John Summers and Sarah Middleton

Uffculme: The Square and St Mary’s church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/839640

John Summers married Sarah Middleton, both of them born in Devon around 1774, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Uffculme, on 28 May 1799. 

Records suggest that John and Sarah Summers had four children:

1. Elizabeth Summers bap. 21 Jul 1799 in Uffculme
2. John Summers bap. 17 Aug 1801 in Uffculme
3. Mary Somers (sic) b. 10 Jun 1804, bap. 25 Dec 1804, in Halberton
4. Richard Summers b. 13 Aug 1807, bap. 25 Dec 1807, in Halberton

In 1841, we find John Summers (65) Agricultural Labourer, Sarah Summers (65) and Richard Summers (30), living at Telgers, Halberton.

John Summers died, age given as 70, in 1844 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 182.

In 1851, Sarah Summers (76) Widow, Pauper, was living in Uffculme with her eldest daughter, Elizabeth Tidborough (51) Widow, Worsted Warper.

Sarah Summers died in 1854 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 255.

Thomas Goodman and Mary Ann Pluck

The Deanery Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Bocking Churchstreet, Braintree
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/2607258

Thomas Goodman (b. 7 Jan 1791, bap. 13 Feb 1791), son of William Goodman and Elizabeth Turner, married Mary Ann Pluck (bap. 12 Mar 1790 at St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden), daughter of John James Pluck and Elizabeth Coe, at St Mary the Virgin, Bocking, on 22 Jan 1813.

Thomas and Mary Ann Goodman had eight children:

1. Ann Goodman bap. 9 Nov 1814 at St. Michael's Church, Braintree
2. William Goodman bap. 16 Jul 1815 at St Mary the Virgin, Bocking
3. Mary Ann Goodman bap. 3 Aug 1817 in Bocking, Essex. Died Feb 1824 at Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Buried on 15 Feb 1824 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town (aka Globe Road Memorial Garden).
4. George Goodman b. 29 Apr 1819 (presumably born in Essex), bap. 25 Dec 1822 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green
5. Eliza Goodman bap. 16 Dec 1821 at St. Andrew's Church, Halstead
6. Phebe Goodman b. 6 Dec 1823, bap. 9 May 1824 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. Died May 1824 at Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Buried 23 May 1824 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town.
7. Thomas Alfred Goodman b. 2 Mar 1825, bap. 25 Dec 1825 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. Died July 1826 at Tent Street, Bethnal Green. Buried on 3 Jul 1826 at Globe Fields Burial Ground, Mile End Old Town.
8. Louisa Goodman b. 26 Feb 1827, bap. 18 Mar 1827 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green.

All of the baptisms specify the child's parents as Thomas and Mary and most also specify that Thomas Goodman's occupation was a Carpenter. They clearly moved into London some time between Eliza's baptism in Essex, on 16 Dec 1821 and that of George, in Bethnal Green, on Christmas Day 1822.

In 1841, in Carlisle Street, Bethnal Green, were Thomas Goodman (50), Mary Goodman (51), William Goodman (25) and Louisa Goodman (14). 

It is my belief that the death of Thomas Goodman, age estimated to 59, who died 1847 D Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 25, relates. 

Mary Ann Goodman died, in 1849 in BETHNAL GREEN Vol 02 Page 16.

Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: Eastern aspect
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642105
The church stands next to Holcombe Court 'the finest Tudor house in Devon'.
Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus

Thomas Tooze (bap. 5 Jun 1770), son of William Tooze and Joan Cood, married Joan Potter (bap. 21 Jan 1771), daughter of James Potter and Jane Stone, on 6 May 1795, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus, Devon. One of the witnesses to this marriage was a Samuel Tooze.

Thomas and Joan had seven children, all baptised at Holcombe Rogus: 

1. Robert Tooze bap. 29 Jan 1797 (Buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1797)
2. Thomas Tooze bap. 17 May 1801
3. Richard Tooze bap. 24 Jul 1803
4. John Tooze bap. 25 Dec 1806
5. William Tooze bap. 3 Apr 1809
6. Samuel Tooze bap. 8 Mar 1812. (Buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1813)
7. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 15 May 1814

On Elizabeth's baptism, her father's occupation is listed as Thatcher.

Thomas Tooze died, aged 70, in 1840 (GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 10 Page 367) and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

In 1841, Joan Tooze (70) was living by the New Inn, Holcombe Rogus, with James Tooze (15), her grandson, son of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers. I've not found any further records for Joan nor of her death / burial.

Richard Gollop and Hester Litten

Honiton : St Michael's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5740951

Richard Gollop and Hester Litten were married, on 27 Apr 1770, in Honiton on Otter, Devon, which today is just called Honiton and, well, it's close to the River Otter. Not at St Paul's Church, High Street, as that wasn't built until 1835, so probably at the former parish church of St Michael's (now closed), but not as we see it now, as it was rebuilt in 1911/12 after a fire. 

