Forster/Foster Dilemma

[aidansrest]

Hi

Can anyone help identify this family prior to 1881 and from 1901 onwards.

Joseph FOSTER born c1832 in Newcastle (1881 census) and living in Pit Row Houghton-le-Spring where he was a colliery horse keeper.
With him is his wife, Mary, born c 1845 in Newcastle and children:
Annie born c1871 Newcastle
John born c1873 Houghton
Joseph born c1875 Houghton
Mary born 18th June 1880 Houghton

In 1891
Joseph FOSTER born c1841 Cumberland but living in Pit Row, Houghton-le-Spring now a labourer
With him is his wife, Mary, born c 1846 in Newcastle and children:
John born c1874 Houghton
Joseph born c 1876 Houghton
Mary born c 1881 Houghton

So, certainly the same family.

Son, Joseph married Emily Ada Maddison in Houghton during the March quarter of 1897. In 1901 he used the surname FOSTER, but by 1911 he had changed it to FORSTER and it remained so.
He and Emily Ada also relocated to the Silksworth/Tunstall area of Sunderland.

But what of his parent's and/or siblings?
I can't find his parents in 1881, nor can I locate a marriage for them - nor can I find them after 1891
Can anyone help?

Thanks

Sue

[livia]

I've been away from my family history for a while and have only just seen your post. In my direct line I have gggrandmother Ann Foster born 1848 who married George Maddison (also born 1848). They lived in Chester le Street where their first two children were born. The family migrated to Australia in 1876 and I have their history from that point. Ann was recorded as both Foster and Forster but two of their sons have Foster as their second name. I have been told the Foster/Forster discrepancy was simply a matter of poor education and erratic spelling. Anyway, it seems this family might be connected to yours.
Regards
Livia

[ciderdrinker]

Hi
Christening Houghton le spring
Joseph 1.9.1875
John 17.9.1873
to Joseph  and Mary Foster.
I'd take a closer look at the marriage Newcastle upon Tyne Sep 1870 Joseph Forster and Mary Landers  10b 151.
William Saunders age 15 on the 1881 census may well be her child William Landers.
There is a William Landers living with his grandparents William and Elizabeth at Westage fish curer Newcastle in 1871.
Mary is their daughter born 1848 and with them on the 1861.

Ciderdrinker