William Stephen Newick, Hastings

[griffo99]

Hello, I'm trying to find information about William Stephen Newick, born 1906 in Hastings. His mother was Kate Newick and I suspect he was illegitimate. Kate was my maternal grandmother and she married my grandfather, William Gregory Wenham in 1907. William Stephen appears on the 1911 census as stepson of William Gregory which is why I think he was illegitimate - assuming that if he was William Gregory's son his name would have been changed to Wenham. I think he may have died in 1978 - I saw the date on a site that I don't have access to. Apart from that, I can find no further information (but I have limited resources). Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[amondg]

GRP Index
March Quarter Hastings 02B  page 11

William Stephen Newick no mothers maiden name listed usually indicates Illegitimate

[amondg]

He is still living with them in 1921 still in Hastings.

ADDED
1911 Kate is 24 says married 4 years 3 children 2 living 1 deceased

The child she lost is Charles Joseph Wenham 1910-1910

Number of children are of the marriage not total number.

[amondg]

The one who died 1978 Kent was registered as William Stephen Wenham

DOB given as 22 January 1906

ADDED
1939 register

William Stephen Wenham born 22 January 1906 working in Enfield as a Public Works Foreman

Over time did he become a Wenham?

The birth certificate of William Stephen Newick will confirm DOB

[griffo99]

Thank you, I think we're heading in the right direction, his birth was recorded in the first quarter of 1906.

[griffo99]

I would imagine that he'd grow up regarding William Gregory as his father, perhaps he just quietly changed his name to Wenham? Though I thought that stepfathers could legally adopt step-children, thus changing their name?

[bbart]

Legal adoptions didn't start until 1926.  Before that, it was "informal" adoption, so to speak.

[bbart]

William Stephen WENHAM is on the 1927 electoral register, living at 191 Bexhill Rd, St. Leonard Ward, Hastings, Sussex with Kate Wenham and William Gregory Wenham.

I would think he just always went by Wenham, as he was part of the Wenham family.  This was commonly done, and stopped the raising of eyebrows of snoopy neighbours!

[griffo99]

Thank you brat and among for your help, much appreciated. How sad that I only discovered William this week, he was still alive when I was growing up in England but I never knew he existed. Families eh?!