Richard Gollop appears to be the son of William and Mary Gollop, baptised on 25 Dec 1746 in Kilmington, Devon, while Hester Litten (or Littin) was the 'Bast' (Bastard, obvs) child of Dinah Littin from Offwell, bap. 7 Sep 1741.

Richard and Hester had at least three children: 

1. Robert Gollop bap. 17 May 1772 in Offwell
2. Elizabeth Gollop bap. 12 May 1776 in Offwell
3. Dinah Gollop bap. 22 Oct 1780 in Offwell

It's hard to be certain with records this old, but there was a burial of a Richard Gollop on 15 Jun 1800 and a burial of an Esther Gollop, Widow, on 11 Dec 1808, both in the parish of Widworthy, which may relate to this couple.

Richard Rowland and Caroline Tooze

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Taunton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3157603

Richard Rowland (bap. 25 Dec 1819 in Upottery), son of William Rowland and Betty Hill (m. 11 Mar 1802 in Upottery, Devon), married Caroline Tooze (bap. 22 Feb 1829 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton (now Taunton Minster) on 8 Apr 1856. The witnesses were Samuel Tooze and Robert Dyer.

Richard and Caroline had eight children, none were baptised:

1. Alfred James Rowland b. 1857 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369. Died, aged 6, in 1864, and was buried in Nynehead, Somerset.
2. Emma Jane Rowland b. 1859 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 427. Died at 26, in 1885 in Wellington.
3. Alfred Richard Rowland b. 1860 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 368. Registered as Alfred Richard, but appears to have been known as Francis.
4. Ann Rowland b. 1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 440. Died at 8, in 1871, in Wellington.
5. Rosa Rowland b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 378
6. Emily Rowland b. 1867 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 386. Died, aged 10, in 1877, in Wellington.
7. Alfred Rowland b. 1869 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 355
8. Walter Rowland b. 1872 in Wellington, Somerset.

In 1861, Richard Rowland (34) Shepherd from Upottery, Devon was living at Haywood Cottage, Nynehead, Somerset with wife Caroline Rowland (32) from Holcombe Rogus, Devon; Alfred (3) and Emma Jane (2) born in West Buckland, Somerset; Francis Rowland (5 months) [must be the child registered as Alfred Richard] born in Nynehead and James Tooze (21) Chairmaker, Lodger (this is Caroline's younger brother).

In 1871, living in Payton, Wellington, were Richard Rowland (50) Farm Labourer, Caroline Rowland (40), Francis (10), Anne (8), Rosa (6), Emily (4) and Alfred (2) - the last two having been born in Langford, Somerset.

Caroline Rowland died, age estimated to 48, in 1876 D Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 238.

In 1881, Richard Rowland (68) Agricultural Labourer from Upottery, was an Inmate in Wellington Union Workhouse. Wellington Workhouse was the first to be built after the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which ordered that every area in England and Wales should have a purpose built place to house the poor. [Source] Also Inmates, in a different section from their father, were Alfred Rowland (13) Scholar (pauper) born in Langford Budville, Somerset and Walter Rowland (9) Scholar (pauper), born in Wellington, Somerset. There was a Rose Rowland (16) Woolen Feeder, living in Wellington as head of the household, living with her was Mary A Stevens (14) Lodger.

In 1891, Richard Rowland (age estimated to 75) Widower, Agricultural Labourer was still an Inmate of Wellington Union Workhouse. Rose Rowland married Tom Winter in 1887 and were living in Rockwell Green, in 1891. Alfred Rowland (21) Assistant Butcher, Servant, born in Langford, Somerset was in the household of James Moorish (29) Butcher, at 27 Rockwell Green.

Richard Rowland died, at 73, in 1892 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 252.

James Ridgeway and Harriet Stone

Inside the Grade II* Listed St Peter’s Church in Uplowman

Harriet Stone, daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married her first cousin, James Ridgeway, who was the son of her mother's younger brother, Thomas Ridgeway and his wife, Ann Tooze, on 1 Apr 1895, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman. Harriet was 29 and James 27. Witnesses were Harriet's younger sister, Lucy Jane Stone and Francis Stone (undoubtedly her younger brother, not her 7 year old son.) But the marriage was not before Harriet had a second son, Charles Stone, registered in the same quarter of that year. 

Children of this blended family include: 

1. Francis Stone b. 25 Dec 1887, bap 10 Feb 1888 at Uplowman. He's described on the baptism record as the "Base born" son of Harriet Stone, Labourer's daughter. In 1939, Francis Stone, Road Labourer, single, was living at Pead Hill Cottage, Chevithorne. He died, in Tiverton, in 1965. 
2. Charles Ridgway b. 3 Mar 1895, bap. 1 May 1895 at Uplowman. The baptism record lists him as "Charles Stone or Ridgway, son of Harriet Stone alias Ridgway. Married after birth of child." 
3. Nellie Ridgway b. 7 Jan 1897, bap. 28 Feb 1897 at Uplowman.
4. Emily Ridgway b. 31 Aug 1899, bap. 29 Oct 1899 (died, aged 3, buried 3 Aug 1903, in Uplowman)
5. James Ridgway b. 10 Feb 1904, bap. 1 Apr 1904 at Uplowman. 

