RAWLINGS

It does seem strange that there is no Birth Registration on FreeBMD for William Edward RAWLINGS in the Axbridge District.

If his father was the William Henry RAWLINGS described on the 1851 census of Holborn as an Architect and Surveyor he was born in about 1807 in Shepton Mallet and he does have a couple of children born in Weston-super-Mare.

In 1861 the Architect is living in Portsea in Hampshire - on the census with the surname RAWLINGSON but no sign of William Edward.   You can trace William Henry back to his christening in Shepton Mallet in 1806 (as RAWLINS) and he seems to have had a chequered career but that doesn't help you with William Edward.

Hi Pat, I found Esme in Slaters directory in Denton, now under Tameside near Manchester in 1909 and 1911 and then on the 1911 Census with Annie. I did find who I think was his wife Elizabeth in 1891 Census living with her sister but it said she was a widow, so I’m not really certain but she did have one of the children with her, it’s a real mystery. For now I am going to assume that Esme was William Henry’s brother and keep searching, see what else I can find in the meantime to say otherwise. Even the occupations of being a lithographer are the same for William and Esme. I was hoping the cemetery would answer all my questions but there was no headstone. I will keep plodding on. I’m so glad I joined the site, it’s great just to have someone to share you’re thoughts that understands the issues. My hubby doesn’t like the record searching side but likes to visit the places and look for buildings and gravestones etc. Thanks Sue