Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land

Bampton (Devon), Church of St Michael & All Angels
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/5006885

Frederick James Stone (b. 1854 in Stawley, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married the delightfully-named, Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864), daughter of James Land and Rose Anna Smith. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Witnesses were James Webber and Loveday's father, James Land.

 Frederick and Loveday went on to have twelve children: 

1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882 (1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427), bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884 (1884 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418) Not found baptism
5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888 (1888 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409), bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
7. Albert Henry Stone b. 1892 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409. (Died 1893 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310).
8. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894 (1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
9. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898 (1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392), bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
10. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900 (1900 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 364), bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
11. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365), bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
12. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 360), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman

In 1891, Frederick James Stone (36) and Loveday Stone (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton with Rosanna (10), Bessy Ann (8), Lovdy Jane (6), Mary Ann (4), Frederick James (3) and John Charles (0).

In 1901, Frederick (46), Carter on Farm, and Loveday (37) with John Charles (10), Florence May (6), Laura Alice (2) and Irene Venetta (0) were living at Stagg Mill, Uplowman. It's from here their older daughters marry.

By 1911, they'd gone full circle to Berry, Chevithorne, with Frederick (56), Farm Labourer, and Loveday (47), Frederick James (23), Florence May (16), Irene Venetta (Minnie) (10), Stanley William (8) and Phillip Alfred (1). They confirm on this census return that they'd had 12 children, of whom 11 were living and one had died, during their then 29 years of marriage.

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916 (1916 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), aged 62. 

In 1921, Loveday Jane Stone (55) Widow, Dairy Farm was living at Lugsland Cottage, Cruwys Morchard, Devon, with Frederick James Stone (33) Roadman for Tiverton District Council and Philip Alfred Stone (12). Stanley William Stone (18) was a Horse Man on the farm of Ernest John Hill (husband of Irene Venetta Stone) at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon.

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard (1938 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 297).

James William Fuller and Maria Phillips

St Mary, High Road, South Woodford - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2975185

James William Fuller (bap. 16 Mar 1834 in Chigwell, Essex), son of Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Ann Bradley, married Maria Phillips (b. 19 Aug 1837, bap. 17 Sep 1837 at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham), daughter of Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor on 9 Oct 1859 at St Mary's Church, Woodford. James' grandparents, Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Bass, had married in the previous, medieval, incarnation of this church, but this marriage will have taken place in the building, dating from 1816, which stands today.

James and Maria had 9 children, baptised in Rainham, St Helen and St Giles:

1. William James Fuller b. 1860 S Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 97, bap. 6 Sep 1860
2. Emily Elizabeth Fuller b. 1862 D Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 113, bap. 30 Nov 1862
3. James Fuller b. 1864 D Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 119, bap. 27 Nov 1864
4. George Fuller b. 19 Oct 1866 (1866 D Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page), bap. 18 Nov 1866
5. John Fuller b. 1869 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 140, bap. 31 Jan 1869
6. Frederick Fuller b. 1871 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 140, bap. 4 Jun 1871
7. Elizabeth Fuller b. 1873 S Quarter in ROMFORD ESSEX Volume 04A Page 167, bap. 7 Sep 1873
8. Annie Fuller b. 1876 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 210, bap. 5 Mar 1876 (died at 9m in 1876 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 101 and buried, on 12 Nov 1876, at St Helen and St Giles)
9. Alfred Robert Fuller b. 1880 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 253, bap. 8 Aug 1880

All of the GRO registrations give the mother's maiden name PHILLIPS.

(There had been a 10th child, Ellen Fuller, born 1867, attributed to this family, but this can be discounted. Checking the GRO entry for her birth, that child's mother's maiden name is listed as WHITTAM. Her baptism, on 8 Dec 1867, in Upminster, lists the mother's first name as Eliza. Ellen died, aged 1, in 1868 and was buried on 11 Oct 1868 at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham. There was a marriage of a James Fuller to an Eliza Witham, in South Weald, in 1855, who were most likely the unfortunate Ellen's actual parents.)

In 1861, James Fuller (25) Agricultural Labourer, Maria (23) and their 3 month old son, William, were listed at 'Cottage, Rainham, Essex'. 

