John Ovens (a direct ancestor) was born in Ireland c1809. I can track him after 1849, in New Jersey and Toronto, Canada. He supposedly was married in 1842 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
John is on the 1881 Ontario Census:
John Ovens, born 1811, Ireland, Merchant
Wife (Jane Wakefield Ovens) and children included with him on census; they were Methodist.
Living with the family is Jennie Stinson, age 20, born Ontario, Methodist. I don't know who Jennie was.
Family lore states the Ovens family was from Co Fermanagh or Co Donegal.
On LDS site: Someone posted John Ovens, christening 23-June-1811, Inishmacsaint, Donegal, Ireland. Parents: William Ovens, Elizabeth Stinson. I don't know who posted this information.
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nirfer/inish_baptism_2.html1811 June 23 John, parents Wm. Ovens, Elizth (most likely Stinson; they had two other children, according to this site), Corclune.
I have John's death certificate. Place of birth was "Ireland." Parents' names were not included on certificate.
Is there a way to confirm the 1811 christening is for my John? Seems coincidental that a Stinson was living with the Ovens in 1881. I cannot find Jennie Stinson after 1881 (or before). Thank you.
(I've posted a thread on the Canada board, inquiring about Jennie. Some great results are posted, yet to be confirmed.)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=379709.new#new