Can anyone help shed any light or find missing people? Here goes..
I have a Mary A. Bowditch b.1841 in Ryme, Dorset
On the 1871 census, I have:
Mary A Bowditch, Head, Marr
Ellen Bowditch, 14, Step Daughter
James Bowditch, 11, step son
Thomas Bowditch, 10, step son
Frederick Bowditch, 8, son
Matilda Bowditch, 4, dau
Frank H Bowditch, 2, son
On 1881 Census:
Mary A. Bowditch, Head, age 42, marr
James Bowditch, 22, son
Frederick Bowditch, 18, son
Frank Bowditch, 12, son
Alfred Bowditch, 8, son
Amy Bowditch, 7mths, dau
On 1891 Census:
Mary A. Bowditch, Head, 53, wid
James Whittle, 32, son
Alfred Bowditch, 18, son
Amy Bowditch, 10, dau
On 1901 Census:
Mary A, Bowditch, Head 60, wid
James Bowditch, 40,son
Amy Bowditch, 20, daug
I can't find the 3 "step-children" before the 1871 census.
I don't know who the father is as he never appears on any census return. There are a couple of possible marriages of a Mary Ann XXX to a Mr Bowditch, but not sure which one.
Can't find anyone other than Amy on 1911.
Why did she say they were step children on one census, but not any other and why did James have Whittle as his surname on 1891 but not the others?
Did Mary A Bowditch actually marry or was Bowditch her maiden name?
Any help would be fantastic!
Lisa