Hello all,
I was wondering if anyone can help me find some more information regarding another branch of my family tree, namely regarding the HOWELLS family who lived in Stottesdon for many years.
I believe Elisha Howells to be my 3Xgreat-grandfather. According to census data he was born in Eaton-under-Heywood (usually given simply as 'Eaton, Salop'). His birth dates are all over the place, but I believe he was born somewhere in the range of 1795-1806. He was married to a Margaret Howells, my 3Xgreat-grandmother.
I believe they were wed in Acton Scott on the 12th of June 1829, which would make her a Margaret EDWARDS. She is listed as also being born in Eaton in every census except 1881, where her birthplace is listed as 'Glazely'. The couple moved around a lot, as evidenced by the birthplaces of their many children: Acton Scott, Chetton, Neenton and Stottesdon.
It appears as if the family finally settled in Stottesdon, as the family are there from the 1851 census onwards. Elisha and Margaret also had the bulk of their children there, including my great-great grandmother, Martha.
What I've been unable to find are birth records for either Elisha or Margaret. There are a lot of Elisha Howells born in Eaton-under-Heywood (it seems a very common name in the area), but none in the right date-range. Further complicating matters, it seems like there are many variants of the surname (I have seen the variants: 'Holes', 'Howles', 'Howels', 'Howells', and even in one case 'Harvelle').
If anyone can shed any light on the situation I'd be most grateful. :)
I haven't actually seen a copy of the marriage certificate. It's interesting that there's an Elizabeth as a witness, as there are a number of Howells children born in Acton-Scott to an Eliza Howells and a Francis Howells between 1807-1830 (including yet another Elisha in 1830). I suppose she could have been a sister in law, with Francis being his brother.
Elisha lists his birthplace in every census as Eaton, though I guess he could have been mistaken had his parents lived there with him when he was young. The nearest birth reference I can find is to an Elisha Howells born 9 March 1794 in Much Wenlock to an Elisha Howells and an Anne. There is also a Francis Howard born in Much Wenlock, but his father is listed as Thomas Howells.
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Mike,
Have you seen a copy of their marriage record? It states that Elisha was of parish of Eaton and Elizabeth of parish of Acton Scott. but that doesn't mean they were born there. One extra clue that may help is that witnesses to the marriage were Elizabeth Howells (sister?, mother?) and Richard Bennett.
Regards
Phil