Walter William Clarke was a journalist, sometimes known as “The Rambler.” He lived at 1872 Pendrell Street in 1912 and 1913.
Walter’s daughter, Alma, was a well-known pianist who was charged and acquitted in the murder of her architect husband, Francis Mawson Rattenbury.
Family Background and Early Life
Walter William Clarke was born in Reading, Berkshire, England in 1864. His parents were John Thomas Clarke (1835–1895) and Harriett Woodbridge (1837–1914).
Walter trained to become a compositor in a printing shop.
Marriage to Mary Wolff
On December 25, 1886, in St. John, Walworth, Surrey, England, Walter married Mary Frances Wolff. Her parents were Ernest Henry Wolff (1838–1908) and Elizabeth Grace (1842–1930). Ernest Wolff (1835-1908) was a tailor.
Frances’s brother, Ernest A. Wolff (1873-1943), was a talented, though somewhat temperamental, violinist and conductor. Frances and Ernest both studied at the London College of Music.
To British Columbia
By 1891, Walter and Frances were living in Victoria, British Columbia. Walter was working as a compositor for the Times Printing and Publishing Company. Frances and her brother, Ernest, became active in the Victoria music scene.
By 1892, Walter was a printer at the government printing office in Victoria. Frances taught elocution and deportment at the Victoria School of Music.
Walter and Frances continued their musical activities through the 1890s.
In 1897, Walter and Frances moved to Kamloops, British Columbia, along with Frances’s brother, Ernest.
Walter ran the Kamloops Standard, a local weekly newspaper.
By 1898, Walter was also associated with the Vancouver World newspaper.
In 1898, Walter went on a trip to England, where he had inherited over £10,000, which was then a significant amount of money.
In 1902, Walter was still with the Kamloops Standard newspaper.
On February 9, 1908, Frances’s father, Ernest Wolff, died in San Francisco, California. (The news articles said that Frances was living in Toronto, Ontario at that time. Frances was probably with her daughter, Alma, who was taking music lessons in Toronto.)
To Vancouver
In 1910, Walter was living at 1009 Burrard Street in Vancouver.
For some time he worked with the Vancouver World newspaper.
By 1911, Walter was at 1201 Pendrell Street in Vancouver. According to the Vancouver directory he was in the real estate business.
![1201 Pendrell Street – Vancouver City Archives - Bu P508.82 - [Exterior of residence - 1201 Pendrell Street]; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/exterior-of-residence-1201-pendrell-street](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/1201-pendrell-street-e28093-vancouver-city-archives-bu-p508-82-exterior-of-residence-1201-pendrell-street.jpg)
In August 1911, Walter sailed from Liverpool, England, to New York City.
In 1912, Walter was a journalist in a news office. He and Frances were living at 1872 Pendrell Street.
William: Later Life
By 1917, Frances was describing herself as a widow, although this might not have been true. A brief note in the Vancouver Province in May 1929 referred to the recent death of Walter William Clarke in Birmingham, England.
Frances: Later Life
The Vancouver directories from 1917 to 1923 listed Frances as a widow who was living at number 6 in Roslyn Court, 2020 (or 2010) Vine Street.
From 1924 to 1926, Frances was at number 5, 2415 West Fourth Avenue.
On July 19, 1926, in Bellingham, Washington, Frances married Russell Melville Smith, who was an agent for Union Steamships in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. According to the marriage certificate, Frances was a widow.
Russell was born on October 9, 1881 (some sources say 1882), in Edmonton, Middlesex, England. His parents were Henry George Smith and Sarah Ann Harborough.
Russell appeared in the Prince Rupert directories from 1927 through the early 1930s.
Russell died in Vancouver on August 18, 1939. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Frances died in Vancouver on January 17, 1941. She was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Burnaby.
Walter and Frances had the following children.
Amy Elizabeth Clarke
Amy Elizabeth Clarke was born in England about 1887. She was christened at Holy Trinity in Lambeth, Surrey, England, on December 1, 1887. Amy died in December quarter 1887.
