In the 1871 Census of England and Wales Benjamin’s occupation is listed as ‘Tailor’s apprentice’ but it gives no indication of who the tailor could have been.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog-online.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BLNicholas-Census-1871-e1534349489669.jpg?resize=762%2C102&ssl=1)
However recent investigations into the 1871 Census have identified a possible candidate – Richard Phillips.
Richard was born in New Moat in about 1830. In 1858 Richard married Hannah Nicholas who was born about 1838. Hannah’s Parents were Stephen NICHOLAS (B:1797 & probably John NICHOLAS’ younger brother) and Ann MORGANS. Which means than Hanah was probably Benjamin’s father’s cousin.
Hannah and Richard lived at Posty-draw which is a house, near Posty Farm, less than a mile from Benjamin’s family home – Holloway Fach. In the same 1871 census Richard’s occupation is listed as Tailor (employing 1 man).
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog-online.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Richard-Phillips-Tailor-1871.jpg?resize=745%2C54&ssl=1)
I firmly believe that means that Benjamin was apprenticed with Richard who was married to his father’s cousin.