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

Sunday, 6 July 2025

William Cloughton and Alice Hockley

Holy Cross, Felsted, Essex - Porch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1303810

William Cloughton (b. 1855), son of Thomas Clowton (the surname, as it sounds) and Lydia Byatt, married Alice Hockley, daughter of George Hockley and Eliza Crow on 6 Jul 1879 at Holy Cross church, Felsted. This surname has probably had more variations than any other I've encountered: When William's parents married it was Clowton; on the 1841 census they were listed as Clouten; William was registered and baptised - on 6 Jan 1856 in Felsted - as Clowton; by the time he married Alice it was Cloughton, which it was then mostly or sometimes Claughton, Clawghton and even Claighton.

William and Alice had two daughters:
  1. Lizzie Cloughton b. 1879 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 469, bap. 26 Oct 1879 at Holy Cross, Felsted
  2. Ellen Cloughton b. 28 Jan 1882 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 536, bap. 26 Mar 1882 at Holy Cross, Felsted
In 1881, William Cloughton (25) Farm labourer from Felsted, Essex, Alice Cloughton (24) & Lizzie Cloughton (1) were at Bannister Green, Felstead.

Alice Cloughton died, aged 27 in 1883 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 298, and was buried on 30 Jun 1883, at Felsted.

William Cloughton then remarried, in the 3rd quarter of 1884, to widow, Hannah Lewis, at the church of St Michael the Archangel, Braintree

Born Rose Hannah Gowers on 12 Dec 1850, bap. 5 Feb 1851, she was the daughter of Thomas Gowers and Hannah Gowers (Cousins?) Hannah had previously married George Lewis in 1868, with whom she had two daughters. George died, aged 35, in 1883. William and Hannah didn't have any further children together, but they did bring up William and Alice's daughters.

In 1891, William Claughton (sic) (35) Agricultural Labourer, Hannah Claughton (40), Elizabeth Claughton (12) and Ellen Claughton (9) were living at Church End Farm, Brockley Road, Runwell, Chelmsford. 

In 1901, William Claughton (49) Farm labourer and Hannah Claughton (55) were living in Billet Road, Little Heath, Hainault, Romford. Elizabeth Clawghton (sic) (21) Domestic Cook from Felsted, Essex, was a Visitor in the household of Alfred Pottinger, Stocker at nursery, at 256, High Street, Cheshunt (Herts). Younger daughter, Ellen Claighton (strangest version yet) (19) from Felsted, Essex, was working as a General domestic servant to John Cull, Nurseryman and florist, at 36, College Road, Cheshunt (Herts).

So far, I've found no further records for Lizzie (Elizabeth) after 1901.

Nellie Claughton married Herbert Holton Hearn (b. 11 Aug 1880), son of Thomas Hearn and Elizabeth Holton, on 13 Jun 1908, in Cheshunt.

In 1911, William Claughton (55) Carman and nursery worker was living in the household of his son-in-law, Herbert Hearn (30) Nursery hand, and Nellie Hearn (29) at 13 Lordship Road, Cheshunt. Also living with them was Herbert's widowed mother, Elizabeth Hearn (60). Hannah Cloughton (62), meanwhile, was, seemingly alone, at 112 Birkbeck Road, Leytonstone.

Hannah Claughton died, at 65, in 1914 M Qtr in COLCHESTER Vol 04A 889.

There's a death of a William Clowton in 1935 J Quarter in WARE Volume 03A Page 910, within 5 years from his correct age, which would seem to be him.

In 1939, still at 13 Lordship Road, Cheshunt, were Herbert H Hearn, Nurseryman glasshouse food producer and Nellie Hearn. 

Herbert Holton Hearn of 37 Lordship Road, Cheshunt, died, on 20 Oct 1962, at Western House, Ware, Hertfordshire (Western House Hospital, the former Ware Union Workhouse). Probate was granted to Ellen Hearn, Widow.

Ellen Hearn died, aged 82, in 1964, in Edmonton, Middlesex.

Thursday, 3 July 2025

William Stone and Mary Thorne

Langford Budville : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4028563

William Stone (bap. 3 Nov 1799) son of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, married Mary Thorne on 3 Jul 1820 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville, Somerset. Witnesses were Ann Waygood and William Bridges. The groom is described as a 'Sojourner' - temporarily residing in the parish - a blow in - which makes sense, as he was from Kentisbeare in Devon.

