My paternal grandfather, Richard Frederick Fennell, was born to Richard Fennell, professional cricket player and cricket bat maker, and his wife, Catherine Davies Fennell in January, 1873 in St. Johns Wood, Marylebone, Middlesex, England.
His mother died suddenly May 5 1875, leaving 3 sons and 2 daughters. At that time, Richard, the elder, asked for admission for the boys to care of National Childrens Home, as he himself was in delicate health and unable to support all the children. A letter, dated May 18, 1876, states that one of the male children had gone to reside in a home on the Isle of Man. I have a document stating that James Fennell, one of the boys, was admitted to the care of NCH on 24.4.1876. Nothing further is known of James.
Grandfather Richard, an orphan since the death of his father Sep. 7, 1876, of tuberculosis, was admitted to care Sep. 1 1879, to the NCH Edgeworth Home. He was an inmate there at the time of the 1881 Census. His older brother, Thomas, lived there as well, although he isn’t listed as an inmate. According to NCH, Thomas Alfred Fennell, was never in care of the NCH, however, he travelled to Canada, sponsored by NCH, at age 24 years, on Mar. 22, 1890, on the SS. Sarnia.
According to Microfilm reel C-4536. Grandfather Richard, sailed on SS Vancouver from Liverpool, arriving in Quebec, via Londonderry, April 29 1888. (note on manifest – Rev. Dr.Stephenson’s party for Hamilton. Frances BRYIS, Matron 23; with infant who died at Indian Cove 2am, Monday, 30 Apr 1888, Bronchitis, interred 2 May at Levis.)
I have been unsuccessful in tracking down my grandfather from his 1888 arrival in Quebec, until the 1901 Census. By then he is living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and working for Dominion Express. I would be most interested in getting suggestions on finding where he lived, with whom and what he did for a living, from the time of his arrival in Canada until he shows up again in Winnipeg.