JANE SMITH - GEORGE THOMAS - Merthyr Tydfil

[brentor boy]

Jane Smith married George Thomas at the Register Office in Merthyr Tydfil in 1867. Her marriage certificate gives her father's name as Thomas Smith. Subsequent census records suggest she was born in Glamorgan/Pentwn/Merthyr Tydfil circa 1847. The only Jane Smith born in Glamorgan at that time was born in Pontywaun, Gelligaer, daughter of Robert Smith.

I recognise that census details can be mis-leading, but I am unable to find any Thomas/Jane Smith household in 1861 that seems to match. Interestingly a witness at Jane's wedding was a Robert Smith, who I thought might be a brother, and her first son was called Robert.

How likely is it that the Registrar might have entered the father's name incorrectly? Both bride and groom, and both witnesses made their mark which suggests they may not have been able, or were unwilling ,to point out any error.

Does anyone have any ideas how I might resolve this mystery?

[Izzycat]

When my husband's grandmother married in 1912, the vicar put her father down as being Robert MORSE. We couldn't find a family with a father Robert & daughter Ada. It was only when I obtained her birth certificate, that we found her father was actually William. Robert was her brother. William had died sometime before her marriage & her brother Robert, was present & was a witness. I have since found Ada's parent's marriage certificate.

[brentor boy]

Thanks Izzycat.
Since my original post, further research has convinced me beyond all reasonable doubt that Jane's father's name is incorrectly recorded on her marriage certificate. I propose contacting the Registrar at Merthyr Tydfil to see if the error was made at the local office or when the details were transcribed at GRO. I am working from the copy supplied by GRO.