George Perry and Elizabeth Smith

Photo © Bikeboy (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Mary's church, Shudy Camps, Saturday, 28 June, 2014

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

George Perry (b. 2 Jun 1802, bap. 1 Aug 1802 at St Mary & St Hugh, Old Harlow, Essex), son of John Perry and his 2nd wife Mary, married Elizabeth Smith (b. 19 Jul 1808 in Winchmore Hill, bap. 9 Sep 1808 at All Saints' Church, Edmonton), daughter of Samuel Smith and Catherine Thomas on 22 Feb 1832 at St Giles' Church, Camberwell (although it will have been in the previous church that was destroyed in a fire in 1841). The marriage service was conducted by Samuel Smith, Chaplain, Elizabeth's brother, There were also a huge number of witnesses to the marriage, which included Samuel Smith (Elizabeth's father); Richard Perry (George's brother); Haskett Smith (Elizabeth's brother); Catherine Smith (Elizabeth's mother); Mary Ann Perry (George's sister); Amelia Perry (George's sister) and two or three other Smiths who I've yet to identify. They must have had their own reasons for creating this extremely useful record, which given the surname Smith, they might otherwise have been hard to identify. Other records tell us that Elizabeth's father, Samuel Smith, was a Gentleman, a Merchant, more precisely, a Fishmonger of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers.

George and Elizabeth Perry had 10 children:

1. Mary Catherine Perry b. 13 Jan 1833 at Arlsey Vicarage daughter of George Perry, Clergyman, bap. 18 Feb 1833 at St Peter, Arlesey
2. George Perry b. 17 Jan 1835 at Arlsey Vicarage son of George Perry, Clergyman & Elizabeth, bap. 24 Feb 1835 at St Peter, Arlesey
3. Richard Philip Perry b. 7 Mar 1837 at Arlsey Vicarage son of George Perry, Clergyman & Elizabeth, bap. 13 Apr 1837 at St Peter, Arlesey
4. Charles Smith Perry b. 1 May 1839 (1839 J Quarter in LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 97), bap. 19 Jun 1839 at St Mary's Church, Shudy Camps, by his father, George Perry, the Vicar.
5. Elizabeth Smith Perry b. 17 Jan 1842 (1842 M Quarter in THE LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 83), bap. 2 Mar 1842 at St Mary's Church, Shudy Camps. Announced in the press: Elizabeth Smith, died at North Terrace, Camberwell [her grandparents' home?], aged 3½, on 14 Oct 1845 (1845 D Quarter in CAMBERWELL Volume 04 Page 28) one of twin daughters of Rev. George Perry of Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire, and was buried on 21 Oct 1845 at St Mary's, Shudy Camps
6. Louisa Perry b. 17 Jan 1824 (1842 M Quarter in THE LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 83), bap. 2 Mar 1842 at St Mary's, Shudy Camps
7. Amelia Perry b. 15 May 1844 (1844 J Quarter in LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 91), bap. 8 Jul 1844 at St Mary's, Shudy Camps. 
8. Henry Perry b. 17 Mar 1846 (1846 J Quarter in LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 101), bap. 9 Jul 1846 at St Mary's Church, Shudy Camps
9. Fanny Melbourne Perry b. 31 Dec 1847 (1848 M Quarter in LINTON UNION Vol 14 Page 97), bap. 27 Apr 1848 at St Mary's, Shudy Camps
10. John Perry b. 17 Apr 1850 (1850 J Quarter in LINTON UNION Volume 14 Page 101), bap. 29 Jun 1850 at St Mary's Church, Shudy Camps

It was already obvious that Elizabeth and Louisa were twins, however this is confirmed again in The Cambridge Chronicle of 22 Jan 1842, which carried the following notice, "On the 17th Inst., at The Vicarage, Shudy Camps, in this County, the lady of the Reverent George Perry, of twin daughters."

George Perry, who was vicar of Shudy Camps from 1838 until his death in 1858, held two Sunday services weekly. In 1851 Perry had an average attendance of 140, besides 60 Sunday-school children, and although resident employed a curate. [The 'living'] "stood at £146 c. 1830, and had not apparently risen by 1851, despite the tithe commutation and a gift of £200 from Queen Anne's Bounty in 1838 to match £600 given by the Revd. Charles and Mrs. Perry, relatives of the then vicar." [Source: Parishes: Shudy Camps] (Charles Perry, later Bishop of Melbourne, was George Perry's brother.)

