Showing posts with label Agricultural Labourer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agricultural Labourer. Show all posts

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

John Elworthy and Mary Flew

Rackenford : Church of All Saints - Lych Gate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3011518

John Elworthy (b. ~1826 in Molland, Devon) and Mary Flew (bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford), daughter of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, both resident in the parish, married at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 9 Jun 1850

In 1851, John Elworthy (26) Ag Lab from Molland and Mary Elworthy (23) from Rackenford, were living at "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton".

John and Mary Elworthy had one daughter, Mary Jane Elworthy b. 1852 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 437, bap. 4 Apr 1852, in Rackenford, Devon. However, John Elworthy died, age estimated at 30, in 1852 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 313 and was buried, on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 1852, in Rackenford. Then Mary Jane Elworthy died, in 1853 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 332 and the infant was buried, also in Rackenford, on 6 Mar 1853.

On 26 Mar 1856, Mary Elworthy, widow, daughter of Richard Flew, married James Marshall (bap. 9 May 1824 in Knowstone), bachelor, son of Edward Marshall and Elizabeth Sellick, at St Peter's Church, Knowstone

James and Mary Marshall had five more children:
  1. John Marshall b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jan 1857 in Knowstone
  2. Emma Jane Marshall b. 1859 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 22 May 1859 in Knowstone
  3. James Marshall b. 1862 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 452, bap. 13 Apr 1862 in Knowstone
  4. Elizabeth Ann Marshall b. 1865 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 16 Apr 1865 in Knowstone
  5. Mary Ann Marshall b. 28 Oct 1868 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 451, bap. 29 Nov 1868 in Knowstone
The birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as FLEW.

In 1861, at Westcott, White Field, Knowstone, were listed James Marshall (35) Labourer from Knowstone, Devon; Mary Marshall (34) from Oakford, Devon; John Marshall (4) and James Marshall (1). This is a neat trick, listing James who was not even born until the following year. Wishful thinking? I did check that there had not been a James born earlier and who died as an infant, but there were no records to suggest this. Also Emma Jane is not listed. 

In 1871, at Marshall Cottage, Knowstone, we find James Marshall (48), Mary Marshall (44), James Marshall (9), Elizabeth Marshall (6), Mary Marshall (2) and Elizabeth Howard (0) Lodger. (Elizabeth Howard b. 1871 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B  Page 470, bap. 5 Feb 1871 in Knowstone, was the illegitimate daughter of Joanna Howard (21), who in 1871 was working as a Domestic Servant at Woods Farm, West Anstey. One assumes she paid Mary Marshall to care for the infant while she was working. Joanna, daughter of John Howard and Sarah Land is undoubtedly, distantly related.) John Marshall (14) Farm Servant and Emma Marshall (11) Child Maid, were working for Henry Buckingham at Awlo Borrough Farm, Knowstone.

Most of the family seem to have escaped the census of 1881, except Elizabeth Ann Marshall (16) who was employed as a General Servant to George Gunn, Farmer, at Lower Bulwarthy, Rackenford.

In 1891, James Marshall (68) Farm Labourer was living in the Village, Knowstone, with Mary Marshall (63) Charwoman; James Marshall (29) Farm Labourer; Sarah J Marshall (26) Daughter-in-law and Nellie Kingdom (1) Granddaughter. (Son James had married Sarah Jane Kingdom on 2 Jun 1890, but Nellie had arrived a bit prematurely in 1890 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 410.) John had married in 1883; Emma Jane in 1879 and Mary Ann in 1890. Elizabeth A Marshall (25) was General Servant in the employ of William Cole, Farmer, at Bommer, Molland.

In 1901, James Marshall (77) Retired ordinary labourer, Mary Marshall (73) Pauper and Mary Ann Packer Marshall (23) Dressmaker (daughter of Samuel Packer and Emma Jane Marshall) were living in "Cottage, Knowstone". 

James Marshall, age estimated as 80, died in 1906 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 247 and was buried on 2 Sep 1906, in Knowstone.

Mary Marshall, listed as Mary Ann (she never had a middle name), age also as 80, died the following year in 1907 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 237 and was buried on 7 Jul 1907, in Knowstone.

Thursday, 4 June 2026

Charles Ponsford and Bessie Ann Stone

Uplowman: near Higher Coombe
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/151093
Looking east over the Lowman valley towards Houndsmoor Cottage (left) and Hill Farm (right)

Charles Ponsford (b. 23 Apr 1876, in Uplowman), son of John Ponsford and Jane Lock, married Bessie Ann Stone (b. 18 Jul 1882, in Uplowman), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, on 4 Jun 1906 at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman. Witnesses were Frederick James Stone, either the bride's father or brother and Richard Ponsford, the bridegroom's elder brother. 

Charles and Bessie Ann had three children:
  1. Charles James Ponsford b. 18 Feb 1907 (1907 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 367), bap. 22 Feb 1907 in Uplowman. 
  2. Frederick John Ponsford b. 13 Jun 1908 (1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 350), bap. 19 Jun 1908 in Uplowman. 
  3. Florence May Ponsford b. 2 Jan 1910 (1910 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 340), bap 30 Jan 1910 in Uplowman. 
In 1911, at Staple Gate, Uplowman, were Charles Ponsford (34) Farm Labourer, Bessie Ann Ponsford (29), Charles James Ponsford (4), Frederick John Ponsford (3) and Florence May Ponsford (1).

In 1921, Charles Ponsford (45) Farm Labourer was still living at Staplegate, Uplowman, Devon with Bessie Ponsford (38), Charles Ponsford (14) Farm Lad; Frederick Ponsford (13) and Florence Ponsford (11).

By 1939, Charles Ponsford appears to be in ill health. He and Bessie, as well as son, Frederick John, were living at Houndsmoor Cottage, Uplowman, along with their daughter Florence May and her husband, John Baker.

Charles Ponsford died in 1952 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 869. 

Bessie Ann Ponsford died in 1966, aged 83.

  • In 1930, Charles James Ponsford married Marjorie Florence Chidgey (b. 29 Jul 1900), who's mother's maiden name was also Lock. In 1939, they were living in Triangle Cottage, Broadclyst. (Charles gave his birth year as 1903, making himself older by four years.) Charles James Ponsford died in 1980. Marjorie Florence Ponsford died in 1987.
  • Frederick John Ponsford, of 1 Crosses Cottage, Uplowman, died on 19 May 1970. He doesn't appear to ever marry. 
  • Florence May Ponsford married John Baker (b. 13 Nov 1910), in Tiverton, in 1931. 

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

William Naseby and Eliza Thompson

St. Andrew's Church, Cransley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Thacker - geograph.org.uk/p/6663331

Mrs Eliza Naseby (née Thompson)
Reproduced from the
“Our Warwickshire” website

© Rugby Library
Reference: T, B NAS, img: 7688
William Naseby (bap. 16 Apr 1815 in West Haddon), son of William Naseby and Charlotte Wood, married, Eliza Thompson (bap. 8 Feb 1824 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), then a minor at 17, daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St Andrew's Church, Cransley on 3 Jun 1841. Witnesses were George Naseby and Ann Naseby.

