Descendants of Robert  Burgar (1754-1820)

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. Robert James Burgar (1810-1884) - son of Robert Burgar (1776-1848) - assumed son of Robert Burgar (1754-1820)

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See Tree showing descendants of Robert James Burgar

Robert James was born on 18 Sep 1810 in St Clement Danes, Holborn, London.⁵⁴ He was baptized on 25 Oct 1810 in St Clement Danes, Holborn, London.⁵⁴ A summary of the baptism record is as follows:

Robert James, born 18th September, son of Robert and Mary Ann Burgar, was baptised on the 25th October 1810 at St Clement Danes, Westminster.

He died in 1884 at Wandsworth London.¹⁶ Civil Registration of Death reference is Jun 1884 V 1a p 404. Aged 75. - Wandsworth London.¹⁶

Robert James married Janeta Gordon in 1833 in St Lukes Chelsea (see below).

He was a shoemaker. It is likely that Robert James may have worked for his father, Robert Burgar Snr., and therefore learnt the trade of shoemaking. Janetta was a shoebinder and probably worked alongside her husband.

Robert James and Janetta had their first child in1833 in Chelsea, and continued having children until 1855, 12 altogether.  

The family then moved to Kensington, where two daughters were born and one son died. By 1841 they had moved back to Chelsea.

See 1841 census.

In 1842 they had another daughter, Elizabeth, but tragedy hit as 6 year old son John and 3 month old Elizabeth were buried on the same day.

The following year they moved again and 3 year old Mary Ann died and was buried in the part of the cemetery reserved for poor people.

See 1851 census.

They had several more children after this. As you can see they had many children but not very much luck. Of their 12 children, 6 died in infancy. George was deaf and dumb. Alexander Napoleon and Walter died in lunatic asylums. This is bad luck in any one's terms.

There is an Insolvency Court case in which the defendant has a grudge against a Mr Burgar, and has deliberately refused to pay his debts.  We believe that the creditor was probably Robert James Burgar, but have yet to prove this.  He is the only Burgar at this time in London who would be old enough to be a creditor.  

See details of Court Case

From 1860 onwards the Burgar family appear in various Registers for St Mary Battersea as being house owners. In the Poor Rate Register for Battersea ¹⁵⁶ in early 1860 there is no mention of any Burgar but on the 7th June 1860 there is a pencilled amendment:

June 7th 1860 R.Burgar 18 Little Europa Place, Rental Value £12, Rateable Value £9

In the Sewer, Lighting and General Rates, Robert James Burgar is again recorded, so it is certain that we are dealing with the right Burgar. Thus there appears to be a change in fortune of this Burgar family.

See 1861 Census.

The eldest surviving daughter, Janette, was married in 1857, and was living separately from the rest of this Burgar family.

The Poor Rate and other records show Robert Burgar to be the owner of the house until 1867. Then the owner becomes Edward Burgar, who not only owns number 18, but also number 19 Little Europa Place. Edward is Robert Edmon Burgar, the son of Robert James,


Although, Robert James was listed as the tenant in the Poor Rates, he is not there in this 1871 census. In fact he was at that time living away from his family, in Chelsea.

See 1871 census.

His occupation is given as a shoemaker and tinker, suggesting that he was moving around from job to job. Presumably he was having difficulty getting full time employment.

Meanwhile, Janetta and her children was still living at 18 Little Europa Place. Her son Robert Edmond (alias Edward Burgar) was still the owner of 18 and 19 Little Europa Place.

See 1871 Census
 

Soon after this, Robert James appears in court charged with being in possession of a pistol and of threatening to shoot someone.

See report of court case

We have yet to find the result of this court case.

After Janetta (Gordon) Burgar, died in 1874 the family seems to have split up.

Robert James Burgar and his youngest son Walter were lodging together in London in 1881.

See 1881 census.

Robert James died in 1884 but the circumstances are not known.

When Robert Edmond married in 1888 his Marriage certificate states that his father (Robert James Burgar) was a 'dealer'. What he was "dealing" in is uncertain.

Although the Robert James Burgar ( and then his son, Robert Edmon) owned houses it was not in the most salubrious part of Battersea. The value of the 2 houses at Little Europa Place seems to have dropped during Robert Edward's ownership.

1860 Owned by Robert James Burgar Rental Value £12 Rateable Value £9

1870 Owned by Robert Edward Burgar Rental Value £10 Rateable Value £8

1874 Owned by Robert Edward Burgar Rental Value £6 Rateable Value £6


An excerpt from an 1894 Map of Battersea at this time suggests that they did not live in a high class residential area.

The new riverside factories led to small pockets of housing that were classic slums by the 1890s. Little Europa Place was known as "Little Hell" because of the drunken and criminal population.

