Author Topic: Traveller ancestors  (Read 680 times)

Offline madjan80

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Traveller ancestors
« on: Monday 12 April 21 08:11 BST (UK) »
We are researching a family of fairground travellers with the name of Pelham. I have managed to get back to the baptism of Henry Pelham in 1806 in St Martins in the Fields parish. His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth. I keep drawing blanks with trying to trace Joseph Pelham. This may not be surprising as the family story goes that a Frenchman arrived in England at some point probably during the 18th century and wanting to hide his identity took the name of his future wife - ie Pelham who happened to be from a traveller family. 

Henry married twice - to Hannah Marshall in 1830 in parish of St George the Martyr Southwark and secondly to Catherine Ford in 1836 in St Mary Lambeth and had 4 daughters and one son.

I have just found what might be the dissenter burial of Henry's mother Elizabeth Pelham - on the 28th February 1831 in Walworth born c 1786. Her address was given as Locks Fields which was a wintering area for gypsies / travellers.

Does any of the information ring any bells with anyone out there? We would very much like to hear from you and share any information we have.  Thanks.

Offline Milliepede

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Re: Traveller ancestors
« Reply #1 on: Monday 12 April 21 15:02 BST (UK) »
If it helps the Henry baptised in 1806 has the middle name Randall.  Born 12 Feb 1806.

There's a marriage 9 Feb 1800 St Martins between

Joseph Pelham & Elizabeth Keede
Hinchliffe - Huddersfield Wiltshire
Burroughs - Arlingham Glos
Pick - Frocester Glos

Offline madjan80

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Re: Traveller ancestors
« Reply #2 on: Monday 12 April 21 16:27 BST (UK) »
Thanks for this Millipede. We already have that information about Henry and quite a lot more.

Our main problem is verifying the marriage of his parents. Given the family history we are not convinced that the Joseph Pelham / Elizabeth Keede marriage was the correct one.

But thanks again for taking the trouble to write.  Best wishes Madeleine