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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Bedfordshire => Topic started by: Towdlass on Friday 26 June 20 18:01 BST (UK)

Title: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Friday 26 June 20 18:01 BST (UK)
My fathers sister seemed to disappear just after WW2. The last address we have for her was in 1947 166, Hurst Grove, Queens Park, Bedford. My father went to The Salvation Army to ask for their help but without any luck. No one in the family ever heard from her again. Her name was Vera Harrison and she was born in 1919 in Sheffield. I was just wondering if there might be someone who can give me some idea on how I would go about trying to find out what happened to her? Perhaps she remarried and had a family. Any suggestions or advice gratefully received.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 26 June 20 19:20 BST (UK)
Do you have her full birthdate?  With that info you could search deaths for Vera with that birthdate and match her surname at death to a marriage?

Also - any 1939 entry may show a married name for her

EDIT

Notice you say “perhaps she remarried”  If so - who did she marry & when & what was her maiden name?  Presume she was married by 1947?
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Friday 26 June 20 19:26 BST (UK)
I assume this was the reason for Vera's disappearance.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 26 June 20 19:28 BST (UK)
Excellent find Jool so Harrison was her married name but there is a Vera Harrison birth in 1919 in Sheffield ???
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Friday 26 June 20 19:28 BST (UK)
Is this the marriage?

Marriages Dec 1939 Sheffield 9c 1645
Harrison    Nicholas    Owen   
Owen    Vera            Harrison   
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Friday 26 June 20 19:38 BST (UK)
Towdlass, do you have access to the 1939 Register? 

I can see Vera, with a note of her later married name to Harrison - then another married name.
Unfortunately we cannot post the details on Rootschat. 
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 26 June 20 19:42 BST (UK)
Vera Owen 1920 Sheffield  MMN Burton

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Friday 26 June 20 20:05 BST (UK)
Probable Birth:
Vera Owen MMN Banks (see Towdlass' surname list under her post)
Sept Q 1918
Ecclesall B  9c 807
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Mabel Bagshawe on Friday 26 June 20 20:29 BST (UK)
I'm slightly suspicious of the 1920 birth beingthe right one, as the first married surname isn't recorded on the 1939 register for her, and the surname that is shown fits a marriage in 1941, before the divorce notice
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 26 June 20 20:33 BST (UK)
Towdlass suggested she was born in 1919, hopefully they will come back to confirm mothers maiden name

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Towdlass on Friday 26 June 20 20:57 BST (UK)
As she was a part of my dad's family I do know that her maiden name was Owen and that she was born in 1919 in Sheffield. She was married in 1939 to Nicholas Harrison and yes they were divorced in 1947. The family were under the impression that she may have died during the London bombings but I'm not convinced of that fact. I did find the newspaper announcing the divorce petition. If her husband thought that she was dead would he still petition for divorce or would he have her declared dead - after 7 years isn't it?
I did find a couple of later marriages for a Vera Harrison in Sheffield. One 1951 and another 1955 but this can only be conjecture. I did try to see if I could find electoral rolls for the Bedford address for the 1950s but I couldn't access them online. I also found three births in Sheffield in 1939, 1943 and 1947 but if she was living in Bedford these would seem to be wrong.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 26 June 20 21:28 BST (UK)
Would have been useful had you included that info - your post gives the impression she was born as Vera Harrison in 1919 - no mention of marriage/divorce etc

Were any children born to that marriage - if so - did the children remain with Vera?  Don't give their details as they are likely still living

If with Vera - have you tried tracing the children?

You say she was b 1919 - no birth on freebmd so you need to provide mmn.  The 1920 birth is not the right one which only leaves the 1918 birth shown in earlier reply
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 26 June 20 21:31 BST (UK)
Towdlass, do you know what her mother's maiden name was?

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 26 June 20 21:40 BST (UK)
I think the 1939 entry is a different Vera

Vera Owen married Harry Reading in Sheffield 1941 & she died 1944 in Sheffield.  She is the 1920 birth.



Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Friday 26 June 20 21:57 BST (UK)
Have you any idea what her profession was , would she have reverted to her maiden name and emigrated , just asking ?

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Friday 26 June 20 22:24 BST (UK)
Free index to 1939 says
Vera Harrison,Owen, born 1918, living 85 Rydal Road, Sheffield C.B., Yorkshire (West Riding)

