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Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: klmadz2301 on Thursday 16 November 17 08:49 GMT (UK)
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I hope someone can please help.
I am looking for any information on Florence Eliza Offord, especially information regarding her birth, death or marriage.
She was born sometime around the end of the 1800's (parents names are possibly George Offord and Mildred) and although I believe she was born in England, I am not sure. Florence married Thomas Henry Banks in Perth, Western Australia in 1926 and they had a daughter together. However, I have found evidence that she was also the mother of Leonard William Smith, born 1919 and James Walter Fredrick Smith, born 1925. According to stories in the family, Florence was married several times, although the only known surnames were Offord, Banks and Smith. She is listed as Smith at her daughters wedding in 1944.
There is several family trees on Ancestry with information regarding Florence, however none of them have any concrete evidence, like certificates. I would really appreciate any help that can be given.
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Hello klmadz2301 and welcome to rootschat!
There is this thread form 2010 which you will find interesting:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=461435.0
Florence Eliza OFFORD birth registered Mar qtr 1894 in King's Lynn (Norfolk) (04b/333), mother's maiden name PAYNE.
From the above thread parents George OFFORD and Mildred Emma PAYNE.
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The West Australian 29June 1927 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/32036362
FUNERAL NOTICES.
BANKS. — The Friends of the late Thomas Henry Banks, late of 12 James-street, Perth, beloved husband of Florence Eliza Banks, are respectfully invited to follow his remains to the place of interment the Anglican Cemetery, Karrakatta. The Funeral is appointed to leave the Private Mortuary of Messrs. C. H. Smith and Co., 281 Newcastle-street, Perth, at 9.15 o'clock THIS (Monday) MORNING, per road. Friends wishing to attend the Funeral may proceed by the 10.15a.m. train leaving Perth.
Possible Marriage: 1928 #1022 Florence E. BANKS and Charles G. EVERITT; Perth
The West Australian 4June1930 EVERITT. — On May 31, at Children's Hospital, George Charles, the dearly beloved son of Charles George and Florence Everitt, Rowland-street, Maylands; aged five months. Interred privately
The West Australian 10 Dec 1954 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52968922
Justice Virtue granted orders nisi for divorce in the following 17 undefended cases....
Charles George Everitt v. Florence Eliza Everitt. Ground: Five years separation..
Death: 1969 #361 Charles George EVERITT; 74; Fremantle
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The 1954 electoral roll has a Florence Eliza SMITH at the same address as Leonard William SMITH. I can't see her on rolls after that but there is a death reg'n for SMITH Florence E for Perth in 1953. The following year but electoral rolls aren't always updated immediately.
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Thank you so much for your help. I found the newspaper article on Trove already, so that is a small piece that i already have.
The story in the family is that Florence moved to Victoria and apparently died in 1984 but I havent been able to find anything to back up this information.
At the moment, im very interest to know if she married Leonard Smith's father, as I cant seem to find a marriage certificate, but I did find one for her marriage to Thomas Henry Banks in 1926. They had a daughter in March 1927 and that is my grandmother but Thomas Henry Banks died three months later. It was after his death that she started using Smith as her last name, but I can't find any marriage certificates and it was well known in the family, and from my grandmother, that Florence "got around". Sadly my grandmother passed away a few years ago and there is no one else that I can ask for anymore information.
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From Vic BDM
Death 1984
Florence Eliza METZ, Father George OFFORD, mother Mildred Emma (Payne) at Melbourne
age 90 Born Kings Lynn Norfolk England
Ros
adding : link Vic BDM https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/bdm/indexsearch.doj
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Oh my goodness, thank you so so much. That is her. I knew her parents names already. thank you :D
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1958 W.A. electoral roll
Florence Eliza METZ , 40 Ninth Ave, Maylands, HD
Charles Henry METZ, 40 Ninth Ave, Maylands, _
1967 Vic Electoral roll
128 Brighton St, Richmond South, HD
1980 Vic electoral roll
Florence Eliza METZ, 26 Union St, Prahran, machinist
Just a few of the electoral roll entries - do you have access? If not I can type some more
Ros
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Burial for Charles Henry METZ in 1968 http://www2.mcb.wa.gov.au/NameSearch/details.php?id=KC00020788
Ros
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WA marriage: http://www.wamarriage.info
1956 #1075 Charles Henry METZ and Florence EVERRITT; Perth
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Thank you so much. No i dont have access so anything that you can share would be beyond appreciated :D
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Some mentions of Charles Henry METZ on trove http://www.rootschat.com/links/01l29/
1963 Electoral Rolls W.A
Charles Henry METZ, 44 York St, Subiaco, _
Florence Eliza METZ, 44 York St, Subiaco, HD
1972 ER Vic
Florence Eliza METZ, 4/14 Woodlawn St, Richmond, __
1977 ER Vic
Florence Eliza METZ, 1/28 Fraser St, Richmond __
Ros
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Charles Henry METZ was married in 1903 Maude Lillian WOOD (died 1908) and 1912 Hannah Bygrove ATKINSON (died 1947)
He was a Clerk in the Lands Department and was naturalised 10th Feb 1935
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/result?q=%22Charles+Henry+METZ%22&sortby=dateAsc
https://www.legislation.gov.au/file/1935GN10 (pg 245, pg 5 in this link, right hand column)
naa.gov.au naturalisation file (can request a copy for a fee)
METZ Charles Henry - born 15 February 1871 - US American
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Florence Everitt wasnt the ancestor im after. Their marriage date is when she was going by the surname Smith as she was mentioned as Mrs F E Smith at her daughters 1944 wedding. it says Charles Metz married Florence Everitt in 1936
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Florence Everitt wasnt the ancestor im after. Their marriage date is when she was going by the surname Smith as she was mentioned as Mrs F E Smith at her daughters 1944 wedding. it says Charles Metz married Florence Everitt in 1936
WA marriage: http://www.wamarriage.info
1956 #1075 Charles Henry METZ and Florence EVERRITT; Perth
She may not have married SMITH and may only have been in a defacto relationship
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Springvale Botanical Cemetery https://mgc.smct.org.au/deceasedsearch/result/492104
Florence Eliza Metz; Cremated; Date of Service 23 August 1984
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Where are you seeing Leonard William SMITH to be the son of Florence Eliza OFFORD?.