Records suggest they had three sons, all baptised in Langford Budville:

  1. William Stone bap. 1 Apr 1821
  2. Thomas Stone bap. 4 Jan 1824
  3. Henry Stone bap. 26 Oct 1828

Mary Stone (née Thorne) died - the burial record says she was aged 33 (b. 1799) - and was buried on 9 Sep 1832 at Langford Budville. Given her age and the timing, I'd imagine there's at least an evens chance that Mary died having a fourth child, although I've not found a record to support this.

William Stone then remarried to Elizabeth Sprague (bap. 11 Apr 1807 in Ashbrittle), daughter of James Sprague and Mary Davy, on 5 Feb 1834, also in Langford Budville. William and Elizabeth had one daughter:

  1. Mary Ann Stone b. 17 Aug 1834, bap. 25 Dec 1834 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville.
In 1841, William (40), Elizabeth (30) - William is listed as M. S. (male servant) and Elizabeth as F. S. (female servant); William Jr (rounded down to 15) - I think they've confused which son was at home and this was actually Thomas - and Mary Anne (6) were living at Hill Cottage, Holcombe Rogus, Wellington. William Stone (20) was living and working in the household of James Stephens (50) in the village of Langford Budville. While, Henry Stone, age rounded down to 10 (actually 13), was employed as a servant to the family of Richard and Martha Barton at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. "Richard Barton was born in Churchstanton, Somerset, in about 1817. I think that he was baptised at Otterford with his brother John Barton on 16th March 1817. He married Martha Surridge in Tiverton Registration District during 1841 and they were probably living at Langford Budville, Somerset, until at least 1844. At the time of the 1841 census Richard was farming at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. He was described as a twenty-year-old farmer, not born in the county of Somerset, and his wife, Martha, was aged twenty and born in that county." - Pedigree of the Bartons

In 1851, William and Elizabeth were living at Trace Bridge, Ashbrittle with Mary Anne (16), who had become a 'Needle Woman' and Henry Sprague (6), lodger, born in Exeter, while Henry (21) was a servant (Farm Servant/Ag Lab) to James and Elizabeth Talbot at Appley, Stawley, Wellington, Somerset.

In 1861, William Stone (62), Agricultural Labourer, and Betsy Stone (53) were in a Private Cottage at Court Place, Ashbrittle, "Court Place Farm has been a feature of Somerset’s Tone Valley for centuries. Some of its pastures still bear the names they were given over five hundred years ago."

William Stone died, with his age overestimated as 75 (70) in 1869 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 289 was buried on 7 Feb 1869 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

In 1871, Betsy Stone (64) Widow, Farm Labourer was still living, this time alone, in a Cottage, Ashbrittle.

In 1881, Betsy Stone (74) Widow, Pauper was a Lodger in the household of Charles Kingdon (26) Farm Labourer at 1, Pitt Cottages, Ashbrittle.

Elizabeth Stone died at 83 in 1890 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 231 and was buried on 11 Jun 1890 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

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

John Ridgeway and Ellen Norman

Building at Widhayes FarmUplowman

John Ridgeway (b. 18 Jun 1870), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ellen Norman (b. 23 Dec 1871), daughter of James Norman and Harriet Woodland at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman, on 3 Jul 1892. Witnesses were James Norman and William Norman, the bride's father and brother.

The couple probably met at Widhayes Farm (Grade II Listed), as in 1891, John Ridgeway (20) Agricultural Labourer, had been lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman and at the same time, Ellen Norman (20) had been employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Edward Chave (39), a prosperous Farmer, at the Farm, Widhayes, Uplowman. 

John and Ellen had three children: 
  1. William Henry Ridgway b. 1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Pg 407
  2. Thomas Ridgway b. 1894 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401 (Died 1894 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 261)
  3. Annie Elizabeth Ridgway b. 26 May 1895 (1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 387), bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman
The mother's maiden name on all three births was NORMAN.

In 1901, John Ridgeway (30) Cattleman on farm, Ellen Ridgeway (29), William H (8) and Annie E (6) were at Little Sellake, Halberton.

In 1911, still at Sellake, Halberton, were John Ridgway (40), Ellen Ridgway (39) and William Henry (18) Farm Labourer. The original census record confirms that the couple had three children - two living and one who had died - during their then 19 year marriage. Annie Ridgway (16) that year was working as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired farmer, Robert Pearce (89) at Locks House, Witnage, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, John Ridgway (50) Farmer was living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus with Ellen Ridgway (49).

