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How to research English grandfather

How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 2:15PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 15 Aug 2013 4:00PM GMT
I am trying to find some information on my grandfather that was born and raised in England. He moved to the US in his 30's I believe!? (roughly around 1959) I unfortunately don't know much about him. It's like he is a big family secret because my grandmother didn't get along with her in-laws. I know my grandfathers name, birthdate, death date, mother's first name and his father's name. Other than that, I know nothing of my family or his past. Does anyone know where I can go to look for information? Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 4:01PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 15 Aug 2013 4:06PM GMT
"I know my grandfathers name, birthdate, death date, mother's first name and his father's name."

Post that information and someone will be able to point you in the right direction.

In the meantime, thoroughly explore GENUKI, especially the sections entitled G"etting started in Genealogy" and
"Researching from Abroad". See http://www.genuki.org.uk/contents/

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 4:54PM GMT
Classification: Query
My Grandfathers name is David Skinner, Birth date June 10, 1922 and his death date is March 24, 1996. His mother's name is Gladys and his father's is David. Also thank you for you help and the link!

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 5:12PM GMT
Classification: Query
This looks like the marriage reg.Purchasing the marriage cert should give his DOB, fathers name,an address and occupation.Purchase from GRO cost about £9.25 per cert.



Name: SMITH, Gladys M

Registration district: Birkenhead

County: Cheshire

Year of registration: 1916

Quarter of registration: Jan-Feb-Mar

Spouse's last name: Skinner

Volume no: 8A

Page no: 1005

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 5:18PM GMT
Classification: Query
Based on that information (and provided it is accurate), this looks like the index entry for his birth registration:


Births Sep 1922

Skinner David Smith Birkenhead 8a 791

There is a marriage which looks like his parents:

Marriages Mar 1916

Skinner David Smith Birkenhead 8a 1005
Smith Gladys M Skinner Birkenhead 8a 1005

To proceed further, you need to purchase certificates. Do this direct with the General Register Office (GRO), using the online ordering system at www.gro.gov.uk. Do not be tempted to order via third parties who offer to get the certificate for you - any such "service" will cost a great deal more than the statutory fee of £9.25 (including worldwide postage).




Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 15 Aug 2013 7:00PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 15 Aug 2013 7:03PM GMT
Surnames: Skinner Smith
Using Freebmd you can search for other potential children called SKINNER with mother called SMITH.

Births Jan-Mar 1917
Skinner Irene E, Smith Birkenhead 8a 735

Births Jul-Sep 1917
Skinner Florence A, Smith Birkenhead 8a 795
(Seems to be too soon after the birth of Irene)

Deaths Oct-Dec 1917
Skinner Florence A 0 Birkenhead 8a 546

Deaths Apr-Jun 1918
Skinner Irene E 1 Birkenhead 8a 495

Births Jan-Mar 1919
Skinner Grace E, Smith Birkenhead 8a 617
Skinner John E, Smith Birkenhead 8a 591

Births Jul-Sep 1922
Skinner David, Smith Birkenhead 8a 791

Might be wrong if there is another SKINNER SMITH marriage.

FreeBMD has index of Births Marriages and Deaths from 1837 to about 1960.
http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/

Bryan

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 16 Aug 2013 2:44PM GMT
Classification: Query
OH wow! Thanks! How do I go about purchasing this???

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 16 Aug 2013 2:53PM GMT
Classification: Query
See the message from member carobradford, they have given you the link to order cert.

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 16 Aug 2013 2:54PM GMT
Classification: Query
Thanks again! Also, do you know how to go about looking up census past 1911? That seems to be the latest I can find.. (I am new to all of this!)

Re: How to research English grandfather

Posted: 16 Aug 2013 3:23PM GMT
Classification: Query
The 1911 is the latest you'll find. Have you had a chance to look at GENUKI? Just about anything you'd want to know about researching English ancestors can be found there, including links to pages like The National Archives' census page (see http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/census-records.ht...).

For very useful information about birth, marrigage, and death certificates, see the tutorial at http://home.clara.net/dixons/Certificates/indexbd.htm

There are also some helpful links on this board's information page.
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