In 1841, Elizabeth Perry (~30) was in the household of her father, Samuel Smith (~60) Merchant at Union House, High Street, Camberwell, London, with Mary Catherine Perry (8), George Perry (6), Richard Philip Perry (4) and Charles Smith Perry (2). George Perry (listed as 35) Cl [Clerk in Holy Orders] was at the Vicarage, Shudy Camps, with one male and two female servants.

In 1851, at Tiddy Green, Shudy Camps, Linton, Cambridgeshire, were George Perry (48) Vicar of Shudy Camps, birthplace Moor Hall, Essex; Elizabeth Perry (42) Clergyman's wife, birthplace Winchmore Hill, Middlesex; Mary C Perry (18), Louisa Perry (9), Amelia Perry (6), Henry Perry (5), Fanny M Perry (3) and John Perry (0). There were five female servants in the household: a Governess, Nurse, Cook, Housemaid and an Under Nurse. The older three boys were, as expected, away at school: George Perry (16) from Arlsey, Bedforshire was a Pupil at Clapham Grammar School, Clapham, Wandsworth, London; Richard Perry (14) was a pupil at the boys Preparatory School run by Reverend Henry Laing at 11, Sussex Square, Brighthelmstone, Brighton, Sussex. His birthplace was listed as Cambridgeshire, then crossed out and wrongly listed as Ansley, Cumberland, but it's clear it was meant to be Arlsey; and Charles Perry (12) appears to be a Pupil at a school run by William Adams, School Master, at 25, Burlington Street, Brighton, Sussex. 

Photo © David960 (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Leapale House and Stoke House, Guildford, Saturday, 9 August, 2014

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Reverend George Perry, Vicar of Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire, was admitted to Leapale House, Guildford, Surrey, a private Mental Asylum, on 24 April 1858 and died there on 27 May 1858 (1858 J Quarter in GUILDFORD Volume 02A Page 34), aged 55. Contrary to what one might imagine, he died from "Exhaustion following an attack of vomiting consequent on chronic disease of the bladder and bowels. Certified." He was buried on 5 Jun 1858 at St Mary, Shudy Camps, with the burial service conducted by Samuel Smith, Incumbent of St George's, Camberwell (Elizabeth's brother). The death announcement in the Hearts Guardian of 19 Jun 1858 read, "On the 27th ult., in his 56th year, the Rev. George Perry, vicar of Shudy Camps, Cambridge, second surviving son of the late John Perry Esq., of Moor Hall." 

On 29 Jul 1858, the Will of the Reverend George Perry late of Shudy Camps in the County of Cambridge Clerk deceased who died 27 May 1858 at Guildford in the County of Surrey was proved at the Principal Registry by the oath of John Watlington Perry-Watlington of Moor Hall Harlow in the County of Essex Esquire the Nephew and one of the Executors. George Perry left effects under £3000 (a mere £480K today). It was a poor living.

In 1861, Elizabeth Perry (52) Widow was living in Bartlow, Linton, Cambridgeshire with Louisa Perry (19), Amelia Perry (16), Henry Perry (15), Fanny Perry (13), John Perry (12), Hermitage Charles Day (26) Son-in-law, Clergyman of the Church of England from Rochester, Kent; Mary Catherine Day (22); Francis Hermitage Day (0); Alice Harriet Day (26) Visitor (Hermitage Charles Day's sister); with five female servants.

In 1871, living in Bartlow were Elizabeth Perry (62) Annuitant; Fanny Perry (23) Annuitant; and John Perry (20) Colonial Broker. They were reduced to managing with three female servants: a nurse, a cook and a housemaid.

In 1881, Elizabeth Perry (72) Widow and Fanny M Perry (32) were visitors in the household then headed by Rudolph S E Doll (33) at 79, Sloane Street, Chelsea. Also there was her youngest son, John Perry (30) Wallpaper manufacturer (Cole & Son), married to Emily Mary Doll, Rudolph's sister.

In 1891, at The Cottage, Camps Road, Bartlow, were Elizabeth Perry (82) Living on her own means; Fanny M Perry (46), Francis H Day (30) Grandson, Solicitor; three of her granddaughters: Beatrice M Perry (37), Minnie O Perry (23) and Constance A Perry (11) and two visitors: Dorothy Jarvis (10) and Violet C Jarvis (6), with just two servants, a cook and a parlour maid.

