Roadblock = "An obstruction or obstacle", or in genealogy terms, "I've tried everything and still can't find my ancestor!"
Do you have an Ontario Roadblock? Submit it here (Please read the roadblocks below first - one may give you the answer you need!)
- Roadblock: Cannot locate mother's 1910 birth record as it may be under a different name
.: Resources already researched: Vital Statistics
My late mother was born in [Old General] Hospital [Toronto, ON] on 27 April 1910 yet the authorities at Thunder Bay claim not to be able to find the registration. i accept that the birth may have been registered under a different name as her mother was not married. Her mother was Helen (Nell) TOMBs and she was from England. My mother was known as HELEN JEAN TOMBS. In 1920 when she was aged 10 she was 'back' in england with her mother who placed her in the care of a children's home, from where she was 'adopted'. this before official adoption procedures were in place in the UK. Is anyone able to help? Obvioulsy a fee will be paid or am willing to do reciprocal research in UK
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Roadblock posted: Aug 1 2002 by Margaret Macey jmacey5771@cs.com (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find information about biological father of great-grandmother as her step-father's name was used on official documents
.: Resources already researched: Baptismal Records, Marriage & Death Records, Voter’s List, Assessment Rolls
Need suggestions...My gr-grandmother was Alice Jane Honeywell. She was born in 1856. In 1859 she was baptized in St. Michael's, Cobourg as the dau of Charles Honeywell and Ellen Pender. Her marriage certificate with Prov. of Ont from Feb 14 1876 states she is the daughter of Charles & Ellen and her death certificate states she is daughter of Charles & Ellen (informant husband, George Warner). Now the problem....Charles & Ellen married in 1850. Ellen had twins Charles and Elizabeth in 1851. Charles Sr. disappeared just before twins born and went off to sea. It was reported to Ellen that the ship burned, no survivors, therefore she was a widow. At some point in time, she married a man named Campbell and they had Alice Jane. Of course, Charles returned from the dead and after much confusion and upset, Campbell left and Charles moved back in. He and Ellen had a child in 1858 and took the boy and Alice Jane to Cobourg for baptism. Alice's siblings all told the story about Campbell and Alice's true heritage. Alice knew, as did her husband, George Warner - there was never any attempt to hide the fact, except when doing official things - then Charles Honeywell was listed. This all took place in Northumberland County - in the area just north of the Village of Grafton. Many Campbells in the area. Have looked at voter's lists, assessment rolls - anything that might capture a Campbell living on Charles'farm between 1855 and 1858 - no luck. Any thoughts.....
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Roadblock posted: 4 Dec 2007 by Vanessa Bacola vanessa002@sympatico.ca (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot establish parentage of grandmother who's supposed "father" actually died 10 years before her birth
.: Resources already researched: 1881 census, 1891 census, 1901 census; Ontario Vital Statistics 1875-1890; Marriage Certificate; Death Certificate; Obituary; Family (children & grandchildren of Garnet)
Garnet Hinds was born 2 Dec 1880 in Haldimand County. She was found living with Mary Jane (Anderson) Hinds and her teenage children Phoebe & Richard in Cayuga Township, Haldimand Co in the 1881 Census. Garnet's marriage registrations state that she was the daughter of Mary Jane and her husband Thomas Hinds, but Thomas died in 1864! Family lore suggests that Garnet was adopted and of Native American heritage. Does anyone have any suggestions where we can look next?
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Roadblock posted: Oct 19 2000 by Sherri genealogy@geneofun.on.ca (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find record of great-grandfather who came to Michigan through Ontario
.: Resources already researched: border records, vessal crossings, library, enternet, michigan census, ontario census ect,ect.
My great grandfather Robert Fleury is suppose to have came to Michigan through Ontario. My older sister says the family lived in York County, Markum Township, Ontario. I cannot find any record of a Robert Fleury there. I did find R.Fleury in Osprey, Grey County, I would like to find Robert Fleury and who his father was. Robert's wife's name was Caroline and she died in Burtchville Michigan in 1912 around 82 years of age.
