I would be grateful for any thoughts on a Tarporley, Cheshire 9 Nov 1823 baptism entry.
Fortunately there is a “Rough Register” as well as the Parish Register and Bishop’s Transcript.
The first records, “Christenings. 1823 Nov 9. Margret [sic] Dr. of Hannah Cookson mason Tarporley base”.
The PR records, “1823 Nov 9. Margt. daughter of Hannah Cookson. Abode: Tarporley. illegitimate”.
The BP reads, “1823 Nov 9. Margt. daughter of Hannah Cookson. Abode: Tarporley. illegitimate spinster mason”. The words “spinster” and “mason” were then struck through. All other illegitimate births either side of this for several years follow a different format, e.g. “Joe base son of Jane Bloggs of Tarporley”, with no profession/trade mentioned. So Hannah's 'mason' reference stands out even more. I should add that the entries preceding and following Margaret's are married couples and include the father's trade so I do not think it is a 'data entry error' back in 1823.
When Margaret married in Tarporley on 26 Jun 1845 her father was recorded as ‘William Cookson. Carpenter” though he did not sign the Register as a Witness if he was present that day.
The word “mason” stands out as I think it unlikely Hannah Cookson was a mason in rural Cheshire in 1823. If her father was actually William Cookson, why would Hannah have the same surname if she was unmarried (unless it was a coincidence) ? And if William was her father, how likely is it that he would change trades from mason to carpenter ? Was ‘mason’ a subtle reference to whoever actually was Margaret’s father ?
I don’t think I will ever solve Margaret’s parentage but any thoughts/suggestions/comments on the above would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Simon
