Sussex: Charles HARMER, born 1832 Brighton (?)

[BAC3]

Hello,

The name HARMER is very popular in Sussex but, hopefully, someone can help solve a problem for me.

According to Charles HARMER's prison records in 1854 his parents were:  Father, Henry, a labourer, Mother, Jane, living in Pimlico, Brighton.   When he was released on parole from Parkhurst Prison in June 1854 his intention was to return to his parents at Brighton, which intimates they were still alive.   I cannot reconcile the parents with the child from the 1841,1851 Census, unless, of course, his mother died in 1836 (Burials 1538-1991 Ancestry) and father re-married.   And then is this the same Charles HARMER who removed to Lewisham, South London from about 1861 onwards?

I am confused and hope SKS can straighten my thinking

For the moment

BAC3

[sillgen]

 There is a baptism for a James Harmer in Brighton in 1851.  Parents Henry, labourer, and Jane of Bread Street, Brighton.   Can you find them in the 1851 census?
There is a marriage for Henry Harmer to Jane Clark in Brighton in 1830 but this may not be the same couple if they are still having children in 1851.
Worth joining the Sussex family History Group if you have Sussex ancestors.
There is an interesting entry from the Countess of Huntingdon, North Street, Brighton
 1731 - 1837
Baptism   Charles    Harmer     
Baptism Date     22-Apr    1832
Birth date     28-Feb     
Father     James    Harmer   Mother     Elizabeth   nee Taylor
Occupation     Plasterer   
Abode     4 Sussex Sq. Kemp Town   

A good red herring to chase!

[BAC3]

Good Morning sillgen,

Thank you for your reply.

You have highlighted the difficulties identifying the correct parentage and hence my confusion.   I am tempted to put all the possibilities into a bag, take a lucky dip and move forwards from there .   The two facts I am certain of are that his parents were Henry and Jane HARMER and he was born 1832......... and that must remain my starting point.

For now,

BAC3

[jonw65]

And then is this the same Charles HARMER who removed to Lewisham, South London from about 1861 onwards?

The Charles in Lewisham has a wife called Mary (Venus). Birth registrations of the children confirm her maiden name as Maynard, as per the Dec qtr 1853 marriage in Brighton.
The marriage is on Family Search, but is not indexed. Is written up in the St Nicholas marriage register, but was at St Peters Church.
1853
Oct 2
Charles Harmer, 21, Bachelor, Plasterer, father James Harmer, Plasterer
+
Mary Venus Maynard, 20, Spinster, father George Maynard, Flyman
residence for both 22 Newhaven St
after Banns
witnessed by Thomas Gillam, Sarah Jane Maynard
all signed
John

[jonw65]

A good red herring to chase!

Not a red herring, sillgen!
Birth reg of James Harmer in Brighton in Dec 1850, has maiden name of mother as Clark.
Are living in King Street, Brighton in 1851.
piece 1646 folio 609 page 39
Find them as Harman
Henry and Jane have son Charles, 16
Link to entry on Family Search -
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01j19/

[BAC3]

jonw65,

I think your research on the Lewisham aspect safely consigns my thoughts to the "must research better" bin.  Nevertheless, thank you for your help.

The 1851 Census reference is a very reasonable one, until I confess that my initial posting failed to confirm that Charles had been sentenced to 7 years transportation on 27/11/1850, since commuted with his release from Parkhurst Prison in 1854.  My apologies. However, I have discovered latterly that any letters written by him in prison to his parents were to be directed to his Aunt, Sarah HARMER, at 7 Telegraph Street, Brighton.   I have not followed up that lead as yet.

For now,

BAC3

[jonw65]

Hi
He's in Millbank Prison in 1851
Charles Harmer Convict Un 17 Labourer, born Sussex Brighton
piece 1479 folio 900 page 6
transcribed as Hanner (could even say that!)

shortly after -
PCOM2/59, Parkhurst Prison, Register of Prisoners
Charles Harmer (age 17)
where born - Heath Field nr Brighton, Sussex

Baptism at Heathfield
1834
May 25th
Charles
Son of Henry + Jane Harmer
abode Heathfield
father a Laborer

John

[BAC3]

John,

You have been privileged to uncover the PCOM2 reference using FindMyPast I assume........the same privilege is not available to me even though I subscribe at the "World" level.  This non-availability of PCOM2 has been a long-running argument between myself and FindMyPast, although another correspondent has suffered the same problem, and I am in the process of "divorcing" the relationship as the subscription is nearing renewal!!!

However, personal arrangements aside, at least the parentage and upbringing of Charles HARMER now seems successfully resolved.   Thank you.

For the moment,

Tony

[jonw65]

Hi
Sorry to hear about your findmypast problem. I can't understand why you aren't allowed to have the records.

Just put this up -
Another marriage possibility might be -
5 June 1827, Ticehurst
Henry Harmer
+
Jane Kemp, Spinster
both of the parish
by Banns
wit Maria Harmer, James Powell
all marked

Followed there by a baptism of a son John, 13 July 1828, abode Ticehurst, father a Labourer.

From the indexes on FS, these are the baptisms at Heathfield to Henry and Jane Harmer -
Caroline, 23 July 1830 (from the image, father a Farmer or Farrier??)
Edward, 15 May 1832 (ditto)
Jane, 24 Nov 1833 (ditto)
Charles, 25 May 1834 (Laborer)

Just six months between the baptisms of Jane and Charles.
Good luck with your Harmers!
John