Deans Family Page

dadWilliam Bernard DEANS was born on the 27th December 1914 in Cardiff. He was the son of Arthur David Alexander DEANS and Alice Maud DONOHUE. (see Donohue Family Page.)

Scottish Ancestors          Top of the page

During the 17th and 18th centuries the DEANS family lived in and around Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Scotland.

My research leads me to believe that I am descended from Robert DEANS and Elizabeth THOMSONE born circa 1680 probably in East Lothian. In the 18th Century the family records show them living maily in the Prestonpans, Saltoun and Haddington districts. Later the family spreads to Edinburgh Cannongate, Leith and Portobello and out to Dalkeith and surrounding villages. The records for these places aren't complete and I have based some of my findings on a baptism, marriage or burial record for the right place and the right time frame. If you know or suppose different please get in touch.

I have found baptism records for six children born to Robert Deans and Elizabeth Thomson: James 1710, William 1713, Isabell 1715, Thomas 1717, Margaret 1720 and David 1723. The baptism record for William my direct line 5xgreat grandfather does not give a name against the entry but it is right place, right time and Thomas DEANS (William's brother) stands as Cautioner (Caut) at his marriage to Elizabeth on 5th June 1741 at Haddington.

Robert DEANS was born in Cranston, Midlothian on 5 December 1752 to William DEANS, a weaver by trade, and Jannet NESBIT. Jannet was probably the daughter of John NESBIT and Jannet FINDLAYSON, baptised at Saltoun, East Lothian on 13 September 1724. John and Jannet Nesbit had eight other children; Helen Dunbar 1726, John Dunbar 1729, Alexander Whitekirk 1731, Elizabeth Whitekirk 1734, Katherine Whitekirk 1737, Margaret Whitekirk 1739, Katherine Whitekirk 1743 and Thomas Whitekirk 1746. Nothing more is known about the Nesbit Family except that a Jannet Nesbit married Robert Deans at Haddington, East Lothian on 5 June 1741 and a son David was born to them 22 June and baptised at Saltoun on 27 June 1742.

Robert was baptised at Cranston 10 December 1752 and about 1771 he married Helen AMBROSE (see Ambrose page) Robert and Helen had 7 children: John (b 1772) Unnamed(b 1775), Elizabeth (b 1778), James (b 1779), Robert (b 1782), William (b 1783) and Robert (b 1787).

Two of Robert and Helen's grandchildren emigrated to USA in 1849. Robert and David were both sons of James DEANS and Christian WILSON. Robert born 1815 was a coal miner, he married Eliza LAIRD on 27 April 1937 at Newbattle. In 1841 Robert and Eliza are living at Uphill West Lothian. Robert is working as a coal miner and they have two children James aged 4 and Eliza aged 1. Robert's brother David married Helen HASWELL at Newbattle on 9 March 1844. They had two children James born 1844 and Isabel born 1847 before David died on 14 July 1848. About this time the Mormon Church was emerging in Scotland and it would appear that both Robert and David and their families became part of that Church. Robert and Eliza emigrated to USA in 1849 and David's widow Helen joined the family with her children. They all sailed to America from Liverpool on 4 May 1849 on board the Emblem bound for New Orleans.The ship's passenger list shows Robert travelling with Eliza and Helen. With them are Robert's children James and Eliza and Helen's children James and Isabel, also listed are Henry aged 5, Christina aged 2 and Isabella aged 2. Robert and Helen had twins Christina and Isabella born in 1847 after Henry born 1844. In 1852 David's family joined a wagon train and made their way across America to Utah. Helen had remarried by then. I believe Robert must have died either soon after leaving New York to voyage on to New Orleans, on the journey up the Mississippi to St Louis or shortly after settling in Missouri. He does not appear on the 1850 census with Eliza and the children and by the time of the 1860 census Eliza has remarried. More about the Deans family in the USA.

Robert and Helen's grandaughter Jean DEANS, daughter of James and Christian and sister to Robert and David married James COWAN on 3 September 1842 at Newbattle, Midlothian, Their eldest son William Deans COWAN was born at Newbattle in 1844 and married Cecil Callow CRAIG at Duddington in 1874. Robert had taken Holy Orders and had become a member of the London Missionary Society. Soon after marrying Cecil they went to Madagascar on missionary work and to teach school. They had several children born in Madagascar between 1875 and 1881. As well as his missionary work William took a great interest in the flora and fauna of the Island and travelled about Madagascar collecting species to send back to the Natural History Museum in London. He published a book, drew images of orchids that he had catalogued and had several species of birds, amphibians and mammals named after him. See the link to the Reverend William Deans Cowan.

