James John Drake

[redducky]

I am looking for information on my great grandfather born 1864 in Pancras London.  I have ordered 4 birth certificates and still haven't found the right one.  He was a boot maker who married Annie Sweeny/Swinney in  1885.  His parents are William Drake born 1842 and Louisa Bess/Biss born 1840.
His son's (my grandfather) name was William John Drake born 1892. He lost part of his arm in an accident outside Covent Garden when playing as a child.  He spent his life as a one-armed button accordion player busker/street musician because he couldn't work.

[CaroleW]

Hi and welcome to Rootschat

His birth may not have been registered.  Faillure to register a birth only became a fineable offence in 1874 so many birth were unregisterd between 1837-1874

[CaroleW]

His parents married 14.4.1861 at St Giles Cripplegate

Respective fathers were both deceased - John Drake occ undertaker and James Bess occ railway maker