Wauman, Thomas and Minnie

[Tuppenny Rice]

I'm trying to solve a mystery - some medals were discovered by my relative hidden at 27 Daniels Road, Bordesley Green. They were awarded to a George Horton for service in the Boer War and WW1, but strangely, he lived at 32, not 27. A couple called Thomas and Minnie Wauman lived at 27. I think George's widow Fanny may have given them to Thomas's widow Minnie in the mid 1950s, but I don't know why.

Thomas Wauman was born in Birmingham but it's a Flemìsh name, and very unusual in the UK. He and Minnie had two sons called Eric and Brian, had lived in Daniels Road since at least 1939, and previously in Drummond Road in the early 20s. Thomas died in 1948 aged 77, George in 1954, Minnie in 1957, and Fanny in 1960. An item from the Coronation kept with the medals means they are unlikely to have been given before 1953.

Does anyone know anything more about Thomas and Minnie? I think the men may possibly have had a connection through the cycle trade, or as volunteer firefighters in WW2. I haven't found any evidence that Thomas fought in the Boer War or WW1 for Britain.

[See also my post on George Horton for the full background and photos of the medals]

 

[Tinpot]

On the 1939 register Thomas is recorded as a traveller in fancy goods. The marriage of his son Brian took place at a Baptist service. Maybe there is a family connection there?

 

[Tuppenny Rice]

Interesting! We know George and Fanny were married in 1905, i wonder if it was there..

What is a traveller in fancy goods?

 

[pjmburns]

George and Fanny married at St Oswalds Bordesley.

 

[Tuppenny Rice]

George and Fanny married at St Oswalds Bordesley.

C of E then. Although the Baptists were gaining ground at the time, my mom's family defected from Trinity to Small Heath Baptist, even though grandad was the organist at Trinity!