In 1871, in Back Street, Rainham, were James Fuller (36) Ag Lab, Maria (34), William (11), Emily (9), James (7), George (5), John (2) and Frederick (0). 

In 1881, address upgraded to Village Back Street, Rainham, were James Fuller (46) Ag Lab, Maria (43), sons James (17), George (15), John (13) all Ag Labs, Frederick (10) and Elizabeth (8) were at school and, Alfred (0).

And in the same place in 1891, James Fuller (57) Ag Lab, Maria (53) and just George (24) and Alfred (11) still at home. They'd taken in two lodgers instead: Charles Valentine (24) and David Joslin (46), both Ag Labs.

In 1901, James Fuller (66) Farm Labourer, Maria (64) and just Alfred (20) Ag Lab still at home with one boarder, Albert Hardcastle (26) Farm Labourer.

In 1911, at Mitchells Cottages, Rainham, there were James William Fuller (77) no longer working, wife Maria (74). Albert Hardcastle (36), Boarder, had become a Platelayer on the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway. On this census, they confirm that they'd had nine children, with six then living and three had died: Annie in 1876; John in 1894 and James in 1899.

James Fuller died, at 76, in 1911 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 543.

Maria Fuller died, aged 81, in 1919 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 434.

Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn

Pytchley Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Rob - geograph.org.uk/p/5413142

Benjamin Thompson (purportedly b. ~1723 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), married Sarah Munn on 8 Oct 1744 at All Saints Church, in the village of Pytchley, Northamptonshire. This pair of 6th great-grandparents are the earliest of this line in Northamptonshire that I can confirm [so far]. 

This couple had four children, baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley:

1. Solomon Thompson Sr bap. 25 Aug 1745
2. Priscilla Thomson bap. 6 Mar 1748
3. Sarah Thompson bap. 28 Apr 1751
4. William Thompson bap. 24 Jun 1753

There are suggestions that Sarah Munn was born in 1725 and died in 1788, however, I have not yet seen any records to confirm this. So far, I've been unable to confirm any further records for this couple.

John Blackett and Maria Thompson

Church of St John at Hackney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/5660501

John Blackett (b. 27 Jul 1811, bap. 15 Aug 1811 at St. Leonard's, Shoreditch), son of Joseph and Frances Blackett, married Maria Thompson (bap. 19 Dec 1814 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St John-at-Hackney, on 6 Oct 1833.

Records suggest that the couple had at least two children:

1. Maria Blackett b. 16 Mar 1834, bap. 29 Jun 1834 at St Mary's, Whitechapel. Maria Blackett, aged 2 years 2 months, was buried on 19 Jun 1836 (Mile End New Town (Independent): Burials)
2. Henry Blackett b. 1847 (mentioned only on 1851 census)

In 1841, Maria Blackett (25) Dressmaker - no sign of John or any child - was staying with her brother Daniel, in Cransley, Northamptonshire.

In 1851, John Blackett (39), Butcher; Maria Blackett (38); Henry Blackett (4), birthplace Northamptonshire and George Collins (24), Carpenter, Widower, Lodger; John Nursey (18) Lodger and John Grant (25) Lodger were living in Wellington Place, Back Road, St George in the East.

In 1861, at 4, Back Road, St George in the East, were John Blackett (49) Butcher; Maria (47); William Hill Adcock (21) Bookseller's Assistant, Visitor (Maria's brother Daniel's wife's brother's son); Benjamin Thompson (19) Bricklayer, Nephew (her brother Daniel's son) and Henry M Thompson (10), Sugar Maker, Nephew, born Stepney [don't yet know whose son he was].

John Blackett died, aged 54, on 9 Feb 1866 (1866 M Qtr in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Vol 01C Page 354), leaving his effects to Maria Blackett.

In 1871, Maria Blackett (56) Widowed, Coffee-Shop Keeper from Cransley, Northamptonshire was living at Star Corner, Bermondsey (near the Leather Market), with George S Taylor (12) Nephew from Stepney, Middlesex.

In the 2nd quarter of 1871, Maria Blackett remarried to widower, William Kenward, in St. Olave Southwark.

