Hi,
I am researching my fathers side of the family tree ie KAY and have come to a brick wall with regards to James Kay born 1879 in Bury Lancashire.
He was married to a Martha, maiden name unknown but born in Patricroft Lancashire circa 1879 and died circa 1910.
They had four children: Doris 1901, Norman 1907, Mabel 1910 and Jesse 1904-1981 my Grandfather. Children all born in Patricroft as well.
I have the 1901 census and the 1911 census showing James as a widower.
There are quite a few James Kays born in this area but I cannot tie any up with mine for certain nor can I find anymore out about his marriage nor Martha's maiden name or children apart from Jesse and have thus come to a full stop.
Is there anyone at all who might be able to help with my search?
With many thanks,
Debbie Mayne nee Kay

If you get one of the childrens birth certificates it will give the mothers maiden name.You can then find the marriage of james kay and martha.by cross referencing...unfortunately the children were botn before mothers maiden name was on the birth index.Also the marriage index at that time doesnt give the spouses surname.I looked on freebmd.org.uk but no james marrying a martha there so getting Jesse's birth cert? is the key. It will also give james' job.the marriage cert will open a whole new raft of info..both fathers and jobs, witnesses etc..
the kayfamilyassociationuk might also be of interest.
best wishes
lancslad

Thank you for your tips.
Have finally managed to find out Martha's surname; Walton which has opened her side of the tree.
Just trying now to ascertain what happened to James as he went off the grid when she died, also his family as there were so many James Kays born in that area and in that year.
My thanks once again.