In 1939, John and Ellen Ridgway, were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.

John Ridgeway of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 (1947 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 340) at Gamlins, Greenham, Stawley. Probate was granted to Herbert John Howe, quarry proprietor and Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk, leaving effects of £2282 12s.

Ellen Ridgway of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died, aged 80, on 11 Sep 1952 (1952 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 179) at Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was again granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.

  • After joining the Australian Military in November 1916, William Henry Ridgeway married Gertrude Hannah Goodwin (b. 14 Jan 1892 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 16 Jan 1918, in Brisbane. William Henry Ridgeway died, at 84, on 29 Oct 1977 and was buried, on 1 Nov 1977, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia. Gertrude Hannah Ridgeway died on 18 Sep 1984 and was also buried, on 20 Sep 1984, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery. (There's also a Raymond Francis Ridgway b. 1926, d. 14 Jun 1921, at that cemetery. Was he their son?)
  • Herbert John Howe (b. 31 Jan 1895), son of Walter Howe and Ann Hawkins, married Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway, in Wellington, in 1916. (Walter Howe, was a Carter on farm and general labourer, living in Holcombe Rogus village.) Herbert and Annie Howe had one son: Colin John Ridgway Howe b. 3 Feb 1933. In 1921, Herbert John Howe (26) Road Stone Quarrier, at Whipcott Quarries; and Annie Elizabeth Howe (26) were living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus. In 1939, Herbert J Howe "General Farmer, Quarts Owner, Haulage & Road Contractors & Quarrying", Annie E Howe "Assistant To Husband In Farming" and Colin J R Howe, were living at Gamlin's [Farm], Stawley, Somerset. Herbert John Howe (56) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire, died on 6 Dec 1951, leaving effects of £2796 2s to his widow, Annie Elizabeth Howe. Almost an entire column of the Crediton Gazette on 18 Dec 1951 was filled with the report on the funeral of Mr Herbert John Howe of Gamlins, "well known quarry owner and agriculturalist, who took a keen and active interest in local affairs", saying that "there was a large and representative gathering at Holcombe Rogus Parish Church." Annie Elizabeth Howe died, in 1970, at 75.
Stawley: Gamlins Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/148474

Monday, 30 June 2025

Robert Flew and Mary Cottrell

© Lewis Clarke (cc-by-sa/2.0 geograph.org.uk/p/7413631
Bampton : St Michael & All Angels Church

As yet I've found no record of a marriage between Robert Flew (bap. 21 Jun 1801 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Richard Flew and Jane Wright and Mary Cottrell (bap. 5 Sep 1805 in Bampton, Devon), daughter of William Cotterell and Mary Wensley, but I've been able to piece together the following.

It appears Robert and Mary had at least these three daughters:
  1. Jane Flew b. ~1826
  2. Elizabeth Flew bap. 9 Oct 1831 in Bampton, Devon, listed as the daughter of Robert Flew and Mary.
  3. Ann Flew b. ~1835
Couldn't find baptisms for either the first or third child.

Robert Flew died, aged 36, in 1838 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 178 and was buried on 26 Jun 1838 in Bampton.

In 1841, Mary Flue (sic) (claiming to be 30, actually 36) Lace worker, was living in Frog Lane, Bampton with her daughters: Jane (14), Betsey [Elizabeth] (10) and Ann (6), as well as Emma Doding (13) and Eliza Doding (4). Unfortunately, in 1841, there is no indication of their relationships.

Robert Escott (bap. 1 Nov 1796 in Brompton Regis, Somerset) Widower, son of Richard Cox Escott and Mary Ann Gage, then married Mary Flew, Widow at the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon on 5 Dec 1847. Witnesses were Henry Cull and Richard Lewis Staddon.

However, it's clear that they had been together for some time before marrying, because they had at least three children together:
  1. Sarah Flew b. 1841 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 251
  2. Caroline Flew b. 1844 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 279
  3. Richard Escott b. 1848  S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 10  Page 265, bap. Richard Henry Escott on 25 Jun 1848 in Bampton, son of Robert & Mary
On the two girls' births, there is no mother's maiden name listed, indicating these were out of wedlock. Caroline was unnamed at the time of registration. The mother's maiden name on Richard's birth is COTTRELL.

