Re: Replies #30-41, relating to George Arthur GILPIN (GA for simplicity)
I am the grandson of Lily Gilpin, GA's sister. Here's what I know about GA, which came from my Grandma (b.1872, d.1960) and Uncle George her son-in-law, who died in 1981.
GA grew up in Salford. His father James Gilpin died in the period between the 1881 and 1891 censi - I haven't dug up the details yet as to when. Times were tough and the family was split up for a while. GA went to live with his grandparents, the Shaws at 22 Museum Lane, Leeds, Walter his younger brother is recorded in the 1881 census as a member of "Hunt's Band" at Chatham Hospital, Manchester. His mother, my grandma and her twin Rose were staying with Louisa Calvert, his Aunt, at 77 Regent Rd. Salford.
By 1891, the family was almost re-united at 42 Wynford St. Salford, with the exception of Rose. My grandma mentioned that she had been separated by these circumstances from Rose and felt this deeply. She had never seen her again, I believe, but I haven't followed up on Rose either. GA is recorded as a clerk and Walter an engineer, turner in 1891.
What happened in the gap from 1891 to 1915 is vague to say the least. Various pieces of the puzzle are
-GA seems to have worked in the banking business
-he moved to central America (San Salvador) in the 1890's
-he must have risen up the heirachy quite quickly, as he was wealthy when he died
-he never married: maybe British banks preferred to send single men on foreign postings. Much cheaper for them.
-he may have worked for a British Bank in Salvador (family rumour said the Bank of England, but I doubt they would have an outpost there, unless it was an agency!). Reference to Banco de Salvadorina in one shipping list as a "friend" seems odd. Sounds more like a bank, which might have been given as a reference.
-My mother mentioned that there was a Union Jack full of bullet holes that GA had given to my grandmother, which seems to have disappeared. It was said to have flown on the bank's flagpole. Possibly a disaffected client expressed his feelings with bullets. I can understand the sentiment, although not the method, today, as banks teeter in the UK and USA! I'll try to find more on this from my cousin and whether there are any other artifacts
-Another story had it that GA was the honorary British consul in Salvador. Sounds a bit far-fetched, but he may have worked in some capacity in the consulate
-He is said to have survived the sinking of the Lusitania, and managed to swim ashore, but died of grievous wounds, or was found dead on the shore. Uncle George told me he was buried in Ireland.
-I haven't seen his will, but my grandma was undoubtedly one beneficiary. She lived in comfort for most of the rest of her life - her funds ran out when she was in her 80's. She named her house, in East Keswick, Leeds "Salvador"!
That's about it. Travel must be in the family blood, as after growing up in the UK, I have lived in Perth, WA;Montreal, QC and now in the Sydney, NSW region!
Hope this helps
