Martha Harris

[jker]

My ggg-gf's wife, Martha Harris, states in all census returns that she was born in Bishop's Castle, and her age is consistent with a date of about 1790-1791. However, I've been unable to find her baptism. On one census she had a nephew, John Rhees visiting. I found his baptism in 1829 son of John Rhees and Susan. Then I found the marriage of John Rhees to Susan Harris in Bishop's Castle. So far, so good.
I then found Susan's baptism in Bishop's Castle, daughter of Edward and Mary Harris. I found 7 siblings all baptised from 1788 to 1801 in Bishop's Castle. I found a further five Harris children baptised in Lydham between 1781 and 1786. Two of the children baptised in Bishop's Castle were called Charlotte and Thomas. A Charlotte and Thomas Harris were witnesses at Martha's marriage.
Still no Martha, even after browsing the registers for any mis-transcriptions! The closest I found was a Mary, baptised in Lydham in 1781, 10 years older than Martha claims to have been. All very frustrating. Any suggestions?

[sparrett]

I found a further five Harris children baptised in Lydham between 1781 and 1786. Two of the children baptised in Bishop's Castle were called Charlotte and Thomas. A Charlotte and Thomas Harris were witnesses at Martha's marriage.
 

Thoughts-
Which of the HARRIS children was female and born close to the birth date you have for Martha?

Changes of given name are common for a variety of reasons.

People were often baptised at a time well after their actual birth.

Sue

[jker]

Ann baptised 1788
Sarah baptised 1790
The rest, apart from Charlotte and Susan, were boys.
The parents appear to have been married in 1780 and the baptisms occur every year or two after that.