Brick Wall -David Martin born c 1810 married Sarah Preston (nee Taylor)

[Jomot]

It seems that David must still have been around the Birmingham area in 1863 as he is a witness to the following marriage - his signature is virtually identical to that on his own marriage to Sarah Preston nee Taylor:

21 Dec 1863 St George's Birmingham
William Phillpot 30 Widower Dipper and Cleaner of 30 Court 3 House, Hospital Street. Father: Richard Phillpot, Dipper & Cleaner
Jane Martin, 28, Spinster of 30 Court 3 House, Hospital Street. Father: David Martin, Stamper

Witnesses: David Martin (signed) & Mary Martin (her mark)

[Jomot]

Oh my... he also signs at the marriage of Caroline Martin to Alfred Lees in 1867.

Caroline & Jane were the daughters of David & Hannah Martin.....

[CaroleW]

David Martin & Sarah Preston  only had 2 children - David & Phoebe.  Sarah Preston was a widow with 3 children - none called Jane

The 1863 marriage shows Jane's father as David Martin so I wonder if she was the daughter of the "other" David Martin

[fayl]

Oh my such a lot to take in.

Is it possible David married and had children before he married Sarah.

Fay

[CaroleW]

Is it possible David married and had children before he married Sarah.

He is a bachelor on the 1846 marriage cert

[Jomot]

Here are the three signatures:

They look like the same man to me, and if so then its looking like David was married first to Harriet (transported), then to Sarah (died), and then to Mary.

[fayl]

Yes David is described as Bachelor when he marries Sarah but I am sure most of us have come across our ancestors lying when they marry.

Jomot I agree with you re signature on marriage certificate of Jane. Identical. Great detective work.

I have  come across the name if Mary Martin  (witness) previously. Only a couple of days ago in fact. She was a witness to the marriage of of either Mary Preston (married twice) or Sarah Preston - David martins step daughters.
Just going to check my info on them.

Fay

[fayl]

Can't find my notes but definitely come across the name of Mary Martin as a witness to a marriage within the family. Need to do a thorough search tomorrow

Thank you once again for your help. You are all stars.

Fay

[Jomot]

I'll see if I can find any more online as well.

Harriet Martin's details are on F M P - she was sentenced to 14 years transportation to Van Diemen's Land.  Included in the documents is a petition in which David states he is left with 6 children, all young, and that two are now incapable of moving from their beds. The youngest (aged 3) had a broken leg and the 5 year old had a broken thigh, and without their mother there was no-one to look after them.  Even the prosecutor in the case asked for mercy, but it seems none was given & she was sent to VDL on 12 Mar 1845 on the "Tory".