Genealogy Chat

My husband's ggGrandfather is described in historical documents as a "musician " and an "artist in music". I'd love to know more about his career. Please, can anyone tell me if there is any way I can find out where he performed or what instrument he played? I don't know where to start. Many thanks for your time. Denise

Can we have a few more details about him please?

Name/when and where he was born?
To save us searching ourselves, what records have you already found?

Try googling his name, or searching the British Newspaper Archive - if he was a soloist, you may get a result in say an advert for a concert

sorry for the delay in replying - I was very busy with granddaughters yesterday. Here is all the info that I currently have including sources:
Henry James White
• I have not yet traced Henry in 1841 census.
• 1851 census, Henry White aged 25 (bc1826) and his brother James aged 27 (bc1824) are both described as musicians, both born in Marylebone, Middx and living with widowed mother Sophia in Queen's Street, St James, Westminster, London.
• Henry James White married Ellen Woods in Jan to March 1860, Pancras, vol 1b p118
• 1861 census, Henry aged 34 (bc1827 Marylebone, Middx) is living in St James square, Westminster London and is described as a musician.
• 1871 census, Henry aged 45 (bc1826 Marylebone, Middx) living in Marylebone Road, is described as "artist in music".
• Youngest child Louisa born Oct 1876. On this birth cert. Henry White was described as a musician. He and Louisa's mother Ellen (recorded on the birth cert as Helen White formerly Woods) were living in Walmer Road Kensington, Middx. Wife, Ellen, described as head of household and widow in 1881 census. Therefore Henry must have died between 1876 and 1881 (aged between 49 and 55), although it does not mention that he was deceased in November 1876 when Louisa's birth was registered.
• possible death cert. Henry James White, aged 53, Westminster, vol 1a p378 J-M 1876.

• Therefore, it would appear that Henry was probably bc 1826/7 in Marylebone, Middx.
• He was playing music professionally by 1851
• He may have died in 1876

Many thanks for your time
Denise

PS
Henry's middle name was James, as given on his daughter Louisa's marriage cert, April 1898: father of bride Henry James White deceased, Musician.

Married as just Henry White

Date 18 Mar 1860
Place St Pancras Church, St Pancras
Groom Henry White occ Musician
Full Age
Groom's Father's Name James White Dead
Bride Ellen Woods
Full Age
Bride's Father's Name James Woods occ Farmer
Address for both 228 Euston Road
Borough Camden
Witnesses Alexander Geddes & Martha Geddes

Possible for the Westminster death?

London Evening Standard - Thursday 09 March 1876
"DEATHS
WHITE- 5th, at Dean Street, Soho Square, Henry James White, aged 54"

This may also be of interest- in 1871 the family were living at 67 Marylebone Road- this is advertised in the paper:

Marylebone Mercury - Saturday 07 March 1868
PIANOFORTE and GUITAR TAUGHT by a lady. Schools and private families attended, also evening parties; terms moderate. Miss Noel 67 Marylebone Road, N. W
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

When daughter, Sophia marries in 1886- father is listed as James White Musician. Witnesses were Harriett Taylor & Henry James White (possibly brother?)

The witnesses to Henry & Ellen's wedding, Alexander Geddes and Martha Geddes nee Buckland, got married in 1859. They too gave their address as 228 Euston Rd; Alexander was Pianoforte Maker.

I'm going to post this Baptism... not sure whether significant or not but James was posted as Father on Mar Cert and I note that Sophia is the name of Henry's daughter

Henry son of James ( occ Tailor) & Sophia White Bap 1 May 1825 born 8 Apr 1825 Parish of St Mary-le-Bone, Westminster
Address Barlow St

There are lots of references in the newpapers to 228 Euston Road- seems lots of artists stayed there (I don't see anything specific for Henry):

The Era - Sunday 04 June 1865
A PIANIST thoroughly efficient in Concert Business, good reader & c. will be open to engagements on or after June 19th, seaside preferred. Can arrange for band or take second violin for ballroom. Address E. C 228 Euston Road

The Era - Sunday 19 July 1863
MR W. H WHITTON concludes a successful engagement of two and a half years as First Low Comedian at THE QUEENS THEATRE....apply to W.H.W 228 Euston Road

This I think maybe Henry's parents and siblings in the 1841 census as his Mother and siblings are the same as those in the 1851 census. Unfortunately, Henry is not with the family though.

Name: Sophia White
Age: 40
Estimated birth year: abt 1801
Gender: Female
Where born: Middlesex, England
Civil Parish: St Marylebone
Hundred: Ossulstone (Holborn Division)
County/Island: Middlesex
Country: England
Street address:

Occupation:

View image
Registration district: St Marylebone
Sub-registration district: St John
Neighbors: View others on page
Piece: 678
Book: 13
Folio: 31
Page Number: 16
Household Members:
Name Age
James White 45 Tailor
Sophia White 40 Laundress
James White 15
Alfred White 14
Edward White 7
Sophia White 4

All born in County

1851 census for Ref

Name: Henry White
Age: 25
Estimated birth year: abt 1826
Relation: Son (Child)
Mother's name: Sophia White
Gender: Male
Where born: Marylebone, Middlesex, England
Civil Parish: Westminster St James
County/Island: Middlesex
Country: England
Street address:

Occupation:

Condition as to marriage:

Disability:

View image
Registration district: St James Westminster
Sub-registration district: St Jamess Square
ED, institution, or vessel: 2
Neighbors: View others on page
Household schedule number: 60
Piece: 1484
Folio: 54
Page Number: 18
Household Members:
Name Age
Sophia White 56 Laundress
James White 27
Henry White 25
Alfred White 24
Edward White 16
Sophia White 14
Ellen Grantham 15 niece b Ireland



I'm wondering whether this could be Henry in the 1841 Census but can't make out his occupation. This is from FMP, can't seem to find it on Ancestry.

George Green Male 38 1803 Middlesex, England occ Organ Builder
Harriet Green Female 30 1811 Middlesex, England
Henry White Male 15 1826 Middlesex, England
Street Allsop Mews
Parish or township St Marylebone
City or borough Marylebone
Town -
County Middlesex
Country England
Registration district St Marylebone
Archive reference HO107
Piece number 677
Book number 14
Folio number 34
Page number 60

George Green is an Organ B-----

Henry White looks like Butcher

Thank you all so very much. You have all given me so much information. I can't thank you enough for all the time that you have spent. What a shame that nothing specific came up about Henry, but it is interesting that many of his neighbours are also musicians. You are all so kind: thanks again for your help
Very best regards
Denise