the furthest back I have got is 1841 when John Foster was an agricultural labourer
In 1851 he was a straw factor -which would have been a dealer in straw plaits possibly -and this is where (in my opinion) the dealership started. There is no sign so far of them living in anything but a house/cottage and being in the same area for many years.
John Foster in 1891 had living next door to him William L Foster with wife and 6 children - I believe this was John's eldest son William Loftus (or Loftus William (this family seem to have changed their names around -sometimes they use forename other times middle name) William Loftus is also described as a general dealer .
No Romany signs yet
Who do you have as John's parents??
There is a baptism
John Foster 22 Nov 1818 Hockliffe
parents Edward & Sarah
I can't find John called any of his children Edward or Sarah
John's marriage cert to Ann would name both of their fathers and their occupations
Certificates can be ordered online from GRO and cost £9-25
there are trees on A******y which vary - so we don't know how well sourced they are
Certificates are always a good investment - but are only available from Sept 1837
Suz
