Looking for my family name

[bilko1956]

My Great Grandfather came from Russia in 1900. His name was changed at the docks by mistake. He lived and died in Manchester as Samuel Polinsky. His son Abraham changed the name to Paulden in 1930.

I would like to know the family name in Russia. Any help appreciated.

Thank you

[avm228]

Welcome to Rootschat 

Is the family Sam(uel) and Sheba Polinsky, with children Abraham 1905, plus Rosy and Harold (and maybe more - were there more)?

I see birth registrations for:

Abraham Polinski, mother’s maiden name Berger, Mar qtr 1905 Prestwich
Rosa Polinski, mmn Berger, Jun qtr 1906 Prestwich

Have you found a marriage for Sam and Sheba?  If it took place in England it should tell you their fathers’ names and occupations.

[Milliepede]

Have you found him on the 1901 census?

I can't see a marriage yet in England.

[bilko1956]

yes that is correct.

My Great Grandfather Samuel and  wife Sheba. I believe they were married in Russia. When they came to England, I was told immigration put down Polinsky as the surname. Samuel couldn't speak English and signed it with an X. My surname was Polinsky for 30 years until my grandfather changed it to Paulden in 1930. We are named after the biggest store in Manchester at that time.  (he had a great sense of humour). So I just don't know my real family name from Russia. Sheba's surname was Berger.

Thank you for your interest and help.

[avm228]

A few questions:

Were there more children after Harold?

What happened to Sheba? I cannot see a death for her.

Have you found Sam and Sheba in the 1939 Register on Findmypast?


To be honest, if there was a peremptory change of name (in error) then it is likely to be virtually impossible to trace the original.  But you never know, there may be something - which is why it would be helpful to fill in the gaps as much as possible.

I do wonder though - even if a form was filled in wrongly at the port, why would that have changed Samuel’s identity?  And how would he even have known about it, if he couldn’t read the relevant document?  Family stories can get a bit convoluted over the years, which is why we ask rather searching questions

[rosie99]

Is this Sheba 

Deaths Dec qtr 1957 
POLINSKY    Hilda   
age 78   
Salford    10f   559

[bilko1956]

Yes you are a great detective.

My great grandmother seemed to have three names: Sheba, Sophia and on her death certificate Hilda

Were there more children after Harold? Frank and Barnet

What happened to Sheba? I cannot see a death for her.

Have you found Sam and Sheba in the 1939 Register on Findmypast? Can't find them as you have to pay. I am already a paid member of Ancestry.co.uk. Many 4/6 cousins listed on there.

Name:   Hilda Polinsky
Death Age:   78
Birth Date:   abt 1879
Registration Date:   Dec 1957
Registration district:   Salford
Inferred County:   Lancashire
Volume:   10f
Page:   559


To be honest, if there was a peremptory change of name (in error) then it is likely to be virtually impossible to trace the original.  But you never know, there may be something - which is why it would be helpful to fill in the gaps as much as possible.

I do wonder though - even if a form was filled in wrongly at the port, why would that have changed Samuel’s identity?  And how would he even have known about it, if he couldn’t read the relevant document?  Family stories can get a bit convoluted over the years, which is why we ask rather searching questions

[avm228]

Barnett is interesting.  I can see his school records for 1921 & 1923 - birthdate 1 March 1916 - father Sam(uel) Polinsky, of 36 Trafalgar St.

Birth registration then:

Barnett Polinski, mother’s maiden name Schulman, Mar qtr 1916 Manchester.

[rosie99]

That is interesting, I wonder if this is another child 

Birth Sep qtr 1913   
Blinskey    Doris    mmn Schulman   
Manchester    8d   450