Inherited Craziness
A place to share all the nuts found on my family tree

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Thomas Henry Richards Gardner and Mary Ann Watkins

St George Hanover Square
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - 
geograph.org.uk/p/7728390
Thomas Henry Richards Gardner, bachelor, servant, then of Brook StreetMayfair (bap. 25 Dec 1825 in Dursley, Gloucestershire), who listed his father as Thomas Richards Gardner, Carpenter, but was actually the son of Mary Ann Gardener, Single woman (and very likely a Mr Richards), married Mary Ann Watkins (b. ~1829 in St George, Hanover Square), spinster of Swan Passage, daughter of James William Watkins, Coachman, and Mary Wells, at St George, Hanover Square, on 30 Jan 1854. Witnesses were James William Watkins and Mary Watkins, presumably the bride's parents.

Thomas Henry Richards and Mary Ann Gardner had seven children:
  1. Thomas James Gardner b. 17 Mar 1854 (1854 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 171), bap. 28 May 1854 (as Thomas James Charles Augustus Gardner) at St George, Hanover Square. Evidence of a marriage in 1885. Died at 39 in 1892 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 612
  2. Henry James Gardner b. 23 Jan 1856 (1856 M Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 01C Page 320), bap. 11 May 1856 (as Henry James William Gardner) at St George, Hanover Square. Died at 29 in 1885 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 416
  3. Charles Albert Gardner b. 31 Mar 1859 (Registered 1859 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 183), bap. 7 May 1859 at St George, Hanover Square. (Died in 1901).
  4. Ann Gardner b. 1862 M Qtr in POPLAR UNION Vol 01C Page 630. (No further records found, so assume died shortly after birth or in infancy.)
  5. Albert Edward Gardner b. 1864 S Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 596. Died aged 3 in 1867 S Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 407
  6. Mary Ann Gardner b. 1867 S Qtr in POPLAR UNION Vol 01C Page 604. Died at 63 in 1931 J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 240 
  7. Albert Gardner b. 19 Jul 1870 in POPLAR UNION Vol 01C Page 623
On all of the registrations the mother's maiden name is WATKINS.

In 1861, Thomas Gardner (31) Ship builders labourer, Mary Ann Gardner (32), Henry Gardner (5) and Chares Gardner (3) were living in the household of Thomas' brother, James Gardner (28) Sawyer from Gloucestershire and his wife Barbara Gardner (24) from Norfolk, at 4, Maud Place, Bromley, Poplar. Thomas Gardner (7) was staying with his grandmother, Mary Watkins (67) Widow, at 5, Swan Cottages, St George Hanover Square.

(Didn't find any birth / baptism record for James Gardner, but he was presumably also a 'natural' son of Mary Ann Gardner. In 1871, James Gardner (38) Manager of Sawmills from Dursley, Gloucestershire, was living in Udimore Road, Rye, Sussex with Barbara Gardner (33). Then James Gardner died, aged 43, in 1876 M Quarter in RYE Volume 02B Page 3 and was buried on 6 Mar 1876, in Rye, Sussex. In 1881, Barbara Gardner (44) Widow, Laundress, was living in Cinque Ports Street, Rye, Sussex. Barbara Gardner died at 76 in 1913 M Quarter in HAILSHAM Volume 02B Page 137.)

In 1871, Thomas Gardner (42) Gas Fitter from Dursley, Gloucestershire was living in Guilford Road, Bromley, Poplar with Mary Ann Gardner (40), Thomas Gardner (17), Henry Gardner (14), Charles Gardner (11), Mary Ann Gardner (3) and Albert Gardner (8 months).

In 1881, at 34, Guildford Road, Bromley, Poplar, were Thomas Gardner (50) Gas Fitter; Mary A Gardner (49), Thomas Gardner (27) Gas Fitter; Henry Gardner (25) Slater; Charles Gardner (22) Slater; and Albert Gardner (11). 

In 1891, Thomas Gardner (62) Gas Fitter was at 12, Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town, with Mary Ann Gardner (66) and Albert Gardner (20) Printer.

In 1901, Thomas Gardner (75) Gas Fitter was living at 150, Queens Road, West Ham with Mary A Gardner (73) Shirt maker; Mary A Gardner (32) Shirt maker; and Albert Gardner (30) Post Office porter.

Thomas Henry Richard[s] Gardner died, aged 86, in 1907 D Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 51.

In 1911, Mary Ann Gardner (84) was living with son Alfred Gardner (40) Printer porter and his wife Susannah (40) at 268 Devons Road, Bow, Poplar (Alfred Gardner had married Susannah Mary Brown in 1908), with Mary Ann Gardner (42) Shirt machinist; and Albert and Susannah's daughter, Rosetta Mary Gardner (6 months). On this census it lists that Mary Ann Gardner had seven children, of whom five had died and only two were then still living. 

Mary Ann Gardner died at 88 in  1917 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 489.

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway

Church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5104522
A plaque near The Ancient Yew of Ashbrittle declares, "Generations of local people
have cherished this tree, one of the oldest living things in Britain."


Henry Stone (bap. 26 Oct 1828 in Langford Budville, Somerset), son of William Stone and Mary Thorne, married Mary Ridgeway (bap. 28 Dec 1833 in Ashbrittle, Somerset)daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at her parish of St John the BaptistAshbrittle, on 24 Jan 1854. Witnesses were George Churly and Mary Ann Churly (who had married in 1853), Mary Ann Stone, as was, was Henry Stone's half-sister.

Henry and Mary Stone, a pair of my 2nd great-grandparents, had nine children. Frederick James was born in Stawley and the rest in Ashbrittle, Somerset. All were baptised at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

  1. Frederick James Stone bap. 25 Dec 1854
  2. Henry William Stone bap. 13 Jul 1856 
  3. John Stone bap. 23 May 1858 (Died, aged 24, on 27 Aug 1882)
  4. Mary Ann Stone bap. 5 Feb 1860 
  5. Tom Stone b. 11 Dec 1861, bap. 4 Feb 1862
  6. Harriet Stone bap. 2 Apr 1865 
  7. Francis Stone b. 1 Feb 1867, bap. 3 Mar 1867
  8. Charles Stone b. 8 Apr 1869, bap. 9 May 1869
  9. Lucy Jane Stone b. 11 Apr 1872 (1872 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 374), bap. 26 May 1872
Lucy Jane's birth was the only one that was registered at the GRO and upon which the mother's maiden name was listed as RIDGWAY.

