Opinion wanted, please

[Abiam2]

2nd paragraph Susan modified to Sarah.


My Grandmother was born 1865 in Little Gransden Cambs. She came to Maidenhead Berks around 1884.  Her parents were John Smith (B. 1826 Little Gransden Cambs) and Sarah Ann Webb (B.1834 Abbotsley, Hunts).  John was married previously to Susan Ann Elwood and they had six children between 1853 and 1862 four of whom died as babies and their mother Susan died in the Jun1/4 1864.

John married Sarah Ann Webb in the Dec 1/4 1864.  The two surviving children from his first marriage were Mary A Smith aged 6 and Samuel Smith aged 4 according to the 1861 census and I think these children were taken on by Susan as step children.  But, and there always is one, Mary A has become Martha A and is aged 8? Samuel name and age are correct.  Census RG 12 Piece 1005 Folio 61 Page 11

On searching the 1891 census for an unrelated family I came across an Edward Clark(B. Abbotsley Hunts) and Martha Clark (B. Great Gransden Cambs) with three children living in Norfolk Park Cottages, Maidenhead.  The children are William 14, Sarah A 11 and Emily 9 and their surname is SMITH.   Do you think this could be my Martha/Mary?  Both were born in GREAT Gransden..  The Smith children were born in Little Gransden.  I feel that it is Martha/Mary but I haven't as yet investigated the children with the Smith surname. 

Martha would have been ten years older than my Grandmother and I wonder if she and her husband Edward (from Abbotsley Hunts) came down to Maidenhead because she had a half sister in the area who was already married with two children.  If it is her half sister it was quite a coincidence to find her whilst looking for something totally different!  What do you think?

Regards, Abiam

[Ecneps]

It's quite a coincidence to find that while looking for something else, but that's the great thing about this game.

I'd be cautiously optimistic about Martha, and look for her marriage to Edward Clark and find them in other census, and find Martha/Mary's birth, the name Mary could have been a mistake on the earlier census.  With a name like Smith.......

they could be her children from a previous marriage to a Mr. Smith, but it looks good! (but wait till you can prove it!)

Barbara 

[Abiam2]

Well, would you believe it.  I've just hunted them down!  On the 1881 census Martha Smith is married to Samuel Smith (hope it's not her brother) and they have two of the three children!  Third born after the census.  I could not find a marriage on Free BMD will have to look elsewhere tomorrow but I did find a death for Samuel Smith Sep 1/4 1881.  I also found Martha and Edward's marriage in 1889!
I am now convinced she is mine and started a new life with Edward in Maidenhead, near to her half sister.  Coincidences do happen!
Thanks Barbara for giving me the push
Regards,
Abiam

[Ecneps]

Sometimes surprising what writing things down does for you!  Hope it works out

Shout if you need any help

Kind regards,
Barbara

[Abiam2]

Hi Barbara,

I have been trying to find Edward and Sarah Clark in the 1901 census without success.  I found both daughters one in Hornsey and the other in Maidenhead and possibly William back in Cambs.  I have looked in Berks and Cambs.  I do wish FindMyPast had the 1901 I find them so much easier to use!

I have also looked for their deaths in either Berks or Cams but they could have moved anywhere!  Fancy, in this case it was easier to find the Smiths,

Any further ideas welcome,
Regards,
Abiam

[Ecneps]

I have been trying to find Edward and Sarah Clark in the 1901 census without success.  I found both daughters one in Hornsey and the other in Maidenhead and possibly William back in Cambs. 

You mean Edward & Martha? 

Try under Clarke  RG13/1161 fol.51 p.35
The name has an E and William Smith is with them in Maidenhead

Barbara

[Abiam2]

Thank you,

Must engage brain before searching!!!

Abiam

[Ecneps]

Having had time now to look at the earlier census, am not convinced that Mary and Martha are the same person, too big a difference in age, and on the 1871 Samuel 14 then Martha 8 makes me think Martha is daughter of Sarah, Mary probably left home to work. There's a Mary Smith aged 17 servant in Campton Beds. born Gt. Gransden, and in 1881 RG11/198  Folio 6  Page  5 a William & Mary Ann Marchmont, this Mary Ann also b. Little Gransden

Also, what about Samuel having married a different Martha from same village?


Barbara

[Abiam2]

You got there before me!  This is getting very complicated!

1877 Marriage of Samuel Smith to Martha Bell, Caxton and in
1881 with William and Sarah their children
These 4 are living in Little Gransden with 3 of the Bell family
Next door is the Grandfather John Smith of both Mary and Martha and the Grandmother/ stepGrandmother of Mary and Martha
Also living with the Grandparents of Mary/Martha Edward Clarke age 20 ,a boarder, from Abottsley Hunts who Martha? later marries!!!
RG 11 piece 1655 Folio 74 Page 5 & 6

Not forgetting there was brother Samuel born 1857 to john Smith and Susan Elwood.

Can any sense be made of this? i can't and have to leave here for the moment, food shopping calls,
Abiam