Is this reasonable thinking?

[Kit]

I have a couple who married in Newcastle under Lyme Staffordshire in 1878. They had 5 children, that appeared on censuses, born between 1879 and 1894 all NUL.

The 1911 census indicated the couple had 8 children and 4 were still living, those 4 appear on the census with their parents.

I went through the birth indexes for NUL and found a few births, some children I have found on the 1911 with their parents so it seems there were 2 families giving birth during the period with this name.

That leaves 4 children born NUL. 2 appear on the death indexes in NUL, one death is in a neighbouring district and I can find no record of the last anywhere but her name is Mary so it's not surprising.

Can I assume that the 3 children who were born and died between census are the missing 3 from my tree?

[Kit]

Just had a thought and checked if the missing Mary would fit in with the other family.

It would be a tight fit but possible.

Could someone look at this family on the 1901 census for me?

SNAPE, John Twist Head Widower M 67 1844 Architect Staffs Wolstanton
SNAPE, John Guy Son M 26 1885 Architects Assistant Staffs Newcastle
SNAPE, Robert Hugh Son M 24 1887 University Coach Staffs Newcastle
SNAPE, Ralph Twist Son M 20 1891 Architects Pupil Staffs Newcastle
SNAPE, Janet Mary Daughter F 18 1893 Staffs Newcastle

The missing child is Mary Ethel Snape born 3rd Q 1891.

Ralph is actually registered 4Q 1890.

[Merry]

Mary isn't with that family in 1901. Their next child was reg Q4 1892 in Uttoxeter district. Her middle name was mary, though that alone may not exclude the other child from being her sister!

[Kit]

Thanks Merry.

It's a shame as it would rule her out for sure.

I just saw a family who had 2 sons - William Alfred and Alfred William so I guess anything is possible name-wise.

For now I'll say I'm correct until there is information to the contrary. I'll keep Mary on hold just in case.

[samesizedfeet]

I'm willing to lay money on it that William Alfred was known as Alfred and Alfred William went by the name of William

[Kit]

Probably. They aren't mine family.

If they were my family they would be called Jack and Bob.

[kiterunner]

Can I assume that the 3 children who were born and died between census are the missing 3 from my tree?

You can't really be sure unless you get some more evidence, such as certificates or baptisms.

[Kit]

I know I wont know for sure, but until I can get some evidence, does it look like a reasonable assumption?