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Who was Bracewell?

Discussion in 'General Genealogical Queries' started by Tim, Dec 2, 2023.

  1. Tim

    Tim Megastar and Moderator Staff Member

    I am confused about some data I have found and wondering if someone can help explain it or add or even add another theory.

    I’m investigating Bracewell Deighton Whitehead b1866
    upload_2023-12-2_13-6-59.png
    And this is his brother Bracewell b1863, d 1863
    upload_2023-12-2_13-7-32.png
    upload_2023-12-2_13-8-0.png
    GRO entry

    One of the hints that has appeared for Bracewell Deighton Whitehead is a Probate
    upload_2023-12-2_13-9-49.png

    And this is where I get confused, the entry is recorded on the 18th May 1885, and says the death was 14 Jan 1863

    The father’s name, address and occupation all match what I have for the father.

    So who is the Probate entry in 1885 referring to? In 1885 Bracewell D would be 19.

    I can’t find any death’s in or around 1885 on GRO or FreeBMD for Bracewell or for Whitehead that would potentially fit.
     
    Tim, Dec 2, 2023
    #1
  2. ChalfontR

    ChalfontR LostCousins Member

    The probate entry clearly refers to the child who died as an infant in 1863 ..... and years later the father had to apply for administration of the child's estate.

    It is unusual for a baby to have an estate at all, but I would guess that this was something connected with the child receiving an inheritance at some stage, or being gifted something at birth which later the father needed to deal with. I'd be looking at the wills of grandparents and other relatives perhaps ? Did somebody leave a legacy to the "firstborn son" of William Whitehead maybe, and this caused the problem years afterwards ?

    The second Bracewell (Deighton) Whitehead was registered in Jul-Sep 1865 (indexed as Braceful) - but it wasn't unusual for families to reuse a name, especially if it had some family significance.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2023
    ChalfontR, Dec 2, 2023
    #2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. Tim

    Tim Megastar and Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks ChalfontR, your suggestion is very plausible. But would they use the term "bachelor" for a baby who was potentially only days old?
     
    Tim, Dec 3, 2023
    #3
  4. ChalfontR

    ChalfontR LostCousins Member

    Sounds odd to us, but I don't see why not
     
    ChalfontR, Dec 3, 2023
    #4
  5. jorghes

    jorghes LostCousins Superstar

    Are you able to order the will? I think it would be interesting to see if indeed it was a will for a baby.
     
    jorghes, Dec 7, 2023
    #5
  6. Pauline

    Pauline LostCousins Megastar

    There is no will in this case, it was an administration.
     
    Pauline, Dec 8, 2023
    #6
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. Pauline

    Pauline LostCousins Megastar

    Just to add to the above, if this had been a will then it would be apparent it wasn’t for a baby. From 1837 you had to be at least 21 to leave a will. Prior to that girls from the age of 12 and boys from 14 could leave wills, though from 1540, minors could only bequeath personal estate.
     
    Pauline, Dec 8, 2023
    #7
    • Thanks! Thanks! x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1

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