*Arc tbc* ---William Parsons born Smethwick, 1885

[MAPatrick]

William Parsons (b.1885) - descended from Tidal Litley alias PARSONS

I am looking for information on the descendants of William Parsons, born 1885 in Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, son of Jethro William Parsons (b.1842) and Emily (Emma) Cox (b.1847).

Although he is my great-uncle, I know little about his life. He married Sarah Bissell (b.1884 in Halesowen) at St Mary's, Smethwick on 1 May 1909. They had four children; William George Parsons (b.1910), Frederick Stanley Parsons (b.1913), and twins Arthur James Parsons and Linda Parsons (b.1916). Frederick Stanley Parsons married Hilda Sarah Whitehouse on 12 Oct 1940 and they had one son called Stanley W Parsons (b.1941). Certificates between 1916 and 1940 refer to the family's address as 108 Lewisham Road, Smethwick.

I would dearly like to have contact with any remaining members of his family and would appreciate any possible assistance in finding them.

[MarkCDodd]

He died in WW1? In 1917?

[MAPatrick]

Not yet proven! I believe that his identity has been confused with that of William Parsons of Birmingham (b.1886) who married Harriet Florence Green (b.1887) in 1908. This William was the son of William Alfred Parsons and Lucretia Amelia Lilley; he was probably the PARSONS, William, Pte., 19866, S.Staff Regiment - 9th Service Battalion (Pioneers) who died in 1917. For further information, see thread extended under the MILITARY section of this forum.

[Northern Lass]

Any other likely death certifs for him?

or have you looked at any electoral registers for that address
108 Lewisham Road, Smethwick
see if he is there and up until when?

Marriages of his children see if it has him as deceased?
When did she die?
who was informant on her certif was he deceased by then?

[MAPatrick]

William Parsons (b.1885) was deceased by the time of the marriage of his son, Frederick Stanley Parsons in 1940.

Looking at voters' lists is a good idea. The United Kingdom general election of 1918 was the first to be held after the Representation of the People Act 1918, which meant it was the first United Kingdom general election in which all adult men and some women could vote. William's absence or presence on the list should be significant.

[Northern Lass]

If they have them I would think they would be at Smethwick archvies worth asking them
they are very helpful

[Northern Lass]

Do you need any more on this prior to looking at the registers?
We can move this to the archived and then bring back for further discussion when you have
looked at the electoral registers

So unless otherwise advised flagging to archive