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.

Henry George Case and Amelia Elizabeth Baker

Disused railway bridge over Rotherhithe New Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/2426607

Henry George Case (b. 1851 on Alderney, Channel Islands) son of Henry Case and Elizabeth Symes married Amelia Elizabeth Baker (b. 1854), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, on 23 Dec 1877, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East. Henry's address was 23 Cowley Street and his profession was Stone Mason. Witnesses were Amelia's older brother Charles Richard Baker and Sophia Baker, her younger sister.

Henry and Amelia had seven children:

1. Henry Charles Case b. 1879 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 567
2. Elizabeth Amelia Case b. 1880 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 518
3. Frederick John Case b. 1882 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 561. Died in 1883 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 374
4. Frederick William Case b. 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 878. Died in 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 493
5. Ellen Rosina Case b. 1887 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 989
6. John Frederick Case b. 1889 S Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 1D Page 895. Died 1891 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 673
7. George Alfred Case b. 1891 S Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 959

In 1881, Henry George Case (30) Oil & colorman (shop) from Alderney, Guernsey, Channel Islands, was living at 107, Ernest Street, Mile End Old Town with Emelia Eliz (sic) (26), Henry C Case (2) and Elizabeth A Case (1), as well as Matilda Pearson (29) Sewing Machinist, Lodger.

In 1891, Henry George Case (39) Oil & General Stores, from Guernsey, Channel Islands was in Bramcote Road, Camberwell, Southwark with Amelia E Case (36), Henry C Case (12), Elizabeth A Case (10) and Ellen R Case (4).

In 1901, Henry George Case (50) General Shop Keeper from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 80 Bramcote Road, Camberwell with Amelia E Case (47), Henry C Case (22), Elizabeth A Case (22), Ellen R Case (14), George A Case (9) and Christopher F Barden (sic) (13) Visitor. (Christopher Frederick Burden, b. 1888, was son of Amelia's sister, Sophia.)

In 1911, Henry George Case (60) Painter and Paperhanger from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 331 Rotherhithe New Road, Bermondsey with Amelia Elizabeth Case (58), George Alfred Case (19) Engineering Clerk; Elizabeth Amelia Case (30), Ellen Rosina Case (24) both Shirt Machinists; Edward M Leslie Mead (21) Boarder and Peter Washington (78) Widower, Retired Ship's Carpenter from Guernsey, Channel Islands, Visitor.

In 1921, George Henry Case (70) Stone Mason retired, was living at 23, Balham Hill, Wandsworth with Amelia Elizabeth Case (68), Elizabeth Amelia Case (41) and Elsie Whitford (34) Dressmaker from Guernsey, Boarder.

Amelia Elizabeth Case died, at 69, in 1922 J Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 666.

Henry George Case of 13 Lynette Avenue, Clapham, died, aged 79, on 28 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 581) and was buried on 6 Mar 1930 at Streatham Cemetery. Probate was granted on 1 Apr 1930 to his eldest son, Henry Charles Case, Law Stationer.

Samuel John Regelous and Emma Byatt

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5562692

Samuel John Regelous (b. 15 Jul 1848 in Saffron Walden, Essex), son of John Regelous, Policeman, and Sarah Pilstow, married Emma Byatt (b. 1847), daughter of William Byatt and Ann Poole, on 28 Oct 1866 at St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden - the largest non-cathedral church in Essex.

Samuel and Emma had four children, but only one survived infancy:

1. Sarah Emma Regelous b. 1867 S Qtr in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 401. Died 1867 D Qtr in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 229.
2. Charles John Regelous b. 19 Oct 1868 D Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Volume 04A Page 403, bap. 12 Mar 1871 in Saffron Walden.
3. Emma Elizabeth Regelous b. 1870 J Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Volume 04A Page 415, bap. 12 Mar 1871 in Saffron Walden. There was an Emily Elizabeth Regelous buried on 13 Aug 1872 in Hackney, Middlesex. (There was family in Mile End to place them in the area).
4. Henry John Regelous b. 1871 S Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 393. Listed as John Henry Regelous died, aged 2, in Kensington, in 1874 J Quarter in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 51.

