Thread: Henry Stark - where did he come from?

Hi

Can anyone help me with suggestions as how to track down my ancestor, Henry Stark?



In October 1869 he appears in Sowerby Bridge, Yorks, aged 21, and marries Ellen. The certificate says his father is Henry Stark, a copper smelter.



In 1871, Henry was living with Ellen and baby Elizabeth. He gives his place of birth as Ireland.



In 1881 Ellen is still there, and married, but there is no sign of Henry.



In 1891 Henry is back, and gives his place of birth as St Helens, Lancs.



In 1901 Henry gives his birthplace as Sowerby Bridge.



He told his children he came from Scotland!



Which one is correct?



I have put together a theory, but it is just that, and would really appreciate anyone else's suggestions.



Does anyone have any suggestions as to where Henry might have been in 1881?



Ditto where he was actually born.



Thanks.

Hi Somerset3. Could this be him in 1861? Living Mill St. St Helens.



Henry Oldfield 22/visitor

William Redman 26/visitor

Ann Stark 5/dau/St Helens

Ellen Stark 50/wife Bristol

Ellen Stark 12/dau/Ireland

Henry Stark 45/head/Ireland/cordwainer

Henry Stark 15/sn/Ireland

Robert Stark 10/son/St Helens

1871. Living Mill Place St Helens



Ellen Stark/head/57/shopkeeper/widow/Bristol

Robert Stark/son/18/engine driver/St Helens

Ann Stark/dau/15/gen servant/St Helen

Jane Stark/29/dau in law/launderess/Scotland

1881.......there's a Henry Stark lodging with a family (Clough's) in Newchurch Lancs. Details........



Henry Stark/38/married/born St Helens/stoker in a cotton mill.

Thanks so much for this.



I think the St Helens ones are very likely - the names and ages fit, and he called his children Ellen, (tho of course his wife was Ellen too), Henry, and Robert. I am a bit more wary of the one in Newchurch because the age seems a bit out. If he was born in about 1847/48 then he would have been 33. I know their maths could be a bit iffy, but do you think that 38 is an ok error? However if its not him then there must have been two born in St Helens. I am inclined to think it is him, despite the discrepences. Thanks so much anyway. I think the next thing to do is to buy a few certificates. I have found the reference for the daughter Ann born in St Helens, and will send for this one, but can't find the one for the son Robert. I guess that's what makes this such a fascinating hobby. Thank you so much for your help.