They had a baker's dozen of children:

  1. Emma Naseby b. 1842 S Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 222, bap. 18 Dec 1842 in West Haddon
  2. William Naseby b. 1844 J Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 245
  3. Clara Ann Naseby b. 1846 J Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 268
  4. James Naseby b. 1848 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 500, bap. 6 Aug 1848 at Saint Andrew, Rugby. (Died, aged 1, in 1849 M Quarter in RUGBY Vol 16 Page 354)
  5. Martha Naseby b. 1850 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 523, bap. 2 Sep 1853 at Saint Andrew, Rugby
  6. Eliza Naseby b. 1851 D Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 536, bap. 5 Dec 1851 at St Matthew's Church, Rugby
  7. Ruth Naseby b. 1853 S Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 356, bap. Kate Ruth, 2 Sep 1853 at Saint Andrew, Rugby
  8. Maria Naseby b. 1855 D Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 365, bap. 16 Oct 1855 at Saint Matthews, Rugby. (Died at 2 days 1855 D Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 219, buried 19 Oct 1855)
  9. Edith Naseby b. 1857 J Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D 396, bap. 9 Jun 1857 at Saint Andrew, Rugby (Died, aged 1, in 1859 S Qtr Vol 06D 268)
  10. Owen William Thompson Naseby b. 1859 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 429, bap. 3 May 1859 at Saint Andrew, Rugby (Died 1859 J Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 253 and buried on 14 May 1859)
  11. Naomi Naseby b. 1860 J Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 425
  12. Amy Maria Naseby b. 1862 D Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 411, bap. 28 Oct 1868 in Rugby, Warwickshire
  13. Rebecca Naseby b. 1865 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Pag, bap. 9 Jan 1865 Privately
Mother's maiden name on birth registrations is THOMPSON - with the H.

In 1841, William Naseby (20ish) and Eliza Naseby (17) were living in West Haddon. (Two of Eliza's sisters also lived in West Haddon at that time, Mary Botterill, then of The Bell Inn and the infamous jailbird Lucy Smith.)

By 1851, William and Eliza had moved to 5, Riley's Court, Rugby, Warwickshire, with William Naseby (31ish) Ag Lab; Eliza Naseby (25); Emma Naseby (9), Clara A Naseby (5) and Martha Naseby (1).

In 1861, at 58, North Street, Rugby, were William Naseby (46) Fruiterer; with Eliza Naseby (37); Emma Naseby (18) and Martha Naseby (11), Eliza Naseby (9) and Kate Naseby (9) Scholars and Naomi Naseby (1). Clara A Naseby (15) that year was a pupil, boarding at an industrial school in Rugby under the care of matron, Mary Potton (50) widow.

In 1871, in North Street, Rugby, were William Naseby (55) Gardener; Eliza Naseby (49), Eliza Naseby (19), Naomi Naseby (10), Amy M Naseby (8), Rebecca Naseby (6) and Eliza's brother, William Thompson (47) Visitor.

In 1881, in Hillmorton Road, Rugby, there were just William Naseby (65) Market Gardener; Eliza (60) and John Brand (16) Garden Labourer. Rebekah Naseby (sic) (16) was a Housemaid domestic servant in the household of William Collins, Schoolmaster at Alma House & School, Rugby, Warwickshire.

In 1891, with address at Naseby House, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, were William Naseby (75) Market Gardener; Eliza Naseby (67) and Eliza'a brother, William Thompson (64) listed as a Gardener Domestic Servant and six of their grandchildren, offspring of Charles Johnson and Eliza Naseby, Elizabeth A Johnson (16), Clara A Johnson (15), Ellen E Johnson (12), Charles Hy Johnson (9), George Wm Johnson (7) and Frederick Johnson (6). Rebecca Naseby (26) Nurse was a visitor in the household of Joseph Wood in Charlotte Street, Rugby, Warwickshire.

In 1901, William Naseby (85) Market Gardener and Eliza Naseby (77) were living at 86, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire. Rebecca Naseby (36) Monthly Nurse was a boarder in the household of Martin O'Malley, Beerhouse Keeper from Ireland at 46, Chapel Street, Rugby, Warwickshire (it became O'Malleys, was the former Australian Arms now a Listed Building)

William Naseby
Reproduced from the
“Our Warwickshire” website

© Rugby Library
Reference: T, B NAS, img: 7687
From Our Warwickshire:

"William Naseby, green-grocer and market gardener, born in West Haddon in 1818 (sic), lived with his wife at Naseby Cottage, Hillmorton Road 1854-1905. Worked a large market garden on land developed by the Land Society, which became known as the "Naseby Estate". Lived for three years in a Lawrence Sheriff Almshouse prior to his death at 91 in 1907." William Naseby died on 16 Mar 1907 (1907 M Quarter in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 386).

Eliza Naseby (née Thompson) died on 19 Feb 1908 (1908 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 395), aged 84.

In 1911, Rebecca Naseby (46) Maternity Nurse was living in the household of brother-in-law Thomas Wright at 67 Oxford Street, Rugby, Warwickshire.

Rebecca Naseby of 88 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire, died on 30 Jan 1915, aged 50, at 19 The Drive, Phippsville, Northampton (presumably her place of employment). Probate was granted on 8 Apr 1915 to her sister Naomi Wright (wife of Thomas Wright). Rebecca is buried at Clifton Road Cemetery, along with her niece Clara Johnson (daughter of Charles Johnson and Eliza Naseby), who had died aged 31 on 21 Sep 1906.

Post card of Lawrence Sheriff Almshouses in Church St Rugby ca. 1900s
Reproduced from the “Our Warwickshire” website under Creative Commons Licence CC BY NC
© Warwickshire County Record office: PH352/152/128

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Henry Wood and Mary Jane Melhuish

Kentisbeare: St Mary's churchyard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/4624352

Henry Wood (b. 1842), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Jane Melhuish (b. 1847 in East Stonehouse, Plymouth), daughter of William Melhuish, Marine, and Sarah Lake, at St. Mary's ChurchKentisbeare on 31 May 1866. Witnesses were William Melhuish and Jane Bond.

Henry and Mary Jane had ten children:
  1. Charles Henry Wood b. 1866 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 388, bap. 19 Aug 1866 at All SaintsBlackborough (Demolished 1994)
  2. William Wood b. 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 27 Mar 1869 at St. Mary’sKentisbeare
  3. Emma Jane Wood b. 15 Aug 1871 (1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413), bap. 3 Sep 1871 in Kentisbeare
  4. Alice Wood b. 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419, bap. 18 Jan 1874 in Kentisbeare. (Died 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 311, at 3 weeks and was buried on 25 Jan 1874.)
  5. Henry Wood b. 1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 3 Feb 1875 in Kentisbeare
  6. Amelia Wood b. 1877 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427, bap. 3 Jun 1877 in Kentisbeare
  7. Walter Wood b. 1879 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414, bap. 25 Dec 1879 in Kentisbeare
  8. Alice Mary Wood b. 1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433, 4 Jun 1882 in Kentisbeare
  9. Ellen Wood b. 1887 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 411, bap. 9 Mar 1887 in Kentisbeare
  10. Frederick Wood b. 1889 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 11 Aug 1889 in Kentisbeare
All with mother's maiden name MELHUISH. On Charles Henry's baptism in Blackborough, Henry and Mary Jane are described as "Tinkers in Kentisbeare", an archaic term for an itinerant tinsmith who mends household utensils.

In 1871, they were living in the 'Village, Kentisbeare' with Henry Wood (28) Farm Labourer from Kentisbeare, Devon, wife Mary Jane (24), with Charles Henry (6), William (2) as well as Henry's father, James Wood (57), mother, Harriet (51), brother James (12) and sister, Sarah (8). 

In 1881 and still living in the Village, Kentisbeare, were Henry Wood (38), Mary J (34), William (12), Harry (6), Amelia (4) and Walter (1). Charles Henry (15) had already left home and was working as a Farm Servant (indoors) for William Snell (48) Farmer of 118 Acres at Bishops Farm, Kentisbeare, while Emma Jane (9) was staying nearby with her grandmother, Harriet. 

