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Herefordshire / Cornelius Birch
« on: Monday 03 December 12 11:35 GMT (UK) »
Does anyone have Cornelius Birch of Hereford (b. 1817 Hereford St Owen) in their tree? He's listed as my Gt Gt grandfather's father on the birth certificate, although my Gt Gt grandfather's surname is Williams (George). His mother is Caroline Williams.
I'm wondering if Cornelius was a romany gypsy. My grandmother who was descended from Cornelius was very dark skinned and we always wondered where it came from. I believe that Birch is a romany surname and Cornelius seems to be a popular romany christian name, however Cornelius seems to be settled in a house by 1841.
Also there is a Welsh connection to this family - the same grandmother was christened in Trevethin near Pontypool, I have no idea why as the family were in Hereford as far back as 1817 and my Gt grandfather had moved to Hammersmith when Nan was born.
Any ideas?
I'm wondering if Cornelius was a romany gypsy. My grandmother who was descended from Cornelius was very dark skinned and we always wondered where it came from. I believe that Birch is a romany surname and Cornelius seems to be a popular romany christian name, however Cornelius seems to be settled in a house by 1841.
Also there is a Welsh connection to this family - the same grandmother was christened in Trevethin near Pontypool, I have no idea why as the family were in Hereford as far back as 1817 and my Gt grandfather had moved to Hammersmith when Nan was born.
Any ideas?