Richard Bennett and Mary Richards

Morchard Bishop : St Mary the Virgin Church (Interior)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4509391

Richard Bennett (bap. 24 May 1790 in Morchard Bishop), son of Richard Bennet (sic) and Betty Hammet, married Mary Richards (bap. 17 Apr 1786 in Morchard Bishop), daughter of Peter Richards and Ann Cann, at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Morchard Bishop (the bells) on 29 Oct 1810.

Richard and Mary Bennett had eight children baptised in Morchard Bishop:

1. Mary Bennett bap. 24 Mar 1811
2. William Bennett bap. 4 Apr 1813 (residence Heathfield Moor)
3. Richard Bennett bap. 15 Oct 1815, their residence listed as Spire Lake
4. Ann Bennett bap. 29 Jun 1817 (residence listed as Spire Lake)
5. John Bennett bap. 21 May 1820 (residence Sharland)
6. Jane Bennett bap. 22 Dec 1822 (residence Lower Town)
7. Sarah Bennett bap. 6 Aug 1826 (residence New House)
8. George Bennett bap. 15 Mar 1829 (residence Heathfield Moor)

In 1841, Richard Bennett (50) was living in Lower Town, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, Devon with Mary Bennett (55), John Bennett (20), Jane Bennett (16) and George Bennett (12). Mary Bennett had married in 1834; William Bennet had married in 1835; Richard Bennett had married in 1839; was unable to locate Ann Bennett; Sarah Bennett (14) appears to have been out working - original census is hard to read, but appears to be at Town Barton, with numerous other youngsters, undoubtedly all parish 'apprentices'.

Richard Bennett died in 1844 D Qtr in CREDITON UNION Vol 10 Page 63. 

In 1851, Mary Bennett (69) Widow, Mother, Pauper hand loom weaver (serge) was living at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, Devon in the household of her eldest son, William Bennett.

Mary Bennett died in 1852 S Quarter in CREDITON Vol 05B Page 244.

Their daughter, Jane Bennett, never married but had four children:

1. Robert Bennett b. 1842 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79, bap. 15 May 1842 in Morchard Bishop, clearly stating he was the son of Jane Bennett of Lower Town, Single Woman. Died aged 4 in 1846 M Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 59.
2. Sarah Bennett b. 16 Jun 1845 in Crediton Workhouse (1845 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79) Her birth was registered by a Mr Leach, Master of the Workhouse, Crediton, on 20 Jun 1845.
3. Mary Jane Bennett b. 1853 D Qtr in CREDITON Vol 05B Page 369
4. Ellen Bennett b. 1858 S Quarter in CREDITON Vol 05B Page 357

In 1851, Jane Bennett (26) was a visitor in the household of her sister, Sarah Sharland, at Pitt Farm, Puddington, Crediton, while Sarah Bennett (6) was living with Jane's brother, William, at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop.

In 1861, Jane Bennett (34ish) Servant, was an Inmate at Crediton Union Workhouse, Bramble Lane, Crediton, Devon, along with Mary J Bennett (7) and Ellen Bennett (2). Sarah Bennett (17) was House Servant to William Davy, Farmer and Miller at Stone Mill, Leverton Road, Chawleigh.

In 1871, Jane Bennett, Servant, was again an Inmate at Crediton Union Workhouse. Her age was listed as 56, clearly 10 years too many. Mary J Bennett (17) was a Dairymaid at Furze, Cruwys Morchard, Tiverton.

Jane Bennett died, aged estimated to 59, in 1880 M Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 354 and was buried on 25 Mar 1880, in Crediton.

James Hockley and Emma Parker

St. Mary’s Church, Great Canfield

James Hockley (b. 1838), son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Emma Parker (bap. 16 Jun 1839 in Great Canfield), daughter of William Parker and Jane Burton, at St Mary's, Great Canfield on 24 Oct 1863.

James and Emma had ten children:

1. Anne Hockley b. 1864 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 345, bap. Annie on 13 Nov 1864 at St Mary, Great Dunmow
2. Jane Hockley b. 1866 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 341, bap 9 Sep 1866 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
3. Fanny Hockley b. 1868 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 372, bap. 14 Jun 1868 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
4. George Hockley b. 1869 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 378, bap. 9 Jan 1870 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
5. Alfred Hockley b. 1872 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 416, bap. 14 Apr 1872 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow [1]
6. Emma Hockley b. 1873 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 394, bap. 8 Feb 1874 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
7. James Hockley b. 1875 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 412, bap. 12 Dec 1875 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
8. Alice Hockley b. 1877 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 444, bap. 9 Dec 1877 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
9. Kate Hockley b. 7 Jan 1880 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 511, bap. 11 Apr 1880 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
10. Mary Ann Hockley b. 24 Sep 1881 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 519, bap. 11 Dec 1881 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow

[1] The baptism record for Alfred Hockley lists the parents as William and Charlotte Hockley (James' elder brother and his wife), but he was James and Emma's son, as he appears on census returns with this family and the GRO registration shows his mother's maiden name as PARKER. Both brothers had numerous children baptised at St Mary the Virgin and one imagines both couples could have attended each other's children's christenings, so you can imagine how the curate could have been confused whose infant it was.

Some of the baptisms give James' occupation as Labourer, others Painter.

In 1871, James Hockley (33) Farm Labourer was living at the 'End of New Street, Great Dunmow', with Emma Hockley (31), Annie Hockley (6), Jane Hockley (4), Fanny Hockley (2) and George Hockley (1). 

In 1881, at Minchin Farm, (Part Of), Great Dunmow, were James Hockley (42) Agricultural Labourer, Emma Hockley (41), Jane Hockley (14) Domestic Servant; Fanny Hockley (12), George Hockley (11), Alfred Hockley (9), Emma Hockley (7), James Hockley (5), Alice Hockley (3) and Kate Hockley (1). 

