Hugh Tapp and Harriet Middleton

Twitchen : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7465149
The first church in Twitchen was erected in medieval times and
was rebuilt in 1844 by John Tapp, Churchwarden.

Hugh Tapp (bap. 22 Apr 1832 in Twitchen, Devon), son of Hugh Tapp and Ann Yendell, married Harriet Middleton (bap. 4 May 1834, in Knowstone, Devon), daughter of Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker, at St Peter's Church, Twitchen, on 10 Nov 1858, 'legitimising' their eldest at the same time.

At home with his parents at Marledge in 1841, Hugh Tapp was then eldest of three surviving children: Hugh (9), John (5) and William (2). His grandparents, Hugh (77) and Joan (84) also lived at Marledge. By 1851, Hugh Tapp (17) was one of the labourers employed by Roger Buckingham, Farmer Of 70 Acres 2 Laborers, in Twitchen. James Buckingham, Hugh Buckingham, William and Roger Buckingham, as well as a John Tapp and a William Tapp, were all listed as farmers in Twitchen in WHITE'S DIRECTORY OF 1850. At that time, Harriet Middleton (16) was employed as a general servant by George Gilliard at Sandyway, Exmoor, on the Devon & Somerset border.

Hugh and Harriett Tapp had eight children:

1. John Tapp Middleton b. 1858 (Registered at the GRO as John Meddleton (sic) in 1858 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 429) and bap. 10 Nov 1858 at St Peter's Church, Twitchen
2. Hugh Tapp b. 1860 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 432 bap. 16 Dec 1860 at St Peter's Church, Twitchen
3. Mary Ann Tapp b. 1863 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 457 bap. 22 Nov 1863 at Twitchen
4. William Tapp b. 1866 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 8 Apr 1866 at St Mary's Church, Molland (Died aged 4 in 1870 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 380)
5. James Tapp b. 1868 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 449, bap. 25 Dec 1868 at St Mary's Church, Molland
6. William Henry Tapp b. 1870 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 431, bap. 27 Nov 1870 at St Mary's Church, Molland
7. Harriet Jane Tapp b. 7 Apr 1873 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 446. (No baptism record found.)
8. Willie Tapp b. 1875 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 439. (No other records of any kind found.)

From Hugh onwards the mother's maiden name is quoted as MIDDLETON.

In 1861, at Hough, Twitchen were Hugh Tapp (27) Agricultural Labourer; Harriett Tapp (26), John Tapp (2) and Hugh Tapp (4 mts).

In 1871, at Brimley, Molland were Hugh Tapp, Ag Lab and Harriet Tapp - who both inexplicably gave their ages as 31 - with John Tapp (13), Mary Tapp (8), James Tapp (3) and William H Tapp (3 mts).

Hugh Tapp died at just 45 in 1877 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 281 and was buried on 3 Jul 1877 in Molland.

Widow Harriet Tapp married Henry Blackford in South Molton, in 1879. 

In 1881, Henry Blackford (62) Ag Lab; Harriet Blackford (48), [William] Henry Tapp (10) and Jane Tapp (8), were living at Headgate, Twitchen. John Tapp (22) and James Tapp (13) were both Farm Servants for James Buckingham (55) Farmer at Pulsworthy, Twitchen. Mary [Ann] Tapp (18) was a General Servant to William May (48) Farmer at Popham Farm, North Molton.

Henry Blackford died, aged 66, in 1883 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 267 and was buried on 16 Jul 1883 in Twitchen.

In 1891, Harriet Blackford (56) Widow, was employed as a female servant in the household of Charles Purchase in North Hensley, North Molton. 

Harriet Blackford married William Palfreman (bap. 15 Aug 1830 in Molland, Devon), son of Richard Palfreman and Susanna Bowden, in Q1 1894. 

William Palfreman then died at 69 in 1899 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 314 and was buried on 12 Feb 1899 in Molland.

In 1901, Harriet Palfreman (67) Mother-in-Law, Widow, was living in the household of Eli James Jones - who had married Harriet Jane Tapp in 1899 - at 11 Volis Cottages (Volis Farm), Kingston St Mary, Taunton, Somerset.

In 1911, Harriet Palfreman (77) Mother-in-Law, Widow, Old Age Pensioner, was still living with her son-in-law and daughter at Ivy Cottage, Parkersfield, North Petherton. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom with the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908. Pensions were means-tested and a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p), was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum. The qualifying age was 70.)

Harriet Palfreman died, at 80, in 1915 J Qtr in BRIDGWATER Vol 05C 425.

James Shopland and Loveday Jane Stone

Bridge and Uplowman church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/4097757

James Shopland (b. 1885), son of James Shopland and Caroline Sydenham, married Loveday Jane Stone (b. 6 Apr 1884), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 2 Nov 1904. Witnesses were Mary Ann Stone and Frederick James Stone. 

James Shopland's father, James Shopland (1850-1908), was a Wheelwright and Carpenter of Chevithorne Village. In 1901, James Shopland (16) had been employed as a Dairyman's Labourer to Samuel B Thornton, residing at The Island Cottage, Lowman Green, Tiverton. Then, on 8 Jun 1901, adding two years to his age and claiming to be 18 years and 3 months, James Shopland, enlisted for Short Service in the Devonshire Regiment and served until 7 Jun 1913, when he was discharged at the end of his first period of engagement. James' record says he passed classes as Mounted infantry, Certified. From 23 Jul 1902 until 21 May 1903, James served in South Africa, in the aftermath of the Second Boer War. From 22 May 1903, until his discharge, he was assigned to Home, presumably actual home, as a reservist.

