Geordie – Thanks for finding Harry! In the 1871 census when he was just four, he was listed as Henry. I guess by the time he was 14 he had decided to go by “Harry”, and it did not occur to me try that variation.
Thanks also for the perspective on the district evolution of Teesdale, Startforth and “Barnie” – I appreciate the local view, it adds a unique insight to areas that would otherwise just be locations on a map, and helps bring them more to life for me. I have seen maps of the Startforth / Bridge end area in the late 1800s, and I wonder which house might have been the one in which the Clarks lived. Which Startforth farm did you great-grandfather work on? I saw on your signature line that you list “Todd” in Durham. I believe that my great great grandmother’s mother’s maiden name or possible a second marriage may be Todd. My 2nd great grandmother’s maiden name on the marriage certificate was “Simonette”, but on a couple of the first children’s parish birth records, her maiden name is listed as “Todd or Simonidy Todd”.
“Mary Ann nee SIMONETTA (variations; Todd, Simonidy Todd, Simonette & Simonett, an assumption; Todd may be her mother’s maiden name) daughter of John Simonetta (deceased), Flower-maker” – b: between 1832 and 1836 at Richmond, Yorkshire, of Barnard Castle (1854)"
And based on what Mim posted (Thanks mim!) there was a 65 year old “Border” - a retired female flower seller, born in Richmond named Eliza Todd (note: one of the Clark daughters is named Eliza) living with the Clarks in 1881. I am guessing this is Mary Ann’s mother (possibly older sister). I do not know if the Todd last name is her maiden name or possible second marriage name – I have not yet started researching that path. Do you have any Todd family information for either Richmond Yorkshire or “Barnie”?
Stan – Thanks for all the background detail and links! I really appreciate you providing these great resources. I very much enjoy the general history and other environment information that genealogy can lead you to.
Mim – Again, thanks so much for all the extra details – I really appreciate it! The additional information on John, Thomas, and Ada Colledge give me my next set of leads - as well as the information on Eliza Todd – This might lead me back one more generation!
Chico –
Kevin – Thanks for the generous offer. I would enjoy seeing any photos of Bridge end, Startforth you have!
Geordie – Thanks for the jigsaw puzzle piece – it turned out to be quite the clue. As you know, I had a mystery related to my 2nd great grandmother’s maiden name;
I believe that my great great grandmother’s mother’s maiden name or possible a second marriage may be Todd. My 2nd great grandmother’s maiden name on the marriage certificate was “Simonette”, but on a couple of the first children’s parish birth records, her maiden name is listed as “Todd or Simonidy Todd”.
Another clue was a 65 year old “Border” - a retired female flower seller, born in Richmond named Eliza Todd living with the Clarks in 1881.
I am guessing this is Mary Ann’s mother (possibly older sister). I do not know if the Todd last name is her maiden name or possible second marriage name – I have not yet started researching that path.
Well, I looked up the entry you shared on FreeCEN,
Bridge Street, Richmond
Mary Simmonetta aged 92, late artificial flowerist, born Kirkby Overblow, West Riding
Eliza Todd, granddaughter, aged 14 born Richmond
Based on the age, the Eliza Todd on Bridge St, you identified is not the same Eliza Todd, “border” of the clarks. However, I tried Eliza Todd directly in FreeCEN, and found a 53 year old Eliza Todd (and family) living on Bridge Street, Richmond, Yorkshire – apparently right next door to Mary Simmonette and the teenage Eliza Todd (schedules 82 & 83).
It turns you found my 2nd great grandmother’s younger half-sister (Eliza Todd) and grandmother (Mary Simmonetti – my 4th great grandmother)! - with my 3rd great grandmother and her second family living right next door.
From there, using FreeCEN, FamilySearch and FreeBMD – I have been able to fill in several blanks about my 2nd great grandmother’s family origins (Simmonetti / Todd) going back to my 4th great grandparents, and in the process being able to validate some of my earlier guesses – as well as more leads to pursue. I really appreciate you sharing what you found, it has helped to significantly fill out my family tree. Thanks!
Chico –