In the following year, 1861 Eliza appears on the 1861 census as 11 mths old living with her parents, George Bradley, aged 31 a Paper Maker born in Newbury, Berks, and her mother Emma, aged 25, and her older sister,Emma aged 5. The full address is given as 9, Eden Place, Guildford Street. (See 'Emma Short and the Shorts' p.3-4). Since this 1861 census was taken on April 27th Eliza should really be 1 year old.
On the 1871 census Eliza aged 11 is recorded as living at 21 Walsall Road with her parents, and her sisters Emma aged 15, and Clara aged 7 and her brother George aged 5.
not found on the 1881 census. Had they already left for Australia by then?
Maureen's notes:
All Emma Green's family emigrated to Australia except possibly Bert Green & family. Frank & Stanley (& possibly Cyril) quarrelled with their father and therefore changed their surnames to Hill. I met Maud, Gertie & Stan at the house he was building in Slack's Creek, Queensland, Australia in 1965. I did not get much conversation with Maud & Gertie as Stan never stopped talking. He thought he knew everything. He wrote a letter to Granddad saying I was 'lily-livered' for not staying to live in Australia, so I wrote back and told him off.
I met Joan & family in Sydney in 1965 but they were about to move. I've lost their address. They seemed nice people.
==================================================================census details from Mike Short
1881 Cen. Living 1 Mount Terrace, Cattell Road, Aston (husband wrongly enumerated as James GREEN) with husband; children Francis Paul (Frank) & Herbert William (Bert)1891 Cen. Living 19 Grove Terrace, Handsworth, Staffordshire with husband - Brassfounder; and children Francis Paul (Frank), & Herbert William (Bert), Sydney (or Sidney), Cyril, Walter& Maude. Also present is sister Clara BRADLEY - Warehouse woman
1901 Cen. Living 142 Murdoch Road, Handsworth, Staffordshire with husband - Brassfounder fitter; children Francis Paul (Frank) - Brassfounder fitter, Herbert William (Bert) - Gunmaker driller miller, Cyril - Brass chandelier maker, Walter, Hydraulic engineer turner, Maude, Gertrude, Stanley, Dorothy, Raymond & Hilda J. Note: Sydney (or Sidney) is not present on and has not been traced. Also present is sister Clara BRADLEY - Papier Mache Maker
not found on the 1881 census. Had they already left for Australia by then?
census details from Mike Short emailed 8.4.2006
1881 Cen. Living 1 Mount Terrace, Cattell Road, Aston (wrongly enumerated as James GREEN) with wife; children Francis Paul (Frank) & Herbert William (Bert)1891 Cen. Living 19 Grove Terrace, Handsworth, Staffordshire with wife; children Francis Paul (Frank), & Herbert William (Bert), Sidney, Cyril, Walter& Maude. Occupation: Brassfounder. Also present is sister Clara BRADLEY - Warehouse woman
1901 Cen. Living 142 Murdoch Road, Handsworth, Staffordshire with wife; children Francis Paul (Frank) - Brassfounder fitter, Herbert William (Bert) - Gunmaker driller miller, Cyril - Brass chandelier maker, Walter, Hydraulic engineer turner, Maude, Gertrude, Stanley, Dorothy, Raymond & Hilda J. Francis William’s occupation: Brassfounder Fitter. Note: Sidney is not present on and has not been traced. Also present is sister Clara BRADLEY - Papier Mache Maker
In the following year, 1861 Eliza appears on the 1861 census as 11 mths old living with her parents, George Bradley, aged 31 a Paper Maker born in Newbury, Berks, and her mother Emma, aged 25, and her older sister,Emma aged 5. The full address is given as 9, Eden Place, Guildford Street. (See 'Emma Short and the Shorts' p.3-4). Since this 1861 census was taken on April 27th Eliza should really be 1 year old.
Note from Nigel Scott-Moncrieff
Eliza Ann did have Pulmonary Tuberculosis on her death certificate and she may have suffered from it for most of her life. At least, she may have had it as a child and then it was reactivated in later life. (plausible, I know, as I am a doctor). It is likely that she was instructed , as a child to 'take it easy' and her parents may have been told to not let her do any physical work etc etc which may have been ingrained and shaped her personality as an adult.
