Having sent for some certs I'm more confused than ever about this family, and I'd be grateful for any ideas as to what was going on!
John Lonsdale (b. Maidstone about 1823) had 9 children between about 1844 and 1862, 3 born in Kent and 6 in St Giles, London. The London baptisms are in the IGI with mother Charlotte. I have 2 of the children's birth certs, one giving her as Charlotte nee Tonkin and the other as Charlotte nee Thomsett.
But in the 1851 census John's wife is Harriet (born Tunbridge Kent); in 1861 and 1871 she's Charlotte (born Hastings Sussex); 1881 it's back to Harriet (born Tunbridge).
Confusing enough, but the thing that's really thrown me is John's marriage cert. 31 Oct 1863 John Lonsdale, bachelor, age 39, father William Lonsdale, married Harriet Guest, widow, age 44. Her father was...Thomas Lonsdale (who was also apparently a witness)
So...Was Charlotte/Harriet the same person - if so why the different birthplaces? Where does Mr Guest come in, and when did she find time to marry him?
All suggestions gratefuly received!
John Lonsdale (b. Maidstone about 1823) had 9 children between about 1844 and 1862, 3 born in Kent and 6 in St Giles, London. The London baptisms are in the IGI with mother Charlotte. I have 2 of the children's birth certs, one giving her as Charlotte nee Tonkin and the other as Charlotte nee Thomsett.
But in the 1851 census John's wife is Harriet (born Tunbridge Kent); in 1861 and 1871 she's Charlotte (born Hastings Sussex); 1881 it's back to Harriet (born Tunbridge).
Confusing enough, but the thing that's really thrown me is John's marriage cert. 31 Oct 1863 John Lonsdale, bachelor, age 39, father William Lonsdale, married Harriet Guest, widow, age 44. Her father was...Thomas Lonsdale (who was also apparently a witness)
So...Was Charlotte/Harriet the same person - if so why the different birthplaces? Where does Mr Guest come in, and when did she find time to marry him?
All suggestions gratefuly received!
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