Common Law marriage has not been recognised legally since 1753. But for practical reasons, it happened quite a lot - especially when divorce was expensive, so not available to ordinary people. Women just took the name of the man who fathered their children - sometimes there was a marriage later, sometimes not. See http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Common-law%20marriage "The term "common law marriage" is frequently used in England and Wales ..... such a "marriage" is not recognised in law, and it does not confer any rights or obligations on the parties. . Genuine (that is, legal) common-law marriage was abolished under the Marriage Act 1753 In England and Wales, the Marriage Act 1753, also called Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act, required a formal ceremony of marriage. It stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents." Anne On 31 May 2004, at 16:03, Donna L. Davidson wrote: > Hello...Another question has popped up. I suspect two of my Oliver > ancestors in County Durham might have had what I would call a "common > law" relationship. Were there any laws or rules about this in England? > Was such a relationship "recognized" at some point? Did the "wife" or > the "children" of the relationship have the right to take the > "husband's" surname after a certain number of years? I hope someone > out > there will share what facts they have about this issue. It might help > quite a few people. > Thank you in advance. > > Donna Oakley Davidson > > > ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== > I.G.I. Family Search > http://www.familysearch.org/ > Public Record Office U.K > http://www.pro.gov.uk >

Hello Listers, I have just found Mary Hutchinson in our family tree. William Carlton and Mary Hutchinson were married 2 Oct 1807, Mary was born abt 1786 in Washington. They had at least three children, Mary b. Jan 5, 1808, Brandy Row, Washington; William b. 21 Aug 1809; and Margaret b. 7 Aug 1811. Mary Charlton married Benjamin Widdowfield abt. 1830. Their first child, Mary Ann married John Forster. If you know anything about Mary Hutchinson and/or John Forster, I'd like to hear from you. Thank you for your time, Phyllis USA

Could someone with access to the 1851 Census for Stanhope Durham please let me know if there was a Joseph Featherston with a daughter Mary living at Middle Rigg or High Rigg at that date? Names and ages of any other family members living with them would also be wonderful! thanks, Jo, Sydney

It is "Hewer" not Chewer May your God be with you, John L. Gallon Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne little.blobby2@btinternet.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mary Hart" <mhart@iinet.net.au> To: <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 1:24 PM Subject: [ENG-DUR] coal mining in 1901 > Dear Listers > My husband's greatgrandfather's occupation is listed in the 1901 census as 'coal miner chewer underground'. What does the word 'chewer' refer to? > Regards > Mary Hart > Australia > > > ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== > This list is only as good as you make it. Please Participate and help keep it interesting! If you do not like or agree with something on the list then your options are:(1)Simply 'delete' the relevant message(s)(2)'reply to that mail off list to the sender only'(3)unsubscribe' from the list! --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.691 / Virus Database: 452 - Release Date: 26/05/2004

<<<<<<<In a message dated 31/05/2004 16:03:31 GMT Daylight Time, dld132@Citlink.net writes: might have had what I would call a "common law" relationship. Were there any laws or rules about this in England? Was such a relationship "recognized" at some point? Did the "wife" or the "children" of the relationship have the right to take the "husband's" surname after a certain number of years? I hope someone out there will share what facts they have about this issue. It might help quite a few people.>>>>>> In England and Wales there is no such thing as "common law marriage" (in spite of what you sometimes see in the media), whereby unmarried persons who live together and behave as if they were married are treated as man and wife. It has not been possible to enter into an informal marriage in England and Wales since the passage of Lord Hardwicke's Act in 1753. It's not a matter of legal or illegal, as in English Law there is no such thing as a 'common law marriage', so the term should not be ued. Whether you live with your "partner", "cohabitee", "live-in-lover", "domestic associate" or "current companion" in the eyes of the law there is no special relationship and you are not equivalent to a husband or wife. For instance the courts have no discretionary jurisdiction to order financial relief on the breakdown of a relationship outside marriage. The situation is different in Scotland where you can have a marriage by "habit and repute" This type of marriage was possible following an Act of 1503, and is still legal today confirmed by the 1939,1977, and 1980 Marriage Reform Acts. The cohabitation must be sufficiently long, normally about a year, for the court to infer that the couple tacitly agreed to marry. The present legal procedure is for one party to raise an action in the Court of Session for a declarator of marriage. If the declarator is granted, the Principal Clerk of Session passes the details to the Scottish Register General who registers the marriage according to Section 2 of the 1977 Act. This type of marriage is rare, there are only about two a year, most Scots undergo regular marriages. Regards Stan Mapstone

