Joseph Edward Biney

[genealogistsykes]

Hi there, There is only one marriage for a Joseph Edward Biney in England and that is in 1900 in Plymouth. He married Jessie Russell and had one daughter Irene Dorothy Biney in 1905 who is now deceased. A family relative of mine sent away for the marriage certificate with the correct details and they sent her a letter saying that they could not find the marriage certificate. I double checked the details and they match up with mine.

Joseph Edward Biney was a Ghanian and it's quite unusual to marry a black man in the 1900's. This is the information that i have on him so far:

Joseph Edward Biney
b. abt. 1879 (1901 census lists him as aged 22) - Ghana?
m. 1900 - Plymouth
d. 1937 - Ghana

Timescale of events:
1890 - Starts mining business in Ghana now know as the Ashanti Gold mines
1900 - Marries Jessie Russell?
1902 - Goes to Ghana (On shipping list)
1905 - Birth of daughter: Irene Dorothy Biney
1905 - Goes to Ghana (On shipping list)
1919 - Goes to Ghana (On shipping list)
1937 - Dies in Ghana

Extract from the Gallery of Gold Coast Celebrities, 1632 - 1958' - Published in 1969 by Isaac S. Ephson.

'Also of Cape Coast, Chief Biney sponsored national delegations to England. For example, it was he who substantially bore the cost of the 1934 delegation, which left for London under the auspices of the A.R.P.S.

Chief Biney was a great philanthropist; he gave several cash donations to the Wesleyan Church, Wesleyan (Methodist) Schools and Colleges.

I would like to find out some more information on him if possible and where he was born etc.

Regards, Jonathan Sykes

[Spidermonkey]

If your relative sent for the cert from the GRO, then perhaps try Plymouth registry office instead.  You have the names, year and quarter so it should be very simple for them to trace the cert.

[carol8353]

The marriage for Joseph is under 470a,but Jessie is not cross referenced with it?

Marriages Sep 1900   

Biney  Joseph Edward    Plymouth  5b 470a


Carol

[MargP]

Hi

I would send for the marriage certificate, but in his name only and see what you get from that.

Margp

[Isobelruss]

Your Joseph was a chartered accountant on 1901 census and single the other one is a coal porter so probably not the right one.He was born Cape Coast Castle according to 1901 was his wife not on any shipping lists with him?

[carol8353]

Have you found Irene and Jessie in 1911 yet  ?

[Daisypetal]

Hi,

Do you have Irene's birth certificate to confirm her father's name and profession?

Irene's mother Jessie is a widow in 1911 so did Joseph just leave them?

Regards,
Daisy

[Priscilla]

Curious as to why you believe Joseph Edward Biney to be a black man. 
If you Google "Cape Coast Castle" you will find a lot of information which you may find helpful - relating to slavery ...
Joseph's name sounds very English to me ...
If you go onto the website Familysearch.org you will find an entry covering the 1901 Census -
Joseph E. Biney, born 1879 Cape Coast Castle - aged 22 - Boarder - Birthplace Cape Coast Castle - Houshold - living Stoke Newington St Mary, London, Middlesex

There is also listed
Edward Biney - Aged 20 - also born Cape Coast Castle - Household - living Chorlton Upon Medlock, Lancashire.

FreeBMD lists the following birth:
Second Quarter 1905
BINEY Irene Dorothy - Lambeth - Vol 1d - Page 380.

If you want to chase up the marriage contact the following:-
Plymouth & West Devon Record Office
Unit 3
Clare Place
Plymouth PL4 0JW
Tel: 01752 305940
email: pwdro[at]plymouth.gov.uk

I have always found them most helpful.

Moderator Comment: e-mail edited, to avoid spamming and other abuses.
Please replace [at] with @

[carol8353]

If you go onto the website Familysearch.org you will find an entry covering the 1901 Census -
Joseph E. Biney, born 1879 Cape Coast Castle - aged 22 - Boarder - Birthplace Cape Coast Castle - Houshold - living Stoke Newington St Mary, London, Middlesex

What is also interesting about this chap is despite the fact he is supposed to have married Jessie in 1900,he states himself to be single on the 1901 census