Hi Christina: I checked Ancestry and Mark Ambrey Dean's US Naturalization Record states that he was born on Sept. 30, 1873 in Carbonear (spelled incorrectly on that document). The following document: U.S., Applications for Seaman's Protection Certificate, is more revealing. It states that he was born on Sept. 30, 1875, on the Atlantic Ocean, i.e. at sea possibly. Also, it states that his father's name is George, and that George is from Newfoundland. You have probably already seen these documents.
But have a look at the following record (Under Vital Statistics) in the Carbonear Methodist Births and Baptisms from 1864-1868
[Born] Sept 18, 1864 [at] Crocker's Cove [near Carbonear] [to] DEAN, George & Ann [child]: MARK EMBERLEY M[ale] [Baptized by] Rev. J. Winterbotham [on] Jany 29, 1865 [Father's occupation]: Fisherman
Everything is more or less correct except for the date which is about 10 years earlier than expected.
Also, in the 1901 Census, Yale & Caribou, British Columbia, there is also a Mark Dean, born Newfoundland on Sept. 30 1868, single & working as a waiter.
I think this is your man. He just thought he was 6-10 years younger than he really was! Not unusual in Nfld. in the 19th century where many could not read or write. And the parents are not George & Emily but George & Ann. It's possible that George is the same person and that Emily Best was his second wife (m. Dec 25 1867). There are no other children born to George Dean before 1864 and until July 1871. This site does not contain all B/M/Ds or Vital Stats. There are still records at the Prov. Archives which have not been transcribed & added to this site. Hope this helps! Kim
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