Hi,
I am overwhelmed with the information that I received from all of you - Carol, Suzard, and Annie. Thanks so much! You are great researchers. I printed out your messages and have been studying them ever since. With so many names, it has taken a while to sink in but it is all very clear to me now.
I agree with you Suz, I believe that the Sarah Ann Smith shown on the 1851 census at Castle Gate with father, John and mother, Ann is indeed the one I am looking for. However, I will order Francis' and Sarah Ann's marriage certificate from the GRO. The 1871 (Cotgrave Village) census showing Sarah Ann's brother, Thomas with mother, Ann is certainly a wonderful fit.
I had the 1841/1851 census for George Rawson but not the 1861 showing Fred. Drage and eventually his two marriages. There were obviously slews of Rawsons in the vicinity of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire - and all appeared to be quite wealthy. Thanks - all of you for this great information.
I was looking around the internet the other night and found a site on the Bromley Library. There is information there concerning George Rawson, Francis G. Rawson and Sarah Ann Rawson (wife of Francis). George Rawson was a subscriber to the library 6/1/1834 to 2/9/1861; he was a member of the committee in 1842 and was nominated as a new trustee on 28/2/1848. When George died, his share was transferred to his son Francis. Francis George Rawson was a subscriber from 2/9/1861 to 7/9/1886. When Francis died, his share was transferred to his wife, Sarah whose address was The Firs, Holme Pierrepont. She was a subscriber from 7/9/1886 to 7/4/1903 (no. of shares: 187 (counterfoil dated 9/2/1901).
There are other Rawsons mentioned on this site should anyone be interested - namely, Thomas Rawson, a member of the ‘Town Class’ of the White Lion Book Society in 1788-89, William Bacon (W. B.) Rawson, (d. 1829). It is likely that this was the son of William Ford Rawson, and lastly, William Ford Rawson who signed the Library Rules (1816-1830). Just makes me think they might all be related. There is also another Rawson connection.....James Ashwell, b. abt. 1799 presumably in Nottingham, married a Susan Rawson, no information. James' father was John Ashwell, who supplied grates to replace the fire baskets that were in Bromley House at the time of the purchase.
The bill for £24 13s 9d was thought excessive and may have been for the cast iron fireplaces. John Ashwell was also a three time Lord Mayor of Nottingham.
The more you work on these Rawsons, the more you think they might all be related in some way.
Kind regards,
Dorothy