I have a problem researching my grandfather's side of the family?

Question

I asked this a while ago but lost the account I asked it on.

Okay so my grandfather (now deceased) was adopted by his aunt and her husband. He's listed on the 1940 census at 1 years old with his aunt and her husband, but his name on there is Womble (it was later changed to Rennie) https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHSJ-D53

I found his birth mother, Lillian Gray, on the 1920 census with her husband and two daughters. Her husband on this 1920 census is named J S Womble.
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MJWB-VL2

I'm wondering if it's safe to assume that J S Womble (who's full name might be John Stanley Womble) is the birth father of my grandfather, since his surname on the 1940 census is Womble?

I'd appreciate any help and advice.

Answer 1

No, it is not safe to assume this. You need more evidence. for example, was Lillian still married to Womble in 1930 and 1940? It is possible that mom became pregnant after a divorce and the child was given HER name (which still happened to be Womble). You use exactly what evidence you have and state it, exactly as shown, until and unless you have other documents.

edit

this is NOT A DOCUMENTED source.. just a clue.. someone researching this group states that John died in 1936. Thus. He would not be the father. Not possible. Follow through to find the proof.

Sounds like it is a case of mom had not remarrried or changed her name.



http://records.ancestry.com/john_stanley_womble_records.ashx?pid=144672598



https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XSY4-V11

looks like Lillian has 3 girls with him.. but is remarried by 1930 to Mr. Martin.

in fact.. grandpa COULD BE a child of one of the older girls, who were unmarried

Answer 2

1930 United States Federal Census about Lillian Martin

Name: Lillian Martin

Gender: Female

Birth Year: abt 1892

Birthplace: Illinois

Race: White

Home in 1930: Buckhart, Fulton, Illinois

Map of Home: View map

Marital Status: Married

Relation to Head of House: Wife

Spouse's Name: Elmer Martin

Father's Birthplace: Illinois

Mother's Birthplace: Illinois

Occupation:





Household Members:

Name Age

Elmer Martin 40

Lillian Martin 38

Juanita Womble 19

Gertrude Womble 16

Elizabeth Womble 9

Elmer Martin 12

===================



I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that Charles was the illegitimate son of one of Lillian's daughters.

Answer 3

Sounds like it just might be



I am wondering why he was given to other family to raise?