Inherited Craziness
A place to share all the nuts found on my family tree

Showing posts with label Blacksmith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blacksmith. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 November 2024

George Hockley and Eliza Crow

St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, Essex - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1304114

George Hockley, son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Eliza Crow, daughter of William Crow and Judith Doe on 6 Nov 1843 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow. The marriage record shows that George, as well as both fathers' were labourers and witnesses were John and Jane Burton.

George and Eliza's children included: 

  1. William Crow bap. 17 Nov 1842 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  2. Tamar Hockley b. 1844 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 75 (Tamar as a female given name) (No baptism found)
  3. Daniel Hockley b. 1845 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 71, bap. 12 May 1850  at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  4. Elizabeth Hockley b. 1847 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 79, bap. 9 Aug 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  5. James Hockley b. 24 Apr 1849 (1849 J Qtr in DUNMOW UNION Vol 12 Page 22), bap. 10 Jun 1849 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  6. Emma Hockley b. 1851 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 90, bap. 13 Apr 1851 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  7. Lucy Hockley b. 1852 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 283, bap. 8 Aug 1852 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  8. Charles Hockley b. 1854 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 326, bap. 9 Jul 1854 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  9. Alice Hockley b. 1855 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 282, bap. 11 Nov 1855 St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  10. Sarah Ann Hockley b. 1857 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 337, bap. 9 Aug 1857 St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
On the baptism record for William, son of Eliza Crow, Single Woman, her address was listed as "Dunmow Union House", i.e. the workhouse. Listed as William Crow, at 19, he married as and thereafter used William Hockley

The mother's maiden name is listed on the birth registrations as CROW, except Daniel Hockley, with mother's maiden name listed as "Cross". 


George Hockley, Agricultural Labourer, died on 12 Jul 1857, aged just 42 (1857 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 225), at Halfway House [Farm], from the then all too common cause, Phthisis (Tuberculosis (TB)) and was buried on 17 Jul 1857, in Great Dunmow.

Clearly Sarah Ann and Elizabeth were baptised after their father's death.

In 1861, Eliza Hockley (40), was living at Phreaders Green, Great Dunmow with sons, William Crow (19) and Daniel Hockley (14), both Agricultural Labourers presumably supporting their mother and their younger siblings: Elizabeth Hockley (12), James Hockley (10), Emma Hockley (8), Lucy Hockley (7), Charles Hockley (6), Alice Hockley (5) and Sarah (3). Tamar Hockley (16) was then a House maid in the employ of Francis Berrington Crittall (36) 'Ironmonger' (founder of Crittall Windows) in Bank Street, Braintree

In 1871, at High Street, Park Corner, Great Dunmow, were Eliza Hockley (39) - she was 50 - Charwoman, with Charles Hockley (16) Farm Lab and Sarah Hockley (12) Domestic Servant. Daniel Hockley (21) Groom, was living at The Cottage, Great Canfield, Dunmow; Elizabeth Hockley (20ish) and illegitimate daughter, Ada Elizabeth Hockley (1) (b. 1869 D Quarter in ISLINGTON, bap. 1 May 1873, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), were listed as Inmates of Dunmow Union Workhouse; Emma Hockley (19) was General servant to Samuel Knight, Architect at Maitland Park Villas, St Pancras, London. Lucy Hockley (19) was a Housemaid at 38 Upper Park Road, Belsize Park; while Alice Hockley (14) was a domestic servant to William Stacey, Photographer and Florist, in The Causeway, Great Dunmow.

Eliza Hockley, daughter of William Crow, married William Bloomfield, widower, son of Robert Bloomfield, in Felsted, on 20 Apr 1872.

(It hasn't been possible to find William Bloomfield's baptism, however, he'd previously married Mary Ann Harsant (bap. 1 Apr 1821 in Peasenhall, Suffolk), in 1839, in Blything registration district. In 1841, William Bloomfield (20) Blacksmith, Mary Ann (20) and their daughter Lucy (1) were in the High Street, Moulsham, Chelmsford. In 1851, William Bloomfield (32) Blacksmith, with Mary Ann (30) and Lucy (11) were back in Stoven, Blything, Suffolk. In 1861, William Bloomfield (43) Jobbing smith (with wife listed as Maria and daughter as Lizzie: probably misheard) were living at Bridge End Road, Great Bardfield, Dunmow. And by 1871, William Bloomfield (50) Blacksmith, Mary Ann (49) and Lucy (29) had moved to Church End, Great Dunmow. Then Mary Ann Bloomfield died, aged 49, and was buried, on 26 Aug 1871, at Holy Cross, Felsted. Lucy Bloomfield just disappears.)

