Very strange, no conclusive evidence of birth certificate. Could be that he wasn't the son of Mary Ann Essex (nee Berkin), as she would have been 44 when he was born. Perhaps he was adopted? Born 6 Apr 1876 (according to 1939 census) at Coleorton. Married 3Q1900 to Rebecca Palmer at Ashby Registry Office. No children, but apparently they brought up "4 of William's deceased brother's children" (must be John Essex's children). In 1881 census, aged 4, living with mother Mary Ann Berkin in Thringstone. In 1891 census, aged 15, living with Joseph and Mary Fletcher in Hinckley, the parents-in-law of brother Henry Essex (b1852) and wife Mary Ann Fletcher (b1861), who live next door! In 1901 census, aged 24, living in Coalville with new wife Rebecca Palmer. In 1911 census, aged 34, living in Coalville with wife Rebecca. In 1939 census, living with wife Rebecca and niece Hilda Elizabeth Smith nee Essex and niece's husband James Edward Smith. Died 1Q1969 at Market Bosworth.