How much can we assume when tracing our ancesters ? (General)

by chrise, Friday, February 04, 2011, 10:00 (5046 days ago)

I'm trying to figure out just how much we can put down to assumption when using records of our ancesters found in various sources. My current dilemma is shown below and I would be grateful if anyone can assist in helping me to decide which blood line to follow. I how this makes sense.

The search for the details for William Charles Lake Bennett

I have been researching my Wife's Gloucestershire family history for a number of years and came to a sticking point with her GG Grandfather William Charles Lake BENNETT (I contributed to a different thread for him). I have now found information from which I need to make a decision as to the birth line and wondered if anybody could give me advice about how much I can assume when trying to figure this out.

The main details are

According to Census information (1871/1881) and marriage certificate William Charles Lake BENNETT was born around 1862/1863 in Chaxhill/Westbury on Severn. Father was William Charles BENNETT (b approx 1841) and Mother Emma (Maiden name unknown, BIRTH APPROX 1841)

Search of BMD Indexes found no births registered for this birth for any years around this date.

I purchased the Birth certificate of his brother Albert Henry (third child born 1869 in Orcop) and found that the his mothers maiden name was Emma GRAFTON.

A search of the BMD for a marriage of William Charles BENNETT to Emma GRAFTON for years between 1860 & 1870. No Joy. The only marriage of a William BENNETT to a Emma that I could find was that of an Emma LEAKE.

A search of the FOD records found a William Charles LEEK baptised Nov 1863, base born (illigitimate), Mother Emma (wife separated from her husband). Is this my William Charles Lake BENNETT.

A search of the FOD records also came up with a John LEEK/Emma GRAFTON Marriage on 25 Nov 1860, Westbury on Severn, (Father Henry GRAFTON). Ages similar to those on future census. FOD also shows that they had a daughter (Priscilla) baptised 6 Dec 1860, Census records for 1861 show John LAKE (Son In Law), Emma Lake (Daughter) and Pricilla (Grandaughter) living with Henry GRAFTON (Head).

A search of the BMD indexes found no registration for a William Charles LEEK/LAKE (or variations) that match the FOD. However, a search for a William Charles GRAFTON was successful. Born 23 Sep 1863 and registerd in Chaxhill/Westbury on Severn. No Father is named on the certificate, mother's maiden name is Emma LAKE (Nee GRAFTON). Looks like this index record is an incorrect transcription and his surname should have been entered as LAKE.

Given the information above is it reasonable for me to conclude that Emma LAKE/LEAKE and Emma GRAFTON are the same person and that William Charles Lake BENNETT (1863) is the illigitimate (and therefore biological son) of William Chareles BENNETT (1841) and Emma LEAKE/LAKE (GRAFTON) ?

The alternative is that William Charles LAKE is the biological son of John LAKE.

Other questions outstanding

Was there a divorce between John LAKE/LEEK and Emma GRAFTON?
I've done a search (web) from the national archives for a divorce of LAKE/LEAK(E)/GRAFTON but with no luck
How was Emma able to marry again if she was not divorced ?

I thank you in advance