Charles Hockley, then 23, Groom from Great Dunmow, Essex, enlisted in the 20th Hussars at London, on 2 Jul 1877. At that time being 5ft 6in, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He transferred to the 10th Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own) on 31 Oct 1879, which ultimately meant he saw action at the Battle of El Teb, 29 Feb 1884 (First and Second Battles of El Teb) during the Mahdist War in what was then Mahdist Sudan. This action earned him the Sudan Medal 1884 (Egypt Medal) with clasp El Teb, as well as a Khedive Star 1884. From 11 Dec 1879 to 18 Feb 1884, Charles had been in the East Indies, first in Rawalpindi and then Mian Mir: "The four-week march was arduous and hampered by lack of healthy camels. They had to cross the rivers Jhelum and Chenab, and camped several days at Shaddera near Lahore." In November, they were ordered to re-locate again, to Lucknow, where the 10th were located near the ruined Dilkusha Palace. "There was a large European population at Lucknow during the cooler months so that a good social life was enjoyed." [Source] As proof of that, in Nov 1881, in Lucknow, Charles was treated for a dose of that well-known soldiers' "recreational hazard", Gonorrhea. The 10th travelled to Sudan aboard HMS Jumna 1884 and disembarked on 19 Feb 1884, where Charles' record locates him until 21 Apr 1884. Amongst sprains and dislocations, Charles also suffered Jaundice in 1879, ague (malaria or another illness involving fever and shivering) on no less than four occasions in 1880 and 1881 and Dysentery while in Suakin in 1884. Charles' next of kin is listed as his mother, Eliza Bloomfield at Glengall Road, Poplar - the address of her eldest son, William Hockley (born Crow). Charles left the army in 1885.

In 1881, William Bloomfield (62) Blacksmith, born in Dunwich, Suffolk, and Eliza Bloomfield (55), were at Cottage Farm, Banister Green, Felstead. Elizabeth Hockley (28), Ada Hockley (12) and Joseph James Hockley (0) - born on 7 Mar 1881, Elizabeth's second illegitimate child - were all Pauper Inmates at the Union Workhouse, Great Dunmow. (Joseph James Hockley was baptised on 16 Jun 1882 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, with their address given at that time as Dunmow Union Workhouse Felsted.)

In 1891, William (73) and Eliza Bloomfield (64) were at Cock Green, Felsted. Elizabeth Hockley (38) Pauper inmate was once more at Dunmow Union Workhouse, with son, [Joseph] James Hockley (10). Charles Hockley (35) was working as a Valet and residing in Arlington Road, St Pancras, London.

William Bloomfield died, aged 76, in 1893 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 407. 

In 1901, Eliza Bloomfield (it claims she was 75) widow living on children, was still living in Felsted. Elizabeth Hockley (49) was Housekeeper to Walter Howland at Silverleys, Straits Lane, Felstead, while Ada Hockley (32) born in Islington was back in The Dunmow Union Workhouse as a Pauper Inmate; Charles Hockley (46) from Great Dunmow, Essex was a Boarder in the household of Robert Bailey a Cadet servant (military academy) at 10, James Street, Woolwich, London. (Robert Bailey, from Huddersfiled, Yorkshire had served, from 1867 to 1888, in the 109th Regiment of Foot (Bombay Infantry). Charles was an Arsenal labourer (Royal Arsenal, Woolwich).

Charles Hockley died, at 50, in 1904 D Qtr in SOUTHWARK Vol 01D 23.

Eliza Bloomfield died in 1906 M Quarter in BILLERICAY Volume 04A Page 319, with her age estimated as 84. She will have been 86.

In 1911, Elizabeth Hockley (64) and Ada Hockley (43) Domestic servants were once again Inmates at the Dunmow Union Workhouse. So far I've found no further records for Elizabeth nor Ada, who may have died there.

Friday, 29 March 2024

George Daniel Tompson and Alice Oldfield

St Andrew's Church, Whittlesey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tiger - geograph.org.uk/p/924937

George Daniel Tompson (b. 1885 in St George in the East, London), son of Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Baker, married Alice Oldfield (b. 1879 in Whittlesey), daughter of George Oldfield (Licenced Victualler and Blacksmith. Pubs in East Delph were the Anchor, The Three Fishes and the Hare and Hounds, but records don't show which one George Oldfield kept) and Caroline Hemmaway, in the parish of Whittlesey St Andrew, on on 29 Mar 1910.

On 7 March 1908, George Daniel Tompson had sailed from Liverpool, on the Lusitania and arrived in New York, to Ellis Island, on 13 March 1908. The passenger manifest shows the 22 year old bricklayer's intended destination had been Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, there's a line through his name, so it looks as if he was refused entry to the United States. Quite when, how and why he ended up in Toronto, Canada instead remains a mystery, but clearly he set himself up there, then returned for his bride.

House on the right 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada

After their marriage in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire in 1910, in 1911, George, with wife Alice, were back in Canada, where, on 25 Apr 1911, Alice gave birth to a stillborn son at 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada.

On the 1911 Canadian Census on 1 Jun 1911, living at 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, were George Tompson (27), Alice Tompson (32), Richard Oldfield (26), Walter Oldfield (22), Charles Oldfield (19), William Tinkler (26) and Fred Tinkler (26), the last two being boarders. Richard, Walter and Charles Oldfield were all Alice's younger brothers. Richard and Walter were Bricklayers Labourers and Charles a labourer. Alice's three brothers hadn't been in Canada long, as they had been listed on the 1911 United Kingdom census on 2 Apr 1911 in their father's household. Pure speculation, of course, but it would make sense if, having arrived in Toronto around 1908, George Daniel acquired the plot in Earlscourt and built the house at number 133 Morrison Avenue in the intervening years before going back to England to claim his bride once he'd prepared a home for them. The workforce of brickies' labourers turned up a year later and they built the house at 131 Morrison Avenue ready for Dad to move into in 1912. Possibly. Maybe.

