Listers may recall me asking about a week ago whether anyone had ever seen a photograph of Leechmere House in Ryhope. It is my interest in Leechmere House which has led me on to Haswell Lodge and William Fairbairn Hall. It was William's son Thomas, who was the last person to own Leechmere House as a private dwelling. Thomas died in 1930, his wife, Kate Alexander (Comrie) died in 1939. I did finally come across a photograph of Leechmere House, taken for the Sunderland Echo, in 1938. By then, the garden looked overgrown and there was what looked like a simple barbed wire fence around the building. The photograph appeared in the Sunderland Echo with a simple caption to say that it was being sold and was to become a home for retired miners. Judging by the state of the place, Thomas' wife Kate must have moved out quite some time previously. I was interested as to where Thomas' wealth had come from, because his wife didn't seem to have been short of a penny or two herself. However, when Thomas' father William Fairbairn Hall died, he left the impressive sum of £41,760. Probate records indicate William died 6 March 1907. My next project is to find how the press reported the attempted murder of William Fairbairn Hall. If anyone has any cuttings or other information, I would be thrilled to hear from you! Many, many thanks for those who replied this evening to my posting... this list is a frighteningly brilliant resource and populated by some of the most helpful people I have ever come across. Kind regards... David Allan.

There is a report in The Leeds Mercury (Leeds, England), Monday, January 7, 1884; Issue 14273. The shooting was on the evening of Friday 4th January 1884, when William Fairbairn Hall was wounded by Henry Whittle, who alleged that he had been deprived of the invention of a coal cutting machine by Mr. Hall and a Mr. Lawes. Stan Mapstone On 1 October 2010 19:30, Stan Mapstone <stanmapstone@gmail.com> wrote: > > The only death registered for a William Fairbairn Hall is the one in March ¼ 1907, there is none in 1884 > > Stan Mapstone > > On 1 October 2010 19:14, gen listlass <genlistlass@hotmail.com> wrote: >> >> This was posted on the WWW in 2000 athttp://genforum.genealogy.com/hall/messages/10714.html >> >> "William Fairbairn Hall, colliery manager was shot by Henry Whittle on the platform of Haswell station in County Durham, England in 1884. If anyone is interested I have detailed info about this social injustice story. Anyone related?" >> >> Gen in NBL, England >> >

Stan According to the thread quoted by Gen, there is no mention of William Fairbairn Hall dying in 1884. He survived the shooting and died in 1907. It was apparently Henry Whittle the person who shot him who hanged himself in 1884. Cheers Pat =================================== Mrs Pat Pierpoint Hon. Secretary and Genealogy Officer Clan Johnston/Johnstone Association (U.K.) =================================== > -----Original Message----- > From: dur-nbl-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:dur-nbl-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Stan Mapstone > Sent: 01 October 2010 19:30 > To: DUR-NBL list > Subject: Re: [DUR-NBL] Was William Fairbairn Hall murdered? > > The only death registered for a William Fairbairn Hall is the > one in March ¼ > 1907, there is none in 1884 > > Stan Mapstone > > On 1 October 2010 19:14, gen listlass <genlistlass@hotmail.com> wrote: > > > > > This was posted on the WWW in 2000 athttp:// > > genforum.genealogy.com/hall/messages/10714.html > > > > "William Fairbairn Hall, colliery manager was shot by Henry > Whittle on the > > platform of Haswell station in County Durham, England in > 1884. If anyone is > > interested I have detailed info about this social injustice > story. Anyone > > related?" > > > > Gen in NBL, England > > -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter. We are a community of 7 million users fighting spam. SPAMfighter has removed 7060 of my spam emails to date. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len The Professional version does not have this message

