X-File on Gerald B. Gardner

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Gerald Gardner from document records

 

~ 1884

GERALD BROSSEAU GARDNER was born June 13, 1884 at Leighton, Blundellsands, Lancashire.

Father:         William Robert Gardner
Mother:        Louise Burguclew Ennis

 

A short biography of Gerald's father and his family is mentioned in a book, "Lancashire Biographies Rolls of Honour", 1917:

Page 155

GARDNER, William Robert,      J. P., President Crosby Liberal Association.

Leighton, Blundellsands, Lancs.  Born: September 6th, 1843 at Liverpool; fifth son of Joseph Gardner, of Liverpool, and Maria, only daughter of William Jackson, of Liverpool.  Educated: Privately, under the late Dr. Ihne, of Heidelberg, Germany.  Married: November 25th, 1868, at New York, to Louise Burguclew, eldest daughter of John Jay Ennis, of New York, and Emma Louise, only daughter of Henry Burguclew, of Providence, Rhode Island, and has issue four sons:  Harold Ennis, born January 27th, 1870; Robert Marshall, born July 22nd, 1874; Gerald Brosseau, born June 13th, 1884; Francis Douglas, born December 17th, 1885.

Appointments:  J. P. for County of Lancaster, 1905; Chairman of Managers of Highton Truant School; Hon. Treasurer of North Liverpool Y.M.C.A.; Trustee of Nicholas Church, Blundellsands; President of Crosby District Liberal Association.  Travelled: United States, West India Islands, South Africa, the Caucasus and round the Black Sea, Syria, Holy Land and Egypt, and Ceylon; many visits to France, Germany, and the Continent.  Recreation: Golf.  Clubs: National Liberal, London, S. W.; Liverpool Reform;  West Lancs. Golf.

 

Gerald Gardner's mother was born in the United States and her roots goes back in New York and Rhode Island.

 

~ Gardner Family in the past

The Gardner family were Timber Merchants for generations.  Their business was founded in Liverpool in 1748.

From the Economic History of Bethnal Green online at the website British History:

"Joseph Gardner (Hardwoods), timber merchants founded in Liverpool in 1748 who had opened a London branch c. 1870 and moved to Twig Folly Wharf in Roman Road in 1932, left between 1964 and 1975."

 

From 1824-5  Baines Directory we have Joseph Gardner listed as a Timber merchant in the Liverpool area.

Original Page No. 250

Liverpool.

Gardner Joseph, timber merchant, 29, Stanhope st.; h. Fair View lane, Toxeth park

 

 

~ 1916

Gerald Gardner was in England for a visit.

Gerald Brosseau Gardner, age 32, was on a ship "Nankin" that departed from London on October 12, 1916 and was bound to Yokohama in Imperial Japan. 

From Yokohama, he sailed to Penang of the Federated Malay States.  Gerald is listed as a Rubber Planter.

From the passenger list of the ship Nankin:

Name of Ship .................  "Nankin"
Steamship Line ............... P. & O.S.N. Co.
Date of Departure ........... 12th October 1916
Where bound ................... Yokohama
Embarked at the Port of ... London

Name ................................................................................ Gardner  Gerald Brosseau
Class .................................................................................. 1
Port at which Passengers have contracted to land........... Penang
Profession, Occupation .................................................... Rubber Planter
Age .................................................................................... 32
Country of last Permanent Residence. ............................. British Possessions.
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ........ F. M. S.

 

~ 1921

Gerald Gardner was in England for another visit.

Gerald Brassean Gardner, age 37, was on a ship "Kalyan" that departed from London on May 27, 1921 and was bound to Yokohama in Imperial Japan. 

From Yokohama, he sailed to Penang of the Federated Malay States.  Gerald is listed as a Rubber Planter.

From the passenger list of the ship Kalyan:

Name of Ship ..................... "Kalyan"
Steamship Line .................. P. & O.S.N. CO.
Date of Departure .............. 27th May 1921
Where bound ..................... Yokohama
Embarked at the Port of ..... London

Name ................................................................................ Gardner  Gerald Brassean
Class ................................................................................. 2
Port at which Passengers have contracted to land. ........ Penang  
(Birth place) ..................................................................... Leighton, Blundellsands Liverpool
Profession, Occupation .................................................... Rubber Planter
Age .................................................................................... 37
Country of last Permanent Residence. ............................ British Possessions.
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ....... F. M. S.

 

~ 1927

Gerald Gardner was again visiting England.

Gerald B. Gardner married DOROTHEA FRANCES ROSEDALE in 1927.

