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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => London & Middlesex Lookup Requests => London and Middlesex => England => London & Middlesex Completed Lookup Requests => Topic started by: Potter on Sunday 05 September 04 14:12 BST (UK)
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My Uncle (who is computer illiterate) is writing a local history book on the area that he & his wife were brought up in... The Rushey Green area of Catford.
At the moment he is researching the eest side of Rushey Green (which is a high street type of road in the District of Catford, Borough of Lewisham, London SE6).
Rushy Green is situated in the Parish of St. Mary's Church, Church Grove and he wants the details of the shops, residents and generally what was going on, on that side of the Highstreet around 1900's - he says the info. he seeks should start or end with 'The George Inn' depending on which way the records have been written; another pub, about half way up Rushey Green, was 'The Black Horse' formally 'The Horse & Harrow'..
Any information on the east side of Rushey Green would be greatly appreciated.
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Hiya Potter, and welcome to Rootschat.
A good place to start would be to find the area on the 1901 census and get the neighbourhood images - it is currently free on Ancestry. This would show you who was were and what they did.
I'd start by doing an address search here (for free)
http://www.1901census.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
Then taking one of the names that comes up and putting it into the free Ancestry 1901, this thread shows you how to get access.
http://www.rootschat.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9689.0
Another thing they have on Ancestry is directories which may list info on trades in the area.
Just a note that this free trial for Ancestry runs out in a week or 2.
Hope this helps,
Pam
;D
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Firstly let me wish you a happy healthy & prosperous 2005!
I've only today seen your reply... I thought I would have been notified about it, but instead got an email today saying that I should look & see if I had received any replies - so I'm very sorry I did not reply to you sooner.
I have in fact spent several hours after joining ancestry.com and gathered lots of information regarding the trades of people who lived there in the 18/1900's - it is a great site isn't it!
I have managed to trace my grandmother's family back to 1500's on her fathers side - the Hoskins; but I am at a dead end with my grandfather - all I have found is his WW1 Medal Card which gives no leading information at all - I wonder if you have any ideas as to where I could find him, his parents/siblings/ancestors or his wife (who was not my grandmother - his wife turned up after he died to claim our family house!).
He had the unusual name of:
Thomas Ptolemy Frederick LEIGHTON
born 04/08/1894(place probably England-details unknown)
Army Rank: RGA Bombardier Thomas P T Leighton
Lived from about 1927 or later until his death at 46 Wellington Gardens, Charlton, London SE7 (Borough of Greenwich) with partner Dorothy May Sargent nee. Hoskins (who had 3 Sargent children). He did continue to support a wife and children (all unknown) who I was told lived in Charlton Village.
Had 2 boys: Thomas Sargent Leighton b1927- c1990 and my father Anthony Leighton 25/01/1933-06/06/1975
Died 06/10/1958, buried in Charlton Cemetery, Cemetery Lane, Charlton, London, SE7
I do hope you can help me find out more about him... I cannot find any birth or marriage details at all.
Thank you
Linda May Rumble nee. Leighton
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Hi Linda
Whether this is significant or not but being such an unusual name .................
HUTCHINS Thomas Ptolemy F birth registered Sep quarter 1894 Winchester (Hampshire) RD 2c 116
The timing is right, the Christian names are right ............. BUT ............. :-\
Casalguidi
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Hello Linda,
I've just seen your post, as you've jumped to the top of the listing. How is your uncle getting on with his book? Presumably he is not stilll living in the Catford area. The main library in Lewisham has a pretty good local history room (I went there yesterday while the wife was shopping) and they are very helpful. If you want any contact numbers, I'm sure I can dig them out.
Best wishes and Happy New Year,
Phil
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Hi Linda
Whether this is significant or not but being such an unusual name .................
HUTCHINS Thomas Ptolemy F birth registered Sep quarter 1894 Winchester (Hampshire) RD 2c 116
The timing is right, the Christian names are right ............. BUT ............. :-\
Casalguidi
You were definitely correct... my grandfather's name at birth was definitely HUTCHINS - quite a shock!
I have done extensive research on his parents lines, but I am still trying to find out why his name and his sister's and his mother's became LEIGHTON... especially as it was my maiden name.
None of them are on the 1901 Census, but they are on the 1911 as Leighton, but Frederick James Hutchins is not on either the 1901 or 1911.
I can find no divorce or second marriage for my Great Grandmother, Frances Gertrude Leighton formerly Hutchins nee.Colmer, but she was definitely involved with a Fred Leighton who was Entertainments Manager & License Holder of the Sheerness Hippodrome.
