William Oliver b. c. 1790 Itchingfield

[Pennines]

More and more interesting!

sussexperson - this certainly brings a bit of 'colour' to your family tree. None of the boring, normal stuff for you!

I have to say though, that Sarah seemed to have a really hard life.

Some amazing finds for you.

[sussexperson]

Indeed all very interesting and I agree that Sarah obviously had a hard life.The news from Osprey about the burial of Sarah Stemp confused me at first because of William (Oliver) but I now presume that he was in a "home or workhouse" as the illegitimate son and presumably maybe never had contact with his mother even after her marriage as he got married as William Oliver. Complicated but all beginning to make sense. I told my sons what you have all discovered especially the vagrant bit. They have replied that they always thought there was
something amiss in my ancestors    

[sussexperson]

Just thinking further, I can also feel sorry for William as his marriage to Sarah Wadey only lasted 5 years as she died aged only 26 having given him 4 children. Her early death on top of the stigma of being illegitimate - poor man. One consolation (maybe) was that he appeared to be cared for by his children until his death aged 83.

[Pennines]

He WOULD marry as William Oliver as that was his official name. Sarah married George Stemp after William's - and several other children's births.

Surprising that he never married again. Often widowers (and widows) remarried fairly quickly if they had children. The widowers needed a woman to care for the children  whilst they went to work - whilst the widows needed a man's wages to support them and their children.

I am so pleased though, that he was looked after by his own children - they did well for him if he lived to that grand age.

Re YOUR children's comments - tell them they have the same genes!! So the vagrant/traveller is their ancestor also!

If I'm ever talking about my family history I always mention my 'imbecile'! Having a black sheep is always much more interesting.

It's been a great story sussexperson.

[sussexperson]

Sorry not responded earlier, been away. Indeed a success thanks to Rootschat forum . now to find others in family who are vexing. May be in touch again.