RootsChat.Com

Thanks Carole.  Yes I suppose the support might have been voluntary and off the books.  Brick wall is looming!

I am trying to trace the father of three illegitimate children born to Mary Brindle in Oldham in 1862 (Isabella), 1865 (Mary Alice) and 1868 (Maria).  All surname Brindle.  The household features, for example, in the 1871 census at Piece 4099, Folio 71, Page 30.  The father description was left blank on their birth certificates and marriage certificates.  Mary describes herself as a widow in the 1871 and 1881 censuses, but there is no trace of a marriage to another Brindle.  The only clue I have is on Mary Alice's death certificate in 1884 where her occupation is described as daughter of George Brindle, joiner (deceased).  I strongly suspect that the "Brindle"is made up.  But maybe  there could be some substance to Christian name and profession?

I have already (in some desperation) gone through most of the Oldham census to try and find a George the joiner, and found only one - a George Thompson.  But since there were no links to the Brindle household  (eg neighbours, a link to the names Isabella, Maria etc)  this feels tenuous to say the least!  So I would welcome any thoughts on new lines to follow.  Might there, for example, be some record of a child support order that could shed some light?  I feel a brickwall coming up!

They could be one and the same.  I've also looked at the birth and death certificates for Gerrit (1820-1820) and the signature seems to tie in.  According to this family tree - https://www.genealogieonline.nl/stamboom-krajenbrink/I1845.php - Adolph was an employee in the Quartermasters at Alkmaar.  Perhaps this is mentioned in his marriage certificate? So the army connection might also be a common factor.

This is surprisingly difficult, given how good Dutch records normally are!  I found a Johanna Antonia Reijnders on wiewaswie.nl born 10 March 1812 in Arnhem, which ties in with her declared age on the birth certificate of her daughter.  But have otherwise drawn a blank so far.  Can I ask why you are looking at this couple?  Perhaps searching via siblings could help?