Frances Davies nee Richards

[Lorraine Devereux]

My paternal grandmother was Frances Davies (born Frances Richards 1885). Her parents were Thomas and Isabella Richards. She married John Davies (born 1884) in Liverpool in 1911 and they lived at Vine Street, Liverpool. I am sure that at some point she and my Dad (Douglas Francis Davies) lived in Gresford Avenue, Liverpool but can find no record of this. As a struggling single parent her family were 'moonlight flitters' so that might explain the lack of records? The last entry anywhere I can find is the 1939 register when she is living in Lightwood Street, Liverpool with my Dad and two of his brothers.  I can find no death records for Frances or John. I have a photograph of Frances with her children and it looks as though she is of mixed heritage (she has tight curled hair and tanned skin). This would not be remarkable given Liverpool's geographical connections and maritime history. Would be very grateful if anyone could tell me where I might find Frances and John 

[Milliepede]

What is Frances marital status on the last record you have for her? 

And what is her birthplace from census?

As you say struggling single parent does that infer she and John parted ways.

[Lorraine Devereux]

I have the certificate of her marriage to John Davies in Liverpool on 4 June 1911. I have my Dad's birth certificate on which she appears (1919). The last reference I have is the 1939 Register where she is shown as 'married' though no husband (John Davies) living with her and her three sons.

[Lorraine Devereux]

I do not think that John Davies was a good father/husband. From family legend he came and went, though as Frances had five sons he cannot have been wholly absent. I can't find anything that suggests Frances (or her parents) were born anywhere other than Liverpool.

[Lorraine Devereux]

My Mum tells me that after a long estrangement from my Dad (perhaps dating to 1939), John Davies turned up out of the blue at our house when I was a baby, so he must have been alive in 1955/6. My Mum described his appearance then as 'looking like a tramp'. My Dad sent him on his way, I understand. No idea whether Frances was still alive at that point though I suspect not.

[candrjm]

Is this your family line:

Marriage:

June Q 1872
W Derby 8b 575
Thomas Richards
Isabella Riding


some possible children:

RICHARDS, THOMAS        mother's maiden name RIDING      
GRO Reference: 1873  J Quarter in PRESCOT  Volume 08B  Page 561

RICHARDS, ISABELLA        mother's maiden name RIDING      
GRO Reference: 1876  M Quarter in WEST DERBY AND TOXTETH PARK  Volume 08B  Page 550    
 

RICHARDS, ISAAC        mother's maiden name RIDING        
GRO Reference: 1878  S Quarter in WEST DERBY AND TOXTETH PARK  Volume 08B  Page 612

RICHARDS, ADA        mother's maiden name RIDING      
GRO Reference: 1880  S Quarter in WEST DERBY AND TOXTETH PARK  Volume 08B  Page 625

1881 census:

Abode: 4 House 8 Court Maynard Street Toxteth Park Liverpool

Head: Thomas Richards aged 34
Wife: Isabella aged 32
Son: Thomas aged 7
Dau: Isabells aged 5
son: Isaac aged 3
Dau: Ada (age not given)

Looks like this couple then had a daughter Frances


RICHARDS, FRANCES        mother's maiden name RIDING        
GRO Reference: 1885  D Quarter in TOXTETH PARK  Volume 08B  Page 226


Have you considered these 2 deaths?

Davies    Frances    aged 60  June Q 1946 Liverpool North, 8b 452        


Davies    Frances    aged 62   Mar Q 1948   Liverpool South, 10d 634

[Lorraine Devereux]

Many thanks Candrjm for your help and the time you've taken to research on my behalf. This looks very promising. I had found children including an Ada (though she seems to have been born 1880). I do my research at our Central Library so will pursue the links you have suggested tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Lorraine Devereux]

Sorry Candrjm, the Ada you found and the one I found both born 1880, so that looks good. Thanks.

[[Ray]]

Hi

1881 Original census doc says that Ada is "10mo"

[ ALL born Liverpool ]

Ray