Richard Wilton and Mary Robinson

St Mary, Sawston - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4970953

Richard Wilton (b. 1737), son of Henry Wilton and Martha Douse, married Mary Robinson on 30 Mar 1762 in Sawston, Cambridgeshire. Only two miles from Great Shelford and Stapleford, is Sawston, where there were many Wiltons, going back to the early 1600s - just haven't tied them all together. 

They had at least four children, all baptised at St Mary's Church, Sawston.

1. Elizabeth Wilton bap. 4 Jul 1762
2. Henry Wilton bap. 30 Oct 1768
3. Stephen Wilton bap. 25 Dec 1777
4. Hannah Wilton bap. 7 Jun 1779 (buried 17 Aug 1779)

Mary Wilton, wife of Richard, died and was buried on 10 Apr 1780.

Richard Wilton, Widower, was buried in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, in 1797.

Sawston, Cambridgeshire is notable as one of the very few industrial villages in the county that take advantage of the clean water supply, one of the principle industries being leather. There are two sites in Sawston which support or have formerly supported Tanning facilities and there may have been leather-workers in the parish in the Middle Ages. This very likely explains why Henry Wilton (1768) and his nephew, Henry Wilton (1809) became saddlers and my 3rd great-grandfather, Richard Wilton, a harness maker.

The River Cam (or Granta) near Sawston
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/2860358

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 1940. Sergeant 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 1942. Gladys 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.)

124 Hatherley Road, Toronto

Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin

St Mary Ashwell - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2474397

Stephen Wilton (bap. 25 Dec 1777), Bachelor, son of Richard Wilton and Mary Robinson, married Elizabeth Hankin (bap. 28 Aug 1777), Spinster, daughter of Robert Hankin and Elizabeth Edwards, both 'of the parish', at St Mary the Virgin, Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 24 Mar 1803. Both appear to have signed their own names. One of the witnesses was an Elizabeth Abbot.

They had nine children, the first five baptised in Royston, Hertfordshire: 

1. Mary Wilton b. 1804, bap. 25 Feb 1807 
2. Elizabeth Wilton b. 1805, bap. 25 Feb 1807
3. Martha Wilton b. 25 Feb 1807 
4. Henry Wilton bap. 15 Jan 1809
5. Richard Wilton bap. 20 Mar 1811
6. Joseph Wilton b. 1815
7. Ann Wilton b. ~1817
8. Sarah Wilton b. 1819
9. Ellen Wilton b. 1819

One assumes that at some point between 1811 and 1815 they had begun to worship at a Non-Conformist church or meeting (as did their children later in Royston and in Great Dunmow), one that does not practice baptism.

In 1792, at the age of 15, Stephen Wilton had been apprenticed to William Haggis in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, as a Collarmaker. 

Stephen Wilton died, at 62, in 1839 in Royston.

In 1841, Elizabeth Wilton (60) was living at Lewers Cottages, Royston with Ellen Wilton (22), Ann Wilton (20) (it looks very much that their ages transposed) and a Mary Whitechurch (16), all Dressmakers. 

There is then a record of a death and non-conformist burial of an Elizabeth Wilton of the right age (69), born 1777, in Great Dunmow in 1846.

Herbert Edward Southwell and Emma Elizabeth Adcock

St. Mark's Church, Peterborough
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/4306299

Herbert Edward Southwell (b. 1863 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire), son of Alfred Southwell and Louisa Boyden, married Emma Elizabeth Adcock (b. 20 Sep 1864 in Peterborough), daughter of John Adcock and Sarah Ann Richards, at St Mark's Church, Peterborough on 17 Oct 1892. Witnesses to the marriage were John Adcock, bride's father, and Sarah Wright.

The couple do not appear to have had any children.

In 1901, living at 14 Belvoir Road, Bottesford, Leicestershire, were Herbert E Southwell (38) Assurance Agent and wife, Emma Southwell (36).

In 1911, they were living back in Werrington, Peterborough with Herbert (48) Insurance Agent, Emma (46) and mother-in-law, Sarah Ann Adcock (68).

Herbert Edward Southwell died on 19 Aug 1919, aged 56 (1919 S Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 191). Probate was granted to Emma.

In 1921, Emma Elizabeth Southwell (56) was living at Lincoln Road, Werrington, Gunthorpe, with her mother, Sarah Ann Adcock (78).

In 1939, Emma Elizabeth Southwell, Widow, was living at 199 Lincoln Road, Werrington. Living with her were Walter E Johnson, Automobile Engineer & Garage Proprietor and his wife, Ethel G Johnson (née Linley). 

Emma Elizabeth Southwell died on 26 Feb 1943 (1943 M Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Vol 03B Page 309). Probate was granted, on 3 Jun 1943; beneficiaries were Walter Ernest Johnson and Ethel Gertrude Johnson.

