Hello all, I haven't posted in a few years, but im stumped! I have managed to find most of my drake family in folkestone, kent. John Thomas Drake was the owner of the Pavillion Hotel from the 1858 (courtesy of Melvilles directory 1858) till his death (according to his will) on aug 8 1891. Where im stumped is that 1851 census has his birth as 1817 ish, but all the others have him at 1821ish. His will however does add up to being born in 1816. Now, two things. I can't find his birth anywhere in order to find his parents names. He was born in Chatham. Second, I cannot find him or his family in the 1861 census anywhere, although during that time he would have been still at the pavillion. I've tried looking for them in other areas, and abroad thinking they might have gone on holiday, but i can't find them. In the 1851, he is listed at custom house quay with his wife, but is listed as the son (should read son in law) because the head of the household is william wood. i was thinking that mary wood, his wife could have been his mother, and she remarried after his father died, but i can't find a marriage. It could be his wifes family, his wifes maiden name was elizabeth major rayner, and her mothers name had been mary rayner and her father charles. I cant find a birth or death for charles, or a marriage for these two. I'm totally stumped. can anyone help me figure this out? i feel like its right there staring at me in the face and im just missing something... John thomas drakes son was named stephen butcher drake, he was my great great grandfather. thank you so much.
