I am trying to learn more about my Grandfather Harry William WILLIAMS.

In 1901 Harry is recorded as being born in London in approximately 1894. He is 7 years old and living as the adopted son of Joseph (62) and Ann Parker (58) of Harry Hill, East Dean. The household also includes two grandsons Allen (16) and Frank (14).

In 1911 Harry still lives with Ann Parker (Joseph died in 1910) and Frank. He's employed at the pits mouth at Crump Meadows colliery.

On 17th August 1920 Harry buys Ivy House from George Parker (Joseph and Ann’s youngest son) for £150 minus a £20 legacy under the will of Mrs Parker.

On 26th March 1921 Harry (26) married Daisy Meek (28) at Holy Trinity Church. Daisy is the daughter of Jonah and Elizabeth Meek of Morse Road, East Dean.

In 1921 Harry is employed by the Harrow Hill Colliery Company.

In 1922 Daisy gives birth to William closely followed by Donald. In November 1924 my father Harold was born.

Sometime after 1927 Harry et al relocate to Coventry. Harry finds work as a labourer at Wilson’s Gas Meter Works, Folehill and the family settle in Baginton. A fourth child Jean was born in April 1931.

Sadly, on 3rd October 1935 Harry is killed in a tragic industrial accident. His grisly death, subsequent inquest on 4th October and well-attended funeral on 7th October make headlines in the local newspapers.

I would like to understand when and why Mr & Mrs Parker adopted Harry, and if possible, his birth parent’s names. Any facts, clues or tips about how to continue my research would be greatly appreciated.

???????

GRO INDEX (has)

Name:

WILLIAMS, Harry WILLIAM

Mother's Maiden Surname: STATHAM

GRO Reference: 1894 S Quarter in NORWICH
Volume 04B
PGE 126

Dear MPGriffiths

Many thanks for this.

I am familiar with the name Isabel STATHAM but need to do more research on her and Henry John Williams.

However, I'm still struggling to understand how a little boy born in 1894 in Norwich could end up being adopted by a mining family in the Forest of Dean.

Was this so unusual in the late 1800's?

? What research do you have on Harry (or possible parents, census records etc).

No idea what records you have.

FreeReg does have the marriage of Henry John WILLIAMS and Isabel STATHAM.

-----

County: Norfolk
Church name: St Matthew
Register type: Parish Register
Register entry number: 496
Marriage date: 8 February 1877
Groom forenames : Henry John
Groom age: 19
Groom condition: bachelor
Groom occupation: Fireman
Groom abode: Thorpe Hamlet

Bride forename: Isabel
Bride surname: STATHAM
Bride age: 21
Bride condition: Spinster
Bride abode: Thorpe Hamlet

Groom father name: William
Groom father surname: WILLIAMS
Groom father occupation: Engine drive

Bride father forename: Charles
Bride father surname: STATHAM
Bride father: occupation: Millwright

Witness 1: John MINNS
Witness 2: Isabel CROW.

----

The above couple were married 17 years previous to Harry's birth, so may be not the correct couple.

The GRO INDEX so have other WILLIAMS/STATHAM birth, but later on and in totally different Counties. Assume other couples. There is one a year before Harry i.e. John Henry WILLIAMS - 1893 District: AYLSHAM.

----

DNA testing would hopefully give you more leads.

---

Long shot

Could he be from the Williams family of Little London, Longhope ? https://maps.nls.uk/view/124880728

Example-
Year
1867
Month
Jul
Day
1
Parents Surname
WILLIAMS
Child Forenames
Eunice Rosamond
Fathers Forenames
George
Mothers Forenames
Sarah Anne
Mothers Surname
Residence
Little London Longhope

she dies in 1869

1871 London Little Huntley
George Williams Head - Male 32 1839 - Gloucestershire, England
Sarah A Williams Wife - Female 33 1838 - Gloucestershire, England
Albert J Williams Son - Male 11 1860 - Gloucestershire, England
Thomas Williams Son - Male 9 1862 - Gloucestershire, England
Charles Williams Son - Male 7 1864 - Gloucestershire, England
Edward O Williams Son - Male 1 1870 - Gloucestershire, England

1881 Slad Longhope
George Williams Head Married Male 42 1839 Wood foreman (dlr) Longhope, Gloucestershire, England
Sarah Ann Williams Wife Married Female 42 1839 - Westbury on Severn, Gloucestershire, England
Thomas Williams Son Single Male 19 1862 Rakemaker (ag imp) Longhope, Gloucestershire, England
Charles Williams Son Single Male 17 1864 Gl labourer Longhope, Gloucestershire, England
Edward Owen Williams Son Single Male 11 1870 Scholar Longhope, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Williams Daughter Single Female 6 1875 Scholar Longhope, Gloucestershire, England

1891 Slad Longhope
George Williams Head Married Male 52 1839 Timber merchant foreman Longhope, Gloucestershire, England
Sarah Williams Wife Married Female 52 1839 - Westbury on Severn, Gloucestershire, England

Ann Wiliams 1875 would an interesting line to check out

There is also a Harry Rhodes Williams registered in WoS late 1897 again might be worth looking into (after Xmas)

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Thank you for sharing this. I agree that they might not be the right couple.

I’ve tracked down a certificate which shows Isabel's birthday as 27th January 1877 (making her 17 when Harry was born). Her mother was Elizabeth Statham and there is no father. I think Isabel was born in St Faith’s workhouse, Norwich.

Another problem is Henry’s occupation. On Harry’s birth certificate it is recorded as Railway Engine Driver not Fireman.