Church of St. John The Baptist, Werrington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/7123383

There is a post script to this couple's story. The Peterborough Standard of 3 Jul 1953 reports: New Pulpit Dedicated. For the first time in its 800 year history, Werrington Church has a pulpit worthy of the beautiful surroundings. The dedication of the pulpit was performed on Saturday evening by Dr Spencer Leeson, Bishop of Peterborough. Other clergy in attendance were the Rev. F H Stallard, RD; the Rev. A Butterworth, the Rev. F Wesley Clifford and the Rev. G Murray Beard. The last pulpit installed in the late 19th century, is far surpassed in beauty by Leslie Moore's design in carved light oak. 

On the inside of the pulpit are the words:

"To the Glory of God and in memory of Herbert Edward Southwell, died 19th August, 1919 and Emma Elizabeth Southwell, died 26th February, 1943. Dedicated by the Right Rev. Spencer Leeson, Lord Bishop of Peterborough, 27th June, 1953."

Among the large congregation were several members of the Methodist Church, who had received a special invitation to attend. After the service the Bishop attended a reception in the Parish Hall.

Henry Wilton and Mary Barton

The King's Head (closed), Great Dunmow. Photo © Robin Webster (cc-by-sa/2.0)

This pub and hotel on North Street has been closed and boarded up for some years, with signs of abandoned or postponed building work. It is grade II listed, the oldest parts from the 15th century. Conflicting reports suggest it has since been demolished or converted into flats.

Back on the family pub crawl ... Two things listed in Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823 relate to another Henry Wilton. One is a listing as a saddler, the other, under Taverns and Public Houses, is for 'Henry Wilton, King's Head'[1]. This Henry Wilton is clearly not Henry Wilton (1809-1890), saddler, the elder brother of my 3x great-grandfather, Richard Wilton, because that Henry Wilton would have been merely 14 years old in 1823. We have to go back another generation: this is their uncle Henry, brother of Stephen Wilton. 

Henry Wilton, son of Richard Wilton and Mary Robinson, was baptised St Mary's Church, Sawston, Cambridgeshire on 30 Oct 1768. In 1783 he was apprenticed to Matthew Norris in Shelford, as a Collarmaker. Then on 20 Sep 1810, he married Mary Barton in Great Dunmow. Both were described as being "Of This Parish", so had been in the town since at least then. 

In 1841, Henry Wilton (73) Ind (Independant means?) and his wife Mary (61) were living alongside his nephew, Henry Wilton, saddler in the High Street, Great Dunmow. They were one side - of Geo. Saich, ostler (the census records don't provide any clues as to which hostelry), and his wife Charlotte (née Thorogood) - on the other was Robert Hockley, tailor and draper.

"Uncle" Henry Wilton died in 1846 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 49. He will have been 78.

In 1861, Mary Wilton (80) with birthplace given as Ruislip, Middlesex, was a Lodger in the High Street, Great Dunmow.

Mary Wilton died, at 81, on 8 Nov 1861 (1861 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 214). Probate was granted to John Barnard Grocer and Sole Executor. John Barnard (1799-1872), was a grocer (later also wine & spirit merchant) in the High Street, Great Dunmow. It's not known if there was any familial link or what the reason was for appointing him.

[1] Also listed in Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823 at the King's Head is William Cock, who was listed as the Licensee or Tavernkeeper from 1815 until at least 1829. It isn't clear what role Henry Wilton played in this business. 

Henry Prior and Eliza Ellen Seymour

Former St Peter's Church, Cephas Street, Mile End Old Town
Photo: Julian Walker. Some Rights Reserved

Henry Prior (b. 1835), son of Charles Prior and Mary Wilton, married Eliza Ellen Seymour (b. 1838, registered: Ellen Eliza Seymour 1838 D Quarter in MALDON Volume 12 Page 131), daughter of John Seymour and Susannah Howell, on 16 Aug 1869 at the church of St Peter, Mile End Old Town.

In 1861, Eliza Seymour (22) had been a visitor in the household of her brother-in-law, Charles Lambson (30) Wine Clerk - married to Eliza's older sister, Jane Seymour (bap. 27 Oct 1822) - in Chesterford Terrace, Stanley Road, Hackney, which would explain her presence in that area. 

Henry and Eliza Prior had seven children, all born in Maldon, Essex: 

1. Florence Annie Prior b. 7 May 1870 J Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A 261
2. Agnes Prior b. 1872 M Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A  Page 274. Died, aged 1, in 1873 S Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A  Page 164
3. Rosa Jane Prior b. 19 Dec 1873 (1874 M Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A 274)
4. Alice Gertrude Prior b. 1876 J Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A Page 308. Died, aged 19, in 1896 M Qtr in CAMBRIDGE Vol 03B Page 314
5. Alfred Edwin Prior b. 10 Jun 1878 S Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A 325
6. Ada Ella Prior b. 10 Aug 1880 S Qtr in MALDON Vol 04A 355
7. Eleanor Winifred Prior b. 24 Dec 1884 (1885 M Qtr Vol 04A 463)

In 1871, on Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, Henry Prior (36), was a basket maker. The original census return shows him to have been in the household alone. One imagines Eliza may have returned to her family for the birth of their first child, but neither she nor the infant appear to be listed anywhere.