The only death registered for a William Fairbairn Hall is the one in March ¼ 1907, there is none in 1884 Stan Mapstone On 1 October 2010 19:14, gen listlass <genlistlass@hotmail.com> wrote: > > This was posted on the WWW in 2000 athttp:// > genforum.genealogy.com/hall/messages/10714.html > > "William Fairbairn Hall, colliery manager was shot by Henry Whittle on the > platform of Haswell station in County Durham, England in 1884. If anyone is > interested I have detailed info about this social injustice story. Anyone > related?" > > Gen in NBL, England > >

Same story as you heard at http://genforum.genealogy.com/whittle/messages/317.html "There was always a story in my family of an attempted murder by an ancester Henry Whittle. I have extracts from old newspapers saying that Henry invented a screw for a coal cutting machine but the colliery manager William fairbairn Hall stole the patent so Henry shot him as he got of the train at Haswell station. Hall lived but Henry Whittle hung himself in Durham jaol in 1884. Anyone else related? I have a lot of detailed info on this story." Gen in NBL, England From: genlistlass@hotmail.com To: Subject: RE: [DUR-NBL] Was William Fairbairn Hall murdered? Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 19:14:16 +0100 This was posted on the WWW in 2000 athttp://genforum.genealogy.com/hall/messages/10714.html "William Fairbairn Hall, colliery manager was shot by Henry Whittle on the platform of Haswell station in County Durham, England in 1884. If anyone is interested I have detailed info about this social injustice story. Anyone related?" Gen in NBL, England see: > From: davidm.allan@ntlworld.com > To: DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com > Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 19:05:42 +0100 > Subject: [DUR-NBL] Was William Fairbairn Hall murdered? > > Has anyone ever heard a story, concerning a William Fairbairn Hall, who > lived at Haswell Lodge, Haswell, Co Durham, that relates to his death in > 1907? > > I was told that this chap, a mining engineer, had supposedly invented some > kind of safety device for use in coal mines (he was a mining engineer). > However, the story, as told to me, was that someone else claimed to have > invented this 'device' and that this other person exacted revenge by > shooting the aforementioned William Fairbairn Hall. > > Probate records indicate that he died 6 March 1907 and that he left effects > of £41,760 after his death... a considerable sum of money in those days. I > have come across nothing to date to link William Fairbairn Hall with the > above story > > I'm sure that if the story is true, there will be something in the > newspapers of the day. On the otherhand, there may be some truth in the > story, but that William Fairbairn Hall was not the person who was murdered. > > I know that a visit to County Hall to check the newspapers of the day is in > order, but it's not that easy when you're working full time and they only > have one late evening a week. I was just hoping that someone subscribed to > this list may have heard this story before and might save me a lot of > trouble. I also understand that there is an obituary to Alderman William > Fairbairn Hall in the Durham Directory for 1908. The entry refers to him > living at Haswell Hall, although I think it has always been (and is today) > Haswell Lodge. The directory entry records him as a mining agent and chief > engineer to the Ryhope Coal Company. > > Any help or pointers will be very much appreciated. > > Kind regards... David Allan. > > > ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== > To Post a message to this list send it to, > DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com > > ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== > List Web Page > http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/durhamgenealogy/index.phtml > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUR-NBL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

