Forest of Dean FHT Forum - Margaret Cavender Harris 1858 to?

Margaret Cavender Harris 1858 to? (reply)

rookancestrybest — Sat, 23 May 2009 07:43:36 +0000

The usual reason for baptising a child privately would be if they were close to death then anyone could baptise the child (the idea being to save his or her soul). However it is sometimes stated when a baptism is of a nonconformist nature, e.g. RC. However many RCs and protestant non-conformists would baptise their child in their own faith as well as at the C of E. The latter though usually relates to the period before the date you have quoted. In the RC branch of my family there are two marriage dates too, usually one the day before the other as they married in both the CofE and their own church.

Margaret Cavender HARRIS 1858 to? (reply)

slowhands — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:31:00 +0000

at this stage I cannot find a BMD entry for the birth - however it may be there

so if we assume an infant death - a record of death might be pushing it if the birth was not registered. A burial would still be possible, again have to question if the church recognised the baptism and hence allowed a burial in consecrated ground.

Margaret Cavender HARRIS 1858 to? (reply)

anne crossley — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:07:26 +0000

Thank you for your reply and yes, the Cavanaugh connection is correct though I don't know who the guilty party was. If a baby died soon after birth would it have been acceptable for it to be buried without being registered or having any record of burial.

Margaret Cavender HARRIS 1858 to? (reply)

slowhands — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:29:07 +0000

A private baptism was often conducted at home for a sick child.

I assume this is the Cavender (?) family connection
1861
James Cavanaugh abt 1811 Guernsey, Channel Islands Head East Dean, Gloucestershire
Eliza Cavanaugh abt 1810 Little Dean, Gloucestershire, England Wife East Dean, Gloucestershire
Thomas Cavanaugh abt 1835 Little Dean, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
James Cavanaugh abt 1837 Harley[FLAXLEY], Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Benjamin Cavanaugh abt 1842 Little Dean, Gloucestershire, England Son East Dean, Gloucestershire
Catherine Cavanaugh abt 1850 Little Dean, Gloucestershire, England Daughter East Dean, Gloucestershire

Margaret Cavender Harris 1858 to?

anne crossley — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:09:51 +0000

Baby Margaret was baptised 12/11/1858, illegitimate daughter of Sarah. The margin note says 'privately'. Can anyone tell me what that would mean. Would the baby have been poorly perhaps. I cannot find any further trace of her, living or dead. Any ideas greatly appreciated.