Market Hill, Maldon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stefan Czapski
geograph.org.uk/p/4223421

In 1881, Henry Prior (46), was listed as a Furniture Dealer on Market Hill, Maldon, Essex. Living with him were Eliza (42), Florence (10), Rosa (7), Alice (5), Alfred (2) and Ada (0).

In 1891, Henry Prior (57) Furniture Dealer was in Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire with Eliza Prior (53), Gertrude Prior (15), Alfred Prior (12), Ella Prior (10) and Winifred Prior (6). Florence A Prior (20) Drapers Apprentice and Rosa J Prior (16) Drapers Apprentice were living in Castle Road, Bedford.

In 1901, Henry Prior (66), House Furnisher, was living at 172 East Road, Cambridge, with wife, Ellen (62) and their five children: Florence (29), Rosa (24), Alfred (22), Ella (20) and Minnie (16). (Alice Gertrude Prior had died in 1896, aged 19.) Also listed was Daniel Seymour (67), Congregational Minister, widower, visitor (Daniel George Seymour b. 12 Jun 1833, was Eliza's brother.) 

In 1911, Henry Prior (76) was still listed as a House Furnisher, living at 172 East Road, Cambridge, with wife Eliza Prior (72), Florence Prior (40) Book keeper in the business; Rosa Prior (37), Alfred Prior (32) Assisting in the business and Winifred Prior (26). The 1911 census confirms that they had been married for 42 years, had 7 children born alive and 5 still living.

The Cambridge Daily News of 10 Mar 1916 reported on "SIX MONTHS EXEMPTION. Alfred Edwin Prior, 173 East Road, partner and manager in a firm of house furnishers, carried on by him for his father and self under the style of H. Prior and Son, applied for absolute exemption [from Military Service] on the grounds that he was an only son, and his father was in his 82nd year and his mother was 79. His parents had no income apart from the business, which must come to a standstill and the support of the whole family, including two unmarried sisters, must fail should he be called away. Six months exemption so long as the condition remain the same was granted."

In 1921, Henry Prior (86) House Furnisher was still at 172, East Road, Cambridge, with Eliza Prior (82), Florence Prior (51) Assisting In The Business; Rosa Prior (47) & Alfred Prior (43) Partner In The Business. Ada Ella Prior (pretending to be 35) was a Shop Assistant at 85, High Street, South Norwood, Croydon. (Eleanor Winifred had married in 1913.)

Eliza Ellen Prior died, aged 89, on 19 Nov 1926 (1926 D Qtr Vol 03B 509) and was buried on 23 Nov 1926 at All Saints' Church, Cambridge.

On 4 Jan 1930, Ada Ella Prior (50) Spinster of 172 East Rd, Cambridge, daughter of Henry Prior, House Furnisher, married Isaac Collins, Auctioneer, Bachelor of The Hectorage, Tunbridge, Kent, son of Thomas Collins, Land Agent, by Licence at St Andrew the Less (now Christ Church Cambridge).

Henry Prior of 221 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, died at the age of 95 on 1 Oct 1930 (1930 D Quarter in CAMBRIDGE Volume 03B Page 478) and was also buried, on 6 Oct 1930, at All Saints' Church, Cambridge.

Dan Tompson and Mary Ann Green

Junction of Cable Street and Watney Street, Shadwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Stott - geograph.org.uk/p/6067988

Dan Thompson, one of my 2nd great-grandfathers, was born in Broughton, Northamptonshire on 12 Oct 1848 and baptised, on 5 Nov 1848, at St Andrew's Church, Cransley. His parents were Daniel Thompson and Mary Adcock. He ended up in Canada, but via a pretty indirect route:

In 1851, Dan (2) was with his parents, in Broughton. Following his father's death in 1854, by 1861, the 12 year old Dan was living in the household of his eldest brother, George Thompson (b. 1836), who appeared to have taken over the family carpentry business in Broughton, along with their widowed mother, Mary Thompson (née Adcock). Dan's brother Benjamin (19) was then living with their aunt and uncle, in St George in the East, Middlesex. So it's presumably as a result of this latter connection that Dan also went to London and it seems to be that when the brothers reach the East End they drop the aitch from Thompson. My mother always insisted it was Tompson.

On 15 Aug 1867, aged 19, Dan Tompson married Mary Ann Green (17), daughter of Edward Green and Eliza Goodman (landlords of the King and Queen public house in St George in the East), at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, in Limehouse (bombed in 1940 and since demolished). Witnesses to their marriage were Robert Davis and Harriet Blundell (in 1861, Harriet, then around 12, had been a visitor in the household of Mary Ann's parents, so she may well have been family and was very possibly bridesmaid.)

Dan and Mary Ann had two children:

1. Eliza Louisa Tompson b. 24 Aug 1868 at 299 Cable Street (1868 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 417)
2. Dan Edward Green Tompson b. 12 Mar 1870 (1870 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 466). Died 1870 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 288.