George and Alice went on to have at least these children:
  1. Stillborn son b. 25 Apr 1911 at 133 Morrison Avenue
  2. Daniel George Tompson (Dan) b. 23 May 1912 at 133 Morrison Avenue
  3. Ruth Tompson b. 3 Sep 1914 (d. 2008)
  4. Richard Tompson (Dick) b. 18 Mar 1916 at 131 Morrison Avenue
  5. Charles Gordon Tompson (Chuck) b. 20 Mar 1919
  6. Walter Tompson (Wally) b. 11 Mar 1921
In 1921, George Daniel Thompson (36) was living at 124 Hatherley Road, Toronto (which, once more, he may have built) with Alice (41), Daniel George (9), Ruth (6), Richard (5), Charles Gordon (2), and Walter, 2 months.

In 1931, George D Thompson (46) still at 124 Hatherley Rd, with Alice (51), Daniel G (19), Ruth (16), Richard (15) and Charles (12) and Walter (10).

George Daniel Tompson was also listed at 124 Hatherley Road, in the Toronto Centennial City Directory in 1934 and their son, Daniel George, was listed in that directory at that time as a teacher at a York Public School. 

Alice Tompson (90), wife of George Daniel Tompson, died at Riverdale Hospital on Thursday, 26 Jun 1969. The announcement of her death, in the Toronto Star, lists her as the dear mother of Mrs Ruth Blackman, Richard, Walter and the late Daniel and Charles and that they had nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Alice's brother Richard Oldfield was also mentioned by name. Alice was interred at Westminster Memorial Park.

George Daniel Tompson (88), beloved husband of the late Alice Oldfield, died on 16 Aug 1973. His obituary lists his children Ruth Blackman, Richard, Walter; Charles Gordon and Daniel George both pre-deceased and that he was the "loved brother of Ivy, Nellie and Toots" (his three younger sisters: Ivy Maud Tompson, Ellen Hoile Folville Tompson and Amelia Mary Tompson.) 

(Obituaries via Christine Miller of GIN AND GENEALOGY).

Dennis Blackman son of George Blackman and Ada Alice Young, married Ruth Thompson (with an H in her name), in Fairbank, York, Ontario, Canada on 29 Oct 1937. Born Dennis Leslie James Blackman in 1911 D Quarter in READING Volume 02C Page 665 and bap. 15 Oct 1911 at St Luke's Church, Reading, Berkshire, he emigrated to Canada with his parents and older sister, Dorothy Margaret Annie Blackman, sailing on the S/S Ausonia from Southampton, arriving in Quebec, Canada on 14 Jul 1913.

Daniel George Tompson married Dorothy Adeline Bryant on 30 Apr 1938. Daniel George Tompson, Head of Science Dept., York Memorial Collegiate, died suddenly on Friday, 19 Nov 1965 at Humber Memorial Hospital. His obituary mentions two sons, his parents, 1 sister and 2 brothers. Daniel is buried at Westminster Memorial Park. Dorothy died in 2009, at 96.

Charles Gordon Tompson married Irene Mary McQueston (b. 1919), daughter of John McQueston and Annie Holmes, in Toronto on 18 Dec 1940Sergeant Charles Gordon Tompson (25), B/69674. Mentioned in Despatches. "C" Sqn., 3rd Armd. Recce. [Reconnaissance] Regt., of the Governor General's Horse Guards, R.C.A.C., was killed in Italy on 18 Dec 1944. He is buried at Villanova Canadian War Cemetery, Villanova di Bagnacavallo, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Plot VI, C, 3. Second World War Book of Remembrance. From his obituary: "Sgt. Charles Gordon Tompson, 25, of the Governor General's Horse Guards, Reconnaissance Unit, was killed in Italy on Dec 18, according to word received [from his wife] the former Irene McQuestion, 522, Delaware Ave. Born in Toronto, Sgt. Tompson attended York Memorial Collegiate. Before enlisting in October 1939, Sgt. Tompson was employed by Timmins and Timmins brokerage firm, a member of the GGHG Reserve Sgt. Tompson trained at Camp Borden and arrived overseas in October 1941. He went to Italy in May of the next year. He saw action at both the Hitler and Gothic Lines. Sgt. Tompson was the son of Mr and Mrs George Tompson, 124 Hatherly Road. Surviving besides his wife and parents are two brothers and one sister; Lieut. Richard, who was wounded at Normandy and had just returned to Canada [as a stretcher case]; Flt. Lt. Walter, stationed at Ceylon, India [now Sri Lanka] and Mrs Ruth Blackman of Toronto. A brother-in-law [Ruth's husband], Sgt. Major Dennis Blackman is stationed in England with GGHG."

It appears that Richard Tompson married his brother Charles' widow, the former Miss Irene Mary McQueston, but [as yet], I've been unable to find a record of the actual marriage. Richard Tompson died peacefully on Sunday, 13 Oct 1996 in his 81st year. Irene Mary Tompson died, at 80, in 1999.

LAC Walter Tompson married Gladys Marion Tulloch (b. 22 Sep 1924), daughter of Walter Edgar Tulloch and Mildred Ann Hermiston, in Blind River, Algoma, Ontario, Canada, on 17 Feb 1942Gladys Marian Tompson died, aged 90, on Sunday May 3, 2015 and Walter Tompson died on Sunday February 5, 2017, at the age of 95. (Links include bios.)

