Thomas Back and Mary Drake

Church of St Paul, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5625201

Thomas Back (39) married Mary Drake (42) at the Chapel of St Paul, East Stonehouse on 22 Jun 1852. Both gave their address as 20 George Street, which is in Devonport. Thomas was listed as a Labourer, son of Thomas Back, Shipwright and Mary Drake as daughter of Thomas Drake, Shipwright. This, I believe, is all nearly true. Thomas Back, bap. 24 Oct 1813 in Stoke Damerel, was actually the son of John Back, Shipwright and Martha Norton. 

Mary Drake b. 20 Apr 1810 and baptised in Stoke Damerel on 15 Dec 1812, was the daughter of Thomas Drake, Shipwright and Frances Poad.

In 1841, Mary Drake (30) had been among a long list of people residing in Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, along with her mother, Frances Drake (75), Edward Drake (9) and Mary Drake (5). There is a baptism for this latter child, in St Helier, Jersey on 25 Jun 1837, illegitimate daughter of Mary Drake.

We next find Mary Drake (44) Unmarried, Tayloress (sic) in Stoke Damerel Workhouse in 1851, accompanied by Mary Drake (14) born in St Helier, Jersey; George Drake (8) and Thomas Drake (0). George Drake, was born 23 Jan 1843 and bap. 30 Jul 1843, illegitimate son of Mary Drake with abode given as Workhouse. Thomas Drake b. 1850 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 429, has no mother's maiden name (illegitimate). He was later known as Thomas Back and named Thomas Back as his father.

After their marriage in 1852, the couple added a daughter:

1. Eliza Back b. 1853 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 266

On the 1852 marriage, Thomas Back was listed as a Bachelor, however, it is my belief that he had previously married Eliza Stafford on 7 Aug 1837 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth. On this marriage, Thomas Back was listed as a Mariner, son of John Back, Shipwright. (There is a Thomas Back b. 1813 listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857.) In 1841, Thomas Back (25), Eliza Back (20), Eliza Back (2) and Mary Back (0) were among a long list of people (boarders perhaps) in Pembroke Street, one of Devonport's principal streets, with a great number of retailers and public houses.

In fact, they had the names of the their daughters transposed. Mary Ann Elizabeth Back was born in 1838 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 418 (mother's maiden name confirmed as Stafford). Eliza Ann Back, for whom I cannot find a birth registration, was born around Sep 1840 and died on 26 Aug 1842 (1842 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 332). This second child was buried on 30 Aug 1842, in Stoke Damerel.

In 1851, William Still (32) was living as husband and wife in Stoke Damerel with Eliza 'Still' (36) 'Wife', his three daughters (presumably from a previous relationship) and Mary A Back (12) described as his Daughter-In-Law - which I've often seen used interchangeably, as here, to mean Step-Daughter. While I can find no evidence of a marriage between Eliza and William Still, this does suggest, unless she had died by the following year, that Thomas Back may have been committing bigamy in 1852. As yet I've found no further records for Eliza Back or as Eliza Still to confirm or deny the situation. Although calling himself a bachelor and misnaming his father on the 1852 marriage might be seen as evidence of Thomas Back attempting deliberate subterfuge. It also didn't add up that Thomas and Mary's marriage took place in Stonehouse when they lived in Devonport and I think this is probably the reason why.

We lose sight of Thomas and Mary also until, in 1881, when Thomas Back (70) Labourer and Mary Back (72) Tailoress, were found living at 40, Cannon Street, Devonport, seemingly in a separate household, but the very same address as their daughter, Eliza and her husband, Samuel Eastabrook.

Mary Back died in 1883 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 226, with age estimated at 75. Thomas Back died five years later, in 1888 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 217, age given as 78.

Mary Drake's children:

1. Edmund Drake b. 5 Oct 1831, bap. 22 Jan 1849 in Stoke Damerel, Devon, son of Mary Drake, Single Woman. Mary's eldest illegitimate child was listed, in 1841, as Edward Drake, born around 1832 on the Isle of Jersey. On both of his marriages, Edmund named his father as Edmund Drake (often correct, but also common is saying the same as one's own name when the father is not known). He also lists his father as a Tailor. Mary was a Tailoress and again, when people make stuff up for the records, there's usually a grain of truth in it, as we can see here.
2. Mary Drake (bap. 25 Jun 1837 in St Helier, Jersey) died on 3 Jun 1878 (1878 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 261) with age estimated as 38 (she was 40). She was buried on 7 Jun 1878, with her abode on the burial record as 40, Cannon Street, Devonport.
3. George Drake b. 23 Jun 1843, bap. 30 Jul 1843. George Drake from Devonport, Devon, with date of birth listed as 23 Jun 1843 joined the Royal Navy at the Royal William [Yard] on 31 Jul 1857 as a Boy 2nd Class. In 1861, at 17, George was with the "Royal Navy At Sea And In Ports Abroad". He appears to have served until 13 Feb 1868, when he was invalided. He next turns up, in 1881, aged 39, as a boarder in the household of Cornwallis Johnson from Shelford, Cambridgeshire at 19, Pitt Street, Stansfield, Todmorden, Yorkshire, employed as Cellarman at cotton mill. After that, we lose sight of him unfortunately.
4. Thomas Drake, later known as Thomas Back b. 1850

William Tooze and Joan Cood

Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1267966

William Tooze (b. 1727) married Joan Cood (bap. 6 Jan 1725 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Thomas Cood (the baptism record doesn't mention her mother), at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 18 Jun 1751.

