Paternity Question

[Kit]

Hannah Greenshaw marries Francis Bilton in December 1855 in Sigglesthorne, Yorkshire.

On the 1861 census they have 4 children, the eldest one being Emma aged 6.

Looking at FMP I can not find a baptism for Emma although I can find other children to the couple.

I look under Greenshaw and find Emma Greenshaw, mother Hannah Greenshaw spinster, however the baptism occurred in 1856, after Hannah was married. The only birth I can find on FreeBDM is Emma Greenshaw 1864.

As Francis is not mentioned and they use Hannah's maiden name does this mean Francis is not the father or could the minister be a stickler for the rules and as Emma was born before the wedding insisted it be done in the maiden name?

[Merry]

does this mean Francis is not the father or could the minister be a stickler for the rules and as Emma was born before the wedding insisted it be done in the maiden name?

Unfortunately, I think it could be either or both!

[kiterunner]

I look under Greenshaw and find Emma Greenshaw, mother Hannah Greenshaw spinster, however the baptism occurred in 1856, after Hannah was married. The only birth I can find on FreeBDM is Emma Greenshaw 1864.



There is one in Jul-Sep 1854, Skirlaugh registration district (which was the district for Sigglesthorne), no MMN shown on the GRO site. Though I realise that doesn't help answer the question!

[Kit]

Sorry, I did a typo, yes it was 1854.

[Kit]

I should add that she married as Emma Bilton Greenshaw and named Francis as her father so whether or not he was actually her biological father she considered him her father.