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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Westmorland => Topic started by: ashbee on Tuesday 31 March 09 09:04 BST (UK)
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I was wondering whether anyone had any information on Mary Ann Mason. She was born 1856 in Startforth. I received a copy of her marriage certificate which stated that her father was JOSEPH SPENCE. Obviously I was a little suprised that her father was not called Mason. Would love any information on this, thanks Sarah.
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Could we have a little more information ?
Who did mary marry ? Do you have her in any census?
Was she a spinster on marriage cert?
Who were witnesses at the marriage??? Might they be relatives???
Suz
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Can you tell I am very new at this?!? ;)
Mary Ann Mason was born in 1856 in Startforth. She married William Robinson on 15th April 1887 in Startforth (she was a spinster). The witnesses were John Hopkin and Mary Ann King. Father named as Joseph Spence who was a labourer.
The census is the problem. Have found a Mary Ann Mason who is living with her grandparents in 1851 (Barnard Castle) There isn't anyone else on the census who could be her mother if it was a teenage pregnancy. Then she just disappears until she marries William Robinson.
Probably should just order certificate but wondered whether anyone had any info first. Thanks, Sarah
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Hi ashbee :),
Welcome to RootsChat, you will get lots of help on here from friendly people who were all new to this at one stage :)
I take it the Mary Ann Mason you are searching was definitely born in 1856? If this is so then she cannot be the one living with her grandparents in 1851 at Barnard Castle.... or am I misunderstanding :-\.
Maggie
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If I have the correct family - 1891 mary Ann gives p.o.b. as barnard Castle
1901 as Startforth Yorks
I'm just having a look around to see what I can come up with
Suz
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Hi ashbee,
What was the occupation of Joseph Spence, Mary Ann's father on her marriage certificate?
Maggie
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have you considered this mary Ann?
1881
Lower Startforth
Matthew Dodds head M 68 Commercial Traveller Bedburn Durham
Elizabeth wife 48 Barnard Castle
Mary A Mason daughter U 24 Flax winder barnard Castle
John T Mason son 15 general lab barnard castle
Francis baker Boarder U 21 general lab Barnard Castle
Martha bradshaw Boarder U 22 Middlesboro Yorks
RG11 4934 68 16
???????
Suz
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It looks like the mary Ann and john T from 1881 were the children of Elizabeth -and Elizabeth had married Matthew Dodds shortly before the 1881 census
marriage freeBMD
Mar qtr 1881
Teesdale
on same page
Elizabeth mason
matthew Dodds
10a 300
Suz
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sorry - i meant 1861 census. think i have just been a bit thick - just looked at 1851 census for the Mason family in barnard castle and there are 4 daughters who I guess could be the mother - Emma (15), Elizabeth (14), Alice (11) or Hannah (8). Will have to investigate! Sorry for time wasting!! Sarah
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then 1871
Startforth
bridge End
(image very difficult to read in parts)
Nicholas bragg head m 22 Mason'e lab arnard castle
Hannah wife 23?(or 29?) Shoe Thread Binder Barnard castle
Elizabeth mason sister U 35 barnard castle
John Thos mason nephew 5 Startforth yorks
RG10 4944 94 21
and could this be mary Ann?
1871
Startforth
Poole Re????
John Garthwaite head W 81 Superannuated Excise officer Sratforth
John Jefferson son in law M 41 gamejkeeper Startforth
Elizabeth jefferson daughter M 41 George J Jefferson grandson 5 Burnley lancs
Elizabeth A Jefferson granddaughter 2 Statrtforth
Mary h Jefferson granddaughter 2 Startforth
MARY ANN MASON servant 14 Nurse domestic serv barnard Castle
RG10 4944 86 6
Suz
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looks like you have found mary Ann's mother -Elizabeth mason
1861 Elizabeth was a dairymaid for Mark W Tinkler
RG9 3718 13 4
so mum and dad would be looking after mary Ann while Elizabeth worked to pay for her upkeep
seems Elizabeth had a son John thomas - wonder who his father was??
Ashbee, you are doing well -and thinking along the right lines - I'll leave you to piece it togther -more fun when you do it yourself- please shout when you need assistance
Suz
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have to post this little piece
could this be mary Ann's father
1861 -not far from where Elizabeth mason is working as a servant
Durham & Staindrop
Joseph Spence Lodger U 23 railway lab Darlington Durham
in household of John/Hannah marsden
RG9 3718 15 7
Suz
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Thanks for everyones help. After more research can finally say that Elizabeth Mason was the mother and will have to assume that Joseph Spence was the father. Realised that Elizabeth did not register either Mary Ann's birth or her John Thomas (her brother) birth!! Traced it all together as on occasion Mary Ann, John Thomas and Elizabeth all lived together after Elizabeth married. All very complicated! Thanks anyway xx