On the 1871 census Eliza aged 11 is recorded as living at 21 Walsall Road with her parents, and her sisters Emma aged 15, and Clara aged 7 and her brother George aged 5.1881 census.
50 Bracebridge Street, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO RG11 3030/42 Pg 30
Henry ENSELL Head M M 26 Birmingham, Warwick Brass Button Burnisher
Eliza ENSELL Wife M F 20 Birmingham, Warwick
Clara ENSELL Visitor F 17 Birmingham, Warwick WarehousewomanOn the 1891 census, (RG12 2376 2+) Henry and Eliza are given as living at 27, Upper Ryland Road (The Bell Barn Tavern), in Edgbaston Ward, in the Eccl. District of St. Asaph.The entry is as follows:
Henry Ensell, Head. aged 36. Beer House Keeper, b. Birmingham
Elizabeth ", Wife. aged 30.
Elizabeth ", Daughter, aged 9, Scholar
Henry ", Son, aged 7,
Leah ", Daughter, aged 5, "
Albert ", Son, aged 3,
It is noteworthy that Eliza is now calling herself Elizabeth though her birth certificate gives her names as ' Eliza Ann' and she was always known as 'Lizzie'. Lucy Bradley, nee Bradbury always indicated that Lizzie became a snob. It is noteworthy that though Lizzie housed her sister, Clara in 1881, she did not house her mother, Emma Bradley then.On the 1901 census, taken Sunday 31 March, PRO 13/2832, Folio 56, Page 7 the EnselIs were still living at 27, Upper Ryland Road (the Bellbarn Tavern) and Henry is still running the pub. The entry is as follows:
Henry Ensell, Head aged 45, Beer Retailer Pub. 'own account" b. Bham, Wa.
Elzbth " ,Wife, aged 41, -
Henry " ,Son, aged 17, Clay Pipe Maker. Earth.
Elzbth " .Daughter, aged 19,
Albert " ,Son, aged 13, School,
Lily " .daughter, aged 15,
Clara " , daughter, aged 8,
Rose " , daughter, aged 5
NB No trades are given for daughters Elizabeth and Lily as they probably helped out in the pub. Henry has become a bit younger on this census. Lily was named 'Leah' on the earlier census; the name was probably dropped as too Jewish or not liked.b. June Qtr
1881 census.
50 Bracebridge Street, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO RG11 3030/42 Pg 30
Henry ENSELL Head M M 26 Birmingham, Warwick Brass Button Burnisher
Eliza ENSELL Wife M F 20 Birmingham, Warwick
Clara ENSELL Visitor F 17 Birmingham, Warwick WarehousewomanOn the 1891 census, (RG12 2376 2+) Henry and Eliza are given as living at 27, Upper Ryland Road (The Bell Barn Tavern), in Edgbaston Ward, in the Eccl. District of St. Asaph.The entry is as follows:
Henry Ensell, Head. aged 36. Beer House Keeper, b. Birmingham
Elizabeth ", Wife. aged 30.
Elizabeth ", Daughter, aged 9, Scholar
Henry ", Son, aged 7,
Leah ", Daughter, aged 5, "
Albert ", Son, aged 3,On the 1901 census, taken Sunday 31 March, PRO 13/2832, Folio 56, Page 7 the EnselIs were still living at 27, Upper Ryland Road (the Bellbarn Tavern) and Henry is still running the pub. The entry is as follows:
Henry Ensell, Head aged 45, Beer Retailer Pub. 'own account" b. Bham, Wa.
Elzbth " ,Wife, aged 41, -
Henry " ,Son, aged 17, Clay Pipe Maker. Earth.
Elzbth " .Daughter, aged 19,
Albert " ,Son, aged 13, School,
Lily " .daughter, aged 15,
Clara " , daughter, aged 8,
Rose " , daughter, aged 5
NB No trades are given for daughters Elizabeth and Lily as they probably helped out in the pub. Henry has become a bit younger on this census. Lily was named 'Leah' on the earlier census; the name was probably dropped as too Jewish or not liked.Kept the Bell Pub, Birmingham
74. George BRADLEY
Maureen shows George living at 6 Copeland Place, Upper Webster Street, Aston.