Mary Ann Tompson, wife of Dan Tompson, Bricklayer (present at the death), died on 19 Mar 1870 at 363 Cable Street, St George in the East, after giving birth to their son. The causes listed on Mary Ann's death certificate state "Childbirth 7 days, Scarlet Fever 4 days, exhaustion". She was just 20.

In April 1871, the widowed Dan Tompson (22) was lodging in Cable Street, while his daughter Eliza Louisa (2) (listed as Thompson), was living with her widowed maternal grandmother, Eliza Green, then landlady at The King and Queen Public House in Tait Street, St George in the East (Wapping). 

On 4 June 1871, Dan Tompson (23) remarried to Sarah Jane Baker (19), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, at Christ Church, Watney Street, Stepney (four of the five Tompson siblings married in this church). Witnesses were Charles Richard Baker, Sarah Jane's brother; Amelia Baker, who was either her mother or sister and Louisa Tompson, Dan's sister.

Dan and Sarah Jane went on to have a further TWELVE children:

1. Amelia Mary Tompson b. 1872 (died 1874, aged 1)
2. Jessie Elizabeth Tompson b. 1874 (died 1876, aged 1)
3. Sarah Sophia Tompson b. 9 Oct 1876
4. Mabel Grace Tompson b. 6 Aug 1878
5. Mary Adcock Tompson b. 1880 (died 2nd quarter of 1881)
6. Dan Baker Tompson b. 1882 (died 1883)
7. Charles Frederick Tompson b. 1884 (died 1887, aged 3)
8. George Daniel Tompson b. 1885
9. Ernest Wilberforce Tompson b. 1888 (died 1890, aged 1)
10. Amelia Mary Tompson b. 14 Nov 1890
11. Ellen Hoile Folville Tompson b. 22 May 1893
12. Ivy Maud Tompson b. 23 Feb 1895

In 1881, Dan Tompson (32) and Sarah Jane Tompson (29) were living at 27 Watney Street, St George in the East, with Dan's daughter Eliza Louisa Tompson (12) - listed as Elizabeth L - Sarah Sophia Tompson (5), Mabel Grace Tompson (3) and Mary Adcock Tompson (0). (Living at the same address were Sarah Jane's younger sister, Sophia and her husband Charles Frederick Burden. Both couples followed similar naming patterns for their children, with Dan and Sarah Jane naming one son Charles Frederick, which suggests they were close. Burden went to Canada in 1900. Did this have a bearing on Dan and Sarah Jane's decision to emigrate in 1912?)

Mabel Grace (b. 1878), George Daniel (b. 1885) and Amelia Mary (b. 1890), were all baptised on Christmas Day 1890, in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire.

In 1891, in High Street, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire were Dan Tompson (40) Bricklayer; Sarah Jane Tompson (39), Mabel G Tompson (12),  George D Tompson (5) and Amelia M Tompson (0). Eliza Louisa Tompson (22) 'Fancy box maker' was living with William and Ellen Burton, in Knapp Road, Bromley, Poplar, listed as their niece (Ellen Burton (née Baker) was Sarah Jane' sister). Sarah Sophia Tompson was visiting her aunt Mary Thompson, widow of her father's brother, Benjamin, at the Spotted Cow, Hither Green, Lewisham.

St Michael & All Angels,
Waddesdon - Font
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon
geograph.org.uk/p/3267102

Sarah Sophia, Ellen Hoile Folville (b. 1893 in Ashby Folville, Leicestershire and Ivy Maud (b. 1895) were also baptised, in Waddesdon, on 5 Jun 1895. The denomination on all of the baptisms is listed as Anglican, so I assume this was at the church of St Michael & All Angels, Waddesdon. In later documents, Dan lists himself as Wesleyan and there is a Wesleyan Chapel in Waddesdon High Street.

In 1901, Dan Tompson (52) and Sarah Jane Tompson (49), are listed as living in Gracious Street, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire with George Daniel (15) Bricklayer; Amelia Mary (10), Ellen T H (7) and Ivy Maud (6), plus lodger, William Warren (61), described as 'Draper But Not In Occupation'. 

Dan's obituary details that, in 1904 he was elected to the Whittlesey Urban District Council and that "Mr Tompson came to Whittlesey in July 1896 and became landlord of the "King's Head" (now in residential use, see image) in, Gracious Street, which he kept until he left for Canada in 1911."

Gracious Street, Whittlesey (1897) A decorated house on Whittlesey’s Gracious Street during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria in 1897. Image Peterborough Images Archive

In 1911, Dan Tompson (63), Sarah Jane Tompson (60), Ellen Thoila Tolnilla Tompson (sic) (18), Ivy Maud Tompson (16) and William Charles Kritzer (7), Grandson, born "At Sea", were living at Lattersey Field, Whittlesey. Mabel Grace Tompson (29) was employed as a Lady's Maid in the household of Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow, 2nd Baronet (Waterlow and Sons); Amelia Tompson (23) from Waddeston, Bucks was a Domestic Servant in the employ of James Hainsworth Ismay (second son of Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line) at Iwerne Minster House, Iwerne Minster, Dorset.

