Hi all.
I am trying to solve a mystery re Samuel PARKER - born Bitton, Gloucestershire 1796; died Sep 17 1843 in Kingswood, Gloucestershire, and his family.
His 7 children have different last names ...
(1)William Parker Evans b 1821 Kingswood d 1856 Blaenavon, Wales (m Ann Evans b 1822 in Kingswood, Gloucestershire)
(2) Harriet (Hetty) Parker b 1825
(3) John Parker b 1826 d 1885
(4) Elizabeth Parker b 1827 d 1935
(5) Abner Parker b 1831 d 1891 Keynsham, Gloucestershire (m 1854 in St Mary's Bitton to Mary Gage b 1831)
(6) Ann Parker b 1835 d 1930 and
(7) Robert Parker Evans b 1836 Bitton, d 1887 Blaenavon, Wales (m Mary Ann Stock d 1879 - from Bedminster, Somerset)
My question relates to the change of last name from the father's last name of Parker, to Evans, with Parker being the middle name -but only for the oldest and the youngest sons?? The two middle boys retained the name Parker. Interestingly, the oldest son William, married an Evans ... ?
An old family "myth" said that the father was caught for sheep stealing, and the kids headed over the border into Wales, changing their name at the same time. This is plausible, but why only the oldest and the youngest changing their last name???
Hope someone can help ... thanks in advance.
Wendy