Ilkley Parish Records - Robert CHAPMAN 1815

[jennynz]

Hi,

I am trying to find a birth record for Robert Chapman who was born about 1815-1816 in Yorkshire, possibly in Ilkley. 

Robert left England about 1838 and went to Australia and then to New Zealand.  He died in Melbourne in 1882 aged 67, his death certificate states his fathers name is John Roberts and he was a farmer, but I am unsure if the surname Roberts is correct.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks
Jenny

[dave the tyke]

Hi Jenny,
wow this one's a bit of a needle in a haystack. Can you add any more details ?

Why do you think his birth place might be Ilkley ?
Was he known as Robert Chapman throughout his life in Oz and NZ ?
Did he marry, and if so is there an age and father's name given on the marriage Certificate ?

From what we have so far I would guess at a father John Roberts and mother  ? Chapman with birth before wedlock.

The Parish birth records for Ilkley are deposited with the West Yorkshire Archives
Central Library
Prince's Way, Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire BD1 1NN
01274 433600
They are very helpful and might be able to do a search for you

Also you could try the Bradford Family History Society (google Bod-Kin for the address)

Dave

[jennynz]

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply.

There are a few references to Robert Chapman's life in NZ in books and these state he was from Ilkley, but I haven't found any official sources.  Both marriage and death certificate just say Yorkshire.

He married in NZ in 1851 which is before the NZ Marriage Act, so details on the marriage record are very brief, no parents names listed or place of birth, Robert is aged 35 in 1851.  His marriage and death certificate state his name as Robert Chapman, the only reference I have ever seen to father John Roberts was on the death certificate.

Is all a bit of a mystery!

Thanks for your help.

Jenny

[Chappies]

Hi
Re Robert Chapman I have just registered you may have found out about Robert Chapman as it was a post about 6 years ago. Robert was born in 1814 his parent I believe were Thomas and Jane (nee Littlefear) Chapman. I was told he was born in Ilkley (also try Skipton and Grassington) and left in 1832 with a man named Kaye. Lived in Victoria outside Melbourne farming. He came to NZ and took up land for Kaye around Rangiora along the Cust River. Married Sarah Brough in 1851 and had 8 children. He purchased the land from Kaye who returned to England.

[Chappies]

Hi
I do have more on the Chapman Family

[jennynz]

Hi chappies,

Thanks, I'm interested to find out more about Robert Chapman. I've just sent you a private message, hopefully you get it!

Jenny