Genealogy Chat

Have you found Eliza on censuses?

You say she was 'Daughter' on his WIFE's death cert - so there is nothing to suggest she was John's daughter .

What was her address?

Perhaps (almost certainly) the cert you've got is for a different Jane Lockett. One who actually had a daughter.....................

You've got the wrong death cert, and have therefore made wrong assumptions.

This is the probate entry:

LOCKETT, John, of Middleton Place, Aston Lane, Witton, Aston juxta Birmingham, gentleman, died 28 March 1896. Probate Birmingham 12 May to William Henry Croft ,musical instrument maker. Effects: £2357 12s 7d.

https://tinyurl.com/t4c9bja

So -
1. Probate was granted to William - which doesn't necessarily mean that he inherited anything. Have you seen the actual Will?

2. John is a "gentleman" and has a home address - he's not a hawker.

3. He died 28 March 1896 - not 2 Dec 1895.



This will be your John's death:

Deaths Mar 1896 (>99%)
Lockett John 75 W. Bromwich 6b 490

I've been digging - just for the benefit of helpers

Jane Watkins m. Henry Croft
28th December 1835
St Marys, Handsworth, Stafford, England
Saint Mary's

Marriages Jun 1839 (>99%)
BEASLEY John Aston 16 274
CROFT Jane Aston 16 274

Marriages Mar 1850 (>99%)
Beasley Jane Aston 16 260
Lockett John Aston 16 260

The man's condition could have required surgery - or other treatment which couldn't be given at home!

A person can leave his or her wealth to whomsoever he/she chooses - and as you haven't found Eliza's birth, perhaps she wasn't actually his daughter.- or they were estranged

Thanks everyone for the info, but theres a bit more to the mystery. To emphasize the point. On his wifes death certificate,1881, John is listed as a Labourer, and his DAUGHTER, Eliza Lockett, was present. Why wasn't she at her father's side at his, death, and why wasn't she a recipient of his large will.? although she might have died. Where did all that money come from, if he was labouring, and a street Trader in his latter years? Well off people would have a Doctor calling on them surely? I haven't been able to trace his daughter's birth or death--A bit more of the old Percy-verance I think. Arfermo.

There was a Hospital extension built on to the Workhouse in 1889.
So i am guessing he would have been in that building

As said, the workhouse infirmary was the only place for ordinary people to go for help, even well into the 20th century.

Unfortunately, the address was the workhouse.

At some point, the street address was used instead of the full name of the workhouse.

The workhouse infirmary in many towns later became the hospital for the town, or one of the hospitals, with the same buildings being used .............. I had two visits, one in the late 1950s and one around 1966 to the Oldham and District General Hospital in Oldham. The wards were huge, ca 40 or more people, and yes it had been the old Workhouse and Infirmary.

The "workhouse" had been renamed Boundary Park Hospital in the late 1920s. Then it was renamed Oldham and District General Hospital in 1955. It is now called the Royal Oldham Hospital, with a lot of newer buildings or so I understand!

As Erica says, all workhouses had an infirmary which was not only for the people who were living in the workhouse but also for the general public as a hospital. People were often born in the workhouse or died there.

Kath. x

Workhouses were often also hospitals

I've recenly discovered, via a Probate list, dated 1896, that my Great Grandfather, William Henry Croft, was the recipient of a large sum of money, valued today at £316,000. It was from his stepfather ,John Lockett. Looking at John's death certificate, dated Dec 2nd1895, he died in the Workhouse, at Western Rd, Birmingham. No family were present. His occupation is listed as 'General Hawker'. a Market stall or wheelbarrow street seller I guess. Given the huge sum of money he left, and the fact that he was always listed in the Census , for 40 years, as a Publican, i assumed he had in fact--OWNED his pub, and at retirement (probably when his wife, Jane Watkins--,and mother of my Great grandfather, died) in 1891.--sold the pub and thereby explains the large sum of money. SO---why/ How, would he end up alone, in the workhouse? It's a bit complicated,but I hope it comes accross clear. I'd be most grateful for suggestions. Arfermo.