Looking for Millard of Bedfordshire UK

Hi

I can help you with research in the UK. What exactly are you looking for regards the Millards? If you reply saying what you know and would like to find out I'm more than happy to help you. I know how confusing things can be when you are new to genealogy but we all have to start somewhere and I'm sure I can point you in the right direction of some excellent free sites to help with your research.

Hi Shellyb. Great to hear from someone at FamilyTreeCircles. Since posting my request in June, I've found lots of info. about the Millards. This has lead me to look into less clear connections. Specifically: I can't find anything about my mother's biological father. Here is what I've learned: she was Gwendoline Olivia Millard, born Feb. 7th, 1916 to Beatrice Annie Millard, age 30, at a now defunct charity hospital or home, The Moorings, 3 Champion Park, Denmark Hill, London. I recently found out it was a Croydon Care home run by Christian Family Concern and I wrote to them. They told me to contact the Croydon government and I'm waiting to hear back. This is what I'm now thinking - my g-mother Beatrice worked in the household as cook for Thomas Henry Gibbons Pearson. He had many female servants, so possibly he was responsible for Beatrice's pregnancy (a la Gosford Park and many non-fiction chronicles I've read). It might be a dead end - nothing on any of the Census Records, BDM Records, or Google websites about the T.H.G. Pearsons, or my Millard ancestors, goes into enough detail. So there I'm stuck. What do you think? Am I being fanciful? Love to hear back from you. Thanks so much Shellyb. Angela

PS: William Archer was the name of my grandmother's husband who she married in 1916 ... the year my mother was born! Zilpah and James were my my g-mother's parents.

Shellyb: Your computer seems to be shooting blanks - I got two notices of messages from you and both were empty.

PPS: Mother was adopted when she was 15, but no one was every sure where she was and with whom from birth until then. She never told us a thing. A

Birth reg
Name: Gwendoline O Millard
Mother's Maiden Surname: Millard
Date of Registration: Jan-Feb-Mar 1916
Registration district: Camberwell
Inferred County: London
Volume Number: 1d
Page Number: 1440

The birth reg would suggest her mother was single. I assume you have her birth cert to check if a father is listed.

You say you think she may be the child of Thomas Henry Gibbons Pearson. being born in 1916 she could also be the child of Beatrice Annie Millard's boy friend who went off to war and never returned.

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/articles/downloads/adoption_history-croydon.pdf

http://www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk/history.htm

You might find the two sites above useful.

England Births and Christenings
Name: Beatrice Annie Millard
Gender: Female
Christening Date: 1886
Christening Place: Meppershall, Bedford, England
Father's Name: James Millard
Mother's Name: Zilpah
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C00378-4 , System Origin: England-ODM , GS Film number: 1066929

1891 Census
Name: Beatrice Millard
Age: 5
Estimated birth year: abt 1886
Relation: Daughter (Child)
Father's name: James Millard
Mother's name: Zilpha Millard
Gender: Female
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Meppershall
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England

James Millard 29
Zilpha Millard 27
Maud Millard 7
Beatrice Millard 5
Grace Millard 2

1901 Census

Name: Beatrice A Millard
Age: 16
Estimated birth year: abt 1885
Relation to Head: Servant (Employee)
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Bedford St Paul
Ecclesiastical parish: Bedford St Martin
Town: Bedford
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Occupation: Housemaid

Sarah Burgess 64 House Mistress in High School

There are 10 boarders listed in their teens so Beatrice poss. worked in their living quarters

1911
Name: Beatrice Annie Millard
Age in 1911: 24
Estimated birth year: abt 1887
Relation to Head: Servant (Employee)
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Bedford
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: 31 Shakespeare Road, Bedford
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Cook Domestic
Registration district: Bedford

Thomas Harry Gibbons Pearson 57
Amy Mary Constance Pearson 55
Elsie Constance Pearson 21
Beatrice Annie Millard 24

According to this Beatrice married William in 1927:

Marriage
Name: Beatrice A Millard
Spouse : William Archer
Date of Registration: Apr-May-Jun 1927
Registration district: Biggleswade
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume Number: 3b
Page Number: 867

Gwendoline O Millard may have been adopted by William Archer when she was 15. what name did she marry under ?

England and Wales Marriage Registration Index
Name: James Millard
Event Type: Marriage
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration Year: 1882
Registration District: Ampthill
County: Bedfordshire
Event Place: Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England
Volume: 3B
Page: 490
Line Number: 132

Spouse's Name: Zilpah Downing

1911
Name: James Millard
Age in 1911: 49
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall Upper Stanton
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farm Labourer
Registration district: Biggleswade
Registration District Number: 175
Sub-registration district: Stofford

James Millard 49
Zilpah Millard 48
Maud Millard 27
Laura Millard 17
Archie Millard 14
Hetty Millard 11

According to the census James and Zilpah had 7 children of which 6 were still living

Hi,

Computer problems sorted now. Family Detective has given you a lot of helpful information to go on, which is fantastic.

