Genealogy Chat

can anyone give me suggestions for an alternative spelling for Lewis? I am looking for Frances V Lewis Born Cheltenham Gloucestershire. In 1881 he is 19 living at 11 myrtle street in Liverpool I have found a records for his marriage in 1888 to a Margaret French. I cannot find him on the 1901 census at all! I have tried all kinds of permutations with birth place, locations even with no surname, but I am not getting anywhere! I know he worked at 76 Myrtle Street as a hairdresser in the early 1900's and that his son Frank followed in his footsteps. I go back to 1901 every so often to try another variation, but I cannot find him. Can anyone put me out of my mysery?

Is this him in 1901: Francis Lewis 40 Cheltenham Birmingham Aston Helper In Stores. George

Barbara, Is Margaret not on the 1901 census either? Had he gone off to the Boar War? I know I haven't helped much but it might be a possibility Kim

Louis, my spelling is bad so that should help LOL.

Hi Barbara I thought It may be possible he was with relatives - found these not living in Liverpool Francis Lewis 39 Glos Gloucester Bristol Bristol Lithographic Printer Frank Lewis 39 Gloucestershire Bristol Nottinghamshire Nottingham Cabman Frank Lewis 39 Gloucestershire Stroud Lancaster Stretford Coachman Domestic Fred Lewis 39 Gloucester Bristol Wiltshire Fisherton Anger Within Hairdresser Regards Maxine

Thanks everyone, I don't think he is any of your suggestions. My ears pricked up when I saw the word Hairdresser, but he was definitely not a Fred. In every directory I have found him he has always been Francis. I have found a few Margarets, but if they have Lewis then a wildcard search should show him with the 1901 decoder and it doesn't. Oops there goes another bit of hair!

Barbara I wouldn't dismiss the "Fred" out of hand, as we have had many instances posted on here of names being transcribed completely wrong. The fact that it begins with "Fr" is alot closer than some of the names we have seen! Regards Maxine

Oh I know, and with 1901 it seems that anything goes! I just had a brainstorm and searched for 76 Myrtle St which is where he worked. His family lived at 11 Mrytle Street in 1881. I'm just off out, but when I get back I am going to hit that 'show me' button and see what happens - the suspense will keep me buzzing all night lol

Barbara, Are you sure it's not the one George mentioned? He is married to a Margaret and has children Arthur, Margaret, Hilda, Clara and Emily. Margaret Lewis 40 Penketh Lancs Birmingham Aston Crista

Barbara, I think I've found him, although credit to Georgina as it would appear that she found him first. I firstly did a search on the 1891 census and found the following: Frank LEWIS, Head, Married, aged 30, Hair Dresser, born Cheltenham Gloucestershire Margaret LEWIS, Wife, Married, aged 30, born Lancs Penketh Arthur LEWIS, Son, aged 1, born Manchester Living at 11 Bridge Street, Chorlton on Medlock, Manchester Eventually found the family on the 1901 census by searching on Margaret and using Penketh as the birth place. The decoder revealed the following: Francis LEWIS, Head, Married, aged 40, born Cheltenham, Helper in Stores Margaret LEWIS, Wife, Married, aged 40, born Penketh Lancs Arthur LEWIS, Son, aged 11, born Manchester Margaret LEWIS, Daughter, aged 8, born Manchester Hilda LEWIS, Daughter, aged 5, born Leeds Clara LEWIS, Daughter, aged 3, born Liverpool Emily LEWIS, Daughter, aged 4 months, born Birmingham Living in Aston, Birmingham The fact that his job is not listed as Hair Dresser is the curious aspect. Andy.

Hmm, need to think on this. You see I have Francis Victor Lewis Ladies Hairdresser 76 Myrtle Street in 1943 and 1946 and then Lewis Frank at the same address in 1949 and 1955 However My great grandad had a daughter called Hilda who would be Francis' neice, adn my great grandad was called Arthur. Just back from a lovely meal out, so I am going to print off your suggestings and sip a glass of wine and ponder it! Thankyou all so much for taking the time to have a look.

By George I think you've got it! Ok I will come clean. Dad William Lewis was a hairdresser and perfumer. Frank was born in Gloucester, while William was born in Manchester and Arthur in Liverpool so there is a precedent for the family moving round. William and Arthur both stayed in Liverpol but clearly Frank moved around a bit as can be seen by the children you have found! I am going to have to go back to the library and look at earlier copies of Gores directory. The Frances Victor Lewis we found in 1943 could be a doppleganger! Or a very old hairdresser! He would be 82 by then! Have I been having a blonde moment? Or could it be that Frank and Margaret had another child at a later date? Again thanks for all your help, I have put off this branch of my tree as it was always stalling, but now its starting to open up! Quite exciting!!