Sailed to Australia on 23 April 1880 arriving Rockhampton 23 July 1880. Passenger List shows
BRADLEY CLARA 14 FREE PASSAGE (incorrect name. This is the daughter of George's mistress)
BRADLEY GEORGE 44 ASSISTED PASSAGE
BRADLEY EMMA 44 ASSISTED PASSAGE (incorrect name. Emma was at home in Birmingham. This is George's mistress believed to be Mrs Amelia MASON born CHURCHILL)
BRADLEY GEORGE 11 ASSISTED PASSAGE (age is incorrect. Probably lied to get reduced passage costs)
George Sr & Jr returned arround 1887. It is believed that the mistress did as well but there is no proof.On the 1871 census Eliza aged 11 is recorded as living at 21 Walsall Road with her parents, and her sisters Emma aged 15, and Clara aged 7 and her brother George aged 5.
1891 Census
RG12/2432 page 24 Civil Parish of Aston, Municipal Ward of Brook Parish of St. Mary
Webster Street (House number and house name is unreadable)
George BRADLEY Head M M 24 Birmingham, Warwickshire employed Brass Founder & Steel Turner
Lucy BRADLEY Wife M F 28 Birmingham, Warwickshire employed P* Button Carder
George BRADLEY Son U M 6mths Birmingham, Warwickshire
Emma Bradley mother M F 55 Birmingham, Warwickshire unreadable notes in employment column1901 Cen. Living 6 Inkerman Street, Aston Manor, Birmingham with wife, children George Arthur, Lucy, Elsie, Leonard & Gladys. George’s occupation: Brasswork turner
Note: were two further children b. unknown died as infants - Rose & Clara. They may be the Rose d. aged 1 Sep 1903, Aston and Clara d. aged 1 Sep 1906, Aston - but note gap betw. births of Children Lucy & Elsie.1911 Census
Name Relation Condition/Yrs married Sex Age Birth Year Occupation Where Born
BRADLEY, George Head Married M 42 1869 Metal Dipper And BronzerWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Wife Married
21 years F 44 1867 Staffordshire Tipton
BRADLEY, George Arthur Son Single M 20 1891 Maker Up Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Daughter Single F 19 1892 Steel Pen Slitter Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Elsie Daughter Single F 15 1896 Assistant Hand SoldererWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Leonard Son M 13 1898 Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Gladys Daughter F 10 1901 Warwickshire Aston
RG number: RG14 Piece: 18278 Reference: RG14PN18278 RG78PN1102 RD385 SD4 ED9 SN304
Registration District: Aston Sub District: Aston Manor EnumerationDistrict: 9 Parish: Aston Manor
Address: 12 /64 Wilton Street Aston Manor County: Warwickshire
born somewhere between 1860 and 1865? (not registered)
KF: Found entry in 1862 that is strong possibility
Lucy Bradbury Qtr Oct-Dec 1862 West Bromwich 6b 548From looking at registers. The best guess for Lucy in the 1871 census shown is that Lucy is the daughter of
Benjamin BRADBURY & Phebe SKIDMORE.
