Quote from Zep - "Richard is WTA jnr's executor as brother"
Have you got a copy of this Will, Zep, or are you taking it from Probate records?
William Thomas Allen of 67, Beresford Street, Woolwich died 22 Nov 1880, probate 20 Dec 1880 to Richard Allen of 3, Crescent Road, Plumstead, gentleman, brother and sole executor.
I had looked at this record before and discarded it as unlikely. WTA jnr lived and worked in Cursitor Street as a law stationer. He had several sons, all of whom alive in 1880, the eldest about 35, the youngest son about 20/21. Until a few days ago, I was unaware of the existence of Richard, a retired Coffee Shop Manager who lived in Plumstead. Also I knew of no connections to Beresford Street, Woolwich, but now I know that the Bearfoot family were living there in 1841, 1851, 1861 and 1871 census (but not at no. 67).
There was another William Thomas Allen who died 1882 in Camberwell, which I thought was probably more likely, though I could find neither of them in 1881 census.
If you haven't got the Will or death certificate for WTA jnr I may send off for them after a bit more research. If you have, I hope you will share details with me. I wonder why none of the sons were named as even joint executors.
As you say, Zep, the connections look quite strong, especially where other family members were staying with each other in census, but looking at it from WTA jnr perspective, there are no such clues, apart from 1871 census with Susannah Ann Allen, nee Atkins, staying with the family as aunt and housekeeper. I had Henry Allen as a potential brother because of the name and occupation of the father as mariner when he married in 1842, but no definitive proof.
I am very grateful for all the information provided by all of you, Zep, Tony and Trish - a brick wall broken down and possible parentage for Mary Whitehead/Allen/Bearfoot. Without seeing the original registers it will not be possible to assign her parents as Richard and Susannah Whitehead, but I can see a poorly written Susannah as being transcribed as Sarah, especially if it was abbreviated.
Anyone know if Sheppey records are available online anywhere?
Thanks
Margaret