Thomas Hobden - Keymer

[afossil]

The other witness at the marriage in 1820, John Taylor, is a frequent witness so presumably a church warden or of similar standing.

[sillgen]

Interesting that a James Hobden married Mary Starley at Ditchling 28 May 1821.  Wonder of they were brothers marrying two sisters?
Might be worth following them through the census to see if there are any clues.

[caledonhills]

That IS interesting! I don't have access to the marriage records and the SFHG site doesn't show marriages, only baptisms. I see that some think this James was married 3 times, Mary Starley, Mary Ghent, then Jane King. I would think that the witnesses to the James Hobden and Mary Starley marriage being Thomas and Martha Hobden would definitely point to them being brothers (or cousins) marrying sisters.

Anyone know of a quick way to get the marriage info on James Hobden and Jane King? It would show the parents.
A certificate will take 2 weeks to get here (Canada).

S

[sillgen]

When and where was that last marriage?   If after 1837 it will show fathers but none of our certificates show both parents.

[sillgen]

In 1841 James, age 40, a carpenter, is in Brighton with Mary 40, Alfred 12, Henry 9, Sarah 6.
In 1851 he is age 51 born Keymer, with Jane 39 b Ditchling and Amy? King step daughter and Mary King step daughter.  Both seem to be age 8 but it is not very clear.  Still in Brighton.
I would be very wary of the trees on Ancestry.  They seem to be totally wrong with some information.   I misread the Henry on 1841 as Mary at first too until I noticed his age was in the male column.   They have a marriage to Mary Gent far earlier than the possible one that shows on freebmd in 1845 - though there is no proof she is the bride, nor that it is the correct James.
However, there is a marriage to Jane King and as he is with a wife called Jane in 1851 and step daughters called King the freebmd marriage in that year does seem very likely.  Brighton 7 347 Mar 1851.
Brighton covers a large area though so not knowing the church hinders us in looking at parish registers.
Making progress though.
Andrea

[caledonhills]

I thihk I will just go ahead and order the marriage certificate for James Hobden and Jane King. I believe that it will show him as a widower with the name of his previous wife? If not, at least it will show a father's name.

[sillgen]

It should show name, age, address, status (ie widower) and occupation.  It won't show previous wife but should have the name and occupation of his father.  Do let us know what it says.