Francis Maxwell BEST- descendants.

[minniehaha]

Hi everyone,

Francis Maxwell BEST, (died in London 19.5.1951) is of interest to me as he was in partnership with my ancestor, John Hammond GALBRAITH until the latter's death in London in 1921, in a legal practice known as 'Galbraith & Best'. This was situated in Australia House, The Strand. After the death of John, Francis continued to practise at the same address for many years.

I would like to be able to make contact with descendants of Francis Maxwell Best. I'm hoping through Rootschat to be able to climb up his tree to the point where I can then work through the personal messaging system once discovery of the living is made. I am well aware that the living may not be named on this forum.

Some background on Francis Maxwell Best:

BEST, Francis Maxwell
ww1scvstories.com.au › pdf › BEST, Francis Maxwell

The above does not work as a direct link, so some cutting and pasting might need to be done. It also says- "the site can't be reached" but click on 'Show saved copy' and there is a potted history of his early years. It is here that his first wife is named, Mary Eliza Whitty. Married in 1907 in NSW, Australia.
   
"Francis Maxwell BEST. Francis Best was educated at the. University of Melbourne, passing his Annual Exam in November. 1900. He was admitted to practice............."

Divorce re second marriage:

Reference:   J 77/2909/36
Description:   Divorce Court File: 36. Appellant: Mabel Wilberforce Best. Respondent: Francis Maxwell Best. Type: Wife's petition for divorce [WD].
Date:   1931
Held by:   The National Archives, Kew

Legal status:   Public Record(s)
Language:   English
Closure status:   Open Document, Open Description

Second marriage:
Douthwaite    Mabel W    Best    St.Geo.H.Sq.
 1a   1082

Best    Francis M    Douthwaite    St.Geo.H.Sq.
 1a   1082

Third marriage:

Best    Francis M    Chapman    Westminster
 1a   701

Weinstein    Rose P    Best    Westminster
 1a   701

Deaths Jun 1951 
________________________________________
BEST    Francis M    69    Marylebone
 5d   278

His death notice appeared in 'The Times' of London on 21 5. 1951.

I have not looked for any other family information.

Minniehaha,

[mckha489]

Good Afternoon Minniehaha 

I should be getting some exercise on this glorious day but..... Brain Exercise must use just as many calories!

There is a tree on Ancestry for Francis Maxwell BEST. I think I am right in thinking you don't have membership?

It seems he only had one daughter by Mary Eliza WHITTY. namely Eleanor Mary Maxwell BEST b Castlemaine Victoria 9 July 1910 and died in 1970 - added - there is  a will

according to them
Eleanor married Philip K RIESLY Kensington Mdx 1935. Divorced
second marriage to David Stahel FARMER in 1941. He died in 1950.
2 children

1. Suzan Maxine FARMER b 1942 d 2017  who married (still living) in 1965 and divorced him in 1968

she was an actress. Doesn't seem to have had any children or remarried

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183668129

The other child likely to be still living but who they are is hard to tell. 
on FreeBMD there are several Farmer/Best births in the period but no others in Maidstone, so cannot be sure which they might be.  Maybe the one Tonbridge registration?


 

[minniehaha]

Hello Mckha, Now where have I come across you before?    

Thank you for those details. You are correct, I don't have an Ancestry subscription.

Since putting up the topic I have found Eleanor Mary Maxwell Best and.......

Barbara Maxwell Best, born 1908 at Castlemaine and.....

Austen Maxwell Best, born 1912 at Castlemaine. All three had the same mother nee Whitty.

I will now have a look through the information you have very kindly provided.

Minniehaha. 

[mckha489]

Sussex Agricultural Express 22 February 1946

[mckha489]

Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser 06 April 1957

[mckha489]

newspaper says 2 sons.
I can see one on FreeBMD born 1951, but blowed if I can see the other.

[minniehaha]

An interesting family......   I think there may be more to be discovered.

Thank you for those additional snippets Mckha. Building quite a picture here and I am grateful for your help.


Minniehaha.

[mckha489]

Of course you are welcome! Just hope it is useful

who is this?

Western Daily Press 20 April 1938

[mckha489]

BEST, MARIAN  MAXWELL     WHITTY 
GRO Reference: 1915  J Quarter in TICEHURST  Volume 02B  Page 165