Hi Brien (and Kevin)
In 1861 William's wife is down as Hannah Maria so it does look as if she is is Hannah Maria Longbottom. The marriage on Dec 30th 1855 shows that William's father was John Bellwood. His occupation is a Delver. William was 20 and Hannah was 19. A John Bellwood made his mark as a witness so that might be William's father present to show his consent. Hannah's father was a Clother Dresser called Jonathan Longbottom.
Two years later in 1857 there is a marriage on June 1st of John Bellwood to Selina Walker. Johns' father is John and both men are Stone Cutters. Comparing the signature of the witness William Bellwood with the signature of the groom of the 1857 marriage it appears that it is the same William and therefore likely John's brother. The second witness to the marriage of John and Selina was Hannah Bellwood.
Both Johns can be found in 1861 Gill Court in Leeds they are both Stone Quarrymen. John Snr's wife is called Jane born in Doncaster. John Junr is a widower.
Tracking this family back through the census finds William the eldest child in the household in 1851 and 1841 (Belwood). John Snr states his birthplace as Allwoodley which is in the parish of Harewood. He is the son of John Bellwood and Jenny Redihoff baptized at Harewood in 1811. John Bellwood (1776 - 1822) is the brother of my 4XGreat Grandmother Mary Bellwood.
I have not found a marriage for William's parents John and Jane. They are not the John Bellwood and Jane Whitley who married at Bradford in September 1835 because that John shows up in Bradford in the census. He was a Joiner/Carpenter. He was born at Harewood in 1809 and I believe he may be the other John's cousin.
Two men with the same name, born two years apart in the same parish, both marry a girl called with the same name. It can happen. All too often.
Before I found John the joiner in the census I did entertain thoughts of them nipping over to Bradford to get wed and then having William baptized in Leeds two days later!
However John and Jane did have children born after Civil Registration so you may be able to find her name by buying a birth certificate.
By the way John tried his hand at a few things. Before stone quarrying and delving, he is described as a gardener and a labourer.
Have fun checking this out for yourselves.
Venelow in Canada