After 2 years of searching I cannot establish whether this man was actually Fred Hutchins with the stage name of Leighton or whether this was an entirely different character altogether... not knowing his date or birth or death does not help and this Fred Leighton is not on the 1901 Census either, but I have possibly found him on the 1911 lodging with another woman.
Does anyone know anything about FRED LEIGHTON, Entertainment Manager of several Hippodromes & London Theaters?
All I know about him is his occupation - Entertainment Manager, which is on my grandfather's Marriage Certificate, but on his daughter's Marriage Certificate in 1916 his occupation was Army Officer... however after extensive searching I have not been able to find an Army Officer of that name (other than Frederick Leighton the founder of The Gentleman's Club in London - too early I think - plus that Fred Leighton was an artist and gay - my Fred was a womanizer!).
Any guidance as to how I can establish the identity of Fred Leighton would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking You!
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That's great news even if it is a bit of a shock :)
Perhaps it's just me but I'm getting a bit confused here ;D
but Frederick James Hutchins is not on either the 1901 or 1911
Who is Frederick James HUTCHINS ie. age/birthplace/where does he fit into the grand scheme of things?
None of them are on the 1901 Census, but they are on the 1911 as Leighton
Who are we talking about here - names/ages/birthplaces?
Does anyone know anything about FRED LEIGHTON, Entertainment Manager of several Hippodromes & London Theaters?
All I know about him is his occupation - Entertainment Manager, which is on my grandfather's Marriage Certificate
Who is he supposed to have been married to and father of?
Where do all these fit into the grand scheme of things regarding Thomas Ptolemy Frederick LEIGHTON/HUTCHINS ???
Casalguidi :)
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Hi
As a starting point and perhsps we can go on from there - from FreeBMD this is Mr Hutchins
Marriages Sep 1893
COLMAN Frances Gertrude Yeovil 5c 706
COLMER Frances Gertrude Yeovil 5c 706
Hutchins Frederick James Yeovil 5c 706
age? father's name? occupation?
and Frances
Births Sep 1868 (>99%)
Colmer Frances Gertrude Yeovil 5c 487
and the missing Hutchins/Leighton children from the 1901 census.
Births Sep 1894
Hutchins Thomas Ptolemy F Winchester 2c 116
Births Sep 1895
Hutchins Gertrude May E Bridport 5a 351
Regards
Valda
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Thank You both so much for helping!
Valda - Yes you have the correct family... here's a bit about their parents... but I already have their ancestry... what I am needing to know is the source of my maiden name: LEIGHTON...
Was Fred one man who changed his name for a 20 years from Hutchins to Leighton & then back to Hutchins
Fred Hutchins, Watch Maker & Jeweller was the father at both Births, but Fred Leighton was the Father at both Marriages.
Was Fred Leighton, Entertainments Manager a different man from Fred Hutchins Master Watchmaker & Jeweller?
I cannot find both men anywhere simultaneously.
Frances Gertrude Colmer married Frederick James Hutchins
July qtr. 1893. Yeovil, Somerset. Volume 5C. Page 706.
Fred's Parents - My Great Grandfather... Frederick James HUTCHINS
BIRTHS : Hutchins, Frederick James
Quarter: June
Year: 1873
District: Shepton Mallet
County: Somerset
Vol: 5c Page: 564
On Frederick`s Birth Certificate he was born on 14th May 1873 in High Street, Shepton Mallet
My GREAT GRANDMOTHER Known as `Gertie`LEIGHTON.
BIRTHS - Name: COLMER, Frances Gertrude
Born at Princes Street, Yeovil
Date: 25th May 1868
Father: Ptolemy Samuel Henry COLMER
Mother: Susan Colmer formerly JACOB
Year: 1868 Quarter: July District: Yeovil
Vol: 5c Page: 487
Ptolemy Samuel Henry Colmer and his deceased 1st wife Susan Jacob was Frances Gertrude Colmer's mother.
Ptolemy Samuel Henry, L.R.C.P.Ed,L.P.F.&S.G.&L.S.A. had three wives.
Children
My grandfather was born at his father`s Jewellery shop on 8th August 1894.
Births Sep 1894, Hutchins, Thomas Ptolemy Frederick Winchester 2c 116 - my Grandfather we all knew as Tom Leighton.
Fred J Hutchins Jewellers, 35 Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire.
