Katie regarding electoral rolls, you will need to contact the archives library for the area that the address comes under. Try Islington council.

The local record office sometimes hold electoral registers on microfilm, we found some relatives but took a bit of time.

thanks for everyones help

Katie

Hi Katie,

Did you get my reply regarding the certificate you sent by email?

Kath. x

Kath, let us know what you think.

Ozi.

Ozibird,

What was written under the mother's name was her occupation - "A note-paper folder".

Kath. x

Thanks.

Ozi.