Hi all, As part of my research into Victorian singer/actress Marie (Mary) LONGMORE, I am now trying to check whether her brother, Alexander, eventually settled/died in South Africa. Born in Bilston (Staffordshire) in 1841, he joined the 20th Regiment of Foot (later absorbed into the Lancashire Fusiliers) in 1860, which included a tour of duty in South Africa. Whilst there, on 23rd April 1871 at Williamstown, he married Alice THOMAS-KING (bn circa 1853 in Natal). He arrived back in the UK in January 1872 and until his discharge at the end of March 1882, he appears to have served on the staff of 17 Brigade at Wellington Barracks in Bury, Lancashire. On the 1881 Census he is shown at the Barracks with the rank of Sergeant Major, along with his wife and children Alexander (bn 1875), John (bn 1877), Charles Frances (bn 1879), and Lilian Lydia (bn 1881). His military records show that he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in July 1881, but after that he and his family just disappear, not appearing on 1891, 1901 or 1911 censuses, nor do the children appear to marry or die. This makes me think that he & his family may have returned to South Africa. Although his sister Marie performed in the USA, Germany & Australia, as well as the UK, I have no record of her having worked in South Africa. I would welcome contact/information from anyone who can add to my knowledge of this branch of the LONGMORE and/or THOMAS-KING families. Regards, Maurice Sheppard at The LONGMORE Pages http://www.msheppard.com

Hi, Are you sure it isn't Alice THOMAS at Kingwilliamstown? There is also a ref in the National archives as follows: "DEPOT VAB (Free State Archives) SOURCE MHG (Master of the High Court) TYPE LEER (File) VOLUME_NO 0 SYSTEM 01 REFERENCE L1944 PART 1 DESCRIPTION LONGMORE, ALEXANDER MICHAEL PAGET. EGGENOTE (Spouse) ALICE KATE LONGMORE. STARTING 19210000 ENDING 19210000 " I have added the necessary English translation in brackets. Perhaps some kind soul will do the look up for you in Bloemfontein. It will be a record of the estate (probate) and with luck will contain a deat notice with family deails David B Born in Bilston (Staffordshire) in 1841, he joined the 20th Regiment of Foot (later absorbed into the Lancashire Fusiliers) in 1860, which included a tour of duty in South Africa. Whilst there, on 23rd April 1871 at Williamstown, he married Alice THOMAS-KING (bn circa 1853 in Natal).