Alias, AKA - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Civil War aliases

Jonidab64 — 2013-05-14 03:11:02Z

Does anyone know if the name, "John Henry" was used as an alias and if so, why?

Re: Hoover to Sanders

schlaudy — 2013-05-13 03:44:50Z

My grandma was Dorothy and Leslie was her brother.. Here is my email schlaudyno1@yahoo.com

Re: Hoover to Sanders

mz_ladyt2420 — 2013-05-12 00:44:00Z

Hi!! That's my great great grandpa, his son Les Sanders is my great grandpa!! I just wanted to know more about my family history and I saw this post!!

Re: BELAND to BELLANGER name change

emd1174 — 2013-02-12 16:51:27Z

Ha ha! Patrice, that made me laugh out loud!

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it. I will check with Hampden Co. family court records.

Donna

Re: BELAND to BELLANGER name change

rel8ively — 2013-02-12 02:34:53Z

Donna,

Sorry, I don't know where Olivia came from...

I just have to slow down. ;-)

Rel@ively,
Patrice

Re: BELAND to BELLANGER name change

rel8ively — 2013-02-12 02:32:59Z

Olivia,

Try the Probate and Family Court records in Hampden County.

Rel@ively,
Patrice

BELAND to BELLANGER name change

emd1174 — 2013-02-09 22:55:22Z

Hi,

My grandfather was named Ovila Beland when he was born. For some reason he changed his name to John Bellanger. Family stories indicate he hated his father and didn't want his last name anymore.

My mother recently told me that my grandmother (his wife) told her that Grampa LEGALLY changed his name shortly AFTER they were married - sometime around 1928. They lived in Massachusetts in the county of Hampden.

WHERE might I find this documentation, if he in fact did do this legally?

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Donna

BELAND to BELLANGER name change

emd1174 — 2013-02-09 22:52:09Z

Re: Surname Changed

garybob71 — 2012-07-22 03:44:56Z

I have as much info and pictures on the Smith side as anyone I know of. Swedish Passengers Arrivals in the United States 1820-1850 by Nils Wilhelm Olsson & Erik Wikén states the following on page 335, No. 2739, 2740 & 2741:

Erik Gustaf Andersson, servant from Sjöanda, Dalhem parish in Kalmar county, received his passport in Kalmar 3 Apr 1849 for himself and his wife. He was born in Sjöanda 22 Nov 1813, son of Anders Ersson and Sophia Torstensdotter and a brother of Christina Sophia Andersdotter(see note 2740). Before his departure he married in Dalhem, Catharina Margaretha Andersdotter (listed on the manifest as Kari Andersdotter, 21 years old. She was born in Pjäkebo, Dalhem 10 Dec 1827, the illegitimate daughter of Sara Cajsa Nilsdotter, father unknown; who in 1838 Anders Hertzog. Erik Gustaf Andersson and Catharina Margaretha Andersdotter emigrated to New sweden, IA, where the husband changed his name to SMITH. he died 9 Jan 1894 and the wife 9 July 1905. - VLA; Setterdahl, Emigranter från Östergötland.

They sailed on the Charles Tottie(Charles Tuttle) from Göteborg and arrived at NY 12 Jul 1849.

Erik and Catherine Smith were charter members of The New Sweden Lutheran Church near Lockridge, Iowa located in Jefferson County. This was the first Swedish Lutheran Church founded in the United States.

Contact me at grmyers@iowatelecom.net and I would be glad to share what I have. My wife's great grandparents were David and Estella(Smith) Clark of Boone, IA. Also appreciate what ever you have to share.

Re: What Proof to Access Name Change?

rel8ively — 2012-07-18 21:25:24Z

Actually, many people changed their name without going through any legalities. It all depends upon the time and location. Many states did not require birth or death records until the late 1920's. Even then implementation was not consistent in counties within states.

The NE states probably have the oldest records. But even then it was fairly easy to "reinvent" yourself. Just move away for a while and return to a different location with your new identity from a southern or western state. Start paying taxes under the new name and you are covered.

Social Security began January 1937. I'd guess that after that it became a bit more difficult to change names. Prior to 1937, it probably was willy-nilly.

Try searching 1920, 1930 and soon 1940 censuses using the first name and date of birth. You might find him, but it's a needle in a haystack.

