RootsChat.Com

Hi folks,

After a visit to a local reference library recently, I was again reminded of the importance of not assuming anything when it comes to the early UK census records taken in 1801, 1811, 1821 and 1831 viz. thinking they were only head counts. For the most part, this was regrettably the case.  However, I know of examples where enumerators have gone beyond the minimum requirement and have listed names and ages (although like the later 1841 census, there was a practice of rounding ages to nearest five years). So, the point of this post is really to remind people to seek out these early records, and if they exist at the local reference archive libraries for example - go and check them out. Check out all those parishes of interest. You may be surprised by how diligent some of the enumerators were more than two hundred years ago, and never forget to look at the enumerator's name on all census log books - where these exist.  A friend of mine for years could not trace his maternal several time great grandparent (although he was able to trace the rest of the immediate family).  By sheer chance whilst looking at a log taken by the enumerator for one of the census (I don't which one it was), an elusive name appeared...

There is a common belief out there that these early censuses have only limited genealogical value. For some areas, this is a complete fallacy; but for me such thinking goes against the empirical academic value of research, research, research and my advice is:

'never assume that something you have not seen has little to offer'. 

You never know, what you may find...

Happy Hunting.

Regards
Kojak

 

Hi Folks,

Does anyone have any access to regimental records for the 58th Northamptons Regt that served Queen and Country in the 2nd Boer War?

One of my ancestors served as lance corporal in the regt, and I wonder whether anyone has access to the regt archives?

Thanks in advance

Kojak

Hi Folks,

Do any of you have farming/blacksmith/agricultural/rural ancestors from anywhere in Scotland? If you do and you know names/addresses or if you are just interested in researching surnames, you might be interested in this link:

http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital_volumes/type.php?type_id=1

Once you register (its free !) you can access the following historic tax registers for 1797-1798:

The Farm Horse Tax (1797-1798)

The Farm Horse Tax rolls lists the names of the owner and number of horses and mules used in husbandry or trade in 1797-1798. In some rolls the tax inspectors made repeat visits to track down non-payers, which explains why some parishes and burghs are repeated. The listing you can view, save and DOWNLOAD pages are taken from the original rolls. 13 volumes in total !

The Clock and Watch Tax (1797-1798)

The Clock and Watch Tax rolls lists the names of clock and watch owners as well as the number of clocks and watches and tax totals. The listing is that of the original rolls. Only two volumes survive and it is fairly clear that a third volume (containing the counties of Midlothian, Moray, Orkney, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Shetland, Stirling, Sutherland, West Lothian, and Wigtown) is not extant.

I have found my 5x great grandfather on the Farm Horse Tax ! Who can you find?

Good luck...

Kojak and Redspookhunter

Hi Folks,

I wonder if anyone can help on a query we have that dates back to 1917 (specifically around 28 September).  An ancestor of my wife, Margaret Bridget Timmons, aged 5 died on that date in 1917 and the cause of death was subject to an inquest on 29 September (East Glamorgan Inquest?).  The child died of septic pneumonia due to burns accidentally received after playing with matches at her home.  She was the only daughter to Peter and Catherine Ellen Stafford who lived at 25 Waunarw Row, Dinas, Pontypridd.

Given that the death was subject to an inquest, we wondered whether this would be covered in the local press.  Does anyone know the titles of local newspapers covering Pontypridd back in 1917 and whether these are archived?

Any help on this sad tale would be appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Kojak and Redspookhunter