John Nelm(e)s born 9 Dec 1846 West Dean Monmouth Coleford (General)

by shepway , Wednesday, February 22, 2006, 09:41 (6840 days ago) @ BonnieNelms

Hello Bonnie,

The information you give suggests that this entry from the 1851 Census is your family:

2444 0359 040 Worrall Hill NELMS Richard HD M 32 Coalminer GLS West Dean
2444 0359 040 Worrall Hill NELMS Eliza WI M 25 - GLS West Dean
2444 0359 040 Worrall Hill NELMS Emily DA - 10 - GLS West Dean
2444 0359 040 Worrall Hill NELMS John SO - 5 - GLS West Dean

If so then the John NELMS born within Westbury on Severn Registration District is NOT your man. Worrall Hill which is near Lydbrook was/is in Monmouth Registration District.
I would also mention that Registration was not compulsory at that time and many did not register births so as to save money. You would therefore be better served by searching Parish Registers. Lydbrook Parish Church did not open until 1851 so look for Drybook (Forest Church), Christchurch and possibly English Bicknor. But first I would suggest you obtain his parents marriage certificate as it is possible the children were baptised in the same church.
Richard NELMS married Eliza BALDWYN in December Quarter 1841 Monmouth Registration District Volume 26 Page 85

Good luck
Mike