John DOAN and Betsy HUBBARD - Niagara Ontario 1820's parents of Eliza Jane HUBBARD-HAMMOND?

Question

I'm seeking the parents of Eliza Jane DOAN Born Feb 3 1826 Niagara Falls Ontario area - Died 28 Feb 1916 Dunnville Ontario.

Eliza's parents were John DOAN and Betsy HUBBARD. Both are common surnames in Niagara Ontario but I can't find any refferences to the couple anywhere.

There are a number of "John Doans" in the area at the right time but none of the family trees or records give any daughters named Eliza Jane or wives named Betsy.

Eliza Jane is sometimes listed as "Jane Hubbard" on her children's records which may indicate her parents never married.

Eliza Jane lived her entire life in the Niagara area and married David E. HAMMOND and raised 10 children.

Years of research have left me with no real leads as to who Eliza Jane's parents were.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

My normal approach is to ask exactly what documentation you have?  I would imagine that the families would show up in census records, but of course, a daughter born in 1826 is likely to be married by 1850 (or the Canadian census equivalent).

Do you have her death certificate? On that, the normal would be using the mother's maiden name, and this is also standard in any genealogical records.  I see no reason why that would indicate that mom and dad were not married.  It also is important to distinguish between records of other persons research and original records (death certificate).

Your only approach might be to research each of the John Doans that you have found, and focus to locate offline documents ie probate records, etc. to either prove or disprove who his children were.  I do see one file on rootsweb for a John Doan in this area, with a daughter Eliza, although the birth date is different.  His wife is not shown as Betsy Hubbard.. however that is not ruling him out either. It is not impossible that Betsy Hubbard was a 2nd wife.

The John I located above is said to have died @ 1877 in Yarmouth, Ontario.