Darlington Local Studies Look Up Request

[River Tyne Lass]

Thanks too from me for looking this up Ryhopelad.

Jen, I also think that Thomas George/George Thomas are the same -and personally I do suspect that he is James.  What a coincidence otherwise with birth date and names. 

Sophie, in your enquiries if you do come across someone who knew him .. if it also turns out he had some missing fingers then that will surely be more evidence to support this.

Did James and Dorothy divorce, I wonder?  Perhaps if James and Lily's relationship was a common law one and they did not remarry after a possible divorce from or death of Dorothy .. Lily may have split up from James and/or married someone else, perhaps?  So may have died under a different name?  I suppose there also might be a (remote) possibility that Lily may still be alive - she was a good bit younger than James. 

Or perhaps she will be found somewhere as having died as Lily Matthews. 

[Ryhopelad]

Only too pleased to help, best of luck everyone with your continuing research.

Ryhopelad

[River Tyne Lass]

There is a Catherine Matthews died Sunderland in December quarter 1983.  Her date of birth given as 28 October 1906.  I wonder if this person was his wife?

[Ryhopelad]

There is a Catherine Matthews buried in December 1983 in Bishopwearmouth Cemetery, Sunderland. At home I only have access to the index so unable to confirm if this is the Catherine you are looking for.

I realise it will be a while until the library in Sunderland reopens but I can check it out and also see if there is a death announcement.

Ryhopelad

[River Tyne Lass]

Possibly another twist or perhaps wrong person.  I have been able to access the burial record now but that would be helpful if you might be able to check for the death notice to see if it might mention a husband/address ..  many thanks for offering help again Ryhopelad.

This is the entry at Bishopwearmouth:

Entry 4022
Catherine Matthews
age 77
Spinster
Died Sunderland District Hospital (No home address provided)
buried 10 December 1983
Unconsecrated.  Section A (LS) Ward 39
2nd Interment

This makes me wonder .. is she the wrong person?  Or might her marriage to Thomas George/George Thomas possibly James Battista have been another bigamous one and perhaps in death she didn't want to be described as married? 

[Love&Leaves]

Thanks to all for their help... this is certainly frustrating!   

[Love&Leaves]

Very likely that it could be another bigamous marriage I think... particularly as can’t find a death for Lily yet......