W64 : The death of a child

There can't be anything worse than for a couple to lose their child either at the time of birth or as infants. My blogs tend to feature ancestors who have contributed something or who have a tale to tell.  The youngsters who died had their whole lives in front of them and may have grown up to have a family of their own, become war heroes or become individuals future genealogists would write about. Unfortunately for those who died young this would not be possible but nevertheless I would like to remember them in my 100 Ancestors blog. 

These are just the Bird babies and children who I have come across during my research into their parents, aunts, uncles etc.  There will undoubtedly have been many more on both this and other branches but perhaps they can represent all those who died before their time :

William Bird of Newnham (Week 43) and Sarah Elizabeth Elliott, who were the couple who first brought prosperity to the Bird branch, had 10 children but sadly two of their daughters died young :  

• Mary Ann – 31st December 1799 to 19th August 1800 
  
• Sarah Elizabeth – 20th July 1801 to 5th December 1803 
  

Edwin Bird (Week 60), who emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, one of William Bird of Newnham’s grandsons, and Mary Ann Roche had 6 children of whom three died young :

• Ellen – 1862 to 24th November 1862 
  
• Edwin Frederick – 1866 to 1867 
  
• Louisa Helen – 1864 to July 1873 
  

William Henry Bird (Week 62), who was a schoolmaster in the Grenadier Guards, another of William Bird of Newnham’s grandsons, and Harriet Matilda Moffatt had 4 children but they lost :

• Harry Moffatt – 13th February 1872 to 24th July 1872 – Harriet died 6 days later following complications of the birth. 
  

Henry Ross Bird (Week 49), yet another of his grandsons, this time on my direct line, and Louisa Maria Pim Wareham lost their first born 

• Florence Mary – 20th August 1880 to 8th January 1881

You will see that most of these young ancestors lived during the 1800's. This is not coincidental as it is difficult to get similar information for the century before, as it didn't necessarily exist, or for the century after, as it is still time barred under the 100 year rule.  As I said at the beginning of this blog, these will just be a few of undoubtedly the many who were feted to die before their time. Let's not forget them.

"Tears In Heaven"

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.


Lyrics by Eric Clapton & Will Jennings