Court Place, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/3819462

In 1861, Henry (31) and Mary (27) were also living in a Private Cottage at Court Place, as were Henry's parents at that time. With Henry and Mary were the four children born to date; Frederick (6), Henry (4), John (3) and Mary Ann (1), along with Jane Ridgeway (28), Sister-in-Law (Mary's sister).

In 1871, with their address merely given as Cottage, Ashbrittle, were Henry and Mary with Mary Ann (12), Tom (9), Harriet (6), Francis (3) and Charles (1). Frederick Stone (16) Ag Lab Indoor', was working for Henry Oxenham at Chevithorne, Tiverton. Henry Stone (13), Indoor Agricultural Labourer working for Richard Poole (62) a Farmer at Bathealton, Somerset.

In 1873, aged 15, John Stone, was arrested and taken to the Devon County Prison, on 2 Jun, accused of "Attempting to ravish and carnally know Maria Disney on the 28th May, 1873, at Hockworthy." The committing magistrate was J. C. New, Esq., of Cullompton, but John wasn't tried: the bill was ignored for assault with intent to ravish, indecent assault and assault. No further details or clues as to why the case did not proceed, but as Peter Calver of Lost Cousins suggested, securing a conviction was difficult in those times. [On the 1871 census, Mariah Disney (then 12, so 14 at the time of the alleged assault), daughter of John Disney, farm labourer, was living at Hockford Barton, Hockworthy. We may assume she was the young lady in question. John's sister, Harriet Stone, married their first cousin, James Ridgway. James Ridgway's mother was Ann Tooze, who's own mother was Eliza Disney, so there's no doubt that John was also "keeping it in the family"!]

In 1875, the family were living in Hill, Huntsham, according to son Francis Stone's school record, when he was enrolled at Huntsham County Primary School that year. At the time he left school in 1879, Francis was attending school in Chevithorne, so presumably the family had relocated there.

Some of the listed buildings at Widhayes

By 1881, the family had moved to Lands Mill, Uplowman (Lands Mill (now demolished) was part of the Widhayes estate, so assuming Henry was employed by Edward Chave at Widhayes Farm. The stable block, barn, linhay, gate house and farmhouse at Widhayes are Listed Buildings) with Henry (51) and Mary (49), Harriet (16), Francis (14), Charles (11) and Lucy Jane (8), granddaughter, Ellen Snow (2) and widowed Sister-in-Law, Jane Vickery (43). Visiting were Mary Ann Tarr (27) and Jane Tarr (22), General Servants. Widening the area of search, I eventually found John Stone on the 1881 census living in the household of Henry Payne, Railway Tunnel Miner, at Railway Hut, Hurst Green, Oxted, Godstone, Surrey. Living there were Henry Payne (31), his wife, four children aged 5 to 11, as well as nine men, all boarders, all railway tunnel labourers. And at the bottom of the long list was John Stone (22), Tunnel Miner's Labourer, born in Somerset. The Oxted Tunnel - on the Oxted line, which passes under the North Downs in two tunnels, and then splits into two branches at Hurst Green, adjoining Oxted in Surrey - opened in 1884. Living in such horrendous conditions, with so many people crammed into an overcrowded space, lacking in facilities, will have been a perfect environment for transmitting infectious diseases ...

Because one year later, John Stone, "Labourer on Railway", died, aged just 24, on 27 Aug 1882, in Uplowman. His sister, Mary Ann Prescott, was present at his death. Wondering if he'd been killed in an accident, I'd ordered his death certificate, but John had died of the all-too-common Phthisis (Tuberculosis). He was buried, on 3 Sep 1882, in the churchyard at Uplowman.

Mary Stone died, aged 52, on 28 Dec 1885 (1885 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 306) and was buried on 3 Jan 1886, also in Uplowman. 

In 1891, Henry Stone (63), Widower, was living at Greengate Cottage in Uplowman, with daughter Harriet (25), son Francis (23), granddaughter, Ellen Snow (12) (Henry's daughter) and grandson Francis (3) (Harriet's son).

In 1901, Henry (71), Widower (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, was still living at Greengate, Uplowman, this time in the household of James Ridgway (34), who was married to Harriet Stone.

Henry Stone died, aged 72, on 26 Nov 1901 and was buried on 30 Nov 1901 at Uplowman. Henry and Mary are buried together in Uplowman Churchyard along with their son, John. Finding their grave was something I came across quite by accident online, thanks to the magnificent work of Janice Dennis, contributing at Find A Grave. We'd even been to the church and didn't bother to look, because we didn't expect the family to have had the resources.

Grave of John, Mary and Henry Stone in Uplowman Churchyard.

Benjamin Searle Sparrow Masters & Sage Boulton Ayres

St Mary's Churchyard Gardens, Rotherhithe
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Stott - geograph.org.uk/p/7794520

Benjamin Searle Sparrow Masters (b. about 1786) married Sage Boulton Ayres (bap. 2 Jun 1786 at St Mary's, Rotherhithe), daughter of Elnathan Ayres and Elizabeth Perry, in the parish of St Mary, Newington, London (A History of the Parish of St. Mary Newington) on 24 Jan 1808.

They had six children, baptised at St Mary's, Rotherhithe:
  1. Benjamin Masters bap. 13 Nov 1808 (Assume died in infancy)
  2. George Sparrow Masters b. May 1811, bap. 26 May 1811 
  3. Ann Masters b. 28 Jul 1813, bap. 18 Aug 1813. (Died 27 Nov 1816)
  4. Emma Masters b. 12 Feb 1816, bap. 6 Mar 1816. (Died 10 Dec 1816)
  5. Benjamin Masters b. 1 Dec 1817, bap. 21 Dec 1817
  6. Charles Masters b. 26 Mar 1820, bap. 16 Apr 1820
Sage Masters, 35, widow of Benjamin Masters of Rotherhithe petitioned Trinity House for support after her husband's death. The details of the petition tell us that Benjamin Masters, Shipwright, was carpenter in several ships in the West India Trade, finally the 'New Phoenix' (assume Phoenix (1810 ship). He died at Trinidad, West Indies in January 1820, leaving Sage and three children unprovided for: George Sparrow Masters aged nine, b. May 1811; Benjamin Masters two years six months, b. Dec 1817 and Charles Masters aged four months, b. Mar 1820 (therefore a posthumous child).

