How do you break through a brick wall?

[Jenny Elizabeth]

I have hit an almighty brick wall with an ancestor born in 1753.   I know loads about his life due to the fact that he had apprentices, was a City Warder in Coventry, his wife left a will etc , but frustratingly not where he was born or to whom.   I would be very interested in any ideas on how to break though this brick wall.  Or do I just have to give up?   

Best Wishes

Jenny

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jenny

The answer lies in the Parish Registers - but for where.

In 1753, our ancestors did not move around a lot; maybe to the next village or town was their limit - also as your ancestor took apprentices and was a city warder in Coventry, then to my mind he was pretty stable in his life so probably moved even less than most.

I would try to obtain an old map, plot all the locations on it from the references you have to your ancester and see how far or near he strayed from Coventry.

Then start looking through the Parish Registers for the area that gets the most references from these locations.

I have the Great Universal Directory of 1799 which lists the more prominent citizens, if you give me more details as to his whereabouts and name - will see if he is listed.

Chris in 1066Land

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi there Jenny

Thanks for the private message:

The ancestor I mentioned was called James Angliss.  This is what I know about him:

1.  He was born in 1753 and died in Coventry on 23rd December 1827.

2.  He was a fellmonger and leather dresser with a number of apprentices.  I found all his apprentices on a special website on the history of the book trade.

3.  In 1798 he became a City Warder in Coventry

4.  He had the vote and appears in a number of Poll Books.

5.  He died a Congregationalist.

6.  He was married on 6th August 1775 at St John's, Coventry to Mary Burnett.

7.  Mary Burnett outlived him and left a will.  She was able to leave reasonably substantial sums to her children and grandchildren suggesting James was a modestly prosperous tradesman. 

Any ideas gratefully accepted.  To be in 1066 Land is but a dream for me at the moment!

Have looked in the 1793 - 98 Universal British Directory for Coventry

Volume 2, Page 620 - Coventry Warwickshire

Traders:

Anglifh James, Skinner (Old English, using an f for an s)

But no further details

Chris in 1066Land

[Jenny Elizabeth]

Thanks Chris

I reckon that's my chap as fellmongery and such like involved a fair amounto of skinning.  Amazing book you have there.

Thanks again

Jenny

[shelley]

Hope you can help, I'm looking for Peter Ravenscroft Born about 1690 possibly in Chester. He married Mary (maiden name unknown) about the 2nd August 1712 and apparently they were both buried on 8th Sept 1729 at St.Chads, Over, Cheshire. If you can find any info about his parents, her maiden name and any other relative info I would be extremely grateful. Looking for Ravenscrofts in Cheshire is the proverbial needle in a haystack!!!  Many thanks Shelley

[Jenny Elizabeth]

Hello Shelley

I think you need to direct your question to Chris in 1066 Land who has the amazingly informative book.     I was the originator of the question so I received notice of your query but I can't help as I am looking for similar help myself (and therefore sympathise greatly).  Hope you get what you need (incidentally isn't John Peel the DJ a Ravenscroft.  Any relation?).

Jenny
 

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jenny and Shelly

Thanks for that vote of confidence Shelly

er, but,  sorry Jenny, your Ravenscroft will be long gone by the time that book was compiled and printed in 1798

Just in case, I did check the books though for a descendant - no luck I am afraid

Chris in 1066Land