Finding parents pre census

[julies198]

I am trying to find the parents of William Armstrong born circa 1801 in Cumberland, I know he married Mary Graham however there are two marriages for a William Armstrong and Mary Graham in Cumberland. One is Jun 1839 and the other 6 Aug 1842. I have found that the William Armstrong who married Mary in 1842 has a father listed as Thomas Armstrong but no other information. I have no idea where to start looking pre-census. It seems to be a very common name in that area. Any advice on where to start?

[Gan Yam]

Armstrong and Graham are very common names in Cumberland, especially north Cumberland, both being reiving families.  Where in Cumberland are William and Mary from?  Do you know if they went on the any have children? Have you checked Familysearch for church marriage records, pre 1837?

[julies198]

Thank you, I have not tried. I’ve really only used Ancestry.

William & Mary had William Armstrong born circa 1800. I don’t know whether he had siblings.

They are from Brampton/Lanercost/Longtown

[MonicaL]

Have you found William and wife Mary in the censuses to help you confirm birth places and ages? They were the parents of Catherine here www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=881175.0 ?

Monica

[julies198]

Yes I have but it’s their parents I want to find, luckily Mary’s mother lived with the family so I found her mother’s information but not William’s parents.

[Dundee]

I know he married Mary Graham however there are two marriages for a William Armstrong and Mary Graham in Cumberland. One is Jun 1839 and the other 6 Aug 1842. I have found that the William Armstrong who married Mary in 1842 has a father listed as Thomas Armstrong but no other information.

I cannot see an 1839 marriage.  These names are on the same page in 1839 at Longtown RD but they didn't marry each other.  William married Eleanor EDGAR and Mary married John BLAYLOCK.

William and Mary's son Joseph was baptised in Jan 1837 so he was born before civil registration started.

Debra 

[Gan Yam]

Two possible baptisms for William Armstrong of Lanercost:

3 Nov 1799 parents William Armstrong and Jane Scott Armstrong.  Marriage 6 Jan 1787

3 May 1802 parents John Armstrong and Mary Noble. Marriage 18 Dec 1797, although this William appears to have married Elizabeth Little

[amondg]

How do you know William Armstrong's father is Thomas?

Do you have the marriage certificate?

First son Joseph usually named for the paternal grand father
First daughter Mary named for maternal grandmother

[amondg]

Your William is the Stone Mason correct?

Do you have this:- Cumberland Pacquet dated 22 April 1817. Deaths. At Brampton. Sunday Se'ennight Joseph Armstrong Stone Cutter and Mason.

Is he perhaps a grandfather, occupations run in families.