I’ve tried searching for Harry’s baptism on FreeReg but only one Harry William Williams comes up and he was baptised in 1871.

With regards to census records Harry first appears in 1901. He is 7 years old and the adopted son of Joseph (62) and Ann Parker (58). They live in Harry Hill and the household includes two grandchildren; Allen (16) and Frank Parker (14).

In 1911 Harry is 17 and lives in Harry Hill with Ann and Frank Parker. He works at Crump Meadows colliery. In 1921 Harry is 27 and lives in Ivy House, Harry Hill with his wife Daisy (28). He works for the Harrow Hill Colliery Company.

In 1901, 1911 & 1921 Harry’s birth place is recorded as London and his birth year as 1894.

There’s a lot to process so I’m going to take a break over Christmas and start fresh in the New Year. Have a great festive season and thanks again for your help.

Ps I'm awaiting the results of a DNA test.

Many thanks for this. Something to ponder post-Xmas.

I was born in Swindon, Wiltshire, the home of the GWR.

My husband's friends worked for the GWR, one being a Fireman. Both our families worked there for a number of generations. I did also.

Firstly, men worked in the Engine Sheds (they were known as Grease Monkies) and where they learnt to light the fires etc. etc.

Then they went to work on the Engine footplate as a Fireman.

Can't remember how long it was before they then became an Engine Driver, if that's what they wanted to do.

My husband and his mates quite often hopped a lift in the engine footplate with his pal the Fireman (and even cooked bacon and eggs on the coal shovel).

----

I have to say, my Great Grandfather worked for the GWR as a boiler maker and the children were born in very many different places inc. London, Swindon, and my Grandad Bristol. Then again my x Grandad went to Chile as a boiler maker and never came back, raising a new family in Chile)!!!! and left his family in Wiltshire.

-----

Through DNA we've made contact with Cousins in Chile and North America (all linked back to my x Grandad)

Had a quick look at

The Great Eastern Railway, its' history and coverage.

just re gathering form sources to see if there are any patterns that leap out i.e. his children's names
the census is given as London, not London, Middlesex - maybe important maybe not - possible it was a "myth" created for Harry, in which case Norwich becomes a possibility.

I am aware of my family members who went "In service" to work in Birmingham and London, again in your case you may have a Forest girl who went to London, became a single parent and her child was "adopted" in the Forest.

The "adoption" may have been from a family member, or more "formally" by a Doctor or Cleric from a bereaved parent or a single mother - I suspect no formal paperwork exists ( based on experience)

3rd July 1936 Probate granted to Daisy Williams effects £200
Harry William Williams of 23 Coventry Rd Baiginton died 3 October 1935 ay Foleshill Rd Coventry

Coventry Herald 1/11/1935
“Baginton, A fall from a ladder on to moving machinery has taken from us in the prime of life Harry William Williams leaving behind a widow and four children. Mr Williams had won high esteem of his employers who spoke oh him at the inquest….

Harry W Williams aged 40 (by October 1935) BMD record

1922 WILLIAMS William Charles Harry William Daisy Drybrook
1923 WILLIAMS Donald James Harry William Daisy Drybrook
1925 WILLIAMS Harold Harold Daisy Drybrook ( Harold nor Harry why?)

1921 Census H W Williams and D Williams East Dean

1921 Quarter 1
Harry W marries Daisy Meek in East Dean

1911 Harry Hill Drybrook
Ann Parker Head Widow Female 68 1843 - Hope Mansal Hereford
Frank Parker Grandson Single Male 24 1887 Crown wood's man Westbury on Leveron
Harry Williams Adopted son Single Male 17 1894 Employed at pits Crump Meadow London

1901 Harry Hill Drybrook
Joseph Parker Head Married Male 62 1839 Coal cutter & hewer Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Parker Wife Married Female 58 1843 - Walford, Herefordshire, England
Allen Parker Grand son Single Male 16 1885 Coal cutter Gloucestershire, England
Frank Parker Grand son Single Male 14 1887 Woodman for crown Gloucestershire, England
Harry Williams Adopted son Single Male 7 1894 School London

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

as an example Edith "sister" to Harry has a child (apparently without father named) ALLEN in 1885 - he is a Grandson to Joseph and becomes part of the Extended family.

1891 Harry Hill
Joseph Parker Head Married Male 53 1838 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Parker Wife Married Female 47 1844 - Hope Mansell, Herefordshire, England
John Parker Son Single Male 22 1869 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Antony Parker Son Single Male 19 1872 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
George Parker Son - Male 13 1878 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Allan Parker Grandson - Male 5 1886 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Frank Parker Grandson - Male 3 1888 Scholar Westbury, Gloucestershire, England
Emma Morgan Niece - Female 14 1877 Scholar -

Year: 1885
Month: Nov
Day: 10
Parents_Surname: PARKER
Child_Forenames: Allen
Fathers_Forenames: [not stated]
Mothers_Forenames: Edith
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Harry Hill
Occupation: [not stated]
Officiating_Minister: William Barker Vicar
Event: Baptism
Memoranda: [P[rivately?]
Notes:
Register_Reference: PFC109 IN 1/4
Page_Number: 174
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook

1881 Harry Hill
Joseph Parker Head Married Male 42 1839 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Parker Wife Married Female 38 1843 - Walford, Herefordshire, England
Eva Parker Daughter Single Female 10 1871 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Anthony Parker Son Single Male 9 1872 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
George Parker Son Single Male 3 1878 - East Dean, Gloucestershire, England

