PROBATE REGISTER: Martha MIDDLEMISS, formerly of Kenwood Farm Finchley but late of 3 Wellington Terrace, North-Road, Highgate died 25 Dec 1868, widow. Admin was granted 31 March 1868 to her son & NOK, AlexanderMIDDLEMISS , Stationer of North Road, Highgate. Effects under £300
FreeBMD: DEATH, Edmonton, Dec Qtr 1867:
Martha MIDDLEMISS age 66 (born abt 1801)
And looks as if Alexander is:
FreeBMD: DEATH, Edmonton, Mar Qtr 1866
Alexander MIDDLEMISS age 84(b abt 1782)
Their ages on 1851 and 1861 are consistent with Alexander being born around 1786 and Martha abt 1805.
Their ages on the 1841 (50 and 40) are clearly rounded down to the nearest 5 year mark, as was the rule for that Census.
Their ages at death, I would hazard a guess that their son didn't know their correct ages. This wouldn't be unusual in the times - I would be more inclined to go with Alexander being born around the 1786 mark.
And, just had a full look at the 1841 Census:
1841: Kenwood Farm, Finchley
HO107 / Piece: 663 / Book: 1/Folio: 14 / Page: 20
Alexander MIDDLEMISS 50, farmer -
Martha MIDDLEMISS 40 - Y
Elizabeth MIDDLEMISS 20 - Y
Thomas MIDDLEMISS 20, Silver Smith - Y
John MIDDLEMISS 15, Farmer - Y
Mary MIDDLEMISS 15 - Y
Alexander MIDDLEMISS 1 - Y
The age gap of the children Mary & Alexander - told me Martha is most probably not the mother of the earlier children!
And lo.….just after the start of Civil Registration in England:
MARRIAGE: Parish Church of St Mary Hornsey, on 12 Dec 1837
Alexander MIDDLEMISS, of full age, Farmer, widower, of Finchley - father: Thomas MIDDLEMISS, Farmer.
Martha TOMKINS, of full age, spinster, of Highgate - father: Benjamin TOMKINS, Hairdresser
Witness: Thomas MARTIN and M L MARTIN
So, Alexander MIDDLEMISS, b abt 1786, Berwickshire, son of Thomas MIDDLEMISS, Farmer.
Cheers
AMBLY