Hi List I have an unusual problem that I hope someone can help me with. I have been working on this for the past four years without success. I have been trying to establish to correct details for my grandfather John Arthur NEAL's birth, his parents and siblings. I have found what I believe is his parents and siblings in the 1881 British Census living at Fisher's Farm, Theberton, Suffolk and again in 1891 Census, living at the same place. There is no John Arthur NEAL in either of the Census at Leiston. I have my grandfathers original Certificate of Service for him in the Royal Navy (1) and the Royal Australian Navy (2) (3 different Certificates with different Official Numbers). On the certificate from the Royal Navy it states that he was born 11 July 1885 in Leiston Suffolk, and that his usual place of residence as of Oct 1900 when he enlisted was Grove Farm, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Trade brought up to was labourer. He served on a number of ships including the Severn, Mersey and Pembroke and at least another ten as well. His first "port of call" was the Ganges for training. On the first and second certificates from the Royal Australian Navy, it states the same birth details, as above. As well, on his marriage certificate, he was married in Sydney, Australia on the 5 Aug 1916, and his parents were George Neal (Farmer) and Alma Clarke (probably second marriage). His usual residence was Woodbridge, Suffolk. The problem is that even with all these details, he does not seem to exist. I have also checked the 1881 (for parents) and the 1891 census and cannot find him. According to family talk, he had little time for his family, but supposedly had a number of siblings including, Annie, Lottie, James and Frederick. Also that two of his brothers were in the secret service. How true they are I don't know. He also had put his age up to join the navy. Additionally, I have had contact with his sister, Lottie's grandchildren and great grandchildren. They knew nothing of their father/grandfather's family. They always believed that he stowed away on a ship and arrived in Canada. I was able to make contact through a newspaper clipping of a wedding, found in my grandfathers photo album. My family in Canada sent me a newspaper clipping of a funeral notice that they found in Lottie's son (William Storey), papers. The notice reads as follows: ELMSTEAD The funeral took place on Wednesday, at St. Paul's Churchyard, Elmstead, of Mr. Charles Neal, of Bottles Hall. The Vicar (the Rev. J. J. Butler), officiated. The immediate mourners were:- Mrs Neal (widow), Mr Aubrey Neal (son), Misses Edna and Nancy Neal (daughters), Mr. F. Neal, Mr A. Neal (brothers), Mrs Nelson (sister), Mr Rugman (nephew), Mr. Alec Bacon, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. S. Pryke, Mr. G. Norfolk, Mr. E. Norfolk, Mr. W. Lovelace, and many members of the Elmstead Bowling Club, of which Mr. Neal was a most respected member. The large gathering at the graveside to pay their last tribute showed the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held, as also did the large number of beautiful floral tributes. I have checked the St Cath's records and I can find a James Arthur NEAL in 1886 for that area, but no John Arthur NEAL. I am hoping that someone can help me sort out this, or have this family in their trees. Thanks and hope to hear from you. Alan =================================================== Best viewed with fixed width font (eg Courier New). /\ _--_|\ AUSTRALIA | \ / |_\ |\_/ \ \_.--._/ | | v | \ | | |__ x\ BRISBANE |______.~.| QUEENSLAND E-mail: albow@powerup.com.au Alan Greenhalgh Kallangur, Qld, Australia Phone: (07) 3886 2823 ************************************************** RESEARCHING GREENHALGH - LANCS SHAW - LANCS BROOKES - LANCS BARLOW - LANCS SPENCER - LANCS FARRELL - Co Kil, IRE LENNON - Co Kil,IRE LONG - Co Tip, IRE LOCK(E) - DEVON WHITE - DEVON ADDERLEY - IRE NEAL - Leiston, SUFFOLK HARRIS - Perth, SCO STEWART - Perth, SCO MARTIN - SCO FISHER - SCO ROSE <1848 ENG, Arr 1848 Aus on "Emperor" ==================================================