1881 Vicarage, Maisemore,
Edith Parker Servant Single Female 15 1866 Cook (domestic) East Dean, Gloucestershire, England

1871 Harry Hill
Joseph Parker Head - Male 33 1838 - Gloucestershire, England
Ann Parker Wife - Female 28 1843 - Gloucestershire, England
Edith Parker Daughter - Female 5 1866 - Gloucestershire, England
John Parker Son - Male 2 1869 - Gloucestershire, England
Eva Parker Daughter - Female 0 1871 - Gloucestershire, England

Year: 1866
Month: Apr
Day: 8
Parents_Surname: PARKER
Child_Forenames: Edith
Fathers_Forenames: Joseph
Mothers_Forenames: Ann
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Harry Hill
Occupation: Collier
Officiating_Minister: William Barker
Event: Baptism
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P/109 IN 1/3
Page_Number: 37
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook

Year: 1865
Month: May
Day: 4
Grooms_Surname: PARKER
Grooms_Forenames: Joseph
Grooms_Age: full age
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Township of East Dean
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: PARKER
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: John
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Brides_Surname: MORGAN
Brides_Forenames: Anne
Brides_Age: full age
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Residence: Mitcheldean
Brides_Fathers_Surname: MORGAN
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: James
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Inn Keeper
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: George Morgan
Witness_2: Sarah Meredith
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Charles G Dighton Rector
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P220 IN 1/8
Page_Number: 39
Parish_Chapel: Mitcheldean

1851 Quarry Hill, East Dean
John Parker Head Married Male 71 1780 Pauper (collier) Gloucestershire, England
Mary Parker Wife Married Female 60 1791 Pauper (collier) Gloucestershire, England
Pity Parker Daughter Unmarried Female 14 1837 - East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Joseph Parker Son - Male 12 1839 Collier East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Mary J Price - - Female 1 1850 - London, Middlesex, England

1841 Ruardean Hill, Dean Forest
John Parker Male 58 1783 Gloucestershire, England
Mary Parker Female 45 1796 Gloucestershire, England
Leah Parker Female 15 1826 Gloucestershire, England
Mercy Parker Female 13 1828 Gloucestershire, England
Jonah Parker Male 10 1831 Gloucestershire, England
Tabitha Parker Female 8 1833 Gloucestershire, England
Piety Parker Female 5 1836 Gloucestershire, England
Joseph Parker Male 4 1837 Gloucestershire, England
Mary Ann Parker Female 2 1839 Gloucestershire, England
William Moss Male 22 1819 Gloucestershire, England

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Eva would be Harry's adopted Sister - she has a son ( similar to Edith in 1887)

Year: 1887
Month: Jun
Day: 22
Parents_Surname: PARKER
Child_Forenames: Frank
Fathers_Forenames: [base born]
Mothers_Forenames: Eva
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Holy Trinity Workhouse
Occupation: Single Woman
Officiating_Minister: Chris.Jay Jones Vicar
Event: Baptism
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P354 IN 1/15
Page_Number: 242
Parish_Chapel: Westbury on Severn

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Harry's cousin ( and her parents living with a MEEK family in 1911)

1911 45 Blaencwm Terrace Tynewydd, Rhondda,
Ernest Ed Meek Head Married Male 32 1879 Coal miner hewer Gloucestershire Cinderford
Laura Meek Wife Married Female 28 1883 - Hereford Ross
Florence Mary Meek Daughter - Female 8 1903 - Monmouth Abertillery
Ernest William Meek Son - Male 6 1905 - Glamorgan Pentre
Miles Meek Son - Male 3 1908 - Glamorgan Treherbert
Laura Meek Daughter - Female 0 1911 - Glamorgan Treherbert
William Morgan Father in law Married Male 78 1833 Jobbing gardener Gloucester Ruardean
Emma Morgan Mother in law Married Female 68 1843 - Hereford Walford

Marriages Sep 1902 (>99%)
MEEK Ernest Edward Pontypool 11a 226
Morgan Laura Pontypool 11a 2

1901 ? Coedcaeddu, Abertillery,
Ernest Meek Boarder Single Male 22 1879 Coal miner hewer Gloucestershire, England

1901 42, Glandwr Street, Abertillery,
William Morgan Head Married Male 66 1835 Labourer surface Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England
Emma Morgan Wife Married Female 57 1844 - Watford, Hertfordshire, England

1891 Harry Hill
Joseph Parker Head Married Male 53 1838 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Parker Wife Married Female 47 1844 - Hope Mansell, Herefordshire, England
John Parker Son Single Male 22 1869 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Antony Parker Son Single Male 19 1872 Coal miner East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
George Parker Son - Male 13 1878 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Allan Parker Grandson - Male 5 1886 Scholar East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Frank Parker Grandson - Male 3 1888 Scholar Westbury, Gloucestershire, England
Emma Morgan Niece - Female 14 1877 Scholar -

1891 Walford
Miles Morgan Head Married Male 27 1864 Agricultural labourer Walford, Herefordshire, England
Margaret Morgan Wife Married Female 27 1864 - Glamorganshire, Wales
William Morgan Son - Male 3 1888 - Glamorganshire, Wales
Robert Morgan Son - Male 0 1891 - Walford, Herefordshire, England

1891 Walford
William Morgan Head Married Male 56 1835 Agricultural labourer Walford, Herefordshire, England
Emma Morgan Wife Married Female 52 1839 - Walford, Herefordshire, England
Teresa Davis Daughter Married Female 20 1871 - Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Clara Morgan Daughter Single Female 13 1878 Scholar Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Mary Morgan Daughter Single Female 10 1881 Scholar Hope Mansell, Herefordshire, England
Laura Morgan Daughter Single Female 7 1884 Scholar Hope Mansell, Herefordshire, England

