Hi,
I am looking for information about Lizzie CODLING, who in 1881 was a servant in a London house, was born around 1862, and whose place of birth was given as Suffolk.
Her story, or the part that I am aware of, is a little complicated. On the 1881 Census, she was a servant in the household of a Louis BENOIT. He was described as a Lodging House Keeper. Louis at the time of the 1881 Census was 59 and married to wife Isabella. Lizzie, in 1881, was 19.
It's impossible at this distance from the events to know all the facts surrounding the story, but I am convinced that 59-year-old Louis fathered a child by 19-year-old Lizzie, a son, whose birth was registered by Lizzie, as Louis CODLING. This registration was in the 4th Qtr of 1881 and took place in the Marylebone District of London.
There is quite a bit more about Louis CODLING that I know, for instance, he didn't retain the CODLING name, and he didn't stay with Lizzie. After 1881, the first we hear of him again is in on the 1891 Census, when he is in the household of a widow, one Charlotte NUTKINS. There, he is 9-years-old and goes by the name of Louis BENOIT, being described as a Lodger. On the 1901 Census, he is still with Charlotte and is listed as 'Harry' NUTKINS, Grandson. He gets married in December 1901 and is married as Louis BENOIT. However, in 1909 he changes his name to Harry NUTKINS, and that is how he remains. He died comparatively young, in 1915.
Back to Lizzie! Looking on FreeBMD, Ancestry and Findmypast, I cannot find an 1862 birth for a 'Lizzie' CODLING, in Suffolk. I have however been able to discover a Caroline Elizabeth CODLING, born 1862, in the District of Wangford, Suffolk. Is this likely to be the 'Lizzie' who was in London in 1881?
Lizzie is not on a London Census after 1881, at least I cannot find her on one. Due to the circumstances, I am of the opinion that she likely went back to Suffolk, without son Louis! So what happened to her?
I have come across a marriage of a Lizzie CODLING, to a Frederick DENNY in the District of Wangford during the 2nd Qtr of 1885.
There is also a marriage of Caroline Elizabeth CODLING to a Robert Owen B Davis, in the District of Maldon, Essex, during the 4th Qtr of 1895.
I am in Derbyshire and am unfamiliar with families in Suffolk, but I wondered whether anyone might like to cast their eyes over the above information and let me know if they have any knowledge which might clarify if either of the above two marriages, or maybe even both, might be the Lizzie CODLING who was in London.
Any other knowledge or insights would also be useful. I am trying to construct a family tree for a friend, but this one is proving a little difficult.
I do hope someone might be able to help.
Your hopefully,
Alan