Robert James Burgar and Janeta Gordon were married on 22 Feb 1833 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.⁹³ The following is a summary of the entry in the Marriage Register:

Robert Burgar, Shoemaker, and Janetta Gordon were married on the 22nd February 1833 at St Lukes Chelsea. Robert James signed and Janetta made her mark.
 

Janeta Gordon (daughter of Robert Gordon and Elizabeth) was born in 1811 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.⁹³ She was baptized on 10 Mar 1811 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.⁹³ The following is a summary of the entry in the Baptism Register:

Janetta, daughter of Robert Gordon and Elizabeth was baptised on the 24th August 1811 at St Lukes Chelsea.

She died in 1874 at Wandsworth London.¹⁶ Civil Registration of Death reference is Dec 1874 V 1d p 423. Aged 65. - Wandsworth London.¹⁶   Her Death Certificate states:

On the 19th November 1874 at 18 Little Europa Place Janeta Burgar, Female, 65 years, Wife of Robert Burgar Shoemaker, died of Bronchitis. M.A. Shepherd, of 34 Little Europa Place, Battersea, present at the death

The Burial Register of St Mary, Battersea, London,⁸⁸ states:

She was a Shoe Binder.^9,10,12

After her death her children had to make their own ways in life.

Robert James Burgar and Janeta Gordon had the following children:

