Complete puzzle..

Grendlsmother · Post by **Grendlsmother** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:03 pm

Until 1907 it was illegal in the UK to marry your deceased wife's sister. However, due to public pressure the "Deceased Wife's Sister Act" was passed. The argument was that the sister sacrificed her chance of marriage by going to live with her brother-in-law and looking after the children. Thus, by the standards of the times, the sister gained status and "respectability" by being able to marry her brother-in-law.

Perhaps this was why your couple married in Yorkshire where they were not known. Does the wedding certificate state whether he was a bachelor or widower?

Lou · Post by **Lou** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 8:12 pm

I didn't know about that law, thankyou

I wonder if that would explain Janet using her "given" name of Bogle as oppose the name Wilson she appears to have adopted to fit in with the rest of the family?

I have to admit I'm getting quite attatched to Janet Bogle (Snr's) lot......I didn't think I'd get as engrossed in my gtgt grandparents half siblings as much as I have but I think I've spent as much time on them as I have on my own direct line so far lol.

And Ellen .....sorry !! I meant to thank you earlier for suggesting a possible marriage in Yorkshire, my apologies I hope you were not offended by my missing you out

ellenavon · Post by **ellenavon** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 8:33 pm

No prob Lou - no offence taken at all, I've enjoyed the chase on this one.

By the way, I too have a widower marrying his deceased wife's sister in my tree, in the mid 1800's - so illegal or not, it appears to have happened fairly regularly!

Cheers

Ellen.