Elizabeth Purkiss was married in Milton on 30 Oct 1918 to Valentine Olford. She was a spinster 22 years old said her father was William Purkiss (dec'd) bricklayer. No occupation was given for Elizabeth but her address was Infectious diseases hospital, Milton. Valentine is a private in the RAMC and gives his address as 87 Gunner Street. Witnesses were Elsie May Styles and George White. I have found a likely Elsie, b Portsmouth in 1895, mmn Burder, living with family in 1901 and 1911, father policeman born Frampton Dorset. In the 1911 census the Styles family were living at 87 Gunner Street, so either Valentine lodged with them, or Elizabeth did and the addresses have got switched around. George White impossible to trace.
The only Elizabeth I can find that fits in the right location is one registered Q2 1896 Portsea no mmn. (Elizabeth Matilda Purkiss eliminated as age out by a year and she is on 1911 with family. This 1896 birth would fit a baptism in Portsea on 18 June 1896 d/o Ellen, no father named, abode "Union". It is on a page of baptisms of unmarried mothers from Union, presumably workhouse.
But I cannot find Ellen Purkiss with young daughter Elizabeth in 1901 anywhere. Nor can I find a marriage in the area for an Ellen between 1896 and 1901, in case Elizabeth is listed with a stepfather's surname. Assuming Ellen was in her late teens / early 20s when she gave birth, I haven't found a likely Ellen before 1901 either.
Any ideas anyone, please?
