RootsChat.Com

Hi,

I'm hoping that someone might have access to the 1798 Directory for Leeds. I'm trying to sort out Nettletons in Leeds in late 1700's and would be interested in anything listed.

Thanks for any help.

Nettle.

Hi,

I see from the 1861 when he is married that they are Travellers (on the 1861 they are living in a Travelling Caravan in the Market Place, Bilston). His wife Sarah is from Stourbridge. All children born Dudley.

1861 Bilston:
George Winsper 36 b. Bilston. Confectioner.
Sarah 30
Mary 9
Clara 4
Sarah 2
George 1

I think i have also found them on the 1851 census in Stourbridge. Most details fit apart from their ages but i think its them - again living in a caravan and same occupation.
1851: Stourbridge.
George Winsper 37 b.Bilston. Travelling confectioner.
Sarah 36 b. Darlaston
Henry 1 b.Dudley.

Cannot find him on the 1841 - I wonder if anyone else knows the chances of finding travelling folk on the 1841 census?

Nettle.

This looks like Harriet's father to me which of course gives you your family line if true. As to whether its the same father as her older siblings that looks less likely to me. Presumably the same father as Emily though - if you can find the b.c to check.

Regards

Nettle.

what a fascinating puzzle - unfortunately one that may have no definitive solution but - the sort of thing i love about family history.

a few quick thoughts are:
i) could William Challis acually be William Walter Harmsworth (without the Moore). Moore could have been added for the convenence of the childs birth certificate.
ii) this same William could be the natural father of Harriet - but of course nothing on the b.c.
iii) could Harriet's middle name of Webb suggest a different father - if indeed Eliza did eventually settle down with this Harmsworth then more likley that Harriets father is same William. But would be good to link the name Webb with him in some way.

These are just my initial thoughts - they are probably not new to you perhaps..........

Nettle