In 1881, William Kenward (73) House Agent from Hartfield, Sussex, was living at 17, Douglas Street, St Paul Deptford, Greenwich with Maria Kenward (68) from Cransley, Northamptonshire and George S Saville (22), Nephew, Schoolmaster, from Stepney. [See how Taylor transforms into Saville.]

Maria Kenward wife of William Kenward, late of 17 Douglas Street, Deptford, died, age estimated to 76, in Greenwich on 28 Oct 1888 (1888 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 589). Her will was proved on 13 Dec 1888, by Benjamin Tompson (her nephew), the sole executor.

In 1891, William Kenward (83) House Agent, was still at 17 Douglas Street, Deptford. His grandson, Robert Hy Murray (26) was living with him.

William Kenward died at 86, in 1893 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 750.

Anthony Frederick J Brady and Maggie Dorothy Howes

St Peter and St Paul's Church, Swaffham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4609546

Anthony Frederick John Brady (b. 8 May 1908, in Andover, Hampshire), son of Anthony Brady and Ethel Berry, married Maggie Dorothy Howes (b. 4 Apr 1910), daughter of William Harman Howes and Elizabeth Eliza Blazey, on 4 Oct 1936, at Holy Trinity, Norwich (where her sister Alice married in 1922). Witnesses were both William Harman Howes: the bride's father and brother. 

(At the time of the marriage, the bridegroom's father, Anthony Brady (b. 1882 in Belfast, County Antrim, d. 1957 in Norwich), was described as an Omnibus Driver. He had married Ethel Berry (b. 1883 in Norwich), in 1905, in Norwich. In 1911, both Anthony and Ethel Brady were both on the census in Yorkshire at the Infantry Barracks 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Anthony Frederick John Brady was baptised at Holy Trinity, Heigham, in 1913.)

In 1939, Anthony F J Brady, Local Government Officer, Audit Secretary, his wife Maggie D and son Lawrence Cormac Brady (b. 2 Oct 1938 d. 1997), were living at "Spinney Edge", Cantley Road, Cringleford, Norfolk.

Maggie Dorothy Brady, of Coronation Grove, Swaffham, died, aged just 45 (1955 D Quarter in KING'S LYNN Volume 04B Page 465), and was buried at St Peter and St Paul's, Swaffham, on 19 Oct 1955.

Anthony Frederick J Brady died in May 1995 (DOR Q2/1995 in NORWICH (6391B) Reg B12B Entry Number 175), in the month of his 87th birthday.

Elnathan Ayres and Elizabeth Perry

St Mary Matfelon's footprint, Whitechapel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff - geograph.org.uk/p/1278357

Elnathan Ayres (b. 17 Jul 1752), Bachelor, son of Elnathan Ayres and Martha Travally, married Elizabeth Perry (b. ~1754), Spinster, at St Mary's, Whitechapel (St Mary Matfelon), Whitechapel High Street, both of that parish, on 3 Oct 1771. Witnesses were William Dalton and Sarah Dalton; Esther Travally (either Elnathan's aunt or his cousin) and an Ann Perry. Sarah Dalton (née Travally) was Elnathan Ayres' first cousin, daughter of Winnall Travally and Elizabeth Benbow. As both Elnathan and his father were shipwrights and since the Daltons later lived in a house built by John Perry (shipbuilder), the founder of the Blackwall Yard, which built ships largely for the East India Company, I'm certain Elizabeth Perry was related - she was around 11 years younger than John Perry, so could even have been his sister - just haven't [yet] found proof. And John Perry's mother was an Ann.

Elnathan Ayres had at least seven children with Elizabeth Perry:

1. Elnathan Boulton Ayres b. Saturday, 5 Dec 1772, son of Elnathan, Shipwright of Queen Street and Elizabeth, bap. 30 Dec 1772 at St Anne, Limehouse (at 25 days old). Elnathan Ayres of Queen St, aged 2 years, 6 months, was buried at St Anne, Limehouse on 4 Jun 1775.
2. Elizabeth Ayres (dates unknown, mentioned in will as eldest daughter)
3. Martha Travally Ayres bap. 8 Oct 1780 at St Mary, Redcliffe, Bristol
4. George Ayres (dates unknown, mentioned only in will)
5. Charlotte Ayres bap. 9 Jun 1784 at St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe
6. Sage Boulton Ayres bap. 2 Jun 1786 at St Mary's, Rotherhithe
7. Martha Ayres b. 1796 (Possible baptism at St Dunstan)

The last child born in 1796 suggests that Martha Travally Ayres born in 1780 had died and makes sense of the order in which the children are listed on Elnathan Ayres' will (see below), but this requires further investigation.