Suggestion
[From Forebears Research] I would be doing at every single instance of the name and checking out the births marriages and deaths plus the census of the area - there are Fleury in all from 1861,71,81,190. The best authority I know of in this area is, of course, Ruth Burkholder. I would be getting Caroline's death cert from Michigan and finding out her details in order to then get her marriage, family as well as the details on her husband.
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Roadblock posted: June 2000 by Dendan@webtv.net (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find parents or birthplace of person born in 1811
.: Resources already researched: 1848/1851 census Haldimand/ Grand River, birth/mar/death indexes Ontario, Genforum under Carpenter and Zimmerman, family search.org
Trying to find the parents and birthplace of Isaac Stephen CARPENTER b December 26, 1811 married June 1831 in Haldimand to Mary Ann YOUNG died April 1, 1899 Sombra Township, Lambton County. I have traced Isaac in every census from 1828 (Grand River Indian Lands), 1852 Haldimand, 1861 Haldimand, 1871, Sombra Lambton. All references are to him being of German or Dutch descent and being born in US, York Province, or New York state. He obviously came to Canada between his birth and his marriage. It is unknown if he came with his parents or on his own. Earlier census returns are rare, hard to read and list only head of house which means that any census before 1831 or any assesment roll before 1831 will not show the connection I need. I don't know where Isaac was before his marriage which leaves me stymied regarding where to search for a will that might name him as an heir. I occassionally visit the Ontario Archives but I am a rookie at more advanced research techniques. Any help is greatly appreciated. I should note that Mary Ann YOUNG is the granddaughter of Sgt Daniel Young of Butler's Rangers.
Suggestion
[From Forebears Research] I'd go into the 1901 census and see what is said about Mary Ann his widow - when did she enter the country and can you find her birth? It is more than likely they were in the same area before the marriage. Can you scrounge anything from the marriage by way of witnesses' backgrounds - for example was one of his siblings a witness and can you follow one of them more easily to get the "origins" data you are seeking for the original family? Personally, I'd look into the early Lincoln area Wills to see whether there was any Carpenter as a witness. Chase down the earliest Land records for Carpenter anywhere and read their petitions where they try to plead their cases for being given land, etc.
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by craig.bowen@sympatico.ca (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find record of birth for great-grandfather born in Ontario in 1854
.: Resources already researched: All census records I could find, newspapers, death certificates, city directories, cemetary listings, obits, LDS search, and many other queries. Will indexs and land records along with many other books. Gathered all information available from family.
Have been trying to locate the birth information for my great grandfather (George C. McMaster) and gg grandfather (Caleb McMaster) for many years. I have a death certificate for my great grandfather that says he was born August 11, 1854 in Ontario. He came to Michigan with his father in the late 1860's as I locate than and family in the census which also says he was born in Ontario. Myg.g grandfather was suppose to have been born in Nova Scotia abt. 1803 according to the same death certificate and 1870 MI census. I have been uncessful in locating his birth information also. Occupation for George was Marine Engineer on death certificate and census listing. I can find no marriage license for George but do have birth certificates for the children. Georges mother was not listed on the census in MI with the family so I assume she died in Ontario but have been unable to find any record of her death or census listing. All I know of her is Lydia Wilson born in New Jersey.I do not know what religion they were and have not been able to determine that information from marriages of Georges sisters.
Suggestion
When you checked newspapers were you seeking Lydia Wilson McMaster's obituary? If not, I would start there by searching the newspapers for the area in Michigan where you found them in the 1870 census, as well as the nearest big city. Start with 1870 and work back to 1854. If Lydia is not found, have you tried OCFA to see if she was buried in Ontario? Did George apply for US citizenship or naturalization? Check those records. Have you been able to locate Caleb's death certificate? Or his obituary?