The Crediton Gazette, 30 Jan 1886 reported on "A DISHONEST SERVANT GIRL. Emma Wood, servant, aged 15 years, was summoned for stealing a sovereign and a jet chain, together of the value of 32s, the property of Mr Henry Brown, farmer of Aylesbeare, Kentisbeare. Mrs Caroline Brown, wife of the prosecutor, said that on Saturday week she heard a noise at the top of the stairs, and saw the prisoner coming out of her bedroom without her boots, and with a lamp in her hand. She had no suspicions of the girl, and locked her door and returned downstairs. On the Thursday following her husband asked her for some money, and on looking in the box she found a sovereign, which she had placed there, missing. On making further search she missed the jet chain from her jewel case. She questioned the girl, who persistently denied all knowledge of the matter, but subsequently she admitted her guilt to her mother, who was, witness believed, innocent of any previous knowledge of the affair. The girl had been with her only a week. She said she had burnt the chain. PC Clatworthy said the girl had told him she burnt the chain in a kitchen fire, and on being questioned she said he had similarly destroyed the sovereign, and had seen it melt. [UNLIKELY: The melting point of gold is 1064°C, whereas the average house fire, or household wood fire, burns at around 600°C.] The ashes had been sifted, and he had found amongst them the fragments produced which appeared to be jet. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr J Frost said he knew the girl's father to be a hard working man, and he believed he had a large family. The chairman pointed out to the girl the serious nature of the charge, and cautioned her as to her future conduct. She was fined £1, and the girl's mother was allowed a month for payment."

In 1891, living in a Cottage, Kentisbeare (quite possibly the same place as in previous decades), were Henry Wood (48), Mary J (44), Charles (24), Emma J (19), Henry (16), Milly [Amelia] (14), Walter (11), Alice (9) and Ellen (4). 

In 1901, listed again as the Village, Kentisbeare, there were Henry Wood (59) now a Carter on Farm, Mary Jane (55), Charles Wood (34) Single, also a Carter on Farm, Ellen Wood (14) and Henry Melhuish (44) Lodger.

Henry Wood died, aged 63, in 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310 and was buried on 13 Mar 1904 in Kentisbeare.

In 1911, Charles Wood (44) Waggoner on Farm was listed as the head of the household with, Mary Jane Wood (65) and Walter Wood (31) Farm Labourer. (On the original census, Charles Wood was first listed as single, then that was crossed out and Widower was written over it, which is what was then (rightly) transcribed, even though this is not true. Next Mary Jane is listed as Mother, Widow, lastly Walter is listed as 'Son'. Obviously, Walter was Mary Jane's son, not the son of the supposed head of the household and I believe this is key. There's no evidence of Charles marrying and indeed, in 1921 he was back to being single. What I think happened here was that despite Charles being listed as the head of the household, it was Mary Jane giving the information to the enumerator. Mother, Mary Jane, was still the head of the household really, but I'll bet some misogynist insisted a man had to be and then she had to look at the the relationships / conditions from a new, confusing, perspective.)

In 1921, Mary Jane Wood (73) and son Charles Wood (55) General Labourer, who was then employed by Henry Morish at Cotters Farm, Kentisbeare, were living at Church Cottage, Kentisbeare, Devon.

Charles Wood predeceased his mother and died, aged 68, in 1933 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414.

Mary Jane Wood died, at 87, 1935 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 539.

Thursday, 28 May 2026

John Summers and Sarah Middleton

Uffculme: The Square and St Mary’s church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/839640

John Summers married Sarah Middleton, both of them born in Devon around 1774, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Uffculme, on 28 May 1799

Records suggest that John and Sarah Summers had at least five children:
  1. Elizabeth Summers bap. 21 Jul 1799 in Uffculme
  2. John Summers bap. 17 Aug 1801 in Uffculme
  3. Mary Somers (sic) b. 10 Jun 1804, bap. 25 Dec 1804 in Halberton
  4. Richard Summers b. 13 Aug 1807, bap. 25 Dec 1807 in Halberton
  5. James Summers b. 26 Jun 1813, bap 1 Aug 1813 in Halberton
In 1841, we find John Summers (65) Agricultural Labourer, Sarah Summers (65) and Richard Summers (30), living at Selgars Mill, Halberton.

John Summers died, at 70, in 1844 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 182 and was buried on 30 Jun 1844 in Uffculme.

In 1851, Sarah Summers (76) Widow, Pauper, was living in Uffculme with her eldest daughter, Elizabeth Tidborough (51) Widow, Worsted Warper.

Sarah Summers died in 1854 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 255.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

John Jerred and Frances Ann Orchard

Thorverton: Cherry Tree
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/404160

John Jerred (bap. 15 Feb 1835 in Thorverton) son of Joseph Jerred and Sarah Elsworthy, married Frances Ann Orchard (bap. 3 Jul 1831 in Dulverton, Somerset), daughter of James Orchard and Elizabeth How, on 20 May 1862, at the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton, Devon, as both resided in the parish. John's occupation was listed on marriage as Cooper.

John and Frances Orchard had two children:
  1. Lewis Jerrad (sic) b. 19 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 434) in Silverton, Devon
  2. Frances Mary Jerrad (sic) b. 3 May 1869 (1869 J Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 66)
In 1871, at Bishops Court LodgeSowton Village, St Thomas, Devon, were John Jerrad (sic) (35) Gardener (Bishop’s Court) from Thoverton, Devon; Frances A Jerrad (39) Ag keeper from Dulverton; Louis Jerrad (8) from Silverton, Devon and Frances M Jerrad (2) born in Heavitree, Devon.

In 1881, at Church Cottage, Halberton were John Jerred (46) Agricultural Labourer; Frances A Jerred (49), Frances M Jerred (11) and George Davey (14) from Uplowman, Devon, Lodger. Louis Jerred (18) was Baker's Apprentice in Angel Hill, Tiverton, to George Hannabus, Master Confectioner from Cadbury, Devon (shoulda named his business after his village). 

In 1891, John Jerred (56), still working as an Ag Lab, and Frances Ann Jerred (59) were living at Court Cottage, Corner, Halberton. Frances Mary Jerred (24) was Servant to Alfred T Gregory in Alsa Terrace, Tiverton.

In 1901, John (66), once more working as a gardener, and Frances Ann (69), had moved into the centre of Tiverton to 12, Hammetts Square. Frances Mary Jerred (31) was working as a Cook for Rev. Donald M Owen, Clergyman in the Church of England, at 25, Bampton Street, Tiverton. (That address is now an ugly modern building in use as the Royal Mail Tiverton Delivery Office.)

In 1911, John Jerred (78) and Frances Jerred (79), were living at 1 The Fords Homes, Old Blundells, Gold Street, Tiverton, Devon. (Alms Houses?) This confirmed they'd been married 49 years and had two children, both still living.

John Jerred died, aged 78, in 1911 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 263.

Frances Ann Gerrod (sic) died at 87 in 1919 M Qtr Vol 05B 693.

James Wood and Mary Ann Melhuish

Broadhembury
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Stowell - geograph.org.uk/p/6855

James Wood (bap. 2 Aug 1857 in Kentisbeare), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Ann Melhuish (b. ~1864) on 20 May 1883 at St. Mary’sKentisbeare. The spaces for Mary Ann's father are left blank on the marriage certificate who consistently said she was born in Clayhidon, Devon. (There was a Mary Ann Melhuish born illegitimately to an Elizabeth Melhuish, on 12 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 445), but that birth was in Hemyock. Were they connected to Mary Jane Melhuish, who James' elder brother Henry had married.)

