Thomas DUNN/Susan DOWN

[Karen Newman]

Susan DOWN is on the 1871 census living with her parents in Exeter under the married name of DUNN. (The daughter shown with her is, I believe, that of her sister, with the surname incorrectly shown).

In July 1871, Thomas John DUNN was born but the birth was not registered until Jan 1872 (I have the cert). Mother's maiden name is shown as DOWN. I am pretty sure this is my Susan as the place of birth is where she was living at 1871 census.

I have traced Thomas John on the 1881 and his father is shown as Thomas WILLIAM DUNN born in Shoreditch c1851/3 (varies on different cenuses). Thomas John's mother is shown as Susan, born in Exeter.

I cannot find Susan's marriage to Thomas William, despite searching the indexes. Thomas was younger than Susan so I have considered that he may have lied about his age at marriage but even so I cannot find a match. I am fairly certain he was born in 1853 as there is a match for him on the IGI. I have checked after the census as well in case they married after the son was born and prior to registering the birth.

I have checked the parish registers for St Thomas the Apostle church (just down the road from where Susan was in 1871) but the son is not baptised there, nor is the marriage registered.

I have considered that they might not have got married.

If anyone has a conection to the DUNNs,I would be pleased to hear from you. Thanks.

[Blue]

I've just begun the job of researching my Scots heritage. My great grandfather was Thomas Dunn and his son (my grandfather) was William Dunn. William Dunn married Margaret Brown of Celardyke Scotland and they eventually emigrated to Canada. I don't know if this may be the same Thomas Dunn you speak of in your post. My grandfather never spoke of his parents so I am at a disadvantage when conducting research.

Keith

[Karen Newman]

Thomas William Dunn was born in Shoreditch and lived in the London area all his life as far as I know. I have not come across any connection to Scotland. After Susan Down died, he married Mary Ann Gibbard.

[birdlip]

Hi there,

I don't have a connection to the Dunn family, but after reading your post, I just have a suggestion.

I wondered if Susan may've been married before? You mention that she's older than Thomas Wm. It may be why you can't find the marriage, if she married as a widow, using her married name.

[Karen Newman]

Hello Birdlip

I have considered that possibility but not found anything to go on yet (despite the fact that there are very few Susan Down marriages on the index), and no marriages of Thomas Dunns to Susans that seem right.

When Thomas remarried after Susan's death, he described himself as a widower. Thomas and Susan certainly presented themselves as a married couple: children all registered as DUNN.

I have also considered a late marriage as one of Susan's sisters married AFTER the birth of her first child (also registered under the father's surname).

I still feel that the 6 month gap between the birth and registration of Thomas and Susan's first son is significant. Thomas is not with Susan in 1871 but I have been unable to find him (and nothing conclusive for him in 1861).