You have given me help before in researching this part of my family but I think I need someone to give me ideas on where to go next. My great grandmother (born Caroline (or Carrie) Batson 25 Nov 1883) had three much older brothers, William Henry (b.1865), George Alfred (b.1867) and Charles (b 1869), all in Redditch.
Unfortunately she could be a fantasist so we have learned to take some family stories with a large pinch of salt, although very often some of her more outlandish tales turn out to be true so I'm trying to prove what went on from definite records.
From what I can see, William was in Croydon in 1891 and died there in 1941. I can't see any other census entries, marriage or 1939 Register entries. She suggested he worked as a companion/translator for people travelling to the Far East (she did have a lot of porcelain she said he brought back for her) but I can see nothing to really suggest that was true. Also that he went on to be an antique dealer. Any idea where I might look?
George Alfred was registered at birth as Alfred, called himself George Alfred when he married and just George on the 1911 census. I'm reasonably happy with his info although I'm not sure why I can't find him on the 1939 Register. His wife was Ellen Andrews, a relative of Caroline Batson's husband.
Charles seems to disappear after the 1881 census, although he may have travelled to Canada in 1908 with a wife and five year old son. I can find no definite UK records for him after 1881 and nothing in Canada either.
She had other brothers and sisters who have been easy to trace but these three eldest have turned into an enigma. Any pointers would be very gratefully received!