James and Loveday had four children:

1. Frederick James Shopland b. 19 Nov 1905 (1905 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 368), bap. 17 Dec 1905 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, as the family's address then was 3 Adam's Court, Barrington Street, Tiverton. 
2. Loveday Jane Shopland b. 14 Feb 1907 (1907 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 373), bap. 17 Feb 1907 at Cove. 
   
3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland b. 21 Jul 1908 (1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 357). 
4. Sidney Arthur Shopland bap. 27 Feb 1910 at Bickleigh (1910 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 337)

In 1911, living at New Cottages, Seckerleigh Farm, Halberton, were James Shopland (27) Farm Labourer, Loveday Jane (27), Frederick James (6), Loveday Jane (4), Albert Geoffrey (3), Sidney Arthur (1) and boarder, Robert Charles Harris (38) Farm Labourer, from Penzance, Cornwall. 

In 1921, James Shopland (35) was working for the Great Western Railway at Temple Meads Station, Bristol, and was living at 34, Pylle Hill Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol, with Loveday J Shopland (37), Frederick J Shopland (15) Machanist (Printing); Loveday J Shopland (14) Out of work; Albert J Shopland (12) and Sidney A Shopland (11).

In 1939, Loveday Jane Shopland was still at 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol, with daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott. James was not listed. 

Loveday Jane Shopland died, aged 56, in 1941 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 912. 

James Shopland died, at 69, in 1955 S Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 07B Page 68.

1. Frederick James Shopland married Elizabeth A P Cox (b. 1 Mar 1906) in Bristol, in 1927. In 1939, were at 131 Eden Grove, Bristol, with three other people in the household. Frederick James Shopland died in 1971, in Weston-super-Mare.
2. Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott in Bristol in 1928. Their address in 1939 was 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol. Leonard Southcott died, aged 47, in 1950 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 07B Page 49. In 1952, Loveday Jane Southcott remarried to a James John Basten Rank (b. 1898 in Wandsworth), son of James Rank and Rose Basten. James J B Rank died, aged 68, in 1966, in Weston-super-Mare. Loveday Jane Rank died in Q1/1995 in TAUNTON (7241B) Reg B62B Entry Number 168. There's also a record of her death listed as Loveday Jane Southcott. 
3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland married Annie Richards (b. 30 Sep 1911) in Bristol in 1930 and in 1939 they were living at 3 Chessington Avenue, Bristol. Albert G Shopland died, at 35, in 1944 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 48.
4. On 13 Jun 1929, Sidney Arthur Shopland enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Sidney A Shopland died, aged 58, in 1968, in Bristol.

Samuel Heywood and Emma Eliza Horn

The Watch House, Bermondsey Street, SE1
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/5914221
On the corner with Abbey Street, a grade II listed building, described as early 18th century.

Samuel Heywood (b. 1865 in Bermondsey), son of William Haywood and Jane Harris, married Emma Eliza Horn (b. 1868 in St George in the East), daughter of John Horn and Emma Green, on 29 Oct 1888, in Newington, Southwark St Saviour. (William Haywood, a Tanner, was originally from Devonshire.)

In 1891, Samuel Haywood (26) General Labourer and Emma Haywood (23) were living in Abbey Street, Bermondsey. (The street takes its name from the former Bermondsey Priory that occupied this site until the Reformation.)

Samuel and Emma had one daughter: 

1. Emma Edith Haywood b. 1892 J Quarter in SAINT OLAVE SOUTHWARK Volume 01D Page 233, but who sadly died in the same quarter in 1892 J Quarter in St. Olave Southwark Volume 01D Page 2143.

Samuel Heywood died, at 36, in 1902 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A 189.

In the 2nd Qtr of 1904, Emma Eliza Heywood remarried to William Henry Mann, at St Thomas, Stepney, that had stood in Arbour Square, Stepney.

William Henry Mann (b. 1 Apr 1863, bap. 31 May 1863 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk), son of Charles Ditcham Mann, Sailmaker, and Ann Lee, was a widower when he married Emma Eliza Heywood. His first marriage, on 6 Jul 1887, at St Nicholas, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (now Great Yarmouth Minster) was to Emma Eliza Jackson (b. 1866 in Medway, Kent (Chatham), daughter of William Jackson, Carpenter, and Maria Bratt. The first Mrs Emma Eliza Mann (née Jackson) had died, in 1904 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 328. That William Henry remarried within three months, was probably to provide care for his four children from his first marriage:

1. William Henry Mann b. 1890 J Qtr in BETHNAL GREEN Vol 01C 236
2. George Joseph Mann b. 23 Jun 1893 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 548
3. Sarah Eliza Prudence Mann b. 1895 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 594
4. Maria Louisa Julia Mann b. 7 Jun 1898 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 539

In 1911, William Henry Mann (48) Fishmonger from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk was living in Bow Common with the second Emma Eliza Mann (formerly Heywood, née Horn) (43) whose birthplace was curiously not listed (with the same two first names and only a two year difference in the birth years of his two wives, it would be easy to assume this was one person); Prudence Sarah Mann (16) and Maria Julia Mann (13), both born in Old Ford. 

Sarah Eliza Prudence Mann died, at 21, in 1916 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 505. 

Emma Eliza Mann (formerly Heywood, née Horn) died, at 48, on 24 May 1916 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 444. She was buried at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, with her father, John Horn, and step-mother.

