Donna, Sometimes my brain feels like it will explode and it doesn't help trying to keep all the dates in my head but can you confirm something please? You say my g grandfather J J Spence(b. 1853) was married twice, first to Mary Frances Corrin and that they had Elizabeth Ann Spence in 1880 and then Mary Frances in 1881 yet the accompanying census of 1881 states Elizabeth to be 11 and she should surely be 1 ... and as it is important to me to confirm this first marriage and trace these girls, I need to be sure of this source. Have I misunderstood something you sent me?

It looks from the dates as if the first wife died in childbirth as she was buried the same year as her second child Mary Frances in 1881. Possibly the 11 years on the census should have been 1? That would make sense as the second daughter isn't listed - so probably was due that year but hadn't been born. What do you think?

Best wishes

Christine