James and Mary Ann had 11 children:
  1. Robert Wood b. 1883 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 404, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare (Baptised at 18 months old.) 
  2. Sarah Ann Wood b. 1885 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare
  3. Edith Maud Wood b. 24 Jul 1887 (1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 14 Aug 1887 in Kentisbeare
  4. Harriet Mary Wood b. 23 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419), bap. 13 Jan 1889 in Kentisbeare
  5. George Wood b. 30 Aug 1890 (1890 D Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 13), bap. 5 Oct 1890 in Broadhembury
  6. Unnamed male Wood b. 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 16 (Died 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14)
  7. Eldred James Wood b. 15 Mar 1894 (1894 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14), bap. 1 Apr 1894 in Broadhembury
  8. Mabel Wood b. 1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 385, bap. 8 Aug 1896, marked P.B. Private Baptism, presumably at home. (Died at 21 days old (1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 257), buried 23 Aug 1896, also in Kentisbeare)
  9. Roland Ashford Wood b. 25 Jan 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 384), bap. 13 Mar 1898 in Kentisbeare
  10. Reginald Leonard Wood b. 8 May 1901 (1901 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378), bap. ? 1901 in Blackborough
  11. Mabel Frances Wood b. 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 380 (Died at 26 days old (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307), buried 17 Jan 1904 in Blackborough)
In 1891 the family were living in Broad Road, Broadhembury, Honiton with James Wood (32) Agricultural Labourer, Mary A (29), Robert (7), Sarah A (5), Edith M (3), Harriet M (2) and George (0).

In 1901, they were back in Kentisbeare at Hollis Green, with James Wood (43), Mary A (39), Edith (13), Harriet M (12), George (10), Eldred J (7) and Roland A (3). I've been unable to find either Robert or Sarah Ann. 

In 1911, at Cobblers Hall, Kentisbeare, were James Wood (53), Mary Ann (49), Sarah Ann Wood (25) Servant Cook, and Reginald Leonard Wood (9). They confirm on this census that they had 11 children during their 28 years of marriage, with 8 still living and 3 had died. Harriet Mary Wood (23) from Kentisbeare, Devon was Cook in the household of James Browning Young (63) Retired Captain Royal Navy at Wimborne Minster, Dorset.

James Wood died at 61 on 11 Nov 1918 (1918 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 833) and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare.

In 1921, Mary Ann Wood (58) Widow, was living at Downlands, Kentisbeare, Devon with Roland Ashford Wood (23) & Reginald Leonard Wood (20) Farm Labourers; Sarah Ann Edmond (36) Widow; James Roland George Edmond (8) Grandson; Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond (6) Grandson; Constance Mary Helen Edmond (4) Granddaughter and Robert Wood (37) Visitor (eldest son).

In 1939, Mary Ann Wood, Widow, was living at 15, Blackborough with her youngest son, Reginald Leonard, then employed as a Rabbit Trapper. 

Mary Ann Wood died ~91 on 6 Jan 1955 (1955 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 1000) and buried with her late husband at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3491709

Thomas Ware (bap. 15 May 1836, in Cullompton, Devon), son of Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, married Harriet Ridgeway (bap. 14 Feb 1841 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 12 May 1859. The marriage record lists her as Margaret Ridgway, daughter of James Ridgway. There are no other records of any type for a Margaret Ridgway, so I'm certain this is an error and is Harriet.

(Thomas' parents, Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, had married on 31 Mar 1834. Robert, died aged 28, and was buried in Halberton on 21 May 1837. In 1841, Thomas' widowed mother, Sarah Ware, was a Female Servant at the Growing Farm, Cullompton and with her were her two children: Mary Ware (bap. 30 Nov 1834) and Thomas (4). Then in 1851, Thomas Were (sic) (14) was employed as a Farm Servant at Sutton Barton, Halberton.)

Thomas and Harriet had ten children: 
  1. Eliza Ware b. 27 Jun 1861 (haven't found a GRO birth registration), bap. 21 Jul 1861 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset
  2. Thomas Ware b. 30 Aug 1863 in Clayhanger (1863 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432), bap 2 Aug 1864 in Clayhanger
  3. Mary Jane Ware b. 1865 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 30 Apr 1865 in Chevithorne
  4. Emma Ware b. 1867 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 470
  5. Robert Were (sic) b. 5 Jul 1869 (1869 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 25 Jul 1869 at St ThomasChevithorne
  6. Harriet Ware b. 28 Feb 1871 (1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 441), bap. 19 Mar 1871 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
  7. James Ware b. 23 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 13 Jul 1873 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
  8. Ann Ware b. 25 Mar 1875 (1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), bap. 11 Apr 1875 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
  9. John Ware b. 16 Mar 1878 (1878 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 447), bap. 14 Apr 1878  at St Thomas, Chevithorne
  10. Ellen Ada Ware b. 10 Mar 1883 (1883 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 421), bap. 8 Apr 1883 as Ellen Edith Ware, in Chevithorne
In 1861, Thomas Were (sic) (24) Agricultural Labourer from Halberton, and Harriet Were (20) were living in a Private Cottage, Court Place, Ashbrittle, Wellington. (This was Court Place Farm, where her parents had lived.)

In 1871, in Chettiscombe were Thomas Ware (33), Harriet Ware (29), Eliza (9), Thomas (7), Mary Jane (5), Emma (4), Robert (1) and Harriet (0).

In 1881, at Chettiscombe Villas, were Thomas Were (sic) (43) Ag Lab, Harriet Were (38), Robert (11), Harriet (10), James (8), Annie (6) and John (3). Couldn't locate Thomas; Mary Jane Ware (15) was a General domestic servant to the household of Robert S Austin in Angel Hill Terrace, Tiverton. That year, there was an Emma Ware (14) employed as a Housemaid to the household of John C Williams, Carpenter, in Castle Street, Tiverton.

On 30 Mar 1882, Thomas Ware, Farm Labourer born 30 Aug 1863 in Ashbrittle, Wellington, Somerset, enlisted in the Royal Marines at Exeter. He was 5ft 7in with a ruddy complexion, light brown hair and light blue eyes. In 1883-4 Thomas served with HMS Achilles (1863) with the Channel Fleet. On Tuesday, 2 Jun 1885 Thomas Ware, Private R.M.L.I.'s name and description (matching above) appeared on an Admiralty List of Deserters in the Police Gazette as being a 'straggler', having deserted from HMS Impregnable. The next period he was DSQ (Disqualified). He was back at Plymouth Division in 1886 and subsequently getting good reports, but on 27 Jun 1888 his service ends with him having Run (Deserted). This time I cannot determine what ship he was with or where he ran. I've found no further records in this name.

Thomas Ware Snr died on 17 Sep 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273) and was buried on 24 Sep 1890 in Chevithorne.

In 1891 at Chettiscombe Cottage, Chettiscombe, were Harriet Were (sic) (50) Widow, Charwoman, with James Were (17) Farm Labourer, John (12), Ellen (8) and Harriet's mother, Mary A Marsh (83) Widow. Robert Ware (21) General Railway Labourer from Tiverton, Devon was Lodger in the household of a Thomas Ridgway (29) Labourer Railway Works from Ashbrittle in Thomas Street, SwindonHighworth, Wiltshire, however, it became obvious that this was deserter, Thomas Ware (b. 1863), using his mother's maiden name. 

Harriet Ware died, aged 55, in 1896 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 270.

  • Eliza Ware had married Charles Stuart McDougal, Mechanic, son of John McDougal, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 15 Dec 1879.
  • Emma Ware married John Copp, Labourer, son of John Copp, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 11 Sep 1884.
  • Mary Jane Ware married Charles Vinnicombe, Mason, son of Henry Vinnicombe, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 5 Jul 1885.
  • Robert Ware married Amelia Land, daughter of Robert Land, Labourer at St ThomasChevithorne, on 25 Dec 1891.
  • James Ware (24), Porter at the Railway, of "Paradise" Cowleymoor Road, Tiverton, married Mary Pook, daughter of Richard Pook, Labourer, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton on 4 Apr 1896. James Ware died in 1897, aged 24.
St. Michael's church, Highworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gareth James - 
geograph.org.uk/p/7476707
Records suggest that a Thomas Ridgway married Ellen Copp (bap. 13 Mar 1870 in Broadclyst, Devon), daughter of John Copp and Charlotte Clements, in Highworth, Wiltshire, in the 4th quarter of 1889. So far, so unremarkable, except this was not Thomas Ridgway, this was Thomas Ware, son of Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway, going by his mother's maiden name, without any doubt because, on 27 Jun 1888, he had deserted from the Royal Marines. Ellen Copp certainly knew who she was really marrying, because her brother John Copp, had married Thomas' sister Emma Ware in Tiverton, in 1884.

