I have been looking for the birth or baptism for Robert CLOKE for a long
time.
In the 1851 census, he was 11, living in the Hastings, Sussex Union
Workhouse. He was listed as a shoemaker born in Hastings. No other Clokes
were listed in the workhouse. Listed immediately before him on the census
record was Alfred CATT, also a shoemaker, age 16 born in Guestling. More of
Alfred below.
In the 1861 census Robert was living in St.Marylebone, London, a shoemaker
age 22 born in Hastings and married.
On his marriage certificate in 1859 in St Marylebone, his father was listed
as Edmund Cloke, a brewer.
There was only one Robert Cloke listed in the GRO index in the time period,
born on 7 Dec 1839 in Southwark, Surrey to William Cloke and Catherine
Williams. I believe I have located this Robert on the 1841, 1851 and 1861
censuses in Southwark but with the surname of JAMES in 1851 and 1861 (I
believe his father died and his mother remarried to Henry JAMES).
Searching high and low in the 1841 census, I came across Robert CATT (age 3)
in Guestling with father Edmund. Edmund was a carrier (not a brewer).
Interestingly Robert Cloke became a postman later in life. Alfred Catt (see
above) (age 5) is also listed. No mother is present.
I have been unable to find Edmund Catt in the 1851 census but have not found
his death (in Sussex at least) in the GRO index in the 1840s.
The evidence for my Robert Cloke being Robert Catt seems quite strong
although I would like to find further evidence.
Does anyone know anything about this Catt family - in particular any
information about the death of Edmund or his wife?
Regards
Graham Buckell
Nottingham, England