Facts that don't stack up & reading between lines - help me solve a mystery!

[lauralem]

Hi,

I have a GG grandmother with quite a life story, but I can't piece together her early years to a satisfactory degree. Bare with me, it's a long one...

Known to the family as Florence Louise Adams, she was born in 1871. 1901 census says she came from Chelsea, London; but the family knew her to come from Devizes, Wiltshire.

According to her wedding cert, her father was William Adams, a printer.

I've found a birth certificate for a Florence Louise Adams born 1871 in Camden, father is William Adams & Mother Kate Adams (nee Richards). So far so good... except I can't find a wedding cert for Kate & William...

I've then found a Florence Adams living in Melksham, Wiltshire in 1881 census (only a few miles from Devizes), who comes from London. She's living with a Richards family... again, seems like the shoe is beginning to fit. Except this Richards family don't have a daughter called 'Kate', nor sister nor niece (Florence is listed as the niece of the head of the family). There is, however, a couple of Janes in the family born around the right time as Florence's mum; and there happened to be a Jane Richards, from Melksham, working/living in Chelsea (where Florence's 1901 census says she was born) in 1871 - a few months before Florence was born.

So, my theory is that 'Kate' is actually the Jane that was living in Chelsea, and she was never actually married to William, but lied - and because she was lying, she reg'd the birth on the opposite side of town so she wouldn't get caught out; before shipping Florence off to the countryside to get raised by the extended family.

Am I overlooking something? Any other ideas on how to piece this info together? Can anyone find the elusive marriage certificate for Kate Richards & William Adams that beguiles me???

And THANKS if you made it this far!

[Milliepede]

Just to add there's a baptism for her in Camden 23 Jul 1871

Father William John a stationer
Mother Kate

Add 31 Bayham Place

Is there a William John Adams at that address in the 1871 census perhaps.

[avm228]

There’s also a baptism for Florence Louise Adams born 9 June 1871.

Baptised 23 July 1871, Camden Town (All Saints’j.

Parents: William John Adams (stationer) and Kate, of 31 Bayham Place.

Cross-posted!

[avm228]

1871 census: RG10/230/42/6

36 Camden Rd, Camden Town

William J Adams Head Mar 23 Heraldic stamper Westminster
Kate do Wife Mar 22 Melksham Wiltshire

[crisane]

Except this Richards family don't have a daughter called 'Kate', nor sister nor niece (Florence is listed as the niece of the head of the family).

'
They do actually but she is only 13 in the 1881 census.

Henry Richards    59
Ester Richards    57
Ellen Richards    22
Henry Richards    17
Kate Richards    13
Florence Adams 10 niece.

I wonder if an older sister may have 'borrowed' the younger sister's name?

[avm228]

Possible death for William John Adams aged 25, Dec qtr 1872 Westminster.

[mckha489]

Deleted, no longer relevant

[avm228]

Possible death for William John Adams aged 25, Dec qtr 1872 Westminster.

The deceased was of 339 Oxford St; buried at Brompton Cemetery on 19 October 1872.

[Milliepede]

Not a marriage to jane or kate but there is a William John Adams marriage 5 Oct 1872 and he is a printer.

Of full age and a widower. 

Added - sorry had missed the 1871 census find.