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Beginners => Family History Beginners Board => Topic started by: Dave Michael on Sunday 19 July 09 12:43 BST (UK)

Title: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: Dave Michael on Sunday 19 July 09 12:43 BST (UK)
I am interested in any information on William Michael of Garnant, Carmarthenshire, who was born circa 1888.

I gather that he became an opera singer and moved to London.

He had several siblings, one of whom; Bob Michael was also musically talented.
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: heywood on Sunday 19 July 09 21:44 BST (UK)
Hello Dave,

I am assuming that you want information re William's career?

I have searched as you probably have and you may have seen this - even the the author - but I thought it interesting:
http://www.cwmammanhistory.co.uk/Garnant_Colliery_Disaster/thomasmichael2.html

best wishes
heywood
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: Dave Michael on Tuesday 21 July 09 20:30 BST (UK)
Thanks Heywood, that is indeed relevant to the William Michael in question. Unfortunately I'm not sure what happened to him or where his career took him. I've recently been informed that he married another singer who was well known in her day (early 1900's). Her name was Doris Lemon, but whether that was her real name or her stage name I know not.
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: heywood on Tuesday 21 July 09 20:34 BST (UK)
There's a marriage on Free BMD
Brentford: September quarter 1919
William Michael and Doris Lemon
so presumably it was her real name.  :D
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: heywood on Tuesday 21 July 09 20:36 BST (UK)
He's mentioned on here - so must have done reasonably well- Covent Garden ROH.

http://www.phyllis.demon.co.uk/theatricalia/18opera/roh30s.htm

Here's a picture of Doris  :D http://www.historicopera.com/beecham_page2.htm
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: heywood on Tuesday 21 July 09 20:39 BST (UK)
and Free BMD also has a birth 1925 Marylebone for a Donald T H Michael with with a mother, Lemon.
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: Dave Michael on Wednesday 22 July 09 23:07 BST (UK)
Thanks again Heywood for all that information!

I have now contacted the webmaster on that theatrical site to find out how I can order the brochures.
Title: Re: William Michael Opera Singer born c.1888
Post by: heywood on Thursday 23 July 09 00:09 BST (UK)
I hope something comes of it- good luck
heywood