In 1891 they were at Minchin Farm, (Part Of), High Wood, Great Dunmow, with James Hockley (52) Agricultural Labourer, Emma Hockley (51), George Hockley (21) Agricultural Labourer, James Hockley (15) Agricultural Labourer, Alice Hockley (13), Kate Hockley (11) and Mary Ann Hockley (9).

In 1901, James Hockley (62) was a Horseman on farm at Gate House Farm, Great Dunmow, with Emma Hockley (61), with just James Hockley (25) Horseman on farm and Mary A Hockley (19) still at home.

In 1911, James Hockley (72) Farm Labourer, Emma Hockley (71) and Kate Hockley (31) were back at New Street, Great Dunmow.

In 1921, James Hockley (82) Old Age Pensioner; Emma Hockley (82) Old Age Pensioner; Emma Hockley (47) Useful Maid and Kate Hockley (41) were still living in New Street, Great Dunmow. 

James Hockley (84) died in 1922 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 621. 

Emma Hockley died the following year, aged 83, in 1923 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 844.

Charles Green and Sarah Ann Hockley

Felsted: Holy Cross Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/4540484

Charles Green (b. 1851 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 102), son of James Green and Rebecca Crow, married Sarah Ann Hockley (bap. 9 Aug 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), youngest daughter of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, in Felsted, on 16 Oct 1877.

Charles and Sarah Ann Green had eight children:

1. James Arthur Green b. 1879 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 462, bap. 31 Aug 1879 in Felsted
2. Jessy Alice Green b. 1881 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 494, bap. 24 Apr 1881 in Felsted
3. William George Green b. 1883 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 543, bap. 27 May 1883 in Felsted
4. Lucy Sarah Green b. 4 Jan 1888 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 613, bap. 1888 in Felsted
5. Rose Green b. 1890 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 605. Died in 1914 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 785
6. Charles Alfred Green b. 13 Feb 1894 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 695, bap. 1894 in Felsted
7. Ellen Green b. 1897 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 708, bap. 1897 in Felsted
8. Kate Green b. 1901 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 814

In 1881, at Cock Green, Felstead, Dunmow, Essex were Charles Green (28) Ag Lab; Sarah Green (23), James A Green (1) and Lucy Green (0) - they must have changed their minds and called her Jessy Alice instead.

In 1891, still at Cock Green were Charles Green (37) Agricultural Labourer; Sarah A Green (32), James A Green (11), Jessie A Green (9), William G Green (7), Lucy S Green (3) and Rose Green (1).

In 1901, in Felsted, were Charles Green (48) Cowman on Farm; Sarah Ann Green (42), James Green (21) Thatcher; Jessie Green (20), William Green (18), Lucy Green (13), Rose Green (11), Charles Green (7) & Ellen Green (3).

In 1911, in Felsted, were Charles Green (58) Cowman on Farm; Sarah Green (52), William Green (26) Farm Labourer; Rose Green (20); Charles Green (16) Cow lad on farm; Ellen Green (13) and Katie Green (9), both at School. James Arthur Green had married in 1907; Jessie Alice Green (28) from Felsted, Essex was a House Maid in the household of Frederick William Watson (33) Sergeant Royal Artillery Band in Woolwich, Kent and Lucy Green (21) was General Servant to Kitty Ethel Stawnton (42) at Edward House, Felsted.

In 1921, Charles Green (68) Farm Labourer, employed by Mr Scrivener, Farmer at Pond Park [Farm], Felsted; Sarah Green (63), Lucy Green (29) and Kate Green (20) were living at Brook Cottages [Cobblers Green], Felsted.

Charles Green died at 83 in 1933 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 999 and was buried in Felsted.

Sarah Ann Green died in 1936 and was also buried in Felsted.

William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn

Lingfield, Surrey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1929778
Looking towards the Grade I listed church of St. Peter & St. Paul.

William Penfold (bap. 5 Nov 1826 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield), son of William Penfold and Hannah Humphrey (m. 1821) married Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn (bap. 25 Jul 1830 at St Nicholas Church, Chiswick), daughter of Robert Gunn and Dinah Powell (m. 1812) at St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield, Surrey on 11 Oct 1851. Witnesses were Thomas and Hannah Tharp.

William and Mary Ann had nine children:

1. Jane Penfold b. 1853 D Quarter in EAST GRINSTED Vol 02B Page 94, bap. 30 Oct 1853 at St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield, Surrey
2. William Robert Penfold b. 1855 D Quarter in CROYDON SURREY Volume 02A Page 123, bap. 20 Jan 1856 in Croydon, Surrey, died 1856 J Quarter Volume 02A Page 82, buried on 13 Apr 1856 in Croydon.
3. John Robert Penfold b. 12 Apr 1857 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 98, bap. 24 May 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
4. Arthur Edward Penfold b. 1859 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 99, bap. 5 Jun 1859 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
5. Amelia Dinah Penfold b. 1861 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 104, died, age 5, in 1867 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 74
6. Frederick William Penfold b. 20 Jul 1863 in EAST GRINSTEAD 
7. Charles Penfold b. 31 Oct 1865 in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 104
8. Thomas Penfold b. 1868 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 111. Died, aged 19 on 20 Apr 1887, at St. George Hanover Square
9. George Albert Penfold b. 1870 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 114, died, age 3, in 1874 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 82, bur: 14 May 1874 St. Mary's Church, Hartfield, Sussex

Later newspaper reports allude to the existence of four [surviving] brothers.

