Simon Thomson Brock died Candlemakers Row 1920

[ED2005]

Looking for any information on Simon Thomson Brock or his wife, Mary Hendry, and family. He was born in Thurso, Caithness on August 20 1862 and died at 37 Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh in 1920, aged 57, witnessed by his son William. I last have him in the 1881 Census working in Aberdeen, but can't seem to find him in any of the Census returns after that. His final occupation was given as a Dock Labourer, so maybe he had been a Seaman before that and this is why I can't find him... Any ideas welcome.

[AMBLY]

Hi

1891: 11 Sea Mount Place, Aberdeen St Nicholas
Parish 168/1, ED 59, pg 21, HS 125
Head: William M BROCK 54, Stone Polisher, b Thurso, Caithnesshire
Wife: Janet T BROCK 50, b Thurso, Caithnesshire 
Son: Simon BROCK 28, Stone Polisher, b Thurso, Caithnesshire
Son: James BROCK 25, Mason, b Thurso, Caithnesshire
Son: Andrew BROCK 20, Mason, b Thurso, Caithnesshire
Son: Thomas BROCK 18, Mason, b Thurso, Caithnesshire
Son: Robert BROCK 15, Stone Polisher, bThurso, Caithnesshire
Son: John BROCK 12, b Aberdeen
Dau: Janet BROCK 10, Scholar,  b Aberdeen
Son: Malcolm BROCK 7, Scholar, b Aberdeen
Son: George BROCK 1, b Aberdeen

William snr  & Janet sure had the recipe for boys! I'd have to question the maternity of son George age 1, however, considering Janet snr is 50?


Cheers
AMBLY

[ED2005]

Yes, that's my guy... do you know if he's in the 1901 Census?? I couldn't find him.

[AMBLY]

Yep...     I bet this is him:

1901: 88 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh New Greyfriars, St Giles,  Midlothian
Parish 685/4, ED 23, pg 6
H/Lodger: Simon T BROOKES 38, Painter, b India
W/Lodger: Mary BROOKES 38, Laundress, b Woodside, Aberdeen

They are a couple among approx 83 lodgers, in a lodging house run by a James John SMITH & family.
Most of the lodgers are married couples and families, and hae been listed in "family" order.
Perhaps the "India" bit is Mr Smith making a mistake! Or a transcription error somewhere along the way (then or now)

Cheers
AMBLY

[AMBLY]

Photo of the house at 88 Candlemaker Row

http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/117894/details/edinburgh+84+86+88+candlemaker+row+greyfriars+kirk+house/

Cheers
AMBLY

[ED2005]

Interesting!! In the 1881 Census Simon's occupation is indeed a House Painter. It would make sense I suppose if the couple married relatively late (as he was 28 and apparently single) in the 1891 census, that they could have recently moved to the Edinburgh area and were in lodgings. Also, his father was a veteran of the Indian Mutiny... The name change would certainly explain why I could never find them. Thank you.

[ED2005]

More help required.... I've looked for the elusive Simon Thomson Brock in the 1911 Census and can't find any trace there either. I had believed I would find him in either Aberdeen or Edinburgh. I know he died in 1920, aged 57, at 37 Candlemakers Row, Edinburgh and the informant was his son William. I am sure his wife is either called Mary Hendry or Mary Smith. If the previous Census was correct and that was indeed him (Simon Brookes) I wonder if he could have changed his name again or was at sea/abroad perhaps. Any ideas welcome!

[Pambeat]

My Grandmother Charlotte Hendry born in Dundee in 1892 was the illegimate child of Mary Hendry.  Charlotte was in contact with her brothers (half brothers?) Thomas and William Brock when she stayed in Aberdeen from the 1920s onwards. I assume they were the children of Simon Brock and Mary Hendry.

[ED2005]

This is great news... I had given up hearing any more about this particular family. I have a lot more information for you regarding Simon's family so I will hopefully be touch... Perhaps I can contact you with a personal message. In the meantime you could have a look at www.granitecityroots.com which is a website containing some information and photographs of this Brock family. I am fairly sure that Simon and Mary had a child called William, I didn't know of a child Thomas... although that is the name of one of Simon's brothers.