THE ABER BRANCH CONNECTION
The Aber branch of the family came to light in November 2010 when an email from Liz Holliday enquired about a possible connection between our family and her great great grandmother who was baptised as Ann Bear in 1806 at Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, daughter of John & Mary Bear. It is known that Ann later moved to Southwark where she married Samuel Rayment and then moved to Croydon, Surrey. Here her records state her original surname as Aber.
It is known that a John & Mary Abear were established at the time of Ann's birth in the Fulmer area and raising a family into which Ann fits well chronologically. It is also known that John was an agricultural labourer, which fits the occupation of Ann's father given on her marriage certificate. Further support for the connection comes from evidence that the alternative surname Bear was previously recorded for other family members around this time in Buckinghamshire.
Thus it is assumed that Ann Aber was an ancestor of ours, although her line became the Rayment ancestry line.
Ann Aber had two sisters and two brothers, but as far as we know her elder brother Francis died before marrying or having any children, and her younger brother Charles produced only daughters. One of these daughters produced a daughter who was given the Abear surname, but there the line dies out.
However, research into baptisms in Fulmer also showed the birth of a William Bear in 1800, son of a William & Mary Bear. The child William later moved to Bermondsey near Southwark where he married and raised twelve children by whom the Aber name perpetuated. It seems likely that William and Ann were closely related and probably cousins because:
1. Ann & William were both baptised with the same surname in the same village within six years of each other
2. Ann married in 1841 aged 33 years at Southwark where she was then living, very close to Bermondsey where William was living at that time.
3. William Aber had two sons Francis and John who were buried (aged 8 weeks and 2 years) respectively at St Sepulchre, London, both in January 1830. There is also a record of a John Aber aged 34 being buried at the same church later that year in June 1830, which would seem to be John Abear baptised at Chalfont St Peter on Dec 6th 1795. All three deaths relate to the same address in Holborn, London. This not only ties William born 1800 closely with John born 1795 - probably first cousins - but also confirms the belief that Abears and Abers were indeed one and the same family, three of whom left Chalfont St Peter for London, probably in search of work, and did not return.
In looking for how William & Mary Bear may fit into the A'Bear tree it therefore seems reasonable to look for a close connection between this couple and John & Mary Abear who were of the same generation. The only known William living within the same area at that time was John's brother, who it is thought had a child by Sarah a short while before having this child William with Mary. However, no record of any marriage has been found for William and Sarah or William and Mary within Buckinghamshire or Wargrave. See William A'Bear (1774 - 1847) below.
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John A’Bear (1767 - 1843) was born and baptised in 1767 at Wargrave. Two John Abears were baptised at Wargrave in this year, both in February and June, but because his burial record stated his age to be 75 on 16th March 1843 his baptism is taken to have been in June. In 1772, though, a Settlement Certificate shows his parents were trying to move back to Wargrave from Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire, about 15 miles north-east of Wargrave, without success. Therefore it seems he grew up in this locality.
John presumably partnered Mary ? in about 1797 in Buckinghamshire, as to date no marriage record has been discovered. Mary is thought to have been born about 1770. They appear to have had seven children. Their first, John born c1795 and baptised that year in Chalfont St Peter, was declared the son of John & Molly Abear. This is not a transcription error, but Molly is an old form of the name Mary, so they could be the same person. Alternatively John previously partnered Molly in about 1794. Whichever is the case, John & Mary then moved three miles south to Fulmer where Francis was born and baptised in 1798 and then, only if the parents' names were recorded incorrectly at his baptism, William in 1800. In this same year John began work at a farm in this area where he would continue for the rest of his working life. An issue of the Eton & Windsor Express newspaper listed John Abear amongst others as being recognised and rewarded with a gift of £1 on 1st October 1842 by the Maidenhead Royal East Berkshire Agricultural Association for giving 42 years of service on the same farm. John was recommended for this award by a Mr Piggott, probably the landowner. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dutillieul/ZWindsorEtonExpress/1stOctober1842.html
Two daughters were then born and baptised in Fulmer, namely Mary in 1803 and Ann in 1806, but despite the continuity of his work, John & Mary seem to have then moved back to Chalfont St Peter where Sarah was born in 1810. Their last child Charles was baptised there in 1813, though census reports give his birthplace as Iver, about three miles south-east of Chalfont St Peter.
In the 1841 census John Abear is listed as aged 70 years and Mary 65 years, living at Iver, and the report confirms John's occupation as an agricultural labourer. The ages given would probably have been approximate. Also living or staying with them at the time was an Ann Abear aged 8 years, too young to be a daughter, and most likely a granddaughter who has so far not been placed.
John died at nearby Eton in 1843 followed by Mary at Eton Road in 1845, possibly leaving their Iver residence to their son Charles and his family (whose daughter Jane was born there in 1848).
William Abear (1774 - 1847) (from Bgen11) was baptised at Wargrave in either 1774 or 1776. His baptism record shows 1774 but his death certificate dated 1847 states he was then 71 years old, making his year of birth 1776.
The Public Records Office shows that William served in the 4th Foot Regiment of the 2nd Royal Veteran Battalion between 1800 and 1814 from which he was discharged aged 41 years. This would make the earlier year of birth more likely. This record shows he was born at “Walgose, Buckinghamshire”, which is a contradiction as Wargrave is in Berkshire.
There is also a British Army Service Record for William [ref: via FMP 1760 - 1913] that confirms the details of his service and adds a personal description of him:
1814 Sep 24 Wm Abear, Private, 2nd R V Battn of Captain Griffiths Co. of Wargrave, Berkshire, rendered unfit for further service and is discharged. He is about 41 years of age, is 5' 8'', fair hair, eyes grey and fair complexion and by trade a labourer. Total service from 5 Jan 1800 to 24 sep 1814, 14years 215 days. At Plymouth.
