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Hi, I am trying to find my nan's dad for her. He is called James Hawkins born 14/12/1870 died 1948. On his marriage cert it says his father his Henry Andrew Hawkins. Apparently he lived in Strood Kent but I can't find a thing. He went to sea at the age of 13 when his dad died. Has anyone any other ideas. Please Zoe x

I would go to your nearest city library and ask there, but I'm not exactly an expert!

You have a birth date & a Marriage cert.What is it you are trying to find .The dad or HIS dad? Shirley

Hopefully one of these is his birth registration: Dec 1870 Hawkins James Cookham 2c 367 Mar 1871 Hawkins James Islington 1b 344 Mar 1871 Hawkins James Henry J Barnstaple 5b 488 Have you checked the 1871 and 1881 censuses? Perhaps you might find some siblings... and what about his mother? Also, you should be able to find him in the 1891 and 1901 censuses even if he was at sea, unless he ended up working overseas rather than from a British home port.

Hi There, I am trying to find any reference at all of James, like his birth I have order all the birth certs for dec1870 and Jan 1871. I can't find him on any census reports or anything. I am trying to find anything to do with the two. Thanks Zoe :)

Well, the birth certificate will give his mother's name, and then you can look for her also. Sometimes you have to look for other family members to find the person who you're looking for, particularly if you're trying to find out a little about the family and their life in general.

Hi Andrew, I can't find him on 1871 + 1881. I am not sure how to search the others I have tried putting in vessel. He is defo as I have a photo or two of him but doesn't want to be found. Thanks very much for your advice Zoe

Hi Andrew, I have ordered all the certs you mentioned but am not looking hopeful. My nan says she thought he was born in Strood, but she is 88 and not that sure I don't think. Zoe

Maybe you could find something useful here?: http://cityark.medway.gov.uk

Hi ozibird, He got married in Sheffield, Yorkshire in 1917 but I know he wasn't from there. He was from Kent south somewhere. Thanks Zoe :)

Anyone with a fresh mind in the morning for this puzzle. Zoe

This couldn't be his father's death, could it? If it is, then the numbers don't quite add up... Deaths Sep 1906 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hawkins Henry Andrew 69 Alton 2c 96 This Henry Andrew would have been born about 1837, so would be the right age to be your James's father. Kate.

Hmm.. not really sure whether this is a completely different Henry Andrew Hawkins or not. 1881 census, no James, so it could well be a completely different one. But there aren't many of them about! Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability Henry Andrew HAWKINS Head M Male 44 Wrecclesham, Surrey, England Bakers Assistant Jane HAWKINS Wife M Female 40 Chichester, Sussex, England Charles H.W. HAWKINS Son Male 11 Alton, Hampshire, England Scholar Jemima HAWKINS Daur Female 9 Headley, Hampshire, England Scholar Ruth HAWKINS Daur Female 5 Blackmore Selborne, Hampshire, England Scholar Of course, on the census he could just be listed as Henry Hawkins or Henry A. Hawkins. I don't suppose there were any Hawkins witnesses at James's wedding? Kate.

No, that Henry hasn't got a James in 1871 either. But I can't find any other Henry Andrew Hawkinses at all! This is weird! Kate.

Hi Kate, Yes it is so weird, and frustrating. I have seen him the one you said. I know that guys details. I don't know Zoe :)

Hi, Right I have recieved notification that all certs I applied for where not him and didn't match up so now I don't know what to do as it looks as ifr he was never born. I have his grave on a photo showing he was born 14/12/1870 and also his marriage cert but where is this man. many thanks zoe

Anyone x