In 1901, at Greengate, Uplowman, James Ridgway (34), Farm Labourer, has become the head of the family and with them was Harriet's widowed father, Henry (71) (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, as well as Harriet's brother, Francis Stone. Whether the two older boys were James Ridgway's sons or not, they were also both listed with the surname Ridgway on that census return. This looks most likely to be a simple case of the enumerator getting carried away with Ditto marks. 

In 1911, at Road Crosses, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, were James Ridgway (44), Farm Labourer, Harriet (46), Nellie (14), Domestic Servant, James Ridgway (7). However, Frank Stone (23) and Charles Stone (16), were relegated the bottom of the list and both described as James' stepsons.

James Ridgway died, aged 62, in 1929 and Harriet, in 1936, aged 71.

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.

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

Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle

Church of St Andrew
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5713509
The Minster Church of St Andrew, also known as St Andrew's Church, Plymouth.

Thomas Fudge, of the Royal Marines, married Ann Beedle, of this Parish, at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth on 12 Aug 1834. Neither could sign their own names. Witnesses were Catherine Murray and James Boulter.

Thomas and Ann had three children:

1. Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fuge (sic) bap. 7 Aug 1836 in East Stonehouse, Devon
2. Thomas James Fudge b. 1843 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 09 Page 341
3. Sarah Jane Fudge b. 25 Dec 1850, reg. 1851 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 09 Page 389

On Lucy Elizabeth Ann's baptism, her father's occupation is given as Drummer, Royal Marines. The registrations of Thomas and Sarah confirm their mother's maiden name as Beedle. Despite there being long gaps between each child, checking year by year through the records at the General Record Office did not reveal any others. Possibly because Thomas was often away at sea.

Navy Allotment Records list Thomas Fudge of 26 High Street, Stonehouse as a Fifer aboard HMS Endymion (1797) in 1841; in 1844 with HMS Mutine (1844) and HMS Mutche in 1845. In 1845, Thomas Fudge from Stonehouse was listed among Merchant Seamen, Merchant Navy & Maritime.

In 1841, Ann Fuge (sic) (25) (ish) was one of a very long list of people (too many for a private house) in Fore Street - with Louisa Fuge (sic) (4) - Lucy, clearly. Fore Street was the site of various establishments such as the Wesleyan Sailors' and Soldiers' Home and the Royal Sailors' Rest and Institute and it could well be one of these or a similar establishment they were staying in.

In 1851, Thomas Fudge (43) Greenwich Pensioner, his birthplace listed as East Stonehouse, Devonshire was living in Edgcumbe Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth with wife Ann Fudge (38), Lucy Fudge (15), Thomas Fudge (7) and baby Sarah Jane, incorrectly listed as Sarah Ann Fudge (sic) (0).

In 1861, living at 10 Providence Place, East Stonehouse was Thomas Fudge (53) Seaman; Ann Fudge (47), Thomas Fudge (17) Rope Maker; Sarah Fudge (11) Scholar and Anne L Fudge (3) Granddaughter. (Who I believe is Louisa Ann Bailey, daughter of Lucy Fudge, who had married Thomas Bailey in 1856.)

In 1871, then living in Bridport Street, Portsea, Hampshire, were Thomas Fudge (64) Seaman Pensioner, Anne Fudge (58) and Anne Fudge (13) who is listed as their daughter, but must be their granddaughter. What I don't understand is why the child is going by the surname Fudge, when she was born in 1858, her parents had married in 1856 and she was the second child anyway.

In 1881, Thomas Fudge (72) Navy Pensioner was living at 33, Bridport Street, Portsea with wife Ann (68). Living with them were their son-in-law George Charles Mew, married to Sarah Jane, along with four grandchildren.

Ann Fudge died, aged 71, in 1885 M Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 352. Thomas Fudge died back in his native EAST STONEHOUSE, in 1888 J Quarter, Volume 05B Page 205, with his age estimated as 83.

James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley

Approaching Kentismoor Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Anthony Vosper - geograph.org.uk/p/4852321

James Ridgeway, eldest son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock younger brother of my 2x great-grandmother Mary Ridgeway, married Thomasin Rookley (bap. 28 Feb 1841), daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, on 12 Nov 1859, at the parish church of St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare. 

In 1861, James Ridgeway (25), Thomasin Ridgeway (20) and Samuel Rookley (4) Nephew, were living at Kentismoor [Farm], Kentisbeare. 

The only child I have been able to find of this marriage was the birth of James Ridgeway in 1866, baptised in Kentisbeare on 25 Dec 1866. He died, aged 6 months and was buried, also in Kentisbeare churchyard, on 5 May 1867.

