Confectioners Timekeeper

[tinribs]

Can anyone with a sweet tooth help?

I'm trying to trace a confectionery company that would be large enough to employ a Timekeeper.

The area I'm interested in would be within traveling distance? of Ash Street, Newington, for a nineteen year old female, Great Grandmother, Lilian Sewell.

The 1901 census describes her occupation as a warehouse packer. The enumerator has written over the top of her entry "Sweets" RG13/385,ed 18,folio 18 page 28.

Any pointers would be a starting point in tracking down my elusive Great Grandfather: Christopher Thomas Williams the Timekeeper.

I can't find Christopher in the 1901 census as a Timekeeper, presumably he took up that post after the census? What his trade was prior to that I have no idea. He is turning into an enigma.

Thanks, in anticipation, for reading this

Tinribs

[jennifer c]

Hi, Have you got any idea of a date of birth for Christopher, there are 8 listed in the London 1891 index?

Jennifer

[tinribs]

Hi Jennifer,

Unfortunately no! There seems to be a blank surrounding the identity of Christopher Thomas. As it stands I have a list of 20 individuals who could be the correct one.

Of those 20 in 1901 there doesn't appear to be to many who would have the necessary background to take up a timekeepers post. A subjective view.

The only other clue I have is this man was supposed to have been dead by 1927 when my grandfather married. I have checked the GRO's and discovered there are two who may fit the bill, just by area. However they would have been twice the age of my Great Grandmother. Not inconceivable by any means.

In theory "I guess" I'm looking for a person from the age of 16 ish to 55 ish. Someone who had the skills to become a timekeeper and possibly a background in confectionery.

The only other info I have on Christopher Thomas is 1902 he was recorded as the father to my grandfather. living at 42 Larcom Street, Newington. He than lived at 13 Danson Road. From what I'm told he dissapeared off the electoral register for that area in 1911.

Not much help I'm afraid. The family are keeping his identity a secret.
 
Kind Regards

Derek

[jennifer c]

Hello, I have checked all the Christopher Williams against the births and have eliminated them all except one.
Christopher Newington age 11 was Christopher Arthur.
Christopher Camberwell age 23 was Christopher Llewellyn.
Christopher Wandsworth age 12 was Christopher James.
The one I had left  was Christopher age 31 a Wine Merchants Porter born Marlborough Wilts
Annie wife 28 born Ireland Athlone
William H 6 Born Kentish Town/ Alice C 4 Born London/ Frederick G 1 Born Newington.
RG12/366 folio 8 5 Steadman Street NewingtonChristopher Williams Dec qtr 1860 Bermonsey 1d 99

The others were in Poplar & Hampstead, the ages did not fit either.

Perhaps Annie died and Christopher need a young fit girl to take on his family?

Hope this helps.

Jennifer

[ricky1]

Hi tinribs
I googled and found this NESTLÉ UK LTD

Nestlé UK is an important component of this international company. 

The story started in 1868, when Henri Nestlé set up a sales office in London. In 1901, Nestlé opened its first UK factory, and in 1905 merged with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. 

Over the years Nestlé has acquired other names almost as famous as its own - notably Rowntree's - as well as gaining a reputation for innovation. 

In 1913 chocolate production began at Hayes, including the launch of the famous brand of white chocolate Milky Bar in 1937.


ricky

[tinribs]

Hello, I have checked all the Christopher Williams against the births and have eliminated them all except one.
Christopher Newington age 11 was Christopher Arthur.
Christopher Camberwell age 23 was Christopher Llewellyn.
Christopher Wandsworth age 12 was Christopher James.
The one I had left  was Christopher age 31 a Wine Merchants Porter born Marlborough Wilts
Annie wife 28 born Ireland Athlone
William H 6 Born Kentish Town/ Alice C 4 Born London/ Frederick G 1 Born Newington.
RG12/366 folio 8 5 Steadman Street NewingtonChristopher Williams Dec qtr 1860 Bermonsey 1d 99

The others were in Poplar & Hampstead, the ages did not fit either.

Perhaps Annie died and Christopher need a young fit girl to take on his family?

Hope this helps.

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the info.It's given me something to think about.

As for the young fit girl theory I do know Lilian Had at least two other affairs with men from the local area. Her affair/ relationship with Christopher Thomas lasted around 10 years and produced four children by him. She then had an affair or relationship with another married man which lasted from 1910 ish up until 1914 ish.

She then married in 1914 using her maiden name, not the one she had entered on her childrens birth certificates. Strangely she married a Williams. Lilian then died in 1917 and it is believed her legal husband also died in France.

In 1917 three of her children were placed into care along with three of the children of the man she had been in a relationship with from 1910 to 1914. the story carries on twisting and turning.

I do have plenty of theories and ideas. But that's all they are. Proof is going to be the difficult bit.

Again, thanks for the interest shown. Its always good to have a fresh view on a situation.

Regards

Derek

[tinribs]

Hi tinribs
I googled and found this NESTLÉ UK LTD

Nestlé UK is an important component of this international company. 

The story started in 1868, when Henri Nestlé set up a sales office in London. In 1901, Nestlé opened its first UK factory, and in 1905 merged with the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company. 

Over the years Nestlé has acquired other names almost as famous as its own - notably Rowntree's - as well as gaining a reputation for innovation. 

In 1913 chocolate production began at Hayes, including the launch of the famous brand of white chocolate Milky Bar in 1937.


ricky

Hi Ricky,

Thanks for the info. It's one company I didn't consider.

I will have to do some digging to see what I can find out.

Thanks for the interst and response.

Regards

Derek

[Jones the Search]

Hi Derek 
 Have you tried looking in a trade directory?
www.historicaldirectories.org
This site does get busy, but it is full of directories for all over the country.
                     Patricia 

[jennifer c]

Hi, What a short sad life.

Did she give her maiden name as Lilian Sewell on your Gf. birth certificate?
Is this the same name she gave on her marriage certificate in 1914. If so, what was her fathers name and occupation?
Where did she give her place of birth on the 1901 census?

I will try to pick her or her family up on earlier census.

Jennifer