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

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.

Thursday, 16 April 2026

James Land and Jane Flew

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Bampton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rob Purvis - geograph.org.uk/p/6807505

James Land (b. 1828) son of John Land and Loveday Flew, married Jane Flew (b. ~1826), daughter of Robert Flew and Mary Cottrell (Robert Flew was the brother of Loveday Flew, so the couple were first cousins), at the parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Bampton, on 16 Apr 1854.

James and Jane had one son:
  1. George Land b. 1855 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 374, bap. 9 Dec 1855, in Bampton, Devon. Died 1856 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 304.
Jane Land died, aged 30, in 1856 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 304. Those deaths may have occurred at the end of 1855 and registered in early 1856 and, it would appear likely that Jane died giving birth to their son.

James Land, widower, married Rose Anna Beamer (b. 1823), widow, on 19 Apr 1863 at St Michael and All Angels, Bampton. Rose Anna Beamer gave her father's name as Isaac Smith, Labourer. (Not found hers, but I've found a baptism on 1 Feb 1824 for a Mary Smith, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Smith at All Saints, Norton Fitzwarren, who may have been her sister.)

In 1861, James Land (32) Quarry Labourer was a Lodger in the household of Ann Beamer (38) from Norton, Somerset, along with four of her children: Mary (10), Alfred (8), James (6) and Lindy (2). The civil birth registration for James in 1855, confirms that Rose Anna's maiden name was SMITH.

With a two year old in 1861, one might assume that Rose Anna (Ann) had only recently been widowed, but the only record of a death that may be that of her husband - I haven't been able to find the earlier marriage, but son Alfred Beamer's marriage gives his father's name as James Beamer - is that for a James Beamer, aged 37, in the last quarter of 1854. That would make James Beamer, born 1855, a posthumous child. Although, it would also make Lindy Beamer the child of another liaison. Not exactly unheard of.

John and Rose Anna Land had at least three further children together:
  1. George Land Beamer b. 1862 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 461, registered George Beamer, no mother's maiden name. Death registered as George Land Beamer in 1863 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 335.
  2. Loveday Jane Land b. 1864 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 455, mother's maiden name this time was listed as SMITH.
  3. John Land b. 3 Feb 1866, in Stoodleigh, Devon (No GRO reg.)
In 1871, in High Street, Bampton, we find James Land (41) and Rosannah (46), with just Loveday J (7) and John (5). Not one of Rose Anna's family are living with their mother. It's not the first time I've seen a first family "disappear" when their parent remarries. Rose Anna's daughter, Mary (b. 1850), I've been unable to find any mention of; Alfred Bimmer (sic) (19) was working as a [Farm] Servant for Thomas Chave in Morebath; James Beamer (16) Masons Labourer was lodging, with Henry Beamer (21) Ag Lab, elsewhere in Bampton; there are no other records of Lindy Beamer.

In 1881, at Westbrook Cottage, Bampton, at a guess, on Westbrook Farm (PDF), were James Land (54) Ag Lab; Ann Land (58); Jane Land (18) Domestic (Out of Service) - just given birth; John Land (16) Gen Labourer; Henry Beames (sic) (8) Grandson and Rosana Land (0) Granddaughter.

James Land died, at 56, in 1884 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 297.

There is a death of a Rose Anne Land in 1889, with her age estimated as 40 (1889 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273). This would be a 20 year discrepancy, but is a typical lie about a woman's age and her name is uncommon enough for me to be persuaded this does most likely relate.

In 1891, John Land (24) Private in the Royal Marines Light Infantry was at Fort Stamford, Plymstock, Devon. He had enlisted on 3 Jan 1885, served for 21 years until Jan 1906 and then again in 1914-15. That latter period, mostly, at Plymouth Division, but from 12 Sep - 3 Dec 1914, on HMS JupiterWhen World War I broke out in August 1914, Jupiter was transferred to the 7th Battle Squadron of the Channel Fleet. During this service, she covered the passage of the British Expeditionary Force from England to France in September 1914. In late October 1914, Jupiter was reassigned to serve alongside her sister ship Majestic as a guard ship at the Nore. On 3 November 1914, Jupiter and Majestic left the Nore and relieved their sister ships Hannibal and Magnificent of guard ship duty on the Humber. In December 1914, Jupiter moved on to guard ship duty on the Tyne. On his Marines Record, John describes his sister Loveday Jane's daughter, Rose Anna Southwood (née Land) as his sister, whereas, in reality she was his niece. This might suggest that the illegitimate child was brought up by her grandparents long enough for him to believe / consider her as such.

In 1911, John Land (45) Horse Man on Farm, who never married, was boarding with his niece Rose Anna (30) and her husband, William Henry Southwood (34) at Chieflowman Cottage, Uplowman.