James Ridgway (37), Thomasin Ridgeway (28), still living at the 'Moor' [Kentismoor Farm] in 1871, have Thomasin's father, John Rookley (78) still employed as a Farm Labourer, living with them. John Rookely died shortly afterwards, aged 78, and was buried on 14 May 1871.

Fields by Rhode Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2129894

By 1881, James Ridgeway (45) and Thomasin Ridgeway (35), had moved to Rhode [Farm], Bradninch. Two nephews were staying with them as visitors, Walter Hartley (8) from Portsmouth and John Hartley (7) from Wales.

Bradninch: Devon Valley Mill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/71623
Also known as Hele Mill; there has been a paper mill here since at least 1765. These buildings date from the 20th century. The brick building carries a datestone of 1912. In previous centuries several other paper mills relied on the water power of the river Culm, seen here flowing under a bridge that may have once carried a siding into the works from the nearby railway.

In 1891, James Ridgway (50) Farm Labourer and Thomasin Ridgeway (45) now working at the paper mill, were living in Hele, Bradninch.

In Lower Hele, Bradninch, in 1901, are James Ridgeway (68) Agricultural Labourer and Tamsin (sic) Ridgeway (60) Rag cutter in a paper mill.

Still at Lower Hele in 1911, where James Ridgway (77) and Tomassie (sic) Ridgeway (70) were both described as "Old Age Pensioner". Mary James (67) Widow of No occupation from Plymtree, was staying with them as a visitor. 

Historically, the "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom (which included all of Ireland at that time). Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and the pensions were subject to a means test. 

James Ridgeway died in 1913, aged 78.

As so often happens, there's no record of Thomasin Ridgeway's death, as there was probably nobody left around who knew or cared what to register.

Bradninch and Hele

Louis William Kerslake, Beatrice Hoare & Nellie Bridle, and the tragic death of William John Bridle Kerslake (17)

Tiverton : Bampton Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6474556

Nellie Bridle, only child of William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone, married Louis William Kerslake, son of John Kerslake and Mary Ann Beedell, in Tiverton, in 1931. Their only child, William John Bridle Kerslake, was born 21 Apr 1932.

But this was not Lewis William's first marriage: On 25 Dec 1908, William Kerslake had married Beatrice Hoare, daughter of Samuel Hoare and Mary Elizabeth Noble, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. They had a daughter, Beatrice Gwendolen Kerslake, born 16 March 1909 and baptised, on 19 Jun 1909, also at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. On the baptism record, her father is listed as Lewis William Kerslake, Tailor, which confirms this is the same man. We find William Kerslake (25) Tailor, Beatrice Kerslake (22) and Gwendolen Kerslake (2), in 1911, living with Beatrice's parents at 1 Richards Buildings, [Bampton Street], Tiverton. Beatrice Kerslake died later in 1911, aged just 23. 

Electoral Registers confirm that Louis William moved back to live with his widowed mother, Mary Ann Kerslake, at The Works, Tiverton and was still there in 1930. At the same time, the 1930 Kelly's Directory listed Kerslake, Lewis Wm. tailor, at 72a, Bampton Street & 1 Newport Street, Tiverton. 

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

In 1939, Lewis W Kerslake, Air Ministry Contractor Fabric Work - he was a materials inspector, undoubtedly working on parachute fabrics at the Heathcoat factory - Nellie Kerslake and William J B Kerslake, were living with Nellie's widowed mother, Lucy J Bridle, at 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton.

Tiverton : Mill Leat
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6253823
Mill Leat providing water for the nearby Heathcoat Factory.

Then on 24 Aug 1949, their only son, Billy Kerslake, died, as reported on the front page of the Western Morning News, 25 Aug 1949:

TIVERTON BOY DIES IN LEAT

WENT FOR BATHE

A shock from an electric cable is believed to have caused the death last night of 17-year-old William Kerslake, son of Mr and Mrs L W Kerslake, of 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton. Kerslake in a bathing costume, was in a fairly shallow part of the leat running behind the old Heathcoat School, Tiverton, when he was seen to collapse. Mr Tom Pook, of Kings Crescent, Tiverton and Mr W Copp, of 2 Bridge Buildings, Tiverton, went fully clothed to his rescue and tried artificial respiration. Dr G Lowe and Dr P F Haggart were summoned but it was found that the boy was dead. Assistance was also given by Constable D F Levett.

The subsequent newspaper report after the inquest and funeral took up almost four columns. Much was made of it being private property. Today, I feel, much more emphasis would be placed on why there was a live, broken, unmaintained, dangerous electrical cable dangling in water where kids could access.

TRAGEDY IN LEAT

YOUNG BATHER IS ELECTROCUTED

CORONER'S WARNING TO PARENTS

William John Bridle Kerslake, 17-year old shop assistant, 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, was killed instantaneously when he grasped a live 230 volt electric cable while bathing, on Wednesday evening, in the Factory Leat of Messrs. John Heathcoat and Company Ltd.

