Genealogy Chat

I am trying to find any information about my Great Aunt Lilian and her husband William John Forbes who emigrated to America after the first world war. Lilian was born in Northampton England in 1897 and Died in Pulaski County Arkansas USA in January 1987. Lilian and William were married in Coventry England in 1916. I am trying to find if they had any children in the USA and if there are any living relatives.
Any info would be gratefully received.
Regards Trevor

This looks like them but arriving in USA from Australia. She's with husband William John, 33, both born England and son Edward F., 7 born Australia. Husband and wife had been in USA before from 1899 to 1913, Dakota. The nearest friend or relative from the country they came from was friend Mr. G. Stone, 9 George St., Paddington, Sydney. They're heading to Little Rock, Arkansas to join friend Mr. C. Newton.

Lillian G Forbes

in the California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1959
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Name: Lillian G Forbes
Gender: Female
Birth Date: abt 1897
Birth Place: N'thmpton, England
Age: 23
Arrival Date: 30 Dec 1920
Port of Arrival: San Francisco
Ship Name: R M S Marama
Port of Departure: Wellington, New Zealand
Destination: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
Last Residence: Australia
Accompanied by: C
Friend's Name: C Newton

This is a confusing one! This kind of looks like them but it says that both William & Lilian were born in Australia as were their parents. It also says that son Edward was born in North Carolina. It also says that William emigrated in 1906 and Lilian in 1920.


William Forbes

in the 1930 United States Federal Census
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Name: William Forbes
Birth Year: abt 1889
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Australia
[Austria]
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Goodland, Sherman, Kansas
Map of Home: View Map
Street address: Cherry
Ward of City: 3
House Number in Cities or Towns: 1118
Dwelling Number: 266
Family Number: 315
Home Owned or Rented: Owned
Home Value: 3500
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 25
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Australia
Mother's Birthplace: Australia
Language Spoken: English
Immigration Year: 1906
Naturalization: Naturalized
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: Railroad Steam
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Veteran: Yes
War: WW
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
William Forbes 41
Lillian Forbes 36
Edward Forbes 10
Pricilla Forbes 5

1925 census:

Name Lillian G Forbes
Census Date 1925
Residence County Sherman
Residence State Kansas
Locality Goodland
Birth Place Australia
Family Number 476
Marital Status Married
Gender Female
Age 28
Birth Year abt 1897
Race White
Relation Wife
Spouse's Name W J Forbes
Household Members
Name Age
W J Forbes 35
Lillian G Forbes 28
Edward A Forbes 4
Priscilla Forbes 7 M

Now it says William, Lilian and Edward all born Australia and Priscilla in Kansas.. William emigrated 1906 and was naturalized 1913, Lilian and Edward emigrated 1920.

Lilian Forbes nee Tarry was born in Northampton England august 13 1897
William J Forbes was born in Northampton England November 8 1886.
William served in the Australian Army during WW1. Lillian was given free passage to join him in Australia in 1918 tio join her Husband. I believe their son Edward was born in Australia and Priscilla in the USA.
I am trying to find any living relatives in the USA

I wonder why the different censuses say that both William and Lilian were born in Australia?

Looks like Priscilla died unmarried:

All Results
Priscilla Lillian Forbes

in the U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Record Image Index-only record

Name: Priscilla Lillian Forbes
[Priscilla L Forbes]
SSN: 483204667
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birth Date: 7 Sep 1924
Birth Place: Goodland She, Kansas
Father Name: William J Forbes
Mother Name: Lillian G Tarry
Death Date: 24 Aug 1997
Type of Claim: Original SSN.
Notes: Jun 1942: Name listed as PRISCILLA LILLIAN FORBES; 17 Sep 1997: Name listed as PRISCILLA L FORBES