In 1871, in Saffron Walden were Samuel Jn Regelous (22) Warehouseman; Emma (23) from Little Canfield; Charles J Regelous, Son was listed as 2 months (he'll have been 3 years) and Sarah E Regelous was listed as 4. I have no explanation why they listed Sarah who had died in the first three months of her life, but not listed Emma Elizabeth who'll have been a year old.

In 1881, at 53, Portland Road, Kensington, London, were Samuel Regelans (sic) (39) Carman; Emma Regelans (sic) (33) and Charles Regelans (sic) (12). 

In 1891, Samuel J Regelous (43) Servant Gardener and Emma Regelous (43) were living in Underhill Road, Camberwell, Southwark, London with Arthur Ralfe (15) Grocers Porter, who was listed as Adopted. 

Various records suggest they emigrated to Canada between 1891 and 1895.

In 1901, in Macdonald, Manitoba, Canada, were Sam J Regelous, Head; Emma Regelous, Wife; Charles J Regelous, Son; Margaret Regelous, Daughter-in-Law; William Regelous, Grandson; Edward Regelous, Grandson; Bessie Rowls (sic) (10), Lodger and Albert Rowls (sic) (6) Lodger. Arthur Regelous (24), also in Macdonald, Manitoba, was a Lodger in the household of Thomas R McCartney (whose sister, Evelyn, he later married.)

In 1911, Samuel Rebelous (sic) and Emma Rebelous (sic) were living in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with Albert Rolls living with them, listed as being born in 1873 and as Adopted. 

Emma Regelous died on 15 Apr 1912 and is buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada.

Samuel John Regelous remarried on 7 Jul 1914 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to an Elizabeth Elliot. (Found no further details for her.)

In 1916, Samuel J Regelous (67) Widowed, was living in North Norfolk, Neepawa, Manitoba. 

In 1926, Samuel John Regelous (78), father, was living in the household of Arthur Regelous (49), in Springfield, Manitoba, Canada. 

In 1931, Samuel J Regelous (83) Widowed, was again living with Arthur Regelous (54), Evelyn Regelous (49) and their son, Victor William Regelous (18), in East Kildonan Rural Municipality, Manitoba, Canada.

Samuel John Regelous died, aged 84, on 21 Aug 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and is also buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada.

• Charles John Regelous married Margaret Rolls on 5 Nov 1896 in Carbery, Manitoba, Canada. In 1891, Margaret, with birth year listed as 1871, had been living with Thomas Rolls (b. 1864 in England) in Marquette, Manitoba, Canada, with their two children, Bessie Rolls (3) and Joseph Rolls (4m). I haven't found a birth record for Elizabeth (Bessie) Rolls in 1888, however, the birth record for Joseph H Kellaway Rolls on 16 Feb 1891 in North Norfolk, Manitoba, Canada lists his mother as Margaret Stephenson, his father's name is left blank and his parent's marriage status given as unknown. I haven't found any record of a marriage, anywhere, between a Thomas Rolls and a Margaret Stephenson, so it may be that the couple were never married. On the 1901 Census, Margaret's year of birth is given as 1866, which is more reasonable, but either date, with only the information that she was born in England, it has not been possible to identify her origins. Charles and Margaret had a further two sons: i. Charles William Regelous b. 23 Aug 1897 in North Norfolk, Manitoba; ii. Edward Samuel Regelous b. 22 Apr 1899 in North Norfolk, Manitoba. On the birth record for Charles William, his mother is listed as Margaret Stephenson and this time, it is specified that his parents were married. In 1906, Charles J. Rylous (sic) (39) was living in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, with wife Margaret (36), Bessie Rolls (17) Daughter; Joseph Rolls (15) Son; Willie Rylous (sic) (8) Son; Edward Rylous (sic) (6) Son and R Davis (22) from England, Boarder. in 1911, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, were Charles Regelous, Margaret Regelous, William Regelous [Charles William], Son; Edward Regelous, Son; Elizabeth Rolls, Step-Daughter; Joseph Rolls, Step-Son, along with seven male lodgers.  Charles John Regelous died at 46, on 20 Sep 1915 and is buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada. In 1916, Margaret Regelous (46) Widow, was living in Tupper Street, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with Bessie Regelous (26) Daughter; William Regelous (18) Son; Edward Regelous (16) Son and a Lidia Setter (22) Lodger. In 1926, Margaret's son, Joseph Roles (sic) (listed as 28) was living in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada with wife Viola Doris (26) and son William Joseph (1). Grandsons, Charles William Regelous died on 3 Apr 1942 and is buried at Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Edward Samuel Regelous died on 20 Dec 1944 and is buried with his brother at Brookside Cemetery. Joseph Kellaway Rolls died on 26 Nov 1955, aged 64, and is buried at Carberry Plains Cemetery, Carberry, Manitoba, Canada. 
• Adopted son, Arthur Regelous married Evelyn Matilda McCartney, presumably in Canada between 1901 and 1906. In 1906, Arthur Regelous (listed as 39) was living in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with wife Evelyn M (24) and their family. In 1911, Arthur Regelous was living in Winnipeg with Evelyn (30), and three of their children. In 1916, Arthur Regelous (39 again) was living at 412 Victor St, Winnipeg Centre, Manitoba with is wife Evelyn (34) and four children. Arthur Regelous died on 18 Feb 1949 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Stephen Wilton and Sophia Watson