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by kchase@freeway.net (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find Ontario records of US born great-great-grandparents who had children born in Ontario in the 1850's
.: Resources already researched: marriage records, census records, every conceivable mailing list and query list and look-up list. Letters to relatives etc.
All the information I could find was that my great-great grandfather, Mitchell Heslop was born in the USa in 1815, and was marriedin 1853 in Acton Ontario to Eunice Robinson, also born USA 1828 (?) They had a son Wesley who shows up as a stray on the 1871 census. He was born in Acton on July 12, 1859. *I have searched every conceivabel us and Canadian record for the past three years for Mitchell and Eunice with no luck. It's like they came from nowhere and went nowhere. Any information or ideas greatly appreciated.
Suggestion
You didn't mention searching newspapers for information. Start there. You may be able to find not only a marriage notice or bond for Mitchell & Eunice but also a birth announcement for Wesley and possibly even obituaries for Mitchell & Eunice. Have you tried the OCFA for Mitchell & Eunice's final resting place? Who or where was Wesley living with in the 1871 census? That could provide a clue to relations of Mitchell & Eunice.
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by marilyndb@uswest.net (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot find person who supposedly died after the 1881 census and remarriage of spouse in 1886
.: Resources already researched: City directories for Hamilton City, Newspapers in Hamilton Twp., Cemetery records for Hamilton Twp. and City, Marriage, birth and death certificates, Hamilton City census for 1871, 1881, and 1891, Hamilton Twp census for 1836, 1837, 1839, 1851, 1871, 1881 and 1891 All literature Cobourg Publilc library had on early Northumberland County, Parish registers in both Hamiltons
I am looking for info Stewart Alexander FREW. From the 1881 census of Hamilton City he was born approx 1859 in Ontario. From his 1st son's birth registration - he married Josephine BARRY (before June 1882). Family members say he died and Josephine took the 2 sons to Gore's Landing, Ontario (Hamilton Twp.). She remarried in Nov 1886 in Gore's Landing to William MANICOM. William Manicom was the brother to John Manicom who married Elizabeth Frew after her first husband (Stewart Frew)died. This second marriage registration also states that she was from the US. The Frews in Gore's Landing had several children including a Stewart but he shows up in the 1881 census in Hamilton Twp. with a different age, religion and occupation than the Stewart in Hamilton City. Other than the fact that Josephine Barry Frew went to Gore's Landing after Stewart Alexander Frew died, I can find no connection between the Frews of Gore's Landing and Stewart Alexander Frew of Hamilton City. I also can't find any further info Stewart Alexander Frew to take that family line any farther.
Suggestion
First, include your e-mail address when submitting a roadblock! If others have tips there's no way for you to receive them; [From Forebears Research] -- I think you need to get all the Wills for any Frew you can find and try to piece things together. Get the marriages of the child from the initial marriage and determine what names were used by whom. Get into the 1901 census and use every bit of detail re year of immigration, actual birthdate when you check out the Wills. Check land records and petitions again. Orphaned children w/should mean an application being brought on their behalf in the death of their father - in court, somewhere! If someone is born in 1859, use the 1901 census on any member of their family that may help you to unravel the mystery. The person you're after may be dead, but their family details in 1901 may still be useful in retrospect.
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Trying to research Ontario relations from the UK without success
.: Resources already researched: Canada's National archives, New Tecumseth Free Press online, Alliston & District Chamber of Commerce, Somerset Councy Council (UK) archive & record service, Rootsweb, Census records in UK, Online Public Records Office (UK), Written to and spoken to realitives in UK, Emigrants records.
I am trying to find the descendants of my great great unlce Lionel Paull who emigrated from Ilminster, Somerset, United Kingdom in 1918. He met and married a woman called Edna and they had 2 children William "Bill" and Edna jnr. I have discovered that there are not any Paulls living in the Alliston area any longer so I now need to broaden my search to the rest of Ontario. As I live in the UK I am finding it difficult to do this as a lot of web sites I visit really need a personal visit, which is not practical considering where I live! I don't know where else to continue my search - any ideas?
