I’m trying to piece together a puzzle that seems somewhat disjointed. In my experience, however, things do not always line up exactly approximately 150 years ago. With that said, I’m seeking some thoughts on the following.
I know my G-G- Grandfather was Arthur Reece and My G-G Grandmother was Alice Maude Fox based on my G-Grandfathers Marriage Cert (Solomon Curley b.1902 and Gladys Reece b. 1903).
According to the 1916 passenger list, Gladys came over to Canada to be picked up by her father in 1916. Here is where the first interesting question arises, as it shows Alice as 10 years of age. Is this the same Gladys Reece? Note that she is bound for Brantford, where Solomon and Gladys Reece married. If it is the same Gladys, and I’m thinking it’s a very strong likelihood, then she lied on her marriage cert and was really born in 1906, being but 15 or 16 years of age when married in 1921.
Of note, the passenger list shows her visiting in 1911, so from this I deduced that some relative, likely her father, was already in Canada.
Looking back to the UK, I find Arthur Reece and Alice Maude Reece living in England. Living with them is Alice’s father John Fox. John Fox is listed as a Navy pensioner.
http://interactive.ancestry.ca/7814/DEVRG13_2091_2092-0284/1...A further search shows the 1911 census with Alice Maude Burley Reece listed as a widow living with her father John Henry Fox (now listed as an Army pensioner), and with her daughter Gladys Maude Burley Reece. Here Gladys is listed as 5 years of age, making her born approx 1906.
Where is Arthur? We know he is still alive, as his daughter meets him in 1916. In fact, the passenger list shows her visiting him in 1911 So, here’s my best guess: Arthur and Alice separated, with Arthur moving to Canada. Maybe she just didn’t want to emigrate, but, if that was the case why list herself as a widower? Is this something done at the time to hide a marital breakup?
Of note, the BMD index shows Gladys Maude Reece being born Jul-Sep 1905, lending support to the theory she falsified her age on the marriage cert.
The BDM index also shows Alice Reece (nee Fox) as passing away in the last quarter of 1913.
With John Henry Fox being such a common name back then, finding the correct BDM index will be difficult, but there is a John H Fox listed as passing away in Plymouth Devon in the 1st quarter of 1914. I have feeling this may be the right one.
So, putting together the story in point form:
10 Apr 1900 - Arthur Reece and Alice Fox marry
3rd quarter 1905 - Gladys Maude Reece born
Approximately late 1910 early 1911 – Arthur Reece moves to Brantford, Ontario, Canada
1911 – Gladys visits father in Canada. Alice Reece ( Fox) declares herself a “widow” while heading up the household that includes her father, John Henry Fox, and daughter, Gladys Maude
Last Quarter 1913 - Alice Reece passes away
1st quarter 1915 – John Henry Fox Passes away (needs further research)
Summer 1916 – Gladys moves to Canada to be lice with her father.
So, I’m asking the seasoned researchers here if this sounds like I have put this together in the most likely scenario. Thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Erik