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Australia / Re: POTTER
« on: Sunday 19 August 07 06:37 BST (UK) »You guys are really helpful - thankyou for taking the time.
Ok - story that I know so far......
fact- I have birth, baptism and marriage certificates of Henry John Potter. Born 04/03/1884, married 16/10/1903.
fact- 1st child born 1904 (m), 2nd child born 1907 (f), 3rd child born 1909(m), 4th child born 1912 (m).
- Harry deserted wife/family #1 and went to the U.S. He "joined" the U.S navy.
fact- Have photo of him in uniform WW1 - 4 bands on the sleeve (Commander?). He never divorced #1.
- Family story (hearsay) - he was under government employ as secret agent/spy/service from England to U.S. (could be embellishment to save face). This apparently took place any time between the birth of 4th child in 1912 and 1918/9 upon his return to England.
- He met and married a lady in the U.S. and had a family (bigamy).
- He deserts wife/family #2 and returns to England and wife/family#1, towards end of WW1.
- He is still employed by English or U.S. navy/government.
fact- He moves to Australia in 1919.
fact- His 1st child son Harold Henry John born 1904 was enlisted in English navy WW1, but was included in family move to Australia in 1919.
fact- Henry enlists in Australian Army and is stationed at Park Orchard Melbourne Victoria, WW2. Park Orchard is/was a communications base and is now called Watsonia.
fact- A letter was found about 25 years ago (now destroyed), from wife#2 in America demanding that wife #1 return her husband. No details were recorded or remembered other than it was post marked U.S.A. 1930's. Skeleton best left untouched.
fact- I have photographs of grave/headstone of Henry and wife #1 Susan from current living daughter (my great aunt).
(- I also have death certificate of 2nd child. Only details pertaining to immigration is: Place of Birth and Period of Residence in Australia)
This coincides with time frame of arrival into Australia as being 1919.
- I am now about to tackle the U.S. census for that period of time.
thanks again
Michele