Proving identity in the 1870's

[graemesheldon]

How did people in the 1870's prove their identity when starting at the iron works? My GG Grandfather George Sheldon moved to Thornaby around 1871 and was working at the iron works as a puddler, living in Thornaby. After that date all the marriage and census records are consistently showing that George was born in Birmingham around 1844. Unfortunately I cannot find a George Sheldon born around 1844 in Birmingham which leads me to believe that this may not have been his real name. When he started at the iron works would he have needed to prove who he was and if so what would they have requested from him?

[LisaRobinson87]

Have you found him with his parents?

[mirl]

I have roots back to Birmingham around this time and quite a few of their births were actually registered in West Bromwich.

I can see a George Sheldon on Sep 1843 and another Sep 1844, and a George James in Sep 1846.

[graemesheldon]

Thanks for the advice on West Bromwich rather than using Birmingham. This identifies some possible individuals, unfortunately George's marriage Record states his father as John, a watchmaker and none of the identified George Sheldon's have a father named John. I realize that George may have made a mistake with his father's name and occupation, but why?

[..claire..]

I can see one in 1847 at West Bromwich, Christ Church,  with a father John. Date out though.

George Sheldon born 20th Feb bpt. 21 March 1847 parents: John & Hannah.
Abode: Black Lake
Fathers Occ: Puddler