Private William Henry Mann, Lancashire Fusiliers, son of William Henry Mann, of 78, Harley Rd, Great Yarmouth, died, aged 27, on 21 Mar 1918, the first day of the German spring offensive on the Western Front during the First World War. He is commemorated at the Pozières Memorial.

William Henry Mann died, aged 75, on 17 Mar 1939 back in his native Norfolk (1939 M Quarter in GREAT YARMOUTH Volume 04B Page 36) and left his effects to Maria Louisa Julia Mann and George Edward Todd.

Richard Bennett and Mary Richards

Morchard Bishop : St Mary the Virgin Church (Interior)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4509391

Richard Bennett (bap. 24 May 1790 in Morchard Bishop), son of Richard Bennet (sic) and Betty Hammet, married Mary Richards (bap. 17 Apr 1786 in Morchard Bishop), daughter of Peter Richards and Ann Cann, at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Morchard Bishop (the bells) on 29 Oct 1810.

Richard and Mary Bennett had eight children baptised in Morchard Bishop:

1. Mary Bennett bap. 24 Mar 1811
2. William Bennett bap. 4 Apr 1813 (residence Heathfield Moor)
3. Richard Bennett bap. 15 Oct 1815, their residence listed as Spire Lake
4. Ann Bennett bap. 29 Jun 1817 (residence listed as Spire Lake)
5. John Bennett bap. 21 May 1820 (residence Sharland)
6. Jane Bennett bap. 22 Dec 1822 (residence Lower Town)
7. Sarah Bennett bap. 6 Aug 1826 (residence New House)
8. George Bennett bap. 15 Mar 1829 (residence Heathfield Moor)

In 1841, Richard Bennett (50) was living in Lower Town, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, Devon with Mary Bennett (55), John Bennett (20), Jane Bennett (16) and George Bennett (12). Mary Bennett had married in 1834; William Bennet had married in 1835; Richard Bennett had married in 1839; was unable to locate Ann Bennett; Sarah Bennett (14) appears to have been out working - original census is hard to read, but appears to be at Town Barton, with numerous other youngsters, undoubtedly all parish 'apprentices'.

Richard Bennett died in 1844 D Qtr in CREDITON UNION Vol 10 Page 63. 

In 1851, Mary Bennett (69) Widow, Mother, Pauper hand loom weaver (serge) was living at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, Devon in the household of her eldest son, William Bennett.

Mary Bennett died in 1852 S Quarter in CREDITON Vol 05B Page 244.

Their daughter, Jane Bennett, never married but had four children:

1. Robert Bennett b. 1842 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79, bap. 15 May 1842 in Morchard Bishop, clearly stating he was the son of Jane Bennett of Lower Town, Single Woman. Died aged 4 in 1846 M Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 59.
2. Sarah Bennett b. 16 Jun 1845 in Crediton Workhouse (1845 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79) Her birth was registered by a Mr Leach, Master of the Workhouse, Crediton, on 20 Jun 1845.
3. Mary Jane Bennett b. 10 Oct 1853 D Qtr in CREDITON Vol 05B 369
4. Ellen Bennett b. 12 Aug 1858 S Qtr in CREDITON Vol 05B 357

In 1851, Jane Bennett (26) was a visitor in the household of her sister, Sarah Sharland, at Pitt Farm, Puddington, Crediton, while Sarah Bennett (6) was living with Jane's brother, William, at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop.

In 1861, Jane Bennett (34ish) Servant, was an Inmate at Crediton Union Workhouse, Bramble Lane, Crediton, Devon, along with Mary J Bennett (7) and Ellen Bennett (2). Sarah Bennett (17) was House Servant to William Davy, Farmer and Miller at Stone Mill, Leverton Road, Chawleigh.

In 1871, Jane Bennett, Servant, was again an Inmate at Crediton Union Workhouse. Her age was listed as 56, clearly 10 years too many. Mary J Bennett (17) was a Dairymaid at Furze, Cruwys Morchard, Tiverton.

Jane Bennett died, aged estimated to 59, in 1880 M Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 354 and was buried on 25 Mar 1880, in Crediton.

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 became 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.

Emma Middleton came to the marriage with a son:

1. William Henry Middleton, b. 10 Dec 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 435), birth certificate says he was born at and his mother, Emma Middleton, Domestic Servant, was living (and presumably working) at, Haldridge Mill, Stoodley. Presumably Aldridge Mill (photos: Aldridge Mill, Aldridge Mill Farm) a historic former corn mill (now off-grid wild camping site) nestled in a sheltered valley in Devon, between the villages of Oakford and Stoodleigh, near Tiverton.

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, the name she was 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 the 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). Oh, but before you think this looks like a nice abode, the house you are seeing is the farmhouse. The lady who owned it when we visited in 2016, was of the opinion that the farm workers - in this case my great-grandparents - will have lived in the outhouse / shack that you can see (with the wheel on the wall) in the foreground. 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.)

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016

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. 

Now one building housing the Frou Frou Bistro, 43 (left) and 41 (right) Gold Street, Tiverton

At some point, Charles and Emily must have moved back into town in Tiverton, perhaps once they were able to draw a pension, to 43 Gold Street, Tiverton. This was most likely to a flat, or probably more precisely rooms, above a shop (see here with a shop at number 43 circa. 1900). Nowadays, the 17th Century Grade II listed building is home to the Frou Frou Bistro. Many's the time we've sat and eaten in the left hand end of this delightful restaurant, not knowing that my great-grandparents had lived and, what's more, both expired there.