From the newspaper, The Times, Wednesday, Aug 03, 1927; pg. 13; Issue 44650; col B

FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES.

Mr. G. B. GARDNER and MISS ROSEDALE.

A marriage is arranged, and will shortly take place, between Mr. Gerald B. Gardner, of the Johore Civil Service, third son of Mr. W. R. Gardner, J.P., of Leighton, Blundellsands, and Miss Dorothea F. Rosedale, elder daughter of the late Rev. Dr. W. E. Rosedale, vicar of St. Mary Boltons, S. W.

 

The newspaper mentioned that Gerald Gardner was of the Johore Civil Service.

 

~ 1937

Dorothea Garner was listed living at 23A Buckingham Palace Mansions Grovenor Gdns. in London in 1937.

From the 1937 British Telephone Book covering London:

1937 -- Image No. 851 -- Original Page No. 795

Gardner Mrs. Gerald B, 23A Buckingham Palace mansions Grovenor gdns S.W.1. ... SLOane ..8356

 

~ 1940 to 1942

Mrs. Gerald B. Gardner was listed in the phone book in Southridge, Highcliffe, Hampshire.

From the British Phone Books for 1940, 1941, and 1942

Gardner Mrs. G. B, Southridge………...…….. Highcliffe  393

 

~ 1944

Dr. Gerald B. Gardner was listed in the phone book in Southridge, Highcliffe, Hampshire.

From the British Phone Books for 1944:

Gardner Dr. G. B, Southridge…………….….. Highcliffe  393

 

~ 1945 to 1951 

During this time period, Gerald B. Gardner was listed at 47 Ridgemount Gardens in London.

From the British Phone Books for 1945, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951:

Gardner G. B, 47 Ridgemount gdns W.C.1……………...MUSeum..6452

 

~ 1947

Gerald and Dorothea Gardner were living in London.

On November 19, 1947 they were issued Immigration Visas in London.

Gerald Brosserd Gardner, age 63, and Dorothea Frances Gardner, age 54, were on a ship "S.S. Charles Lykes" that departed from Liverpool on November 29, 1947 and was bound to Galveston, Texas. 

From the passenger list of the ship S. S. Charles Lykes:

Ship's Name. ......................................................................... S. S. "Charles Lykes"
Passengers sailing from ........................................................ Liverpool, England
Date of Departure .................................................................  29th November, 1947

No. on List ........................................................................... 6
Name .................................................................................... Gardner,  Gerald Brosserd
Age .......................................................................................  63 Yrs. 5 Mos.
Sex .......................................................................................  M
Married or Single ................................................................  M
Occupation .... .....................................................................  Br Civil Servant (Retired)
Nationality .......................................................................... Scotland
Race ..................................................................................... Scotch
Place of Birth .......................................................................  England Liverpool
Date of Birth ........................................................................ June 13 1884
Last permanent residence ................................................... England London
Immigration Visa number ................................................... Q.I.V. 18537
Visa issued place & date ...................................................... London 19th November 1947

No. on List ........................................................................... 7
Name .................................................................................... Gardner,  Dorothea Frances
Age .......................................................................................  54 Yrs. 2 Mos.
Sex .......................................................................................  F
Married or Single ................................................................  M
Occupation .... .....................................................................  Housewife
Nationality .......................................................................... England
Race ..................................................................................... English
Place of Birth .......................................................................  England Canton
Date of Birth ........................................................................ Aug 24 1893
Last permanent residence ................................................... England London
Immigration Visa number ................................................... Q.I.V. 18538
Visa issued place & date ...................................................... London 19th November 1947

Gerald Garner's nationality and race is listed as Scotland and Scotch.  This is perhaps because he has the museum on the Isle of Mann which is part of Scotland.

This would be when Gerald and Dorothea took a trip to the United States where he was visiting his relatives for several months.  And to find out more about things.

 

~ 1949

Gerald Gardner was living at 47 Ridgemount Gardens, London.

Dr. Gerald B. Gardner, age 64, was on a ship "Helka" that departed from Burriana, Spain and arrived at Liverpool on March 4, 1949.

From the passenger list of the ship Helka:

Ship's Name ......................................................................... Helka
Steamship Line ..................................................................... Cuxini Shipping Co. London
Master's Name ..................................................................... W. A. Ross
Voyage .................................................................................. From Burriana Spain - To Liverpool
Date of Arrival .....................................................................  4th March 1949
Port of Embarkation ............................................................ Burriana
Port at which Passengers have been landed ........................ Liverpool

Name .................................................................................... Dr Gerald B. Gardner
Class ...................................................................................... 1st
Age .......................................................................................  64
Last Address in the United Kingdom. .................................  47 Ridgemount Gardens London W. C [ ]
Profession, Occupation .... ..................................................  Retired
Country of last Permanent Residence. ................................ England
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ........... England

 

~ 1951

Gerald Gardner was listed as living at Avenue Cott. 22, Avenue Rd. Highcliffe, Hampshire.

