Wheeler Staff Sergeant Henry Harper (died 30 May 1916) and father Thomas Harper

[ewontner]

This is the history of the 160th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery - https://wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/fartillery.php?pid=9751 - it says they went overseas in January 1916.

Another thing that puzzles me is who Henry Harper served with before that date as he served in France from 31 May 1915. Maybe he transferred to the 160th Brigade (given his previous army record). I am aware that Henry's war service record does not survive so its not going to be possible to piece everything together.

[heywood]

In 1901 he is shown in the census as RHA.
Fold3 has a record for Henry Harper Royal Regiment of Artillery (R.H.&R.F.A.)
Regimental Number:   7569

Does that number fit with your record.

With regard to his parents etc, there is only one birth in Chester.
1874 with mother’s name Siddons.

There is a marriage in 1873 where Thomas Harper and Fanny Siddons are on the same page.

Thomas was a widower and an Inn Keeper though on that marriage.

[ewontner]

Thanks for the reply @heywood - I have found the records for Thomas Harper (innkeeper) and Fanny Siddons and that's why I am confused by Henry Harper's later marriage record listing his father as a "shoemaker".

On the regimental number of 7569 that was his earlier pre-war service record, which tallies with him returning to army as a "Wheeler Staff Sergeant" and previous army service.

Unfortunately his full service record does not survive. Already aware that only about a quarter of the WW1 service records survive due to records being bombed during WW2, so completely understand that I won't be able to piece everything together. I just really hope that I've linked Henry to the right family.

[ewontner]

The other thing that makes me doubt the records is census estimating his birth at 1876. I've previously found the birth for 1874 (which points to his parents being Thomas Harper and Fanny Siddons) but not 100% sure its all correct.

It's great to have a second opinion and view of the records from different perspective. I really want to honour Henry Harper's lifestory in right way and that means identifying the correct person through the records.

[heywood]

I can see that it may be difficult but Thomas, the inn keeper was previously a Cordwainer/shoe maker.

I have just found a published tree which shows the three marriages of Thomas Harper. He is a shoe maker on two and on the three marriages, his father is Thomas, a Whitesmith.

[heywood]

Do you have 1891 2863/127

Henry Harper, 16 yrs Groom b Chester lodging with a Wainright family.

[ShaunJ]

His 1894-1912 army papers (7569) are worth a look. They are on FindMyPast as well as Fold 3.

Next of Kin, before his marriage, was his uncle Henry Siddons, 23 Earls Villas, City Road, Chester.

[heywood]

That’s great to hear 

[Comberton]

Baptism of 1874 Henry, son of Thomas & Fanny. Image is available. Father publican of Frodsham street.
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F3JH-6XN

Brother for Henry, John Edward birth reg mmn Siddons
Image says John Edward
www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F3JH-FDD