Francis Fletcher and Rebecca Wilby

[frances]

A friend has asked if I can help trace any details of the above couple.

We know that Frederic was born C1814 in Wakefield
Rebecca was born C 1816 in wakefield.

They had six children all born in Wakefield.

Am not really sure of tracing family in England any advice of where I could look for information would be gratefully received.

Thank you

Frances

[SarahND]

Hi Frances,

This looks like the family in 1841:

New Street, Wakefield, Yorkshire
Fredk. Fletcher, 25, J Shoe M, born in county
Rebecca, 25, born in county
Francis, 2, born in county
Charles, 1 month, born in county

Are you trying to follow the family forward or backward?

All the best,
Sarah

[AnneM]

Hi

Is this them in 1841 in New Street, Wakefield?

Frederk. Fletcher 25 Journeyman Shoe Maker Born in County
Rebecca Fletcher 25 do
Frances Fletcher 2 do
Charles Fletcher 1 mo do

I would guess from that there is a good chance that Frederick and Rebecca were married after September 1937 though that is by no means certain so I'll have a look for their marriage which if the certificate were ordered would give the names of the fathers of both of them.

There is a Frederick Fletcher baptised 30th October 1813 on the IGI. It is an extracted record and his parents are Joseph Fletcher and Elizabeth. Looks like a likely one to me.

Anne

[SarahND]

Snap, Anne! I beat you by one minute!

And 1851:

New Street, Wakefield, Yorkshire
Frederick Fletcher, head, Mar, 37, Shoe Maker, born Wakefield
Rebecca, wife, 39, born Wakefield
Francis, son, 12, Scholar, born Wakefield
Charles, Son, 9, Scholar, born Wakefield
Sarah Ann, Daur, 7, Scholar, born Wakefield
John, Son, 5, Scholar, born Wakefield
Fanny, Daur, 3, born Wakefield
Mary, Daur, 2 mo, born Wakefield

Sarah

[AnneM]

From Free BMD it appears that Frederick and Rebecca were married in the September quarter of 1838 in Wakefield. The reference is volume 22 page 470.

If your friend were to send for the certificate s/he would get the names of both fathers and be able to confirm if the Frederick in 1813 was the right one etc.

Anne

[SarahND]

In 1861 Rebecca is given a different birthplace (just a few miles away)

1861
New Street, Wakefield, Yorkshire
Frederic Fletcher, head, mar, 47, Shoemaker, born Wakefield
Rebecca, wife, mar, 49, born Ossett, Yorkshire
Francis, son, un, 22, Shoemaker, born Wakefield
Charles, son, un, 19, Joiner & Cabinet Maker Apr, born Wakefield
John, son, 15, Printer (Jobber), born Wakefield
Mary, Daur, 10, Scholar, born Wakefield

So perhaps this is she in the IGI (extracted entry):

Rebekah Wilby
Birth: 18 MAR 1811
Christening: 05 May 1811 Ossett Green Independent Congregational, Ossett, Yorkshire
Father: Francis Wilby
Mother: Mary

[AnneM]

Just pipped me to the post there Sarah!! I should learn to type faster.

Anne

[AnneM]

Can I offer for your consideration only the following family of children of Joseph Fletcher and Elizabeth who might just be the siblings of Frederick:

Joseph Fletcher baptised 25 Dec 1817 Wakefield
Sarah Fletcher baptised 10 August 1816 Wakefield
John Rhodes Fletcher baptised 7th August 1820 Wakefield
Mary Fletcher baptised 17 November 1824 Wakefield.

A Joseph Fletcher married an Elizabeth Rhodes on 2nd September 1810 in St Peter's Leeds.

This is to some extent speculation but it is worth considering.

Mind you I'm a bit discouraged by the absence of a Joseph in Frederick and Rebecca's family.
Anne

[AnneM]

Hi Frances

After all that I am sure that your friend's next task is to order the marriage certificate. Without at least the clue of the names of the fathers of the bride and groom any information is mere speculation. It should cost around £8.

Anne

[AnneM]

BTW Frederick is dead by 1871. Rebecca appears as head of the household and a widow. It looks as though he died in the March quarter of 1863 in Wakefield.

Anne