Comments

Hello Jude.

This link explains what a "holder on" did - https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/25151

Do the census records give any indication of where in Ireland your husband's ancestors were born?

Following on from the Facebook v Website thoughts.
Whilst Facebook is often easier and quicker to use, I always think of it as transient, a modern form of euphemera almost.
There is no guarantee whatsoever that it will still be around in a few years time and any information posted to a Facebook page or group could very easily be lost.
I also find from personal experience, that many Facebook users are unaware of how to search for information.
A website on the other hand is more like a reference book in a traditional bricks and mortar library.
Information can be added and will always be available and hopefully easily and fully searchable.
I am guilty myself of choosing Facebook as an easier option, in fact I am a prolific Facebook user.
However, at this moment in time, I think there is a place for both options in our lives. x

Another great piece of research. Thank you again. It does look as if this might be the right Reynolds. The fact that he was married (to someone else) explains why I couldn't find a marriage to Sarah. I'll see what else I can find out about him.

This Reynolds chap doesn't sound too nice - This is what you get when you drink all-day!!

p. 3, West London Observer, Saturday 25 June 1870
HAMMERSMITH POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY
"Assaulting a Woman. James Montague Reynolds, engineer, no home, was charged with assaulting Charlotte Vernon, an ironer, of 6, John Street, Fulham New Town.

The complainant said this morning she heard a cry of murder, and on going out she saw the prisoner dragging a woman about. She went up with other persons and saw a pistol in his pocket. She attempted to extricate the woman from him, when the prisoner struck her.

Mr. Ingham.-Where is the woman you talk about?

Mr. Page (the usher).-She took out a summons against him yesterday.

The woman was called in, when she said her name was Sarah Sambay. She had been living with the prisoner and sorry she was to say so. Yesterday came into the place and ill-used her because she refused to give up some things, but she bought them. He was a married man, and she told him that she did not want to have anything to do with him. He said he would have her life, but he did not use the pistol. He had been drinking for some time.

The prisoner said all his things had been removed and he had nothing left but what stood up in.

The witness said he gave them her for breaking her things.

The prisoner said she knew that he was a married man.

Witness.-Oh Jem, I did not. I have freely given him up. I had an interview with his wife last night.

The prisoner, in answer to the charge, said that he told her that be would not leave her debt. While he was away paying the debts she removed all his things. He denied the assault and asked for an adjournment.

Mr. Ingham consented, and remanded the prisoner for a week."

Yes, I agree. She was living with her (long suffering?) mother in 1861. But in Fulham Union Infirmary in 1891. In between times she seems to have had a child by someone called Reynolds...

Thanks, Pat.

What match?!! 

This has all the makings of a fascinating and intriguing story.  As Sarah was wearing Workhouse clothing when she appeared in court you might try Workhouse Records for her as well - perhaps she was an inmate when one of the children was born?