Mary According to Rebecca Probert in her book "Marriage Law for Genealogists", from 31 August 1835 a marriage in England or Wales between a man and his deceased wife's sister would have been void, as would a marriage between a woman and her deceased husband's brother. The former prohibition was removed in 1907, but the latter not until 1921. Ireland had its own laws, which may or may not have been similar. However, it does seem likely that this problem was at the root of the matter. My apologies to Professor Probert if I have misquoted or misunderstood her. Regards George Bush