This was posted on the WWW in 2000 athttp://genforum.genealogy.com/hall/messages/10714.html "William Fairbairn Hall, colliery manager was shot by Henry Whittle on the platform of Haswell station in County Durham, England in 1884. If anyone is interested I have detailed info about this social injustice story. Anyone related?" Gen in NBL, England see: > From: davidm.allan@ntlworld.com > To: DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com > Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2010 19:05:42 +0100 > Subject: [DUR-NBL] Was William Fairbairn Hall murdered? > > Has anyone ever heard a story, concerning a William Fairbairn Hall, who > lived at Haswell Lodge, Haswell, Co Durham, that relates to his death in > 1907? > > I was told that this chap, a mining engineer, had supposedly invented some > kind of safety device for use in coal mines (he was a mining engineer). > However, the story, as told to me, was that someone else claimed to have > invented this 'device' and that this other person exacted revenge by > shooting the aforementioned William Fairbairn Hall. > > Probate records indicate that he died 6 March 1907 and that he left effects > of £41,760 after his death... a considerable sum of money in those days. I > have come across nothing to date to link William Fairbairn Hall with the > above story > > I'm sure that if the story is true, there will be something in the > newspapers of the day. On the otherhand, there may be some truth in the > story, but that William Fairbairn Hall was not the person who was murdered. > > I know that a visit to County Hall to check the newspapers of the day is in > order, but it's not that easy when you're working full time and they only > have one late evening a week. I was just hoping that someone subscribed to > this list may have heard this story before and might save me a lot of > trouble. I also understand that there is an obituary to Alderman William > Fairbairn Hall in the Durham Directory for 1908. The entry refers to him > living at Haswell Hall, although I think it has always been (and is today) > Haswell Lodge. The directory entry records him as a mining agent and chief > engineer to the Ryhope Coal Company. > > Any help or pointers will be very much appreciated. > > Kind regards... David Allan. > > > ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== > To Post a message to this list send it to, > DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com > > ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== > List Web Page > http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/durhamgenealogy/index.phtml > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUR-NBL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi David If you get the death certificate it will show the cause of death and if there was an inquest Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK) Has anyone ever heard a story, concerning a William Fairbairn Hall, who lived at Haswell Lodge, Haswell, Co Durham, that relates to his death in 1907? I was told that this chap, a mining engineer, had supposedly invented some kind of safety device for use in coal mines (he was a mining engineer). However, the story, as told to me, was that someone else claimed to have invented this 'device' and that this other person exacted revenge by shooting the aforementioned William Fairbairn Hall. Probate records indicate that he died 6 March 1907 and that he left effects of £41,760 after his death... a considerable sum of money in those days. I have come across nothing to date to link William Fairbairn Hall with the above story I'm sure that if the story is true, there will be something in the newspapers of the day. On the otherhand, there may be some truth in the story, but that William Fairbairn Hall was not the person who was murdered. I know that a visit to County Hall to check the newspapers of the day is in order, but it's not that easy when you're working full time and they only have one late evening a week. I was just hoping that someone subscribed to this list may have heard this story before and might save me a lot of trouble. I also understand that there is an obituary to Alderman William Fairbairn Hall in the Durham Directory for 1908. The entry refers to him living at Haswell Hall, although I think it has always been (and is today) Haswell Lodge. The directory entry records him as a mining agent and chief engineer to the Ryhope Coal Company. Any help or pointers will be very much appreciated. Kind regards... David Allan.

Has anyone ever heard a story, concerning a William Fairbairn Hall, who lived at Haswell Lodge, Haswell, Co Durham, that relates to his death in 1907? I was told that this chap, a mining engineer, had supposedly invented some kind of safety device for use in coal mines (he was a mining engineer). However, the story, as told to me, was that someone else claimed to have invented this 'device' and that this other person exacted revenge by shooting the aforementioned William Fairbairn Hall. Probate records indicate that he died 6 March 1907 and that he left effects of £41,760 after his death... a considerable sum of money in those days. I have come across nothing to date to link William Fairbairn Hall with the above story I'm sure that if the story is true, there will be something in the newspapers of the day. On the otherhand, there may be some truth in the story, but that William Fairbairn Hall was not the person who was murdered. I know that a visit to County Hall to check the newspapers of the day is in order, but it's not that easy when you're working full time and they only have one late evening a week. I was just hoping that someone subscribed to this list may have heard this story before and might save me a lot of trouble. I also understand that there is an obituary to Alderman William Fairbairn Hall in the Durham Directory for 1908. The entry refers to him living at Haswell Hall, although I think it has always been (and is today) Haswell Lodge. The directory entry records him as a mining agent and chief engineer to the Ryhope Coal Company. Any help or pointers will be very much appreciated. Kind regards... David Allan.

