Genealogy – Melanie Dunstan – Genetic Genealogist

I have been working on improving my CC7 this year at Wikitree and slowly learning how to use it.

Today I am opened Margaret Green as she was missing parents on Wikitree. When I went to my Ancestry tree I see that she has plenty! As you can see above she has three fathers and three mothers – What a Mess!!

Margaret was once the wife of My Great Grandfather James Dunstan – I didn’t know much about her when I started researching my family tree but today I plan to fix that.

Margaret Ann Green was born in Bolton, Lancashire, England in 1874 and her birth was registered in the Quarter of Apr-Jun. (England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index 1837-1915 Volc 8c Page 326).

In the 1881 Census she is living at 83 Grey Mare Lane in Bradford, Lancashire, England, Age 6, Scholar, Born in Barrow in Furness and she is living with

John Green – Head / Father Age 32 – Insurance Agent born Manchester

Emma Cath Green, Wife / Mother Age 28 – Derby

Francis Henry Green, Son / Brother Age 8 – Scholar, Barrow in Furness

Charles Green, Son/ Brother Age 4 – Scholar, Barrow in Furness

John W Green, Son / Brother Age 1 Born Manchester

1881 Census

1891 Census

In 1891 the family are living at 20 Sarah Ann St in Gorton, Lancashire, England.

Frank Green, 43 Head, Hair Dresser, Manchester

Emma Green, 38 Wife, Derby

Frances H Green, 18 Son, Hair Dresser, Manchester

Margaret A Green 16 Dau, Mantle Maker, Barrow in Furness

Charles Fk 14 Son, Hair Dresser, Barrow in Furness

John Wm, 12 Son, Scholar, Manchester

Henry E Green 3 Son, Scholar, Manchester

Marriage

Marriage – 26th Dec 1894 she Marries James Dunstan My Great Grandfather at Parish church, after banns, at St Barnabas in Openshaw, Manchester England.

Witnesses to the wedding are Charles Frederick Green and Elizabeth Norman

James was a Hair Dresser so maybe she met him through the profession.

James was 19yrs and a bachelor, Margaret Ann was 20 yrs and a Spinster. Both were residing at 19 Marple St.

Margarets Father was listed as John Francis Green – Hairdresser

Birth of Mary Emma Dunstan

Mary Emma Dunstan was born on 3rd August 1895 in Openshaw, Lancashire, England.

James was Aged 19yrs and Margaret Ann Green was 21yrs when she was born.

Divorce

Divorce was granted by the High Court of Justice on 15th Jan 1900 in Manchester, Lancashire.

Petition was filed on 13th Sept 1898 by James Dunstan against Margaret Ann Dunstan and John Lloyd.

“The petition of James Dunstan of Number 7 Ashton New Road Beswick Manchester in the new County of Lancaster Hairdresser showith ; that your petitioner was on the twenty sixth day of December was lawfully married to Margaret Ann Dunstan then Margaret Ann Green Spinster at the Parish Church of Saint Barnabas Openshaw in the county of Lancaster.
That after his said marriage your petitioner lived and cohabited with his said wife at number 5 edge lane Openshaw Manchester and that your Petitioner and his said wife have had issue of their said marriage one childe only to wit Mary Emma Dunstan who was born on the third day of August one thousand eight hundred and ninty five
That on the fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and ninty seven at the canal bank near hyde road Gorton Manchester aforesaid the said Margaret Ann Dunstan committed adultery with John Lloyd.

Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your Lordship with be pleased to decree:

that the said marriage may be dissolved

2. that he may have the custody of the said Mary Emma Dunstan

3. and that your petitioner may have such further and other relief in the premises as your your lordship may seem meet.

Signed James Dunstan

1901 Census

In the 1901 Census Margaret Ann is living with her Mother , age working as a Dressmaker, but interestingly Mary Emma , her daughter is there too, despite James fighting her for Custody.

Living at 6 Orrell St South Manchester was:

Emma Green Head, 47, Widow, Derby

Charles F Green, Son, 24, ? Iron Works, Barrow in Furness

Harry Green , Son, 13, Openshaw, Lancashire

Emma Green, Dau, 9, Gorton, Lancashire

Margaret Green, Dau 26, Dressmaker, Barrow in Furness

Mary Emma Dunstan, 5, Openshaw, Lancashire

What happens next???

I then lose track of Margaret Ann Green…… Does she get married again? Where is she on the 1911 and 1939 census and when did she die? and I still need to sort that multiple parent mess – Ancestry has 7 hints for me to explore- lets hope I can sort the mess……

When diving into the world of genetic genealogy, one might think that Australia’s sparse historical census records might be a stumbling block. However, even with the limited availability, census records can still offer a treasure trove of information that can greatly benefit genealogists. At The DNA Connection, we believe that every piece of data, no matter how small, can be pivotal in piecing together family histories.

The Australian Census: A Brief Overview

Unlike the UK or the USA, Australia has not maintained comprehensive, name-specific census records over the centuries. Most of our census data, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, has been destroyed due to privacy laws and storage policies. Read more here. However, the few surviving fragments can still provide valuable insights. For instance, the 1841 census in New South Wales (Available from the NSW State Archives) https://mhnsw.au/collections/state-archives-collection/ and some electoral rolls serve as partial substitutes, offering glimpses into our ancestors’ lives.

Extracting Value from Limited Data

As a genetic genealogist, I have learned to maximise the value of the data available. Here’s how census records, even the limited ones in Australia, can aid in the genetic genealogy journey:

Contextual Clues: Census and electoral roll records, even fragmentary, provide contextual clues about an ancestor’s life. They can reveal information about household compositions, occupations, and residential patterns. This context is invaluable when cross-referencing DNA matches and constructing family trees.
Cross-Referencing with DNA Data: By combining census records with DNA testing results, we can corroborate relationships and verify family connections. For instance, if a DNA match traces back to a particular region in Australia, newspaper and birth, death and marriage records can help pinpoint exact locations, strengthening the connection.
Filling in the Gaps: While Australian census records might be sparse, other records like electoral rolls, directories, and even immigration records can fill in the gaps. These records, when used in conjunction with census data, provide a fuller picture of an ancestor’s life.
Supporting Stories with Facts: Census, Birth, death and marriage records and newspaper articles help ground the stories we uncover through genetic genealogy. They add a layer of factual evidence to the narratives we build, making the genealogical journey more robust and credible.

Embracing the Challenge

As a genetic genealogist, the scarcity of certain records in Australia can indeed pose a challenge. However, it’s a challenge we embrace at The DNA Connection. Each piece of data, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is a step closer to uncovering the rich tapestry of our clients’ family histories.

By blending traditional research methods with modern DNA technology, we turn every available resource into a powerful tool for discovery. So, while Australia’s census records might be limited, their value in the realm of genetic genealogy is immeasurable.

Conclusion

At The DNA Connection, we believe that every ancestral clue holds the promise of discovery. By creatively utilising available census records, we continue to build meaningful connections and uncover the hidden stories of Australian families. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogy journey or looking to delve deeper, remember that every record, no matter how small, is a vital part of your family’s history. Let’s embrace the journey together, one record at a time.

Category: Genealogy

Messy Margaret Ann Green