Finding some disobliging relatives

[Christchurch Lil]

As I search for some of my relatives, I've found how disobliging they are, in refusing to be found. So I wonder if anyone can advise.
Despite repeated trawls through the passenger lists to NZ held by Archives NZ, I can find no record of my great grandmother Lydia Ellen Bennett, who came to NZ from Gloucester around 1876. (When Lydia  married Frederick Lurch in 1887 at the age of 21 in Lyttleton-her intention to marry said she had been in NZ 9 years)
Family stories have her travelling with her  father George, but he too is invisible so this may be inaccurate.
I am wondering if there is any way to trace her from the exit end- are there searchable shipping lists for emigrant ships from England, or other options I  haven't considered?  Miracles very desirable, but a good idea is just as welcome

[Arranroots]

Hi Lil

Welcome to Rootschat! 

Can you tell us everything you know about the family please?  Do you know George's occupation and whether there were any siblings, or his wife's name?

Will have a look at census records for you and am going to Gloucester on Tuesday if you can think of anything worth checking by then?

kind regards, Arranroots 

[Christchurch Lil]

Hi Arranroots,
Most of what's known doesn't even qualify as hard data, but may be enough to get a bead on her.
Lydia's marriage cert has her father, George as a miner and her mother Ellen as nee Studard/t.
Family story had her living near the Forest of Dean. She had a younger sister. Their mother died when the girls were young and the younger sister was adopted by an aunt. Subsequently Lydia and the father came to NZ. According to my maths, her dob was approx 1864.
I'll appreciate anything you may find, thanks for taking an interest
Best Lil

[Rena]

Sorry can't help but surely the surname should be spelled Stoddard(t) ?

Rena

[Christchurch Lil]

Could well be Rena. I did consider it, but even a magnifying glass didn't help me to conclude anything definitive
Best Lil

[Tees]

Hi Lil

I think I have a possible marriage registration for you:

Dec Quarter 1860

George Bennett
Ellen Stidder

in District of Westbury S (in Gloucester) Vol 6a pg 364

Stidder may sound like Studard somewhat.

I will search birth registrations on your Lydia. Do you have her sister's name?

Hopefully this information help you a bit!

Kind regards,

Tees

[Tees]

Hi again,

I think this is Lydia's birth entry but I can't be certain:

Bennett, Female

in Mar Quarter 1863

in Westbury S Vol 6a pg 225

OR

Bentt, Ellen

in Sept Quarter 1865

in Westbury S Vol 6a pg 214

I think your best bet would have someone here to check on the 1861 UK Census to see if your Lydia's parents were in Westbury or not. Then, in 1871 UK Census to see if they have two little girls living with them or not.

Cheers,

Tees

[Christchurch Lil]

Thanks for this Tees,
I'll get onto following these up. Such largesse!
Best Lil

[Tees]

Hi again,

Another possible marriage for you:

Mar Quarter 1861

Bennett, George
Studdeard, Ann

in Bethnal Gn Vol 1c pg 433

This page has another couple whereas previously mentioned marriage I found has only one couple on the same page. Bethnal Gn was in London.

You never know if Ellen has another forename.

You are more than welcome!

I wish you the best of luck!

Kind regards,

Tees