Genealogy Chat

In 1867 when my G.G/Parents got married, his name was William Quirolla Devonshire, father John Kempe Devonshire "a gentleman". He signed the marriage certificate William Q Devonshire. By the time his first daughter was born the following year, he had become William Quirolla Thompson, and the 1881 & 1901 censuses show him as William D Thompson and William Devonshire Thompson respectively, and that he came from Slough, Bucks, though I can't find a birth entry for him, either under Thompson or Devonshire. I also can't seem to find a marriage for John Kempe Devonshire. Family legend has it that there was a "wrong side of the blanket" aristocratic connection, I'm wondering if William could be the one? Has anyone any ideas how I can proceed with this one, I just seem to keep drawing a blank.

Is there an age for him on the marriage certificate? Also, unless boundaries have changed, Slough is in Berkshire.

The age on the marriage certificate is 23. And yes, in my memory Slough has changed from Bucks to Berks.

Found these on the IGI WILLIAM QUIROLLA DEVONSHIRE Spouse: CAROLINE AYLING Marriage: 22 APR 1867 Saint Nicholas, Brighton, Sussex, England

Thanks Carol, yes the marriage is definitely him, I already have the marriage certificate. The birth definitely isn't, the dates don't tie in at all.

I noticed that, I have ammended my message. With his name changing, it does make it difficult to track down.

I can only assume he was born Devonshire, since his father was John Kempe Devonshire, but I would dearly like to know why the name change so soon after his marriage!

There are 3 marriages for John Devonshire, but dont seem to be the right area. 1. JOHN DEVONSHIRE - International Genealogical Index Gender: Male Marriage: 23 FEB 1837 Cuby With Tregony, Cornwall, England 2. JOHN DEVONSHIRE - International Genealogical Index Gender: Male Marriage: 20 MAY 1839 Saint Thomas, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England 3. JOHN DEVONSHIRE - International Genealogical Index Gender: Male Marriage: 31 JAN 1841 Alverstoke, Hampshire, England

No, they don't do they? And unless I can track down William's birth, I have no idea of his mother's name (john's wife). It's so frustrating.

Is it possible that Devonshire is his mothers name and Thompson his father`s name. He was born illegitimate, then found out about his father after his marriage and took his name. He is still using the name Devonshire as a middle name or is double barrel. Have you tried other spellings of Thompson, such as without the `p`

If his father is named as Devonshire, then it could be the other way round. He fell out with his father and took his mothers maiden name of Thompson. But if that was the case, why would he keep the name Devonshire in his name. The only other reason I can think of for the change of name, is that his employer insisted on it. It sometimes happened that employers chose the names of their servants.

Hadn't thought of that one. I think Devonshire is Dad's name though. One of my cousins is convinced this is the aristocratic connection and that he's possibly linked in some way to the Duke of Devonshire, who's family seat Chatsworth is in Sussex, where William was married. It also ties in with John Kempe Devonshire's rank of "gentleman". Possibly he wasn't allowed to keep the name of Devonshire after marriage? I think I could be getting into the realms of fiction here!

I does happen. We start imagining all sorts after a while. Sorry I haven`t been much help.

No, you've been great, thanks for taking the time to look. I'm going to sleep on it now!

I may be wrong on this but I always thought Chatsworth house was in Derbyshire. Does that help or make it more complicated

Can't remember where I saw this - may have been on here or a history type programme: it was fairly common amongst the wel off for people to change their names to either fulfill an inheritancy i.e. I leave my worldly goods to my beloved nephew John Smith on condition he take my name to become John Smith Gertrude or in a similar manner to please a rich childless relative who was still alive but would then leave them everything. Don't know if that helps or confuses issues ;) Zoe

John - yes you're right, I read about Chatsworth only this morning in a magazine, don't know where my cousin got that from! Zoe - that's a real possibility I guess, but something I don't suppose I shall ever know. I do know that his eldest daughter had a "mystery" source of income, which she seemed to be able to tap at will........... Not knowing the reason for the change makes it impossible to know where to start looking. Any ideas anyone?