I am still trying to trace my grandfather's whereabouts between his birth in 1883 and his marriage in 1902. For all you people who are saying 'not again' I do apologise but this is now becoming something of an obsession. My grandfather left home when my father was aged 10 so we knew very little about him. I have now managed to discover quite a lot but would like to fill in the gaps if possible - rather long winded but here goes:
Born 1883 in Gorton, Manchester, illegitimate son of Elizabeth Callister domestic servant.
1902 - Married to Martha Alice Cheetham St George's Parish Church, Tyldesley, Lancashire - address on cert. 19 Bank Street Tyldesley.
Between 1906 and the 1911 census he lived at 3 different addresses in Tyldesley.
1911 - Lodging with a family called Simm 13 Herbert Street St Helens.
1913/1914 - 12 Herbert Street St Helens with rest of his family.
Sept. 1913 - joined Cheshire Regiment - October of that year discharged as 'medically unfit' but I think he must have re-enlisted at a later date when they weren't so fussy as he eventually was awarded an Army Pension.
1919-1923 - living at 33 Bank Street, Tyldesley (where my grandmother remained until her death)
In 1923 he was reported missing and a body pulled out of the local canal was identified as him and a death certificate was issued and a burial carried out. He was subsequently found alive in Manchester early in 1927 and admitted to The Leigh Union Hospital where he remained until June of that year whilst steps were made to have his pension restored. He died in July of 1946 in Prestwich Union Hospital Delaunays Road Crumpsall and was buried in Philips Park Cemetery in a Public grave. I have been able to visit this and place a memorial cross there but would like to fill in the gaps prior to his marriage as it
is almost as if he never existed. If anyone comes across him on any census searches and could let me know I would be very grateful. Also if anyone has any electoral records for the Ancoats area of Manchester (at the time of his death his home address was 64 Hood Street Ancoats) and discovers him I would be very grateful to have details.
For all of you who haven't lost the will to live and have persevered to the end of this episode of 'War and Peace' thank you so much.