I just wanted to ask a question just to clarify things in my mind. Do you know 100% that Beatrice Annie Millard is from Bedfordshire and the daughter of James and Zilpah Millard and not any of the other Beatrice Annie Millard's that where born at roughly the same time as the Bedfordshire Beatrice.

The reason I'm asking is that it seems odd for someone from Bedfordshire to be sent to (or went on own accord) to London during WW1 to give birth to a baby. Of course it is entirely possible but I thought I would just make sure you are on the right track.

May I also ask if your mother ever knew her mother or had anything to do with her mothers family. I ask as I found a newspaper report regarding Beatrice's marriage to William Archer on 16 April 1927 at St Mary's Church, Biggleswade. It is quiet a detailed report giving details of her nephews and nieces who where page boys and bridesmaids. I was hoping there would be mention of your mum as a bridesmaid which would add weight to the fact that possibly William Archer adopted her. It is very unusual to get adopted at such an older age but again not impossible.

I hope you don't mind me asking so many personal questions with regards to your mother but I just want to have everything clear in my mind before I continue researching for information.

I'm going to see if I can send you a copy of the newspaper clipping about the wedding in a private message. If not I will add it as a journal. I'll pop back to this thread and post a comment to let you know where to find the clipping.

Hope to hear back from you
Kindest regards
Shelly

Hi

I had to post the newspaper clipping as a journal which you can find if you go to my profile. Or in the list on Active Posts.

Hope you find it of interest.

Hi. Now you ask, I can't remember exactly how I eliminated all the other Beatrice Annie Ms. I'll look at all the documents I've saved and get back to you on the answer. As to whether or not my mother knew hers, I can't say for sure. My mother, may she rest in peace, was an inveterate fantasist, she made up her history. And according to her she was a 'foundling' child left by her gypsy mother and the'son of the manor' - Gosford Park revisited. When my mother was born hers was 30, and as far as I know was already living away from home, working as a cook in a big house, at least when she was 15. What happened before then or afterwards I can't find out. My mother never knew her real mother.
And last, ask away. I have no limits about personal stuff (well, don't ask my bank account number L.O.L. - nothing in it!). The wedding notice in the paper, thank you for that, sounds rather elaborate. But again, Beatrice was on her own from 1916 as far as I know, maybe William Archer was a rich man. The family sounds like it. Thanks again. Talk to you soon. Angela

Hi Angela

Thanks for the information. I shall have a look around tonight and try and get some back ground on William Archer and Beatrice's parents, perhaps build a bigger picture. I'll be back in touch shortly.

Shelly

Just checked my mother's birth cert.(100% her) and copied the info. about my grandmother Beatrice directly from the entry: Name, surname and maiden name and surname of mother: Beatrice Annie Millard, Cook, 119 George Street, Bedford. (This is the address of the Thomas Henry Gibbons Pearson home where she worked. Signature, description and residence of informant: B.A. Millard, mother, 2 Champion Park.

The odd thing is the handwriting for the signature is the same as the rest of the document, so maybe she couldn't write... The birth was in the "Registration District" of Camberwell North, County of London. I'm going to look at more documents (oh my eyes) and see if I can find more on B.A. Millard. Maybe I'll order Her birth certificate, although it costs and takes 6 weeks or more to arrive here from the UK.

The Moorings, 2 Champion Park, Denmark Hill, London

The social upheaval of the First World War (1914 – 1918) led to a considerable demand for the Mission’s services and nowhere was this more marked than in the number of unmarried mothers seeking help.

It was not unusual to send daughters to this type of Rescue Maternity Home to give birth to children out of wedlock. There was still a lot of shame in having children before marriage.

From above. If you are sure James and Zilpah are her parents this baptism confirms it. So why by the Birth cert?

England Births and Christenings
Name: Beatrice Annie Millard
Gender: Female
Christening Date: 1886
Christening Place: Meppershall, Bedford, England
Father's Name: James Millard
Mother's Name: Zilpah

From the 1911 census for James and Zilpah ; Street address: The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds

It is on the Marriage report that James, Beatrice's father is from the : The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds.

The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds was a farm so James was poss a farm labourer.

Hi Angela

Well I've searched high and low connecting each person and following them to see if a connection for Gwendoline would jump out at me, but unfortunately not. I researched all Beatrice Annie Millard's, which I'm sure you have done, and nothing pans out there either. I looked for family trees with Beatrice in, hoping maybe to connect with the tree owner who could possible help but only found one, whom you had contacted already.

With regards to your mothers birth certificate, if the certificate is a certified copy then this has been filled out by the registrar and is a copy of the exact information shown
in the original entry. Therefore Beatrice wouldn't have signed it.

I'm wondering if Beatrice did take Gwendoline back to Bedfordshire with her (maybe she placed Gwendoline with extended family or private foster care) or whether it is just a coincident that Walter Whitlock who adopted her was also from Bedfordshire.

The next step would be to contact Croyden Social Services, if you haven't already, who hold the records for the maternity home where your mother was born.

