Genealogy Chat

I am trying to locate James George Fleming on the 1851 census. His wife Jane & daughter Emily are both listed, living at a house with other firemen and their families, but James is missing. Jane is listed as Fireman's wife, but also as 'head', which is strange as James was definitely alive then, as he features with the rest of the family on 1861 and 1871 censuses. If he was out on a job during the census night, would that explain why he is missing? Any help would be appreciated. Lynn

I reckon so, hadn't thought about it before but there must have been plenty doing night work or unexpectantly finding themselves outside and not giving a thought to the census papers.

was he fire man - a man that stoked a fire or a fire fighter.... Jes

He was a fireman, as in putting out fires. On his daughter's birth certificate, it gives their address as being a fire station. Lynn

He wasn't listed at the fire station itself?

When I applied to the London Fire Brigade headquarters at Lewisham they posted me photocopies of an ancestor's complete career history up to his retirement in 1938. Even family details. Where was your ancestor based?

Oh pretty please Paul - could you give me that address? My grandfather was a fireman from late 1800s/early 1900s until late 1940s - ending up at Buckingham Palace. Would LOVE to have a copy of his records. Victoria

Lucy Price Assistant Curator London Fire Brigade Museum Winchester House 94 Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 0EG Tel 0207 587 2894 She can send you a service record for your ancestor, detailing his career. They have to charge £4 for research, copying and postal fees. You can either send a cheque made payable to LFEPA or give your credit/debit card details. In my opinion £4 very well spent, as the information was incredibly comprehensive. Her e-mail is lucy*price (at )london-fire*gov *uk (Hope you can figure out what I mean with the e-mail address as the system blocks attempts to include them)

Thanks for the replies, sorry for the delay in answering, I Have been away. Karen, I haven't been able to find him anywhere else, but that doesn't mean that I haven't missed him. Paul, that sounds very interesting. He was definitely working in London, his family were in Westminster St James parish in 1851, Paddington in 1861 and St Brides in 1871. He was at the fire station in St Martins in 1858, when my great grand mother was born. Lynn

OOOOhhh, OOOhhhh, OOOhhh, she says - I've got a fireman - This looks like an interesting piece of information. NOW, - where did I put him ?? I know I found him on 1841 and 1851, but I am chasing SSSoooo many, I can't remember who he is. !! SSSooo frusrating! - I will have to delve into that BIG pile of papers which I moved from my desk, onto the floor underneath the desk !! DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM?? Dea x

Dea, that big pile of papers under your desk is a fire hazard. I think we should notify the fire brigade. ;-)