William Common Born abt 1853 Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, Durham

[JenB]

Of the 11 names listed two are not on the GRO website, William Commons and Catherine Jane Clark.

Not relevant to the original enquiry, but Catherine Jane is on the GRO website, her christian name spelt Catharine 

[jonw65]

Well done, Jen.
She is M19/72 in Sunderland!
It does prove there are eleven names indexed on page 311 instead of the usual ten.
John

[AntonyMMM]

Should only be 10 names.
One is
ATKINSON, WILLIAM       
Mother's Maiden Surname: — 
GRO Reference: 1853  D Quarter in SUNDERLAND  Volume 10A  Page 311

My guess would be that this is an early example of a registration where unmarried parents are both named.

In the "old" printed indexes, that sort of entry is indexed twice, under each parent's surname.

In the "new" GRO index the rule seems to be that where unmarried parents are both named, then the entry is indexed only under the father's surname and then the mother's maiden name will be (correctly) a blank.

That would suggest the father's name was Atkinson and the mother Commons , but you can only be sure by ordering a copy (there are other possible, but less likely, explanations).

[Grandies]

Thank you, its certainly a curly one. From all of your helpful hints, I have sent off a copy of the index to the GRO for advice. I had previously reported the omission to them, but was told their records were correct and no amendment necessary.
 I will also order the Atkinson birth certificate too.
The surname shown in all census from 1881 to 1911 is William Common, giving his age estimated to 1853, and his birth shown as Monkwearmouth or Sunderland County Durham.
I have not found him on any census before 1881 .
On his marriage to Jane Ann Wilson on 1st July 1876  he is shown as William Common aged 22 Glassman, and his father William Common, Boilersmith.
Perhaps the Atkinson mentioned may be his mother’s name.
Definitely a puzzle.
Thanks for all the helpful ideas.
Eileen

[jonw65]

I see that I have wondered before whether William Common the glass maker might previously have been William Muirhead. Following work by Kay99 on Joseph Henzell Commons.

What about William Muirhead?
In 1871 in Newcastle he is 17 years old, born Sunderland, son of son of Robert and Mary A.
Robert Muirhead a Flint glass maker.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V5BX-6Y7

Marriage of Robert Muirhead and Mary Ann Common (father Joseph) in Newcastle in 1854
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NFJ9-9P3

So Mary Ann would be the sister of Joseph Henzell Commons born 1837?
Is there any further sign of William Muirhead after 1871? Don't think there is a birth registration.
John

[JenB]

I see that I have wondered before whether William Common the glass maker might previously have been William Muirhead. Following work by Kay99 on Joseph Henzell Commons.

Ozgrandies, are you the same person as 'grandies' who posted the thread jonw refers to?
topics and profiles now merged

[Grandies]

Hi again,
I did have an earlier account which I was unable to access or restore as I am no longer able to access that email address. If there is a way to combine the accounts I am happy to do so.
To whom should I apply, please?
I have explored several Henzell records wondering perhaps a Henzell - Common marriage  connection  but so far no success.
Thank you,
Eileen

[sarah]

Yes Eileen I can merge your two accounts.

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Regards

Sarah

[Andrew Tarr]

That would suggest the father's name was Atkinson and the mother Commons , but you can only be sure by ordering a copy (there are other possible, but less likely, explanations).

Or vice versa, perhaps ?  A child with no legitimate father would normally be registered by the mother, in her surname ?