Ancestry of David Harris (1857-?) of Llanddarog

[1982FordEscort]

Could it have been a different Lettice Lloyd that married William Harris? Or could William Harris have died between 1857 and 1860?

I'm not even certain that the birth certificate I've got is the right David Harris, to be honest. I've tried to attach a photo of it here but the image is apparently too big.

[Cas (stallc)]

Any more clues on the marriage to Ann?  Address, witness names. I see they married in the Neath registration district.

[1982FordEscort]

I also have a GRO copy of his marriage certificate, it states they were married on 17 November 1877. David was a collier, as was his father William, who was alive at that time.

Ann Howells' father David Howells (deceased) was also a collier. David Harris and Ann Howells lived in Glaish, Llansamlet, at the time.

Witnesses were William Harris, Peter Thomas, Jeremiah Daniel, and GB Haynes.

[1982FordEscort]

Ignoring the birth certificate which I can't be certain is for him, could this be him in the 1861 census? Father's name William (coal miner), born in Bettws (lines up with 1881 census which I know is him), and born around the right time.

Name   David Harries
Age   4
Estimated Birth Year   abt 1857
Relation   Son
Father's Name   William Harries
Mother's Name   Mary Harries
Gender   Male
Where born   Bettws, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Civil Parish or Township   Llanguick
Ecclesiastical parish   Cwmaman
County/Island   Glamorgan
Country   Wales
Registration district   Neath
Sub-registration district   Ystradgunlais
ED, institution, or vessel   19
Household schedule number   46
Neighbors   View others on page
Piece   4091
Folio   102
Page number   10
Household Members (Name)   Age   Relationship
William Harries
32
Head
Mary Harries
34
Wife
Elizabeth Harries
6
Daughter
David Harries   4   Son
Jacob Harries
2
Son

[Cas (stallc)]

There is this possible census which would link with the birthplace he gave in 1881 married with family. 

Not finding any connection to the details you gave from BC, I think possibly not the correct one. Bettws would come under Llandilofawr reg district.

1871 - Llansamlet,  Llansamlet Higher
Piece   5440, Folio   42, Page number   32

William Harries 42 Head, collier, Llandilo
Mary Harries 44 Wife "
Elizabeth Harries   17   Daughter "
David Harries 15 Son Bettws
Jacob Harries 13 Son "
Ann Harries 8 Daughter, Llansamlet

I would not be concerned about the spelling variations of Harris/Harries at this time. Many had little to no education and the enumerator wrote what he heard.

Added - was just posting 1871 when posts crossed

Cas

[Cas (stallc)]

There is this 1881 birthplaces match. Mary must have died and William remarried or with another just living together.

Reason I asked for marriage address thought there maybe a possibility they may be similar for this census

1881 - Cefn Y Garth, Llansamlet Higher
Piece   5365, Folio   6, Page number   5

William Harris 50 Head, miner, Llandilo Carmarthen
Unise Harris 48 Wife Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire
Jacob Harris   21   Son miner, Bettws, Carmarthen

Cas

[Cas (stallc)]

Can be found in 1901 in Glais, Llansamlet - Wife Eunice

1901 - Piece 5082,  Folio 13, Page number 17
William Harries   71   Head, Llandilo
Eunice Harries 68 Wife

Did David remarry? There is a possible next door to the above couple wife Catherine

Added - 1911 Eunice a widow still in Glais

Cas

[1982FordEscort]

Yes, David Harris remarried to Catherine at some point (presumably in the 1890s), though I'm not currently sure when Ann died or Catherine's maiden/previous surname.

I have not yet found a death record for David or Ann, or a marriage record for David and Catherine.

EDIT: I know this is correct as the 1901 census is a match for William Harris (b. 1883), whose line I am tracing.

[Cas (stallc)]

Looks like the correct family for David if they are living next door and past census info.

I would check for a death between 1891 & 1901 for Ann Harris/Harries you can include approx dob to narrow. There are 4 marriages in Swansea reg district 1892 - 1897 for David and Catherine if you can find a death for Ann it would narrow. Possible they did not marry.

Digital copies for birth and death are available from GRO for some years at a cost of £2.50 and are instant downloads.

Difficult with fairly common surnames, sometimes it is hit or miss. Only way is to view certs for info to know you have correct person.

Added - Check registration district needed

Good luck

Cas