Kate Taylor

[JulieAnnD]

Kate Taylor was the unmarried mother of my grandfather, Lionel Arthur Taylor, born in Cheltenham in 1917. His birth certificate has only his mother's name - no information on her age or occupation. His baptism certificate is signed by his guardian, Mrs Hooper, who it seems he lived with up to adulthood as least to the age of 17/18. He married my grandmother at 22 having just signed up for the army, leaving for WWII just after the birth of my mother in June 1940.

We would love to be able to find his mother's family and also to trace his father's family but so far have been unable to even confirm the "right" Kate Taylor.

Any ideas on how to proceed would be much appreciated!

[christanel]

Hi
Do you have any more information on the Mrs Hooper, his guardian/ Full name, address, husband, children etc? Where was your grandfather baptised? As your grandfather was born 1917 his 'adoption' by Mrs Hooper would have been a casual arrangement between families because Formal adoption was not legalised until 1927.
You do have a battle on your hands with this one.
My reply will move your thread up the list so will help attract others attention.
Christina

[Sandyhall]

Did he die 03/1990 Cheltenham Gloucestershire England

and did he Marry - Nancy P M Horsman 09/1939 Cheltenham Gloucestershire. Have you got this cert. what has it got down for fathers name

You won't find who his father is as it sounds as if he was illegitimate ie parents not married.

[JulieAnnD]

Did he die 03/1990 Cheltenham Gloucestershire England

and did he Marry - Nancy P M Horsman 09/1939 Cheltenham Gloucestershire. Have you got this cert. what has it got down for fathers name

You won't find who his father is as it sounds as if he was illegitimate ie parents not married.

Yes, he died at home on 5/3/1990 in Cheltenham and he married Nancy Horsman on 18/9/1939 also in Cheltenham. His father's name is not given on the marriage certificate, his birth certificate or his military records. We're fairly certain his mother was unmarried when he was born.

[almach]

His guardian was Mrs Alice Hooper, wife of Mr Hubert Charles Hooper

How certain are you that Alice Hooper and Hubert Charles Hooper were married? The records I've followed suggest Alice was more likely Hubert's mother.

[christanel]

An interesting marriage record for Hubert. On the original image the column headed Father has Father crossed out and Mother handwritten above it with his mother's name Alice Susan Hooper written in the column.
Herbert Charles Agg Cooper married Matilda Kathleen Gregory in 1917. She died June 1/4 1936

Christina

[Sandyhall]

read your post wrong

[JulieAnnD]

How certain are you that Alice Hooper and Hubert Charles Hooper were married? The records I've followed suggest Alice was more likely Hubert's mother.

As I am picking up my mother's research, this aspect isn't something I had checked myself. I've now had a bit of a look and can see that what you're saying is almost certainly correct.

Thanks, this is now an interesting line of research with the implication that Hubert could in fact be his father though proving it will of course be difficult. I will do some more careful research on this at the weekend.
Thanks
Julie

[almach]

I note Hubert's full name is...Hubert Charles AGG Hooper, have you tried looking for male AGG/HAGGS who potentially could be his father. It will of course be difficult to prove as there's no father's name on his birth certificate, but AGG isn't a common name so perhaps could lead you to something of interest.

[geneius]

Clutching at straws
Published: Monday 17 December 1917
Newspaper: Gloucestershire Echo
After the child was born did not deny the paternity, and told the girl's that would arrange with his aunt for adoption of the child, in the meantime offering to pay Is. €d. a week towards the child s maintenance.—The girl's mother cave evidence ...

Spurious father Victor Henry Gapper 12 Worcester Street Cheltenham, no mention of 15/16 year olds name or sex of baby!

Victor b 1895 followed the trade of Baker ( sure I have seen that somewhere!) There is a photo of him on his Merchant Navy record on FMP