Thanks for everyone's help. This is what you helped me build if anyone is interested. Regards, Mark
Joseph Napoleon Dodge born in the east end of London in Q1 1846 son of Joseph Dodge. He married Johanna Catherine Gilbey on 28 Jan 1889 at St James the Great Church - Bethnal Green
Interestingly on his marriage certificate he states year of birth as 1852 (6 years later than his registered birth date.
Johanna Catherine Gilby (no e) was born in Loughton, Essex in 17/02/1869 – Mother Mary Gilby – no father mentioned on birth certificate although according to marriage certificate her father was Thomas John Gilbey (deceased).
In the 1891 census both Joseph and Kate were living under the surname Davis in Stepney – I couldn’t find out why they changed their name.
Children as follows
17/4/1889 Nellie Dodge, b Shoreditch, 1890 Joseph Napoleon Dodge, b Loughton,
23/3/1893 Arthur John Dodge, b Shadwell, 1897 Percy Dodge, b East Ham, Essex,
1899 Edwin F Dodge, b East Ham, Essex
Joseph’s occupation was Packing Case Maker at the London Docks.
In the 1901 census the couple are still under the name Davis although the children are baptised Dodge.
In the 1911 census Joseph has disappeared and although no new partner is present Johanna is registered with the children as Catherine Harris.
I now have 2 marriage registrations of Johanna Dodge to a Samuel C Harris
The first - Married Samuel Cecil Harris (aged 36) widower 25.07.1917 St Luke's, Ilford, Essex. Father's name given as Thomas Gilbey deceased - profession given as 'Independent'
The second Johanna Catherine Gilbey (aged 59) widow married Samuel Cecil Harris (aged 48) bachelor 10.02.1930 West Ham. Father's name given as Thomas Gilbey deceased - profession 'of no occupation'
I believe this to be the same couple although they married twice on top of the fact she was down as Mrs Harris in 1911!
I have 2 Joseph Dodges died in London – one in Q1 1915 age 65 and one in Q1 1924 aged 72. Not sure which one although I favour the second this would mean Johanna married bigamously This would again put his birth year around 1850 so he was consistent in lying about his age.
Also interesting is I have two death registrations for Johanna C Harris
The first in West Ham in 1932 – age 61
The second in Lambeth in 1940 – aged 78, so again a discrepancy in the year of her birth and why two deaths so far apart. Lots of mysteries here – definitely dodgy!