Where was he born?.
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Plaque for Florence at Springvale however the tenure on the location has expired.
https://billiongraves.com/grave/Florence-Eliza-Metz/6755507
Cando
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I have found evidence that she was also the mother of Leonard William Smith, born 1919 and James Walter Fredrick Smith, born 1925
This is possibly the birth of Leonard William in England
Births Mar 1919
OFFORD Leonard W Mother Offord Croydon 2a/317
Cando
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James Walter Fredrick Smith, born 1925
Birth in WA
SMITH James W F
District Blackwood Reg#145 1925
Cando
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naa.gov.au
SMITH J**** W***** F********: Service Number - 32818 : Date of birth - 18 Jun 1925 : Place of birth - BLACKWOOD WA : Place of enlistment - SYDNEY : Next of Kin - LATOSEA
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4539482
Image 1: Mother- Florence E. Smith 30 Monmouth ? Mt Lawley WA
Image 3: Mother- Elizabeth 30 Monmouth Cl Mt Lawley WA
The West Australian 13Dec1944 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/44989355
SMITH (nee Stone).-On December 11, at St David's. Mt Lawley. to Dvr (AIF. returned ME) and Mrs L. W. Smith (30 Monmouth-street. Mt Lawley and York)-a son (M****** W******). Both well. No visitors for 5 days.
WA marriage: 1944 # 610 M******* F. BANKS and F**** FISHER; Perth
The West Australian 10thMar1945 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45000557
1ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
FISHER-BANK,.--Mrs. and Mr F. Fisher have much pleasure in announcing the 1st Anniversary of their Marriage which took place on March 11, 1944. at St George Cathedral Perth. Rev. Thomas officiating. Present address 30 Monmouth-street. Mt Lawley.
The West Australian 6Dec1946 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/46245881
FISHER (nee Banks).--On December 4, at St. David's, Mt. Lawley, to M******* and F****--a daughter (K******* M*******). Both well. Strictly no visitors for five days.
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In 1949 a person of the same name is enrolled to vote at Mildura, Victoria and until 1968 in New South Wales.
I have been searching for the son Leonard's arrival in Western Australia. Easier to find than searching for Florence as she may be listed as Mrs * SMITH.
This is a possibility and the only one for a Leonard born c1919.
Mr John Thomas Frederick SMITH, 35 years, labourer; Mrs Elizabeth SMITH 30, wife; Leonard 5 years and John Thomas Frederick, 2 years embarked from London on 24 Jan 1924 on the SS BENDIGO contracted to land at Fremantle, Western Australia. Last country of permanent residence, England. Country of Intended permanent residence, Australia.
Of course it may not be them.
Cando
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John T F SMITH, birth reg Dec qtr 1921Woolwich (1d/2131) mother's maiden name OFFORD
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So it would appear to be Florence Eliza on the SS BENDIGO in 1924.
Cando
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I do not know who among these people is alive -
The birth notice, Dec 1944, to L W SMITH and wife, see this man as enlistment #38768 WW2 born 5 Feb 1926, Perth. See name of wife, and find her as STONE birth, WA.
....and the name of his mother?
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Possibly two years older than age on the passenger list.
Births Sep 1887
SMITH John Thomas F Woolwich 1d/1222
Baptised Holy Trinity, Woolwich, Greenwich 4 Sep 1887 with parents James and Lucy. Father a labourer in the Royal Arsenal.
Australian Electoral Roll
WA 1926
SMITH Florence Elizabeth Group 109, Northcliffe HD
SMITH John Thomas Frederick Group 109 Northcliffe Labourer
WA 1931
SMITH John Thomas Frederick Churchman's Brook Labourer
May be him in NSW.
NSW 1933
SMITH John Thomas Frederick 68 Brock's Lane, Newtown Motor driver
I doubt they were married.
Cando
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I do not know who among these people is alive -
The birth notice, Dec 1944, to L W SMITH and wife, see this man as enlistment #38768 WW2 born 5 Feb 1926, Perth. See name of wife, and find her as STONE birth, WA.