Rel@ively,
Patrice

Re: What Proof to Access Name Change?

halpark — 2012-07-17 06:41:55Z

As I said, I was talking about the UK and obviously it is different in different countries about which I know nothing.

Re: What Proof to Access Name Change?

LitLemko — 2012-07-16 23:23:51Z

Sorry, this would be in the US. Grandpa Irving ???? was born ~1925 in New York or New Jersey, not sure which. I assume Social Security and IRS would be involved with a name change, as well the state. My sister legally changed her first name from Cathy to Kathi, and I think she had to go to the county seat to do it. After I was divorced, I also had to file papers to drop the ex's surname which I rarely used.

I don't believe you can just switch from Jones to Smith and back again willy-nilly, I think you have a "legal name" for signing legal paperwork. Margaret can use "Peggy" every day & have it on her lapel card, but she can't get married w/ Peggy or file her income tax that way. Irving can't just decide he likes the name "Berlin" & begin presenting himself w/ that name unless he jumps thru some hoops, right?

Re: What Proof to Access Name Change?

halpark — 2012-07-16 21:35:07Z

You do not say which country or date you are talking about so it is difficut to pass any opinion.However, if you are talking about the UK you need to remember that it is not illegal to call yourself anything you like as long as it is not done with intent to defraud - so in that case he could just have decided to become John Jones instead of Bill Smith and there would be no documents at all. In modern times he would presumably have to have things like his NHS and Natioal Insurance number in his own name, but I am not sure about those details - for anything else he could be who he liked.

What Proof to Access Name Change?

LitLemko — 2012-07-15 04:54:44Z

I've been researching my own family tree for 30+ years, and now my 20yo niece wants to know about her father's side. I started a tree for her to get her interested in genealogy, and we're OK with her father's mother 's side, but we only know the names of her father & his father. That grandfather had some kind of serious falling-out with his own father, changed his name & never saw or spoke to him again. My BIL is not sure of his own ethnic background.

Seeing all the names & faces on my tree prompted my niece to start crying on my shoulder because she didn't know her own grandfather, his father, or her real surname. I assume that she would have to be the one to legally access any name change records. I'm trying to get her to really talk about this with her own dad & see what he can recall from his memory bank, but there has been a lot of family dysfunction & suicide, so he doesn't like to remember.

So if she wants to figure out who her grandfather & his family were, how does she start & what documents does she need? Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: Database of common name changes?

eGENEee — 2012-04-22 15:44:48Z

I don't think there were "common" name changes. Every family was so different as to its preferences and reasonings, etc.

I HAVE heard that if the European name meant something (such as a color or animal or occupation, etc.) then sometimes they Americanized their name to the American word for it (Green, Wolf, Miller, etc. etc.)

You don't say when they came over -- Would they have been in any US Census afterwards? If so, have you tried searching for them by first names and approximate birth years (no surnames.)

I've found people by putting in their first name and their parents' first names, too.

Post what you know about them and other ancestry.com users may know something/suggest something...(I'll try to! :) )

Re: Surname Change

Keithwolfe62 — 2012-04-20 15:38:48Z

Thank you Patrice,

I will check with the Navy and Social Security to see what information they can provide.

Thank you very much for the help!

Keith

Re: Surname Change

rel8ively — 2012-04-20 15:07:55Z

What branch of the military? If it's not the Army, you could try to get records if he is a direct ancestor.

The 1940 census may help when indexing is complete.

Do you have any theories about the reason for the name change? During that time period very little was required to effectively change your name.

Did you try Social Security records? That's the one thing that was usually accurate. Have you been able to obtain a Social Security Number for Miller/Schlenker? Due to new Privacy Laws, I don't know how much help you will receive now from the SSA.

Years ago, while ordering a headstone for an ancestor, we found a discrepancy in his name. Social Security was able to provide the correct information. They also said that Military info may be incorrect regarding age. Many men lied about their age to enter the service, you have to take that with a grain of salt.

As far as legal name changes, you would need to know which state and possibly the county to find a record. Each state is different. Some states allow aliases without any paperwork as long as the alias is not used for illegal purposes.

Good Luck!

Rel@ively,
Patrice

Surname Change

Keithwolfe62 — 2012-04-19 20:00:45Z

I am looking for some assistance on where I should look.