Alma Belle [Victoria] Clarke
Alma’s origins are somewhat mysterious. According to her birth certificate, she was Alma Belle Clarke, and she was born in Victoria, British Columbia on June 9, 1892. Her parents were Walter William Clarke and Frances Mary Wolff. However, the birth certificate was not registered until August 17, 1897.
So far, there is no sign of any mention of Alma’s birth in Victoria newspapers in early 1890s, but not all births appeared in the newspapers.
Alma appeared in an 1896 passenger list, along with her parents. The list indicated that Alma was born in England about 1892.
The lack of detailed information relating to her birth has led to various speculations. Perhaps Alma was someone else’s child. Or maybe Alma was Frances’s daughter by someone else and she was adopted later. Possibly Alma was Walter’s step-daughter. Most of these theories imply that the birth registration was at least partly incorrect, either deliberately or by mistake. For now, the true story remains unclear.
At an early age, Alma became a talented musician. She was sometimes known as “Alma Victoria Clarke.” She played the piano and violin, and she appeared at several performances in Victoria. She later studied at the Toronto College of Music, where she gave concerts and won several prizes.
While Alma was in Toronto, she became ill with appendicitis, although she later recovered.
By 1911, Frances and Alma were back in Vancouver.
In 1913, Alma married Caledon Robert John Radcliffe Dolling (usually called “Robert Dolling”). He went to serve in Europe during the First World War, and Alma went to live in London, England, where she worked at the war office.
Robert was killed on August 20, 1916.
Alma volunteered as a field orderly with the Scottish Women’s Hospital at the Abbaye de Royaumont, France, and she later drove an ambulance. She received a medal for her work during the war.
Alma began a relationship with Thomas Compton Pakenham (1893-1957) (usually called “Compton”). He was already married to Phyllis Mona Price, but he divorced Phyllis in 1920 and he married Alma in 1921. Thomas and Alma moved to New York. Their son, Compton Christopher Pakenham (1921-1995) was born in New Jersey.
Alma’s marriage to Compton ended in divorce. Alma and Christopher moved back to British Columbia, and Alma resumed her career as a pianist.
While Alma was performing in Victoria, she met Francis Rattenbury (born 1867), the well-known Victoria architect who had designed the Empress Hotel and the British Columbia legislature building. Francis was about 56 years old at the time, and he was married with two children. His marriage was not a success, however, and he soon obtained a divorce from his wife, Florence.
Francis and Alma were married in Bellingham, Washington on April 8, 1925.
They soon had a son, John (1928-2021). He became a successful architect who worked with Frank Lloyd Wright.
About 1929, Francis and Alma moved from Victoria to Bournemouth, England.
They lived at Number 5, Manor Road in Bournemouth.
Alma wrote a series of songs, using the name “Lozanne.” The songs included these titles: Shelmerdene; Zanita; You Brought My Heart the Sunshine; and Dark-Haired Marie.
In 1932, she accompanied Frank Titterton, a well-known British lyric tenor, as he sang “Dark Haired Marie”.
In 1934, Francis and Alma hired a young chauffeur and handyman, George Percy Stoner. Alma began an affair with George. George apparently resented Alma’s continuing affections for Francis. One evening, George attacked Francis with a carpenter’s mallet. Francis was taken to a local hospital, where he died a few days later.
George and Alma were charged with murder. After a sensational trial, George was convicted of murder and he was sentenced to death. Alma was acquitted, but shortly afterward she committed suicide. The Home Secretary later commuted George’s sentence to “penal servitude for life.” George later served in the British Army during the Second World War. After the war, he continued to live in Britain until he died in 2000.
Sources
John Thomas Clarke (father of Walter William Clarke)
John Thomas Clarke (1835–1895); Birth: 1835, Nettlebed, Oxford, England; Death: 16 NOV 1895, Reading, Berkshire (ancestry.ca).
