John Foy and connections to Fairgrounds in Longton.

[Menfreya]

I realise there is a specific site for Travellers and Fairground entertainers but having read through various articles and posted there and so far received no reply, thought I would ask here as well.

Census entry for 1881, Showground off Market Street, Stoke-on-Trent

Mary A Foy   Widow   32   Longton   Hawker of Hardware
John Foy                    10   Longton   Scholar
Sarah Foy                    7   Longton   
William Foy                  4   Longton 
Peter Foy                    2    Longton

I know from Marriage records that John Foy married Gertrude Booth at St Giles 1895. His father is named as Patrick Foy, her father is named as Ralph Booth.
I believe though not confirmed that Patrick may have come over from Ireland and married a Mary Ann Levens in about 1868.

What I would like to know is which Travelling Fair used This particular Showground around 1881. I have a few possibilities, Pat Collins, Davies, Finney's

I would also love to know whose Fair John travelled with (I know he had to have been with one of the fairs that came to Biddulph as that is where John and Gertrude met) prior to his marriage as it may help to locate the others.

P.S.     I did find reference to a William Foy on the 1901 census. He was staying in Holy Cross and St Giles and his occupation is listed as Traveller with show. The age is correct but his place of birth was listed as Shropshire. Though I guess errors may occur if they are moving with a fair.

I know its a long shot but there may be fair enthusiast out there somewhere.
Thanks in advance.

[Bryt]

It was the Pat Collins fair that used to use the empty land in Edensor Road, Longton (off The Strand) in the 1950's. Can't help with any fairs off Market Street tho - before my time probably. If you gave the archives section in Hanley library a ring and/or the local newspaper 'The Sentinel' (they would have advertised fairs), they may be able to help?

[Menfreya]

Thanks Bryt,

Do you happen to know if the library or Sentinel may charge to look this up for me as I rarely get the chance to visit home and look myself.

[Bryt]

Hi. I don't think 'The Sentinel' charge - you'd have to ring and ask, and as far as I know, library services are free. I've found telephone numbers for Stoke on Trent City Archives 01782 238420 and The Sentinel (General Enquiries) 01782 602525. Good luck.  PS Found the following marriage and possible births for Mary Ann Levens and Patrick Foy for you too.

Marriages Mar 1868

Foy  Patrick              Stoke T   6b 280a   
Levens  Mary Ann     Stoke T  6b 280a   

Births  Dec 1844

LEVANS  Mary Ann     Lambeth  4 21_  (The image seems more like Levens to me)   

Births Mar 1849

Foy  Patrick    Stepney  2 599   

[Menfreya]

Hi Bryt

I've had a look at the image you mentioned and  your right it does look more like Levens.
Interesting she is down as born Lambeth, mind you if she was part of a traveller family or became part of one through marriage then the difference from Lambeth to Stoke would make sense.
However I was always under the impression that Patrick was born in Ireland, though as I am discovering all sorts family stories can be disproved!

Thanks Bryt

[HH]

Sorry to butt in, but I have links to Mary Ann Levens, or at least to one of her sisters. I'd be fascinated to find out more about her. What do you know?
HH

[Menfreya]

Hi HH

I haven't been able yet to substantiate all the info on Mary Ann Levens, whether I have located the right one or not yet. I also believe that there are in fact two to my knowledge. One from London and one from The Warwickshire area.

At the moment I'm hedging my bets on the one from Warwickshire. I'm just in the process of applying for Brith, marriage and death certs to confirm information one way or the other.

However that has been put a little on the back burner whilst I try and stop a mobile phone mast being placed 15 metres from my house!

Can you confirm which of the Mary Levens it is you are interested in. There is a bit of a thread about my lot on the Ireland section as my GGgrandfather (Patrick Foy) was Irish.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards
Menfreya

[HH]

The Mary Ann Levens I have info. about was christened at St. Matthew, Brixton, on 3.11.1844 with two brothers, William and James. Their parents were Charles and Mary Levens. There is a sibling group born to these parents between 1840 and 1856 in Lambeth, including Sarah from whom my husband is descended. (Information from IGI, except on Sarah whose marriage certificate I have). They lived in Kennington around 1840, Brixton 1844 and Clapham from 1847 onwards, but I have yet to find them in census records. Charles Levens was an Ostler.
HH

[dawn1107]

Hi MenFreya

I do hope you are still on this site.

I am new to all this and have just started researching my family tree and came across your posting.  You seem to be researching the same line as me as John Foy is my great grandfather, it would be really helpful if you can provide me with any more information, ie how you are related etc.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards
Dawn0711