B & P were married
West Midlands Marriage indexes for the years: 1854
Surname Forename(s) Surname Forename(s) Church / Register Office Registers At Reference
BRADBURY Benjamin SKIDMORE Phebe Tipton, St Martin (Pepper Box) Sandwell Register Office 39/7/385
This is the possible death of Benjamin
West Midlands Death indexes for the years: 1892
Surname Forename(s) Sub-District Registers At Reference
BRADBURY Benjamin Oldbury Sandwell Register Office OLD/44/34Phebe died
West Midlands Death indexes for the years: 1865
Surname Forename(s) Sub-District Registers At Reference
BRADBURY Phoebe West Bromwich South West Sandwell Register Office WBSW/23/771871 Cen. Living Back of 4 Ward Street, house 3, with widowed father- cordwainer
Is this Lucy that Maureen has? If so then father is listed as Benjamon
1871 census
Name Relation Condition Sex Age Birth
Year Occupation Where Born
BRADBURY, Benjn Lodger M 46 1825 Staffordshire
BRADBURY, Lucy Daughter F 8 1863 Worcestershire
RG number: RG10 Piece: 3122 Folio: 114 Page: 2
Registration District: Birmingham Sub District: St George EnumerationDistrict: 26 Ecclesiastical Parish:
Civil Parish: Birmingham Municipal Borough: Birmingham Address: Back Of Ward Street House, Birmingham County: Warwickshire1891 Census
RG12/2432 page 24 Civil Parish of Aston, Municipal Ward of Brook Parish of St. Mary
Webster Street (House number and house name is unreadable)
George BRADLEY Head M M 24 Birmingham, Warwickshire employed Brass Founder & Steel Turner
Lucy BRADLEY Wife M F 28 Birmingham, Warwickshire employed P* Button Carder
George BRADLEY Son U M 6mths Birmingham, Warwickshire
Emma Bradley mother M F 55 Birmingham, Warwickshire unreadable notes in employment column1901 Cen. Living 6 Inkerman Street, Aston Manor, Birmingham with husband - brasswork turner; children George Arthur, Lucy, Elsie, Leonard & Gladys.
Note: were two further children b. unknown died as infants - Rose & Clara. They may be the Rose d. aged 1 Sep 1903, Aston and Clara d. aged 1 Sep 1906, Aston - but note gap betw. births of children Lucy & Elsie.1911 Census
Name Relation Condition/Yrs married Sex Age Birth Year Occupation Where Born
BRADLEY, George Head Married M 42 1869 Metal Dipper And BronzerWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Wife Married 21 years F 44 1867 Staffordshire Tipton
BRADLEY, George Arthur Son Single M 20 1891 Maker Up Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Daughter Single F 19 1892 Steel Pen Slitter Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Elsie Daughter Single F 15 1896 Assistant Hand SoldererWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Leonard Son M 13 1898 Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Gladys Daughter F 10 1901 Warwickshire Aston
RG number: RG14 Piece: 18278 Reference: RG14PN18278 RG78PN1102 RD385 SD4 ED9 SN304
Registration District: Aston Sub District: Aston Manor EnumerationDistrict: 9 Parish: Aston Manor
Address: 12 /64 Wilton Street Aston Manor County: WarwickshireMaureen gave a date of abt 1860.
Only BMD source (and findmypast) has a Lucy Bradbury born Qtr Dec 1862 in West Bromwich. This is the closest with 2 years either side.
234. Lucy BRADLEY
1901 Cen. Living 6 Inkerman Street, Aston Manor, Birmingham with parents
1911 Census
Name Relation Condition/Yrs married Sex Age Birth Year Occupation Where Born
BRADLEY, George Head Married M 42 1869 Metal Dipper And BronzerWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Wife Married
21 years F 44 1867 Staffordshire Tipton
BRADLEY, George Arthur Son Single M 20 1891 Maker Up Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Daughter Single F 19 1892 Steel Pen Slitter Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Elsie Daughter Single F 15 1896 Assistant Hand SoldererWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Leonard Son M 13 1898 Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Gladys Daughter F 10 1901 Warwickshire Aston
RG number: RG14 Piece: 18278 Reference: RG14PN18278 RG78PN1102 RD385 SD4 ED9 SN304
Registration District: Aston Sub District: Aston Manor EnumerationDistrict: 9 Parish: Aston Manor
Address: 12 /64 Wilton Street Aston Manor County: Warwickshire
237. Gladys BRADLEY
1901 Cen. Living 6 Inkerman Street, Aston Manor, Birmingham with parents
1911 Census
Name Relation Condition/Yrs married Sex Age Birth Year Occupation Where Born
