Mary Hannah Reece ran away to Canada 1900's

[somanyrellies]

I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to learn a little about a relative of mine who left Britain in the 1900's and settled in Canada.

Mary Hannah REECE born 14 April 1879 Flintshire, North Wales (UK)

According to my mother she, in her twenties, (shortly after 1900) fell under the spell of and ran away with a married man named Huntbatch, (not verified, who had a senior job at Bettisfield Colliery, Flintshire, Wales). She left behind with her parents, a son, Stewart, born in 1900. They went first to Chicago, U.S.A and later to Montreal and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The story has it that he made sure that Mary Hannah earned her keep and encouraged her to work in Music Halls becoming known as "The Welsh Nightingale".

My mother later received a present from her aunt Mary, labeled "A present from Montreal" and then lost touch.

Eisteddfod Chair (photo attached)
Huntbatch had coerced Mary Hannah into taking with them her uncle's, (Robert Reece's) Bardic Chair of the Bagillt Eisteddfod of 1889, his bardic name was Morgrugyn Callester. Her brother, my grandfather, James William Reece was disgusted and berated her for the removal of the chair. He was really upset and let the remaining family know his feelings that the chair should never have left Bagillt. This chair has recently been recovered (purchased) and brought back to Wales.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/vaguelyhumorous/DSCF0054.jpg

[History man]

Hi
If you would like to contact me I may have some info on the Reece family
from Bagillt..are you from the UK ..or Canada.. ?

[Nicolina]

I've had a look at the emigration records on FMP and although there are 2 Mary REECEs born in 1879 bother were travelling with their husbands. However a search for HUNTBATCH lists only 4, all travelling to Canada. Arthur born 1888 travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1912, whist the others (mother and 2 kids) travelled to St Johns, Newfoundland in 1921. These 3 are only listed by their initials, A born 1892, G born 1916 and H born 1919.

[somanyrellies]

Hello History man and thanks,

I'm from the UK (North Wales). Just got back from my hols so apologies for not replying sooner.

Would be grateful for any info you have.

regards,

somanyrellies

[somanyrellies]

Hello Nicolina and thanks,

I'm in the library as my internet connection is down at the moment. Thanks for the info you sent, I'll try to follow up when I get connected again. Just got back from my hols so apologies for not replying sooner.



regards,

somanyrellies

[georgiep]

Thanks so much for photo of the chair. It's a beautiful item and keepsake.
So lovely!

There's a Wm H Huntbach in 1901 Wales 24, in Hanmer.
Could he be your man?? No sorry he's single.
All the best with your search.
georgiep

added can't find Stewart in 1901 tls

[History man]

Hi somanyrellies ???

Below is some information I have found out about Robert Reece, also a picture of his grave stone
Robert Reece , Born 23rd May 1830. in Holywell, Baptised 1st June 1830.
Son to William and Maria, one of 8 children ( oldest )
Family moved to Bagillt around 1841..
A collier all his working life.. Died 12th September 1896.
Sarah his wife died 22nd June 1894, they had one son William Thomas Reece.

hope info is of use to you, what I also find interesting is, the Reese family connection with the Bagillt Eisteddfod Chair, do you have any more information on the subject

sorry have not added picture of grave stone , cannot work out, how to add it to message.

[somanyrellies]

Hi
If you would like to contact me I may have some info on the Reece family
from Bagillt..are you from the UK ..or Canada.. ?

Thanks History man,

My internet router has been broken, sorry for the delay.

I'm from North Wales.

[somanyrellies]

I've had a look at the emigration records on FMP and although there are 2 Mary REECEs born in 1879 bother were travelling with their husbands. However a search for HUNTBATCH lists only 4, all travelling to Canada. Arthur born 1888 travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1912, whist the others (mother and 2 kids) travelled to St Johns, Newfoundland in 1921. These 3 are only listed by their initials, A born 1892, G born 1916 and H born 1919.

Thanks Nicolina,

Only just got the internet connection back today. I'm guessing that they travelled early 1900's but I haven't any substantial evidence.

regards

[History man]

Hi somanyrellies ???

Below is some information I have found out about Robert Reece, also a picture of his grave stone
Robert Reece , Born 23rd May 1830. in Holywell, Baptised 1st June 1830.
Son to William and Maria, one of 8 children ( oldest )
Family moved to Bagillt around 1841..
A collier all his working life.. Died 12th September 1896.
Sarah his wife died 22nd June 1894, they had one son William Thomas Reece.

hope info is of use to you, what I also find interesting is, the Reese family connection with the Bagillt Eisteddfod Chair, do you have any more information on the subject

sorry have not added picture of grave stone , cannot work out, how to add it to message.

Hi..Somanyrellies

just interested to know was info on Reese family of any use you, you did not comment
just wondering if you had seen message ..

[somanyrellies]

Thanks History man,

Just seen your message.

The info corresponds with existing research. And, thanks, I already have a photo of the headstone.

best regards.

[Louisa5758]

The Arthur Huntbatch b. 1888 was my grandfathers brother, they both came to Canada in 1912. Some immigrants landed in the U.S. and then went on to Canada, maybe check the U.S. immigration and ships lists. There is another Huntbatch in Canada but they are from Wolverhampton. My gggrandfather John Huntbatch was born in Montgomeryshire Wales, maybe it was a descendant of his that she left with.
Louisa

[somanyrellies]

Thanks Louisa5758, nice to hear from you. I will keep trying and let you know if I find anything.

regards,
Somanyrellies