Somerset Mystery Man

[FrancesStickley]

Hello,

I'm stuck! - and wondering if perhaps anyone can help me.

My great great Grandad was (reportedly) an Alfred James Hadley, born in Somerset, Bristol, 1870. Whilst I've been able to get some detail of his life once he married and had children, I can find no record of his life whatsoever before 1891 (registered 'Hardley' on the Welsh census).

He always lodged with others and address registers for births etc were usually at the home of his father in law, despite no record of him living there or with his wife. He was a collier, which explains the lodging to a certain extent. There has long been talk in our family that the Hadleys are descended from Romany Travellers and I was just wondering if perhaps Alfred was the first glimpse of this! He registered his father as James Hadley, Butcher on his marriage certificate - I can find no Hadley Butchers, no Hadleys in Somersetshire at the time of his birth - his brith date differs drastically beween censuses - and I've followed every alternative surname in the hope of a late marriage or name change!

I know this is really vague - I've just hit such a brick wall with my mystery man and wondered if this rang any bells with anyone!! Is Hadley a common Romany name? Is there a chance he changed it?

Sorry again for the lack of accurate detail!
Thanks ever so much,

Fran.

[NettieS]

Hi Fran,

It may help if you could post Alfreds wifes name and names of his children so people can have a look about and see what they can find to help you.

There is an Alfred James Hadley that shows up on the BMD born 1869 in Worcestershire and again on the 1901 census, spouses name Harriett, wether its your Alfred or not is another question.

Probably not yours as I see Alfred married in 1902 in Pontypridd.

Regards
Lyne

[FrancesStickley]

Hi Lynne,

Sorry - of course - that's a great idea.

Alfred married Rosina Gray of Lydney, Glouc in 1902. They had 3 children - Asher William James Hadley (1901), Ernest Victor Hadley (1903) and Gilbert George Hadley (1905) - they were rarely together as Rosina was also married to a William Attwood with whom she resumed the marriage later on.
Alfred lived in and around Pontypridd for most of his later life, dying the Universal Colliery disaster in 1914, Caerphilly.

I've checked out all Alfred Hadleys through to the censuses that he know he is already on - unfortunately there are none 'missing' so all are accounted for. Similarly, all Alfred James's born in somerset with all surnames are all accounted for. It's really like he appeared out of nowhere! Which, unfortunately, makes it all the more compelling, if not frustrating!

He is on the 1891 census, living with a potential relative but again, no trace of him otherwise either - he is in Tredegar in Wales. In 1901, he is boarding in Merthr and 1911 sees him as 'James Alfred Hadley' - b.1856?! - definitely him though as same family he is boarding with. He is also registered as single on this census as Rosina has returned to her other husband!

Phew! It's such a mess! Thank you for your help - have a feeling this is one I'm never going to crack!!

[vince smith]

Hi all,

Just a hunch, but could the name be Hoadley.  Just one letter out.  Hoadley is a recognised Romany name, often associated with the Keats ( Skeats) family.

You never know.

[CatOne]

Heres 1891 for those searching -

Alfred Hardley Lodger 20 Coal Miner Somerset
Richard Hardley Lodger widower 46 Coal miner
John James Lodger 22 Coal Miner Somerset

in house of Elias Edmunds, wife Ann and their children

RG12/4429 Folio 41 Page 27

James is a well known Romany name I believe, I wonder who Richard is, hes the right age to be father   I'd be tracing these 2 on the censuses as well to see if they give a clue for Alfred

[FrancesStickley]

I didn't realise James was a common Romany name - that's useful thank you.

I have given the James line a go - it's just such a common one, I perhaps gave up too soon.

I've chased up Richard Hardley/ Hadley to no avail - I have visions of them both sitting there infront of the census form saying 'right, what name shall we pick?'

Thanks again, I'll have a closer look at John James.   

[FrancesStickley]

Hoadley doesn't seem to show up either - I'm wondering if he plucked his detais out of thin air!!
Thank you though, that's definitely something to bear in mind. 

[NettieS]

Hi Fran,

I have had a look through the census info again and on the 1871 census there is A baby Hadley born about 1871 in Gloucestershire, the baby was about 6 days old, it doesnt state wether the baby was male or female but it could be a possibilty to factor in to this puzzle, that it might have been your Alfred.

Regards
Lyne