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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Kent => Topic started by: victoriajoule on Thursday 08 December 16 04:28 GMT (UK)
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Hi
I was wondering if anyone was able to check bastardy records for the following child for me ?
Eliza Beer
Born abt. 1820 in St Peter, Kent.
Information I have:
Eliza married Nathaniel Gregory in 1843, on the certificate the father is Unknown
Eliza's death certificate in 1880 states she was 60 years old - so assuming she was born in 1820
1851 census says she was born in St Peters, Kent abt. 1820
1871 census says she was born in Reading Street and was 46 - making her DOB 1825
Unfortunately the 1861 census seems to cut the family in half and the page with Eliza on isn't available.
I have found a possible baptism in 18 Apr 1819, St Peter Kent, with mother name of Elizth...but don't know how I can go about proving this.
...so a long shot I know, but if anyone is able to check this out for me (I live in NZ), I would very much appreciate it !
Thanks
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Who were the witnesses to the marriage.
Do you have Eliza in 1841
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Hiya, sorry it took me a while to get back to you - that busy time of year !!
Witnesses at the marriage were Emma Allandan and John Harman.
Nope don't have Eliza in 1841.....I have found a couple of "possible" siblings for her, Job Beer and William Beer so will start hunting them.
Thanks for any help you can give !!
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Job & William do look promising as possible siblings. I can't see an Emma Allandan or surname variations that would fit that witness :-\ I was hoping she may be a married sister
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On the 1841 census -
Piece 468, Book 4, Folio 44, Page 16 - Fort Crescent, Margate
John HARMAN (Mariner)
Eliza BEARE aged 20
Emma ATHERDEN aged 20
Emma ATHERDEN married William JOHNSON on 6th January 1845 at St Lawrence Parish Church, Ramsgate. The witnesses were Nathaniel and Eliza GREGORY.
Suspect witness on the marriage of Eliza Beer 'Emma ALLANDAN' was probably Emma ATHERDEN?
Tony
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Thats a great find thank you Tony !!
Eliza and Nathaniel named their second daughter Emma Elizabeth so she was obviously important. I will look into her further, especially as the family moved north after Nathaniel died - I wonder what happened to emma !
Can I ask - do either of you know whether anything like bastardy bonds would exist in Kent at this time ? I know that its a long shot but want to make sure I explore all possible areas
Victoria
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Bastardy Bonds as such ceased in 1834 when the Poor Law Amendment Act was passed. It was possible to obtain such after the new law but was very difficult and expensive. The effect was to make the responsibility for illegitimate children fall on the mother.
Sorry that this response probably is of little help.
Regards,
Tony
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Actually it does help. I thought it was a long shot, but now think it is unlikely there is anything which would identify Eliza's father. Thanks for all your help !