Clubhouse8 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2024 10:11 am
I am the grandson of an Irish-born grandfather. My grandfather was born with the surname “Rafter,” to a mother whose maiden name was “Foote.” She married my great-grandfather, also a “Rafter.” I have supporting birth and marriage certificates as evidence of these details.
When my grandfather was a child, his mother left Ireland with him and his siblings, fleeing her husband. She moved to England with another man, who was known by the surname “Duffy.”
I think I agree with Hachimaru - from what you have written, you are eligible, even if proof might be more tricky.
It's going to come down to whether you can prove Duffy and Rafter were the same person, and are linked to you.
Does the Death Certificate make any mention of the former name? If nothing else the
first name and dates, place of birth should match across all documents? (i.e. my grandfather's makes reference to his place of birth which can be checked across his marriage, birth certs etc) - they are quite used to discrepancies with name changes (though normally first names for things like this, especially with baptism and given names) - many people have had first name issues that were never even questioned.
I would also have a look for those baptism records, yet another document to add to your case and proof - no idea how to do this sadly, but someone will. jgclancy always talks about providing evidence, evidence and then evidence - and it works for people.
I am guessing the Birth and Death Certificates have the same information except the surname, do you have any other paperwork to demonstrate this - I don't think it's 'too' uncommon for name changes, nearly everyone applying through a grandmother would have at least one name change, maybe three - so no big deal if you can prove the line.
