Hi Matt
There's a Sarum marriage licence record
27 October 1729
John Keen of Swindon, Barber
+
Alathea Skinner of Chiseldon, Spinster
To be married at Chiseldon
Other bondsman noted is William Couling of Cricklade
A baptism later in Chiseldon, 1742, of another Alathea Skinner, parents Edward and Martha. Possibly might be a relative?
And also earlier baptisms there to an Edward Skinner, first indexed is in 1709 (mother Mary?)
How then they came to be married in Great Faringdon I don't know! Is "John" one of your Sylvesters?
John
Hi John
Yes that is them. Many thanks for the info.
"John" (alias Sylvester) was christened in Hankerton in 1702. He was the son of John Keene and Mary Wayt.
Although he's recorded on the licence as "John" he appears to be recorded in other records as Sylvester. All of the couple's children were christened in Chiseldon (which makes sense) and he is called Sylvester on all those records.
His grandfather was Silvester Keen born c1650 and his own first son was named John.
I have found a number of other records relating to him including a case in chancery and I have wondered if he changed his name.
The marriage date I have is 28 Oct 1729 at Great Farringdon. This is on familysearch but I haven't checked the original.
Everything you've said fits with what I know so I should have something to look into now.
Any idea when Alathea was born? She might be a sister of the Edward you mentioned.
Thanks again
Matt