Croydon Social Services
Post Adoption Team
Jeanette Wallace House,
1, Edridge Road,
Croydon,
SURREY.
CR9 1AF

Tel: 0208 726 6400

There's an interesting pdf on the history of adoption in Croydon if you haven't already read it. Here's the link

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/sites/default/files/articles/downloads/adoption_history-croydon.pdf

Please do post on this thread if you get any new information or would like any looks done. In the meantime I will keep my eyes peeled and let you know if I come across anything.

Shelly

shellyb

where did you find this - Walter Whitlock who adopted her was also from Bedfordshire - and when (year). If Gwendoline was adopted via the local authority in Bedfordshire you would need to contact their office.

http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/search/righttosearch/lawbasics.htm

Adoption law: the basics

When did adoption become legal?

In England and Wales adoption first became legal in 1926, while in Northern Ireland it was 1929 and in Scotland it was 1930.

Does this mean that there were no such thing as adoption before then?

Before the introduction of legislation adoptions were arranged informally by organisations, or directly between the birth mother and adopting parents, and in some cases agreements may have been drawn up by lawyers. Permanent placements may also have been made by Guardians of the Poor or Public Assistance bodies and county record offices are now the main holders of this information.

Were all adoptions arranged through a registered adoption agency or local authority?

No, not all adoptions were arranged through a local authority or voluntary adoption agency. Until 1983 private adoptions were legal. These were placements arranged through private individuals, often doctors, nurses, lawyers, local vicar etc. In such cases there was no Adoption Agency involved in the placement of the child with prospective adoptive parents. For people who were adopted privately it can be a much harder to find information about their adoption. In these situations it is possible that the court records will have some background information.

Hi Shellyb.

I have a certified copy of the adoption order when Walter & Hanna adopted 15 year old Gwendoline, on 11th March 1931 in the Court of the Borough of Luton. #A1346. I've also written to the Croydon care homes (ChristianFamilyConcern) about my mother's birth at 119 Champion Park, Denmark Hill (The Moorings), London which no longer exists. They told me to write to the next person,Frank Hancock at London Metropolitan Archives because there are no records of the births at The Moorings. Now I'm waiting to hear back from Frank with whom I've exchanged a few emails. I see there are two emails waiting for me from Frank now, so I'll let you know what if anything he says. I get excited every time I open my email - I still have one or two from you! Later. A.

Just opened your last email, 9:23 am., but it was blank.

Frank Hancock let me know they found no records of my mother's birth at the Moorings. And no further advice, boohoo. This is a hurdle - not a full stop. I'll keep on keeping on.

I've just relooked at the Certified address of my grandmother Beatrice's place of work, as a cook and her home probably, at the time of my mother's birth: 119 George Street, Bedford. Even saw it on google maps! It looks like a regular house.

Not sure where to go from here, but I Thank you so much Shellyb for everything, thus far.

Angela

Angela Try looking at some of my postings.

Gwendoline O Millard's birth was reg. in 1916 in the 1st Q in Camberwell district of London Volume Number: 1d Page Number: 1440

If Gwendoline was adopted on 11th March 1931 in the Court of the Borough of Luton you should be looking to the Bedfordshire Records office for detail of the adoption.

I have the Certified Copy of Adoption, as mentioned above. It contains No information about the birth parents at all. What else can I want from the Beds. records office?

Woops. Pressed the submit button too soon. I actually went through this process trying to find my own adopted son. It took me 41 years!!! not consecutively, I looked a few times every year. I did eventually find and reunite with him!

Because it's so long ago, I doubt whether there would be any more documentation about my mother's birth. Did you have something in particular in mind?

Mother was Somewhere from birth, Feb. 7, 1916 until adoption, March 1931, perhaps in foster care with her mom, or my adoptive grandparents. There are no living descendants to ask. Beatrice Annie Millard was also somewhere... ditto no contacts to ask.

My search contnues ... Angela

There must be more infomation because the birth parent has to to agree to the adoption and sign the adoption papers so that they cannot try to claim the child back. She might have been under the care of the local authority. From personal experience there would have been all sorts of reports prior to the court appearance.

I which you luck in your research I think you have enough info in the postings

Is this the couple who adopted Gwendoline ?

Marriage:
Name: Walter Frederick Whitlock
Registration Year: 1903
Registration Quarter: Oct-Nov-Dec
Registration district: Ampthill
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b Page: 825

Spouse : Elizabeth Hannah Gardner

If so do you think Gwendoline's father could have been a brother to either Walter or Elizabeth.
Who was either killed in WW1 or just refused to marry Beatrice. I believe Walter and Elizabeth had at least 2 sons and 1 daughter.

Did Gwendoline marry someone called Mayling and travel to Canada.

