Hello Listers,
Michael asked for a look-up on Elizabeth Chant aged 40, a domestic
servant living at 22, Kilburn Priory, St Johns Hampstead in the house of
William Hutchard aged 35, an aunctioneer born in Canada.
The census return states that Elizabeth was married, however there is
sign of a husband. However living with her is her son; Robert W Chant,
aged 15 born St Andrews, Middlesex, working as a servant to a chemist.
On the 1881 census it looks as if this is Elizabeth and Robert:
1, Lancefield Villa, Middlesex:
Elizabeth Chant, Head aged 47, widowed, born Sherborne.
Robert W Chant, son ahed 25, born Holborn, Middlesex, masons labourer
On the 1891 census they are at:
Greencroft Gardens, Kilburn:
Elizabeth Chant, servant, aged 52, widowed, born Sherborne. She was
woring in the house of Sophia Edwards, a 68 yr old widower, living on
own means, born Cape of Good Hope. Robert was not living with his
mother. However I think I have found out what became of him:
Marriages Mar 1883
BEULEY Sophia Marylebone 1a 1005
BRANING Martha Marylebone 1a 1005
CHANT Robert Wilfred Marylebone 1a 1005
HOWES George Marylebone 1a 1005
He may well have died the following year. The age matches well.
Deaths Dec 1884
Chant Robert Wilfrid 28 Kensington 1a 7
On the 1901 census Elizabeth was at:
88, Canterbury Rd, Willesden (this is adjacent to Kilburn and West
Hampstead)
Elizabeth Chant, servant aged 55, born Sherborne.
She was living and working in the house of John Tighe, aged 48 born
Ireland, a businessman.
I could find Roberts "widowed wife" on the 1901 census. Perhaps she
married again. I am not sure if he had children, being married for a
just over a year. Still don't know who Elizabeth's husband was,
presumably Michael he was a "Sherborne" Chant. I will have to check
marriage records from the 1850's.
As you can see Elizabeth was quite coy with her age, ageing only 15
years between 1871 and 1901.
Regards,
Sean