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Wales (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Wales => Glamorganshire => Topic started by: Tom from OZ on Saturday 13 June 09 03:51 BST (UK)
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I am trying to find the link between Thomas Arthur Merrells and my Grandmother Alydia, Annie, Maud, Jessie, Merrells. I don't seem to be able to find Thomas in the census details of Wales, I don't know the name of his wife which makes things somewhat more difficult but have a list of his children. He had three sons Ernest, Sidney and Harold and three daughters one who was reported as married at his death in 1922 aged 54, the family was living at Milton Terrace.
He was born in Swansea in the neighbourhood of Dyfatty Street, he had a brother Edwin Merrells, and the daughter married a Mr Trevor C. Evans both were listed as mourners.
His eldest son Ernest, became Lord Mayor of Cardiff in 1970, after moving from Cardiff in 1935, he died aged 96 on 16 Nov 1987.
I have obtained a great deal of information from both the Cardiff and Swansea Libraries but none identify his wife by name and as I say I have found it difficult to find census entries for the family due to my poor geographical knowledge of Wales, so any help would really be appreciated.
Tom
Australia
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Hi Tom, on the 1881 census
Thomas Jones 41 coal merchant
Ann Jones 44 wife
Thomas A Merrells 15 nephew born Swansea
Alll at 60 New Street Swansea
And there is a marriage for a Thomas A Merrells to a Kate Morgan in the September Quarter of 1884 on FreeBDM
I would ask someone to do a look up of the 1891 for Swansea if I were you.
Best Wishes Bethan
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Hi Bethan
Many thanks for your response and helpful information, this provides a start.
Tom
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Here is a link to the building where he would have served as mayor:
http://swanseabattalion.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=286&Itemid=50
It is still standing (much renovated) - today it is the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Bernard
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Hi Bernard,
Thanks for the link, with Bethan's 1881 census info I have located him in 1871 at the same address aged 5, I wonder why he is living with relatives? I will continue the search as I am unable to find the family in 1891.
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Hi Tom, took a look at Family Search and found this.
William Jones Merrells born 5/10/1863 Swansea parents William +Eliza Ann
Elizabeth Ann Merrells.......5/10/1863 ?.Swansea ..........William +Eliza Ann
Mary Ellen Merrells.............11/3/1863 Swansea...............William+Eliza Ann
Thomas Arthur Merrells........6/1/1866 Swansea...............William +Eliza Ann
Edwin Ernest Merrells.........30/7/1868 Swansea.............William+Eliza Ann
Then I found a marriage for William Merrells and Eliza Ann Jones on the 20/5/1858 in Swansea
William Merrells was born on the 4/8/1834 in Colchester Essex and died 21/3/1868
Eliza Ann Jones was born around 1839 in Swansea and died in 30/5/1908
I think this is the correct family, ask on this board if anyone has the 1861 census for Swansea, and then you might find out more about Thomas,s parents.
Very Best Wishes Bethan
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I think this is the correct family, ask on this board if anyone has the 1861 census for Swansea, and then you might find out more about Thomas,s parents.
Very Best Wishes Bethan
1861 Census RG9/4106/35/16 30 Back Street, St David, Swansea - closest match
Eliza Merriel 24 Head, mar, Sailor's wife
Mary Ellen Merriel 2 Infant
William Merriel 5 Mo Infant
All born Swansea
Laurina
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Hi Bernard,
Thanks for the link, with Bethan's 1881 census info I have located him in 1871 at the same address aged 5, I wonder why he is living with relatives? I will continue the search as I am unable to find the family in 1891.
1891 Census RG12/4479/69/17 - 10 Mariners Street, Swansea, Glamorgan
Eliza Ann Merrills 53 Head - Swansea
Edwin Ernest Merrills 22 Son - Swansea - Plumber and copper smith
William Rd Jones 20 Lodger -
Geo Willm Allen 26 Lodger
William Maron Clark 17 Lodger
Miles Cramer 43 Lodger
John Thomas Edwards 24 Lodger
Laurina
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And there is a marriage for a Thomas A Merrells to a Kate Morgan in the September Quarter of 1884 on FreeBDM
I would ask someone to do a look up of the 1891 for Swansea if I were you.
1891 Census RG12/4479/112/14 - 60 New Street, Swansea
Thomas Merrell, 25, Head, Swansea - Dock Labourer
Kate Merrell, 27, Wife, Swansea
Laurina
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There not hiding anymore ;D
Here they are in 1901 - transcribed incorrectly! ???
1901 Census RG13/5077/169/21 - 38 Matthew Street, Swansea
I am trying to find the link between Thomas Arthur Merrells and my Grandmother Alydia, Annie, Maud, Jessie, Merrells. I don't seem to be able to find Thomas in the census details of Wales, I don't know the name of his wife which makes things somewhat more difficult but have a list of his children. He had three sons Ernest, Sidney and Harold and three daughters one who was reported as married at his death in 1922 aged 54, the family was living at Milton Terrace.
