George Whitaker (1877)

1891 Census - living at 5 Hammond street Leeds

Hi, Michael! We've been celebrating Thanksgiving here, which involves eating more than is good for you, and having a great time with friends and family. I found another memorial card and it gives a date you don't have. This is for Hannah Isabella [Hodgson] Whitaker, sister of Benjamin. She died on September 6th, 1889, aged 41 years. (You have 1891). She is buried in Burmantofts Cemetery (I presume Leeds). A note in my grandfather's handwriting says a son is George Whitaker, and I see you have that in your records. (I'll get Rod to scan it for you.) I have a letter written by George Whitaker to my grandfather in late 1900 and the return address is British Field Forces, South Africa. He addresses it to "Cousin Lambert." He thanks the Hodgsons for 2 "half sovereigns" sent to him--I think sent by his Uncle Benjamin. He says "we are now at a place called Otterhoop [?] 18 miles from Mafeking [?]. [Is this at the time of the Boer war? Must look it up!]