George Johnson born 1847 Stoke on Trent died 20.10.1926

[Mabel Bagshawe]

Eric goes to live with two other women - Esther Deighton and Lilian Batchelor. They appear on censuses and electoral registers together from 1911 onwards.

Esther died in Manningford Abbas, Wiltshire in 1944. Lilian was living in Pewsey, Wilts when she died in 1952. neither locaitons are particularly near Bath, but are they near to where Eric was buried?

[Fiowes]

Oh Thankyou, both Mabel and Softly
 I have found Mary Ann and Alice on censuses but not with George! Result!

My GGGrandfather was a commercial traveller for the China industry, the family were in the Potteries for generations so it is possible he fathered a child on his travels in later life and whilst at the lodging house of Mary Ann. He does though look a very upright gentleman in his photos.
I half wonder if the child was in fact his grandchild but I guess we shall never know. I have his original death certificate so maybe the care home is still in existence and could help.

Eric is buried near where my daughter lives so I shall pay him a visit. He received a life income from the trust of George so a significant family member and as he is named in the will George was obviously happy to publicly acknowledge him.

[Fiowes]

That may well fit, the cemetery is not far from the Wiltshire boarder.
His death certificate describes him as a Manservant possibly for the two ladies. I think the will refers to a miss Deighton, I shall get it out tomorrow.
Thankyou again, you have been very helpful. I am very grateful

[ChrissieL]

I see that Alice was about 46 when Eric was born, quite old to be having a baby

Chris

[Fiowes]

She claims to be 39 in 1901, Eric was born in 1904 so early 40’s  but this doesn’t tally with her DOB, infuriating!

[Fiowes]

Chrissie L, George’s legitimate wife was Emily Lawton from Staffordshire!

[ChrissieL]

Chrissie L, George’s legitimate wife was Emily Lawton from Staffordshire!

Yes!  Your query caught my eye as Lawton is my surname. No relation to Emily Lawton though...a very common name in the Potteries area
Chris

[Mabel Bagshawe]

That may well fit, the cemetery is not far from the Wiltshire boarder.
His death certificate describes him as a Manservant possibly for the two ladies. I think the will refers to a miss Deighton, I shall get it out tomorrow.
Thankyou again, you have been very helpful. I am very grateful

He wasn't a manservant for them when they were all together in 1939. he appears to have his own job. As they had both died by 1952, when he was still in his 40s, perhaps he took up a servant role layer

[Fiowes]

Mabel,
I have spent fruitless hours today trying to find the information you did where they are all together and the 1901 census has not shown it either 
I am using searches in Ancestry and drawing a blank, so maybe there is a better way of searching. 
Could you please tell me how you obtained such great information?