I have a name given to me from family members that I am sure is correct. That person was born on 3 Aug 1909 and I can track him through 1935 with that name (Schlenker). I have letters from later years (1962 - 1973) from someone with a different last name, but same birth date (Miller). From the nature and content of these letters I know it is the same person. I can find information on the later name and that person has the same first name, middle initial, and birth date and I can track this person back to 1942 when they enlisted in the military with the new name, and their death date in 1969.

One other piece of information that may help. When the person had the original name (Shlenker) he lived in Pennsylvania. When he had the later name (Miller) he lived in California.

Any suggestions on where I can look to try to bridge from the original name (Schlenker) in 1909-1935 to the new name (Miller) in 1942-1969?

Any and all help is very much appreciated.

Thank you.

Re: Great Grandfather took wifes name

straussblume — 2012-02-26 07:03:32Z

As I remember, Marie Curie's husband took her maiden name when they married. You don't mention where or when your great grandfather married.

In some societies , and at some times in the past this happened. Also, in some areas, if the wife belonged to a famous family, the husband may or may not take her name, but the children would carry the mother's maiden name as a last name.

You need to look at the place and time when that happened and see if others were doing that and why.

On the other hand, it could be a clerical error in a particular document. If that is the case, then his own surname would show in other documents, such as on a death certificate.

Great Grandfather took wifes name

marlahelms41 — 2012-02-26 06:38:52Z

I have a great grandfather that seems to have taken his wife's maiden name when they were married. Any ideas on where to look for a reason.

Re: Is this the same family

catmrs1959 — 2012-01-18 15:22:02Z

Hi Amelia,

Unfortunatly no one seems to have any info regarding my grandfathers siblings. Maybe they settled in Denmark.
It was 1901 he was born but still a 5 month gap from March to August.

I do have a link to a Danish website, so will persevere.
Thanks for all your help.

Regards Bernadette

Re: Is this the same family

ameliamarden — 2012-01-18 13:57:47Z

Hi Bernadette,

I do think all you research is on the correct track and the fact that you have that birth record for Janet with Bridget Matthews as her mother confirms that marriage record as being correct! I would have a look for other Matthews in census pre 1861 and for marriages as well.
With regard to 1911 census - that was taken on 2nd April 1911 and then a four month gap followed before the birth of your Grandfather. Perhaps Hans/Henry was going to be at sea for some time and it made more economical sense for the family to move in together so they could support Janet.
Have you tried tracing any of William's siblings? Maybe you might be able to get in contact with someone who may know more - perhaps in Denmark?! I guess that more recent info would probably be more valuable to you.
Hope it goes well
Amelia

Re: Is this the same family

catmrs1959 — 2012-01-18 13:11:05Z

Hi Amelia,

Thanks for your help.
I do subscribe to Scotlands People & have a birth for Janet on 27 July 1871 at what looks like 2 or 3 East Shaw Street, Greenock. It shows George as Journeyman Cooper & Bridget, formerly Matthews, as her mother.
Though on the 1891 census where Mary is listed as her mothers name it says born in Liverpool, I guess that depends sometimes on who is giving the information for the census as I've come across similar things in other parts of my research.

Like you, I found George & Mary on the 1911 census but had dismissed it as 'Mary' gave Galway as her birth place. However I think you may be right about the Irish immigration point and with this George being formerly a Cooper it does seem to fit.

Onto the Hansens. My paternal grandfather was William. My parents divorced when I was quite young so I didn't have a close relationship with that side of my family. But my father always told me his father had run away to England from Denmark, stowed away I think.

When I started research & obtained a copy of his death cert it said he was born in Liverpool which totally threw me off the scent for a while. Eventually I sent for a copy of his birth cert & sure enough he was born 12 August 1901 at 18 Ruskin Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool. Parents, Janet & Henry Hansen. Also present at birth was Mary.
The Ruskin Street address is given as Mary's residence so I assumed either she was staying with her daughter or her daughter with her at the time of birth.
The confusing thing is that on the 1901 census Janet & her family were living at 9 Melrose avenue,Kirkdale & her parents George & Bridget were living at 24 Lamb Street, Kirkdale.

