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Morning, Susan and Ladyhawk,
Thank you again for your responses. 

I was keen on the victualler John James from Lambeth also, mainly because Mary named her first 2 boys John Edward (after father and possibly mother's maiden name) and James Francis (names of brothers on that record?) but, due to seeing John's wife Mary Ann in previous census, then I also ruled it out. 

There is another census record 1871 and beyond for John and Elizabeth of Lea, Glouchester - I couldn't find their Mary after that, which indicated she possibly left home to work, or married.

As you say, maybe her parents had deceased early.  Mary was a troubled person, I believe.  If she had been orphaned, emigrated for a new beginning and then lost her husband to an early grave after bearing him three children, then her life was quite sad.  The inquest into her death determined she had thrown herself in front of a train, following witnesses sighting her previously wandering aimlessly through a train yard.  She was supposed to be visiting a friend in a suburb much further away, having left the 3 young sons with Aunt Susan for the day.  Tragic.  My grandfather, the youngest, was the only one to marry and have issue - there were no James family stories to pass down.

I've always wondered about the "London" birthplace - sometimes details provided for Australian records are vague.  So far away, near enough was good enough, perhaps.

Thanks again, I shall now investigate your info. 

Cheers.

Brenda.

Thanks, Roger.  Apologies for misleading you about the Bird surname - I meant that Margaret was the daughter of William Jones and Margaret Bird.  I have seen the 1861 census record you mention - it's very likely correct for this family however, I have not otherwise confirmed that Margaret Jones' father was Evan.  On her death certificate, it shows as William.  But, as we all know, never assume anything!   Thank you again.....I'll do some more searching now with Evan in mind.   Regards.  Brenda.

Thomas Jesson b.abt 1780, died after 1840.  Resided Sallymount Avenue, and Rathmines, Dublin, Ireland.  M. Maria Jane Clavel 7.11.1809.  Son Robert b.1823 and most of his family emigrated to USA.  My g-g-grandmother came to Australia.  One sibling (Clavel) remained in Dublin.  Looking for contact with anyone researching this family.

Thanks.

Stuck for records about Margaret.  To date: born 1858 to William and Margaret Bird.  May have a sibling Jane.  She married Thomas Griffiths 23.3.1879 Welshpool - family emigrated to Australia 1883.....and I have most records from there on.
Thanks in anticipation of any help with expanding research in Wales, to add to the above.