Change of surname from MURRELL to BROWN (General)

by ilovewilfie, Friday, August 07, 2009, 20:59 (5693 days ago)

Although I have a degree in History I am a novice at family history research and really need some help!

I'm looking for someone to help me, or even help me understand some strange anomalies in my family history. I have been researching the family name Murrell and can find my ancestors Arnold Murrell and his son Joseph in 1861 census in the forest of dean area. They then disappear until 1891 when they return but not as Murrell but as Brown. I am 100% sure this is them and can trace them up until 1911 when Joseph is in the census as Joseph Brown Murrell with Brown scribbled out.

I can find the baptism and marriage records for the family - all in the name Murrell. They look a little like this:
1. Joseph Murrell marries Harriet in 1826. Has a son Arnold.
2. Arnold marries Winifred in 1851. Has a son Joseph.
3. Joseph [2nd] marries Sarah Ann in 1886. Has a son Arnold.
4. Arnold [2nd] marries Elizabeth in 1911.

It is Arnold 1st and Joseph 2nd that change from Murrell to Brown between the years 1861-91. Joseph and Arnold [2nd] and family continue to be Browns untill 1911. I can't find any of them before 1861 in the census, or after 1861 up until the name change which shows in 1891. Why?

Does anyone have any ideas? Can anyone help?