Hi, I've got a relative called Minnie Odell Smith who according to the 1881 Census was born in "America BS" around 1870/71. Am I correct in assuming that this means that although she was born in America, she was also a British Subject?? Also, can anyone assist by telling me where I might get details of the birth?? Thanks, Jeff Wheatley

Hi Jeffrey, > I've got a relative called Minnie Odell Smith who according to the 1881 Census was born in "America BS" around 1870/71. > Am I correct in assuming that this means that although she was born in America, she was also a British Subject?? Yes. It is a common abbreviation for British Subject. In this particular case the 1881 census image with Minnie Ordell Smith in Tudhoe, Durham actually says British subject and this must have been abbreviated for the census index. > Also, can anyone assist by telling me where I might get details of the birth?? Hopefully one of the list members from the US will be able to help with this part of your query. However, it might be a good idea to check later census years (1891 & 1901) to see if they give any more information about where in America she was born - you might be lucky. I can also recall an instance where in one census year someone was said to be born in "America" and then it subsequently transpired that he was born in Canada. Did Minnie Ordell Smith marry? Do you have her father's name from the marriage certificate? This might also help. Any information about her husband and children (if any) would also assist with a English census search in 1891 and 1901, assuming that she remained in England. Good luck, Ingrid