Hi all, Many thanks to Roy, Stan and Brian for their very helpful replies on Curley Crooks. I've gone through the various sites you've offered, and now know exactly where it is. It seems now like a quite recent building, so now to track down any old photos. With my thanks again, and regards, Yvonne Purdy

Hi Brian, Many thanks for taking the time to reply, and for the details you've sent. I've got a good idea of where Curley Crooks is now, which is great! Kind regards, Yvonne > From: BrianGenealogy [mailto:genealogy@leggtronix.e7even.com] Sent: 30 September 2010 10:32 Subject: Re: [DUR-NBL] CURLEY CROOKS Hi Yvonne - Search this URL: http://www.bdnortheast.co.uk/company-details.asp?bn=Glenstone+Builders&bid=62803 You will find Curley Crooks House as it is now, including map. And: http://www.southtyneside.info/search/tempDocuments/tmp_37542.pdf refers to Curley Crooks Cottage, (X118, page 4 & page 10). But, there are more references to Curlew Crooks Farm in East Boldon. Search for (exactly): "Curlew Crooks" + "East Boldon" You must include the quotation marks. Cheers - Brian LEGG in Coventry, UK < >> From: "YvonnePurdy" <von@yvonnepurdy.free-online.co.uk> Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 6:35 AM Subject: [DUR-NBL] CURLEY CROOKS Hi all, I've just received a South Shields will, 1920, and this was one of the bequests: "my farm stock & implements & buildings at Curley Crooks" Can anyone kindly tell me where Curley Crooks was? I suspect that 'Curley' might be a take on 'Curlew'? Kind regards, Yvonne Purdy <<

If you go to http://gis.durham.gov.uk/website/interMAP/viewer.htm and put the post code NE36 0BP in search you can see Curley Crooks on the 1919-1926 map Stan Mapstone

Hi again Yvonne - "Curlew Crooks" also turns up in RootsChat (SMITH family): http://www.rootschat.com/forum/ Cheers - Brian LEGG in Coventry, UK ----- Original Message ----- From: "YvonnePurdy" <von@yvonnepurdy.free-online.co.uk> To: <DUR-NBL@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 6:35 AM Subject: [DUR-NBL] CURLEY CROOKS Hi all, I've just received a South Shields will, 1920, and this was one of the bequests: "my farm stock & implements & buildings at Curley Crooks" Can anyone kindly tell me where Curley Crooks was? I suspect that 'Curley' might be a take on 'Curlew'? Kind regards, Yvonne Purdy ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== To Post a message to this list send it to, DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== List Web Page http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/durhamgenealogy/index.phtml ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUR-NBL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3166 - Release Date: 09/29/10 05:37:00

Hi Yvonne - Search this URL: http://www.bdnortheast.co.uk/company-details.asp?bn=Glenstone+Builders&bid=62803 You will find Curley Crooks House as it is now, including map. And: http://www.southtyneside.info/search/tempDocuments/tmp_37542.pdf refers to Curley Crooks Cottage, (X118, page 4 & page 10). But, there are more references to Curlew Crooks Farm in East Boldon. Search for (exactly): "Curlew Crooks" + "East Boldon" You must include the quotation marks. Cheers - Brian LEGG in Coventry, UK ----- Original Message ----- From: "YvonnePurdy" <von@yvonnepurdy.free-online.co.uk> To: <DUR-NBL@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 6:35 AM Subject: [DUR-NBL] CURLEY CROOKS Hi all, I've just received a South Shields will, 1920, and this was one of the bequests: "my farm stock & implements & buildings at Curley Crooks" Can anyone kindly tell me where Curley Crooks was? I suspect that 'Curley' might be a take on 'Curlew'? Kind regards, Yvonne Purdy ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== To Post a message to this list send it to, DUR-NBL-L@rootsweb.com ==== DUR-NBL Mailing List ==== List Web Page http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/durhamgenealogy/index.phtml ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DUR-NBL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.445 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3166 - Release Date: 09/29/10 05:37:00