Charles Stone (60) Farm Labourer, died on 13 Jun 1930 (1930 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 467) at 43 Gold Street, Tiverton, from a) Cerebral Embolus and [probably caused by] b) Auricular fibrillation (more commonly known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). His death was registered by C Stone, Son, In Attendance, of 11 Durnford Street, Plymouth.

Emily Stone, age listed as 68 - actually in her 74th year - widow of Charles Stone, Farm Labourer, died on 2 Jun 1936 (1936 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 492), at 43 Gold Street, Tiverton from a) cerebral haemorrhage and b) arteriosclerosis. The informant again was C Stone, Son, Present at the death who gave his address also as 43 Gold Street, Tiverton.

Charles John Northcott and Emily Stone

Tiverton : The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601875

Charles John Northcott (b. 23 Feb 1902 in Cullompton, Devon), son of William John Northcott and Emma Jane Wood, married Emily Stone (b. 2 May 1901 in Lower Washfield, Devon), who was the only daughter of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, in Tiverton, on 26 Oct 1929. 

Charles and Emily had one daughter: Beryl Emily Northcott, b. 19 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 528).

In 1939, Charles John Northcott, Coal & General Carter, Emily and Beryl, were living at 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, Devon (next-door-but-one to The Barley Mow, the house partly over the entrance to Martin's Lane).

Emily Northcott of 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, died, aged 66, on 22 Dec 1967. Beryl Emily Northcott died, aged 44, in 1974, leaving a daughter. I've not found a record of Charles John Northcott's death, which I don't find surprising as just his vulnerable, young granddaughter was left. 

Vincent Hepworth and Mary Ann Rogers

Entrance to Wyvern Barracks, Topsham Road, Exeter
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5073188

Vincent Hepworth (b. 2 Sep 1842 in Wakefield, Yorkshire), son of Vincent Hepworth and Maria Bevit, married Mary Ann (Annie) Rogers (bap. 15 Feb 1852 in South Tawton, Devon), daughter of Richard Rogers and Martha Perkins, according to the Register Of Marriages & Baptisms, C Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, at the Register Office, Exeter, on 23 Oct 1871. Witnesses were S A Rogers (probably Annie's sister) and a W Watson. In 1871, the Exeter Register Office (formally the office of the Superintendent Registrar) was located at 9 Bedford Circus, Exeter, part of a grand, elliptical Georgian development. "Most of it was fire-damaged during World War Two but it was only actually destroyed completely by the city council in the post-war rebuilding of the city. [...] a blatant act of cultural vandalism." [Source]

Gunner, Vincent Hepworth (31), in 1871, was stationed at The Artillery Barracks Heavitree, now Wyvern Barracks, originally simply called Artillery Barracks to distinguish them from the Cavalry Barracks (Higher Barracks). The hidden secrets behind the walls of Exeter's Wyvern Barracks detail the [dire lack of] facilities at the installation. If Annie went to live there with her husband, I hope she wasn't expecting much as we learn that "... these barracks lacked accommodation for married soldiers – families being separated from other soldiers by a blanket hanging across the room."

Vincent and Annie had at least 13 children, including one pair of twins:

1. Albert Vincent Hepworth b. 1872 S Quarter in EXETER Vol 05B Page 81, bap. 1 Sep 1872 in Whimple, Devon, according to the Register Of Marriages & Baptisms, C Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery. The original church baptism record lists Vincent's occupation as "Officer's Servant".
2. Edith Mary Hepworth b. 30 Mar 1875, bap. 21 Apr 1875 in Kirkee (now Khadki), India
3. George Horbury Hepworth b. 30 Jan 1878, bap. 21 Feb 1878 in Kirkee (now Khadki), India
4. Thomas Richard Hepworth b. 21 Jan 1880, bap. 22 Feb 1880 in Throwleigh, Devon
5. Marie Ann Hepworth b. 28 Jun 1881 in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 71, bap. 1 May 1890 at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter
6. Soffie Hepworth b. Dec 1882 in SAINT THOMAS Vol 05B Page 72, died aged 9 weeks and buried on 14 Feb 1883, at St Thomas, Exeter
7. William Henry Hepworth b. Dec 1882 in SAINT THOMAS Vol 05B Page 72, died at 9 weeks and buried on 14 Feb 1883, at St Thomas, Exeter
8. Charles Hepworth b. 1884 S Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 70, died 1884 D Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 44
9. Rosa Bessie Hepworth b. 20 Mar 1886 in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 65, bap. 1 May 1890 at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter
10. Eveline Maud Hepworth b. 15 Feb 1888 in SAINT THOMAS Vol 05B 66
11. Ethel May Hepworth b. 1890 J Quarter in EXETER Volume 05B Page 78, bap. 1 May 1890 at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter, died at 6 months in 1890 in EXETER and buried on 27 Sep 1890 at Holy Trinity Church
12. Ida Lily Hepworth b. 16 Sep 1891 in EXETER Volume 05B Page 71
13. Ivy May Hepworth b. 3 Nov 1892 in EXETER Volume 05B Page 82

Vincent Hepworth, previously a Boatman, enlisted in the Royal Artillery, on 21 Jan 1859, at Hull. He did two six-year tours to India, from 22 Jun 1859 to 11 May 1866 and from 16 Jan 1873 to 4 Dec 1879, the second time his wife went with him, because two of their children were born in India.

His army medical records show he was treated for Gonorrhoea, twice at age 24 and 26. He had ague (archaic name for malaria or another illness involving fever and shivering) twice in India; was twice treated there for hepatitis.

Tying in with the date of their return from India, Edith May Hepworth had been registered at Throwleigh And Gidleigh School, being previously listed at a school in Plymouth, in 1879, until she left that parish in Sept 1880.