“England and Wales Census, 1841,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7QX-9WH : 25 May 2019), John Clarke in household of Walter Clarke, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1841 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG1C-B7J : 11 September 2019), John Thos Clarke in household of Walter Clarke, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, England; citing Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, England, p. 36, from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7DW-XN2 : 24 October 2019), John J Clarke, Saint Mary’s with Holy Apostles, Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFXG-TT5 : 28 September 2019), John T Clarke, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27Z-MM4C : 13 December 2017), John Clarke, Reading St Mary, Berkshire, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 37, Piece/Folio 1304/35, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,774,568.
“England and Wales Census, 1891,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71FF-MPZ : 3 May 2019), John T Clarke, Reading, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1891 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 12, Berkshire county, subdistrict, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2JPQ-BP2 : 31 December 2014), John Thomas Clarke, 1895; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Reading, Berkshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
Harriet Woodbridge (mother of Walter William Clarke)
Harriett Woodbridge (1837–1914); Birth: 1837, Brightwell Berkshire, England; Death: JANUARY 1914, Windsor, Berkshire (ancestry.ca).
“England and Wales Census, 1841,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MQRW-D92 : 22 May 2019), Harriet Woodbridge in household of Elijah Woodbridge, Saint Mary’s with Holy Apostles, Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1841 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGKM-26D : 9 November 2019), Harriett Woodbridge in household of Eliza Kitchen, Reading St.Mary, Berkshire, England; citing Reading St.Mary, Berkshire, England, p. 11, from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7DW-XNL : 24 October 2019), Harriett Clarke in household of John J Clarke, Saint Mary’s with Holy Apostles, Scarborough, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFXG-TTR : 28 September 2019), Harriet Clarke in entry for John T Clarke, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27Z-MM4B : 13 December 2017), Harriet Clarke in household of John Clarke, Reading St Mary, Berkshire, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 37, Piece/Folio 1304/35, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,774,568.
“England and Wales Census, 1891,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:71FF-3ZM : 3 May 2019), Harriet Clarke in household of John T Clarke, Reading, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1891 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 12, Berkshire county, subdistrict, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XS3R-Z1W : 20 May 2019), Harriett Clarke in household of William Pope, Reading St Lawrence, Reading, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing St Giles subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
Walter William Clarke
Walter William Clarke (1864–1917); Birth: AUG 1864, Reading, Berkshire, England; Death BEF 1917 [sic], Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (ancestry.ca).
“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2XMJ-SXZ : accessed 16 April 2015), Walter William Clarke, 1864; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Reading, Berkshire, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NYWQ-BVY : accessed 19 May 2015), Walter William Clarke, 05 Jan 1868; citing SAINT MARY,READING,BERKSHIRE,ENGLAND, reference ; FHL microfilm 1,040,618.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFXG-TTY : 28 September 2019), Walter W Clarke in entry for John T Clarke, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27Z-MMZ4 : 13 December 2017), Walter Clarke in household of John Clarke, Reading St Mary, Berkshire, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 37, Piece/Folio 1304/35, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,774,568.
“England Marriages, 1538–1973 ,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJSJ-9L4 : accessed 13 April 2015), Walter William Clarke and Mary Frances Wolff, 25 Dec 1886; citing St. John, Walworth, Surrey, England, reference P 8,15; FHL microfilm 291,747.
“England Marriages, 1538–1973 ,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJSJ-9LC : accessed 16 April 2015), Walter William Clarke and Mary Frances Wolff, 25 Dec 1886; citing St. John, Walworth, Surrey, England, reference P 8,15; FHL microfilm 291,747.
Free BMD Marriages, December quarter, 1886; St Saviour Southwark; Walter William Clarke and Mary Frances Wolff.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKQ-H1Z : 3 August 2016), William Clark, Victoria City Johnson Street Ward, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148094.
