Who did Henry "Harry" Stoddard Cromwell marry in NY in 1918?

[rkive82]

I have seen a marriage record for Henry Cromwell on 10th September 1918 in Kings, New York. He apparently married Anna M (May) Marmal. The couple appear to be living as man and wife in the 1915 Census. Anna May was said to be born in 1886 in England, but i can find no birth record for her in the FreeBMD index or the GRO.
Who was ANNA MAY MARMAL ? I have seen her surname listed as Manuel, but I can't find a birth record under that name. Was this a first marriage for Anna May? Perhaps she was married before like Henry?
Any help is much appreciated as always.
Richard

[shellyesq]

The newspaper mentioned their marriage license and gave her name as Manuel.  https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-union/146912703/

The marriage certificate said she was divorced in New York state and born in Manchester, England.  https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/view/8998841  Parents names are Richard (with no last name given) and mother looks Marie with a difficult to read maiden name, but possibly Robertson.

[rkive82]

Thank you Shelly.
The only birth I see registered in Manchester (Chorlton) is Anna May Emilia AKERLIND mother GATWARD in Q June 1887. I don't think that is her.
Anna May left England when she was 4 or 5. I wonder if her divorce from hubby #1 in New York is accessible?
I don't see her birth info in any family trees on Ancestry. I don't know where else to look.
Richard

[shellyesq]

In that time frame, New York City had both marriage certificates (like the one I linked to above) and marriage licenses.  The marriage licenses can have some additional information that might be helpful here, like the name of her former spouse, where the divorce occurred, and the countries where her parents were born.  More detailed information here - https://www.reclaimtherecords.org/records-request/1/ 

Unfortunately, the marriages licenses for Brooklyn (Kings Co.) are not yet digitized for 1918.  They might be at some point, but the Municipal Archives seems to be moving very slowly, so I'd say don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen.  The license can be ordered for a fee.

Regarding the divorce records, they're not easily available, but could be ordered from the county clerk if you know where the divorce occurred and it was over 100 years ago, as would seem to be the case here. 

[Ashtone]

This 1905 marriage for Anna is a strong possibility. Her 1918 marriage listed her parents as Richard and Marie. Birth year is a match, as well.

Frank & May Manual can be found in the 1910 census in Brooklyn (Flatbush Ave).
May's birthplace is England. 

Event Date   29 November 1905
Event Place   Kings, New York, United States
Name   Frank Manual
Age   22 years
Birth Year (Estimated)   1883
Father's Name   James J Manuel
Mother's Name   Mary Boyley
Spouse's Name   Anna May Jones
Spouse's Age   20 years
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated)   1885
Spouse's Father's Name    Richard O Jones
Spouse's Mother's Name   Mary Jones

NOTE: In the 1920 to 1950 census records, Anna May is always "May/Mae Cromwell".
That's why the 1910 census (as May Manuel) is a very good fit for her.

[shellyesq]

Good find, Ashtone.  I think you're right.  The 1905 marriage record is here - https://a860-historicalvitalrecords.nyc.gov/view/8192709  Comparing Anna May's signature on the 2nd page of this one to the one to Henry Cromwell, they look the same.

[rkive82]

SPLENDID! Thank you Ashtone and Shellyesq.
I found a birth record for May Jones in Q June 1886 in the registration district of Chorlton which includes Manchester. Mother's maiden name given on the GRO index is Jones.
This is a good candidate for Anna May's birth.
I will add the info to my Ancestry tree.
Richard

[amondg]

Did Richard Jones marry a Mary Jones?  Jones may not have been her maiden name.

To have proof you need to get a copy of the birth certificate

SEE
Reply #1 from Shellyesq    - mothers maiden name

[rkive82]

I agree. I think we have answered my original query and found Anna May's maiden name.
She is not a direct relative of mine and closer relatives may want to purchase a birth certificate. I am adding the new info to my Ancestry tree.
Thanks very much.
Richard