Genealogy Forum UK

Hi

I was born in 1959, the middle child of 3 living children.

In my teens, my mother mentioned that we had an older sister who didn't live. My aunt (my mother's sister) later confirmed this, hinting it explained why my mother was so neurotic.

I think - but am not sure - that the girl in question was born 1949-1951 and was probably stillborn, although it's possible she died in the first day or 2 of her life. Me, my brother & sister were all born at the Salvation Army Hospital in Hackney, so it's possible (probable?) she was born there too.

I've tried searching on parental names but have had no joy. Could anyone make some suggestions about how I might find out my late elder sister's name and circumstance sof her death?

Thanks.

I can't help I'm afraid but The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity might have some answers.

Have you tried searching births with surname only and mothers maiden name?

Hi. That seems a large gap between 1949-1951 and the birth of your brother. Were your parents already married by 1949 or should you be looking under a maiden name?

My parents were married in 1947. The gap between the birth of their first child and my elder brother Steve was a cause of much grief, and it wasn't for want of trying, so my parents told me. When my mother finally managed to get pregnant in 1956, she was in her early 30s, which was regarded as "old" for a (sort of) first-time mother then. However, Steve was born Easter 1957, I came along at Easter 1959 and my sister at Easter 1961, so all ended well.

I've only just picked this up again, as I've been researching some other family history thing.

How sad for your parents, to have years of "trying"