Talk:William Hillman

Date of birth

There seems to be much confusion about where and when William Hillman was born.

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography says "born on 13 November 1848 in Chapel Street, Stratford, Essex, the son of William Hillman and Sarah Stichbury".

However, Grace's Guide says "1847 December 30th. Born in Lewisham, Kent, the son of William Hillman, a Cab Master, and his wife Mary Taylor". Peter King's book "The Motor Men" rather dodges the issue and says his father lived in Stratford but does not mention a place/date for William (but gets his date of death wrong). The 1891 England Census for Stoke, Warwickshire has "Name: Hillman, William Age in 1891: 42, Where Born: Lewisham, Kent. Occupation: MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BICYCLE WORKS".

I suspect that the Dictionary of National Biography is wrong but of course cannot prove it.

Malcolma (talk) 12:34, 19 October 2018 (UTC)

I believe that you are correct in stating that the birth date and parents are incorrect. As a distant relative I was shocked to read this as it contradicts the families genealogy, fortunately I found this 'talk' page with what we believe to be the correct information - both the 1901 & 1911 census states that birthplace = Lewisham, Kent, Birth Year (estimated) 1848. I believe the correct DOB is 30 dec 1847 Lewisham Kent, to William Hillman and Mary Taylor. This ties in with the baptism record scanned by Familysearch

Phil Shipley (talk) 13:36, 17 August 2020 (UTC)

References