Robert Escott had previously married Grace Pitts (née Thorne), Widow, on 5 Dec 1823 in Brompton Regis. (So Mary Cottrell wasn't going to forget her husband's first name and Robert Escott shouldn't have forgotten his wedding anniversary.) Robert and Grace had two children: Richard Escott bap. 9 Mar 1824 and Mary Escott bap. 29 Jan 1826 in Brompton Regis. Grace Escott had died aged 54 also in 1838 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 150. In 1841, Robert Escott (40ish) and his daughter Mary Escott (15) had been lodging in Gate Street, West, Bampton. Grace Thorne previously married John Pitts on 21 Oct 1807 in Brompton Regis, with whom she had four sons: John Pitts b. 14 Jul 1808, bap. 14 Aug 1808; Thomas Pitts b. 7 Feb 1811, bap. 24 Mar 1811, buried 26 May 1811; William Pitts b. 4 May 1812, bap. 7 Jun 1812; and Thomas Pitts b. 29 Mar 1817, bap. 9 Nov 1817. John Pitts presumably died between 1817 & 1823.

In 1851, Robert Escott (50 ish) Agricultural Labourer, claiming to come from Morebath, Devon, was living in West Street, Bampton, Devon with Mary Escott (~44) Charwoman from Bampton, Devon; Sarah Escott (10), Caroline Escott (6), Henry Escott (2) and Jane Flew (24) Lace maker, Wife's daughter. Meanwhile, Robert's widowed father, Richard Escott (~85) was a lodger in the household of John Wensley (44) in Morebath, Tiverton - one assumes this was a relative of Mary Cottrell's mother. (Richard Escott of Furzy Cot in Kings Brompton died at 88 and was buried on 20 Mar 1856 in Brompton Regis.)

In 1861, Robert Escott (claiming to be 70, he was 65) Agricultural Labourer from King Brompton, Brompton Regis (formerly known as Kingsbrompton), Somerset was living in High Street, Bampton with Mary Escott (~60, she was 56), Caroline Escott (16) Servant and Emma Escott (2) Granddaughter. (Emma Escott bap. 14 Aug 1859 in Bampton was the "base" (illegitimate) daughter of Sarah Escott.) Sarah Escott (19) from Bampton, Devon was a Dairymaid in the household of Joseph Manley at Netherope, Halberton.

It appears that Mary Escott formerly Flew (née Cottrell) died in 1861 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 269, her age over estimated to 66.

In 1871, Robert Escott (75) Widower was lodging in High Street, Bampton.

Robert Escott died ~82 in 1878 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 319.

Friday, 20 June 2025

Charles Stephen Hockley and Esther Clark

St Helen & St Giles, Rainham
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Charles Richard Hockley (b. 1874 in Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar), born and baptised Charles Stephen Hockley, from marriage onwards Charles Richard Hockley, son of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton, married Esther Clark (bap. 23 Jun 1878 in Rainham, Essex), daughter of Abraham Henry Clark and Esther Shellito, at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham, on 20 Mar 1897.

Charles and Esther Hockley had six children:

  1. Rose Ellen Hockley b. 19 Jan 1898 (1898 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 525), bap. 20 Feb 1898 at St Helen & St Giles
  2. May Hockley b. 27 Sep 1901 (1901 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 613), bap. 4 Nov 1901 at St Helen & St Giles
  3. William Stephen Hockley b. 12 Jan 1907 (1907 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 626), bap. 17 Mar 1907 at St Helen & St Giles
  4. Richard Charles Hockley b. 12 Jan 1907 (1907 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 626), bap. 17 Mar 1907 at St Helen & St Giles
  5. Edith Florence Hockley b. 4 Jun 1911 (1911 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 1185), bap. 2 Jul 1911 at St Helen & St Giles
  6. Dorothy Mabel Hockley b. 29 Jul 1914 (1914 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 1226), bap. 13 Sep 1914 at St Helen & St Giles. Dorothy Mabel Hockley, of 1 Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex, daughter of Charles Hockley, a Farm Labourer died on 7 Mar 1915 (1915 M Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Volume 01C Page 393), at the London HospitalWhitechapel from (1) Intussusception (2) Operation. She was buried on 13 Mar 1915 in Havering, London.
All of the birth registrations show the mother's maiden name of CLARK. All of the baptisms list them as the children of Charles Richard and Esther Hockley. Richard Charles and William Stephen, were identical twins. 

In 1901, Charles Hockley (27) Agricultural Labourer was living at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex with Esther Hockley (22) and Rose Hockley (3).

