David Benjamin/Frances South

[g@georgiec.plus.com]

I have hit a brick wall with my David Benjamin who was born in approx 1815 in the Strand, London. He married (or maybe he didn't as I can find no marriage certificate) Frances South from Marylebone and their first child was born in 1848. His son Thomas married in a church so obviously left the Jewish faith at that time although Thomas's eldest daughter said she was Jewish. I have tried various Jewish websites but cannot track David Benjamin any further back. I have found him on 1861 and 1871 census. Any advice would be appreciated.

Georgina

[Geoffers]

I have hit a brick wall with my David Benjamin who was born in approx 1815 in the Strand, London. He married (or maybe he didn't as I can find no marriage certificate) Frances South from Marylebone and their first child was born in 1848.
Just a thought, which you may have already tried, but have you looked in the GRO index of marriages using DAVID as the surname. A few years ago I found an entry in the index where the surname and forename (both could be used as forenames in that case too) had been transposed.

Geoffers
Charlbury, Oxfordshire

[g@georgiec.plus.com]

Hi Geoffers,

No I hadn't thought of that and will certainly try it. Many thanks for the suggestion.

Georgina

[Ladkyis]

There is only one David BENJAMIN in the index of marriages of the Great Synagogue 1791-1850. He is David BENJAMIN son of Moshe. He married Sophia LEVY; Tsafira daughter of Asher anshel HALEVI on May 12th 1850.

Just a thought here, perhaps Frances SOUTH was not Jewish and so they were married in the register office. Having, myself, chased jewish ancestors who married out of their faith I know how frustrating it can be
Ann

[g@georgiec.plus.com]

Hi Ladkyis,

Thanks for taking the time to look. I suspect David Benjamin did marry out of the faith. His son Thomas certainly married in a normal church although interestingly on 25th December.

Georgina

[Greenseeker]

I have thought for sometime that I may be part Jewish through my grand mother. Her maiden name was Green. I have since found out that her father was one Benjamin Walter Green, a very Jewish name. He was a bootmaker in London. What do people think of the possibility that I may have a Jewish connection because of the name?

[Ladkyis]

I would say that there is a 50/50 chance and that you should never discount the possibility - no matter what the name. :)
Ann