Elizabeth Perry of the Dower House, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire widow died, aged 89, on 23 Apr 1898 (1898 J Quarter in LINTON Volume 03B Page 297) and was buried on 28 Apr 1896 at Shudy Camps, Cambridgeshire. Her burial service was conducted by her grandson, Ernest Hermitage Day, vicar of Abbey-Cwmhir. Probate was granted in London on 16 Jul 1898 to the Reverend Hermitage Charles Day clerk and John Perry gentleman. After recalculations, she left effects of £7598 4s 6d. (Approx £1.2M today.)

A tablet was erected by their children and grandchildren in memory of the Reverend George Perry and Elizabeth Perry at St Mary's Church, Bartlow, where Elizabeth was a member of the congregation for nearly forty years.

Of their offspring who didn't marry:

• On 30 Aug 1855, Richard Philip Perry joined the British Army as a Gentleman Cadet and appeared in a list of Officers of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, having been made Lieutenant on 7 Apr 1856. However, he resigned his commission on 3 Jul 1861. On 21 Jun 1872, Richard Philip Perry was admitted to Munster House, "a private lunatic asylum for gentlemen" (Lunacy Patients Admission Registers). It was one of four lunatic asylums belonging to private individuals in Fulham, the principal of which was Dr. Elliot's, Munster House, once a hunting-seat of Charles II. Richard Philip Perry died there, aged 38, on 6 Aug 1875 (1875 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 141) and was buried on 12 Aug 1875 at Bartlow, Cambridgeshire. Administration on his estate, of under £2000, was granted to his mother, Elizabeth Perry.
• Amelia Perry died, aged 29, on 9 Oct 1873 (1873 D Quarter in LINTON Volume 03B Page 319). The newspaper announcement confirms, "October 9 at Bartlow, Cambs, AMELIA, fourth daughter of the late Rev. G. Perry, Vicar of Shudy Camps." Amelia was buried on 15 Oct 1873 at St Mary, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire.
• Fanny Melbourne Perry of the Dower House, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire, Spinster, died, aged 72, on 11 Feb 1920 (1920 M Quarter in LINTON Volume 03B Page 571) and was buried on 14 Feb 1920 at St Mary, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire. Probate on her estate was granted in London on 13 July 1920 to John Pearson manufacturer and Francis Hermitage Day solicitor. She left effects totalling £15445 7s 11d, which would be almost £900K today.

John Day and Ellenor Hannah Wilton

View from Market Square in Hitchin, with St Mary's Church in the background

cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lucas - geograph.org.uk/p/989830

John Day (b. 27 Dec 1820, bap. 25 Mar 1821 in Hitchin) son of Squire Day and Sarah Hobbs, married Ellenor Hannah (Ellen) Wilton (b. 5 Aug 1812, bap. 11 Jan 1829 in Royston, Hertfordshire), daughter of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, in Royston, Hertfordshire, in 1842. 

John and Ellen Day had six children: 

1. Henry Wilton Day b. 1843 D Quarter in ROYSTON BUNTINGFORD Volume 06 Page 563
2. Martha Hobbs Day b. 24 May 1845 (1845 J Quarter in CAMBRIDGE Vol 14 Page 12), bap. 17 Apr 1872 at St Mary The Great, Cambridge
3. Ellen Day b.  1847 S Quarter in THE HITCHIN UNION Vol 06 Page 487 (Died, aged 9, in 1857 M Quarter in HITCHIN Vol 03A Page 160)
4. Sarah Ann Day b. 1850 M Quarter in THE HITCHIN UNION Volume 06 Page 575. (Died 1850 D Quarter in HITCHIN Volume 06 Page 373)
5. John Alfred Day b. 4 Jan 1852 (1852 M Quarter in BIGGLESWADE Volume 03B Page 336)
6. Arthur Stephen Day b. 1855 J Quarter in HITCHIN Vol 03A Page 216

In 1851, John Day (30) Cabinet Maker Journeyman, Ellen Day (32ish) Dressmaker, Henry W (7), Martha H (5), Ellen (3), George Day (29) Master Tailor (John's brother) and Caleb Burrows (15), Lodger, lived in Dead Street, Hitchin - later renamed Queen Street, but that didn't improve it much. Dead Street was compared to the worst slums of London. Even in 1919: “Some houses had earth floors. The windows and doors were small and in a few cases the only window downstairs opened to a passage where there was no light and very little air. The only bedroom was like a stable loft, reached by a decrepit stairs or a ladder. Tea chests served as tables and 5 or 6 children in one bed was not unusual. It was very much survival of the fittest.”