William was born in Dalkeith on 10th December 1783 and was baptised there on 5th October that year. He was the son of Robert DEANS and Helen AMBROS (Ambrose) and was a shoemaker by trade, He married Janet ANDERSON on 15th July 1802 at St Andrew's Church, Edinburgh. Nothing more is known about the Anderson family other than Janet's father was a porter in Leith.

William and Janet had five children: James (b 1808), Robert (b 1817), Robert (b 1819), Jannet (b 1822) and Helen (b 1825). James died in 1929 from "inflamation of the bowel". He was a shoemaker by trade and was buried at the Old Ground in Dalkeith on 16 August 1829. Robert born 1817 died of smallpox and was buried in the churchyard at Dalkeith on 20 July 1818. Jannet possibly married John MERRILEES at St Cuthbert's Edinburgh on 21 May 1841. There was a male child son of John Merrilees baptised at St Cuthbert's in 1849 but no further records.

Robert Deans          Top of the page

Robert Deans was born and baptised in Dalkeith in 1819 and went on to join the Army becoming a soldier in the 1st Battalion, 21st Fusiliers.  His military career took him to Chatham, Kent where he met and married Elizabeth Price. The marriage took place on 16th December 1839 at Frindsbury in Kent, where Elizabeth's father was stationed (transcribed as Robert DENS). (see Price Family Page)

Soon after this Robert was posted to India. Elizabeth accompanied him there and they had several children born in that country: James, Jane, Robert Stephen and Selina.  Robert Stephen was born in 1844 and died in 1846. Selina was born in 1846 , there is no record of her on the 1851 census so it is likely that she also died in infancy before the family returned to the UK.

In 1851 the census shows that Robert, Elizabeth, James and Jane were stationed back in Scotland at the Infantry Barracks in Glasgow. (Again there were errors in transcriptions which hampered research.)  Robert 1851, (Dalkeith/Bulkeith) Elizabeth 1851 , James 1851 (Deans/Deam, Dinapore,East  Indies/Dinapon et indies), Jane 1851.

Robert's military career then took him to Birr, Offaly, Ireland from where he was discharged with a pension, in 1859.  A daughter, Rebecca was born to Robert and Elizabeth in 1856.

 After his discharge from the Army Robert took up employment as a Docks Policeman in Cardiff. They had not been in Cardiff long when Rebecca died aged 3 years. Robert and Elizabeth made their home 33 Sophia Street, in 1861 they are sharing the house with a family called Brooks. Another son has been born to them, named Robert Sylvester. Towards the end of the 1860s Robert appears to have relinquished his post as a Docks Policement may be as the result of a charge of being drunk and disorderly after being caught up in an altercation in Bute Terrace in 1869. The case was dismissed as witnesses attested to another man starting the fight.

By 1871 Robert and Elizabeth have moved to Castle Road, Cardiff with their daughter Elizabeth who was born in 1862 - Albert Edward had been born in 1864 but died, aged 5 years in 1869. Robert's occupation is now given as a gardener and he won a 4th and 2nd prize for his geraniums in The Working Men's Flower Show held at the Drill Hall in 1869.

Robert and Elizabeth then moved to Tavistock Street, Cardiff. Between 1875 and 1877 Robert applied for a victualler's licence for the Tavistock Arms but there is no evidence that this was ever granted. In 1878 Robert bought, by auction, a small holding at The Gilbert, St Andrew, Cardiff.  He paid £350 for The Gilbert and is living there in 1881 with his wife and daughter and a farm servant.  In 1884 The Barry Dock & Railway Company purchased some of the land.  They paid Robert £1039 2s 6d for the land and compensation for the loss of fruit trees and bushes farmed on the land.  Robert was still living at The Gilbert when he died in 1886 and is buried in the churchyard at St Andrew. Robert left a personal estate of £59 10s 0d..

