I have the Seaward surname in my family tree and many of my Seaward ancestors are from the Shropshire area, predominantly Bridgnorth.
I have been tracing this surname back and have hit a stumbling block that hopefully someone can help me with.
There is a PHILLIP SEAWARD in my family tree who who was born around 1807. I know that he died in 1897 and is buried in Bridgnorth cemetery. I have him in the following census' and here are the details. (Take note of his place of birth);
1891 - Living in High Rock and Hermitage Hill, Bridgnorth
Phillip Seaward - 84 (born 1807, place of birth - Alton, Herefordshire)
Ann Seaward - 76 (born 1815, place of birth - Middleston, Shropshire) WIFE
1881 - Living in Hermitage Hill, Bridgnorth
Phillip Seaward - 74 (born 1807, place of birth - Holton, Herefordshire)
Ann Seaward - 66 (born 1815, place of birth - Billingsley, Shropshire) WIFE
Albert Seaward - 15 (born 1866, place of birth - Bridgnorth, Shropshire) GRANDSON
1871 - Cannot find Phillip!
1861 - Living in Bridgnorth
Philip Seaward - 54 (born 1807, place of birth - Halton, Herefordshire)
Ann Seaward - 45 (born 1816, place of birth - Billesley, Shropshire) WIFE
William Seaward - 22 (born 1839, place of birth - Stottesden, Shropshire) SON
Mary Seaward - 19 (born 1842, place of birth - Worfield, Shropshire) DAUGHTER
1851 - Living in Bridgnorth
Philip Seward - 43 (born 1808, place of birth - Worfield, Shropshire
Anne Seward - 38 (born 1818, place of birth - Worfield, Shropshire WIFE
William Seward - 12 (born 1839, place of birth - Worfield, Shropshire SON
Mary Seward - 9 (born 1842, place of birth - Worfield, Shropshire DAUGHTER
1841 - Living in Bridgnorth
Philip Seward - 25
Anne Seward - 25
William Seward - 2
With this information (aside from the 1851 census) it is clear to see that Philip was born in Herefordshire. I couldn't find a Halton/Holton or Alton but there is an Orleton. I found a possible baptism;
Philipps Seward baptised on 24th May 1807 in Orleton, Herefordshire. Father - Philipps Seward, Mother - Eleanor.
There is also a sibling for Philip;
John Sheward baptised on 29th May 1803 Orleton. Father - Philipps Sheward, Mother - Eleanor.
With this information in mind I looked for Philip's marriage and tried to trace Philip's parents. This is what I found;
Philip Seaward married Ann Martin - Q4 1837 in Cleoburg Mortimer, Shropshire. (Vol 18, pg 65)
Possible marriage of Philip's parents;
Phillip Sheward married Eleanor Turner on 24 September 1793 in Ashford Carbonell, Shropshire
Possible baptism of father;
Philipps Sheward baptised in Orleton 25 April 1762 mother Elizabeth Sheward.
Possible sibling of father;
Susannah Sheward baptised 3 Jan 1750 in Orleton mother Elizabeth Sheward.
Can anyone help me trace this line back? When was Elizabeth Sheward baptised? Is Phillips Seward (senior) an illegitimate child, as no father is listed? Could the first name Phillips be a clue to his father's surname?
Any help would be much appreciated!
P.S There is a Philip Seward in the 1841 census who could be the father of my Philip Seward;
1841 - Lower Hill, Kimbolton Herefordshire
James Bradley 40 wheelwright Born in County
Elizabeth Bradley 40 Born in County
Philip Sheward 80 Ag.Lab. Born in County
There are also 2 deaths registered in Leominster that could be connected;
Eleanor Sheward is recorded in the district of Leominster April 1838 and Philip Sheward January 1848 Leominster.