This record confirms Wargrave to be correct, so perhaps in the first record William himself gave the wrong county because that is where he was living at the time? It seems fairly certain William grew up in Buckinghamshire with his siblings as his father John and Mary were resettled there in 1772 at Chalfont St Peter.
It was thought he partnered Sarah ? in about 1800 as it is believed they had a son named John who was baptised in 1801 at Wargrave. But it is also conceivable he partnered Mary at this time, as a William & Mary Bear parented a son William, baptised very near Chalfont at Fulmer (St James) on 15 June 1800. Despite this baptism record declaring baby William to be "son of William Bear & Mary his wife", no marriage record has been found for William. Both baptisms occurred after the date of William's departure (stated above), so one wonders if he was absent from the proceedings, having to leave the ceremony to Mary who may have given the surname incorrectly as Bear.
According to Napoleonic military historian John White:
ref: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/making_history/makhist10_prog2a.shtml
When men enlisted in the army during the Napoleonic wars, they would certainly know they were in for a long haul. Before 1806, enlistment was for life: it was ended only by being killed or by being so broken and worn out that the soldier became a Chelsea Pensioner, either at the Royal Hospital or as an out-pensioner living at home. Enlisted men and men receiving a pension were effectively owned by the army and could be called back to serve in the army when required. Age was not a factor. As long as men were able, they could be called to serve their country.
Between 1804 and 1820, 13 royal garrison battalions were raised, taking into service army pensioners and invalids. They were renamed Royal Veteran Battalions in 1804. These battalions worked in depots and stores doing mainly administration and support work, which enabled the more able-bodied soldiers to do the fighting. These veteran battalions were disbanded and re-formed right up until the 1820s.
The 2nd Royal Veteran Battalion, to which William belonged, was first formed in 1802 and was disbanded and re-formed eight times in different parts of the country. This regiment, like many others, served overseas. From 1809 until October 1814 the 2nd Royal Battalion served in Madeira, fighting the French in the Peninsula War.
Before his army service and again in later years William was occupied as a labourer.
It is possible that William lived with his cousin James at The Holt, Harehatch after his army service. N.B. This reference almost certainly relates to William’s first cousin William (1790 – 1854) who was also a brother of James.
William died of old age and general debility at Wokingham (according to this war record). He was buried at Wargrave.
Next generation
John & Molly (Mary?) had one child:
John Abear born and baptised on 6th Dec 1795 at Chalfont St Peter, but his parents are listed as John and Molly Abear, not John & Mary Abear. [Molly is an old form of the name Mary]
It seems certain that John died in Jun 1830 at St Sepulchre, London, for his burial record states his age to be 34 years, which corresponds exactly with his baptism date. John's address at the time of his death corresponds with William & Hannah's address, namely Long Lane, confirming a close family link.
John & Mary had five children:
Francis Bear was baptised in 1798 at Fulmer, Bucks, listed under the St James baptisms as "son of John & Mary Bear". It is possible he died in 1822 at Burnham, a few miles to the west of Fulmer, for there is a burial record at St Peter's Church on 5 May 1822 for Francis A…? aged 24 of Burnham Town where a few other Bear records exist.
Mary Bear/Abear was baptised in 1803 at Fulmer, Bucks, listed under the St James baptisms as "daughter of John & Mary Bear". Listed under the Iver St Peter baptisms on 28 Dec 1823 there is an Elizabeth born 21 Nov 1823 illegitimate daughter of Thomas & Mary Abear? of Iver, Shoemaker. The surname change further supports the notion that these surnames are synonymous.
Ann Bear/Aber was born and baptised in 1806 at Fulmer (St James) where she is listed as "daughter of John & Mary Bear". Thanks to Liz Holliday,we have established that Ann was Liz's great great grandmother. Ann married Samuel Rayment in 1841 at Southwark, just before the 1841 census was taken. Her marriage certificate shows her to be a spinster living at London Road, Southwark, and the surname she then used was Aber. Her father's name and occupation were also given as John Aber, labourer.
Samuel was then a widower, aged 29 and so born about 1812, working as a porter and living at London Road, Southwark. Only months later in the census of that year she and Samuel are listed as living in High Street, Croydon, Surrey.
Their family all carried the Rayment surname. Jane Elizabeth was born in 1842, then
Frederick Charles was born in 1844 when their address was Southbridge Row, Croydon. Ellen Sarah was born in 1846 and then Caroline in 1849.
In 1851, 1861 and 1871 they were living at 55 Church Street, Croydon. Samuel died in 1873, then occupied as a carman/groom.
In 1881 Ann was working at the Croydon Workhouse and she died on 21 April 1881.
Sarah Abear was baptised in 1810 at Chalfont St Peter, "daughter of John & Mary Abear". Nothing more is known of this Sarah. But a Sarah/Sally A’Bear was born in 1809 at Wargrave. She married Nathaneal Stocker there in 1832. Nathaneal was declared to be ‘of this parish’. Sarah’s name is questionable as different sources quote alternative names, but she is believed to be the same person. Nothing more is known of her. Records suggest Nathaniel died in June 1843 at Wokingham.
Charles Abear was baptised in 1813 at Chalfont St Peter, "son of John & Mary Abear, father labourer". The 1851 and 1861 censuses give his birthplace as Iver, Buckinghamshire, about three miles from Chalfont, and confirm 1813 to be his likely year of birth. In both censuses his surname is given as Abear.
It is thought he married Mary ? in about 1832 as they previously had a daughter Sarah who was baptised (and stated ‘illegitimate’) at Wargrave in 1831.
Charles appeared in a January 1837 issue of the Eton & Windsor Express which stated that Chas. Abear, and a man named Marlin, were charged before the magistrates with being armed and in pursuit of game without being qualified. The defendants were caught at Iver, the one being in possession of a gun, and the other having a dog. They were convicted in the penalty of £2 and costs. Abear, in default of payment was committed to Aylesbury gaol for six weeks.