James Deans           Top of the page

James was born in Dinapore, East Indies on 17th February 1841. He was baptised at St Luke's Church, Dinapore on 28th March 1841. One of his sponsors is a William Deans so it seems likely that Robert wasn't the only member of his family stationed in India at this time. On the 1851 census James is living in the Infantry Barracks in Glascow with his father, mother and sister Jane. (his name is transcribed as Deam)

I can find no record of James on the 1861 census, Robert and Maria are living in Cardiff but James is not with them. It is possible that James also joined the Army.  There is a transcription of a record for a J W Deans with the 1st Bat. Royal North British Fusiliers in Barbados in 1861 - so right time and could be a likely Regt. James reappears on the 1871 census and by this time is married to Maria Brabyn. (see Brabyn Family History)

James and Maria married on 7 May 1867 in Cardiff. In 1871 They have a daughter, Elizabeth, living with them at 33 Sophia Street, Cardiff, their son John Brabyn Deans born in 1868, had died in 1869. James occupation is given as a painter.

In 1881 James and Maria are living at 50, Elm Street, Cardiff and have four more children, Robert, Effie, James (Edgar)  and Ernest (William) and James is now working as a coal tripper at Bute Docks. By 1891 they have moved again, to 12, Helen Street, Cardiff and have 3 more children Florence, Arthur and Catherine.  1901 census sees them living at 6, Helen Street and James is now working as a locomotive fireman.

After his father-in-law's death in 1866, John and Maria, along with Maria's sister and her husband,  were involved in court case against his mother-in-law, Nancy Brabyn.

James died on 12th February 1909 and was buried at Cathays Cemetry on 17th February 1909.  It seems that he died of a heart attack while at work for the Cardiff Railway Company.

Children of James Deans and Maria Brabyn            Top of the page

John Brabyn 1868 was baptised in Cardiff on 16 March 1869 and died on 18 March 1869. He was buried in Cardiff on 21 March.

Elizabeth Ann was born on 27 December 1869 in Cardiff and baptised on 16 January the following year. In 1871 she is living at 32 Sophia Street with her parents. They are living with Maria’s mother Nancy (HORNABROOK) BRABYN, the head of the house is William Henry GOODMAN who is married to Maria’s sister Annie. In 1881 Elizabeth is a scholar living at 50 Elm Street with her parents and siblings Robert, Effie, James and Ernest. Elizabeth married Henry COFFIN in Cardiff on 1 May 1887. In 1891 Elizabeth and Henry are living at 6 Arthur Street and have two children Lilian Maud and Charles Henry (Alice Maud was born in 1887 and died soon after birth). Elizabeth and Henry have moved to 20 Manor Street by 1901 and have four more children; Harry, James William, Robert Silvester and Virtue Amelia. They move again by 1911 to 107 Llanishen Street. The census records that they have been married for 23 years and had 9 children, 8 living. Henry is a builder of houses and living on his own account. George Baden Coffin was born in 1904 and Kate Florence Coffin in 1907. In 1933 at the time of their youngest daughter’s marriage to Roderick Harold MORGAN in 1933 they are living at Ragla, Heathwood Road, Cardiff. The address is given as 258 Heathwood Road in 1939 and Henry is now retired. Elizabeth died here on 11 July 1948. Administration was granted to Henry at Llandaff, effects £665 11s 9d.

Robert Silvester was born on 16 June 1872 and baptised in Cardiff on 29 December that year. In 1881 he is living with his parents and siblings at 50 Elm Street. In 1891 Robert is working as a brakesman and still living with his parents and siblings but now at 12 Helen Street. On 24 December 1892 at St Germain’s Church Robert married Ellen Jane PAYNE. Robert and Ellen never had any children. They moved to Port Talbot to live where Robert was still employed on the Railways but records show that in 1932 he was called upon to take retirement due to trade depression. Ellen died in 1936 in Cardiff. The 1939 census records Robert as a retired engine driver for GWR and he is living at Ty Draw Cottages Port Talbot. Robert married Elizabeth RUSSELL at Neath, Glamorganshire in 1943 but their happiness was short lived as Elizabeth died in 1945 at Neath. Robert also died in Neath in 1953.