Sage Boulton Masters then married Uriah Wackrill (bap. 22 Aug 1802 in Danbury, Essex), son of Uriah Wackrill and Susannah Stone, again in the parish of St Mary, Newington on 26 Apr 1833

In 1841, Uriah Wackrill (35) Gardener was living at Knights Hayes Farm, Tiverton, Devon with Sage B Wackrill admitting to being 45 - she was then actually 55 - along with George Branfield (15) M.S. [Male Servant].

Published in the London Gazette and local press of the time: "Notice is hereby given, that the Partnership between the undersigned, Uriah Wackrill and John Gath, in the trade or business of Brewers and Maltsters, Tiverton, in the county of Devon, and elsewhere, under the firm of Wackrill and Gath, was this day dissoled by mutual consent; and in future the business will be carried on by the said Uriah Wackrill on his separate account; and who will pay and received all debts owing from and to the said partnership in the regular course of trade." 25 Oct 1845. (Wackrill & Gath (& brewers), were in Bampton Street, Tiverton, according to Pigot's Directory of Tiverton in 1844.)

In 1851, Uriah Wackrill (47) Gardener from Danbury, Essex was living in Battersea Rise, Battersea, Wandsworth, with Sage B Wackrill (then claiming to be 52, but she'll have been 65); Hannah Wackrill (9) Niece (daughter of Uriah's brother Evan Wackrill and Hannah Bradbery), plus a K Austin (24) Visitor, Governess (presumably for Hannah), from Honiton, Devon.

Sage Boulton Wackrill died, age estimated as 71 (close, 73), in 1859 S Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 281.

In 1861, Uriah Wackrill (58) Head Gardener was living at Bolingbroke Farms, Battersea Rise, Battersea, Wandsworth with Hannah Wackrill (19) Niece.

In 1871, Uriah Wackrill (68) Widower, Estate And House Agent, from Chelmsford, was a boarder in the household of David R Adsley in Battersea.

Uriah Wackrill of 2 Lime Cottage, Battersea, died aged 69, on 2 Feb 1872 (1872 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 377) and was buried, in Battersea, on 7 Feb 1872. He left his effects to his brother, Edward Stone Wackrill of Cox Green, Bray, Berkshire, Gardener.

Monday 22 January 2024

Thomas Goodman and Mary Ann Pluck

The Deanery Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Bocking Churchstreet, Braintree
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/2607258

Thomas Goodman (b. 7 Jan 1791, bap. 13 Feb 1791), son of William Goodman and Elizabeth Turner, married Mary Ann Pluck (bap. 12 Mar 1790 at St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden), daughter of John James Pluck and Elizabeth Coe, at St Mary the Virgin, Bocking, on 22 Jan 1813.

Thomas and Mary Ann Goodman had eight children:
  1. Ann Goodman bap. 9 Nov 1814 at St. Michael's Church, Braintree
  2. William Goodman bap. 16 Jul 1815 at St Mary the Virgin, Bocking
  3. Mary Ann Goodman bap. 3 Aug 1817 in Bocking, Essex. Died Feb 1824 at Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Buried on 15 Feb 1824 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town (aka Globe Road Memorial Garden).
  4. George Goodman b. 29 Apr 1819 (presumably born in Essex), bap. 25 Dec 1822 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green
  5. Eliza Goodman bap. 16 Dec 1821 at St. Andrew's ChurchHalstead
  6. Phebe Goodman b. 6 Dec 1823, bap. 9 May 1824 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. Died May 1824 at Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Buried 23 May 1824 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town.
  7. Thomas Alfred Goodman b. 2 Mar 1825, bap. 25 Dec 1825 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. Died July 1826 at Tent Street, Bethnal Green. Buried on 3 Jul 1826 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town.
  8. Louisa Goodman b. 26 Feb 1827, bap. 18 Mar 1827 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green.
All of the baptisms specify the child's parents as Thomas and Mary and most also specify that Thomas Goodman's occupation was a Carpenter. They clearly moved into London some time between Eliza's baptism in Essex, on 16 Dec 1821 and that of George, in Bethnal Green, on Christmas Day 1822.

In 1841, in Carlisle Street, Bethnal Green, were Thomas Goodman (50), Mary Goodman (51), William Goodman (25) and Louisa Goodman (14). 

It is my belief that the death of Thomas Goodman, age estimated to 59, who died 1847 D Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 25, relates. 

Mary Ann Goodman died, in 1849 in BETHNAL GREEN Vol 02 Page 16.

Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney

No.46 Timewells, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Andrew Riley - geograph.org.uk/p/5833994

Richard Tooze (bap. 24 Jul 1803), son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Eliza Disney (b. ~1807 in Thorne St Margaret, Somerset), at St John the Baptist ChurchSampford Peverell, on 22 Jan 1827. Unfortunately, I've not been able to find a baptism nor identify the parents of Eliza Disney. 

Richard and Eliza had nine children: 
  1. Caroline Tooze bap. 22 Feb 1829
  2. Samuel Tooze bap. 17 Feb 1831 
  3. James Tooze bap. 2 Feb 1834 (Buried on 22 Nov 1835)
  4. Richard Tooze bap. 10 Jul 1836
  5. James Tooze b. ~1839, bap. 5 Dec 1841
  6. Emma Tooze b. 1841 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 464, bap. 5 Dec 1841
  7. Ann Tooze b. 1844 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 477, bap. 21 Mar 1844 
  8. George Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847 (Death registered 1849 M Quarter in WELLINGTON UNION SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10  Page 345, although he had been buried 30 Sep 1848)
  9. Elizabeth Tooze b. 1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 468, bap. 25 Mar 1853
All of the baptisms were at All Saints' Church in Holcombe Rogus and every one of the records lists Richard Tooze' trade as Chairmaker.

In 1841, at Tinckham, Holcombe Rogus, are Richard Tooze (35) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (30), Caroline (12), Samuel (9), Richard (5) and James (2).

In 1851, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus, we find Richard Tooze (47) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (44), Samuel Tooze (19) Chairmaker, Richard Tooze (14) Chairmaker, James Tooze (10) Errand boy, Emma Tooze (9) and Ann Tooze (7). Caroline Tooze (22), in 1851, was working as a General servant to Sarah Shackell (67) Widow, Butcher in Lower Town, Sampford Peverell.

In 1861, Richard Tooze (56) Chairmaker, Eliza Tooze (54) Lace Mender with birthplace listed as Thorne St Margaret, Somersetshire, and Elizabeth Tooze (9), were living at Timewells Cottage, Holcombe Rogus.