In 1845 Charles married Ann Church at Eton, five miles southwest of Iver. Ann’s maiden name was Dorsett, so this was her second marriage, and she came from Hedgerley Dean, Buckinghamshire, though the earlier census states Farnham Royal, which is very close. Her age of 40 years in 1851 and 50 in 1861 agrees well with her given year of birth, 1812.
Charles and Ann had two daughters Mary Ann born in 1845 and Jane in 1848. Mary Ann’s name is a combination of Charles’s two wives’ names. No date has been found for Mary’s death, but this naming might confirm that Mary died before Charles remarried. The 1851 census for Iver includes Charles and Ann, Mary Ann and Jane and also Ann's stepdaughter Elizabeth Church aged 12 years, all three children being born at Iver. Charles is also recorded as being occupied as an agricultural labourer.
The 1861 census states that Charles and Ann had by then moved to Harefield Row, Uxbridge, ten miles north of Iver. Charles was then still employed as an agricultural labourer. Also listed in the census is a boy named John Hok or Hook – nephew, aged 10 years, born Hillingdon, Middlesex. So perhaps Hok or Hook was Ann’s sister’s married name.
Ann died at Uxbridge in 1869, (although their daughter Jane married not far away at Eton that same year). Their daughter Mary Ann married at Uxbridge in 1872 and Charles died there in 1876.
William & Mary had one child:
William Bear/Aber was baptised in 1800 at Fulmer, Buckinghamshire. At his baptism his parents names were given as William & Mary Bear, and so it is thought he must have been the son of William Abear (1774 - 1847) Bgen11 who grew up there, baptised six months after his father William joined the army. The only other theory at present is that his parents were actually John & Mary Abear and the father's name was somehow recorded incorrectly. (William's birth in 1800 certainly fits well chronologically into John & Mary's children).
William was mainly occupied as a wine porter or wine cooper. He married Hannah Smith / Baker in 1825 at Cobham, Surrey, who was born in about 1802 at Guildford. The Ancestry.com record shows Baker to be the surname, but her son John's Australian wedding certificate states Hannah's maiden name to be Smith. It is thought John made an error with his mother's maiden name when he married abroad.
William and Hannah raised no less than twelve children. Their firstborn was William (1826) followed by John (1828 - 1830). It seems William and Hannah started their married life in Cobham, as John's baptism records them as living at Leigh Hill when William's occupation is given as a cellerman, lately a miller. They must have then moved, for their next two children were Francis (1829 - 1830) and Anna Jane (1830) who were both baptised at St Sepulchre, Holborn, London, whilst they were living at White Hart Court, Long Lane, and when William was occupied as a porter. [Long Lane runs between Smithfield Market and St Bart's Hospital (where perhaps William was occupied) and is only a few hundred yards from the church, now known as St Sepulchre-without-Newgate]. 1830 was to be a sad year for the family, as Francis died aged 8 weeks followed just three weeks later by John aged 2 years. Five months later another John Aber, also of White Hart Court, Long Lane died. All three were buried at St Sepulchre. This John was aged 34 years, so a similar age to William and Hannah and clearly a close relative to William. He is therefore assumed to be John Abear (above) born in 1795 at Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, a brother, stepbrother or first cousin.
It seems they then moved again, as their next four children Sarah Maria (1833), John (1835), Edward (1837) and Francis Henry (1839) were baptised at St George the Martyr, Southwark, when William was occupied as a labourer and then as a cooper and wine porter. They were then living at Richardson Street, Southwark, but moved again to nearby Bermondsey where George Albert (1841) was baptised at St Mary Magdalene.
The 1841 census records the family living at Mint Street, Southwark, excluding Sarah Maria. William, aged 40 years, gave his occupation as a wineporter. Hannah was then aged 35. Their eldest child William was then aged 15 years and occupied as an agricultural labourer. Also living with them were Elizabeth Dean, an upholstress, and a child aged 12 years named Elizabeth Langton.
Three more children followed, namely Elizabeth (1843), Henry (1845) and Harriet (1848).
The 1851 census records the family to be living at 5 Thornton Buildings, Southwark. William was then aged 50 years and a winecooper, and his place of birth is given as Buckinghamshire. Hannah was aged 47 years and it states she was born in Guildford, Surrey. Seven children are listed.
In 1861 William and three children were living at 21 Keppel Street, St Saviour, Southwark. William was now aged 61 years and occupied as a cellerman & wine merchant, and his place of birth is confirmed as Buckinghamshire. Visiting them was William & Hannah's eldest daughter Ann Nicholls (nee Anna Jane Aber) and her two children Hannah Aber (formerly Hannah Willett) aged 9 years and William Nicholls (more properly Abraham William Nicholls) aged 5 months.
In the same census, William's wife Hannah is recorded as aged 58 years and working as a monthly nurse at 2 Parkfield Road, Hampstead with a rice miller named J Woodridge and his family. Hannah's place of birth is confirmed as Guildford.
William died of chronic bronchitis at 12 Portland Street, Walworth, on 21st July 1867 at Newington, aged 67 years, in the presence of H Aber (presumably Hannah). This ties up with a date after 31st Dec 1866 when their son Henry married - Henry's marriage certificate does not indicate his father to be deceased - and before Sep 1869 when their daughter Elizabeth married and her marriage certificate not only declares him to have then been a labourer but also deceased.
Hannah is recorded in the 1871 census as a widow still living at 12 Portland Street, Newington, with two of her sons, Edward (who had returned from gold mining in Australia by this time) and Henry who was then a labourer. She died of hepatitis on 9th April 1880 at her daughter Elizabeth Fisher's address, 75 Edmund Street, Camberwell, aged 78 years, and in the presence of her daughter. [Ref: GRO Deaths 1d 459 9977.]