Effie Maud was born on 19 July 1874 and baptised in Cardiff on 14 August that year. On the 1881 census she is recorded as a scholar living with her parents and siblings at 50 Elm Street. She is still living with her parents in 1891 but they have now moved to 12 Elm Street. Effie married David MORGAN at the Parish Church, Roath on 20 May 1893. David was a labourer, Effie’s address is given as 31 Rose Street. In 1901 Effie and David are living at 16 Harold Street Roath, David is a labourer doing pitch work and they now have 3 sons; Willie, Edward and Arthur. Three more children followed soon after; Ernest in 1903, Elsie in 1905 and Lily in 1907. Things went wrong for Effie and David after this and in 1910 Arthur, Ernest, Elsie and Lily are admitted to the Union Workhouse. The record states that they have been deserted by their father and that their mother is in a Mental Hospital but it also records that the father, David is in the Union Workhouse. The date of admission for the children is 6 October 1910 and last address as 8 Helen Street, the record acknowledges an aunt living at 6 Helen Street, this is probably Effie's sister Catherine. Discharge to father on 13 May 1912. On the 1911 census Effie is recorded as a “lunatic” at Whitchurch Hospital, David is recorded as an inmate at the Union Workhouse 30a Cowbridge Road, Cardiff. Matters must have improved and Effie and David and by 1921 Effie and David are reunited with all their children and living together at 44 Pengam Road Aberbargoed. David is a colliery worker below ground at the Upper Pengam Colliery. In 1939 their address is given as 27 Pengam Road David is retired and they still have Arthur, Ernest living with them along with Daniel and his wife Emily. Effie died on 14 May 1949 and is buried in Cathays Cemetery EK733. Probate was granted to David – effects £406 13s 6d. I was quite distressed to learn that Effie had been in an asylum and branded as lunatic. I never knew her but I have a wonderful photo of her – she looks so kind and smart. I like to think that she and David and all their children went on to have a good life.

James Edgar Castle was baptised in Cardiff on 23 February 1877. In 1881 he is recorded as a scholar living with his parents and siblings at 50 Elm Street and in 1891 at 12 Helen Street. In 1895 he married Esther RUNDELL at St Germain’s Church. He is a brakesman living at 62 Metal Street and the witnesses are James William Deans and Effie Morgan. In 1901 he is a locomotive fireman and he and Esther are living at 4 Helen Street with their children Florence, James and Robert. Living next door to them is James’ parents. They are still at 4 Helen Street in 1911 and James’ occupation is given as loco engine driver at iron works. He and Esther have been married for 15 years and have 6 children; Florence, James, William, Elizabeth, David and Effie. Also living with James and Esther is Daniel Edward MORGAN, son of James’ sister Effie and her husband David. Daniel is working as an errand boy. Alfred DUNSCOMBE is also living with them and is recorded as a cousin, labourer in masonry and building trade. James and Esther are still living at 4 Helen Street in 1921. James is a loco driver for Guest Keen and Nettlefolds. Their children Effie, Thomas and Milba are living with them and Alan Dunscombe is still with them. James and Esther must have been a very kind and family orientated couple as they have a different nephew living with them now. William B. Deans, my father, is living with them. He is 6 years old and a scholar, his mother had died in 1918 and he and another sister are being cared for by relatives. Esther died on 16 November 1935. James died on 28th January 1936 and is buried in Plot EH1490 Cathays Cemetery, Cardiff.

Ernest William also commonly known as William Ernest was born on 17 February 1879. He is at 50 Elm Street with his parents and siblings in 1881 and a scholar at 12 Helen Street in 1891. In 1897 he married Eliza Mary TUCKER at Roath, Cardiff. In 1901 They are living at 44 Helen Street with children Florence and James. The 1911 census records that James is a labourer at the fuel works, he and Eliza have been married for 14 years and have had 7 children, 5 of them living; Florence, William , Gladys, Henri and Arthur. Lilian 1902 and Herbert Ivor 1910 died soon after they were born. Eliza died soon after this census was taken on 27 May 1911. Ernest married again in 1931. His second wife was Edith Matilda TUCKER (nee YURS) whose first husband, Thomas Henry TUCKER was the brother of Eliza, Ernest’s first wife. In 1939 Ernest and Matilda are living at 11 Madras Street. Ernest is a fitter labourer in the munitions works (probably CURRANS). Living with Ernest and Edith are George W BODIN 1924 apprentice upholsterer, Richard W Bodin 1927 scholar and a blanked record that is probably that of Omar Bodin. These 3 brothers are the grandchildren of Ernest and Eliza and the sons of his daughter Florence through her marriage to Dollah BODIN. Ernest died in 1949 and is buried in Plot L3406 Cathays Cemetery.

