Happy Smith

[ele002]

I think it is highly likely both marriages are for the same woman.
There doesn't appear to be a birth around 1889 for a Happy Hughes.

On the 1911, Happy Hughes is shown as single, born c1887, so either she wasn't sure of her age, not uncommon, or she gave her age to suit her purposes.

The marriage may have been a disaster or a mistake, so they just parted and carried on as if it had never happened. Again, something which seemingly wasn't uncommon. There was a posting recently in Manchester, where the wife had remarried as a Widow and all the evidence pointed to the husband being alive and well.

But, always say you never know.

[rolnora]

Could there have been a child born to John Hughes and Happy.
Lancsbmd have a birth reg for Mary Olive Hughes mother's maiden name Smith in 1908.
Freebmd show the birth reg Dec qtr 1908.
Mary Olive died in the March qtr of 1909
Both Registered in Wigan.
Just thinking could this be the reason for the marriage.
Perhaps as ele002 has said they just parted company afterwards.

[ele002]

Interesting you thinking they got married because of a child.

I thought that may have been the reason they originally got married in the Manchester case.

Seems some things never change

[Redrose 59]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I really do appreciate it as I'm a bit of a novice doing this kind of thing.

I have the certified copies of the marriage certificates and the signatures of the name "Happy" are the same. I asked other members of my family what they thought and they agree. There are a few distinctive swirls and curls on certain letters.

I expect I'll never know for sure exactly what happened to her first husband. Information I have gained from census, parish records etc have been confirmed when my friend has asked her elderly mum things. It's been really good as my friend says it's been good getting her mum chatting about her past and remembering things. We've put questions in a way as not to lead her, rather let her come out with names etc.

I'll certainly check out the birth and death of a possible baby for Happy and John Hughes.

Many thanks and any more thoughts etc are always welcome.