How do I confirm the allegations that my great-grandfather changed his whole identity and had a secret family?

+7 votes
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Hi there! Can someone please assist. My great-grandfather, Jose Rodrigues Da Silva, was born on 25.07.1905 in Funchal, Madeira. His parents were Joaquim Da Silva and Marta Da Silva (as per his estate). He moved to Roodepoort, South Africa round about 1929 and married my great-grandmother, Martha Maria Magdalena Johanna Du Toit (marriage date unknown). They had 2 daughters and 2 sons. Jose passed away on 30.08.1960 in Roodepoort, South Africa. My great-grandfather apparently changed his name from Manuel Ferreira to Jose Rodrigues Da Silva when he came to South Africa as per the correspondence (letters) between the Portuguese Consulate in Johannesburg, SA and Funchal, Madeira. The letters stated that he (Manuel Ferreira) was married to Maria Da Silva from Funchal, Madeira and that they had children together. She has not seen him for over 32 years when she found out about his passing. I have no further info pertaining to their children but they (if he was Manuel Ferreira) got married on 28.02.1924 in Funchal, Madeira. Maria Da Silva was born on 04.01.1904 in Estreito de Calheta, Madeira and passed away on 27.09.1988 in Sé, Funchal, Madeira. Manuel Ferreira's parents were Joaquim Ferreira and Marta Ferreira. How do I confirm these allegations - that Jose and Manuel are the same person? I have already contacted the Consulate in Johannesburg, SA but they unfortunately do not have those records anymore. Thanks a mil!
in Genealogy Help by Marize Mostert G2G1 (1.2k points)
Pictures and DNA.

1 Answer

+6 votes
Check for birth records, compare the info also check for marriage records, passports,
by Kimberly Carroll G2G6 Mach 2 (27.2k points)

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