A Gretna Green Surprise: Discovering the Marriage of My 4 x Great-Grandparents
Despite researching my family history for many years, I had never been able to locate a marriage record for my 4x great-grandparents, John and Elizabeth Hails — until one day, I stumbled across it quite by surprise. Gretna Green, Scotland © 2025 Vicki Hails Family Origins John was born around 1796 in Newbottle, Durham, England, the son of William Hails (~1763–1823) and Isabella Walker (~1755–1844). He was baptised on 8 August 1796 at Houghton-le-Spring, Durham. Based on census records, Elizabeth was born around 1799 in Holyhead, Wales. The couple had 12 children, born between 1818 and 1839. The first three were born in Newcastle upon Tyne and baptised at St John's to John Hails (also recorded as Hailes), a potter, and his wife, Elizabeth: St Peter's Church Monkwearmouth Durham © R J McNaughton William Hails (c1818–<1839) Ann Hails (c1819–1851) Thomas Hails (c1821–<1831) John Hails (1825–1894) Robert Hails (1827–1869) Charles Hails (1829–1835) Thomas Hails (c1831– ) Isa...