William Rothwell Wolfenden b. 1884

[Thornbird4]

Hi.

I have only relatively recently discovered through DNA testing that my biological grandfather was William Rothwell Wolfenden b. 1884 in Oldham.   My mother, along with her two sisters,  were his illegitimate daughters born between 1920 and 1925. I understand he was a married man with children and never lived with my grandmother.   His military records show he was discharged on medical grounds.  I have his death certificate and have found some information on him from the census records but cannot find any family that knew him or would know of his shady past.  Any suggestions on what I should do next.   I really want to find out more about him and these circumstances. 

Many thanks. 

[CaroleW]

Previous post here

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=807394.9

"shady past" suggests criminal activity rather than an extra marital affair. 

Have you tracked the marriages of any of his legitimate children to determine if they had children etc etc.  We cannot give you details of any living descendants as Rootschat has a strict no living persons policy.

[heywood]

All questions - sorry.
Is there any information through your DNA match?
You say you believe he was married with children, have you found these?
His military record shows him in Newton Heath?
Where did he die?
Who reported his death?
What was his status on the death certificate?

[CaroleW]

Died 1937 Heywood Lancs - no will/admin

[amondg]

William married Mary Ann Birch 1901 registered Oldham
Children
William Edward 1902-1902
James 1904-1904
Edith 1905-1906
Amelia 1906 (married ?Hindley) died 1944 age 52
Floretta 1908 reg as Florrie
Agnes 1911 (Married Albert E Thomas) died 2009 age 98

maybe more between 1911 and 1917
Harold 1917  - died 1970 age 52
Clifford 1918 died 1986 age 67 
?
Irene Lottie 1923 (married Terence McGovern 1940) died 1988

1939 Clifford and Irene are living with sister Agnes and husband 24 Cicero Street

William senior died 1937 age 52, his wife Mary Ann died 1932 age 52

52 is not a good age in this family.

See also Find a Grave
Phillips Park Cemetery- William, Mary Ann, Amelia and Agnes are all on the same headstone.

[garstonite]

Baptism: 7 Jan 1885 St Mary, Oldham, Lancashire, England
William Rothwell Wolfenden - [Child] of William Henry Wolfenden & Amelia
    Abode: Bower Street
    Occupation: Fitter
......................................
so did William marry Mary Ann Birch when he was 16 - in 1901 - if so - do we know how old Mary Ann was ? what year did she die and what age was she ?

[heywood]

The information above is available on several published trees plus mention of the ‘other’ family - or at least the probable subject here together with a photograph in one tree at least.
Have you contacted any other tree owners?
Are you just trying to find out about his life? As he died in 1937, any living descendants may not know of him or his lifestyle.

[Thornbird4]

Hi.

Thank you so much for your replies.  I shall look into the information you’ve provided and hopefully can move forward with my search.

Heywood: I haven’t been able to find any photos.  Is it a picture of William? 
Through the DNA results I managed to find his great granddaughter but she didn’t know anything about that side of the family.   Before my search I only knew his name so was delighted to find a match which confirmed who he was. 

Thank you all again.

[heywood]

The photo is the other side - I thought it might be your tree or a connection.

Is the assumption that he stayed with his wife and children? The later birth from his marriage comes between the other births, I think.

I am just thinking that I can remember and know about my grandfather’s life  - he was born 1877.
However my children and grandchildren would have limited knowledge.
If William’s connection to Annie Vickers wasn’t known or discussed in her family, you would imagine that it wasn’t in his family from his marriage.

It might be just that you have to plot his life history through addresses and occupations.