Sorry, this is a big post but they are an interesting family.
I think the surname in 1901 is Nair, same as the family in the census that can't be mentioned. Albert Fenton appears to have started a circus family dynasty. Nair was their stage name, Albert was Monsieur Nair later Captain Nair.
1871 census, Feckingham, Warwickshire,
Albert Fenton, head, 28, Engineer & Machinist, b. Birmingham,
Caroline Fenton, wife, 29, b. Birmingham,
Alice Fenton, dau, 8, b. Birmingham,
Albert E Fenton, son, 5, b. Redditch,
Lewis Fenton, son 3, b. Redditch,
RG10/3212/14/19
1881 census, 8 Mosley St., West Hartlepool,
Albert Nairs, Lodger, Mar, 37, Circus Artist, b. Birmingham,
Edward Nairs, Son, 16, Circus Artist, b. Birmingham
Lewis Nairs, Son, 14, Circus Artist, b. Birmingham,
RG11/4909/158/28
1881 census, 5 Hayton St., Blackburn,
Caroline Nairs, Boarder, 46, b. Blackurn,
Alice Nairs, Boarder, 17, b. Birmingham,
Florence Nairs, Boarder, 7, b. Birmingham,
RG11/4181/37/17
1891 census, Welford Row, Leicester,
Albert Fenton, Visitor, Mar, 47, b. Birmingham, Gymnast Master,
Caroline Fenton, wife, 48, b. Redditch,
Flora Fenton, dau, 17, b. Birmingham,
RG12/2536/109/17
1901 census, Ingleby St., Birmingham,
Caroline Fenton, Boarder, mar, 58, b. Birmingham
RG13/2826/17/26
Albert Edward Fenton (son of Albert and Caroline) describes himself as a Gymnast in 1891 census. At his marriage in 1892 to widow Ada Beckett, nee Webb, he describes himself as an Athlete, his father Albert Fenton is a Mechanical Engineer.
London Standard. 5 Nov 1895.
In the Manx common law court yesterday, an action was brought by Elba Nair and Ada Nair, otherwise Ada Webb, his wife, against the Derby Castle Pleasure Resort Company. Ada Webb is a high diver and tank performer, well known in the music halls.
http://sportinglives.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/missada-webb-miss-ada-webb-was-both.htmlArticle in Newcastle Courant, Feb 24 1900.
An Acrobats Last Performance – Death at South Shields
… inquest into the death of Albert Edwin Fenton, 34, …. from injuries received whilst practicing as a trapeze artist in Algie's circus in that town on Tuesday. Ada Fenton, trapeze artist, residing at 45 Mile End Road, said that the deceased was her husband, and his professional name was Elba. He and she were engaged professionally at Algie's Circus, South Shields. At 12:30 pm on Tuesday they were practicing in the circus. She was on one of the bars and her husband was on the pedestal. He was to swing off the pedestal, turn a somersault, and catch her hands. In attempting to do so, he turned too much, missed her hands and fell into the net. The distance he fell was about six feet and he alighted on the back of his neck. … The feat was one they had performed for years. Deceased had had 27 years experience as an acrobat....
Albert and Annie have a son named Elba, born 1904. Born Fenton on FreeBMD, Nair in the census that can't be mentioned, marries in Plymouth in 1924 as Fenton, Petty Officer Elba Fenton dies on HMS Prince of Wales, 10 Dec 1841, the Battleship that took part in the fight against the Bismarck and took Churchill to Newfoundland to meet Roosevelt. Was sunk by the Japanese in the South China Sea.
Lewis Fenton describes himself as a Gymnastic Artist at his marriage in 1906 to Emily Pearson, his father Albert Fenton is a Mechanic. Lewis is in Prison in a certain census, describes himself as a Music Hall Artist.
Some of the articles in the London Era (Theatrical newspaper).
5 Jan 1879.
Coventry Britannia Theatre. … Mons. Nair's wonderful pupils, Louie and Elba, are very graceful in their flying trapeze performances. The exploding bombshell from which Elba is fired is indeed a novelty.
28 March 1885.
Unparalleled success of Louis and Elba – the most gracious aerial display in the world. … ...
PS. In answer to enquiries. Captain Nair begs to state that Louie and Elba are not old men gymnasts from Manchester, but they are youths with the finest and smartest appearance ever known. Their ages 17 and 19......
8 March 1890.
Wanted – Talent of all kinds. March 31st onwards for combination. Terms and particulars to Elba Nair Circus, Dundee.
12 April 1890.
Wanted – Startling novelties for April 19th and Whit week. Equestrian, bear or lion, nothing too big. Authorised by committee to engage. Elba Nair, Flying Agent, Circus, Southport.
To all whom it may concern – all business transactions between Capt. Nair and Professor Le Wist terminated on April 5th. Signed – Capt M. Nair.
27 August 1892.
Miss Florence, Louis and Elba. Grand Circus Scarborough. Monday next, Winter Gardens. Address – Captain Nair.
14 Oct 1893.
Births: Nair. Miss Ada Webb (Mrs Elba Nair), champion lady swimmer, Sunday Oct 8th of a son.
10 Aug 1895.
Wanted. A girl ten to twelve years of age, as Apprentice. One that can walk the wire a little preferred. Good home with a well known family. Address Capt. Nair. 23 North Quay, Douglas, Isle of Man.
10 Sept 1898.
Wanted. The Address of Capt. Nair, by Mrs Nair, No. 4 back of 14 Eyre St., Springhill, Birmingham.
There is a marriage of an Annie F Nair to a John Kirby, Middlesbrough 1916. I suspect that is Annie remarrying after Albert's death. Marriage cert will give her fathers name, she may never have married Albert, given that his previous wife was searching for him in 1898.
Alan.