Soon after Tom was born, the family moved from Hampshire to Dorset - we know this, because his sister Gertrude, who was always called `May` was born at home in Bridport on 3rd August 1895.
Births Sep 1895, Hutchins, Gertrude May Eugenie Bridport 5a 351 - My Great Aunt I never knew who married as Leighton.
Gertrude May Eugenie HUTCHINS was born at 23 East Street, Bridport, Dorset.
At some time before 1905 Fred & Gertie the whole family changed their surname from HUTCHINS to LEIGHTON !!!
There were two other children born...
to Frances Gertrude (Hutchins or Leighton?)
- one I have not found other than on the 1911 Census 'born alive but now dead' - Name & Sex & Birth & Death unknown atm.
to Frederick James Hutchins
- Reginald Frederick HUTCHINS was the son of Frederick James & LOUISA FRANCES HUTCHINS nee.GREEN;
Born at Rossmore Nursing Home, Chislehurst, Bromley, Kent.
Father: Frederick James HUTCHINS, Watchmaker & Jeweller, 27 Lincoln Road, Sidcup, Kent
Informant 19/10/1920: L.F.HUTCHINS, mother, 27 Lincoln Road, Sidcup, Kent.
Births Oct 1920 Bromley 2a 1064
My question is where did the Leighton name come from?
If there was another man Fred Leighton... who was he, when was he born & when did he die?
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I cannot find a divorce or another marriage for either of my Great Grandparents.
I cannot find any of them on the 1901 Census in the name of Hutchins or Leighton
I cannot find Frederick James Hutchins on the 1911 Census
I found Gertie & Children on the 1911...
1911 England & Wales Census
LEIGHTON, FRANCES GERTRUDE HEAD MARRIED F 42 PRIVATE MEANS YEAIRK SOMERSET
LEIGHTON, THOMAS FREDK PTDANNY SON SINGLE M 16 MINERAL WATER TRAVELLER WINCHESTER HANTS
LEIGHTON, GERTRUDE MAY EUGINE DAUGHTER SINGLE F 15 BRIDFAST DORSET
WARDEN, MAY BOARDER SINGLE F 18 ACRESS LEEDS YORKSHIRE
JENNER, CHARLES VISITOR SINGLE M 42 ACTOR CERNE ABBAS DORSET SHEFFORD,
FREDERICK WILLIAM VISITOR MARRIED M 44 ASSISTANT CLERK TO JUSTICE WINCANTON SOMERSET
RG14PN10136 RG78PN533A RD195 SD2 ED24 SN90)
Address: 1 CHANCELLOR RD SOUTHEND ON SEA
County Essex
District Rochford
Subdistrict Prittlewell
Enumeration District 24
Parish Southend
Here's Fred Leighton, if I have the right man, on the 1911 Census
1911 Census Household Transcript
GORTON, EMILY - HEAD MARRIED F 33, PUBLIC CATERER, born MIDDLETON LANCASHIRE
LEIGHTON, FRED BOARDER MARRIED M 37 MUSIC HALL MANAGER WELFORD IRELAND RESIDENT
LEIGHTON FRED (RG14PN9850 RG78PN521A RD191 SD2 ED1 SN200)
Address 25 ILFORD HUT ILFORD
County Essex
District Romford
Subdistrict Ilford
Enumeration District 1
Parish Ilford
... seems Fred Leighton is living with a married woman... but this does not tie up with him being on May and Tom`s marriage certificates in 1916!
The Census states that he has been married for 18 years with two children, but that he was born in Welford, Ireland and is 37.
This great confusion over the surname change of HUTCHINS to LEIGHTON is still not resolved... at first I thought Fred HUTCHINS & Fred LEIGHTON were the same man... then I thought there were two men and my Great Grandmother 'Gertie' must have changed their names when she lived as wife with Fred Leighton... but now this is what another family member thinks...
This 1911 Census is very significant with an actress and actor living with Tom, May and Gertie.
As to Fred Leighton being born in Ireland, well that may all have been one big lie to go alongside his name change.
It's not Welford Ireland of course but Wexford Ireland, which is the home of his sister Annie Eugenie Richards.