Hello...Another question has popped up. I suspect two of my Oliver ancestors in County Durham might have had what I would call a "common law" relationship. Were there any laws or rules about this in England? Was such a relationship "recognized" at some point? Did the "wife" or the "children" of the relationship have the right to take the "husband's" surname after a certain number of years? I hope someone out there will share what facts they have about this issue. It might help quite a few people. Thank you in advance. Donna Oakley Davidson

Carole, :Sorry, I had included information in my 1st email. Here is what I know. My connection to the BARRASS family is through the STAGE family of Howdon, Chirton and Wallsend, Northumberland. John STAGE was the 5th child of William STAGE and Jane BELL, b. 22 Apr 1884 in Howdon, NBL John married Martha BARRASS Wood Clark 22 Oct 1905 in Tynemouth, NBL, b. approx 1884 in South Shields. Martha's parents were William Lloyd Clark and Martha BARRASS Wood, details unknown. I just thought there might be some information that I could add to our tree. Thanks, Chris > [Original Message] > From: Brian Robinson <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> > To: <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: 5/30/04 6:34:44 PM > Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > Hello Chris, > You dont give your interests, which part of the "BARRASS" family are you > interested in !! > > Carole Robinson > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "WILLIAM BURK" <bburkiii@earthlink.net> > To: "Brian Robinson" <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> > Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 5:20 PM > Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > > > I would be interested in your information. I really don't know anything > > about this part of the family. > > > > Chris > > > > > > > [Original Message] > > > From: Brian Robinson <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> > > > To: <bburkiii@earthlink.net>; <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> > > > Date: 5/29/04 6:36:17 PM > > > Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > > > > > For anyone interested in the Surname "BARRASS" > > > I am compiling a database for the surname > > > > > > My interest starts with "Ralph Henry Barrass" my husbands > > great-grandfather, > > > 1881 census "Usworth", Washington, Durham > > > > > > Love to hear from anyone researching this Surname ! > > > > > > Carole Robinson > > > Co Durham > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: "WILLIAM BURK" <bburkiii@earthlink.net> > > > To: <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> > > > Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2004 4:02 PM > > > Subject: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > > > > > > > > > I have a Martha BARRASS Wood Clark, b. South Shields, who married > John > > > STAGE 22 Oct 1905 in Tynemouth. Her mother was Martha BARRASS Wood. > > > > Chris > > > > > > > > > > > > ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== > > > > Durham GenWeb Host > > > > http://www.rootsweb.com/~engdur/ > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________

Jo, In High Rigg there was a Thomas Featherston, age 67, with a daughter Mary age 21. In Middle Rigg there was a Joseph F., age 38, with wife and children but no Mary. Next door is a John F. and family with a daughter Mary, age 6, and a brother Joseph age 21. Actually in Stanhope and area there were alot of Featherston's, maybe they lived in a different area? I can send you these images if you want. Janis

<<<<In a message dated 31/05/2004 13:15:38 GMT Daylight Time, mhart@iinet.net.au writes: 'coal miner chewer underground'. What does the word 'chewer' refer to?>>> I was going to say tobacco (:-), but it should Hewer. Regards Stan Mapstone

