Help with this chap, please

[Asa]

Can anyone help me with Alfred Coker, who vanishes (to me anyway) after 1881?

He was born in 1852 in Holborn, London/ Middlesex.

In 1861 he in Spitalfields with an aunt - RG9; Piece: 265; Folio: 163; Page: 27

In 1871 he is with a sister in Holborn - RG10; Piece: 373; Folio: 43; Page: 26

He marries Sarah Ann (Annie) Knott in 1872 in Holborn and the seven children I know of are all born in Holborn district and census gives their places of birth as Clerkenwell, Finsbury or City of London. I've never located any baptisms but at least one of the daughters married in a Wesleyan Chapel.

In 1881, the family are in Clerkenwell (Holborn district) - RG11; Piece: 348; Folio: 58; Page: 7 and after this I can't find Alfred again.

In 1891, I can't locate any of the family but in 1901, Sarah Ann is in Clerkenwell with the four younger children, recorded as wife and married - RG13; Piece: 251; Folio: 166; Page: 37

If Alfred has died I can't see a suitable death. Sarah Ann dies in 1907. The marriage certificates of three of the children - 1898, 1902 and 1905 don't indicate that he is dead.

Although a general dealer in 1881, his children's marriage certificates describe him as an auctioneer, also a valuer. Could this relate to estate agenting? In 1901 there is a servant in the household, occupation Estate Agent's porter.

[Phoenix]

Asa, do you have his birth certificate?

The fact that he seems to be brought up by an aunt might suggest he was illegitimate, and possibly known by more than one surname. I've got family who call themselves Smith for a couple of censuses!

[Asa]

Hi Phoenix

No, I don't have his birth certificate - he was one of twelve brothers and sisters of my ancestor and the eleventh in the family. His father died when he was three and his mother would have been skint so I think her sister would have just been helping out - this particular family group hardly ever appear without at least one nephew, niece or other relation living with them.

[kiterunner]

Have you got Sarah Ann's death certificate? It should say widow or wife on it, though of course it might not be accurate.

[kiterunner]

Ah, there's an Alfred Coker age 52 arriving at Liverpool from Boston, Massachusetts, in 1904, but it doesn't have any info about his occupation, birthplace etc on the arrivals list. Maybe I can find more somewhere else though...

[kiterunner]

I've found him on the trip out there, also in 1904, and he is married, a Manager, residence Northampton. Passage paid by Pearce & Co.

[kiterunner]

And bother! The Northampton one is on the 1901 census born Norfolk and married to Emily. Back to square one...

[Asa]

No, I don't have that either at the moment - am trying to avoid it really.

I did see that Alfred - there are a few on the outgoing lists but I don't have access. There is an Alfred who dies in Liverpool but I haven't explored him properly yet.

[Asa]

Thanks Kite. The Northampton one is one of several the same age isn't he:)