In researching for a new grave visit video I visited Shirehampton Cemetery to try and find my three-times great-grand parents Henry and Sarah Ann Butcher.

With my initial research into the family I knew that Henry Butcher was born in 1846 in Easton-in-Gordano, Somerset to Thomas and Eliza Butcher. Henry Butcher married Sarah Ann Bull in 1867 and had had eight children by 1892.

Searching on the Bristol and Avon Family History Societies website I searched the Inscriptions for Shirehampton Cemetery. I found two hits, one for Sarah Ann Butcher (widow) and an Ernest Edward and Mark Biddle Butcher; and one for Harry and Ethel Butcher and John Butcher (son).

On my first visit the the cemetery I found the grave for the second Butcher family. Two further visits to the cemetery and I have not yet found the location for the first family.

Back home I researched this family further and found an entry on the 1939 register for Harry and Ethel Butcher with their children Ernest and Doreen.

The children’s birth certificates show that their mothers maiden name was Buller, and there is a marriage between Harry Butcher and Ethel Buller in 1919.

It seems like Harry and Ethel’s son Ernest was known by his middle name of John. There is a death recorded in 1971 of the name ‘Ernest John Butcher’ and with the correct birth date.

I just need to order the marriage certificate for Harry and Ethel to confirm my findings and that this is my two-times great-grand uncle and auntie.

I have also contacted Canford Cemetery office to enquire about the grave of Sarah Ann Butcher, I should have an answer in the next week or two.