Name: Gwendoline Mayling
Gender: Female
Age: 35
Birth Date: abt 1916
Departure Date: 13 Sep 1951
Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
Destination Port: Quebec, Canada
Ship Name: Franconia
Shipping line: Cunard White Star Limited
Official Number: 147216
Master: D M Machean

Also listed. Walter Whitlock 72, retired Children Albert 10 Angela 8 Maxwell 7 Diana 2

These are the brothers of Elizabeth and Walter

George Whitlock 1873
William Whitlock 1877
Albert Whitlock 1881
Arthur Whitlock 1883
James Whitlock 1890

John Gardner 1880
James Jesse Gardner 1887

Hi. I'm sorry to say I know about all of the above when you worked so hard to find it. I too worked at finding these records before you and I made contact. I Do have the adoption papers before me right now, and Walter And Hannah adopted my mother in March 1931. There isn't any referral to any other dates or persons. Frank Hancock pointed out that many adoptions and births went unrecorded because they were arranged privately, and as well Lots of documentation was lost in the bombing. My mother did marry a Henry Mayling at a young-ish age, and she had my two brothers by him. Then that marriage went away ???, and she then had an affair with my married biological father, had me and my brother, and at war's he went back to his wife and 9 children in Canada. She then lived common law with the man I knew as my father, but he changed his name to hers (Mayling) for the sake of her 4 children. They had my half-sister Dianne, and a son from his first marriage, Alex, and with my grandfather Walter (Hannah had passed away some years before) we all immigrated to Canada.

What I've concluded is that Anything is possible. Some things are not possible to find (that thought really bugs me because I'm as tenacious as a terrier!!!). You too, I think. Thanks again Shellby. Sounds like you've had enough!

I never give easily. I might come back to this in a couple of days. The reason I tried to help was I know the names of the places in Bedfordshire, Meppershall, Ampthill, Shefford, Biggleswade, Luton. I was born in North Buckinghamshire. now live between Chester and Liverpool

I believe that Beatrice's parents were James Millard and Zilpah Downing. That she married William Archer in 1927.

I really have know idea who Gwendoline's father was or what happened to her between 1916 and 1931. But this is the registration of her birth:

Birth reg
Name: Gwendoline O Millard
Mother's Maiden Surname: Millard
Date of Registration: Jan-Feb-Mar 1916
Registration district: Camberwell
Inferred County: London
Volume Number: 1d
Page Number: 1440

Not sure if the fathers name would be on the cert or not.

Hi Angela (and Family Detective I'll answer your questions in this post as well)

I thought I was treading in your footsteps when I was researching but it never hurts to have an extra pair of eyes go over the same ground. At least it confirms that you never missed anything. I'm not one to give up easy and as they say if there's will there's a way!

Anyway I found proof today that Beatrice did indeed bring Gwendoline home with her to Bedfordshire in the form of christening records. On 11 June 1916 at St Michael's Church, Aspley Heath, Gwendoline Olivia was christened, mother Beatrice Annie Millard, abode Meppershall. No occupation shown. Born Feb 7.

Whilst researching I came across the passenger records for when the family moved to Canada and as Family Detective has shown above Walter Frederick Whitlock is also shown. Working on the assumption that he was Gwendoline's adoptive father I researched him. Found out all the basics about him, bmd's, children ect also carrying out a newspaper search. Bingo! I found an article about him reaching 80 years old and his daughter Gwendoline was also mentioned in the article which confirmed things.

Usually on an adoption in England if the birth name is known you simply look up the entry in the index and at the bottom of the page or next to their name is a handwritten note with another index number. Look that index number up and you get the new adoptive name entry. Its not that often that this method can be used, like in the case of Gwendoline, but I do always try this method first in cases similar to this. Children born out of wedlock and registered with the father present also have two entries in the birth index, one in the mothers name and one in the fathers. Although both have the same index number. I did do a search for Gwendoline like this but unfortunately nothing. There are two entries for you Angela, likewise with my daughter.

You are spot on with all your information on adoptions Family Detective. On historic adoptions it can be the luck of the draw if the person seeking information ever gets answers and it can be a very frustrating and emotional journey for them. In particular this has been highlighted in the case of the British Home Children and their descendants trying to find out information. Anyway I digress, sorry about that!

I'm going to keep a sharp eye out for Beatrice or Gwendoline appearing in any family trees. New trees are added to sites everyday and the owner of the tree may well know a helpful piece of information.

Another route you could take is a DNA test. Now I'm not up to par on these tests but have been researching them as it's something I'm considering. I read an interesting article (link below) called 'Can DNA Help You Find Your Birth Parents'. Have a read, see what you think.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/henry-louis-gates-jr/can-dna-help-you-find-you_b_6121118.html

That is good thinking Family Detective regarding Gwendoline's father could have been a brother to either Walter or Elizabeth. I'm off to have a little research see if I can find out anymore. I shall keep an eye on the thread for anymore developments.

Shelly

p.s Angela I haven't sent any emails to you I just add to the thread. I'm not to sure whats happening there, sorry.

and again!

Forgot to include link to christening record.

http://www.mkheritage.co.uk/wsc/docs/baps1914-1920.html

Wow. Mother was christened and home with her own mother... I wonder why and when Beatrice gave her up. My grandfather was born in Aspley Guise (sp.?), so mother was close to her adoptive g-parents for a long time. Maybe, as I said in another post, they also fostered her.

