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Relationship connection? Still here so nudging up

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Brit

Brit Report 13 Sep 2006 20:41

Found William Belsham adged 16 on the 1861 census living or visiting with George and Sarah Spence (nee Edwards). He is listed as a brother in law. I have found his family on the 1851 census and his mother's name is Sophia. George and Sarah have a baby named Sarah Sophia on the 1851. What do you thing William's relationship might be to them? He couldn't very well be a brother in law could he? Any suggestions or clues as to how I could find out? Thanks a lot. P.S. I have to go out for awhile, but will check back in a couple of hours. thanks.

Brit

Brit Report 13 Sep 2006 22:30

nudge

Helen in Kent

Helen in Kent Report 13 Sep 2006 22:38

Hi Maggie, he could have been a half-brother. I have several incidences of in-laws living together because one of them worked for the other, sort of like an apprentice. Find the relevant birth certificates if you can, that might help.

Researching:
Locke, Rochester, Portsea, Derby

Brit

Brit Report 13 Sep 2006 22:50

Thank you Helen. I do have George Spence and Sarah Edwards' marriage cert, and I have the rest of her family so I am pretty sure it isn't her side. I will have to send for George's information, I have what I think are his birth details and his father WAS a William. Funnily enough Sarah's mother was a Spence also, so I always assumed she married her cousin.

Helen in Kent

Helen in Kent Report 13 Sep 2006 22:57

So you need to find a marriage for a Sophia Spence, widow, to a Mr. Belsham!

Researching:
Locke, Rochester, Portsea, Derby

Brit

Brit Report 13 Sep 2006 23:17

That's an idea Helen. I was just going around and around and it wasn't making any sense. That will keep me busy for awhile.

Judith

Judith Report 13 Sep 2006 23:24

'In law' was often used in those days where we would use 'step' so WIlliam could well have been George's step brother.

Brit

Brit Report 13 Sep 2006 23:50

Thank you Judy. Seems that couldbe the case here as.. Helen Yippee! I found the marriage between Wm Belsham and Sophia Spence. Geo. Spence was born 1839 and on the 1851 he is 12 years old. (she was 18 at his birth) Her next child was born 1845. She married William Belsham in 1842. It is all starting to fall into place now. I am off to find a marriage now for Sophia to William Spence and his possible death. That is if they ever married. Thanks for pointing me the right way.