In 1861, William Penfold (34) Agricultural Labourer was living in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, East Grinstead, Sussex with wife Mary Ann Penfold (30), Jane Penfold (7), John Penfold (4) and Arthur Edward Penfold (2).

In 1871, still in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, Sussex, were William Penfold (44), Mary Ann C Penfold (40), John R (14), Arthur E (11), Frederick W (7), Charles (5), Thomas (3), George A (0) and Henry Care (15) Nephew.

William Penfold died, aged 46, and was buried in Hartfield on 1 Mar 1873.

In 1881, Mary Ann Penfold (50) widow, was living at the Old Turnpike House, Hartfield - a later newspaper article mentions that her late husband, William Penfold, had been the toll house keeper - with Thomas (13) and Charles Payne (9) Boarder. Frederick William Penfold (18) was at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda; Charles Penfold (17) Grocer's assistant was living in Mitcham, Surrey in the household of his older brother, John Edward Penfold; there's no knowing where Arthur Edward Penfold was at that time.

Mary Ann Penfold died, aged 55, in 1886, in Chelsea. Newspaper reports indicate that she had died during an epileptic seizure.

Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land

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

Frederick James Stone (b. 1854 in Stawley, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married the delightfully-named, Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864), daughter of James Land and Rose Anna Beamer. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) were married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Loveday's father, James Land, made his mark as witnesses to the marriage (and, no doubt, had his shotgun in his other hand.)

In 1891, Frederick James (36) and Loveday (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton. And they'd begun to acquire quite a brood: 

1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884, bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (seem to have missed baptism)
5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888, bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890, bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
7. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894, bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
8. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898, bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
9. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900, bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
10. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903, bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
11. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909, bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman

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

By 1911, they'd gone full circle to Berry, Chevithorne, with Frederick (56), Farm Labourer, and Loveday (47), Frederick James (23), Florence May (16), Irene Venetta (Minnie) (10), Stanley William (8) and Phillip Alfred (1).

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916, aged 62. 

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

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard.

James William Fuller and Maria Phillips

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

James William Fuller, son of Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Ann Bradley, married Maria Phillips, the daughter of Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor on 9 Oct 1859 in Woodford. James' grandparents, Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Bass, married in the previous, medieval, incarnation of this church, but this time will have taken place in the building, from 1816, that stands today.

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

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

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

[There was a 10th child, Ellen Fuller, born 1867, attributed to this family. However, checking the GRO entry, the mother's maiden name is listed as WHITTAM. That child's baptism, on 8 Dec 1867, in Upminster, lists the mother's first name - Eliza. There was a marriage of a James Fuller to an Eliza Witham, in South Weald, in 1855. Most likely, these were the unfortunate Ellen's parents. This child died, aged 1, in 1868 and was buried on 11 Oct 1868 at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham. So she isn't one of ours.]

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

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

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

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

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

In 1911, at Mitchells Cottages, Rainham, there were James William Fuller (77) no longer working, wife Maria (74). Albert Hardcastle (36), Boarder, had become a Platelayer on the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway.

James Fuller died, aged 76, in 1911.

Maria Fuller died in 1919, aged 81.

John Mason and Mary Ann Turner

St Mary, Broxted - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3374364

John Mason, 4th son and 5th child of Samuel Mason and Amelia Baker, married Mary Ann Turner (b. 1839), daughter of Henry Turner and Elizabeth Batty, on 27 Sep 1856 at the parish church of St Mary, Broxted.

John and Mary Ann Mason had thirteen children over 29 years:

1. Emily Mason b. 1856 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 310, bap. 14 Dec 1856 at St Mary, Broxted
2. George Mason b. 1859 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 382, bap. 19 Jun 1859 at St Mary, Broxted
3. Unnamed female Mason b. 1861 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 347
4. Alice Mason b. 1863 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 383, bap. 9 Aug 1863 at St Mary, Broxted
5. Harriet Mason b. 1866 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 395, bap. 11 Mar 1866 at St Mary, Broxted
6. Eliza Mason b. 1868 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 383, bap. 12 Jul 1868 at St Mary, Broxted
7. Ellen Mason b. 1871 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 381, bap. 10 Sep 1871 at St Mary, Broxted
8. Mary Susan Mason b. 1874 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 417, bap. 12 Apr 1874 at St Mary, Broxted
9. Ada Mason b. 1876 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 465, bap. 9 Jul 1876 at St Mary, Broxted
10. Edith May Mason b. 1879 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 488, bap. 13 Jul 1879 at St Mary, Broxted. Died, aged 1, in 1881 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A  Page 269
11. Charles Alfred Mason b. 1880 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 487, died in 1880 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 295
12. Francis Mason b. 1882 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 546, bap. 12 Mar 1882 at St Mary, Broxted
13. Alice Sophia Mason b. 1885 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 568, bap. Sophy Mason on 13 Sep 1885 at St Mary, Broxted

The mother's maiden name on all of the birth registrations is TURNER.

In 1871, at 3 Browns End, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex were John Mason (40) Ag Lab with Mary Mason (32), George Mason (12), Alice Mason (7), Harriet Mason (5) and Eliza Mason (3). Emily Mason (14) from Broxted, was working as a Servant to George Leech at the Village Back Street Shop, Little Easton.

In 1881 at (Cottage), Browns End Road, Broxted, Dunmow were John Mason (51) Ag Lab, Mary A Mason (41), George Mason (22), Eliza Mason (12), Ellen Mason (9), Mary S Mason (7), Ada Mason (4) & Edith M Mason (1).

In 1891, still at Browns End, Broxted, were John Mason (62) Agricultural Labourer, Mary Ann Mason (51), Ada Mason (15) Domestic servant out of place, Frank Mason (9) and Sophia Mason (5).

