Victoria Mary Paton THOVEZ [13755]

  Research Notes:

In 1907 Victoria had an offer of some 15-20,000 francs from a prospective purchaser of the house in Messina built for her and her mother. However it appears that the purchaser was unhappy about dealing with a woman. Hannah's brother Cubitt was brought into the story in order to obtain his signature. This caused many problems but Margaret involved him so that if Victoria died childless, he and his family would inherit something in Victoria's Will.
However Cubitt was reluctant to provide his signature onto an open form so time dragged on. Then came the 1908 earthquake at Messina. The house had been partially paid for, but the agent, his partner and purchaser all died. "No trace of money and no-one left to ask". The house also was destroyed. It is suggested that Hannah's step-daughter Elizabeth and some of her family also died at the same time, however information says that Elizabeth Jeans died on 13 Jan, 1891 in Hampshire. Margaret did write to Cubitt pointing out "that if he had signed the paper in the first place, then the sale would have gone through before the earthquake"!

Victoria was living at 23 Craven Hill Gardens, Lancaster Gate in 1918.

Thovez or Paton-Thovez Victoria Mary of 12 Queens-gardens Bayswater London single woman died 7 January 1952 Probate London 28 February to Herbert William Scriven retired bank mansger. Effects L5904 6s 7d.

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 3 Apr 1881, Eastborne SSX. Victoria is recorded as a lodger aged 15 a scholar born Maniaci Sicily

Victoria married Walter BECKER [14142] [MRIN: 4729] in Aug 1886. The marriage ended in divorce.