St George's Church, Wells Way,Camberwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/2696927

Stephen Wilton (b. 1848), illegitimate son of Ann Wilton (although he listed his father as an 'invented', non-existent John Wilton), married Sophia Watson, daughter of James Watson and Sophia Barker at St George's Church, Camberwell on 4 Sep 1871. Sophia's parents had also married in Camberwell, in 1843, although, Sophia was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1851, where her father was listed at that time, in Wellington Street, Westgate, as a Leather finisher and dyer. Stephen Wilton was a Harness Maker: a trade he undoubtedly learned while apprenticed to his maternal uncle Thomas Clark, who was one of the witnesses to Stephen and Sophia's marriage.

Stephen and Sophia had thirteen children, all born in Peckham:

1. James Watson b. 1869 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 604
2. Matilda Wilton b. 22 Nov 1871 (1872 M Qtr Vol 01D Page 737)
3. Edward Wilton b. 1873 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 771
4. Stephen Wilton b. 1875 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 794
5. Sophia Ann Wilton b. 1878 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 834. (Died 1878 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 516)
6. Rose Wilton b. 1879 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 804.
   (Died, aged 1, in 1881 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 513)
7. Jane Wilton b. 1881 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 915
8. William Wilton b. 1883 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 918
9. Minnie Wilton b. 1885 S Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 917.
   (Died 1886 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 500)
10. Robert Wilton b. 16 Apr 1887 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 962
11. Florence Wilton b. 1891 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 882
12. Maud Wilton b. 1893 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 943
13. Edith Wilton b. 1895 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 860

We have a description of Stephen Wilton, Harness Maker: when he was 18 he was 5ft 3in with brown hair, blue eyes, a fresh complexion and a scar on his chest. On 5 Aug 1867 he was sentenced to 20 days in Wandsworth Prison and a £2 fine, for Assault. And again, on 19 Apr 1870, Stephen Wilton (21) Harness Maker, 5ft 6in, with one previous conviction, was sentenced to 1 month in Wandsworth Prison, also for Assault. This might explain the gap between the birth of a child late in 1869 and them marrying in 1871.

In 1881, at 29, Sumner Road, Camberwell, were Stephen Wilton (33) Harness Maker; with wife Sophia Wilton (30), Matilda Wilton (9), Edward Wilton (7), Stephen Wilton (5) and Jane Wilton (0).

In 1891, in Camden Grove North, Camberwell, we find Stephen Wilton (43), Sophia Wilton (40), Edward Wilton (17) Soldier - records show that Edward had joined the East Surrey Regiment in 1890 - Stephen (15) Tin plate maker, Jane (10), William (8) and Robert (4) - the last 3 at school.

