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Ciderdrinker, I agree with that. I presume in 1939 she hadn't seen her husband for many years and assumed he had died whilst all the time he was living a double-life. The dates of birth are exactly the same: 17 Mar 1864 George Daintree v William Watson, the occupations are the same: watchmaker.

On his late bigamous marriage in 1936 he say his father was John Thomas Watson deceased, former school master. We have already established that his father was really John Thomas Daintree (school master).

I can only think George Daintree changed his name to William Watson after met Harriet Davies, some time between 1898 - 1903. As he was already married he knew he had to change identity.

By the way, I'm a direct descendant, surname Watson and have solid DNA matched with Daintree cousins.

Can't think why he chose Watson name for the second half of his life.

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum.

ciderdrinker, you have done an excellent job of filling in some gaps or confirming what I had researched.

I’m mindful of drifting off-topic, so to recap this Daintree family were recorded on the 1871 census in Tiverton. They moved every few years as you noted. John Thomas was the family head and a schoolmaster until retiring around Birkenhead, Cheshire late 1800’s.

John’s son George Edward Catherock Daintree b. 17 Mar 1864 Surrey, is who I’m desperately seeking more information on.

George EC Daintree aged 7 on the 1871 census in Tiverton, Devon.
George EC Daintree aged 17 on the 1881 census in Birkenhead, Cheshire. Occupation: Apprentice Watchmaker.
George EC Daintree aged 27 on the 1891 census in Birkenhead, Cheshire. Occupation: Apprentice Watch finisher
George EC Daintree marries Nellie LEE 5 Jun 1898 in Birkenhead, Cheshire.

1898 IS THE LAST RECORD I HAVE OF HIS EXISTENCE.........UNTIL 1903

11 Sep 1903 he’s now known as William George Edward Watson, on the birth certificate of his son William John Thomas Watson. Occupation Watchmaker / Jeweller.

Harriet Davis is the mother and supposed wife of William GE Watson. Never found a marriage between these two.

Sep 1905 daughter Sarah Watson is born, father is William George Edward Watson. Occupation Watchmaker / Jeweller.

3 further children born Thomas b.1908, Alice b.1911 & Eva b.1913 (all Watson).

1911 census in Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Occupation Watchmaker / Jeweller.
1921 census in Islinngton, Middlesex.
7 May 1936 marriage with May Nicoll – got to be bigamous?
1939 Eve of War Register in Brockley, Lewisham. Date of birth 17 Mar 1864.
6 Jan 1941 Died.

So the big mystery is what happened between 1898 and 1903 when George Edward Catherock Daintree married in June 1898 in Birkenhead until Sep 1903 when he became William George Edward Watson?

Any help 1898 – 1903 really, really appreciated, or even outside of that specific period.

Much appreciated.