Strange??

[Merry]

Why would someone apparently marry, then write a will mentioning their wife by name, but when probate was granted she is described as a spinster?

Mystery??

[Phoenix]

Period?

Court?

[Olde Crone]

Bigamy?

OC

[Merry]

I suppose I haven't proved the marriage was the obvious couple....

1871 census Bitton Gloucestershire

Robert Olds head widower 33 butcher b Hanham Gloucestershire.

1881 census Bitton Gloucestershire

Robert Olds head m 43 butcher b Oldland Gloucestershire
Ellen Olds wife m 38 b ditto

Marriages Sep 1873

Burchill Ellen Bristol 6a 23
MAY Eliza Mary Bristol 6a 23
OLDS Robert Bristol 6a 23
Parnall William Bristol 6a 23

Will written 1876:

transcript of will (http://www.bittonfamilies.com/willoldsrobert.html)

The Nat Probate Index states Ellen Louisa Olds otherwise Ellen Louisa Burchill spinster.

Ellen is a spinster in 1871.

[Phoenix]

As OC says, bigamy seems the obvious answer.

He doesn't make the will immediately on marriage. Perhaps his former wife had finally died and he reckoned his second marriage was now valid?

[Merry]

Ah, I think you are going to be right. In 1861 (when I had looked earlier and he was single) on having a second look he is now married :rolleyes::rolleyes:, but no wife and he is with his parents. So, where/who is she?

[Merry]

So, one of these is his first wife:


Marriages Dec 1860

Bidgood William Arthur Bristol 6a 73
Burchill Jane Elizabeth Bristol 6a 73
Olds Robert Bristol 6a 73
Roberts Clara Jane Bristol 6a 73

[Merry]

Clara is the wife of William Bidgood (1861 census).

[kiterunner]

So he married two Burchills? Could they be sisters? In which case the second marriage would be illegal even if first wife was dead, wouldn't it?

[Merry]

A very good point Kate. No one else on my tree has been caught out before!

[Merry]

OOOH! Jane and Ellen are sisters as you said, Kate.

In 1851 Robert Olds aged 10 is a servant in their home!!

Have to go out now, just need the death of Jane, don't I?

Thanks everyone...

[Merry]

At least she died before Robert married her sister, so I guess that's something...!


Deaths Mar 1864
OLDS Jane Elizabeth Keynsham 5c 621