Ancestor in the Philippines

[Jenjen]

I have discovered that a relative John Talbot Ramsden Knowles was a resident in the Philippines in 1909. It appears he was working in the consulate in Cebu. I located him in California State Roster- Govermnment Military Records. I assume this is because at that time The Philippines belonged to the US. He was still living or doing business( merchant on ship's roster) in the P. in 1925 as I found him on a ship landing in San Francisco from Manila and en route to Liverpool.
Does anyone have any ideas on where I could look to find more information on him and his family? His name brings up no information in the National Archives.
All help appreciated.
Jen

[Geoffers]

It appears he was working in the consulate in Cebu. I located him in California State Roster- Govermnment Military Records. Does anyone have any ideas on where I could look to find more information on him and his family?
Does the USA still have a consulate there? Have you tried them to see what records they hold of their nationals in the Phillipines?

Geoffers

[Jenjen]

[QUOTE=Geoffers]Does the USA still have a consulate there? Have you tried them to see what records they hold of their nationals in the Phillipines?

I think he worked for the British Consulate not the US so I am looking for records in the UK. It appears they still have a consular office there but I doubt they would welcome this kind of inquiry. I notice the LDS has a lot of records from the Philippines so next time we are in Salt Lake I will be checking them out.
I did send an email to the Vicar of Lydiate which is where John's father was vicar but have had no response. I am sure there must be a family grave there.
Jen

[Geoffers]

[QUOTE=Geoffers]I think he worked for the British Consulate not the US so I am looking for records in the UK.
My apologies, bearing in mind your location, it wasn't clear if your chap was American or British.


It appears they still have a consular office there but I doubt they would welcome this kind of inquiry.
Well if you don't try, you'll never know. I would suggest writing to the main Embassy who may act as a central repository for any historical information themselves, or possibly forward the query onto the consulate. In writing, International Reply Coupons with an addressed envelope might be appreciated.


I did send an email to the Vicar of Lydiate which is where John's father was vicar but have had no response. I am sure there must be a family grave there.
Has the local FHS indexed/transcribed the MIs?

Geoffers

[Jenjen]

I was thrilled to receive your reply. I have sent a private message which I hope you will have received. we share the same 5 GGrandparents- which is back in the 1700s. I am hoping you will be able to fill me in on some of the information I am missing. I have a feeling that with the name Talbot Ramsden remaining as a family name you must have knowledge of your family history. Can you tell me a little about why they were in the Philippines? I have John's name in US consular papers and also on a ship entering San Fransisco. It said he worked for Smith Bell Co. in Manila. Was he a trader?
Look forward to hearing from you.
jenny

[harmonic]

Bizarrely enough I came across this forum too.
For Jen's information, I am Alex's cousin, Anthony Morris. His Dad is my godfather and uncle and brother to my mother who is now living back in Manila having coming back in 1967.
My grandmother Isabel Mary Ramsden Knowles, George's widow is still alive at 95 living in Surrey, England - if you want any more info please do get in touch
All the best
Anthony

[Jenjen]

Hi Anthony
I was really excited to see your post this morning. This is just a quick reply as I have just returned from visiting, believe it or not, the Philippines(horrible jet lag) First I must refresh my memory on the research I had done on the family history. I think I may have been incorrect on the consular link as I found a later reference to Smith Bell C. which I checked and was listed as being in Manila. We also, on a trip to the UK, visited Lydiate church where Rev.G R K is buried. I will look at my notes some time today and get back with you. My maiden name was Knowles and we have some exciting common beginnings in the village of Eyam.
Thanks again for your post and I look forward to further communication.
Jen

[Jenjen]

Hi Anthony
This is what I have on the family. William Talbot Knowles married Emily Ramsden in 1834. They had 2 children George and Eliza Alice. George married Charlotte Jane Hawthorne. He was vicar of Lydiate. His children were John Talbot, Robert George, Alfred William,Mary Stuart and Eva Ethel.
John had a son George Alex Talbot Knowles and married Isabel Mary. Was she born in Vienna? The two children I know of are John Alexander and your mother who married a Morris. Correct? The one thing I really want to know is whose son was William Talbott Knowles. I know he was married in Elland Yorkshire and therefore I think he was the son of William Knowles and Isabella Whitely.I would love to confirm this.However the children George R and Eliza were born in Heaton Norris. I think they were orphaned because they were living with my side of the Knowles family and I cannot find the father after 1841.
I hope this isn't too complicated for you. I have traced the family back to Eyam in Derbyshire. If you are interested I can give you more detail. You may like to know where the name Talbot comes from.
I would appreciate any further details you might have to fill in my ever growing family tree of the Knowles family.
Thanks
Jen

[harmonic]

email me at marketharmony@aol.com and I can give you everything I have.
Hope you are keeping well.
All the best
Anthony