At the inquest at the Tiverton and District Hospital on Saturday morning, the dangers of swimming in the Leat were stressed by the Coroner (Mr J A Young), who said, "Quite apart from the fact that it is private property, it is not a suitable playground for anybody, as there are other dangers quite apart from the unusual danger which caused this tragedy. Parents should prevent children from going there."

Sadly, the boys seemed to have first though that it was an electric eel.

Giving evidence at the inquest, Billy Kerslake's friend, Thomas Percival Stratford, had said, "An eel came by me where the electricity was and touched my legs. I nearly fell over. I said to Bill that I had felt something like an electric eel and he laughed." "He saw the wire hanging down ... the end of it was in the water. He said 'Perhaps that is causing the trouble?' He started to pull the wire up ... he must have touched a bare spot. He screamed and shot up into the air."

THE FUNERAL

Many tokens of sympathy

William was the only son of Mr and Mrs L W Kerslake. He took a leading part in many local organisations. He was a Patrol Leader of the 1st Tiverton Scouts and a member of the Tiverton Platoon of the Devon Army Cadet Force. A good athlete, he was a member of the Tiverton Harriers and the Tiverton Swimming Club. He was a member of Elmore Church, of which he was formerly a choir-boy.

Chapel Street was in mourning for the funeral on Saturday [27 Aug 1949]. A service, conducted by the Rector (the Rev W E Lane), assisted by Mr E Penny, was held in Elmore Church.

The cortege was met at the cemetery gate by a guard of honour of the Tiverton Platoon of the Devon Army Cadet Force and Councillor H Lee and Messrs B Homer and G Woodward, representing the Tiverton Swimming Club. At the grave side was a guard of honour of the 1st Tiverton Scouts under Scoutmaster J Gollop. [...] 

Chief mourners included: Mr and Mrs L W Kerslake (parents); Mr H Kerslake (uncle); Tom Stratford (friend); Mr & Mrs C Burt, Mr and Mrs E Kerslake and Mrs J Bowden and Mrs C Kerslake (uncles and aunts); Mr C Ridgeway, Miss J Burt and Mrs and Miss Northcott (cousins).

Mrs Kerslake (grandmother) was unable to attend. [She was 91 by then.] Her floral tribute read, "Till we meet again", with fondest love from Gran and Auntie Jenny (Jane Bowden).

Lewis William Kerslake of 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, died on 18 Dec 1971. Nellie Kerslake of Belmont Hospital, Tiverton, Devon, died on 15 Aug 1982.

Tiverton: Belmont Hospital
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/666559
Former Victorian workhouse in Belmont Road, before the redevelopment. After the Second World War it was utilised as a hospital, providing specialist care for the elderly.

George Burt and Fanny Jerwood

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1654824

George Burt married Fanny Jerwood on 25 Dec 1884 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. George Burt's Rank or Profession was given as Sailor. Fanny Jerwood was the daughter of John Jerwood (b. 1830), Labourer and his wife Sarah Davey (who had also married at St Peter's on 31 May 1853). George Burt's father is listed on the marriage certificate as William Burt, Labourer, however, this looks like an error as records suggest George's father was Edward Burt. As his father had died when George was two, he would never have known him.

On 26 Nov 1837, Edward Burt (b. 1816), son of Richard Burt, had married Mary Ann Prescott (b. 1821), daughter of John Prescott and Ann Warren, also at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. In 1841 they were living in Bampton Street, Tiverton with son George Burt (b. 1840). By 1851, Edward Burt (34) Labourer and Mary Ann (30), had added Edward (b. 1842), John (b. 1846), Richard (b. 1848) and William (b. 1851). Living with them was Mary Carter (71) Lodger. 

In 1859, the son George born in 1840, died, aged 19.

George Burt, born 1863, was actually registered as Sidney George Burt.

Their father, Edward Burt, then died, in 1866, in Tiverton, aged 50. 

In 1870, listed simply as George Burt (Sidney is never used again), son of a widow from Bampton Street, he was registered at Heathcote School.

In 1871, Mary Ann Burt (50) Widow, Seamstress, was still living in Bampton Street with her children: John (25) Mason's Labourer, Lucy (19) Lace Hand in Tiverton Factory, Charlotte (17) Laundress, James (11) and George (7), both at School. Emily Peters (19) also Lace Hand in Tiverton Factory and her son Berty Peters (2) were Lodging with them. Mary Ann Burt died in 1877, aged 56.

And so, George Burt, born 4 Nov 1863, enlisted in the Royal Navy, at 15, as a Boy 2nd Class on 8 Apr 1879. He served until 1 Nov 1901 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 18 Aug 1902. He was brought back into service on 2 Aug 1914 until 18 Jul 1917, although at shore establishments HMS Vivid (II and III). 

HMS Superb (1875)

In 1881, George Burt (17) Boy 1st Class was with the 1st Class Iron Screw Ship HMS Superb (1875), moored in Valletta (Grand Harbour), Malta.

