ancestral brick wall

[margaret warn]

Hi
I am new to this site and wish you all a very good evening or good day wherever in the world you may be.
Now to the grovelling bit..............
Please could anyone help me find Joseph Leay born 1811 in the Wirral area and I believe he died 1859 in Woodchurch. He married Ann Mumford 1833, she was born in 1813 and died in Woodchurch 1856. For over a year now I have been researching the wrong Joseph Leay b1813 d1881. I would appreciate any help no matter how small. Could anyone also please tell me if th St Hilary's register is available online?
Thank you for taking the time to read this heartfelt plea/grovel.
regards to all
Margaret

[Wirral]

Hi Margaret
Welcome to the forum. :)
Joseph Leay married Ann Mumford 6 Oct 1833 at St Nicholas, Liverpool, Lancashire. Although in a different county, it is only a ferry ride over the River Mersey & it wasn't uncommon for couples on the Wirral to marry there. The church is by the Liver Buildings, also known as the Sailors' Church. Its full title is "Our Lady, St Nicholas & St Anne".

The baptism & marriage records for St Hilary, the parish church of Wallasey, are mostly available on the IGI at www.familysearch.com (http://www.familysearch.com) . However, the whole records are on film at Wallasey Central Library, 10 mins walk from here.
Do you have the family in the censuses & do you have birth & marriage certificates for those post 1837 (when civil registration of BMDs started)?

[Wirral]

Well I've had my bit of exercise for the day, walking up to the library! Joseph Leay died 1859 age 48, Ann Leay died 1856 age 43, Woodchurch. Baptisms at St Hilary, Wallasey, to Joseph Leay (Liscard, labourer) & Ann: John C.10 May 1836; Thomas c. 19 nov 1837; Jane c. 5 Jan 1840; Elizabeth c.28 Jan 1844.
Memorial inscription:IMO Thomas son of Joseph & Ann LEAY who departed this life Feb 20th 1813 age 5 years. Also James son of the above who departed this life 1st March 1813 aged 1 year & 3 mths.

[Wirral]

Census 1841 HO107/128/1 folio 14 page 23, New Brighton, Liscard, Wallasey, Cheshire
Joseph Leay 25 Ag lab
Ann " 25
Richard " 7
John " 5
Thomas " 3
Jane " 1
Ellen Mumford 13 F.S.
Elizabeth Leay 15 Dressmaker
John Much 20 Ag lab
John Leay 20 Ag lab

Leay looks like Levy & is listed as that in both Ancestry & British Origins. Wallasey Library has its own index, which is how I found them. All born in Cheshire, ages 15+ rounded down to nearest 5 years.

[Wirral]

I think the family is originally from Bidston. Possible baptism for your ancestor at Upton in Overchurch: Joseph Leay baptised 3 Feb 1811, son of John & Margaret Leay. Also Nancy baptised 7 May 1809. In 1851 census, John Leay snr born 1788 Bidston, Cheshire; Richard Leay b. 1780 Bidston, living on Bidston Hill; Thomas Leay b. 1805 Bidston, living in Liscard.

[Wirral]

Hi Margaret

I hope the Joseph Leay born 1811 in Upton is yours after all, as I have now traced the family back to the 1750s using the church records.

[roger w]

Hi Alison
Just to say a very big thank you for all the lovely info you sent me re Joseph Leay. Thanks to you I have started dismantling the brick wall. you are extremely kind.
very best wishes
Margaret

[Wirral]

Went to Liverpool library today. :)

St Nicholas, Liverpool
Joseph Leay of this parish, Carter, and Ann Mumford of this parish, spinster, were married in this Church by Banns this Sixth day of October in the Year One Thousand eight hundred and thirty three By me Augs. Campbell Rector.
This Marriage was solemnized between us:- The mark of Joseph Leay, The Mark of Ann Mumford.
In the presence of :- Elizabeth Ledsom, The Mark of John Jones.

According to the IGI, Ann Mumford was born 1814 Morton, baptised 5 June 1814 Bidston, father Samuel Mumford, mother Jane Ledsom.

[Plasite]

I am interested to see your mention of Ann Mumford born 1814 as she is the younger sister of the James Mumford b.1823 whose family I am researching. James married Jane Ledsham at Liverpool St George in 1840. Does anyone have the marriage details for this couple please? I'm also interested in Samuel Mumford and Jane Ledsom who are the parents of Ann and of James. I'd like to prove that Samuel b. 1796 is the son of Stephen b. 1766 (and Elizabeth) - please can anyone help?