In 1911, and still living at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex, were Charles Hockley (37) Farm Labourer; Esther Hockley (34), Rose Ellen Hockley (13), May Hockley (9), William Stephen Hockley (4) and Richard Charles Hockley (4). On the 1911 census return the couple state that they'd been married 14 years and, by that time, had 4 children, with all four then still alive.

Charles Hockley (no middle name listed) died, aged 41 in 1916 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 620 and was buried on 17 Oct 1916.

In 1921, Esther Hockley (43) Widow, doing Agricultural Work at Brick House, Rainham, still at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham with Rose E Hockley (23) Carburettor Tester; May Hockley (19) Machine Minder Out Of Work; Richard C and William S Hockley (14) Farm Work; and Edith F Hockley (10).

In 1939, Esther Hockley (b. 28 May 1878), Widowed, School Cleaner, address was 100 Upminster Road, Rainham, and living with her were William S Hockley, Farm Worker; and Edith F Hockley, Machine Operator.

Esther Hockley died, aged 71, in  1950 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 05A Page 455 and was buried on 8 May 1950 in the district of Havering.

  • Rose Ellen Hockley married Edward Herbert Parker at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 12 Nov 1921. Rose Ellen Parker, of 136 Upminster Road South, Rainham, died on 7 Dec 1983 and was buried on 14 Dec 1983 in the district of Havering.
  • May Hockley married Archie Harold Patch (b. 6 Jun 1898 in Grays, Essex) at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 5 Jun 1926. May Patch died in 1930 M Quarter in ORSETT Volume 04A Page 645, aged 29, and was buried on 13 Mar 1930 in Havering, London.
  • William Stephen Hockley, does not appear to have married. He died aged 70 and was buried on 8 Jul 1977 in Havering, London.
  • Richard Charles Hockley married Beatrice Maud Deeks at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 18 Nov 1933. Richard Charles Hockley died at 84 in DOR Q2/1991 in BRENTWOOD (4662) Volume 9 Page 1679 and was buried on 11 Apr 1991 in Havering, London.
  • Edith Florence Hockley married John Cyril Peel (b. 7 Dec 1911 in Blackburn, Lancashire), in the district of Romford, Essex on 3 Sep 1945. John Cyril Peel died in Norfolk in 1983; Edith Florence Peel of 78 Clark Road, Ditchingham, Norfolk died on 7 Dec 1984.

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

William Eastman and Elizabeth Trick

St George's Church, Monkleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/4437956

William Eastman (bap. 2 May 1790 in Monkleigh, Devon), son of Robert Eastman and Mary Morish, married Elizabeth Trick (bap. 12 Oct 1806, in Monkleigh, Devon), daughter of William Trick and Elizabeth Trick (yes, both were named Trick), at St George's Church, Monkleigh, on 18 Jun 1834.

Elizabeth Trick already had at least three illegitimate children before the marriage and added six more children with her husband:
  1. Louisa Martin Trick b. 25 Oct 1827, bap. 26 Mar 1828 at Bideford, Methodist Circuit. The record makes it look likely that her father was Edward Martin. Perhaps the baptism was made in this manner to attempt to get him to take responsibility for the illegitimate child.
  2. Thomas Trick bap. 12 Sep 1830 in Monkleigh, Devon, the record specifies that he is the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. 
  3. William Trick b. 1834, bap. 18 Apr 1834 in Monkleigh, Devon, also makes the point that he's the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. William Trick leaves blank or states Not Known for his father on his subsequent marriages, so I'm convinced that he's not William Eastman's child, despite the proximity of his birth to his mother's marriage.
  4. Mary Eastman bap. 22 May 1836 in Monkleigh, Devon.
  5. Pamela Eastman b. 1838 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 65, bap. 28 Oct 1838 in Monkleigh, Devon.
  6. Maria Eastman b. 1841 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 61, bap. 4 Apr 1841 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 10, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
  7. Rebecca Eastman b. 1843 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 71, bap. 28 Jan 1844 in Monkleigh, Devon.
  8. John Trick Eastman b. 1846 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 59, bap. 23 Dec 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 6, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
  9. Elizabeth Ann Eastman b. 1849 M Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 73, bap. 4 Apr 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died 1849 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 47.
In 1841, William Eastman (45) Agricultural Labourer, Elizabeth Eastman (30), William Eastman (7) [William Trick] - that he was listed as Eastman is most likely an unchallenged assumption and in no way infers parentage - Mary Eastman (5), Pamela Eastman (2) and Maria Eastman aged 3 months were living in Monkleigh Village. Meanwhile, Louisa Martin Trick (13) was living in the household of Thomas Fursman (25) in Bideford, where there is a Residence Note on the record which reads "Outhouse Bibery". Most likely she was a servant. There was a Thomas Trick (10) employed as an Agricultural Labourer by Christopher Quick (40) Farmer at Pickhoe, Monkleigh. 