Still at Timewells Cottage, Holcombe Rogus, in 1871, were Richard Tooze (67) Chairmaker and Eliza Tooze (64). 

Eliza Tooze died, aged 72 (1879 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 253), and was buried on 18 May 1879, in Holcombe Rogus. Richard Tooze died the following year, aged 77 (1880 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 243), and was buried, on 2 May 1880, also at All Saints, Holcombe Rogus.

James Higgs and Ellen Trevail

Whistow Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Phil Williams - geograph.org.uk/p/196552

Ellen Trevail, daughter of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, married James Higgs, son of Samuel Nicholas Higgs, farmer, of Whistow Farm, Lanlivery, and Maria Olver (m. 9 Oct 1821 in Morval) at Luxulyan Parish Church, on 22 Jan 1862. Upon their marriage, James Higgs was listed as a Policeman. Witnesses were Joseph Trevail and Samuel Nicholas Higgs.

Records suggest that James and Ellen had at least eight children: 
  1. Maria Jane Higgs b. 1862 J Qtr in TRURO Vol 05C Page 165, bap. 10 Aug 1862 at Luxulyan, died, in 1863, in New Zealand at 13 months.
  2. Kate Higgs b. 12 Jul 1864 in New Zealand
  3. Joseph Higgs b. 1868
  4. James Higgs b. 1871
  5. Dahlia Higgs b. 1873
  6. Ellen Olivia Higgs b. 1876
  7. Emma Jane Higgs b. 1878
  8. William John Higgs b. 1881 (died 30 Mar 1910, aged 28 and is buried at Linwood Cemetery along with his wife, Amelia “Mena” Higgs)
In Dec 1862, James (24), Ellen (22) and their infant daughter, Maria Jane, embarked on that same voyage on the Huntress, as her younger sister, Mary Ann, arriving in Lyttelton, New Zealand on 21 Apr 1863. 

James Higgs died on 17 Apr 1913 and is buried at Linwood Cemetery. In his will, he appointed his sons, Joseph and James, both butchers, as his executors. Ellen Higgs died on 21 Jul 1929, aged 88, and is also buried at Linwood Cemetery, along with her husband and youngest son.

(Kate Higgs married John Philip Queree on 13 Jul 1882. Kate Higgs Queree died on 1 Jul 1924 and is buried at Bromley Cemetery, Bromley, Christchurch City, Canterbury, New Zealand along with her husband. I've found no further records for Dahlia, Ellen Olivia or Emma Jane.)

Saturday 20 January 2024

Stephen Botterill and Elizabeth Tubb

Shakespeare Road, Gillingham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/3889536

Stephen Botterill (bap. 3 Apr 1844 in West Haddon), younger son of Stephen Botterill and Mary Thompson, married Elizabeth Tubb (bap. 29 Dec 1850 at St Mary's Church, Portsea), daughter of Edward Tubb and Hannah Bussey, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East, on 20 Jan 1876. At the time of his marriage, Stephen was listed as a Police Constable in Chatham. One of the witnesses was Stephen's cousin and brother-in-law, Benjamin Tompson. Elizabeth's address was listed on the marriage certificate as 299 Cable Street, which was where Benjamin and Mary Tompson lived.

Stephen and Elizabeth had seven children:
  1. Alice Bottrill b. 1877 J Quarter in MEDWAY Volume 02A Page 477
  2. Mary Elizabeth Botterill b. 1881 M Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 586
  3. Stephen Botterill b. 3 Sep 1883 D Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 556
  4. John Botterill b. 20 May 1886 J Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 606
  5. Grace Hannah Botterill b. 1888 D Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 603
  6. Florence Botterill b. 1891 D Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 587
  7. Gertrude Botterill b. 1894 M Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 608
In 1881, Stephen Botterill (39), Police Constable; Elizabeth (29), Alice (4) & Mary Elizabeth (0), were at 7 Unity Cottages, Gardiner Street, Gillingham.

In 1891, living at Hadden House (clearly named after Stephen's birthplace, which seems a bit pretentious), Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, were Stephen Bottrill (50), Police Constable; Elizabeth Bottrill (40), Alice Bottrill (14), Mary Bottrill (10), Stephen Bottrill (7), John Bottrill (4) and Grace Bottrill (2).

In 1901, at 85, Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, were Stephen Bottrill (58), employed as an Excavator, Elizabeth Bottrill (46), Mary Bottrill (19), John Bottrill (15), Grace Bottrill (11), Florence Bottrill (9) and Gertrude Bottrill (7). (Alice had married in 1899, while Stephen had joined the Royal Navy.)

Stephen Bottrill died on 30 May 1904, aged 63 (1904 J Quarter in MEDWAY Volume 02A Page 375), although probate wasn't granted - to sons, Stephen and John - until 30 June 1933, after their mother had also died.

In 1911, Elizabeth Bottrill (57), widow, tailoress, was living at 80 Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, with her three youngest daughters: Grace Bottrill (22), Florence Bottrill (20) and Gertrude Bottrill (16).

In 1921, Elizabeth Botterill (71) widow, was living at 80, Shakespeare Road, Gillingham, Kent with son John Botterill (35) Leading Stoker, Royal Navy.

Elizabeth Bottrill died in 1932 J Quarter in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 982. 

Thomas Staines and Sally Hockley

St Giles Church, Mountnessing
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2444460

Thomas Staines (bap. 28 Mar 1790 in Mountnessing, Essex)son of Thomas Staines and Sarah Lewin, married Sally Hockley (bap. 23 Dec 1787 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), daughter of Daniel Hockley and Sarah Turneron 20 Jan 1812 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow. Witnesses were Robert Hockley, Sally's 1st cousin, and Benjamin Cheek (the latter was a Boot and Shoe Maker, according to Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823.)

Thomas and Sally had eleven children in total, who were all baptised at St Giles, Mountnessing, where the family settled for many years: 

  1. Thomas Staines bap. 12 Dec 1813
  2. Sarah Staines bap. 23 Jul 1815
  3. William Staines bap. 23 Mar 1817
  4. John Staines bap. 11 Apr 1819
  5. George Staines bap. 10 Dec 1820
  6. Robert Staines bap. 13 Oct 1822
  7. Elizabeth Staines bap. 4 Apr 1824. Died at 17 in 1841 J Quarter in BILLERICAY Volume 12 Page 6 and was buried on 30 May 1841.
  8. Mariah Staines bap. 6 Nov 1825
  9. Mary Staines bap. 28 Oct 1827
  10. Anne Staines bap. 31 Mar 1829
  11. Charles Staines bap. 21 Jun 1831

On the baptisms of Thomas, Sarah, William and John, their father is listed as a Shop Keeper. On those of George onwards, he's listed as a farmer. He's also listed as a farmer on Sarah's marriage to Henry Wilton in 1838.

