Hallo, Shelleyesq - many thanks for checking the 1901 census for Elizabeth. I have just checked FreeBMD and found a death for Elizabeth Ann Cordner in Hampstead in 1896 aged 52 which is probably her. I will order it and see what it tells me.
Hallo, Aghadowey
Thanks for the marriage reference
It seems odd that child Ethel appears in 1880 then disappears in 1891 (unless she went to boarding school or was visiting elsewhere) whilePauline appears in 1891 but is not shown in 1880. Pauline does not show up on the FamilySearch index of the USA 1880 census. It is tempting to believe that they are the same person, but this will have to wait until I can prove it.
Mary Cordner is Maria Massereene Cordner. I have been working on the hypothesis that the Cordners came from Belfast / Antrim because a Clement K Cordner living in Antrim was agent for the Massereene estate in 1900 - it seems to be more than just a coincidence.
There is a St Louis in Michigan, but given that the family were well-off and enjoyed social status Missouri does seem more likely. I checked the Missouri births on the link you provided but could't find anything resembling Cordner.
I am wondering if Bazee is a mistranscription of Basil.
Hallo, JJ
Mary Cordner and husband John Henry James settled in England. Three of their children were born in Hampstead (1893-98) and one in Hendon (1905). I don't know how Pauline fits in, but I am sure she must.
I will order the birth certificate for Elizabeth who was born in Westminster 1843 to see if the father's name is Bazee (or anything similar)
and last but not least, hallo Genealisa and Patrexjax - many thanks for your research on Auckland
It's one o'clock in the morning and I'm feeling too excited to sleep!
Philip