Mary ann Mason / Joseph Spence - Startforth

[ashbee]

I was wondering whether anyone had any information on Mary Ann Mason.  She was born 1856 in Startforth.  I received a copy of her marriage certificate which stated that her father was JOSEPH SPENCE.  Obviously I was a little suprised that her father was not called Mason.  Would love any information on this, thanks Sarah.

[suzard]

Could we have a little more information ?

Who did mary marry ? Do you have her in any census?

Was she a spinster on marriage cert?

Who were witnesses at the marriage??? Might they be relatives???

Suz

[ashbee]

Can you tell I am very new at this?!?
Mary Ann Mason was born in 1856 in Startforth.  She married William Robinson on 15th April 1887 in Startforth (she was a spinster).  The witnesses were John Hopkin and Mary Ann King.  Father named as Joseph Spence who was a labourer. 
The census is the problem.  Have found a Mary Ann Mason who is living with her grandparents in 1851 (Barnard Castle)  There isn't anyone else on the census who could be her mother if it was a teenage pregnancy.  Then she just disappears until she marries William Robinson.
Probably should just order certificate but wondered whether anyone had any info first.  Thanks, Sarah

[Maggie.]

Hi ashbee  ,

Welcome to RootsChat, you will get lots of help on here from friendly people who were all new to this at one stage 

I take it the Mary Ann Mason you are searching was definitely born in 1856?  If this is so then she cannot be the one living with her grandparents in 1851 at Barnard Castle.... or am I misunderstanding  .

Maggie

[suzard]

If I have the correct family - 1891 mary Ann gives p.o.b. as barnard Castle
1901 as Startforth Yorks

I'm just having a look around to see what I can come up with

Suz

[Maggie.]

Hi ashbee,

What was the occupation of Joseph Spence, Mary Ann's father on her marriage certificate?

Maggie

[suzard]

have you considered this mary Ann?

1881
Lower Startforth
Matthew Dodds head M 68 Commercial Traveller Bedburn Durham
Elizabeth wife 48 Barnard Castle
Mary A Mason daughter U 24 Flax winder barnard Castle
John T Mason son 15 general lab barnard castle
Francis baker Boarder U 21 general lab Barnard Castle
Martha bradshaw Boarder U 22 Middlesboro Yorks
RG11 4934 68 16

?

Suz

[suzard]

It looks like the mary Ann and john T from 1881 were the children of Elizabeth -and Elizabeth had married Matthew Dodds shortly before the 1881 census

marriage freeBMD
Mar qtr 1881
Teesdale
on same page
Elizabeth mason
matthew Dodds
10a 300

Suz

[ashbee]

sorry - i meant 1861 census.  think i have just been a bit thick - just looked at 1851 census for the Mason family in barnard castle and there are 4 daughters who I guess could be the mother - Emma (15), Elizabeth (14), Alice (11) or Hannah (.  Will have to investigate!  Sorry for time wasting!!  Sarah