Anyway everything was starting to make sense re my grandfather when I found their marriage & that Hans Sofhus Bernhard Hausen (on their marriage cert) was a Danish subject (able seaman). Somewhere between 1891 & 1901 he became Henry Hansen.
I've found a possible death for Janet in 1902. I think, even if this is not her, the family went to live in Denmark before the 1911 census.
My grandfather allegedly came to England to find work. He married my grandmother in 1927 at which time he was in the Royal Tank Corps & stationed close to where they eventually settled in Surrey. My grandmother was from nearby Hampshire. In 1928 when my father was born William was a Hotel 'Boots' and they were living in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
I need to investigate how they came to be there. Perhaps he had some relatives in the area or maybe it was just where they happened to be when he left the army.

Thanks once again for your help. If you think of anything else please let me know.

Best regards Bernadette

Re: Is this the same family

ameliamarden — 2012-01-17 23:50:46Z

Hi Bernadette,

I am not sure I can be of much help but in my experience people do often use different names so I would not discount on this factor. Three of my direct female ancestors used different forenames intermittently in census/marriage/baptism records etc none of which seem to bore any relation to each other. I guess it was just relatively common practice to change your name if you preferred something else.

Anyway onto your problem. Have you looked for the birth record for Janet? This should confirm the correct name of her mother and you will then be able to see if the marriage record for George Hendry and Bridget Matthews is correct, his occupation is listed as cooper so it would seem to be a strong possibility.
I can see from 1881 census return that Janet was born in Greenock Scotland abt 1872, Scotland is also given in 1901 census. If you go onto Scotlands People website and look up Janet Hendry born between 1870 to 1874 you will see that there are 14 matches. I suggest you sign up and buy some credits you will then be able to see some more details on the matches and then if you pay a bit more you will be able to click on the one that looks most likely in order to confirm - its not in a certificate format but it will give you all the info that you would find on an English certificate.

With regard to 1911 census I did find the Hendrys:
Name: George Hendry
Age in 1911: 68
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1843
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Greenock, Scotland
Civil parish: Liverpool
County/Island: Lancashire
Country: England
Street Address: 3 Neville St Liverpool
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Cooper Formerly
Registration district: Liverpool
Registration District Number: 453
Sub-registration district: Scotland
ED, institution, or vessel: 13
Piece: 22129
Other Household Members:
Mary Hendry abt 1847 64
Galway, Ireland
Percy Hendry Nephew abt 1900 11
Liverpool, Lancashire, England

So again Mary / Bridgets birthplace is different. I do not know if there was some sort of situation with Irish immigrants in Liverpool or generally during latter part of nineteenth century that would have caused them to lie but the fact that George's birthplace is always given as Scotland shouts deliberate mistake to me!

No luck with the Hansans in 1911. What do you know of their history after this point? When/where did they die? Where did their children get married? Perhaps this might give you an indication of where to look next.

Hope this helps
Amelia

Is this the same family

catmrs1959 — 2012-01-11 18:34:08Z

George Hendry b; 1842, Scotland & wife Mary (or Bridget) b; 1846, Liverpool were my second Great Grandparents on my fathers side but I'm finding it difficult to get any information about them and hope someone can help.

I know the 1891 census I have is correct because when his daughter Janet (my G/Grandmother) married Hans Sofhus Bernhard Hausen (a Mariner) on 2 Oct 1891 her address was 26 Leyden Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool which is the address she was living at on the census in April of that year & both pieces of info give her fathers name as George, a Cooper.
By 1901, when my grandfather was born, Hans had become Henry Bernard Hansen, occupation still the same but written as Seaman Merchant Service. My grandfather was born at 81 Ruskin Street, Kirkdale, same address as Mary Hendry (informant & present at birth) gives as hers.
I've looked up that address on the 1901 census but another family are there. It's possible house numbers changed as I've found that in other areas.

By 1911 neither the Hendrys or the Hansens can be found. I've tried various spellings and immigration/emigration.

The other census results that came up are for a George Hendry in 1881, wife Bridget. Childrens names/DOB's same or similar.

Discrepencies between census results I have looked at; Janet 1891 census born Liverpool but on 1901 she has herself as born Scotland.
Both George's are Coopers and have children with same names born same or similar years. Difference between husband & wifes age is 4 years for both Mary & Bridget.
I wondered if Mary and Bridget were same person.

Have only found one poss marriage 1869 to a Bridget Matthews (some other trees on Ancestry have this also).
The more I look at these census returns the more I think they are the same family.

Handwriting on 1881 atrocious so think the name Talon could actually be John, though there is a Catherine there who doesn't appear with family in 1891. There is a poss match working as a servant in Bootle and a marriage in 1895 showing her father as George, a Cooper and mother Bridget.

