Genealogy Chat

Hi, I haven't been here for quite a while and don't remember how to do everything. I gave up after getting nowhere far on one side of the family. Thing is I am looking for informtaion on my grandfather Hugh Patrick Graham he was born in 1904 in Fulham. On his birth cert his mothers name was marian murphy no father named. His sister was Mary Graham on her birth cert mothers name was Mary anne Beglin father named as Arthur Graham. However she had no recollection of him as a child, their mother said he worked away. My Grandfather joined the army there was some discrepancy (sp) my Grandmother (hugh's wife) died with a secret according to a cousin. We (children of both Hugh and Mary) believed they were brother and sister and that their mother had had hugh out of wedlock came to England changed her name and whatever else. Now we think he may have been adopted. Where do I start? Please help. It couldn't be worse really with a name like Murphy. I will be here forever but if that is what it takes.. Thanks for listening and any help would be much appreciated sophie

can i just split up the facts abit Hi, I haven't been here for quite a while and don't remember how to do everything. I gave up after getting nowhere far on one side of the family. Thing is I am looking for informtaion on my grandfather Hugh Patrick Graham he was born in 1904 in Fulham. On his birth cert his mothers name was marian murphy no father named. His sister was Mary Graham on her birth cert mothers name was Mary anne Beglin father named as Arthur Graham. However she had no recollection of him as a child, their mother said he worked away. My Grandfather joined the army there was some discrepancy (sp) my Grandmother (hugh's wife) died with a secret according to a cousin. We (children of both Hugh and Mary) believed they were brother and sister and that their mother had had hugh out of wedlock came to England changed her name and whatever else. Now we think he may have been adopted. Where do I start? Please help. It couldn't be worse really with a name like Murphy. I will be here forever but if that is what it takes.. Thanks

Q) how come his surname is Graham if that isnt his mothers name? this is his birth reg, surely? MURPHY Name: MURPHY, Hugh Patrick Record Type: Births Quarter: December Year: 1904 District: Fulham County: Greater London London Middlesex Volume: 1a Page: 269

Nope....I've read this several times and can't get it!!!!! (I'm here for ever as well!!) You didn't say when Mary Graham was born? When you say she didn't remember ''him'' as a child, do you mean she didn't remember the father, or her brother?? When you say Hugh may have been adopted, what exactly do you mean?? (who brought him up then?) and how is he a Graham on his birth cert ??? Merry

Im totally addled~there seems to be two different mothers too I cant see how these two were brother and sister. One has a Murphy mother ~ and no father the other has a Beglin Mother and a Graham father

The January'06 issue of Family History Monthly, available from WH Smiths for £3.30, has an article on Tracing Adopted Ancestors. This may be of use to you. I'm currently trying to trace my mother's birth mother's family. My mother is still alive so she has been able to contact the local authority and progress the trail from there but we've still not found anyone yet. There is an association called NORCAP - National Organisation for Counselling Adoptees and their Parents - that may be able to offer advice. Their website is www*norcap*org*uk Replace the stars with full stops to be able to enter the name correctly in your web browser. Good luck with your search. Claire

yes Claire but adoption as a legal process didnt happen until 1927 so there will be no records in early cases

Ah.......Is light dawning??? Are you saying Mary Ann Beglin and Arthur Graham had a daughter, Mary Graham, and they were also the adoptive parents of the illegitimate Hugh Patrick Murphy (and changed his name to Graham)??? No legal adoption in those days though....... Merry

wish sophie had stuck around to tell us what she was thinking!

maybe she has gone for a lie down in a darkened room?? Feel like I could do the same LOL Merry

Hi, I am glad I am not the only one that gets confused by it. As far as Hugh and Mary were concerned they were brother and sister. In fact Mary's daughter only came to find out about the birth cert last year. Hugh thought and led his family to believe that Mary anne Beglin was his mother (real mother of Mary graham) I think when Hugh joined the army the birth cert and names issue came up. Sorry mary anne was born in 1909 in Wimbledon. I am a Graham and he was my grandfather whether or not the name has been changed I have no idea. Mary did not recall a father ever, hugh died(1974) long before anyone started researching,

Sorry Thanks both, and sorry I am a slow typer. lol. Yes you got it Merry, so can you help me?

I can't see a marriage for Arthur Graham to Mary thingamejiggy....... Never mind that though.........I can't see how you can ever find the exact truth.....You MIGHT glean something from the 1911 census when it comes out in 2012......At least who was living where etc. At the moment the only person who might be traceable anywhere is Mary Beglin, but maybe she was Irish too?? Can't see her here in 1901..... Only other prospect would be to check the electoral rolls for their adresses to see if Arthur Graham features at all....... If Mary and Arthur took in Hugh, there would be no paperwork to support it. Strange that a woman who may not have had her man around would take on another child?? Maybe Mary B and Marian Murphy were related??? Merry

Thanks Claire Goodluck with your research sophie

Ok thanks. Yes Mary beglin was Irish too, I think I have found her on family search. Father was John Beglin and Mother was Bridget Clarke. Born in Garradice. 2nd Cousin found those names and garadice scribbled on paper when clearing out her mothers house when she died. Thanks I will wait til 2012. Is there no way you can trace anything in Ireland like you can her? Thanks sophie

There's a thread called ''Great News'' (by Teresa with irish Blood in me Veins) about the Irish census returns....maybe the 1901 miight help in some way?? The thread may still be underneath this one.....(UPDATE - No, it's just moved and is now higher up the board than this thread) Merry