Genealogy Chat

Hi .. Does anyone know how I may find a persons first name?

I have been told that my grandfather had been married & had children before he met my nan, I have searched his name in the marriage records & found a couple of possible marriages, if I could find the wifes first name, I could find out if that is my grandfather, unless anyone known an easier way.

My grandfather is Douglas James Powell, he married my nan Shirley Catherine Pugh in 1974 but they had their first child in 1954, and it was his wife before this I am trying to find betails for so I can maybe then get details of their children.

Thank you for any help.

Chase

If you can find the marriage on Ancestry, the wife's surname will be listed.
After that, it just a question of looking through those surnames until you find one that married a Powell.

Rose

When was he born?

Rose

Douglas James Powell was born, 05/10/1925

Thanks.

So you need to look from 1943-1953 for his marriage.

He was born in Surrey but died in Bristol. Where was he from 1943-1953?

What marriages do you have so far?

Rose

Hi Rose, thanks for your help.

I met my nan in Surrey so between that time he would have still been there, I have searched marriages from 1943 to 1953 & have,
1: Douglas J Powell married surname Francis in 1944
2: Douglas J Powell married surname Ballard in 1949
3: Douglas J Powell married surname Taylor in 1948 however, this was in Cornwall so I don't think this one would be what I'm looking for.

Chase

To start with I was going to search their surnames until I find one that married a Powell, but then thought that they have both obviously married a powell. I wasn't sure if there was another way to find out.

The marriage to his first wife I think would be in Surrey .. The second marriage was in Bristol.

Problem is, he could have married anywhere as there are several Douglas J Powells.

Are there any family members who could provide you with her name?

You could look for divorce records.

Rose

If he didn't marry your nan until 1974, it could be the first wife died right before that.

Rose

Do you know who Alison Cathie and Margaret Morse are? They appear to have your grandfather in their trees.

Rose

HI Rose .. My grandfather didn't mirry my Nan until 1974 but they met and had their first child in 1954.

I know who Alison & Margaret .. I didn't think of them, they are from my grandfathers side, he is their uncle. Their parents has also passed away but I can ask them still as they may know.

Thanks.

Chase,

What I meant was, there must be a reason to wait 20 years before you marry. One of the most common reason is the first spouse is still alive.

Rose

I see what you mean now, sorry.

I could try death records too, I have checked marriages using the 3 names I have and now have their first names, I might be able to get a little further.

Thanks
Chase

The Ballard marriage is the closest in Surrey N.

Rose