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Jean,
Another scenario, is it possible that Mary Ann's maiden name was Sells and that John and Georgiania are illegitimate. Although the 1880 U.S. Census index stated that she was widowed, the actual record did not. Perhaps she lied.
My suggestion would be to obtain a copy of the marriage record to McDermott (between 1879-1900). It may state both surnames (her maiden as well as her first married name Sells).
My great grandmother remarried and it stated her previous married name and her maiden name as "a.k.a.".
Also, either the family at #2003 were not home at the time of the census taker or the homes may have been renumbered. I found this to happen on both my maternal and paternal sides of the family in two different cities.
Joan
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Jean,
According to your John James Sells' WWI Draft Registration card. He was living with his sister, Georginia May Scheere at 2202 North Orkney Street in Philadelphia.
Is this your John J. Sells in 1920?
1920 United States Federal Census
about John Sells
Name: John Sells
Home in 1920: Philadelphia Ward 19, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Age: 43 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1877
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Martha
Father's Name: Catherined
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Rent 2159 Reese Street
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 179
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members: Name Age
John Sells 43
Martha Sells 33
Catherined Sells 8
Joseph McNealis 25
Grace Hart 25
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Arrrghhh.. is there a tall building handy.
I suppose that she could have been unmarried.
I didnt know the 1880 index and actual record said different things about her marital status.
I do have details of sister Georgies birth.. it said parents were Mary A.Sells and George H.Sells. cashier. It didnt say deceased.
I was pinning my hopes on this number 2003 N. 3rd St giving me something solid.
I have asked for help with the marriage toThomas McDermott, so I will see what happens with that.
thanks a million - your all so kind. Jean.
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Yes -- thats grandad on 1920 census.
Martha is his 2nd wife. The girl Catherine is his stepdaughter I think.
I know he gave his sister Georgies add. for his WW1 reg.
I have his enlist/discharge papers for Boer War 1897-1902.
Grandad ran away from home and enlisted in UK army.
His home address then was 2007 N.3rd St. Phila.
Mothers name Annie Sells- sister Georgie May.
He married my granma in Liverpool 1904 and my father was born1905.
By 1908 (aprox) he had gone back to the US alone.
I've not found any passenger lists for him.
Sorry about confusing the situation.
Best wishes Jean
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