Records suggest at least six children, all baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. William Tooze bap. 26 Jan 1752
2. Mary Tooze bap. 31 Mar 1754
3. Catherine Tooze bap. 7 Mar 1756
4. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 27 Dec 1762
5. John Tooze bap. 11 Oct 1767
6. Thomas Tooze bap. 5 Jun 1770

It appears that Joan Tooze, with year of birth listed as 1727, died in 1769. Assuming Thomas was baptised at a few months old, this is not necessarily inconsistent and, indeed, may point to the cause of her death.

William Tooze died in 1787. Both were buried in Holcombe Rogus.

William Eastman and Elizabeth Trick

St George's Church, Monkleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/4437956

William Eastman (bap. 2 May 1790 in Monkleigh, Devon), son of Robert Eastman and Mary Morish, married Elizabeth Trick (bap. 12 Oct 1806, in Monkleigh, Devon), daughter of William Trick and Elizabeth Trick (yes, both were named Trick), at St George's Church, Monkleigh, on 18 Jun 1834.

Elizabeth Trick already had at least three illegitimate children before the marriage and added six more children with her husband:

1. Louisa Martin Trick b. 25 Oct 1827, bap. 26 Mar 1828 at Bideford, Methodist Circuit. The record makes it look likely that her father was Edward Martin. Perhaps the baptism was made in this manner to attempt to get him to take responsibility for the illegitimate child.
2. Thomas Trick bap. 12 Sep 1830 in Monkleigh, Devon, the record specifies that he is the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. 
3. William Trick b. 1834, bap. 18 Apr 1834 in Monkleigh, Devon, also makes the point that he's the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. (William Trick leaves blank or states Not Known for his father on his subsequent marriages, so I'm convinced that he's not William Eastman's child, despite the proximity of his birth to his mother's marriage.)
4. Mary Eastman bap. 22 May 1836 in Monkleigh, Devon.
5. Pamela Eastman b. 1838 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 65, bap. 28 Oct 1838 in Monkleigh, Devon.
6. Maria Eastman b. 1841 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 61, bap. 4 Apr 1841 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 10, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
7. Rebecca Eastman b. 1843 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 71, bap. 28 Jan 1844 in Monkleigh, Devon.
8. John Trick Eastman b. 1846 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 59, bap. 23 Dec 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 6, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
9. Elizabeth Ann Eastman b. 1849 M Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 73, bap. 4 Apr 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died 1849 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 47.

In 1841, William Eastman (45) Agricultural Labourer, Elizabeth Eastman (30), William Eastman (7) [William Trick] - that he was listed as Eastman is most likely an unchallenged assumption and in no way infers parentage - Mary Eastman (5), Pamela Eastman (2) and Maria Eastman aged 3 months were living in Monkleigh Village. Meanwhile, Louisa Martin Trick (13) was living in the household of Thomas Fursman (25) in Bideford, where there is a Residence Note on the record which reads "Outhouse Bibery". Most likely she was a servant. There was a Thomas Trick (10) employed as an Agricultural Labourer by Christopher Quick (40) Farmer at Pickhoe, Monkleigh. 

In 1851, in Monkleigh were: William Eastman (62) Pauper Ag Lab; Elizabeth Eastman (48) Glover; Mary Eastman (16), Pamela Eastman (12) Glover, Maria Eastman (9), Rebecca Eastman (6) and John Eastman (3). Louisa Trick (23) from Bideford, Devon was a Nursemaid in the household of Samuel John Sayce (38) Stock Broker, in Aberdeen Place, Westbury-on-Trym, Gloucestershire. Thomas Trick (20) was a Farm Servant to Thomas Newcombe (30) Farmer of 65 Acres, in Monkleigh.

In 1861, and still in Monkleigh Village were William Eastman (71) Formerly Ag Lab, Elizabeth Eastman (53) Charwoman and Pamela Eastman (22) Glover (cotton). There was a Rebecca Eastman (16) House Servant in Marlborough Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, which may well be relevant.

William Eastman died, at 72, in 1862 J Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B 365.

In 1871, Elizabeth Eastman (64) Widowed Needle Woman from Monkleigh, Devon, Mother, was living with Louisa Martin Trick (42) Needlewoman, Single, Daughter from Bideford, Devon, in Mile End Old Town, Stepney. 

Elizabeth Eastman died, at 67, in 1874 M Qtr in LEWISHAM Vol 01D 560.

1. Pamela Eastman had married Albert Wonnacott in Great Torrington, Devon in 1861. Albert Wonnacott b. 1841 J Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 10 Page 269, was the son of George Wonnacott and Mary Bastard. Yes, that really was her surname, and her dad's. Albert and Pamela had three children: Louisa Wonnacott b. 1862 S Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 05B Page 499 (no further records); Mary Jane Wonnacott b. 1864 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 313 and Albert Wonnacott b. 1866 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 300 who died at a year old in 1867 D Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 345. Pamela Wonnacott was a witness at the marriage of her half-brother, William Trick, in 1871. Pamela Wonnacott died, aged 33, in 1872 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 243 - hence the widowed Albert married Pamela's elder half-sister, Louisa, two years later. 
2. Louisa Martin Trick, according to the record, married Alfred Wonnacott on 15 Apr 1874 at the church of Saint Philip The Apostle, Stepney, London. On the marriage certificate, 'Alfred' lists his father as George Wonnacott, Hatter. Louisa lists her father as Edward Trick, Doctor. (This adds weight to him being Edward Martin, but most likely not a Doctor.) When we catch up with them again on the 1881 Census, living at 66, Blair Street, Bromley, Poplar, London, it becomes clear this is Albert Wonnacott (39) Hatter (Unemployed) with Louisa Wonnacott (52) and Mary A Wonnacott (sic) (17) Daughter - she is Mary Jane Wonnacott, Albert's daughter with is first wife, Pamela Eastman (see above). If Louisa had been Pamela's full sister, this marriage would surely have been illegal. We lose sight of all three of them after this.
3. Mary Eastman married William Jones, in Bideford district, in 1856. They had six children in England, but by 1871, were living in Vaughan, York, Ontario, Canada. There they added at least three or four more children. William Jones died in 1915. Mary Eastman died on 28 Jan 1928. She is buried, along with her husband, at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Mary's age at death was 91, not 93, so the headstone is wrong, despite being "set in stone". Also, she was baptised and married plain Mary and not Mary Elizabeth. 