BRADLEY, George Head Married M 42 1869 Metal Dipper And BronzerWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Wife Married
21 years F 44 1867 Staffordshire Tipton
BRADLEY, George Arthur Son Single M 20 1891 Maker Up Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Lucy Daughter Single F 19 1892 Steel Pen Slitter Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Elsie Daughter Single F 15 1896 Assistant Hand SoldererWarwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Leonard Son M 13 1898 Warwickshire Aston
BRADLEY, Gladys Daughter F 10 1901 Warwickshire Aston
RG number: RG14 Piece: 18278 Reference: RG14PN18278 RG78PN1102 RD385 SD4 ED9 SN304
Registration District: Aston Sub District: Aston Manor EnumerationDistrict: 9 Parish: Aston Manor
Address: 12 /64 Wilton Street Aston Manor County: Warwickshire
77. Mary Ann SHORT
1871 Cen. . Living Back of 174 Great Lister Street, Duddeston & Nechells, Aston, Birmingham, with widowed father
KF's 1881 census details
Mount Pleasant, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO Ref RG11 Piece/Folio 3048/93 Page 12
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
James D. SHORT Head M Male 43 Aston, Warwick, England Iron Founder
Fanney E. SHORT Wife M Female 26 Bham, Warwick, England
Charlotte L. SHORT Daughter Female 22 Bham, Warwick, England
James W. SHORT Son Male 20 Bham, Warwick, England Iron Caster
Mary A. SHORT Daughter Female 18 Bham, Warwick, England Pupil Teacher
Albert SHORT Son Male 3 Stechford, Warwick, England
Florrie SHORT Daughter Female 2 Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Earnest D. SHORT Son Male 3 m Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Jennie NICHOLAS Visitor Female 21 Pershore, Worcester, England1891 Cen. living 291 Boldmere Road with husband - merchant’s Clerk and Children Henry Lowe HART & James Dempster HART.
1901 Cen. living 339 Stratford Road, Yardley with husband - Tobacconist working on own account from home and children
Henry Lowe HART b. 1885 Aston, Birmingham
James Dempster HART b. 1887 Aston, BirminghamFamily said to have moved to Devon
1891 Cen. living 291 Boldmere Road with husband - merchant’s Clerk and Children Henry Lowe HART & James Dempster HART.
1901 Cen. living 339 Stratford Road, Yardley with husband - Tobacconist working on own account from home and children
Henry Lowe HART b. 1885 Aston, Birmingham
James Dempster HART b. 1887 Aston, BirminghamFamily said to have moved to Devon
81. Albert SHORT
email from Mike Short 14.9.2006
Albert's occupation at birth: musicianKF's 1881 census details
Mount Pleasant, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO Ref RG11 Piece/Folio 3048/93 Page 12
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
James D. SHORT Head M Male 43 Aston, Warwick, England Iron Founder
Fanney E. SHORT Wife M Female 26 Bham, Warwick, England
Charlotte L. SHORT Daughter Female 22 Bham, Warwick, England
James W. SHORT Son Male 20 Bham, Warwick, England Iron Caster
Mary A. SHORT Daughter Female 18 Bham, Warwick, England Pupil Teacher
Albert SHORT Son Male 3 Stechford, Warwick, England
Florrie SHORT Daughter Female 2 Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Earnest D. SHORT Son Male 3 m Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Jennie NICHOLAS Visitor Female 21 Pershore, Worcester, England1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
Known by the family to have been a brilliant violinist, went to London for lessons, became ‘leader of the Dan Godfrey’ Orchestra. Shot in the arm during Army service, ending his musical career. It is not known when the injury occurred.
Sir Dan Godfrey was the leader of the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra in the early part of the twentieth century. There is another Dan Godfrey. Dan Godfrey Junior, in 1922, founded the 2ZY Orchestra, the orchestra of Manchester’s first radio station, later to become the Northern Wireless Orchestra to 1931, then, in reduced form, the 9 piece Northern Studio Orchestra from 1932. These orchestras were the ancestors of the BBC National Orchestra and, from 1982, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Enquiries have been made of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (successor to the BMO) and it is hoped to report more. An undated early photograph of the BMO does show a youthful looking leader so I remain hopeful.