Just to clarify Thomas Ptolemy Hutchins is definitely the same person as Thomas Ptolemy Leighton - therefore Fred Hutchins definitely became Fred Leighton. As to whether the Fred Leighton, music hall manager, of Ilford is yours these facts suggest he might be:
* he lied about his last name, so lying about his place of birth would go with the territory, and may have given him 'character' as an 'Oirishman' rather than a Hutchins from Shepton (far too rural to convince as a man of the theatre)
* Ilford is very near his family in Southend - remember he was still married to Gertie at this point and she was obviously in the theatre trade too judging by the fact she has actor/actress living with them
* the age of Fred Leighton (born Ireland) fits our Fred Hutchins (born Shepton Mallet) both are 37
* Fred had a real family connection with Wexford Ireland, so if anyone asked him about the town where he said he came from, why, he knew all the answers, because he had visited his sister there!
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What about this family - a few coincidences don't you think?
1901 - 6 Avondale Villas, Elvino? Road, Lewisham
George FRANCIS head mar 39 watchmaker b.Ireland
Gertrude wife 33 teacher pianoforte? (own account at home) b.Somerset Bath
Thomas son 7 b.Winchester Hants
May dau 5 b.Ireland
RG13/557 folio 13 page 18
Casalguidi :)
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Have you seen these two COLMER entries from a Sheppey newspaper index http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~penney/detailed%20card%20data/ecc.htm ???
I also noticed "Fred Leighton" skating rink, hockey, billiards with an Ilford, Essex telephone number 1912-1916 - would that be the same chap in Essex 1911 census?
Can you be sure that your *Frederick James HUTCHINS* was the one born in Shepton Mallet if you haven't found him on any census with Frances Gertrude ???
Casalguidi :)
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casalguidi - you are good!!!
Your Lewisham Census suggestion could be spot on... and I have never been able to find it!
Plus the two COLMER entries are correct!
In fact both these younger brothers of Frances Gertrude died at a young age in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey.
I am in contact with the descendants of Albert Ernest who died in 1906 age 36.
I surprisingly found that it was in fact FRED LEIGHTON, brother-in-law, that bought the Deed of Purchase of that grave.
I visited the Grave in Halfway Cemetery on the Isle of Sheppey and found Arnold Hugh age 28 was buried there too... his last abode was at the Leighton's house at
67 Marine Parade, Sheerness (also called Shrimp Terrace)
Arnold Hugh Colmer was Buried as COLMER (no forename) in 1907 in the same grave with his half-brother, Albert (ERNEST) COLMER.
We now know that Gertrude name had changed before her brothers died and this is confirmed by the inscription she had engraved there when Arnold died which said...
'The Dearly Loved Brothers of Gertrude LEIGHTON
Gone, But Not Forgotten.'
Later, on 15th May 1937, Frances (GERTIE) Gertrude LEIGHTON nee.COLMER aged 68, was also buried in the same grave with her two brothers at Halfway Cemetery.
Now regarding the certainty of Frederick James Hutchins being the one born in Shepton Mallet is clear from their Marriage Certificate...
MARRIAGES
Name: Hutchins, Frederick James
Record Type: Marriages, Quarter: Sept. Year: 1893
District: Yeovil, County: Somerset
Volume: 5c, Page: 706
COLMAN(er!), Frances Gertrude 1893 Sept.
Marriages: Yeovil,Somerset
14/03/2005 Notes confirmed - I sent off for that marriage certificate.
The Witnesses are Florence HUTCHINS (sister), Ptolemy Samuel Henry COLMER & A. Ernest COLMER.
Father`s are Thomas Hutchins, Profession: Jeweller; and Ptolemy Samuel Henry Colman(sic), Profession M.D. & J.P. - Doctor & Justice of the Peace!
OCCUPATION
At Marriage to Gertie in 1893, he was Frederick James Hutchins, a `Master Watch Maker`
He was Fred Leighton by 1915, serving as an `Army Officer` according to May`s Marriage Cert. in 1916.
Later that same year on my grandfather & Ethel`s Marriage Cert. he was a `Theatrical Manager`
...but it seems from British Phone Book records (many) that during the 1930`s he was again Frederick James Hutchins, `Clock & Watch Maker`
Unfortunately Fred left Frances & the family in the Minster home... probably the marriage broke down as a result of his flamboyant Theatre Lifestyle.
A daughter of Gertrude May Eugenie JOYCE nee. LEIGHTON formerly HUTCHINS says...
My Grandfather must have been at the Hippodrome during the twenties or early thirties, I should imagine. As to when he was in the London theatres, I just don`t know. All I was told was that he was Manager at some of the London theatres, can`t remember which ones though. I think he used to be known as Tom Leighton then. My Grandmother lived on her own in Sidcup and I know I used to go to stay with her during the school holidays, and he was never mentioned at all. I got the feeling that he was the bad sheep of the family [perhaps that was why the change of name]. Then my Gran bought a little place up Minster and moved there, which I used to visit a lot. Still he was never mentioned.
