Genealogy Chat

I'm trying to find details of a Luke Walsom. He's on the 1881 census as Luke Walsam, married to Sarah. His age is given at 40. His birthplace is given as Holloway, Middlesex and Sarah's is Islington, Middlesex. Their address is 107 Benwell Road, London, Middlesex. I can find nothing else! I did find a marriage between a Luke Wallson and Sarah Ann Knight on 25 December 1861 at St John the Baptist, Shoreditch, London. Does anyone think they're one and the same?? (1881 shows a daughter as Sarah Ann) I guess the year and area would be about right? Also I cannot find a record of Luke's birth, but I can't be sure I'm looking under the right name, as it looks as if it's changing every five minutes! Can anyone help or give any guidance? Many thanks. Jan

Don't know if this is any good but is this him on 1871 census Ann E Wattsan 1 Islington, Middlesex, England Daughter Islington London John F Wattsan 9 Islington, Middlesex, England Son Islington London Luke Wattsan 30 Islington, Middlesex, England Head Islington London Mary A Wattsan 7 Islington, Middlesex, England Daughter Islington London Sarah A Wattsan 26 Islington, Middlesex, England Wife Islington London Sarah A Wattsan 5 Islington, Middlesex, England Daughter Islington London

1891 census 109 renwell(?) Street, islington Walson, Ann Ell 2 Islington, London Daughter Islington London - mangling done at home Walson, Luke 50 Islington, London Head Islington London - labourer (says omething afterthat but cant read) Walson, Luke J 14 Islington, London Son Islington London - glass blower Walson, Sarah 47 Islington, London Wife Islington London - manglng done at home

Thanks Margaret Sure looks like him - yet another b****y surname! Now everyone can see why I'm having problems here! Jan

Looking at the image it looks like Wallsan Margaret

Luke and Sarah are alive in Islington in the 1901 census, ages 60 and 56. Janice

1901 census 58 Queensland Road Luke Walson 60 Islington, London, England Head Islington London - sub inspector of dust(?) Islington vestry Sarah Walson 56 Islington, London, England Wife Islington London

Thanks for all the help. Trouble is I'm just getting more variations of the surname. Any ideas on how I can overcome this problem! I've tried searching 1861 for Luke (several variations) but keep coming up with no results. I believe the 1861 census for London/Middlesex isn't fully loaded, but don't have a clue how to pursue this line further. It's ironic that I assumed this would be the easiest part of my tree to trace, as it was an unusual name and it's proving one of the hardest! Jan

Anyone else out there able to help? Or give me any ideas as to where to go next? Jan

This is Luke junior's birth reference. Walsom, Luke Record Type: Births Quarter: June Year: 1893 District: Islington County: Greater London London Middlesex Volume: 1b Page: 416 The births for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 1841 don't have many transcribed yet on FreeBMD. I can't find a birth for Luke senior, even searching by first name, D.O.B, or area. I think you'll have to try the 1837 site for births for Luke snr. Good luck Sue xx

One thing I have noticed is that your Luke was a pretty numerate chap. His age is consistant in every Census which is a very rare thing. I think you could be looking at a birth in 1841 +/- a year. Shouldn't cost you too much on 1837 site.

Looks like the 1840/1 births are all available to view for free on freeBMD. I'll have a trawl through but it might take 1/2 hour or so.

Wonder if someone else could have a look on FreeBMD for me please, at the 'view pages' section. I have checked quarters Mar 1840 to Mar 1841. The only Wallson/Walson that could possibly be Luke is in Mar 1841 quarter but it is a poor image and hard to read. The page reference is 1841B1W0247 and it's about half way down. Looks like Walsom (can't read first name) (can't read district) page 101

I did look at 1837, but couldn't find him there (but saying that, some of the entries weren't particularly clear) and I tried a few variations of the surname. Jan

Had a look at March 1841 on the microfiche, and I'm sorry but the entry referred to above looks like 'Walsem, Eli' and the district is Leicester. Kate.

Sorry I've been out of action for a few days, I've had a bug and exams! My timing sucks! Thanks for everyone's help, but I am really stuck without Luke's dob, as it stops me getting his Birth Certificate and finding out the names of his parents. Any suggestions on the best way forward?? Jan

I've still not been able to find Luke's birth details to get a copy of his Birth Certificate - can anyone help please??? Jan

If I were you I would order one of Luke's children's birth certs. That will confirm Sarah's maiden name and you can then find the marriage. That will give Luke's father's name and occupation and then you will have something to go on in looking on the 1841 census which should have Luke's dad and mum and some elder siblings with luck. You could see if there's a christening on the IGI. nell

The marriage could be worth investigating. In the 1881 census she is Sarah A. It will give father's names/occupations. There is also a Luke Wallsond in 1861, a Soldier (gunner) aged 21 born London at the Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich Docks. Could be him if he married later that year?! It's the only thing I can find that comes close!