Elm [1841]

[jb72]

My great great grandfather was William Bellamy (b. 1841).  Census details I have been able to find for him are as follows:

1871: b Elm, 1841, living in Horncastle & married to Sarah (nee Roberts) w/ various children
1881: b Wisbech, 1841, living in Horncastle & married to Sarah (nee Roberts) w/ various children
1901: b Wisbech, 1841, living in Horncastle & married to Sarah (nee Roberts) w/ various children

My problem is that I have been unable to track William in the earlier 1841-61 Censuses (as well as 1891 oddly), and as such have never been able to track his/ my lineage further back.  There are other William Bellamys in the area, but nowhere close enough to 1841 to be convincing.

Whilst Wisbech is stated twice as the place of birth, the fact that the smaller town of Elm is stated in one suggests to me that it was probably Elm where he was born.

I believe that the Wisbech Museum has the Church records for this area - is there anywhere else I should be looking?

All the best.
Joe

[groom]

How do you know Sarah's maiden name? If you get the marriage certificate this should give his and her father's names and would help you get back another generation.

Jan

[groom]

Here's the marriage in case you don't have it:

William Bellamy
Sarah Ann Roberts
March quarter 1867
Horncastle 7a 645

Jan

[jb72]

Thanks Jan,would the certificate back then have a dob?

[groom]

No date of birth but it might give their ages if you're lucky. Otherwise it could just say "of full age" ie over 21.

It should also give his occupation and possibly their fathers' occupations.

Good luck

Jan

[suzard]

also witness sometimes are family members and so give further clues


Suz

[Selina]

A William Bellamy was baptised at Elm in 1837, I don't have full details.  I can't see a suitable one at Wisbech.

Selina

[Selina]

Cambs FHS website
http://www.cfhs.org.uk/cgi-bin/baptismindex.cgi
Baptism Index gives Samuel and Mary as the parents of the William baptised at Elm in 1837.

Selina

[jb72]

I got the wedding certificate I had ordered for William & Sarah back yesterday confirming Samuel as the father (as you suggested Selina).  As for age it just stated "of full age" unfortunately. 

Wisbech & Fenland Museum also came back to me with the baptism record for William, confirming Samuel was a Cooper - matching the profession of the Samuel detailed on the wedding certificate.  I have my man & last night found them in the 1841 Census too!

Thanks very much for your help Jan, Suz and Selina.  Much appreciated.

Now to start on Samuel :-)

Best.
Joe