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b.1863-d.1918
Uncertain origins
This lady’s birth is uncertain. Searching the registrations of birth I was unable to find a Gertrude Enderson born within two years either side of 1863 who survived into childhood.
By starting with the 1871 census Gertrude, aged 7 years, said to be born in Plymouth is a visitor to Ann Long, aged 42 years, a Mantle Maker living in Stamford Street, Lambeth. Also a visitor is Eliza Dunton aged 29 years.
The Dunton family
By the time of the 1881 census Gertrude, age 17 years, born London is living with William H Dunton, aged 70, a retired Builder. Gertrude is listed as Granddaughter.
In 1891, Gertrude, now 27 years old, is residing with her Uncle Charles E(dwin) Dunton, age 44, born in Kingston upon Thames. She is listed as his Niece and living on her own means.
1901, Gertrude is still living with her Uncle Charles and his family. Now 38 years old and recorded as being of no occupation.
In 1911 and 48 years old, Gertrude is still with Uncle Charles but is listed as a Boarder.
I searched for a marriage between a Long and a Dunton but drew a blank. Neither was I able to establish a connection with either name to Enderson / Henderson.
Travelling back in time I found that William Dunton had married Harriet Constable on 11th July 1833 at Richmond in Surrey. The 1851 census finds them living in Kingston upon Thames, William is a Carpenter and Undertaker and Harriet is a Milliner. Seven children are listed –
William H 16 years,
Harriet 15 years,
Eliza 13 years,
George 11 years,
Alfred 8 years,
Charles 4 years and
Richard 1 month.
The Long family
Looking at the Long family – Charles Long married Anne Searle on 2nd January 1855 at Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea. Charles’s occupation is that of a Woollen Draper.
I suspected that Gertrude may be the daughter of Eliza Dunton, so searched for the birth of a Gertrude Dunton in 1863 with a two year lap either side.
On 16th April 1863 at 2 Cedar Road, London Road, Fulham was born Gertrude Long Dunton. Her Mother was Elizabeth Dunton formerly Long and her Father was given as Charles Dunton, an assistant Woollen Draper. Elizabeth registered the birth on 28th May 1863
I decided to take a look at the 1861 census!
Charles Long, age 30 years, a Woollen Draper, born Thurlston, Norfolk; Ann, aged 32, his wife; William Abbey, age 20, nephew, an Assistant Woollen Draper; Eliza Dunton, age 22, a visitor, occupation Milliner; Richard Dunton, age 10, a scholar. Richard was Eliza’s brother.
Gertrude’s parents
It appears that Gertrude may be the child of Charles Long and Eliza Dunton, the parents having exchanged their surnames. I can find no evidence of a marriage. I can find no trace of Charles on the 1871 census yet his wife Ann states that she is married. It would seem likely that he has changed his occupation and personal details.
Admission to the Epileptic Colony
Gertrude was acknowledged within the family as a grandchild or niece until her admission to the Epileptic Colony in Ewell (St Ebba’s) where her Uncle Charles gave the information that she had no relatives.
It was fortunate that through her life Gertrude was accepted into family life, but I am left pondering as to why her Uncle informed the hospital that she had no relatives.