Farm Buildings, Woodlands Farm, Mountnessing
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/37921

In 1841, Thomas Staines (50), Farmer, was residing at Woodlands Farm [Thoby Lane], Mountnessing with wife Sally and six of their children; George (20), Robert (18), Maria (15), Mary (13), Ann (11) and Charles (9). Eldest son Thomas Staines married Eliza Lee in 1835 and went to live in High RodingSarah Staines had married Henry Wilton in 1838 and they could be found in the High Street, Great Dunmow; a William Staines of the right age, who was born in Mountnessing, is a farmer of 79 acres in Navestock, Essex; John Staines also appeared to have left home and Elizabeth Staines, it would seem, sadly, had just died, aged 17, and was buried on 30 May 1841.

In 1851, Thomas Staines (61), Farmer of 130 Acres, Employing 4 Labourers and 2 Boys, at Woodlands Farm, Mountnessing, with wife Sally. Still at home were George (30), Maria (25) and Ann (22). Mary Ann Wilton (5) was listed as Niece (could be an easy mistake if one of children was completing the census or responding to the enumerator for their parents), but she was Thomas and Sally's granddaughter (daughter of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines), possibly staying with her grandparents as her mother had another child in 1851. 

By 1861, Thomas and Sally Staines had moved to Lord Peters (Sir William Petre) Alms Houses, Stone Field, Ingatestone, Chelmsford. Thomas (71) was then listed as being a Maltster and Corn Dealer. Still living at home were daughters Maria (32) and Anne (29) and visiting them were granddaughter, Elizabeth Staines (14) (daughter of William Staines) and their grandson, Henry Staines Wilton (20) (son of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines).

Thomas Staines died, at 79, in 1870 (1870 M Quarter in CHELMSFORD Volume 04A Page 134), and was buried, on 8 Feb 1870, in Ingatestone.

In 1871, Sally Staines, widow and annuitant, was living Nr The Maltings, Avenue Cottage with Anne (40), housekeeper and Fanny Hogg, boarder. 

Sally Staines (née Hockley) died, aged 87 in 1875 (1875 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 308), and was buried on 18 Mar 1875 at St Edmund and St Mary's Church, Ingatestone.

Ginge Petre Almshouses, Ingatestone (1840)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Julian Osley - geograph.org.uk/p/3493906

Friday 19 January 2024

Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis

All Saints' Church, Thorpe Malsor
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Thacker - geograph.org.uk/p/6620224

Solomon Thompson Jnr (bap. 15 Jun 1786 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Solomon Thompson Sr and Ann Rawson, married Maria Willis (bap. 24 May 1789 in Thorpe Malsor, Northamptonshire), daughter of Thomas Willis and Mary Essex, at All Saints ChurchThorpe Malsor on 19 Jan 1807

Their 12 children, all baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley were:
  1. Mary Thompson bap. 14 Dec 1807
  2. Daniel Thompson bap. 30 Jul 1809
  3. Thomas Thompson bap. 14 Apr 1811
  4. Maria Thompson bap. 19 Dec 1814
  5. Lucy Thompson bap. 18 Dec 1815
  6. Anne Thompson bap. 20 Oct 1817
  7. Eliza Thompson bap. 9 Jul 1820 (buried 14 Oct 1821)
  8. Solomon Thompson bap. 4 Apr 1822
  9. Eliza Thompson bap. 8 Feb 1824
  10. William Thompson bap. 31 Dec 1825 
  11. Martha Thompson, b. 1826, bap. 20 Dec 1831
  12. Elizabeth Thompson bap. 20 Dec 1831 (age 3y 3m, so b. 1828) 
Solomon Thompson Jnr, carpenter, died, aged 54 in 1839 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 198 and was buried on 9 Dec 1839 at St Andrew's Church, Little Cransley.

By 1841, Maria Thompson (55), Pauper, was in the Hamlet of Cransley, as the head of the family with younger sons Solomon (20), Carpenter's Apprentice and William (15), and daughter Martha (14), as well as a John James (20) - presumably a boarder/lodger - also a Carpenter's Apprentice. 

In 1851, in Little Cransley, were Maria Thompson (66), Pauper, Carpenter's Widow, with son William (25) Mason's Labourer and Anne Thompson (5) (Elizabeth's child). Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter, was staying as a visitor with his sister, Lucy Smith and her husband in Foleshill, Warwickshire. 

In 1861, Maria Thompson (74) widow, was still living in Little Cransley, with just her son William Thompson (31, actually 36) living with her. Thomas Thompson (50) Carpenter was living alone in Cransley.

By 1871, Maria (listed as Mary) Thompson (85) was living with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Wykes, in Deptford. Thomas Thompson (60), was still a carpenter in Broughton. William Thompson (47) Farm Servant, was visiting his sister and brother-in-law, William Naseby and Eliza Thompson, in Rugby. 

Maria Thompson died, in 1873 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 461.

In 1881, Thomas Thompson (70), carpenter, may have become too old or infirm to work or manage on his own, because he was listed as an inmate at Kettering Union Workhouse (later St Mary's Hospital, Kettering). William Thompson (55), was also an inmate in the Kettering Union Workhouse. 

It would appear that Thomas Thompson died, in Kettering, in 1886 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 103. Neither he nor William ever married.

In 1891, William Thompson (then 66), single, Gardener Domestic Servant, was back living with his sister and brother-in-law in Rugby. 

William Thompson died, at 76, in 1901 J Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D 346.

Wednesday 17 January 2024

William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton

Watling Street, Thaxted
                         cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/4308377
All of the buildings here are listed at grade II.

William Thomas Jarvis married Sarah Ann Wilton (b. 1842), daughter of Joseph Wilton and Ann Thurlbourn, in Great Dunmow, on 17 Jan 1866. On the marriage record, William Thomas Jarvis is listed as the son of John Jarvis, a Grocer, but I've been unable to find a grocer called John Jarvis anywhere. It's a bit suspect that Sarah worked for a grocer and he 'coincidentally' choses this trade, and feels to me like another case of a father invented for the marriage certificate. There are plenty of those. Neither have I found a record of a birth or baptism of William Thomas Jarvis, because he doesn't appear on any census in this period either to get clues to verify when or where he was born. 