Jool has seen another surname but it is not in the free index. Not open on ancestry?
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Friday 26 June 20 22:30 BST (UK)
Have no access to that image with Vera in 1939 - which we cannot cite in any case - but a bit of data input into the search boxes gives us a transcribed date of birth of 27.8.1918
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: chempat on Saturday 27 June 20 07:56 BST (UK)
It would be useful to know her birth date on birth certificate, just to check it stays the same in 1939, and as a way to search for deaths. Why did you think it was 1919?
 You need to see the 1939 register to check her next claimed married name (though not necessarily her death name).
Do you know what happened to her ex-husband?
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 09:08 BST (UK)
The 1939 register entry with the 1918 birth date gives an area code adjustment for the 2nd marriage which ties in with where she was supposedly living.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01pn8/
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 09:44 BST (UK)
Her maiden name was Owen and she was one of ten children all of whom have sadly passed. We grandchildren never knew her and so between us we have very little information. As you know people didn't talk much about what went on in families back then. We know she was born in 1919 in Sheffield. We know she married Nicholas Harrison in 1939. These are facts. I remember my dad telling me that he had been to the Salvation Army in an effort to find her. That's what people did in those days. The general feeling in the family was that she must have been killed during the London bombings during WW2. These are the known facts within the family.
I found the petition for divorce in 1947 made by Nicholas. This must have been on the grounds of desertion I would think. I have sent for their marriage certificate but it hasn't arrived as yet. The post is very erratic at present. Most arrive late and some not at all. In my initial post I'm sorry if my information wasn't as you would have liked. I just put the bare facts and thought that I would provide more detail if people proved to be interested in helping. My mistake. I am very grateful for all your help I do assure you.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 10:35 BST (UK)
I think my thinking was to try to find out if Vera stayed in Bedford after the divorce or even how long she was actually there for. The family must have had some idea that she was living in London unless from the vantage point of Yorkshire Bedford seemed like almost London to them. The house where she was living in Bedford 166, Hurst Grove, Queens Park, looks to be rather a large house and might have been split into different rooms or flats back then. I know there were no electoral rolls during WW2 but I don't know when exactly they stopped or when the restarted. On the divorce petition it does say 'late' of that address so does that mean 'last known address'?
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 10:59 BST (UK)
What was her husbands profession?

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 11:07 BST (UK)
Louisa Maud - I don't know that - yet. It may say something on the marriage certificate, if I ever get it, although it's doubtful I'm afraid. I do wish we had census details for the last century don't you? They do in America don't they? I know his fathers name was Frederick Harrison if that's of any help.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: chempat on Saturday 27 June 20 11:10 BST (UK)
You have put that it is a fact that she was born in 1919, our research suggests 1918. 
Where does the information for 1919 come from?

'late' does mean last known address.

rosie99 has said that there is a probable marriage for her in the same area as the newspaper mentions, according to the code in 1939.  We cannot tell you that name - do you have access to Ancestry, F M P, or another pay site to look at the 1939?
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 11:13 BST (UK)
Just trying to put it in some sort of order, hope you get the certificate soon

Chempat asked what happened to her husband, did find a Nicholas Harrison who was a fireman, birth 05/08/1909 but I have no idea if it were him, so ignore that till you get the certificate

Happy Hunting

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 11:17 BST (UK)
do you have access to Ancestry, F M P, or another pay site to look at the 1939?

Vera is still redacted on ancestry
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 11:21 BST (UK)
I can't see a marriage but she certainly changed her surname around the time she was petitioned for divorce. 

I have put a correction through to F M P for the missing surname on the transcript
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 11:22 BST (UK)
1947 electoral register
Queens Park Ward, Bedford
166 Hurst Grove
Edna Roddie
John A. Roddie
Bessie C. Walker

Same in 1948
1949
Charles G. Davis
Wendy Davis
Bessie C. Walker
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 11:24 BST (UK)
I can't see a marriage but she certainly changed her surname around the time she was petitioned for divorce. 

I have put a correction through to F M P for the missing surname on the transcript

Well done, Rosie  :)
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 11:30 BST (UK)
Because we don't know were Nicholas Harrison came from it is a bit difficult even given his father name was Frederick, perhaps he was stationed in Sheffield but came from out of the county

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 11:34 BST (UK)
Kenneth Parrott and his wife Daphne (nee Cook) were at 166 Hurst Grove Bedford in Feb 1950, according to a newspaper birth announcement.  But, as has been suggested, the house may have been split into flats so they may not have been the only occupants.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 11:35 BST (UK)
166 Hurst Grove, Bedford electoral register is online for October 1949
Charles G Davis
Wendy Davis
Bessie C Walker

ADDED 1948 has Bessie C Walker plus John A Roddie , Edna Roddie
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 11:37 BST (UK)
Electoral registers for 166 Hurst Grove, 1947-49, given in Reply #27  :)
Just Bessie there in 1946.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 11:41 BST (UK)
According to the newspaper report re. the divorce petition, Nicholas Harrison was in Sheffield and Vera was in Bedford.  I wonder why the solicitor and the court handling the divorce were in Nottingham  ???
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 11:43 BST (UK)
1947 still has the Roddies with Bessie 

ADDED 1946 just Bessie
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 11:44 BST (UK)
1947 electoral register
Queens Park Ward, Bedford
166 Hurst Grove
Edna Roddie
John A. Roddie
Bessie C. Walker

Same in 1948
1949
Charles G. Davis
Wendy Davis
Bessie C. Walker

I am not posting anything else on this thread!
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 11:45 BST (UK)
Looks like we are not going to find them in Hurst Grove.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 12:01 BST (UK)
Hopefully a certificate will arrive and we will get more info

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 12:12 BST (UK)
Electoral registers for 166 Hurst Grove, 1947-49, given in Reply #27  :)


Sorry John,  I was not concentrating properly.  :-[.   
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: jonwarrn on Saturday 27 June 20 12:20 BST (UK)
Fully concentrating on the hunt, Rosie!
Great minds think alike, no I won't say that because I haven't got one ;D

Do hope Vera is found. Perhaps she went abroad.

Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 12:25 BST (UK)
I am on both Ancestry and FindMyPast. The certificate hasn't arrived yet but I understand that Saturday mail deliveries have been halted except for parcels. So hopefully it will be Monday.
The only birth I can find for a Nicholas Harrison in 1919 with the father Frederick is in Clitheroe. It also shows the mother as Cook which could be significant after what Jool found out.
Sorry for being a bit thick but Rosie99 what do you mean about her using another name?
I am so grateful to you all for your help.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: CaroleW on Saturday 27 June 20 12:32 BST (UK)
Re using another name. 

If she didn’t want to be found she could have adopted an alias. 
She could be living with another man and using his surname
She could have remarried

You haven’t said whether any children were born to the Harrison marriage (see my earlier reply 11)
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 12:40 BST (UK)
I have just been looking and I think I have found three children born during the marriage. However I am not at all certain but it looks likely June 1939 (prior to the marriage) June 1943 and December 1947. I'm not sure about putting the names on the post but I know you will all be able to find them yourselves. If I can find a descendent they may know what happened.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 12:59 BST (UK)
Towndlass, I found the birth in Clithero,1919, MMN Cook,  then I found  a marriage in Bakewell,
Frederick Harrison to Elsie Cook, 1908
I have no idea where Clithero is to Bakewell although Bakewell isn't far from Sheffield I believe

Don't know about this for sure though, will see if any other Harrison /Cook marriages come up

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 13:04 BST (UK)
Yes Bakewell is just outside Sheffield. I have spent many a happy hour there when I was growing up. I think Clitheroe is over the other side of the Pennines. Looking promising. I'm working on possible marriage and children from the three dob I've got for Harrison/ Owen. There are quite a few.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 13:10 BST (UK)
Possibly quite a few for Harrison MMN Cook

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 13:33 BST (UK)
The suggestion that  Nicholas was born 1919,
I have found a  death
birth shown as 05/09/1919
death Jan 1987 Sheffield

Louisa Maud

Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 13:34 BST (UK)
The certificate hasn't arrived yet but I understand that Saturday mail deliveries have been halted except for parcels. So hopefully it will be Monday.

Sorry for being a bit thick but Rosie99 what do you mean about her using another name?


Saturday mail deliveries are back to normal.  If you are relying on a date from the GRO website they are not accurate because of the current situation.

I am looking at the 1939 register entry for the family that would link with the birth registration below, I presume that is the correct one.  That 1939 register entry has her as Owen, then amended to her married name as mentioned by John (available on free index)  If you look at the original image there is another surname listed with an adjustment reference which I mentioned in an earlier post.


Probable Birth:
Vera Owen MMN Banks (see Towdlass' surname list under her post)
Sept Q 1918
Ecclesall B  9c 807
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 13:44 BST (UK)
Oh right thanks for that. I shall have a look. Didn't know about the date of death for Nicholas though.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 27 June 20 13:51 BST (UK)
What was her husbands profession?

Louisa Maud - I don't know that - yet. It may say something on the marriage certificate


The suggestion that  Nicholas was born 1919,
I have found a  death
birth shown as 05/09/1919
death Jan 1987 Sheffield

Nicholas occupation given on marriage transcription

Marriage 26 Dec 1939 Sheffield, St Oswald Bannerdale Road
Nicholas Harrison age   20 single occupation   Railway Fireman
Vera Owen  age   21 single
Groom's father Frederick
Bride's father Thomas

Have you looked at the 1939 Register using his date of birth Louisa Maud posted for Nicholas Harrison to check his occupation
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 14:55 BST (UK)
I can't find any entry for either of them on the 1939 register. I've tried various combinations. I did use the dob given to us by Louisa Maud but there doesn't seem to be an entry. I did wonder if they weren't in Sheffield and so I have tried, Rother Valley, Clitheroe, Bakewell, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and London. I have put in other household members as Vera Owen, Cook, Frederick Harrison and left it blank. I can't think of anything else to try.   
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 15:05 BST (UK)
She did not get married until after the register was taken so Frederick will not be with her.  Have you located her parents in 1939

ADDED
I think you may be putting in too much information, Try Vera - surname Harrison (Owen) and nothing else on F M P - I presume you are searching on the 1939 search page
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:10 BST (UK)
I can't find any entry for either of them on the 1939 register. I've tried various combinations. I did use the dob given to us by Louisa Maud but there doesn't seem to be an entry. I did wonder if they weren't in Sheffield and so I have tried, Rother Valley, Clitheroe, Bakewell, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire and London. I have put in other household members as Vera Owen, Cook, Frederick Harrison and left it blank. I can't think of anything else to try.

