Genealogy Chat

Can anyone help with suggestions to find the date and birthplace of my grandfather William Henderson Skinner. He married Margaret Annie Palliser 29 June 1901 in Darlington,and died 6th May 1934 in Darlington. On the 1901 census his name is shown as William H Henderson aged 24 born Bensham,DUR. This I am sure is a census mistake as a few months later when he married his surname is shown as 'Skinner' and also on his death certificate. There is no father's name entered on his marriage certificate. I am hoping that someone can point me in the right direction. Many thanks Sheila

For information William H Henderson abt 1877 Bensham, Durham, England Servant Darlington Durham

My thanks Elaine but I think that info is from 1901 census which shows his surname as Henderson. I am sure that was an error by the enumurator. Sheila

I can't find a Skinner or a Henderson in the 81 or 91 census born in Bensham - not even anything close for Durham. Who arethe witnesses on the marriage certificate as it may help to llook at this from a different angle Zoe

Hi Ive checked the 1891 and 1881 census and there is no sign of a William Skinner born 1877 Durham? Suzanne

Do you know the name of his mother or any siblings (plus places and dates of birth) - may help to find him on 1881 and 1891

Sheila there is someone that has WIlliam entered onto their tree on ancestry - it includes their email

Thanks Zoe will try Ancestry and will also look at the witnesses names.

Sorry Elaine I don't know anything about his parents or any siblings

Thanks Suzanne, I have also tried 1881 and 1891, but had no luck,thought some more pairs of eyes could help

I've looked up Bensham on streetmap and the only hit is one right next door to Gateshead. Now I'm not hot on county lines a hundred years ago but I would have thought this could be Northumberland (but don't quote me on it) Z

Thanks Jay Bensham is a part of Gateshead which is in Durham,still can't find him there. Did wonder if it was Bentham (which is in Yorkshire) sounds a bit like Bensham!!

Thanks Zoe - Gateshead is in Durham, it is the other side of the river to Newcastle which is Northumberland

the parish records for St Cuthberts Bensham are available from Durham County Records office and would cover his birth in 1876/7 Zoe p.s. I hereby recall earlier advice about Northumberland

Zoe As suggested I have looked at the witnesses of the marriage,who were in fact his wife's brother and sister so that hasn't helped. Have noted that you have pointed out St. Cuthbert's Parish records at Durham Record Office. I will have to try a trip there as soon as I can,haven't looked at Ancestry yet, will keep you all posted if I have any results. I have also realised that on the 1901 census his age is 24 and in June when he married it was 25, which could mean he had a birthday inbetween if the ages were recorded correctly!! Once again my thanks to all who have made suggestions so far. Sheila

There is this family on 1891: View Record Skinner, Alice Jane abt 1875 Darlington, Durham, England Daughter Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, Charles Stuart abt 1890 Darlington, Durham, England Son Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, Edward abt 1879 Darlington, Durham, England Son Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, George abt 1885 Darlington, Durham, England Son Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, Isabella abt 1856 Gateshead, Durham, England Wife Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, John abt 1852 Gateshead, Durham, England Head Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, John Wm abt 1877 Darlington, Durham, England Son Darlington Durham View Record Skinner, Paul abt 1888 Darlington, Durham, England Son Darlington Durham Note John Wm second from bottom - a possibility? It's not perfect - but my best offer! Regards, William

Thanks Wiliiam I will check that family out,it will probably have to be next week now. Will keep you all up to date with any results Sheila