Vincent Hepworth of the Coast Brigade, Royal Artillery, served for 22 years, 54 days. When he was discharged, at Plymouth, on 29 Mar 1881, at 42, he was 5ft 9in, with fresh complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair. 

Despite having returned to England by then, I haven't found Vincent, Annie or eldest son, Albert Vincent in 1881, but they were in St Thomas, Exeter for the birth of their child, Marie Ann, there that year. Edith M Hepworth (5) and George E Hepworth (3) were staying with their maternal grandparents, Richard and Martha Rogers at Murchington Village, Throwleigh, Devon.

In 1884, eldest son was causing trouble at the Castle of Exeter - Exeter Crown and County Court - when Albert Vincent Hepworth (11), son of a labourer of St. Thomas and another boy, William Way (12), were charged with stealing a cash-box containing £12 in gold and some silver coins. Hepworth claimed that his father was drunk and his mother took the money and gave it to him. They were spared prison or the Reformatory (Industrial School), but Hepworth was sentenced to six strokes with the birch rod.

In 1888 George Hepworth and Richard (Thomas Richard) Hepworth, of 25 Friars' Walk, St. Thomas, were registered at Exeter Episcopal School, from where Richard was sent home in 1889 for theft and George left, confirmed truant. It is perhaps not unexpected that George Horbury Hepworth (12) was sent, on 2 Jan 1890, by Exeter Court - for stealing a bottle of sweets from a shop - to the Devon and Exeter Boys Reformatory, Brampford Wood.

In 1891, Vincent Hepworth (49) Foundry labourer from Wakefield, Yorkshire, was living at Laura Cottages, Horse Lane, Exeter, Devon with wife A (Annie) Hepworth (39) Midwife; A V (Albert Vincent) Hepworth (18) Plaster & mason; Edith M Hepworth (16) Dressmaker apprentice; Thomas R Hepworth (11), Marie A Hepworth (9), Rose B Hepworth (5) and Maude E (Eveline Maud) Hepworth (3). George, obviously, was still away at reform school.

Vincent Hepworth died, aged 51, and was buried on 4 Jun 1893 at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter.

In 1896, Richard Hepworth and another lad were summoned before Exeter Police Court for riding a bicycle without a light at 10:10pm.

In 1901, Annie Hepworth (49) widow, Midwife, was living at 28, Friars Walk, Exeter, Devon, with Richard Hepworth (22) Artist; Marie Hepworth (19) Dressmaker; Maude Hepworth (13), Ida Hepworth (9), May Hepworth (8), Martha Rogers (70) widow (wrongly listed as Hepworth, but this is clearly Annie's mother) and a 69 year old boarder, a plumber named James.

On 26 Dec 1908, Annie Hepworth remarried, at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter to Henry Wood Adams, widower. (His previous wife, who he married on 22 Jul 1877 at the church of St Matthew, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, was Phillis Prudence Adams (coincidence or cousin?), and had died, in 1903.)

Henry Wood Adams had enlisted on 3 Aug 1882, in the Royal Engineers, which took him to Gibraltar, Bermuda, Crete, Malta and to South Africa between 1899 and 1902, serving in the Second Boer War. He was discharged on 2 Aug 1903, at Colchester after the termination of his second period of engagement, having achieved the rank of Sergeant.

In 1911, Henry Wood Adams (55) Carpenter and Army Pensioner, was living at 13 Beaumont Avenue Plymouth, with wife Annie Adams (58) and step-daughter, Ivy May Hepworth (18) Dressmaker.

Henry Wood Adams died, aged 76, in 1933 J Quarter in ST. THOMAS Volume 05B Page 58.

Mary Ann otherwise Annie Adams of 95 Monks Road, Exeter, died, aged 82, on 5 May 1934 (1934 J Quarter in EXETER Volume 05B Page 101), leaving effects of £1156 19s 10d to Edith Mary Dare (wife of Mark Dare) and to Ida Lily Soppit (wife of Benjamin Tompson Soppit).

• Albert Vincent Hepworth married Mary Ellen Garrard in Poplar, London, in 1897. In 1901, Police Constable Albert Hepworth (who earlier earned six lashes for stealing) from Exeter, Devon was living at 3, St Leonards Avenue, Bromley, Poplar with wife Ellen, sons Christopher and George and uncle William Rogers. By 1911 they'd moved to 46 Stanley Road, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex. Albert V Hepworth died, in Hendon, Middlesex, in 1927, aged 56.
• Edith Mary Hepworth married Mark Dare on 10 Oct 1898 at Holy Trinity Church, Exeter. Edith Mary Dare died, aged 60, on 12 Sep 1935, in Topsham and Mark Dare went on to marry his housekeeper, Beatrice Gale, in 1940. Mark Dare died in 1955.
• George Horbury Hepworth (18) enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment on 13 Feb 1896, at Exeter and was transferred to his father's old regiment, Royal Artillery, on 25 Mar 1896, but he deserted at Aldershot on 14 Aug 1896, re-joining 8 days later, awaiting trial for desertion. He was imprisoned in 1898 and finally discharged in 1908, having served in India from 1898 to 1904. In 1939, George Hepworth, Builders Labourer, single, was in Coventry (was he sent?) George H Hepworth died in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1960, at 82.
• [As yet] I can find no further records that relate to Thomas Richard Hepworth, beyond 1901. However, it's interesting to see him then described as an Artist, as renowned artist and sculptor, Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975), was from Wakefield, where his father, Vincent Hepworth, was also born. Could there be a distant connection? That would be another story entirely! 
• Marie Ann Hepworth married Reginald Louis Parr, in Exeter, in 1903. In 1911, they were  in Barton Road, St Thomas, Devon. 
• Rosa Bessie Hepworth married Lewis Albert Parr at St Mary's Church Plympton, on 24 Jul 1915. Lewis A Parr died, aged 53, in Exeter, in 1935. In 1939, Rosalie (Rose Bessie) Parr, widow, was living at 35 Torre Court, Yeovil, Somerset, described as a Qualified Nurse. Rose Bessie Parr died, aged 82, on 13 Nov 1970, in Exeter. 
• Evelyn Maud Hepworth married Arthur Charles Hawker on 23 Oct 1913 at St Mary's Church Plympton and in 1939, was also living at 35 Torre Court, Yeovil, Somerset. Evelyn Maud Hawker died, aged 86, in Wolverhampton, in 1974.

