Mary Ford - born circa 1888 (Ireland)

[bethphillips80]

Settled in South Wales. Marriage to my great grandfather notes her father as William Ford. She was a widower according to the marriage certificate. It is believed she was born in Ireland. Her father was an Agricultural Labourer or General Labourer.

Any info gratefully received. Thanks.
Beth

[heywood]

Hello Beth,

Do you have her on 1901 or 1911 census?
Have you checked her previous marriage details?
Are there any Ford witnesses to either of her marriages?

regards
heywood

[bethphillips80]

Hi Haywood,

Mary Ford married my great-grandfather Daniel O'Shea 22 April 1941 in East Glamorgan. She was around 53 years of age at the time (born 1888/1889) and Daniel about 62 years of age (born circa 1879/1879). However they had been a couple since circa 1910/1911 and had several children together, one of whom was my grandmother. I can find no entry for Mary in either the 1901 or the 1911 census. There were no Ford members at Mary's 2nd marriage and similarly I can find no record of Mary's 1st marriage.

Beth

[heywood]

It's puzzling.

If Mary was a widow according to the marriage certificate, I thought it may include her previous name.
Presumably if she named William Ford as her father, that is her maiden name.
I can see a birth late in 1911 for a Hannah O'Shea with mother Ford - is that the first of the children?

[bethphillips80]

That was my train of thought. Yes, Hannah (Ann) was their first child. I suspect Daniel and Mary didn't get married until late in life as Mary's 1st husband was still alive. I'm not sure if she left him.

[heywood]

Presumably she left him to join Daniel?

If you have that certificate, there may be a clue re the birth address or a baptism may show godparents. I'm just trying to think of other information which may help.

That is what happened with my grandparents. Grandmother married in 1901 but within a few years with my grandfather  and they did not marry until 1940s.

[bethphillips80]

Hannah (Ann) was born in Llanbradach where they lived from circa 1910-1911 until their death.

Where can I find details of Ann's baptism? They were brought up as Catholic.

[heywood]

I don't know - sorry. There is this site for the Catholic church in Pontypridd which may be able to help.

[bethphillips80]

Thanks Heywood