I found out more information about my HUTCHINS FAMILY via information regarding their Wills!
FJH Father: Thomas Hutchins London 10 Feb 1902 ~Charlotte (wid) £1920.17.2 Watchmaker, Silversmith 23 High Street Shepton Mallet d 7 Oct 1901
FJH Mother: Charlotte Hutchins London 22 Apr 1921 to Florence Josephine Jarratt (wid) £440.15.5 92 Queens Road, Wimbledon Surrey d 2 Mar 1921
FJH Sister: Florence Josephine Jarratt London 22 Dec 1932 to <b>Frederick James Hutchins (manager)</b> £986.17.7 449 Fairmount (or 44a?) Road, Brixton Hill d 13 Oct 1932 [age 68 Lambeth]
FJH himself! It seems that he has changed his name back to HUTCHINS and married again!!!!
Frederick James Hutchins London 27 Nov 1946 ~Louisa Frances (wid) £882.0.8 92 Queens Road Wimbledon d 28 Apr 1946 (age 72)
16/11/2007 Now found Frederick J HUTCHINS in British Phone Books... many entries - eg. 1936 - living at 92 Queens Rd where he conducts his CLOCK & WATCH MAKER business... So he has changed his name & occupation back to as it was on 1891 Census!
20 Nov 2007 - Suddenly I realised today that Gertie may have married a Fred Leighton - there may be two different men!
Also, that FJ Hutchins Will was written on 4th June 1937 less than a month after Gertie died on 9th May 1937!
So if he was a bigamist, his marriage would have finally been legitimate! What a puzzle!
But I have never found a second marriage for Fred or Gertie Hutchins.
The question is still not resolved... Is Fred Hutchins & Fred Leighton the same man - or two different men?
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Possible Army Officer FRED LEIGHTON - but could he also be the man at Ilford Skating Rink?
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JULY 2008 I feel absolutely certain now that FRED HUTCHINS never changed his name to Fred Leighton!
NB.2009 - Now not so sure!
Fred Leighton the entertainer seems such a different character to the watch maker & jeweller Fred HUTCHINS
If Fred LEIGHTON was a partner to Gertie, they could not marry as Gertie and F J HUTCHINS never divorced, but she changed her surname & her children`s surnames to LEIGHTON. May`s line was not affected as her name changed to JOYCE with marriage anyway...
but my Grandfather, My Father, Uncle and us all ended up with the surname of LEIGHTON instead of HUTCHINS... unbelievable, but true.
Mystery solved. The Fred that walked out on my Great Grndmother in Sheerness/Minster was Fred Leighton, not Fred Hutchins.
FRED HUTCHINS had parted from Gertie in the late 1890`s and also left his children behind... from our perspective it seems as though he just forgot about us, his descendants... and he went on to have another family, just as if we did not exist...
If only I could find them both at the same time in different places... but I have not been able to... so Fred HUTCHINS could have taken on the Surname of LEIGHTON as a stage name for at least 20 years from 1896 (when he is HUTCHINS as father on daughter Mays Birth Cert.) until at least 1916 (when he is LEIGHTON as Father on Tom & May's Marriage Certs) then back to HUTCHINS (when he is again HUTCHINS as Father on Reginald Frederick HUTCHINS Birth Cert.)
Over a century has passed since this parting, but if anyone is reading this and has any knowledge of my HUTCHINS ancestors
or FRED LEIGHTON, I would be most grateful of any information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant...
Please contact me now via this website.
Attached - FRED LEIGHTON - Entertainments Manager & Licence Holder 1905 -1908 at the Sheerness Hippodrome
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Also, that FJ Hutchins Will was written on 4th June 1937 less than a month after Gertie died on 9th May 1937!
What about Frederick J HUTCHINS marrying Louisa F GREEN Apr May Jun 1937 Surry North Eastern (covered Wimbledon) registration district ref. 2a 212 - the timing would perhaps fit and thus his will could have been written soon after he married Louisa?
Despite them seemingly moving around so much at times, have you explored electoral registers/local street directories for the addresses you have to see when/how persons are recorded there?
Has anybody looked for an obituary for Frederick James HUTCHINS?
