Hi Lillybell,
Jane Oakman was the daughter of William Oakman & Alicia Clements of Pigeontown, Glenavy. She first married James Smyth/Smith in 1818. James Smyth died in Sept 1829. According to the death notice in the Belfast Newsletter, James left a "very numerous family".
Jane later married William English - sometime before Sept 1835....
Registry of Deeds Vol.16 pg.372 #162 dated 11 Sept 1835 - William English and his wife Jane English, the widow of James Smyth of Lisburn, are granted the right to reside at a farm in Ballyminimore, Glenavy as long as they pay any debts or rents due, as well as "faithfully maintain, support and educate" the children of the said James Smyth deceased. If after one year they had not done so, the children would be removed from the care of their mother, Jane English orse Smyth and the land/property would be sold by the executors of the Will of James Smyth (John Bell, John Oakman and James Shubridge) and the proceeds used to raise and support the children.
William and Jane depart for Canada a few years later with their two young children, George & Isabella English. What happened to Jane's "numerous" children from her marriage to James Smyth? Did Jane leave them behind in Ireland? Had they died?
Another mystery to solve.....
