Genealogy Chat

An Occupation I wonder if someone could kindly help me. I have just received my Gt Gt Grandad's death cert. His death is registered in St Marylebone on 10 October 1908. In the occupation column it says N.B.N.S. of 2 East Ascent, St Leonards on Sea. The writing is scrolling so could read... M.B.M.S, although I think it is N.B.N.S. He obviously did not work close to home. Can anyone help with this occupation. I have no idea why he did not work close as I know that he definitely lived in London as did all of his descendents. Look forward to hearing from anyone who can help. Regards Lisa

Hi Lisa, No replies as yet. Don't give up someone will answer. Beryl x

Do you have a Kelly's Directory for St Leonards On Sea? I've checked on the Companies Database but there is only New Business New Settlements (NBNS) Pty Ltd. I don't think Companies used abbreviations for their names in the 1900's so you're gonna have to read through all the N companies listed in St Leonards! Kristeen

Lisa, What are his details and what was he in 1901? Rose

Thanks Kristeen I will try to get a Kellys Directory for that area.

Dear Portland Rose Thank you for your reply aswell. In 1901 Arthur was a Clothworker in Edmonton, Middlesex where his descendents came from. So why he is in St Leonards I do not know. Lisa

What did he die of? Just a thought TB sufferers were often sent to the seaside - mind you he wouldnt have been working then, eh? Prap's he went for treatment and stayed on? Kristeen

Can you see what was at that address in 1901? I don't get any clues from 1881. Was he a free mason? Rose

Hi Kristeen He died of Cancer of the Liver, 6 months. He died at St Marylebone though, so he was at home when he died and not at work in St Leonards. Lisa

Hi Portland Rose In 1901 he was a clothworker and living in Edmonton with his wife Eleanor and children. Sorry donot have any other info. Lisa

I can't help with the occupation, but I googled the address - 2 East Ascent, St. Leonards, and it is now a listed building. You can see the list at this address:- http://www.hastings.gov.uk/conservation/listed_buildings.aspx Perhaps Hastings Borough Council would be able to tell you what the building used to be and that might help with working out the occupation. Kath. x

Hi Kath Thank you for your help. Much appreciated. Lisa

Was he a methodist? It certainly smacks of some sort of care place doesnt it?

Lisa, is the name in capitals with dots or just written out? mbms could you put his name up , maybe a further back census may reveal something...moe

In the 1901 is he in London and a cloth worker? And is it just this death cert that gives the St Leonards addy in the occupation column? I feel that this will be some sort of home for the sick - not an occupation as such, but just the last place/status he had before death. Maybe he returned home to be with his family when they knew he was dying. I note that at No. 1 there was a physician in Whites directory. The Clothworkers Compnay had a number of charities for cloth workers - have a google - the company still exists and amazingly still provides gifts and help to people of certain criteria.

i agree with you Heather on a care place, and i thought maybe the word is 'means' like they write on census for having your own funds...moe

I dont think a cloth worker would have a lot of money. I think this entry is a bit like that on my Great Uncles. Under the occupation on the death cert it gave something like HMS xxxx and the addy. And I thought how could that be a ship with an addy in greenwich. Turned out to be a home for destitute sailors. I think we have here a man who is very ill, and who has been sent for his health to the seaside but has returned home to die with his family around him. The fact that a physician is shown living at the house next door in St Leonards seems to back this up. The local records office should have a record of a home at that addy. Olde crone has suggested: Mutual Benefit Medical Society Marylebone Borough Medical Society Marylebome Borough Methodist Society