Suggestion
[From Forebears Research] -Try for the 1940 National registration file for him. I would try city directories in Toronto for fun. LDS Family History Centers are located worldwide (including the UK). There you can order in microfilms and other research items to aid you in your search. Go to theLDS Web Site to discover the closest FHC.
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by lpjp@wildwest.co.uk (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Having difficulty researching a line due to a name change
.: Resources already researched: University of Toronto, Kenosha News (obits)
Our research tells us that our ancestor John Sershon was born at Brampton Canada January 1, 1848 was educated at the schools of his native city and later at the University of Toronto. He came to Kenosha, Wi when he was twenty-one years of age and was married there in 1878. Family history tells us that the spelling of our last name was changed upon arrival in the United States. Do you have any recommendations as to how we might go about discovering more? We believe that his father, also John Sershon, was born in France and his mother Judith Jackson, born in England, both immigrated to Canada. Our ancestor may have been their only child. The name change is a definite show stopper. We would appreciate any ideas. Thank you.
Suggestion
Did John have sisters? If you know their married names and if they married in Ontario obtain the marriage registration. It may have the original spelling of the Sershon surname. Try doing the same for John's marriage in Kenosha. It may provide a clue. [From Forebears Research] - US border crossings? Soundex for WI...OCFA, infospace.com for this unusual name; GDR for current year? Post on Rootsweb?
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by dlsersh@worldnet.att.net (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot locate land record or information of ownership
.: Resources already researched: Census records, OPRs, Ontario Genealogical Society researchers, Canadian Archives, cemetary records, passenger manifests
Re: John McConnell and family arrived in South Sherbrooke in 1830-1831, but I am unable to find any record of how he got his land in South Sherbrooke, Lanark County. the Agricultural Census in 1861 lists him living on Concession 6-7, Lot 19-20, but archives do not have records on original grants, patents, or transfers. If John was not the owner, is there a way to trace land records and find out who owned the land in 1861?
Suggestion
[From Forebears Research] - I checked the Ontario Archives Land Record Index for John McConnell and found one in Sherbrooke NORTH which is under Haldimand Co., not Lanark in 1830 on the front half of lot 3, Conc. 5. Might this be worth checking out for that missing land record?
[From Grandma] - I would suggest that u check the lands regerstry offic in Almonte ontario, they have all the land registrations there for this area. Have used their services lately as I live in this area
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Roadblock posted: April 2000 by dejaymac@aol.com (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: I have not been able to find the birth or marriage record of my great-great-great grandfather; born 1825, Tecumseth Twp., Home District, Upper Canad
.: Resources already researched: I have tried these websites, but have had no luck at finding anything Latter Day Saints, rootsweb.ancestry.com, Ancestralfindings.com, Marriage Records of Upper Canada (looking4kin), Genealogy.com, Geocities.com, Waynecook.com (Simcoe Co.), Wesleyan Methodist Church records, book on History of Simcoe County.
My name is Joanne (Walker) Petryshen. I am searching for information (Birth and or Marriage records) on John Walker. John Walker (Scottish)was born 1825, Tecumseth Twp., Simcoe County, Upper Canada. In 1851, he went to Maryborough Twp., Wellington County, Canada West and purchased a piece of land. In 1853, John returned to Tecumseth Twp. and married Ellen Clark (or Clarke)(She was born 1834, near Newton Robinson, in West Gwillimbury Twp, Simcoe County, Upper Canada). After their marriage they walked back to Wellington County where they settled and raised their family. I was able to find from John's obituary that he was a well educated man, Justice of the Peace and was a devoted Wesleyan Methodist Church member. But both John and Ellen were educated in Simcoe County. This is the only information that I have on John and Ellen. I don't know who John's parents were or if he had any brothers or sisters. I also haven't been able to find any information on his wife Ellen either. I am at a stone wall. I think it is because of the era and there wasn't any census during that era as well. I would appreciate any help that you might be able to provide for me. Thank you.
