Ruth SPENSLEY

[Michael Dixon]

Eve,

No I am not further back to before C1851.

"Did Ruth marry her step-brother ? "

I am going to be careful in answering this, mainly because I am not sure of the legal status of "step-brother or step-sister" ??

But Step 1 ...her widowed mother ( Alice Spensley nee Batson) married widower George Yeoman (who had a son James) in 1875.

Step 2...On Census 1881 George, Alice Yeoman  and 21 yr old James Yeoman etc are in one "household" at 35 Maple Street, Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland (4987-42-77)

At the same address is another "household" consisting of four of Alice's Spensley children, including 18 yr old Ruth Spensley.

Step 3....In 1889 James Yeoman marries Ruth Spensley.

So yes, Ruth married the son of her mother's second husband... and James married the daughter of his father's second wife !

Ouch.

Michael Dixon

[evesl]

Hi dixymick  Michael

Thanks for unravelling all that.  I'm sure it would have all passed over my head as I am fairly new to this.  I may (probably will) have further queries in the future, but I am about to be parted from this computer for a while (going into hospital).  So thanks a million - you are a double star - and watch this space !

eve

[Michael Dixon]

This is what current matrimonial law says about similar situations...

"Step-relatives may marry provided that they are both over 21 years of age.

The younger of the couple must at no time before the age of 18 years, have lived in the same household as the older person.

Neither must the younger of the two, have been treated as a child of the older person's family "

But I don't know how the law stood in 1880s !

Michael Dixon

[christine8]

I'd be most interested to know of any details and sources you have for this Spensley family.
When William and Mary married at WW, William was of Aysgarth.  They baptised a son Timothy the following year at Aysgarth......they were living at Carperby.
Somehow I think they must fit into my family (I have both Spensley and Croft links).
Christine
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/4320

[evesl]

Hi Christine
Hope I haven't got your hopes up too much.  My Spensley's (Spenseley's) are from Scargill/ Barningham - George and Ruth (Robson).  Whilst trying to find George's parents came across William Spensley & Mary Croft as parents of a George (at christening 1797 Barnard Castle.) and 'your' William Spensley & Mary Croft of West Witton.  I have no idea if either are relevant  - probably not.  George and Ruth's sons moved north to Durham area and Sunderland.  If your family are connected to the Sunderland Spensley's we are of the same family.  If you have any information on the Scargill/Barningham Spensleys, in particular the parents of George Spensley (married Ruth Robson 1823 in Barningham)  I would love to hear further from you.   
regards

eve