Did your ancestor marry again after the death of a spouse to whom they had been married for decades? Did your ancestor marry at the very end of their life?
For female ancestors this could mean that their last name changed which would impact how their name appears in death records, probate records, and other materials created after their marriage? If the time period was right, it could mean that they qualified for a military pension based upon the service of the final spouse.
For male ancestors, it could mean additional children, changes in their will, or other records of interest.
And the marriage record, if it was created in the right place and at the right time, could provide information on the actual ancestor that is not listed in their marriage to the previous spouse.
2 Responses
My grandfather married after his wife died and had 2 children….His second wife was never talked about and to this day we have no idea who she was…
A 2nd great uncle married a much younger woman Feb 1878 and died Sept. 1879. His niece contested the will and won. The 2nd wife married twice more 1880 & 1884. Husband #2 (that we know of) didn’t last long. #3 had better luck. Maybe! They had 8 kids.