1881 Horn Hill, Hope Mansell,
William Morgan Head Married Male 42 1839 Coal miner Walford, Herefordshire, England
Emma Morgan Wife Married Female 39 1842 - Walford, Herefordshire, England
Miles Morgan Son Single Male 18 1863 Coal miner Walford, Herefordshire, England
William Morgan Son Single Male 12 1869 Scholar Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Teresa Morgan Daughter Single Female 10 1871 Scholar Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Agnes Morgan Daughter Single Female 6 1875 - Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Emma Morgan Daughter Single Female 4 1877 - Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Clara Morgan Daughter Single Female 2 1879 - Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales
Mary Morgan Daughter Single Female 0 1881 - Garndiffaith, Monmouthshire, Wales

1881 Ruardean Hill
Miles Meek Head Married Male 25 1856 Collier Gloucestershire, England
Mary Jane Meek Wife Married Female 24 1857 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Simeon Meek Son Single Male 5 1876 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Israel Meek Son Single Male 4 1877 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Ernest Edwin Meek Son Single Male 2 1879 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England

Year: 1859
Month: Mar
Day: 7
Grooms_Surname: MORGAN
Grooms_Forenames: William
Grooms_Age: 20
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Laborer
Grooms_Residence: Walford
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Morgan
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: James
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Publican
Brides_Surname: WHITTINGHAM
Brides_Forenames: Emma
Brides_Age: 18
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Residence: Walford
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Whittingham
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: Daniel
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Laborer
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: both mark
Witness_1: James Baldwin
Witness_2: Ellen Morgan
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Arthur Stonhouse Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: AO19/11
Page_Number: 105
Parish_Chapel: Walford

1841 Walford
James Morgan Male 30 1811 -
Ann Morgan Female 30 1811 -
Thomas Morgan Male 21 1820 -
Eliza Morgan Female 12 1829 -
John Morgan Male 10 1831 -
Sophia Morgan Female 9 1832 -
James Morgan Male 8 1833 -
Henery Morgan Male 8 1833 -
Miles Morgan Male 7 1834 -
William Morgan Male 4 1837 -
Ellin Morgan Female 2 1839 -
George Morgan Male 0 1841

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Hello slowhands. Thank you so much for all the information. Let me read, digest and get back to you. Happy New Year.

Dear MPGriffiths. Thank you for the additional information. Happy New Year!

Deaths Mar 1983 (>99%)
HASLAM DAISY 6AP1892 WARWICK/L 31 583

Marriages Dec 1944 (>99%)
HASLAM William H Williams Coventry 6d 1566
WILLIAMS Daisy Haslam Coventry 6d 1566

First name(s) Jonah
County Gloucestershire
Last name Meek
Volume 6A
Sex Male
Page 307
Birth year 1862
Country England
Age 72
Record set England & Wales Deaths 1837-2007
Death quarter 4
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Death year 1934
Subcategory Civil Deaths & Burials
District Westbury on Severn
Collections from Great Britain, England

Year: 1921
Month: Mar
Day: 26
Grooms_Surname: WILLIAMS
Grooms_Forenames: Harry William
Grooms_Age: 26
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Harry Hill
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: unknown
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: unknown
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Forenames: Daisy
Brides_Age: 28
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Morse Road
Brides_Fathers_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: Jonah
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both Sign
Witness_1: Jonah Meek
Witness_2: Henrietta Janette Meek
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: James Lawton Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P109 IN 1/10
Page_Number: 125
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook

1911 Morse Road, East Dean ( Ruardean/Drybrook)
Jonah Meek Head Married Male 48 1863 Mine hewer East Dean Glosshire
Elizabeth Meek Wife Married Female 46 1865 - Dublin
James Meek Son Single Male 24 1887 Mine hewer East Dean Glosshire
William Meek Son Single Male 20 1891 Mine hewer East Dean Glosshire
Ralph Meek Son - Male 14 1897 Mine banksman above ground East Dean Glosshire
Francis Meek Daughter - Female 12 1899 School East Dean Glosshire
Damarius Meek Daughter - Female 10 1901 School East Dean Glosshire
Charlie Meek Son - Male 8 1903 - East Dean Glosshire
Jessica Meek Daughter - Female 5 1906 - East Dean Glosshire
Joyce Meek Daughter - Female 3 1908 - East Dean Glosshire

1911 ? 5 Brandon Villas Bristol, Bristol,
Howard Stephens Head Married Male 32 1879 Motor agent Bristol
Beatrice Stephens Wife Married Female 31 1880 - Bristol
Daisy Meek Servant Single Female 18 1893 General servant domestic Cindeford Gloucestershire

1901 Morse Road, East Dean ( Ruardean/Drybrook)
Jonah Meek Head Married Male 39 1862 Coal hewer below ground Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Elizabeth Meek Wife Married Female 36 1865 House duties Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
James Meek Son Single Male 14 1887 Colliery labourer above ground Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Jane E Meek Daughter Single Female 12 1889 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
William G Meek Son Single Male 10 1891 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Glouces
tershire, England
Daisey Meek Daughter Single Female 8 1893 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Ethel Meek Daughter Single Female 7 1894 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Florance L Meek Daughter Single Female 5 1896 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Ralph T Meek Son Single Male 4 1897 Scholar Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Francis M Meek Daughter Single Female 2 1899 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Damaris Meek Daughter Single Female 0 1901 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England