Have found George & Bridget on 1901, George still Cooper but at this time no children at home.
If they are the same family why is it Bridget on the 1881 & 1901 census returns and in the middle, 1891 Mary?

Appreciate any help.

Regards
Bernadette Mahoney

Re: "alias" used on marriage record?

rel8ively — 2011-10-28 17:57:59Z

Terri,

The "alias" could mean anything. It might be her maiden name, or Fields could be (unless you KNOW otherwise). She could be a widow and Willims could be her former husbands name.

Or it could be a true alias. Just another name that she used for some legitimate reason.

Did you find any other "alias" in the marriage records. If so, you might post to those Boards (or lists) and question those names. That may provide your answer.

Good Luck!

Rel@ively,
Patrice

"alias" used on marriage record?

TeresaMayE — 2011-10-27 00:28:24Z

Hi,
I am trying to dig up ANY information on my gggg-grandfather, Phillip Wells, of Burlington County, New Jersey (born around 1770). I found the following under marriages for Burlington County:

Philip Wells and Mary Fiels alias Willims

(Mary Fields)

Can anyone tell me what "alias" means in this context? does it mean that "Willims" is her birth name?

Thanks for any help,

Terri

Re: Not your average name change

dejablue1412 — 2011-08-19 23:00:31Z

Just because you can't find a marriage certificate doesn't mean that the man didn't exist. It may mean that it was a common law marriage or it could mean that they went traveling and got married somewhere besides in the states. I have found a couple of Robert and Elizabeth Wrights. Without dates or locations of your relatives its impossible to say that they are or aren't the ones your looking for.

As you say, its very strange that a woman would open a bar and grill during that time.

Valerie Wixen Thruelsen

Database of common name changes?

vokobania — 2011-08-16 01:49:46Z

I was researching some family who came over from Hungary. The last name Czimbek appears to be of a string of family listed in one passenger list. It was an entire family and further searches yield no results. This family would have been Jewish. I was wondering if there is a database of common names changed upon either arrival or departure in certain times and via certain areas. I.e. I know the names "Cohen" and "Levy" are frequently used to re-name families whose own names were indeterminate depending on the location they were born in (or so I was told...). Any links to a database would be great. Thanks!

OPR Alias etc

sawalker174 — 2011-07-07 22:41:33Z

I have a 1802 Marriage Glenshiel, R & C, Scotland for a John McRae son to Donald McRae alias Christoper Royson Tenant at Morvich to Catherine McRae Daughter to Donald McRae Tacksman of Clunie.

I am wanting clarification in regard to the John McRae.
Was John McRae the son of Donald, Donald also known as Christopher Roy's son, who was the son of Christopher Roy? Or is there another meaning to this relationship?

Re: Change of name

jnevard — 2011-02-04 21:04:54Z

That's so interesting, thank you very much for all this information! I will certainly be getting the certificate as I think it would be really interesting to see it. I really appreciate you taking the time to help, thanks again.
Judith

Re: Change of name

essexclark — 2011-02-03 21:22:13Z

Hi Judith,

He wasn't killed, he was discharged. But more interestingly I have found a second enlistment for him, using a different second name. This time he enlisted in Sydney, NSW and stated his locality as Corowa, NSW, which is on the Victorian border. He can be found on the nominal roll at http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/script/name.asp#searchtabs Only type P for second name in the search to see both Nominal Roll records. On the second enlistment he has dropped his birth date by exactly 1 year to the day. He still listed his birth place as Richmond, Vic. This time he was discharged in 1946. You can purchase his service record $16.50 within Australia or $15 from overseas. Just email ref@naa.gov.au for details on how to do it. You will need to purchase both the Victorian and New South Wales records to get his full servcice record. I got my father's a while back and it included a front and side photo of him from shoulders up.

Re: Change of name

jnevard — 2011-02-03 19:35:53Z

Hi Diane

Thank you for your reply and I appreciate you taking the time to help. I did not know about the WW2 stuff although had heard a rumour so it is very helpful to hear that he definitely served. I imagine that he was killed after the 5 months but would love to know for sure. His son (my father) also served in WW2 for the UK as a navigator but was only 19 at the time war broke out, he would have found it very interesting to hear that his father was serving at the same time.
This does give me some information to go on so I hope to find out what happened to him at some point. Thank you again for your assistance.