R.M.S. Corsican Image: Eric Eggertson Some rights reserved

Family stories, at best, usually have a mere grain of truth in them, almost universally contain large measures of exaggeration and "self-aggrandisement" and sometimes, huge amounts of complete fiction. Researching family history, therefore, becomes an exercise in debunking the family myths. Some relatives are more prone to bigging themselves and their forebears up, so you learn to question (read completely disbelieve) their tales, so you could honestly have knocked me down with a feather when I found this one was mostly true.

My mother said that one of the Tompsons had gone to Canada and set up a business. The story wasn't without some exaggeration, as she did make it sound like they'd set up a massive corporation and given the impression that if one were to go to any place in that vast country and mention "Tompsons" everyone would instantly know the household name - when reality was a couple of self-employed brickies - but they do turn up in Canada.

To be fair, she will have got this story too from her grandmother, Eliza Louisa Sweeney (née Tompson), but my mother didn't seem to know who among the Tompsons had gone to Canada and the way the story came across is as if it was some distant relative, not Eliza Louisa's own father, Dan Tompson.

Son George Daniel Tompson, had travelled, initially to the US, in 1908, but on 6 Jul 1912, Dan Tompson (63), with daughters Amelia (21) and Ellen (19), embarked in London bound for Montreal on the R.M.S. Corinthian. They're listed on the passenger list under "The Salvation Army Pantel", with Dan's Profession, Occupation or Calling listed as "Farming" and of the girls, "Domestic". They travelled 3rd class, or Steerage.

Then separately, on 18 Oct 1912, wife Sarah Jane (listed as 36, was actually 61), youngest daughter, Ivy (17) and Willie Thompson (8) - this has to be the grandchild listed on the 1911 Census as William Charles Kritzer - embarked in Liverpool aboard the SS Corsican, also bound for Montreal.

House on the left 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada

The family set up home in the Earlscourt neighbourhood in Toronto, settled in 1906 by labourers from the British Isles. Even in 1914 it still had a “shack town” reputation. This article about the area, which talks of a "Building Boom", indicates why the Tompsons went there, "The modest sized lots on empty fields appealed to those looking for affordable land, low taxes and lax building regulations." Reading between the lines, my belief is that the family acquired one of the plots and split it between father and son. George Daniel initially lived in the house on the right of the picture, 133 Morrison Avenue and Dan settled in the house on the left, 131 Morrison Avenue. Given they were bricklayers, there's a good chance they built the houses themselves.

In the 1913 Toronto City Directory, Dan Tompson is listed at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, as a bricklayer. In the 1917 directory, Dan is listed at 73 Ashburnham Rd, Toronto, with George at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto. 

On the 1921 Census of Canada, Dan (72), Sarah Jane (69), Amelia Mary (31), Ellen (29), Ivy Maud (27) and Willie Christie (18) - the grandson with the ever-changing surname - were all living at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto.

Dan Tompson died on Friday, 1 Aug 1924, at his home of 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto. The record of his death says it was from "Senility", although his obituary contradicts that saying, "He was 77 years of age, but his vigour of mind made him appear younger." He was actually only 75. Dan was buried on 4 Aug 1924 at Prospect Cemetery, Section 17, Plot 509. (Plan) 

Grave of Dan Tompson at Prospect Cemetery in Toronto

August 23, 1924

DAN TOMPSON of WHITTLESEY

A Noted Builder's Death in Canada

Whittlesey Council Meetings of the Past

Old friends in the Whittlesey neighbourhood will learn with regret that Mr Daniel Tompson, formerly a well-known Whittlesey resident, of whom many will have lively and pleasing recollections, is dead.

The following is culled from the "Toronto Evening Telegram":- The Lloyd George of Earlscourt is dead. Dan Tompson he was to strangers, but Lloyd George to the hundreds of Earlscourt residents who saw a likeness to the British statesman in the shaggy crop of hair and the rugged, honest face - who watched him as he stood at rate payers' meetings denouncing some condition which he thought unjust - who heard his ejaculate "Shame!" at some big public gathering, when overpowering indignation forced a remark from him. Dan Tompson died on Friday at his home, 131 Morrison Avenue. He was 77 years of age, but his vigour of mind made him appear younger, and he rarely missed a meeting of his favourite organisation, the British Imperial Association. Born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, he lived over 30 years in London, and was nine years on the Whittlesey Urban Council. In 1912 he came to Toronto, and lived in Earlscourt for the last seven years. He was a member of the Church of England [?] And Royal Alexandra [?] No 2459. Surviving him are his widow, Mrs Sarah Jane Tompson; one son, George, 124 Hatherley Road; and six daughters, Mrs J Sweeney, Mrs J Christie and Mrs Mabel Martin, of England and Misses Amelia, Ellen and Ivy at home. He was always an outstanding figure at meetings. Head thrown back and blue eyes flashing, he could speak from his extensive experience on practically every subject which was under discussion.

