This couple were my ancestors -
James was the illegitimate son of Ann Ottaway - born in the Workhouse.
Most of the family died very young from 'consumption'. The only survivors were my G.G. grandfather George Ottaway, Herbert Ottawa, James (grandson)- whom I lose after his grandmother died in 1897, also the youngest Agnes who married had a child and then died - Richard, Charlotte, was illegitimate, and she was the attendant at all of the deaths, and then she disappears from the records. And apart from birth records and the 1841 Census I have never seen any records for Alfred Jnr.
Alfred Snr died in 1860 from consumption.
You must remember that these people were illiterate, and very poor, and registering births etc, didn't mean a lot in their lives.
Alfred Ottaway was illegitimate himself - he was christened 3 times - his mother kept having him christened in each villages so that they could claim assistance from the Parish. Then when he married Ann George they got married twice - I have copies from both ceremonies - they got married in the Presbyrterian church - probably got told that marriage was illegal because they had been christened in the C of E, so they got married in St Mildred's 7 days later - this marriage is always taken as the official one.
A piece of info for your George research - Herbert Ottaway married Mary Ann George (His cousin).
George's grandson - George (my grandfather ) came out to Australia in 1911, and his cousin Thomas (son of Herbert) came out to Oz in 1912.
I hope this has helped you - if you want more , please contact me direct.
Judy
