David Norris born 1763 - help needed.

[jeddah]

Searching for David Norris born 1763 in either Dorset or Wiltshire. Father is John Norris. Cannot find the name of his mother though. John Norris was married to Betty Cole on 5-8-1786 in Sturminster, and they had a son Thomas born 21-2-1786. But was Betty Cole the mother of David too? As David wasn't born until 1763 it looks as though he had another mother. Was John Norris married (and widowed) before he met Betty Cole?
Any help in this brain-teaser would be greatly appreciated. Hoping someone can help.
Thanks. Jeddah.
( Hope I've put this in the right section.)

[Coromandel]

Hi jeddah

Could you tell us what else you know about David Norris? What evidence do you have for his date/place of birth and father's name? To whom and when and where did David marry, and were any of his relatives witnesses at the wedding? Where did he live? What did he do for a living? When did he die? etc. etc! Sorry for all the questions, but the more clues we have the more likely we are to be able to help.

[Peter Goodey]

John Norris was married to Betty Cole on 5-8-1786 in Sturminster

Sturminster Newton according to the IGI. What exactly does the marriage register say?

[janbooth]

There is a baptism on 23 May 1763 at Mere, Wiltshire of a David NORRIS, father John (source FMP Parish Baptisms). FMP seem to have a lot of Wiltshire parish records online and although it is pay per view it could be worth a look. This David NORRIS appears to have married a Mary ALFORD in 1787 at Mere (source IGI). Does any of this tie in with what you already know?

Janet

[olliecat]

John Norris was married to Betty Cole on 5-8-1786 in Sturminster ... Was John Norris married (and widowed) before he met Betty Cole?

According to the Dorset OPC, the witnesses to the marriage were Charles Painter and John Inkpen. See here...

www.
opcdorset.org/Sturminster/SturminsterNewton/SturNewtonMarsPR2.htm

There is no mention on the transcription of the marital status of the bride or groom. So unless you have already seen the original parish register entry it would be a good idea to get hold of a copy, just in case their marital status is mentioned.

[olliecat]

John Norris was married to Betty Cole on 5-8-1786 in Sturminster, and they had a son Thomas born 21-2-1786. But was Betty Cole the mother of David too? As David wasn't born until 1763 ...

I see that Thomas was christened at Child Okeford.

There is a burial record on FMP for a John NORRIS in 1824 at Child Okeford. If he is your John then the age on this record (if it is accurate) would discount him as being the father of David who was baptised in 1763. You may want to check this record out and/or put it in your possibility box.

BTW, David NORRIS is mentioned on this site...

http://
arts.anu.edu.au/dayca/p524.htm#i9941

[jeddah]

Hi Janet,
thanks for the reply. I know that David Norris married Mary Alford in Mere in Dec Qtr 1787. There were 3 children from the marriage - John (b1789), James (b1800), and Ann (b1802). My problem is with David Norris's mother. I have been led to believe from another researcher that she is Betty Cole, but I now somewhat doubt that. Can't seem to track her down anywhere. Thanks again. Jeddah

[jeddah]

Hi Peter,
thanks for the reply. Haven't seen the marriage register. Might have to get someone in Uk to sight it for me. Thanks again.
Jeddah.

[jeddah]

Hi Coromandel,
Afraid I don't know much about David Norris. His father was John Norris - mother unknown. Another researcher has told me he was born 1763 (probably Mere) and died 1843 in Mere. He married Mary Alford in 1787 in Mere annd they had 3 children - John(1789) James(1800) and Ann (1802). This same researcher has David's mother as Betty Cole, but there is no proof of this. A John Norris and Betty Cole were married in Sturminster August 1786 and they had a son Thomas born 21-2-1768. This is the line I am descended from, and am trying to work out where (if at all) David Norris fits in. Is the John Norris who married Betty Cole the same John Norris who is the father of David Norris. If I can find out who David's mother is the problem will be solved I hope. Thanks for your help.
Jeddah.