Kissing Cousins

It is estimated that before 1800 about 40 percent of marriages were between first, second or third cousins. 

I believe that my great great great great grandparents Thomas Brice and Frances Brice were first cousins. They shared grandparents - Richard Brice and Ann Goodwife - their fathers John and Benjamin respectively were brothers. Thomas and Frances married in 1787 in Collingbourne Kingston, Wiltshire, but I think they had grown up in separate villages - Thomas in Collingbourne Ducis and Frances in Collingbourne Kingston.

John Danns Rose (son of Robert #2 the Miller and grandson of Robert #1) married in 1876 his cousin Matilda Rose (daughter of George Frederick and granddaughter of Robert #1).

Sarah Ann Gibbs (daughter of James #2 and granddaughter of James #1) married in 1875 and had a family with her first cousin William Gibbs (son of Richard and grandson of James #1). Her younger brother Thomas Henry Gibbs married in 1877 his cousin and William's sister Hannah or Annie Gibbs, and had a family with her.

Nathaniel Middleditch (son of Edward Middleditch and grandson of Nathaniel Middleditch #2) married in 1842 his cousin Ann Maria Bourne (daughter of Maria Middleditch and granddaughter of Nathaniel Middleditch #2).

John Pond (son of Samuel Pond and grandson of Samuel Pond b 1753) married in 1857 Susannah Pond (daughter of Izaac Pond and granddaughter of Samuel Pond b 1753).

Last updated - 13 December 2008