Eldest son and daughter Sage, were given the middle name Boulton, which has to be significant. Richard Boulton was one of four partners - all retired sea captains who had worked for the East India Company and were members of London's shipping community - who owned the Blackwall Yard (The Ownership of Blackwall Yard, 1724–79). Boulton, was a London merchant and an important figure in the East India Company, of which he was a director from 1718 to 1736 and on the Committee for Shipping from 1723 until 1726. He was also a member of the Honourable Company of Shipwrights.

Elnathan Ayres was listed among European inhabitants in Bengal, excluding those in the service of the East India Company or the Crown 1805.

The will of Elnathan Ayres is an eyebrow-raiser and probably creates more mysteries than questions it answers, but its highlights include:

In the Name of God: Amen: I Elnathan Ayres, Ship Wright of the Town of Calcutta Bengal being in bodily Health, and of sound and disposing memory; and considering the Evil, Dangers and other Uncertainties of this transitory life, do (for avoiding Controversies after my Decease) make, publish and declare this My last Will and Testament, in manner following:- that is to say, first I recommend my Soul to God, who gave it; and my body I commit to the Earth, or Sea, as it shall please God to order; and for and concerning all my Worldly Estate, I give bequeath and dispose thereof as followeth; that is to say; First I Will, that all my just Debts and funeral Charges be paid and discharged by my Executors hereinafter named and Secondly that my House and all my Effects be turned into ready money as soon as conveniently may be and Disposed in the manner following, Viz, I leave and bequeath to my son James Ayres, born in Calcutta the Sum of Sicca Rupees [1] three thousand five hundred to be laid out by my Executors, at Interest on good Security, for his Education (which is not to be under the charge of his mother), the principal not to be given to him untill (sic) he becomes of Age the remainder of my property I leave to my Wife Elizabeth Ayres of the parish of St Mary's Rotherhiethe (sic) London and in case of her Death to be equally Divided between my four children in England, Viz: George Ayres, Charlotte Ayres, Sage Ayres and Martha Ayres, of the parish Aforesaid and to my Oldest Daughter Elizabeth Ayres, I only leave one Rupee and in case of the Death of my son James born in this country before he becomes of age, then the property left him to go to my Children in England, to be equally Divided as above, and I do hereby nominate and appoint James Horsburgh and George Watson of the Town of Calcutta to be Guardians of my Son James and Executors of this my last Will and Testament ... dated 7 Jul 1808.

[1] Sicca Rupee - a rupee issued in Bengal before 1836 weighing more than the rupee of the British East India Company.

Elnathan Ayres died, on 9 May 1812, in Calcutta. The Executors produced an immensely detailed inventory of his possessions, right down to teaspoons and six pairs of cotton stockings and even 'a bag with salt'. It also showed that Elnathan Ayres' estate totalled £8282 3s 6d (well over a million pounds now), of which almost £5,000 was to be paid to the Ayres Family in England. Clearly he was no ordinary shipwright. Probate was granted on 2 Apr 1816.

From that Will, I'm reading Elnathan Ayres was acknowledging a, presumably illegitimate, child he fathered in Calcutta with someone other than his wife. Even without the details of his estate, we had to know he was wealthy enough to do so. We may never know who the mother was. Alas, I don't know what happened to young James either. One also wonders what eldest daughter Elizabeth had done to deserve the indignity of being left only 1 Rupee!

It appears that Elizabeth Ayres had died, aged 61, and had been buried on 6 Feb 1815 at St Anne, Limehouse, so probate had followed her death.

Even with this detail, I'm sure there's a much bigger story yet to uncover.

