Genealogy Chat

Helen, Yes her eldest son married 1844 says his father was John Davis-hence query about her maiden or married name being Davis-or both! Elaine.

Thanks for all help. Tried a2a but no success - already tried wfhs bastardy records. An Ann Davis was born West Lavington at right date-off to check it out! Thanks Elaine.

Have you got any of her children's wedding certificates with a father's name on?

Try looking on a2a search. they sometimes have bastardy cases and names. Stick a2a into google for the site. (can't recall it)KIM

It looks like Ann claimed to be a widow for respectability and the father's name may well also have been a fiction rather than admit to father unknown. Have you seen the original register? Some include a margin note of who the father was though to be. I found one baptism entry where child was base born but mother was described as housekeeper and her employer's name and occupation was in father's column ;-) Also the County record office may have parish chest records of attempts to make the reputed father pay maintenance. If Ann's family moved to Imber when she was very young she may have believed that she was born there. It might be worth trawling surrounding parishes for Davis baptisms. Good hunting

My ancestor Ann had six base born children in the Imber parish records.She was recorded as Ann Davis Spinster/servant/pauper.In 1841 she is unmarried living with children in Warminster Wilts.In 1851 she is unmarried with children same abode.Widow is written+crossed out under occupation.Place of birth is Imber but no Davis appears in Parish records prior to her 1st childs birth. To add more confusion her 1st childs marriage cert. has John Davis as father(in 1844). Was Davis her maiden name?Married name?Did she marry?Where do i go now? Any help appreciated.Thanks.