Mary Finn

[heywood]

In that case, it might be best to work backwards and see how she is related to your Grandad. Was he also a Finn?
Do you have his parents names?
She was Roscommon, I think.

[epernay lady]

He was Michael Joseph Leonard, his Father was John  (only know this as it is on Grandads marriage certificate.) So you can see what problems I have had.

I will have to close now, but will return tomorrow.  I appreciate your help.

Maureen.

[Mabel Bagshawe]

Ok, now you say the address is Taylor St, not Gorton St as per the opening post, this makes sense.

[epernay lady]

Sorry for the mis-information, as you have probably seen, this has all been a huge surprise.  I look forward to any help or advice and will return in the morning.  Thank you very much.

[heywood]

I hadn't noticed the address. 
I can't see a definite Mary Finn in earlier censuses     I think that Berty might be Bertram Ernest Fletcher born Manchester but again - can't see him in 1901. They may just be lodgers but you never know they could be related.

While searching, I saw your earlier post where you mention Michael Joseph Leonard born 1904. Is that the same person?

What year does he give Mary Finn as his NOK? 

[epernay lady]

Thank you.  Michael Joesph Leonard was my Grandfather.  He arrived in the UK 1923 having enlisted in the British Army.  Why he put Mary Finn down as his next of kin I have no idea.  Yesterday was the first time I had heard the name.  We have always been lead to believe he was orphaned at an early age, he had put his father's name on his marriage certificate as John Leonard, farmer, deceased.
I have also requested his Free State Army records from Dublin, but these take a few weeks. (something else we knew nothing about).

[heywood]

He's becoming a bit of a revelation to you then!

It could be perhaps, that he was lodging with Mary Finn and she was therefore a handy 'NOK'

Also Clonmel, as I think you already know, was a barracks town so he may have put that as his birthplace rather than last place of residence.

Have you not got a birth record for him?

[epernay lady]

Certainly a man of mystery!!  We have no birth record at all, my Nan and Dad said he had told them he came from Clonmel but that was probably just convenient!  I am hoping when I receive the records from Dublin that they will shed more light on him, parentage, birth place etc.  Have to keep everything crossed.  I will let you know how I get on.  Thank you so much for your help.

[heywood]

Good luck and please do let us know - it's intriguing