Assuming the Maltby 1826 burial is our Thomas, yes, one possibility is that Elizabeth was born to Ann Markham illegitimately and as a stranger in a large city Ann was able to get away with a cover up. Elizabeth could have assumed that she was born in Maltby because her sibs were, or perhaps this is the story Ann told her as part of the cover up.

Yes, the birth date for the second youngest child is a worrying as to paternity, or casting doubt whether Ann Markham's husband really did die early in 1826.

One thing I forgot to say in my earlier message was that I have no information on Thomas's occupation.

Overall, there must be a big question mark as to whether Elizabeth's father was Thomas Ridgway. Unfortunately it will probably be impossible to unravel this mystery.

But if you still have an interest in the Maltby Ridgways you will find from the info I sent to the jennyaustin e-mail address I have been able to reliably (as much as is possible from the patchy 18th cen records) take the Ridgways back a couple of generations from Thomas.

Regards

Peter