Charles William Fuller and Maria Wilton

Village Green, High Easter, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/108716

Charles William Fuller (bap. 4 Nov 1832 in High Easter), son of Benjamin Fuller and Mary Ann Mead, married Maria Wilton (b. 19 Dec 1843), daughter of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines, on 3 Oct 1862 in Great Dunmow. Charles William Fuller's father, Benjamin Fuller, was then a miller in High Easter. (There The Old Mill house, former roundhouse and trestle of postmill, is a listed building. The listing tells us that, Isaac Mead, author of 'The Life Story of an Essex Lad' 1923 was an apprentice here and also inscribed his name in the main post. One wonders if he was related to Mary Ann Mead.)

Charles and Maria had six children:

1. Edith Mary Fuller b. 1864 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 341, bap. 28 Sep 1864 in Great Dunmow (venue unknown)
2. Annie Fuller b. 1865 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 363, bap. 7 Apr 1867 in Great Dunmow (venue unknown)
3. Henry Fuller b. 1867 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 384, bap 7 Apr 1867 in Great Dunmow (venue unknown)
4. Alfred William Fuller b. 21 Apr 1868 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 371, bap. 18 Nov 1868 in Great Dunmow 
5. Emily Maria Fuller b. 1869 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 362 (Died 1870 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 249)
6. Charles William Fuller b. 1871 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 382, bap. 24 Aug 1873 at Ingatestone, Essex. The baptism record lists his father's occupation as Corn Factor.

GRO birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as WILTON.

In 1871, Charles William Fuller (38), Corn Merchant's Clerk, was in High Street, Great Dunmow with wife Maria (27), sons Henry (4), Alfred (3) and Charles William (0), as well as Jane Philpott (56), Monthly Nurse. Edith Mary (6) was staying with her grandparents, Henry and Sarah Wilton, while Annie (5) was staying with her other grandparents, Benjamin and Mary Ann Fuller.

Very soon afterwards, however, Charles William Fuller died, aged 38, in 1871 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 256.

Then, the unthinkable happened because Maria Fuller also died, in 1876 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 247, aged just 32.

In 1881, Edith M Fuller (16) was a Draper's Assistant to Joseph Parkhurst, Draper, in High Street, Chipping Ongar; Annie Fuller (15) was a Draper's Assistant to Denny Stone, Draper, in Market Place, Romford; Henry Fuller (14) and Charles Fuller (10), Scholars, were living with their maternal grandfather, Henry Wilton in Great Dunmow; while Alfred William Fuller (13), had been sent to the Infant Orphan Asylum, Wanstead (photo). (The building now houses Snaresbrook Crown Court, the busiest Crown Court in the UK.) Sad that the child was sent to such a place, when his paternal grandparents were still alive and living in Bishops Stortford, where the retired miller was then described as a 'Gentleman'. Both Alfred William Fuller and Charles William Fuller subsequently emigrated to Australia. 

John Doe and Jane Brand

All Saints Church, Little Canfield, Essex

John Doe (b. ~1730 in Great Canfield) and Jane Brand (b. ~1732 in Little Canfield), a pair of my 6th Great-Grandparents, married at All Saints Church, Little Canfield on 1 Oct 1750 to become John and Jane Doe. 

After the requisite pause for giggling at this unlikely combination of names, I wondered when and where the custom had began to call people who you couldn't identify, either John or Jane Doe, depending on gender. We mostly tend to hear the term when an unidentified corpse turns up in a US crime drama, but in fact, the origins are in medieval English law, beginning perhaps as early as the reign of King Edward III (1327–1377): "Originally, John Doe was a sham name used to indicate any plaintiff in an action of ejectment (a legal action to regain property) in civil court. Richard Roe was the counterpart, to indicate the defendant. These fake names were used in delicate legal matters, a practice that was abolished in English law in 1852. Since then, John Doe has been used to indicate any man of unknown name, with Jane Doe used for females." - The Old Farmer's Almanac. Quite why these particular names were picked, however, is lost in time. It may have been simply because they were among the most common names in use at the time.

