Ancestor possibly using an assumed name?

[LizzieL]

I'm no expert, but I would agree with you

[jonwarrn]

I see a 1910 record on Ancestry which mentions seaman James GLEN born 1887. It  has his signature.  I do not know if it is the same man as in your case, but the signature does not match the one at the foot of the 1911 page IMO.

I'd also agree with Sue about that. James Glen on the Menes seems to be a trimmer. He does match the details on the Royal Naval Reserve record for James, born 1887 in Newcastle on Tyne
It's packed with info, and can be downloaded for free!
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D8537972

I don't think any such James Glen has been found, so he might be a reinvention of somebody!

[jonwarrn]

James Glen was doing training for the RNR, 15.2.11 to 31.5.11
Devonport Depot?
& "Carnarvon"?

That began two days after he was discharged from the Lackawanna.
They had to do three months training on board HM ship.

[jonwarrn]

James Glen was doing training for the RNR, 15.2.11 to 31.5.11
Devonport Depot?
& "Carnarvon"?

Here he is!
1911
James Glen, 23, born Newcastle, Provisional Stoker
On HMS Carnarvon, at anchor in Torbay
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XW9H-8QP

He wasn't in Liverpool!

[jonwarrn]

Pretty sure that is him on the Menes in 1910, in the Liverpool crew lists.
With signature.

Note that the FamilySearch transcription of the 1911 entry leaves a bit to be desired!

[paganmogwai]

Hi Lizzie,
Well I would say there is almost no similarity between the 1911 and the signature you have kindly posted.

What do you think?

Sue

Hi Sue and Lizzie, thanks so much for doing this.  I'm a total novice with handwriting but yes they do look different.    Looks like they may have been two different men after all.  One thing I do know from my Dad's memories is that as far as Elsie was concerned, her father was John GLEN who had been a ships fireman and that they were from the north-east of England.  It seems so sad that she may never have been told the truth.    Families, eh?  Thanks again.

[paganmogwai]

James Glen was doing training for the RNR, 15.2.11 to 31.5.11
Devonport Depot?
& "Carnarvon"?

Here he is!
1911
James Glen, 23, born Newcastle, Provisional Stoker
On HMS Carnarvon, at anchor in Torbay
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XW9H-8QP

He wasn't in Liverpool!

Hi Jon, oh you are scaringly good at this    I'm playing catch up here.  Ok so if he wasn't in Liverpool then did Sophia complete the 1911 census form I wonder?  And if he wasn't in Liverpool she shouldn't have listed him on it should she?

I have that RNR record from TNA which is very good.  The addresses given throughout it all tally so its definitely the 'right' James GLEN.  This story is just more intriguing the more I go on.  Thank you

[jonwarrn]

It seems that she did, unless someone did it for her.
The first entry, or much of it, seems to have been written in pencil first, and then overwritten. Which may not mean anything.
But, if Sophia got a bit confused doing this, it might explain why it says JJ was born Southampton, when that is her birthplace!
Then there is still the other question about the number of children. Four living, when we only know of three.

A very complicated affair, and sorting the 1911 census for the family has been a puzzle in itself!

[paganmogwai]

Pretty sure that is him on the Menes in 1910, in the Liverpool crew lists.
With signature.

Note that the FamilySearch transcription of the 1911 entry leaves a bit to be desired!

Just saw this now Jon.  Yes I'd say that's him.  The address given is 45 Eldon Place which, if that was a Liverpool address, is only a few minutes walk away from the address on the 1911 census.  I've attached his signature.  Thanks.