Finding George RICHARDS

[Outlaws]

I am trying to find my 3rd great grandfather. Born we think in 1836
He has a son  John Richards born in Bolton 1861 can’t confirm his mother’s maiden name
John RICHARDS was married in Felling Durham in April 1885 to Elizabeth Fee his Father’s name was shown as George Richards - Photographer
I have been unable to trace George through ancestry or find my past
Just wondering if anyone can help me establish his identity
Thanks OUTLAW

[Girl Guide]

Perhaps this birth for John?

RICHARDS, JOHN  WILLIAM     CHARNLEY 
GRO Reference: 1861  S Quarter in BOLTON  Volume 08C  Page 301

I'll check marriages and see if this is likely.

[Girl Guide]

Well I've found a George C Richards photographer living at 175, Warde Street, Hulme, Chorlton, Lancashire with his wife Hannah and son also called George C Richards.

This is in the 1861 census

Registration district   Chorlton
Enumeration district   52
Archive reference   RG09
Piece number   2898
Folio   60
Page   2

I'll look at the 1871 for this family and see what that says.

[Girl Guide]

Not finding anything likely looking at all.

Is it possible that John was illegitimate and therefore made up a father's name on his marriage cert?

I cannot find anything in the 1861 or 1871 that would fit George photographer.

[Girl Guide]

Is this your John in 1891?

Living at Railway Street, Ryhope, Sunderland, Durham with wife Elizabeth and children Henry, Elizabeth and Mary J.

Also with them is his brother George born 1860 coal miner as is John.

Registration district   Sunderland
Archive reference   RG12
Piece number   4140
Folio   111
Page   71

The image states John was born in Manchester.  I'm pretty sure this is your John as there are birth registrations for the two girls.

RICHARDS, ELIZABETH       FEE 
GRO Reference: 1888  S Quarter in HOUGHTON LE SPRING  Volume 10A  Page 488

RICHARDS, MARY  JANE     FEE 
GRO Reference: 1890  S Quarter in SUNDERLAND  Volume 10A  Page 624

[Outlaws]

Hi thanks for the quick reply
I too have found a George richards in the 1861 census  being a photographer, however I don’t thinkHannah is John’s Mum. I have also sent for the birth certificate showing CHARNLEY as a maiden name but I can’t track any relationship between her and George RICHARDS.
I do know that there is still a photographers in Durham using the name Richards.  I have emailed them, but had no reply.  I shall try to ring them.

I too have have had no results in 71/81 census. Someone somewhere must know something!  I’m just having my dna analysed so that might throw up a clue. I’ll keep hunting. Thanks

[Outlaws]

Yes it is my John Richards. His daughter Elizabeth was my grandmother. I have all their details with lots of family photos. I know his brother George and him were cole miners living in Ryhop, but still no mention of Dad George Richards. So that’s whom I am looking for.
I can find no marriage listed between George & Hannah, but I think she was born in Whitehaven
Thanks

[Girl Guide]

Have you followed brother George at all?  Did he marry?  He was still single in 1891.

[Girl Guide]

Hmm interesting......

I have found a George in 1901 living at 7 Senhouse Street Senhouse Lane, Whitehaven, Cumberland

Birth year given as 1860, birthplace Bolton, Lancs and occupation coal miner.

His wife is called Margaret and appears to be nine years older, born 1851 in Whitehaven

This is what is really interesting me:-

Marriages Mar 1894 

Richards    George Chippendale        Whitehaven    10b   853   
Stoup    Margaret        Whitehaven    10b   853

You will have to decide if you wish to get this marriage certificate.