Thomas and Ellen had five children:
  1. Thomas Ware Ridgway b. 1890 D Qtr in HIGHWORTH Vol 05A Page 22. Died at 21 in 1912 J Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 501
  2. Alice Ware Ridgway b. 1893 S Quarter in HIGHWORTH Volume 05A Page 8. Died 1893 S Quarter in HIGHWORTH Volume 05A Page 4
  3. Florence May Ridgway b. 1894 S Qtr in HIGHWORTH Vol 05A Page 2
  4. William Henry Ridgway b. 1895 D Quarter in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 410, bap. 5 Sep 1895 in Cadoxton-Juxta-Barry as William Henry Ridgeway, son of Thomas, Labourer, and Ellen with the family's address as 18 Hannah Street. Died 1896 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 233
  5. Alice Ridgway b. 1899 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 465. Died 1899 S Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 294
The mother's maiden name on all the births is COPP.

In 1891, Thomas Ridgway (sic) (29) Labourer railway works from Ashbrittle, Devonshire (sic) was living in Thomas Street, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire with Ellen Ridgway (21) from Broadclyst, Devonshire; Thomas W Ridgway (0) and Robert Ware (21) General railway labourer from Tiverton, Devon, Lodger, but who was, of course, Thomas' brother. In fact, if it hadn't been for his brother staying with him, I probably wouldn't have found Thomas.

Thomas 'Ridgway' died, at 35, in 1898 D Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 216.

Ellen Ridgway (30) Widow, daughter of John Copp, married Charles Chislett (35) (b. 2 Jul 1864 (1864 S Quarter in WILTON Volume 05A Page 189), bap. 2 Oct 1864 in Steeple Langford, Wiltshire), Widower, son of John Chislett and Martha Rowe, at the Church of St Cadoc, Cadoxton, on 1 Feb 1900. And one of the witnesses was John Copp, presumably Ellen's brother.

Charles Chislett (19) from Steeple Langford, Wiltshire had enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Fort Rowner, Gosport on 18 Oct 1882. He was then 5ft 5in with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair and served in the army until 16 Oct 1894. His medical record shows him in Hilsea, Coventry, Aldershot - at the latter two places he was treated for Gonorrhea - and in Fermoy in 1888, where he was treated for Primary Syphilis.

Charles Chislett had previously married Kate M'Donald in Fermoy, Cork in Q4 1889. In 1891, Charles Chislett (25) Groom from Langford, Wiltshire and Kate Chislett (23) from Ireland were living in Mill Lane, Warminster, Wiltshire. The marriage does not appear to produce any children and Kate Chislett died, at 32, in 1898 D Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 220.

Charles and Ellen Chislett added four sons:
  1. Wyndham Baden Chislett b. 1900 D Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 441
  2. Charles John Chislett b. 1906 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 515
  3. William Henry Chislett b. 1908 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 498
  4. John Chislett b. 1910 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 537
On the first and the last, the mother's maiden name was listed as COPP. On the registrations for the middle two it was wrongly, but helpfully, listed as RIDGWAY. As I've seen before, this probably depended on whether the question asked about a woman's birth surname or previous name.

In 1901, Charles Chislett (37) Coal Merchant was at Witchill House, Barry, Wales with 'Helen' Chislett (33), Thomas Chislett (11) [Thomas Ridgway]; May Chislett (7) [Florence May Ridgway] and Baden Chislett (6 months).

In 1911, living at 52 Barry Road, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorganshire, Wales were Charles Chislett (45) Brake Driver; Ellen Chislett (41), Thomas Ridgeway (20) Goods Porter, Step-Son; May Ridgeway (16) Step-Daughter; Baden Chislett (10), Charles Chislett (5), Harry Chislett (2), John Chislett (11 months), plus George Bellamy (29) and Harry Bellamy (20) Boarders.

Ellen Chislett died, at 49, in 1918 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 541.

In 1921, still at 52, Barry Road, Barry, were Charles Chislett (58) General labourer; Wyndham Baden Chislett (19) Rivet Warmer; Harry Chislett (13), John Chislett (11), Maud Chislett (22) Daughter-in-law (married to Wyndham); Florence May Thomas (27) Step-Daughter (Florence May Ridgway had married Henry Thomas in 1920); Henry John Thomas (0) (Florence's son) and Florence Maud Chislett (3) (Daughter of Wyndham Baden Chislett and Maud McKinley who had married in 1917).

In the 3rd quarter of 1924, in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, Charles Chislett married for the 3rd time, to Emma J McIntosh. Born Johanna Emma Helps in 1880 J Quarter in PONTYPRIDD Volume 11A Page 358, daughter of William Helps and Alice Louisa Smith, presumably her father must have died, as her mother remarried Thomas Matthews. When she was registered at Cilfynydd Primary School (Girls), as Emma Juana Helps, with Thomas Matthews listed as her parent, her birthdate was quoted as 9 Jun 1881 (one year too late). In 1911, George McIntosh (47), Emma McIntosh (33) and their two children, George McIntosh (11) and Jessie McIntosh (10) - for whom there are no GRO birth registrations - were living at 153 Lewis Terrace Crumlin, Near Newport, Llanhilleth, Monmouthshire, Wales. That census claimed that they had been married for 12 years (fitting in with the ages of the children), whereas in reality, they did not marry until early 1912, in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. In 1921, George and Emma McIntosh were living in 22, Fairford Street, Barry, Glamorganshire, Wales. George McIntosh died, at 60, in 1924 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 340.

In 1939, living at 52 Barry Road, Barry, were Charles Chislett, General Labourer Retired, birthdate given as 2 Jul 1862 (1864) and Emma Chislett, whose birthdate was listed as 9 Jun 1879 (this time adding a year).

Charles Chislett (80) died in 1944 M Qtr EAST GLAMORGAN Vol 11A 1004.

Emma Chislett died at 79 in 1957 D Qtr in EAST GLAMORGAN Vol 08B 393.

Friday, 1 May 2026

John Lock and Mary Nott

St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1939290

John Lock (b. ~1781) married Mary Nott (b. ~1785) on 1 May 1806 at the church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset.

John and Mary Lock had eight children:
  1. Elizabeth Lock bap. 7 Jun 1807 in Ashbrittle
  2. Mary Ann Lock bap. 7 May 1809 in Ashbrittle
  3. John Lock bap. 19 Jan 1812 in Ashbrittle
  4. Harriet Lock bap. 19 Jun 1814 in Ashbrittle
  5. William Lock bap. 7 Jul 1816 in Ashbrittle
  6. James Lock bap. 13 Dec 1818 in Ashbrittle
  7. Thomas Lock bap. 14 Jul 1822 in Ashbrittle
  8. Eliza Lock bap. 14 Nov 1824 in Ashbrittle
Mary Lock died in 1839 J Qtr in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 333 and was buried on 28 Apr 1839 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, age listed as 54, suggesting she was born around 1785.

In 1841, in Ashbrittle Village, were John Lock (58) Ag Lab with Eliza Lock (18) and Elizabeth Lock (10). DNA links confirm that Elizabeth Lock was his granddaughter, the illegitimate daughter of Mary Ann Lock. Harriot Lock (25) was at Burrow [Farm], Ashbrittle, working as a Female Servant.

John Lock died, aged 65, in 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 10 Page 426 and was buried at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle on 14 Feb 1847. The burial record lists John Lock of Wellington Union House, i.e. Workhouse.