In 1861, living in Church Yard, in the same squalid, underworld area, of which was said, "Although the area was central, the whole district was taboo for the rest of Hitchin’s inhabitants." ... were John Day (41) Cabinet Maker Journeyman; Ellen Day (46), Henry Day (17) Butcher Journeyman; Alfred Day (9) and Arthur Day (6). Martha Day (14) was a House Maid in the household of Frederick Gillum (27), Cabinet Maker, in Sun Street, Hitchin. 

In 1871, listed as Helen Day (sic) (57) Dressmaker, Married; and Martha Day (24) Dressmaker, were living in Melbourne Street, Royston, Hertfordshire, while Alfred J Day (19) Reporter and Arthur S Day (15) Photographic Artist, were living with their grandfather, Squire Day (74) Upholsterer and Lodging House Keeper, in Back Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

In 1881, Ellen Day (64) Widow, Dressmaker, Mother was living with Daniel Reeve (married to daughter Martha) in Water Lane, Kneesworth. (John Day had clearly died by 1881. It's possible he'd already died by 1871. Perhaps his death was the motivation for Martha's baptism in 1872, however, it hasn't been possible to isolate a suitable death in the relevant period.)

Subject to confirmation, it appears that Ellen Day died, with age estimated to 71, in 1889 M Quarter in HERTFORD UNION Volume 03A Page 278.

St John the Evangelist Church, London SE1
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Matthews - geograph.org.uk/p/4377468

Henry Wilton Day (b. 1843 in Buntingford, Hertfordshire), eldest son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Emmeline Emma Sell (bap. 2 Jul 1840 in Barkway, Hertfordshire), daughter of John Sell and Mary Drage, in the 4th quarter of 1867, St John the Evangelist, in Lambeth (Waterloo). 

1. Frank Henry Sell b. 1866 J Quarter in HITCHIN Volume 03A Page 276. Mother's maiden name blank, as illegitimate birth. Thereafter used Day.
2. Emma Day b. 1868 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 23
3. Ellen Day b. 1872 M Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 18
4. William Day b. 1874 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 23
5. Mary Day b. 1877 D Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 22
6. Alice Day b. 1881 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 20
7. Harry Day b. 1884 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 25

In 1871, in Farnham Place, St Saviour Southwark, where Henry W Day (27) Railway Porter from Royston, Herts; Emmeline Day (30) from Barkway; Frank Henry Day (5) birthplace Hitchin and Emma Day (2) born in Southwark.

In 1881, still at 2, Farnham Place, St Saviour, Southwark were Henry Day (37), Railway Porter, Emma Day (40), Frank Day (15), Ticket Writer, Ellen (9), William (6), Mary (3) and Alice (0), as well as two boarders: Henry Garrett (26), General Labourer, and George Griffin (17), General Porter. 

Likewise, in 1891, they were still living in Farnham Place, Southwark. Henry Day (48) Sorters Clerk, with Emma (50), daughter Emma (22), Box Maker, William (16), Alice (10) and John Clifford (51), lodger. 

[Emmeline] Emma Day died, aged 56, in 1897, in Southwark. 

In 1901, at 70, Linnell Road, Camberwell, were Henry Day (58), Widower, Railway Porter, Mary Day (23), Alice Day (20), Lady Clerk, daughter Emma Pocock (32), widow; granddaughters: Elsie Pocock (4) and Lily Pocock (2).

In 1911, Harry W Day (67), Pensioner and Former Booking Clerk, Widower, was living at 17 Rignold Road, Camberwell, with his widowed daughter, Emma Pocock (40) Elsie Pocock (14) and Lilian Pocock (12). 

Henry Wilton Day died, at 71, in 1915 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL. 

Walkern : Parish Church
of St Mary the Virgin
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jim Osley - 
geograph.org.uk/p/6869182

Daniel Soames Reeve (b. Daniel Soames, 1852 D Qtr in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 85, as his parents didn't marry until 1857), son of William Reeve and Maria Soames, married Martha Hobbs Day (b. 24 May 1845 in Cambridge), daughter of John Day and Ellenor Hannah Wilton, in the 4th quarter of 1880, in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Daniel and Martha had one daughter:

1. Ellen Maria Reeve b. 2 Jan 1884 (1884 M Quarter in HERTFORD UNION Vol 03A Page 474), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Walkern, Hertfordshire. Birth record confirms mother's maiden name DAY and the baptism record lists Daniel's occupation as Groom.

In 1881, Daniel S Reeve (29) Groom was living in Water Lane, Kneesworth (Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth), with Martha Reeve (33) Dressmaker and Ellen Day (64) Mother (Martha's mother), Widow, Dressmaker.

