Hi everyone.
I've hit a bit of a mystery regarding Henry Groves (b. 1854 Leeds, Yorks) and I'm hoping somebody on Rootschat might be willing to help me crack it.
Henry Groves was born one of 10 children to Charles and Martha Groves (nee Bigg), both working in theatre and constantly travelling. Henry and his brothers and sisters were all subject to a childhood on the stage and as such its difficult for them to keep track of their own ages and lies were probably told about the children's ages to make them appear more employable. This confusion sets in for all the children as they enter adulthood. I only mention all this to explain why Henry's age recorded in official documentation during his lifetime has no consistency, which only adds to the dilemma I have, which is the possibility that there may well be two Henrys. Two Henrys born in Leeds in the same period. Two Henrys with the same occupation. Two Henrys ending up in Manchester. For me, this is too coincidental but I can't dismiss the possibility.
In the 1871 census Henry lives at home with his mother Martha and his siblings. She is widowed and runs a boarding house for travelling theatricals at 15 Robertson St., Manchester. His occupation is "stable boy" and his age is given as 15.
According to marriage records, on 28 Feb 1876 Henry (age given as 20) marries Mary Elizabeth Avison in Manchester. His occupation is "Coachman" with an address at 21 Grove Street. His father's name is Charles Groves and his occupation "Comedian". Among the witnesses is either his mother or sister, both of whom are named Martha Groves.
In the 1881 Census, Henry (now recorded as 23 years old) is living at his mother's address at 25 Clifford Street in Chorlton-upon-Medlock, Manchester. His occupation is "Groom" with his birthplace as Leeds, Yorkshire. This is the last document I have connecting him specifically to this family. He is also listed as "Married" but Mary Elizabeth isn't on the record. In fact I can't find a death record, a record of divorce or a census entry, for Mary Elizabeth Groves after their marriage.
By February 1883 Henry Groves is living in Liverpool and baptizing his son, Herbert Groves (b.1883), with his (wife?) Nelly at the Paris Church of St. Peter. Occupation is "Coachman" and his abode is given as Old Swan. On Herbert's birth certificate his mother's maiden name is given as "Robinson"
In September 1884 and still in Liverpool, Henry and Nellie (note the change in spelling) baptize a second child, a daughter, Ethel, at All Saint's Church, Stoneycroft. Henry is listed as "Coachman" and the family are living at Bolan Street.
In the census of 1891 the family are living at 3 Herbert Street in Hulme, Manchester. Henry's age is 31 (Nellie is 28) and his occupation is "cab driver / groom", born Leeds, Yorks. Herbert and Ethel are also both there, registered as born in Liverpool, along with more children: Henry, Arthur, Nellie and Clarence, all listed as born in Manchester.
On 10 Aug 1892, we have a marriage certificate for a Henry Groves and Nellie Robinson at St. Clement, Salford, Lancs. Henry is listed as "bachelor", occupation is "cabdriver" and his father, Charles Groves (deceased), is listed as "Traveller". Nellie is listed "spinster", with her father as William Robinson (deceased). Their address is 44 Grantham Street. No ages are given for either of them. Their witnesses are Richard Phoenix and Jane Wilson. Interestingly, Nellie signs the document but Henry leaves an "X" mark. On the document in the 1876 marriage to Mary Elizabeth Avison he signs his name.
On July 20 1893 the couple baptize five children at St. Mary's, Hulme. They are Florence (b. 19 Jun 1892), Clarence (b. 13 Sep 1891), Nellie (b. 18 Jun 1889), Arthur (1 Aug 1887), and Harry (9 Feb 1886). The address given is 20 Hancock St. and Henry's occupation is "Shop Keeper".
By the 1901 census, the family resides at 32 Bradshaw St., Hulme. Henry's age is given as 40 and Nellie is 38. Henry's occupation is "Newsagent" (own account). The couple have another child on record: Harold (4 yrs).
In 1911 census, the Groves are living at 104 Mytton St., Hulme. Henry is listed as "Harry" with his birthplace recorded as Manchester and not Leeds. The census form is filled in by his son-in-law Albert Clarke who I think made this error. Henry (Harry) is now recorded as 55 years old and Nellie is 46. Henry is listed as having no occupation. The form declares they have been married for 28 years. Which, if true, would have them married in 1882 or 1883. I cannot find any documentation to support this.
In the 1921 census the family lives at 40 Radnor Street, Hulme. Henry is listed as 60 years old, with Nellie as 58. Henry's birthplace is recorded as Yorkshire Leeds, and in the occupation field: "blind and infirm last 30 years" with the added text "previous tram driver in Liverpool".
There is a death record for Henry on 21 Jul 1924 at the Radnor Street address, with his daughter Florence in attendance and his age is given as 70, which tallies with a 1854 birth in Leeds.
But is Henry the son of Charles and Martha? What happened to his first marriage to Mary Elizabeth Avison? Where is the cert for Henry and Nellie's 82 or 83 marriage? Were they living out of wedlock with children prior to an 1892 marriage? Are there two Henry Groves? If so, what happened to the Henry who is married to Mary Elizabeth?
Any help would be hugely appreciated. Thankyou!
