My William Carter mystery

[Alexander.]

I was wondering if anyone could help me work out which William Carter is my ancestor. There were two born very close to each other in the same parish. To add to the confusion further, both of them had to marry an Emma!  Sorry this is so long, but I thought I would be better giving all the information than missing some out. Thanks to anyone who reads it...

William 1 – son of William Carter & Fanny Lear (b. 16 Oct 1840, Burford parish, Shropshire)
bap. 8 Nov 1840, Burford, Shropshire
1841: age 6 mo, born Shropshire, living with parents
1851: age 10, born Shropshire (parish not specified), living with parents

William 2 – son of Catherine Carter (b. 15 Sep 1841, Nash parish, Shropshire)
bap. 23 Oct 1841, Burford, Shropshire (abode: Gatmore)
1851: age 11, born Shropshire (parish not specified), listed as son of John & Margret (though actually John’s grandson by his first wife Frances)

There is a third William Carter born in 1845 in Burford to Thomas Carter & Eazey – I have discounted this one because the dates don’t work out.

Only one 1861 census record for a William Carter could be found – could be either William 1 or William 2.
age 20 (b c.1841), b. Burford, Shropshire (Ref: RG9/2083, Folio 74, Page 11)

My William:
Married Emma GEORGE, 1 Oct 1864, Tenbury, Worcestershire, age 22, no father given
1871 census: age 36 [clearly wrong], (b. c.1835), b. Burford, Herefordshire (Ref: RG10/3036, Folio 122, Page 23)
1881 census: age 40, (b. c.1841), b. Greet, Shropshire (Ref: RG11/2903, Folio 81, Page 22)
1891 census: age 50, (b. c.1841), b. Tenbury, Worcestershire (Ref: RG12/2316, Folio 100, Page 9)
1901 census: age 59, (b. c.1842), b. Tenbury, Worcestershire (Ref: RG13/2768, Folio 82, Page 25)
Died Dec qtr. 1903, age 63 (b. c.1840)

The other William:
Married Emma ---?---
1871 census: age 29, (b. c.1842), b. Burford, Shropshire (Ref: RG10/2744, Folio 22, Page 9)
1881 census: age 38, (b. c.1843), b. Burford, Shropshire (Ref: RG11/2648, Folio 40, Page 1)
1891 census: age 49 (b. c.1842), b. Burford, Shropshire (Ref: RG12/2092, Folio 42, Page 1)
1901 census: age 60 (b. c.1841), b. Burford, Shropshire (Ref: RG13/2670, Folio 81, Page  8.)
1911 census: age 70 (b. c.1841), b. Burford W Tenbury (according to transcription).

How can I work out whether my William Carter is William 1 or 2 - which one is which? His marriage certificate indicates he may have been illegitimate (therefore probably William 2). But the censuses and age at death consistently indicate he was older than the other William, and the ages make it seem like an 1840 birth would be more likely than an 1841. Also he is not consistent with his birthplace, which makes it difficult - though Burford, Greet, and Tenbury are all quite close to each other.

Thanks,
Alexander

[ShaunJ]

You''ll need to get the details of the other marriage.

The other Emma was born in Farlow so we should expect to find a marriage in Cleobury Mortimer RD.

There is this possibility in 2Q 1866 6a 1111  :

Carter  William   
Gethen  Richard         
GRATELEY  Emma     

 

[Judy Dorset]

It may be a long shot, but I sorted out my John Carter's  in Dorset by finding they both made wills. It worked for another family too. Neither was particularly wealthy and I do have wills for ag. labs.
Judy Dorset

[Alexander.]

Thanks Shaun for finding that marriage. I expect it is the 'other' William & Emma. I think I might post on the Shropshire lookup board to see if anyone can spot that marriage at Farlow...and go the parish register route rather than order the certificate straight away.

I haven't checked for wills, that's a good idea Judy. Being ag labs I didn't think of that, but it's possible they may have made one.

Thanks!