Sunday, 24 March 2024

William Joseph Buzzacott and Martha Wykes

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lord - geograph.org.uk/p/3307085

William Joseph Buzzacott (b. 26 Feb 1853 in Greenwich), son of William Phillips Buzzacott and Elizabeth Edwards, married Martha Wykes (b. 1853 in Spratton, Northamptonshire), daughter of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, who was then resident at Woolwich Common, at the Parish Church of Woolwich (St Mary Magdalene Woolwich), on 24 Mar 1872.

In 1861, William (8) was living with his grandparents in Broomfield Place, Deptford, while his parents William Buzzacott (31) Blacksmith and Elizabeth (30) from Ireland, were living at 4, Wellington Street, Greenwich East.

In 1871, William Buzzacott (18) Boiler Smith, along with his father William Buzzacott, Engine Smith and mother Elizabeth Buzzacott, were living in the household of Alexander Buzzacott (82) - William Jnr's grandfather - from Devon, in Hamilton Street, St Paul, Greenwich [Deptford]. 

(William Phillips Buzzacott and Elizabeth Edwards had married, in Lewisham, in 1849. William Phillips Buzzacott b. 10 Aug 1829, had been baptised, in Deptford, on 30 Aug 1829, the son of Alexander Buzzacott and Sarah Stanley, who, in turn had married on 4 Sep 1817 in Lee, Kent. Alexander Buzzacott had been baptised in Honiton on Otter (Honiton, Devon) on 25 Dec 1789, and was the son of Julius Buzzacott and Agnes Phillips, who, in turn, had married on 20 Nov 1785 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon.)

In 1881, Martha Buzzacott was staying with her mother, Elizabeth Wykes, at 249, Evelyn Street, St Paul Deptford. Her husband was not listed.

William and Martha's daughter, Maud Elizabeth Buzzacott was b. 23 Jun 1885 in South Africa and bap. on 8 May 1892 at St Paul's, Deptford

In 1891, Martha Buzzacott (38) and Maude Buzzacott (4), were visitors in the household of Ernest J Burch (32) at 20, Evelyn Street, St Paul Deptford, whose wife Elizabeth Burch (30) was Martha's younger sister. Again, William Joseph Buzzacott was not listed, though Martha was listed as married.

I've found no further records for William Joseph Buzzacott and can only surmise from the birthplace of their daughter, that he had remained, and died, in South Africa. There is a declaration by Martha O'Toole dated 17 Jun 1895, which I think is regarding this, but appears to be written in Afrikaans.

Martha Buzzacott, widow, married John O'Toole, bachelor, born in Ireland, on 15 Jan 1895, in Boksburg, Heidelberg, Transvaal, South Africa.

In 1901, Martha was once again a visitor in her sister Elizabeth Burch's household in Deptford, this time listed as Martha O'Toole (48). 

John O'Toole, Carpenter, died at 54, on 12 Aug 1904, at 13 Station Street, Woodstock, Cape Town and was buried at Maitland Cemetery on 14 Aug 1904. The informant, present at his death, was John Wardrop. 

Martha O'Toole married John Wardrop on 20 Jul 1909 in Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa. John Wardrop, Harness Maker, of 33 Warwick Street, Woodstock, South Africa, born in Scotland, died on 16 Dec 1918, aged 62.

Martha Wykes Wardrop died at 91 on 7 Aug 1944 at Pinelandsa South African Garden City. She is buried in Maitland Cemetery. The record of her death lists her as a Widow and that John Wardrop was her 'last husband'.

(Maud Elizabeth Buzzacott married Woldemar Lüdig (b. 28 Jan 1878, bap. 12 Feb 1878 in Tori, Pärnumaa, Estonia), son of Johann Lüdig and Jüly (Julia) Lamstern, in Pancras, London in 1912. However, tragically, Maud died at 28 in 1913 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1044, having given birth to twin girls on 13 Oct 1913: Florence Julia Ludig and Lilian Martha Ludig (1913 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1841). In 1921, Woldemar Ludwig (sic) from Pernau (Pärnu), Estonia was living in the household of Gordon Wycliffe Noakes and his wife, born Florence Emma Burch, daughter of Ernest James Burch and Elizabeth Wykes. Elizabeth being his mother-in-law, Martha's sister, Florence Emma was his late wife's cousin. Woldemar Ludig remarried to Florence Noakes, Gordon's sister, in 1922. Their son, Valedemar Leonard Ludig was b. 9 Apr 1923 (died in Greenwich, in 2001). Florence Julia Ludig married Norman C Lovell in 1936.)

Thursday, 11 January 2024

Benjamin Blackmore and Mary Goff

Culmstock : The Culm Valley Inn
The former Railway Hotel, now the Culm Valley Inn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7381769

Benjamin Blackmore (bap. 3 Feb 1856 in Kentisbeare, Devon), Blacksmith, son of Samuel Blackmore and Elizabeth Jeffery, married Mary Goff (bap. 6 Nov 1859 in Kentisbeare), daughter of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, at the parish church of St Mary's, Kentisbeare, on 11 Jan 1882.