There was a Mr. G. B. Gardner, age 66, and Mrs. E. Gardner, age 63, that were on a ship, "R.M.S. Orion", that departed from Gibraltar and arrived at Liverpool on March 5, 1951.

From the passenger list of the ship R. M. S. Orion:

Name of Ship ......................................................................... R. M. S. "Orion"
Port of Arrival......................................................................... Tilbury
Date of Arrival .....................................................................  5th March 1951
Steamship Line ..................................................................... Orient Steam Navigation Co. Ltd.
Whence Arrived .................................................................... Sydney via Columbo & Suez
Port of Embarkation ............................................................ Gibraltar
Port at which Passengers have been landed ........................ Tilbury

Number .................................................................................505
Name .................................................................................... Gardner  Mr G B
Class ...................................................................................... First
Age .......................................................................................  66
Proposed Address in the United Kingdom. ........................  Avenue Cott. 22, Avenue Rd. Highecliffe, Hants
Profession, Occupation .... ..................................................  Retired
Country of last Permanent Residence. ................................ England
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ........... England

Number .................................................................................506
Name .................................................................................... Gardner  Mrs E
Class ...................................................................................... First
Age .......................................................................................  63
Proposed Address in the United Kingdom. ........................    - do -
Profession, Occupation .... ..................................................  H D
Country of last Permanent Residence. ................................ England
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ........... England

 

Image of Passenger List:

Click on Image or here for larger picture

 

 

Note that the wife is listed as "Mrs. E. Gardner".  This is not his wife Dorothea.

This is Edith Woodford-Grimes.

The passenger list of March 5, 1951 has her age as 63.  That would put her birth year ca. 1887 or 1888 depending if she had the birthday for that year before, on, or after March 5th.

Edith Woodford-Grimes (born Edith Rose Wray) was born on December 18, 1887.  Which fits perfect with the lady on the passenger list as she will turn 64 on December 18, 1951.

Dorothea Gardner was born on August 24 1893 and she would only be 57 in March 5, 1951, so she is clearly not the woman age 63 in the list.

And from the British Phone Books, Edith Woodford-Grimes was listed at the Avenue Cottage address in Christchurch for years.

From the British Phone Books for 1951:

1951, Image No. 528

Page 200

Woodford-Grimes Mrs. E, Avenue cottage ……………………………….…………. Highcliffe  75

 

~ 1952

Gerald Gardner was living at 77 Melew Street, Castletown, Isle of Man.  He was described as a Museum Curator.

Gerald Brosseau Gardner, age 68, was on a ship "Sulima" that departed from London on December 30, 1952 and was bound to Accra in Gold Coast on the west coast of Africa.

From the passenger list of the ship Sulima:

Ship's Name. ......................................................................... "Sulima"
Steamship Line ..................................................................... Elder Dempster Lines LTD
Master's Name. ..................................................................... M. O. V. Whitfield
Where Bound. ....................................................................... W. C. of Africa
Date of Departure .................................................................  30th December 1952
Embarked at the Port of ........................................................ London
Port at which Passengers have contracted to land. .............. Accra

Name .................................................................................... Gardner  Gerald Brosseau
Class ...................................................................................... Cabin
Age .......................................................................................  68
Last Address in the United Kingdom. .................................  77 Melew Street, Castletown, I. of M.
Profession, Occupation .... ..................................................  Museum Curator
Country of last Permanent Residence. ................................ England.
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence. ........... Gold Coast

 

An interesting thing is that Gerald Gardner put Gold Coast as his intended future permanent residence.  Gold Coast later became Ghana.

 

~ 1953

Gerald Gardner was living at Castletown, Isle of Man.

Gerald Brosseau Gardner, age 69, was on a ship "Accra" that departed from Liverpool on December 31, 1953 and was bound to Takoradi in Gold Coast on the west coast of Africa.

