This might clear the confusion, Frances.
In Liverpool in 1888, a John Caine, mariner b Liverpool (father William caine, mariner) married an Edith COWLE b Dog Mills, Ramsey (father Thomas Cowle, carter) ---the address (Melbourne St) they gave at their marriage was the same road where they were living in 1891 and 1901
1891
Lancashire, Everton, North Everton, district 12, image 33
56 Melbourne Street
John Caine head mar 27 mariner b Liverpool
Edith wife 22 b Dog Mills, Ramsey, IOM
Anne dau 10 months b Liverpool
In Douglas in 1889, an Edith COWELL b Patrick gave birth to an illegitimate daughter whose name was registered as Lydia Cowell (later was known as Lydia Cain). In 1891, Lydia and her sister, Alice Maud Mary (also illegit) were with their mother, Edith Cowell and their grandparents in Douglas.
1891
Name Age
John Cowell 70
Elizabeth M Cowell 53
Edith A Cowell 25
Alice M M Cowell 4
Lydia Cowell 1
Edith b Patrick
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If I've got the right family, by 1901, Edith nee Cowell and John Cain were living together as man and wife in Douglas with Lydia 11 (now listed as Lily) and Robert Henry 7 (now listed as Henry)
1901
Name Age
John Henry Cain 39
Edith A Cain 33
Lily Cain 11
Henry Cain 7
Edith b Patrick
others b Douglas
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Meanwhile, in Liverpool, the other couple, John Cain b Liverpool, and Edith nee Cowle b IOM, were with their two Liverpool-born children and Edith's mother:
1901
Lancashire, Everton, North Everton 21/5
37 Melbourne St
John Caine head mar 37 dock gateman b Liverpool
Edith wife 32 b IOM
Annie M dau 10 b LP
Jessie Pacific dau 1 b LP
Ann Cain mother wid 73 b IOM
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And by 1911, the Douglas couple were still in Douglas:
John Cain Head 45 married 22 years born, Union Mills, Isle of Man
Edith Annie Cain Wife 42 born, Glen Rushen, Isle of Man
Lydia Cain Daughter 21 born, Douglas, Isle of Man
Robert Henry Cain Son 17 born, Douglas, Isle of Man
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So I don't see any scope for bigamy.
Averil, what occupation was given for John Cain in 1911 ?
The "22 years married" could just be that they didn't want the enumerator to know that they weren't actually married ? Perhaps it was a Big Secret.
Jean C