Cecil Chapman born Whitchurch

[jetta]

Seeking any information on Cecil Chapman born Whitchurch, Hampshire appx. 1895 parents Charles J. Chapman and Bessie (Newnam or Allfrey).  Looking for possible marriage and children in hopes of tracking more information on my Grandfather who was Cecils older brother.   Thank you.

[johnP-bedford]

Hi Jetta

On 1901 census Cecil Chapman had 3 older brothers, & mother Bessie age 40 was a Widow, living on own means. The other boys were Albert J (b 1882), Edgar A (1892) & Reginald (1893). Which one's your grandfather

John 

[jetta]

Thanks John,
Reginald is my Grandfather.  He came to Canada in 1908 with the next older brother Edgar.  They stayed here.  Albert (Bert) and another older yet, Charles Frederick (Fred) remained in England - one died at sea (merchant or Navy I don't know).  Don't know anything about the older ones - one may have gone to USA.  Cecil remained in England.  My Dad died in 1968 and I've not got much info out of his sisters.  I thought if I could trace Cecils family there is probably someone living there that I could get more info from.  Don't know when Bessie died - when my Dad was a kid because she did come to Canada once for a visit.  I know Cecil was alive when I was a kid (1960's) because I remember my grandfather getting letters.
Lorraine

[johnP-bedford]

Hi Lorraine,

more info, I forgot to mention from 1901 census - the family were living at 194 Ditchling Road in Preston Park, Brighton, Sussex. While Cecil & Reginald were born in Whitchurch, Edgar was born in Shepherds Bush, London; Albert in Essex.

On 1891 census they were living in Bell Street Whitchurch, this time with Charles Frederick age 10.  - note Bessie is described as a 'Vocalist'.

On 1881 census both Charles b 1854 & Bessie b 1859  are described as 'Vocalists - at present unemployed'

[jetta]

Thanks for the update John. 

Is there a way to get more recent info on Cecil?  He married a Gwen somebody and had a son Raymond.  Managed to dig up that much.

Bessie remarried an Arthur Dean.  She was a vocalist, yes and apparently sang in the Crystal Palace.  There is confusion over her maiden name.  I think it was Allfrey and her father was Rev. A.S. Allfrey.  She took a stage name of Christine Neunam.  One of Reginald's daughters was named Christine after her and another had the middle name Bessie after her. 

Charles J (her husband) was a vocalist/actor.  He died appx. 1894-1895 sometime between Cecil being conceived and born or just after he was born.

So, what I'm after is: Bessie's Allfrey history, when she died, Charles J death date, Bessie's marriage to Arthur Dean, and any links to Cecil's prodigy.  There may well be a grandchild of Cecil's about my age!

Every little bit helps!  Thanks for looking!
Lorraine

[johnP-bedford]

Hi Lorraine

I found a marriage of Arthur Dean to Bessie Chapman in Dec 1901 at Lewisham (in Kent) district vol 1d page 104.

There's a death index entry for Charles James CHAPMAN in Mar 1896 at age 43, in district Westhampnett (near Chichester Sussex) vol 2b page 254
(no proof its your man though )

Cannot find any sighting of Bessie prior to 1881, could she have been named Elizabeth ?

Regards John

[jetta]

Thanks for being a great sleuth, John!

Now I can try for a marriage cert for Bessie and Arthur Dean.  That is probably the right Charles Chapman.  He apparently drowned - perhaps on purpose. 

To the best of anyone in the family's knowledge, Bessie wasn't Elizabeth.  Maybe they came from someplace else before the 1881 census.  Trouble is my Aunts - Reginald's daughters - are in their 80S and don't remember a lot.  Maybe because he only told what he wanted known!  He spent most of his childhood away at private school and left home at 15 for Canada, so maybe he didn't know too much either. 
I think it wasn't a happy family... his brother he came to Canada with told his 2 children nothing.  The son is a bit senile now, but the daughter was amazed at the info I do have - she knew nothing.

Thanks again,
Lorraine