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock

Ashbrittle Village with Court Place Farm (foreground left)
Photo © Lewis Clarke (cc-by-sa/2.0)

James Ridgeway (bap. 22 Oct 1809 in Seaton & Beer), son of Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray, married Mary Ann Lock (bap. 7 May 1809 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott, on 29 Apr 1833, at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. James and Mary Ann were a pair of my 3rd great-grandparents. Witnesses to their marriage were Henry Vickery and Elizabeth Webber. 

Mary Ann Lock had an illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth Lock (bap. 2 Jan 1831 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle), prior to her marriage. Confirming this, I have several DNA matches as half-relatives through three of Elizabeth Lock's sons, which list Mary Ann Lock as the common ancestor of all of us and is a huge branch of the family I would never have found otherwise.

James and Mary Ann had a further seven children together:
  1. Mary Ridgeway bap. 22 Dec 1833 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
  2. James Ridgeway bap. 25 Oct 1835 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
  3. Jane Ridgeway bap. 2 Sep 1838 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
  4. Harriet Ridgeway bap. 14 Feb 1841 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
  5. Thomas Ridgeway bap. 4 Feb 1844 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
  6. John Ridgeway b. There are three potential birth registrations: 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 501 with mother's maiden name listed as LOOK; 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 Volume 10 Page 502 and/or 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 with mother's maiden name LOCK, bap. 18 Apr 1847 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. (Died aged 4 (1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 10 Page 352), already buried 6 Aug 1851 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle)
  7. William Ridgeway b. 1850 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 505, although mother's maiden name is not listed, bap. 16 Jan 1850 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. (Died aged 29, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307.)
Although civil registration was introduced in 1837, they made no civil registrations until sixth child, John, in 1847, which clearly confused them.

In 1841, James Ridgway (32) and Ann Ridgeway (33), were living in Ashbrittle Village, with children; Mary (7), James (5), Jane (2) and Harriot (0). 

And in 1851, still living in Ashbrittle Village, we find James (45) and Ann (45), with Harriot (10), Thomas (7), John (4) and William (1). Mary (19) was a Servant of William Sweet at Appley Court, Appley, Stawley; James (15) had also left home and was working as a Servant in the household of Robert Venn at Little Tadbeer Farm, Ashbrittle; while Jane Ridgeway (12), was a Servant in the household of Robert Johns of Kittisford at Stawley, Somerset. 

James Ridgeway died, aged 44, in 1854 J Qtr in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 235 and was buried on 18 Jun 1854 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle

James Marsh, Widower, son of Richard Marsh, married Mary Ann Ridgeway, Widow, daughter of John Lock, at the Parish church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, on 28 Nov 1859. Witnesses were Thomas and Harriet Ware.

James Marsh (bap. 31 Jul 1814 in Bampton, Devon) son of Richard and Mary Marsh, had married Mary Cruwys - also a widow - in Morebath, on 22 Mar 1840. They had one child, Mary Marsh, born 1841 and that year were living at Exbridge, Morebath, along with three children from that Mary's previous marriage. In 1851, they were still there with Mary (9) and three more children Elizabeth (7), Martha (5) and James (2). Mary Marsh had died in 1858. 

In 1861, James Marsh (46), Anne [Mary Ann] Marsh (51) and William Ridgeway (11) were living at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton'. Thomas Ridgeway (18), was employed as a Carter at Holcombe Barton, Holcombe Rogus. (Holcombe Barton Farm was part of the Manor of Holcombe Rogus of Holcombe Court, "the finest Tudor house in Devon.")

In 1871, still at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton', were James Marsh (60) and Mary Ann Marsh (62). William Ridgeway (21) Postman, was a lodger in Ashbrittle, in the household of William Cude (64) Carpenter & Builder. 

James Marsh died at 58 in 1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273 and was buried, on 3 Jul 1871, in Bampton.

Mary Ann's son, William Ridgeway died, aged 29, and was buried on 15 Mar 1879, in Uplowman. "Administration of the Personal Estate of William Ridgway (sic) late of Uplowman in the County of Devon Letter Carrier a Batchelor who died 9 Mar 1879 at Uplowman was granted at Exeter to Mary Ann Marsh of Uplowman Widow the Mother and only Next of Kin."

In 1881, Mary Ann Mash (sic) (74), Widow, was living with her son, Thomas Ridgeway, in Whitnage, Uplowman. 

In 1891, Mary A Marsh (83), was living with her daughter, Harriet Were (sic) (50), in Chettiscombe.

Mary Ann Marsh died, at 86, in 1894 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 279.

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Thomas Phillips and Mary Ann Wright

St Margaret’s Church, Barking
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Richard Rogerson - geograph.org.uk/p/1562917

Thomas Phillips, son of Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke, brother of Isaac Phillips, married Mary Ann Wright on 23 Apr 1826 at St Margaret's Church, Barking, where his brother married six years later. Census records from 1841 to 1881, show these brothers living next door to one another. 

Thomas and Mary Ann had six children, all of whom were also baptised at the church of St Helen and St GilesRainham:
  1. Hester Maria Phillips bap. 8 Mar 1829
  2. William Thomas Phillips bap. 21 Aug 1831
  3. Richard Wilkinson Phillips bap. 16 Mar 1834
  4. Angelina Caroline Phillips b. 1837 S Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 153, bap. 1 Sep 1837
  5. Ellen Jane Eliza Phillips b. 1841 M Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 224, bap. 31 Jan 1841
  6. Joseph Phillips b.  1844 M Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 231, bap. 3 Mar 1844
The mother's maiden name on the three GRO registrations is WRIGHT. Wilkinson as a second name may indicate Mary Ann's mother's maiden name.

In 1841, in Rainham, were Thomas Phillips (35) Ag Lab, Mary (35), Hester (12), William (10), Richard (8), Angelina (4) and Ellen (0). Living with them were an Esther Wilkinson (40) who I'd guess was a relative of Mary Ann's; Martha Ward (50) and William Marlow (35) Ag Lab.

In 1851, address listed as Upminster Road, Rainham, were Thomas Phillips (46) Ag Lab, Mary Ann (45), William Thomas (19) Ag Lab, Richard (17) Ag Lab, Angelina (13), Ellen (10) and Joseph (7). They had two lodgers: Edmund Earnel (38) and Hezekiah Dowset (26), both Ag Labs.

In 1861, Thomas Phillips (56) Ag Lab, at Fran House, Cottage, Rainham, with Mary Ann (55) and just Joseph (17) Ag Lab still at home. With three lodgers: James Wood (32), George Whitbread (22) and John Simpson (18), Ag Labs.

In 1871 at Back Street Cottage, Rainham, Thomas Phillips (66) Ag Lab, Mary (65), with Mary Ann Searles (12) and William Searles (10), granddaughter and grandson, staying with them. (Angelina had married a George Searls in 1858.)

Then in 1881, at the infamous Village Back Street, Rainham, Thomas Phillips (75) General Labourer and Mary (74), had their grandson Edward Turben (22) Labourer in Manure Factory (Edward Turben was the son of Ellen Jane Eliza Phillips, who had married Henry Turben in 1858), living with them, as well as James Whiting (22) and Alfred Whiting (19), lodgers. 

Mary Ann Phillips died, aged 77 in 1884 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 143 and was buried on 30 Mar 1884 in Rainham.

Thomas Phillips died, aged 81, and was buried on 21 Jul 1887.

Thomas Parsons Bridle and Elizabeth Wills

East Devon : Countryside Scenery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4625599
Looking out across the East Devon countryside with the church at Rockbeare in view.

Thomas Parsons Bridle (bap. 14 Jun 1812 in Rockbeare, Devon), son of John Bridle and Mary Trick, married Elizabeth Wills, daughter of William Wills and Elizabeth Chown, at St Mary with St AndrewRockbeare, on 23 Apr 1840

Thomas and Elizabeth had four sons:
  1. James Bridle b. 1841 M Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 251
  2. Thomas Bridle b. 1842 D Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 209
  3. William Henry Bridle b. 1844 D Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 254
  4. Mark Bridle b. 1850 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Vol 10 Page 248
In 1841, Thomas Bridle (25) Ag Lab, and Elizabeth Bridle (25), were living at Upcott, Rockbeare, St Thomas, Devon, with son, James, 5 months.

