Researching family history

[Helen Kinsey]

I have drawn a blank with a particular member of my family and have come to the conclusion that he must have been born under a different name and adopted into my family. How can I go about finding out about adoption records (if there were any) from the end of the 19th century period; 1880's onwards?

[Toglet]

Have you contacted the Family Records Centre in London? They might be able to advise you.

[Ewood27]

Registration of births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales began in 1837 and became compulsory in 1875. If he was born in Scotland or Ireland details are different, but if born in England or Wales the record will exist. My advice is to gather all the details you have, then ask at your local library about the local Family History Society. Chances are there will be a monthly meeting near you which you can attend a few times as a guest without joining. You will find the members friendly and helpful, and they will give you good advice. You may even be bitten by the genealogy bug yourself, but be warned - it can take over your life!

[Helen Kinsey]

Thanks for both pieces of advice. I feel that I now have a hope of finding my paternal grandfather's family.

[sunsweet]

hi helen im looking for living relatives of helen (born aprox 1919) and harry kinsey. are you related

[HGKinsey]

Sunsweet - I have not delved into the Kinsey side of the family research as yet, but do know that the Kinsey family which I married into comes from the Radnorshire area. If I get any information on Helen or Harry Kinsey I will post it here for you. Have you tried www.genesconnected.co.uk ?