John HARWOOD/TOWNER, born 1846, The Hastings Union

[BAC3]

Hello,

The problem below is shared by several descendants and there seems no answer.

John HARWOOD was born in The Hastings Union in 1846, parents, father John HARWOOD and mother, Frances Elizabeth (nee TOWNER).   He had six brothers/sisters George born 1838, Frances 1839, Lucy 1841, Henry 1844, Charles 1848 and Eliza 1853.   He retained his surname throughout his early life until he was discharged from Dartmoor Prison on 10/02/1865.

Seemingly, we next meet John HARWOOD as John TOWNER when he marries Fanny THAIR in quarter3 1877 on Portsea Island and from that moment on references are to TOWNER......there are no HARWOOD's!!!   When did he adopt his mother's name as his surname?   The only clue that it may be the same person is a mention in a National Archives Reference: BT 164/17/355 for Reserve Firemen which states that John TOWNER has a "J H" tattoo on his left arm!!!

This request may be seeking the impossible but if you don't ask........................

Thank you,

BAC3

[KGarrad]

According to the Laws of England & Wales, a person may call them selves anything they like - just as long as there is no intention to deceive or defraud.

[rosie99]

When he married he also stated that his father was John Towner occ Coachman

[BAC3]

His father, John HARWOOD, was recorded as a "Fly Driver".....coincidence possibly

[LizzieL]

When he married he also stated that his father was John Towner occ Coachman

He may have replied "same as mine" when asked his father's name, meaning he was also called John, without thinking about the different surname. Coachman just seems a bigged up version of fly driver. Seen plenty of exaggerations in occupation on marriage records

[BAC3]

An excellent thought, LizzieL.   Thank you