Leah M Watts 1876-1952

[MaryA]

Unfortunately for later researchers, it was very common for somebody else to "adopt" and raise a child as their own, usually to save face for the mother, but it will be very difficult to prove.

As for visiting Liverpool and the help you hope to gain, if you can visit on a Tuesday afternoon the Society hosts a Help Desk on 3rd Floor of the William Brown Street Library, between 1.30 - 4.00 pm each week, and we will give whatever help we are able to.

As for the availability of records, check the catalogue and if in any doubt use the Contact button to write to the archives. If there is anything not available on computer, microfilm or microfiche then pre-order so that it is waiting for your visit.

https://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries/arch ... catalogue/

[emacalister]

Hello,
Just a wee update for those who might be interested after our Liverpool trip this weekend.
A very helpful lady at the central Library was able to find a Jane Watts with an infant in a workhouse/hospital for about 20 days at the time Leah was born. This Jane Watts was born 1836 but we are sure it is her as Ellen Watts Is down as family member.
We were also able to find records of Rachel and Ellen going into a workhouse aged 10 and 13 respectively. We tried to use the microfiche (353 sel 19/20) for the full record but were unable to find anything for them. We did find a record for a John Watts who seemed to fit with ours on that same microfiche by chance.
We were also able to follow Rachel through census returns as a boarding house keeper and a widow towards the end. She died in Liverpool in 1920. We have less on Ellen and the parents John and Jane are still a bit of a mystery.
It was nice to visit the city where they all lived and we managed to take in some of the sights too.

[MaryA]

Glad you enjoyed your weekend and had some success with your research. Well done and thank you for letting us know the details.