I list the following as evidence supporting my belief that there was a rift between George Daniel Leggett (GDL) and his 'wife', Jane Adamson during 1900. There is NO EVIDENCE that Jane and GDL had contact with each other after the conception of Thomas William Leggett (TWL). I accept that that does not prove that they were apart. The fact that my half cousin Duncan and I have DNA matches with Jane's ancestors does not confirm that GDL was the father of TWL.
In October 1900, 7 months pregnant, Jane temporarily passed the license of the General Jackson to William Henry Griffiths. Why was it not passed to GDL, who had previously held a license?
Thomas William was given the surname Thompson on his November 1900 birth certificate, suggesting that Jane did not want him associated with GDL, although there MIGHT be another explanation. Surely you don't make a mistake when registering your son's birth? You would query an error made by the Register Office clerk. You wouldn't leave with a certificate containing such an error under any circumstances. And the father was named as George THOMPSON. So many mistakes?
In 1901 GDL is missing from the census. Possibly he was at sea. It would be easy for the crew of a small ship to each assume that one of the others had completed and submitted the form, although I would imagine it was the captain's duty. Jane lists herself as Jane Thompson, 'Widow', despite having listed 6 children, including Thomas, as 'Leggett'. Jane is listed as Head of the family, which strikes me as odd if Jane and George were together, even if George was at sea. Henry is listed as a Thompson.
At about the same time a record of licensees of the General Jackson pub in Hartlepool High Street lists 'Mrs J Leggett' for 1900-1901. By April 1902 the property was advertised for let.
For 10 years Jane had children every two years, then no more, at age 40.
1911, why did GDL list himself as a 'Boarder' (NOT visitor) on the census, living with John Adamson Jenkinson, less than a mile from his family. He is also shown as 'Widower', although he was not widowed from Mary Boynton, who was still living, and there is no record that he ever actually married Jane. Jane's form, completed as Leggett is annotated 'Husband away'. The cover sheet gives the occupier as 'Mrs Leggett'.
In 1915 on her marriage certificate Lavinia lists GDL as 'Captain, merchant service, deceased'. Why did she list GDL as deceased? Surely she wouldn't be lying on an official document? Had Jane, her mother, told her, and the other children, while still very young (pre-1900), that this was the case?
In 1918 on his marriage certificate George Jr lists GDL as Fisherman, deceased.
Electoral roll data exists for the period from 1918 to 1930 and GDL never appears with Jane or the children.
In 1919 why is GDL living (Electoral roll) with long-time friend John Adamson Jenkinson at Schools Cottage, Flaxton Street? (Intersects Lister Street).
In 1921 GDL's death (senility & cardiac failure) is reported by long-time friend John Adamson Jenkinson, at the School House, Lister Street (intersects Flaxton Street). GDL's occupation is given as 'MASTER of a steam trawler'.
In 1927 on his marriage certificate Thomas Leggett lists his father as Foreman Plater. Did he not know about his fishing career?
1934, on his marriage certificate Ernest Victor lists GDL as 'fisherman', suggesting that he wasn't very clear on his father's occupation as master of a trawler. Surely you list the best or most recent occupation?
1934 marriage certificate, George junior lists GDL as 'fisherman', suggesting that he wasn't very clear on his father's occupation as master of a trawler.
1942 Likewise Violet. (On TWL's marriage certificate in 1939, GDL's occupation is not visible. TWL uses the surname 'Leggett' throughout his life on all known documents.)