Witnesses were John Goff and Hannah Goff, latter who was most likely to have been Mary's younger sister, Anna - she was also listed as Hannah on the 1881 census. The marriage record is on the same page and is therefore presumably the first wedding celebrated in the church since that of Mary's brother, William Goff and Sarah Jane Rowe, the previous September.

Ben and Mary had four daughters:
  1. Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore b. 9 Mar 1882 (1882 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 334) Couldn't find a baptism, presumably because of the proximity to the wedding.
  2. Florence Annie Blackmore b. 18 Oct 1885 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 310, bap. 15 Nov 1885 at All Saints Church, Culmstock
  3. Amy Goff Blackmore b. 1889 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 313, bap. 7 Apr 1889 at All Saints Church, Culmstock
  4. Gladys May Blackmore b. 17 Sep 1890 S Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 307, bap. Gladys Mary, 19 Oct 1890 at All Saints, Culmstock
The three baptism records all list their father's occupation as Blacksmith.

In 1886, Benjamin Blackmore of Culmstock won a prize for skill in shoeing.

In 1891, Benjamin Blackmore (34) General smith, was living in Station Road, Culmstock, with Mary Blackmore (32), Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore (9), Florence Annie Blackmore (5), Amy Goff Blackmore (2), Gladys May Blackmore (0) - 6 months - and William Windson (19) Apprentice.

R. D. Blackmore, the famous novelist best known for Lorna Doone, lived in Culmstock from 1835-1841 [Source], while his father, John Blackmore, was Curate of All Saints Church, Culmstock. In 1894, "Culmstock became the Perlycross in Blackmore's novel of that name. Perlycross includes detailed descriptions of local places and living conditions at that time." [Source

In Gregory's Directory of Culmstock, also of 1894, Ben Blackmore, is listed as "smith & machinist". In Richard Doddridge Blackmore's 1894 novel, "The only man with a clue to the mystery is a blacksmith who has been called up late at night by a mysterious party with a cart." Was there any link between Benjamin Blackmore and R D Blackmore? :) That would be research for another day.


In 1901, Benjamin Blackmore (45) was Innkeeper and Blacksmith at the Victoria Hotel, Culmstock with Mary Blackmore (42), Florence Blackmore (15), Amy Blackmore (12), Gladys Blackmore (10), Edith Brown (19) General domestic servant; Jonas Hooper (22) Blacksmith and Samuel Blackmore (17) Nephew, Blacksmith Apprentice. Lilian E Blackmore (19) Dressmaker, was a boarder at the Girls Friendly Society Lodge, 32, East Southernhay, Exeter.

Mary Blackmore died, aged 45, in 1905 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET & DEVON Volume 05C Page 197 and Mary Blackmore (née Goff), wife of Benjamin Blackmore, Innkeeper, of The Railway Hotel, Culmstock, was buried, on 5 Apr 1905, in her native Kentisbeare.

So, Benjamin Blackmore (49), Widower, Licensed victualler, son of Samuel Blackmore, Farm Bailiff, married Clara Blackmore (47) Widow, daughter of Charles Dennett, in Wellington, Somerset on 23 Sep 1908. Clara gave her address as 26 Rockwell Green, Wellington (this address is a Post Office). Another Blackmore! That can't just be coincidence, can it? 

Clara Dennett bap. 21 Apr 1861, at Gussage All Saints, Dorset, daughter of Charles Dennett and Eliza Robertson, had married her first husband, John Tom Blackmore (b. 1860 in Gillingham, Dorset), son of Charles Blackmore and Mary Ann Wadman, at Gussage All Saints on 16 May 1887

In 1891, listed as Thomas Blackmore (33) Coachman from Gillingham, Dorset and Clara Blackmore (30), they were living at 114, Pavilion Road, Chelsea, (a mews just off Sloane Square). In 1901, Thomas Blackmore (40) Coachman and Clara Blackmore (40) were listed, along with a long list of coachmen, grooms, etc., at 1, Blue Ball Yard, St James Westminster. "The earliest reference to Blue Ball Yard itself dates to when the site was sold by King Charles II in 1672, by which time it was already a developed site of stables and housing, probably for servants working in the palace." It's clear from the addresses that John Tom Blackmore had worked in some high places.

Then John Tom Blackmore died, aged 45, in 1905 D Quarter in HATFIELD Volume 03A Page 360 and was buried, on 11 Dec 1905, in The Parish of Bishops Hatfield (St Etheldreda), Hertfordshire. This church is in the old village of Hatfield, "close to the walls of Hatfield House, once a royal palace [...] so is exceptionally grand for a parish church." His abode was listed as Hatfield Park. One assumes he had brought dignitaries there.

But what link there could be between the Dorset Blackmore families and their Devon counterparts, if there was one, there is nothing to indicate it.

In 1911, Benjamin Blackmore (53) Hotel Proprietor was at the Railway Hotel Millmoor, Culmstock with Clara Blackmore (50), Amy Blackmore (22) Draper's Assistant; Gladys Blackmore (20) Miliner; Rose Troake (16) Servant and Thomas Walls (29) Stonemason, Boarder. Florence Blackmore (28) was a Domestic cook in the household of Maurice Michael (58) Watch importer at 19 Lydford Road, Cricklewood NW, London.

