Hi
I am investigating Mary Catherine Edmonds/Edmunds, who I believe first appears on the UK Census in 1861 at the "Eight Bells", Carisbrook Street, Carisbrook, as Mary C Stephens, "Daughter" of Mary Stephens, widow of Charles Stephens. Also there are Mary's daughter, Emily Stephens, and her son, Benjamin Joseph Edmonds Stephens.
I can't find Mary Catherine in 1871, although her "mother" (Mary) and "brother" (Benjamin) are with Mary's new husband, Henry Denness (actually shown as Dennis) at Niton.
As Mary Catherine Edmunds, she married William (James) Wall in 1875 and then appears as a visitor, "Mary C Wall" with Henry and Mary Denness at Weard Cottage, Niton, at the time of the 1881 Census.
As Catherine Mary Wall, she appears on the 1921 Census (with William) at 2 Greenham Court Cottages, Greenham, Newbury. Her age is 58 years and seven months.
This age would take us back to November 1852 in Carisbrook for a birth and there is indeed a birth of "Mary Catherine Edmonds" on 25 November 1852 at Carisbrook (no father given). However, her mother is Rosena Ann Edmonds, not Mary. This is confirmed by the baptism, although the birthdate given is 9 November and her mother is "Rossanna", and Mary Catherine is confirmed as illegitimate.
So who is Rosena, and how does she fit in with the Edmonds family? There is an "Ann Edmonds" aged 7 living with Charles and Mary Stephens and Mary's mother, Hannah Edmonds, at the time of the 1841 Census. Could this be Rosena Ann, perhaps an illegitimate child of Mary? This would make Mary Catherine Edmonds, the granddaughter of Mary, rather than the daughter?
Mary has already been married (in 1837) to John Smith and had a daughter, Edith. I assume John died before Mary's marriage to Charles Stephens.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