If you are using Findmypast, her name has been transcribed by them with her married name followed by her maiden name.
Try searching Vera Harrison, b. 1918, Sheffield  ;)
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:13 BST (UK)
For Nicholas, try a simple search of Nicholas Harrison, b. 1919, Sheffield.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 15:16 BST (UK)
She did not get married until after the register was taken so Frederick will not be with her.  Have you located her parents in 1939

ADDED
I think you may be putting in too much information, Try Vera - surname Harrison (Owen) and nothing else on F M P - I presume you are searching on the 1939 search page

Yes I have tried putting in the bare minimum and I've tried putting in all the facts I know. I'm beginning to think that it's putting 'No Results Found' to everything I enter. Her father died in 1931 but when I put her mum (my gran) in there's no results found. I even tried it with the address. It must be sulking.  ;D
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:22 BST (UK)
Could it be because you are putting Vera's birth year as 1919, it should be 1918.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 15:28 BST (UK)
Now that's strange. I put her mum's name in again with just year of birth and Sheffield ( this is exactly what I had done before but this time I got a result. Well 3 to be exact but 2 weren't the right person and Vera is living there as Vera Harrison. So I tried Nicholas again and got 4 results. He is living with a work mate I think as they are both locomotive firemen, in Cartmell Road about 200 yards away.
I think there must have been a problem with the site before as now it's giving me all these options whereas before it just kept saying No Results Found to everything I put in.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 15:29 BST (UK)
So now you know her other surname you can post it on here  ;D
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:31 BST (UK)
So now you know her other surname you can post it on here  ;D

 ;D ;D That will save us all trying to avoid saying the "F" word  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 15:39 BST (UK)
You've got him now Towdlass

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 15:40 BST (UK)
I said before that her maiden name was Owen and her married name was Harrison. I don't understand what you're meaning. Sorry.  ??? ???
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 15:42 BST (UK)
We are referring to the other surname for Vera that shows on the original copy of the 1939 register
ADDED It is shown to the left of her name along with amendment codes and a date
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:44 BST (UK)
Have you looked at the original image for Vera in 1939, not just the typed transcript. 

You will see she is Vera Owen. Owen was crossed out later and changed to Harrison when she married Nicholas Harrison.  Harrison has then been crossed out and updated with another surname.

The 1939 Register was updated by the NHS with name changes until 1991

See here.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/1939-register/#7-why-do-some-entries-show-the-married-names-of-women-who-did-not-marry-until-long-after-1939
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 15:47 BST (UK)
I have only managed to find her on one entry on the 1939 Register and that as Vera Harrison. Sorry, am I being dense. I feel as though I've been going round in ever decreasing circles for the past couple of hours so brain may be a little squished.  :o
Oh Jool I have just read your last post. I have only seen the typed one. I shall go and have another look to see how I can view the original.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:49 BST (UK)
Top right of the transcript page .
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 15:49 BST (UK)
In all fairness  Jools I haven't found her on 1939  yet

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 15:54 BST (UK)
In all fairness  Jools I haven't found her on 1939  yet

Louisa Maud

jonw65 said in post #25 that Vera was still redacted on Ancestry, I found her on Findmypast
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 15:55 BST (UK)
Ah I didn't see that. I am trying to view the original but so far am only getting the two arrows going round in a circle even after I have refreshed the page. Think we might all be looking at the same time or am I still in the steam age?  ;D
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 27 June 20 16:02 BST (UK)
Oh! that's something to think about, isn't it? I see that further down her sister Winifred has a name pencilled in above the Owen and that was right for her soon to be married name. Well, that's a new name to me. Intriguing isn't it?  :P
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 16:08 BST (UK)
We need you to post that 'new' surname so that those without access to F M P know what it is.
Title: Re: Missing person
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 27 June 20 16:11 BST (UK)
Probable Birth:
Vera Owen MMN Banks (see Towdlass' surname list under her post)
Sept Q 1918
Ecclesall B  9c 807


Is this her sisters birth entry?

Dec 1925 Ecclesall B.   9c   704
W A   Owen mmn Banks   

Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 27 June 20 16:16 BST (UK)
for info.

There are three other Owen births Ecclesall B mmn BANKS

Thomas Owen Jun 1914
C H Owen Jun 1923 (male not given full name as may still be living)
edit - there is a possible death 2000 Sheffield for C H Owen bn 19 3 1923
J Owen Jun 1929 (male not given full name as may still be living)
see FreeBMD
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 16:37 BST (UK)
I'm sure any mods watching this thread can see that Towdlass has viewed the 1939 Register with her own paid sub, and that no look ups have been given by other Rootschatters.

So, at a risk of being told off by mods, I will give a clue to the mystery surname.

