I don't have Maria's birth certificate but her 1932 death certificate (as Maria Davies) gives her birthplace as Aberdare and names her parents as Henry T Morgan and Ann Davies.
In 1871 Henry, Ann & Maria are still in Aberdare - RG10/5406/43/31. They have another daughter - Gwenllian - later that same year, before moving to Stockton, Durham.
Son James is born in Stockton in 1873 (recorded as Morgans), followed by Elizabeth Ann (1875) and Margaret (1878). Henry left for America in Nov 1879 and Ann gave birth to another son, Thomas Henry:
14 Apr 1880, 2 Cambridge St, Stockton,
Thomas Henry - Father: Henry Morgan, Puddler, Mother: Ann Morgan formerly Davies
In 1881 Ann & the children are at 2 Cambridge St with a lodger named Edwin Howells, also a Puddler from Wales. RG11/4896/86/47. In 1851 & 1861 Edwin is in Aberdare with parents William, a tailor, and Mary.
Although Henry is in America, Ann remains at Cambridge St and continues to have children:
1883 - David John
1885 - Edwin (my GG Grandfather). Father named as Edwin Morgan, Iron Puddler
1888 - George. Father named as Henry Morgan, Iron Puddler
On 31 Dec 1887 Henry T Morgan bigamously marries Elizabeth Williams in Cuyahoga, Cleveland, Ohio, and in Sept 1890 Maria arrives in America aboard the British Princess. Her destination is Cleveland, Ohio, to a parent.
I have several US & UK documents, but the one that links all of the family is the 1914 obituary of youngest son George which, amongst other things, mentions his mother Ann & half-sister Maria in Cleveland Ohio, half-brother James in Brilliant Ohio, half-sister Gwen & brother Edwin in Stockton, and half-brother Thomas in Aberaman.
However.... I've just noticed something that might just tie back to the possible Thomas family connection. When James & his wife Edith (Edwards) emigrate in 1903 their destination is a relative, W Thomas at Shanesville, so I definitely need to check that one out further.
PS Dierdre, thanks for that info, I'm feeling a little more hopeful!
