On 30 September 1866 Elizabeth Hilton marries Ralph Cunliff (entry on FreeBMD and Lancs OPC)
Ralph Cunliff - (X), 23 Collier Ralph Cunliff - (X), 23 Collier Bachelor of Eccleston Elizabeth Hilton - (X), 18 Spinster of Eccleston Groom's Father: Miles Cunliff, Collier Bride's Father: John Hilton, Engineer Witness: Thomas Hilton; Mary Clary
Elizabeth's mother, Ellen Appleton, married John Hilton in 1841 with Elizabeth (1849) being the fourth of seven known children. Ellen re-marries in 1860 to Richard Johnson and they have 2 known children, David (1858) and Matthew (1863) as shown in the 1871 census. (Ellen also marries a 3rd time to Joseph Taylor)
I couldn't find Elizabeth or Ralph Cunliff (or variations) in any census but when I then looked for David and Matthew Johnson in the 1891 census I found:
1891 Elizabeth and Ralph DEARDEN, 7 Tickle St, Parr with brothers-in-law David (31) and Matthew (28) Johnson.
Working backwards and forwards I then found:
1871 Elizabeth and Ralph DEARDEN, Parr Stocks, St Helens with 2 children John (1868) and Joseph (1870).
1881 Elizabeth and Ralph DEARDEN, 15 Chapel St, Parr with more children.
1901 Elizabeth and Ralph DEARDEN 34 Chancery Lane, Parr. David and Matthew are still living with them (Matthew now recorded as Nephew!).
1911 Elizabeth and Ralph DEARDEN, 34 Chancery Lane with David and Matthew again.
I can't find a marriage between Ralph Dearden and Elizabeth. Is Ralph Dearden really Cunliff? Their children shown on the 1871 census both appear to be registered as Cunliffe. Then, just to confuse things more, the next known child, Edward is registered as Dearden in Prescot Q1 1873 (no Cunliff or variants) but there is a parish record showing:
Baptisms: 16 Feb 1873 St Michael, Burtonwood, Lancashire, England
Edward Cundliffe - Child of Ralph Cundliffe & Elizabeth
Born: 18 Dec 1872
Abode: Parr
Occupation: Miner
Baptised by: W. G. Thomas
Register: Baptisms 1865 - 1876 from the Bishop's Transcripts, Page 56, Entry 444
Source: LDS Film 1469048
Also in the 1871 census 2 doors away is Miles Cundliffe (50), wife Esther with various family members. RG10 piece 3866 folio 61 page 36
Does anyone have any ideas about the name change? Also, how should I record them in my tree? BTW they are not close family members and I won't be looking to buy certificates.
Thanks in advance. Kit