My Marchant side is a total brick wall. I think many have had this problem with this name. I have received some advice that says that many Kauf(f)man(n) families changed their name to Marchant to anglicize the name.

It is possible that my grandfather changed one or more of his names. We know him as Frederick Marchant, motor mechanic and RFC/RAF observer during WWI. One family story says that he had a brother named Bertie that was a boxer/prize fighter. If anyone has any story that connects, I would love to hear from you.

Regards,
Karen
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

During my research I transcribed the following Marchant info. I hope it helps out someone. Please note that this is for information only and I have no additional details:

LDS Film 2112678 - From WO364 at the PRO

Marchant, Arthur Frederick injury R Foot b. 1899
Marchant, Bertram Edward TB Dec 1917 b. 1898
Marchant, Charlie Gun Shot Wound R Shoulder 25 Sept 1916 b. 1892
Marchant, Charles George Malaria 28 Dec 1918 b. 1868
Marchant, Charles William Shrapnel in chest, shoulder & head b. 1895
-Royal Dublin Fusiliers (18169)
-Boscombe Hospital 3/30/17 to 6/2/17
-depressed fracture of frontal lobe operated on in France
-5'7", Blue eyes, fair hair, Trade: Sawyer
-Next of Kin: Mary Ann Marchant, mother
60 Cambridge St, Hackney, London
Marchant, Clifford Malaria b. 1892
Marchant, Ernest William Hernia & Rheumation b. 1878
Marchant, Frederick Charles Malaria b. 1880
Marchant, Frederick George Gun Shot Wound R Arm 34 @ 1920
-Married labourer = Railway Porter
-Gunner (26496)
Marchant, Frank Sciatica ?
Marchant, Frank John 34 @ 1916
Marchant, F.L. (Pte 360009) Rheumatic Fever b. 1892
Marchant, George (Pte 316488) Neurosthenia b. 1894
Marchant, George James (Crpl)
Marchant, George William
Marchant, Henry John (LCpl) Gun Shot Wound L Leg b. 1880
Marchant, Herbert (689894) Colitis b. 1886
-Railway Clerk prior to war
Marchant, John Valentine Asthma b. 1882
-Sapper 552046 = Electrician's Mate
-Stone Mason, married
Marchant, Roland (265630) ?
Marchant, Sydney Henry Gun Shot Wound L Elbow b. 1884
Marchant, Thomas John (303143)


LDS Film 1990623 (Only Berties and Fredericks transcribed)


Marchant, Bertie Enlisted 5 JUN 1914
28 years 9 months
Tailor
25 Kings Rd, Eversham, Worcester
Married: Rose Mary Marchant Children: Alberta Eva Mary 8 MAR 1914
William Frederick Ronald 10 MAR 1916
24 SEP 1919 Transferred to "Z" Class Reserve

Marchant, Bertie 30 @ 1920
Born: Woodbridge
Middlesex Regt. GF 27208-10711

Marchant, Bertie Horace 20 @ 1916
RASC 169528
Born: Colchester, Essex
36 Vernon St, Ipswich

Marchant, Frederick b. 18 Nov 1896
Mother: Mrs. Annie Burgess 50 Wifford Rd. Croyden, Surrey
Bottle Washer

Marchant, Frederick Vericose Veins & Eyesight 52 @ 1914
Tanner

Marchant, Fred B. b. 1879

Marchant, Frederick (7542) Joined 3 Mar 1903 b. 1 Nov 1884
Colchester, Essex
Wife: Gertrude Francis
Children:Stanley Fred 4 Mar 1912
Reginald James 22 Sep 1913
Leonard Bertie 19 Dec 1915
Doris Edith May 10 Oct 1920
? 2 Mar 1922

Marchant, F.G. (638845) 18 @ 1899
Detention for 28 Days for striking an officer
Wife: Emily Ellen Austin
Children: Dorothy E 13 May 1908
James Rowland 6 Jan 1910
Bertram Harold 25 Apr 1913
Nancy Evilyn 27 Dec 1914
Edith 30 Aug 1916
Lillian 15 Jun 1918


Marchant, Frederick James (055483) Heart 45 @ 1917
Motor Fitter
221 Hammersmith Rd, London

Marchant, Frederick Jessie 31 @ 1905

This time frame matches with some information my granny told me about a Marchant that was in the service that she knew in 1931 Toronto or Bala Ontario area, possibly Ottawa does this fit with any information you have. She had said he was french??? thanks K

Many thanks K.
Unfortunately, they were in England in 1931. I don't believe it would have been my Marchants that your Gran knew.
Would have been nice, though!!!
Regards,
Karen

If you ever come across a military Marchant in Ontario or Quebec in about 1931 give me a buzz email this may be my grandfather by blood not name. Would really like to find out for sure thinking about the dna project to confirm. Don't know much about him last name military and french from france french she said, thanks k

Hi K,
Was his first name Frederick? Were there any other names from the family that you know? I'll try my resources to see if I can find anything.
Regards,
Karen

thinking it was William or kenneth maybe don't know for sure will check if anyone else knows in the family still alive. thanks k