Casalguidi :)
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casalguidi - You should be earning money for this... I have paid researchers and waited weeks & not got the leads that you are providing - You are Good!
The Marriage is them!!!! Great! I have spent months and not found it!
If you knew how frustrated I have been after endless hours of searching & getting nowhere!
I really want to thank you from the depths of my heart - finding them on the 1901 and now this marriage - EXCELLENT!
Regarding Street Directories - I have found information on Electoral Rolls for other members of my family, but the books for the early 1900's were not at Sheerness Library... I need to go to Chatham or Maidstone Library for them - Maidstone is a dreadful place to drive to... I have been meaning to take a bus there and aim to find some time this summer to do that.
Regarding Obituaries - I have never been very successful at finding Obituaries... but have a great one (found by a relative) for Thomas Hutchins, Fred's father.
I am a member of both ancestry & findmypast and have been giddy at times after searching through newspaper microfiche at various libraries & got nowhere.
Could someone tell me the best way to search for Obituaries please?
You have been so helpful - thanks again so much for your time and successful research leads! I cannot thank you enough! Very very much appreciated!
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Hello Valda,
I had an email to say that you left me a message... I can't see it though... wonder if it was lost with the starting of a new page for this conversation?
Thanks very much to all at RootsChat for your help... Amazing accurate search results! I am very grateful.
Kindest regards,
Linda May Rumble nee.Leighton
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The marriage wasn't difficult to find - somebody else would have posted it if I hadn't I'm sure - just seemed logical that he may have remarried as soon as he was free to do so ;)
Regarding any possible death notice/obituary for Frederick James HUTCHINS I don't know where the local newspapers for the Wimbledon area would be - perhaps http://www.londonlibraries.org/library/39321/Merton%20Local%20Studies%20Centre can help. Alternatively, searching the "Newspaper Catalogue Subset" of the British Newspaper Library at Colindale could help to determine which newspapers covered that area at that time.
Still no answer to your "real" question though. I can't help feeling that Frederick James HUTCHINS and Fred Leighton could be the same man (maybe even George FRANCIS 1901 census too) either :-\
Casalguidi :)
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Thank you so much for helping me break down brick walls in my ancestry casalguidi.
I wonder whether Frederick James Hutchins committed some crime and moved away because he was on the run!
I see that ancestry have just added England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892, but this is not late enough to record any crime of his... however I did find Frances Gertrude Hutchins nee.Colmer's grandparents on there - they were indicted for murder (they made their fortune by being abortionists!) and given the death sentence, but reprieved through local public outcry in Yeovil... I already found out about this about 4 years ago - absolutely scandelous at the time! I already had numerous newspaper cuttings, but this gave me the official records.
Regarding the Leighton mystery - I don't really know where to go from here to establish the truth about the reason for my maiden name.
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It's certainly a fascinating story!
Just a thought, you don't mention the source of your newspaper clippings so wondering if you have tried the archive of "The Stage" http://www.thestage.co.uk/ ???
Casalguidi :)
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I got my Newspaper Cuttings by spending hours...no it was days, at the Sheerness Library. I began as Phyllis Joyce said... in 1920... found nothing & spent several days working my way back to 1908, 07, 06... I felt very giddy, very tired & ill in the end, having sat for hours going through all the microfiche records!!!
I saw your post soon after you sent it last night and I have just completed typing put 10 records - including this Obituary (!) for Arnold Hugh Colmer...
1907 Hugh COLMER - Obituary with Fred LEIGHTON
Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Aug 29, 1907;
Section:None; Page Number:13
We regret to announce the death of Mr.Arnold Hugh COLMER,
Manager of the Gaiety, Chatham, which took place at
St.Bartholomew's Hospital on Friday evening after a short illness.
Deceased was formerly Assistant Manager to Mr.Fred Leighton
at the Sheerness Hippodrome, but recently he took up the
appointment of Manager at The Gaiety, Chatham.
He was very popular with all the artists with whom he came
into contact.
Deceased was only twenty-nine years of age, and a very sad
feature about his death is that he had only been married a
few months.
The funeral took place at the Isle of Sheppey Cemetery on
Tuesday (noon) from the residence of his brother-in-law Mr. Fred Leighton.
Wreaths were sent by the permanent staff of the Sheerness Hippodrome,
the staff at the Gaiety, Chatham;
the artists this week at the Sheerness Hippodrome,
the local Lodge of the R.A.O.B., of which deceased was a respected member,
and others.
NB. I have come across the R.A.O.B. before, they are The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.
