Was Benjamin L. Nicholas apprenticed with Richard Phillips?

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.

Lower Holloway (Holloway Fach) – Benjamin Nicholas, 14, Tailor (Apprentice)

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).

Posty – Richard Philips, 40, Tailor (employing 1 man)

I firmly believe that means that Benjamin was apprenticed with Richard who was married to his father’s cousin.

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