John Tooze and Sarah Tristram

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: South porch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642067

John Tooze (bap. 25 Dec 1806) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sarah Tristram (bap. 11 Dec 1808) daughter of James Tristram and Mary Hooper, on 13 Jun 1830, in Holcombe Rogus. Witnesses were Thomas Tooze and Richard Tooze, presumably John's two older brothers. 

John and Sarah Tooze had eight children baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. Eliza Tooze bap. 17 Mar 1833. Died, aged 35 in 1868 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 257
2. Isaac Tooze bap. 9 Aug 1835 
3. Mary Tooze bap. 22 Jul 1838
4. John Tooze bap. 29 Aug 1841
5. James Tooze b. 1845 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 518, bap. 23 Feb 1845
6. Sarah Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847
7. Frederick Tooze b. 1850 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 472, bap. 2 Feb 1851
8. Frank Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 417, bap. 1 Oct 1854

All of the baptisms gave John Tooze' occupation as Chairmaker, except for that of Mary, when he was described as a Wheelwright. That might be a mistake in easy confusion, as there were so many Toozes in Holcombe Rogus. The mother's maiden name on the GRO birth registrations for James, Sarah and Frederick is TRISTAM. On Frank's it was correct with TRISTRAM.

On the same day, 1 Oct 1854, as the baptism of Frank Tooze, there was a baptism of an Elizabeth Tooze, illegitimate daughter (1854 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 420) of Eliza Tooze. As it was the adjacent entry on the baptism register, one may surmise that this may have been the child of John and Sarah's eldest daughter.

It also appears Sarah Tristram had a son, born in Holcombe Rogus, around the time of her marriage, but for whom there does not appear to be a baptism record. This, I can only imagine is because they didn't want have the 'wrong' surname imposed by the church. Census records and his age at death suggest a year of birth around 1830 and being born so close to the wedding, I feel, makes it far more likely that he was indeed John Tooze' biological son. When this son married Ann Escott (20) daughter of John Escott, Sawyer, on 30 Jun 1853 in Holcombe Rogus, he listed himself as William Tristram Tooze and his father as John Tooze, Chairmaker. On the marriage record, William is merely listed as being of 'Full Age'. However, in 1841, he had been listed as William Tooze (10), living in the household of Sarah's parents, James and Mary Tristram (didn't help that this had been mis-transcribed as Tresham), next door at Dowdneys, Holcombe Rogus. In 1851, William Tooze (20) Sawyer, was a Lodger in the household of John Escott (37) Widower, Sawyer, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. William and Ann had three children, before he died, aged 27, in 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 325 and was buried on 3 Jan 1858 in Wellington. 

In 1841, John Tooze (30) Chair Maker and Sarah Tooze (30) were living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Eliza (8), Isaac (6) and Mary (3), and William Tooze (20) Ag Lab (this is not William Tristram Tooze. There was a William Tooze bap. 26 Aug 1821 in Holcombe Rogus, the son of William Tooze, Mason and Tamzin Nott, but I don't know for certain if this is him, nor have I done any further research to discover what relation he could be).

In 1851, still at Twitchen, were John Tooze (44) Chairmaker; Sarah Tooze (42) Lace Mender; Isaac Tooze (15) Chairmaker; Mary (12), John (10), James (6), Sarah (3) and Frederick (6 months). There also was Lodger, Richard Willway (29) Tailor, from Witheridge. Eliza Tooze (18) was House Servant to Charles Gorman (30) Innkeeper, at the While Lion, East Street, Taunton.

In 1861, Mary Tooze (23) was General Servant in the household of Thomas Chard (73) Farmer of 65 Acres as Haydon Farm, Taunton; James Tooze (14) was Farm Servant in the household of James Tristram (50) at Lower Besley, Farm House, Holcombe Rogus; Sarah Tooze (13) was General Servant in the household of William Woolaway (35) Letter Carrier at 9 Church Square, Taunton. Not been able to find the rest of them on the 1861 census.

Sarah Tooze died, aged 56, in 1865 M Quarter in WELLINGTON,SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 305.

In 1871, John Tooze (64) Chairmaker, Widower, was a Lodger in Mantle Street, Bowermans Lane, Wellington, Somerset, with Frank Tooze (17) Sawyer and Isaac Tooze (8), both Boarders. (Isaac William Tooze (1862 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 387) was John's grandson, the illegitimate son of Mary Tooze.)

In 1881, John Tooze (75) Chair Maker (Cabt Mkr), Widower was living in the household of John Vincent (43) - John Vincent had married Mary Tooze in 1874 - in Butleigh, Wells, Somerset.

Several of us have been unable to find the record of John Tooze' death. He does not appear on the 1891 Census and a death in Wellington, Somerset in 1890 is suggested, the source not noted. The most likely explanation, I feel, is that he died at The Wellington Union Workhouse. Elsewhere I've found cold records of inmates being discharged for being dead, but for which there are no corresponding civil death records, and only sometimes burials.

