James Butler Musical Hall Comedy Act 1901 Bethnal Green London

[Josie88]

Hi All,

Hoping there is someone out there that may be able to help me find information my partners 2XGreat Grandfather.


His name was James Butler, born 1868, Deptford. Birth Certificate says his father was John Butler, a brick labourer. His mother was Elizabeth Carroll. We know about his wife and his children but his parents are a bit of a mystery. From the 1901 census his profession was a Musical Hall Comedy Act. We would love to be able to know more about where he performed, and who he performed along side.

Any advice on where I might be able to find information on his profession would be greatly appreciated. Ive tried google as well as ancestry but no luck.

Kind Regards

[ShaunJ]

Born 18 February 1868 per the 1939 Register (Music Hall Artist retired).

[ShaunJ]

The trouble with performers is that they often used stage names.

There are plenty of mentions in The Stage and The Era of performers named James Butler but it's possible that none of them relate to your man if he used a stage name. An obituary might reveal something - when did he die?

[Josie88]

Thank you so much for your swift response.

He passed nov 1948 I believe in London.

[ShaunJ]

Not seeing an obituary. What about his marriage date? Maybe there is a mention around that time.

[Milliepede]

Was his wife called Sarah? 

No Hannah M - I think - just to help me find census. 

[ShaunJ]

Have you found James in the 1911 census?

[Josie88]

The info I have is:
James Butler was born at 1 Mason street, Grove Street, Deptford on the 18th feb 1868. John Butler and Elizabeth Butler nee Carroll.

I found a James Butler in 1871 in Deptford but he was a nurse child. and a John Butler living near by as unmarried, brick labourer from Ireland.

 I can't find anything in 1881.

Then found a James Butler in 1891 living with his brother John Butler (born 1844 from Ireland again brick labourer ) I think this is his father.

in 1901 he is then living with his wife Hannah Maria Hanlon, his father John and their children. He was a comedian act.

can't find 1911 but did find his wife and children. so maybe he was working away.

Then found him in 1939 living on his own in Bethnal Green, retired musical hall act.


I know about his children and a little able his wife's family. But nothing at all with Elizabeth Carroll his mother (though there is a census in 1861 where an Elizabeth is living with her father John, Mother Eliza and sister Mary in deptford but there are no other leads).


thank you both so much for your interest in helping me.

Kind regards

[ShaunJ]

Yes I found his wife and children in 1911 but as you say, James wasn't there. If we can find him, we might be able to identify the theatre/music hall where he was performing and get a list of the comedy acts playing there around the time of the census.