Suggestion
There were censuses during that era, in fact there are census records extending back to the 1700's for some parts of Ontario. But your search shouldn't be restricted by this one resource. Use OntarioGenWeb's research checklist and go through each resource looking for clues to John's ancestry. Take note of the other Scottish Walker's in John's area. Then do a little research on them to see if any of their records mention John. Check the newspapers of the area (don't forget church newspapers like the Christian Guardian) for others with John's surname - perhaps a parent or sibling mentions him in their obituary or marriage announcement. You mention John was a Wesleyan Methodist church member - have you made use of the United Church Archives? That could be a gold mine of information. Also take note that you won't be successful if you restrict your search to what is available on the internet. 99% of Ontario resources are NOT online. Make use of your local library and family history centre. Libraries that have access to inter-library loan and family history centres can borrow resources for your use - you don't need to live in Ontario. [Courtesy of Lydia Alexander] Ellen Clark Walker's (b. 1833)parents were Thomas Clark and Elizabeth Ann Williams (c 1810 - aug.15, 1897) buried in Tottenham, Ont. In 1901 Ellen was a widow living with her son. The 1901 census is transcribed as District: ON WELLINGTON (Centre) (#124)
Subdistrict: Maryborough f-4 Page 4
18 29 Walker George S M Head M Oct 20 1862 38
19 29 Walker Emma J F Wife M Oct 21 1868 32
20 29 Walker Ellen F Mother W Nov 18 1833 67
21 29 Walker Thomas M Brother S Sep 27 1857 43
22 29 Walker John A M Brother S Jul 22 1875 25
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Roadblock posted: Jul 19 2004 by Joanne Petryshen danjop@telus.net (E-mail Message Box)
- Roadblock: Cannot track down roots
.: Resources already researched: Birth, Marriage, Death Indexes; Census
I am attempting to sort out the family roots of Margaret (possibly Routledge or Rutledge, middle name) NICOL born 1959-61, probably in Ont., married Oct 14, 1886 in Beresford Ont., moved to Souris shortly after and died May 31 1922 in Souris Manitoba. Her spouse was Thomas H Patrick, DOB 1857 Ilderton Ont. Margaret's mother was Elizabeth Nicol, born about 1835, maybe in England, maybe Ont. Margaret's dad was Andrew Nicol, born 1834-6 in Ont or Scotland and died about the turn of the century?? probably in Ont. Elizabeth lived with Margaret and her Patrick family in Souris after Andrew died and Elizabeth appears as a family member in the Thomas H. Patrick household in a 1901 census.record. I searched birth, marriage, death indexes for Margaret's parents but no luck I also tried to get information about the Nicols by running Magaret Nicol's sibs names: Jane, James, Anna, John, Elizabeth One place in my family notes it said both Margret's parents were born in Ont. but in another place there is a note saying her father, Andrew Nicol, had been born in Dumfiries Scotland and had emigrated in his youth, first settling in the Fergus Ontairo area and her mother, Elizabeth's family had been a Milliken(r?) being born in Carlisle, England near the Scottish border. The first 2 children of Andrew and Elizabeth were born in Galt Ont.and the rest were born in Garafaxa Ont with religion listed a Presbyterian. The 1881 census show the family living in Garafraxa East, Wellington centre. The 1901 census suggests they may have been living in Paisley, Bruce, ontario at that time and a cemetry search suggests Elizabeth and Andrew may be buried ain Paisley cemetery.. I have spent hundreds of hours trying to track them down but no luck. Any help or ideas you might be able to offer would be greatly appreciated.
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Roadblock posted: Mar 27 2006 by Corinne sandbbb@portal.ca (E-mail Message Box)
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