In 1851, in Monkleigh were: William Eastman (62) Pauper Ag Lab; Elizabeth Eastman (48) Glover; Mary Eastman (16), Pamela Eastman (12) Glover, Maria Eastman (9), Rebecca Eastman (6) and John Eastman (3). Louisa Trick (23) from Bideford, Devon was a Nursemaid in the household of Samuel John Sayce (38) Stock Broker, in Aberdeen Place, Westbury-on-Trym, Gloucestershire. Thomas Trick (20) was a Farm Servant to Thomas Newcombe (30) Farmer of 65 Acres, in Monkleigh.

In 1861, and still in Monkleigh Village were William Eastman (71) Formerly Ag Lab, Elizabeth Eastman (53) Charwoman and Pamela Eastman (22) Glover (cotton). There was a Rebecca Eastman (16) House Servant in Marlborough Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, which may well be relevant.

William Eastman died, at 72, in 1862 J Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B 365.

In 1871, Elizabeth Eastman (64) Widowed Needle Woman from Monkleigh, Devon, Mother, was living with Louisa Martin Trick (42) Needlewoman, Single, Daughter from Bideford, Devon, in Mile End Old Town, Stepney

Elizabeth Eastman died, at 67, in 1874 M Qtr in LEWISHAM Vol 01D 560.
  1. Pamela Eastman had married Albert Wonnacott in Great Torrington, Devon in 1861. Albert Wonnacott b. 1841 J Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 10 Page 269, was the son of George Wonnacott and Mary Bastard. Yes, that really was her surname, and her dad's. Albert and Pamela had three children: Louisa Wonnacott b. 1862 S Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 05B Page 499 (no further records); Mary Jane Wonnacott b. 1864 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 313 and Albert Wonnacott b. 1866 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 300 who died at a year old in 1867 D Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 345. Pamela Wonnacott was a witness at the marriage of her half-brother, William Trick, in 1871. Pamela Wonnacott died, aged 33, in 1872 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 243 - hence the widowed Albert married Pamela's elder half-sister, Louisa, two years later. 
  2. Louisa Martin Trick, according to the record, married Alfred Wonnacott on 15 Apr 1874 at the church of Saint Philip The Apostle, Stepney, London. On the marriage certificate, 'Alfred' lists his father as George Wonnacott, Hatter. Louisa lists her father as Edward Trick, Doctor. (This adds weight to him being Edward Martin, but most likely not a Doctor.) When we catch up with them again on the 1881 Census, living at 66, Blair Street, Bromley, Poplar, London, it becomes clear this is Albert Wonnacott (39) Hatter (Unemployed) with Louisa Wonnacott (52) and Mary A Wonnacott (sic) (17) Daughter - she is Mary Jane Wonnacott, Albert's daughter with is first wife, Pamela Eastman (see above). If Louisa had been Pamela's full sister, this marriage would surely have been illegal. We lose sight of all three of them after this.
  3. Mary Eastman married William Jones, in Bideford district, in 1856. They had six children in England, but by 1871, were living in Vaughan, York, Ontario, Canada. There they added at least three or four more children. William Jones died in 1915. Mary Eastman died on 28 Jan 1928. She is buried, along with her husband, at Richmond Hill Presbyterian CemeteryRichmond Hill, Ontario. Mary's age at death was 91, not 93, so the headstone is wrong, despite being "set in stone". Also, she was baptised and married plain Mary and not Mary Elizabeth. 

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

John Blake and Elizabeth Leigh

Launceston - St Mary Magdalene Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Colin Park - geograph.org.uk/p/4285105

John Blake, son of John Blake and Margaret White (bap. 27 Aug 1786 in Launceston, Cornwall) married Elizabeth Leigh (bap. 23 Apr 1793 in Tregony, Cornwall), daughter of William Thomas Leigh and Rebecca Harris, on 11 Jun 1812 at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston.

