William Harcourt HENWOOD c1897-1967

[SandraAust]

Hi all.

I'm looking for information re the above. The first proven record for him is a 1931 newspaper article for his first marriage: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HC19310401.2.14.17?query=henwood%20otaki

They had five children before he mysteriously left the family and is then seen living in Waikato and Auckland by mid 1940 electoral rolls. He has then formed a relationship that led to another four children (some of whom are living but at least one is aware that I am researching and has been helpful with information) and eventually marriage though no divorce appears to have taken place. The first wife died in 1959 so it is possible that was the impetus for marriage.

You will see that the newspaper article indicates his background was Irish and indeed a daughter from his first marriage grew up believing him to have been such. The second family were told he was born on a specific date in New Plymouth in 1897. Quite different obviously so I'm wondering if there is any way to backtrack prior to the 1931 article.

I have a couple of my own theories that I won't put in print but I also wonder about his cemetery plaque giving a military service number plus involvement in both WW's where I can find no record either on Archway or Aust Archives. Irish census for 1901 and 1911 show no family of that name in County Cavan.

Fingers crossed for anything that can be found prior to 1931 that might prove his background. I have already found PapersPast articles re his taxi driving so don't need those.

TIA
Sandra

[minniehaha]

Hi Sandra,


You will have seen this? Same person? but born in Cornwall..........

https://www.ancestry.com/boards/thread.aspx?mv=tree&m=147&p=surnames.henwood


Minniehaha.

[SandraAust]

Hi minniehaha,

Definitely the same person in question but nothing on UK BMD to support that name, though it brings me back to a suspicion I have. Is it okay if I PM you with my thoughts?

Oh and this is related to the German STONE family you were looking at for me a few weeks ago, though the other side of the same husband/wife.

Sandra

Hi Sandra,


You will have seen this? Same person? but born in Cornwall..........

https://www.ancestry.com/boards/thread.aspx?mv=tree&m=147&p=surnames.henwood


Minniehaha.

[minniehaha]

Hi Sandra,

Go for it.....

I look forward to hearing from you.

Helen.

[maddys52]

Possibly the idea that William was born in Cornwall (in the Ancestry message board thread) came from the birth registration of William Henry HENWOOD in Jun qtr 1897 Falmouth, Cornwall (mother's maiden name MITCHELL), most likely Henry HENWOOD jnr and Mary Ellen MITCHELL - the family can be found on the 1901 and 1911 census in Tregony, Cornwall.

I don't think this is "your" William, though I haven't checked further.

[SandraAust]

Thanks Maddy,

Yes HENWOOD seems to have been a pretty common name in Cornwall and why oh why did everyone have the same name? 

Sandra

Possibly the idea that William was born in Cornwall (in the Ancestry message board thread) came from the birth registration of William Henry HENWOOD in Jun qtr 1897 Falmouth, Cornwall (mother's maiden name MITCHELL), most likely Henry HENWOOD jnr and Mary Ellen MITCHELL - the family can be found on the 1901 and 1911 census in Tregony, Cornwall.

I don't think this is "your" William, though I haven't checked further.

[jorose]

What information is on the 1931 marriage certificate?

There are some Henwoods in New Plymouth, possibly related? Illegitimacy or adoption involved?

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/146898594
 the "103330" could be his number, but 10/3330 is a Hingston Bond Luscombe:
https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=10921120&digital=yes
This man was married, but he divorced 1920, remarried 1922 - can't find a death for him

[Lucy2]

Mmm ... the memorial plaque bearing his service number, also includes >  A.  I.  F. >  which suggests he served in the Australian Imperial Forces.   

    ~  Lu

[Lucy2]

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/146898594
 the "103330" could be his number, but 10/3330 is a Hingston Bond Luscombe:
https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=10921120&digital=yes
This man was married, but he divorced 1920, remarried 1922 - can't find a death for him

Henry Bond LUSCOMBE the son of above, died at Wellington in December 1939.   His mother, Anne Maria SIEVERS made application for administration of his estate in 1950 at which time she stated that Hingston Bond LUSCOMBE could not be traced.
Added:   Florence, the 2nd wife (1922), died in NZ in 1955.  Her will dated 1953 (listing her as "married woman") doesn't mention a husband ... her 3 children were named beneficiaries of her estate.