I am trying to merge 2 slightly different William George Smyth's in my family tree. "Both" were born in Ireland between 1848-1850, both emigrated to southern Ontario Canada where they married.

The first marriage was to Mary Robinson in 1877. Mary died in 1893. Mary's death record says "Wife of William Smyth" and her grave marker says "Wife of WG Smyth." William's parents were listed as James & Mary Smith on this marriage record. His occupation looks something like "Grass Dealer."

The second marriage was in 1902 to Mary Anne Smith. William's parents are listed as Robert Smyth & Sarah McIntyre (the same parents as my Great Great Grandfather Hugh Smyth.) His occupation also looks like "Grass Dealer."

The only thing separating these Williams is the parents' names on the marriage records. Otherwise, everything points to them being the same individual.

Why would someone put down the wrong names as parents on a marriage record?

What was William's occupation??