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Is there an easier way to find this mystery?

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Nichola

Nichola Report 27 Apr 2005 10:40

I have a marriage certificate from December 1918 between Frederick Gardiner aged 29 and Louisa Dixon aged 23 in Birmingham. Frederick has stated that he is a widower. It seems strange to me that he was a widower at the age of 29 and as far as Im aware his daughter does not know that he was married prior to marrying Louisa, her mother. It has made me wonder whether he had any children to his first wife and who was she. Did she really die or did he lie because he couldnt afford a divorce. I've heard this happened. The only thing I can think of doing is blanket searches for his marriage prior to 1918. Any ideas. Cheers Nicky

Trudy

Trudy Report 27 Apr 2005 10:42

Hi Nicky A blanket search of marriages in the right area, and then one of deaths in the same area could solve the mystery for you. Trudy

Gwyn in Kent

Gwyn in Kent Report 27 Apr 2005 11:02

I think it is very possible that he was a widower at that age. I have known of some alot younger on my tree. His wife could even have died in childbirth or as a casualty of the War. Do you know where he said he was born? Do any of the marriage witnesses help you to locate him into a family in 1901? Try to narrow your search, both by time and location. It won't be easy as his name is not too uncommon but with perseverance you'll get there. Good luck.

Nichola

Nichola Report 27 Apr 2005 11:12

Hi, I've found a Frederick Gardiner marrying in the 2nd quarter of 1909 in Aston, Birmingham. As this is before 1911 there is no wifes maiden name stated. I therefore did a search on freebmd using volume and page number. It has brought up Frederick Gardiner with two other men and one woman, Sarah Steadman. I suppose I cannot presume he married her as there will be wifes for the other two men, Any suggestions or is it another cert request. Nicky

Geoff

Geoff Report 27 Apr 2005 11:25

You should only find two men's names on a page after 1852 (unless things changed again) - if there are three then one of them shouldn't be there.

Nichola

Nichola Report 27 Apr 2005 11:28

Hi Geoff, Theres defo 3 of them. Matthew Dodd, Fredrick Gardiner and Leonard Westwood and just Sarah Steadman. Nicky