Proving identity

[blodwen]

Nice one Bob, but let's hope she married Robert Williams 

Viv

[Jolyn]

Thanks to Bob & Viv,
Further to the Thorsen marriage. A Mary Thorsen died in 1907 aged 41yrs. Unfortunately a copy of that death certificate is not going to give me her mother's name, so not much point in sending for it.  It may explain why my father never mentioned his Aunt Mary though?

Would Church records have both the bride's parents listed?
Joy

[blodwen]

Jolyn,

I would think so - a baptism/christening record should have both parents recorded.

Viv

P.S.  Was there any talk of the children, William and Bertie?

[blodwen]

Just had a look at the IGI - as you probably have already.

There is only the Christening of Mary mentioned:

2 Nov 1895 in Pendeulwyn, Glamorgan, Wales

Parents: George Ball
               Emma

Viv

[Jolyn]

Hi Viv
Yes, this is the right  christening record.

The eldest son was William Stephen Rodd.  As my grandfather was also Stephen, this is one of the reasons I believe this Mary Ball is my great aunt.
Joy

[blodwen]

Hi Joy,

just to get this straight for me:

Stephen is your grandfather (surname Ball?)- Mary possibly your great-aunt so that :

Stephen and Mary should be siblings.  Do you have the birth cert. of your grandfather?  Was he born in 1858? (as on the 1871 census).

Then, the birth cert. of Mary Ball should prove that she is the one you are searching for. 

I am afraid that the only way of finding out if this is your great-aunt isto buy the birth cert. 

Viv

[Jolyn]

Hi Viv,
Yes Mary Ball is Stephen's sister. My dilemma is proving that the Mary Ball who married William Rodd is Stephen's sister and not another Mary Ball. I just don't know how I can do this as there are no family anecdotes linking the Ball family to the Rodd family.
Thanks for all your help
Joy

[blodwen]

Hi Jolyn,

As I have said, the only way to priove the relationship is to get a BIRTH Cert.

1. You know your Grandfather's father's name

2. You know Mary Ball's father's name from her Marriage Cert. Same as that of your grandfather

3. You know where Mary Ball was born (also the same place as your grandfather)

4.  BIRTH Cert - putting in father's name as known.

That should give you proof:  On birth cert you have both Father's and Morther's name (also Maiden name of Mother)

If you can fork out GBP 7 for the cert, it might be well worth it.   

You also said that nobody mentioned or knows about the RODD surname - probably because he died at an early age and Mary married again. 

You really are going to have to go for a birth cert.

I do not have any other suggestion to make, I am afraid.

Viv

[Jolyn]

Thanks for your great effort, Viv.

I do know the name of Mary's mother as I have Mary's baptism records.

Unfortunately it is not on her marriage certificate, only the father's name.
Witnesses were members of the Rodd family, so no luck there with sisters!

Mary's address on the marriage certificate is not her childhood address, though her father's name. occupation and the fact that he is deceased, does match my great grandfather.

I'm not sure I will ever cross all the "t's". Maybe one day someone else researching the same family will prove it 100% for me.
Cheers
Joy