I see that Susan reverts to Adams again on the 1871 census and the three unmarried children with her all have different surnames.I don't suppose they split up and she portrayed herself as a widow!
Regards
Roger
Wow, Roger. You may be right! Something fishy may be going on here.... I always just thought that since My GG Grandfather was John Reid Adams, and his DC says his Father was Robert "Adams", that the census taker just left out the last names on the 1871 census. Also on Susan's DC from 1887 it states she is the Widow of Robert Adams, Blacksmith. And the informant is John Reid, her son. Again he isn't using the Adams name. But on his marriage certificate a few months later he is John R. Adams, son of Robert Adams and Susan Reid both deceased.
However, I just now thanks to you, found a Birth Certificate for Elspet Adam MORRISON B. 1856, Aberdeen, Parents Robert MORRISON , AG. LAB, and Susan REID! And it doesnt say Widow for Susan! I can find no marriage for them.....
So either Robert died well BEFORE My GG Grandad and his sister were born, and Susan fooled around quite a bit after, or he LEFT them well before and she fooled around quite a bit after!
Very interesting....especially since if you look on the 1881 census, she is still Susan Adams, Widow, and her son John Reid is now a Blacksmith Journeyman...like his "father", which would tend to make sense. But there is also a Granddaughter, Susan Adams, 6, who apparently is the illegitimate child of Mary Adams, My Gg Granddads other sister! So fooling around might have run in the family! There is a Chance that the 1871 census is the wrong family, since it gives an incorrect birthplace for Susan. I have her most likely being born in Banchory Devenick, and it states Forfar(shire) Dundee. So either she lied about that too , or perhaps its a different family? Very strange!
Thanks for your help!
