Genealogy Chat

Got marriage certificate for g/g/ grandad with two witensses names but no ages. William Irwin married Jane McCombs in 1886 in Country Durham, he was 35 born in Ireland, she was 20 born in Heworth. Now know his Father was also William a Farmer from Ireland, but got two witnesses names Arthur Conley and Charles Kirk, looked here, there and everywhere and can find no trace, no clue on birth places or ages - any suggestions where I can start? thanks pretty tough request-Jennifer.

Where in Durham did they marry?

Gateshead, but they lived in Heworth.

Ok, one maybe Charles Kirk abt 1819 Ireland Unknown 'Gateshead Union Workhouse' Union Lane, Gateshead, Durham, England From 1881 census. He's still there in 1891.

Another maybe, Arthur Connelly abt 1820 Ireland Inmate Gateshead Durham From 1891 census

wow - impressed - I have spent two days looking and got nothing - where did you dig that up from- thank you - something to start on-Jennifer.

sometimes one or even both witnesses may be totally unconnected - for example the parish clerk was quite often used. best way to spot this - if you can see the actual parish registers, and check if the same name appears for several weddings - and I'd be especially suspicious he was a ''professional'' if he signed.

Doubly impressed - where am I going wrong - both from Ireland like my g/g/ grandad just blown away thank you so much jennifer

Jennifer, do you use Ancestry?

Finding parish look ups difficult as Durham now changed and seperated into different areas, for instance now known as Tyne & Wear - but thanks

I can only use free Ancestry- cannot afford the subscription yet, got so many other expences but one day!!!!!! who knows

So have an inmate and a workhouse that sounds depressing

Ahh :) 1881 is ok, but 1891 you need to pay for. I just put their name into exact search, and when 1881 comes up, try 'Durham' into the keyword box. They might be in the same workhouse - hold on :) 1891 Gateshead Union Workhouse Charkes Kirk - Pauper/Inmate - Widower - 67 - General Labourer - Ireland Arthur Connelly - Pauper/Inmate - Widower - 71 - General Labourer - Ireland (May be related) Arthur Connelly - Pauper/Inmate - 12 - Durham, Stockton

Guess you can tell I have only been doing this since July, still got a lot to learn, but being pauper inmates is very sad to me. Thanks for your help - really appreciated -Jennifer.

A lot of people ended up in a workhouse if they couldn't get work through being old, young or infirm. I have one possible (because I can't work out if it is her or not - common name!) ancestor who was actually born in a workhouse.

Well I think that is very sad, call me soft or what, but honestly a workhouse or a pauper tells me poor, desstitute no friends or family, I appreciate my family, but bless them - what life did they have - this is so sad - jennifer. Forgive my spellings but just finished 14 hour shift, but got two days off, first this year, so looking forward - jennifer.

Sorry but I am asleep on this internet - so thankful for information - but just need sleep - got five grown up kids, bet one rings me early tomorrow - first weekend off with my husband this year - off to my bed - thank you and God Bless gopt lots on info to start on tomorrow - eternal thanks. Jennifer.