Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze

Whitnage Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/2826469

Thomas Ridgway (bap. 4 Feb 1844), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Ann Tooze (b. 1844), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Peter’s Church Tiverton on 27 Mar 1865. Witnesses to their marriage were Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway (Thomas' sister), who were also married, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, in May of that same year.

Thomas and Ann Ridgeway/Ridgway had ten children. Where they were baptised, these were all at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman: 

1. James Ridgeway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441
2. Tom Ridgeway b. 1868 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441, bap. 7 Jun 1868 (Died, aged 12, in 1881 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275 and was buried at Uplowman on 28 Mar 1881)
3. John Ridgeway b. 18 Jun 1870 (1870 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 10 Jul 1870 
4. William Ridgeway b. 29 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 412), bap. 10 Aug 1873
5. Henry Ridgeway b. 17 Mar 1876 (1876 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433), bap 23 Apr 1876 
6. Frank Ridgway b. 1878 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 445, bap 28 Apr 1878 (Died aged 22 in 1900 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 253 and was buried on 13 Dec 1900 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman)
7. Bessie Ann Ridgway b. 4 Mar 1880 (1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 461), bap. 28 Mar 1880
8. Sidney Ridgway b. 24 Feb 1882 (1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 439), bap. 7 Apr 1882
9. Charles Ridgway b. 1884 M Quarter in TIVERTON  Volume 05B  Page 428, bap. 24 Feb 1884
10. Ellen Ridgway b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432)

As well as some being registered as Ridgeway and others Ridgway, various records have the mother's maiden name as TOOZE, TWOZE or TWOSE.

In 1871, Thomas Ridgway (sic) (27) Farm Labourer and Ann Ridgway  (27) were living at Lowman Cross, Uplowman with James Ridgway (4), Tom Ridgway (2) and John Ridgway (9m).

In 1881, at Whitnage, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgeway (37), Ann Ridgeway (37), John Ridgeway (10), William Ridgeway (7), Henry Ridgeway (5), Frank Ridgeway (3) and Bessie Ann Ridgeway (1), as well as Thomas' mother, Mary Ann Marsh (74). James Ridgeway (15) Ag Lab was in the household of Rachel Chave (51) Widow, Farmer in Halberton.

In 1891, still at Whitnage, Uplowman, with Thomas (47) and Ann (47), were James (24), Frank (13), Bessie (11), Sydney (9), Charles (7) and Ellen (5). In 1891, John Ridgeway (20) was lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman. And Harry Ridgeway (17) was working as a Farm servant to farmer, James Crosby at Landside, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton.

In 1901, living at Greenend, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgway (57), General Farm Labourer; Ann Ridgway (56), William Ridgway (27), Carter on Farm and Ellen Ridgway (15). 

Ann Ridgway died, aged 63, in 1907 D Quarter in ST THOMAS [Exeter - presumably at the hospital there] Volume 05B Page 41.

In 1911, Thomas Ridgway (67), Widower, Farm Labourer, was living with his son William Ridgway, at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton. 

In 1921, Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, was still living with son William Ridgeway at Neddycott, Uplowman.

Thomas Ridgway died, aged 83, in 1927 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 571.

Tiverton : Barrington Street & The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601864

William Ambrose Quick (b. 2 May 1885), son of George Quick and Mary Winzer married Bessie Ann Ridgeway, daughter of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, in Tiverton in 1906. In 1901, Bessie had been employed as Servant in the household of Thomas Heath, Postmaster, at 11, Bampton Street, Tiverton. William Quick (15), at that time, was a Tailor's apprentice.

William and Bessie had three sons:

1. George Ridgeway Quick b. 8 Feb 1907
2. Kenneth William Quick b. 7 Jan 1911
3. Hedley Charles Quick b. 18 Aug 1918

George and Kenneth were both baptised on 5 Jul 1911 at St Peter's Church.

In 1911, at 1 Brickfield Terrace, Martins Lane, Tiverton, Bessie Ann Quick (31) Boarding house keeper, with sons George Ridgeway Quick (4) and Kenneth William Quick (0) and three boarders: Annie Cuthbert (52), Thomas Jenkinson (28) and Edward Jenkinson (26). William Quick (25) Tailor, was a patient at the Tiverton Infirmary And Dispensary in Bampton Street.

In 1921, William Ambrose Quick (36) Tailor, working for Frederick William Mogridge Tailor at 47 Bampton Street, Tiverton, was living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with Bessie Anne Quick (41), George Ridgway Quick (14) Factory Boy Machine Minder at John Heathcoat & Co, Lace Manufacturers; Kenneth William Quick (10) and Hedley Charles Quick (2).

In 1926, Kenneth William Quick (15) enlisted in the Royal Artillery.