On 30 Sep 2010 at 7:35, YvonnePurdy wrote: > I've just received a South Shields will, 1920, and this was one of the > bequests: > > "my farm stock & implements & buildings at Curley Crooks"  > > Can anyone kindly tell me where Curley Crooks was? I suspect that > 'Curley' might be a take on 'Curlew'? > As always, your first port of call must be Google! Enter "Curley Crooks+County Durham" and you will find the following website..... http://reed.dur.ac.uk/xtf/view?docId=ead/ded/newcsolc.xml which is a site containing extracts from Durham University Library Special Collections Catalogue. On the page you will find the following..... "NES/9/9 23 September 1851 Copy surrender and defeasance, by Thomas Griffith of the North Bailey, Durham City, gent, to Henry Rounthwaite of Sunderland, broker, referring to that parcel of land called Curley Crook, in the township of East Bolden, containing 8 acres. Surrender is made in consideration of the sum of £440 paid by Henry Rounthwaite to Edward Matthew for the purchase of these premises free from encumbrances." At first I thought that whoever named this place must have been an admirer of John Steinbeck - for Curley and Crooks are characters in "Of Mice and Men" - but the above reference somewhat predates Steinbeck's famous novel! -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History: www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." OSCAR WILDE

Hi all, I've just received a South Shields will, 1920, and this was one of the bequests: "my farm stock & implements & buildings at Curley Crooks"  Can anyone kindly tell me where Curley Crooks was? I suspect that 'Curley' might be a take on 'Curlew'? Kind regards, Yvonne Purdy

On 26 Sep 2010 at 19:20, Roy Stockdill wrote: > On 26 Sep 2010 at 16:48, Mary Newbery wrote: > > > Dear Listers, > > > > Thomas was born in the Sept qt 1863, in Stockton on Tees, the son of > > William Aubrey and Margaret Morgan. His parents moved to Stockton > > from Wales because of the Iron Industry. At the time of his marriage > > in 1883 to Ethel Maud Thomas in Sunderland he was the Manager of > > Middlesburgh Ironworks. > > > > He appears on the 1881 census with his family in Stockton on Tees. I > > have never found him again after his marriage. Ethel is either at > > her parents or visiting a cousin, but where was Thomas?. Ethel was > > said to be a concert singer or a concert pianist. She died in London > > in 1955, and was described as the widow of a Journalist. Family > > tradition suggests Thomas may have become a Journalist on the > > Financial Times and developed a drink problem. > > > > He seems to have kept out of sight as far as I can determine. Ethel > > and Thomas were childless but looked after his sister's children > > during school holidays. It is likely that Thomas died in London. > > > > I wonder if anyone could double check for me whether he did indeed > > avoid appearing on censuses, and would know how long his Iron > > Industry employment lasted and if/when he might have pursued an > > alternative career. > > > Firstly, if you will forgive me pointing out a couple of errors in > your above message, the birth of Thomas Morgan Aubrey is recorded at > FreeBMD at Stockton in the Sep quarter of 1862 (vol 10a page 33), not > 1863; and his marriage to Ethel Maude Thomas was in the Mar quarter of > 1893 (not 1883) at Sunderland (10a 719). > > He is found quite easily in the 1891 census as Thomas Aubrey, clerk, > single, a boarder, aged 22, born Middlesbrough, boarding with a widow > and her daughter called NEWTON at Sunderland (RG12, piece 4139, folio > 50, page 7). > > In 1901 he is in London - again found quite easily as Thos Aubrey, 39, > chartered accountant - though this time his birthplace is given as > Sunderland - again living in a boarding house in St Giles in the > Fields, Bloomsbury, London (RG13, piece 236, folio 79, page 46). He is > described as married but his wife is not with him. Though the > birthplace has changed, I feel it very likely that this was him since > the age matches. It was very common for birth places (and ages) to > vary from one census to another. > > Haven't yet found him in 1911 but will look again. > Just to add to my correction of my own error - his age in 1891 was 29, NOT 22 - FreeBMD has the death of a Thomas Aubrey at Paddington registration district in the Sep quarter of 1922, aged 60 (1a 6). Seems a likely candidate? -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History: www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." OSCAR WILDE

