Oliver Morgan (mis-transcribed as Olive on 1871 census) (General)

by Helenebabette, Sunday, August 02, 2009, 19:13 (5666 days ago)

Oliver Morgan, my husband's great grandfather, known as Oliver Evean and subsequently Oliver Evans, was brought up in Lydbrook, we were told by a family called Morgan. This suggested to us that he was an orphan taken in by a benevolent couple. Family legend also has it that he was mistreated by Mr Morgan. Having done a bit of research, we found an Oliver recorded in the 1871 census as the 7 year old (1864) child of William (1848) and Frances (Fanny)(1846) Morgan born in Lydbrook. This suggests that he was, in fact, brought up by his natural mother and step father. There is a 2nd child recorded called William, who was a 1 year old at the time of the 1871 census. It seems odd to call a second son rather than the first by the father's name, which endorses our thinking that Oliver was not William Morgan's (1848) natural son. Oliver was probably Fanny's son from a previous relationship, perhaps even born illigitimatly, which might explain William Morgan's antipathy to him and Oliver's desire to change his surname in later life. Have tried to find a birth certificate for Oliver to try and ascertain Fanny Morgan's maiden name or even a marriage certificate for William and Fanny, but have drawn a blank. I believe they were methodists. If anyone has any further information, would love to hear more. Thank you.