Mary Thomas and John Jonas were married in Chester in June 1839. Their first children, twins Joseph and Sarah, were baptised later that same year. After the births of Joseph and Sarah followed 31 more children. Sadly, many of the children did not survive into adulthood.
Whilst looking after this growing brood John and Mary found the time to set up a furniture business.
Mary survived her husband and on her death the the priest notes: ‘The mother of 33 children by one husband’.
1841 census, Chester:
1851 census, Chester:
1861 census, Chester:
1871 census, Chester:
1881 census, Chester:
5 December 1899, Manchester Evening News:
Overleigh Cemetery:
