Genealogy Chat

Hi everyone - today I received my Gt Grandad and Granny's marriage cert'. Julius Clarke (bachelor) to Catherine Best (widow) January 7th 1896. Both 38 years. His father - Alexander Clarke (deceased) seaman Her father - Angus McArthur (deceased) seaman. Julius and Catherine both of 14 Edward Street, Southampton. So at least I now know the names of my Gt Gt Grandads! Just thought I'd update because so many people helped me with getting this cert. luv Lorr x x x

Hi Lorraine That was quick! I thought you would have to wait another week for the certificate. Have you found Catherine's dad on the 1881? Heather

Hi Heather no I don't have access to it I'm afraid. I will get some source material one day soon and then perhaps I'll be able to help others - things aren't very settled at the moment. Yes this is going to send me off now in all sorts of directions I expect? x x x

Lorraine I'm so chuffed for you that you've managed to sort them out. The GRO are working much faster at the moment. I got a cert this morning that I ordered last Friday so off I go again!! They must have been waiting for her hubbie to die so they could get wed? Good luck with the rest of it and if you need any help just shout. Rachel

Hi Lorraine Do you think this is him? Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability Angus MC ARTHUR Boarder (Head) M Male 62 Southampton Dock Laborer Margaret MC ARTHUR Wife M Female 61 Scotland Isaac BOIS Boarder U Male 30 Barbadoes Ships Steward -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source Information: Dwelling 19 Bell St. Census Place Southampton All Sts, Hampshire, England Family History Library Film 1341297 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 1214 / 12 Page Number 17 Heather

I don't know it may be - sorry what date is this? I expect I should know but you're dealing with a bit of a dummy x x x THANKS!

Its 1881 and his wife is from Scotland and the lodger from Barbados. Heather

I'm just wondering, it's possible that Catherine's parents were in Southampton also? That's why she was here then? I never thought of that. I wonder when they came to live down here? This is going to keep me going for a while I think. Thanks for everything you are a wonder! x x x

It's me AGAIN! Just found on Ancestry Richard Conjujan Best married Catherine McArthur Mar Qtr 1876 So I'm getting there! x x x

Hi Lorraine I've been having another look at the 1881 census, its on the familysearch website, can you get it on your computer? It seems that Angus was born in Southampton, his wife in Scotland then Catherine was born in Southampton and her son in Scotland. There weren't many McArthurs in Hampshire but I wonder if Margaret born in 1858 belongs to your family? Heather

Hi Heather- a kind soul 'Debra' most wonderful asked if anyone wanted a Southampton look up on 1871. Low and behold there is an Angus McArthur and Margaret McArthur with various children - one Margaret 13 years. I just hope I'm looking at the same ones that are later on the 1881/1891? It's almost too good to be true! I mustn't go off too quickly because perhaps there are two families in Southampton - just maybe? The name Kate versus Catherine keeps coming up and I can't be absolutely sure that they're the same person so there's some work to be done I think? THANKS for your interest - you must have enough to do without my muddle! Luv Lorr x x x

Hi Lorraine Well, that sounds very hopeful, doesn't it? And the Scottish connection too which I think you mentioned before. This will keep you busy for a while. Love, Heather

Hi me again! I wonder if anyone can look over these details to see if I'm missing anything? Kate McArthur 15 years on 1871 census Catherine McArthur marries 1876 Richard Conjujan Best Catherine Best 25 years on 1881 census ( Kate 'Clarke' formerly McArthur has Arthur Julius Clarke 5/11/1890 ) - she registered the birth. Catherine Best '33' on 1891 census Catherine Best nee McArthur 38 years marries - Julius Clarke 38 in 1896 Catherine Clarke 43 on 1901 census Sorry but I'm sure I'm missing something? Do you think Kate and Catherine are the same person? THANK you for your help - luv Lorr x x x

I've read and re-read this thread and I think Kate and Catherine were the same person.While her first husband was at sea Kate took in lodgers to help make ends meet.She fell in love and became pregnant.In those days a woman was unable to divorce a husband and as Richard was at sea he didn't really enter the picture.(Chances are Richard had set up with someone else anyway)Therefore,Kate adopted her partners name and when her husband died she was at last free to marry.The 1891 census entry?Well it was a proper document and it wouldn't do to lie on something like that would it?(Apart from the age thing anyway)Loads of people loose a couple of years here and there. My own grandparents had to wait until my granddads first wife died and my mother was three before they could marry as his first wife was in a mental hospital.

Ah THANK YOU Janet! I was hoping someone else looking at this would come up with an idea or two. I kept on looking at it and in the end I thought before I add it all to my tree I'll just run it by someone else....Thanks again luv Lorr x x x

Just found this on Family search Catherine MacAurther Born 26/03/1855 Uig,Ross and Cromarty,Scotland Father Angus MacAurthur Mother Margret MacKenzie Angus and Margaret were married 10/02/1854 in the same place,Uig.Margaret was known as Peggy at that time.(A diminutive of Margaret) Spelling wasn't always a strong point in Victorian times!

Janet - ARE YOU AN ANGEL? What a lovely thing to do - you've brightened up my day. Thank you VERY much - did I grovel enough? luv Lorr x x x

Please don't thank me,I'm just trying to avoid getting on with my own research!Oh!BTW these were also on there,same parents: Issabella ChirstyMacAurther born 06/08/1865 Mary Ann MacAurther born 18/07/1859 Heneriatta MacAurther born 13/10/1861 Donald MacAurther born 23/09/1857 and Male MacAurther born 14/06/1864(Probably died shortly after) Good luck with your research

Janet - Thanks again! luv Lorr x x x

Hi Lorraine I'm just reading the latest update on your family. You're really making progress with it now, aren't you? I'm so pleased for you. Love Heather