Death of Mary Darton née Savage, Hertfordshire abt. 1841

[softly softly]

That’s an avenue I have been following. Looking for surname? With mmm savage between 1836-45 by which time Mary may have been to old to have children

SS

[LizzieL]

Or in an institution/ asylum, listed on censuses only by initials.

[LizzieL]

Do we know Mary's year and place of birth? I can't see a likely one in Ardeley ca 1800. But there is one in Kelshall on 27 Dec 1801 d/o Henry and Ann Savage. There is a baptism of a George Savage on 17 Nov 1799 in Kelshall to the same parents.
I think the parents are Henry Savage and Ann Barnes who were married in Kelshall on 12 Nov 1798.
H and A have further children in Therfield up to 1810. In 1841 there are Henry and Ann of right sort of age in Hertford St John (could be coincidence) In 1851 there is a widowed Ann b Therfield as housekeeper to a widowed William Savage (born Ardeley) in Benington (might be brother in law?).
In 1861 she is a lodger in the household of George Savage in Wood End Ardeley. Places of birth for both written as Cal..... Could it be an attempt at Kelshall? 1851, 1871 and 1881 censuses for George give his pob as Kelshall (twice) or Therfield (quite close by).
George Savage married Elizabeth Brown at Ardeley on 24 Dec 1823. Exactly a year after his possible sister

[Higpoidius]

Thank you again rosie99 and softly softly for the additional background. All helping to build up a picture. LizzieL I did wonder about them separating, but wondered about her leaving at least 3 of her children. Perhaps she lived nearby and was still part of their lives, and it would certainly explain the lack of marriage. I'm assuming any sort of legal divorce was rare, especially in rural communities?

[rosie99]

I did wonder if she suffered some sort of post natal depression after the birth and death of Charles and ended up in the workhouse infirmary or similar institution.  I have an example of a lady having given birth spent the rest of her life in an institution and was ‘insane’ according to one census.  I have looked in 1841 with initials without success

[Higpoidius]

Thank you rosie99, that's a very interesting theory I hadn't considered.
I find it interesting that Ann Cranwell's parents or possibly grandparents are living in the house with them in 1841, and also that Ann's and Thomas's children are christened openly out of wedlock. I would imagine in such a small community everything would be known and reputation would count for something. I suspect there is another story we don't know.

[Higpoidius]

Just to clarify this story slightly, on re-examination I see that on 1841 census Ann Cranwell and her parents are actually living next door to James Darton, not in the same house. Also, 1851 James and Ann have John and Mariah SAVAGE as neighbours, and in 1861 James and Ann are living next door to a farmer by the name of W. Dearman. In 1871 farmer Dearman has retired and the farm is now run by his nephew Charles SAVAGE. Other Savages on the census too, so makes me think James's wife Mary Savage was almost certainly related to them. Could it be then that Mary has run away, and her family know James is still married and so he's unable to marry Ann? No blame attributable to anyone, and the facts will almost certainly never be known.

[Higpoidius]

Sorry, only just seen the comment from LizzieL about Mary's parents.
Yes, I agree, I think she was born 1801 in Kelshall to Henry and Ann. Am tracing that family to see if there's any more clues.

[rosie99]

Also, 1851 James and Ann have John and Mariah SAVAGE as neighbours,

John Savage married Maria Darton in 1826, Yardley.  John was born Walkern