In 1921, Benjamin Blackmore (60) Hotel Proprietor & Clara Blackmore (58) were at the 17th Century Coaching House, the The White Hart Hotel in Wiveliscombe, with Lydia Mary Furze (41) and John Reginald Furze (11) Visitors and Violet Gladys Chandler (25) & Ivy May Taylor (22) Servants.

Clara Blackmore died, at 66, in 1927 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 307. And Benjamin Blackmore died the following year, at 69, in 1928 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 329.

  • Lilian Elizabeth Blackmore married George Henry Hansford, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1906. That same year, they emigrated to Canada. They appear to have had two children. Lilian Elizabeth Hansford died, at 92, in Victoria, British Columbia, in 1975.
  • Florence Annie Blackmore married William Herbert Owen Denness in Hendon, Middlesex, in 1912. They had three children. In 1939, William H O Denness, Hotel Proprietor, Florence A Denness were at 10-11 St George's Place, Llandudno - a quite grand, sea front location. Their younger daughter, Gladys, was Hotel Receptionist; also living in were a Hotel Boots, two Waitresses, a Chambermaid and a Cook. Florence Annie Denness died, aged 73, on 2 Dec 1958 and was buried, on 5 Dec 1958 in Llanrhos, Caernarvonshire.
  • Amy Goff Blackmore married Douglas Wilfred Brentnall, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1917. They had one son quite late after their marriage, John Douglas Brentnall (1934-2010). Amy G Brentnall died, aged 77, in Weston-Super-Mare, in 1967.
  • Gladys May Blackmore married Henry Cowper Giles (b. 12 Aug 1889, in Bristol), son of Francis Frederick Giles and Florence Maria Avent, in Wellington (Somerset), in 1917. They had one son, Roland Henry Giles (1918-1968). In 1939, Henry C Giles, Sports Outfitter and Gladys May Giles were living at 56 Chepstow Road, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. Gladys May Giles died on 11 Apr 1992, at the grand old age of 101 years 6 months and is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Christchurch Road, Newport, Wales.

Saturday, 9 January 2021

William Northcott and Emma Jane Wood

Fore Street, Cullompton with the grade II listed White Hart
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/5497724

William Northcott (b. ~1871 in Branscombe, Devon) married Emma Jane Wood (bap. 3 Sep 1871 in Kentisbeare, Devon), daughter of Henry Wood and Mary Jane Melhuish, in Tiverton District, in the second quarter of 1896. 

William and Emma's children (not necessarily together) had included: 
  1. Frederick James Wood b. 1891 S Qtr in HONITON Vol 05B Page 21, bap. 8 Jun 1892 in Kentisbeare, clearly listed as the son of Emma Jane, Single Woman. Died at 20 months in 1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 318 and was buried on 9 Mar 1893 in Kentisbeare
  2. Maud Wood, Emma's illegitimate daughter, b. 19 Dec 1893 (registered 1894 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 397), bap. 19 Feb 1895, at 14 months old, in Kentisbeare. (Not seen after 1901.)
  3. William Henry Northcott b. 8 Mar 1897 (1897 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 381) (Not found again after 1912)
  4. Arthina Northcott b. 14 Oct 1898 (1898 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 362), bap. 2 Nov 1898 in Cullompton
  5. Elizabeth Northcott b. 1900 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 389 (Died 1900 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 354)
  6. Charles John Northcott b. 23 Feb 1902 (1902 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 368), bap. 23 Mar 1902 in Cullompton
  7. Albert James Northcott b. 30 Aug 1903 (1903 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 361), bap. 16 Sep 1903 in Cullompton (Died 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 308)
  8. Florence Northcott b. 25 Oct 1907 (1907 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 353), Emma's illegitimate daughter
The Crediton Gazette, 30 Jan 1886 reported on "A DISHONEST SERVANT GIRL. Emma Wood, servant, aged 15 years, was summoned for stealing a sovereign and a jet chain, together of the value of 32s, the property of Mr Henry Brown, farmer of Aylesbeare, Kentisbeare. Mrs Caroline Brown, wife of the prosecutor, said that on Saturday week she heard a noise at the top of the stairs, and saw the prisoner coming out of her bedroom without her boots, and with a lamp in her hand. She had no suspicions of the girl, and locked her door and returned downstairs. On the Thursday following her husband asked her for some money, and on looking in the box she found a sovereign, which she had placed there, missing. On making further search she missed the jet chain from her jewel case. She questioned the girl, who persistently denied all knowledge of the matter, but subsequently she admitted her guilt to her mother, who was, witness believed, innocent of any previous knowledge of the affair. The girl had been with her only a week. She said she had burnt the chain. PC Clatworthy said the girl had told him she burnt the chain in a kitchen fire, and on being questioned she said he had similarly destroyed the sovereign, and had seen it melt. [UNLIKELY: The melting point of gold is 1064°C, whereas the average house fire, or household wood fire, burns at around 600°C.] The ashes had been sifted, and he had found amongst them the fragments produced which appeared to be jet. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr J Frost said he knew the girl's father to be a hard working man, and he believed he had a large family. The chairman pointed out to the girl the serious nature of the charge, and cautioned her as to her future conduct. She was fined £1, and the girl's mother was allowed a month for payment."

