Marriage of 1st Cousins

[jeremyf]

How common in the late 1800's was it for 1st cousins to marry?

I have a relative, Richard Hansom (b1867) who married a Gertrude Isabel Hansom (b1876) in 1894. I have a census entry for Gertrude Isabel in 1901 but no apparent entries before this. I have almost certainly found her entry in the BMD index. Richard's father Septimus had a brother called Richard, who had a daughter called Gertrude Hansom (b1867). I have census entries in 1871, 1881 and 1891 but cannot find her in 1901. I also cannot find her BMD entry. All records are based around one township and to date all people with this surname, in the township are related. Is it safe to assume, given the evidence, that Gertrude and Gertrude Isabel are one and the same?

[Geoffers]

How common in the late 1800's was it for 1st cousins to marry?I suppose it might partially depend on locality, period, chance,and how 'close' the cousins were |hug|

I've just had a very quick browse through a couple of hundred marriages in a small group of Norfolk parishes for the mid-19th century. These are rural places where a foreigner was someone from more than five miles away so the picture may be distorted - that said, I can pick out 9 couples whom I recognise as being cousins (though not specifically as 1st cousins) - there may be more.

This isn't very scientific, it's just a snapshot, but indicates around 1-in-20 marriages between relatives.

continued........

[Geoffers]

part 2........

From your marriage certificate, what is the father's name and occupation - does it match the census returns? If it matches up, this adds weight to the idea that they were cousins.

One Gertrude born 1876, t'other born 1867 - are there two entries in the GRO index, or one? (or is one of the years a typing error?)

Have you been able to check the parish registers for baptisms?
How many Gertrude Hansoms are there with these rough birth years in the 1881 census?
I take it Gertrude's birthplace in the 1901 census is consistent.
Although it seems likely that the two Gertrudes are the same person, I think it needs a little more research before the circumstantial evidence becomes overwhelming.
Geoffers

[Neil Wilson]

It was also common in the early 1900's for first cousin's to marry. One set of my grand parents were first cousin's but whether they knew it at the time is not known. My grandfather was born out of wedlock so they didn't have the same surname. No wonder they never wanted anyone to do their family history.

[Burrow Digger]

I have a pair of first cousins in my family tree who got married in the 1890's. They had 6 children - 2 died young, 2 were said to be retarded, and only 2 grew up to get married and have children of their own.

BD

[jeremyf]

Geoffers, you spotted my mistake. Both Gertrudes were born in 1876. That was my typo.

The action centres on the township of Egglescliffe, Durham. Gertrude I's place of birth was Egglescliffe/Eaglescliffe and Gertrude's place of birth is Urlay Nook (a part of the township of Egglescliffe). Richard was born in Mansfield, just down the road, and in the 1881 census appears to have moved to Urlay Nook.

There are about a dozen Hansom/Hanson's in the 1901 census but either the age or location do not match.

I will have to order the marriage certificate and see who's names appear on it otherwise it is just an educated guess.

[Geoffers]

Geoffers, you spotted my mistake. Both Gertrudes were born in 1876. That was my typo.Easily done, the characters on my keyboard keep jumping around when I'm not looking


The action centres on the township of Egglescliffe, Durham. Gertrude I's place of birth was Egglescliffe/Eaglescliffe and Gertrude's place of birth is Urlay Nook (a part of the township of Egglescliffe).That's hellpful, along with the same year of birth, it's looking good. Have you checked the 1881 census to see how many Gertrude Hansoms were born within a couple of years of 1876? It might also be worthwhile checking for Isabels


I will have to order the marriage certificate and see who's names appear on it otherwise it is just an educated guess.Exactly, certificates are the basic building blocks of family history, the marriage certificate will either corroborate or confound your theory. It's just curiosity, but would you let us know how you get on?

Geoffers

[jeremyf]

In the 1881 census there is about half a dozen entries for Gertrude Hanson (a lot of the Hansom's appear as Hanson, mainly due to transcription errors) born within a year of 1876. Most were born south of Yorkshire so it looks favourable for me. I have ordered the marriage certificate today so hope to have the answer soon.

[jeremyf]

Geoffers,

The certificate arrived today and the news is good. Gertrude Isabel Hansom's father is Richard Hansom which agrees with the father of Gertrude Hansom. Also the two witnesses at the wedding were Gertrude Hansoms sister and future hisband. All the evidence now points to Richard and Gertrude, who were 1st cousins, marrying in 1894.

[Geoffers]

The certificate arrived today and the news is good. Gertrude Isabel Hansom's father is Richard Hansom which agrees with the father of Gertrude Hansom. Also the two witnesses at the wedding were Gertrude Hansoms sister and future hisband. All the evidence now points to Richard and Gertrude, who were 1st cousins, marrying in 1894.
Excellent news, it's nice when a plan comes together. Thanks for letting us know.

Geoffers

[jeremyf]

When I say the news is good I mean it confirms my findings. Luckily, I am not a direct descendant of the marriage so I am safe from any problems!