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John James Watson born C1888 Kent

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Andrew

Andrew Report 1 Jan 2008 09:20

Hi, I'm trying to find information on John James Watson. From records I believe he was born around May 1886, but there is talk that he lied about his age to get into the Merchant Navy so could have been born several years later. Word has it that he was born in Kent, although I have yet to verify this. He ran away from home when he was about 12, and had no contact with his birth family after that.

Does anyone have a family tree that is having difficulty tracking the whereabouts of a John James Watson around late 1890's or early 1900?

Thanks,
Andrew

Blue Moon

Blue Moon Report 1 Jan 2008 10:34

Found this one in Kent

John H. WATSON

Birthplace Ramsgate, Kent, England
Age 1 m
Occupation
Marital Status
Head of Household Thomas H. WATSON
Relation Son
Disability

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source Information:
Dwelling 7 Frederick Pl
Census Place St Lawrence, Kent, England
Family History Library Film 1341235
Public Records Office Reference RG11
Piece / Folio 0989 / 134
Page Number 19
=============================
Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
Thomas H. WATSON Head M Male 50 Ramsgate, Kent, England Grocer Assistant
Sarah A. WATSON Wife M Female 26 Ramsgate, Kent, England
John H. WATSON Son Male 1 m Ramsgate, Kent, England
==============================
and this one

John Watson
Event(s)
Birth: 1886

St Nicholas at Wade, Kent, England

------------------------------------------------------------
Parents
Father: Walter John Watson Disc #116 Pin #678243
Mother: Kate Timson Disc #116 P

if you think it could be the second one,let me know,more info on LDS

Regards Fay

Andrew

Andrew Report 10 Jan 2008 07:49

Hi Fay, thanks for responding. I'm fairly certain it's not the first one because on his marriage certificate it lists his father as John Watson. Unfortunately I don't have any more than that. Because he left home approx 1898-1900, and never discussed his family, I have no way of knowing whether the record you have found is the one I'm looking for. It is possible his father's name was Walter John and went by the name John, but I don't have anything to confirm that.

Thanks anyway for your help. I have kept is as a possibility and will continue to search for information that may confirm whether or not that is the right record.

Regards,
Andrew

Jill 2011 (aka Warrior Princess of Cilla!)

Jill 2011 (aka Warrior Princess of Cilla!) Report 10 Jan 2008 13:20

Just to put a small spanner in the works - it's possible that, if he left home at 12, that he did not know his father's first name - or may have been unsure. I think it was quite normal "back then" for children not to know their parents' forenames. I would keep your options open regarding that - just in case. Sorry - I know it means more work.

Jill

Researching:
London: Faber, Haysey, Spicer ...

Andrew

Andrew Report 13 Jan 2008 03:54

Thanks Jill. I have his WW1 medals and army number so will try to search military records.

Fay, I have confirmed that the John Watson born in St Nicholas at Wade is not the right one as he died in 1917, and my great-grandfather kept going until 1956, but thanks for the lead.

Cheers,
Andrew