Whoever he was, nevertheless, the couple had two children:

  1. Kate Jarvis b. 1867 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 392
  2. William Thomas Jarvis b. 1868 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 387. Died aged 17, on 4 Oct 1885 (1885 D Quarter in CHELMSFORD Volume 04A Page 209) and was buried on 9 Oct 1885, in Chelmsford, with father listed as Thomas Jarvis.
In 1861, Sarah A Wilton (19), Milliner, had been a boarder in the household of Alfred Sprent, Draper & Grocer, in Watling StreetThaxted

By 1871, Sarah Jarvis (28), Dressmaker, was listed as widowed - although I've been unable to find a record of William Thomas Jarvis' death - living with her two children and her sister Clara Jane in High Street, Great Dunmow. 

Sarah Ann Jarvis died at 31, in 1874 M Qtr in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 271, from Consumption (Tuberculosis) and was buried on 8 Jan 1874.

In 1881, [William Thomas] Tom Jarvis (13) Cashier Clerk, Nephew was living with two of his maiden aunts, his mother's sisters, Eleanor Wilton (29) and Clara Wilton (27) at 3, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex.

Then William Thomas Jarvis died on 4 Oct 1885, aged 17.

There were two girls called Kate Jarvis born 1867 in Dunmow

However, there were two people called Kate Jarvis, both born in the March quarter of 1867 and both registered in Dunmow. One of the births lists the mother's maiden name as Wilton - thus she was daughter of William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton - while the other birth lists the mother's maiden name as Patient - she was the daughter of John Jarvis and Ann Patient. Cannot determine is what, if any, relation they are to one another.

In 1881, a Kate Jarvis (14) was a general servant in the household of Susan F Sprent (38), widow, in Town Street, Thaxted, Dunmow, Essex. Therefore, while it would be tempting to think that the Kate Jarvis who is working for Susan Sprent in 1881 would be the daughter of Sarah Ann Jarvis (née Wilton) who had worked for Alfred Sprent 20 years earlier, in reality, and especially if they are related, it's impossible to tell which one this was.

There are, actually, no verifiable records of the Kate Jarvis the daughter of William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton beyond 1871. 

(The Kate Jarvis who married William Hockley, in Dunmow, in 1890 was the daughter of John Jarvis. She definitely wasn't the daughter of Sarah Ann Wilton, as this erroneous listing suggests. Neither can I find how this William Hockley is related - if he is - to the rest of my Dunmow Hockleys. The family were living in Thaxted, in 1901. Then this William Hockley died, aged 36, in 1902. In 1911 the widowed Kate Hockley (44) was in Thaxted with her two children and then on 2 Mar 1912, the widowed Kate Hockley married a John Jarvis (was he her relation?) and, once again, became Kate Jarvis. It is therefore this Kate Jarvis, daughter of John Jarvis and Ann Patient, rebooted, listed in Thaxted in 1921 and in Dunmow Road, Thaxted in 1939, who died, aged 79, in 1947 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A  Page 801.)

Friday 12 January 2024

Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke

St Mary Magdalene, North Ockendon - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2657540

Joseph Phillips married Ann Clarke (b. ~1782) at the church of St Mary MagdaleneNorth Ockendon, Essex on 12 Jan 1801.

Joseph and Ann had at least five sons:
  1. James Phillips bap. 12 Feb 1804 (buried 21 Nov 1804) both at St. NicholasSouth Ockendon
  2. Thomas Phillips bap. 25 May 1806 at St. NicholasSouth Ockendon
  3. James Phillips bap. 17 Jul 1808 at St. NicholasSouth Ockendon (buried 2 Oct 1814 at St Michael, Aveley)
  4. William Phillips b. 25 Dec 1810, bap. 20 Jan 1811 at St Michael's, Aveley. (There is a burial of a William Phillips, aged 31, on 25 Apr 1841 in Rainham that may relate.)
  5. Isaac Phillips bap. 26 Dec 1813 at St Giles & All SaintsOrsett
There was a burial of an Ann Phillips (37) in Grays Thurrock on 18 Apr 1819. 

I've been unable to determine what happened to Joseph.

Charles Baker and Sarah Hoile

St Mary Aldermary, Bow Lane, London EC4 - West end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/885942

Charles Baker married Sarah Hoile in the parish of St Mary Aldermary with St Thomas the Apostle on 12 Jan 1822. Since the church of St Thomas the Apostle was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and not rebuilt, it's probably safe to assume that the venue was St Mary Aldermary

The couple have two children, baptised at St Leonard's, Shoreditch:
  1. Sarah Baker b. 1 Nov 1822, bap. 10 Jan 1823 
  2. Charles Hoile Baker b. 23 Aug 1825, bap. 9 Oct 1825
On the record of son Charles Hoile Baker's marriage, he describes his father's occupation as Waterman. I've not [yet] isolated further records for this pair.

Thursday 11 January 2024

Benjamin Blackmore and Mary Goff

Culmstock : The Culm Valley Inn
The former Railway Hotel, now the Culm Valley Inn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7381769

Benjamin Blackmore (bap. 3 Feb 1856 in Kentisbeare, Devon), Blacksmith, son of Samuel Blackmore and Elizabeth Jeffery, married Mary Goff (bap. 6 Nov 1859 in Kentisbeare), daughter of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, at the parish church of St Mary's, Kentisbeare, on 11 Jan 1882.

Witnesses were John Goff and Hannah Goff, latter who was most likely to have been Mary's younger sister, Anna - she was also listed as Hannah on the 1881 census. The marriage record is on the same page and is therefore presumably the first wedding celebrated in the church since that of Mary's brother, William Goff and Sarah Jane Rowe, the previous September.

Ben and Mary had four daughters:
  1. Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore b. 9 Mar 1882 (1882 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 334) Couldn't find a baptism, presumably because of the proximity to the wedding.
  2. Florence Annie Blackmore b. 18 Oct 1885 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 310, bap. 15 Nov 1885 at All Saints Church, Culmstock
  3. Amy Goff Blackmore b. 1889 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 313, bap. 7 Apr 1889 at All Saints Church, Culmstock
  4. Gladys May Blackmore b. 17 Sep 1890 S Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 307, bap. Gladys Mary, 19 Oct 1890 at All Saints, Culmstock
The three baptism records all list their father's occupation as Blacksmith.