It would appear that John and Jane Doe had four children (or at least there are records for four), all baptised at St Mary's Church, Great Canfield:

1. Henry Doe bap. on 19 May 1754
2. Elizabeth Doe bap. on 23 Apr 1758 
3. John Doe bap. on 20 Sep 1760 (Presume buried 14 Nov 1761)
4. John Doe bap. on 20 Dec 1761

There had also been a burial of a John Doe in Great Canfield on 7 Mar 1756. This doesn't mention the age of the deceased and there is no corresponding baptism, but this could have been a further child of this family. The burial, at St Mary's, Great Canfield, on 14 Nov 1761, is clearly stated to be for that of a John Doe 'Infant'. One must, sadly, assume therefore that the subsequent child was named John, immediately after his brother had died.

There was a burial of a Jane Doe in Great Canfield on 18 May 1768 and another in 1803. Either could relate, but there are no ages listed on the transcriptions to give any clues. There was another burial of a John Doe in Great Canfield on 10 Mar 1805. Again it does not mention an age at death, so we cannot be certain, but this could relate to John Doe Snr of this family.

Back in 1731, at this same church, there was a burial of a 4 year old John Doe, listed as 'son of John Doe'. These could simply be just very common names - all the more spectacular to be able to trace them back so far - or, I suppose one must entertain the idea that, once upon a time, there was a parish foundling, who the overseers named John Doe, who's descendants thereafter followed the common tradition of naming son after father ...

Moses Doe and Harriet White

St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rodney Burton - geograph.org.uk/p/141922

Moses Doe (bap. 4 Feb 1821 in Little Canfield), son of Henry Doe and Elizabeth Doe, married Harriet White (bap. 6 Oct 1822 in Great Dunmow), daughter of Mark White and Rose/Rhoda Pickett, at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch on 30 Sep 1844. Rhoda White was one of four witnesses to the marriage. (In 1841, Rhoda White (42) was in the household - presumably as a servant - of James Samms (67) at Manor Farm, Little Easton (Little Easton Manor). Mark White had been buried in 1834, in Little Easton.)

Moses and Harriet had three sons:

1. Charles Doe b. 1845 S Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 278, bap. at Walthamstow, St John the Evangelist
2. Benjamin Doe b. 1848, reg. 1849 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 320, bap. Walthamstow, St James the Great. Died, aged 13, in 1862 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 34, and is buried at Walthamstow, St Mary the Virgin.
3. William Doe b. 1851 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Vol 12 Page 317

In 1851, Moses Doe (30) Labourer from Essex was living in Black Horse Lane, Walthamstow, West Ham, with wife Harriet (29) from Dunmow, Essex; Charles Doe (5), Benjamin Doe (1), William Doe (0) and Roda (sic) White (50) Widow, House Servant, Mother-in-Law from Fakenham, Norfolk.

In 1861, Moses Doe (40) Grocer, was at Sinkers Bridge, Walthamstow, West Ham, with Harriet Doe (36), Benjamin Doe (11), William Doe (10), Kate Stacks (2) Granddaughter from Middlesex and Elizabeth Martain (51) Widow, Lodger from Hackney. I've been unable to find Charles Doe, who would have been around 15 and probably out working. (There is a death of a Charles Doe in West Ham in 1861, but this record can be discounted as the deceased was aged 3.) With only three sons, who were too young, Kate Stacks cannot be the Doe's granddaughter so assume was the lodger's granddaughter.

In 1871, at Shern Hall Place, Walthamstow, West Ham were Moses Doe (50) Undergardener Domestic Servant from Little Canfield, Essex; Harriet Doe (49) from Little Easton and William Doe (20) Groom. (Shern Hall: stood in impressive grounds of more than 18 acres that contained landscaped gardens, a large T-shaped pond, orchards, meadowland, farm buildings and stabling.)

Harriet Doe died, at 52, in 1874 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 333 was buried on 7 Jan 1874 at St Paul's Church, Rusthall.

Moses Doe (53) Widower, Gardener, remarried to Mary Ann Norman (39) Spinster, on 7 Mar 1875 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.

Moses and Mary Ann added one further son:

4. John Doe b. 1876 S Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 603, bap. at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.

