Filling in the gaps

In your life you can name many events that happen to you, or that you we’re involved with.  What about your ancestors? They must have done more than be born get married and die. Hopefully by the end of this we will go and find out more about your ancestor’s life not just their name, date of birth, marriage date and death date.

Lets start at the beginning, Birth. Most people where born at home in the 19th century due to there being no hospitals that dealt with births. So what was the house like back then?  Otherwise your ancestor may have been born in the infirmary of the local workhouse. Your ancestor may have been born into a military family so have a look at the military births. A few weeks or months later your ancestor would have been baptised.

So now we have a few records to look for, their;

What next? They got married? NO, what did you when you where younger? , you went to school. 
            School records are accessible from local family history centres or record offices.  The head master would have made a report perhaps weekly on monthly, this might contain clue as to the on goings of the school, including closers because of flu or important visits.  Your ancestors name would appear in student list arranged by year and would contain their parents name and perhaps a place of birth.

If  your ancestor was in school they should appear on the census as a ‘scholar’ unless employed.   If they are employed, what do they do?  Do they own their own business? If so, are they listed in any of the trade directories or local newspapers?

Records to find:

The Census’ are a great resource; however they only cover a ten year gap, what happens in between? Electoral registrars can help there. This is a list of addresses and the males who live there that are over 21. So you would be looking for the father or old brother with these records unless your ancestor is of 21.

After school your ancestor may have been luckily enough to get an apprenticeship. These records can be found online and in local record offices.
Did you ancestor serve in the military? If your ancestor was in the military before the First World War then you will need to look at the WO 97 series in the National Archives.  First World War service records are on Ancestry for you to search.  There are many other military records that can help you paint a picture of your ancestor’s military life.

After coming out from the military (if he/she was in it) your ancestor may have decided to marry. So your ancestor will have a marriage certificate that you can order. But before getting married they had to have their Banns in the church.  These are also available to search either online or at local record offices around the country.

Records to find:

If your ancestor fell on hard times the most likely outcome would be the workhouse, the last resort. Records for these are very good and can provide an accurate insight into their lives.

Was your ancestor a member of any organization or clubs? Scouts, Freemasons, local football team, cricket team etc.  These records may still exist in local record centres or libraries.  These might give you an idea into you ancestor’s hobbies and social status.

At some point in your research your ancestor will die and you can send for their death certificate.  Also you can find their burial/cremation record.  Your ancestor may also have left a Last Will and Testament.

Records to find:

So now looking back your ancestor is more than just a name and a date, he/she was a person, with a life.