Elizabeth Merchant - Completed Thanks

[Sal1525]

Hello,
I have been trying to find Elizabeth`s birth details, for quite some time now, born about 1860 Leicester.
On her marraige certificate her Father was John Merchant an Upholsterer. She married Robert Welsh in St Micheals Derby 1882.  It is the census details that give her place of birth and DOB.
Both Elizabeth and her Father later use the name Merchant-Barnes.

Elizabeth is quite an enigma, quite a story of highs and lows, truth is difficult to determine with this lady___a victim of circumstances , perhaps.
I am beginning to doubt that she was born in Leicester at all. I have found Merchants there and followed them through- thier life patterns, as best I can, nothing seems to fit

She marries again and has many children-some of which are placed in Barnados.  I can trace her in Chatham 1891c onwards.
But cannot take my search back beyond the 1881c.
If anyone can help, I would be most pleased.

[Sandymc47]

Hi Stomper

Had a look for you and as you say its  hard to trace her.
I did find two Elizabeth Merchants and wondered if this is why
you cant trace her very well.
In the 1871 census there is a Elizabeth living in Belper, Derbyshire
and thats not far from Derby city so wondered if this is who you found
marrying in Derby? She is living aged 9 with her Mother Mary, no Father there
and siblings
Mary Merchant  Head  39
Elisabeth aged  9  born Belper
Mary Ann aged  7           "
Lydia Jane aged 4          "

Then there is another Elizabeth Merchant and her Dad is John on the 1861

John C Merchant  head  aged 36  Labourer born Somerset
Mary Jane                              30                      "
Celia  aged  6  born Kent
Elizabeth aged 4      "
John aged 1             "

living in Plumstead, Kent.
With you saying she is in Chatham, Kent in the 1891 just wondered
if this was that Elizabeth??

Hope this helps a little,
regards
Sandymc

[Sal1525]

Hello Sandy

Thankyou for your reply. She is definately a puzzle.

I wasn`t aware of the census info in Plumstead and shall be following this up very shortly, thankyou.
The Belper connection has had me going around in circles.
I think Elizabeth had a troubled life, many aliases, relationships and children_she has not been honest with thier DOBs neither. 
I don`t know if I have reached a stage where I am attempting to make the pieces fit or not, hence the post, fresh eyes and searches may be able to shake this stubborn tree loose.
So, I am grateful for your efforts. Thankyou.

[Sal1525]

Hi Sandy,

Happy New Year to you.
Thankyou for your time on my post.

On the Leics: requests board, I posted details for Elizabeths husband Robert Welsh and a nice chap there is/has helped me significantly to break down thier background details. 
 I now have a Baptism , parents and sibling of Elizabeths, fantastic!--
She was CR/ 10 August 1862 Leicester
So after all that she did come from Leics!!

Not to undermine your input Sandy_most grateful for your help-thankyou.

[Sandymc47]

Hi Stomper
So pleased that you have found the right Elizabeth. As you say it does
get complicated when there are a few people with the same name and  the same age.
Hope you manage to get the family sorted out. Hopefully my info might
be helpful to someone elses family.
Take care
regards
Sandymc   

[Sal1525]

Hi Sandy

Thankyou for your assistance.
Best Regards