Hi Kerry
I definately think we should try to look at Hackney and I think that should be our next step. James jnr born 1816 gave Mile End as his place of birth on his soldier records and I believe on the census. Mile End is so very close to Hackney.
This is just guesswork, but I think James junior could well be the last child of James and Hannah. Hannah may have died soon after the birth of James took place in Mile End and then James Snr could have married Ann SUTTON in 1818.
I can't explain why he said he was a bachelor though!
The other children could well turn out to be those of Ann. The Hackney registers may supply the burial record of Hannah TRAIES in the years 1816 - 1818 and also the burial of wife, Ann sometime between the birth of Emma in 1827 and 1830 when he married Martha. He didn't waste much time before getting a new wife each time!
This explanation makes sense to me, but obviously no proof!
Until Bob posted those signatures on the Hackney marriage registers, as you know I was very dubious about him marrying Ann SUTTON and Martha LOOKER. However, after seeing the signatures from Bob and the death certificate you sent me of Martha TRAIES who died in Greyhound Row, I'm now convinced in my own mind that there was indeed just one James TRAIES marrying all these wives and all the dates seem to fit so well.
Personally, I think that looking at Hackney should be the next step - but I could be proved wrong!!
Bye for now
Bernice