Thomas Menells 35 Head - Trade Union Official
Kate Menells 37 Wife
Ernest Menells 9 Son
Katie Menells 7 Daug
Sidney Menells 4 Son
Harold Menells 1 Daug
All born Swansea
Laurina ::)
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A selection of births for you - the boys are there along with Katie. If you have the girls names you might be able to work them out - I don't think Amy belongs to this family.
Amy Merrells 3Q 1890 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 837
Thomas Ernest Merrells 3Q 1891 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 930
Katie Merrells 2Q 1894 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 880
Sidney Merrells 1Q 1897 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1049
Harold Merrells 2Q 1899 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1008
Edwin Arthur Merrells 2Q 1902 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1072
Irene Merrells 1Q 1902 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1047
Stanley William Merrells 3Q 1905 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1147
Ethel Louise Merrells 4Q 1905 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1048
Ivor John Merrells 1Q 1908 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 1252
The ones in bold appear with the family on the 1911 census - it's a pay to view site. I think the coloured ones are yours. In 1911 there appear to be two Stanley's - I wonder if the younger one is a transcription error and should be Harold. :-\
http://www.1911census.co.uk/search/results4.aspx?x=1097278956
Laurina
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The daughter married to Evans you mentioned is Katie Merrells
Katie Merrells 2Q 1915 Swansea Glamorgan 11a 2000
Husband - Charles T Evans
Laurina
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Hi Bethan and Laurina,
Many thanks for your great efforts. I am now in a position to try and link one of these Merrells to William John Merrells born 25 Nov 1876 in Surrey who was my Gt Grandfather, Alydia Annie Maude Jessie's Father. Again many thanks for your help.
Tom
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Sorry Tom but I misread mayor of Cardiff as being mayor of Swansea. So my post is misleading though I think there was a Merrells who was mayor at Swansea?
Bernard
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Hi Bernard,
No you read correctly, Thomas Arthur Merrells was Lord Mayor of Swansea from 1915-1916, his son Thomas Ernest Merrells became Lord Mayor of Cardiff in 1970, again thanks for your interest.
Tom
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Hi Tom
I have read through this Merrells thread with interest and, wonder whether you have managed to find a connection yet ?
to link your Gt. Grandfather William John Merrells to this Welsh branch - headed by William Merrells b. 1834 in Colchester, ESS, the Mariner who died in South America and was married to Eliz Ann Jones of Swansea.
William's father was Joseph Merrells 1806-1894 and his father John Merrells 1765-1848.
Joseph was a younger brother of one of our Gt Grandfather's.
regards,
Sandra
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Hi Sandra
Many thanks for the extra info, I am still to link him to my Grandmother and Gt Uncle Tom. Unfortunately Gt Uncle Tom is 92 and living in the UK so communication is a bit difficult, but I will keep persevering.
Tom
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Tom - just revisiting this thread. Do you have an obituary of T.A. Merrells? Being an ex-mayor of Swansea I dare say there was one.
If you've not got one but you have his date of death I'll have a peep in the press for you over the next week or two.
Let me know, please.
Bernard
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Hi Bernard
Many thanks for your response.
I have some newspaper references obtained from the Swansea Reference library including:-
The Cambrian 8 Sept 1922
The Herald 9 Sept 1922
The Labour News (Official organ of the Swansea Labour Party) Sep 9 1922
Antyhing else which is available would be appreciated
Tom
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Hello
There was an item in the Times in Jan 1945 announcing the engagement of Maj Leslie Resting of Indian Army to Joan daughter of T E Merrells of Park Drive Swansea.
also an item re the Cardiff Lord Mayor on 2nd June 1970
Best Wishes
Morgan
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the item re the Lord Mayor said:
in summary (copyright Times)
Cardiff had a Parade on 1st June in honour of the new Lord Mayor.
Cardiff's 2 senior MPs Jim Callaghan (later PM 76-9) and Sec of State for Wales George Thomas (later Viscount Tonypandy) stood near Alderman T E Merrells as he took the salute.
The parade was a great success. RAF contingent led the march-past and the Lord Mayor swept off his tricorn and held it across his tummy.
Councillors lined up on either side in blue gowns with ladies wearing ruffs and tricorns and looking most stylish.
RAF, Navy, cadets, Guides, Scouts, Brownies took part in parade. Then dignitaries went in for party in Cardiff Municipal buildings.
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Availale from National Library of Wales:
BM/22
Tom Merrells, Swansea, correspondence May-June 1915 re his son, and letter March 1916 from 2nd Lieut. T. E. Merrells, serving in 3/6th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment.
http://isys.llgc.org.uk/isysnative/QzpcSVNZUzZcQVJDSElGQVVcV2VsMWFybXljb3IuZG9j/Wel1armycor.doc
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OK Tom - you seem to have the September 1922 newspaper items (if you don't have copies of those items let me know and I will copy them for you).