In the case of a DNA test, are you suggesting just have it for future reference? I don't think there is anyone to compare it with now, but it's a thought.

Now I'm going to look up St. Michael's Church, and I still have Beatrice's family to find and maybe get lucky. See you again soon.

PS I think I get notified by email when someone posts on my profile page, maybe why there are always so many emails...

''I still have Beatrice's family to find and maybe get lucky''

Does this mean you do not think James and Zilpah are her parents?

Are you also sure Beatrice married William Archer ? If she did marry William and you have the newspaper report of the marriage you know her father was named as James Millard, The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds

in the 1911 Census James Millard was living in Highlands, Meppershall with his wife Zilpah and 4 children.

In 1891 Meppershall there is a Beatrice daughter of James and Zilpah.

Death
Name: Beatrice A Archer
Birth Date: abt 1886
Date of Registration: Jun 1964
Age at Death: 78
Registration district: Biggleswade
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 4a
Page: 93

Don't know if this helps:

Probate
Name: Zilpah Millard
Probate Date: 21 Oct 1935
Death Date: 13 Jul 1935
Death Place: Bedfordshire, England
Registry: London, England.

Zilpah otherwise Zilhpa of 5 House Lane, Arlesey, Bedfordshire, widow died 13 July 1935, Probate London 21 Oct to Beatrice Annie Archer ( wife of William Archer) and Laura Kate Bland (wife of Ernest Henry Bland) £420 8s 6d

Probate
Name: James Millard
Probate Date: 17 Apr 1930
Death Date: 21 Nov 1928
Death Place: Bedfordshire, England
Registry: London, England

Jame Millard of Highlands, Meppershall died 21 November 1928, probate London 17th April to Zilpah Millard £ 390.

This might answer your question how could they afford Beatrice's wedding. You could buy a house for these sums of money in 1920/30

What you really need here is the 1921 Census but the UK Gov seems reluctant to release it early. I suppose something to do with the 100 yr rules.

I was feeling disparaged when I said 'maybe I'd get lucky', after a day at the computer my back and my eyes were tired. And I believe Zilpah is my great granny. As well as being a terrier when it comes to searching for lost things, I just don't give up!

I made that very 100 year comment a few months ago to a friend, jocking that I wouldn't be around by the time they release it so I had not a lot of time to figure this out.

Talk to you soon.
Sherlock Southward!

Do you want me to look for the James Millard and Zilpah Downing Families or would you prefer to do that yourself.

I can, but I know you have more sources than me, so you too please.

Just looked back to Zilpah's probate. If she left her money to Beatrice And Laura Kate Bland, maybe she's Beatrice's sister and I'll look for her. Maybe there are descendants. Still trying to find my bio-grandfather!

OK lets start with James Millard and Zilpah Downing the 1911 census, I have already post this but it easier to work back from a starting point:

1911
Name: James Millard
Age in 1911: 49
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall Upper Stanton
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: The Highlands, Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farm Labourer
Registration district: Biggleswade
Registration District Number: 175
Sub-registration district: Stefford

James Millard 49
Zilpah Millard 48 b Shillington, Bedfordshire (rest of family b Meppershall)
Maud Millard 27 Cook Domestic
Laura Millard 17 Teacher Co (Beatrice's sister named in Probate)
Archie Millard 14 Farm Servant
Hetty Millard 11 School

According to the census James and Zilpah had 7 children of which 6 were still living
.......................................................................................

1901 Census
Name: James Millard
Age: 39
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Spouse: Lilleah Millard
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Meppershall St Mary
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Village, Meppershall
Occupation: Builder & Thatcher Agri Lab

James Millard 39
Lilleah Millard 38 (This as been mistranscribed) should read Zilpah
Grace Millard 12
Laura Millard 7
Archie Millard 4
Hetty Millard 1
.........................................................................................

Census 1891
Name: James Millard
Age: 29
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Zilpha Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Meppershall
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Village, Meppershall, Biggleswade
Occupation: farm labourer

James Millard 29
Zilpha Millard 27 Straw plaiter
Maud Millard 7
Beatrice Millard 5 ** See posts above to find her in 1901/1911
Grace Millard 2
..........................................................................................

England and Wales Marriage Registration Index
Name: James Millard
Event Type: Marriage
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration Year: 1882
Registration District: Ampthill
County: Bedfordshire
Event Place: Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England
Volume: 3B
Page: 490
Line Number: 132

Spouse's Name: Zilpah Downing
...........................................................................................

