I have recently developed an interesting story while researching my husband's paternal line in England.
His grandfather was born in Liverpool and died in Canada and as I had his Birth and Death information, I did not immediately send for the Birth Certificate.
I concentrated on expanding my research on his grandfather's parents - Edward Brellisford and Ada McGauley who married on 30 April 1900 in Liverpool, verified with the Marriage Certificate.
At the time she was 5 months pregnant with their daughter, subsequently born in August 1900.
The next time I located them was on the 1901 Census where Ada was enumerated along with her daughter at the home of her parents and siblings.
Edward is listed on the Census as a patient at the Stanley Hospital in Liverpool. Edward dies at the age of 23 on July 12, 1901 and his death is registered by his widow Ada Brellisford.
Here is where the story gets interesting.
Ada subsequently registers a birth of a son Harry Brellisford (my husband's grandfather)with a birth date listed as May 20, 1902.
When I obtained the Birth Certificate I found that she does not list a father. As Edward had died 11 months previously, who was the father of Harry?
In 1905 Ada married Edward's younger brother William and she was registered as Ada McGauley (her maiden name)and goes on to have three daughters with him. Was Harry perhaps the son of William?
I have not been able to locate William on the 1901 Census so cannot verify his whereabouts at that time.
Sadly William died in 1915 in the Battle of Ypres.
The only way to prove or disprove the parentage of Harry would be by DNA testing.
I have traced the line up and out so I know that there were proven males relatives who came to Canada.
My next step is to try and trace them to see if they would be willing to undergo DNA testing along with my son.
Unfortunately my husband passed away at a young age 10 years ago. Even though the family has mixed feelings, it is a mystery we would like to solve, especially before I continue researching the Brellisford line !!
You never know what you will find when you start down the research path.
Bonnie Bertelsen Brellisford
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