In 1901, at 24, Middle Street, Camberwell, were Stephen Wilton (53), Sophia Wilton (50), Jane Wilton (20) Ironer; William Wilton (18) Tin worker; Robert Wilton (14) Van boy; Florence (9), Maud (8) and Edith Wilton (5).

In 1911, at 129 Camden Grove North, Peckham: Stephen Wilton (63) Harness Maker, Sophia Wilton (60), Robert Wilton (23) Deal porter - a dangerous job done by a specialist group of workers in London's docks - Florence (19), Maud (18) Ironer and Edith (15) Book folder. They list on this census that they'd had thirteen children during their 40 year marriage, with nine then still living and four having died. Initially, I could only find records for 12 children, under the surname Wilton. After exhaustive searches, the only logical conclusion left was that the 13th child was actually the 1st, born before the couple married and only one birth fits this theory, that of James Watson born near the end of 1869, with no mother's maiden name listed (i.e. illegitimate). It also makes perfect sense for this child to be named after Sophia's father. That they claim 13 children of this marriage in 1911, does pretty much confirm that Stephen Wilton was the child's biological father. Also, I'd found only three deaths among the Wilton offspring, yet the parents list that four had died. James Watson, nor indeed listed under James Wilton, appears on any census, nor can I find a record of a death under either name, however, if this child died in infancy, this would account for the 4th. 

Stephen Wilton died aged 65, in 1913 D Quarter Volume 01D Page 833 and is buried at Camberwell Old Cemetery, Square 23, Grave 23241.

In 1921, Sophia Wilton (70) widow, was living at 62, Commercial Road, Peckham, with her daughter Florrie Wilton (28).

Sophia Wilton died aged 80 in 1931 J Quarter Volume 01D Page 660.

London Docks - Deal Porters & Bag Work

Alfred James Lynch and Sarah Green

Duke of Norfolk, Stepney, E1. Image: Ewan Munro Some rights reserved

Alfred James Lynch (b. 26 Feb 1852, bap. 21 Mar 1852 at St George in the East), youngest son of John Lynch and Ann Wiltshire, married Sarah Green, (b. 15 May 1854, bap. 11 Jun 1854 at Christ Church, Watney Street, Shadwell), daughter of Edward Green and Eliza Goodman, at the church of St Thomas that had stood in Arbour Square, Stepney, on 5 Jun 1871.

Alfred and Sarah Lynch had five children:

1. Alfred Arthur Lynch b. 1873 J Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 513, bap. 15 Jun 1873 at St Thomas, Arbour Square, Stepney
2. Albert William Lynch b. 29 May 1874 S Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 473, bap 5 Jul 1874 at St Thomas, Arbour Square, Stepney
3. George Edward Lynch b. 1876 D Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 588
4. Sarah Eliza Lynch b. 1879 S Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 569
5. Ada Lynch b. 1881 J Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 547

On the baptism records for their first two sons, Alfred Arthur and Albert William, Alfred James Lynch's occupation is listed as a Packer.

In 1881, at the Duke of Norfolk, 14 Norfolk Street, Mile End Old Town, we find A J Lynch (29) Licenced Victualler; S Lynch (27) Wife; sons A A Lynch (8), A W Lynch (7), G E Lynch (5), daughter S Lynch (2), E Turner (18) Female General Servant and the widowed mother-in-law, Eliza Green (59).

In 1891, Alfred Lynch (39), Beer & Wine Retailer, Sarah (36) and son Albert (16), a Commercial Clerk, were living in Camberwell, Southwark, London.

By 1901, they were back at 291, Oxford Street, Mile End Old Town (which, I believe, later became Stepney Way), with Alfred Lynch (49) Laundry Man, Sarah (47), Albert (22), Railway Porter, Ada Lynch (19), Ironer, Emily Lynch (5), Granddaughter, and a Eliza Ellis (20), General Domestic Servant.

Alfred James Lynch died, aged 55, in 1907 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 252.

In 1911, still at 291, Oxford Street, Mile End Old Town, Sarah Lynch (56), Widow, Laundress, was living with her married daughter, Sarah Pope (32) and grandchildren, Joseph Pope (8), Rosa (2) and May (0).