KF's 1881 census details
Mount Pleasant, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO Ref RG11 Piece/Folio 3048/93 Page 12
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
James D. SHORT Head M Male 43 Aston, Warwick, England Iron Founder
Fanney E. SHORT Wife M Female 26 Bham, Warwick, England
Charlotte L. SHORT Daughter Female 22 Bham, Warwick, England
James W. SHORT Son Male 20 Bham, Warwick, England Iron Caster
Mary A. SHORT Daughter Female 18 Bham, Warwick, England Pupil Teacher
Albert SHORT Son Male 3 Stechford, Warwick, England
Florrie SHORT Daughter Female 2 Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Earnest D. SHORT Son Male 3 m Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Jennie NICHOLAS Visitor Female 21 Pershore, Worcester, England1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
note from Mike Short 8.4.2006
A descendant reports that Fanny Florence was an excellent musician and had a high level qualification in music, possibly a degree - if this is true, a huge achievement for a woman in 1900.
Fanny Florence and her husband understood to have emigrated to Canada around or before 1910
On the 1901 Cen. there are GIRARDAUs living in Sparkbrook, Birmingham and there are GIRARDAUs b. in Solihull in the 1890s and m. in Birmingham just after 1900. Adrien Emile GIRARDAU has not yet been found on the 1901 Cen.
KF's 1881 census details
Mount Pleasant, Aston, Warwick, England
PRO Ref RG11 Piece/Folio 3048/93 Page 12
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
James D. SHORT Head M Male 43 Aston, Warwick, England Iron Founder
Fanney E. SHORT Wife M Female 26 Bham, Warwick, England
Charlotte L. SHORT Daughter Female 22 Bham, Warwick, England
James W. SHORT Son Male 20 Bham, Warwick, England Iron Caster
Mary A. SHORT Daughter Female 18 Bham, Warwick, England Pupil Teacher
Albert SHORT Son Male 3 Stechford, Warwick, England
Florrie SHORT Daughter Female 2 Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Earnest D. SHORT Son Male 3 m Washwood Heath, Warwick, England
Jennie NICHOLAS Visitor Female 21 Pershore, Worcester, England1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
By all accounts, Ernest seems to have been ‘somewhat a beau’ in Sutton Coldfield. He claimed to have been an apprentice jockey with Captain Elsey but there must be some doubt here. Captain Elsey was decorated with the Military Cross in WW1 and after the war he assisted his father William Elsey with horse training, only becoming a trainer in his own right in 1911. Even by 1900, at the age of 19, Ernest would have been considered too old to start as an apprentice. (Captain Elsey trained large number of winners and trained some of the King’s horses. He had major successes in the 1000 Guineas and Oaks in 1949, The Oaks in 1952, 2000 Guineas in 1953, Champion Trainer and 1000 Guineas in 1956 and the St Leger in 1959 before retiring in 1960). Ernest was a heavy gambler and seems to have liked the horses, apparently he was a bookmaker’s clerk at some time, and the apprentice jockey tale may have been a tall story. Ernest became a publican and either owned, or ran, the ‘Bull’s Head’ at Tame Bridge and ‘The Swan’ at Washwood Heath. His favourite ‘tipple’ was whisky, which he seems to have drunk plenty of, and he had gout in later life. He was said to have been an extremely generous man.
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
Said to have been one of 9 girls and 1 boy but no Cen match found. May have been child of Charles Bishop & Emily of St Peter, Worcs. but m. cert needs to be obtained by interested researchers.
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
Norah was considered to be an excellent pianist ant taught music. She worked at Scotcher’s music shop in Corporation Street, Birmingham as a salesperson & pianist. Her husband Joseph was a violinist.
246. Elizabeth Vera SHORT
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
Known as Vera. Vera was an excellent pianist and involved in amateur dramatics and light opera. Her husband John was a self-taught musician and became a timpanist with the Roy Marshall Orchestra. He also played banjo & guitar and taught music.
Up until her death, Vera lived at ‘Tall Trees’ on Coleshill Road, Water Orton, Birmingham. The house was built on the site of a pub once owned by her grandfather, James Dempster SHORT.
