Sally (cahill.sally @t talk21.com) of Woodley, Berks writes: According to the IGI my grt grt grandmother Jemima Dollimore was baptised on 8 June 1831 at St Mary's Church in Hitchin. Her mother is listed as Harriet Dollimore, however no father is listed - do you have any idea of how I might find out a father's name as I have no idea where to look for this information. I believe Harriet was born c1811 also in the Hitchin area. I would be grateful for any pointers you might be able to give me.

The important thing to remember is that online facilities, such as the IGI on familysearch are indexes to tell you where to look and you should look at the St Mary's Church register (HALS will provide a copy of a fee - or you can arrange to look at the microfilm at your nearest L.D.S. Family History Centre - address on familysearch).

Jemima's marriage certificate should, in theory at least, give her father's name, and if you haven't yet seen this yet you should purchase a copy - as it may contain all kinds of additional information, such as Witness names - which can sometimes help to identify relatives.

Because she was born in 1831 there is a very good chance that she was still living with her mother somewhere near Hitchin at the time of the 1841 census so that is worth checking. In looking at such records it is important to remember that her mother may have remarried - so will no longer be Harriet Dollimore - and there could be a step-father and half-brothers or sisters. The 1841 census is available online for a fee.

Of course you may find that the baptism register simply says "baseborn daughter of Harriet Dollimore" and the father's name on the marriage certificate is left blank. This could indicate that even Jemima did not know the name of her own father - and so we may never know!

If, when you have gathered together the information from the baptism register, the 1841 (and possibly later) census, and her marriage certificate, you still have problems do not hesitate to contact me again with the information you have gathered. However you should realise that illegitimacy is often a permanent block in family history research.