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thesearcher
05-03-2010, 8:39 AM
I am trying to trace my Great Uncle Robert Stirling Maxwell Housden b. Sept 1892 in Hoylake Cheshire. I believe he went to live in South Africa after WW2. He may have married an Emily Critcher.
Is there anyone who could look up in the South African records
to see if his name comes up or advise me where to start? I'm sorry I dont have any more details.
Geoffers
05-03-2010, 8:59 AM
I'd suggest starting with passenger lists (on pay-per-view site findmypast) to try and confirm date and place of emigration.

Did his dad leave a will in which he mentions his son in South Africa........or wherever?
Sue Mackay
05-03-2010, 9:07 AM
I can't immediately see his death notice on the SA National Archives site. Have a play with some of the sources on this thread (http://www.british-genealogy.com/forums/showthread.php?21140-On-Line-Sources-for-South-African-Genealogy)
thesearcher
05-03-2010, 9:26 AM
Looking up the will is a good idea, how do I do that?
Waitabit
05-03-2010, 9:59 AM
There is a 'Tree',...... Anc...y.....seems to have all the information you want. Did he marry in Cuckfield Sussex? die in Wokingham, Berks? All there for you.
thesearcher
05-03-2010, 10:51 AM
yes thats probably my tree with the info on. I'm trying to find out about his years in South Africa. As with many families I expect, I wonder if my father even knew his uncle had returned to this country and lived not so very far away, we certainly never heard mention of him when I was young. I suppose thats why we are all so keen on researching our family history.
Geoffers
05-03-2010, 11:34 AM
Looking up the will is a good idea, how do I do that?

Have a read of this research guide Wills and Death Duty records after 1858 (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=219)

Note that in paragraph 2 there is reference to the Probate Calendar having been copied onto microfilm/fiches. As well as the locations given, it can also be viewed at County Record Offices.

With a reference from the Probate Calendar you can apply for a copy of a will from the Probate Service - they will also undertake 3 year searches for a set fee - so if you know specifically when someone died it may be worth using that research service.
thesearcher
05-03-2010, 4:21 PM
Thank you very much, I'll look into that.