B.C. Voters List 1898 – Ce to Cn; http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canbc/vote1898/votece.htm: Clarke, Walter William, Kamloops, Main St, Printer, YN
“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2H2V-2FC : accessed 16 April 2015), Walter William Clarke, Nov 1909; citing Immigration, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, T-4764, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-MP1S : accessed 13 April 2015), W W Clarke, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63742&highlight=48&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+W.W.+Clarke
“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV41-KF92 : 4 September 2014), Walter W Clarke, 1929; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Birmingham South, Warwickshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England [possible connection].
Walter Clarke: Burial Record: Birmingham City Council: https://birminghamburialrecords.co.uk/ [possible connection].
| Deceased Name | Month of Burial/Cremation | Year of Burial/Cremation | Cemetery |
| Clarke, Walter | 4 | 1929 | Lodge Hill Cemetery |
Ernest Henry Wolff (father of Mary Frances Wolff)
Ernest Henry Wolff (1838–1908); Birth: 6 OCT 1838, Burgdorf, Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany; Death: 6 FEB 1908, San Francisco, San Francisco, California (ancestry.ca).
Ernest Wolff, death notice, Victoria Daily Colonist, February 14, 1908, page 6, http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist19080214uvic/19080214#page/n5/mode/1up.: “Word has been received in the city of the death at San Francisco, on February 9, of Ernest Wolff, for many years a resident of this city, and known to a large circle of friends who will regret to hear of his demise. The late Mr. Wolff came to Victoria from London, Eng., in the early 80s and resided here for many years until failing health necessitated his retirement from active business. He went south, trusting that a change in climate would benefit his health. Deceased, who was 74 years of age at the time of his death, was constantly employed at his trade, that of a tailor, during his residence in the city He leaves surviving him a widow and ten children. One daughter, Mrs. Robert Swannick, resides at Metchosin. Other daughters are Mrs. George Snider, Vancouver; Mrs. WW. Clark [sic], Toronto; Mrs. Foster, Vancouver; Mrs. D.W. Rowland, Mars. A. Hanson and Miss May Wolff, of Oaklands, Cal, and Mrs. Misslin, Seattle. Two sons, Ernest and Lionel, living in California.
Elizabeth Grace (mother of Mary Frances Wolff)
Elizabeth Grace (1842–1930); Birth: 2 JUN 1842, Cowley, Middlesex, England; Death: 25 DEC 1930, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (ancestry.ca).
Frances Maria (Mary Frances) Wolff (wife of Walter William Clarke)
Mary Frances Wolff (1864–1941); Birth: 4 FEB 1864, Uxbridge, Middlesex, England; Death: 17 JAN 1941, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (ancestry.ca).
“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2618-B33 : accessed 15 April 2015), Mary Francis Wolff, 1864; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Uxbridge, Middlesex, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2XVS-JB4 : accessed 14 April 2015), Russell Melville Smith, 1881; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Edmonton, Middlesex, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKQ-H18 : 3 August 2016), Francis Clark, Victoria City Johnson Street Ward, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148094.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-MP13 : 16 March 2018), Frances M Clarke in entry for W W Clarke, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLGV-V2B : accessed 14 April 2015), Frances Mary Smith, 17 Jan 1941; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13170, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,953,630.
Russell Melville Smith (husband of Frances Maria (Mary Frances) Wolff)
Russell Melville Smith (1882–1939); Birth: 9 OCT 1882, Edmonton, Middlesex, England; Death: 18 AUG 1939, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (ancestry.ca).
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLVP-K7N : accessed 14 April 2015), Russell Melville Smith, 18 Aug 1939; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13166, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,953,626.
Russell Melville Smith, death notice, Vancouver Sun – Aug 19, 1939, page 18, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GzRlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q4kNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1077%2C2496009: “Smith – Aug. 18, 1939, Russell Melville Smith, 3661 Cameron St., aged 57 years. Survived by his wife, four brothers and 3 sisters, Alex. G. of U.S.A., Douglas H. of Florida, Hugh G. of Vancouver, Lindsey G. of Manitoba; Mrs. H.F. Crossley, Sask., Mrs. M.E. Nicol and Mrs. E.F. Leigh of Manitoba. Funeral serve Monday, Aug. 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Undertaking Co., under the auspices of Lodge No. 68, A.F. and A.M., to the Masonic Cemetery, Burnaby, Rev. Dr. J.S. Henderson officiating.”
