Seeking Help: Connection Between Two Downs/Downes Families?

[erinnnnx]

Hi everyone,

I’m researching two Downes families and trying to find out if they are connected. I’m hoping someone might have additional information or advice that could help me link them together.

Here’s what I know so far:

One family is connected to Ann Downes, born in 1867 in Stourbridge, to Edward Downes (1836-1894) and Jane Palmer (b.1835). Edward’s father was Thomas Downes (b.1796) and his mother Hannah (1796-1861). Thomas’s parents were Benjamin Downs and Mary (dates unknown), and the family seems to have been from Herefordshire, although some records indicate Edward might have been born in Kidderminster.

The other family is my own, connected to my great-grandmother, Annie Louisa Downs (1892-1973), born in Birmingham. Her parents were William Downs (1858-1930), born in Wannerton, Kidderminster, and Louisa Middleton (b.1863) in Birmingham. William’s parents were William Downes (1831-1904), born in Bransard, Worcestershire, and Hannah Bolton (b.1824) in Wolverhampton. William’s father was Thomas Downes (1811-1840) from Worcestershire, and his mother was Charlotte Kings (b.1806). I’ve traced back to Thomas’s parents, James Downes and Elizabeth (but I can’t find Elizabeth’s maiden name or either of their birth dates or locations).

I’m wondering if anyone here has come across either of these families in their own research or has any additional information that could help me link them together. Any leads or advice on records to check would be really appreciated!

Thank you for your time and help!

[ColC]

I have checked the information you have and it seems to fit, the only small point is your great grandmothers birth registration was Aston 1891.

The only other thing that I noticed was that both William & Edward who were married 1853 & 1855 respectively both named their eldest sons Thomas. If they followed the English naming pattern their fathers would likely have the same name. However not all did.

So I guess the link if any may be earlier, unless the record for William father Thomas did not survive?

Colin