Success Stories

I should like to thank all Genes members, who have helped me during the last 3 years to search for my grandfather, Ernest Hall. Until recently I thought that his birth hadn't been registered because his marriage and death certificates and his passport all gave his birth year as 1880. The 2 facts I knew for certain were that his birthday was 7th May and his father's name was Charles, but I couldn't find an E H who fitted these criteria anywhere.
During the 3 years, I have contacted most of my Hot Matches and received replies from about 80% of them, some actually supplying pages of information.
A couple of months ago, very much clutching at straws, I wondered whether all the official documents were wrong and the notoriously unreliable census returns were correct. Bingo ! I found his birth, 7th May 1875, in Derby, father Charles.
I now have his birth certificate along with certs for all his siblings and his parents' marriage. In addition, a certificate for his first marriage to Mabel Fanny Bray, and a copy of his Decree Absolute.
Why he gave the Authorities false information I'll probably never know.
The most amazing news is that my mother had at least 3 half brothers and sisters for whom I now have birth certs.I'm certain that she didn't know about her father's first marriage or his other family.
I now look forward to reading a new set of Hot Matches for 1875. A HUGE thank you to all my fellow Genes friends for your support and also to Genes Reunited for the wonderful service you provide.
My best wishes to all of you, Catherine