Where was Emanuel Gower? He seems not to have existed!

[Graham Gower]

My great great grandfather was Emanuel GOWER. He is recorded only once, on his son’s marriage certificate in 1879. I have checked all the Census Returns from 1841 to 1901, Birth, Marriage and Death Registration, the IGI and numerous surname indexes - and he is nowhere to be found. Emanuel GOWER seems not to have existed. Furthermore, his son John is nowhere to be found, save for being recorded only in the 1881 Census and on the birth certificates for his two children and for the death of his wife Jane.

Moreover, like his father Emanuel, John GOWER also seems to have avoided when possible the requirement of registering his existence to the authorities. Also, there appears to be no evidence of any brothers or sisters for John, or a family associated with Emanuel. They both hang in mid-air on the family tree.

To establish whether these two were of foreign nationality I had a Y –chromosome test, which revealed that I am of Celtic origin, and share a genetic commonality with people occupying the British Isles.

Has anyone an idea why these two people are not found in the records, particularly Emanuel GOWER. My only knowledge is that John was born in Deptford, Kent in 1858.

Graham Gower

[suedent]

In 1871 there is a John Gowers aged 11 born Deptford, Kent. Son of John Gowers, Blacksmith, & Mary Ann.

With a name like Emmanuel it's always possible that he used a more commonplace name for everyday use.

[birdlip]

Hi Graham and Sue,

I thought the same thing, Emmanuel may not have been the name he was known by every day. I found the same family in 1881 Sue, trouble is John is still unmarried, and your fellow married in 1879, didnt he Graham?

regards birdlip

[Peter Goodey]

There were many people whose only fleeting existence was as a father's name on a marriage certificate.

I'm not saying it applies in this case but don't ignore the possibility that Emanuel Gower really didn't exist.

[Mutley]

Can't find Emanual, John, Jane or Ada (other than 1881)
Searched under Gow* but nada
yet John son of John pops up frequently-???

[v.wells]

I have John Gower b 1829 E. Peckham, m to Mary Ann Norton 1854
1871 E Peckham
1881 E Peckham - niece Ann Redman visitor

His children: Elizabeth, Richard, Emma, Mary Ann, Louisa, Sarah, William , Eliza

John was a bargeman in both census.
Louisa Gower married Robert Wells b 1865 my ggguncle

Don't know if any of this fits with what you are looking for.

[Sue Mackay]

There was an Emanuel Gower listed on Philadelphia passenger lists, arriving on the 'White Wing' from Venezuela on 25 May 1861, aged 45. He is described as a Gentleman and bound for New York.

[Graham Gower]

There was an Emanuel Gower listed on Philadelphia passenger lists, arriving on the 'White Wing' from Venezuela on 25 May 1861, aged 45. He is described as a Gentleman and bound for New York.
Many thanks.

Most likely not the same Emanuel - as he was a Bricklayer.

Graham.

[Graham Gower]

In 1871 there is a John Gowers aged 11 born Deptford, Kent. Son of John Gowers, Blacksmith, & Mary Ann.

With a name like Emmanuel it's always possible that he used a more commonplace name for everyday use.
Thanks.

A good point. I will check this out.

Graham.

[Graham Gower]

I have John Gower b 1829 E. Peckham, m to Mary Ann Norton 1854
1871 E Peckham
1881 E Peckham - niece Ann Redman visitor

His children: Elizabeth, Richard, Emma, Mary Ann, Louisa, Sarah, William , Eliza

John was a bargeman in both census.
Louisa Gower married Robert Wells b 1865 my ggguncle

Don't know if any of this fits with what you are looking for.
Many thanks.

Not the same family - have checked these out.

Graham.

[janbooth]

Graham,

Could this be Ada in the 1891 census of Heathfield, Sussex:

RG12/777, folio 148, page 12
Sandy Cross

Ann Elizabeth HAFFENDEN Head Widow 67 Sussex Brightling
Benjamin do Son S 28 General Jobber do Heathfield
Frances Sapphire LAUSENNE? Sister Widow 71 do Brightling
Ada GOWER Relative S 11 do Heathfield

Ann Elizabeth could be a HASSENDEN - it is difficult to tell whether it is a double S or a double F.

It looks as though Ada is in the 1901 census of Heene, Sussex (RG13/960, folio 41, page 23) as a Cook in the household of Francis HAZELDINE and family.

But, like everyone else I'm afraid, no luck with the elusive John & Emmanuel GOWER.

Janet