Mary Ann Mason died, aged 62, in 1901 M Quarter in Dunmow.

In 1901, John Mason (72) Widowed Ordinary Agricultural Labourer was still living in a Cottage Browns End, Broxted, Dunmow with son Frank Mason (19) Ag Lab and daughter Sophia Mason (16) 'At home with father'.

John Mason died, aged 80, in 1908 D Quarter in Dunmow.

William Hockley and Charlotte Cock

St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1304086

William Hockley (b. 1833), son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Charlotte Cock (bap. 19 Oct 1834), daughter of Timothy Cock and Sarah Mead, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 24 Sep 1859.

William and Charlotte had nine children:

1. Sarah Charlotte Hockley b. 5 May 1860 Vol 04A 333, bap. 8 Jul 1860 
2. Edith Hockley b. 3 Aug 1861 Volume 04A Page 340, bap. 13 Oct 1861
3. William James Hockley b. 1863 Vol 04A Page 370, bap. 12 Apr 1863, died, aged 16, and was buried on 16 Nov 1879 at St Mary the Virgin.
4. Elizabeth Hockley b. 1865 Volume 04A Page 389, bap. 9 Apr 1865
5. Sophia Hockley b. 1866 Volume 04A Page 370, bap. 9 Dec 1866
6. Martha Hockley b. 1869 Volume 04A Page 406, bap. 13 Jun 1869
7. Harry Hockley b. 27 Jun 1871 Vol 04A Page 373, bap. 14 May 1874 
8. Mary Emma Hockley b. 27 Apr 1874 04A Page 432, bap. 14 May 1874
9. Charles Hockley 27 Apr 1876 Vol 04A Page 453, bap. 30 Apr 1883

The mother's maiden name on the registrations for Sarah Charlotte, Edith, William James, Sophia, Martha and Mary Emma is listed correctly as COCK. On those of Elizabeth, Harry and Charles it has been written as COX.

All of the baptisms, except those for Harry and Mary Emma in 1874, which are listed in records for England, Essex Non-Conformist Church Records [venue unknown], were at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

(There's a baptism, on April 14, 1872, of "Alfred son of William and Charlotte Hockley", listed here. Whilst I have every faith that those records are correctly transcribed, he was not a child of this family. He does not appear on any census with this family, but he does appear as the son of William's younger brother, James Hockley and Emma Parker. The only registration of an Alfred Hockley, in Dunmow, in 1872, has the mother's maiden name PARKER.)

In 1861, William Hockley (27) Agricultural Labourer, Charlotte (27), Sarah C (1), James (23) - William's brother - and their father, Daniel Hockley (age incorrectly shown as 62) were living at Halfway House, Great Dunmow. 

(This adjacent Halfway House Cottage, was that used by the labourers on the farm, which has included several generations of our family.)

In 1871, William Hockley (36) is joined by Charlotte (35), Sarah C (11), Edith (9), William J (8), Elizabeth (6), Sophia (4) and Martha (2).

At Halfway House Cottage, Great Dunmow in 1881, were William Hockley (41), Charlotte (39), Martha (13), Harry (10), Emma Mary (Mary Emma) (6), Charles (4) and granddaughter, Alice Hockley (2)**. Sarah C Hockley (20) from Great Dunmow was working as a Domestic Servant in the household of Amelia Hockley (32) widow (if any relation I've yet to research), Lodging house keeper at Hockerill, Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. Edith Hockley (19) was a Domestic servant in the household of William Henry Cox (33) Farmer at Elms Farm, Great Canfield. Sophia Hockley (14) was a Domestic Servant to John Sayer (63) Farmer at Bedfords, Great Dunmow.

**Alice Jane Hockley b. 1879 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 472, bap. 14 Sep 1879 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, was the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Charlotte Hockley. Alice Jane died, aged 8, in 1887.

In 1891, we find William Hockley (57), Charlotte (56) with Charles (15).

In 1901, William Hockley (68), Charlotte (67) and Charles (24).

Charlotte Hockley died, aged 67, in 1902.

In 1911, William Hockley (79), widowed, was still at Halfway House as an Old Age Pensioner Farm Labourer. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom. Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and the pensions were subject to a means test.)

William Hockley died, aged 83, in 1916.

William Henry Middleton and Alice Maud Osmond

Admiralty Mews, Deal
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/1407334

William Henry Middleton (b. 4 Nov 1888), son of Emma Middleton, married Alice Maud Osmond, in Tiverton, on 21 Sep 1918. Alice Maud, known as Maud, (b. 2 Nov 1888, bap. 23 Dec 1888 at St. Mary, Willand), was daughter of John Osmond (son of Henry Osmond from Halberton) and Annie Osmond (daughter of John Osmond of Willand).

William Henry "Bill" Middleton, giving his birth date as 10 Dec 1889, had enrolled in the Royal Marines on 4 Nov 1907, at Exeter (record says was underage between then and 9 Dec 1907), and was sent to Royal Marine Depot, Deal, until 2 Oct 1908, before Plymouth Division. William Henry was promoted to Corporal in 1911, and Sergeant in 1916 while serving on HMS Roxburgh (1904), which he was with from 4 Jun 1912 until 13 Aug 1916 - she was hit by a torpedo on 20 Jun 1915 but escaped with serious damage to her bow - latterly at the North America and West Indies Station.

From 13 Apr 1917 until 26 Nov 1918, Bill was with HMS Highflyer (1898), which means that he was present in Halifax, Nova Scotia during the Halifax Explosion on 6 Dec 1917. 

"Royal Navy cruisers in port sent some of the first organized rescue parties ashore. HMS Highflyer, along with the armed merchant cruisers HMS Changuinola, HMS Knight Templar and HMS Calgarian, sent boats ashore with rescue parties and medical personnel and soon began to take wounded aboard."