Florence Mary Jane was baptised at St Margaret’s Roath, her parents were living at 14 Adeline Street at the time. In 1901 she is living at Helen Street with her parents and brother Arthur and sister Catherine. On 13 February 1904 Florence married Willie STOWE at the Parish Church of Roath. In 1911 Florence and Willie are living at 75 Manor Street, Cardiff . Willie is a labourer at a fuel works. They have been married for 7 years and Have 3 children; Horace, Willie and Arthur. In 1939 they still live at 75 Manor Street and Willie is a cleaner for the G.P.O. Willie died in 1945 in Cardiff. Florence died 26 March 1973 and is buried in Plot EL181 Cathays Cemetery. Probate was granted at Newcastle on Tyne 2 August Effects £4516.

Arthur David Alexander – see Arthur David Alexander Deans

Catherine was born in Cardiff on 20 April 1887 and baptised ther on 8 May that year. In 1901 she is at 6 Helen Street with her parents and sister Florence and brother Arthur. In 1907 she married Robert McELVENNY at the Parish Church of Roath. Robert was a boiler maker and the address for them both is given as 7 Helen Street. In 1911 they are at no. 6 Helen Street. Robert is a riveter they have been married for four years and have 2 daughters Maria and Phyllis. Catherine, or Kitty as she was known, had four more children: Victor, Robert (Bob) , Elizabeth Stella and Charles Hugh. In 1939 they are living at 19 Blanche Street, Robert is a heavy worker boilermaker in ship repair. Living with them are Robert jnr a works inspectorat The Air Ministry Shadow Factory. Charles Hugh is a fitter’s mate heavy engineering. Maria and Eliza and Stella are both living at home too but Stella is entered as Elizabeth Stella COOMBES, there is one other blanked record which is probably that for Stella’s son John S COOMBES born 1937. Robert died in 1963. Catherine died in 1977 in Cardiff and is buried in Plot EA1460 Cathays Cemetery.

Post Scripts

For quite a while I could not figure out how one of the matches from my DNA analysis results fitted into the tree. From shared matches it was possible to deduce that he was on the DEANS branch. There wasn’t much to go on except for the name William Henry DEANES Griffiths on a tree for the match . Searches showed up a death record for William Henry D Griffiths born 27 June 1916 who died in Bromley, Kent in 1987. There were a few possible birth registrations in Cardiff around that time for a William D, William H Griffiths but none of these leads led anywhere. William did however show up on the 1939 census living at 50 Ordell Street with Albert and Annie L. Griffiths and working as an assistant at a steel rolling mill. The birth date was correct. A further search of the GRO index showed a birth for a William Henry DEANE born in the right quarter of 1916 with no father’s name entered. Next to turn up was a baptism for William Henry Deane at St Saviour’s Roath n 14 September 1916 recorded as the son of William Henry and Florence Phebe Deane of 17 Ordell Street, father’s occupation soldier. I knew Florence Phoebe (Maria) DEANS the daughter of Ernest William Deans. The release of the 1921 census helped a great deal. The census showed William at 24 Springfield Place with Annie Laura Griffiths born Cardiff and Albert Griffiths born Launceston, Tasmania. The census recorded that William, then aged nearly 5 years had been adopted by the couple. The DNA matches to me and other Deans family members would lead us to believe that Williams mother Florence is indeed the daughter of Ernest William Deans. A copy of his bith certificate showed that he had been born to Florence at 30a Cowbridge Road, which was The Union Workhouse. Maybe in time the family of William henry Deane Griffiths may be able to establish who his father is through DNA matches.

Florence went on to marry Dollah BODIN in 1920 and they had 9 children (see Welsh International Footballers) before Dollah died in 1941. Florence next married Georges MERVILLE, a merchant mariner, but happiness was short lived as Georges died at sea during WWII. Florence next married George HINDLEY in 1943. George died in 1959 and Florence on 21 July 1985 in Cardiff.

