Ankers family Nottngham and Derby

I am trying to find information about the Ankers family in the early 1800s,
probably from the Beeston area.

I have recently discovered that my Great Great Grandfather Joseph Fox born
Derby around 1825, probably married 3 times. This was a surprise as the only
wife I knew of was the one that now appears to be his third wife Louisa,
(born Beeston, Nottingham according to 1881 census).

I have tried to research this further and have discovered that his second
and third wives both had the surname Ankers. In 1861 Joseph is married to
Elizabeth Ankers and Louisa Ankers is also living with them. From this
information I came to the conclusion that Elizabeth and Louisa were sisters.

To confirm Joseph's 3 marriages I sent for the marriage certificates but
this just added another puzzle. Elizabeth's father is recorded as Charles
and Louisa's as Joseph.

A. Gwilliam...

I'd probably guess that the two women were cousins... but not
necessarily first cousins!
Another possibility is that they're step-sisters.
And of course there's always the possibility that they're not related
at all...

I have looked on the IGI and can find a possible birth for Louisa in
Beeston. Her mother is given as Ellen Ankers but no father is named. They
also list Ellen as being the mother of Thomas and Harriet. I can find no
record of a birth for Elizabeth.

A. Gwilliam...

Some thoughts:
Have you tracked the two women back through the various census?
Have you tried to find Ellen or either of the fathers in any of the
census?
If either Thomas or Harriet were born after mid-1837, have you tried
seeing if the birth was registered, which might then give you a
father's name?
Have you tried finding details of Charles' and Joseph's marriages?

If anybody has any information that would help to clear this mystery up I
would be really grateful.

Alyson Storey.