Francis Rhodes

GEDCOM Note

Single at time of 1901 census (aged 18) and still single in 1912 as witnesses for Elizabeth & William's marriage - Sarah signed as New.

Address on 1939 Register is 24 Liscombe Street, Newport. Also in household are:-
Wife - Sarah Rhodes - DOB 9 Nov 1887 - Household Duties
Lily M Rhodes (Pewtner) - DOB 14 May 1913 - Nail Sorter Malleable Iron Foundry - Single
David Rhodes - DOB 6 July 1920 - Iron & Steel Worker - Single

Aunty Ruth said her father (Francis) used to drink a lot and would go the club on Corporation Road after work, have a pint or 2 and then bring 2 flagons of beer home, one in each pocket. Her mother (Sarah) got so fed up with this she used to take the bottles, pour the beer down the sink and smash the bottles. This infuriated Francis who complained that there was 2 pence on the bottles which he now couldn't claim back as they couldn't be returned. One day he heard the congregation of the Baptist Church on Corporation Road singing at an open air service by The Corporation Hotel (the church William May used to attend). He joined in the singing and when he returned home he told Sarah he really enjoyed it. William May (Uncle Bill as Aunty Ruth knew him) encouraged Francis to attend a service which he did. He came home after the service and fell asleep (instead of going to the club). When he woke he was presented with a lovely Sunday dinner that wasn't burnt or dried up (which is how it used to be as he had gone to the club so had to be kept warm for his return). From then on he never drank again and wouldn't allow alcohol in the house!

David Rhodes was the informant on the death certificate of Francis Rhodes (his father) (Francis was Mum's uncle - Aunty Ruth's father, Elizabeth May's brother). Francis died the day mum and dad got married - 27 March 1951.