My great great grandparents were William Fitzgerald and Mary “Dugan” according to their son John’s (born 1869) and Mary Hunt’s (born 1871) New York City marriage record.
I found a marriage record for Mary Small and William Fitzgerald in 1860, but nothing for Mary Duggan and William. I’ve found several siblings for John Fitzgerald. However, some children have a Mary Small listed as their mother in parish records but a Mary Duggan in the civil records. All of the fathers are named William. Most of the names, dates and locations are the same. I know that John Fitzgerald and his sister Catherine emigrate from Ireland to the Jersey City, New Jersey area of the USA, and sadly the twins Anne and Bridget appear to die a day apart at 11 months old. I don’t know what happened to the other siblings.
I’m so confused! I’ve attached a pdf of the records that I have located and I’m hoping someone can help me figure out what was going on or suggest where I can continue to research.
Were Mary Small and Mary Duggan the same person?
Was Mary Duggan first married to a man named "Small" and are the records reflecting both her former married name and her maiden name?
Are the 2 Fitzgerald families, 2 distinct family lines? Are the Williams related somehow and using the naming conventions for their children from a previous generation(s)?
Did William Fitzgerald have 2 families at the same time?
Any feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Eileen Healy