Charles Franks (born 1839 in Wolverhampton) and wife Martha (born 1850, Crayford

[MaureeninNY]

Last one before I go to bed.

Dec. 25 1849  St Mary the Virgin Chatham
George John William Margesson WATSON Private RM son of William Margesson WATSON Maltster

to Esther PARIS father Peter PARIS  Tailor
.................
1851 census 1611/151/20

1861 census 482/ 64/ 35

Matha(sic) WATSON

Maureen

[MaureeninNY]

You don't suppose?
Jun Qtr 1851 Medway
MARGESSON  Martha Jane

Now I'm really going.....


Maureen

[Milliepede]

I've just found a family tree that has Martha Margesson and Charles Franks plus the two children they had.  No evidence of marriage or for her surname unfortunately.

[ERT]

Hi All

This very complicated family is starting to make a bit more sense to me now.  It explains why Martha referred to her father as a Watson, but other people on ancestry have her as a Margesson (and Ann Elizabeth used it as her childs middle name).  So the family were either used the double barrelled Margesson Watson or sometimes just used one surname!

Martha's son, Charles Thomas Franks (born 1871) was in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, so the military connection is there, from grandson to son to father.

George & Esther seem more likely contenders for being Martha's parents, than Robert & Caroline - I'll have a look at the census.

Also, on the other side, Charles Franks (born 1839 Wolverhampton) had a sister called Elizabeth, so the Jemima Magness might be their grandmother -mother of Charles Franks born 1810 (Preston).  Lots to investigate - thanks!