John Elworthy and Mary Flew

Rackenford : Church of All Saints - Lych Gate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3011518

John Elworthy (b. ~1826 in Molland, Devon) and Mary Flew (bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford), daughter of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, both resident in the parish, married at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 9 Jun 1850. 

In 1851, John Elworthy (26) Ag Lab from Molland and Mary Elworthy (23) from Rackenford, were living at "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton".

John and Mary Elworthy had one daughter, Mary Jane Elworthy b. 1852 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 437, bap. 4 Apr 1852, in Rackenford, Devon. However, John Elworthy died, age estimated at 30, in 1852 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 313 and was buried, on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 1852, in Rackenford. Then Mary Jane Elworthy died, in 1853 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 332 and the infant was buried, also in Rackenford, on 6 Mar 1853.

On 26 Mar 1856, Mary Elworthy, widow, daughter of Richard Flew, married James Marshall (bap. 9 May 1824 in Knowstone), bachelor, son of Edward Marshall and Elizabeth Sellick, at St Peter's Church, Knowstone. 

James and Mary Marshall had five more children:

1. John Marshall b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jan 1857 in Knowstone
2. Emma Jane Marshall b. 1859 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 22 May 1859 in Knowstone
3. James Marshall b. 1862 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 452, bap. 13 Apr 1862 in Knowstone
4. Elizabeth Ann Marshall b. 1865 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 16 Apr 1865 in Knowstone
5. Mary Ann Marshall b. 28 Oct 1868 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 451, bap. 29 Nov 1868 in Knowstone

The birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as FLEW.

In 1861, at Westcott, White Field, Knowstone, were listed James Marshall (35) Labourer from Knowstone, Devon; Mary Marshall (34) from Oakford, Devon; John Marshall (4) and James Marshall (1). This is a neat trick, listing James who was not even born until the following year. Wishful thinking? I did check that there had not been a James born earlier and who died as an infant, but there were no records to suggest this. Also Emma Jane is not listed. 

In 1871, at Marshall Cottage, Knowstone, we find James Marshall (48), Mary Marshall (44), James Marshall (9), Elizabeth Marshall (6), Mary Marshall (2) and Elizabeth Howard (0) Lodger. (Elizabeth Howard b. 1871 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B  Page 470, bap. 5 Feb 1871 in Knowstone, was the illegitimate daughter of Joanna Howard (21), who in 1871 was working as a Domestic Servant at Woods Farm, West Anstey. One assumes she paid Mary Marshall to care for the infant while she was working. Joanna, daughter of John Howard and Sarah Land is undoubtedly, distantly related.) John Marshall (14) Farm Servant and Emma Marshall (11) Child Maid, were working for Henry Buckingham at Awlo Borrough Farm, Knowstone.

Most of the family seem to have escaped the census of 1881, except Elizabeth Ann Marshall (16) who was employed as a General Servant to George Gunn, Farmer, at Lower Bulwarthy, Rackenford.

In 1891, James Marshall (68) Farm Labourer was living in the Village, Knowstone, with Mary Marshall (63) Charwoman; James Marshall (29) Farm Labourer; Sarah J Marshall (26) Daughter-in-law and Nellie Kingdom (1) Granddaughter. (Son James had married Sarah Jane Kingdom on 2 Jun 1890, but Nellie had arrived a bit prematurely in 1890 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 410.) John had married in 1883; Emma Jane in 1879 and Mary Ann in 1890. Elizabeth A Marshall (25) was General Servant in the employ of William Cole, Farmer, at Bommer, Molland.

In 1901, James Marshall (77) Retired ordinary labourer, Mary Marshall (73) Pauper and Mary Ann Packer Marshall (23) Dressmaker (daughter of Samuel Packer and Emma Jane Marshall) were living in "Cottage, Knowstone". 

James Marshall, age estimated as 80, died in 1906 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 247 and was buried on 2 Sep 1906, in Knowstone.

Mary Marshall, listed as Mary Ann (she never had a middle name), age also as 80, died the following year in 1907 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 237 and was buried on 7 Jul 1907, in Knowstone.

Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery

Holcombe Rogus : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7371472

Thomas Tooze (b. ~1735) married Dorothy Woodbery (b. ~1746), daughter of Jeremiah Woodbery and Ann Brice, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 8 Jun 1767. Both were 'of the parish'. It looks as if Thomas Tooze was able to sign his own name, while Dorothy made her mark. Witnesses were Sarah Webber and John Hurly. Thomas' baptism record is not available.

Records exist for six children of this couple:

1. Sarah Tooze bap. 5 Apr 1768 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 5 Aug 1771, also in Holcombe Rogus.
2. Mary Tooze bap. 15 Oct 1769 in Holcombe Rogus. Appears to have died at 32, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1802.
3. Sarah Tooze bap. 12 Jul 1772 in Holcombe Rogus. 
4. Thomas Tooze bap. 23 Mar 1776 in Holcombe Rogus. 
5. George Tooze bap. 15 Jun 1778 in Holcombe Rogus. 
6. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 4 Feb 1780 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 17 Apr 1784, again in Holcombe Rogus.

Thomas Tooze died, at 83, and buried in Holcombe Rogus on 26 Nov 1818. 

Dorothy Tooze died, aged 74, and buried in Holcombe Rogus on 2 Jul 1820.

