Jane Davies 1853/6 Merthyr Tydfil, Father James.

[sandfie]

I am trying to trace a Jane Davies, born around 1853-1856 in Merthyr Tydfil. Her father was James, and on her marriage certificate, he is described as a Marine Store Dealer. James is indicated as deceased on the certificate when Jane married John Williams in Hoylwell on 17th November 1875.

A more accurate date of birth is difficult because each of the sources is slightly different.
Marriage - November 1875 Holywell 11b 504 - 22 Years (1853)
1881 - Flintshire, Whitford, District 15, Page 18 - 26 Years (1855)
1891 - Flintshire, Whitford, District 14, Page 7 - 35 Years (1856)
Both census indicate she was born in Merthyr.

Her marriage certificate indicates she lived at Bryn Zion (the church?) in Holywell.

I can't find a marine store dealer called James Davies in the 1858 slaters directory in Merthyr and I have found 11 possible birth Indexes and don't want to have to send off for all 11 birth certificates to find the correct one.

Does anyone have any ideas?
Many thanks

Stewart

[merthyrlad]

Are you sure it is Merthyr Tydfil as "Marine Store Keeper" suggests to me that the shop was near the sea and not 24 miles inland from Cardiff (nearest).Perhaps the link is Holywell where she apparently married.
Bit of a trek in those days from Merthyr to Holywell as most people never left the area where they were born/brought up?

[claire]

Hi there,

Just a quick message to say that in 1881 my great great grandmother is listed in Merthyr Tydfil as being employed as a clerk at the Marine store, I have no idea where or what it is, but that it must have existed at some point in the town, as Bridget Donavon as she was then died in Merthyr and doesn't appear to have ever left it...