From the passenger list of the ship Accra:

 

Name of Ship .............................................................. Accra
Steamship Line .......................................................... Elder Dempster Lines Ld.
Date of Departure ...................................................... 31st December 1953
Where Bound. ............................................................ West Coast of Africa
Embarked at the Port of ............................................ Liverpool
Port at which Passengers have contracted to land .... Takoradi

Name........................................................................... Gardner  Gerald Brosseau
Class ............................................................................  1st
Age ............................................................................... 69
Last Address in the United Kingdom .......................... Castletown Isle of Man
Profession, Occupation .... ........................................... To visit museum
Country of last Permanent Residence ......................... England.
Country of Intended Future Permanent Residence ..... Gold Coast

 

As with the previous year's passenger list, Gerald Gardner put Gold Coast as his intended future permanent residence.

Also it mentioned "To visit museum" in his occupation.  Did this mean there was a museum in the Gold Coast that interested Gerald Gardner?

 

 

 

 

Sources:

1.     Joseph Gardner mentioned.  From: 'Bethnal Green: Economic History', A History of the County of Middlesex: Volume 11: Stepney, Bethnal Green (1998), pp. 168-190. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22757  Date accessed: 12 November 2010 Friday.

2.     1824  Joseph Gardner listed as a timber merchant in Liverpool.   1824-5  Baines Directory, Image No. 391, page 250.  Online at Ancestry.com.  Searched on November 12, 2010 Friday 3:54 PM.

3.     William R. Gardner and his family.  Book, "Lancashire, Biographies, Rolls of Honour", Publisher - R. J. James, 1917.  Online at Google Books.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 10:54 PM.

4.     1916 Gerald Brosseau Gardner a passenger on the Nankin.  The passenger list online at http://www.findmypast.co.uk.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 7:19 PM.

5.     1921 Gerald Brassean Gardner a passenger on the Kalyan.  The passenger list online at http://www.findmypast.co.uk.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 7:32 PM.

6.     1927 Marriage announcement of Gerald B. Gardner and Dorothea F. Rosedale.   Newspaper, The Times, Wednesday, Aug 03, 1927; pg. 13; Issue 44650; col B.  Online at http://infotrac.galegroup.com.  Searched November 6, 2010 Saturday 2:50 PM.

7.     1937 Mrs. Gerald B. Gardner listed in London area.  British Phone Books, Ancestry.com.  1937, London Surnames A-K Aug, Image No. 851.  Searched November 5, 2010  Friday 5:24 PM.

8.     1940 to 1942 Mrs. G. B. Gardner listed in phone books in Southridge, Highcliffe, Hampshire.  British Phone Books online at Ancestry.com.  Specifically the following years 1940, 1941, and 1942.  Searched on December 14, 2010 Tuesday 7:59 PM.

9.     1944 Dr. G. B. Gardner listed in phone book in Southridge, Highcliffe, Hampshire.  British Phone Books online at Ancestry.com.  Searched on December 14, 2010 Tuesday 7:59 PM.

10.     1945 to 1951 G. B. Gardner listed in phone books in Ridgemount Gardens in London.  British Phone Books online at Ancestry.com.  Specifically the following years 1945, 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951.  Searched on December 14, 2010 Tuesday 7:59 PM.

11.     1947 Gerald and Dorothea Gardner arrive at Galveston, Texas as passengers on the S. S. Charles Lykes.  The passenger list online at Ancestry.com.  Galveston Passenger Lists, 1947, December, Charles Lykes, Image No. 1.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 5:03 PM.

12.     1949 Dr Gerald B. Gardner a passenger  on the ship Helka that arrived at Liverpool from Burriana Spain.  The passenger list online at Ancestry.com.  UK Incoming Passenger Lists, Liverpool, England, 1949, March, Heldia, Image No. 1.  November 12, 2010 Friday 7:26 PM.

13.     1951 Mr. G. B. and Mrs. E. Gardner are passengers on the ship R.M.S. Orion that arrived in Tilbury from Gibraltar.  The passenger list online at Ancestry.com.  UK Incoming Passenger Lists, London, England, 1951, March, Orion, Images No. 1 & 7.  Searched November 12, 2010 Friday 8:06 PM.

14.     1951 Mrs. E. Woodford-Grimes listed at Avenue Cottage in Highcliffe, Hampshire.  British Phone Books online at Ancestry.com.  Searched on February 6, 2012 Monday 7:15 PM.

15.     1952 Gerald Brosseau Gardner a passenger on the Sulima.  The passenger list online at http://www.findmypast.co.uk.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 7:50 PM.

16.     1953 Gerald Brosseau Gardner a passenger on the Accra.  The passenger list online at http://www.findmypast.co.uk.  Searched November 5, 2010 Friday 8:04 PM.

 

 

 

First version dated February 7, 2012 Tuesday 7:44 PM

Latest update March 4, 2012 Sunday 12:50 PM

 

Researched and Compiled by William Wallworth

 

 

 

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