Hello Thanks to everyone that responded to my message ! With the info received we can now send for the marriage of Joseph and Eleanor, I would also like to thank "Avril" for sending me the church that "Charles" was baptized ! My friend had the birth certificate but in 1901 there where so many Churches in the Sunderland area, we were slowly working through them ! Regards Carole Robinson From: AvrilSteward@aol.com To: brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 11:45 PM Subject: Charles Taylor Hi Carole, Charles was baptised at St Margaret's Casteltown 29.5.1901 No other siblings baptised there previously. Regrds Avril

Hello Chris, You dont give your interests, which part of the "BARRASS" family are you interested in !! Carole Robinson ----- Original Message ----- From: "WILLIAM BURK" <bburkiii@earthlink.net> To: "Brian Robinson" <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 5:20 PM Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > I would be interested in your information. I really don't know anything > about this part of the family. > > Chris > > > > [Original Message] > > From: Brian Robinson <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> > > To: <bburkiii@earthlink.net>; <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> > > Date: 5/29/04 6:36:17 PM > > Subject: Re: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > > > For anyone interested in the Surname "BARRASS" > > I am compiling a database for the surname > > > > My interest starts with "Ralph Henry Barrass" my husbands > great-grandfather, > > 1881 census "Usworth", Washington, Durham > > > > Love to hear from anyone researching this Surname ! > > > > Carole Robinson > > Co Durham > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "WILLIAM BURK" <bburkiii@earthlink.net> > > To: <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> > > Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2004 4:02 PM > > Subject: [ENG-DUR] BARRASS > > > > > > > I have a Martha BARRASS Wood Clark, b. South Shields, who married John > > STAGE 22 Oct 1905 in Tynemouth. Her mother was Martha BARRASS Wood. > > > Chris > > > > > > > > > ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== > > > Durham GenWeb Host > > > http://www.rootsweb.com/~engdur/ > > > > >

Hi All, Looking for my Witty relatives born in Newcastle T. Mary Norton b 1894, Washington, Durham, married Matthew Witty 27Oct1919. They had Jane, b 1920, John R. b 1922, Robert, B 1924, Sarah Agnes, B 1927 and Matthew b 1928. Robert married Patricia Taylor in Sep 1947. Regards, Maureen Kristjanson, Richmond, BC Canada View my genealogy queries: http://cousinconnect.com/p/a/0/u/12070/

unsubscribe ----- Original Message ----- From: <ENG-DURHAM-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <ENG-DURHAM-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2004 8:48 PM Subject: ENG-DURHAM-D Digest V04 #182

I haven't asked for help in years but I'd like to find WILLIAM OLIVER and his family in the 1871 census. He was born about 1824 in Warcop, Westmorland but in 1881 was living at 91 Wheatbottom, Helmington Row. In 1871 he would be 46 years old & a joiner by occupation. His first wife's name was ANN (I don't know when she died) but in 1881 his wife's forename was ISABELLA (I don't know when they married or her maiden name). The children who would still be at home in 1871: WILLIAM (age 20, coal miner, born Beechburn/ Durham), EDWARD (14), ELIZABETH (12), JOHN (10). The last 3 children were born in Helmington Row. There may also be other older children at home including GEORGE and SARAH ANN (born Beechburn). If anyone is able to find this OLIVER family in 1871 I'll be one very thankful person. Donna Oakley Davidson

Please could someone tell me where "White Hill Furnace" was in 1891, My friends Great-grandfather was living there , he was a Sinker Thankyou Carole Robinson