George and Fanny's only child, Charles Edward Burt, was born on 4 Dec 1887.

In 1891, Fanny Burt (27) with son Charlie (3), were living at 150 Pembroke Street, Devonport, while George was with HMS Amphion (1883) in the Pacific.

Young Charlie was then enrolled at Heathcote School in 1894 and at that time, his mother's address was Melbourne Street, Tiverton, even though George was predominantly in Devonport in 1894, first with HMS Himalaya (1854) and then at HMS Vivid II, joining HMS Grafton (1892) on 23 Oct 1894.

In 1901, George Burt (38), now a Leading Stoker, was again at HMS Vivid II, before being pensioned on 1 Nov that year. Fanny (37) was living at 2, Wellbrook Street, Prospect Place, Tiverton, with Charles (13) now a Silk lace maker and Sarah Jerwood (70) Widow, Boarder (Fanny's mother.)

Sarah Jerwood having died in 1910, in 1911, George Burt (48) Grocer and dealer, wife Fanny (47) Assisting in the business and son Charles Edward Burt (23) Lace machine hand, were living at 24 Wellbrook St, Tiverton.

George Burt died in Tiverton in 1937, aged 73.

Fanny Burt died in 1938, aged 74.

Tiverton: Wellbrook Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/1993212

Stanley Victor Proudlock and Theresa Margaret Clancy

Downtown Orangeville Municipal Affairs and Housing, CC BY 2.0

In 1951, Theresa Margaret Clancy, daughter of Patrick Michael Clancy and Rosina Kathleen Stone, married Stanley Victor Proudlock (b. 25 Dec 1928), son of Herbert William Proudlock and Dorothy May Shilcock, in Portsmouth. 

This couple had twin boys in 1953 and on 14 May 1954, Stanley V Proudlock (25) a Riveter of 87 Eastney Caravan Site, Portsmouth embarked in Southampton on Cunard's RMS Samaria, bound for Quebec. On 11 Jun 1954, Theresa Proudlock (26) and their two 8 month old sons followed, also on RMS Samaria. 

The couple later added a daughter.

Theresa Margaret Proudlock (née Clancy), "passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the age of 87." [Source] Stanley Victor Proudlock died on 8 May 2015. They are buried together at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada.

George Fuller and Eliza Ellen Hockley

St. Helens and St. Giles Church, Rainham
Max Naylor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

George Fuller, son of James William Fuller and Maria Phillips, married Eliza Ellen Hockley, daughter of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham on 25 Dec 1894. Eliza's parents had married on Christmas Day too, 24 years previously, in Great Dunmow. Rather than being a romantic tradition, it was probably the only day that labourers had free and, as churches often offered their services free or at reduced rates on Christmas.

The only part of my family history I knew anything at all (and then not much) about growing up was this baker's dozen. In order, with dates, as follows: 

1. Annie Elizabeth Fuller born 17 Feb 1895, bap. 28 Mar 1895. (Died aged 16 months and was buried, on 1 Jul 1896, at Rainham.)
2. George Fuller born 12 Jun 1896, bap. 17 Jul 1896
3. Ada Fuller born 27 Oct 1897, bap. 7 Jan 1898
4. Emily Fuller born 31 Dec 1899, bap. 4 Feb 1900
5. Elizabeth Fuller born 22 Mar 1901, bap. 5 May 1901
6. Daisy Fuller born 15 Jan 1903, bap. 19 Apr 1903
7. Eliza Fuller born 18 Sep 1905, bap. 23 Nov 1911
8. May Fuller born 2 Nov 1906, bap. 23 Nov 1911
9. John Fuller born 9 Jan 1908, bap. 23 Nov 1911
10. James Fuller born 2 Feb 1910, bap. 23 Nov 1911
11. Florence Fuller born 15 Oct 1911, bap. 23 Nov 1911
12. Ellen Fuller born 21 Nov 1914
13. Rose Fuller born 24 May 1917

They go to all the trouble of that bulk baptism catch-up in 1911, then, it seems, did not baptise either Ellen or Rose. (Records online go up to 1920.)

Back row (L-R): May, John (Jack), James (Jim), Florence (Flo) and Eliza (Lili)
Front row: Rose, Ellen, Ada, Elizabeth (Bet) and Daisy.

In 1901, in Cowper Road, Rainham, we find, George Fuller (34) Wharfe Labourer, Eliza (25), George (4), Ada (3), Emily (1) and Baby Fuller (0) - later Elizabeth. Also staying with them was Emily Hockley (17), Eliza's sister.

And in 1911 at White Cottages, Rainham (a.k.a. Whitepost Cottages), there were George Fuller (44) Farm Labourer, Eliza (35), George (14), Ada (13), Emily (11), Elizabeth (10), Daisy (8), Eliza (5), May (4), John (3) and James (1). 

