Did Georgeg Hardstaff changeg his name?
QMy husband’s great great grandparents were George Hardsta and Maria Merchant. According to censuses, George was born in Hulland Ward, Derbyshire, in 1812 and Maria in Ible, Derbyshire, in 1814. I have a baptism record for a Lucy Maria Merchant born 13 August 1814 in Ible and her burial record as Maria Lucy Hardsta , so I am pretty sure this is her. I have also discovered a marriage record for a Maria Merchant to George Fox on 25 September 1831 in Muggington, Derbyshire. Are George Fox and George Hardsta the same man, and if so, why did he change his name? Margaret Bicknell
AChanges of surname occurred for many reasons. For example, a child known by their stepfather’s surname might revert to their actual name in adulthood, or a criminal past might be hidden by adopting a new surname. You can read more about name changes on page 25.
I checked Derbyshire Church of England and nonconformist baptisms, but couldn’t find George’s baptism in the Hulland Ward area under either surname. However, I suggest finding out if Derbyshire Record Office holds any nonconformist registers that are not available online: derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure/recordoffice. Check, too, whether either surname appears in the locality during the early 19th century, as this may suggest that George moved there as a small child.
George and Maria Fox do not appear to have had children baptised in Derbyshire, nor could they be located in the censuses. Perhaps they moved out of the area, but this also leaves open the possibility that your theory is correct. Since George and Maria’s eldest child was baptised as Hardstaff in 1835, if a change of name occurred, it happened between 1831 and 1835. Search electoral registers for this period to see whether George is listed under either surname.
Check as wide a range of records as possible for clues that might help tip the balance of probability. Does George Hardstaff’s will, proved in 1871, mention anyone named Fox? At his marriage to Maria Merchant, George Fox signed the register. Compare this with the signature on the will; are there similarities? If a will exists for Maria’s father, see whether Maria is mentioned and by what surname. Katherine Cobb