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« on: Sunday 17 May 15 15:48 BST (UK) »
My 2nd great grandfather born 1867 in Birmingham, UK.
Henry Richard Vernals had a great life. However, on 24th July 1912 aboard the Royal Edward fled for the United States. Henry left his wife, Mary Jane and his three sons, Henry, Clarence and Harold in Sheffield to fend for themselves.
We know Henry changed his name to Harry Bell and this is the name he used to board the Royal Edward at Bristol and head for America via Quebec, Canada. He also took approx 7/8 years off his age.
We also know from the 1920 census, between 1912 and 1920 he married again to a woman named Della, became naturalized living in Lucas County and worked in an automobile factory.
Interestingly, Della is listed as French Canadian on the 1920, 1930 and 1940 census. Did Henry Vernals/Harry Bell meet Della in Quebec when he first arrived? Who is Della Bell. What is her maiden name?
Della died in 1940. Leaving Henry/Harry a widow. No children are listed on any census. We already know Henry/Harry was a bigamist after leaving Mary Jane back in the UK.
From Family connections, we know Henry/Harry came back to the UK in March 1959, aboard the Sylvania from New York to Liverpool. He had put an advertisement in the local paper asking for information on his three sons and wife. The advertisement was answered by Clarence's son Fred.
Henry/Harry found his wife and three sons had passed away. After 2 weeks, on 28th March 1959, Henry/Harry left the UK and went back to the United States aboard the Media from Liverpool to New York.
Harry died not long after on the 11th July 1960 at the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, Lucas County. Toledo. OHIO.
I am unable to locate a marriage record for Harry Bell and Della.
I am unable to find cemetery records for Harry Bell or Della Bell.
I cannot find a maiden name for Della.
I cannot find any naturalization records for Harry Bell or Della.
Does any one have any ideas where I could look next?
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