Trying to find reference to a drowning 1890’s

[nellie d]

Thank you Rosie! I have been away from the group for a few years due to my health...but I am back now, just a bit rusty! 😉😊

[nellie d]

Well...look what I’ve found...

[nellie d]

Bit in further investigation it’s clear that it wasn’t the Rowland I was looking for...I wonder if this is how the story developed!

[josey]

Good finds Nellie; does look suspiciously like the origin of the story! Perhaps by a rellie who isn't as meticulous as you....

[nellie d]

Thanks Josey. I think this is exactly the origin...quite surprised I found it...I used the 3 free credits you get in signing up to https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
I think my relatives in the US might be a bit disappointed as they have had the hero story for the best part of a century. I think what you said the other day is spot on...and you didn’t sound like you were being a “wet blanket”! Xx
In fact  Josey, I think my family are a bunch of story tellers...we have this, the child entertainer and the fairground family. I have traced all the descendants that I possibly can, (and that will reply to my messages) and they have all heard of the fairground story...but there is absolutely nothing to back it up! I wonder, if as with the drowning story, many family anecdotes are either embellished or “Chinese whispered” over time and become totally unrecognisable as the original events!

[ShaunJ]

Arthur Rowlands lived at 87 Stamford Street in Lambeth. In the 1901 census he was a cab proprietor. In directories for the early/mid 1890's he was a dairyman. Born Lambeth circa 1868.

[josey]

many family anecdotes are either embellished or “Chinese whispered” over time and become totally unrecognisable as the original events!

A bit like the 'story' that there was a Spanish ancestor in my family - none found yet after 12 years researching - solid Ireland, Yorkshire, Surrey & Cornwall all via London once I get back so far.

[nellie d]

Thanks Shaun...Arthur  Rowlands isn’t anything to do with me...apart from being the person that my family thought was their hero of a father because he was referred to only by his surname in a newspaper report. Mine is John!

[nellie d]

Yes, Josey. This John Rowland is also meant to be Irish...I’ve had the dna test..no Irish whatsoever! Sort of disproves that theory doesn’t it?