From 27 Nov 1918, Bill was transferred back to Plymouth Division, with a brief sojourn at HMS Excellent (shore establishment) near Portsmouth on 23 Dec 1918, but was Invalided on 25 Sep 1919. While I don't know the nature, can only surmise it may have been as a result of the Halifax blast.

Remarks on his marine's record say, "Has a good knowledge of semaphore ..."

In 1921, William Henry Middleton (32) Road Chargeman for Devon County Council, and Alice Maud Middleton (32) were living at Lower Trickey Cottage, Ash Thomas, Halberton, Devon.

In 1939, William H Middleton, Road Chargeman for Devon County Council, and wife Alice Maud were still at Trickey Cottage, Ash Thomas, Devon. Lodging with them was Frederick H Kerslake (20) Railway Clerk, nephew, son of Maud's sister Emily and her husband, Frederick James Kerslake.

Bill and Maud didn't have children, for what reason I'm unaware, but they had a cat named "Stripy" (a tabby, obviously), who, I was told, used to drink milk out of a jug on the windowsill, by dipping his paw in the jug (like Arthur from the Kattomeat ad). In our family, if you cleaned your plate at the end of a meal, someone would exclaim, "Poor old Stripy!", intimating that the poor cat, fed on scraps, would therefore go without. I only hope this was in jest!

Bill Middleton died in 1967, aged 78. Alice Maud Middleton of Tidcombe Hall, Tiverton, died on 21 Sep 1982, only a few weeks short of her 94th birthday. 

Tiverton : Tidcombe Hall
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6337380
Early 19th century house, shown as Tidcombe Rectory on late 19th century Ordnance Survey map. Much altered in late 20th century. The building was also once a Marie Curie daycare unit.

Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker

St Peters Church, Knowstone
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/6092409

Robert Medelton (sic) (b. ~1791) married Elizabeth Baker (b. ~1800) at St Peters Church, Knowstone, Devon on 21 Sept 1821. Unfortunately, there are no baptism records to trace their origins further, however, Elizabeth Baker was from Knowstone and came to the marriage with an illegitimate daughter, Mary Baker, born ~1821, but for whom there's no baptism record either.

Robert and Elizabeth added seven children, baptised in Knowstone: 

1. Elizabeth Medelton (sic) bap. 19 Jan 1823 (buried 23 May 1824)
2. William Medelton (sic) bap. 13 Mar 1825 (buried 5 Jun 1825)
3. Robert Medelton (sic) bap. 4 Jun 1826
4. Jane Medelton (sic) bap. 15 Mar 1829
5. Maria Middleton bap. 22 Jan 1832 (buried 21 Sep 1834)
6. Harriot Medelton (sic) bap. 4 May 1834
7. Thomas Middleton b. 1841 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 10 Page 209, mother's maiden name BAKER, bap. 25 Jul 1841

Spellings are always variable, but none more so than with Middleton / Medelton and it's variations, which I'm sure is as a result of the officiator writing down what they heard said in a thick West Country accent. 

The North Devon Journal of 25 Jun 1835 reported that "Farmer William Blackwell, of Knowstone, charged Robert Middleton, a labourer, with harbouring Mary Baker, his parish apprentice. It seemed that for some fault the farmer's wife had beaten her, not by any means with undue severity, and that she had run off to the defendant's (her father-in-law)[1], who, instead of taking her back to her master, had kept her at home a fortnight: this he had done on other occasions before. The defendant appeared to have acted under the idea that the child had been treated cruelly; but the magistrates warned him that supposing that had been the case, of which there was not the slightest proof, his duty was to apply to the overseers who would see that the parish apprentices were not subjected to any improper usage."

[1] On many occasions I've seen "in-law" used in place of "step".

In 1841, Robert (50), Agricultural Labourer, and Elizabeth (40), were living, as were many other families, in "Part of Lower High Building" in Knowstone, with Harriet (7) and Thomas (0). Robert Middleton Jnr (15) Ag Lab was out working, for William Follett at Bransford, Knowstone, while Jane Middleton (12), was similarly employed by John Bucknell at Beaple's Barton. 

Robert Middleton died, aged 50, and his death was registered in 1842 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 140. The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 19 Mar 1842 reports on the particulars. "Suicide: On Monday last the 14th inst., an inquest was held in the parish of Knowstone, before J Partridge, Esq., coroner on the body of Robert Middleton, a man of rather weak intellect, and a pauper of that parish, who had committed suicide, by lacerating his left arm with a razor, and bled to death. It appeared that on Saturday the 5th, he had received half-a-crown for labour, from a farmer of the parish, and that he went to a public house, and spent the greater part of it. In consequence of spending the money, an altercation took place between him and his wife. On the Sunday morning following he was heard to say that he would destroy himself, and one of his children observed that he took a razor and made a slight laceration in his arm, from which blood appeared; soon after which he left his house, and about nine o'clock the same morning, he was discovered lying upon his face in a barn, a few hundred yards distant from his cottage. He was desired to leave the barn, which he did, and walked in the direction of a coppice on the other side of the field, and was never seen alive afterwards. He was accidentally found on Sunday the 13th by his landlord, in the coppice towards which he had been walking. The body presented a most emaciated and wretched spectacle, being enveloped in rags and filth, with the same shirt in which he had left the Union [Workhouse] at Christmas. In the left arm were several slight lacerations, but one had divided the artery and caused death; in his waistcoat pocket was found a razor stained with blood. The Jury returned a verdict of Felo de se, and he was accordingly buried in the church-yard, between the hours of nine and twelve the same night."

