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Greetings All, My father, Victor Charles Howard (died 1990) (known as Jim, after his elder brother James who was killed on HMS Valentine during WWII) never spoke about his family much. Consequently I have very little knowledge of my father's side of the family. His father was James Howard (died c1944) and married Ada Message (died c1951). The Howard family lived in Portsmouth, Hampshire but used to go hop picking in Kent - so whether they originally came from there I don't know. I believe there was a Rose Howard, who was my father's sister, there were no other siblings as far as I know. My grandfather, James, served in South Africa during the Boer War and also had a variey of jobs but I believe he worked in Portsmouth Dockyard at some stage as well as holding a tinker's(?) or hawker's(?) licence and he also worked as a gardener I think. Dad used to say that granddad was very good with his hands (and used to make things to sell?). My uncle James married and had a son (James, my cousin) before he was killed in the war. Hopefully someone out there may have further information about my grandfather or grandmother? Thanks.

Hello David
Having trawled through the Howard messages, I found your message of 03/08/04.

My G/Gf John V Howard (b Winchester 1875 married Alice budd in1897) had a Brother James (b1880 Winchester) This could be your James. He is not entered on the 1901 census,but if he was in the Boer War, that would explain it. John & Alice had a son John E , my G/F.
The howards are originally from Fareham nr Portsmouth. John E joined the RN (stoker) and worked in Portsmouth Dockyard and made friends with Alfred Norris RN (stoker) He stayed at Alfred,s home in Portsmouth. John E and Alfred,s wife had a Dau, Beryl, my Mother. John E stayed in contact with the Norris family until the late 1940's. My mother said that John E May Have left for South Africa in the late 1940,s and has not been heard of since.
I knew very little of my family as I was brought up in Dr Barnardo's.
Mother will be 83 this year and is desparate for any info on him.

If you think we are related .Please reply for further Info.
Regards.
John GIbbs.

Hi, My gr,gr grandfather Richard Howard came from Chichester, not too far away. He came to New Zealand in 1856 at the age of 26. I believe he was one of 4 boys. He died in 1866 and I do not know much about his family. Maybe you can find some connection.
Rosalie Howard