John William Banks (b. abt 1820, in Southwark St Olave Parish, Surrey

[eaasland]

Hi Lily,

Thanks so much. That's what I found. I was hoping to home in on a baptism record, but I've had no luck. Thanks for taking the time to look, much appreciated.


Erik

[keyboard86]

Hi where were Ann Banks b c 1818  and Frances Sarah b 1851 in 1871, I can see Frances married Walter Charles Cromarty 23rd November 1871 both of Atley Street, Poplar where her married brother Joseph John Banks was living in 1871?

John Banks b c 1820 was a married/Lodger occ Dock Clerk in Mile End Old Town in 1871?
Census ref RG10/562/119/29
Keyboard86

[eaasland]

Hi, I haven't found Ann Banks (b c 1818) and her daughter, Frances Sarah (b 1851) in the 1871 census yet. I did find John Banks (b c 1820) as a married lodger and Dock Clerk in Mile End Old Town in 1871. That is indeed as far as I know the same John William Banks whose baptism record (or any other document for that matter) I'm searching for. Even though Frances Sarah hasn't been found in the 1871 census (yet) she does show up in November 1871 (as you have found) when she marries Walter Charles Cromarty on the 23rd. 

[eaasland]

There is another of John and Ann's children, Alfred George Banks (b 24 May 1855), who I think I have found in the 1871 census. He is on board a naval ship with the rank of "Boy 2nd Class" located in the District of Boscawen, Isle Portland, Dorset. It sounds like he's starting a career in the navy.  

[rosie99]

Joseph John is baptised in St Paul, Shadwell 23 Nov 1851 (born 1844) -parents John & Ann (no middle names)  GRO confirms birth mmn Gardner with names as John Joseph George.

They did not seem to be constant with names as Frances Sarah's birth was registered as Frances Margaret.  (March qtr 1850)     

[eaasland]

Hi Rosie, thank you. Yes, I see her as Frances "Sarah" and Frances "Margaret". Also, I think she went by "Fanny". I've ordered the birth registration for all of John and Ann's children. I ordered a while ago Ann Bank's birth registration (7 Aug 1843), which is how I discovered her father's middle name (have attached it here).

Thank you.

Erik

[keyboard86]

Hi again, John William Banks occ Clerk seems to drop the middle initial on at least two marriages I believe when he witnessed the marriages:-

Annie Banks 23 Married James Steel 5th May 1867 St Peter, M E O T
Keyboard86

[eaasland]

I agree, not sure why he tends to drop the name. When I get the birth registrations for the other children I'll see if he continues to use his middle name William. So, the earliest I can place him with "proof" (so to speak) is Ann Banks birth registration which places him at 37 John Street; other than of course his marriage certificate which places him at 13 Whitehall and records his occupation a "traveller", and of course his father, John Banks, the lighterman.

[rosie99]

There is always the possibility he is illegitimate and that he has made up his fathers name/occupation
He has the same first name as John and same occupation as Ann's father. He would not have had to prove any of it.