In 1921, Sarah Lynch (67) Widowed, was living at 12, Oley Place, Stepney, Mile End Old Town, London. Again at the same address was Sarah E Pope (42) Attendant Ladies Underground Convenience, for Stepney Borough Council; Joseph A Pope (18), Rosa V Pope (12) and May A Pope (11).

There are several death records that may relate to Sarah Lynch.

James Wevell and Martha Wilton

Gill Street, Charters Towers, Australia - circa 1910 (Via)

James Wevell (b. 1861 M Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 92), son of William Wevell and Mary Searle, married Martha Wilton, daughter of Ann Wilton, at St George's Church, Wells Way, Camberwell, on 17 May 1884. As had her brother, Martha listed her father as an 'invented' John Wilton.

On 8 Oct 1884, James Wevell (23) and Martha Wevell (24) embarked on the SS Duke of Westminster at Gravesend, under Queensland Assisted Immigration, arriving in Brisbane on 8 Dec 1884. 

This very fulsome report in the Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), dated Wed 10 Dec 1884, under Vessels in Harbour, details the whole voyage: 

"The Duke of Westminster, under the command of Captain D C Long, left London on the 7th October, on her third voyage to Queensland, embarked her passengers at Gravesend next day and proceeded on her voyage the same night. On the following day, at noon when abreast the Isle of Wight she encountered a strong gale from the south west, which continued until she was nearly through the Bay of Biscay; passed through the Straights of Gibraltar at 7 am on the 14th; arrived at Malta at daylight on the 19th, where she coaled and took in fresh provisions, leaving at 5 pm the same day. 

Throughout the Mediterranean she experienced fine weather, with light wind and pleasant temperature; arrived in Port Said on October 22nd at noon, and commenced coaling immediately; she also took on board sixty tons of cargo for Queensland ports; entered the Canal on the following morning; had a successful passage through, arriving at Suez on the 24th at 1 pm, the passage through the Red Sea was hot and sultry, with light following breezes; arrived at Aden on the 31st October at 10 am, leaving same evening at 7 o'clock; arrived at Colombo on the 8th November at noon; filled up with coals, discharged and took in cargo, leaving the next morning at daylight; throughout the Indian Ocean had thick cloudy weather, accompanied by a considerable amount of rain, and experienced a continuance of contrary currents; arrived at Batavia [present-day Jakarta, Indonesia] on November 17th at 8 am, discharged 200 tons cargo; left again at dawn on the 18th; passed through Sunda Straights at 8 pm on the 20th, and arrived at Thursday Island on November 21st at 8 am; left again in the afternoon after discharging cargo into the hulk. 

She arrived in Cooktown November 30th, at noon; Townsville December 2nd, at daybreak; Bowen on the 4th, at 6 am; Mackay same day at 9 pm; left at midnight, and anchored in Port Alma at 6:30 pm on the 5th. The Duke of Westminster has had an exceedingly successful voyage from England and the health of the passengers has been exceptionally good. She had on board altogether 456 passengers for the Queensland Ports, and 3000 tons of cargo. She landed 67 passengers, and 400 tons of cargo for Rockhampton, and left at 5 am on the 7th for Brisbane." 

James and Martha had a son, John Henry Wevell, born in Queensland on 20 Apr 1885, so Martha was 2-3 months pregnant at the start of the voyage.

However, Martha Wevell died on 5 Oct 1885, from Typhoid. She is buried at the Charters Towers Pioneer Cemetery, Charters Towers, Charters Towers Region, Queensland, Australia, Section 5, Grave 1409. John Henry Wevell died, at 8 months, on 25 Dec 1885, from Gastric Fever, and was also buried at Charters Towers Pioneer Cemetery, Section 5, Grave 1482. 

The town of Charters Towers was founded in the 1870s when gold was discovered by chance at Towers Hill on Christmas Eve 1871, so we can assume that James and Martha went there looking for gold and no surprise whatsoever to find a Cornishman in a mining town on the other side of the world. It looks like James Wevell returned to the UK and remarried, but astonishingly, there's more than one James Wevell in Cornwall, of his age, so further investigation is needed to untangle the records. One in particular however, later travels to South Africa, where he died in 1950.