Thread: John Sawyer Ford

my brick wall is my 3rd greatgrandfather JOHN SAWYER FORD born arounf 1856 in torquay.He appears on 1881/91/1901 census with his morther ann ford born 1813(varies on the census) but befor 1881 his mother appears on 1861/71 with a son JOHN ALDERTON SAWYER whose birth dates match john sawyer ford.On johns marriage certificate it states his father was john ford,a chemist.In the earlier census there was a john alderton living not far from ann sawer and he was a chemist.We have come to the conclusion that he could be the father and john alderton sawer was his illigitimate son but if so , why did ann change the name to john sawyer ford unless she married a ford but there is no marriage record.To make matters wors, my g/grandfater ALBERT ROBERT FORD(john sawyer ford,s son, was actualy born ROBERT JOHN FORD.He appears in census under robert john ford but his marriage and army records are under albert robert ford.Its all very confusing so if anyone can help it would be most appreciated

Hello

1) Birth registration John Alderton SAWYER q3 1852 Newton Abbott Devon 5b 126

2) 1861 census RG9 1411 101 2
SAWYER Ann head single dressmaker
SAWYER John aged 9 son

3)1871 RG10 236 85 3
2 Maitland PArk Road St Pancras
FORD Ann head widow Fancy worker
SAWYER John aged 18 son decorator unemployed

4)1881 RG12 38 170 14

FORD John S 38
FORD Susan 38
FORDAnnie 11
FORD Lizzie 10
FORD Alice 8
FORD Robert 6
FORD Ann S 68 mother widow

5) 1891 RG12 38 170 4

6) 1901 RG13 3089 111 3

August 1878 John Sawyer FORD marries decalres his father as John FORD Chemist

It is likely that Ann SAWYER moved with her small son John Alderton SAWYER to London and changed her surname to FORD, styling herself as a widow, respectability achieved.

You now need ot obtain the birth certificate to confirm that no fathers is shown! gro.gov.uk

If you think that the father is John ALDERTON Chemist follow him thro' the census,he may even be in London!

You mention your father being called Albert, this may have been a nickname that 'stuck' It would also be popular as a Victorian name.

elsabels

thanks for all your help, i will now send for john alderton sawyers berth certificate
much appreciated