Persons who were judged guilty of Felo de se (felon of himself) - it was then a crime - would forfeit their property (very doubtful Robert had any) and be subjected to 'a shameful burial'. Burials for felones de se typically took place at night, with no mourners nor clergy. In England and Wales, the offence of felo de se was abolished by section 1 of the Suicide Act 1961.

Then the following item appeared in the same newspaper of 2 Apr 1842. "KNOWSTONE AGAIN: Resurrectionists.- Several attempts have been made to steal the body of that poor unfortunate creature, Robert Middleton, who a short time since committed suicide, and was buried about midnight in the churchyard of this parish; but hitherto the villains have been disappointed. It was suspected that on a certain night an attempt would be made, and the grave was accordingly watched; when in the dead of the night two notorious characters of the parish were observed to remove the earth to within about a foot of the body, when finding they were discovered they made a most precipitate retreat, once more disappointed of their booty."

A Beginner’s Guide to Body Snatching, explains why the interest in his body: "In the early days of surgery, dissecting a corpse was seen as a heinous defilement of the body, akin to cannibalism in its vulgarity. But the growing field of surgical science demanded bodies for study. The gallows were the only place surgeons could get cadavers. Executed criminals were fair game to slice and dice, as were suicide victims, but not regular law-abiding corpses."

In 1851, Betty Medelington (sic) (46) Widow from Knowstone, Devon; Thomas Medelington (10) and Robert Medelington (24) were all Lodgers in the household of Thomas Chapple, Farm Lab, at Rock, Knowstone.

In 1861, Thomas Middleton (19) was a House Servant to James Perryman at Higher Radnidge Farm, Old Way Road, East Anstey, Devon.

In 1871, Elizabeth Middleton (71), widow and annuitant, was a lodger in the household of George Bawden, at Bawden Cottage, Knowstone, who was Elizabeth's son-in-law, married to her eldest daughter, Mary Baker.

Elizabeth Middleton died, aged 73 in 1873 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON and was buried on 31 Aug 1873, at St Peters Church, Knowstone.

Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor

St Margaret, The Broadway, Barking - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2974985

Isaac Phillips, son of Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke, married Caroline Elizabeth Taylor on 16 Sep 1832 at St Margaret's Church, Barking. 

Isaac and Caroline had 12 children. Those that were baptised, were at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham:

1. Henry Phillips bap. 29 Sep 1833 
2. Isaac Phillips bap. 16 Apr 1835 
3. Maria Phillips b. 19 Aug 1837 (unnamed on reg), bap. 17 Sep 1837
4. James Davis Phillips, b. 1841, bap. 26 Jan 1841 (buried 31 Jan 1841)
5. Alfred Davis Phillips b. 1842, bap. 14 Aug 1842 (died in 1842, age 0)
6. Jacob Phillips b. 1844, bap. 26 Mar 1844
7. Rebecca Phillips b. 1846, bap. 13 Aug 1846
8. Abraham Phillips b. 1849, bap. 23 Feb 1849
9. Anne Phillips b. 1851 (no mention beyond GRO reg)
10. Thomas Phillips b. 1854
11. Hester Phillips b. 1857
12. Alfred Phillips b. 1861

The use of Davis as a middle name for both James and then Alfred leads me to believe that this may have been Caroline's mother's maiden name - it's a convention I've seen used frequently in this period - however, I've been unable to find Caroline's baptism, nor a marriage between a Taylor and a Davis. 

In 1841, the family, living in Rainham, consisted of Isaac Phillips (25) Ag Lab, Caroline (25), Henry (8), Isaac (6) and Maria (4). Also living with them were Elizabeth Parker (75) and Mary Taylor (60). The 1841 census doesn't give us relationships, but could this latter have been Caroline's mother? 

Rebecca's baptism in 1846 lists her father's occupation as Shepherd.

In 1851, in the Upminster Road, Rainham, we find Isaac Phillips (38) Shepherd, Caroline Phillips (38) birthplace Woolwich, Kent; with children: Henry (17) Ag Lab, Isaac (15) Ag lab, Maria (13), Jacob (7), Rebecca (5) and Abraham (2). They also had a lodger, Henry Neville (18), also an Ag Lab.

In 1861, with their address listed as Fran House, Cottage, Rainham, there are Isaac Phillips (48) Ag Lab, Caroline (48), Jacob (17) Ag Lab, Rebecca (14), Abraham (12) Ag Lab, Thomas (7) Ag Lab, Esther (sic) (4) and Alfred (0). 

In 1871, at Back Street Cottage, Rainham (Back Lane/Street becoming part of Upminster Road, these different addresses are probably all the same place), this time are Isaac Phillips (58) Ag Lab, Caroline (58), Thomas (17) Ag Lab, Hester (14) Domestic Servant and Alfred (10) Ag Lab.

Caroline Phillips died, aged 67, and was buried on 31 Oct 1880 in Rainham.

In 1881, still in the Village Back Street, Rainham, Isaac Phillips (68), widower, Ag Lab, is living with his daughter, Esther (sic) (24) as his housekeeper.

But in 1891, Isaac Phillips (76), widower, Field Labourer, is listed as an Inmate at the Workhouse in Romford. He was still resident at the Romford Union House (later Oldchurch Hospital) at the time of his death the following year, 1892, aged 78. He was buried, on 5 Nov 1892, in Rainham.

Oldchurch Hospital, Romford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/282543

Henry Bradley, Mary Chapman and Mary Thompson

Ye Olde King's Head, Chigwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/7349355
The main part of this set of buildings is the Olde Kings Head, a former coaching inn on Chigwell's High Road opposite the church. It is grade II* listed and probably dates from the 17th century, although some sources give a very specific date of 1547. Closer to the camera are the grade II listed King's Head Cottages built in the 18th century. The inn is said to have been the model for the Maypole in Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge.

