Family tree question, any advice on how I can find the d.o.b of my Grandad, when I only know when and where he died?

[Jeanieology]

My Grandad died in 1945 (he was a fair bit older than my Grandma),and I’d love to be able to find out more about him.
However, I believe that death certificates from that time generally don’t have the date of birth of the deceased on them, so although it’s a long shot, I’m wondering if there’s any way at all I may be able to find out more information about him?

Unfortunately he had a popular name and surname, which would make things more difficult, and my Grandma didn’t tell us much about him other than he was born in 1892, in London, I believe.
As mentioned, the only details I have are his name, date of death and place of death.

I’m stuck at a brick wall not knowing how to find more info on him, and I’d appreciate any advice!

This is so interesting. I’m in the same situation with my grandfather, except he was born in Ireland and his name is very common, so finding any records of his birth is nigh on impossible!
I have his death details but he died in a London lodging house so the details are unreliable I think.
absolutely fascinating though. I hope you find your answers OP!

I have recently done a DNA test with Ancestry. I’m hoping it confirms the research I’ve recently done on my 3G grandfather. I was contacted by another descendent and if we are related the DNA will match. She already done the DNA test.
My DS 17 has shown an interest in DNA test so may do one when he is 18. This would help my research tremendously on DHs side which goes back to the 16th century.
I have spells of doing research then leave it alone. Often when I go back I have had messages or updates.
Managed to confirm that one branch of our tree originated in Cornwall, always rumoured.
My family were seafarers or shipbuilders which meant they moved around a lot. DH, however, comes from a long line of farmers and has an unusual name that is almost unique to the county we live in so easy to build a tree.

Thanks I’ll try and look there too

You could also try National Archives for any service record, should be free to access online.

Thank you! If only it was easy to find everyone!

I also have Irish Ancestors, and I looked on Irish Geneology and managed to find their marriage and death Certificates.

Your story is interesting too!
I might go down the DNA route as well

I’ll have a look there too and see if I can find anything

On FMP you can search the British Newspaper Archive for his name and the area he was from. If his family had domestic staff they might have been quite prominent. Obituaries might also give you clues.

Ooh will have a look there. Thank you!

Thanks once again I’ll PM you

That’s another place I’ll try and check thanks

I'd love to help too if poster upthread is too busy. I messed up
My Find My Past (FMP) trial and ended up with an annual subscription. I don't know whether my ancestors were particularly unimaginative but I find that christian names tend to repeat most generations (either straight down or across from aunts and uncles).

Brits (certainly rural Brits) were quite religious in the 1900's. I suspect that your grandad was Christened (so if the church/diocese kept good records, you might find him that way). FMP have quite a lot of these records transcribed.

FMP also seem to have a fair number of electoral rolls from early 1900's - certainly for London and Dorset.

You don't have any great aunts, I suppose?

Good luck.

I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned.... but do you know if/where he was buried or cremated? If you know the cemetery, they may be able to give you some details. It's been a while since I looked at them records but it may show date of birth. My local cemetery have been really helpful and can usually send me the details of the burial within a few days.

I’ve not read too throughly, so apologies if this is redundant, but if you know his mother’s maiden name you can search the general register office website. They show mothers maiden names.

I’m afraid I don’t know his mothers name at all, I only know his name and the details of when and where he passed away.

Yes I do know where my Grandad’s buried, I could try and contact the cemetery and maybe they’ll have more information.

Thanks so much, another kind offer and I may take you up on that if you don’t mind 🙂

Have a search on findagrave.com ? A photo could confirm dates, or give extra information.

@Jeanieology feel free to PM me. My sub has another 6 months to go!

Thank you Madcats, I’ll PM you now 🙂

Definitely get as many records as you can.
This looks like the death cert and a burial record?

Any suggestion of brothers or sisters? Sometimes searching for these helps.

Definitely do an Ancestry test.
Sometimes I may be searching for someone where there are lots of candidates but one will lead to a dna match so I know that's the correct "John smith"

I've ancestry, fold3,, British newspaper archives - happy to help search too :)

I’ve PM’d you Madcats, but let me know if it’s not gone through right, thanks 🙂

Thank you for offering to help too!

There was no mention of any Brothers or sisters I’m afraid.

I can see why you've been struggling; he is very elusive.

Haven't given up yet.