Amy Elizabeth Clarke (daughter of Walter William Clarke)
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N1NV-N44 : accessed 13 April 2015), Walter William Clarke in entry for Amy Elizabeth Clarke, 01 Dec 1887; citing Lambeth, Surrey, England, reference item 1 p 118; FHL microfilm 2,214,954.
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JWWV-92N : accessed 13 April 2015), Amy Elizabeth Clarke, 01 Dec 1887; citing Holy Trinity, Lambeth, Surrey, England, reference ; FHL microfilm 2,214,954.
“England and Wales, Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2JT1-85K : accessed 16 April 2015), Amy Elizabeth Clarke, 1887; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Lambeth, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
Alma Belle Clarke (daughter of Walter William Clarke)
Tracey Devitt, Kamloops’ Heroes, B.C. Historical News – Spring 91, http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/pdfs/bchf/bchn_1991_spring.pdf, page 30.
Nurse Dolling: The Tale of Alma Rattenbury, by Norman K Archer, Senior Living Magazine, Vancouver Island, September 2010, http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/the-tale-of-alma-rattenbury.
“British Columbia Birth Registrations, 1854-1903,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZ6-251 : accessed 13 April 2015), Alma Belle [Clarke], 09 Jun 1892; citing British Columbia Archives film number B13810, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,114,718.
“Victoria Birthplace of Great Pianist: Miss Alma Clarke Wins Notable Triumph in Her Professional Debut at Ladies’ Musical Club’s Concert,” Victoria Daily Colonist, April 30, 1911, page 16, http://archive.org/stream/dailycolonist53433uvic#page/n14/mode/1up
“Music and the Drama,” Toronto, December 2, 1907, page 12. [Includes reference to performance by Alma Clarke.]
Toronto College of Music, Limited: Examination Results Throughout the Dominion of Canada, Toronto Globe, July 18, 1908, page A3. “Torrington Gold Medal (Piano) – Alma V. Clarke, Victoria, B.C.”. . . “Torrington Scholarship (Piano) – Alma V. Clarke, Victoria, B.C.”
Results of The Toronto College of Music: Annual Examinations, Toronto Globe, July 17, 1909, page 8: “First Piano Harmony – First-class Honors –. . . Alma V. Clarke, Victoria.”
Music and Drama, Toronto Globe, May 27, 1909, page 14, “Miss Alma Clarke gave a most brilliant piano recital at the Toronto College of Music on Wednesday. . . .”
Society, Vancouver Daily World, December 19, 1921, page 6: “Mrs. T. Compton Pakenham, who was well known In Victoria and Vancouver prior to her marriage as Miss Alma Victoria Clarke . . Mrs. Pakenham, who is a gifted musician, abandoned her musical career during the late war and volunteered as a field orderly with the Scottish Women’s Hospital at the Abbaye de Royaumont, France, and later drove an ambulance. She was wounded during one of the raids, and was awarded a special medal . . .”
Royaumont Abbey, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royaumont_Abbey
Society, Vancouver Daily World, Saturday, March 4, 1922, page 6: “Mrs. T. Compton Pakenham and son are visiting her mother, Mrs. Clarke, Roslyn Court, for a few months. Mrs. Pakenham Is the wife of Major Pakenham, who was recalled from the Orient at the commencement of war, to his old regiment, the Coldstream Guards, with which regiment he served throughout, gaining great distinction. Mrs. Pakenham, who was formerly Miss Alma Victoria Clarke, served voluntarily throughout the entire war, first, at the war office In London, and later with the Croix Rouge Francaise as a field orderly and ambulance driver, and was decorated by Marshall Joffre after doing heroic work at Soissons, where she was wounded whilst dressing the wound of an Arab, who was killed by the same shell.”