247. Ethel Margaret SHORT
email from Mike Short
No children
84. Percival SHORT
1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
email from Mike Short
It has long been the story in my family, and among the descendants of Percy and Winifred, that Winifred TAYLOR was the sister of Herbert TAYLOR, stage name Dan ROLYAT, comic actor and pantomimist of the Edwardian stage.For many years, I have researched Dan ROLYAT and his one time ‘wife’ (they were not actually married), the legendary actress/singer and international super-star Florence SMITHSON. I have a pile of cuttings, postcard photographs, autographs and other information on both. The genealogy of both is confused. They adopted and used their stage names, even on official documents, and Florence’s parent’s names on official documents may have been their stage names. They both frequently changed their ages. They both had more than one ‘marriage’. Dan ROLYATs name seems to have ‘grown’ throughout his career from Herbert TAYLOR to include two further forenames including, helpfully, ‘Marsh’.
Reports of Dan Rolyat’s funeral mentions the ‘grieving widow’ but it later emerged that he was not married to her either. He died intestate in 1927 of cancer of the tongue and his last partner and their children were not recognised as beneficiaries. Advertisements were placed in the newspaper asking for potential beneficiaries. An Ernest Dempster SHORT descendant responded but was told she was too distantly related. Researcher Andy BROCKWAY believes he has stored documents that may help me, including a copy of the newspaper advertisement seeking descendants.Increasingly, it looks as though Winifred TAYLOR was sister to Dan ROLYAT but I would like to firmly establish it and the first steps would be to obtain Percy and Winifred’s m. cert. and Winifred’s b. cert.
Dan ROLYAT has been largely forgotten as has, to a lesser extent, the great Florence SMITHSON. They were huge stars of their day and deserve to be remembered. I would love to put together all the information I have and circulate it to interested family members.There is another reason to complete the research. It is the story in my family that Percival SHORT and Winifred TAYLOR were cousins. Although I know of two other SHORT-TAYLOR marriages, I can find no connection between those and our SHORT line. It does not seem from the information collected so far they cannot be closely connected but I would like to establish the link.
1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
What happens to Alfred Leonard SHORT next is a little unclear. Legend had it that he emigrated to America reputedly on his own at the age of 16, lying about his age to secure a passage. Recently, I have been told an alternative story was that he had ‘run off with the boss’s daughter’!
In fact he married June Q 1901 Bromsgrove, Edith Lavinia BAYLIS. Edith Lavinia BAYLIS was b. 1875 in Redditch, Worcester (b. reg. Dec Q 1875 Bromsgrove). From various censuses it appears that her father was Francis BAYLIS b. 1834/5 Redditch, a Joiner who later also kept a Grocery Shop on Red Lion Street in Redditch. From Censuses it appears that her mother was Ann who had died before 1901. The wider BAYLIS family manufactured fishing tackle and made fish hooks. At the 1901 Census, Edith Lavinia BAYLIS was living with her older brother and family in Redditch.
However, the Lexington Cemetery records show Edith’s parents as Francis BAYLIS & Florence NEWALL. No trace of a Florence NEWALL m. to a Francis BAYLIS have been found. The Cemetery records show both Alfred Leonard and Edith Lavinia as b. Redditch: Edith was, Alfred Leonard was b. Birmingham.
Where Alfred Leonard SHORT is when the Census is taken is not known although there is a ‘A Leonard SHORT’ working as a barman at the ‘Builder’s Arms’ in Amblecote, Staffordshire. The age is given as 22 whereas Alfred Leonard SHORT was only 16. On the face of it, this cannot be him but Alfred Leonard was known to be very tall and knew the pub trade - his stepfather and mother were running the Aston Tavern at the time. In all probability this is not him because Amblecote is about twelve miles to the West of Birmingham and Redditch is five miles to the East of Birmingham, but it is interesting nonetheless.
Family letters made available to me by the GUEST family of Birmingham, their memories, and a researcher in USA, helped put the story together. Sixteen year old Alfred Leonard (always known as Leonard) left for the USA with his new twenty-six year old wife. It does seem that he added years to his age and his wife deducted some from hers and they carried their revised ages throughout their lives. Possibly he had to add years to enable his passage and she may have felt some embarrassment at the age gap. Once they had official ages in USA, it was probably difficult to revert to their real ages.
