1861 Census, look-up request. Thomas Gard(e)ner & possible mother Sophia

[Culli]

Seeking Thomas Gardener or Gardner born Harwell, Berkshire, UK, aged 1 or 2 in 1861, and his family. In 1871 he was a 'pauper' in the Wantage Union Workhouse, aged 12, and there was no-one else of that surname in the household. His surname written as Gardner.
Have not found him in 1881 but in 1891 census he was living in Peckham, London, aged 31 with wife Minnie (nee Crisp) and son William (aged 3 months). Surname then spelled Gardener.

[DebbieG]

Hi Culli

Not the 1861 look-up you asked for - but from the registers for Harwell

baptism (the only one in this time frame for a Thomas)
1858 Dec 5th Thomas Bullock Gardner son of Sophia Gardner singlewoman

There is nor Burial in Harwell for Sophia and no marriage for her

have also checked the deaths at Wantage workhouse (I only have them up to 1866 though) there is no record of a Sophia Gardner

not much but I hope it helps

Debbie

[Culli]

Thanks Debbie, that's very interesting, but also sad.
Thomas himself died when his children were young. It's no wonder really that his descendants knew nothing of the family history.  I still hope someone can supply details of the 1861 census.
Many thanks, Culli

[DebbieG]

Hi Culli

I have dug up a bit more on these Gardners

From Harwell registers at the same sort of time there are three other couples mentioned - a Joseph & Hannah who I don't think are connected, an Anthony & Katherine who have three children baptised there

1857 Apr 18th 'Jim' s/o Anthony & KAtherine - blacksmith
1860 Apr 1st Anthony George s/o Anthony & Catherine - blacksmith
1862 Henry Charles s/o Anthony & CAtherine - Vetenary Surgeon

there is also a marriage in 1859 Jan 6th
James Gardner wid FA Vetenary Surgeon s/o Thomas Gardner - lab
to Rachel Williams FA wid d/o William Cudd lab

Sadly I do not have the 1861 census - and none of these people were in that census area in 1851

However after some fishing around I found this in 1841 census for Abingdon

Boar Street
James Gardner 45 Farrier Not born in County
Mary Gardner 32 Y
Ann Gardner 20 Y
Charles Gardner 15 Y
Anthony Gardner 10 Y
Henry Gardner 9 Y
Eleanor Gardner 7 Y
Sophia Gardner 1 Y

It looks as though your Sophia may have been the sister of Anthony and the daughter of Thomas.  However I have been unable to find any of this family in 1851 (they are not in the Abingdon area) - or indeed any mention of any of them after the baptism in 1862 - the mystery deepens.

Hope you find it interesting

Debbie

[Culli]

Hi Debbie
You are a star! Yes, very interesting. Incidentally I am looking into this family for an elderly friend.

I'm a little puzzled, you said 'It looks as though Sophia may have been the sister of Anthony and the daughter of Thomas.'
But you have typed the head of the 1841 household as James.
Should this be Thomas? Or did you intend to say 'Sophia may have been.... the daughter of James'?

I have some other census stuff here, I'll compare what you've told me with what I've found, and will get back to you.
Best wishes
Culli

[DebbieG]

Hi Culli

Yes sorry - my mistake - I ment to say James (I had just been looking for a Thomas for someone else) sorry to confuse you

Debbie

[Culli]

Hi Debbie
Although your 1841 census said Anthony was born in the county, I now have him in 1871 born in Gloucester, so maybe that's where his father, James, came from. It must be the same man, it all ties up with what you found in the Harwell parish register.
Source of info:
1871 Census, 2 Union Lane, St. Catharine, Gloucs RG10/2614/54
Antony Gardener, Head, 44, Shoeing Smith (Master), b. City of Gloucester
Catherine Gardener, Wife, 52, b. City of Oxford
Mary Gardener, Daur, 21, Servant at house, b. City of Oxford
George Gardener, 9, Scholar, b. Harwell, Berks
Harry Gardener, Son, 8, Scholar, b. Harwell, Berks
Frederick Gardener, Son, 5, Scholar, b. Harwell, Berks

Also have a Sophia Gardner aged 32 in 1871, unmarried, who was a servant at St Peter's College, Radley, Berks. It says she was born in Radley.

I wonder if this is Anthony's sister
Looks like I'll be on the Gloucestershire board next! But still some delving to do in the Harwell, Berks, area and I'm still hoping someone will come up with the 1861 census.
Many thanks for your help
Culli

[DebbieG]

Hi Culli

Another snippit - I found Anthony & Katherine in 1851 in Oxford City in Red Lion Square in the parish of St Mary Magdeline

Anthony Gardener Lodger M 24 shoeing smith born Gloucester
Catherine Gardener Lodgers wife 30 born Oxford
Mary Gardener lodgers dau 5m born Oxford

So he was born Gloucester it seems

I checked Radley registers but no baptism for Sophie - she was probably baptised at Abingdon and I only have those transcripts up to 1837

Debbie