PROSSER

[joycelyn]

Does anyone have any info about the Prosser family from Gloucestershire? My mother was told that the family were Romany originally and remembers seeing a cousin (?) Violet in the 1930's (possibly) who visited her village in a traditional Romany caravan. Sorry details are vague!

Jo

[SBSFamilyhistory]

I have information about Ethel Prosser born Tewkesbury Gloucestershire. her parents were William Prosser and Ann Prosser nee Smith. Her Grandfather was Reuben Smith although he was a gyspy was also a hairdresser.

In 1901 they lived in Handsworth.

I will see if I can find a violet in the family soon.

[joycelyn]

Thanks for your reply (sorry I'm so late in acknowledging - the forum wouldn't let me in for some reason!). I'd be pleased to hear if you find a violet.

[Mutley]

The only Prosser family in the 1911 census in Gloucester with a Violet is

George Ernest b. 1874 in Kingswood, an elastic braider
Bessie Matilda his wife, b. 1877 in Wotton under Edge. Married 15 years.

children, all born Kingswood.
Ernest Leslie born 1896
Eunice May born 1898
Violet Olive at 4 months.

They lived in Abbey Street in Kingswood, Wotton Under Edge.

Could they be anything to do with yours?

[joycelyn]

This may be a good link to our Prosser family, thank you. I will get in touch with Mum and run it by her.

[joycelyn]

I've had a word with Mum and it seems I got the facts wrong! Her Aunty lou (Louisa) was a Prosser and she married a man with the surname Fry so Violet, their daughter, was Violet Fry). She was probably born early to mid 1890's. Don't know if anyone can help me now?

[MarkJ]

Have you tried looking for the marriage of Louisa to Mr Fry?

There is one with a Mary Louisa Prosser in Eastbourne district, June quarter 1893 reference 2b 128

The two gentlemen listed are - Charles Arthur FRY and Robert RAY.

That was the only Prosser female marriage I can find in any district between 1880 and 1900.

Mark

Edit: I tried a search for a birth of a Violet Fry, between 1893 and 1900, but there are quite a few of those. Probably the best bet is to firstly confirm the marriage is correct if possible, then see if you can locate the family on the 1901 and 1911 censuses.

[Mutley]

So there was a
Louisa Prosser married John Fry at Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire in the December qrt of 1903. 6a/511

A possible birth for Violet
Violet Mary Fry registered in Gloucester in June 1905 6a/330a

both later than you thought

[Mutley]

In 1911 there is a family John Fry age 39 born 1872 with his wife Louisa, age 30 born 1881. John was born in Charfield and Louisa in Wicwar.

They had been married for 7 years wth 4 children born alive, 3 living and 1 died.

That does not quite line up with the 5 children on the census.
FRY, Victor Son age 13 1898 Wilts Swindon
FRY, Willie Son age 9 1902 Glos Dursley
FRY, Edgar Son age 5 1906 Glos Wickwar
FRY, Edith Daughter age 3 1908 Glos Wickwar
FRY, Violet Daughter age 1 1910 Glos Charfield

neither does it line up with Violet's birth registration :confused:

The address was Jubilee Terrace, Stover, Yate, Bristol

I will leave you to have another word with mum, they always know best. ;)

[joycelyn]

Thank you all for your searching on my behalf but Mutley, if you were here I could kiss you! You have found the family and there's no doubt! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It looks as if mum had possible dates wrong but she is 80 (although her memory is better than mine!).

[Mutley]

Joycelyn. Just a thought, looking at that 1911 census again.

They stated that they had been married 7 years, that lines up with the possible marriage in 1903. They also said 4 born alive, 3 living and 1 died.

The question about the children applies to the current marriage so if they are right then that is Edgar, Edith and Violet and one that died.

Maybe the Violet Mary born in 1905? You need to do some searching for FRY children born and died between 1903 and 1911 in FreeBMD.

Also the two older children, Victor and Willie. They may have been born to the couple before the marriage or belong to only one of them. A previous marriage and death of a partner could be looked for.

[Mutley]

This may help
1901 Census

John Fry, age 30 born 1871 in Charfield, a Masons Labourer
Jane Fry his wife age 30 born 1871 in Charfield
Victor age 3 born Swindon
Benjamin age 8 months born Swindon
Mary Ann Fry, the mother, a widow age 68 born Charfield

RG13; Piece: 1906; Folio: 40; Page: 23

[Mutley]

Maybe the Prosser family in 1881
All born in Wickwar, living in Back Lane

Henry Prosser 30, a Quarryman, born Shipton
Mary A. Prosser, wife 40
William Pearce 11, Stepson
Emily Prosser 9
Mercy V. (Mary) Prosser 5
Louisa Prosser 3
Annie R. Pearce 2 (Step grand daughter)

RG11/2512; Folio: 7; Page: 7;

[joycelyn]

Mutley, I don't know how to thank you enough; all the details you have found are on the family I was searching for. I did look for John Fry having been married before and there were a couple of possibilities on BMD but I'm sure the one you found is the correct one. I must have a look for Benjamin and also his mother.

The Prosser family in 1881 living in Back Lane, Wickwar is a definite because mum remembers her Great Aunt saying she visited them in Back Lane when she was a child. The 9 year old Emily is my great grandmother!

Violet Mary? I think you may be right too about her being the child who died - I shall take a closer look.

Mum will be delighted with all this info - her mother (sister of Louisa Prosser) died when mum was 9 so not much family information on the maternal side was given.

Many thanks again - it is very much appreciated.

[Bex28]

Hi Jocelyn not sure if you are still on here or not. Your thoughts about the Fry/Prosser family are true but it's all very confusing.

My great grandmother was Edith Louisa Fry, her sister was my Auntie Vi (Violet) who married William Frankham and lived in Charfield, my mum still lives in what was Auntie Vi's house. Uncle Bill was romany and, here's where it gets confusing, his elder sister married Violet and Edith's elder brother Edgar, so she was also romany. Would love to hear from you and I can fill you in on the whole shebang, as I said, VERY confusing but I would love to hear what you have as my granny NEVER talked about this side of the family and it has only been in the past year that we have found out about the other brothers, we never knew about them. I have quite a few pics as well, of the gypsy families too and some obits if you are interested. Looking forward to hearing from you, Becky