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thanks Maddie

I have seen a few deaths that could be Sarah but that one looks possible for sure - I  will try to be more methodical now you have helped me move forward.

I wonder what Henry was like - rogue! 

All best
Steph

Wow Maddie, - That is the first time it was made clear how Herbert and Thomas walked to Grimsby.  That makes sense now.

So funny remembering all that was said to me as a child, when I was only vaguely listening - if only I could go back and ask them further stuff and share with them what I have found.

I am sure there must be family links to the Carolyn, Elizabeth & John Weedon family but I suppose Sarah could be with a family and mis-transcribed in the 1851 census with the surname of head instead of Weedon. This is the problem and the fact they were all trying to hide skeletons.

It is very kind of you to help

Thanks
Steph

Hi Maddie,

Grateful for your help.

I had wondered if the Harry Birch could be Herbert in the 1881 census and Thomas is certainly the correct  correct age for the workhouse Thomas Weedon. Sarah Ann could have died before the 1881 census I suppose but who knows - maybe George cleared off to Hampshire and left her to it.

Family legend has it that the 2 brothers walked to Grimsby from Watford [reported in the story as 'London' and 3 brothers but near enough] according to my grandmother. They both became apprenticed fishermen 1883. No sign of Sarah and seems likely that she was no longer alive unless she was the one that abandoned them all.

The swains are interesting candidates - I just cant find a Sarah in the 1851 census to account for her in any family. Perhaps Mr Swain didn't want her though.  Could she be in the workhouse or with grandma? I also wondered if inmates not included in all the census.

If the child death you found was in fact the 1845 female birth - back to the drawing board!

I will try and connect the Thomas Birch and Martha from Chesham. I am really grateful to have a new line to research. I just kept going round in circles getting no where.

 You have both given me a spurt to keep going

Thanks so much
Steph

Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for such quick response.

I was so pleased to hear from you with some further thoughts on my Weedons. I would love to learn more from your research even if nothing to do with my particular Weedons. I would find it very interesting anyway.

I know what you mean about the 1871 census with Sarah described as widow - but to be brutal, I think Sarah must have lied. Sarah Anne is described later as spinster on the mc to George Birch, but likewise George is described as a bachelor which was not the case. I am unable to find a death certificate or divorce details for his previous marriage.

I found an article via the The National British Newspaper Archive that related to Sarah Anne Weedon's 'illegitimate' child, Herbert Henry Weedon b. 24th December 1864.

Herbert's mc foxed me with George Weedon, Wood Turner documented as father but I think this describes George Birch as you thought.

Thomas Weedon married Catherine Manthorpe in 1890. The mc documents father as --- Weedon [no first name given][deceased] and again 'Wood Turner' so probably referring to George but who knows. All these fibs!

Herbert Henry Weedon died Dec 1937 still in Grimsby Lincolnshire. Poor Thomas drowned at sea when his boat, the Chilion hit Filey Brigg and sank - April 1894. He left a son, William Thomas Weedon, 18mths old. William interestingly [and sadly], also died at sea in 1941 [Navy]

My maiden name is Weeden. Herbert Henry's children all seem to have started to spell their surname as Weeden instead of Weedon, including my grandfather Fred Weeden.

I have 2 brothers and 3 nephews with Weeden surname but there are numerous Weedens in Grimsby Lincolnshire area - no doubt related to me via Herbert [who had 4 boys and 3 girls] and Thomas. [one of my nephews is on the famous Weeden's list if you google the surname]

Peter - I am not sure how to go about off line communication. I did register with Rootschat so my email is available via this forum. If you wouldn't mind informing me how I go about letting you have this, I would love to hear more when you have the time. I really appreciate it - thank you again, although I wouldn't wish to give you the headache I have with this branch of the family, who have obviously done such a marvellous job at hiding the truth. It is unfortunately my direct line and of most interest to me.

Best wishes
Steph

 

Hi 
I am sure this is a long shot but I wonder if you perhaps have any information relating to my WEEDON ancestors among your Hertfordshire WEEDON/ WEEDEN research. I have been trying to find more details regarding my 2 x great grandmother SARAH ANN WEEDON b. 1845 [6]Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

I am still unable to confirm her birth or who her parents could be [after several unsuccessful years of trying]. I am also unable to find any evidence relating what happened to her after her marriage to GEORGE BIRCH [b. St Pancras 1838] Bushey, Hertfordshire 1872.

The only information I can confirm:-
[Children x 2]
1. 1864 - HERBERT HENRY WEEDON [my g grandfather] was born in Watford Union Workhouse [father not named on the bc]
2. 1868 - THOMAS FREDERICK WEEDON also born in the Watford Union Workhouse - name of father not given but his later baptism recorded him as Thomas Frederick Birch [so possibly George Birch was in fact the father of Thomas]
3. 1871 Census - Sarah is recorded as housekeeper, 227 High Street, Watford with her children, GEORGE BIRCH and his children [from previous marriage to MARY ANN BENNETT], GEORGE 11 & WILLIAM 10.
4. 1872 [17th March] marriage to GEORGE BIRCH, Witnesses CHARLOTTE MONK & THOMAS VALE. Sarah's father is recorded as HENRY WEEDON a Tailor. George's father is recorded as GEORGE BIRCH, a shoemaker.
5. 1865 Watford Newspaper reported Court of Petty Sessions that WILLIAM BAKER NEWTON is accused of being father of Herbert Henry.
6. Unable to find any of the family in the 1881 census but both Herbert and Thomas were apprenticed fishermen in Grimsby Lincolnshire 1883 where the family settled.

I am unable to find any further details or deaths for Sarah or George.

There seem to be many links and marriages between the Birch's and Weedon's over several generations. [one branch in South Africa/ Rhodesia]

I found one bc for a FEMALE WEEDON 26th August 1845 Watford Union, Rickmansworth with mother recorded as CAROLINE WEEDON and again no father.

Its driving me mad so any suggestions would be very much appreciated. I am nevertheless prepared for further blanks as I have a feeling some of the facts may have been 'misrepresented' in the first place.

Best wishes
Steph