Gilbert Walker's First Wife, Bridget Corey

  ©  Kathy Duncan, 2024

One of the most difficult aspects of searching newspapers is that it is almost impossible to locate a name if it was divided between lines, especially since newspapers divided names randomly. Divisions of words were made at the end of the line and not between syllables.

Relentlessly searching for published records for the marriages of Izannah Walker's father, Gilbert Walker, produced nothing. Searching for Bridget Cory also produced nothing. However, once I used the alternate spelling of Corey, I located a marriage record for Gilbert and Bridget. Note that his name is split between two lines as Gilbert Wal-ker. 

The Newport Mercury of 11 March 1793 reported their marriage in Tiverton, Newport County, Rhode Island. A specific date for their marriage was not given, so this would only narrow their marriage down to early March or late April. 

Sadly, Bridget died a few months after their marriage. The Medley or New Bedford Marine Journal of New Bedford, Massachusetts, reported her death in "Tivertown" in their 23 August 1793 edition. She was the 25-year-old daughter of the late Thomas Corey. She lived only about five months as Gilbert's wife.

There are many reasons why a young wife might die. Complications from pregnancy or childbirth come to mind first, but there were many illnesses and diseases that might prove fatal. There is also the possibility that she might have met with an accident or injury.