In 1921, John Land (56) Royal Marine Pensioner was still boarding with William Henry Southwood (45) Farmer at Bungsland, West Anstey.

John Land died, aged 58, in 1924 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON.

Old Toll House, Briton Street, Bampton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Milestone Society - geograph.org.uk/p/6114414

James Beamer (b. 1855), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith, brother of Alfred Beamer and half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land, married Mary Jane Snell (b. ~1857) - that's the maiden name listed on several of their children's birth registrations - in Exeter, in 1876. The transcript of the marriage record lists them as James Bemer and Mary Jane Smale, which made this record difficult to find. Only because, in 1911, they said they'd been married for 34 years, was there finally a clue to the period to look in.

Mary Jane is listed on census records as being from Devonport, Plymouth, but it hasn't been possible to find records of her birth or early years.

James and Mary Jane had at least seven children:
  1. Mary Jane Beamer born Q2 1884 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died and was buried, on 13 Apr 1884, in Bampton).
  2. Ethel Anna Beamer (no civil reg), bap. 26 Apr 1885 in Bampton.
  3. (Unnamed male child) Beamer born Q3 1886 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died in the same quarter, age 0.)
  4. Sarah Jane Beamer born Q3 1887 in Tiverton, mother's name SMALE
  5. Tom Beamer born Q3 1890 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SUELL. Bap. 3 Aug 1890 in Bampton.
  6. Rosanna Beamer born Q1 1893 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. Bap. as Rose Anna Beamer, on 30 Apr 1893, in Bampton. (Died, aged 16 months and was buried, on 22 Aug 1894, in Bampton.)
  7. Mary Ann Beamer registered Q1 1896 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SNELL. Bap. 29 Dec 1895 in Bampton. (Died in Q2 1901, aged 5. Buried on 27 Apr 1901 in Bampton.)
There could be other children, particularly given the number of discrepancies in the information, such as the mother's maiden name, which could be errors in transcription, or registrars writing down what they heard. The parents don't help, because on the 1911 census they say they have only had 3 children with 3 then living, but various corroborating records prove that to be untrue.

In 1881, James Beamer (25) Railway Labourer and Mary Beamer (23) were living at Rose Cottage, Bampton, Devon.

Ethel Ann Beamer (3) "British King" from Liverpool

This curious record relates to an Ethel Ann Beamer, then age 3, sailing on the "SS British King" from Liverpool, arriving in Philadelphia on 29 May 1888. Their intended destination was Chicago. Taken alone, I'd have ignored this and assumed that this was another Ethel Ann Beamer entirely. HOWEVER, in the box at the top right, it says "Accompanied by" Sarah Jane 8 months and Mary Jane 30, both of which fit exactly. I've also found an equivalent record for Sarah Jane and both children appear on the passenger list, along with Mary Jane. It's hard to imagine them being able to afford to go to the US - and come back again - but equally hard to imagine the combination of those three names and ages cropping up together more than once. It's a mystery.

In 1891, James Beamer (39) Agricultural Labourer, wife Mary (35), Ethel A (6), Sarah J (3) and Tom (0), were living in Briton Street, Bampton

On 16 Oct 1894, James and Mary Beamer were both charged and bailed, accused of "Wilfully neglecting Rose Anna Beamer, a girl under the age of 16 years, to wit, 16 months, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering and injury to health, at Bampton, on 15 August 1894, and on various other dates." They were found not guilty and acquitted. 

In 1901, James Beamer (48) General Labourer, Mary Jane (42), Ethel (15), Tom (9) and Mary A (5), were living on the Tiverton Road, Bampton. Sarah Jane (14), was employed as a General domestic servant, in the household of Henry Early, Watchmaker and jeweller, at 12, Angel Hill, Tiverton

In 1911, we find the family has "emigrated" ... to Wales. James Beamer (53) from Bampton, Devon was then a Coal miner hewer living at 4 Price Street, Pentre in the Rhondda Valley, Glamorganshire with Mary (49), Tom (20) also working as a Coal miner hewer; Ethel Cappell (25), William Cappell (25) Son-in-law, and grandchildren, William (3) and Ethel (1). (Ethel Ann Beamer had married William David Cappell on 24 Apr 1907, in Bampton.)

In 1921, James Beamer (69) Labourer (Surface) Ocean Cal Company Out Of Work; Mary Jane Beamer (63), William David Cappell (35) Labourer Corys Broks Coal Company Out Of Work; Ethel Ann Cappell (38), William David James Cappell (13), Ethel Ann Cappell (11) and Lawrence Earnest Cappell (5) were living at 1, Price Street, Pentre, Rhondda, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Beamer died, aged 70, in 1927 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 442. 

James Beamer died, in 1931, aged 77, also in Taunton. 

(William and Ethel Cappell lived in Rowford, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton in 1939. No further records for Sarah Jane after 1901 nor Tom after 1911.)