Which is my great grandfather - Cook Kitchen or Cook Kitchen (1861 Canada Census - Prince William, New Brunswick)?

Question

The Kitchens in York County (Kingsclear, Prince William), New Brunswick were very close to each other. My great grandfather is Joel Cook Kitchen (1850 - 1924). However, I have not found any birth certificate/entry to confirm the identity of his parents. In the 1861 Census, there are 2 Cook Kitchens in Prince William - one born abt 1850 with parents James M Kitchen (1809 - 1896) and Ann Mussero (sp?)(1827 - unknown), and the other born abt 1848 with parents William Kitchen (abt 1805 - 1883) and Mary Young (1809 - 1872). I have tried following the siblings of both families to see if one familial connection makes more sense than the other but a cousin could be as close or even closer than a brother or sister. As one can't rely upon dates noted in the Census, I am relying upon my mother's memory of names she heard as a child and have picked James and Ann. But this is not the best solution. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

I suggest you get the death certificate for Joel Cook Kitchen from Alberta. http://www.servicealberta.com/death-certificates.cfm

I couldn't find any birth records of your great-grandfather. I looked through the Provincial Archives of NB and Family Search. I also looked through the York Co., NB deeds on Family Search to see if either William or James left a will with your great-grandfather's name. William did sell his land to his youngest daughter Charlotte.

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I had not ordered a death certificate as it was my understanding it would not provide the names of the parents (Alberta is not as helpful as New Brunswick and Ontario in its forms). However, I do not know for sure so I will follow your suggestion. Will help in any event as I do not know the exact date of death so I can at least confirm that.

As I too have not found any birth certificate or its ilk, this has been frustrating. Thanks for all of your help. Please keep your eyes open for anything - much appreciated.

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Birth records in the PANB are mostly of the late registration type. Following the passing of the Vital Statistics Act of 1887, registrations of birth were collected and kept by the provincial government. You can contact King's Landing. It's a historical settlement in Prince William. They have a very good research department.

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Great suggestion Elizabeth. Once again, you prove your expertise. Will follow up. Thanks again!