In 1881, transcribed as Morris Deo (and the bad handwriting does look like that) living at Denny Bottom, Speldhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, were Moses Doe (60) Gardener; Mary Ann Doe (45) Wife of Gardner; John Doe (4) Scholar, plus 2 Lodgers: John P Norbury (32) Carpenter from Liverpool and Alfred Brown (20) Carpenter from Bradwell on Sea, Essex.

Mary Ann Doe died, aged 53 in 1888 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 439, and was buried on 13 Mar 1888, at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. 

Moses Doe died, at 67, on 24 Jun 1888 (1888 J Qtr in TUNBRIDGE Vol 02A Page 364) and was buried on 27 Jun 1888, also at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. Sadly, the gravestone mentions "a long and painful affliction".

St. Paul's Church, Rusthall Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Malc McDonald - geograph.org.uk/p/6408539

William Goff and Sarah Jane Rowe

Mid Devon : Country Lane towards Ashill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3703994

William Goff (b. 1857), Mason, second son of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, married Sarah Jane Rowe (b. 24 Jun 1858), daughter of William Rowe, Game Keeper, and Sarah Bishop, on 29 Sep 1881 at the parish church of St Mary, Kentisbeare, Devon. Witnesses were John Goff and Ann Rowe.

William and Sarah Jane had seven children:

1. Elizabeth Goff b. 1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 437, bap. 4 Jun 1882 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. Died at 17 months (1883 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275) and was buried at St Mary, Kentisbeare on 7 Oct 1883, "by authority of the Coroner's Warrant."
2. Mary Goff b. 1884 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 431, bap. 4 Jun 1884 at St Mary, Kentisbeare
3. Bessie Goff b. 22 Jul 1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414, bap. 12 Sep 1886 at St Mary, Kentisbeare
4. Annie Goff b. 17 Sep 1888 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 404, bap. 9 Dec 1888 at St Mary, Kentisbeare
5. Amy Goff b. 1891 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408
6. Nelson Goff b. 16 May 1893 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 417, bap. 2 Sep 1893 in Uffculme
7. Frank Goff b. 6 Apr 1899 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392, bap. 13 May 1900 in Uffculme

In 1891, at Ashill Moor, Ashill, Uffculme were William Goff (33) Mason; Sarah J Goff (32), Mary Goff (7), Bessie Goff (4) and Annie Goff (2).

In 1901, at 1, Prospect Place, Ashill, Uffculme, were William Goff (44) Mason; Sarah J Goff (42), Amy Goff (9), Nelson Goff (7) and Frank Goff (2). Mary Goff (16) was a kitchen maid at Craddock House, Uffculme; Bessie Goff (14) was a general servant at Foxhill [Farm], Uffculme and Annie Goff (12) was a visitor in the household of Sarah Ackland (48) in Ashill.

In 1911, at Ashill Craddock Cullompton: William Goff (53) Builder; Sarah Jane Goff (52), Bessie Goff (24) Dressmaker; Annie Goff (22) School teacher and Frank Goff (12). The 1911 census confirms that William and Sarah had seven children, with 6 then living, during their 30 year marriage. Mary Goff (26) birthplace "Devonshire Guddiford" [Goodiford] was a Parlourmaid at Hillfoot, Lovelace Road, Surbiton, Surrey; couldn't find Amy and Nelson Goff (16) was a Cattle lad on farm at Foxhill Craddock, Cullompton.

William Goff died, aged 59, in 1916 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 573.

In 1921, Sarah Jane Goff (62) Widow; Annie Goff (32) Assistant Teacher at Huntsham School; and Nelson Goff (28) Jobbing Labourer on Farm were living at Ashill Moor, Uffculme.

Nelson Goff, of Ashill, was fined 7s 6d for being drunk and incapable on July 24th, 1921. Meanwhile, Nelson Goff, labourer, of Ashill, pleaded not guilty of assaulting William Wright, a rabbit trapper, on January 26th, 1924. However, "Defendant was so drunk he could not stand still." He was fined 20s.

In 1939, Sarah J Goff, Widow and Nelson Goff, Cowman, were living at Prospect, Barton, Tiverton.

Nelson Goff died, at 52, on 6 Sep 1945 (1945 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 398), leaving £174 0s 11d to Arthur Goff, farmer.