His name also appears on a board listing Swansea Mayors that hangs in the Guildhall. Next time I'm there (next month or so) I'll try and get a photo for you.
Bernard
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HI... I am new to this site and haven't getten it all figured out yet.. I wanted to contact you about the Fairbrass family.. my partners 4x Gt Grandma was a Mary Fairbrass from Kent (b 1820), she married William Reeve (1814) .. Was hoping to make some kind of connection.
Hope to hear from you
Aroha Allen
Foxton
New Zealand
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Hi Aroha
Yes, I have been researching the FAIRBRASS name for many years now.
Our family is from the Canterbury area in Kent and although your names do not immediately ring any bells for me, we are all connected however distantly.
There is an official One-Name-Study for FAIRBRASS/FARBRACE var. run by John O'Shea, I will also pass this message onto him for you, but, you really need to contact me directly..........
Click on my name 'Allesandra' and my profile page will come up, you can then send me a personal message and give me your email address.
Regards,
Sandra
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Board of Mayor's names at the Guildhall, Swansea.
Bernard
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Very Many Thank You's for this photo showing our Thomas Merrells name as Mayor of Swansea on the Board at the Guildhall. Real family history !
It is much appreciated,
Sandra
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Happy to help.
Bernard
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Hi All
I realise it had been quite a while since this thread was first started, but wanted to share this photo with you all. Thomas Merrells was my great-great-grandfather.
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Hi KateEvs
Welcome to Rootschat !
and you are when you share another piece of real family history like this.
Many thanks it is much appreciated.
Sandra
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Info on the Mayor of Swansea's chain of office:
http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=1583
Bernard
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Hi Kateevs.
Though I don't have a need for it at present would you mind if I possibly used that photo in possible future works?
Bernard
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Hi Bernard
I wouldn't have any objection to you using the photo. If you do end up using it, please could you let me know?
Kate
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Happy to let you know. I do research Swansea history and might come across Mayor Merrells in one theme or other. How would you want to be creditied in any caption?
I'd also ask if the West Glamorgan Archive Service might be interested in a copy of it? When I tried them for a snap of another mayor all they had was a copy of a newspaper engraving which was not very good. Not their fault, of course.
Bernard
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Thanks Bernard. I don't mind about being credited.
I will give Archive Service a call.
Kate
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Only just spotted this thread, but I am another descendant - a great grand-daughter. My Grand- Father was Sidney who married Margaret Harcombe. They had 1 son, William Arthur Merrells (b1922)
Pat Merrells
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Hi Pat.
Hopefully a family member will spot your post :)
Bernard
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Hi Pat
Was your Grandfather Sydney b. 9 Feb 1897 d. Aug 1986, the son of Thomas Arthur marr to Kate Morgan ?
If you have checked through all the messages you will see that our connection is not on the Swansea branch who are all descended from
William Merrells b. 1834 in Colchester, ESS, the English Mariner who died in Guyana, South America and married Elizabeth Ann Jones of Swansea.
William's father was Joseph Merrells 1806-1894 and his father John Merrells 1765-1848.
Joseph was a younger brother of one of our Gt Grandfather's.
I have done a lot of work researching and adding in this Welsh branch to our tree !
If you are interested contact me directly.
Best wishes,
Sandra
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My apologies firstly, I posted the original msg Re: Thomas Merrells and for a long time been conspicuous by my absence. For some reason I have not been updated with messages being posted on this thread, but it seems you have been getting on very nicely without me :'(
Seriously, after so many years I am still trying to find the link between Thomas Merrells Lord Mayor of Swansea and Alydia Annie Maude Jessie Dowsett ne Merrells my Grand Mother.
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Hi Pat
I believe your grandfather Sidney was the brother of my great-grandmother Katie Merrells (b. 1894).
I have done some research into our Welsh arm of the Merrells family, and you are welcome to contact me directly if I can be of any help.
Kind regards,
Kate
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Hi Kate
I would love to know anything you have discovered. I was amazed when I spotted the photo you listed, as I have an original huge framed copy from around 1916 hanging in my hall!
Regards
Pat
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I have a page (pen portrait) on Thomas Merrells from an old book on Swansea mayors. Written by a former councillor and mayor.
If anyone would like a JPG copy for private research purposes please PM me your personal e-mail address. Might take me a day or two to reply.
Bernard
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Hello
I do not know how current this discussion is, having only recently discovered this website.
Thomas Arthur Merrells was my Great Grandfather.
Having lost several members of my family recently I have decided to restart an old project - the family tree.
I have details tracing the family back the 1600,s and would be happy to help anyone from the family looking for details
Stephen
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Hello
Further to my recent post my father was Leslie Resting referred to in post 19, and I too, have a copy of the picture shown on reply 28
Stephen
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I can e-mail you a couple of pages on TA Merrells for personal research purposes only if you PM me your e-mail address. See my post just above yours for what it is.
Bernard