Father not recorded

[chuck]

Hi.
Ive been doing some research into my family and have recently obtained my fathers birth certifcate. Now I can remember when he was alive that he was reluctant to talk about his father and my mother also says he never mentioned him much. Imagine my shock when I find out that the name of the father was left blank on his birth certificate (14/10/1923). He does have some surviving siblings but Im reluctant to progress any further with my research for fear of causing them any upset.
Any suggestions on how to progress would be most helpful.

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Chuck

Had the same problem with my wifes grandfather - no father named on his birth certificate of 1919.
He was one of several children, all of which had their fathers name on their certificates. We checked the Parish Registers for baptism records - again it was the same, all had fathers listed except him.
(We have got our own ideas why!)
As yet we have not got any further forward with our quest to find his father, but his wife is still alive, although in her 90's and some of his siblings are still alive who we will be meeting in the spring for the first time.  We are hoping that we can then drop hints or perhaps Nanna (his wife) might have an idea why her husband did not have a father listed, although there was one listed on his marriage certificate to Nanna in 1941.

Tread softly my friend

Chris in 1066Land (Hastings)

PS - We are hoping that paperwork in Nanna's house may solve the problem when she moves on to a higher plain and the possible scandal can not hurt her.
 

[JDG]

Hi.
Ive been doing some research into my family and have recently obtained my fathers birth certifcate. Now I can remember when he was alive that he was reluctant to talk about his father and my mother also says he never mentioned him much. Imagine my shock when I find out that the name of the father was left blank on his birth certificate (14/10/1923). He does have some surviving siblings but Im reluctant to progress any further with my research for fear of causing them any upset.
Any suggestions on how to progress would be most helpful.

Hi Chuck,
From personal experience, I know just how difficult this is, but I think that the only way you are going to be able to proceed is to tactfully ask questions of the most approachable surviving sibling. The main reason that people do not want to discuss such events is the shame factor, try and make it obvious that your relative has no reason to feel any shame. Take it steady and good luck.

Incidently, what does your parents marriage certificate say in the father colomn?

[chuck]

Hello.

Its blank Im afraid. Just a line. I have just spoken to my Mother who thought that my fathers mother had been married before in the name of Brown. But I think it could be the other way round. She was a Bonner (maiden name) then Smith (first marriage?) then I suspect she married again to a Brown

[chuck]

Sorry didnt read properly. I havent got my parents marriage certificate yet.

[JDG]

Are you saying that your father was born during the time that his mother was not married, between 1st and 2nd husband? Or is his birth close enough to the 2nd marriage to be the offspring of the 2nd husband and when the birth was registered the registra decided not to records the father?

[chuck]

JDG.
I have no idea. As I said I believe my mother got things round the wrong way with the second marriage. Its just a hunch that I have. I spoke to her earlier and she believed that Annie Louise, my fathers mother was a Bonner then Brown then Smith. Smith being my surname. However on the birth certificate it says Bonner (Maiden) and the Mothers name as Annie Louise Smith so I deduce from that that she was a Brown in her second marriage.  

[JDG]

JDG.
I have no idea. As I said I believe my mother got things round the wrong way with the second marriage. Its just a hunch that I have. I spoke to her earlier and she believed that Annie Louise, my fathers mother was a Bonner then Brown then Smith. Smith being my surname. However on the birth certificate it says Bonner (Maiden) and the Mothers name as Annie Louise Smith so I deduce from that that she was a Brown in her second marriage.  

Let us know how you get on and good luck!