On 26 Sep 2010 at 19:20, Roy Stockdill wrote: > On 26 Sep 2010 at 16:48, Mary Newbery wrote: > > > Dear Listers, > > > > Thomas was born in the Sept qt 1863, in Stockton on Tees, the son of > > William Aubrey and Margaret Morgan. His parents moved to Stockton > > from Wales because of the Iron Industry. At the time of his marriage > > in 1883 to Ethel Maud Thomas in Sunderland he was the Manager of > > Middlesburgh Ironworks. > > > > He appears on the 1881 census with his family in Stockton on Tees. I > > have never found him again after his marriage. Ethel is either at > > her parents or visiting a cousin, but where was Thomas?. Ethel was > > said to be a concert singer or a concert pianist. She died in London > > in 1955, and was described as the widow of a Journalist. Family > > tradition suggests Thomas may have become a Journalist on the > > Financial Times and developed a drink problem. > > > > He seems to have kept out of sight as far as I can determine. Ethel > > and Thomas were childless but looked after his sister's children > > during school holidays. It is likely that Thomas died in London. > > > > I wonder if anyone could double check for me whether he did indeed > > avoid appearing on censuses, and would know how long his Iron > > Industry employment lasted and if/when he might have pursued an > > alternative career. > > > Firstly, if you will forgive me pointing out a couple of errors in > your above message, the birth of Thomas Morgan Aubrey is recorded at > FreeBMD at Stockton in the Sep quarter of 1862 (vol 10a page 33), not > 1863; and his marriage to Ethel Maude Thomas was in the Mar quarter of > 1893 (not 1883) at Sunderland (10a 719). > > He is found quite easily in the 1891 census as Thomas Aubrey, clerk, > single, a boarder, aged 22, born Middlesbrough, boarding with a widow > and her daughter called NEWTON at Sunderland (RG12, piece 4139, folio > 50, page 7). > > In 1901 he is in London - again found quite easily as Thos Aubrey, 39, > chartered accountant - though this time his birthplace is given as > Sunderland - again living in a boarding house in St Giles in the > Fields, Bloomsbury, London (RG13, piece 236, folio 79, page 46). He is > described as married but his wife is not with him. Though the > birthplace has changed, I feel it very likely that this was him since > the age matches. It was very common for birth places (and ages) to > vary from one census to another. > > Haven't yet found him in 1911 but will look again. > Apologies! In 1891 he was 29, which fits with his birth and also with his age of 39 in 1901. The likelihood is that this was the same man in two successive censuses, even though his given birthplace has changed. -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History: www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." OSCAR WILDE

