Mary James Brown born 1819 Ostend, Belgium (wife of John Park)

[Mr.Brown.]

Hi - interested in ideas on this person, I have Mary James Brown born  1818/1819 on census 1851-1901 and she is marked as born France or Belgium (British subject) on some but one in particular (1871) states Ostend, which I assume means in Belgium which makes me think this is where she actually born.

Wondering who her parents could be? possibly military? did the military have their families/wife with them when abroad? From her name I would assume her mother was surname  Miss James...and her father Mr Brown.

Ive tried adding potential siblings to her but nothing comes up. I can not* find her on the 1841 census but their first legitimate child George in 1844 born Ford Northumberland. I think the first born Mary Ann (1842) may have been an illegitimate of the mother born in Newcastle, where I do have a potential 1841* census for a John Park and wife Mary.
Cant find a 1841-4 marriage either for Mary James Brown and John Park in either England or Scotland as John Park was a blacksmith/spade maker from Norham on the Scottish boarder.

Back to Ostend Belgium,  there would appear to have been a Fort Napoleon where British forces were stationed at around 1819, wonder if that is relevant.

Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks, Gordon.

[TreeSpirit]

A possibility?
Marie Jacqueline BROWN 6 May 1818, Daughter of Pierre BROWN, sailor and Elisabeth BULTON
The declaration was filed by Pierre Jean Massart, a 47-year-old certified midwife from Ostend. The father was absent at the birth.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GGV1-982Z?i=399 (top left)

[trish1120]

Possible?

Peter BROWN Groom
England, Northumberland, Non-Conformist Church Records, 1613-1974
Marriage  5 January 1810 Northumberland
Spouse Elizabeth BUTON

On Familysearch.Org

Trish

[Neale1961]

Possible 1841 census
St John Westgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland
John Park 25 Engine fitter
Mary Park 20

[Mr.Brown.]

ahh yes that is the potential 1841 census I have which fits with a potential birth of an illegitimate first child but this couple would appear to be married whereas I have an illegitimate first child with mother name of Brown - they may have been together but not actually married. ?

What puzzles me is what was MJB doing being born in Belgium and the only thing I can think of is her father was in the army and involved in the battle of Waterloo. So I was wondering if soldiers had their wives with them when stationed abroad.
There are a number of 'Brown' records regarding the Battle of Waterloo. (incidentally not 'my' Browns)

[Neale1961]

What puzzles me is what was MJB doing being born in Belgium and the only thing I can think of is her father was in the army and involved in the battle of Waterloo. So I was wondering if soldiers had their wives with them when stationed abroad.

Not the army, according to birth details (according to TreeSpirit's post - see above). Peter Brown was a sailor - so with the NAVY.
Yes indeed, at this time, wives often accompanied their "military / naval" husband abroad.
https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Naval-Wives-18th-19th-Century/

[Mr.Brown.]

Ahh yes - I dont seem to have comprehended what I was reading above re the birth and marriage which do fit with one another and the location - I think I was blinded by expecting to see the mother called 'Miss' James.
Thank you very much.

[Mr.Brown.]

A possibility?
Marie Jacqueline BROWN 6 May 1818, Daughter of Pierre BROWN, sailor and Elisabeth BULTON
The declaration was filed by Pierre Jean Massart, a 47-year-old certified midwife from Ostend. The father was absent at the birth.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GGV1-982Z?i=399 (top left)

Thanks for this - I have been trying to duplicate your search in search of other family members but cant get it - could you give me some guidance - Thanks Gord.

[ShaunJ]

A possibility?
Marie Jacqueline BROWN 6 May 1818, Daughter of Pierre BROWN, sailor and Elisabeth BULTON
The declaration was filed by Pierre Jean Massart, a 47-year-old certified midwife from Ostend. The father was absent at the birth.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GGV1-982Z?i=399 (top left)

Just for clarity, it does also say that Elisabeth Bulton was his wife.