I have a lot of evidence about two Bauer families that appear to be linked, but I am having problems finding that last bit of proof.
In one family there is a Hugh BAUER, perfumer, born in Belfast Ireland in 1824 with father Joseph BAUER who was a cook. According to oral history, Joseph was supposed to have been a cook in the French Court.
Hugh became a partner in the company Osborne Bauer & Cheeseman, Perfumers to the Queen, with their premises in Golden Square, London.
In the other family there is Francois Joseph BAUER, baptised 27th June 1828 St James, Westminster, London
Parents: Joseph BAUER and Isabella
?? (possibly Leoffois???)
Joseph BAUER had the occupation of cook in the 1851 census. He was given as born in Paris, France.
Francois BAUER became a cook, married Sarah Ann BLADES in 1851, had two sons before migrating to Victoria in 1856, his wife and children following two years later. His eldest son Frederick drowned in 1860, and by 1861 Sarah and younger son Francois junior were back in England with her parents. Sarah died in 1876, her son Francois junior returned to Australia, and Francois senior remarried in 1887. On his second marriage certificate both of his parents are named – Joseph BAUER and Isabella Leoffois (
??)
Meanwhile Francois had established the Isle of Wight Hotel on Phillip Island, where he used to greet his guests dressed as a French count. In the years between his two marriages he had another son whom he named Joseph.
Oral history in the Australian family has it that Francois was connected with the English firm of Osborne Bauer and Cheeseman.
Following a link up via a message board, an exchange of photographs by descendants of both the Canadian and Australian families shows remarkable family likenesses.
BUT finding a definite link between Hugh and Francois has so far proved impossible, so any suggestions/help will be received most gratefully. …….dee