On 26 Sep 2010 at 16:48, Mary Newbery wrote: > Dear Listers, > > Thomas was born in the Sept qt 1863, in Stockton on Tees, the son of > William Aubrey and Margaret Morgan. His parents moved to Stockton from > Wales because of the Iron Industry. At the time of his marriage in > 1883 to Ethel Maud Thomas in Sunderland he was the Manager of > Middlesburgh Ironworks. > > He appears on the 1881 census with his family in Stockton on Tees. I > have never found him again after his marriage. Ethel is either at her > parents or visiting a cousin, but where was Thomas?. Ethel was said to > be a concert singer or a concert pianist. She died in London in 1955, > and was described as the widow of a Journalist. Family tradition > suggests Thomas may have become a Journalist on the Financial Times > and developed a drink problem. > > He seems to have kept out of sight as far as I can determine. Ethel > and Thomas were childless but looked after his sister's children > during school holidays. It is likely that Thomas died in London. > > I wonder if anyone could double check for me whether he did indeed > avoid appearing on censuses, and would know how long his Iron Industry > employment lasted and if/when he might have pursued an alternative > career. > Firstly, if you will forgive me pointing out a couple of errors in your above message, the birth of Thomas Morgan Aubrey is recorded at FreeBMD at Stockton in the Sep quarter of 1862 (vol 10a page 33), not 1863; and his marriage to Ethel Maude Thomas was in the Mar quarter of 1893 (not 1883) at Sunderland (10a 719). He is found quite easily in the 1891 census as Thomas Aubrey, clerk, single, a boarder, aged 22, born Middlesbrough, boarding with a widow and her daughter called NEWTON at Sunderland (RG12, piece 4139, folio 50, page 7). In 1901 he is in London - again found quite easily as Thos Aubrey, 39, chartered accountant - though this time his birthplace is given as Sunderland - again living in a boarding house in St Giles in the Fields, Bloomsbury, London (RG13, piece 236, folio 79, page 46). He is described as married but his wife is not with him. Though the birthplace has changed, I feel it very likely that this was him since the age matches. It was very common for birth places (and ages) to vary from one census to another. Haven't yet found him in 1911 but will look again. -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History: www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html "There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." OSCAR WILDE

Dear Listers, Thomas was born in the Sept qt 1863, in Stockton on Tees, the son of William Aubrey and Margaret Morgan. His parents moved to Stockton from Wales because of the Iron Industry. At the time of his marriage in 1883 to Ethel Maud Thomas in Sunderland he was the Manager of Middlesburgh Ironworks. He appears on the 1881 census with his family in Stockton on Tees. I have never found him again after his marriage. Ethel is either at her parents or visiting a cousin, but where was Thomas?. Ethel was said to be a concert singer or a concert pianist. She died in London in 1955, and was described as the widow of a Journalist. Family tradition suggests Thomas may have become a Journalist on the Financial Times and developed a drink problem. He seems to have kept out of sight as far as I can determine. Ethel and Thomas were childless but looked after his sister's children during school holidays. It is likely that Thomas died in London. I wonder if anyone could double check for me whether he did indeed avoid appearing on censuses, and would know how long his Iron Industry employment lasted and if/when he might have pursued an alternative career. Best wishes, Mary

Does anyone know if a photograph exists, or an engraving, of the former Leechmere House, near Ryhope, Sunderland? 'Leechmere House' is marked on the OS maps for the 1860's, but appears to undergo a slight name change sometime after the 1930's. By the 1950's it become marked on the OS maps as 'Leechmere Hall (Miners' Memorial Home)'. It is still standing at the beginning of the 1960's, but by the 1970's, has disappeared and replaced by housing (Edgmond Court). The route of an original approach to Leechmere House off present-day Hewitt Avenue still exists. It looks as though the last person to live in Leechmere House as a private dwelling was Thomas (Tom) Hall. I found one account of him being a manager of Ryhope Colliery. He certainly seems to have been quite well off as probate records state he left the respectable sum of £12,914 4s 1d to his widow, Kate Alexandra Hall, when he died on 1 September 1930. I am 99% certain that his wife was born Kate Alexandra Comrie, in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk about 1870. The 1871 census records her as a 12 month old baby living in Jesmond at 2 Hutton Terrace with her mother Anne Comrie. Anne was born in North Shields, so she appears to have come back up north from whatever took her to Norfolk. It also looks as though Anne is a widow on the 1871 census, aged 31 and living off the interest of some substantial sum of money (can't quite make out the exact detail on the 1871 census). The house in Hutton Terrace is still there, a substantial property that today is an Italian restaurant (Casa Mia). Ten years later, in 1881, Kate, aged 11, was a pupil at a boarding school at Coxlodge, Gosforth, Northumberland. I came across a William F Hall JP, listed as living at Leechmere House in a 1902 directory. I don't yet know whether the surname is just a coincidence, or whether William was the father of Thomas. Regards... David Allan.