In 1886, Benjamin Blackmore of Culmstock won a prize for skill in shoeing.

In 1891, Benjamin Blackmore (34) General smith, was living in Station Road, Culmstock, with Mary Blackmore (32), Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore (9), Florence Annie Blackmore (5), Amy Goff Blackmore (2), Gladys May Blackmore (0) - 6 months - and William Windson (19) Apprentice.

R. D. Blackmore, the famous novelist best known for Lorna Doone, lived in Culmstock from 1835-1841 [Source], while his father, John Blackmore, was Curate of All Saints Church, Culmstock. In 1894, "Culmstock became the Perlycross in Blackmore's novel of that name. Perlycross includes detailed descriptions of local places and living conditions at that time." [Source

In Gregory's Directory of Culmstock, also of 1894, Ben Blackmore, is listed as "smith & machinist". In Richard Doddridge Blackmore's 1894 novel, "The only man with a clue to the mystery is a blacksmith who has been called up late at night by a mysterious party with a cart." Was there any link between Benjamin Blackmore and R D Blackmore? :) That would be research for another day.


In 1901, Benjamin Blackmore (45) was Innkeeper and Blacksmith at the Victoria Hotel, Culmstock with Mary Blackmore (42), Florence Blackmore (15), Amy Blackmore (12), Gladys Blackmore (10), Edith Brown (19) General domestic servant; Jonas Hooper (22) Blacksmith and Samuel Blackmore (17) Nephew, Blacksmith Apprentice. Lilian E Blackmore (19) Dressmaker, was a boarder at the Girls Friendly Society Lodge, 32, East Southernhay, Exeter.

Mary Blackmore died, aged 45, in 1905 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET & DEVON Volume 05C Page 197 and Mary Blackmore (née Goff), wife of Benjamin Blackmore, Innkeeper, of The Railway Hotel, Culmstock, was buried, on 5 Apr 1905, in her native Kentisbeare.

So, Benjamin Blackmore (49), Widower, Licensed victualler, son of Samuel Blackmore, Farm Bailiff, married Clara Blackmore (47) Widow, daughter of Charles Dennett, in Wellington, Somerset on 23 Sep 1908. Clara gave her address as 26 Rockwell Green, Wellington (this address is a Post Office). Another Blackmore! That can't just be coincidence, can it? 

Clara Dennett bap. 21 Apr 1861, at Gussage All Saints, Dorset, daughter of Charles Dennett and Eliza Robertson, had married her first husband, John Tom Blackmore (b. 1860 in Gillingham, Dorset), son of Charles Blackmore and Mary Ann Wadman, at Gussage All Saints on 16 May 1887

In 1891, listed as Thomas Blackmore (33) Coachman from Gillingham, Dorset and Clara Blackmore (30), they were living at 114, Pavilion Road, Chelsea, (a mews just off Sloane Square). In 1901, Thomas Blackmore (40) Coachman and Clara Blackmore (40) were listed, along with a long list of coachmen, grooms, etc., at 1, Blue Ball Yard, St James Westminster. "The earliest reference to Blue Ball Yard itself dates to when the site was sold by King Charles II in 1672, by which time it was already a developed site of stables and housing, probably for servants working in the palace." It's clear from the addresses that John Tom Blackmore had worked in some high places.

Then John Tom Blackmore died, aged 45, in 1905 D Quarter in HATFIELD Volume 03A Page 360 and was buried, on 11 Dec 1905, in The Parish of Bishops Hatfield (St Etheldreda), Hertfordshire. This church is in the old village of Hatfield, "close to the walls of Hatfield House, once a royal palace [...] so is exceptionally grand for a parish church." His abode was listed as Hatfield Park. One assumes he had brought dignitaries there.

But what link there could be between the Dorset Blackmore families and their Devon counterparts, if there was one, there is nothing to indicate it.

In 1911, Benjamin Blackmore (53) Hotel Proprietor was at the Railway Hotel Millmoor, Culmstock with Clara Blackmore (50), Amy Blackmore (22) Draper's Assistant; Gladys Blackmore (20) Miliner; Rose Troake (16) Servant and Thomas Walls (29) Stonemason, Boarder. Florence Blackmore (28) was a Domestic cook in the household of Maurice Michael (58) Watch importer at 19 Lydford Road, Cricklewood NW, London.

In 1921, Benjamin Blackmore (60) Hotel Proprietor & Clara Blackmore (58) were at the 17th Century Coaching House, the The White Hart Hotel in Wiveliscombe, with Lydia Mary Furze (41) and John Reginald Furze (11) Visitors and Violet Gladys Chandler (25) & Ivy May Taylor (22) Servants.

Clara Blackmore died, at 66, in 1927 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 307. And Benjamin Blackmore died the following year, at 69, in 1928 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 329.

  • Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore married George Henry Hansford, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1906. That same year, they emigrated to Canada. They appear to have had two children. Lilian Elizabeth Hansford died, at 92, in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1975.
  • Florence Annie Blackmore married William Herbert Owen Denness in Hendon, Middlesex, in 1912. They had three children. In 1939, William H O Denness, Hotel Proprietor, Florence A Denness were at 10-11 St George's Place, Llandudno - a quite grand, sea front location. Their younger daughter, Gladys, was Hotel Receptionist; also living in were a Hotel Boots, two Waitresses, a Chambermaid and a Cook. Florence Annie Denness died, aged 73, on 2 Dec 1958 and was buried, on 5 Dec 1958 in Llanrhos, Caernarvonshire.
  • Amy Goff Blackmore married Douglas Wilfred Brentnall, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1917. They had one son quite late after their marriage, John Douglas Brentnall (1934-2010). Amy G Brentnall died, aged 77, in Weston-Super-Mare, in 1967.
  • Gladys May Blackmore married Henry Cowper Giles (b. 12 Aug 1889, in Bristol), son of Francis Frederick Giles and Florence Maria Avent, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1917. They had one son, Roland Henry Giles (1918-1968). In 1939, Henry C Giles, Sports Outfitter and Gladys May Giles were living at 56 Chepstow Road, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. Gladys May Giles died on 11 Apr 1992, at the grand old age of 101 years 6 months and is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Christchurch Road, Newport, Wales.

