Your thoughts please

[carrielovesfanta]

Hi all,

I'd like your thoughts on something I turned up yesterday please.

I was looking for the christening of Henry Lagden, born c.1811, South Weald Essex. His place of birth is consistent through the censuses.

What I found was:

Henry, son of Ann Hawkins, born 8/07/1809, christened 30/07/1809, reputed father Henry *** it wasn't very clear but it looked suspiciously like Lagden to me.

I've had a look in the censuses for a Henry Hawkins born at the time and place and can't see one.

Do you think that this Henry Hawkins could be my Henry Lagden? and any thoughts on how I could proceed?

Thanks very much

Caz

[Bill749]

Hi Caz

I think you've cracked it - if the father was reputed to be Henry Lagden, but he never stepped up to claim his son, Henry would have continued to use his mother's name.

The fact that reputed father and son both have the same given name strengthens my belief that this is definitely the right one.

Regards, Bill

[carrielovesfanta]

Thanks Bill

I wonder if perhaps Henry and Ann married - would that explain Henry taking his father's name?

Caz

[Bill749]

Very likely, Caz, although it didn't always happen - I have one in my tree born before his parents were married and, although he had his father's surname as a third given name, he was always known officially by his mother's maiden name.

Regards, Bill