In 1851, living at Hill Cottages, Rockbeare, were Thomas Bridle (38) Farm Labourer, Elizabeth Bridle (36), James (10), Thomas (8), Henry (6) and Mark (0). Living next door to them were William Wills (73) Pauper and his wife Elizabeth Wills (76), who I assume to be Elizbeth's parents.

Then Elizabeth Bridle died, in 1852, aged 36. So, in 1853, Thomas Parsons Bridle remarried to Sarah Symons, with whom he had three more children:
  1. Edwin Symons Bridle b. 1856 M Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B 47
  2. Eva Bridle b. 1863 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 57
  3. Emma Bridle b. 1865 D Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 58
In 1861, Thomas Bridle (48) Agricultural Labourer, Sarah Bridle (36), Mark Bridle (10) and Edwin Bridle (5) were living at Ridgway, Rockbeare. James Bridle (20), in 1861, was a Carter at Coombe Farm, Broadway, Woodbury, St Thomas, Devon. Thomas Bridle Jnr (18) was working as a Mason's labourer to John Kenwood at Whimple Road, Whimple, St Thomas, Devon. 

By 1871, the family had moved to Whipton, Heavitree, where we find Thomas Bridle (58) Gardener, Sarah (45), Mark (20), Edwin (15), Eva (8) and Emma (5), as well as William Walters (11) Lodger.

In 1881, at 56, Sandford Street, Exeter, were, Thomas Bridle, Gardner, Sarah Bridle (56), Eva Bridle (17) Pupil teacher and Henry Chown (28) Boarder.

Thomas Bridle died, aged 78 in 1890 S Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 36.

In 1891, at Pinhoe Road, Heavitree, Eva, listed as Evangeline Bridle (27) Teacher of elementary school and has become the head of the household. Living with her were her widowed mother, Sarah Bridle (64), Emma Bridle (25) Sister, Eva Bridle (8) Niece and a William H Prall (26) Boarder. 

Sarah Bridle died, at 74, in 1901 M Qtr in EXETER Vol 05B Page 63.

Terraced houses, Hargwyne Street, SW9
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Quinn - geograph.org.uk/p/5669678

Edwin Symons Bridle (b. 1856), son of Thomas Parsons Bridle and Sarah Symons, married Lucy Lindsey (b. 1853), daughter of James Lindsey and Emma Stile, in 1880, in the London Borough of Lambeth. They were both from Devon: Edwin from Rockbeare and Lucy, the village of Aylesbeare

Edwin and Lucy had eight children, all born in Lambeth:
  1. Emma Sarah Bridle b.  1881 M Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 558
  2. Evangeline Fanny Bridle b. 21 Jan 1883 in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 580
  3. Eunice Lucy Bridle b. 18 Apr 1884 J Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 530
  4. Ernest Edwin Bridle b. 15 May 1886 J Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D 535
  5. Herbert Lindsey Bridle b. 1888 D Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 491
  6. Winifred Helena Bridle b. 1890 D Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 447
  7. Robert Thomas Bridle b. 8 Sep 1892 D Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D 491
  8. Maurice Henry Bridle b. 1896 S Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 475. (Died 1896 D Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 285, aged 0.)
In 1881, at 21, Hargwyne Street, Lambeth, were Edwin S Bridle (25), Lucy Bridle (27) with Emma S Bridle (0). Edwin was a carpenter.

In 1891, they were living in Arlingford Road, Brixton, where the family had grown to include: Edwin S Bridle (35) Carpenter from Rockbeare, Devon; Lucy Bridle (37); Emma S Bridle (10); Eunice L Bridle (6); Ernest E Bridle (4); Herbert L Bridle (2); Winifred H Bridle (0) along with Emily Richardson Lodger (28) Cook and Matilda Richardson Lodger (23) General servant.

By 1901, at 52, Pentney Road, Clapham, we find Edwin Symons Bridle (45) Carpenter & joiner; Lucy Bridle (47); Evangeline Fanny Bridle (18) Pupil teacher; Ernest Edwin Bridle (15) Apprentice fancy saporie; Herbert Lindsey Bridle (12); Winifred Helena Bridle (10) and Robert Thomas Bridle (8). Eunice Lucy isn't listed, I think by omission: she was alive and does not appear to be staying elsewhere. Emma Sarah Bridle (20) was employed as a "Useful maid domestic" to three spinsters at 61, Philbeach Gardens, Kensington.

Lucy Bridle died in 1905, aged 51, in Hackney.

In 1911, Edwin Bridle (55) Widower, was living at 73 Leverson St, Streatham, in the household of Fanny Lindsey (52) his late wife's younger sister. Eunice Lucy Bridle (27) was General domestic servant to the Dickinson household at 96 Wyatt Park Road, Streatham; Ernest Edwin Bridle (25) Commercial Clerk, was staying with his uncle, John Thomas Lindsey, Insurance Agent, at 29 Pulross Road, Stockwell; Winifred Helena Bridle (20), was employed as a General domestic servant to the family of Edward Butcher Adams, Accountant, at 129 Pathfield Road, Streatham Common; Robert Bridle (19) Errand boy, was lodging at 35 Chestnut Grove, Balham.

In 1921, Edwin Symonds Bridle (63) Carpenter, Widowed, from Rockbeare, Devon was a Patient at the Merchant Taylors Mens Home, High Street, Bognor, Sussex (a Convalescent Home for Men).

Edwin Symons Bridle died, in Wandsworth, in 1927, aged 71.

The Royal Standard, Wandsworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/262334

Frederick Joseph Archer married Emma Sarah Bridle, daughter of Edwin Symons Bridle and Lucy Lindsey, in Wandsworth in 1902.

Frederick and Emma had four children, all born in Wandsworth:

  1. Emma Phyllis May Archer b. 1902 J Qtr in WANDSWORTH Vol 01D 725
  2. Leslie Percy William Archer b. 3 Oct 1903 in WANDSWORTH 01D 700
  3. Elsie Winifred Archer b. 1911 S Qtr in WANDSWORTH Vol 01D 1248
  4. Reginald Charles Archer b. 12 Mar 1913 in WANDSWORTH 01D 1194

In 1911, Frederick Joseph Archer (30) Coach trimmer, Emma Sarah Archer (30) and two of their children, Phyllis May (8) and Leslie Percy William (7) were living at 8 Calder's Row, Wandsworth. 

On 28 Nov 1914, Frederick Joseph Archer, enlisted in the Royal Navy for the hostilities. He served, as a mechanic, on HMS Ark Royal from 21 Jan 1915 until 13 Nov 1917, in the Mediterranean - she was supporting the Gallipoli campaign - after which he appears to transfer to the R.A.F.

Emma S Archer died in 1918, aged 38.

Frederick J Archer remarried to Edith E B Mullins, in Wandsworth, in 1919.

In 1921, Frederick Joseph Archer (40) Coach Trimmer; Edith Emily Archer (37), Emma Phyllis Archer (19), Elsie Winifred Archer (9) and Reg Charles Archer (8), lived at 86, Larch Road, Balham.

In 1939, Fred J and Edith E Archer were living at 107 Deer Park Gardens, Mitcham, with Leslie P W Archer and Reginald C Archer.

Frederick J Archer died, aged 76, in 1957, in Surrey North Eastern.

