Paper Treasure

A few treasures from the King branch of the family - my MIL’s father’s side.

The 1911 England census is the only one where the respondent filled out the form, rather than the  enumerator (census taker.) 

So this beautiful handwriting was done by either hubby’s great-grandparent or great-aunt. Also,  the questions changed for each census - this census asked not just who was residing there, but for the # of children born and the # still living. In some cases, where the child died young and wasn’t yet baptized, this could be their only record of having lived. Interesting note - every other document I’ve found lists “James” as “Charles”. Since someone in his immediate family filled in this form, did he actually go by James? Or is it a mistake? So fun finding these little quirks. 

Marriage record for John Foster and his first wife, Damaris Hind, dated 24 December 1795. Both were able to sign their name so I think it’s a good bet they were educated. Many people back then, especially women, couldn’t read or write, so made their “x” mark on documents instead (note the 2nd record on the right-hand page above.)

Birth record for Samuel, son of Samuel and Ann West, dated 1656. I found this by accident - it was attached to a family (same names) from the 1700’s. Don’t know yet if it’s part of hubby’s family, but it’s super cool!