Kind Regards
Judith Nevard

Re: Change of name

essexclark — 2011-02-03 09:08:50Z

Hi Judith,

Your William was the son of Laurence Edward Carson and Adelaide Dobell, birth registered in Richmond 1890, #26854. His is not listed on the Victorian death index, unless he died after 1985. William enlisted in the in the Australian Army for WW2 and served 5 months. He listed his locality as Bendigo and NOK as Adelaide Aumont.

National Archives:
CARSON WILLIAM PERCIVAL : Service Number - V82570 : Date of birth - 05 Jul 1890 : Place of birth - RICHMOND VIC : Place of enlistment - BENDIGO VIC : Next of Kin - AUMONT ADELAIDE
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsRep...

Hope this helps,
Diane

Re: Adkins to Atkins

twa19371 — 2010-12-21 18:15:28Z

Great John, My grandpa was Norman Murdock Atkins, & my mother was Marion Norman Atkins. Well hell we are related! I reckon we are 2nd cousins. Check out my tree for updated info! If u like U may call my son Jerry "RedDog" Atkins @ 615-670-1235 & conversate on this matter. We have been told all kinds of stories from Marion on our ancestors & family name. Have HAPPY HOLIDAY! Here are pics we have of Norman Murdock & Marion Norman, & Me "Thomas Walter Atkins

Re: Adkins to Atkins

Johnsprnt — 2010-12-20 20:52:25Z

I had a great uncle Murdock Atkins who had a daughter Marion she lived in Baltimore. Murdock had 3 brothers Percy Leroy, Livery and Jasper Lewis. They are from the tidewater VA. Feel free to contact me.

Trying to locate any connection to above names and if they connect to a M FRY

Re: Adkins to Atkins

eGENEee — 2010-10-28 18:50:48Z

If you are looking for vital records, then you need to include dates and locations. Then members can suggest where/how to get records.

Every state and county has different years that are available, along with different procedures.

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

oldlag_dts — 2010-10-07 15:42:16Z

Thanks for your help and ideas. Dave

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

BelleRinger — 2010-10-07 12:56:39Z

Ah. OK, well I've run out of ideas in that case. I'm sorry I can't help you - I hope somebody else can. :-)

Christine

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

oldlag_dts — 2010-10-06 23:04:10Z

Actually not a marriage certificate but a 1815 parish record with no indication of parents. Ann died in 1834 so no census records. Haven't looked for Mary Littler in census records as I've no clue as to age or where she may have been living. At the time of the marriage, Ann was in St James, Westminster.

Dave

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

BelleRinger — 2010-10-06 21:48:14Z

Actually I should say that Mary could have been Ann's sister or mother!

Christine

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

BelleRinger — 2010-10-06 21:47:02Z

Very difficult to say which surname was Ann's original one, unless you are lucky and can find Ann and perhaps Mary in the censuses. Mary could have been her sister. Is there a clue about Ann's father's name on the marriage certificate, and/or a reasonable indication of her age? That might make it a bit easier to find her, assuming she lived within the period of the available censuses.

Christine

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

oldlag_dts — 2010-10-06 20:46:27Z

Hi Christine,

Thanks for your reply. I had thought of your second explanation since my own grandfather and his two brothers have the "middle name" Catchpole on their birth certificates (late 1800s) but the surname Sandford. Their father was married to someone else at the time of their births (she had TB) and father and mother married after she died. However, the brothers didn't use the term "otherwise" and I believe just adopted the name Catchpole without ever using Sandford.

As far as Ann Littler is concerned I thought perhaps she had been an orphan or adopted (but since there was no formal adoption process in the UK I doubt that). On her marriage certificate a witness is Mary Littler, so do you think Watson was Ann's original surname or Littler?

Cheers,

Dave

Re: "Otherwise" in a surname

BelleRinger — 2010-10-06 09:39:15Z

Hi Dave,

I think there must be lots of different reasons for using "otherwise" in this context, but possibly the reason Ann Littler was otherwise known as Watson is because her mother married, either for the first time or when she'd been widowed, after Ann was born. There was no formal adoption process in the UK until the 1920s, so changing a child's surname was voluntary before then.

