Hello Andy

I am the former name co-ordinator for the south east counties and I am
currently in the process of transferring my section of our database to my
colleague Maureen Storey. But as I still have the Kent records I am making
this provisional reply to your query.

The mystery of James SOLE and his apparent two wives is well known to us
and so far we have not been able to solve the problem.

It would appear that James's first wife Martha died before 1881 but no
record has yet been found. James (recorded as Thomas) appeared in the 1881
census with his four children living at 17 Bird St, St Geo in the East,
London. Interestingly at the same address, but a different household, was
a Caroline Clark (aged 24) who was born at St George, Middlesex. Did
James/Thomas subsequently marry her?

In 1882 the four children were baptised at St Peter's church, London Docks
and again their father is listed as Thomas, and for the daughter Louisa
only, her mother is recorded as Louisa Martha.

By the 1891 census James (this time listed as James) would appear to have
married a Caroline (no record has yet been found) and was living with her
and three of his children at 5 Old Tower Buildings, Wapping.

I regret that this does not tell you anything that you have not already
discovered for yourself. It is one of the many mysteries that we discover
in family history research; some we are able to resolve and some remain
mysteries. We have other members of this Society who are distant cousins
of James and his children and you also appear to be one. You will be
contacted shortly my Maureen and we would be interested to know how you are
connected with the family.

Best wishes

Bob Sheldon