Genealogy Forum UK

Yes, daughter in law was used where we now use step-daughter. I forget when it changed but certainly it was like that often in the first couple of censuses.

So I think Amelia was probably Elizabeth's illegitimate daughter. And perhaps grew up using both Read and Playdon as her surname. Possibly registered illegitimate Sophia Jane as Playdon, then married James Bailey and Jane took his surname.

But it is still all unconfirmed.

Baptism Gt Alne
20 Sept 1857 Amelia daughter of Elizabeth Blundal labourer

(sorry, lost the plot entirely!)

Jimmy wrote:
1851. Cropthorne.
William Stephens 40. Ag lab. Charlton,
Elizabeth Stephens 32. Pershore.
Emelia Playden 15. Pershore.
Emma Read 13. Charlton.
Sarah Read 8.
George Read 4.
Elen Read 3.
Mary Ann Read 3 Mo.
Others born Cropthorne.

READ, SARAH PLAYDON.
GRO Reference: 1841 S Quarter in PERSHORE UNION Volume 18 Page 386.

READ, GEORGE PLAYDON.
GRO Reference: 1844 M Quarter in PERSHORE UNION Volume 18 Page 471.

READ, ELLEN PLAYDON.
GRO Reference: 1847 J Quarter in PERSHORE UNION Volume 18 Page 426.

READ, MARY ANN PLEYDON.
GRO Reference: 1850 D Quarter in PERSHORE Volume 18 Page 446.

Jimmy wrote:1861. Cropthorne.
William Rade 46. Carter. Charlton.
Elizabeth Rade 50. Pershore.
George Rade 18.
Ellen Rade 15.
Mary Ann Rade 12.
Esther Rade 6.
Jane Pleaden 2. Grand dau. Pershore.

Others born Cropthorne.

READ, ESTHER PLAYDON.
GRO Reference: 1854 M Quarter in PERSHORE Volume 06C Page 355.

That "Blundall" threw me completely Jimmy...but it's comforting to know I'm not the only one losing the plot!
I didn't know about the stepdaughter/daughter-in- law "label" , another piece of information I've learned from you! ,
I did hope for stepdaughter...it made life slightly less complicated....
I've sent for the Bailey/Read wedding certificate today. Please- no more surprises!

Thank you for all your effort on my behalf Jimmy.

Sharon I bever had the plot to start with.

Jimmy....err..
I was thinking my Amelia and Jane were in the workhouse in Pershore in 1861census, but there's Jane Playdon, granddaughter on the 1861 Cropthorne "Rade" census...

Jimmy wrote:1861. Cropthorne.
William Rade 46. Carter. Charlton.
Elizabeth Rade 50. Pershore.
George Rade 18.
Ellen Rade 15.
Mary Ann Rade 12.
Esther Rade 6.
Jane Pleaden 2. Grand dau. Pershore.

Others born Cropthorne.

Must be this one,
PLAYDON, SOPHIA JANE -
GRO Reference: 1859 J Quarter in PERSHORE Volume 06C Page 343.

I had my doubts about the one in the work house.

Mmmmm....so did I because of Amelia's age -but sometimes you get carried away trying to make things fit!
I thought this family would look after them. Having said that,we don't know where Amelia is in 1861?

For those who tried to help me unravel this, I thought I'd let you know..the ordered marriage certificate arrived from GRO today.
James Bailey married Amelia READ on 3rd January 1867, both aged 24. & previously unmarried. They married at the register office in the district of Alcester. He is a farm labourer, she is a dairy girl. ...and her fathers name is William Read, a farm labourer.

Gosh you're good! Hope you're feeling very pleased with yourselves!

Thank you again.