Eliza Ellen Fuller (née Hockley)

George Fuller, of 150 Upminser Road, Rainham, died, aged 65, on 12 Nov 1931 at 1 Oldchurch Road, Romford, which was, of course, the address of the former Oldchurch Hospital (and before that Romford Union Workhouse). Cause of death was listed as, "(1) a Haemorrhage & Rupture of Aneurysm of left Iliac Artery. (2) Atheroma." G. Fuller, son, of 6 East Close, Rainham was present. 

In 1939, Eliza Ellen Fuller was living with daughter, Flo Wilson, at 1 Pinewood Avenue, Rainham. Eliza Ellen Fuller died on 30 May 1953, aged 77 and is interred in Rainham Cemetery, Grave number 491 Section B.

Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke

St Mary Magdalene, North Ockendon - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2657540

Joseph Phillips married Ann Clarke at St Mary Magdalene church, North Ockendon on 12 Jan 1801, the first ancestors I've found in this branch.

Joseph and Ann had at least five sons:

1. James Phillips bap. 12 Feb 1804 (buried 21 Nov 1804) both at St. Nicholas, South Ockendon
2. Thomas Phillips bap. 25 May 1806 at St. Nicholas, South Ockendon
3. James Phillips bap. 17 Jul 1808 at St. Nicholas, South Ockendon (buried 2 Oct 1814 at St Michael, Aveley)
4. William Phillips born 25 Dec 1810, bap. 20 Jan 1811 at St Michael's, Aveley. (There is a burial of a William Phillips, aged 31, on 25 Apr 1841 in Rainham that may relate.)
5. Isaac Phillips bap. 26 Dec 1813 at St Giles & All Saints, Orsett

It's also possible that there was a sixth child, as there's a burial of a Joseph Phillips, aged 5, in Aveley, on 3 Dec 1815 (so also born 1810). However, I haven't been able to find a baptism to confirm he belonged to this family.

Haven't been able to find out for certain when Ann died, but there was a burial of an Ann Phillips (37) in Grays Thurrock on 18 Apr 1819. Then in 1841, there is a Joseph Phillips of the right age (65) with a wife Susan (50), Eliza Phillips (20) and Emma Phillips (1) in West Thurrock, Orsett, so perhaps he remarried.

There is a death of a Joseph Phillips in 1844, in Orsett, aged 67. 

James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton

St Mary, Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3988759

James Hockley, son of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, married Elizabeth Wilton, daughter of Richard Wilton and Catherine Byatt at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 25 Dec 1870. The groom was 20, the bride claimed to be 19, but was 23. :) James' occupation, as well as that of both George and Richard is recorded as Labourer. In Richard Wilton's case, this is incorrect. We know from at least three sources (1841 census, his own marriage in 1843, as well as his death certificate) that Richard Wilton was a harness maker. However, as Richard had died in 1858, when Elizabeth was only around 11, she either didn't know or had forgotten (and probably couldn't read what was written anyway), so I can see how this error became perpetuated.

James and Elizabeth Hockley set about repopulating Essex:

1. Alice Catherine Wilton b. 12 Feb 1869 in Great Dunmow
2. George James Hockley b. 1871 in Great Dunmow,
   bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
3. Charles Stephen Hockley b. 1874 in Poplar,
   bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
4. Eliza Ellen Hockley b. 15 Apr 1876 in Romford,
   bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch.
5. William Hockley b. 1878 (died 1880, aged 1)
6. John Harry Hockley b. 25 Jul 1881,
   bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
7. Emily Hockley b. 1884,
   bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
8. Frederick Hockley b. 1886 (mother's maiden name as Wilson)
9. Alfred Albert Hockley b. 15 Apr 1888
10. Joseph Hockley b. 1892 (died 1892, aged 0)
11. Florence Hockley b. 1894

In 1871, James Hockley (20) Labourer, and Elizabeth Hockley (21 ish) were living on the Braintree Road, Great Dunmow. Two year old Alice, meanwhile, was next-door-but-one with her grandmother, Catherine Eldred.

In 1874 they were in Poplar where Charles Stephen Hockley was born. Elizabeth's mother, Catherine Eldred, was also living in Poplar, as was James' eldest brother William, which explains them being in the area.

By 1881, James (29) and Elizabeth (28) were living in South End Road, Hornchurch, with Alice Hockley (14) - now using James' surname? [1] - George Hockley (11), Charles Hockley (9) birthplace given as Bromley - this was Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar - and Eliza E Hockley (4).

[1] Alice being listed with the surname Hockley on this census may NOT mean that she used it normally, nor does it infer that James Hockley is her father. It could just be the enumerator going mad with ditto marks, an assumption, or simply that it wasn't challenged.

South Hall Farmhouse, Rainham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Anstiss - geograph.org.uk/p/3219637

In 1891 at 3, Spring Cottages, High Street, Rainham (these & White Post Cottages were next to South Hall Farm on the Wennington Road), were James Hockley (39) Agricultural Labourer, Elizabeth (37), George (19), Charles (17), Eliza (15), Harry (9), Emily (7), Frederick (5) and Alfred (3).