The last paragraph of the above report is indeed a tribute to Mr Tompson's powers of expression and volubility.

His Whittlesey Associations

Mr Tompson came to Whittlesey in July 1896 and became landlord of the "King's Head" in, Gracious Street, which he kept until he left for Canada in 1911. Always original, and by no means hide-bound by convention, he combined the role of publican with that of a local preacher, truly a strange combination, and one not often seen nowadays. But "Dan" as he was intimately known to hundreds, could well sustain this dual role. There was one occasion when his dignity suffered a severe shock, and that was at Pond's Bridge. He had been invited over there in his capacity as a local preacher to take the service at the little chapel, which was given to the hamlet by Lord de Ramsey, and being unused to the pulpit, which was of [unreadable] design, he had no sooner got into it he tripped out!

By trade he was a builder and a very efficient and reliable contractor too. Among works undertaken by him was the building of the New Whittlesey Brick Company, now known as the Victory Brickworks, and he also assisted in the building of the Gildenburgh Brick Works, now known as the United Brick Company. An employer of labour, he was most generous and paid his men liberally. Inclined towards Liberalism in politics, and delivered many stirring orations in his advocacy of the cause. As will be realised by "Sub Rosa's" accompanying article, a meeting at which Mr Tompson was present was never dull and although Dan's electioneering motto - or shall we say, battle-cry - was "Actions speak louder than words", he was never a believer in the quiet subdued style of advocacy, but went "all out" with a force that told.

Besides the wider realm of national politics, local government attracted him, and in 1904 he was elected to the Whittlesey Urban District Council, fourteenth on the list of the eighteen successful candidates. Again in 1907 and 1910 he was returned, improving his position each time, and he retained his seat on the Council until he left for Canada in 1911. Arrived in the Dominion, he carried on his business as a builder.

His wife, who, as the Canadian report states, survives him, was a charming lady, and made a host of friends in Whittlesey.

Their daughters must have travelled back to the UK, because on 17 Sep 1926, Amelia Mary Thompson (35) and Ellen Hoile Thompson (32), embarked in Liverpool, bound for Montreal on the R.M.S. Regina. Interestingly, they gave their last address in the United Kingdom as c/o Mrs Sweeney, 102 Fore Street, London (my great-grandmother, their half-sister). 

Then on 19 Sep 1931, Ellen (38) and Ivy Maud (36) made the crossing from Liverpool to New York, in transit to Canada, on the R.M.S. Adriatic. They state that they are citizens of Canada. (Until 1947, settlers from Britain were considered citizens of Canada without needing to naturalize.)

The three Tompson girls then all appeared in the Toronto Centennial City Directory of 1934 at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto. 

Sarah Jane Tompson died on 4 Aug 1937 and was buried with her husband.

In 1939, the three daughters were back in the UK, living together at Way Homesteads, Broadway, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire. Amelia and Ellen were dressmakers, while Ivy was a School Teacher (Technical). Their brother George Daniel's father-in-in law, George Oldfield's parents were, George Oldfield and Mary Haddon and, in 1851, Mary was listed as having been born in Yaxley, then in Huntingdonshire. This may well explain why the three sisters were living in Yaxley after they returned to the UK from Canada.

 

None of these three sisters ever married and they returned to Whittlesey. 

On 12 Sep 1939, Probate was granted to Amelia Mary Tompson and Ivy Maud Tompson on the estates of both Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Tompson. They left effects of £400 (worth around £26,000 today), hardly a fortune. 

Ellen died on 14 Jan 1976. She will have been 82. Amelia Mary Tompson of 81 Benwick Road, Whittlesey, died on 4 Mar 1986. She was 95. Ivy Maud Tompson of Keneydon House, 2 Delph Street, Whittlesey (a Residential Dementia care home) died on 12 Feb 1991, just eleven days before her 96th birthday. 

Ellen Hoile Tompson, Amelia Mary Tompson and Ivy Maud Tompson are buried in Whittlesey Cemetery.

Henry Wilton and Maria Frogg

St Andrew, Stapleford, Cambridgeshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/334044

Henry Wilton (bap. 1733), son of Henry Wilton and Martha Douse, farmer, married Maria Frogg on 12 Jun 1762, in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire. 

They had 3 children, baptised in Stapleford:

1. Martha Wilton bap. May 1763
2. Henry Wilton bap. 24 Dec 1769
3. Maria Wilton bap. 29 May 1774

Joseph Kritzer and Sarah Sophia Tompson

St Wilfrid's, Chelsea

Joseph Kritzer (b. 30 Oct 1877 in Donaueschingen, Germany), son of Wilhelm Kritzer and Flora Gleichauf, married Sarah Sophia Tompson (b. 9 Oct 1876 in Mile End Old Town, Stepney), eldest surviving daughter of Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Baker, on 24 May 1905 in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. 

