Hi,
I realy need help in solving the Florence mystery, and I have no idea where to turn to solve it.
It all starts with my ancestor, John Florence, who was born on the 3rd September 1842, at Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. His father was William, who was a spectical maker, and his mother was Alice. I can not find them on the 1841 Census, even though they should be in the Uttoxeter/Burton-Upon-Trent area, as I have found John's brothers and sisters christenings on the IGI.
I am also having trouble finding the Florence family on the 1851, and 61 census. I have also had trouble with the 1871 census, where I believe I have only found John, who seems to be using the name George Handley, or Mandley.
From 1881 onwards, every living Florence appears, but William has died, and his widow Alice, has no idea where she is born, so I can not find the christenings. To make matters worse, they origonate in the Pontesbury area of Shropshire, and as the moved to Staffordshire early on in there marriage, they could be born any where within the two counties, or even further a field.
And just to make matters even worse, there is three different spellings of the surname, which can be wrote as Florence, Florance, or Flourence
Can any one help me work out this mystery, which has already taken my 4 years without success. I would miuch appreaciate any help.
Tippin
