I am trying to trace the birth of my GGG Grandfather John Gordon GRIFFITHS the only information I have is that he was born in Shropshire around 1810. I have no idea where to start and would appreciate any help that can be given. Regards Carol Jones
Have looked on Ancestry for John Gordon Griffiths and have found one born Shropshire (no details) 1810 died Manley NSW on 4th March 1857. Apparently he was an actor and arrived in Sydney around 1842. Is this your man? There is an obituary on line there as well and some family trees. Hazel
Hello Mike
Thank you for your reply. I obtained the information from his Death Certificate - John Gordon Griffiths died 4 Mar 1857 aged 47 yrs - his place of birth was shown as Shropshire, England - Father and Mother shown as unknown. He arrived in Australia in 1842. He was the manager of the Shropshire Circuit (acting) from about 1827 to 1840. On leaving school he joined the troupe of Scottish actor Charles McKay. Later working in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Unfortunately that is all the information I have so I am not really confident about finding further information.
Regards
Carol
Hello Hazel
Thank you for your reply. Yes - the John Gordon Griffiths on Ancestry is the one I am trying to track down in England. It seems that without knowing the name of his parents or where he was born I have come to a dead-end.
If you Google the Victoria & Albert Museum website and put "researching theatre and artists" in the box there is a page which may point you in the direction of more info about his theatre performances. I would also suggest you contact any city library/museum where you know he performed or was running a company of actors. They have alsorts of stuff which may be of use.
Thank you Hazel - I will try researching theatre and artists as you suggest
As previously stated I am trying to trace my GGG Grandfather but have hit a brick wall. I have exhausted all avenues suggested. Does anyone have a suggestion as to how I would find the parents of John Gordon Griffiths? I had thought they would be listed on his marriage or death certificate but unfortunately not. I would appreciate any help that I get. Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello Carol
I can't find any trace of your relative. Can you tell us where you obtained the information about his name and date and place of birth?
It is most unusual for someone to have two forenames at such an early date so this could be part of your problem. Also, there doesn't appear to be anyone called Gordon GRIFFITHS anywhere near the date you have given which makes me think it was a forename that hadn't come into use at that time. Maybe the second forename was added later in life.
There are of course numerous John GRIFFITHS records and to make any progress with them you would need very precise information about date and place to stand any chance of finding the correct one.
Have you found him in the census or death/burial records?
Mike