Leonard PATTERSON - Reading UK son of John W PATTERSON
Urgently seeking information (and/or photos of) concerning my great-grandfather John William PATTERSON (Occupation: Bootmaker), born ~ 1854 in Lambeth, Surrey, England. His birth appears unrecorded unless his admission (in the 1881 Census) about his place of birth is incorrect! John was the son of a John William PATTERSON senior (Occupation: Lapidarist). His mother's names are unknown. John married on 11/8/1872 at Lambeth Cathedral to a Fanny Esther LEE, my great-grandmother. Fanny was the daughter of John LEE (Occupation: Slatemaker). Together they had 3 children that I am aware of: Charles (b.1875), Edwin (b.~ 1877) & Fanny Esther (b.1879), my grandmother. Fanny (wife) died in childbirth on 30/8/1884. John remarried to a Ruth Hammond in June, 1885 and lost contact with his first family. It is believed that the children did not get on well with their step-mother & vica versa; so I therefore surmise that a 'falling out' occurred. I wonder what the truth really was? John died at Reading, Berkshire in 1927. I do know that John became a toymaker/manufacturer in his later years at Reading, Berkshire so maybe someone knows of this or has records of that business. I also believe John and Ruth had a son Leonard PATTERSON of whom I would dearly love to contact any descendants, that is my cousins! My mother Edith May BELL (nee COWAN) is now elderly (89) and knows very little about her grandparents. Also I know she has never met Leonard PATTERSON and I would love to establish links perhaps for the first time in abot 80 years!!!Naturally I would dearly love to find out more details or even photos (copies of course) of this family group if anyone can help. I feel sure there is someone out there but where I do not know! Perhaps some of my distant cousins/half cousins will read this?? Thanking you heaps anyway in anticipation, Regards, Rob Bell, Essendon, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3040.