Genealogy Chat

Just got a Birth Cert this morning, mothers name is Nellie Frances Crumpton (living in Watford), fathers name William John Lobban. Could not find a death for Nellie Frances Lobban but found one in 1986 for Helen Frances Lobban born July 1914. Been through the 1914 births, no Helen Cumpton but there is a Nellie Crumpton (born Aston, Birmingham area). Do you think it's safe to assume that Nellie became known as Helen in her old age? I really can't afford any more certs this month! Di

Helen is Nellie! Nellie is the nickname for Helens and Ellens and so would have been used on most things. As the death was a 'formal' matter the informant obviously wanted it to be 'correct' - alternatively they may have said 'Nellie' and the registrar wrote down its formal version. I take it that the birth is in the right place for her and the right date? It is an unusual surname, so I would say virtually a dead cert. (excuse pun). Have you got any other details you could use to cross reference just to be absolutely sure. Did you find their marriage for instance?

Thank's for that, I kind of thought that Helen and Nellie went together, especially since we have a Helen Little Nell on GR. The couple were not married when this child was born in 1938 (I think he may have been married to someone else at the time!) so I have no idea what year to start looking for the wedding I'm afraid. Di

There may not even be a wedding. I have a 'wife' buried with the man's name but can find no evidence that they married. His real/previous wife did not die for many years so unless they did a bigamous marriage I think they did not marry. However when it came to registering the death, the informant would just give the surname as known. No proof needed as far as I can tell. Anne