William & Sarah had one child:
John A’Bear / Abers was baptised in 1801 at Wargrave, so he may have been born there. However, it seems his father William grew up and started work in Buckinghamshire along with the rest of his family, so it is likely John was born there and also grew up around Chalfont St Peter. This notion is supported by Attestation Papers held in the TNA catalogue (ref ADM 157/341/203 Folios 203-204) in which "John Abers, born Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, applies to serve in the Royal Marines at Portsmouth in 1820 (when aged 20)".
His father joined the army the same year John was born, serving until 1814, so John may have been brought up primarily by his mother Sarah. He was buried at Wargrave in 1820, aged twenty years according to the burial list. The discharge date and reason for discharge from the Royal Marines is left blank, probably because he died just before joining them.
Next Generation
Mary Bear/Abear had a child Elizabeth:
Elizabeth ? was born and baptised at Iver (St Peter's) and stated to be illegitimate to Thomas & Mary Abear?, Shoemaker. Nothing more is known of Elizabeth.
Charles Abear had three children:
Sarah Abear was baptised in 1831 at Wargrave, but may have been born at Iver, Buckinghamshire, where her father Charles was born and is thought to have lived and worked around that time. Her baptism record declares her to be illegitimate, being born before Charles married Mary. Nothing more is known of Sarah.
Mary Ann Abear was born at Eton (probably Iver, five miles north-east of Eton) in 1845, the same year that her parents Charles and Ann married there, but seems to have moved to Harefield near Uxbridge with her parents and sister at some time during her childhood. The 1861 census records her as working as a servant for the Hookins family in St Pancras, London, where she was known as “Annie”. Perhaps her uncle Ezekiel found her work there as he was living in Lambeth at the time. Mary Ann bore an illegitimate daughter in 1871 at Scarborough, Yorkshire, named Ethel Louisa A’Bear. She then married Richard Rawlings in 1872 at Uxbridge. Mary died in Kensington in 1891.
Jane Abear was born at Iver, Buckinghamshire near Eton in 1848. But by the time of the 1861 census when she was twelve years old she was living with her parents at Harefield Row, Harefield near Uxbridge, ten miles north of Iver. She married John Snape at Eton in 1869. No death records have been found for either person, so it is possible they emigrated.
William Aber & Hannah had twelve children:
William Aber was born in Surrey in 1826. He is listed in the 1841 census for Bermondsey near Southwark aged 15 years, occupied as an agricultural labourer.
John Aber was born and baptised at Cobham, Surrey in 1828. He died as a child and was buried at St Sepulchre, London on 24 Jan 1830.
Francis Henry Aber was born at White Hart Court, Long Lane, Holborn in 1829 and baptised at St Sepulchre, London. He was buried there on 3rd January 1830.
Anna Jane Aber was born in 1830 at White Hart Court, Long Lane, Holborn and baptised on 1st December 1830 at St Sepulchre, London. She is named as Ann in the 1841 census, aged 11 years, living at Mint Street, Bermondsey.
She had a son named Alfred Edward Willett born in 1848 in the Workhouse, Lambeth who was baptised on 17 Dec 1848 at St Mary, Lambeth and who died in March 1849 at Thornton Buildings, Southwark. He was buried 7th March 1849 at St Saviour's, Southwark. The father was Edward Willett, a lighterman, confirmed on the baptism record.
Anna is listed as Ann Abner in the 1851 census aged 20, unmarried and a washer woman, born in Middlesex and then living at 6 Rickman's Folly, Southwark, with Charles Willet and his family, including William Willet aged 24, unmarried and a currier.
In 1851 she had another child this time by William Willet, again in the Workhouse, Lambeth. Hannah Elizabeth Willett was born in 1851 at Southwark. She was baptised as such on 19th October 1851? at St Mary's, Lambeth, but later was known as Hannah Aber. William's occupation - a currier - is confirmed on the baptism record. Hannah is listed in the 1871 census living with James Martin & family at 2 Euston Road, Pancras, London. She was then aged 19, unmarried and occupied as a servant. There is a death record for a Hannah Aber in 1880 at Camberwell, but it is also believed she married James Craske in 1883.
In about 1860 Anna married Abraham Nicholls at St Martin in the Fields, London. Abraham was born about 1838 in Worminghurst, Sussex and was a soldier. To them a son was born at Southwark on 30th October 1860, Abraham William Nicholls.
The 1861 census lists Ann Nicholls, then aged 30, visiting her father William Aber and three siblings at 21 Keppel Street, St Saviour, Southwark. She was then an ironer, and her place of birth was given as the City of London. With her were her two children, Hannah Aber (previously Hannah Willett) aged 9 years born at Lambeth, and William Nicholls (Abraham William Nicholls) aged 5 months, born at Southwark.
The child Abraham William was baptised on 29th December 1861 at St Saviour, Southwark, presumably when the father Abraham was home on leave. The baptism record confirms Abraham's date of birth and his father's occupation. Another son George James Nichols was baptised on 4th February 1866 at St Stephen, Tredagar Road, Tower Hamlets. (Ref: The Pain c/o Lyn Price) The baptism record gives Abraham's occupation at this time as a labourer. In 1871 they were living at 14 Stewardstone Street, Waltham Holy Cross, Essex.
Sarah Maria Aber was born in 1833 at Richardson Street, Southwark, and baptised on 8th March 1833 at St George the Martyr, Southwark. She is not included with her family in the 1841 census (as she was staying nearby at St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, aged 9 years), but she is named in the 1851 census at Thornton Buildings, Southwark, aged 18 years, in which it states her place of birth as Guildford (along with her mother Hannah). In the 1861 census she is listed as aged 28, an unmarried domestic servant born at Bermondsey, then living at 21 Keppel Street, St Saviour, Southwark with her father and other siblings. She married Henry Bennett on 9th February 1864 in Surrey, and they had a daughter named Hannah Bennett born at Walworth in about 1870 who is named in the 1881 census aged 10 years.