In 1891, Daniel S Reeve (38) Groom, Martha Reeve (41) and Ellen Reeve (7) were living in Odsey, Ashwell Road, Guilden Morden.

In 1901, Daniel Reeve (49) Groom, Martha Reeve (52) and Ellen Reeve (17) were at The Lodge Farm, Burlington Lane, Chiswick.

In 1911, Daniel Soames Reeve (60) Tram Washer, living at 20 Duke Road, Chiswick, with Martha Reeve (66). This record confirms that they had been married 31 years and had one child, who was still living. (Ellen Maria Reeve had married Walter Ernest Oliver in Brentford, Middlesex, in 1902)

In 1921, Daniel Reeve (68) Tram Washer for London United Tram Co Ltd, and Martha Reeve (76) were living at 64, Duke Road, Chiswick.

Martha Reeve died, at 76, in 1921 S Qtr in BRENTFORD Vol 03A Page 61.

Daniel Soames Reeve died, aged 86, in 1938 J Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 112. (In 1939, his son-in-law and daughter were living in Nether Heyford, so one assumes Daniel had been living with them.)

Southwark Bridge Rd
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/3400009

Alfred John Day (b. 4 Jan 1852 John Alfred Day in Henlow, Bedfordshire), son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Alice Louisa Gaunt (b. 1861 in Lambeth, Surrey), daughter of Henry Gaunt and Mary Ann Holt, in Southwark, in 1881. Alfred and Alice Day had thirteen children:

1. William Alfred Gaunt b. 1879 J Quarter in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Volume 01D Page 79. (Thereafter listed as William Alfred Day.)
2. Alfred James Day b. 1880 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D. Died 1880 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D Page 55
3. Arthur Henry Day b. 24 Apr 1882 in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 75
4. Alfred Wilton Day b. 1884 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 57
5. Alice Florence Day b. 14 Sep 1885 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 870
6. Herbert Day b. 11 Jun 1887 in CAMBERWELL Volume 01D Page 864
7. Frank Edwin Day b. 2 Oct 1888 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 878
8. Walter Daniel Day b. 25 Mar 1890 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 830
9. Sydney Frederick Day b. 2 Aug 1892 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 915
10. Fred Day b. 10 May 1894 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 886
11. Ethel Mary Day b. 17 Jun 1896 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 890
12. Lillian Grace Day b. 31 Dec 1898 (1899 M Qtr CROYDON Vol 02A 260)
13. Elsie Eleanor Day b. 1902 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 288. Died 1902 S Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 125

In 1881, Alfred Day (30) Compositor, Alice Day (21) and son, William Alfred Day (2), were living at 174 Southwark Bridge Rd, Southwark. 

In 1891, Alfred John Day (39) Traveller For Printing Machinery; Alice Day (33), William (11), Arthur (8), Alfred (7), Florence (5), Herbert (3), Frank (2) and Walter (1) were living in Evelina Road, Camberwell.

In 1901, at 10 Rosebery Ave, Thornton Heath, Croydon, we find Alfred (49) Journalist, Alice (41), William (21), Herbert (13), Frank (12), Walter (11), Sidney (8), Frederick (6), Ethel (4), Lily (2).

In 1911, Alfred Day (59), Journalist, was living at 116 Birchanger Road, South Norwood, with  William (29), General Warehouseman, Arthur (27), Printer's Machinist, Florence (25), Walter (21), General Clerk, Fred Day (16), Motor Mechanic's Assistant, Ethel (14) and Lily (12). Wife, Alice Day (51) born in Lambeth, married for 32 years, was listed at 89 Crowther Road, South Norwood. That record confirms they had 13 children, with 11 then living.

In 1921, Alfred John Day (69) Journalist, it appears, writing for Baker and Confectioner, an “independent newspaper and trades journal”, was living at 12, Torridge Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon with Alice Day (61), Arthur Day (39), Sydney Day (28), Ethel Day (25) and Lillian Day (22).

Alice Day died aged 64, in 1924 J Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 377.

In 1939 Alfred J Day (b. 4 Jan 1852) Bakery Trade Journalist, was still living at 12 Torridge Road, Croydon, with Horace L and Ethel M Langridge. (Horace Leonard Langridge had married Ethel Mary Day, daughter of Alfred John Day, Journalist, at Croydon, Holy Saviour, on 23 Jul 1921.)

Alfred John Day died, aged 93, in 1945 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A 938.