The R.A.O.B. is a social and benevolent organisation whose aims are to aid members in need and the widows and orphans of deceased members, to support external charitable and philanthropic groups at national and local levels and to encourage communication, support and well-being amongst its members.
Eg. They were very active in WW1 in providing Ambulances.
See attached family wedding photograph of a blood relative on my grandmother's HOSKINS side with a full company of RAOB... sorry about the poor quality.
So again you have been extremely helpful Casalguidi :)
Thanks so very much!
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Just to explain... the reason why I have had to type out all the newspaper cuttings is that the STAGE ARCHIVE website does not allow you to download the images... it only gives links back to the website...
This was absolutely infuriating... and you don't find that out until after you pay! Still... it was only £5 for 24 hours... which is why I'm still up at 5am!
You can print out, and then I suppose you could scan the printed copy to end up with a much poorer digital image of the section... so I ended up transcribing it all.
By the way, I already knew that there was a Fred Leighton at Gorleston from here:
http://www.gtyarmouth.co.uk/Bygones/Old_Gorleston/body_index.htm
Old Gorleston by A.A. Hart
One of the first to bring entertainment to the town was a man named Fred Leighton who lodged at Granny Roberts on Springfield Road. It was he who in 1911 started the Perriot show in a marquee on Beach Road, near the King William 1V pub. He carried on for a few weeks each summer until the outbreak of the First World War.
RESULTS
1907
1. The first result for Fred Leighton was that 1907 Obituary... I was delighted!
The other 9 are as follows...
1910
2. Olympia Skating Rink - Manager, Mr Fred Leighton
Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date: Mar 3, 1910;
1911
3. Concert & Entertainment Notes - the Stage Archive
The Gorleston Pierrots, run by Mr.Fred Leighton.
Thursday , August 24, 1911
Page: 1
4. CONCERT ARTISTS & ENTERTAINERS
Thursday, September 21, 1911
Page: 15
THE "VARSITIES"
Gorleston-on-Sea, wish to Thank Mr.Fred Leighton, Proprietor and Manager
5. THE VARSITIES (Variety & Perriot Party)
Date:Oct 19, 1911;
Page Number:15
Alfresco Pavilion, Gorleston-on-Sea
Sole Proprietor & Manager,
The Nook, Springfield Road, Gorleston-on Sea
Same again one month later...
6. Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Nov 9, 1911;
Page Number:17
THE VARSITIES (Variety & Perriot Party)
Fred Leighton,
Sole Proprietor & Manager,
The Nook, Springfield Road, Gorleston-on Sea
All coms, re.bookings 1912 and engagements
1920
7. Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Jun 17, 1920;
Section:None; Page Number:20
Wanted Engagements (Variety Artists)
WANTED, July 12, 19 (precede Cork),
DAVE CAIRNS, Character Comedian.
- All coms, 29 Cumberland St., Edinburgh.
Thanks Fred Leighton Esq. for contract.
1938
8. "The Shanklin Theatre Orchestra will be under the direction of Fred Leighton"
Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Jun 23, 1938;
Section:None; Page Number:8
CHIT CHAT
Shanklin Season
9. Shanklin Theatre - Mus.D Fred Leighton
Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Jul 28, 1938;
Page Number:11
SHANKLIN THEATRE
(R.M., John Brettargh; S.M., G.J.Baguley;
Mus.D., Fred Leighton)
10. Publication:The Stage Archive;
Date:Aug 11, 1938;
Section:None; Page Number:7
SHANKLIN THEATRE
R.M., John Brettargh; S.M., G.J.Baguley;
Mus.D., Fred Leighton
Could the 1938 entries be for another Fred Leighton???
If not, I wonder why the big gap of 18 years?
From:1920... just 3 months before Reg Hutchins, son of Fred & Louisa was born!
To: 1938 when this Fred Leighton is an Orchestral Director
Fred Hutchins could not be in Wimbledon & Shanklin at the same time, but he could have been using the Stage Name Fred Leighton and dropped it when his 4th child was born (4 including the unknown one that died).
But the question remains... if Fred Leighton was a Stage Name... surely it is not usual for this to also be transferred to all the family?
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Other info I have gathered about Fred Leighton is...