Charles Ponsford and Bessie Ann Stone

Uplowman: near Higher Coombe
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/151093
Looking east over the Lowman valley towards Houndsmoor Cottage (left) and Hill Farm (right)

Charles Ponsford (b. 23 Apr 1876, in Uplowman), son of John Ponsford and Jane Lock, married Bessie Ann Stone (b. 18 Jul 1882, in Uplowman), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, on 4 Jun 1906 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman. Witnesses were Frederick James Stone, either the bride's father or brother and Richard Ponsford, the bridegroom's elder brother. 

Charles and Bessie Ann had three children:

1. Charles James Ponsford b. 18 Feb 1907 (1907 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 367), bap. 22 Feb 1907 in Uplowman. 
2. Frederick John Ponsford b. 13 Jun 1908 (1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 350), bap. 19 Jun 1908 in Uplowman. 
3. Florence May Ponsford b. 2 Jan 1910 (1910 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 340), bap 30 Jan 1910 in Uplowman. 
   

In 1911, at Staple Gate, Uplowman, were Charles Ponsford (34) Farm Labourer, Bessie Ann Ponsford (29), Charles James Ponsford (4), Frederick John Ponsford (3) and Florence May Ponsford (1).

In 1921, Charles Ponsford (45) Farm Labourer was still living at Staplegate, Uplowman, Devon with Bessie Ponsford (38), Charles Ponsford (14) Farm Lad; Frederick Ponsford (13) and Florence Ponsford (11).

By 1939, Charles Ponsford appears to be in ill health. He and Bessie, as well as son, Frederick John, were living at Houndsmoor Cottage, Uplowman, along with their daughter Florence May and her husband, John Baker.

Charles Ponsford died in 1952 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 869. 

Bessie Ann Ponsford died in 1966, aged 83.

• In 1930, Charles James Ponsford married Marjorie Florence Chidgey (b. 29 Jul 1900), who's mother's maiden name was also Lock. In 1939, they were living in Triangle Cottage, Broadclyst. (Charles gave his birth year as 1903, making himself older by four years.) Charles James Ponsford died in 1980. Marjorie Florence Ponsford died in 1987.
• Frederick John Ponsford, of 1 Crosses Cottage, Uplowman, died on 19 May 1970. He doesn't appear to ever marry. 
• Florence May Ponsford married John Baker (b. 13 Nov 1910), in Tiverton, in 1931. 

Henry Wood and Mary Jane Melhuish

Kentisbeare: St Mary's churchyard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/4624352

Henry Wood (b. 1842), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Jane Melhuish (b. 1847 in East Stonehouse, Plymouth), daughter of William Melhuish, Marine, and Sarah Lake, at St. Mary's Church, Kentisbeare on 31 May 1866. Witnesses were William Melhuish and Jane Bond.

Henry and Mary Jane had ten children:

1. Charles Henry Wood b. 1866 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 388, bap. 19 Aug 1866 at All Saints, Blackborough (Demolished 1994)
2. William Wood b. 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 27 Mar 1869 at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare
3. Emma Jane Wood b. 15 Aug 1871 (1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413), bap. 3 Sep 1871 in Kentisbeare
4. Alice Wood b. 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419, bap. 18 Jan 1874 in Kentisbeare. (Died 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 311, at 3 weeks and was buried on 25 Jan 1874.)
5. Henry Wood b. 1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 3 Feb 1875 in Kentisbeare
6. Amelia Wood b. 1877 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427, bap. 3 Jun 1877 in Kentisbeare
7. Walter Wood b. 1879 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414, bap. 25 Dec 1879 in Kentisbeare
8. Alice Mary Wood b. 1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433, 4 Jun 1882 in Kentisbeare
9. Ellen Wood b. 1887 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 411, bap. 9 Mar 1887 in Kentisbeare
10. Frederick Wood b. 1889 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 11 Aug 1889 in Kentisbeare

All with mother's maiden name MELHUISH. On Charles Henry's baptism in Blackborough, Henry and Mary Jane are described as "Tinkers in Kentisbeare", an archaic term for an itinerant tinsmith who mends household utensils.

In 1871, they were living in the 'Village, Kentisbeare' with Henry Wood (28) Farm Labourer from Kentisbeare, Devon, wife Mary Jane (24), with Charles Henry (6), William (2) as well as Henry's father, James Wood (57), mother, Harriet (51), brother James (12) and sister, Sarah (8). 

In 1881 and still living in the Village, Kentisbeare, were Henry Wood (38), Mary J (34), William (12), Harry (6), Amelia (4) and Walter (1). Charles Henry (15) had already left home and was working as a Farm Servant (indoors) for William Snell (48) Farmer of 118 Acres at Bishops Farm, Kentisbeare, while Emma Jane (9) was staying nearby with her grandmother, Harriet. 

The Crediton Gazette, 30 Jan 1886 reported on "A DISHONEST SERVANT GIRL. Emma Wood, servant, aged 15 years, was summoned for stealing a sovereign and a jet chain, together of the value of 32s, the property of Mr Henry Brown, farmer of Aylesbeare, Kentisbeare. Mrs Caroline Brown, wife of the prosecutor, said that on Saturday week she heard a noise at the top of the stairs, and saw the prisoner coming out of her bedroom without her boots, and with a lamp in her hand. She had no suspicions of the girl, and locked her door and returned downstairs. On the Thursday following her husband asked her for some money, and on looking in the box she found a sovereign, which she had placed there, missing. On making further search she missed the jet chain from her jewel case. She questioned the girl, who persistently denied all knowledge of the matter, but subsequently she admitted her guilt to her mother, who was, witness believed, innocent of any previous knowledge of the affair. The girl had been with her only a week. She said she had burnt the chain. PC Clatworthy said the girl had told him she burnt the chain in a kitchen fire, and on being questioned she said he had similarly destroyed the sovereign, and had seen it melt. [UNLIKELY: The melting point of gold is 1064°C, whereas the average house fire, or household wood fire, burns at around 600°C.] The ashes had been sifted, and he had found amongst them the fragments produced which appeared to be jet. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr J Frost said he knew the girl's father to be a hard working man, and he believed he had a large family. The chairman pointed out to the girl the serious nature of the charge, and cautioned her as to her future conduct. She was fined £1, and the girl's mother was allowed a month for payment."

