Recording Mother

DAVIDSAMWELL · Post by **DAVIDSAMWELL** » 11 Jul 2010 11:12

I think I have found a skeleton in my family! Problem is I don't know how best to record it in Family Historian V4.1.
My research indicates that my grandmother, Martha Hodds, was born (1858) out of wedlock, to Ann Hodds, father unknown: no birth appears to have been registered, (I suspect for obvious reasons!) so no birth cert. Ann Hodds later married a Mr. Myers, (1862) and in 1863 Martha was baptised showing Ann Myers as mother. A note on the parish record shows Martha actually was born Jan 1858. Incidently, it appears that when Martha married my Grandfather she reverted to her Birth Name of 'Hodds'.

Although I haved noted in Family Historian my research and conclusion (as indicated above) how do I show her mothers name in the Focus Window? 'Ann Hodds ( see note)' or 'Ann Myers (formerly Ann Hodds - unmarried)'.
Any suggestions welcomed.[confused]

ID:4662

PeterR · Post by **PeterR** » 11 Jul 2010 16:05

I think your great-grandmother's name should be recorded in FH as Anne Hodds. She should have two spouses: the first should be unknown and the second should be William Myers. Your grandmother Martha Hodds should be a child of the first of these two family records in FH, i.e. with an unknown father.

DAVIDSAMWELL · Post by **DAVIDSAMWELL** » 12 Jul 2010 10:09

Thank you PeterR . I hadn't thought of that solution. Only thing is that I don't think Anne had a first spouse as she was unmarried when she had Martha - would the record give the wrong impression?

Post by **hsw** » 12 Jul 2010 10:15

You can indicate that Anne didn't marry her first 'spouse' by marking them as an unmarried couple in the Status field for the first marriage.

gerrynuk · Post by **gerrynuk** » 12 Jul 2010 10:24

No, it doesn't give the wrong impression - it just states that the father (and the child must have had a father!) is unknown.

It may have been the man she later married but unless you can find evidence for that it is better to be clear that you don't know who the father was. You could add your own views in a note to the family event.

If it worries you greatly then you can also show the status of the relationship as 'Unknown', 'Never Married' or 'Unmarried couple'. These options are available from the Main tab of the family events pane.

Gerry

DAVIDSAMWELL · Post by **DAVIDSAMWELL** » 12 Jul 2010 10:59

Thank you Helen and Gerry. Your individual solutions and input is much appreciated. And yes Gerry I see your point and think that's the way I'm going to go.

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