Hello,
What an intriguing suggestion that JARY may be connected with PENTNEY.
I cannot find a Peter Pentney born 1808 in East Dereham, but I see one birth registered 1807 in Elmham North, Mitford/Laund. In Nfk Transcription Archive, he is listed as the son of Abel and Mary Pentney. In 1861 (Kings Lynn), he is married to a Mary Ann, who was b. c1812 in Cley Next The Sea, and they have children Sarah, John, George, Eliza & Emma, ranging in ages from 27 to 5 - No James. However, that same year, 22-yr-old James Jary Pentney is listed as Nephew to John Pentney, age 63. James gave his birthplace as Lynn and was then living in Brinton, Nfk.
I don't know Mary Ann's maiden name, unfortunately. And, I also know absolutely nothing about our Robert Jary, not even his real name. It has been suggested in family papers that his name was du Jareau, and he was French. Later I was told he was born in England and his father, whose name on his birth certificate was "Peter," was also born in England.
I will look into this further. Thank you for opening another door in this mystery.
Nor_Fam