Tag: surnames


Census, family history, Norwich, WattsLeave a comment

No Irish swearing please

Cutlock & Co

A first cousin (twice removed) Mary Ellen Watts married Edward Arthur Feek in 1905. Edward’s parents were Elijah and Harriet (maiden name Meek). Can you guess the most frequent transcription error for the surname, perhaps from the title of this piece? Yes, Feck, although for one particularly badly written census record (1881) it comes out as Teek.

Continue reading No Irish swearing please

family history, Norfolk, WattsLeave a comment

Lording it in Bergh Apton – the variability of names

Cutlock & Co

The spelling of surnames is a frequent problem for the family history researcher, for experienced hands as well as newbies. Usually this is put down to the poor literacy levels up to late 19th century, with those filling in the registers putting down how they think it out to be, based on what they hear.

Continue reading Lording it in Bergh Apton – the variability of names