HOLLAND-L Archives

From: Carolyn Oliver <>
Subject: Robert Holland, England & Canada
Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2001 09:12:00 -0700

With all the recent activity on the Holland list, I am re-sending my
August
2000 posting. Still looking for more info on my Robert Holland.

My great-grandfather, Robert Holland, was a British Home Child. He was
born in England, likely the London area, in approximately 1868. The
1881 Census for Bethnal Green, London, lists him as an resident of the
Children's Home, Bonner Road, London. In May 1884, at the age of 16, he
was emigrated to Canada on the SS Sarnia of the Dominion Line with a
large group of children from the same Home.

Robert Holland was admitted to the Children's Home on June 8, 1876. The
summary of his admission to the Children's Home contains the following:
Application dated March 29th, 1876 made by William King, Reformatory &
Refuge Union
Name: Robert Holland, Present Residence: 19 Pratt Street, Lambeth,
Child's age last birthday: about 7 Father's name: Not known, Mother's
name: Don't know, Her occupation: a Vagrant

Robert Holland wrote to the Children's Home in 1927 requesting a birth
certificate for pension purposes. They sent my great-grandfather a
birth certificate, giving his place of birth as Camden Town, his parents
as Robert and Elizabeth Holland (nee Holliday), and his date of birth as
18th August, 1868. According to the application they didn't know who
his parents were in 1876 so I am no sure how did they decided this was
his birth certificate.

My purpose in posting to this list is not necessarily to find his
parents (although that would be wonderful!). I would be interested in
knowing if anyone on the list recognizes Robert Holland and Elizabeth
Holliday and has any information on their children. If there is another
Robert Holland out there with these parents, at least I will be able to
cross them off the list!

There may also be a connection to a Hibbert family; possibly a
half-brother George Hibbert and a Frances Hibbert, relationship
unknown. I have also posted to the British Home Children list and the
Hibbert
list.

I'll close this lengthy posting with a few words from Robert Holland's
letter to The Children's Home, dated December 19, 1927:
"Just a line or too from one of your old boys. I have no doubt I have
long been forgotten, but I have never forgot the kind care and love that
was shown me while under your care. I have made good in Canada tho not
rich in money I am blest with a good wife and 10 healthy children ... am
well respected here ... May God bless the Children's Home in the old
land. P.S. This dollar for the Home."

My father speaks of his grandfather with great love and respect. I wish
I had known him. Robert Holland didn't know his own family, but he and
his wife created one.

Carolyn Oliver
Surrey, BC

This thread:

• Robert Holland, England & Canada by Carolyn Oliver <>