In 1891, living in a Cottage, Kentisbeare (quite possibly the same place as in previous decades), were Henry Wood (48), Mary J (44), Charles (24), Emma J (19), Henry (16), Milly [Amelia] (14), Walter (11), Alice (9) and Ellen (4). 

In 1901, listed again as the Village, Kentisbeare, there were Henry Wood (59) now a Carter on Farm, Mary Jane (55), Charles Wood (34) Single, also a Carter on Farm, Ellen Wood (14) and Henry Melhuish (44) Lodger.

Henry Wood died, aged 63, in 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310 and was buried on 13 Mar 1904 in Kentisbeare.

In 1911, Charles Wood (44) Waggoner on Farm was listed as the head of the household with, Mary Jane Wood (65) and Walter Wood (31) Farm Labourer. (On the original census, Charles Wood was first listed as single, then that was crossed out and Widower was written over it, which is what was then (rightly) transcribed, even though this is not true. Next Mary Jane is listed as Mother, Widow, lastly Walter is listed as 'Son'. Obviously, Walter was Mary Jane's son, not the son of the supposed head of the household and I believe this is key. There's no evidence of Charles marrying and indeed, in 1921 he was back to being single. What I think happened here was that despite Charles being listed as the head of the household, it was Mary Jane giving the information to the enumerator. Mother, Mary Jane, was still the head of the household really, but I'll bet some misogynist insisted a man had to be and then she had to look at the the relationships / conditions from a new, confusing, perspective.)

In 1921, Mary Jane Wood (73) and son Charles Wood (55) General Labourer, who was then employed by Henry Morish at Cotters Farm, Kentisbeare, were living at Church Cottage, Kentisbeare, Devon.

Charles Wood predeceased his mother and died, aged 68, in 1933 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414.

Mary Jane Wood died, at 87, 1935 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 539.

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 at least five 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
5. James Summers b. 26 Jun 1813, bap 1 Aug 1813 in Halberton

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

John Summers died, at 70, in 1844 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 182 and was buried on 30 Jun 1844 in Uffculme.

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 Vol 05B Page 255.

Frederick Charles Stone and Rose Mary Braund

All Saints' Church, Clovelly, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/407424

Frederick Charles Stone (b. 1911), son of John Charles Stone and Elsie Alberta Wright, married Rosemary Braund (b. 3 Feb 1913), daughter of Albert Braund and Mary Elizabeth Wakely, at All Saints', Clovelly, on 28 May 1936.

From the Devon and Exeter Gazette, of Thursday April 9, 1936. CLOVELLY WEDDINGS - Miss Rosemary Braund and Mr Frederick C. Stone

A pretty wedding took place at All Saints' Church, Clovelly, between Mr Frederick Charles Stone (eldest son of Police Constable Stone, stationed at Clovelly), and Miss Rosemary Braund (youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs A Braund of North Hill, Clovelly). The Rev. R. J. Somers Cocks (Rector) officiated. The best man was Mr. W. Southwood, a cousin of the bridegroom and Mr Albert Braund gave the bride away. The bride's dress was of white windswept satin and lace, and she also wore an embroidered veil with lovers' knot, a coronet of orange blossom, and silver shoes. Her bouquet was of arum lilies, narcissi, hyacinths and trailing fern. There were three bridesmaids:- Miss Betty Braund (niece of the bride), Miss Nora Lamey (cousin of the bride), and Miss Rachel Crase (friend). Miss Braund wore a dress of pink taffeta, silver shoes, and a wreath of roses and silver leaves. Her bouquet was of pink tulips and maidenhair fern, tied with pink satin ribbon. The other bridesmaids wore dresses of pale green taffeta, with silver shoes, wreaths of roses and silver leaves, and carried baskets of pink tulips and fern, tied with green satin ribbon. The bride's mother wore a navy blue crepe-de-chine dress with hat to match, and dark brown shoes. The bride presented the bridegroom with a silver cigarette case, and the bridegroom presented the bride with a silver necklace. To the bridesmaids the bridegroom presented silver necklaces with pink stones. A reception was held at No 2 Underdown, Clovelly, the future home of Mr and Mrs F C Stone, who received useful and valuable presents.

In 1939, Rosemary Stone was living back at her parents' home at 31 North Hill, Mount Pleasant, Devon. Her father (76) and her brother (39), both named Albert Braund, being Coastal Fishermen. Her husband, Frederick Charles Stone, being then aged 28, we can probably assume had volunteered for service in World War II. We can be sure he returned from the war, as the couple had children in 1946 and 1948 (not listed as may still be living). 

However, Frederick Charles Stone died, aged just 37, 1949 S Quarter in BARNSTAPLE Volume 07A Page 227. 

Rose Mary Stone died on 25 Mar 2008, at the age of 95 (DOR Q1/2008 in DEVON (4231E) Reg 1E005 Entry Number 500818055).