Wednesday 10 January 2024

David Huke and Hannah White

St Andrew, Thorpe St Andrew
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4006187

David Huke (bap. 3 Jun 1838 in Burgh, St Peter, where he'd lived with his parents at Hukes Corner), Shoemaker, son of Edward Huke, Blacksmith, and Ann Taylor, married Hannah White (bap. 23 Aug 1840), daughter of William White and Ann Francis, at Thorpe St Andrew on 10 Jan 1869. The witnesses were Walter White and Hannah White, the bride's brother and his wife.

Hannah already had an illegitimate daughter, registered as Alice Roxby White in 1864 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 196. When Alice married in 1884, she listed her father as James Roxby. (There was one James Roxby in Norfolk, born in 1850. I'll do the maths for you: it would have involved Hannah 'seducing' a 13 year old lad.) However, at her sister Maria's wedding in 1863, Hannah White was one of the witnesses, the other was a John Roxby, who is a more likely prime suspect. (There was a John Roxby, born around 1833, who would fit. He married someone else in 1865.)

David and Hannah Huke added four children:
  1. Lucy Ann Huke b. 1869 S Quarter in BLOFIELD Volume 04B Page 180, bap. 1 Feb 1870 in Thorpe-next-Norwich (Thorpe St Andrew).
  2. Minnie Huke b. 18 Apr 1871 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 191, bap. 28 Jun 1874 at Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew). Died in Reigate, Surrey, in 1914 (see below).
  3. Herbert Huke b. 1872 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 197, bap. 11 Apr 1874 at Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew). Died at 1½ in 1874 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 132 and was buried on 24 Apr 1874, also in Thorpe Episcopi.
  4. Albert Huke b. 16 Mar 1875 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 195, bap. 17 Mar 1875 in Thorpe Episcopi. Died aged 3 weeks in 1875 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 141 and was buried in Thorpe Episcopi on 10 Apr 1875.
Alice, born 18 May 1864, was also baptised on 28 Jun 1874 in Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew), her surname listed as "White or Huke".

The baptisms confirm David Huke's occupation as Shoemaker.

In 1871, living at Thorpe Road (Dale's Place), Thorpe St Andrew, Blofield, Norfolk, were David Huke (32) Shoemaker from Burgh, St Peter; Hannah Huke (30) from Mattishall, Alice Huke (6) and Lucy Huke (1).

David Huke died, at 41, in 1879 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 131 and was buried at St. Andrew Episcopi on 1 Oct 1879.

In 1881, Hannah Huke (40), Widow, Washwoman from Mattishall, was living at Red Lion Square, Thorpe-Next-Norwich, with Alice White (16) Washwoman; Lucy Huke (11) and Minnie Huke (9).

Hannah Huke died, at 47, on 3 Feb 1888 M Quarter in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 153 and was buried on 8 Feb 1888, also in Thorpe Episcopi.

The Downham Market Gazette of 15 May 1880, reports that Arthur Ellgood, Labourer, of Thorpe St Andrew's was summoned by Alice White for assaulting her on 1 May 1880. The defendant did not appear, and the case was heard in his absense. He was fined 5s and costs 16s 6d. So, it was some surprise to read that, Alice Roxby White (20) married Arthur Elgood (23) Labourer, son of William Elgood, Lime Burner at Thorpe St Andrew on 22 June 1884

The couple had one daughter, Lucy Hannah Elgood b. 16 Mar 1888 J Quarter in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 218 and bap. 15 Apr 1888 at Thorpe Episcopi.

Arthur Elgood died, aged 29, 1889 D Qtr in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 126 and was buried on 4 Dec 1889, also in Thorpe Episcopi.

In 1891, Alice Elgood (26) Widow, Laundress, was at Tan Yard, Thorpe Next Norwich, with daughter, Lucy Elgood (3) and Minnie Huke (19) Sister. 

Alice Elgood (27) Widow, married Walter Henry Lane (27) Bachelor, again at Thorpe Episcopi, on 12 Apr 1892. This time she listed her father as David Huke, Shoemaker (Deceased). Walter Henry's occupation was 'Agent'.

On 1 Feb 1883, aged 19, at Great Yarmouth, Walter Henry Lane had joined the Norfolk Regiment. He deserted on 16 Jun 1883; re-joined on 7 Sep 1883 and was imprisoned, but eventually settled down to achieve 5 years 83 days service and promotion to Corporal. He served in India, was awarded a medal with clasp, Burma 1887-89 and was pensioned on 17 Sep 1890.

In 1901, Walter Henry Lane (36) Carpenter, Alice Lane (36) and Lucy Lane (13) [Elgood], were living at 30, Rangemoor Road, Tottenham, Edmonton.

In 1911, still at 30 Rangemoor Road, Tottenham, were Walter Henry Lane (listed as 50) Carpenter, Alice Lane (48) Charwoman, Lucy Hannah Lane (23) Boot boxer and William Smith (22) Door Man at Boot Shop, Lodger.

Lucy H Elgood married William H Smith, in Edmonton, in Q4 1911. 

Walter Henry Lane died at 49, in 1914 J Qtr in EDMONTON.

In 1921, Alice Lane (57) Widow, whose occupation was listed as 'Washing', was living at 19, Highweek Road, Tottenham. Also at that same address were Lucy Smith (33) Widow (one imagines that her husband, William H Smith, had been lost during WWI); Minnie Smith (9) and William Smith (7).

In 1939, Alice Lane (b. 18 May 1864), Widow, of Private Means, was living, at 15 Highwood Road, Tottenham.

Alice Lane died at 77, in 1942 M Qtr in EDMONTON Vol 03A Page 1157.

  • Minnie Huke of The Brabazon Home Reigate (Brabazon Home of Comfort. Founded to care for chronic or incurable invalids among the members of the Girls' Friendly Society who might otherwise face ending their days in the workhouse infirmary) died aged 43, in 1914 J Quarter in REIGATE Volume 02A Page 252 at was buried on 24 Apr 1914 at St Mary's Church, Reigate.
  • Lucy Huke was listed in 1914-1915 at 13 Stonebridge Road, Tottenham. Lucy Ann Huke, died at 61, in 1932 M Quarter in EDMONTON Volume 03A Page 934, having never married.

These pages are my notes on work in progress. Follow That Page can monitor changes, as further research is done. Where something is unconfirmed, I've tried to make this clear, but include the information as it may provide further clues.

General Register Office (GRO) references for births and deaths, where appropriate, are quoted, so that you can more easily locate certificates. I do not routinely purchase certificates for any, other than my direct ancestors, which I'm willing to share.

If you have information, certificates, etc., you can offer, please get in touch.