Genealogy Chat

I am trying to do a little research for a friend and have hit a snag. Thomas Beard, born April 1828 seems to have disappeared just when I need him!! The 1851 census seems to have swallowed him whole. He is the eldest of two brothers (name of the other one unknown and I'd hoped the 1851 census would enlighten me) of J Beard. I have found a James Beard in London with wife Jennie both born Plymouth Devon at the right time and I am confident they are the 'right' ones since Thomas moved to London and became a successful Solicitor. I have also found Thomas, Maria Jane (can't find their marriage) and their ten children in later census. I have found four of Thomas' daughters in 1861 - but not Thomas and Maria Jane. I have tried Baird, Bird, Beere, Board, Peard - any other suggestions would be welcomed. I do hate to be beaten!!! Victoria

If Thomas was a solicitor, does he appear in any directories? You might trace at least a working address for him. How did you become a solicitor? Did you go to university first? Would there be any record of him qualifying as a solicitor? Did his father have money? Might he have travelled on the Continent? Was his wife from London? Did all the children have London birthplaces?

try www(.)historicaldirectories(.)org/

Thanks Phoenix - The friend whose ancestor he is says that he practiced in Basinghall Street London and became the Under Sheriff of London. What she doesn't know is anything further back and that is what I am mainly looking for. In the 1851 census there is a chance that he - or at least his brother - is still at home with their parents. Roll on the 1841 census!! Don't know how one became a solicitor in the 1840s - and have no idea how he in particular was trained. I expect at the very least he would have gone to London quite young and perhaps was articled and learned 'on the job'. Yes, all children were born in Islington St Mary, as was his wife. Victoria

Victoria 1841 for Devon is indexed on Origins. It can do no harm to ask for a look up. Also worth considering if your man had an obituary. Obituaries are written by others,so are not necessarily true, but there may be extra clues to follow up.

Again - thanks! Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you - a phone call (lunchtime here). I will ask for the look-up. My friend has an obituary for Thomas in which it is mentioned that his father 'Mr J Beard' was 'a native of fair Devon'. That is, I think, the sum total of her knowledge. I'll ferret around a bit more and see if I can find out if they were Plymouth born and bred for generations of ir they went to 'the big city' from some small hamlet on the moors! Thanks again for your help - it is truly appreciated. Victoria

I lied!! I was banging my head against the proverbial brick wall - and lo and behold, Thomas, Maria Jane and some of the children in 1861! under the name of BOARD which I was certain I had already tried. Still no luck with 1851 though! Victoria

Victoria Would any of Thomas' children have been born by 1851? Can you post the 1861 info here? nell

mistranscribed Meard in 1851. The M is a B written practically sideways

Cor!! A lot of threads here.....which one to post on!?? LOL There's a bit in The Times newspaper about Thomas Beard being a candidate for Alderman of the City of London. If you have access to The Times, stick his name in the search and look at Feb 1890, or I can send you a copy if you send me your email be PM. Merry

This was the 1841 census - requested on a different thread John Beard 13 Thomas Beard 12 Henry Beard 10 strange but from the image they appear to be living on their own

Having seen Robin's post, you were right, Thomas' occupation was Articled Clerk to Solicitor in 1851! Merry

Thanks all. No Nell, the first of the 10 children was born in 1852! But Elaine in sunny Spain has been kind enough to look it up for me on the 1841 census - giving one more child than my friend knew about (I'll ring her soon) and gives me another way to appoach them! As for finding them as Meard!!! I am SO impressed Robin! How did you find it? I need to know for future reference!! I would NEVER have thought to look for that. Thanks Merry - will check on The Times website. What a lot of fun my friend is going to have when she finally opens all my emails!! Sorry - thought I should ask for a look up separately. Wont do it again - and wont delete any of this either!!! I'm a quick learner. Victoria

I was only teasing really (re threads)!! Merry