Who was the doctor that went to Gloucester in a shower of rain  ;D :-X

 
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 16:41 BST (UK)
Clutching at straws

Vera Towler.   T(rhymes with other name). Sorry ignore that
Age   87
Birth 27 Aug 1918
Death Nov qtr 2005
Reg district Lancashire
Register Number   P2
District and Subdistrict:   591/1P
Entry Number:   176
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 16:42 BST (UK)
Clutching at straws

Vera T(rhymes with other name)
Age   87
Birth 27 Aug 1918
Death Nov qtr 2005
Reg district Lancashire
Register Number   P2
District and Subdistrict:   591/1P
Entry Number:   176

Looks good to me Rosie, well done
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 27 June 20 16:47 BST (UK)
I think its wrong - The surname is Towler, I had Fowler on the brain
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Saturday 27 June 20 16:48 BST (UK)
I think its wrong - The surname is Towler, I had Fowler on the brain

Perhaps she married yet again, birth date is a match
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 27 June 20 16:49 BST (UK)

Who was the doctor that went to Gloucester in a shower of rain  ;D :-X

I was looking at this death entry as a possibility but birth a day out and surname doesn't match the rhyme  :)
   
Vera TYSON Birth 26 8 1918
Death quarter   1
Death year   1989
District   Luton
Register number   289
County   Bedfordshire
Volume   9 Page   555
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Saturday 27 June 20 17:16 BST (UK)
Her father died in 1931 but when I put her mum (my gran) in there's no results found.
I even tried it with the address.

Towdlass - Not that this helps finding the death of Vera or her whereabouts after 1939 register entry - If you don't mind me asking do you have her 1918 birth certificate? Can you give us her parents names? Do you have her parents marriage certificate?

You mention her father died in 1931-  where?
If Sheffield, I can only see a 1931 death for a Thomas Arthur Owen born c1855
he died 24 Sep 1931 Probate 18 Nov 1931 to  Mary Lucas widow
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 18:37 BST (UK)
If Nellie is Vera's mother and her birth has MMN Banks the only marriage I can find with a Nellie Banks marrying 1903 to William Alfred Owen

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: cuffie81 on Saturday 27 June 20 18:52 BST (UK)
If Nellie is Vera's mother and her birth has MMN Banks the only marriage I can find with a Nellie Banks marrying 1903 to William Alfred Butler

Louisa Maud

I think you mean William Alfred Owen.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Saturday 27 June 20 19:10 BST (UK)
Oops, yes,I have corrected it now

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Sunday 28 June 20 10:21 BST (UK)
It's all rather complicated and not just my story so I am rather reticent to divulge it all on here. I don't mind for myself but there are others in the family who might not be too thrilled. Anyway, the main thrust of the task is to try to find out what happened to Vera after she married Nicholas Harrison in 1939 and then got divorced in 1947.
I did find the births of 3 children who I thought might be from the marriage and extended those forwards to their marriages and children. I then looked on Facebook to see if I could find any of these names which might fit. I sent a message to 3 people asking for their help if the names of their parents fitted. So far I have had only one reply and he said that he couldn't help. I know that it's a very long shot but I am really at a loss to know how else to progress.
I thought that if I could find members of Nicholas' family they may actually have some pertinent information. So I think that may be the next avenue. Anyone else any ideas?
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 12:53 BST (UK)
It's all rather complicated and not just my story so I am rather reticent to divulge it all on here. I don't mind for myself but there are others in the family who might not be too thrilled.

Anyway, the main thrust of the task is to try to find out what happened to Vera after she married Nicholas Harrison in 1939 and then got divorced in 1947.

I thought that if I could find members of Nicholas' family they may actually have some pertinent information. So I think that may be the next avenue.

Anyone else any ideas?

Difficult for Nicholas as all there is to go on is

1919 birth entry Clitheroe mmn Cook
1939 marriage transcript father Frederick (knowing his occupation might help/maybe witness names)
1939 Register giving his address in Sheffield and his occupation
1987 death entry in Sheffield giving his date of birth 5th Sept 1919

Are there any Electoral Registers for Sheffield available on line to check Nicholas' whereabouts and who he was living with between 1939 - 1987?

Perhaps obtaining his birth certificate to confirm parents names or his death certificate to see who the informant was.

Have you checked for any other Harrison births mmn Cook?

EDIT to add excluding Nicholas
there are 7 other HARRISON births reg in Clitheroe between  Sep 1911 - Sep 1926 mmn COOK see FreeBMD

and there's this possible marriage entry on FreeBMD which looks more likely for the Clitheroe births

Sep 1906  Clitheroe    8e   725   
COOK           Mary    Clitheroe   
HARRISON    Fred        Clitheroe   

Could this be a possibility for his parents marriage?

5 May 1909 Parish of Newland, Yorkshire (East Ridings)
Frederick Arthur Kynman HARRISON Age 25 occ Fitter
his father Walter dec’d, painter
Helena Blanche COOK age 23, father Charles Edward, Compositer

1911c https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X7TM-2KD
Frederick age 27 occ Engine Fitter Mechanic

1901 census  Frederick's occ. Apprentice Mechanical Fitter grandson of Sabina Kynman
RG13 Piece 4487 Folio 75 Page   1

and from louisa Maud this possible marriage


I found the birth in Clithero,1919, MMN Cook 

then I found  a marriage in Bakewell,
Frederick Harrison to Elsie Cook, 1908

I have no idea where Clithero is to Bakewell although Bakewell isn't far from Sheffield I believe

Don't know about this for sure though, will see if any other Harrison /Cook marriages come up


Have you looked for Frederick & Elsie Harrison on 1911 census?