		Robert James Burgar was born on 4 May 1833 in Manor St, Chelsea, London.43,93 He was baptized on 11 May 1833 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93 The following is a summary of the entry in the Baptism Register: Robert, son of Robert James and Janetta Burgar, Shoemaker of Manor Street, was baptised on the 11th May 1833 at St Lukes, Chelsea. He was baptized on 16 Jul 1837 in Holy Trinity, Sloane St, Chelsea, London.43 The following is a summary of the entry in the Baptism Register: Robert James, born 4th May 1833, son of Robert James and Janetta Burgar, Shoemaker of 2 Grove Place, Symons Street was baptised on the 16th July 1837 at Holy Trinity, Chelsea. The three brothers, Robert James, John and George were baptised on the same occasion. The eldest of the three, Robert James, was baptised 4 years earlier as Robert. Perhaps the parents thought they would get value for money and have him done again if it did not cost any more. He died in 1838 at Queen St Chelsea.16,93 Civil Registration of Death reference is Dec 1838 V 3 p 196. - Kensington, London.16 He was buried on 15 Dec 1842 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93 The following is a summary of the entry in the Day Burial Book (X26/23). Robert Burgar, aged 5.5years. Fever. Near Nodes Stone in East Quarter, 3.5' deep. £0-6-6d
		John Burgar was born on 11 Feb 1835 in 2 Grove Place Symons St Chelsea.43 He was baptized on 16 Jul 1837 in Holy Trinity, Sloane St, Chelsea, London.43 The following is a summary of the entry in the Baptism Register: John,, born 11th February 1835, son of Robert James and Janetta Burgar, Shoemaker of 2 Grove Place, Symons Street was baptised on the 16th July 1837 at Holy Trinity, Chelsea. The three brothers, Robert James, John and George were baptised on the same occasion. The eldest of the three, Robert James, was baptised 4 years earlier as Robert. Perhaps the parents thought they would get value for money and have him done again if it did not cost any more. In the 1841 Census, he was living at 9 Manor Gardens Chelsea London.9 He died in 1842 at Manor Gardens, Chelsea, London.16,93 Civil Registration of Death reference is Sep 1842 V 3 p 43. - Chelsea, London.16 He was buried on 3 Oct 1842 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93 The following is a summary of the entry in the Burial Register: John Burgar, aged 6 years, of Manor Gardens Chelsea was buried on the 3rd October 1842 at St Lukes Chelsea. The Day Burial book states: John Burger Interred North side of Lloyds memorial, Aged 6 years.
		George Burgar.
		Janette Burgar.
		Mary Ann Burgar was born in 1841 in Kensington, London.16 Civil Registration of Births reference is Mar 1841 V 3 p 231 Kensington London - Kensington, London16 She died in 1843 at White Lion St Chelsea.93 Civil Registration of Death reference is Dec 1843 V 3 p 46 - Kensington, London.16 She was buried on 13 Dec 1843 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93 Mary Ann Burgar, aged 3 years 6 months, of White Lion Street was buried on the 13th December 1843 at St Lukes Chelsea. The Burial Day Book (ref X26/22c) says Mary Ann Burgar interred in the North Quarter, Poor In the 1841 Census, she was living at 9 Manor Gardens Chelsea London.9
		Elizabeth Burgar was born in 1842 in Chelsea, London.16  Civil Registration of Births reference is Sep 1842 V 3 p 46 - Chelsea, London16 She died in 1842 at Manor Gardens, Chelsea, London.16,93 Civil Registration of Death reference is Sep 1842 V 3 p 43. - Chelsea, London.16 She was buried on 3 Oct 1842 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93  The following is a summary of the entry in the Burial Register: Elizabeth Burgar, aged 3 months, of Manor Gardens Chelsea was buried on the 3rd October 1842 at St Lukes Chelsea. The Burial Day Book (X26/22a) says: Elizabeth Burgar, N.side of Lloyds Stone age 0 years.
		Robert Edmond Burgar.
		Elizabeth Jane Burgar.
		Catherine Burgar was born in 1848 in Steer Buildings Queen St Chelsea.16  Civil Registration of Births reference is Jun 1848 V 3 p 59 - Chelsea, London16 Catherine died in 1851 at Steer Buildings Queen St Chelsea.93 Civil Registration of Death reference is Jun 1851 V 3 p 41. - Chelsea, London.16  She was buried on 26 Apr 1851 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93  The following is a summary of the entry in the Burial Register: Catherine Burgar, aged 3 years, of Steers Buildings, Queen Street, was buried on the 26th April 1851 at St Lukes, Chelsea The Burial Day Book (X26/22b) says Catherine Burgar buried No 56, Row 16, North Ground, 8 feet deep, Poor, £0.6.6d In the 1851 Census, she was living at 5 Steers Buildings Chelsea London.10
		David Burgar was born in 1850 in Chelsea, London.16  Registration of Births reference is Jun 1851 V 3 p 61 - Chelsea, London16 He died in 1850 at Steer Buildings Queen St Chelsea.16,93  Civil Registration of Death reference is Jun 1850 V 3 p 41.- Chelsea, London. A second registration is dated Sep 1850 V 3 p 46. - Chelsea, London.16 David died of "Inflammation of the Brain" at the age of 3 months.  He was buried on 10 Aug 1850 in St Lukes, Chelsea, London.93  Details in the Burial Book (X22/22b)state: David Burgar, aged 3 months,  No 6, No 56 Row 16 N.Ground 8' deep. Poor Ð0-6-6d.
		Alexander Napolean Burgar was born in 1851 in Chelsea, London.16 Civil Registration of Births reference is Sep 1851 V 3 p 67 - Chelsea, London16 He died in 1896 at Watford, Hertfordshire.16 Civil Registration of Death reference is Jun 1896 V 3a p 323. Aged 43. - Watford, Hertfordshire.16 Alexander Napoleon was a shoemaker, like most of his family. He is seen with his family in the 1861 and 1871 census. See census returns. We do not know what happen to him immediately after his mother died in 1874, but by 1881 we believe that he was an inmate in the Surrey County Lunatic Asylum in Wandsworth. See 1881 census. Unfortunately, all the inmates (about 1,500) in the Asylum are only entered in the Census by their intials. Thus the entry of A.N. B. is not conclusive proof that this is Alexander Napoleon Burgar, but see below. The Surrey Asylum became the London County Lunatic Asylum in Norwood, Middlesex in 1888. In the 1891 Census we believe that Alexander is there with his brother Walter. See 1891 census. There are two entries, one above the other as follows: A.N.B. Patient, Single, aged 37, shoemaker, Lunatic W.B. Patient, single, aged 31, shoemaker, London St Georges, Lunatic. We believe that A.N.B. is Alexander Napolean Burgar and W.B. is Walter Burgar. Both were shoemakers in the earlier census returns. A.N.B. appears exactly as in the 1881 census, but 10 years older. In the 1881 Census, Walter Burgar was living in Battersea with his father. His father died in 1884, which might have been the reason that Walter became an inmate in the 1891 Census. Their ages are approximately correct. They should be 40 and 36, not 37 and 31. In 1896 Alexander Napoleon Burgar died in the Lunatic Asylum at Leavesden, near Watford, Herts. {When we asked the Asylum to check their records for a Burgar, and we then gave them his first names, Alexander Napoleon, we were met with some disbelief}.
		Walter Burgar was born in 1855 in Chelsea, London.16 Civil Registration of Births reference is Sep 1855 V 1a p 122 - Chelsea, London16 He died in 1900 at Uxbridge, Middlesex.16 Civil Registration of Death reference is Sep 1900 V 3a p 30. Aged 40. - Uxbridge, Middlesex.16 Walter Burgar lived with his parents and appears with them in the 1861 to 1881 censuses. See Census returns. He died in the Uxbridge Registration District, which houses the London County Lunatic Asylum (sometimes called the Norwood Asylum). We believe that he died in this Asylum. Unfortunately, all the inmates (about 2,000) in the Asylum are only entered in the Census by their initials. See 1891 census. However, we have two entries, one above the other as follows: A.N.B. , Patient, Single, aged 37, shoemaker, Lunatic W.B., Patient, single, aged 31, shoemaker, London St Georges, Lunatic. We believe that A.N.B. is Alexander Napolean Burgar and W.B. is Walter Burgar. Both were shoemakers in the earlier census returns. Their ages should be 40 and 36, not 37 and 31. (See Alexander Napoleon Burgar for further details.).

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