Bernard Henderson Walter Wales

[LindseyB]

Hi, I wonder whether anyone can help please.

The above person died in Ilford, Essex in 1950 and his birth was given at around 1868.

I've found two marriages.  The first to Florence Bence Q3 1897 in Fulham, occupation Clerk.  It appears that she died the same quarter and he subsequently married Isa Blanch Sharpe in Q2 1899 also in Fulham, occupation Commercial Clerk.  His father is John Richard Wales, a Master Mariner.

In the 1901 census he's living in Croydon, married, a Commercial Clerk and Isa Wales is living also in Croydon as a domestic servant.  They're not together.  Bernard was born at sea - near Australia.

By 1911, Isa is now living with Francis Lambert Davies they've been "married" two years (I can't find evidence of a marriage) along with Murial Isa Wales and Emily Eileen Davies.  Bernard is living as a lodger in Romford with Charlotte Smith.

I've found something on the National Archives website stating his birth date as 28 November 1875.

I can't find him in any earlier census and don't have his mother's name.

Can anyone help please?

[stanmapstone]

He is shown as unmarried in 1901

Stan

[LindseyB]

Hi, thanks for replying.  I also thought it said unmarried, but when you look at others on the page, the unmarried ones are given an "S" for single rather than a "U" for unmarried ...

[stanmapstone]

I noticed that after I posted  Although they are shown at separate addresses in 1901 that only applies to the night of the census.

Stan

[LindseyB]

Yes, and he's single in the 1911 despite the fact that I can't find a divorce (not even sure whether you could divorce then). 

I thought that perhaps I'd be able to find him on an immigration or passenger list, but as his father was a Master Mariner, maybe his wife sailed with him?

[stanmapstone]

Divorce was possible after 1857 it was expensive for ordinary people, but  According to http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=53 the very poor could sue without payment of fees ‘in forma pauperis’ if they could prove their lack of means.
(An Act to amend the Law relating to Divorce and Matrimonial Causes in England. [28th August 1857.])
Stan

[LindseyB]

That's useful, thank you.

It's strange because as a Commercial Clerk, you'd think his wife wouldn't be working as a domestic servant ...

[suzard]

this looks like him in 1891 -but entered as 2 people!!!!!

31 Redburn St Chelsea
in the household of Robert martin 64 Night watchman, wife Caroline martin and children
Benjamin Henderson Lodger S 20 Merchant's Clerk Rockhampton Queensland
Walter  Wales Lodger 22 Australia
RG12 63 121 20

Suz

[LindseyB]

Well done Suz, have just checked that one out and it's looking very likely ...