There is this F & E couple with mother & brother in law their surname Cook,
Frederick Harrison occ Weaver

1911 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4MC-CBJ




Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Sunday 28 June 20 13:51 BST (UK)
Unfortunately the marriage certificate has still not arrived but I will let you know as soon as.
I did find a Fred Harrison b 1880 who was a stonemason. He was married in Clitheroe in 1906 to Mary Cook b1882. They had 12 children between the years of 1906 and 1926. (poor woman) one of whom was Nicholas. He would seem to be the only Nicholas Harrison born in 1919 anywhere. I'm a little confused as the address seems to be Gisburn Forest, Yorkshire on the 1911 census. Could I have married up two different families?
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 13:55 BST (UK)
I had just edited my post whilst you were posting info. on possible siblings/parents for Nicholas
Fred & Mary Harrison nee Cook
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 14:07 BST (UK)
Hopefully once the marriage certificate arrives for Nicholas confirming father Frederick's occupation hopefully  a match to 1911 census entry you have found and the Fred/Mary Cook marriage

from GRO indexes confirming mmn COOK

HARRISON, MARY  ANN  mmn   COOK 
1907  S Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 293

HARRISON, MARGARET  ELLEN     mmn COOK 
1908  D Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 281

HARRISON, EVA    mmn   COOK 
1909  S Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 279

HARRISON, THOMAS    mmn   COOK 
1910  S Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 269

Edit to add John Willie COOK is the grandson to Ann Cook on 1901 census

Main Road, Long Preston, Settle, Yorkshire (West Riding)
Ann   Cook   Head   Widow   1851   Living On Own Means   Quernmore, Lancashire
Martha A   Cook   Daughter   1889      Nappa, Yorkshire
John W   Cook   Grand Son   1901      Long Preston, Yorkshire
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 14:25 BST (UK)
from Lancashire BMD

Fred HARRISON
Mary COOK
1906 marriage Bolton by Bowland, St Peter & Paul

Not checked all the HARRISON mmn COOK birth entires on Lancashire BMD

Here's a few all in the same subdistrict
                                                                subdistrict registers at
HARRISON   Mary Ann            1907   Gisburn   Preston   
HARRISON   Margaret Ellen    1908   Gisburn   Preston   
HARRISON   Eva                    1909   Gisburn   Preston
HARRISON   Thomas       1910   Gisburn   Preston   
HARRISON   Jane               1911       Gisburn   Preston
HARRISON   Bertha            1912   Gisburn   Preston
HARRISON   Fred                    1914   Gisburn   Preston
HARRISON   May               1917   Gisburn   Preston
HARRISON   Nicholas        1919   Gisburn   Preston
   

I checked Lancashire OPC for Clitheroe Baptisms but they only go upto year 1900  :(
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 14:35 BST (UK)
Could Fred Harrison from 1911c  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X4MG-F5Q
be the son of Nicholas  (:-\ although Fred's birth year is out by quite a number of years but has same occupation) and there are similar names for the children of Fred Harrison and Mary nee Cook

1891c Welpstere Lodge, Higher Aigden, Gisburn Forest, Clitheroe, Yorkshire & Lancashire
Nicholas   Harrison   Head   1827   Farmer And Builder   Yorkshire
Martha   Harrison   Wife   1834   Long Preston, Yorkshire
Nicholas   Harrison           1870   Mason Stone   Gisburn Forest Yorkshire
Fredrick   Harrison   1873   Mason Stone           ditto   Yorkshire
Eva   Harrison                   1879    Yorkshire

1881c Whelpstones Lodge, Gisburn Forest, Clitheroe, Yorkshire & Lancashire
Nicholas   Harrison   1826   Farmer Of 57 Acres   -
Martha   Harrison   Wife   1833   Farmers Wife   Long Preston, Yorkshire
John   Harrison   Son   Married   1854   Stone Mason   Yorkshire
Elizabeth   Harrison   Daughter   1860   Dressmaker   Yorkshire
Alice Ann   Harrison   Daughter   1868   Yorkshire
Nicholas   Harrison   Son           1871   Yorkshire
Frederic   Harrison   Son          1873   Gisburn Forest Yorkshire
Bertha   Harrison   Daughter 1874   Yorkshire
Eva   Harrison   Daughter          1879   Yorkshire

Nicholas Harrison in 1861 wife Martha & children , mother Margarett Harrison
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7GG-CTS

Nicholas married Martha Silverwood 1852
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJD8-S9QB

add
HARRISON, FREDERICK  mmn   SILVERWOOD
1872 S Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 283   

HARRISON, NICHOLAS   mmn    SILVERWOOD 
1870  J Quarter in CLITHEROE  Volume 08E  Page 283
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Sunday 28 June 20 15:31 BST (UK)
Wow LH,   what a wealth of  information, you have done well

I think somewhere I saw Carl Banks  was  ships captain or have I imagined that
.

