The David Lewis Epileptic Colony - Mobberley, Cheshire - Completed, Thanks

[Ray T]

Wasn't sure whether this should go in the Cheshire section or Kent. All will become clear! Does anyone have specific knowlege of the David Lewis centre? Specifically -

James Edward KEMP was born, in 1888, in one of the small villages in the Ramsgate/Deal area. In 1891 he and the family are in the vilage of Preston (Kent) and his father is an AgLab. As yet, I've been unable to trace them on the 1901 but in 1911 he turns up as a patient of the David Lewis Epileptic Colony in Cheshire and is said to be a "Pubic House Barman".

In 1921, he is boarding in Great Warford - just down the road - with George Henry Jennings and his half sister (and my Half Great Aunt) and James Edward's future wife Edith Mary Binnersley (Isn't life complicated!) He died in 1930, aged 42.

The question, for now, is did he move from Kent to Cheshire despite or, specifically because of his epilepsy? On the one hand, I don't see that he had any connection with Cheshire but on the other, would the treatment of epileptics at this time be confined to such an establishment as the David Lewis Centre? I'm aware that the David Lewis centre still exists and about the time we're looking at, it was mamaged by the Manchester Corporation.

Thanks in advance.

[california dreamin]

Hi Ray

Perhaps of interest? http://catalogue.cheshirearchives.org.uk/calmview/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=216900&pos=1

CD

[Ray T]

Thanks - that would need a trip.

I think I've now found him in 1901but can't make head nor tail of the relationships between other people in the house ...... yet.

[fiddlerslass]

1901 St Lawrence Ramsgate Kent.

Household Members (Name)    Age    Relationship
Alice Kemp 41 head b. St Lawrence

James Holness 18 son b St Lawrence
   
Ellen Holness 14 dau b, St Lawrence

Alice Holness 11 dau b. St Lawrence
   
John Holness 6 son b, St Lawrence
   
James Kemp    12    Stepson b. Preston Kent
Rhoda Kemp   11. Stepdaughter b, Ringwood kent
Florence Kemp dau 1 b. Ramsgate


   
   
Piece    828
Folio    35
Page number    16
Household schedule number    120

Marriages Dec 1898   
HOLNESS    Alice Maud M        Thanet    2a   2068    
Kemp    Charles Edward         Thanet    2a   2068    

   

   

[fiddlerslass]

Deaths Sep 1900 
Kemp    Charles Edward    41    Thanet    2a   582   

Possible death first wife


Deaths Jun 1898   
Kemp    Mary Jane    48    Thanet    2a   520

[california dreamin]

Thanks - that would need a trip.

I think I've now found him in 1901but can't make head nor tail of the relationships between other people in the house ...... yet.

You could always contact the Archives.  They might be able to have a look at the pamphlet and might be able to answer any queries you had about the treatment in place for epileptics.

Was the David Lewis centre notable and treatments available  mentioned in any newspapers? Could that be why James made the move to Cheshire?

Good luck

CD

[AlanBoyd]

The description here states that “patients came from all over the world”:

http://tinyurl.com/ust7xzkm

[california dreamin]

A great shout Alan. Lots of good information.

CD

[Ray T]

That’s useful Allan insofar as it explains that they took patients from anywhere. It also goes some way to explaining why he described himself as a “barman” in 1911 but, by 1921, he was living in the community and working as a boot and shoe repairer - he presumably learned the trade in the colony.

Thanks fiddlerslass, that’s the same family I came up with but I’ve yet to bottom who belonged/was married to who - I’m sure I’ll get there!