Henry Headley

[Loretta Headley]

Henry HEADLEY was born on 13 Jan 1824 in Tottenham, London. His mother was Mary JANSON his father is unknown.

Mary JANSON came from a prominent quaker family and they ensured that Henry was taken care of, he was educated, apprenticed to the MAY family in Ampthill, Beds and even recieved a small inheritance when his grandparents died which allowed him to set up in business.

There are a number of family legends (some of which I have managed to discount) about who Henry's father may have been. Would anyone know how I might go about finding out who was Henry's father?

Quaker records are extensive, but I don't know if something like this would have been recorded in them?

I am also curious about how they settled on his surname HEADLEY - is it likely to be a reference to his father, or is it more likely to be a random choice?

This has been a family mystery for many years, any insights or help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Loretta