1891 China Court, Ruardean Hill, East Dean,
Jonah Meek Head Married Male 29 1862 Coal miner Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Elizabeth Meek Wife Married Female 25 1866 - Dublin, Ireland
James Meek Son - Male 4 1887 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
Elizabeth Meek Daughter - Female 2 1889 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England
William Meek Son - Male 0 1891 - Ruardean Hill, Gloucestershire, England

Year: 1886
Month: Jan
Day: 31
Grooms_Surname: MEEK
Grooms_Forenames: Jonah
Grooms_Age: 23
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Coal miner
Grooms_Residence: Ruardean Hill
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: Meek
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: Elijah
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Coal miner
Brides_Surname: TAYLOR

Brides_Forenames: Elizabeth
Brides_Age: 21
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Residence: Ruardean Hill
Brides_Fathers_Surname: Taylor
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: James
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Baker
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: James Taylor
Witness_2: Mark of Martha Morgan
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: William Barker Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P109 IN 1/8
Page_Number: 29
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook

1881 Ruardean Hill
Elijah Meek Head Married Male 57 1824 Collier East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Meek Wife Married Female 53 1828 - East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Ruth Meek Daughter Single Female 21 1860 - East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Jonah Meek Son Single Female 18 1863 Collier East Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Jabez Meek Son Single Male 16 1865 Collier East Dean, Gloucestershire, England

1871 Ruardean Hill
Elijah Meek Head - Male 47 1824 - Gloucestershire, England
Ann Meek Wife - Female 43 1828 - Gloucestershire, England
Obed Meek Son - Male 20 1851 - Gloucestershire, England
Eliza A Meek Daughter - Female 17 1854 - Gloucestershire, England
Miles Meek Son - Male 15 1856 - Gloucestershire, England
Simeon Meek Son - Male 13 1858 - Gloucestershire, England
Ruth Meek Daughter - Female 11 1860 - Gloucestershire, England
Jonah Meek Son - Male 8 1863 - Gloucestershire, England
Jabez Meek Son - Male 6 1865 - Gloucestershire, England

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Is Bertha 1877 Harry's Mother with Norfolk and London connections ?

The spurious connection to Walford Herefordshire by this Williams family is getting stronger
Walford/Hope Mansell is the PARKER /MORGAN connection

Henry J 1858 is brother of William 1849 so an Uncle to Bertha

1921 Eliza and Bertha in Newington Southwark London

Deaths Mar 1917 (>99%) ???
Williams William 68 Southwark 1d 91

1911 33 New Kent Road S E, St Mary Newington, London & Surrey,
William Williams Head Married Male 60 1851 Railway engineer (boiler Dept) Walford Herts Married 30 years
Eliza Williams Wife Married Female 60 1851 - Norwich Norfolk
Bertha Williams Daughter Single Female 29 1882 Theatre programs seller Yarmouth Norfolk

1901 Railway Cottages, Great Eastern, Cromer, Erpingham
Henry J Williams Head Married Male 43 1858 Railway engine driver Norwich, Norfolk, England
Isabel Williams Wife Married Female 45 1856 - Norwich, Norfolk, England
Nellie B Williams Daughter - Female 11 1890 - Foulsham, Norfolk, England
Harriett E Williams Daughter - Female 10 1891 - Foulsham, Norfolk, England
Frederick N Williams Son - Male 4 1897 - Cromer, Norfolk, England
Hilda M Williams Daughter - Female 0 1901 - Cromer, Norfolk, England

1901 Clapton Buildings, 18, St George the Martyr Southwark,London
William Williams Head Married Male 50 1851 Engine fitter Walford, Hertfordshire, England
Elizabeth Williams Wife Married Female 50 1851 - Norwich, Norfolk, England
Bertha Williams Daughter Single Female 22 1879 Boot machinist Yarmouth, Norfolk, England

1891 Royal Arcade, 14, Pilgrim Street, All Saints, Newcastle upon Tyne
William Williams Head Married Male 40 1851 Engine fitter Walford, Hertfordshire, England
Eliza Williams Wife Married Female 40 1851 - Norwich, Norfolk, England
Bertha Williams Daughter - Female 14 1877 - Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England

1881 Wrights Yard, Or St Marys Foundry Yard, Norwich St Mary At Coslany,
Samuel Dawson Head Widower Male 76 1805 Weaver (out of employ) Norwich, Norfolk, England
William Williams Son in law Married Male 33 1848 Engine fitter at works Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Eliza Williams Daughter Married Female 33 1848 Shoe machinist Norwich, Norfolk, England
Bertha Williams Grand daughter Single Female 4 1877 - Norwich, Norfolk, England
Matilda Riches Visitor Single Female 25 1856 Dressmaker Wymondham, Norfolk, England

Marriages Sep 1875 (>99%) ????
DAWSON Eliza Maria F Norwich 4b 253
WILLIAMS William Norwich 4b 253

1871 Murpole Street Wisemans Yard, St Mary At Coslany,
Elizabeth Dawson Head - Female 63 1808 - Norfolk, England
Eliza Dawson Daughter - Female 23 1848 - Norfolk, England boot machinist

1881 William Street, Norwich St Etheldred, Norwich,
Henry John Williams Head Married Male 23 1858 Locomotive fireman Norwich, Norfolk, England
Isabela Williams Wife Married Female 25 1856 - Norfolk, England