John Catchpole otherwise John Catchpole Stanford could have been born illegitimately to a mother with the surname Stanford, who later married the father who had the surname Catchpole. If a couple had a child out of wedlock, but they were pretty sure they would later get married, the child was very often given the surname of the father as a middle name, so that the surname of the mother could just be dropped once the father & mother were married.

As I say, these are just possible explanations - there could be many more, but I hope it helps.

Christine

"Otherwise" in a surname

oldlag_dts — 2010-10-05 21:01:51Z

What does it mean when someone inserts "Otherwise" in their surname? For example: On St. Martins-in-the-Fields parish register for her marriage, a person stated her name as "Ann Littler, otherwise Watson". Signed her name thus. Register states that she was a Spinster. I've also seen this in Probate records, e.g. John Catchpole, otherwise John Catchpole Stanford.
Thanks, Dave

Re: Surname change on grandfathers side

rel8ively — 2010-08-24 18:37:27Z

Hi,

I'm at the library, looking at Georgia's Black Book. I find several Haywoods, but no John or James. Most are black, one is mulatto.

The names found in volume 1 are Ike, Black; entered prison 30 Jan 1876, convicted in Lee County. I'll abbreviate the rest.

Tom, Bl, 29 Apr 1876, Sumter
Issac, Bl, 30 Jan 1876, Lee
Joseph, Bl, 15 Dec 1873, Cobb
Yook, Bl, 17 May 1877 Camden
Bosey, Y, 9 Feb 1875, Chatham
Ida, M, 8 May 1884, Chatham

Volume 2 has two Johns, a J.H. and a Josiah.

Bose is listed under prison deaths. No dates, but from Chatham.

Under requests for pardons/parole is:
J.H., Lamar County
John, Habersham
Pink, Banks
Robert, Fulton

In Chapter IX, Reports of Racial Violence, page 154
Petition of Lydia Braughton (black) for clemency for her son King Braughton, convicted of murdering Henry Screven (black) in Chatham County. It is signed by many, including John H. Haywood and Josiah Haywood.

There are more Haywoods in the book, but I think the John H. or Josiah could be what you are looking for.

At least it narrows your search to Chatham County, GA.

Good Luck! Do let us know what you find.

Rel@ivey,
Patrice

Re: Surname change on grandfathers side

jmstuey1 — 2010-08-19 23:37:31Z

i will definetly look for that book to see if it has the info i need. he passed away before i was born, (i was born in 1975), so i dont think my mom had ever met him when she was involved with my dad. i dont know his first name unfortunately...either john or james (of what my mom thinks anyway).i tried looking up info on my grandmother as well but all i can find is her obit. it lists only 1 son and 2 grandkids. she was born in 1916 and i cant find her on ANY census. i thought if i found her on a census that maybe i would find him after they were married. my dad was born in 1947 so there is no census yet to try to find the info that way. i will see if i can maybe get a copy of my dad's birth certificate and find the info that way. my dad hasn't been around since i was 2 yrs so there is no way to get any info from him unfortunately.

Re: Surname change on grandfathers side

rel8ively — 2010-08-19 21:54:07Z

A possible source for Georgia name changes is "Georgia Black Book: Morbid, Macabre and Disgusting Records of Genealogical Value" by Robert S. Davis. It seems to be out of print but I've seen in in several genealogical libraries.

If I remember correctly, and I'm not going to guarantee that, the book included some name changes. There may also have been prison records in the book.

Hmm... if he went to prison there should be a record of that. You would probably qualify for the International Blacksheep Society of Genealogists http://www.ibssg.org/blacksheep/. They may be able to offer some more ideas on where to look.

Did you find your grandfather's Death Certificate? What are his parents names on that?

Have you found him with his parents on any census? Or are you stuck because you don't really know his first name?

The SSDI is a good place to begin a search for recent deaths, but not everyone appears in the SSDI. I'm not sure of the date their records begin, but I think it was sometime in the 1960's.

Rel@ively,
Patrice

Re: Surname change on grandfathers side

jmstuey1 — 2010-08-19 21:22:01Z

thank you...i will try that. this has been very time consuming and i shouldn't hit a wall so soon in my research on my dad's side. :(

Re: Surname change on grandfathers side

LHSwisher — 2010-08-19 20:49:05Z

You might check the Learning Center area to see what information is given on an SS-5, the application for a Social Security card. I believe one had to list his parents' names on the card.