Prudhoe: Travers John HEAGERTY.

[pityackafromblyth]

I know nothing about Prudhoe apart from that it is part of the best English county. I have always enjoyed watching " It's A Wonderful Life " with James Stewart and others. Yesterday, on Tyne Tees news was a report relating to Prudhoe and a blue plaque placed in the town.
The report was about Travers John Heagerty, b. 5.3.1874 in Prudhoe.  He was a well know English actor prior to emigrating to Hollywood, where he found fame as the angel Clarence Odbody in the above mentioned film. His stage/actor name was Henry Travers.
I wonder if there are any Heagertys, or other relatives still in the Prudhoe area.

[Tickettyboo]

No relation, but I'd definitely be shouting it from the rooftops if I was :-)

That's my all time favourite film, wherever I am in the world I watch it every Christmas Eve, cup of coffee, bar of chocolate settle down to watch Its a Wonderful life =  Christmas Time for me.
I had no idea that the actor was from England, never mind Northumberland.
I love Rootschat I learn something new each day!

Attaboy Clarence! :-)
Boo

[pityackafromblyth]

I first watched this film at my grandparents house when about 16 years of age.  They were out for a few hours, and glad that they were - parts of the film still bring tears to the eyes, even now.  I have seen a colourised version on TV, but the original b/w has all the magic.
Henry Travers was nominated for an Oscar- best supporting actor for his role.
Whilst searching Friday re Henry, one site mentioned that he was born in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and a second also gave incorrect information re his place of birth.
I hope this posting prods someone into looking into this family name.

[maddys52]

Wonderful movie!

His birth registration Mar qtr 1874 Hexham - mmn HORNIBROOK.

In the 1881 census he is at 6 Main St, Tweedmouth
Daniel HEAGARTY  41  Ireland  (general practitioner)
Ellen F                      39  Ireland
Daniel F B                 9  Woodburn
Travers    J                 7  Prudhoe
Mary S M                  4  Bellingham
Mary E LANE           16 Ireland (visitor)
Sophia LANE            15 Ireland (visitor)
Elizabeth JOHNSON  21  Bellingham  (servant)
RG11/5131/7 pg7

In 1891 at the same address - 6 Main ST Tweedmouth:
Daniel HEAGARTY  (m)  50  Ireland
Travers J                          16  Prudhoe  (architect's pupil)
Mary S M                         13  Bellingham
Margaret HAY                 18  Tweedmouth (servant)
RG12/4268/56 pg21


Interesting how many actors/comedians start off in the architectural profession - including James STEWART. 

[maddys52]

His US Naturalization says he emigrated to the US from Monreal, Canada on 15 Dec 1900. Not sure when he arrived Canada. 

[AllanUK]

His US Naturalization says he emigrated to the US from Monreal, Canada on 15 Dec 1900. Not sure when he arrived Canada. 

He was still in Berwick in December 1895 and on the stage at the Queen's Rooms in a 4 act play called 'Fifty Fafty'. I have looked at passenger lists but can't see him. (snippet image courtesy of Find My Past)

[AllanUK]

A further search on various databases has found in the World War I Draft Registration Cards (on FindMyPast) there is a card for Travers John Heagerty, DOB 5 March 1874) and it shows that he was in America in 1917. The cards can be seen on Family Search

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-91XS-92P1?i=2445&cc=1968530&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AK6JM-M5X

[Tickettyboo]

Maybe he was back and forward for a while?
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-916B-FVC?i=413&cc=1368704&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AJFT4-W3V

That shows him ( as Henry Travers) arriving in NY from Glasgow in 1903

Boo

[Tickettyboo]

Declaration of intention to be naturalised

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9M8-TZ14?i=179&cc=1999177&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3AQPND-V83G

petition for naturalisation
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9HD-RTFQ?i=489&cc=2060123&personaUrl=%2Fark%3A%2F61903%2F1%3A1%3A7625-5PW2

Boo