| Text | (Research):Baptism of William Freer (parents John and Frances) 12 Sep 1830 shows he must have been born before 12 Sep 1830. Baptisms were often several months after birth in those days (unless the baby was very poorly). Gravestone shows age 56 at death - therefore born 18 Feb 1830 - 12 Sep 1830 1841 census (6 June) shows age 10 therefore born after 6 Jun 1830 - narrows the range to born 7 Jun 1830 - 12 Sep 1830. 1841 enumerators were to round ages down to nearest 5 years for those over 15. William and his siblings listed as 13, 10, 6, 4 & 2 years old, so he was following the rules and 10 is not an obvious error. 1851 census (30 March) shows age 20 therefore born 31 Mar 1830 - consistent with 1841 dates 1861 census (7 April) shows age 30 there born after 7 Apr 1830 - consistent with 1851 dates 1871 census (2 April) shows age 40 which doesn't contradict 1881 census (3 April) shows age 50 which doesn't contradict Marriage 4 Dec 1849 shows full age (21) - therefore born before 5 Dec 1828. Obviously a contradiction and somewhat believable because Mary Ann stated she was "under". Why would William lie? Maybe his parents didn't consent. Death age was stated as 51 which is clearly wrong (he was 56). His daughter Helen, who then lived in London, was present at the death and was the informant. It's possible she didn't know his age and/or Mary Ann was not in a state to advise. Current conclusion is William was born between 7 Jun 1830 and 12 Sep 1830 | |