1871 Carrow Road Railway Cottages, St Matthew, Norwich,
William Williams Head - Male 51 1820 - Kent, England
Maria J Williams Wife - Female 48 1823 - Middlesex, England
Susana Williams Daughter - Female 23 1848 - Middlesex, England
William Williams Son - Male 22 1849 - Walford Herefordshire, England
Emily Williams Daughter - Female 20 1851 - Surrey, England
Mary A Williams Daughter - Female 16 1855 - Norfolk, England
Rosina Williams Daughter - Female 14 1857 - Norfolk, England
Henry J Williams Son - Male 13 1858 - Norfolk, England

1861 Scoles Green, Timberhill, Norwich
William Williams Head Married Male 43 1818 Engine driver Greenwich, Kent, England
Maria Williams Wife Married Female 38 1823 - Paddington, Middlesex, England
Maria J Williams Daughter Unmarried Female 21 1840 Machinist Paddington, Middlesex, England
Susan Williams Daughter Unmarried Female 14 1847 - Paddington, Middlesex, England
William Williams Son - Male 12 1849 Scholar Walford, Norfolk, England
Emily Williams Daughter - Female 10 1851 Scholar Vauxhall, Surrey, England
Thomas Williams Son - Male 8 1853 Scholar Norwich, Norfolk, England
Mary A Williams Daughter - Female 6 1855 Scholar Norwich, Norfolk, England
Rosina Williams Daughter - Female 5 1856 Scholar Norwich, Norfolk, England
Henry Williams Son - Male 3 1858 Scholar Norwich, Norfolk, England

1851 St Julians Street, St Julian, Norwich,
William Williams Head Married Male 32 1819 Railway engineer Greenwich, Kent, England
Maria Williams Wife Married Female 30 1821 - Puddington, Middlesex, England
Maria Williams Daughter - Female 11 1840 Scholar Puddington, Middlesex, England
Susannah Williams Daughter - Female 4 1847 - Middlesex, England
William Williams Son - Male 2 1849 - Walford, Herefordshire, England
Emily Williams Daughter - Female 0 1851 - Lambeth, Surrey, England

Marriages Mar 1839 (>99%) ?????
MILLER Maria Marylebone 1 172
Williams William Marylebone 1 172

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Emma Morgan is of great interest. I'd like to know more about what she did post 1891 when she was living with the Parker family. So far I've drawn a blank.

Harry was born in 1894 when Emma was 17. What if she'd become pregnant by one of the Parker sons? Anthony would be about the right age and he seems to disappear from view after 1891. I think he died in America in 1946.

This might account for why the Parkers adopted Harry but gave him a different name and birthplace. Does this sound plausible?

Daisy was my grandmother. I didn't know her too well but by all accounts she was a strong and principled lady. According to my cousin she was in service in London where she rose through the ranks to become a cook. Perhaps she started off in Bristol then moved to London. She married Harry in 1921 at age 28 so she had an independent life before starting her own family. It sounds like many working class girls from the Forest went into service. How did they get these jobs? Was there some kind of recruitment agency for domestic staff?

Year: 1865
Month: May
Day: 4
Grooms_Surname: PARKER
Grooms_Forenames: Joseph
Grooms_Age: full age
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Township of East Dean
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: PARKER
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: John
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Brides_Surname: MORGAN
Brides_Forenames: Anne
Brides_Age: full age
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Residence: Mitcheldean
Brides_Fathers_Surname: MORGAN
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: James
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Inn Keeper
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: Both sign
Witness_1: George Morgan
Witness_2: Sarah Meredith
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Charles G Dighton Rector
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P220 IN 1/8
Page_Number: 39
Parish_Chapel: Mitcheldean

1861 The Crown Inn, Beechin Grove, Walford,
James Morgan Head Married Male 57 1804 Farmer of 33 acres of land Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Morgan Wife Married Female 54 1807 - Gloucestershire, England
Thomas M Morgan Son Unmarried Male 4 1857 - Walford, Herefordshire, England

1851 Howle, Walford,
James Morgan Head Married Male 45 1806 Coal miner Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England
Ann Morgan Wife Married Female 45 1806 - Gloucestershire, England
William Morgan Son - Male 12 1839 Scholar Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England
Ellen Morgan Daughter - Female 11 1840 Scholar Ruardean, Gloucestershire, England
George Morgan Son - Male 10 1841 Scholar Walford, Herefordshire, England1844
Ann Morgan Daughter - Female 7 1844 Scholar Walford, Herefordshire, England

1841 Eagept, Walford,
James Morgan Male 30 1811 -
Ann Morgan Female 30 1811 -
Thomas Morgan Male 21 1820 -
Eliza Morgan Female 12 1829 -
John Morgan Male 10 1831 -
Sophia Morgan Female 9 1832 -
James Morgan Male 8 1833 -
Henery Morgan Male 8 1833 -
Miles Morgan Male 7 1834 -
William Morgan Male 4 1837 -
Ellin Morgan Female 2 1839 -
George Morgan Male 0 1841

