Does this say Mary E Douglass?

[Poppyjoey]

This name has been transcribed as Mary E Douglass (Manchester 1878) but I'm not absolutely convinced it does say Mary. She appears on the 1881 census in the household of my G/Grandfather William Walker(Manchester 1862). She is listed as a grandchild of the head of the household - Elizabeth Walker(Leek 1825). I have only found one sibling for William, who was in the household, Agnes 1865. I'm trying to find out about this 3 year old, as it may be the child of another sibling of William. So far, all I can come up with is a Mary Florence Douglas, Manchester 1878.

Can anyone help?

Thank you.

[Ray T]

Looks like it to me - with the bottom part of the "y" running in to the abbreviated William below.

[Poppyjoey]

Thanks Ray,

That's what I thought at first, but the last bit of 'Mary' seems to tail off to the right towards the full stop, so wasn't sure. It would help if I cow;d fine a birth for Mary E Douglass!

Cheers
Julie

[KitCarson]

Just what I thought Poppyjoey.  Could Elizabeth Walker 1825 have been married before her marriage to Mr Walker or could she have had a child out of wedlock before marriage?  Kit

ps. mind you, can't suggest any alternative for Mary.

[Poppyjoey]

Hi Kit,

So far I've not been able to find a marriage for Elizabeth to James Walker, I need to investigate further with that. I only had my little 'breakthrough' to find William Walker's mother's name was Elizabeth today. Prior to today I just knew his father was James Walker from William's marriage cert.  Elizabeth came from Leek, but the census entry  has them in Manchester and the children born in Manchester. I can't find an 1871 census entry for the family…..

Thanks
Julie

[everlea]

Hi - don't want to throw a spanner in the works here, but could it be an abbreviation of Margery?
The full stop after the name makes me think it might be a short version of name & there are a
couple of Margery E Douglass entries on Google.
Regards
Everlea.

[James1950]

The full stop implies an abbreviation although the other abbreviated names do not have one.  Marjorie could be a candidate.

[Poppyjoey]

Hello,

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I'm working, (with no luck so far!), through female names starting with Mar.

Julie

[KitCarson]

Is this the family at 1, Carver St, Chorlton Upon Medlock?  As Agnes is 16 and mum Elizabeth is a Widow aged 56, could she have had older children who are not showing on this census?  I agree, I can't find them in the 1871 census.

Kit