Does anyone remember the problems I had with these two brothers (sons of
convict Thomas Chinnery and his wife Amelia, nee Torkington from brideship
“Emma Eugenia”)? Apparently after W.T. died followed by his wife a few years
later, T.E. adopted his brothers identity. It took me ages with the aid of
certificates, newspaper cuttings and correspondence with a descendent of the
real W.T. to work it all out. When I told my late father-in-law that his
grandfather’s name was Thomas (from the marriage cert), he argued with me that
his grandfather was called Bill. Now looking at Trove, I have found something
else........ Here’s my records of these men according to dates:-
1861 William Thomas Chinnery born to Thomas and Amelia Chinnery.
1863 Thomas Edward Chinnery born to Thomas and Amelia Chinnery.
1884 Thomas Edward Chinnery married Annie Maria Stanley and had twelve
children.
1886 William Thomas Chinnery married Alice May Harris and had five children.
1920 William Thomas died aged 59, confirming his birth year of 1861.
1920 Death certificate issued in the name of W.T.
1928 Death notice for Annie Maria’s mother Charlotte, nee Blake, reads
“Mother of Annie (Mrs T. Chinnery)
1929 Alice May Chinnery (WT's widow) died.
1936 January. William Thomas Chinnery died aged 75. Death notice lists wife
Annie and all sons and daughters-in-law belonging to T.E. Chinnery
1936 Death certificate issued in the name of W.T.
1936 September. Annie Maria Chinnery (listed as widow of W.T.) died aged 71.
So, William Thomas Chinnery was born once and died twice while Thomas Edward
Chinnery was born once and never died....according to records anyway.
Now from Trove – an article from “Mirror” dated 17 March 1934. An article
congratulating Mr and Mrs Thomas Chinnery on their Golden Wedding Anniversary
which sounds to have been a right knees-up for over 100 people. It lists all
the people who performed musical items including sons Philip and Wally and
granddaughter Phyllis.
Now I have an approximate date for the change of name. Between 1934 and 1936.
Thanks for reading this email – it helps me clear my head!!
Vivienne