Thomas Back and Elizabeth Mary Horn

Plymouth: Morice Square
cc-by-sa/2.0- © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/688016

Thomas Back (b. 15 Oct 1850 in Stoke Damerel), Stoker RN, of 40, Cannon Street, Devonport, son of Thomas Back and Mary Drake, married Elizabeth Mary Horn (b. 1859 in Okehampton, Devon), daughter of James Horn and Elizabeth Bolt, on 23 Oct 1884 at St Paul's Church, Devonport. (Saint Paul the Apostle was on the east side of Morice Square in Devonport.)

Thomas Back, DOB 15 Oct 1850 (agrees with the quarter of his birth registration), enlisted in the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in July 1865, volunteering at HMS Implacable (1805) - former Duguay-Trouin, turned training ship (exactly the same ship, on exactly the same day as my great-grandfather, David Jones). Thomas Back's naval career does not appear to progress at this point, there being no entries beyond enlistment. 

There is then a record of a Thomas Back from Devonport, with date of birth given as 14 Oct 1849 (one year and one day of difference and this time the year does NOT agree with his birth registration), but we know this is our man from other records (marriage, census), who [re]joined the Royal Navy on 9 Jan 1873 and served for 21 years, until 27 Apr 1894. He began as a Stoker 2nd Class, moved up to Stoker, Leading Stoker and Leading Stoker 1st Class.

Both naval records list Thomas as having Black hair and Hazel eyes. He was 4 ft 10 in at 14 and grew to 5 ft 6 in as an adult, gaining a bunch of tattoos.

From May 1873 to Aug 1875, Thomas was with HMS Agincourt (1865) at Portland, Dorset and, during that time, spent 28 days in Dorchester Gaol (HM Prison Dorchester) - Pure Victorian detention in all it’s glory.

At the time of the census of 1881, Thomas Back (30) Stoker, was moored in Hong Kong aboard HMS Victor Emmanuel (1855), which ship he was assigned to from Jun 1880 to Jan 1882, Feb 1882 to Jan 1883 and again from Feb to Apr 1883 (transferring to HMS Pegasus (1878) for the month in 1882, also in China and HMS Albatross (1873) in Jan 1883).

Two days before his marriage, Thomas joined HMS Tamar (1863), commissioned at Devonport on 21 Oct 1884 and then, from 15 Jan 1885 until 22 Jan 1889, was with HMS Nelson (1876). She sailed for the Australia Station after commissioning and became the flagship there in 1885. She was in Sydney and Brisbane and at the Woolloomooloo Bay Regatta on 18 Apr 1885, remaining on station until returning home in January 1889.

Thomas and Elizabeth's only child was born later that year:

1. Lilian Mary Back b. 4 Nov 1889 D Q in STOKE DAMEREL 05B 340

Thomas spent time with HMS Magicienne (1888) in Portsmouth in 1890; HMS Goshawk (1872) took him to Gibraltar from May 1890 to Jun 1892 and while he was away, Elizabeth M Back (31) Wife Of A Stoker RN and Lilian M Back (1) were living in St Levan Road, Devonport. Thomas finished his career, from Dec 1892 to Apr 1894, at HMS Vivid II, the Stokers and Engine Room Artificers School in Devonport, before being pensioned.

In 1901, Thomas Back (50) Naval Pensioner was living in Avondale Terrace, Devonport with wife, Elizabeth M Back (41), daughter, Lilian M Back (11) and John Cornhill (29) General Labourer from Ireland, Boarder.

Thomas Back died in 1906 D Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 220. His age was estimated as 58 (he was 56), having gained yet another year on top of the one he added the second time he enlisted in the Navy.

In 1911, Elizabeth Back (51) Widow from Okehampton, Devonshire, was living in East Stonehouse. Living with her were recently married, son-in-law and daughter, Charles and Lilian Renshaw.

In 1921, Elizabeth Mary Back was still living with Charles and Lilian Renshaw (and their two daughters), at 7 Duckworth Street, Devonport.

Elizabeth Mary Back died, at 66, in 1926 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 457.

William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone

St Peter’s Church, Uplowman
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2510457

William Bridle (b. 1871 in Brampford Speke, Devon), son of William Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, and Lucy Jane Stone (b. 11 Apr 1872 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, were married at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 16 Oct 1895. Witnesses to the marriage were Lucy Jane's elder brother, Francis Stone and her niece, Ellen Stone. 

In 1891, William Bridle (20), Horse Driver, was a boarder in the household of Mary Jennings in Westexe South, Tiverton. Lucy Stone, was a General Servant in the employ of Charles E Tutton, Chemist, in Gold Street.

