Author Topic: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men  (Read 1481 times)

Offline hiyamarra

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Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« on: Wednesday 07 March 18 08:21 GMT (UK) »
I know this is a long shot, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
These pictures were in a box with other family photo's. Some I knew, others I've managed to work out.
Many of my ancestors were Travellers in and around Cumberland. I suspect these men could be Berry's, Knowles, Keenan's or Miller's.
It's so sad when photo's can't be identified, it's history lost forever.
Thanks
Keenan, McKenzie, Knowles, Berry, Gregg, Hutchinson, Allan, Strickland.

Offline Steve G

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 15:59 GMT (UK) »
I know this is gonna sound absurd, but; I'd put money on that last one being a Berry. The resemblance to my old mate is just uncanny!  It really hit me, like a smack in the mouth, the second I scrolled down to it :o

 
GAITES (Alverstoke / Bath Pre 1850)
CURTIS (Portsmouth & 1800's Berkshire).
BURGE (Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire)
HUNTLEY (Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, 'Surroundings')

Offline hiyamarra

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 16:11 GMT (UK) »
Thats really interesting. In the same box was this photo, but this one had the names on the back
Left (looking at it) John Keenan 1902 and right Richard (Dick) Berry 1898, they were cousins
The photo was taken in 1923 and sent to relatives as the boys were emigrating to Canada. Their papers gave their occupations as "horse dealers"
How do you tie in with the Berry's ?
I've been researching them for several years and have lots of information about them. I also have lots on other "Cumberland Travelling Families"
Keenan, McKenzie, Knowles, Berry, Gregg, Hutchinson, Allan, Strickland.

Offline Steve G

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #3 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 16:19 GMT (UK) »
No tie ins. I just happen to have known a Berry for some years. And, it's doubly weird because, when ever people gave it all that, " Oh, yes! He has his fathers eyes! " And all that stuff about babies. Or even of adults, with, " I can see the family resemblance! " I'd be like  ???

But, scrolling through those photo's, just for something to read, I came to that last one and thought, " Jesus wept!!! That could be Mick's brother! ".

The whole structure of the face. I mean, even the hair line, for gods sake! It's uncanny.

Wish I had anything more substantive to add  :(
GAITES (Alverstoke / Bath Pre 1850)
CURTIS (Portsmouth & 1800's Berkshire).
BURGE (Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire)
HUNTLEY (Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, 'Surroundings')


Offline hiyamarra

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #4 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 16:31 GMT (UK) »

I've solved other photo mysteries with crack like this
Keep thinking
So, I'm guessing Mick would be Michael Berry ??
Any idea on when and where he was born
Keenan, McKenzie, Knowles, Berry, Gregg, Hutchinson, Allan, Strickland.

Offline Steve G

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #5 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 17:38 GMT (UK) »
Yeppers. Mick / Michael would have been born, give or take, 1957ish.

I'd imagine he was born and bred Portsmouth. I never discussed his ancestry with him. I never saw his parents, though I know they lived local.

The only other item, germane to this discussion is the simple fact that Portsmouth is absolutely awash with Gypsy blood. Settled, yes. But, my mothers generation were like a huge, social web.

I always say my mum wouldn't have given anyone without Gypsy blood the time of day. But, she had a Lot of friends. It's only since growing up and delving into it that I've realised / recognised the link between all those names.

So, yeah. Scratch the surface and Portsmouth's like a Gypsy Blood Who's Who.   And my old mate, Mick, bore a quite ridiculous resemblance to the bloke in your photo.

The Stanley's all had a look to them. If the Berry's have a look? That'd be it.
 
GAITES (Alverstoke / Bath Pre 1850)
CURTIS (Portsmouth & 1800's Berkshire).
BURGE (Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire)
HUNTLEY (Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, 'Surroundings')

Offline hiyamarra

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Re: Does anyone recognise these Travelling men
« Reply #6 on: Wednesday 07 March 18 18:53 GMT (UK) »
Thanks Steve
Lets see if anyone else recognises
Keenan, McKenzie, Knowles, Berry, Gregg, Hutchinson, Allan, Strickland.