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 15:43 BST (UK)
Wow LH,   what a wealth of  information, you have done well


Hopefully the m/c will confirm if correct or it could be 'back to the drawing board'

for info..... there were Clitheroe birth entries for Allen & Frank with mmn Cook

Free index 1939 Register Nelson M.B., Lancashire

Mary Harrison 1880
Fred 1914 (died 1997 dob 14 12 1914)
L Hodgson (Harrison) 1922 (female not found death entry to confirm dob)
Allen 1923 (died 1989 dob 15 11 1923)
Frank 1926 (died 1993 dob 26 6 1926)


Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 17:28 BST (UK)
This looks to rule out the Frederick Harrison father Nicholas (see reply 88),
Frederick married Mary Carr and had died before 1911

1901 census Main Street, Bentham, Settle, Yorkshire & Yorkshire (West Riding)
Frederick   Harrison   Head   1873   Stone Mason Tosside, Yorkshire
Mary   Harrison   Wife   1875      Clapham, Yorkshire
John   Harrison   Son   1899      Bentham, Yorkshire
Annie   Harrison   Daughter   1901      Bentham, Yorkshire
William   Carr   Boarder   1881   Carpenters Apprentice   Bentham, Yorkshire

Mary HARRISON  widow living with her parents William & Jane CARR
1911c  https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XWNX-S2W

HARRISON, JOHN   mmn CARR
1899  M Quarter in SETTLE  Volume 09A  Page 7   

HARRISON, ANNIE   mmn CARR
1900  J Quarter in SETTLE  Volume 09A  Page 8   

HARRISON, GLADYS  MARY   mmn CARR
1902  D Quarter in SETTLE  Volume 09A  Page 7   

HARRISON, EVA   mmn CARR
1904  D Quarter in SKIPTON  Volume 09A  Page 29

HARRISON, WILLIAM  EDMUND   CARR
1906  M Quarter in SKIPTON  Volume 09A  Page 31   

John Harrison age 36 single
died 02 Nov 1935 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Birth    27 Dec 1898, England
father   Frederick Harrison
Mother's Name:   Mary CARR
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL2N-C26 - image is not downloading

and found the marriage Frederick Harrison to Mary Carr confirming his father is Nicholas

Married on 26 Oct 1898 Thornton in Lonsdale
Frederick Harrison age 26, single,occ mason, Tosside
father Nicholas Harrison mason
Mary CARR age 24 father William Carr, farmer
Witnesses by Nicholas HARRISON & Elizabeth Carr

So this Frederick can be ruled out as the father of Nicholas HARRISON born 1919
as he married Mary CARR and died before 1911 - just a coincidence with the names of Frederick Harrison & Mary nee Cook's many children and both Frederick's having same occupation


Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Sunday 28 June 20 17:41 BST (UK)
Yes, louisa maud you did see that but as I mentioned before - there is a story behind this which I do not feel has any bearing on where Vera went to after 1947. I have sorted all that out on my tree and that is really not where my problem lies.
Ladyhawk I got excatly the same facts as you did but until the certificate arrives we won't know which facts are the right ones. I checked with the site this afternoon and it does say that certificates are taking longer than usual because of staff shortages during the present situation. So I expect it will arrive eventually. I promise to let you know as soon as it arrives. Thanks for all your work on this though.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Sunday 28 June 20 17:43 BST (UK)
This might be a better fit for the Frederick Harrison born c 1880 Gisburn Forest Yorkshire occ stone mason married to Mary with children Mary Ann , Margaret Ellen, Eva & Thomas on 1911 census

1881 census Lower Brayshaw Cottage, Gisburn Forest (York Wr), Clitheroe, Yorkshire & Lancashire
Thomas   Harrison   Head   1858   Stone Mason   Yorkshire, England
Mary Jane   Harrison   Wife   1860      Long Preston, Yorkshire, England
Fred   Harrison   Son   1880      Gisburne Forest Yorkshire
Elizabeth   Harrison   Daughter   1881      Yorkshire

1891 Brayshaw, Craco Hill, Gisburn Forest, Clitheroe, Yorkshire & Lancashire
Thomas   Harrison   Head   1858   Farmer   Yorkshired
Mary Jane   Harrison   Wife   1860      Long Preston, Yorkshire
Fred   Harrison   Son   1880      Gisburn Forest Yorkshire
Elizabeth   Harrison   Daughter   1881      Yorkshire
Walter   Harrison   Son   1883      Yorkshire
Lilly   Harrison   Daughter   1885      Yorkshire
Margaret   Harrison   Daughter   1887      Yorkshire
Tom   Harrison   Son   1889      Yorkshire
Mary Jane   Harrison   Daughter   1891      Yorkshire