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Hi,
interesting to see your Grandmother Daisy was in service in London, and your wondering how she got her job there ?.
My own paternal Grandmother Gert TAYLOR was born in Joys Green in 1898, lived there all her 80 years, with close links to nearby Ruardean. Growing-up I knew my Gran very well, but had no idea she had so many younger siblings, until my own family history researches a decade ago showed she had nine siblings spanning 25 birth years !. This was all news to my Mum, as sadly my Dad was long dead so no help there, as was my Gran of course. One of the siblings was Maud, born in Joys Green in 1894. I only met her once, as a visitor to our home in the 70s, a family wedding maybe ?. We assumed she'd lived most her life in London, indeed my mother (rather oddly) even wondered if the whole family were originally from there !. When I started my FH researches and working "blind" it took me a while to find her in the 1911 census, but I eventually found her working in service in Ealing West London aged 17, and I then found she never married and had died in south London in 1981, which fitted nicely. I then noticed that another young girl from "the Forest of Dean" was also on the staff in that same Ealing household during that 1911 census; I guess they both moved-up there together as friends, but I'm yet to followed-up her subsequent life, I believe she was also a Ruardean girl.
Moving on to research Maud (and so my Gran)'s sisters, I first found Hilda born 1892, at the time of the 1911 census she's still at home in Joys Green, but listed as a "house and parlour maid", which seems grand wording given their humble home... I then found she married just 3 years later, but to a London man, in Ealing !, no doubt Maud was there too ! I wonder if she'd met her husband while also working in Ealing as a "parlour maid"..... perhaps she was just visiting home at the 1911 census ?. She also ended her days in South London, where my Mum eventually recalled once visiting them for a day in the 70s.. so the mystery started to come together.
I then researched an older sister, Eliza born 1892, and found she was working in service in Ross in 1891, nothing odd there. But, after a long search of the 1901 census I eventually found an Eliza Taylor, "born Forest of Dean, aged 25", working in service in London, a good fit - could this be our Eliza ??. She was definitely back in Ruardean by the 1911 census, but I do wonder if she was the catalyst for her two younger sisters, and another local girl, all moving to London for work. They presumably went there thro Bristol on the GWR.

Sorry this has turned into a bit of an essay, I hope it's of interest and makes sense, it was certainly a surprising eye-opener for me as the story unravelled - especially as I've lived and worked in west London since the 1980s, I know Ealing very well, and we all thought I was the first in our immediate family to leave the Forest for work haha !. My reason for telling you all this is just to confirm your findings with Daisy, that it wasn't at all unusual for Ruardean area girls of her generation to find jobs up the GWR line in West London. Was there an agency as you say ?. I suspect there may have been adverts in the local newspapers, not that I've actually searched and found them.... (I will now). Or maybe it was "word of mouth", there were some wealthy households within the Lower Lydbrook and Wye valley area, possibly retired Londoners ?. Also in Lydbrook the cable works had opened around that time, and grew dramatically during the 1914-18 war, during which time their business would have meant increased links with London... ?
Finally, probably not relevant as the MEEK name is quite common in the Ruardean area, but I have a fair number of Ruardean Meeks in my own family tree courtesy of my Taylor line.

Atb and Happy 2024 everyone !

i am thinking that its starting to come together - however absolute proof is elusive.

The Birth Cert is correct in that the Father is given as Engine Driver and mother Isabel - however I'm not convinced that Isabel is his Mother. I feel that the scenario is that Bertha Williams may be the mother of Harry, she probably is living in London with parents William and Elizabeth - but is sent to her Uncle / Aunt in Norwich ( carrying Harry) who register the birth as theirs rather than Bertha.

Her Father William has the connection to Walford, and I suspect Ann Morgan ( becomes Parker ) his adoptive Mother.

with Bertha as Mother - this gives a clear reason for London being his recorded "birthplace" in his "story"

As I say this is feeling rather than Proof.

First name(s) Berthalina Maria
Country England
Last name Williams
Volume 4B
Birth quarter 2
Page 5
Birth year 1877
Record set England & Wales Births 1837-2006
Mother's maiden name -
Category Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
District Yarmouth
Subcategory Civil Births
County Norfolk
Collections from Great Britain, England

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Berthalina Maria WILLIAMS born in Yarmouth, Norfolk Q2, 1877.

I wonder if she is my great-grandmother and Harry's real mother. I think your story sounds very plausible.

Establishing a link between William WILLIAMS and Ann PARKER (nee MORGAN) in Walford might get us closer to the truth.

Thanks again for all your help.

Hi Jefff,
Many thanks for this. It's given me plenty to think about. My great-grandmother (Daisy's mother) was Elizabeth TAYLOR. She married Jonah MEEK and they lived in Morse Road, East Dean. Maybe we are related somewhere along the line!

Hi again Martin,
you are very welcome for that info, just hope it helps.

Looking again at my tree, the first time for some years, I'm reminded that my particular branch of Meeks lived in Joys Green rather than Ruardean (albeit only a mile away) which is presumably why one of them married my Aunt Iris Jones - I may be wrong but I recall getting the distinct impression that the Jones and Taylor surnames seemed the most common in Lydbrook and it's surroundings. But my Meeks do appear to have originally come Ruardean in the early 1800s, but then went to Staffordshire (mines, for work) before returning to their Forest roots again. I canot see any obvious links in my tree to your Jonah and Elizabeth Meek, but then again I do think it fair to say that most of us are indeed related in some way if we travel back in time far enough. I've been unable to trace my own paternal roots (Jones/Taylor/Tailer) much father past the 1841 census simply because there are just too many people with similar names and surnames for me to sort-out my line from all the others.

Completely irrelevant, but last year my Aunt on my mum's side passed away and was buried at Ruardean Church, she was the last of her generation in my extended family, her home for most her long married life was on Morse Road at Drybrook, so perhaps not many yards from your Meek great grandparents ?.
(Apologies if you know this, but the "East Dean" district essentially comprised my home town Cinderford, and the outlying villages including Drybrook and Ruardean.)

