A Missing marriage

[avm228]

It's odd that it states "widow" if they weren't married

Not really.  The death certificate simply records the information given by the informant of the death. If they had always lived as though they were married the informant (whoever it was) might genuinely have believed that they were - or else could have been keeping up a pretence for respectability's sake.

Of course, they might have married somewhere other than England & Wales!

[cheekymole]

Good point! I'm pretty new to all this and still learning!

[CaroleW]

I would have my doubts that Daniel Ephraim Smith would be referred to as Harry on divorce papers.  It would be important to ensure the right name of the
co-respondant was recorded to avoid any legal issues later

Births September qtr 1897   
 
Ephraim Daniel Smith   Kingston  2a 360  1901 shows parents as Frederick & Edith
1911 shows his place of residence as "Institution"

[cheekymole]

Yes I've got him on the 1911 with his brother frederick.

Being refered to as Harry on both the divorce file and Violet's death cert though?

[CaroleW]

Was Harry's death registered as Harry Smith or Ephraim Daniel Smith

 

[cheekymole]

Now that's a good question!

I have the info from the lady I am doing the research for.

She says that her parents are Violet and Ephraim Daniel.

They both died before she was 10 when she was adpoted.
She basically wants to know more about her real parents.

Violet death cert says "widow" of Harry Smith and the divorce corespondent is also Harry Smith so it seems a little coincidental.

Ephraim's grandfather was Harry and I don't believe she was having an affair with him!!!!

[cheekymole]

Was Harry's death registered as Harry Smith or Ephraim Daniel Smith

 

Ephraim D Smith in 1948
Kensington
5c, 939

[CaroleW]

So that gives a shorter time span for a possible marriage as Violet died after 1948

One more question (assuming you have his death cert) did Violet report his death as it would be interesting to know if she is shown as his widow - there were no "partners" in those days!!

If she isn't - then that answers your question - they never married

[cheekymole]

I personally haven't but hope that his daughter has and I have asked the question through my sister (a bit complicated!)

Will come back to you when I find out.

Thank for all your help x