I may have an adoption - but how to prove it?

Although in Cornwall (and many other places I am sure) it was common to use the mothers maiden name (or occasionally that or a grandparent or other close relative, especially if they died just before the child was born), it is not uncommon - as MargaretMarch says - to see the mother "finger" the father by including his surname in the names given to an illegitimate baby.

I would certainly be wanting to explore the area for potential fathers....
 
I am descended from this family and i can almost definitely tell you that both Rebecca born 1846 and Christianna born 1852 were the children of William Henry Golley born 1821 and his first wife Elizabeth Penhaligan born 1820. Elizabeth had sisters called Rebecca and Christianna and those names weren't all that popular. Even though both girls appear with William and Mary in the 1851/1861 censuses, it is plausible that they were just visiting their grandparents as William Henry was their eldest son, this is why they appear as grandchildren, not because they were the children of Selina. As for her i have no reason as to why she was christened Barker Golley. I myself have no marriage for William and Mary Golley so maybe Mary's maiden name was Barker? Or a surname on her side of the family.
Hope this clears things up. If your looking for marriages, Rebecca married George Hodge and had one child who died in infancy. Christianna married William Henry Burleigh/Burley and had several children. I cannot find marriage records for either though.
 
Hello Philtoms1983
Welcome to the forum. Another descendant of the Golly/Golley clan. Christianna is my 1st cousin 3X removed.

Thank you for confirming the details in post 22 - particularly the marriage of William Henry Burley and Christianna. I don't have the marriage cert. but can tell you that there is amarriage record for William Henry and Christiana - St. Austell R.D. vol. 5c page 205, Apr-Jun q. 1870. I intend purchasing as I believe this is a 2nd marriage for Wiliam Henry - see 1871 census RG10/2269/63/10.

Are you interested in sharing in my information on the Golly/Golley clan?
 
i'd be happy to help with any questions you have. I've researched the family quite widely but recently found out that the people i thought were my greatgrandparents actually werent. Luckily though, i found that i am descended from this same Golley family through Henry b.1860 (son of William Henry Golley and second wife Anna Mitchell) whereas before, i thought i was descended from Charles Golley b. 1885 the son of Charles Golley b.1848 (son of William Henry Golley and first wife Elizabeth Penhaligan). In finding this out, i have actually skipped a generation going back but i am still descended from the original William Hnery Golley and have information about him and his ascendants.
 
I will gladly cooperate with you either on this thread or privately - your choice.

William Henry is my 2X gt-grand uncle and he died in 1880 and was buried 26 February 1880 - residence was Tregavarras. He married twice - 1st marriage ended with death of his wife who was buried 27 August 1853 and they had - according to my research 4 children. His 2nd marriage was in 1854 and ended with his death in 1880 and his 2nd wife provided him with 5 children.

1881 census has her iwith 2 of the children and a resident of Tregavarras with 2 children including William Henry.

She died as a resident of the St. Austell Union Workhouse and was buried 21 December 1907.

Does this match your records?

Wiiliam Henry was baptised 11 June 1821. His brother - John who was baptised 29 September 1822 - is my 2X gt-grandfather.
 
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Yes the matches my records. Firstwife was Elizabeth Penhaligan 1821-1853 children Rebecca 1846, Charles 1848, John Penhaligan 1851 and Christiana 1852.
Also she had a illegitimate son Richard Penhaligan 1845.
Second wife Anna Mitchell 1823-1907. Children Anna Mitchell 1856, Eliza Jane/Ellen 1858, Henry 1860 (my Great great grandad)
George 1862, Richard 1864 and William Henry 1869
 
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