Origins: My First Leap Across the Pond (#2 of 52)

In November 2013, I experienced a milestone in my genealogical journey: my first leap “across the pond.” Now, a decade later, the thrill of that discovery still lingers vividly in my mind. Seeing a document that connected me to my family’s origins, in their own homeland, was not just incredible—it was a profound moment of revelation and connection.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Certificate of Death no. 113815 (1923), Sarah Jane Merrill; digital images, “Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1970,” Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 January 2024).

Sarah (Eastwood) Merrill (1848-1923) was my 2nd great grandmother. Her death certificate stated she was born 9 September 1848 in “Leeds – Oldham,” England. Her father, James Eastwood, and mother, Sarah Ann Hall, were also shown as born in England.

Insights from the 1860 Census

1860 U.S. census, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Lock Haven, p. 297, dwelling 839, family 845, Ja[me]s Eastwood household.

In 1860, Sarah Eastwood’s family was living in Pennsylvania. She was enumerated with her parents, James & Sarah, as well as some likely siblings: Adam, 19, Hannah, 2, and Sammee [or Samuel], 6. An older male, Humphrey, age 25, was possibly James’ brother as he was only 16 years younger than James. All but the youngest two family members were listed as born in England.

A Pivotal Clue

1841 England Census, Prestwich Cum Oldham, Lancashire, England, Book 3, p. 57, line 3, James Eastwood household.

While researching at the downtown Dallas Public Library, I found a potentially relevant record: an 1841 England Census. It showed the household of James & Sarah, fitting the profile of Sarah’s parents. The children were transcribed as Thomppey (age 6) and Sylwanos (age 1).

I remember sitting in the library, poring over this record, wondering if Thomppey could be Sarah’s brother “Humphrey.” Seeking a second opinion, I approached one of the librarians. His expertise not only confirmed my hunch about Humphrey, but also deciphered “Sylwanos” as “Sylvaneous.” However, the ages in the record slightly differed from what I expected, especially for Humphrey who now appeared to be the son of James & Sarah.

Understanding Age Discrepancies

While revisiting the 1841 census records, I uncovered a crucial detail about age recording practices: for individuals over 15, ages were rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5. This meant that someone who was 19 would be listed as 15, a 22-year-old as 20, and a 59-year-old as 55. This practice, which was specific to the 1841 United Kingdom census, provided a revelation that helped me understand the puzzling age discrepancies in my research.

The absence of Sylvaneous in later records could be explained by an 1848 death index for a Sylvaneous Eastwood in Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire. But more research is needed.

Uncovering the Eastwood-Hall Marriage

The Eastwoods were living in Prestwich cum Oldham in Lancashire, England, in 1841. So this is where I started researching.

“Manchester, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1930,” database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 January 2024), p. 55, entry #110, Eastwood-Hall marriage (1839).

Ancestry led me to a marriage record that was the key to this mystery. It was for James Eastwood and Sarah Hall married in 1839 in Prestwich, Lancashire. (Prestwich cum Oldham, where the family lived in 1841, was comprised of ten townships, including Prestwich.) Among other things, this record revealed that James was a widower when he married Sarah. This meant that Humphrey, born around 1835, was likely his son from a previous marriage, and Sylvaneous, likely born in 1841, was a son of both James and Sarah.

Additional Family Connections

This marriage record also showed James’ profession, a spinner, as well as both of their residences at the time of their marriage. It also provided me with the names of their fathers—Joseph Eastwood and John Hall—and professions. Always exciting, it included James’ signature, but Sarah signed with her mark.

I was eventually able to identify James’ mother’s name: Sarah Bradbury. And I’ve identified James Eastwood’s first wife and additional children.

What about Leeds?

So what about the death certificate stating Sarah was born in Leeds (or Leeds – Oldham), England? Researching James’ son, Humphrey, provides possible insights. But I’ll leave that somewhat complicated tale for another post.

Your Turn: Rediscovering Our Ancestral Homelands

As for me, the Eastwoods represent the only English lineage I’ve successfully traced, though I likely have other English lines yet to explore. In contrast, I’ve successfully traced six families back to Germany. You can read more about those connections here or by clicking on the “German Genealogy” category on my newly updated website.

Have you traced your family members back to their homeland? What was that experience like for you? I’d love to hear about your discoveries!

This post was created as part of Amy Johnson Crow’s 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge. This week’s theme is “Origins.”