Seeking Oliver Herbert Sumner b 1865

[ajm314159]

A ggg aunt of mine, Florence Evelyn Johnson (1864-1952) married with Oliver Herbert Sumner (b Dent, Yorks 3Q 1865: parents the Rev. Joseph and Elizabeth née Smales) on 24 Jan 1891 in Hornsey, where she lived. They settled in Yarmouth for perhaps four years (eg 1891: Albany Road, Gorleston).

Oliver was a hairdresser, perfumer, and proprietor of a “Toilet Club” in Yarmouth.

Some time around 1896, he left her and went to America, it seems: on her death in 1952 the lawyers sought him by advertisement (which can be seen on Ancestry). (Florence calls herself “widowed” on the 1911 census and the 1939 register, though.)

I’d like to find Oliver after 1895 -- rather like the lawyers in 1954, but we have more data!

He isn't Oliver W H Sumner of Buffalo, who married in 1908 and died in 1942: that man was born in Buffalo and his father was Emory.

He isn't Oliver Sumner Teall who died in New York 1906: that man was from Indiana.

He isn't Herbert Sumner b California 1877 d Idaho 1900: that man's father was William.

He isn't Oliver Sumner b 1856 d 1934 in Claire County MI: that man was born in Michigan.

He isn't the Oliver Sumner who died in Bournemouth in 1903: that man was a clergyman, and our man's uncle.

An H Sumner b ca. 1865 arrived in Quebec from Liverpool on 4 May 1895 on the "Labrador": but he called himself a “horse dealer”.

Can Oliver Herbert be found? 

[Lisa in California]

Thank you for providing concise, full details. 

The only question I have is why is it believed that he sailed to North America c1896, please?  Is there any chance he sailed right after their marriage or closer to 1900 or sailed somewhere else, such as Australia, or Ireland or Scotland relocated to Ireland, Scotland or somewhere else in England.

…(Florence calls herself “widowed” on the 1911 census and the 1939 register, though.)…

A friend’s ancestor was recorded as being widowed on a census return.  However, her husband absolutely lived in her neighbourhood and was very much alive at the time of the census (and for a number of years after that).  It is believed that she didn’t want people to know that they had split up.  Perhaps Florence wanted to move on with her life since he left her and also told people she was widowed?

[amondg]

What about Oliver Sumner who got a homestead exemption Canada 1904  born 1865

His brother Hugh Steven Sumner died in York Ontario  Canada 3 May 1944 lived in the are 40 years.

[wivenhoe]

"on her death in 1952 the lawyers sought him by advertisement (which can be seen on Ancestry)".

I am not seeing this advertisement. Can you provide a link please.

Why was anyone wanting to contact/locate him in 1952?.....1954?..... at death of his wife....when he would be ~ 87 years old?

[Lisa in California]

Hi wivenhoe.  I found the advertisement in a family tree (on Anc*try).

I thought perhaps they were trying to settle her will c1954 (and were trying to locate her family members).  Possibly that was not the case, though.

[amondg]

The newspaper was dated 25-4 1954

Anyone with knowledge of or date of death of Oliver Herbert Sumner, last heard of in Great Yarmouth 1895, when he is believed to have gone to America, is requested to communicate with Walter Burgis and Co. 719 St. James Street London.

[wivenhoe]

Where did Florence Evelyn SUMNER die, 1954?

[ajm314159]

Many thanks to all for your interest and your finds.

wivenhoe, Florence died in retirement in Walton-on-Thames in Oct 1952 ; her (spinster) sister Emma lived next door.  Long-lived and the last of their long-lived father's family: he was born in 1795.

amondg, thanks for finding and transcribing the advertisement.  (**Is it acceptable to post paywalled links here?). I haven't found that advert anywhere else; e.g. not on BNA or Newspapers.com.

Lisa in California, I made the same assumptions: that the lawyers were performing due diligence in looking for family (I doubt that there was much of a will, but I haven't obtained it) and that Florence called herself Widowed for social convenience.  We might find a death for Oliver in 1900-1910: but the lawyers didn't.

The Burgis & co. ad. is all the evidence I have that Oliver went to America. Not too good, I admit.  He went somewhere, though!  No sign of him in the UK records at all. Last record I have is 1891 census. I expect there are directories of Yarmouth, but none (?) online: when did the “Regent Toilet Club” close or change hands again? 

amondg, Oliver Sumner landed 1904 in Canada, that's a find! I cannot see it, may I ask you for a link?  Certainly Hugh Stephen Sumner who died in North York (Toronto) in 1944 is my man's youngest brother : he was born in Peckham and emigrated in 1903 with his wife Florence and three children.  Can we be certain that the 1904 farmer is Hugh's brother? That would clinch this, of course.

[amondg]

He is not your Oliver, he is too young.

I found the 1916 census of Alberta
Oliver  35
Lydia 31
Christina 5
James 0
Barbara Christopher 22 sister in law

Oliver Sumner married Lydia Christopher 1909

1906 census shows him with father Edward age 71, Oliver is 25, James his brother is 22

This Oliver died 31 July 1952 Lethbridge Alberta there is a grave stone with his wife Lydia who died 13 March 1918 aged 32