With respect to the paternity of her first child, The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 15 Sep 1891 had reported that at the Cullompton Sessions, "Emma Wood, a domestic servant of Kentisbeare, sought an order against Frederick Selley, a young carter, of the same place ..." This appeared to be the 2nd time that the defendant had failed to appear in this matter, so "An order to contribute 2s 6d weekly for 13 years was made upon Selley." Although this requirement will undoubtedly have died along with the child. However, The Western Times of 1 Sep 1891 had identified the putative father as Frederick Sully (21), who it appears was born in Hockworthy (1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 480). He died, listed as Frederick Sulley, aged 25, in 1894 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 266.

Maud Wood was registered at school in Cullompton in 1897 as Maud Northcott. The mother's maiden name on the births from William Henry onwards is WOOD. Dates of birth are on their school registrations. 

In 1891, William Northcott (19) Blacksmith, had been a lodger at The White Hart, Fore Street, Cullompton, but his previous whereabouts are unknown.

In 1901, William Northcott (31) Blacksmith Journeyman from Branscombe, Devon (not identified relevant birth), wife Emma Jane (30) from Kentisbeare, along with Emma's daughter, Maud Wood (7); William Henry Northcott (4) and Arthenia Northcott (2) were living at Church Cottages, Cullompton.

William Northcott (33) died in 1904 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 256 and was buried on 15 May 1904, in Cullompton.

In 1905 Charles John Northcott was at Cullompton school. His date of leaving that school was 13 Dec 1907 with reason given 'left Cullumpton'. 

The Tiverton Gazette of 1 Oct 1907 reported, "RATE EXEMPTON FOR A WIDOW. Emma Northcott, widow, of Cullompton, was summoned for the non-payment of rates amounting to 4s 4d. The Assistant Overseeer (Mr Baker) said defendant had been repeatedly asked to appear before the Court and apply for an exemption from payment of the rates, but until that day she had (despite frequent promises) failed to do so. Asked by the Chairman why she had not appeared before, defendant replied that she did not like to come into Court. She was unable to pay the rates on account of sickness of herself and family. The Chairman told defendant if she paid the cost of the summons (2s) within a fortnight, she'd be exempt in future from paying rates.

However, on 13 Jan 1908, Charles John Northcott was registered at Elmore School, in Tiverton, with his address listed as Elmore Workhouse and his mother's simply as 'Workhouse' (Belmont Road, Tiverton).

In 1911, Emma Northcote (sic) (37) Widow, Laundress was living at 7 Rices Court, West Exe South, Tiverton with her four surviving children: William (14) Errand Boy; Arthina (12), Charles (9) and Florence (3). 

From the Tiverton Gazette of 26 Nov 1912, "AMENDMENT PROMISED. Mrs Emma Northcott, widow, of 3 Jarman's Court, pleaded guilty to not sending her son Charles, aged ten, regularly to the Elmore School. Attendance Officer McDermott produced the head teacher's certificate showing that the boy had only made 57 attendances out of a possible 72. Asked if he knew the reason why the boy had been kept home, Mr McDermott replied: A certain amount of idleness, not altogether the fault of the boy himself; he is a nice little fellow. Mr F B Fisher: Is he in ill-health? Mr McDermott: Oh no, he is a fine lad. Defendant admitted that she kept the boy home occasionally, but did not give the reason. She had four children; the two oldest had left school. The Mayor: Do you understand that it is of the utmost  importance that this boy should be sent to school regularly? Defendant (weeping) Yes, sir. The Mayor: If you will undertake to send the boy regularly to school we will adjourn the case for a month. Will you undertake to do that? Defendant: Yes, sir. The Mayor: Then we adjourn it, but if you do not obey the law, we shall be obliged to inflict a penalty when next you appear. Defendant: I'll do it, sir."

The above report confirming that Emma then had four children - the four listed in 1911 - suggests that she had lost her daughter Maud between 1901 and 1911, however I've found no death or burial record to confirm this.

In 1917, Emma Jane Northcott remarried to Arthur Southcott. What were the chances? Arthur Southcott, born 30 Jul 1883, bap. 9 Aug 1883 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, therefore 12 years younger than his wife, was the son of Frederick Southcott and Eliza Harris

The Western Times of 22 Mar 1918 reported, "At Tiverton County Police Court, Tuesday, Charles Northcott, aged 16, labourer, of Bartow's Causeway, Tiverton, for using obscene language at Washfield, was fined 10s."

Charles John Northcott (17) joined the Royal Tank Corps on 19 Aug 1919.

In 1921, Arthur Southcott (39) Married, Private in the Army 4th Defence Battalion Devon Regiment, was at 5, Homefield Place, Fore Street, Exeter. Emma J Southcott (48) Married, was living at 7 Bartows Causeway, Tiverton with Florence Northcott (13) Daughter; Ivy M Wood (6) Grandchild [for whom I've not found a birth registration, nor under Northcott] and Dorothy F Wood (4) Grandchild - born Dorothy Florence Northcott b. 16 Nov 1916 (1916 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 563), with mother's maiden name Northcott, presumably Arthina's illegitimate daughter). There was a Dorothy Evans (23) Married, born in Cullompton, Devon as a Domestic Servant at the Half Moon Hotel, Fore Street, Tiverton (Arthina Northcott had married Ernest F J Evans in 1918 and later uses Dorothy); Charles John Northcott (19) Army Private was at Hare Park Camp, Curragh, Ireland.

