George Keen & Elizabeth (nee Hancock)

[Jamesk10]

I have been researching the family of an ancestor, George Keen, who is part of my family ancestry in Gloucestershire. I am having a few issues which I hope now for assistance with. Information is all below, hopefully it makes sense.

George Keen

• Born in Westington, Chipping Campden, in 1845 (exact date unknown).
• Listed with family on census records from 1851 through to 1881.
• Marriage to Elizabeth, with a likely record in 1874 showing her maiden name as Hancock. Need to confirm this is the correct marriage.
• 4 children, (Ann, Joseph, Charles, Rose) - see note below.
• Cannot find George on later census records, presumed died, and have found a likely death record in 1888 Q4 registration district Shipston Warwickshire, but need to confirm this.

The 1891 census record confuses me:

• Elizabeth Keen is listed as head of the household (as expected) and widowed (yes since George died) and still living with children Mary, Joseph, and Charles (as expected).
• ... however there are also now listed 5 new children (Ellen, Elizabeth, Alice, John, Richard), as sons/daughters of Elizabeth.
• No new spouse/father shown - this is what confused me, since she didn't remarry as still shown as widow and George already dead. Sure I must be missing something here!
• Rose has also gone, can't find a death record, perhaps she died aged <1 years old, or she could  be the 'Ellen' born the same year.
• 1901 census shows a 6th new child that's not George's, a George born 1892.

I also need to confirm some details of the 3 oldest children of George and Elizabeth:

Mary Keen

Born 1875 in Chipping Campden, exact date unknown. Listed with family on 1881 and 1891 census records. Cannot find any further records, either census or marriage or death.

Joseph Keen

Born 1877 in Chipping Campden, exact date unknown. Shown with family on census records from 1881 through to 1901. Cannot find on 1911 census or a marriage record so presumed died early 1900's. Found possible death record 1904 Q2 registration district Shipston Warwickshire. If so then has George as middle name.

Charles Keen

Born 1879 in Chipping Campden, exact date unknown. Shown with family on census records 1881 and 1891. Cannot find records afterwards, census or marriage, assume died but can't find the record.


I would greatly appreciate anyone being able to look into these details and help me to figure out some more information on the family members.

[gortonboy]

Hi,,,,If George didnt die till 1888....Why cant he be the father of the 5 new children?    They are all born before 1888 !   

[Jamesk10]

... well I feel a bit silly now! 

... though what about the youngest, George born 1892? 

[scuda-j]

Glos BMD http://ww3.gloucestershire.gov.uk/bmd/MainMenu.aspx will help confirm Elizabeth's maiden name. It lists nine children with surname Keen, mmn Hancock, and they seem to correspond to your family. The site is completely free and there's no registratioon needed, so just have a look in and check them out. Ask here if you can't find the info you need.

Jane

[trish1120]

Hi,
I think you may find George Snr died 1891 shortly before 1891 Census was taken which was 5th April 1891.
George KEEN Death Reg June 1891, Shipston, 6d 551, Age 46 (Birth c 1845)
George Jnrs Birth was Reg Sept 1891 so looks like he was George Snrs Son.

According to the BMD Site Jane posted for you CHARLES was Reg as Walter C 1878 Shipston on Sour.
So the Marriage of a WALTER Keen Dec 1903, Shipston, 6d 1331 may be him.

Trish

[trish1120]

So we have KEEN Birth Reg. with Mothers maiden name HANCOCK;
MARY 1874
JOSEPH G 1876
WALTER C 1878
ROSE H 1880
(Fits with 1881 Census Children)
+
CHARLOTTE E 1882
ALICE M 1883
JOHN 1886
RICHARD 1887
GEORGE 1891

CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH Keen Marriage Reg Dec 1908, Shipston, 6d 1307

ROSE H's Birth is Reg on FreeBMD as Rose Helen so she is down as ELLEN age 10 in 1891 Census.
She may have Married/Died under any variation of those names!
CHARLOTTE E who is Reg Charlotte Elizabeth and appears in 1891 as Elizabeth only.

[trish1120]

Death Regs;
JOSEPH GEORGE Keen, June 1904, Shipston, 6d 411, Age 27
Joseph is 24 on 1901 Census so looks like him.
Possible RICHARD Died also;
RICHARD Keen, June 1923, Shipston, 6d 884, Age 36 (born c 1887)

Trish

[trish1120]

SUMMARY;
ROSE is on 1891 Census under ELLEN
JOSEPH is Joseph George and Birth is Reg as that so died 1904
CHARLES is Walter Charles (havent looked further for him yet)
RICHARD probably died 1923
JOHN I havent found anything for, may have moved from Shipston Reg District
CHARLOTTE Elizabeth, possible Marriage found 1908
WALTER Marriage 1903 may be his.

Havent looked for MARY yet.

[trish1120]

Walter and Charlotte in 1901;

1901 Census
Charingworth,
Ebrington, Glous
RG13/2945/81/14
Alfred WARNER, 40, Head, S, Farmer,born Campden
Susan Elizth Warner, 35, Sister, born Campden
William John HARNES, 30, Cousin, S, Farmers Assistant, born Draycott, Worcs
Charlotte Elizth KEEN, 18, S, Servant, , born Campden
Walter Charles KEEN, 22, S, Servant, Lab on Farm/Ag, born Campden
Richard Henry LEE, 14, Servant, Boy in House, born Campden

Trish