Sarah Maria Bennett married Mark Green on 23rd January 1877 in Surrey. Mark Green and his wife Sarah are listed in the 1881 census aged 60 years and 50 years respectively, living at 25 Queens Row, Walworth, Newington, Lambeth, when Mark's birthplace is given as Cromer, Norfolk. They then had a lodger, Mary Ann James, aged 17 years and a laundress. Mark died before the next census, for in 1891 Sarah Maria Green is at the same location, aged 58 years and declared a widow. She was then still living with her daughter Hannah Bennett aged 20 or 22 years, and both are occupied as laundresses. In 1901 Sarah M Green is aged 69 years and living alone at 116 Beacon? Road, Newington, occupied as a needle worker.
John Aber was born in 1835 at Richardson Street, Southwark. He was baptised on 22 Feb 1835 at St George the Martyr, Southwark. He appears in the 1841 census, aged 7 years, living at Mint Street, Bermondsey. He later emigrated at the age of 19 years to Australia on the 'Oriental' with his brother Edward, then aged 17 years, arriving at Port Phillip in December 1853.
John, a miner and later a dairyman, married Anna Abbott at Victoria on 15th March 1873. Anna was born Feb 1851 in Kings County, Ireland. Thanks to Kath Kellett we know about John, Anna and their family, for Kath is John and Anna's great granddaughter. She feels times must have been tough for John and Edward when they arrived in Australia. It was just twelve months before the Eureka Stockade Uprising in the gold mining town of Ballarat. Not a good place for young lads to be at that time, but they would have been there.
John and Anna raised eleven children, five girls and six boys. John died at St Arnaud in 1894. Anna died there in 1918.
Edward Aber was born in 1836 at Richardson Street, Southwark, and was baptised on 5th February 1837 in St George the Martyr, Southwark. He is listed in the 1841 census at Mint Street, Bermondsey aged 5 years, and in the 1851 census for Thornton Buildings, Southwark, when he was aged 14 years and an errand boy. It is thought that Edward emigrated with his brother John to Australia in 1853. It seems likely that he did, for an Edward Aber, labourer, was recorded as a passenger on board Otago which was sailing from Nelson to Sydney in 1864. But he must have returned to England later, for he is listed in the 1871 census at 12 Portland Street, Newington, Surrey with his mother and brother Henry, where, unmarried and aged 34, his occupation is a goldminer.
Edward married Eliza Jackson on 6th Oct 1872 at St Giles, Camberwell. Eliza was born c1851 in Newington, and they had a daughter Eliza Aber born 15th July 1873.
The family appears in the 1881 and 1891 censuses at 15 Doctor Street, Newington, when Edward's occupation is a labourer, aged 40 and 53 years respectively. In 1900 his daughter Eliza married and her marriage certificate confirms Edward to be a labourer. In 1901 Edward's age is given as 54 (not 64 years) and he is occupied as a labourer drains cleaner living with Eliza aged 50 years at 77 Coleman Road, Camberwell. The 1911 census for St Olave, Bermondsey, also lists Eliza.
Francis Henry Aber was born in 1839 at Richardson Street, Southwark, and baptised on 10th November 1839 at St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey. Francis appears in the 1841 census for Mint Street, Bermondsey, aged 2 years, and in the 1851 census for Thornton Buildings, Southwark, where he is named Frank. He married Sarah Elizabeth James on 31st December 1866. Their first three children were Francis William Aber born 8th February 1868 at Hoxton, Middlesex, and who died that same year, Sarah Harriet Aber born on 23rd October 1869 at Whitechapel and Francis Joseph Aber born on 31st August 1871 in Middlesex. When Francis was baptised in Sep 1871 the family lived at 92 Brittania Street, Hoxton, and father Francis was employed as a barman. Their next child was Edward Jacob Aber born at Shoreditch in 1876. When he was baptised in Nov 1876 the family lived at 10 Fencourt? Street, Shoreditch. Next came Nathaniel Aber born at Shoreditch in 1877. In 1881 the family is listed as living at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, when Francis is aged 41 and a painter and he is confirmed as married to Sarah E Aber, aged 36, born at Newington, Surrey. Two more children then followed, namely William James Aber born at West Ham c 1881 and Thomas Albert Aber born at West Ham in 1884. The full family appears in the 1891 census living at East Finsbury when Francis is incorrectly aged 48 years and occupied as a coal merchant and painter. His wife Sarah's age is given as 47 years agreeing quite well with her birth in 1845.
In the 1901 census Francis is recorded as an inmate at a workhouse in Leytonstone aged 61 years working as a house painter. He declares himself to be a widower. However the census reveals his wife Sarah to be living at 37 Arlington Street, Shoreditch, with three of their children. In 1902 when his son Edward married he was still a painter. Francis died in 1908 in Essex. Sarah is listed in the 1911 census living at Acton Green with her son Edward and his family. She is then aged 66 years and states her husband's whereabouts to be unknown.
George Albert Aber was born in 1841 at Mint Street, Bermondsey, and baptised on 31st October 1841 at St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey. George appears in the 1851 census for Thornton Buildings, Southwark.
It seems possible George emigrated to New Zealand prior to or in 1860, and likely that he was an AB seaman in 1866 aged 26 years on board Hadley of London sailing from Mauritius to Sydney, and a year later on board Jason of Sydney sailing to Hokitkal, Sydney, when his age is given as 25 years. There is a death record for a George Aber in the New Zealand records in 1868/69. Ref: Kath Kellett.
