Close Families

[XPhile2868]

Was it common in the 1800s for siblings to marry siblings from other families? I have at least three different couples that married someone who is their brother or sister in law.

For example, William and Alexander Gregson are brothers. William married Mary Ann Gregson, and Alexander married Sarah Gregson, Mary Ann's sister.


Stephen

[chris_49]

Hi Stephen,

This happens over and over again in my tree.

Not only did my great great grandmother Ann Draper and her sister Hannah marry the brothers Skelcey, but their elder sisters Mary and Elizabeth married the brothers Hawkes!

I'm guessing, but it could be that the lack of opportunities for socialising in those days might have meant that your in-laws were amongst the few unmarried people of the opposite sex you'd be likely to meet.

Chris
 

[Mum44]

I've more than a few of these as well - and in one family the children's great grandparents are their great grandparents on both maternal and paternal sides!

[jinks]

I dont know how common it was but it certainly happened,
I have found newspaper articles where they also marry on
the same day and have a double wedding.

Jinks

[silvery]

I've got it too.  Two sisters marrying two brothers.

[jinks]

I have one gentleman marrying two sisters is that allowed
on this thread

Jinks

[patrexjax]

Hello!  Yes, this is quite common in several lines of my family. Also, cousins marrying cousins on several occasions. Pat

[LoneyBones]

So long as it wasn't at the same time Jinks.
Did you know that in some religions and eras  it was almost obligatory to marry your widowed sister's/brother's spouse? Another of those survival of the family name things.
Cheers,
Leonie.
PS. I think Henry the 8th got one of his wives that way, then changes his religion and got the marriage annulled. (Saved one head)

[jinks]

Leonie

That was illegal too!

No the first sister had died.

Jinks