While I know that WARD is a very common surname in Kendal can anyone please help me to identify the parents of the above. Having trawled Ancestry, Family Search, Find My Past and Free BMD, I really have run out of ideas, and being resident in Middle Earth precludes my visit to Westmorland.
Richard was born 12 Aug 1843 in Kendal (GRO: Sep 1843 Kendal Vol 25 Page 472 and baptised 6 Sep 1843 in Kendal (England Births & Christenings & Family Search).
Parents: William and Ann WARD (England & Wales Christenings 1530-1980). I have found a William WARD who died in 1845 (GRO: Mar 1845 West Ward Vol 25 Page 369 Line 160) which could partly explain why Richard W was adopted.
An Ann BRADSHAW was baptised on 13 Mar 1796 in Kendal (Family Search C02733-8), the daughter of Henry and Sarah BRADSHAW. There is also a marriage of a William WARD and Ann BRADSHAW on 14 May 1820 (England Marriages 1538-1973). Despite many searches unable to find a William and Ann WARD in 1841 Census which fits the bill.
Richard W WARD
1851 Census - Richard W WARD had been adopted and was living with his adoptive parents John WARD & Mary (pos nee TAYLOR) WARD in Middleton, near Manchester (a relation perhaps?)
In 1861 - Richard was living with his widowed adoptive mother Mary (66) in Middleton.
1871-1901 - Richard marries a Rachel Ann HASLAM in1867 they have 3 children and he works throughout as a Butcher.
Once again, I would be most grateful if anyone could spare the time to help me continue my WARD family tree beyond Richard W.
Hokum50