Their daughter, Mary Amalie Kritzer was born on 21 Feb 1906, but she was not the couple's first child. On the census for the household of Sarah's parents, Dan and Sarah Jane Tompson, in 1911, there appeared a 'mystery' grandchild listed as William Charles Kritzer (7) (although his surname was originally mis-transcribed at Findmypast as Roizen, which added much to the confusion in tracking him down), who it says, was born in 1904 'At Sea'. 

The boy was born, actually in 1903, aboard the SS Kaiser Wilhelm II at Lat 40.45N/Long 56.52W, off the coast of North America. Launched at Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland), on 12 Aug 1902, the SS Kaiser Wilhelm II made regular trips between Germany and New York City. 

Baptised, William Karl Tompson, on 9 Dec 1903, at the church of St Matthew, Stepney, on the baptism record, his mother is listed just as Daisy (as she appears to have called herself), with their abode listed as 3 Monteagle Street, Stepney - the same address given by her half-sister (my great-grandmother), Eliza Louisa, at the time of her marriage to Job Sweeney some 10 years earlier. There are lots of crossings out on the original baptism record, as it would appear that Sarah / Daisy had initially tried to baptise the child with the surname Kritzer, listing his father's forename as William too and occupation as Valet. The church clearly figured out the situation and hence this information was redacted. (Birth and baptism information was provided to me by Christine Miller of the wonderfully named, GIN AND GENEALOGY.)

In 1911, Joseph Kritzer (33), was butler to architect, Henry Louis Florence at 9 Prince's Gate, Knightsbridge, London. In that household also was a Rosina Christie, employed as a housemaid. She was listed as single, but her year of birth agrees with that of Sarah Sophia - 1876 - born in Whitechapel. (Sarah Sophia's birth was registered in Mile End Old Town, which is next door, both in Stepney; later, Sarah Sophia is referred to as Mrs J Christie in her father's obituary, and both of Joseph and Sarah's children later use Christie as an Anglicized version of Kritzer.) Therefore, I'm convinced that this is Sarah using this assumed name to hide the fact that she was married to Joseph, which was more than likely verboten for servants then. Sarah Sophia / Daisy Tompson / Kritzer / Christie isn't anywhere else in 1911. Mary Amalia Kritzer (5) was an 'Inmate' at St Wilfrid's Convent School in Cale Street, Chelsea.

On 18 Oct 1912, Willie Thompson (8), sailed to Montreal from Liverpool aboard SS Corsican with his grandmother, Sarah Jane, and his aunt Ivy. 

In 1915, Joseph Kritzer (37), was interned at Knockaloe Internment Camp Isle of Man as part of the mass internment of registered Enemy Alien men aged between 17 and 55 following the sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915. Joseph’s Prisoner of War Information Bureau (POWIB) Index Card (available from the ICRC website), shows that he was interned on 31 Jul 1915. We still don't know when he was released or what happened to him later, although, all the pointers are towards him being repatriated to Germany. "Former enemy aliens were to be deported, unless granted a licence to remain", however, hiding their marriage, in 1911 (albeit likely necessary for their employment), could have created the predicament that Joseph and Sarah will not have been able to demonstrate that they had lived together in a genuine relationship prior to the war, the result of which may have prevented Joseph from obtaining such permission to return to the UK upon his release.

As she had married a German, Sarah Sophia had become German and would also have been subject to the restrictions of the Aliens Restriction Act 1914: As the law was at this time, British-born women who had married foreign nationals (who had not naturalised) - unlike his brother Karl, Joseph did not become naturalised British - acquired their husband’s nationality. Many British born women therefore found themselves to be enemy aliens during the war. Except in a very few cases women were not interned. [Source]

In 1921, Joseph Kritzer was not listed in England. Nor was Sarah Sophia. There was a Daisy Christie (39) Servant, Laundress, born in Stepney, London at the Royal School For Deaf and Dumb Children, Margate, Kent, who I feel may be her. On the 1921 Census of Canada, Willie Christie (18) was living at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, still with his grandparents. (At Ancestry, there's a note saying he should be Critzer, which is obviously not quite true, but the spelling they later adopted). [Mary Amalie] Molly Kritzer (15), was an Inmate at St Edwards Residential College, Totteridge, Middlesex (St Edward's School for Roman Catholic Girls), along with her cousin, Flora Kritzer (15). 

William Charles Critzer (28) Bachelor, Sheet Metal Worker, married Bertha Lilian Carter (27) Spinster, Saleslady, in Toronto, on 27 Dec 1930. William listed his parents as Joseph Critzer and Sarah Sophia Thompson, from which we can clearly determine that we have the right man, despite the spellings.

(Bertha Lilian Carter was born in 1903 D Quarter in GRIMSBY Volume 07A Page 587, mother's maiden name TINDALL, the daughter of Alfred Charles Carter and Alice Maud Tindall. Her parents had married at St James, Grimsby (now Grimsby Minster) on 28 Aug 1899, with Alice's father listed as William Major Tindall - this explains why Bertha's parents are listed on her marriage record as Alfred Charles Carter and Alice Maud Major. Following her father's death on 24 Feb 1922, Miss Bertha Lilian Carter (18) sailed for Canada on the RMS Empress of Britain (1905), accompanied by her mother.)

