Genealogy Chat

Had great help yesterday from Helen with my Sophia Spence, married to William James Belsham in 1842. Before that she had at least one child, William b. 1839 Lambeth, so I think Spence must have been the name of a former husband. Sophia is shown as born out of county on the 1841 and from Northampton on the 1851. I just can't seem to find the former marriage, if there was one. I did find a death for a William Spence Mar 1841 Stepney, but don't know if that is the right person. Can anyone have a look for me in case I can't see the forest? Many thanks.

The obvious answer is that either she was married to a Mr. Spence, or her maiden name was Spence and her first child was illegitimate. The easy way to find out is to order the marriage certificate for the marriage that you know about, and see if her status is widow or spinster on there (and also it will tell you her father's name.) Kate.

The cert for the 1842 marriage will give you the answer..............if she was married before, both surnames will be recorded, together with her father's name and occupation Reg

She may not have married before. I'd suggest getting her marriage cert to Mr Balsham. If she was married before this would give her maiden name. It would tell you if she was a spinster or widowed. It would give you her father's name and occupation and then you might be able to match her baptism up. Alternatively you could get her son's birth certificate which would show if he was or was not illegitimate, if his mother was married and what his father's name and occupation were (if on the cert). nell

Ah, of course...will order the cert right away, as it may solve a couple of mysteries. Many thangs Kate and Reggie.

Thank you Helen, I see on the 1841 she also has two other children who are not with her on 1851. The plot thickens. I will try the certs and see where they take me. I appreciate your help everyone.