Finding Joseph William Brett after 1909

[ElaineMaul]

Hi,
Not sure if this is the right place for my query? However, it is a brickwall of sorts. My g-grandfather was born 25 Sep 1871 in Great Parndon, Essex (now absorbed into Harlow). He married Ada Savage in 1894 in Enfield, Middlesex, where all their children were born. Ada died in 1909 of a cerebral tumour. Several of the children were stilll young (my grandfather was only 9) and my Mum was told that the children (there were 8) were all 'farmed out' to other family members; aunts and uncles I assume. Mum has a rumour that Joseph re-married but for various reasons she didn't keep in contact with many 'Brett' relatives so this is an obscure point. I'm trying to track down what happened to him. I can't find any later marriage entries that fit. I have found a death entry in 1955 where the age is right in Wandsworth. However, if I get this certificate, how can I prove it's the right person? Is there anything else I can do to trace what happened to him? Thank you for any advice you can give. Elaine

[ElaineMaul]

One other thought I have had is that he would have been 43 when the First World War started. Did this make him too old to be called up? Did other able-bodied men have to register anywhere during this time? Elaine

[v.wells]

Joseph William Brett born Epping 4Q Vol 4a pg 108. This should get the b. cert to find out parents. Ordering the death cert as well although not usually helpful may give some details such as who was present at death. I had 1 cert that listed a neighbour as present at time of death. This info could be compared to where he was living at the time. Also BT Directories might be a help.

Vanessa

[ElaineMaul]

Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your reply. I already have his birth certificate; born 25 Sep 1871; parents are Thomas Brett and Jane Cass. I've also found him on the 1881 census at Great Parndon, all be it listed as William rather than Joseph but the age is right so I'm sure it's him.... parents are also Thomas and Jane and I'm thankful for the slightly unusual 'Brett' surname! I've also found him on the 1891 census in Enfield with his widowed mother, but listed as Joseph this time and then in 1901 with Ada, his wife and the beginings of his family, including my grandfather..... but again listed as William! He obviousy chopped and changed with his name so his death could have been as William rather than Joseph. I've been trying to 'dispatch' everyone as well as the 'hatching' and 'matching' you see. I can't find any Brett deaths that seem to fit in the Enfield area (ie the Edmonton registration district) which fits with my Mum's rumour that he moved away from Enfield after the death of his wife (although it seems a little cruel that this meant abandoning his children?). Elaine