129
« on: Monday 20 July 15 12:24 BST (UK) »
Hello,
I'm trying to solve a mystery about an elusive family member Harriet Tarrant. She died in 1921 aged 68 in Peckham. She was born approx 1853, although could be as early as 1841 if one of her census ages is to be believed, birth place could be either Devon or London (gained from the censuses). She had 6 children that I'm aware of, however on the children's birth certificates she gives up to 3 different names - Baxter/Bray and Goldspring.
Her first marriage to Robert Lamb (unable to find any marriage dates) yielded a daughter Mary Ann in 1875, she lists her surname as Baxter. Robert died in 1881 (Foxes Buildings, Southwark where they were living). Robert Lamb is listed as a Fish Curer on his death cert. She then went on to marry Thomas Tarrant (also living in Foxes Buildings) and had 5 children - William George b 1883 (surname listed as Lamb, obviously from the previous relationship), Robert b 1885 and George b 1887 (surname listed as Goldspring), Harriet b 1889 and Emily b 1890 (surname listed as Bray). I have been unable to find a marriage for Harriet and Thomas Tarrant (although according to their 1911 listed they would have married around 1883) I'm at a loss as to why there are so many surnames. I have been unable to find any Harriet's which match any of the information I have so far, not even a close match.
Is it possible she never married either Robert or Thomas? or could a marriage be listed somewhere other than the GRO? Is it possible the person entering the details got the surnames mixed up (all certificates Harriet was the informant but was only 'marked' with an X) so she couldn't read I'm assuming. I have looked online for data/clues as to how I might solve this mystery (unfortunately I don't live in England) to search parish registers or original documents. Is it possible she was hiding something with all the name changes? Does anyone have any theories or info which might help? I'm at a loss at the moment.
Many Thanks Mel
Show Posts