Mary DENNIS

   Research Notes:

There is some confusion over the parentage of Mary. Some sources indicate that Mary, born in 1808, was the daughter of Benjamin Dennis and Catherine Harris (sister of Mary Harris). Her death entry in the NSW BDM indicates her father was Benjamin (i.e. Benjamin Dennis). However, there is no entry in the Camborne Parish Register for a Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Harris, and the 1851 Census shows Mary was born in Camborne. An entry does exist for Mary, christened 8 Jun 1808, as the daughter of Henry Dennis and Mary Harris. Henry was Benjamin's brother, and Catherine was Mary's sister, and Henry was the son of Benjamin Dennis and Elizabeth Fine. I suppose it should be noted that it is entirely possible that the informant on the death of Mary Bray (née Dennis) gave the Registrar incorrect information. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened.

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1841 England Census:

Age given: 30 years
Birthplace given: Cornwall
Dwelling Place: Chytodden, Camborne, Cornwall

Living close by to her parents and siblings, as well as to her sister Grace DENNIS and Grace's husband Benjamin DENNIS (cousin to them both). This Benjamin was probably the witness at her wedding to Edmund BRAY, if this is the same Mary.

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1851 England Census:

Age given: 43 years
Birthplace given: Camborne, Cornwall
Dwelling Place: Centenary Row, Camborne, Cornwall

   Marriage Information:

Mary married Edmund BRAY, son of Edmund BRAY and Anne HOCKING, on 5 Aug 1832 in Camborne, Cornwall. (Edmund BRAY was christened on 15 Jan 1804 in Camborne, Cornwall and died on 4 Aug 1873 in Forbes, New South Wales, Australia.)

   Marriage Notes:

Edmund Bray, miner, and Mary Dennis

Witnesses: Benjamin Dennis, William Bennetts