Hi
I am assuming that Florence's surname was DOWNES and that she was unmarried. If so it's unlikely that the father of your Ernest DOWNES actually has the surname DOWNES. My guess, and that's all it is, would be that perhaps the father of Ernest may have the surname GIBSON.
Unfortunately there are so many GIBSONs that it's not possible to be sure that any of them are the person you seek.
This looks like Florence's baptism? (Not that it helps with finding the father of the child!)
Florence Maud DOWNES
Christening: 8 Feb 1885 at Coppenhall, Cheshire, England
Father's Name: Alfred Downes
Mother's Name: Eleanor Downes
I see her in 1901 with her parents at 10 Mirion St, Monks Coppenhall in Crewe and in 1911 as a servant with Horatio ROWE in Birch Heath near Chester.
A very long shot:Interestingly in 1901 there is a Thomas GIBSON, 25, also living in Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire at 25 Nantwich Rd, with his parents James R and Ann and a number of siblings; occupation hairdresser, born in Crewe. I cannot see this man in 1911.
This is a
possible death for the above:
1954, Registration Place:Geraldton, Western Australia, reg no 48
Thomas GIBSON, 82
Father's Name: James
Mother's Name: Ann
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1872
http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/_apps/pioneersindex/default.aspxThis man is buried at Geraldton, but apparently the MI only has his name, age and date of death
http://www.ozburials.com/CemsWA/Geraldton-Greenough/geraldton_f-m.htmAustralian death certificates have excellent information and are worth getting as there are details of spouse, birthplace etc (much better than the info on UK certificates!!). Of course the details on the certificate depend on the knowledge of the person giving the information. Unfortunately WA certificates are quite expensive! There are some marriages for various Thomas GIBSONs which may or may not be the same man.