In 1931, William Critzer (sic) (28) Sheet metal worker and wife Bertha Lilian Critzer (27) were Lodgers at 98 Nairn [Avenue], Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In 1939 'Daisy' S S Kritzer, Housekeeper, still listed as married, was living at 1 Pemry Villas, Elm Grove Road, Cobham, Surrey with her widowed sister, Mabel Grace Stedman; Mabel's daughter, Laura May Martin, and Gerald O Weston, a mechanic and lorry driver, who may have been a lodger. 

Sarah Sophia Kritzer, of 2 Ashford Cottages, Tilt Road, Cobham, Surrey, wife of Joseph Kritzer, died, aged 68, on 20 Feb 1945. She left £595 13s (worth £25,849 in 2020) to her daughter, Mary Amelia Melhuish, married woman. 

Other than those last records in 1939 and 1945 relating to Sarah - where she's described as married and as his wife - thereby alluding to Joseph Kritzer still being alive, there's no further sign of him in Britain, once again supporting the theory that Joseph was probably returned (deported) back to Germany.

There are many questions that still need to be answered.

• Internment in the United Kingdom during the First World War
• Forgotten: Britain’s civilian mass prison camps from World War I
• Knockaloe Centre for WW1 Internment, Isle of Man
• Enemy aliens in Great Britain 1914-1919

Henry and Elizabeth Wilton

Stapleford church on a winter morning. The remains of President Barack Obama’s ancestor might rest in this cemetery near St. Andrew's church in Stapleford, England. Mine certainly do.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/2841826

The earliest records I can find for my ancestors [so far], are for the baptisms of the children of Henry Wilton & Elizabeth (maiden name unknown) - that's 10 generations: they were my 7th great-grandparents - in Stapleford:

1. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Jul 1695 (presume died in infancy)
2. Martha Wilton bap. 27 Dec 1696
3. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Apr 1700
4. Henry Wilton bap. 12 Apr 1702
5. Richard Wilton bap. 7 Oct 1705

Elizabeth Wilton died and was buried on 15 Oct 1705. (I think we can guess the cause.) Henry does not appear to remarry and there are no other children listed born to a Henry in that period with a different mother. Henry Wilton Snr died and was buried on 30 Jun 1726, in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire.

Martha Wilton and James Pearce

Melbourn High Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/6508075

In 1849, Martha Wilton (42), third daughter of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, married widower, James Pearce and gained a ready-made family. 

James Pearce, bap. 29 Apr 1804, son of William and Elizabeth Pearce, in the parish of Foulmire (Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire), had previously married Hannah Jackson, on 10 Nov 1829, in Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire. 

In 1841, when Martha was looking after her late sister Elizabeth's children, James and Hannah Pearce were living in Kneesworth Street, Royston. 

Then Hannah Pearce died in 1848, aged 42. 

In 1851, James and Martha Pearce were in Melbourn, Hertfordshire, with James (47) Wool-stapler (a wool-stapler buys wool from the producer, sorts and grades it, and sells it on to manufacturers), Martha (43), and James' six children: William Pearce (19) also a wool-stapler, Hannah Jackson Pearce (13) dressmaker, Mary (11), James (9), Samuel (7) and Thomas (5).

In 1861, living in Baldock Road, Bassingbourn, Royston, were James (57), Martha (53), with James (19), Samuel (17) and Thomas (15) still at home.

James Pearce died in 1868, aged 64.

In 1871, Martha Pearce (62) was in West Terrace, Baldock Road, Bassingbourn, with step-sons James (29) and Samuel (26).

In 1881, Martha Pearce (70), widow, annuitant, was living alone at Alms House, 8, Kneesworth Street, Royston.

In 1891, at Alms House, Kneesworth Road, Bassingbourne, Royston.

In 1901, Martha was at Mill Yard, Alms House, Kneesworth Street, Royston.

Alms houses in Kneesworth Street are mentioned (with photo) in Royston Register of Buildings of Local Interest (PDF), as a building of local architectural and historic interest, which clearly illustrates important aspects of the social history of the town:

Mrs. Barfield’s Almshouses, Kneesworth Street

Mrs. Barfield was the widow of Reverend Barfield and purchased the land on the west side of Kneesworth Street for 4 Almshouses. These were built in 1833 for poor windows. At a later date 3 others were built opposite from the accumulation of funds with the fourth funded by C. Beldam Esq. The Almshouses were built in 1858 and are constructed of gault brick in Flemish Bond with hip slate roofs. Tall gault brick chimneys project at intervals along the roof line and out of the end hips close to the eaves. The Almshouses are designed as two single storey elongated blocks situated parallel to each other and orientated to end onto the road. A lower central outhouse block is situated at a central point at right angles between the two rows of houses, creating an 'H' shaped layout. The balance and symmetry of the layout, form and design of the Almshouses are key to their local architectural and historic interest and their design contribution within the street scene.

Martha Pearce died in Royston in 1904, at the grand old age of 97.