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Record #16710
Name :
: Alfred GROOMES (1891 - 2002)
  aka : Albert


Father
:
Mother
:
BMD and other details
Date of Birth
: Dec 1891

Marriage (1)
:
Marriage (2)
:

Date of Death
: 15 Jan 2002
Abode (1) : Place of BirthEngland
Abode (2) : Place of Death / BurialCanada
Sailing Information
Date of Arrival
: 24 Jul 1903
Country
: Canada

Ship
: Dominion

Placement Family
:
Homes / Agencys
Institution (GB)
:

Agency
: Barnardos
NotesBirth December 1891 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England
Death 15 Jan 2002 in Canada

Son of Charles W. Grooms 1863 ? 1901, Caroline Chester 1861 ? 1900

After his arrival in Montreal, Quebec on July 24, 1903, at the tender age of 11 years, young Alfred was sent to a family in Muskoka. Ravenscliffe, a small community within the Huntsville area. He was boarded out with a Mr. Isaac Hopkins, residing at Lot 6, Concession 11 Ravenscliffe in the township of Chaffey.
On November 11, 1904 a circular was sent to Mr. Hopkins recalling the boy back to England. Hopkins replied that his other boarder, Albert Broughton was a more suitable candidate to be recalled to England, so he was.
April 10, 1905; Mr. Hopkins wrote to Barnardos to let them know that, "the lad is getting on well - attends Sunday School, but not very regular at day school on account of the bad roads."
( It is common knowledge that during these times most boarded out Home Boys were more or less considered, "Free Labour," most of them did not attend school. This was in a way a blessing to the host family, because with the extra body working the farm, the child of the farmer was able to attend school. Great for the host family, but no-so-great for the child who was working as an adult would have. )
July 19, 1905 .. Alfred writes to Barnardos asking for his sister's address.
October 9, 1905; Mr. Hopkins writes that he has a good place picked out for the lad , with his neighbor Mr. R. May.
December 9, 1905; Mr. Hopkins writes that he has decided to keep the lad.
March 26, 1906; Letter to Mr. Hopkins requesting him to return the lad to the home and enclosed was a train ticket for his transportation.
April 3, 1906; Mr. Hopkins writes back that he is returning the railway tickets and he wishes to keep the boy.
April 4, 1906; Letter to Mr. Hopkins informing him that they have decided to leave the boy with him
July 30, 1906; Alfred writes to Barnardos that he is well and getting along nicely.
January 28, 1908; Alfred writes that he is getting along well and would like to join his brother Henry in the spring.
April 14, 1908; Mr. Hopkins writes that he will not require the lad any longer and intends on sending him back , he encloses $10 in settlement of wages.
April 18, 1908; Letter sent to Mr. Hopkins in reciept and bank book, and suggesting that he try and find a place for the lad in the neighborhood.
April 20, 1908; Mr. R. Leeder, Ravenscliffe writes applying for this boy.
April 22, 1908; Letter to Mr R. Leeder advising him that they are quite willing, and the lad should be transferred to him, enclosed with the application forms.
( Now I'm not sure if it is just me but this just seemed a bit strange to me. did Hopkins get all the work done he needed ie. clearing of land etc., and then that was just it? Pass on the young man to the next neighbor? I'm sure that he had things to be done... ) There were scheduled visits from Barnardos staff to see, "how the lad was getting on in his enviroment." It all seems rather cold.
TO be continued ......................................... 
ContributorsCreated : 2012-09-13 19:52:19 / From original database

Last Updated :

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IDNameDOBPlace of birthArrivals & ShipsDest.AgencyFamily links
16710 GROOMES, Alfred1891ENG,     Jul 1903 : Dominion CAN Barnardos