Lt.-Col. Compton Thomas Pakenham, b. 11 May 1893, d. 17 August 1957, http://www.thepeerage.com/p46196.htm#i461956
Frank Titterton, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Titterton [lyric tenor, who sang some of Alma’s songs.]
A Programme of Gramophone Records, http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/cf20f0089fd24966bf0ae2102e4594f0 [Frank Titterton: sang Shelmerdene (Lozanne).]
Alma Rattenbury & George Stoner, Factfile, http://www.murderuk.com/female_alma_rattenbury.html
Alma Rattenbury/Percy Stoner, https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.true-crime/N_mlsXoTN3k, [Alma Rattenbury songs]
Accused Widow Ends Own Life: Mrs. Rattenbury, Acquitted of Murder, Plunges Into River,” Toronto Globe, June 6, 1935, page 10.
Wife Confesses Husband-Murder In British Trial: Sordid Story of Vancouver Architect’s Death Told by Police: Chauffeur is Involved, Toronto Globe, April 12, 1935, page 5.
“Rattenbury Verdict Given,” Montreal Gazette, June 8, 1935, page 2, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o3gtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5JgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3850%2C920422
Free BMD Deaths, June quarter 1935, Christchurch district, volume 2b, page 960, Alma V. Rattenbury, http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/districts.pl?r=170555441:2301&d=bmd_1426599156.
“Debts Exceed Estate: Mrs. Rattenbury’s Will is Probated in B.C.,” Montreal Gazette, July 30, 1935, page 7, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M30tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xJgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3713%2C3177736
“Prophecy Written By Mrs. Rattenbury Fails,” Ottawa Citizen, August 2, 1935, page 1, column 6; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o_suAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HdsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4391%2C3151571 [article is just below link].
Caledon Dolling (husband of Alma Belle Clarke)
“England and Wales Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X9F2-18M : accessed 14 April 2015), Caledon R Dolling, Tonbridge Urban, Kent, England; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing county, registration district, subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JJF9-NZ9 : accessed 14 April 2015), Caledon Dolling, 18 Mar 1910; citing departure port Liverpool, arrival port New York, ship name Mauretania, NARA microfilm publication T715 and M237 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-M1WX : accessed 14 April 2015), Caledon Dolling in entry for Geoffrey Stack, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm .
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, C R J R Dolling, http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/556482/DOLLING,%20C%20R%20J%20R
Francis Mawson Rattenbury (husband of Alma Belle Clarke)
The Extraordinary Life and Death of Francis Mawson Rattenbury, by D. Michael Bain, Q.C., The Advocate, volume 79, part 6, November 2021, pages 941-945
“Tragic triangle untangled,” Globe and Mail, August 28, 1980, page 17 [Review of Tragedy in Three Voices: The Rattenbury Murder, by Sir Michael Havers, Peter Shankland and Anthony Barratt, Clarke Irwin.
“Scandal begins long before curtain goes up,” Montreal Gazette – Nov 1, 1984, page 8, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CkUwAAAAIBAJ&sjid=paUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=876%2C419103
Francis Rattenbury and British Columbia: Architecture and Challenge in the Imperial Age, Anthony A. Barrett, Rhodri Windsor Liscombe, UBC Press, 1983, page 263.
“Rattenbury: The case of the murdered Victoria architect,”by Robert Fulford, Globe and Mail, May 27, 1998, http://www.robertfulford.com/Rattenbury.html.
Great Canadian Architects: Francis Mawson Rattenbury, http://www.historytothepeople.ca/great-canadian-architects-francis-mawson-rattenbury/.
Francis Mawson Rattenbury, Building the West, Donald Luxton, compiler and editor, Vancouver, Talon Books, 2003, personal biography by Terry Reksten, pages 217.
