I am interested in John Fairless born 1788 in Monkwearmouth Co. Durham. I know he married Elizabeth Bell in 1803 and had a son Joseph born sometime round 1816. Joseph was a shipwright.
I am intrigued that the parish records also show Joseph Fairless marrying a Mary Bell in 1802. This marriage shows John as being in the Durham Militia. Is it a coincidence that there are two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth Bell, both from Monkwearmouth, both marrying a Joseph Fairless? There are two sisters of that name baptised in Monkwearmoth, daughters of Thomas Bell, baker. Unfortunately the marriage records do not show the father's name so I can't tell if the two brides are in fact sisters. I have not yet found any records relating to the Durham Militia. Has anyone any information on these two marriages? or the two families? John father was called William and all haled from Monkwearmouth.