Gustav Adolf KORSMAN was the adopted son of Edith Matilda YURS and her first husband Thomas Henry TUCKER. Thomas Henry Tucker and Eliza Mary TUCKER first wife of Ernest Henry DEANS were brother and sister. After Thomas and Eliza Tucker had both died their respective spouses had gone on to marry each other. Gustav was baptised at St Germains Roath on 28 January 1909, mother’s name Helena Korsman of 12 Emerald Street- no father’s name given. In 1911 he is recorded living with Thomas and Matilda Tucker at 33 Emerald Street. Thomas and Matilda had one son, George aged 9 born in Cardiff Gustav is aged 2 years born in Barry, Glamorganshire but his nationality is given as Swede and it states that he was adopted. Also recorded as adopted by Thomas and Matilda is Alma Soloman Hawes (female) aged 1 born Cardiff. Gustav married Victoria L Dangerfield in Cardiff in 1931. Gustav’s birth certificate records that he was born 3 May 1908 at 35 Fryatt Street Barry, Glamorgan to Aurora Alma Korsman, a stewardess. The informant was M Bergastrom present at the birth 35 Fryatt Street Barry 11 June 1908. Father’s name is not given but other trees suggest that he was Ernest William Deans. I am awaiting DNA confirmation from Gustav’s family.

Arthur David Alexander Deans           Top of the page

Arthur David Alexander Deans was born in Cardiff on 20th March 1885, the youngest son of James William Deans and Maria Brabyn. He was probably born at their home, 12 Helen Street, Roath, Cardiff.  Arthur started school in Helen St before being admitted to Stacey Road School in March 89. His younger sister, Catherine (Aunty Kitty, Blanche Street) had joined him there by 1892. By 1901 the family have moved into 6, Helen Street and Arthur is employed as a foundry labourer.

On 12th March 1904 Arthur  married Alice Maud DONOHUE at St David's Roman Catholic Church, his address is given as 6, Helen Street and his occupation as Railway Fireman. Their daughter Catherine Maud is born soon after at Neath probably at the home of Robert Silvester and Ellen Deans. Next born was Violet Mary Jane in 1906, and Lily May in 1909. The 1911 census shows the family living at 6 Helen Street. Arthur's occupation is given as railway servant in the coal tipper industry, in fact, he had joined the trade union "The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants" in 1909 . Also living at 6 Helen Street are Arthur's sister Catherine and her husband Robert McElvenny, a ship fitter from West Hartlepool, along with their 2 children Maria and Rose.

Another daughter, Eileen, is born in December 1911 followed by a son, William Bernard, usually known as Bernard, in December 1914. However, before Bernard's birth, Arthur took the decision to join the Army. He enlisted with the 7th Glamorgan Corps of Royal Engineers on 30th April 1913 for a period of 4 years but remained with them throughout WWI until being medically discharged in 1919.

Most of Arthur's military career seems to have been spent guarding the fortresses and defences around Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock. He had two misdemeanours whilst serving: In October 1914 he was caught drinking in the bar during prohibited hours, for which he received an admonishment;  At the end January 1917 he was AWOL for 24 hrs and given 3 days jankers. In 1918 he spent 3 days in hospital in Angle, Pembrokeshire suffering from severe pain in his shoulder. From the medical notes with his discharge papers we learn that this is arthritis associated with some wounds and scars from previous disease and operations.  Arthur, sometime previously, had suffered from empyema, and had the scars to prove it, it seems as though exposure had led to the pain and disability he was feeling from 1918 and which led to his discharge.  Also noted on the medical records is that Arthur had the tops of two fingers amputated on his right hand.  There is no mention of this happenening during his service career so may have happened when he was much younger.

Alice is noted as being Next-of-Kin on the discharge papers and her address is given as 8 Helen Street, Cardiff but on discharge Arthur states his address as 19 Blanche Street, Cardiff. Alice had died in 1918 a victim of the Spanish Flu pandemic that started that year. It is likely that NOK details were entered early in Arthur's service and 8 Helen street was where Alice and the children lived while Arthur was deployed. When Alice died the children were taken in by relatives, Arthur probably returned to Cardiff to live with his sister Catherine who, by now had moved to Blanche Street.