Elizabeth Hannah Aber was born on 12th August 1843 at Bermondsey and is listed in the 1851 census for Thornton Buildings, Southwark. There is a GRO record of a marriage between Elizabeth Hannah Aber and Robert Fisher at Newington on 5th September 1869. Robert was a brother to William Fisher, husband to Elizabeth's sister Harriet (see below).
Henry Aber was born on 25th September 1845 at Southwark and appears in the 1851 census aged 5 years at Thornton Buildings, Southwark, in the 1861 census at 21 Keppel Street, St Saviour, Southwark aged 15 years and occupied as a cork cutter, and in the 1871 census aged 25 years and living with his widowed mother, then occupied as a labourer.
On 28 April 1872 Henry married Sarah Jennings at St John, Newington. Sarah was born c1857 in Peckham, Surrey. They had six children all born at Camberwell, Emily Aber born in 1876, Elizabeth Anna Aber (Elisa) born in 1878, Henry Aber born in 1880, Lucy Aber born 1884, William James Aber born 1886 and Alfred Aber / Andrews born in 1892.
The family is listed in the 1881 census living at 32 Hollington Street, Camberwell, when Henry was still a labourer. Sadly their son Henry died in 1883. In 1886 their son William's baptism record shows them to be living at 9 Sultan Street, when Henry was still a labourer. In 1891 the family was living at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell by which time two more children had been born, namely Lucy c1884 and James c 1886. Henry died on 7th July 1891 at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell, prior to the birth of their next child Alfred Aber in 1892.
Thanks to Tim Andrews we know a little more about this family. Sarah married again on 15th February 1897 at St John's Newington. Her husband was Albert Andrews and they lived at 13 York Street, Newington. In 1901 Albert and Sarah Andrews were living at 10 Bath Place, Camberwell, with James aged 13 and Alfred aged 9. When Albert died on 17th March 1905 they still lived at this address.
Sarah married a third time on 3rd July 1910 at St John's, Newington. Her new husband was William Williams and they lived at 73 Pollack Road. But in the 1911 census they were living at 3 Victory Square, Camberwell, with Alfred then aged 18 years. William died in about 1916. Sarah died on 10th October 1927 at 5 Brunswick Square but had been living with her son Alfred Andrews and Alfred's wife Esther at 22 Kitson Road, Camberwell at the time.
Harriet Jane Aber was born on 22nd November 1847 at Southwark and appears in the 1851 census aged 3 years at Thornton Buildings, Southwark, in the 1861 census at 21 Keppel Street, St Saviour, Southwark, aged 13 years. She married William Fisher on 12th March 1871 at St Peter's, Newington, Surrey, when she was living at 12 Portland Street, Newington. The marriage certificate confirms Harriet's father William Aber to be deceased. William Fisher was aged 22 years and a soda water maker. He was a brother to Robert Fisher, husband to Harriet's sister Elizabeth (see above). The 1881 census shows William to then be occupied as a builder's labourer. At this time he and Harriet are living in Camberwell and have five children, Charles Fisher aged 8 years, Emily Fisher aged 6 years, Ellen Fisher aged 5 years, Albert Fisher aged 2 years and George Fisher aged 1 year.
An epitaph notice gives Harriet Fisher's date of death as 25th October 1918 and her address at the time as 36 Hollington Street, Camberwell where she died in the infirmary. Her occupation is given as a bottlewasher.
Next generation
Anna Jane Aber had three children:
Alfred Edward Willett was born in 1848 at Lambeth. His father was Edward Willet. Alfred died in 1849.
Hannah Elizabeth Willett was born in 1851 at Southwark. Her father was William Willet. Hannah is listed in the 1871 census living with James Martin & family at 2 Euston Road, Pancras, London. She was then aged 19, unmarried and occupied as a servant. There is a death record for a Hannah Aber in 1880 at Camberwell, but it is also believed she married James Craske in 1883.
(Abraham) William Nicholls was born on 30th October 1860 and baptised on 29th December 1861 at Southwark. He appears in the 1861 census for 21 Keppel Street, Southwark, aged 5 months, born Southwark. His mother Ann Jane Nicholls, who had recently married Abraham Nicholls, is stated to be a visitor there, i.e. staying with her parents William Aber and Hannah.
George James Nichols was baptised on 4th February 1866 at St Stephen, Tredagar Road, Tower Hamlets. (Ref: IGI?)
John Aber and Anna had eleven children:
Frederick William Aber was born on 3rd Feb 1874 at St Arnaud, Victoria. He married Harriet Moore on 3rd Feb 1914 at St Arnaud. Harriet was born in 1883 at St Arnaud. They had two daughters Laura Aber and Ethel May Aber. Harriet died in 1919 at Broken Hill, NSW. Frederick married Isabel Jean Walker in 1920 at Broken Hill. They had no children.
Frederick had complications following a mining accident in Broken Hill and sadly died at St Arnaud on 3rd May 1924. Isabel died in 1932. Laura and Ethel were brought up by Frederick's brother John and his wife Mabel. Melanie Hoare is a descendant of his line.
Anna Louisa Aber was born on 21st Feb 1875 at St Arnaud, Victoria. She married William Cowan in 1906 at East Coolgardie, Western Australia. She died on 8th July 1919 in East Coolgardie.
Emily Clara Aber was born on 19th June 1877 at St Arnaud, Victoria. She married Oshea and they had a daughter Lucy Florence Aber in 1895. She later married James Joseph Campbell who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in about 1886. They had no children. Emily died on 4th Feb 1937 at St Andrews, Victoria.
John Francis Aber was born on.10th June 1879 at St Arnaud, Victoria. He married Mabel Emily Hahnel in 1919 at Boulder, Western Australia. They had a daughter Jean Ellen Aber born about 1922. John died at St Arnaud, Victoria on 14th July 1962. Mabel died there on 10th Jul 1979.