1881 Census

James Milliard
Age: 19
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relationship to Head: Son (Child)
Father: Charles Milliard
Mother: Martha Milliard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Meppershall Rd
Occupation: Farmers Son
Registration district: Biggleswade
Sub registration district: Biggleswade

Charles Milliard 52 farmer with 10 acres employing one man
Martha Milliard 44
Carrie Milliard 21 Straw plaiter
James Milliard 19 Farmers son
William Milliard 16 Farmers son (not sure if thi smeans they worked for their father)
Eliza Milliard 12
Sarah Milliard 7
(all family born Meppershall, Bedfordshire)
.........................................................................................
Census 1871

Name: James Millard
Age: 9
Estimated birth year: abt 1862
Relation: Son (Child)
Father's name: Charles Millard
Mother's name: Martha Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Berkshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Ely
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Biggleswade
Sub-registration district: Biggleswade
Address; The Street, Meppershall
Occupation: Gardener

Charles Millard 42
Martha Millard 36 occ Straw plaiter
Arthur Millard 15 Occ ag labourer
Carry Millard 11
James Millard 9
William Millard 6
Eliza Millard 2
..............................................................................
England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index

Name: James Millard
Registration Year: 1862
Registration Quarter: Apr-May-Jun
Registration district: Biggleswade
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b
Page: 358

Christening
Name: James Millard
Gender: Male
Baptism Date: 3 Aug 1862
Baptism Place: Meppershall,Bedford,England
Father: Charles Millard
Mother: Martha
FHL Film Number: 952415
....................................................................................

Ok will leave this now and come back to James Parents

Now lets look at Zilpah Downing

England and Wales Marriage Registration Index
Name: James Millard
Event Type: Marriage
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration Year: 1882
Registration District: Ampthill
County: Bedfordshire
Event Place: Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England
Volume: 3B
Page: 490
Line Number: 132

Spouse's Name: Zilpah Downing
....................................................................................
1881 Cenus

Zilpah Downey [Zilpah Downing]
Age: 17
Estimated birth year: abt 1864
Relationship to Head: Daughter (Child)
Father: William Downey
Mother: Betsey Downey
Gender: Female
Where born: Shillington, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Woodmoore End
Occupation: Straw Plaiter
Registration district: Ampthill
Sub registration district: Shillington

William Downey 53 b Flitwick Bedfordshire occ labourer
Betsey Downey 50 b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Zilpah Downey 17 Shillington, Bedfordshire
Agnes Downey 13 Shillington, Bedfordshire
Hetty Downey 12 days Shillington, Bedfordshire (g/daughter)
.......................................................................................

1871 Census
Zilpah Dewing [Zilpah Downing]
Age: 7
Estimated birth year: abt 1864
Relation: Daughter (Child)
Father's name: William Dewing
Mother's name: Betsey Dewing
Gender: Female
Where born: Shillington, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Ampthill
Sub-registration district: Shillington

William Dewing 41 occ looks like caprelite ( coprelite) labourer *** b Flitwick, Beds
Betsey Dewing 40 b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Josiah Dewing 19 occ caprelite labourer b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Matilda Dewing 16 occ straw plaiter b Flitwick, Bedfordshire
Fanny Dewing 13 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Isabella Dewing 9 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Zilpah Dewing 7 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Laness Dewing 3 ( think this is Agness) b Shillington, Bedfordshire

*** It means that he dug Coprolytes (fossilised dinosaur dung, and no, it's not a wind up!) which was used as fertiliser. Lots of it about in Beds and N Herts around Ashwell.
.............................................................................................

England & Wales, FreeBMD Birth Index
Name: Zilpah Downing
Registration Year: 1864
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration district: Ampthill
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b
Page: 397
...........................................................................................

Will leave this here and come back to her parents later

Just thought I would look if there are any family trees for James and Zilpah on Ancestry.

There are 3 for James all have Beatrice in them but no mention of Gwendoline

There are 5 for Zilpah but only one as Beatrice in it no mention of Gwendoline

Hi

Found some info on Zilpah today which gives a glimpse into her life, in the form of a newspaper article.

Apparently she moved in with her daughter Beatrice two years after James death. So the address shown in her probate record above (5 House Lane, Arlesey) is Beatrice's home. Mother and daughter went into business together in the form of a shop called Chase Stores. The article then goes on to say that "she was a staunch Methodist" and tells all about her work in regards to this and how, prior to the chapel being built, Methodist services were held in an outbuilding adjoining her property.

Details of the funeral and place of burial are at the end of the article and a list of family members that attended. Again no mention of Gwendoline. I wonder if Zilpah possibly arranged care for Gwendoline through the church.

I shall post the clipping as a journal, same as previously, so you can read it. There's also a short article on James death with family names included and guess what, no mention of Gwendoline.

Also a small notice regarding Hetty Kenney Millard, youngest daughter of James and Zilpah who died on 16 Feb 1922 aged 22 after a short illness. Due to the unusual middle name I also found out that Hetty served in the WRAF (Women's Royal Air Force) during WW1.

James and Zilpah had a daughter born 1891 died 1894 also called Hetty Kenney Millard.

The 1921 census would be a god send but as you say we've got a while to wait yet and then there's a 30 year gap to the next one. That won't impress future genealogists! Later this year they are releasing the 1939 register with certain omissions.

I'll post the newspaper clippings now and I'll be popping back to see any updates.