Carole, can't find a suitable unmarried Joseph Taylor in 1891 but there is this one who is married to Dorothy. They are living at 8 and a half Liddell Street, Monkwearmouth Shore. Joseph is a brewery Labourer aged 35, Don't know whether that ties up with the birth certificate. Dorothy is aged 31. Two daughters Mary aged 5 and Ethel aged 1. Name:   Taylor, Joseph Age in 1891:   35 Relation:   Head Gender:   Male Where Born:   Sunderland I am sending you this because he hasa child called Ethel - so could the marriage to Eleanor be a second marriage? AnneOn 29 May 2004, at 23:16, brian ROBINSON wrote: > Hello, > I would be gratefull if someone could look-up "Joseph Taylor" and > "Eleanor Ann Padget" on the 1891 census please > > My friend has obtained the birth certificate for her grandfather > "Charles > Taylor" born April 29th 1901 The place of birth was given as "Etterick > Buildings" North Hylton, Monkwearmouth, Durham. We have searched the > 1901 census twice at our local Archives, but there is no record of > this address. > > On the 1871 census it is "Etterick Hall Buildings", it's in the > Castletown area of Sunderland, Durham. > > "Charles Taylor" was baptized in the Monkwearmouth Parish on May 29th > 1901, his father was "Joseph Taylor" and mother "Eleanor Ann" > (formally "Padgett") > > "Joseph" and "Eleanor Ann" had quite a few children before "Charles", > some of the names were Charlott, Elizabeth, and Ethel ! > > Trying to find the birth place of "Joseph" and "Eleanor Ann" ! > > Thankyou > Carole Robinson > > > > > ==== ENG-DURHAM Mailing List ==== > Browse the ENG-DURHAM archives > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index/eng-durham >

Hello List, I thought I would pass on these names I found on a page I paid and downloaded from the 1901 Census. these families were living in Everett Street, West Hartlepool, Durham at the time of the 1901 Census On March 31, 1901 THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO WERE IN 38, EVERETT ST, WEST HARTLEPOOL ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 31, 1901 THE NIGHT THE 1901 CENSUS WAS TAKEN. THOMAS CAMPBELL HEAD MARRIED AGED 30 HIS OCCUPATION WAS IRON SHIP RIVETTER BORN IN SCOTLAND. HIS WIFE JEMMIMA CAMPBELL OR JEMMINA AGED 26 BORN IN SCOTLAND. HIS SON JAMES CAMPBELL AGED 3 BORN IN SCOTLAND. HIS SON ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL AGED 2 BORN IN SCOTLAND. HIS DAUGHTER JANE CAMPBELL AGED 1 BORN IN SCOTLAND. AT 42, EVERETT ST, WEST HARLEPOOL ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 31, 1901 THE NIGHT THE 1901 CENSUS WAS TAKEN. WILLIAM JOHNSON HEAD MARRIED AGED 50 HIS OCCUPATION WAS SHIP JOINER BORN IN RIPON, YORKSHIRE. WIFE MARIA AGED 60 BORN IN YORKSHIRE. SON GEORGE H JOHNSON SINGLE AGED 21 OCCUPATION WAS RAILWAY PORTER BORN STOCKTON, COULD BE DURHAM? DAUGHTER ELLEN JOHNSON SINGLE AGED 19 BORN GAINSBOURGH YORKSHIRE. AT 44, EVERETT ST, WEST HARLEPOOL ON THE NIGHT OF MARCH 31, 1901 WHEN THE CENSUS WAS TAKEN WERE ALFRED R. CARTWRIGHT HEAD MARRIED AGED 43 OCCUPATION WAS DOCK LABOURER BORN IN YORKSHIRE. HIS WIFE MARY R. CARTWRIGHT AGED 39 BORN HARTLEPOOL, COULD BE DURHAM? SON JOHN CARTWRIGHT SINGLE AGED 18 OCCUPATION WAS LOOKS LIKE FORGE? LABOURER BORN IN WEST HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM? DAUGHTER ANNIE L. CARTWRIGHT AGED 16 BORN WEST HARTLEPOOL DAUGHTER MARY E. CARTWRIGHT AGED 14 BORN WEST HARTLEPOOL SON ARTHUR H. CARTWRIGHT AGED 12 BORN WEST HARTLEPOOL SON ALFRED CARTWRIGHT AGED 10 BORN IN WEST HARTLEPOOL DAUGHTER KATE CARTWRIGHT AGED 6 BORN IN WEST HARTLEPOOL DAUGHTER LENA CARTWRIGHT AGED 3 BORN IN WEST HARTLEPOOL AND BOARDER WILLIAM MARSHALL SINGLE AGED 18 OCCUPATION WAS SHIPYARD LABOURER BORN IN SUNDERLAND DURHAM? AT 46, EVERETT ST, WEST HARTLEPOOL ON THE NIGHT F MARCH 31, 1901 WHEN THE CENSUS WAS TAKEN WERE WILLIAM JOHNSON HEAD MARRIED AGED 40 OCCUPATION WAS GAS WORKS LABOURER BORN IN LOOKS LIKE MASHAM? YORKSHIRE HIS WIFE MARY JOHNSON AGED 40 BORN IN LOOKS LIKE GREENHEAD? YORKSHIRE DAUGHTER ELIZABETH V. JOHNSON SINGLE AGED 13 BORN IN HATLEPOOL DURHAM? DAUGHTER EMILY JOHNSON AGED 10 BORN IN HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM DAUGHTER REBECCA JOHNSON AGED 8 BORN IN HARTLEPOOL SON ROBERT JOHNSON AGED 2 BORN IN HARTLEPOOL SON WILLIAM JOHNSON AGED 2 MONTHS BORN IN HARTLEPOOL. THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE LIVING AT NO'S 36 AND 40 EVERETT STREET BUT CAN'T QUITE MAKE OUT THEIR NAMES PROPERLY. I do hope these names help someone researching their tree? Kind regards Pamela J Groves

