Hi I am new to this list. I am researching a John Morgan Roberts. From his death certificate he was born 1860 Llemfane maire. (This was the spelling on it) His father's name is not mentioned , mother's name Dorothy Roberts but on his marriage certificate it is stated he was born 1860 Llanbynmair, parents are; mother, Dorothy Owens and father, John Roberts. He migrated to New Zealand 1874 than Australia 1876. >From the 1841 and 1851 census the only Dorothy Roberts I found is living with an Owens family and in the 1871 census I found a John M Roberts son of Dorothy and Hugh Hughes. Would anybody else be researching this family or could a lookup be done anyway before I purchase his birth certificate so I know it may be the right one. I have purchased one but it was not the son of a Dorothy. There seems to be a lot of John Roberts born 1860. Thank you for any help Dianne NSW, Australia

Hello Diane It looks as though you have opened the proverbial can of worms and I think your search is going to be somewhat complicated. Firstly, the place you are looking for is Llanbrynmair in the County of Montgomeryshire (now part of the County of Powys) and it is here that John Morgan Roberts was born, the illegitimate son of Dorothy Roberts. (It would be advisable to send for his birth certificate which would confirm this and possibly give you the name of his father). At the time of his birth Dorothy Roberts aged 27, was working as a servant for farmer Richard Evans and his wife Jane at Clawddachoed, a substantial farm in Llanbrynmair - she was not married. Subsequently Dorothy married Hugh Hughes an agricultural labourer born Llandyfrydog in Cardiganshire. In 1871 they were living at 'Dairy Leg' in Llanbrynmair, Hugh 39, Dorothy 37, John ROBERTS 11, and with three childrren of the marriage Edward 9, Jane 7, William 2 (all Hughes). It would be useful to send for the marrige certificate of Dorothy & Hugh as this should give you the name of her father and possibly take you back another generation. Best wishes Vera Brown Membership Secretary Powys FHS