Sheards in West Yorkshire

[johnryden]

I have the marriage certificate of John Sheard marrying an Alice Westwood in 1854 in Idle, Bradford and also their census returns from 1861 onwards. My problem is that I can't find John Sheard's birth - stated as 1828 in Cold Hiendley, Wakefield - this would be covered by the parish of Felkirk, but the Sheards were Catholics and I can't find his baptism. Anyone got any ideas where I could look?

On his marriage certificate his father is named as Benjamin Sheard, but I can find no trace of Benjamin with a son John of the right age in the 1841 or 1851 censuses.

The family were in Idle, Bradford from 1854 but I do not know where they would have been in 1841 or 1851 and have no idea why John is shown as being born near Wakefield.

Any help very much appreciated. I have tried Familysearch, FindmyPast and Ancestry.

Thanks

John

[Mutley]

There is a John Sheard, a labourer, servant on the 1851 born 1828 in Ovendon. That does not seem to be such a long way away from Idle and his employer would have given the details for him. Can we eliminate this chap?

[t@nya]

I can't find a John Sheard morn Ovendon in the 1861 census, so it might very well be the right man.

[johnryden]

Thanks for this suggestion. That could be him, but I am not convinced. 1851 Census shows his place of birth as Ovenden whilst 1861, 1871 and onwards show Wakefield or vicinity of Wakefield. His marriage certificate of 1854 gives his occupation as "engine tender" and his father, Benjamin's occupation as "farmer" both living in Idle. The family certainly had a farm there from 1861 and John was an engine tender then became a blacksmith with his sons having occupations as butchers, blacksmiths, a wood turner and a steam engine manufacturer.

However, the 1851 Census entry is for the workshouse at Scausby, which is mid way between Halifax and Bradford, so you never know, but I feel it is more likely for someone to be in this workhouse who was born in Ovenden than in Wakefield.

Thanks again.

John

[Coromandel]

My problem is that I can't find John Sheard's birth - stated as 1828 in Cold Hiendley, Wakefield - this would be covered by the parish of Felkirk, but the Sheards were Catholics and I can't find his baptism. Anyone got any ideas where I could look?

You could try contacting the West Yorkshire Archive Service for advice on the whereabouts of Roman Catholic parish registers for the Wakefield area. Their website can be found here:

http://www.
archives.wyjs.org.uk/