Albert Edward Aber was born on 15th May 1882 at St Arnaud, Victoria. He married Kate Harrison on 12th July 1912 at Carlton, Victoria. Kate was born in 1880 at Balmain, Sydney. They had seven children, namely May Twin Aber (1913 - 1913), Anna Elizabeth Twin Aber (1913 - 1929), John William (Jack) Aber born 1915, Albert Holmes Aber (born 1917 died 1941 at Randwick, NSW), James Richard / Richard James Aber born about 1919 at Canterbury, died 1939 at Randwick, NSW, Sarah Kathleen Aber (born about 1921 and died 1936 at Hurtsville, Sydney) and Amy Joyce Aber born about 1923 at Canterbury.
Albert died at Campsie, NSW on 1st Sep 1927. Kate died in 1934 at Wallsend, NSW). Albert and Kate were Kath Kellett's grandparents.
Laura Elizabeth Aber was born on 15th Sep 1884 at St Arnaud, Victoria. She died on 14th Oct 1910 at Fremantle, Western Australia.
Kate Isabella Aber was also born on 15th Sep 1884 at St Arnaud, Victoria. She married Duncan Weir Sturt Brabender in 1907 at St Arnaud, Victoria. Duncan was born in 1882 and died in 1974. Kate died on 28th Nov 1941 at Woorinen, Victoria. They had seven children all taking the Brabender surname, amongst them Arthur Robert Kitchener Brabender. His wife Thelma was the daughter of William Alexander Price who was the brother of Lyn Price's great great grandfather Edward Joseph Price. Lyn has been very helpful supplying information and kindly introduced me to Kath Kellett nee Aber.
Ethel Maud Mary Aber was born on 28th Dec 1886 at St Arnaud, Victoria. Ethel married Albert Holmes on 15th Jun 1908 at East Fremantle, Western Australia. They had six children, all carrying the Holmes surname. Ethel died on 22nd Jan 1962 at Fremantle.
Arthur Robert Norman Aber was born on 24th Sep 1889 at St Arnaud, Victoria. He married Caroline Ivy Storey in 1920. Caroline was born in 1893 at Bendigo, Victoria. NB her name is also recorded as Carry Ivey Story. They had one child, namely Bess Aber born in 1922, Carrie died on 14th Sep 1955 at Lindifarne, Tasmania. Arthur died on 18th March 1975.
Percival Sydney Hector Aber born on 15th August 1891 at St Arnaud, Victoria. He married Alice Hancock in about 1949. Percival died on 28th Feb 1981 at Kerang, Victoria.
Charles Henry Aber was born on 28th March 1893 at St Arnaud, Victoria. Charles died in 1917 from wounds fighting for the Australian Army during the 1914-1918 War.
(ref: http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/roll_of_honour/person.asp?p=502316)
Roll of Honour - Charles Henry Richard Aber, Service number: 5785, Rank: Private
Unit: 21st Battalion (Infantry, Service: Australian Army, Conflict: 1914-1918
Date of death: 26 March 1917, Cause of death: Died of wounds
Cemetery or memorial details: Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France
War Grave Register notes: ABER Pte Charles Henry Richard 5785 21st Bn Australian Inf Died of wounds 26th March 1917 Age 23 Son of the late John and Anna Aber Native of St Arnaud Victoria Australia VI E 24
Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Army
Thanks to Kath Kellett for much of the above information.
Edward Aber and Eliza had one child:
Eliza Aber was born at Newington, Surrey on 15th July 1873. She is listed in the 1881 census at 15 Doctor Street, Newington, aged 7 years, and in the 1891 census at the same address, unmarried, aged 18 years.
Francis Henry Aber and Sarah had seven children:
Francis William Aber born 8th February 1868 at Hoxton, Middlesex, died 1868, is attributed to Francis and Sarah as he died at Whitechapel, London, where their next child was born.
Sarah Harriet Aber was born on 23rd October 1869 at Whitechapel. She is listed in the 1881 census aged 11 years living with her family at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, London. She is listed incorrectly in the 1891 census as Sarah E Aber living with her parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 21 years and occupied as a teller working for the civil service. She married at Holborn in 1897.
Francis Joseph Aber was born on 31st August 1871 in Middlesex at Hoxton, and baptised on 24th September 1871 at St John the Baptist, Hoxton, when he was living at 92 Brittania Street, Hoxton. Strangely, he is also listed as baptised with his brother Edward on 30th November 1876 at St Mark's, Old Street, Shoreditch when his family lived at 10 Fencourt? Street, Shoreditch. He is listed in the 1881 census aged 9 years living with his family at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, London, and in the 1891 census living with his parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 19years and occupied as a machinery apprentice. Francis died in December 1898 aged 27 at Hackney.
Edward Jacob Aber was born at Shoreditch in 1876. His baptism was on 30th November 1876 at St Mark's, Old Street, Shoreditch when his family lived at 10 Fencourt? Street, Shoreditch. He is listed in the 1881 census aged 6 years living with his family at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, London, and in the 1891 census living with his parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 16? years and occupied as a an errand boy. The 1901 census reveals Edward to be unmarried, aged 26 years and living with his mother and two of his brothers at 37 Arlington Street, Shoreditch. He was then occupied as a printer timekeeper.
Edward married Louisa Florence Twigg on 26th July 1902 at Christchuech, Huxton when Edward and Louisa's ages were given as 28 and 25 years, therefore Louisa was born in about 1877. At this time Edward was occupied as an engineer.
Edward and Louisa possibly had a daughter named Elsie Louisa Aber born in April 1903 and who died in October 1904. The location and dates fit well. They certainly had a daughter Lilian Florence Aber baptised on 25th July 1905 at St Barnabas, Hornsey Road, London when they were living at 85 Hornsey Road and Edward was still an engineer.
