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James Frederick Watkins May 5 1862 Southwark
After my grandfather joined the army in 1883 I have been able to follow him all the way until his death in 1950 - but before that he is a complete mystery.
I have his birth certificate with birth date for James Frederick Watkins on May 5, 1862 at 52 Hunter Street, Southwark (sub district Kent Road), mother Helen born Scully, father Thomas Watkins, carman
No record of this family (even with fuzzy searches) at this address in census 1861 or 1871 and no record of a marriage between Helen and Thomas anywhere
No record of family (Thomas+Helen+James) anywhere in England in Census 1881.
Granddad joined the Staffordshire Regiment at St George's Barracks on May 17, 1883 and gave his next of kin as father Thomas Watkins, 19 Townsend Street, Old Kent Road and aunt Julia Howard, 3 Regent Street, Battersea. James gives his trade as 'Printer'
Neither Thomas nor Julia are at these addresses in the Census 1881 or 1891, and, as I said, James is not to be found anywhere --- or?
If James were illegitimate or an orphan and learned a trade at an institute,where would he be found in the relevant censuses?
Any way of checking residents at the next of kin addresses outside census records?
Any other ways of checking Helen Scully's existence since there are no likely candidates in the censuses?
I have been wrestling with this problem for the last ten years and the family tree is becoming very lopsided - any hints or advice would be appreciated!!
Bryan Manktelow
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