In 1939, the family were living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with William A Quick, Tailor; Bessie A Quick; Hedley C Quick, Glove Cutter. Living with them was Ellen Sampson, widow, Bessie's younger sister.

William A Quick died in 1952, at 67. 

Bessie A Quick died in 1956, at 75.

St Andrew Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1546985

Sidney Ridgeway (b. 24 Feb 1882), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Lucy Headford (b. 3 Jan 1886), daughter of George Headford and Ellen Baker, in Tiverton, in 1908. In 1901, Lucy, living at Cosways Buildings, 7, Westexe South, Tiverton, with her widowed mother and siblings, was working as a Wheelwinder, while her mother was a Silk hand and her sister a Silk winder, which suggests they were employed at Heathcoat Fabrics.

Sidney and Lucy had two children: 

1. Charles Ridgeway b. 29 May 1908
2. Beatrice Maud Ridgeway b. 21 Jun 1910

In 1911, Sidney Ridgeway (28) Woodman on estate, Lucy Ridgeway (24), Charles (2) and Beatrice (0) were living at 2 Langwood, Cove, Tiverton.

In 1921, Sidney Ridgeway (39) Colliery Repairer Underground at Gt Western Colliery Co; Lucy Ridgeway (35), Charles Ridgeway (13) and Beatrice Maud Ridgeway (11) were living at 48, Danygraig Street, Pontypridd, Wales.

In 1939, Sidney Ridgeway, 'Electric Wireman at the Municipal Electric Works', Lucy Ridgeway and Lily Headford, Incapacitated (Lucy's younger sister), were in Higher Rock Close, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. In a separate household in Higher Rock Close, were Malcolm G Huish, 'General Labourer Gas & Electricity Works', Beatrice Huish and daughter, Marion. Charles Ridgeway, 'Gas Worker' and Dorothy Ellen Ridgeway, lived at 9 Hammett Square.

Lucy Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1949, aged 64. Sidney Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1957, aged 75. Charles Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1973, at 65, and Beatrice Huish, in 1975, at 65, in Sedgemoor, Somerset.

• Charles Ridgeway married Dorothy Ellen Lazarus in 1932.
• Beatrice Ridgeway married Malcolm Garfield Huish in 1935.

Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey

Charles Ridgeway (b. 1884), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ivy Edna Evans (b. 5 Jan 1905), in Tiverton, in 1936. The bridegroom was 52 at the time of their marriage, while the bride was 21 years his junior at 31. Nevertheless, this does seem to be Charles' first marriage. Unable to find Ivy's birth record, I cannot discount that she could have been married before.

On 29 May 1901, Charles Ridgeway, previously a labourer from Uplowman, Devon, had enlisted in the British Army. His age of 18 and 3 months on enlistment, would give a birth year of 1883, so it appears that he added a year to his age to sign up. Certainly not the first or last to do so, and if there were any additional urgency or motivation for doing this, it might have been because the Second Boer War was then in progress. Charles later, was at Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey and there transferred to the Royal Tank Corps, having previously been attached to the 3rd Hussars. 

He was discharged, after 21 years service, on 28 May 1922, at the termination of his period of engagement (Para 392 (xxi) KR), having served right through World War I. His address on discharge was 104, Barrington Street, Tiverton, which was his sister, Bessie Ann Quick's address. 

At some point, Charles had been wounded, which I believe is why he was awarded a pension at a rate of 31½d for life from 29 May 1922. (That's 18s 4½d per week, when 20 shillings = £1 in 1922 is worth £58.29 today.)

In 1939, Charles Ridgeway, Groom, was living at 5 Radcliffe Cottages, St Thomas, Devon. His date of birth on the 1939 Register is given as 24 Feb 1884. This was the date he was baptised, so either he was baptised on the very day he was born, or the actual date of his birth is lost in time. Living with him is his wife, Ivy E Ridgeway. There are then two closed entries, so it's possible that they had children (who may well still be alive).

Charles Ridgeway died at the beginning of 1955, aged 70, in Tiverton.

Ivy Edna Ridgeway died, in Exeter, in 1975, also aged 70.

Charles Stone and Emma Middleton

Interior of St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Voller - geograph.org.uk/p/3683165
This church is famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) in that upon its organ, seen left of picture, was played for the very first time, the tune that was destined to send shivers up the spine of many a strong man. It was of course ... (intake of breath) "The Wedding March". On June 2nd 1847, at a wedding ceremony here, Felix Mendelssohn's composition ushered the bride and groom out of the church as man and wife. The couple were, I believe, friends of the composer.

Charles Stone (b. 8 Apr 1869 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Emma Middleton (b. 6 Aug 1862 in West Anstey, Devon), daughter of Jane Middleton, on 29 Oct 1896 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton and were my great-grandparents. They both gave their address as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, which was that of Charles' younger sister, Lucy Jane and her husband, William Bridle, who were their witnesses.

