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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Warwickshire => Topic started by: bobtonks on Wednesday 02 May 18 08:30 BST (UK)
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Mary Jane Tonks was born in 1880 and Lilly Tonks in 1897. In the 1901 census they were living in Aston with their mother (Elizabeth) and brothers and sisters. Their Dad (Reuben) was in Barrow in Furness, working.
I can't find Mary in 1911 and neither of them in the 1939 register. They were both alive in 1954 as they were recorded in a family Will.
Can anyone help.
Thank you ... Bob
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Under what names were they mentioned in the will?
Still maiden surname?
Sue
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Sue
Yes, .. I am almost certain neither of them married and I understood (but not certain) that they lived together in Birmingham in the 1950's.
Bob
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Mary J Tonks death Birmingham Mar 1968 age 87 is about the right age for your Mary Jane.
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Thank you for that. Following your info I've just found in FindMyPast ....
Birmingham Post ... Mary Jane Tonks died 1st March ... sister of Lily.
So I guess that Lily was still alive in 1968.
Bob
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This one isn't too far out
Lily Tonks age 88
gives a birth date of 22 Nov 1896
died Birmingham 1985
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Looks good. Interestingly, there is a Lily Tonks, died 1st May 1985 in Probates & Wills (living) in a rest home in Acocks Green that could well be her.
It's odd we can't find her in 1939. I did think that she may be doing military service but at 40 odd years old, I would guess it would be unlikely. Her sister Mary also can't be found!!!
You have found both their deaths which is good ... thank you.
Bob
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Not sure if this is connected, by there's a Mary and Lily Tonks together on the electoral role at 808 Coventry Road, Yardley in 1930, 1935 and 1939
Update - Reuben Tonks lives at this address in the 1920s!
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1939 free search suggests Mary b c1890 & Lily c1903 - however I still think its the right pair. Looking at the same address in 1920, the registered voters are Reuben, William, John & Percy Tonks
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Well done. Who would have thought that both their ages would be 'fudged'. Mary by 10 years!!!
Reuben Tonks was my Grandfather and the other boys his brothers. Reuben did live at 808 Coventry Road in 1920 living with a lady. (Not my Grandmother).
He was living at 29 Streetsbrooke Road in 1939 again with a lady. (also not my Grandmother). As far as I am aware my Grandmother and Reuben were separated but never divorced. It was all a bit of a taboo subject in the family. I only found out about him after my Dad died. Who the lady at No 29 was I don't know and probably never will.
Thanks again for your help.
I forgot to say that Mary & Lily were Reuben's sisters.
Bob
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Who the lady at No 29 was I don't know and probably never will.
That could be a challenge but if you have her name and DOB from the 39'er we could have a look for her :)
Was it the same lady in 1920 or a different one?
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The lady in 1920 I've no idea. A court order was served on my Grandfather and a hand written note on the order said "served a true copy of this order on the defendant by leaving the same with a woman at 808 Coventry Road" .... maybe one of his sisters !!!
In 1939 the record shows
.... Reuben G Tonks 4th Jan 1880 . Director Engineer . Married .
.... Evelyn (Mary) Price (Tonks) 14th Mar 1903 Unpaid Domestic Duties . Married .
On the original both Mary and PRICE are written over in Green. Also in Green pen in the address column next to Evelyn is written ECIA WA and over the WA is 11 10 71 which I guess is a date.
They were living at 29 Streetsbrook Road.
Thanks again for your interest. Get back if you require more info ....
Bob
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Was he Reuben George died 1954 - probate record gives same address 29 Streetsbrook Road.
Probate to Margaret Anderson widow and James Alexander Anderson commercial traveller.
No mention of Evelyn/Mary Price there. As I understand it surnames of women were added to the 39'er later if they married.
Who did RG marry and when - did they have any daughters?
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Yes, Reuben George died 1954. Margaret Anderson was his sister and James Alex. her son.
Reuben married Gertrude Fanny Alcock in 1909 and they had two sons, Reuben Walter 1910 and Stanley Bertrum 1916. No daughters.
Bob
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Thanks for the info. Elusive in 1911 aren't they :-\
Wish I knew what the ECIA WA and 11 10 71 meant - date of death perhaps.
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Ok found Gertrude and little boy but no further forward on who Evelyn was :(