William Stone and Temperance Hitchcock

Photo © Des Blenkinsopp (cc-by-sa/2.0)

All Saint's Church, Holcombe Rogus, Thursday, 16 May, 2024

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

William Stone (bap. 3 Mar 1704 in Holcombe Rogus), son of Alexander Stone and Agnes Twitchings (m. 14 Nov 1702), married Temperance Hitchcock (bap. 30 Jan 1706 also in Holcombe Rogus), base born (illegitimate) daughter of Jane Hitchcock, at All Saints, Holcombe Rogus on 25 May 1728. 

(Temperance' mother, Jane Hitchcock bap. 12 Oct 1679, daughter of John Hitchcock, was buried in Holcombe Rogus, on 16 Oct 1709.)

Will and Temperance had seven children, baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. William Stone bap. 16 Feb 1729 (Buried 30 Aug 1730)
2. Agnes Stone bap. 24 Jul 1732
3. Mary Stone bap. 27 Dec 1739
4. Jane Stone bap. 24 Sep 1742 (Buried 18 Sep 1743)
5. Jane Stone bap. 3 Jul 1744
6. William Stone bap. 15 Nov 1749 (Buried 26 Nov 1749)
7. Joan Stone bap. 9 Sep 1751 (Died at 23, buried 21 Aug 1774)

William Stone was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 9 Aug 1789. 

Temperance Stone was also buried in Holcombe Rogus on 7 Nov 1790. 

Thomas Drake and Frances Poad

Ancient Dockyard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © jeff collins - geograph.org.uk/p/1204244
This was the first Dockyard built at Devonport at a point just west of Mutton Cove.

Thomas Drake (allegedly bap. 24 Jul 1757 in Stoke Damerel, Devon), Shipwright, son of William Drake Jnr and Patience Coad, married Frances Poad (bap. 15 Jul 1764), daughter of John Poad and Honor Joll, in Stoke Damerel (Stoke Damerel Church, a.k.a. the Church of St Andrew with St Luke) on 25 May 1784. Record shows John Poad gave his permission for his daughter to marry, presumably as she was then a minor (under 21). 

Thomas and Frances Drake appear to have had 11 children:

1. Thomas Drake bap. 2 Jan 1785
2. Frances Drake bap. 14 Oct 1787
3. George Drake bap. 7 Apr 1790
4. Elizabeth Drake bap. 29 Jan 1792
5. John Poad Drake bap. 20 Jul 1794 [1]
6. Francis William Drake bap. 6 Mar 1796
7. James Drake bap. 10 Dec 1797. (Buried at 2 y 8 m on 19 Jul 1800.)
8. Hannah Drake b. 1799, bap. 3 Feb 1800 *
9. James Drake bap. 28 Dec 1801 *
10. Charles Drake b. 10 Oct 1802, bap. 15 Dec 1812
11. Mary Drake b. 20 Apr 1810, bap. 15 Dec 1812

* All were all baptised in Stoke Damerel, however, the venue for the baptisms of Hannah and James in 1800 and 1801 was listed as Princes Street Independent, presumably the Princes Street Congregational Chapel.

"Thomas Drake was for some time an official in the navy yard at Plymouth, and showed great independence of character, injuring his prospects by refusing to connive at malpractices, and consequently dying in obscurity in Jersey 20 May 1835." [Source] Thomas Drake, aged 76y 6m, was buried at the Parish Church of St Helier on 26 May 1835. [Source]

In 1841, Frances Drake (75) Ind [of Independent Means], was at 31 Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, with daughter, Mary Drake (30) Tailoress and two of Mary's illegitimate children: Edward Drake (9) and Mary Drake (5). 

Frances Drake is said to have died in 1848, presumably also in Jersey.

[1] John Poad Drake (1794–1883) [he inserted the Poad], inventor and artist [this confirms], baptised 20 July 1794 at Stoke Damerel, Devonshire, was the son of Thomas Drake, by his wife, Frances Poad. Both the Wikipedia entry for John Poad Drake, as well as that for him at the Royal Museums Greenwich, claim that John Poad Drake was a descendant of Sir Francis Drake. 

The entry in the Dictionary of National Biography, however, calls that into question, saying that "Thomas Drake was fourth in descent from one John Drake (1564–1640), a farmer, who has been wrongly identified with a cousin of the admiral." This is the burial of that John Drake, who may or may not have been a page to Sir Francis (I'm reading that those duties were probably carried out by the cousin he was confused with). But as there always are with famous people though, there are so many hopeful, but plain wrong records cited, it's now impossible to completely separate the facts from the fiction.

What I can categorically say is that this isn't the Thomas Drake, bap. 1751, cited on one website, when it was even clearly stated on the baptism that the child had died within days. Still, when you're wishfully attempting to claim descent from the infamous Sir Francis, why allow such minor inconvenience (or pesky genealogical standards) get in the way? So what, if any, link is there between this Drake family and the famous Devon-born slaver, pirate / privateer, bowls player and trouncer of the Armada? Still absolutely no idea, but I can't disprove one [yet] either. What I did discover is that Drake is a surprisingly common name around Devon. Reckon he had a bike!

John Rookley and Mary Ayres

Kentisbeare : Priest Hill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3707225

John Rookley (bap. 9 Jan 1797 in Kentisbeare, Devon), son of James Rookley and Thomazin Salter, married Mary Ayres (bap. 13 Jun 1800 in Kentisbeare), daughter of Zachariah Ayres and Mary Farnell, on 24 May 1820 at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare. Witnesses were William Ayres and Charles Knight.