Edward and his family are listed in the 1911 census living at 43A Whellock Road, Acton Green, Brentford. Edward is then aged 36 and an artesian water well pump attendant, his wife Louisa F Aber is aged 33 years and their children are Lilian aged 5 years and Bertram E Aber aged 3 years who was born at Tottenham. One child had died by this time, possibly Elsie. Also living with them was mother Sarah E Aber aged 66 years, her husband's whereabouts unknown.
In 1912 another son was born in the Brentford district, named Herbert E Aber. The record of birth confirms the mother's maiden name as Twigg. Herbert died in October 1915.
Louisa died at Brentford in 1925, aged 48 years. In the first quarter of 1930 Edward married again at Brentford. His wife's name was Scott or Sutton.
Nathaniel Aber was born at Shoreditch in 1877. He is listed in the 1881 census aged 3 years living with his family at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, London, and in the 1891 census living with his parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 13 years and occupied as a pulley? boy. The 1901 census reveals Nathaniel to be unmarried, aged 23 years and living with his mother and two of his brothers at 37 Arlington Street, Shoreditch. He was then occupied as a carpenter. Nathaniel is listed in the Holborn area in the 1911 census. There is a record of Nathaniel Aber serving in the Royal Engineers as a Sapper during the First World War. Reg no. 231168, WO 372/1. TNA WW1 Campaign Cards 1914 - 1920. Thanks to Carol Clayton we know a little more about Nathaniel. His occupation changed several times during his life, and his service in the war affected him mentally. Nathaniel married Alice Clayton and they had a son Leslie Aber. Leslie married but did not have a family. Alice's father ran a glass blowing business in Clerkenwell, and as he got older Alice and Nathaniel took over the running of it. They then lived at the premises. Later, as Nathaniel was able to do less work, Alice and her son Leslie kept the business running until it finally folded around the time of the Second World War. Nathaniel died aged 70 years in 1948 at Hendon.
William 'Willie' James Aber was born at Shoreditch in January 1881. He is listed in the 1881 census aged 0 years, named Willie, living with his family at 62 Wellington Road, West Ham, London. and in the 1891 census living with his parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 10 years and also named as Willie. The 1901 census reveals William to be unmarried, aged 20 years and living with his mother and two of his brothers at 37 Arlington Street, Shoreditch. He was then occupied as a printer's apprentice. Willie married in April 1906 at Holborn. There is a record of a William Aber aged 29 years sailing from Quebec, Canada, to Liverpool in 1910. The age is a perfect match. Willie died in 1914 aged 32 years at Barnet. (Ref: Ancestry.com)
Thomas Albert Aber was born in 1884 at West Ham. He is listed in the 1891 census living with his parents and siblings at East Finsbury, aged 5 years and occupied and in the 1901 census, his birth place given as West Ham. He married Lena Beltrami on 11th January 1908 at St Mary, Hoxton, Hackney. Lena was born on 7th June 1887 at London, St Lukes. (Ref: Ancestry.com). In the 1911 census Thomas and Lena are living at 34 Wedmore Gardens, Islington. Thomas was then aged 26 years and occupied as a shorthand typist, and no children were recorded at this time. However, a son named Victor Thomas F Aber was born on 31st December 1913 at Hackney, confirmed by the mother's maiden name, recorded as Beltram.
There is an enrolment card and a war record of Thomas' death on 15th September 1916 at France & Flanders, killed in action having served as a private in the London Regiment of the 7th (City of London) Battalion. No. 350092. His residence was given as Upper Holloway. Lena died in 1977 at Brentwood, Essex.
Henry Aber and Sarah had six children:
Emily Sarah Aber born about 1876 at Camberwell, Surrey. She appears in the 1881 census aged 5 years living with her family at 32 Hollington Street, Camberwell and in the 1891 census aged 15 years living at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell. She married William Flower on 3rd May 1896 at Southwark.
Elisa Aber born about 1878 at Camberwell, Surrey. She appears in the 1881 census aged 3 years living with her family at 32 Hollington Street, Camberwell, and in the 1891 census aged 13 years living at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell when she is named Lizzie.
Henry Aber born about 1880 at Camberwell, Surrey. He appears in the 1881 census aged 6 months living with his family at 32 Hollington Street, Camberwell. He died in 1883 at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell
Lucy Aber born about 1884. She appears in the 1891 census aged 7 years living at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell.
(William) James Aber born at Camberwell in 1886. He was baptised on 17 November 1886 at St John the Divine, Kennington, under his full name. At this time his family were living at 9 Sultan Street. He appears in the 1891 census aged 5 years named James living at 16 Sultan Street, Camberwell, and in the 1901 census aged 13 years living at 10 Bath Place, Camberwell. James is listed in the 1911 census as a mentally ill patient at Epsom Hospital, Surrey. This record confirms his place of birth and age, and states he was unmarried and formerly occupied as a porter. It is believed he died there in 1915.
Alfred Aber / Andrews born in 1892 at Camberwell. He is listed under the GRO Births as Alfred Aber but later adopted the surname of Andrews, when his mother married Albert Andrews. Alfred appears in the 1901 census aged 9 years living at 10 Bath Place, Camberwell, with his mother, stepbrother James and stepfather Albert Andrews and in the 1911 census aged 18 years living at 3 Victory Square, Camberwell with his mother and stepfather William Williams.
Alfred married Esther ? and they lived at at 22 Kitson Road, Camberwell, which was where their sons Ronald Alfred Andrews and Albert Edward Andrews were born in 1923 and 1924 respectively. Albert was Tim Andrews' father. Tim has been very helpful providing information about his branch of the Aber family.
Alfred died in Wokingham hospital on 13th December 1966.
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