The couple settled in Lexington, Massachusetts and had one known child, Leonard Victor SHORT b. 3 Jul 1905 Lexington; died May 1983 residing Belmont, Middlesex, Mass. He was a Doctor of Medicine and lived with his wife Winifred at 1433 Lexington Avenue, Lexington 73, Mass. They had three children but they, and their many grandchildren, of which I know only a few, have been omitted from this record for reasons of privacy.
Leonard Victor SHORT corresponded with Constance Nora SHORT (m. GUEST). During the winter months, Leonard Victor and his family spent time in their property on the Caribbean island of St Martin/St Maarten (a place I love very much!). They also spent time in Florida. After WW2, with food still rationed in Great Britain, Leonard Victor and family sent food parcels to the GUESTS with tinned goods, comics, chocolates and nylons. They came to England to visit the GUESTs in the late 1960s.
Alfred Leonard SHORT was bur. 1 Jun 1944 in Westview Cemetery, Lexington, Mass. USA. His age is given as 63 but he was, in fact, 59.
His wife Edith Lavinia BAYLIS d. or was buried at the same place as Leonard on 15 Mar 1957 with a recorded age of 79 but was, in fact, 81. They are commemorated on a plaque.
1891 Cen. Living 366 New John St, St Georges parish, Birmingham with second wife; children of first wife Charlotte Louisa & James William - caster; children of second wife Albert, Fanny Florence, Ernest, Percival, Alfred Leonard & Ethel; also two domestic servants. James Dempster’s occupation: Licensed Victualler public house
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
David SALMON’s sister is understood to have been Principal of Cardiff College, Wales
89. Howard SHORT
1901 Cen. Living Aston Tavern, 10 Aston Road, Aston Manor with wife; child by first wife Charlotte Louisa - barmaid; children by second marriage Albert - musician, Fanny Florence - barmaid, Ernest Dempster - Clerk ?Brewery?, Percival - railway clerk, Ethel, Harold, Victor James & Howard; also present servant-nursemaid aged 12
260. Michael SHORT
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
As a boy, keen on calligraphy and made sixpence (0.025 GBP) a time selling illuminated manuscripts of ‘Bless This House’ and ‘Trees’. I have copies of pages of his Flight Log Book with impeccable written entries.
Joined Royal Air Force. Achieved rank of Flight Lieutenant and was singled out for fast-track career advancement being appointed as Aide-de-camp to Air Vice Marshall.
92. Alice SHORT
email from Mike Short 8.4.2006
1871 Cen. living at 45 Sheep St in Aston, Birmingham with first wife ; children John Henry, William, Alice, Emma & Lizzie. John’s occupation: Iron CasterKF 1881 census
45 Sheep St, Birmingham, Warwick, England
PRO RG11 Piece/Folio 2990/116 Page 30
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
John SHORT Head M Male 40 Bham, Warwick, England Iron Foundriesman
John SHORT Son U Male 18 Bham, Warwick, England Caster
William SHORT Son U Male 16 Birmingham, Warwick, England Iron Caster
Agnes SHORT Wife M Female 30 Birmingham, Warwick, England Housewife
Alice SHORT Daughter U Female 15 Birmingham, Warwick, England General Help
Emma SHORT Daughter U Female 14 Birmingham, Warwick, England General Servant
Lizzie SHORT Daughter U Female 12 Birmingham, Warwick, England Scholar
Ellen SHORT Daughter U Female 9 Birmingham, Warwick, England Scholar
Charlotte SHORT Daughter U Female 7 Birmingham, Warwick, England Scholar
Agnes F. SHORT Daughter U Female 1 Birmingham, Warwick, England1891 Cen. Living with Husband’s mother, Harriet,at Huckster's Shop (near Swan Hotel), Washwood Heath, Saltley, Birmingham; with husband, children Fanny Harriet & Henry. Husband’s occupation: Railway carriage builder
1901 Cen. living Stadefield Lane, Aston, Warwickshire with husband - coach builder; children Fanny Harriet WINDRIDGE b. 1877/8 Birmingham, SH5.1A.8A.3.2 Henry WINDRIDGE b. 1889 Birmingham & Emma WINDRIDGE b. 1891 Birmingham