Greetings! I have stumbled over these postings whilst searching for clues about an ancestor of mine who goes by the name of Nicholas Alexis and who was a brassfounder (sometimes noted as a blacksmith) in Southwark. Nicholas and his wife Fanny had a number of children, two of whom went by the name of Henry Alexis.
From the age stated on his death certificate, it would seem that Nicholas was born in about 1770/1771. The 1841 census states N for not having been born in Surrey, but this could mean that he was born in another County or maybe even overseas.
As the name Alexis is as scarce as hens teeth in all records, except for the family of Nicholas and Fanny, I feel that it is likely Nicholas (or Nicolas as it is sometimes written) possible came from a European country and possibly anglicised his name on or shortly after arrival.
On Ancestry there are Marriage Banns for a Nicolas Alexis .................. (word that I cannot decipher) and Fanny Williams. Many people have had an attempt at trying to decipher the word that follows the name Nicolas Alexis, and I have a list which includes the following....
Magetol, Magetob, Magetod, Mayetol and one lady even came up with Magito.
I am wondering if anyone has more details about this Magito family which might include 'my' Nicholas? His first born son was named Henry Alexis and I cannot help wondering if this might be after Henry Alexis Magito? It does seem strange though, that if he was indeed part of the Magito family, that he would drop the name especially having a famous musician as a relation. I guess that there is always the possibility he may have been cast out of the family for some reason.
Any suggestions at all to help me break down this long standing brick wall, would be most gratefully received. Cheers, Diana