  • Eunice Lucy Bridle, at the age of 50, married Thomas H Holliday, in Steyning, Sussex, in the third quarter 1934. Thomas H Holliday died, aged 81, in also in Steyning, Sussex, in the last quarter of 1934. In 1939, Eunice L Holliday was Housekeeper to her sister, Evangeline and her husband at 23 Inchmery Road, Catford. Eunice Lucy Holliday of 67 Squires Lane, Finchley, widow, died on 10 May 1962, at West Hendon Hospital, leaving her effects to Percy Samuel and Evangeline Fanny Pugh (her sister).
  • Ernest Edwin Bridle married Ada Winterman, in Lambeth, in 1911 and in 1939, were living at 11 Meopham Road, Mitcham, Surrey. Ernest E Bridle died in 1966, in Sutton, Surrey, aged 79.
  • Herbert Lindsey Bridle, aged 17, sailed on the S.S. Tunisian on 10 Aug 1905, from Liverpool to Montreal, Canada. Herbert L Bridle (56), died in 1944 and is buried at Prospect CemeteryMankotaSaskatchewanalongside his wife, Florence.
  • In Nov 1920, Winifred Helena Bridle (30), Nurse, sailed on the RMS Victorian to Quebec, Canada, bound for WinnipegManitoba. I've been unable to discover if she settled, or married there.

Percy Samuel Pugh (b. 18 Jan 1879), son of John William Pugh and Sarah Cole, married Evangeline Fanny Bridle (b. 21 Jan 1883), daughter of Edwin Symons Bridle and Lucy Lindsey, in Hackney, in 1909. 

Percy and Evangeline Pugh had five children:

  1. John Stanley Pugh b. 1910 J Qtr in ST ALBANS Vol 03A Page 847
  2. Frank Pugh b. 1911 J Qtr in ST ALBANS Vol 03A Page 847
  3. Percy Godfrey Pugh b. 30 Apr 1912 in ST. ALBANS Vol 03A Page 1637
  4. Grace Margery Pugh b. 31 Oct 1913 in CHORLTON Vol 08C Page 1278
  5. Evangeline Ruth Pugh b. 5 Aug 1921 in STOCKPORT Vol 08A 180

In 1911, living at Exon, Brampton Road, St Albans were Percy S Pugh (32) Buyer of textiles for Australian house; Evangeline Fanny Pugh (28), Helena Sarah Pugh (25) Assistant house keeper, Sister; Elizabeth Mardell (47) Monthly nurse; Hannah Swift (23) General domestic servant; John Stanley Pugh (1) and Fredrick Albert Baker (26) Commercial clerk, Visitor.

In 1921, living at 15, Lea Road, Stockport, Heaton Norris, Cheshire were Percy S Pugh (42) Textile agent; Evangeline F Pugh (38), John S Pugh (11), Frank Pugh (10), Percy G Pugh (9), Grace M Pugh (7), Ivy Woodfield (15) General Domestic Servant and Jessie E M Merritt (56) Visitor.

In 1939, at 23 Inchmery Road, Catford, were Percy Samuel Pugh, Officer Wheat Commission; Evangeline F Pugh; Percy G Pugh, Shipbroker's Agent Assistant; Evangeline R Pugh, Student School Mistress and Eunice L Holliday, Housekeeper (Evangeline's sister). Grace M Pugh was Assistant Kitchen Superintendent at Queen Mary's Hospital For Children Carshalton.

Grace M Pugh married Kenneth P Woodcock in 1944 and Evangeline R Pugh married John R Hutchins in 1947, both in Aled, Denbighshire, Wales.

Percy Samuel Pugh died, at the age of 95, on 30 Jun 1974, in Trafford, Lancashire and is buried at Stretford CemeteryStretford, Manchester

Evangeline Fanny Pugh of 20 Willowtree Road, Altrincham, died, at 92, on 12 Aug 1975 and is also buried at Stretford Cemetery.

Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium
WernervcCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Robert Thomas Bridle (b. 8 Sep 1892), son of Edwin Symons Bridle and Lucy Lindsey, married Mary Jane Strange (b. 1890 in Cholsey, Berkshire), daughter of William James Strange and Mary Jane Freeman, in Wandsworth, in 1915. 

They had one daughter:
  1. Lucy Mary Bridle b. 1 Nov 1915 D Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 1116
On 11 Dec 1915, R T Bridle (24) of 17, Caistor Rd, Balham, enlisted in the East Kent Regiment. However, on 17 Oct 1917, Robert Thomas Bridle (26), 36th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, husband of M. J. Bridle, of 17, Caistor Rd., Balham, London, died of wounds, no doubt sustained during The Third Battle of Ypres (Battle of Passchendaele). Private Robert Thomas Bridle is buried in grave ref XI. I. 18. at Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Belgium.

In 1921, Mary Jane Bridle (30) Widow was living at 19, Caistor Road, Balham with her daughter, Lucy Mary Bridle (5).

In the 4th quarter of 1925, Mary Jane Bridle remarried to Thomas Hartland (b. 1888), son of Joseph Hartland and Fanny Silke Stone, again in Wandsworth. 

They also had one daughter:
  1. Ruby Eileen Hartland b. 1926 D Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 927
In 1939, Thomas and Mary Jane Hartland were living at 16 Chetwode Road, Upper Tooting, Wandsworth

Thomas Hartland died, in Wandsworth, in 1951. Mary Jane, in 1979.

  • In 1938, Lucy Mary Bridle married Leslie Charles Cogger (b. 6 July 1913 in Wandsworth). In 1939, Leslie C Cogger, Shop Assistant Tailoring and Lucy M Cogger, Tailor's Machinist, were living at 54 Templecombe Way, Merton, Surrey. Lucy Mary Cogger died in 1989 and Leslie Charles Cogger, in Merton, in 1990.
  • In 1953, Ruby Eileen Hartland married George Percy Bailey (b. 1926 in St Pancras). George Percy Bailey died in 2015 and Ruby Eileen Bailey in 2016, both in Southampton, Hampshire.
Parkholme Road, Dalston
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/4341743

Eva Bridle (b. 1863), daughter of Thomas Parsons Bridle and Sarah Symons, a Teacher of elementary school, poetically calling herself Evangeline in 1891, by the census of 1901, is found, aged 37, as a Certified teacher, boarding at 68Mortimer Road, Hackney in the household of Thomas Shorey (49), Solicitor's Clerk, whose daughter, Edith (15) was a Pupil teacher.

Then in 1909 in Hackney, London, Eva Bridle, at 45, married Alfred Morley Hayward. Born in 1874, in Eastbourne, Sussex, the son of Ebenezer Hayward a Jeweller from Ashford, Kent and his wife Ellen Morley (m. 1868 in Greenwich), he was therefore ten or so years younger than his wife.

In 1911, Alfred Hayward (37) Patent agents chief technical assistant, Eva Hayward (47) Head teacher and Emma Bridle (45) Sister-in-law, with Edith Baker (24) Domestic servant, were living at 27 Parkholme Road, Dalston.

In 1921, Emma Bridle (55) Invalid was listed alone at 8, Waverley Road, Enfield, Middlesex, although she was originally described as Sister-in-law and the return was completed by Mr Hayward. Alfred and Eva do not appear to be listed anywhere and one wonders if they could have been travelling.

Emma Bridle died, aged 59, in 1924 in Edmonton

On 7 Nov 1925, Alfred Morley Hayward (51) and Eva Hayward (62) left Southampton on RMS Berengaria (The first Cunard "Queen") bound for New York, with Auckland, New Zealand listed as their final destination. 

Then on 28 Jun 1932, we find Alfred Morley Hayward and Eva Hayward travelling from London to Sydney, Australia on the SS Orsova of the Orient Steam Navigation Company. The address where they were going to stay was given as c/o W. J. House, 12 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga, Sydney.

Alfred Morley Hayward (77) Patent agent, of 36 Henley Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand, died on 31 Mar 1952. He was buried, on 3 Apr 1952 at Purewa Cemetery, leaving his effects to Eva Hayward, widow. Eva Hayward died on 25 Sep 1957, aged 94. She was buried, on 28 Sep 1957, in the same plot, along with her husband. Both profess their religion as Brethren.