Illegitimate Grandfather

[JoshLord91]

Hey Everyone!

So I've been researching my family history for quite a while and in most parts its gone quite well until...

My Grandfather Frank Lord

Frank was an illegitimate son born to Elsie.

Frank was allegedly raised by his Grandmother (Elizabeth (known as Lizzie) May Bryant nee Lord nee Goodenough.

Lizzie had four children of her own with my Grandfather's Grandfather Richard (Known as Dick) Lord these children were William, Beatrice, Elsie and Frank

I've done the Ancestry DNA test and am hoping my Dad will complete one to help me narrow the connections which are on his side.

I suppose my ultimate question would be who was Frank's father? I appreciate I may never know the answer to this. But I'm enjoying trying to find the answer even if it never comes.

Frank's Mother - Elsie Lord - According to ancestry born July 1905 - On her death certificate it simply says 1905.

My Grandad was born 2nd July 1928 and Died 22nd January 2006

At some point Elsie changed her name to Elsie Reason, I'm not sure when or why this happened however I assume it probably had something to do with the shame having an illegitimate child brough in the 1920's

Here's what I know about Elsie's where abouts throughout her life :-

1905 - Born

1911 - Living at 47 Magor St Newport Mon with Family Dick Lizzie Frank William and Beatrice

1928 - 49 Cartwright Gardens St Pancreas
A domestic servant (Appears to be a hostel for single mothers)

1928 - Frank Lord Born 4 Kings Road St Pancras - Elsie Lord

Possibly in 1937 - 1 Cumberland Place St Pancras? Elsie Reason?

1947-1948 - Living in 105 York road Farnborough - Elsie Reason - National Registration Number YE DK 29 23 45

1960 - Living in 105 York road Farnborough - Elsie Reason

1976 Farren House, 54 Farnborough Rd, Farnborough GU14 6TE - Elsie Reason

Death 08/12/76

Of Elsie's brothers and sisters I have spoken to living children of Beatrice and of Frank who were helpful but describe the situation wasn't really talked about.

I'd love to be able to find out more and I would really appreciate any help or recommendations of what I can do next

Thank you
Josh

[Milliepede]

Hi Josh and welcome

You set that out very well.  Have you got the actual birth certificate for Frank showing Elsie as his mother?  Does Frank name anyone as a father when he gets married?

You say about Elsie changing her name, the most obvious reason for this would be she got married to someone called Reason but do you believe she remained single all her life?

[JoshLord91]

Hi, Thank you for your reply

Yes I have Frank's birth certificate and no father is named

Frank married in 1956 and he named his father as John Milton - Deceased

Within Elsie's Death certificate it stared widow of Reason however the relative that I've spoken to have said she never married and I can't find a record of a marriage

Thanks
Josh

[Milliepede]

John Milton deceased that's an odd name to make up, wonder if he really was the father 

I haven't found a marriage for her to Reason either but she may have lived with a man called that just never married him. 

[JoshLord91]

Yes I thought it was odd to it make up too but he never spoke about it not even to his two sons and if he knew and was happy to document it surely he would of told his sons?

Yes I though perhaps she was living with a Reason and that's why she took the name But could find a record of it

[Bookbox]

1928 - Frank Lord Born 4 Kings Road St Pancras - Elsie Lord

I don't know if you're aware that 4 Kings Road was the old St Pancras workhouse. At this period 'ordinary' street addresses were normally used on certificates for workhouse births.

I mention this only because there's a slight chance there might be more information on the mother held in the poor-law records for St Pancras. They are not online for this date but are held at London Metropolitan Archives.

[JoshLord91]

1928 - Frank Lord Born 4 Kings Road St Pancras - Elsie Lord

I don't know if you're aware that 4 Kings Road was the old St Pancras workhouse. At this period 'ordinary' street addresses were normally used on certificates for workhouse births.

I mention this only because there's a slight chance there might be more information on the mother held in the poor-law records for St Pancras. They are not online for this date but are held at London Metropolitan Archives.

Thank you I didnt know this. I'll look into this

[Milliepede]

Well people didn't always talk about their history like they do now but have just found a family tree
with father as

John Milton born 1905 death 9 Jun 1977 which is pretty specific and it says son

Frank Lord Milton 1928-2006.

No marriage listed though.  The plot thickens.  As we said it's an odd name to make up, usually a made up name at least had the same surname as the child to make it seem legitimate.

You may know there was a 1939 register taken so Elsie should be on that. 
Would be interesting to see if she was living with anyone then.  And who this John Milton was as it seems he did exist.

[Milliepede]

One more question is there an occupation given for John Milton on the marriage for Frank or does it just say deceased?