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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Somerset => Topic started by: carolinelise on Monday 16 October 06 22:37 BST (UK)

Title: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: carolinelise on Monday 16 October 06 22:37 BST (UK)

I have a problem, I'm trying to trace my brother in laws family for him and so far we have done well on his great grandmothers side.

It's his great grandfather we are struggling with.

I have the marriage certificate for the couple and had hoped that it would give me clues as to the husband's lineage.

John Strawbridge Aged 43 Bachelor occ Packer : G.W.R. residence at time of marriage Bruton father James Strawbridge (deceased) No occupation for father.

He married Rachel Mary Stainer on 31st October 1908.

Could anyone please suggest a line i can try. I've tried pulling up all the John Strawbridge's and looking at their occupations but nothing stands out.

His daughter Hilda only vaguely remembers him as he threw himself on a railway line and was killed when she was very young.

Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Caroline

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: AMBLY on Monday 16 October 06 23:29 BST (UK)

Hi Caroline

When he married Rachel:

What  were the witness' names?

Does his daughter perhaps remember him as, or believe him to be,  a Somerset born man?

Cheers
AMBLY

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: AMBLY on Monday 16 October 06 23:44 BST (UK)

Hi again

Don't know if you know this or not: but GWR stands  for Great Western Railway :
http://www.wikimirror.com/Great_Western_Railway

And a "Packer" apparently:
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/ENG-SOMERSET/2002-11/1037645245
Is: "A worker in a permanent way gang who packs ballast under and between railway sleepers to make foundation of the rails stable and level...."

You might also find a "Packer" described as a Platelayer I think.

Cheers
AMBLY

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: carolinelise on Monday 16 October 06 23:46 BST (UK)

Hi AMBLY,

the witnesses were Elizabeth Harriett Stainer and William  Stainer so nothing there really.

AS I said she only has the memory of the police man coming to tell her mother her husband had been found.

Thanks
Caroline

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: carolinelise on Monday 16 October 06 23:48 BST (UK)

He went out one night to collect wood and never returned. A sad end.

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: Keziahemm on Tuesday 17 October 06 00:12 BST (UK)

Hi Caroline

Have found in 1901

James Elliott  Head  M  64  Stone Quarryman   Worker  Somerset Marston
Martha Elliott  Wife  M  61  -  Somerset Frome
John Strawbridge  Boarder  S  28  Railway Platelayer   Worker  Dorset Sherborne

Styles Hill Lane, Frome & Selwood
RG13/2309  folio 15  page 28

Age is out according to marriage certificate, but occupation is a good fit and the name is not common  ???

Susan  :)

Title: Re: John Strawbridge G.W.R.
Post by: AMBLY on Tuesday 17 October 06 00:40 BST (UK)

Snap! Susan
I just found the same fellow - and was wondering the same thing -  ages on Census can be very wrong, as can POB's, particulary if the person giving the information is not the person in question.  And  I can't find him on earlier Census either, can you?

Perhaps the Death certificate may have a clue?

Cheers
AMBLY