Illigitimate Rowell - who is the father?

[Cnthree3]

Hello readers

I have had the experienec of someone contacting me and telling me my tree was wrong - writing off 4 generations and weeks of work. They were spot on and it shows me the worth of parish records and certificates - I had made too many assumptions. So i have a new brick wall to break, and I would be greatful for any steer.

Matthew Rowell born April 1839  - Illegitimate son of Isabella Rowell. Birth certificate obtained (thank you to the person who contacted me for sharing!) and no father named.

Matthew married Ann Hardy (1840 - 1899) on 20th Jan 1862 in Benfieldside Durham, and father shown on here as Thomas Armstrong. Occupation is not legable but possibly a miner

Isabella Married William Sheild on 2 june 1840 in Ninebnks Northumberland. Certificate not obtained.

Question - how can I trace Isabellas parents and how can I trace anything to do with Thomas Armstomg?

all suggestions really welcome.

[Cnthree3]

apologies I should have given more information

Isabella was born c1820 per 1841 census - North'd Allendale. When She baptised Matthew in 1839 they were living at nonebanks in Narthumberland. no father was nomed on the baptism

Matthew born 4.1839 in Allendale northumberland. deid 21/4/1905
In 1941 he was shown as 'son n law' in census to Mothers new husband William Shield and his 2 childern. He was probably a widow.

[avm228]

Start with the easy bit - Isabella’s marriage certificate for her paternal details, witnesses etc.

The alleged/claimed father of an illegitimate child will be the much bigger challenge- in most cases there will be no documents to substantiate this.

“Son in law” was used for what we would now call a stepson.

[Cnthree3]

Thanks - i have applied for the marraige certificate from the GRO.

I was wondering if there re any parish records that i might be able to view that might have Isabella's birth in .

[avm228]

There are some Northumberland and Durham baptism transcriptions on Findmypast.

[CaroleW]

The 1841 has 4 entries for a Thomas Armstrong living in Allendale - 1 born 1811 and 3 born 1816

Bearing in mind that ages were rounded down in 1841 - they are all in a similar age range to Isabella

[heywood]

Hello,

Free Reg shows this baptism. https://www.freereg.org.uk
St Cuthbert Allendale
Isaba Rowell baptised 10th September 1809
Parents Matt Rowell and Mary Sim
Abode  Catton

[avm228]

Her birth is expected to be c1820 

[heywood]

If I have the right person
1841 shows her as 30 yrs
1851 shows her as 43 yrs