....and the name of his mother?
OP mentioned that Leonard William was born 1919 and I found his birth registered as OFFORD in England.
Cando
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Sorry guys, havent had a chance to get back online since last night. My grandmother, when she was still alive, said that she had two older brothers Leonard and James, although they called him Jimmy. my grandmother was very close to Leonard. All the information I was given from my aunty and my grandmother was that Leonard and James were my grandmothers brothers, although I havent seen a birth certificate for either of them. All are deceased now unfortunately so I cant go to them for information. A quick search of the Perth BDM site shows that no child named Leonard William Smith was born in Perth in 1919, which I believe was because he was born in England. However I found James W F Smith being born in Perth in 1925. All that matches the dates of my family members. These are information that I got from my grandmother before she died.
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the only other name that relates to Florence, Leonard and James is John Thomas Fredrick Smith. I dont know if that was Florence's first husband or if they were ever married. I also don't know if they had another son whom they named John Thomas Fredrick Smith.
Leonard was born in 1919, James was born in 1925 in Perth Western Australia. Florence married Thomas Henry Banks in 1926 in Perth and then my grandmother Margaret Florence was born in 1927 (march) also in Perth. Thomas Henry Banks died in June 1927. Some time between 1927 and 1944 (thats when my grandmother got married and Florence was listed as Smith in the newspaper announcement), Florence either married a Smith or changed her name to Smith.
Florence is a very big puzzle because there are so many conflicting stories, and now that everyone is deceased, its even hard to get the truth.
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Are you reading all the posts?
Leonard was born in England as an OFFORD and emigrated with his parents and brother John Thomas in 1924. There is no other Leonard SMITH born 1919 who emigrated to Fremantle.
You need to purchase Florence Eliza's death certificate. It should show ALL the names of her chn.
Cando
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Thank you for all your help. I will definitely purchase a death cert for Florence.
THank you again for everything that you have found for me :)
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Pleased to have helped. It is always good to be part of a team effort.
Cando :)
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SMITH J**** W***** F********: Service Number - 32818 : Date of birth - 18 Jun 1925 : Place of birth - BLACKWOOD WA : Place of enlistment - SYDNEY : Next of Kin - LATOSEA
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4539482
Image 1: Mother- Florence E. Smith 30 Monmouth ? Mt Lawley WA
Image 3: Mother- Elizabeth 30 Monmouth Cl Mt Lawley WA
Is this another son?
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59176458
Sunday Times 21 Mar 1943
Child Injured
Alexander Offord Smith (10), of Monmouth-street, Mt Lawley,jumped off a stationary ice waggon in Blake-street, North Perth,early last night and waa knocked down by a passing motor car. The youngster was taken by St John ambulance to the Children's Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from abrasions to the chest, face and legs, also shock
Birth
SMITH Alexander O
District Swan Reg#314 1932
Cando
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Is this another son?
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59176458
Sunday Times 21 Mar 1943
Child Injured
Alexander Offord Smith (10), of Monmouth-street, Mt Lawley,jumped off a stationary ice waggon in Blake-street, North Perth,early last night and waa knocked down by a passing motor car. The youngster was taken by St John ambulance to the Children's Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from abrasions to the chest, face and legs, also shock
Birth
SMITH Alexander O
District Swan Reg#314 1932
Cando
The West Australian 31Dec1954 http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52971960
Man Steals £6 From Girl's Bag
A 22-year-old labourer who stole £6 from his "girl friend's" handbag when he took her to the pictures on December 20, was sentenced to a total of four months' imprisonment in the Perth Police Court yes
terday on three stealing charges...
Marriage 1956 #1397 SMITH-SMITH http://www.wamarriage.info
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Re reply#20....I am not seeing an enlistment file at NAA for L(eonard) W(illiam) SMITH, husband of STONE. Can anyone see a file?
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Alexander is my grandmothers younger half brother. we knew she had one but didnt know any other details. thank you for enlightening me :)
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any possible way of finding if alexander is still alive. anyway to check electoral roll?
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Hi klmadz2301
I am Len's granddaughter. Love for you to get in touch. Sorry to hear about your grandmother. We were discussing the other day whether she was still alive. Uncle Alex died quite a few years ago. He was in QLD. He contacted Len before he died regarding Florence's stuff.
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Hi there
I’ve just found this thread on the internet.
Florence was my great grandfathers sister. I’m a decendant of William George Offord born 1895
We don’t know much about his father George as we were told that he left Minnie for another woman.
After the marriage breakdown William George was passed to aunts and auncle (not sure which yet).
We don’t know much about Florence and what happened to her.
The family has found a lot about our ancestors and we have some pictures you maybe interested in seeing.
It would be wonderful to swop information.
What I can tell you at the moment is that William George married Gladys Louise Redington who was a wonderful woman. I have a few memories of her as a very young child. William passed away in 1975 and Gladys in 1987. They had three girls and a boy, two of whom are still alive and in their last 80s early 90s. Gwendoline their daughter was my grandmother. She passed away about 15 years ago.
From the thread I’ve seen it looks as though Florence has 4 children?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Aoife