Mary Ann Cotton 1839-1873 Durham

[vickyhouse2002]

Sorry to say this - but as Mary Ann Cotton killed off most of her family - we wonder who could of adopted Margaret?

As she killed off 21 of her own family.

Vicky

[Withnail]

All really interesting.  Everyone knows so much! 

I think what is especially interesting is that family usually adopted children.  However, Like Vicky is alluding to... there was none of her family left in the end!!  Maybe they were friends in the Sunderland area... but then again, she lived all over the place!

hmmm!

[Withnail]

"Sorry to say this - but as Mary Ann Cotton killed off most of her family"

she was only hanged for one!

hehe!

[vickyhouse2002]

Having looked at my copy of Tony's book tonight. I see that MAC had a choice of who her daughter Margaret was adopted by. It could of been her stepfather as he visited her just before she was hung.
The book also says that the decentants of Margaret and her half brother - the other sibling that survived, that they do not want to be known. But from that I take it Tony had found out who they where.

Also MAC was only with Quick-Manning for about 4 months working for him while he had chicken pox before she became pregant by him. Now you would think that this would hamper the child if it's father had chicken pox when conceieved and as mothers today are warned of the effects of not having the ingections before they get pregant. You would think that maybe Margaret had less of a chance of survival as a baby.

And another thing - when Tony in his books shows the birth certificate of baby Margaret - MAC has not added the father's name into that box - yet names her daughter after John Quick-Manning and with the surname Cotton as well.

Her lover dies 9 months before the birth of Margaret - this is so close Margaret could of still been his but because he has died and Quick-Manning is still alive at that time - she names Margaret after him instead. And Quick-Manning is thought to have taken this as an embarassment and left the area.

MAC is only with JQ-M for the money and a roof over their heads.

You're right - this is all just one big mystery.
Not sure if any of the census would show up John Quick-Manning living with MAC?

MAC also lies about her age when she is finally in prison and says she is 32 when in fact she turns 40 while in prison.
She also reverts back to signing her name with an X when there is other examples earlier of her signing her name in full.

So a father with chicken pox when she was concieved or MAC lover who was the lodger and an older mother! It's a wonder how Margaret survived?

Anyone still up to speed with this?
Vicky

[Withnail]

No one up to speed at the moment by the looks of it!!!

Has no one found out any more?

I've decided to look into my own family history instead of someone elses.  Keep me posted if anyone makes any discoveries or if there are any new books due out soon!  I could be swayed to regain interest!

[vickyhouse2002]

Hi withnail,
I'm the same afraid. Will still keep looking though.
Shall wave if I find anything.

Vicky

[vickyhouse2002]

Hi Bobdog,
Thank you so much for the info, as I am sure it will clear up a few questions for some researchers here but I'm afraid it does not answer my question, as I wanted to know how I connect to MAC via the person Ted Hockworth/Hockiday who married a lady with surname Ramshaw. If you know of any info to back this up I would be very greatful to hear more.

Regards Vicky

[Withnail]

Oh and Vicky,

there is an Edward Hockworth in the 1881 census in Yorkshire and he married an Ann if that's any help?!

[vickyhouse2002]

Hi matey Withnail,

Where abouts? Any further info would be greatful.
I will take a look anyway myself.
Thanks

Vicky