Thread: Mystery Aunt

As a child I was often taken to visit Great Aunt Mary who lived with her brother Jack, neither ever married. I was always told they were my grandfather's siblings. However there was no Mary or Jack (prob John) amongst the siblings. I know the street they lived in but not the house number - is there any way I can find out more about these two? I know they were alive around 1964. Strangely I've found a cousin who was also brought up to believe the same. One theory is that they were brought up by my grandfather's parents - but they aren't in any census to date, maybe I will need to wait until the next census. I have no idea how old they were, and both Mary and John are common names in the Cook family. Any suggestions are welcome



Chrissa

Hi Chrissa,



My husband used to call his oldest cousins aunt and uncle because of the age gap. He still does to this day. Maybe you should look in different directions.

Hi starlight



I think for now I'm going to be patient (as if!) and wait for the next census to see if anything is revealed there. Its funny that two seperate branches of the family were convinced Mary and Jack were siblings. Wonder if Margaret was Margaret Mary? Tracked sister Elizabeth down but can't find Margaret - still doesn't explain Jack! Families - going to send for Margaret's birth cert.



Thank you Starlight



Chrissa



PS where are your Goodchilds from? I know some in Suffolk

Hi Chrissa,



My signature might give a clue .



After 1900 most moved to Co.Durham, Roxbrugh Scotland, Lincolnshire and Essex. So far I have none in Suffolk in my tree.

Just a thought.

Have you tried checking the electoral roll for when they lived there, that should give you their full names.

Hi Jane



Didn't know you could see old electoral rolls - but that may help - certainly would if Mary was either Margaret Mary or Mary Anne. She is just a puzzle to me even my dad thought she was grandfather's sister - she was certainly a Cook but the only sibling I can't trace is Margaret. I'm sure the Cooks are all up there laughing at me so many of them have led me on quite a hunt!



Chrissa

Hi Chrissa



Electoral Rolls are available at either the archives or the local studies library in the area to where they lived. As you have an address it should be relatively easy to track them.



I had a rellie that everyone knew as Kitty....so assumed name was Catherine....I eventually found her as Mary Catherine No one in the family knew that her first name was Mary!



Ohh the joys of geno!



Good Luck with your research



Loz

The joys indeed Loz, I've unearthed a few skeletons during my research - including the fact my hubby's grandparents were married just 3 months before the first child was born! Think hubby is still in shock over that one!



I know the street Mary and Jack lived in and I know when I last visited so hopefully I'll be able to find something out.



Chrissa