Hello everyone - I'm in need of some help please. Am trying to do some research into my husband's side of the family - mostly for his dad, who lost contact with his family and really knows not very much at all about his predecessors. However, I've hit a real puzzler almost straightaway. I hink I know what the answer is, but wondered if some fresh eyes might throw up some other options - will you please see what you think ...
My Father in Law is Cyril Simpkin, born 10/9/35. When we first set out to research, the only info he gave me was that his mum was Ivy Simpkin (died 3/3/59 - aged (he thought) 63); his father was Terence Simpkin - died, he thought 1935 (before FIL was born) - but he had an inkling that his mum and dad might not have been married.
He had siblings - Jack, Richard, Joyce, Len and Rowland. And uncles: Edgar, Alma and Bill.
Now then - I first got Cyril's birth cert - Cyril Alwyne Simpkin, b 10/9/35, 79 Albert Grove, leeds. Mother Ivy Simpkin, formerly Stead - address 11 Mill Lane, Leeds. (No father on cert)
So, this made me think that Ivy might have been a widow at this point and that her maiden name was Stead. But I couldn't find a marriage between an Ivy Stead and a Terence Simpkin. Couldn't find a Terence Simpkin at all, actually - either being born, marrying or dying!
So, i got birth cert for Cyril's brother, Len: Leonard Simpkin, b 18/8/1928, 50 West Street, Castleford. Mother Ivy Simpkin (no father on cert).
This really puzzled me, so i decided to look for Cyril's uncles - found: Alma Simpkin, b 9/6/1903, Brotherton - parents William Simpkin and Lavinia Simpkin, formerly (wait for it) STEAD! For some unknown reason I had assumed that the uncles were Cyril's father's brothers but then I found a birth for Ivy Simpkin, 18/7/1893, Brotherton - parents William and lavinia, as above.
Well, this convinced me that, while Cyril's dad might well have been called Terence, I very much doubted if his surname was Simpkin! I also found registrations (although haven't sent off for certs) for a Richard Simpkin b 1922 Pontefract- mother's maiden name Simpkin; and Joyce Simpkin, b 1925 Pontefract - mother's maiden name Simpkin.
I was convinced that Ivy had borne a stirng of illegitimate children - possibly all to the same chap - possibly called Terence. But had given up any thoughts of finding out who he was and reconciled myself to following the Simpkin line as a maternal one.
However, have today received Ivy's death cert and on it, it says she was the widow of Terence Simpkin, Disabled Soldier!!! She died at 17 Bismark Place, Leeds 4/3/59.
Death was registered by Len.
I strongly suspect that my initial thoughts are still correct and that, whilst her long term fella might well have been called Terry, he probably wasn't a Simpkin. The only time she seems to come up with a 'formerly' name is when she gives STEAD which was, in fact, her mother's Maiden name.
I would so love to help Jeff's dad learn more about his family history but she's leading me a right old dance and i want to get it right for him, as he lost touch with his side of the family.
Your thought son this would be much apprectaited - thanks
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