Frederick Banks Jeweller of Birmingham born circa 1833 died Nov 1906

[mrsruz]

Birth certificates weren“t issued until 1837, so prior to that, only the info from the baptism was available.
Certainly what you say is true of post 1837 births

[fetlar13]

jim1

Thanks very much.  You've got more info than I had and yes Sarah does seem to be telling the Registrars that her husband is dead.  In that case who's fathering all the kids, sounds like a story of convenience for a kept woman? What the children believe seems to come out later as they marry and state that Frederick Banks, Jeweller is their father?

The info about Frederick's business and home addresses are great thanks! I knew about the Warstone Lane address and found it a spooky coincidence, that it is now located right next to an apartment block called The Buttonbox.  Young Fredrick Banks started his working life as a Pearl Button maker and was his father Theophilus Banks! I don't know Birmingham very well but I believe that button making was a big trade down there back in the day.

To me it appears that the one and only Frederick Banks was a bit of a lad and what a story for my cousin to tell her grandchildren!

Thanks again for your help

Steve

[lizdb]

I dont think it is Sarah saying he is dead - it is the children when they marry.

[lizdb]

I see Frederick left a will when he died, a rich man, in 1906.
Now that would be worth saving up and sending for, to see if he makes any mention of his second family. If so, you have your proof easily.

Probate index entry-
Frederick Banks of the City Asylum Lodge Road Birmingham died 3:Nov 1906 Probate to Charles Banks Gentleman
Effects £19,916  10s  8d

[fetlar13]

lizdb

After a second careful (and now fully awake look) you're right about the kids claiming their father id dead.  As for Frederick Banks he died in the City Asylum in November 1906 and his will was read on December 14th and he left it all to his legitimate son Charles.  That £19.916 10s 6d would be worth over £2,000,000 in today's money!

Thanks again

Steve

[jim1]

You might find this of interest:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~billburgoyne/button%20trade.htm
Warstone Lane was at the heart of the Jewellery quarter & still is to this day.

[lizdb]

After a second careful (and now fully awake look) you're right about the kids claiming their father id dead.  As for Frederick Banks he died in the City Asylum in November 1906 and his will was read on December 14th and he left it all to his legitimate son Charles.  That £19.916 10s 6d would be worth over £2,000,000 in today's money!

So you have a copy of the will?

Probate was granted on 14th Dec (not sure how you know what day the will was read!!!!!l) , and that was granted to Charles, so that means it was Charles's responsibility to carry out the wishes expressed in the Will..  But that doesnt mean he left the estate to Charles. You need the actual will to see how his estate was left.  It would be sad to think he left such a large estate and made no provision for Sarahs children if he was their father.

[jim1]

He didn't get the business as that went to Frederick Jnr.
It should make an interesting read though.

[fetlar13]

Liz & Jim

I'm making leaps of assumption again aren't I? No I haven't see the will and I've no idea how I'd get to see it?

Steve