Records exist for eight children of this marriage:
  1. Rebecca Blake bap. 31 Oct 1813 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
  2. Harriett Blake bap. 7 Sep 1817, died at 20 weeks and was buried on 4 Jan 1818, both in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
  3. Mary Anne Leigh Blake bap. 18 Feb 1821 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
  4. John Blake bap. 26 Oct 1823 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
  5. Solomon Blake bap. 16 Oct 1825 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
  6. Harriot Blake bap. 30 Sep 1827 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
  7. James Blake bap. 4 Oct 1829 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
  8. Elizabeth Blake bap. 27 Oct 1833 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
In 1841, John Blake (55) was living at Lower Luckham, Lawhitton with his wife Elizabeth Blake (45), John Blake (15) and Elizabeth Blake (7). Rebecca Blake had married in 1834 and was living in Lezant, Cornwall; there was a Mary Blake (20) working as a Female Servant in Fore Street, Callington who I believe was Mary Anne Leigh Blake; Solomon Blake (15) was a Male Servant in the employ of John Stevens (55) Farmer in Linkinhorne, Cornwall; Harriot Blake (13) was a Female Servant in the employ of Henry Paynter also at Lower Luckham, Lawhitton; there was a James Blake (11) employed as an Ag Lab at Guncott, North Petherwin, then in Devon, and to add to the reasons for accepting this as him, his future wife was from South Petherwin.

In 1851, son John Blake (37) Agricultural Labourer was the head of the household at Luckham, Lawhitton with wife Mary Blake (33), John Blake (66) Father; Elizabeth Blake (58) Mother and James Blake (25) Brother. Mary A Blake (29) from Lawhitton, Cornwall was a House Servant to Thomas Coode (53) Attorney At Law in St Austell; Solomon Blake (26) had married and was living in Cardiganshire, Wales; Elizabeth Blake (17) was visiting Robert and Harriet Cundy (Harriet Blake, as was) at 12 Keates St, Stoke Damerel.

John Blake died, aged 69, in  1853 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 21 and was buried on 29 July, in Lawhitton.

In 1861, Elizabeth Blake (68) Pauper was living alone in Lawhitton Village.

Elizabeth Blake died, at 79, in 1871 D Qtr in LAUNCESTON Vol 05C P 15.
  1. Rebecca Blake married Richard Braund on 16 Apr 1834 in Lawhitton. They went to live in Lezant, Cornwall. Records list their surname as Braund, Bround, Brawn or Brown. Richard Brawn died, at 77, in 1886 J Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 23. Rebecca Brawn died in 1905 J Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 18, at 93.
  2. Mary Anne Leigh Blake (39) married William Metters (34) Widower, Yeoman, on 12 Nov 1860 in Stoke Damerel. The bride's brother-in-law, William Trick, was one of the witnesses. William Metters died at 55, in 1881 D Quarter in LAUNCESTON. Mary Ann Leigh Metters died, at 68, in 1887 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 17.
  3. John Blake married Mary Stanbury in Lawhitton on 10 Oct 1843.
  4. Solomon Blake married Maria Williams in Cardigan, Wales on 31 Jan 1849. The couple reputedly had 20 children. Maria Blake died, at 60, in 1888 S Quarter in CARDIGAN Volume 11B Page 3. Solomon Blake died in 1889 M Quarter in CARDIGAN Volume 11B Page 5, at 70.
  5. Harriet Blake married Robert Cundy in the 4th quarter of 1845, in Launceston, Cornwall. Robert Cundy died, at 51, in 1871 D Quarter in TAVISTOCK Volume 05B  Page 318. Harriet Cundy died in 1906 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 225, at 78.
  6. James Blake married Mary Ralph Martyn in Werrington, then in Devon, on 30 Mar 1852. James Blake died at 47, on 30 Jun 1878 (1878 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 21) and was buried in Lawhitton, Cornwall on 3 Jul 1878. Mary Ralph Blake died, in 1917 D Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 404, at 86.

Monday, 9 June 2025

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

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

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. 

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

William Naseby and Eliza Thompson

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

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 and Charlotte Naseby, 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 at Saint Andrew, Rugby
Mother's maiden name on birth registrations is THOMPSON - with an 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.

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).

In 1901, William Naseby (85) Market Gardener and Eliza (77).

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 in 1907 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 386, he was indeed 91. Eliza Naseby (née Thompson) died on 19 Feb 1908 (1908 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 395), aged 84.

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

Saturday, 31 May 2025

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. 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. 

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.

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

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.

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

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.