Who was Richard Willis?

[QueenoftheWest]

Another possible:

Richard Willis b abt 1865  in Littleworth (close to Faringdon) son of Thomas & Jane.

In 1881 he was a carpenter's apprentice, so maybe not him if baker was definitely his occupation.

Nell

I think that one is the Richard Willis mmn Fisher, whom Lizzie has ruled out.

Queenie 

[QueenoftheWest]

A Richard Willis on 1911 census, Reading Union Workhouse, born Farringdon 1871, formerly a Baker.

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X7LX-9V8

I think there is a British Army service record for this Richard. He enlisted in 1896 (birth year is 1872 and birth place is Faringdon) and his profession is baker.

Queenie 

[LizzieL]

Another possible:

Richard Willis b abt 1865  in Littleworth (close to Faringdon) son of Thomas & Jane.

In 1881 he was a carpenter's apprentice, so maybe not him if baker was definitely his occupation.

Nell

Jane's maiden name was Fisher, he's the one died in 1938. He can be tracked up to 1921 with wife Jessie

[LizzieL]

Can't find the birth reg for the Richard who was a baker and joined the army, Could he be the one I'm looking for who changed profession from general labourer in 1891 to baker before he joined the army. Not yet found in 1901 and then turns up in Reading workhouse  in 1911.

The supposed son was born on 4 Oct 1912, so conceived very late 1911 or early 1912 (if I've calculated right)

[LizzieL]

Looking at the service record of the baker he was discharged in 1902 and address is given as 26 Princes st Swindon. In 1901 Charles Willis at that address so likely the same Richard that was found in 1891 and in Reading on census day 1911. So when did he get out of the workhouse?

[LizzieL]

Charles Willis of Swindon seems to be the son of Thomas and Jane nee Fisher of Faringdon

maybe Thomas Willis who married Jane Fisher is the brother of the George Willis who married Ann Pirbrick