Hello, I'm French and new member. I wish you a happy new year 2008. I am searching informations for a connection with my family. I look for the origins of my ancestor Thomas Scena (sosa 72), baptized February 22, 1772 in the St Peter's cathedral of Sheffield (see the site of FamilySearch). In death certificate, in France, I read that he was born in Schiffex (handwriting). Where is Schiffex or is it a translate's mistake ? Is it possible to find to Bishops Transcripts ? Where do I find Bishop's Transcripts for Sheffield (Cathedral St Peter) before 1780 with Internet ? Thomas's father is Joseph SCENA (sosa 144) and mother is Elisabeth VOCAIRE (sosa 145). I have no information for Elisabeth Vocaire. I believe that Joseph's father is Thomas SCENA (sosa 288) married with Hannah HAMMERTON 16-9-1744 in church St Mary of BARNSLEY – YORKSHIRE (see FamilySearch). It is very difficult to find informations before 1800. Can you help me to complete my tree ? Thank You and Happy new year. Jean-Claude

Hello Jean-Claude >I look for the origins of my ancestor Thomas Scena (sosa 72), >baptized February 22, 1772 in the St Peter's cathedral of Sheffield >(see the site of FamilySearch). >In death certificate, in France, I read that he was born in Schiffex >(handwriting). Where is Schiffex or is it a translate's mistake ? This is probably Sheffield which has been mistranscribed, but if you would like to scan it and send a copy, or upload it to a website then I would be happy to have a look for you. >Is it possible to find to Bishops Transcripts ? Where do I find >Bishop's Transcripts for Sheffield (Cathedral St Peter) before 1780 >with Internet ? The information on the IGI (Family Search) is taken from the Bishops transcripts, there is a small possibility that there may be more details on the actual register entry, such as the fathers occupation. You could order the film of the Bishops transcripts from the Latter Day Saints if you have a FHC near to you. >Thomas's father is Joseph SCENA (sosa 144) and mother is Elisabeth >VOCAIRE (sosa 145). I have no information for Elisabeth Vocaire. I couldn't see a record of this marriage, but there was a Joseph Scena married an Elizabeth Walker in Barnsley (which is close to Sheffield) in 1769 on the IGI, could this be a mishearing of the name Walker? >I believe that Joseph's father is Thomas SCENA (sosa 288) married >with Hannah HAMMERTON 16-9-1744 in church St Mary of BARNSLEY - >YORKSHIRE (see FamilySearch). You would need to find more documentary evidence to support the IGI information as it is notoriously limited and should not be used alone to construct a family tree. >It is very difficult to find informations before 1800. It is certainly easier if you are in the area, as a lot of records are held at local archives. Bonne Annee :) Phillip Ford www.researchingrelatives.co.uk