Sarah Jane Goff died, aged 92, on 1 Oct 1950 (1950 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A  Page 811) and was buried on 4 Oct 1950 at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 6 Oct 1950 reported on the Kentisbeare Funeral. "The funeral took place in Kentisbeare Churchyard, on Wednesday, of Mrs Sarah Jane Goff, of Prospect Place, Ashill, whose death, at the age of 92, took place on October 1st. She was the widow of Mr William Goff, who died in 1916, and formerly lived at Kentisbeare. They went to live at Ashill 34 years ago. The Rev. F G Baker (rector) officiated and the mourners were: Mrs B Symons, Mr and Mrs W James, and Mrs A Smith (daughters and son-in-law); Mr R Smith, Mr and Mrs L Yendall and Miss B Dunn (grandchildren); Mrs B Dunn (sister); Mrs V Rugg and Mrs A Goff (nieces). The bearers were Messrs A Goff, E Goff and W Goff (nephews) and L G Leatt. Also present were Mesdames H J Middleton, T Dunn, J Dunster and S J Salter."

These newspaper reports are useful as confirmation. Among the mourners, Mrs B Symons is Bessie; Mr and Mrs W James is Annie and her husband William; Mrs A Smith is Amy; Mr R Smith is Amy's son Ronald; Mr and Mrs L Yendall is Bessie's daughter Vera and her husband Leslie. A granddaughter named Miss B Dunn is a mystery. Notable is that neither Mary nor Frank attended their mother's funeral. Frank, at least, was then alive.

• Cannot find Mary Goff after 1911. Had she married a Dunn to produce the mystery granddaughter? Found no record of it.
• Bessie Goff married William Henry Symons (b. 2 Feb 1887), son of William Symons and Eliza Jane Blackmore, at St Mary's, Kentisbeare on 18 Feb 1914. Their only daughter, Vera Symons, having arrived 'early' on 21 Jan 1914 (1914 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 657). In 1915, William Henry Symons enlisted in the Royal Engineers. In 1939, the three were living at Prospect, Barton, Tiverton. William Henry Symons (61) died on 17 Jul 1948. Bessie Symons (66) died on 12 Apr 1953.
• Annie Goff married William Thomas James on 31 Dec 1930. The report in the Western Times of 2 Jan 1931, details: "At St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare, on Wednesday, the marriage was solemnised between Miss Annie Goff, fourth daughter of Mrs and the late Mr W Goff of Prospect Place, Ashhill and Mr William Thomas James, fifth son of the late Mr and Mrs E James, formerly of Welsh Tenement Farm, Ashill, and Downhill, Bampton, Devon. The Rector (Rev. E S Chalk) officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr W H Symons, was gracefully attired in brown crepe de chine, with a brown tailor made cloth coat with wide collar and cuffs of lambswool with a hat to match. She carried a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums and asparagus fern, which was later laid on the grave of the bride's father. There were no bridesmaids. Mr F Goff (brother of the bridegroom bride) was best man. A reception, which took place at the home of the bride's mother, was observed quietly, owing to the recent death of the father of the bridegroom. There was a large number of presents. Later in the day the happy couple left for their new home at Bampton. The bride is well known and highly respected in Huntsham, where she has been assistant mistress in the school for 16 years, which post she will be resigning on the complete recovery of the headmistress, Mrs Fitchett." The couple did not have children. In 1939, William Thomas James, Dairy Hand, and Annie James, were living at Comeytrowe Manor Farm, Trull, Taunton. Annie James died in 1972 and William Thomas James in 1982.
• Amy Goff married Harry B Smith, in Tiverton, in 1920. They had one son, Ronald Smith b. 1920 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 648. Cannot identify further records.
• Frank Goff married Hilda Mary Ferris (b. 2 Oct 1898), daughter of Henry Spearing Ferris and Florence Furnham, in Chard Somerset, in 1927. They had one son, John Ferris Goff b. 1930 D Quarter in CHARD Volume 05C Page 432. In 1939, they were at 62 Station Road, Ilminster. Frank Goff died on 20 May 1974 and Hilda Mary Goff on 26 Aug 1975, both in Paignton, Devon.