Henry Bradley, son of  Thomas Bradley and Sarah Garton, had married Mary Chapman, in Chigwell, on 19 May 1810, but that Mary Bradley, aged 22, was buried, also in Chigwell, on 2 Aug 1812. Henry Bradley, widowed, then remarried, again at St Mary's Church, Chigwell, on 12 Sep 1813 to Mary Thompson. At least he wasn't going to get their names confused!

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson had at least eight children:

1. Elizabeth Ann Bradley born 29 Oct 1814, bap. 20 Nov 1814 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
2. Sarah Anne Bradley bap. 29 Apr 1816 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
3. Thomas Bradley bap. 22 Jun 1817. A note on this baptism record says, "Whilst St Mary Woodford Was Being Repaired, The Ceremony Of Baptism Was Performed At St Mary Wanstead."
4. Ann Bradley bap. 20 Sep 1818 (presumably didn't survive)
5. Ann Bradley bap. 30 Jan 1820
6. James Bradley bap. 2 May 1824
7. Henry Bradley bap. 8 Jan 1826
8. Eliza Bradley bap. 13 Apr 1828

The baptism records all list Henry's occupation and Labourer and several of them also list the family's residence as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Woodford.

In 1841, address listed as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Epping, were Henry Bradley (50) Ag Lab, Mary (45), James (15), Henry (15) and Elizabeth (14) - Eliza?

In 1851, Henry Bradley (63) Ag Lab, birthplace Woodford Bridge and Mary Bradley (54) born in Takeley, Essex, were living at King William, Chigwell Horse Lane, Epping. I'm sure Chigwell Horse Lane became Chigwell Road / High Road and wonder if the previous name was to distinguish it from other lanes that weren't even fit for horses? All joking aside, meaning the main thoroughfare that passes coaching inns, such as the King's Head.

Mary Bradley died, aged 65, and was buried on 29 Jan 1860 in Chigwell.

Henry Bradley died, aged 74, and was buried on 30 Mar 1862.

Jane Middleton and William Flew and John Howe

Church of St Peter, Knowstone
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/3465881

Jane Middleton, baptised on 15 Mar 1829 in Knowstone, Devon, daughter of Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker, was my 2x great-grandmother.

By 1841, then aged around 12, Jane had already left home and was working as a farm labourer for John Bucknell at Beaple's Barton. The still-important farmhouse is about one mile south west of Knowstone village, bordered to the south by Beaple's Moor and to the north by Beaple's Wood. Listed among the workers at Beaple's Barton at the same time was Thomas Baker (20).

In 1851, Jane (20), was a Pauper inmate of The Workhouse in Church Lane, South Molton, along with her son, Robert, aged 1. Presumably, this was the only place she could go as a single mother and clearly she was either still there or back there in 1853/4 when she had her second son, William.

Jane actually had 4 children out of wedlock. Only one survived.

1. Robert Middleton, b. 1850 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 10  Page 199, bap. on 3 Mar 1854, record marked 'dead' (abode 'Union', i.e. Workhouse) and buried on 6 Mar 1854 in Knowstone, aged 4 years.
2. William Middleton, b. 1853 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B  Page 416, bap. 9 Feb 1854, record marked 'dead' (abode given as 'Union', i.e. Workhouse), buried 5 Mar 1854 in Knowstone, aged 8 months.
3. Frederick Middleton, b. 1856 D Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 430. Buried 20 Jan 1858 at St Peter’s Church, Rose Ash, Devon, and bap. (posthumously) 3 Oct 1858 in West Anstey.
4. Emma Middleton, b. 6 Aug 1862, bap. 5 Oct 1865, in West Anstey.

Robert, William and Frederick's surname is listed on their GRO birth records as MEDDLETON. All have the mother's maiden name left blank, confirming illegitimate births. Found no GRO birth registration for Emma.

In 1861 Jane Middleton (32), was a House Servant in the employ of John Micks at Woods Farm, West Anstey. A decade later, in 1871, Jane Middleton (34?) was Housekeeper to William Short (66) at Rowry, Molland, South Molton, Devon, with her daughter Emma (8) listed as a Boarder. 

Jane Middleton, Spinster, daughter of Robert Middleton, married William Flew, Widower, son of Richard Flew, who said he was then 38, at her parish of St Peter's, Knowstone on 2 Sep 1875. On the marriage certificate, Jane is listed as being 30. She was actually 46. Witnesses were Hugh Tapp (married to Jane's sister Harriet) and Mary Ann Marshall (William's sister Mary).

However, within six months, William Flew died, age estimated at 40. He was buried on 5 Mar 1876, at All Saints Church, Rackenford. William also left four children from his first marriage; Thomas, Mary Jane, Sarah and William.

Jane Flew then married John Howe (or How) in the first quarter of 1877.

St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper
geograph.org.uk/p/2448281

John How, born 12 Mar 1842 to John How and Mary Ann Broom (who married in 1837 in Oakford, Devon), was baptised on 3 Apr 1842 in Stoodleigh, Devon.

In 1851, at Hasswells Cottage, Stoodleigh, John was the second of six children; Mary Ann (11), John (9), Matilda (7), Ellen (5), Robert (2) and William (0). John's maternal grandmother, Mary Broom, widow (78), born in 1773, lived with the family.

John How Sr had been baptised on 13 Mar 1810, in the wonderfully named village of Huish Champflower in Somerset, the son of Nathaniel Howe and Joan Rogers, who had married on 25 Mar 1805 in Chipstable.