In 1891, Emma Middleton (26) was a Domestic Servant to William Heywood (27), Farmer (son of Robert Heywood of Spurway Barton), at West Spurway Farm, Oakford, Devon. (Emma's illegitimate son, William Henry Middleton, b. 4 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 435), was then living with his grandmother, Jane Howe, in Stoodleigh.) Charles Stone (20), was Farm Servant to William Gale (69), at Courtney Farm, Washfield.

No idea why she later chose to change her name from Emma to Emily (fashion perhaps?), but she didn't seem to be trying to hide her son William Henry's illegitimate status, but might have been trying to play down her own, because Emma (Emily) "invented" a father called William Middleton for the marriage certificate. As we now know Middleton was not only hers, but also her mother's maiden name, so that couldn't be her father's name. Emma (Emily) had an older brother and an uncle William Middleton, both of whom she never met as they died as infants, whose name she was clearly borrowing.

Well, I say she wasn't trying to hide William Henry's true origins, but clearly someone came up with a story later, because my father was always under the mistaken impression that William Henry Middleton, his "Uncle Bill", was the product of Emily's "first marriage". Of course there was no such alliance.

1 Silver Street, Tiverton where my grandfather was born on 6 Jun 1898

Charles and Emma (Emily) Stone added four more children:

1. Charley Stone b. 6 Jun 1898 at 1 Silver Street, Tiverton (1898 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401), bap. 20 Jul 1898 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, clearly listed as son of Charles and Emma.
2. Albert Stone b. 18 Jan 1900 (1900 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 399)
3. Emily Stone b. 2 May 1901 (1901 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 387)
4. Henry Stone b. 17 Nov 1902 (1902 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 375)

All of the GRO registrations list the mother's maiden name as MIDDLETON.

Only Charley was baptised, most probably because they moved out to Lower Washfield, which would have been a very long walk to any church.

Woodgates, Lower Washfield, Tiverton, their address in 1901

In 1901, Charles (30), Agricultural Labourer, and Emily (33 - really 39 - the gap between fiction and reality getting bigger) were living at Woodgates, Lower Washfield, with their two sons, Charley (2) and Albert (Bert) (1). William Henry Middleton (13) Agricultural Labourer was working for John Hussey (38) Farmer at Wood & Honeyland, Tiverton. 

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 7 Sep 1904 reported that: "A summons against Frank Raymond, farmer's son, of Washfield, for assaulting Emma Stone, a married woman, of Washfield, on August 30th, was dismissed at the Tiverton Sessions yesterday. From the evidence it appeared that there was a family quarrel, brought about by a son aged 17 years, going back home to reside. The father objected to the lad staying at home, and asked Raymond to assist him to remove the youth's box from the house, which he did. Mrs Stone attempted to stop the father from removing the box, and, in consequence, Raymond held her while he was doing so." (The age of the 'youth' mentioned corresponds with that of Charles' step-son, William Henry Middleton.)

Charles and Emma with their children:
Charley (rear right), Albert (rear left),
Emily, (front right) and Harry (front left)

In 1911, in Hayne Lane, Bolham, were Charles Stone (40) Carter on Farm; Emily Stone who had lost another couple of years to reach 41 (actually 49); Charley Stone (12) School half-timer; Albert Stone (10), Emily Stone (9) and Harry Stone (8). The information on this census confirms that they had four children and said they had been married 12 years (closer to 15). The photo (right) was taken around this time, at the side of the house at 4 Hayne Lane, Bolham. These cottages were originally built for the workers on the Knightshayes Estate - Home Farm, Knightshayes is at the end of Hayne Lane - for whom Charles presumably then worked. William Henry Middleton (21) Private Royal Marines, was then at the Royal Marine Barracks, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Devon.

In 1921, Charles Stone (51) General Farm Labourer was living in West Manley, Tiverton, Devon, working for Mr A Farrant, Farmer of West Manley Farm. Emily Stone was claiming to be 31 - she was actually 59 - with just Harry Stone (18) General Roadman For District Council, still at home. William Henry Middleton had married in 1918 and was living in Ash Thomas, Devon; Charley Stone (24) [i.e. still maintaining he was a year older than he really was], Corporal RMLI, was with the Royal Navy, Armed Forces Overseas (he was in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland); Albert Stone (21) Private RMLI was with H.M.S. Ramillies in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth and Emily Stone (20) was a General Domestic Servant in the household of the Managing Secretary of the Cooperative Society Ltd, at 27, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. 

Charles Stone died on 13 Jun 1930, aged 61 (1930 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 467). So far found no record of burial.

Emily Stone died on 2 Jun 1936 (1936 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 492), age again under-estimated at 68 - actually in her 74th year.

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016