John Murphy, AKA Oliver Brand & Elizabeth Bettle and/or P. Von Tugginer

[FairlyPuzzled]

Greetings all!

1st day using this so sorry if this is in the wrong place! 

So I am looking for some help / advice / anyone who may have information or photos or anything to do with my great grandad - John Murphy, also known by his writing name 'Oliver Brand' and his wife Elizabeth Murphy, nee Bettle.

John Murphy (Oliver Brand)
born: 1852
place: Bath, Somerset, England, UK
died: 1907
place: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK

he was born John Murphy but changed his name to Oliver Brand, he was a lyricist and writer, and playwright, he worked with many people including Hamilton Clarke, Leonard Gautier and P. Von Tugginer (I think he also was known sometimes known as Placide Malva).

Elizabeth Bettle
Born: 1868
place: Margate, Kent, England, UK
died: 1917
place: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK

I know who John and Elizabeth's children were, one being my grandad John Desmond Murphy.

I would love to know about Elizabeth's side of the family and if there are any descendants from her side, or indeed John Murphy's side that have any information or pictures of them?

I have his song book / music sheets and some photos of Elizabeth and their children, but none of John (Oliver) at all. We could exchange!

any great great nieces, 4th cousin 10000 times removed or grandsons of the dog sitters mother-in-law who has any information or anything about them at all, would be greatly appreciated as I have been trying to find something for years!

I am hoping someone will have a photo of them somewhere...

Many thanks everyone!

B

[Girl Guide]

Welcome to Rootschat Fairly 

Not able to assist with photos but some information re Elizabeth which may be helpful.  This looks to be her birth record from the GRO:-

BETTLE, ELIZABETH  JANE     BISHOP 
GRO Reference: 1868  J Quarter in THANET  Volume 02A  Page 792

The Thanet registration district covers Margate.

She is on the 1871 census with her parents William b1838 and Annie b1840 and her sisters Lilley Mary (b1869) and Caroline E (b1871).  They are living at Hall By the Sea, Margate, Thanet, Kent

William's occupation is manager of refreshment.

Registration district   Thanet
Archive reference   RG10
Piece number   992
Folio   43
Page   14

The 1881 census shows that Anne/Annie is now a widow and there are now six children, five daughters and one son.  Living at Palmerston Road, Christchurch, Hampshire & Dorset

Registration district   Christchurch
Archive reference   RG11
Piece number   1194
Folio   11
Page   13

As Bettle is a reasonably unusual name you should be able to find marriages for them and hopefully follow on down to the current generation.

Please do ask for help.  If there is something specific that you would like help with then let us know and we will do our best to find the information for you.

[Girl Guide]

I've just looked for Thomas and he married in 1914

Marriages Dec 1914

Bettle    Thomas C    Seaford    Portsmouth    2b   993   
Seaford    Blanche A    Bettle    Portsmouth    2b   993

Looks like Thomas and Blanche had five sons, two of whom are twins.