Towdlass - was posting whilst red writing - so will wait until you post again with info. from m/c  :)
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Sunday 28 June 20 17:46 BST (UK)
Yes Towdlass, it is a game of patience now specially due to current problems, gone are tbe days of receiving certs within a few days, I am sure it will be worth waiting for

Happy Hunting

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Saturday 04 July 20 18:26 BST (UK)
It still hasn't arrived. When is the cut of point between waiting patiently for it's arrival and getting in touch and complaining. Last year it was possible to download certificates. It would have made sense to bring that in again during the last few months.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Thursday 06 August 20 12:16 BST (UK)
The marriage certificate between Vera Owen and Nicholas Harrison has arrived - at last. It's been over 6 weeks but then these are trying times we live in. Anyway, It doesn't help a lot. It shows Nicholas as living at 187, Cartmell Road, Sheffield. This is quite close to where my dad and his family, including Vera, lived in 1939. When I look it up o the 19939 he is only lodging there. It shows his occupation as Railway Fireman. His father was Frederick Harrison and he was a bricklayer. Vera is shown as a spinster. Btw I was wrong originally her dob was 27th August 1918. On the 1939 Register she is shown as Vera Foster/Harrison/Owen. Owen being her maiden name and Harrison her married name. I have tried to look for a marriage between a Vera Owen or a Vera Harrison to someone named Foster from 1947 onwards but without any luck.
I had hoped to find Nicholas' family home so that I could trace his family with some degree of certainty but think I'll just have to wing it and hope that I stay on track. At £11 per certificate and a 6 week wait to get it I would prefer not to have to buy too many for now.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 :D 
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Thursday 06 August 20 13:52 BST (UK)
Glad the m/c has arrived thank you for the update  :)

Re: Nicholas Harrison as previously posted the only birth that seems to tie in with his dob of birth
from 1987 death record & 1939 register is Dec qtr. 1919 Clitheroe mmn COOK

Witness names, family members?
I'm sure if they were relevant you would have posted their names but thought I'd ask

Not referred back over the long thread but I don't think we found a Frederick Harrison occ bricklayer on the censuses  :-\ Of course his father could have changed his occupation
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Thursday 06 August 20 16:07 BST (UK)
Thank you LH for your help. I haven't read back thru everything either, I have to admit  :-[. I know that I should have and I think that that will be my task first thing tomorrow morning. If I remember I do think that Nicholas Harrison's mmn was Cook. The witness names were a family name and  pne other which I do not recognise - J. Chambers.

I have to say though that I am still bewildered by the name Foster which shows against Vera's name on the 1939 register ie - Vera Foster/Harrison/Owen which would tend to suggest that she married a Foster after her divorce in 1947 but there are so many Foster marriages and it could be anywhere in Britain. I did find a Vera Foster who died in Bridlington in 1978 but it's a long shot.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Thursday 06 August 20 16:09 BST (UK)
Only death that seems to fit is
Vera Foster born 1919 died 25/12/2014 aged 95 Sheffield, other than that I am coming up with no other results so far

Louisa Maud
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: louisa maud on Thursday 06 August 20 16:10 BST (UK)
She may not have married Mr Foster, it isn't only the youngsters who thought of living together ??

LM
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Towdlass on Thursday 06 August 20 16:56 BST (UK)
Well, this is true but as far as officialdom was concerned I didn't think that they would count a 'partner' back in those days LM.
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Thursday 06 August 20 17:29 BST (UK)
The 1939 register entry with the 1918 birth date gives an area code adjustment for the 2nd marriage which ties in with where she was supposedly living.

http://www.rootschat.com/links/01pn8/

Area Code Chelmsford Essex - rather than marry did she just change her surname  ???

I don't know if either of these links will be helpful

Query here about code NR230
https://www.fhug.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15141

and on Rootschat regarding possible name change
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=738645.0
Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Ladyhawk on Thursday 06 August 20 18:46 BST (UK)

Btw I was wrong originally her dob was 27th August 1918.

On the 1939 Register she is shown as Vera Foster/Harrison/Owen. Owen being her maiden name and Harrison her married name.

I have tried to look for a marriage between a Vera Owen or a Vera Harrison to someone named Foster from 1947 onwards but without any luck.


No luck with a marriage either - there is this death for a Vera Foster but her date/birth month are not correct  ???

Vera FOSTER born 26 4 1918
Jun 1982 Basford Nottinghamshire Volume   8 Page   0053

Vera Foster of 3 Cranston Av Arnold Nottingham died 13 May 1982
Administration Manchester 22 Dec 1982


Title: Re: Missing person Vera Harrison
Post by: Jool on Thursday 06 August 20 20:34 BST (UK)
I am intrigued by the letter M noted on Vera's 1939 record.  It seems to have been written in the same black ink when she married and her name changed to Harrison.  When the record was amended to Foster with the area code and date it was in blue ink, the M has been crossed through in blue ink at that time.

Maybe it stood for "married" but why cross it out  ???.  Just posting my observation in case anyone else can offer suggestions.