Arthur remarried early in 1921, another Alice - Alice L Davies. In 1921 Arthur and his new wife are living at 38 Shakespeare Street. The White Swan. Arthur is recorded as a Licenced Victualler and Alice as an assistant. Also living with them in the White Swan are Arthur's three eldest daughters: Kitty (Catherine)is an assistant. Violet is a waitress at The Park Hotel and Lily is in whole time education. Arthur's youngest daughter, Eileen is living at 9 Helen Street with Mary LINDSAY, Alice Donohue's sister. Alice's brother William Donohue and her sister Margaret Brennan are also living there along with Margaret's husband James. Eileen is attending St Peter's School and her parents are marked as NK (not known. Bernard (William Bernard) is living a few doors away at 4 Helen Street with an uncle, his father's brother, James Edgar Castle DEANS Along with James and his wife Esther are four of their children Elizabeth, Effie, Thomas and Milba and a boarder Alfred DUNSCOMBE. By all accounts the marriage between Arthur and his second wife was not a happy one and Arthur and Alice are living apart when the 1939 register was undertaken. Living with Arthur at The White Swan in 1939 are 2 of his daughters, Catherine (Kitty) and Lily and also his grandson Bernard HUGHES, son of Violet and Billy Hughes. Arthur died in 1944. His son Bernard was serving overseas in the RAF at the time. Probate was granted to his daughters Kitty and Lily. His effects amounted to £1691.12s.2d. The Licence for The White Swan passed to Kitty Deans.

William Bernard Deans

Born William Bernard Deans on 27th December 1914, he was always known as Bernard or Bernie. At the time of his birth his Father and Mother were probably living at 8 Helen Street, Roath, Cardiff. After his Mother, Alice, died in the 'flu epidemic of 1918-19 it is likely that Bernard and his sister, Eileen went to live with an Aunt, in the same street. In 1921 Bernard's father remarried and also became licencee of the White Swan Hotel, Shakespeare Street, Roath, Cardiff. When Bernard left school he had various jobs, including delivery boy for Woodley's butchers, before going on to help his father in the licensing trade.Bernard tried to join the RAF and went up to London for examinations and interviews but was not allowed to enrol because he had flat feet.

However when war broke out in 1939 it was a different matter and he reapplied at the beginning of the war and was accepted. He joined as a fitter and worked on Blenheims and Spitfires and saw service in Africa, Palestine and Italy before being discharged in 1946. He was awarded The 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star and Clasp (North Africa 1942-42), The Italy Star, The Defence Medal and The War Medal 1939-45.

A little time prior to this his Father died and as Bernard was still serving overseas his sister Kitty took over as licensee of the White Swan. On discharge Bernie, Kitty and Lily managed the pub until Lily married Reginald Newman and later Bernard married Vivienne Burton. Bernie and Viv went to Live in Ty mawr Road, Rhumney where there first child was born but two years later they moved out of Cardiff and went to live in a cottage with a smallholding at Welsh Newton Common, Herefordshire.bHe lived there for the next 35 years, working where he could find employment until joining British Nylon Spinners (ICI Fibres) in 1955 where he remained until he retired at 65.Bernard and Vivienne had three more children born at Welsh Newton Common.

In 1987 Bernard and Vivienne moved to Wickham Lodge, Little Birch, where he spent a contented retirement before dying suddenly, but peacefully, in his own armchair.  After returning from a social afternoon spent with neighbours and friends, he walked home, sat down and fell asleep on 4th April 1997. We are not sure whether he wished to end a financial year nicely or if he just could not face the prospect of another General Election! He was buried on 10th April in the churchyard at Much Birch on a lovely spring afternoon.

"We Will Remember Them"          Top of page

More about the Deans Family           Top of the page

Gallery           Top of the page

dadfamily Bernie with his children, Pamela, Eileen, Kathleen and Raymond wickham Bernie enjoying his retirement airman Bernie as a young airman
RoyalArms Dad enjoying a drink at "the local" - The Royal Arms, LLangrove with Clive Palmer, Keith Preece and John Lewis WhiteSwan The White Swan Hotel, Shakespeare St, Cardiff. Run by the Deans family.  BarWhiteSwan The bar of the White Swan.
alicekids Bernard as a baby with his Mother, Alice and sisters Kitty, Violet, Lily and Eileen arthur Arthur David Alexander Deans kitty Catherine (Kitty) Stevenson (nee Deans)
arthurswan Arthur outside his pub, The White Swan,  Shakespeare Street, Cardiff vi Violet Hughes (nee Deans) arthureileen Arthur with his daughter Eileen
           
lily Lily Newman (nee Deans) with her children David and Peter and her niece Pamela greatauntKit Catherine McElvenny (nee Deans) - Great Aunt Kitty GrAuntKit Catherine McElvenny (nee Deans) and daughters
MariaBrabyn Maria Deans (nee Brabyn) robertdeans Robert Deans elizabethDeans Elizabeth Deans (nee Pryce)
           
(c) 2020 Pamela Deans