Arthur Southcott died in 1935 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 503.

In 1939, Emma Jane Southcott, Widowed, was again living at 7 Bartows Causeway, Tiverton with Dorothy A Evans, Laundress, and Dorothy Florence Northcott, who worked at the Lace Factory and one other person. 

Emma Jane Southcott died, at 75, in 1947 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A 713. 

Tuesday, 5 January 2021

Winship Soppit and Ann Hall

Framwellgate Bridge, Durham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Robinson - geograph.org.uk/p/6271900

Winship Soppit (b. 1842), elder son of Joseph Soppit and Catherine Winship, married an Ann Hall in Durham, in the 4th quarter of 1871. (There's more than one Ann Hall born in the relevant area, so it would require more clues.)

Winship and Ann had six children:
  1. Winship Soppit b. 1872 M Quarter in HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING Volume 10A Page 475 (Died in the same quarter, 1872 M Quarter in HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING Volume 10A Page 345)
  2. Catherine Soppit b. 1873 S Quarter in DURHAM Volume 10A Page 448 (Died in the same quarter, 1873 S Quarter in DURHAM Volume 10A Page 240.) There's a baptism of a Catherine Soppit, whose parents were Winship and Ann, in Durham, on 13 Oct 1874. A posthumous baptism, or perhaps more likely that the year has been transcribed incorrectly?
  3. Joseph Soppit b. 1877 M Quarter in DURHAM Volume 10A Page 396 (Died aged 1, in 1878 M Quarter in DURHAM Volume 10A Page 197)
  4. John Winship Soppit b. 1879 M Quarter in DURHAM Vol 10A Page 373
  5. Margaret Soppit b. 1881 J Quarter in DURHAM Volume 10A Page 385 (Died in the same quarter, 1881 (Volume 10A Page 181)
  6. Edith Annie Soppit b. 1885 S Quarter in GATESHEAD Vol 10A Page 795. (Died aged 2 in 1887 D Qtr in GATESHEAD Vol 10A Page 486)
In 1881, Winship Soppitt (sic) (38) Blacksmith at colliery, was living at Colliery Houses, 22, Framwellgate, Durham with wife Annie (29), John W (2) born at Framwellgate Moor; Margaret (0) and Annie Pallister (9) Niece.

Then Winship Soppit died, aged 48, in 1890 in Morpeth, Northumberland.

In 1891, Annie Soppitt (sic) (39) widow, was Housekeeper to John Scott (42) Deputy At Coal Mine, at Long Row, Harraton, Durham. John Soppit (12) was staying with his aunt and uncle John Pearson and Bridget Soppit at the Screen Man Arms, Gale Street, Haswell, Easington, Durham.

In 1901, Ann Soppit (49) widow from South Hetton, Durham, was listed as a Pauper Inmate in Preston Lane, Tynemouth, Northumberland - the Tynemouth Parish Workhouse was in Preston Lane, North Sheilds.

Annie then just disappears, with no further records on census, nor death. 

Saturday, 2 January 2021

Mark Bridle and Maud Lucy Medcalf

Victoria Street, Exeter
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/293678

Mark Bridle (b. 9 Jan 1876), son of Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, married Maud Lucy Medcalf (b. 20 Mar 1882 in Peckham, London), daughter of Arthur Charles Medcalf and Eliza Dale, in St Pancras, London, in 1905. Wonder how they met? Maud's father was from Ballingdon, then in Essex (now a suburb of Sudbury in Suffolk) and her mother from Kensington. 

In 1911, Mark Bridle (35) Blacksmith, Maud Lucy (29); Mark's parents, William Henry (66), Emma (62); nephew, Harry (3) and Elizabeth Deroney (72), were living in Stoke Canon, Devon. Could it be that they also moved away from Stoke Canon as a consequence of the strike at the paper mill, in which his brother John had been caught up in, in 1915?

Their only child, Arthur Albert Mark Bridle, was born on 18 Mar 1917.

In 1921, Mark Bridle (46) Motor Driver; Maud Lucy Bridle (38) and Arthur Albert Mark Bridle (5), were living at 68 Victoria Street, Exeter, Devon.

In 1939, Mark Bridle, Chauffer / Gardener, wife Maud Lucy and son Arthur Albert Mark Bridle, Electrician, were still at 68 Victoria Street, Exeter. 

Maud Lucy Bridle died in Exeter, in 1957, aged 75. 

Mark Bridle of 49 West Grove Road, Exeter died on 25 Feb 1958, aged 82, at 200 Woodwater Lane, Exeter, leaving his effects to Arthur Albert Mark Bridle.

Arthur Albert Mark Bridle died on 19 Jun 2005, also in Exeter.

These pages are my notes on work in progress. Follow That Page can monitor changes, as further research is done. Where something is unconfirmed, I've tried to make this clear, but include the information as it may provide further clues.

General Register Office (GRO) references for births and deaths, where appropriate, are quoted, so that you can more easily locate certificates. I do not routinely purchase certificates for any, other than my direct ancestors, which I'm willing to share.

If you have information, certificates, etc., you can offer, please get in touch.