William and Lucy Jane had just one child:

1. Nellie Bridle, b. 20 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396), bap. 7 Apr 1898 at St George's Church, Tiverton. 

In 1901, William Bridle (29), Coal Yard Labourer, Lucy Jane (28) and Nellie (3) were living at School Board House, 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton. (111 Chapel Street was also the address given by Lucy's brother Charles at the time of his marriage to Emma Middleton in 1896.) There was a school, where there is a green bush, just beyond these houses, on the map of the area in 1890.

In 1911, at the same address, with William Bridle (40) employed as a Carter; with Lucy Jane Bridle (38) and Nellie Bridle (13) was still at school. 

In 1921, again at 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton, were William Bridle (50) Driver Motor Lorry, working for Shell Mex Ltd at the GWR Goods Yard, Tiverton Depot; with Lucy Jane Bridle (49) and Nellie Bridle (23).

William Bridle died relatively young, at 55, on 5 Aug 1926 (1926 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 387). 

By 1939, Nellie had married and she and her husband, Lewis William Kerslake and their son William were all living with the widowed Lucy Jane, who was undertaking Sewing and Domestic work, still at 111 Chapel Street. 

Lucy Jane Bridle died on 18 Apr 1944, aged 72 (1944 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 423). Probate was granted on 8 Jun that year, to her daughter, Nellie Kerslake. Lucy Jane left effects valued at £1912 15s 2d, worth approximately £106,000 in 2024.

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

Edward Priddle and Ethel Annie Beamer

St Peter's Church, Wyndham Square, Plymouth
Plymouth's five star-rated building a select few people have been inside of
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tom Jolliffe - geograph.org.uk/p/2342746

Edward Priddle (b. 12 Apr 1875 in Hackney, London), Sergeant RMLI, son of James Priddle and Catherine Stevens, married Ethel Annie Beamer (b. 23 Feb 1883 in East Stonehouse), daughter of Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White, on 14 Oct 1905 at St Peter’s Church, Plymouth. Witnesses to their marriage were Alfred Beamer and Emily Luxton, the bride's brother and his intended, who married exactly two months later in Tiverton, Devon.

Edward Priddle, at 16, was employed by his father, a shoe maker, as a Clicker (A boot and shoe clicker cuts the uppers for boots or shoes), in Shoreditch. Edward enlisted in the Royal Marines on 27 Jan 1896 and served for 22 years, until 3 Mar 1918, finally attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Edward and Ethel had three daughters, baptised at Plymouth, St Peter:

1. Ethel Annie Priddle b. 13 Jul 1906 (1906 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 250), bap. 29 Jul 1906 (Died, aged 2, in 1909 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 169)
2. Winifred May Priddle b. 4 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 249), bap. 20 May 1909
3. Mary Caroline Priddle b. 29 Dec 1912 (1913 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 399), bap. 2 Feb 1913

In 1911, Edward Priddle (35) Sergeant Royal Marines, Ethel Annie (28) and Winifred May (1), were living at 40 Neswick Street, Plymouth. On this census return they confirm that by this point they'd had two children, one of whom had died, and one still living, during their five years of marriage.

In 1921, at 40 Neswick Street, Plymouth were Edward Priddle (46) Retired Lieut Royal Marines; Ethel Annie Priddle (38), Winifred May Priddle (12), Mary Caroline Priddle (8) and Mary Ann Beamer (70) Mother-in-law.

In 1939, the family including Edward Priddle, Retired RM, Ethel A, and Ethel's widowed mother, Mary Ann Beamer were living at 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth. Winifred May Priddle was an Assistant Mistress at a Secondary School in Exeter and Mary C Hadley and her husband, John Harold Hadley (Retail Tobacconist Proprietor), were at 42 Chestnut Road, Plymouth.

Ethel Annie Priddle, of 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth, died on 12 May 1959, leaving £281 17s 9d to her husband, Edward Priddle, Retired Lieutenant RM.

Edward Priddle, of 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth, died on 21 Jun 1962. He was 87. He left effects of £2809 11s to his two daughters, Winifred May Mayner and Mary Caroline Tomkins.

• Winifred May Priddle married Stanley Edmund Mayner (b. 29 Sep 1909) on 25 Jul 1959 at Plymouth, St Gabriel. Winifred May Mayner died, in Plymouth, on 27 Feb 1982. Stanley Edmund Mayner died, also in Plymouth, in 1986.
• Mary Caroline Priddle married John Harold Hadley (b. 30 Mar 1913 in Bristol) at Plymouth, St Gabriel, on 19 Feb 1938. In 1939, John H Hadley, Retail Tobacconist Proprietor, and Mary C Hadley were living at 42 Chestnut Road, Plymouth. On 22 May 1940, the Western Morning News, Plymouth, reported that Mary Caroline Hadley brought an action against her husband John Harold Hadley, who by then was serving in the Army, for desertion and wilful neglect. Hadley, it appears died, in his native Bristol in 1965. Meanwhile, Mary C Hadley remarried Ernest Frederick Tomkins (b. 26 Dec 1915 in Gloucestershire), in Plymouth, in 1951. Mary Caroline Tomkins died on 22 Oct 1996 in Pensilva, Cornwall. Ernest Frederick Tomkins died on 15 Feb 2002.

Richard Flew and Jane Wright

Rackenford: All Saints church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/234495

Richard Flew Jnr (bap. 29 Sep 1765 in Rackenford, Devon), of this parish, Husbandman, son of Richard Flew and Joan Thorne, married Jane Wright (bap. 4 Dec 1768 in Rose Ash), Spinster, sojourner, daughter of Thomas Wright and Mary Wall, on 11 Oct 1787 at All Saints Church, Rackenford. Witnesses were John Way and John Ganzery. The Jnr suffix was because Richard's father, Richard Flew Snr, married for the third time that year and that marriage was recorded on the same page of the church records.