Finally, you mention your Grandmother Daisy;

Record_ID: 49990
Entry_Number: 249
Year: 1921
Month: Mar
Day: 26
Grooms_Surname: WILLIAMS
Grooms_Forenames: Harry William
Grooms_Age: 26
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Harry Hill
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: unknown
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: unknown
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: [not stated]
Brides_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Forenames: Daisy
Brides_Age: 28
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation:
Brides_Residence: Morse Road
Brides_Fathers_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: Jonah
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both Sign
Witness_1: Jonah Meek
Witness_2: Henrietta Janette Meek
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: James Lawton Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P109 IN 1/10
Page_Number: 125
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook
Soundex_Groom: W452
Soundex_Bride: M200

GlosBMD confirms mother is nee Taylor

Birth Details
Child Surname Child Forename Mother's Former Name Year District Office Register Entry
MEEK Daisey TAYLOR 1892 Forest of Dean Westbury on Severn, Newnham 62 485

I think this is Daisy's brother, your Great Uncle;

Record_ID: 50058
Entry_Number: 67
Year: 1924
Month: Aug
Day: 8
Grooms_Surname: MEEK
Grooms_Forenames: Ralph Thomas
Grooms_Age: 27
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Collier
Grooms_Residence: Holy Trinity
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: MEEK
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: Jonah
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Brides_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Forenames: Henretta Janetta
Brides_Age: 27
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: Collier
Brides_Residence: Holy Trinity
Brides_Fathers_Surname: MEEK
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: John
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Collier
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns:
Signature_or_Mark: Both Sign
Witness_1: Alfred Meek
Witness_2: Charles Meek
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: W M Bellamy Vicar
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P109 IN 1/21
Page_Number: 34
Parish_Chapel: Drybrook
Soundex_Groom: M200
Soundex_Bride: M200

Again, the GlosBMD site confirms Ralph's mother is nee Taylor.

The similar dates, addresses and witness names suggest these are the same family.
So HOPEFULLY my hunch is correct ?.

My reason for posting this is because I googled "Jonas Meek Ruardean" and found this webpage, and I wondered if you'd also seen it ?. It has a photo of Mr and Mrs Jabez Meek, and the notes suggest he is your Jonah's brother ?.
https://www.sungreen.co.uk/Can-You-Help/Meek-Ruardean.htm

Hope it's of interest, J.

I'm sure you're right that all of us with Meek heritage are ultimately related. My grandmother Alice was born (1880) on the Morse Road but Jonah (and Jabez mentioned here) are only 4th cousins twice removed of mine even though they were clearly neighbours of my grandmother and her immediate family.

1911 Rose Cottage Cawdor Ross Urban
James Taylor Head Married Male 78 1833 Army pensioner retired baker Walford Herefordshire
Mary Taylor Wife Married Female 62 1849 - Wotton Unde Edge Glos
Clara Taylor Daughter Single Female 25 1886 - Weston Herefordshire

1901 Cawdor, Ross Town,
James Taylor Head Married Male 68 1833 Baker (journeyman) Walford, Herefordshire, England
Mary Taylor Wife Married Female 52 1849 - Gloucestershire, England
Emily Davies Step daughter Single Female 31 1870 - Harewood, Herefordshire, England
Clara Taylor Daughter Single Female 15 1886 Laundry packer Weston, Herefordshire, England
Louisa Taylor Daughter Single Female 14 1887 Domestic servant Ross, Herefordshire, England

1891 New Street, Ross,
James Taylor Head Married Male 58 1833 Baker Walford, Herefordshire, England
Mary Taylor Wife Married Female 42 1849 - Gloucestershire, England
Emily K Davis Stepdaughter Single Female 20 1871 - Harewood, Herefordshire, England
Thomas Davis Stepson - Male 15 1876 Page Ross, Herefordshire, England
Clara Taylor Daughter - Female 5 1886 Scholar Pontshill, Herefordshire, England
Louisa M Taylor Daughter - Female 4 1887 Scholar Ross, Herefordshire, England

Marriages Dec 1884 (>99%)
Davis Mary Ross 6a 1013
Taylor James Ross 6a 1013

1881 Walford between Hill Farm and Leys Hill
James Taylor Head Married Male 47 1834 Baker Walford, Herefordshire, England
Jane Taylor Wife Married Female 45 1836 Bakers wife Walford, Herefordshire, England
Elizabeth Taylor Daughter Single Female 16 1865 - Walford, Herefordshire, England

1871 Post Office, Pencoyd,
Joseph Davis Head - Male 23 1848 - Herefordshire, England
Mary Davis Wife - Female 22 1849 - Gloucestershire, England
Emley Davis Daughter - Female 0 1871 - Herefordshire, England

Possible

Year: 1835
Month: Oct
Day: 22
Parents_Surname: TAYLOR
Child_Forenames: James
Fathers_Forenames: James
Mothers_Forenames: Elizabeth
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Kiln Green
Occupation: Labourer
Officiating_Minister: T.D. Fosbroke Vicar
Event: Baptism
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: AO19/4
Page_Number: 95
Parish_Chapel: Walford

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Hi Slowhands,

Happy New Year.

Sadly the child born to Henry J Williams and Isabel Statham in 1894 is not my grandad. Norfolk Harry only lived 7 months and died in Cromer on 18th March 1895.

Also, I'm pretty sure William Williams (Henry's older brother) was not born in Walford, Herefordshire but Watford, Hertfordshire in 1848. His mother was Maria Mellor. If true, this breaks the link with the Forest and weakens Bertha's claim to be Harry's mother.

Onwards and upwards!

Hi Jefff,

Happy New Year.

This is of great interest. I have an old photograph which may feature my grandfather as a small child. The website might prove useful.

thanks for the update sad story

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>