Kia ora
And thanks for the info
Since posting my original messages I have done an intensive search for documentation.
From my Son in Law - Rangi Cook (
Marcellus G
Grandson) and his
Uncle Gilbert (
Gilly) Cook of Kerikeri ( since deceased ) I have a full family tree and copies of marriage and birth certificates pertaining to the Mary Mahanga Otene - Marcellus Cook marriage. I also have Copies of
Marcellus signed declaration and application for NZ Citizenship in which he cites his parents, wives and children - He was aged 71 at the time.
The information I have, Ngapuhi historical records and
Marcellus own signed declarations are a little different from the information you have but it is probable that the names have been abbreviated or anglicised and that they are in fact the same people - or that he did, indeed have several de facto wives undeclared ! It is highly likely that
Marcellus had a de facto wife before Hilda
Strongman - as he was taken into hiding after he jumped ship and family rumour says that he had a couple of children before he married her. Hilda was the wife of his best friend who died at an early age asking
Marcellus to marry Hilda and look after her.
In his signed declaration for citizenship
Marcellus cites his first wife as Hilda
Strongman by whom he had two children - Alphonso and Christina. He cites his second wife as Mary Mahanga Otene from whom he says he had eight children living. He cites those eight children as Ellen
Thompson - Lineas John, Thomas, Louis, William Otene,
Maud, LeRoy, Mary. My son in law is the grandson of Mary Cook.
Hope this helps. Will be interested to know if the names you have are indeed the same people.
Paula