Richard and Jane Flew had at least ten children, baptised in Rackenford:

1. Thomas Flew bap. 24 Mar 1788
2. Richard Flew b. 1788, bap. 24 Mar 1788, buried on 30 Mar 1788
3. Jane Flew bap. 20 Jun 1790, died at 23, buried on 16 May 1813
4. John Flew bap. 22 Apr 1792
5. Richard Flew bap. 29 Jun 1794
6. William Flew bap. 29 May 1796
7. George Flew bap. 11 Nov 1798
8. Robert Flew bap. 21 Jun 1801
9. Loveday Flew bap. 14 Oct 1804
10. Samuel Flew bap. 27 Aug 1809

Richard Flew and Thomas Flew, baptised together in 1788 could have been twins, but my gut feeling is that Thomas was born previously and, to record the right surname, they waited until after marriage to baptise them both. 

There was also a Jane Flew baptised on 7 Mar 1813 in Rackenford, also listed as the daughter of Richard and Jane Flew, but, I wonder. To me it's doubtful they would name a child Jane again while the earlier one was still alive. Jane was baptised in 1790, so its not the late baptism of a dying adult, so the most likely explanation, I believe, is that the Jane born in 1813 is the illegitimate child of Jane born in 1790, who the grandparents intend to bring up.

Loveday Flew, was apprenticed to William Webber Gent, in 1818.

Jane Flew died at 56 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 17 Feb 1822.

Richard Flew died at 69 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 23 Jul 1835.

Henry Hawkins and Sarah Ann Tooze

Photo © Alan Hughes (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Brick Lane Music Hall, Located in the former 

St Mark's Church, Silvertown. Monday, 28 April, 2025

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Henry Hawkins (bap. 5 Apr 1846 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Edward Hawkins and Leah Courtis, married Jessie Tooze (b. Sarah Ann in 1846 in Wellington, Somerset), daughter of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers, on 11 Oct 1868, at St Mark's Church, Silvertown (St Mark's, Victoria Docks). 

Henry and "Jessie" had three children:

1. Emily Louisa Hawkins b. 1869 J Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A 132
2. William Henry Hawkins b. 4 Jun 1872 in Detroit, Michigan, Unites States
3. Arthur Hawkins b. 1874 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A 791

In 1871, Henry Hawkins (25) Carpenter; Jessie Hawkins (24); Emily Hawkins (1) born in Notting Hill and Mary Tooze (68) Widow, Pauper, Mother-in-law, were living at Durley Moor Cottage, Holcombe Rogus.

Passenger Lists of vessels arriving at New York, Unites States, show Henry Hawkins (26) Carpenter, Jessie Hawkins (26) Wife and Emily Hawkins (2) Child leaving from Liverpool on 14 Mar 1872, on the transatlantic passenger ship City of New York (1865) of the Inman Line. The streets presumably not being paved with gold, however, they were back in the UK by 1874.

In 1881, at 5, Lower James Street, Minster in Sheppey, were Henry Hawkins (35) Joiner from Rackenford, Devon; Jessie Hawkins (34) from Holcombe Rogus; Emily L Hawkins (11) born in Notting Hill; William Hawkins (8) born in the United States and Arthur Hawkins (6) born in Sheerness.

Alma Street, Sheerness
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/4410976

In 1891, Henry Hawkins (45) Ship's Joiner; Jessie Hawkins (44), Arthur Hawkins (16) and Emily L Ridler (21) were living in Alma Street, Minster in Sheppey. William Hawkins was in the Mediterranean with HMS Inflexible, (and 42 days in Malta Gaol), having joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 31 May 1888, until he was Invalided with Asthma on 4 Nov 1909. 

In 1901, Henry Hawkins (55) Joiner Ship Dock Yard from Rackenford, Devon was living in Delamark Road, Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (54) and two boarders, Oscar Riche (29) Schoolmaster from Cambridge and Alfred J Middleton (30) Schoolmaster from Grimsby, Lincolnshire. William Hawkins was alternating between HMS Victory, HMS Vernon shore establishments and HMS Duke of Wellington (for all three, read Portsmouth.)

In 1911, Henry Hawkins (65) Pensioned Joiner was still living in Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (64), William Hawkins (38) Naval Pensioner; John Tooze (71) Retired Thatcher (Jessie's older brother); and three boarders.

Henry Hawkins died, aged 73, on 10 Mar 1919 (1919 M Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1782) and is buried in Sheppey Cemetery. Probate reads, "HAWKINS, Henry of 2 Delamark Road, Sheerness, Kent, pensioned joiner in H. M. Dockyard died 10 March 1919. Administration (with Will) Canterbury 21 February (sic) to William Henry Hawkins skilled labourer at H. M. Dockyard and Arthur Hawkins pensioner Royal Navy. Effects £1062 7s 1d."

Jessie Hawkins died, also aged 73, on 9 Nov 1919 (1919 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1140) and is also buried in Sheppey Cemetery, along with her late husband. Probate, in her case, reads, "HAWKINS, Jessie of 2 Delamark Road, Sheerness, Kent, widow, died 9 November 1919 Probate 20 December to William Henry Hawkins skilled labourer at H. M. Dockyard and Arthur Hawkins pensioner RN. Effects £1046 18s 5d."