Henry Lawrence(Liebnitz) Swansea (Master Mariner)

[andyliebnitz]

Hi.  I am trying to find out about the early life of a Henry Liebnitz b.1867 in Memel, Germany, who was living in Swansea and married Maria Allen Grove in 1894.  He became a naturalised British subject in 1896, and around this time became known as Henry Lawrence.  He is in the Lloyds Captains register 1896-1911.  He lived I think at 26 Kilvey Terrace and 6 Bay View, both St Thomas, and may have lived elsewhere too.

They had two children, John Henry (b.1895) and Elizabeth Winifred (b.1904).  Their births record their name as Liebnitz, but certainly by the time of "Winnies's" birth the family was known as Lawrence.

I believe Henry emigrated to the UK along with his brother (my great-great-Grandfather) as a child/young man.  The dates do not add up however.  I believe that initially they came to Peterhead in Scotland.  Any help in how to go back further i.e. before 1894 with this Henry Liebnitz/Lawrence would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Andy.

[Morganllan]

Hello 

Have you seen the Liebnitz family in Scotland on 1891 census?

34 Back of Kinneddar St, Drainie, Moray 

Luis Liebnitz Head age 42 Naturalised born Memel Prussia  Fisherman
Margret Liebnitz Wife age 40 born Lossiemouth, Elgin
Alexander Cowe Stepson age 19 born Drainie  Fisherman
James Cowe Stepson age 17 born Drainie  Fisherman
Margret Cowe Stepdaughter age 12  born Drainie  Scholar
Andrew Cowe Stepson age 9  born Drainie  Scholar
George Liebnitz Son age 9  born Peterhead  Scholar
Charles Liebnitz Son age 2 born Drainie
Jane McLeod Mother-in-law age 64  Fisherman's Widow

Drainie ED 6 Page  6 Line 25

[Morganllan]

Do you have the marriage certificate from 1894, with the name and occupation of Henry's father?

Not sure about this but will post just in case. You may be better off with this on the Scotland board....

1881 Scotland there was a possible match for Henry:

Clarence House High St. Renfrew

Henry C Lobnitz Head age    49 Nat Brit subject born Denmark  Engineer & Shipbuilder Emp Abt 500 Men & 200 boys

Catherine D Lobnitz Wife age 42 born England
Alwilda Lobnitz Dau age 14
Henry C Lobnitz Son age 11 born Renfrew  Scholar   
Anne C Lobnitz Dau age 9 born Renfrew  Scholar
Freda D M Clasen Cook age 29 born Denmark
Anne M Jorgensen  Housemaid age 32 born Denmark

Renfrew ED 2 Pg 32 Line 20

[andyliebnitz]

Thanks for the replies.  I do not have the marriage certificate from 1894 - not sure how I missed that as I guess that would be the next logical step.

I also had found that Henry Lobnitz you mentioned, but am almost certain that he is not related.

I am well acquainted with the Liebnitz family in Scotland - (Charles) Luis in that household was my great-great Grandfather.  His fahter was also Charles Luis Liebnitz, a Ship's Carpenter in Memel, Prussia (Germany).  As I said, we were told Luis had a brother who went to Wales and changed his name to Lawrence.  We were also told there was only a couple of years between them, so Henry being born in 1867 doesn't fit, but his family's names do.  The two families kept in touch through one of Luis' daughters, but when she died in 1965 all contact was lost apparently.

It is generally accepted that the two brothers landed in Peterhead, Scotland but I have heard Yarmouth mentioned along the way too, so as you say I should try some other boards too for more information about their first years in the UK.

Anyway, thanks again for your time.

Andy.