In 1881, John and Jane How were living at Babcott Cottage on the Stoodleigh Estate, Stoodleigh. John, an Agricultural Labourer, was 38. It says 49, but Jane was 52. John's parents, John and Mary Ann How, also lived in Stoodleigh at 1, Little Coleford. (Perhaps a cottage on Little Coleford Farm?)

In 1891, living at Habridge Cottages, Steart Road, Stoodleigh, John How (49) and Jane How (49 again, really 62), were joined by John's mother, Mary Ann (76), widow - John's father had died in 1887 - and William Henry Middleton (2), described as 'Wife's Daughter's Son'. My dad just called him Uncle Bill.

By 1901, John and Jane Howe had moved to Manley Cottage, 2, Halberton - near to the Manley Bridge on the Grand Western Canal (here's what the property at 1 Manley Cottages looks like). John was 59 and Jane had clearly become tired of lying about her age, as she's listed accurately at 71.

Jane Howe died in November 1905, she will have been 76.

In 1911, John Howe (69), Widower, was a boarder in the household of George Cockram at Marsh Cottages, Bolham Road, Tiverton. 

In 1921, John Howe (79) Widower, OAP, was still a boarder in the household of George Cockram, this time at 80, Chapel Street, Tiverton.

John Howe died on 31 Mar 1927 at the age of 85.

When my father had hand drawn a family tree for me some years ago, he had added John and Jane Howe with some of their dates, unlinked, at the bottom of the page. Clearly he knew of them (he was a small boy when John died), but didn't know who they were: that Jane was his great-grandmother.

Manley Bridge, Grand Western Canal, from the west
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Johnstone - geograph.org.uk/p/4085587

Joseph Jerred and Sarah Elworthy

St Mary's Church, Stockleigh Pomeroy
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/160134

Joseph Jerred (b. ~1797) of the parish of Thorverton married Sarah Elworthy (bap. 18 Nov 1804 in Stockleigh Pomeroy) daughter of William Elworthy and Mary Dunn, on 29 Aug 1830 at St Mary's Church, Stockleigh Pomeroy (Joseph's surname is spelt Gerrard on the marriage record).

Records suggest Joseph and Sarah had six children:

1. Mary Jerrard (sic) bap. 19 Jun 1831 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton
2. William Jerrad or Jerrard (sic) bap. 12 May 1833 in Thorverton
3. John Jerred (listed as Gerrard) bap. 15 Feb 1835 in Thorverton
4. James Gerrard (sic) bap. 18 Dec 1836 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton
5. Maria Gerrard (sic) bap. 23 Jun 1839 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton (Died Q2 1842 and was also buried in Thorverton)
6. Elizabeth Jerred b. 1842 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10  Page 287, mother's maiden name ELSWORTHY, bap. Elizabeth Jerrard (sic) on 20 Feb 1842 in Thorverton

In 1841, Joseph Jerred (44), Sarah Jerred (37), John Jerred (6), James Jerred (4) and Maria Jerred (1), were living at Willses, Thorverton. Mary Jerred (10) was in the employ of Richard Vinicombe at Lee Cross Farm, Thorverton. William (8) (listed as William Gerad) was living with his grandparents, William and Mary Elworthy, at Village Cottage, Stockleigh Pomeroy.

Joseph Jerrard (sic) died - his age at death was estimated to 55 - in 1847 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 171 and he was buried on 18 Nov 1847, at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton.

In 1851, Sarah Jerrad (sic) (48) Widow, from Stockleigh, Devonshire, was in Silver Street, Thorverton, with her occupation listed as 'Work in Fields'. William Jerred (17) Shoemaker (Apprentice) was still with his grandparents in Stockleigh Pomeroy; John Jerred (16) was employed as a farm servant to Samuel Kingdon, Farmer of 150 Acres, at Lynch House, Thorverton. (Lynch Farm, to the west of the village still exists); James Jared (sic) (14) was a Farm Labourer in the household of William Hosgood (76) at Starkisses Farm, Raddon, Thorverton, Devon and Elizabeth Jerred (9) Scholar, was living in the household of William and Elizabeth Wotton in Cheriton Fitzpaine Village, listed as their Niece. (Elizabeth Wotton née Elworthy, was Sarah's sister.)

On 7 Aug 1853 at the Parish church of Thorverton, Sarah Jerrard (sic) Widow, daughter of William Elsworthy (sic), married Thomas Walter (sic) Widower, both of Silver Street, Thorverton. Actually Thomas Walker, he had previously married Sarah Way, in Thorverton, on 27 Mar 1826. (Thomas wasn't going to get his wives first names mixed up, at least.) In 1851, Thomas wife, Sarah, was shown as being born 1802 in Poughill, Devonshire. There is a death of a Sarah Walters (sic) in 1852, aged 50, which would appear to relate.

In 1861, Thomas Walker (59) Ag Lab and 2nd wife Sarah Walker (56) born in Stockleigh, Devon, were still living in Silver Street, Thorverton. James Jerred (24) Carter was at Yellowford Farm, Yellowford Lane, Thorverton in the employ of Thomas Potter (58) Yeoman Farmer; Elizabeth Jerred (19) Dressmaker, was still living with her aunt and uncle in Cheriton Fitzpaine.

In 1871, Thomas Walker (70) Agricultural Labourer and Sarah Walker (68) from Stockleigh Pomeroy, once more in Silver Street, Thorverton with James Jerred (34) Gardner listed as Son-in-law (often used as if interchangeable with Step-son) and John Nix (or Nex) (80) Widower, Ag Lab, Lodger.

Sarah Walker died, at 71, in 1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 291 and was buried on 14 Mar 1875, in Thorverton.

Thomas Walker died, aged 77, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 299 and was buried on 6 Apr 1879, also in Thorverton.