Francis Rattenbury – Part One: The Rise of Young Mr. Rattenbury, Stephen Ruttan, Local History Librarian, September, 2008, http://www.gvpl.ca/using-the-library/our-collection/local-history/tales-from-the-vault/francis-rattenbury-part-one/.
Francis Rattenbury – Part Two: Decline And Fall, Stephen Ruttan, Local History Librarian, March, 2009, http://www.gvpl.ca/using-the-library/our-collection/local-history/tales-from-the-vault/francis-rattenbury-part-two/.
Bournemouth’s most sensational murder; The Rattenbury murder of 1935 is recalled by John Walker; Dorset Life, August 2006, http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2006/08/bournemouths-most-sensational-murder/. [Includes several photographs of Francis Rattenbury, Alma Rattenbury, and other members of the family.]
Infamous Murderers: Maniacs filled with hatred and rage, Canary Press eBooks, 2011.
As one of Britain’s most sensational crimes is relived in the West End… But was the temptress of Madeira Villa also a cold-blooded murderess?, By Annabel Venning For Mailonline, 11 April 2011, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1375550/As-Britains-sensational-crimes-relived-West-End–But-temptress-Madeira-Villa-cold-blooded-murderess.html
The Prodigy and the Architect – A Haunting Love Story, Currents Magazine, November-December 2011, http://issuu.com/kdnews/docs/currents_nov.
From the West Coast to the Western Front: British Columbians and the Great War, By Mark Forsythe, Greg Dickson, Harbour Publishing, Sep 27, 2014, https://books.google.ca/books?id=PFy9BwAAQBAJ&dq=%22alma+clarke%22+vancouver&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Headstone at last for victim of 1930s murder, Richard Edwards, The Telegraph, 19 Nov 2007, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1569803/Headstone-at-last-for-victim-of-1930s-murder.html [Headstone for Francis Rattenbury.]
Drugs, Adultery, Betrayal: A Blueprint for Murder, http://www.bcmag.ca/Drugs_Adultery_Betrayal_a_Blueprint_for_Murder.
“The architect, his wife, her lover (also his killer), and a grave unmarked no more,” Globe and Mail (B.C. Edition), January 1, 2008, page A5.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLGD-DFC : accessed 18 May 2015), Florence Eleanor Rattenbury, 13 Oct 1929; citing Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13135, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,952,635. ([First wife of Francis Rattenbury].
“Designed Many Hotels: Architect Also Drew Plans for Klondike Boats, Montreal Gazette, March 30, 1935, page 10, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=L5AuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=QpkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5764%2C4064662
“Rattenbury Will is Probated in U.K.: Wife Would Have Been Given Monthly Income of $350,” Montreal Gazette, June 13, 1935, page 13, https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p3gtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5JgFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5708%2C1598097
Compton Christopher Pakenham (son of Alma Clarke)
“Washington, Seattle, Passenger Lists, 1890-1957,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KDZ6-VDT : accessed 14 April 2015), Compton Christopher Pakenham, 1937; citing Seattle, King, Washington, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1383, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 2,266,213.
“United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8L6-CCX : accessed 14 April 2015), Compton C Pakenham, enlisted 01 Apr 1942, ; citing “Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946,” database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 126323, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
“United States Social Security Death Index,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JR7B-CY6 : accessed 14 April 2015), Compton C Pakenham, 30 Oct 1995; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
“United States Public Records, 1970-2009,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KGGH-Y8H : accessed 14 April 2015), Compton C Pakenham, Residence, Califon, New Jersey, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.
John Rattenbury (son of Alma Clarke)
John Rattenbury, memorial statement, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation; https://franklloydwright.org/johnrattenbury/.
Out of tragedy, Francis Rattenbury’s son became a fine dad, by Jack Knox, Victoria Times-Colonist, June 20, 2021; https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/jack-knox-out-of-tragedy-francis-rattenburys-son-became-a-fine-dad-4690189.