Shelly

Hi Shelly.

It's so great reading all of this. I'm still convinced Beatrice is grandma and Zilpah is great g-m. Unfortunately your newspaper clippings didn't come through. Could you please repost them?
Hope I live until 2021 - I'm 72 now so it's possible!

Off to Tai Chi. Thanks for everything. See you later. Angela

I think this is James parents the only thing I and not sure about is that there is a son Arthur born in 1856. So was Charles or Martha married previously. I think you will only know if you get the marriage cert. He could of course have been born out of wedlock.

Marriage
Name: Charles Millard
Registration Year: 1861
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration district: Biggleswade
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b Page: 445
Spouse: Martha Pettifor

Again I will work back from death to birth for Charles Millard so there will be some repeats. (its the way I work)

Death
Name: Charles Millard
Estimated birth year: abt 1828
Registration Year: 1911
Registration Quarter: Oct-Nov-Dec
Age at Death: 83
Registration district: Biggleswade
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b
Page: 359
.........................................................................................

Census 1911

Name: Charles Millard
Age in 1911: 82
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall Upper Stanton
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Meppershall Nr Shefford, Beds
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Retired Market Gardener
Registration district: Biggleswade
Registration District Number: 175
Sub-registration district: Stofford

Charles Millard 82
Martha Millard 74

States on census married 50yrs number of children born 8 - 6 still living
....................................................................................

1901 Census
Name: Charles Millard
Age: 71
Estimated birth year: abt 1830
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Spouse: Martha Millard
Birth Place: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Meppershall St Mary
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Rose Villa, Village, Meppershall
Occupation: Farmer & Fruiterer
Registration district: Biggleswade
Sub-registration district: Biggleswade
ED, institution, or vessel: 14

Charles Millard 71
Martha Millard 65
Sarah Lon Millard 26 occ Fancy Sequin Worker On Fancy Needlework
......................................................................................
Census 1891
Name: Charles Millard
Age: 62
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Martha Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Meppershall
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Rose Villa, Village, Meppershall
Occupation: Farmer And Fruiterer

Charles Millard 62
Martha Millard 53
Sarah Millard 16 occ Fancy Bead Lace
.....................................................................................

Census 1881
Name: Charles Milliard
Age: 52
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relationship to Head: Head
Spouse: Martha Milliard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Meppershall Rd
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farmer (10 Acres 1 Man)
Registration district: Biggleswade
Sub registration district: Biggleswade

Charles Milliard 52
Martha Milliard 44
Carrie Milliard 21
James Milliard 19
William Milliard 16
Eliza Milliard 12
Sarah Milliard 7
......................................................................................

Census 1871
Name: Charles Millard
Age: 42
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Martha Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Berkshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Ely
Town: Meppershall
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Biggleswade
Address: The Street, Meppershall
Occupation: Gardener

Charles Millard 42
Martha Millard 36 occ Straw plaiter
Arthur Millard 15 occ ag labourer
Carry Millard 11
James Millard 9
William Millard 6
Eliza Millard 2
............................................................................................
1861 Census

Name: Charles Millard
Age: 32
Estimated birth year: 1829
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Martha Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Ecclesiastical parish: Ely
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: High Road, Meppershall
Occupation: Gardener

Charles Millard 32
Martha Millard 25 Straw Plaiter
Carry Millard 1

note there is a an Arthur 1856 son shown on last census not on there.
.............................................................................

Census 1851
Name: Charles Millard
Age: 22
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relation: Son (Child)
Mother's name: Elizabeth Millard
Gender: Male
Where born: Meppershall, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Phillimore Ecclesiastical Parish Maps:
View related Ecclesiastical Parish
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: The Cot, Meppershall
Occupation:

Elizabeth Millard 63 Mother (widow) occ Nursery Gardener
George Millard 25 occ Nursery Gardener
Charles Millard 22 occ Nursery Gardener
Samuel Jarvis 26 Nephew occ ag labourer. Islington, Middlesex, England
........................................................................................

Census 1841
Name: Charles Millard
Age: 12
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Gender: Male
Where born: Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Meppershall
Hundred: Clifton
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Meppershall
Occupation:

James Millard 60
Elizabeth Millard 50
Sarah Millard 25
Mary Millard 20
William Millard 20
George Millard 15
Charles Millard 12 ag labourer
John Millard 3

I cannot read anything on the census it is too faint . Charles I could read but sure all the ages are correct or how they are related. I assume they parents and children, Relationships was not shown on the 1841 nor was the place of birth other than born in or out of county. This was the first UK census
........................................................................................

Births /christenings
Name: Charles Millard
Gender: Male
Baptism Date: 29 Mar 1829
Baptism Place: Meppershall,Bedford,England
Father: James Millard
Mother: Elizabeth
FHL Film Number: 952415

Hi

To see the newspaper clippings, click on my name and it should take you to my page and you will see them there.

Shelly

Death
William Downing
Estimated birth year: abt 1827
Registration Year: 1901
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Age at Death: 74
Registration district: Ampthill
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 3b
Page: 234
.........................................................................

