Immigrant from Russian Poland

[zoolew]

My g grandfather Lewis HARRIS was born in Russian Poland in 1839. 
Next information: marriage in London 24 Oct 1860 to Mary ISAACS.   On marriage certificate, Lewis HARRIS' father's name is Samuel FORDON, Rank or Profession - Dead
Lewis & Mary's second child (my grandfather) Morris LEWIS born in East London (Middlesex) 4 August 1862, when g grandfather's name was Lipman Harris LEWIS.
Census - 1871-  g grandfather listed as Lewis LEWIS
Census - 1881 - g grandfather listed as Harris LEWIS
Census - 1891 - g grandfather lsited as Lipman Harris LEWIS

Lipman Harris LEWIS died in London in July 1915.

Help - How do I find out when he came to England, and through what port?

[JustinL]

Hello and welcome to Rootschat,

Was your ggf ever recorded in a census as a naturalized British subject (NBS)? If he was then his naturalization papers may provide the answer.

You should read the thread on naturalization and internment:

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,130042.0.html

All too often, however, it is nearly impossible to determine the exact date of entry. It was probably only a couple of years before he married in fact. I would speculate that he was evading the possibility of 25 years in the Russian army.

The reversal of forename and surname to create a new surname was very common amongst Jews. Lewis and Harris are anglicized versions of Yiddish names, possibly Lipman and Hyman. Your ggf simply took his anglicized forename as a new surname. Lipman itself is an alias or nickname for his sacred Hebrew name, which could have been Levi, Yehuda, Eliezer, Uri or Yom Tov to name but a few possibilities.

Are you certain about the surname FORDON, could it be FRIEDEN or somethingelse?

Justin

[zoolew]

Thankyou Justin - what a wonderful first reply! 

The 1901 Census indicates that Lipman was born in Poland (British Subject).  Previously those last 2 words had not appeared.   As I've got the gook "Immigrants & Aliens" I'll research this further.

Re the surname Fordon, that is clear on the copy of the marriage certificate, but Lipman used a 'mark' instead of a signature on the Marriage certificate & my grandfather's birth certificate, so he couldn't write in English at that stage.

I'm encouraged by your questions & remarks, as they give me more ideas to follow up.

Thanks again
zoolew

[JustinL]

The NA holds the naturalization papers for a Harris Lewis from Russia, resident in London, dated 3 May 1899. This could well be your Lipman.

This link (I hope) will take you there.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=5074631&CATLN=6&Highlight=%2CLEWIS%2CHARRIS&accessmethod=0

I suspected that there was an 'over-anglicization' of his father's surname. The naturalization papers will reveal Lipman's place and date of birth, and probably his parents full names. Such papers are fascinating to read.

Justin

[JustinL]

Lipman Harris Lewis was buried in the Plashet Jewish Cemetery on 9 Jul 1915, sect. M, row 11, plot no. 10

That's in Westham I believe.

Justin

[zoolew]

Justin, thankyou so much for the National Archives reference you found for me.  It is a great help to a new Rootschat member!  The link you mentioned was very interesting.

Also thankyou for the address of the cemetery, & details of row etc.  I had recently been given a photo of the headstone, so with your details as well, I'm making great progress.

Zoolew

[Valigene]

Hi,
I am also new to this forum. Look at my message Poles and Russians. I found my great great grandfathers naturalisation papers which I received today. they gave me his date of birth, place of birth, and mum and dads name, so I am one step further back thanks to all the help here.
Val

[JustinL]

Zoolew,

Is the inscription in Hebrew or English?

If in Hebrew, I can probably read it for you.

Justin

[Valigene]

Thanks Justin, but it is in English. I just wonder if there is any way we can search Russian records. I have found the place of birth Zaga is spelt Zhager and the province of Kovno is now Kaunas.
Great great grand parents are Lipmano and Chiau Sadaski I assume Limano is the man.
Any suggestions where I start?
Val