Frederick George (Turner) Harris (Elphick)
My Dad's Dad
When Frederick George Turner Elphick was born on 13 February 1906, his mother, Frances Elphick, was 32. She was unmarried at that time, working as a housemaid in East Grinstead, and gave her son to her sister, Rose Ellen, and her husband, Alfred William Harris, to raise along with their own daughters, Beatrice (Cissy) and Nellie. During his childhood, Fred thought Rose and Alfred were his mother and father, Cissy and Nellie his sisters, and Frances (his biological mother) was is Aunt.
His brith certificate (for which I took years to locate as it was not only under a peculiar name, but also mis-filed in the later part of 1906) has him born at Groombridge, Withyham in Sussex, right on the border with Kent. What is interesting is that his first names are listed as 'Frederick George Turner' - the last of which was a complete surprise to my entire family. Indeed, 'Turner' is a surname rather than a first name, and derives from a person who made objects out of wood, metal or bone by turning on a lathe. During my investigations into my ancestors, I do have a theory regarding this strange name.
Meanwhile, during the next five years, the Harris family had moved to Riddlesdown, Purley.
It some point before his marriage to Florence Laura Collett on 1 April 1933, the truth about his lineage must have been revealed to him, and he wrote to ask whether he needed to officially change his surname by Deedpoll - he had spent his life believing he was a 'Harris' when on his brith certificate, he was registered as an 'Elphick'. The reply he received suggested that he need not officially make the change because he had always been known as a 'Harris'.
At the age of 27, Fred married Flo, who was eleven years her junior. At the age of 16, presumably Fred was compelled to marry her as my dad was born 8 days later. No doubt such a situation was scandalous in those days. The ceremony took place at Croydon Registry Office.
Fred and Flo had two children during their marriage; my father, Macdonald Frederick George, and his younger brother, Peter.
His biological mother Frances passed away on 28 December 1945 at the age of 72.
His wife Flo passed away on 25 January 1984 at the age of 67. They had been married 50 years.
Fred died in his sleep at home (36 Sussex Road, South Croydon) on 1 April 1986 at the age of 80.
Grandad's Gallery
Official Documentation
Additional Information
- 1911 Census
- On Monday 3 April 1911, my grandfather was listed at living at 24 Riddlesdown Road, Purley, aged 5. The head of the household was his aunt, Rose Ellen Harris aged 35 (who raised him) along with his grandmother Emma Elphick aged 60 and his cousin Beatrice (Cissy) aged 7. Also in the house that day was John Harris (Rose's brother in law) aged 25.
- Rose Ellen is classed as a widow (her husband having died earlier that year) and having two children, although why her other daughter Nellie was not at home is strange. Her occupation is listed as 'daily work', which could mean anything. Her birthplace is Jarvis Brook, Sussex.
- Emma is also classed as a widow (her husband having died ten years earlier) and her occupation is listed as 'housekeeper'. Her birthplace is unlisted.
- Both Beatrice and my grandfather are listed as attending school. Beatice's birthplace is South Croydon, Surrey, whilst my grandfather is Groombridge, Kent.
- John is listed as married for less than a year, and his occupation is that of a timber carman, suggesting he was a driver of a horse-drawn delivery vehicle for wood. His birthplace is Nutley, Sussex.
- Interestingly, despite my grandfather believing that Rose Ellen was his mother until he was much older, he was registered as her nephew on the official census.
- The property was obviously very modest and cramped for the household, having only 4 rooms.
Other Documentation
Other relevant documents for view will be listed below...
- Marriage Register 1933
- Here is a copy of the marriage register with my grandfather's listing. It includes my grandmother's maiden name (Collett) and the district (Croydon)
- England and Wales Register 1939
- In 1939, it seems my grandfather was staying with his Aunt, Rose Ellen Harris (whom had raised him) at 24 Riddlesdown Road, Croydon.
- Rose Ellen's date of birth is given as 18 January 1876, and she is listed as a widow. Her occupation is recorded as 'domestic duties'.
- My grandfather's date of brith is given as 13 February 1906, and he is listed as married. His occupation is recorded as 'gardener domestic'.
- Beatrice, Rose Ellen's daughter is at home, now married, and her date of birth is given as 15 December 1903. Her occupation is recorded as 'domestic duties' as her mother. Her husband is also at this address, William Wright, and his date of birth is given as 26 August 1903. His occupation is recorded as 'clerical intercommunication services'.
- Croydon South Electoral Register 1965
- In 1965, my grandfather was living with his wife, my grandmother, and their two sons (my dad and his brother), at 36 Sussex Road, South Croydon