<<<<In a message dated 30/05/2004 15:37:08 GMT Daylight Time, brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk writes: Please could someone tell me where "White Hill Furnace" was in 1891, My friends Great-grandfather was living there, he was a Sinker >>>> There is an engraving of the furnace at http://www.angus.gov.uk/history/archives/gems/isaaccookson.htm Regards Stan Mapstone

<<<In a message dated 30/05/2004 15:37:08 GMT Daylight Time, brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk writes: Please could someone tell me where "White Hill Furnace" was in 1891, My friends Great-grandfather was living there, he was a Sinker >>> Whitehill Furnace, was 1 mile west of Chester-le-Street. Regards Stan Mapstone

Hello Carole, I think this might be Joseph and Eleanor's marriage on FreeBMD... Marriages Mar 1892 Kirkbride Hannah Chester le S. 10a 591 Mc Laren Mary Letitia P Sunderland 10a 591 Padgett Eleanor Ann Chester le S. 10a 591 Robinson Charles Chester le S. 10a 591 Taylor Joseph Chester Le S 10a 591 I've found and 18 year-old Eleanor A PADGETT in 1891 and I'll send you the image off-list. Joseph will be a problem until we can locate him in 1901. Best regards, John Kane Sapcote, Leics. ----- Original Message ----- From: "brian ROBINSON" <brian@robinson8298.fsnet.co.uk> To: <ENG-DURHAM-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, May 29, 2004 11:16 PM Subject: [ENG-DUR] 1891 Look-up Durham > Hello, > I would be gratefull if someone could look-up "Joseph Taylor" and "Eleanor Ann Padget" on the 1891 census please > > My friend has obtained the birth certificate for her grandfather "Charles > Taylor" born April 29th 1901 The place of birth was given as "Etterick Buildings" North Hylton, Monkwearmouth, Durham. We have searched the 1901 census twice at our local Archives, but there is no record of this address. > > On the 1871 census it is "Etterick Hall Buildings", it's in the Castletown area of Sunderland, Durham. > > "Charles Taylor" was baptized in the Monkwearmouth Parish on May 29th 1901, his father was "Joseph Taylor" and mother "Eleanor Ann" (formally "Padgett") > > "Joseph" and "Eleanor Ann" had quite a few children before "Charles", some of the names were Charlott, Elizabeth, and Ethel ! > > Trying to find the birth place of "Joseph" and "Eleanor Ann" ! > > Thankyou > Carole Robinson --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.692 / Virus Database: 453 - Release Date: 28/05/2004