George Sheldon born abt 1843 Birmingham.

[graemesheldon]

I am trying to find the birth record of George Sheldon who was born around 1843 in Birmingham. His father was John Sheldon who was a watchmaker. I have tried searching in findmypast and Ancestry but no signs of success yet. Could anyone help?

[giggsycat]

He may not have been registered Graeme.

In the early days of Civil Registration the onus was on the Registrar to travel around the district to record new births. Some parents thought it was enough to have the child baptised.

Giggsy

Edit: The only one I can see is a George SHELTON, as opposed to SHELDON.

Births Sep 1842   
Shelton    George        Birmingham    16   219

Mother's Maiden Name SHEPPARD.

SHELTON, GEORGE       SHEPPARD     Order
GRO Reference: 1842  S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM  Volume 16  Page 219

[crisane]

Do you have  George's mother's maiden name? If so you could try searching on the GRO index.
Did George marry a Mary ?? and move to Yorkshire? There in the 1881 census? I am having trouble finding him earlier.
It may be that he wasn't born in Birmingham but remembers this as the place he lived or has given it as the place most recognisable closest to a small village or town where he was born.

Good find giggsycat 

[giggsycat]

Only a good find if it's right Crisane! 

Giggsy

[graemesheldon]

George married Mary Challoner in Stockton-on-Tees in 1873 and lived in Middlesbrough with Mary and his family until he died in 1919. There is a census record for a George Sheldon in 1871 lodging in Thornaby.
Prior to 1871 I cannot find any census records for George and his father together at the same address.
The marriage record may help:
https://mediasvc.ancestry.com/v2/image/namespaces/1093/media/61ef0a0f-75c4-4903-b276-45505856b07a.jpg?client=Trees&imageQuality=hq&maxWidth=1040&maxHeight=487

[crisane]

Only a good find if it's right Crisane! 

Giggsy

Unfortunately it isn't. The parents of this George are George Shelton and Frances Sheppard. I found this out when I saw them on the 1851 census with George and his siblings one of who is Julia born c1847. Found Julia on the GRO index mothers maiden name Sheppard.

[graemesheldon]

I will keep digging to see what more I can find.

Graeme

[crisane]

I have spent an awful lot of time searching for this man this morning without any results.
I tried just using George born 1843+/-2 born Birmingham. Also Sh*l*n 1843 +/- 2 Birmingham and other combinations I can't even remember now.
I did not associate these searches with a father John or with or without occupation watch maker.
My eyes started to roll doing a search for a John with or without occupation watchmaker.
It may be that George was illegitimate and after his birth his mother married so he is recorded under his stepfather's name, then at marriage he reverted to his mmn. Why couldn't he have had his mother living with him in at least one census.

[graemesheldon]

Sorry for having such a difficult ancestor 
I am wondering if the witnesses at the wedding may be of any use. They seem to be a William Harwood? and Anne Pearson, could they be relatives?
George is my GG grandfather so it is rather important I try and solve this one. 

I really appreciate all your efforts. Thank You.

Graeme