1901 Fred HUTCHINS alias George FRANCIS, watchmaker at 6 Avondale Villas, Elvino Road, Lewisham
190? Fred LEIGHTON - Possible connection with the Chatham Empire
190?-1907 FRED LEIGHTON, 67 Shrimp Terrace, Marine Parade, Sheerness, Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
1905-1907 Fred Leighton, Manager & Licence Holder of The Sheerness Hippodrome
1908-1910 Owner/Management: King's - Gainsborough Theatre Co Ltd, lessees; Fred Leighton, Managing Director
1910 Olympia Skating Rink - Manager, Mr Fred Leighton
1911 Census - Fred Leighton Music Hall Manager, at 25 Ilford Hut, Ilford, Romford, Essex, England
1911 Fred Leighton at The Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Sole Proprietor and Manager
1914-1916 `Fred Leighton` is listed as Manager of Ilford Ice Rink in 5 British Phone Book`s
1916 Fred Leighton is Father on Marriage Certs.; 23rd July - Army Officer; 26th September - Theatrical Manager
1916 Leighton Address is 8 Herbert Road, Plumstead, London SE18 -unknown if Fred is living there.
1920 June 17 - Fred Leighton Esq. - Variety Artists Contract Manager -Eg. Dave Cairnes, Character Comedian
1920 17 Sep 1920 FRED HUTCHINS Watchmaker & Jewellers, 27 Lincoln Road, Sidcup, Chislehurst, Kent - has son Reg
Now I have found a marriage in 1922 which, if correct, could have been a bit scandalous, because my grandfather Tom Leighton`s mother-in-law`s maiden name was PALFREMAN (!!!)
England & Wales, FreeBMD Marriage Index: 1837-1983
Name: Fred Leighton
Name: Ella Palfreyman
Year of Registration: 1922
Quarter of Registration: Jan-Feb-Mar
Spouse`s Surname: Palfreyman
District: Stockport
County: Cheshire, Lancashire
Volume: 8a
Page: 50
Difficult to establish if it is our Fred Leighton as we don't know Date of Birth or parents!
We also know that he was involved in running London Theatres and found him listed under Albert Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Albert Theatre... but I can't find these notes now and can't remember when.
Getting very weary now... Still do not know if Fred Leighton is Fred Hutchins or not!
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Getting very weary now... Still do not know if Fred Leighton is Fred Hutchins or not!
Yes, but what a wonderful 5 year journey ! Stuff like this should be the successor to "Who Do You Think You Are", for ordinary people with fascinating stories ! :)
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Yes Nick29 I have thought that a new series of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' for ordinary people with unusual stories would make a great new series... My family history on my mother's side is just as interesting - she became a missing person when I was three months old and I'm still discovering that interesting side... with stories of fortunes being stolen by a highwayman robbery on the Holmes side; the Bright family who were all brick-makers who brought their family up in an unusual hexagonal C17 thatched cottage which is now the smallest council house in the UK - see the Dutch House in Rayleigh! Watermen and Lightermen back to 1500's on my grandmother's Hoskin's Starkey & Sargent families and on my stepmother's Calvert side stories of anti-piracy and anti-slavery when they ended up in Quebec back in 1700's - I fortunately have managed to get records from the military church baptism & burial records there via a very kind fellow genealogist who lives in the area. Too many exciting stories to put here - and I thought that preparation for such a TV series or book would enable me to really get the whole untangled past into perspective.... I would love it!
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What about this family - a few coincidences don't you think?
1901 - 6 Avondale Villas, Elvino? Road, Lewisham
George FRANCIS head mar 39 watchmaker b.Ireland
Gertrude wife 33 teacher pianoforte? (own account at home) b.Somerset Bath
Thomas son 7 b.Winchester Hants
May dau 5 b.Ireland
RG13/557 folio 13 page 18
Casalguidi :)
One of my relatives who lives nearby went to Lewisham local history library today where she tried to check on your Francis address...
She says...
They have electoral rolls so I looked up 1900/1. At 6 Avondale Villas Elvino Road I found William Brett.
At 4 Avondale Villas I found William Wright.
So I tried 1901/2 where at no6 I found William Wright and again in 1902/3 no6 William Wright.
By 1903/4 the house was unoccupied.
Nowhere looking up and down the various houses did I find Francis or Hutchins - though somewhere locally I did find a Hutchings.
Then I tried Kellys but the nearest they had was 1908 and I found nothing of use.
So, sorry, but your forebear remains an unknown.
I did check the census found the family George, Gertrude, Thomas + May, and looking at the other entries decided (as did the local historian who was being most helpful) that the properties were only small as none of them had more than one generally small family.
Your George Francis remains an enigma - or a pain in the neck which ever you'd rather!!!