Hi all,
I am helping a friend with their family research & have hit a brickwall as regards the above named persons. I cannot get any further back with either of them!
Joseph Henry Redfern married Lucy Ellen Tidy in the September Qtr of 1918 in the Lewisham Registration District. The marriage likely took place in either Lewisham or Sydenham as that is where they were living at the time. The marriage does not appear to be online at all.
Prior to the marriage James Henry Redfern may well have been just plain Joseph Redfern, the Henry seems to appear about the time of the marriage. In 1918 he is at 38, Acacia Road, Sydenham as James Redfern (Electoral record) & in 1919 he is at 152, Sydenham Road, Sydenham, as James Henry Redfern living with a James & Elizabeth Tidy (Electoral record.) James & Elizabeth Tidy must be related to Lucy Ellen but how I do not know, as I can find nothing more of them either!
I have I believe found James Redfern in 1901, age 6, born London in an Industrial School in Chigwell, Essex (St John the Baptist Ophthalmic School). I haven't as yet been able to find Joseph in 1911 or any Military records for him as regards WW1.
I have I believe also found Lucy Ellen in 1911 as Ellen Tidy, age 12 born Carshalton, Surrey as an inmate in the Croydon Union Children's Home at 316, London Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. I cannot find her in 1901 though.
Joseph & Lucy had nine children born between 1919 & 1936 all registered in the Lewisham registration district.
Joseph Redfern died in 1936 aged 42 (born c1894) and his death was registered in the Sept Qtr in Lewisham Reg Dist. Lucy Ellen died in 1976. Her death was registered in the Dec Qtr in the Lewisham Reg Dist. The Death Index gave a date of birth for Lucy as 21st April 1898.
Neither Joseph's or Lucy's births appear to have been registered as far as I can see. Also I have been unable to find any baptisms either.
So the question is who on earth were Joseph & Lucy's parents?
If anyone can assist with solving this one, my friend and I would be extremely grateful!
Many thanks in advance.
Kind regards
David