1891 Census
Name: William Downing
Age: 65
Estimated birth year: abt 1826
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Betsy Downing
Gender: Male
Where born: Hilton, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
Ecclesiastical parish: Shillington
Town: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Woodmore End, Shillington
Occupation: Ag Labourer

William Downing 65
Betsy Downing 60
Agnes Downing 22 Straw Plaiter
........................................................................

1881 Census
William Downey [William Downing]
Age: 53
Estimated birth year: abt 1828
Relationship to Head: Head
Spouse: Betsey Downey
Gender: Male
Where born: Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Woodmoore End
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Labourer
Registration district: Ampthill

William Downey 53
Betsey Downey 50 Straw Plaiter
Zilpah Downey 17 Straw Plaiter
Agnes Downey 13 Straw Plaiter
Hetty Downey 12 Days Grandaughter
.............................................................................

Census 1871
William Dewing
[William Downing]
Age: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1830
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Betsey Dewing
Gender: Male
Where born: Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Ampthill
Address: Bury End, Shitlington

William Dewing 41 occ looks like caprelite ( coprelite) labourer *** b Flitwick, Beds
Betsey Dewing 40 b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Josiah Dewing 19 occ caprelite labourer b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Matilda Dewing 16 occ straw plaiter b Flitwick, Bedfordshire
Fanny Dewing 13 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Isabella Dewing 9 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Zilpah Dewing 7 occ straw plaiter b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Laness Dewing 3 ( think this is Agness) b Shillington, Bedfordshire

*** It means that he dug Coprolytes (fossilised dinosaur dung, and no, it's not a wind up!) which was used as fertiliser. Lots of it about in Beds and N Herts around Ashwell.
..............................................................................

Census 1861
Name: William Downing
Age: 34
Estimated birth year: 1827
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Downing
Gender: Male
Where born: Flitwick, Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Shillington
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Smiths Green, Shillington
Occupation: Ag Labourer

William Downing 34
Elizabeth Downing 30
Emily Downing 11 b Shillington, Bedfordshire
Josiah Downing 8 Ag Labourer b Hilton, Bedfordshire
Matilda Downing 6 b Flitwick, Bedfordshire
Fanny Downing 4 b Shillington, Bedfordshire
...............................................................................

1851 Census
Name: William Downing
Age: 22
Estimated birth year: abt 1829
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Betsy Downing
Gender: Male
Where born: Helwick, Bedfordshire, England
[Flitwick]
Civil Parish: Shillington
Phillimore Ecclesiastical Parish Maps:
View related Ecclesiastical Parish
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Woodmore End, Shitlington
Occupation: Ag Labourer

William Downing 22
Betsy Downing 20
Emily Downing 1
...................................................................................

William Downing
Registration Year: 1850
Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration district: Ampthill
Parishes for this Registration District: View Ecclesiastical Parishes associated with this Registration District
Inferred County: Bedfordshire
Volume: 6
Page: 19

Spouse: Betsy Grundon or Elizabeth Harris (Betsy is sometimes used for Elizabeth.)
Only proof of which one is william's wife is to Get the Marriage Cert or one of the children's birth certs.
...................................................................................

1841 Census
Name: William Downing
Age: 14
Estimated birth year: abt 1827
Gender: Male
Where born: Bedfordshire, England
Civil Parish: Flitton
Hundred: Flitt
County/Island: Bedfordshire
Country: England
Street address: Flitton, Ampthil
Occupation: Ag Labourer

Bonner Downing 35 Ag Labourer (difficult to tell if it is Bonner or Bowner)
Francis Downing 35
William Downing 14
Bones Downing 13
Charles Downing 9
James Downing 6
John Downing 5
George Downing 2
Mary Downing 1
......................................................................................

England Births and Christenings
Name: William Downing
Gender: Male
Christening Date: 19 Nov 1826
Christening Place: FLITTON WITH SILSOE,BEDFORD,ENGLAND
Father's Name: Bowner Downing
Mother's Name: Francis
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C00370-2 , System Origin: England-ODM , GS Film number: 1279109

Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Name Bonnor Downing
Marriage date 13 May 1826
Marriage place Flitton With Silsoe,Bedford,England
Spouse's name Fanny Vincent (Frances)
Place Flitton With Silsoe
County Bedfordshire
Country England

England Births and Christenings
Name: Bonner Downing
Gender: Male
Christening Date: 22 Dec 1805
Christening Place: FLITTON WITH SILSOE,BEDFORD,ENGLAND
Birth Date: 14 Oct 1805
Father's Name: John Downing
Mother's Name: Elizabeth
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: P00370-1 , System Origin: England-ODM , GS Film number: 845459

If Angela is still reading this - I noticed a comment about the Gypsies.

Walter Whitlock's grandmother was a Romany Gypsy.

Walter was a younger brother of my great-grandfather George Whitlock - they were children of Frederick Whitlock and his wife Esther (nee Garrett).