William Francis OLIVER, born 1850 Cinderford (General)

by unknown, Sunday, May 04, 2008, 13:15 (6054 days ago)

Has anybody come across this man anywhere? He married Catherine Elizabeth Hayes in 1876 in Bethnal Green (despite the fact that both bride and groom were from Cinderford). William OLIVER gives his place of birth as Cinderford and his occupation as Town Bandsman; but I cannot find him on any census prior to 1881 or indeed any sign of a baptism. Where did he hide??

Things must have been tough, as William and Catherine's second child James was born in the workhouse in 1880. He seems to have joined the Navy in October 1880 and sailed round the world for 2 years. His naval record gives his date of birth as 22nd October 1850. However, he was paid off on his return to Portsmouth and did not take ship again for 12 years. Where did he go? I can't find him in the 1891 census, nor in the 1901 one. He was invalided out of the navy in 1895, but again he disappears. I know that his wife died while he was away on his first naval tour. The children went to her mother. However, I have no idea whether or not William returned home. I don't have a date of death either.

I know that this is a long shot... but... any ideas?

Regards,
Sian.