Family History Research: Meet Matilda Grant - Part One

One of my favorite things about family history research is following clues that lead to new discoveries. Recently, FamilySearch suggested that my fourth-great-grandmother, Matilda Grant, may have remarried after the death of her husband. At first glance, it seemed like a simple research hint. However, as I began reviewing the records attached to her profile, I realized this mystery might hold the key to uncovering both her parents and her death information.

Missing Information

Matilda Grant's profile on FamilySearch does not include a death date, and she is not currently connected to any parents.

What We Know

Matilda Grant was born about 1811 in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, England. Because she was born before civil registration began in 1837, her birth information must be reconstructed using other records such as parish registers and census records.

Matilda married Thomas Wilford on 9 December 1829 at Wigston Magna Parish, Leicestershire. Because this marriage occurred before civil registration, the parish record provides some of the best evidence available. The record tells us that both Thomas and Matilda were from the parish and names George Pochin and Elizabeth Ward as witnesses.

Witnesses can provide valuable clues in family history research because they were often relatives, friends, or close associates. If these names appear in other records connected to Matilda, they may help us identify family relationships.

Matilda and Thomas had six known children: Joseph (1832), Henry (1833), John Thomas (1837), Isaac (1839), Mary Hutchinson (1841), and Samuel (1846).

FamilySearch also suggested that there may be additional children connected to this family. While I am not pursuing that research hint at this time, I am intrigued by the name of their only daughter, Mary Hutchinson Wilford. From Thomas's profile, I know his mother's name was Ann, which leads me to wonder whether the names Mary or Hutchinson came from Matilda's side of the family. Naming patterns can sometimes provide valuable clues when researching earlier generations.

Sources

Matilda Grant has three census records attached to her profile: 1841, 1851, and 1861.

The 1841 census provides the least amount of information. Matilda is listed as thirty years old and born in the same county in which she was residing—Leicestershire. However, one detail immediately caught my attention. Living next door was a seventy-six-year-old woman named Mary Grant. No husband was listed in her household, suggesting she may have been widowed. Also living with her was an Elizabeth Ward and three children.

This is particularly interesting because an Elizabeth Ward appears as a witness on Matilda Grant and Thomas Wilford's 1829 marriage record. While there is not enough evidence at this stage to prove a relationship, it is possible that the Elizabeth Ward in the census is the same woman who witnessed the marriage. If so, this may provide an important clue in identifying Matilda's family.

The 1851 census offers little additional information beyond showing that the family had moved to Staffordshire.

By 1861, Thomas had died and Matilda appears as the head of the household. Three of her children—Isaac, Mary, and Samuel—were still living at home. This census confirms that Matilda was a widow and helps establish a timeline for Thomas's death.

My Thoughts

Based on the records currently attached to Matilda's profile, it appears possible that she remarried after Thomas's death. If this is the case, it would explain why Matilda Wilford does not appear in the 1871 census and why a death record has not yet been identified under the Wilford surname.

A second marriage could also provide valuable clues about Matilda's origins. Marriage records from this period often include the father's name and occupation, which may help identify her parents and extend the family line another generation.

The next step is to determine whether a second marriage can be found. If one exists, it may lead us to both Matilda's family of origin and her final years.

Join me in Part Two as we follow the clues and see where Matilda's story leads.