query roberts

[rhubarb]

I have problems!
I have the death cert of my ggrandfather John richard Roberts, (died pwllheli) 1966 aged 90,

I have his wifes death cert, died 1957 saying she was the wife of george richard roberts (same person)
In the newspapercutting for John Richards death it says the following.......
Mr  J R george Roberts died aged 90,
at the age of 16 he took part in the relief of mafeking and ladysmith(he gave his age as 18 to enlist)
I believe that particular event took place in 1899-1901? which would have made him 21/22/23?

His marriage cert states he was 24 when he married in June 1901 pwllheli, his father being Richard Roberts, settsmaker, living in Portmadoc at the time of marriage..I have looked up this address in 1901 but its not him who is living at that address

It says he was a "native" of llanfairfechan.........does this mean he was born there?? or just brought up there?
I have looked up IGI and found only 1 john richard Roberts
with father richard but the date is for a christening and its too early (1869)

there are a couple of options on the census for llanfairfechan but both have the fathers name of Richard Roberts
where do I go from here? its driving me nuts

[D ap D]

Hi

not an easy one.

firstly though, the IGI is far from complete, especially for Wales, so I only use this as a guideline.

Also, obituaries in newspapers can only print what they have been told. It is not unthinkable that your John had exaggerated somewhat on his military career, perhaps to impress his then girlfriend (later to become his wife), and she, not knowing any different believed him. The story got passed on , and this version was printed.

I think his MC is probably the best reference point, although people were also economical with the truth then.

Assuming he WAS 24 when he married in 1901, he would have been born in 1877. This also ties in with age at death. Chances are, he is not at home in the 1881 census, probably working as afarm servnt or apprentice somewhere. But, you should be able to find him in 71.

I'll see what I can find today.

D

[rhubarb]

much appreciated 
rhubarb

[D ap D]

Sorry, but ancestry have capped my subscription a day early. I can't access it any more.

Perhaps someone else can help?

D

[kimhughes]

If you can give me his birth date I could look it up on 1837 for you.

[rhubarb]

Hi Kim,

thats where the problem lies, he was born 1876/77 but there are loads of john richard Roberts!
thanks
rhubarb