I had posted this query in the Lancashire room initially, but help from someone there as lead me to the Waterford group for any help anyone can offer me really.
The problem I have is as follows;
John Collins grew up in London with his mother Johannah. When he applied for his birth details in later life he discovered he was in fact the son of John O'Neill and Johannah Collins, therefore making him an o'Neill also.
The birth certificate does state his mum was nee Collins, so it is believed but not yet proved that they were in fact at some stage or any other married.
Johns birth certificate states he was born on the 13/10/1864 in Toxteth Park where his parents were detailed as living at 44 Gore Street. However his baptism certificate (St Peters Church, Church Street) states his birth date was 1/12/1964 and was conducted on 21/08/1865.
At birth Johns father is detailed as a french polisher and at baptism a soldier.
After a very long struggle CaroleW found this likely marriage for me on the BVRI
O'NEILL, John Marriage
Wife: Johanna COLLINS Age: 21
Marriage Date: 4 Dec 1860 Recorded in: Waterford, Waterford, Ireland
Collection: Civil Registration
Husband's Father: George O'NEILL
Wife's Father: Hugh COLLINS
As John's father was called George, it may explain the John George O'Neill christening
John Collins went on to marry Emma Hall and the witnesses at the marriage was Mary Ann Collins (no idea) and Ernest Hall, Emmas father.
Baring in mind this was a civil ceremoney and that St Peters was a C of E church, it looks very likely at least one of Johns parents were prodestant, if not both.
The mystery surrounds why Johannah told he son he was called Collins and not O'Neill, so would apprecaite any help anyone can give.
Oh and when John married he did in fact give his fathers name as John Collins too!
