Edward Alvin Graham of Cumberland, England

andreaivey1

I am just learning how to do family history research and am looking for information on an ancestor who appears to be born before census records were kept. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

#1. Who are the parents of Edward Alvin Graham born 25 November 1825 in Cumberland, England?

#2. What is the marriage date of Edward Alvin Graham who married Hannah Mary Hayes (possibly in the 1840's) in Clarinda, Page, Iowa, United States.

~Andrea

Carole McIntyre

Hi Andrea, @andreaivey1

In looking up Edward Alvin Graham in FamilySearch I noticed some things that raised questions. His birth date is probably not correct, if he was christened on the same date. Usually a few days to some months or sometimes years elapsed before christening. Is he born in Cumberland (where)? or in Houghton-le-Spring, Durham? Cumberland is on the east and Houghton-le-Spring is almost on the coast to the west.

Two of the children have no sources.

His name in the attached sources show no middle name at all.

What record in U.S. indicates that he came from Durham? Or Cumberland?

There are no census records in the sources.

Did the family move around a bit? Children are born in Page county, then Pottawattamie, then Taylor, then Page.

If Hannah Mary was born in 1838, the marriage could probably not be in the 1840's.

It is best to first look to see if the information given makes sense and/or is backed by sources.

In looking for Edward, without that birth date, in Iowa, I believe I found his death record. In 1870 US Mortality Schedule, Edward Graham, miner, killed in mine. The age has been mis-indexed to 91 years old, but should be 41. I suggest that no 91 year olds were miners. That puts his birth to around 1829 and gives you a good clue to look for his birth/christening record. It only shows born in England, so keep an open mind about location. You may start by searching all 1841 UK census records for Edward Graham. Remember that the birth date in the census may be a little off.

I have attached the source to him. I hope this helps.

Carole