Advice/guidance for marriage please

[Rollinds]

I have always wanted documentary proof before taking information as gospel, however, I have a situation that has me unsure.

I have a George Conyers Parish baptised Waltham Holy Cross 1804 father Edward Parish. He married a Sarah c 1824 which is when their first child, also George Conyers Parish, was baptised.

The only marriage I can find which looks likely is George Conyard Parish to Sarah Jackson 2nd June 1823 St Mary Whitechapel.  One of the witnesses was a Catherine Parish - Georges elder sister was a Catherine.

I can not find a baptism for a George Conyard or many Catherines that would have been old enough to be a witness.

I would appreciate any views.

Thanks

[LizzieL]

If I have the right family on the 1861 and 1871 censuses, Sarah was born in Parndon, Essex. Have you checked to see if there is a matching Sarah Jackson born there about 1806?

[LizzieL]

I have just found scan of the marriage record. It looks like George has made his mark, there is a faint X by his name and the handwriting is the same as in the main part of the record. Sarah has signed her name and so have both witnesses. As they were married in a church some way from where they lived and the groom was illiterate, I wouldn't worry too much about a slight mis-spelling of his middle name. As Sarah would be under age and George possibly as well, maybe the distant wedding venue was to get round lack of parental consent.

Another idea, if Catherine married, you could compare her signature as witness with the one on her own marriage record.

Added:
There are banns between Catharine Parrish and John Morris (her name spelt exactly as she signed on George's marriage record) read in St Mary Whitechapel, late Jan to early Feb 1828. Marriage in Chingford on 25th May, only a transcript on Ancestry no image. I think I have found the couple on 1851 census, Catharine born Waltham Abbey, so looks as if it is the sister.

[Lady Di]

Maybe this is what you're looking for?

Sarah JACKSON born May 1805, Christened 23 June 1805 GtParndon
 she was the daughter of Thomas & Mary Jackson

[LizzieL]

Well done
Another bit of evidence in favour of the 1923 marriage being the right one.
Hopefully this Sarah didn't die a spinster or marry someone else.

[LizzieL]

Just checked 1851 census again, the two youngest sons, Alfred and Daniel were born after civil registration started, so getting one of their birth certs should give mother's maiden name.

[Rollinds]

Thank you for this help.  Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees.  I had completely overlooked the fact that the elder children were born after registration.  The baptism of Sarah Jackson in Great Parndon makes the marriage more likely.  I will send for a baptism then sit back and wait.

Thank you again it really is great to be able to bounce an idea off those who know more. 

[suffolk*sue]

At the marriage of John Morris and Catherine Parish, they were both single, Catherine made a mark. Witnesses were George Parish and Mary Jackson.

[LizzieL]

The witnesses's names make it likely that it's the same Catharine. Strange she should sign as a witness to her brother's marriage and just make her mark on her own. Maybe overcome with nerves!