In 1901, still at 3, Spring Cottages, James Hockley (48) was Foreman on Farm. With him were wife Elizabeth (44) still getting younger - I make her 54 - Harry Hockley (19) Horseman on Farm, Frederick Hockley (15) Horseman on Farm, Alfred Hockley (13) Attending School and Florence Hockley (6).

In 1911, James Hockley (63) had become the Bailiff on Farm (Farm bailiff) with Elizabeth (56), Frederick (25), Alfred Albert (23) and Florence (17).

Elizabeth Hockley died in 1924. She was 77.

James Hockley died in 1936. He was 87.

Henry Doe and Elizabeth Stones

St Mary's, Great Canfield, Essex

Henry Doe, son of John Doe and Jane Brand, married Elizabeth Stones (bap. 14 Apr 1754 at Saint Michael and All Angels, Leaden Roding), daughter of John and Mary Stones, at St Mary's, Great Canfield on 20 Oct 1773. Henry and Elizabeth appear to have had 7 children, four baptised at Great Canfield:

1. Elizabeth Doe bap. 16 Jan 1774
2. Eleanor Doe bap. 25 Dec 1774
3. Henry Doe bap. 20 Sep 1778
4. Sarah Doe bap. 9 Sep 1781

The following 3 children, all baptised together at All Saints Church in Little Canfield on 11 Dec 1799, were also born to Henry and Elizabeth Doe. 

5. Dinah Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795 (Born between 1784 and 1791)
6. Jude Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795 (Judith, born ~1792)
7. Jane Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795

Henry Doe died in 1825. He was buried at St Mary's, Great Canfield.

John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey

John Henry Charles Sweeney
and Susannah Harvey.
Image provided by Jon Gilbert,
descendant of Rosina Sweeney

John Henry Charles Sweeney, son of John Sweeney and Anne Elizabeth Gabbaday, married Susannah Harvey, daughter of John Harvey and Esther Glede, on 6 Jul 1862 at the church of St John the Evangelist, Limehouse. The bride was 16 and the groom, listed as a Seaman, will have been 23 at the time of the marriage. Witnesses were the bridegroom's father, John Sweney (sic) and the groom's sister, Mary Ann Sweeney.

John and Susannah had eleven children:

1. Susannah Sweeney b. 5 Jun 1862
2. John Sweeney b. 6 Apr 1864, bap. 5 May 1864 at St John the Evangelist (died 1866, aged 2)
3. Esther Ann Sweeney b. 1866 (died 1866, aged 0)
4. John Sweeney b. 12 Dec 1867, bap. 5 Jan 1868 at St John the Evangelist.
5. Job Sweeney b. 6 Feb 1870, bap. 11 May 1871 at St John.
6. Thomas Sweeney b. 25 Dec 1871, bap. 15 Feb 1872 at St John.
7. Henry Sweeney b. 13 Jan 1874, bap. 12 Mar 1874 at St John.
8. Mary May Sweeney b. 1876 (died 1877, age 1)
9. Mary Matilda Sweeney b. 11 Mar 1878
10. Charles Sweeney b. 17 Jul 1880
11. Rosina Sweney b. 4 Jun 1883

With three having not survived infancy, this explains the eight listed in the family bible. There are no more civil registrations to support further reputed issue, though, of course, there could have been stillbirths or miscarriages.

Notice that the 3rd child has been named Esther Ann - these are the names of the two grandmothers, maternal first, paternal second - and I believe this is significant: there are suggestions that this is a pattern within the family.

St John the Evangelist, Limehouse (bombed in 1940 and since demolished).

In 1871, John Sweeney (63), carpenter - John Henry Charles' father - was listed as the head of the household at Stephen Cottages, James Street, St Anne, Limehouse. Then there is John Henry Charles (31), labourer, wife Susan (26), daughter Susan (9), plus sons John (3) and Job (1).

In 1881, at Stephen Cottage, 1, Limehouse, Stepney, were John (41), Dock Labourer, wife Susannah (36), daughter Susannah (18), Tailoress, John (13), Tea Packer, Job (11), Thomas (9), Henry (7), Mary (3) and Charles (0).

In 1891, at Stephensons Cottages, Condor Street, Limehouse, Stepney (still the same place), were John (52), Labourer, Susannah (47), Job (21), Packer, Thomas (19), Labourer, Mary M (13), Charles (10) and Rosina (7).

In 1901, at Stephenson Cottages, 1, Limehouse, Stepney, were John Sweeney (63), Dock Labourer, Susannah (54), Thomas (29), General Labourer, Matilda (23), and Rosina (18), both Confectionery Packers.

And in 1911, the address as 1 Stephensons Cottages, Conder St, Limehouse, with all the kids having flown the nest, there were just John Henry Charles Sweeney (71), now a Night Watchman and Susannah (65).

Susannah died in 1918, aged 72. John H C died in 1922, aged 83.