Wolff family
History of Music in British Columbia: 1850-1950, Dale McIntosh, Victoria, Sono Nis Press, 1989, pages 28-29. 52, 73, 152, 177 [Ernest A. Wolff]; 28, 152, 177 [Frances Mary Clarke (Mrs. W.W. Clarke)].
Above Stairs: Social Life in Upper-Class Victoria 1843–1918, Valerie Green, Victoria, TouchWood Editions, page 143. [Includes reference to Arion Club, Ernest Wolff and Alma Clarke.]
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVK-YS9 : accessed 15 April 2015), Ernest Wolff, D, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 19, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa
1901 Canada Census, Victoria, British Columbia, Div. 1, Pages 19 to 20, http://bc.canadagenweb.org/1901vic_cen/div01/d01p19.htm.
“California, San Francisco Passenger Lists, 1893-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV1W-7RWQ : accessed 15 April 2015), Ernest Wolff, 1905; citing San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1410 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm .
“California, San Francisco Passenger Lists, 1893-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVNF-ZFH5 : accessed 15 April 2015), Ernest Wolff, 1907; citing San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1410 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm .
Kamloops Musical and Athletic club, Vancouver Daily World, September 29, 1897, page 6: “The Kamloops Musical and Athletic club has applied for letters patent of incorporation, mid is asking for tenders for the erection of a gymnasium hall, which will figure in the neighborhood of [amount illegible]. The club is becoming a strong combination, and one that Kamloops may be proud of. E. A. Wolf, late of Victoria, has assumed the leadership of the Kamloops brass band, lie, in conjunction with Mrs. W. W. Clarke, his sister. [He has] also opened a conservatory of music. This is a noted musical family and hence an acquisition to the city.”
Ernest A. Wolff, photograph, 1903, R. H. Trueman and Company, Vancouver, British Columbia, http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/sayre/id/11242/rec/54
Personal Appearance of Miss Virginia Card, Colouratura Soprano, Opera, Concert, Radio and Screen Artiste,” Cariboo Observer, July 30, 1938, page 1, http://www.quesnelmuseum.ca/CaribooObserverDocs/1938/19380730_Cariboo%20Observer.pdf. “Personal Appearance of Miss Virginia Card, Colouratura Soprano, Opera, Concert, Radio and Screen Artists, assisted by Mr. Ernest Wolff, Eminent Violinist, Conductor and Composer and Mrs. A. Faucault, pianist, in a Programme of Classical and Modern Music, Legion Hall, Quesnel, Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 8:30 p.m. Admission: Reserved: 75¢; Unreserved: 50¢”
Ernest A. Wolff, death notice, Santa Cruz Sentinal, April 27, 1948, page 10: “WOLFF In Ben Lomond, April 26, 1943, Ernest A. Wolff, aged 76 years; native of England: brother of Mrs. Minnie Mifflin of Seattle. Mrs. Flora Swanick and Mrs. Amy Snider of Vancouver, Mrs. Ophelia Rowlands of Walnut Creek and Mrs. May Fleming of Ben Lomond. Member of B.P.O. Elks of Bakersfield. Services will be conducted at Wessendorf’s Mortuary, Wednesday, April 28 at 3:30 p. m. Friends are respectfully invited to attend. Private inurnment in I.O.O.F. crematory.”
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD8H-V1S : accessed 14 April 2015), George Richard Snider and Amy Dora Wolff, 14 Aug 1897; citing Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11368, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,525.
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVK-TFL : accessed 14 April 2015), Amy D Snider in household of George R Snider, D, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 1, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-93CC : accessed 14 April 2015), Amy D Snider in entry for George R Snider, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm .
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLR4-W8Q : accessed 14 April 2015), Amy Dora Snider, 28 Mar 1950; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13204, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,032,632. (sister of Frances Maria Wolff)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLRJ-X71 : accessed 15 April 2015), Florence Swanwick, 22 Jul 1948; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13198, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2,032,482.
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