Records suggest John and Mary Rookley had 13 children:

1. Mary Ann Rookley bap. 8 Oct 1820 (Residence: Picksey Pool)
2. John Rookley Jnr b. 1822 (No baptism found)
3. Jane Ayres Rookley bap. 18 Jan 1824 (Residence: Little Silver)
4. James Rookley bap. 20 Aug 1826 (Residence: Crosses)
5. Emma Rookley bap. 1829 in Kentisbeare
6. Elizabeth Ruckley (sic) bap. 13 Feb 1831
7. William Rookley bap. 3 Feb 1833 (Residence: Town)
8. Sarah Ruckley (sic) bap. 24 May 1835 (Residence: Little Silver)
9. Henry Ruckley (sic) bap. 18 Jun 1837 (Residence: Crosses)
10. Thomas Rookley b. 1839 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 257 bap. 14 Apr 1839.
11. Thomasin Rookley b. 1841 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 258 bap. 28 Feb 1841
12. Eliza Rookley b. 1843 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 250 bap. 30 Apr 1843
13. Anna Rookley b. 1845 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 266 bap. 1 Jun 1845

All Civil Birth registrations list the surname as Ruckley (doubtlessly, as a result of illiteracy and the Devon accent - on William's baptism the curate has written "Rookley, or as they say Ruckley") and the mother's maiden name as Ayres. On the baptisms of Mary Ann, Jane Ayres and James, John Rookley's occupation is described as a Husbandman (a person who cultivates the land; a farmer), obviously employed casually, but on those of Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Henry, Thomas, Thomasin, Eliza and Anna, he's a Labourer.

In 1841, John Ruckley (sic) (45) was in the Devon County House Of Correction, St David's, Exeter, having earned a 6 month sentence for Larceny. Mary and the children don't appear anywhere on this census.

We do find the family in 1851, when they are listed, unhelpfully, as living in "Village, Kentisbeare". John Rookley (56) is a Farmer of 22 Acres, with the household consisting wife Mary (52), William (19) and Henry (12) Employed on the farm; Thomas (10), Thomasin (8), Eliza (6) and Hannah (Anna) (4).

Mary Rookley died at 59 in 1859 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 282 and was buried on 27 Apr 1859 in Kentisbeare churchyard.

In 1861, listed as John Rockley (sic) (67), widowed, Retired Farmer, was living at Gaddford Hills, Kentisbeare, Devon.

In 1871, John Rookley (78), Farm Labourer, was living at "Moor, Kentisbeare" (Kentis Moor) in the household of James and Thomasin Ridgeway. 

John Rookely died, still said to be aged 78, in 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 279 and was buried on 14 May 1871, in Kentisbeare.

John Jerred and Frances Ann Orchard

Thorverton: Cherry Tree
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/404160

John Jerred (bap. 15 Feb 1835 in Thorverton) son of Joseph Jerred and Sarah Elsworthy, married Frances Ann Orchard (bap. 3 Jul 1831 in Dulverton, Somerset), daughter of James Orchard and Elizabeth How, on 20 May 1862, at the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton, Devon, as both resided in the parish. John's occupation was listed on marriage as Cooper.

John and Frances Orchard had two children:

1. Lewis Jerrad (sic) b. 19 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 434) in Silverton, Devon
2. Frances Mary Jerrad (sic) b. 3 May 1869 (1869 J Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 66)

In 1871, at Bishops Court Lodge, Sowton Village, St Thomas, Devon, were John Jerrad (sic) (35) Gardener (Bishop’s Court) from Thoverton, Devon; Frances A Jerrad (39) Ag keeper from Dulverton; Louis Jerrad (8) from Silverton, Devon and Frances M Jerrad (2) born in Heavitree, Devon.

In 1881, at Church Cottage, Halberton were John Jerred (46) Agricultural Labourer; Frances A Jerred (49), Frances M Jerred (11) and George Davey (14) from Uplowman, Devon, Lodger. Louis Jerred (18) was Baker's Apprentice in Angel Hill, Tiverton, to George Hannabus, Master Confectioner from Cadbury, Devon (shoulda named his business after his village). 

In 1891, John Jerred (56), still working as an Ag Lab, and Frances Ann Jerred (59) were living at Court Cottage, Corner, Halberton. Frances Mary Jerred (24) was Servant to Alfred T Gregory in Alsa Terrace, Tiverton.

In 1901, John (66), once more working as a gardener, and Frances Ann (69), had moved into the centre of Tiverton to 12, Hammetts Square. Frances Mary Jerred (31) was working as a Cook for Rev. Donald M Owen, Clergyman in the Church of England, at 25, Bampton Street, Tiverton. (That address is now an ugly modern building in use as the Royal Mail Tiverton Delivery Office.)

In 1911, John Jerred (78) and Frances Jerred (79), were living at 1 The Fords Homes, Old Blundells, Gold Street, Tiverton, Devon. (Alms Houses?) This confirmed they'd been married 49 years and had two children, both still living.

John Jerred died, aged 78, in 1911 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 263.

Frances Ann Gerrod (sic) died at 87 in 1919 M Qtr Vol 05B 693.

James Wood and Mary Ann Melhuish

Broadhembury
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Stowell - geograph.org.uk/p/6855

James Wood (bap. 2 Aug 1857 in Kentisbeare), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Ann Melhuish (b. ~1864) on 20 May 1883 at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare. The spaces for Mary Ann's father are left blank on the marriage certificate who consistently said she was born in Clayhidon, Devon. (There was a Mary Ann Melhuish born illegitimately to an Elizabeth Melhuish, on 12 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 445), but that birth was in Hemyock. Were they connected to Mary Jane Melhuish, who James' elder brother Henry had married.)

James and Mary Ann had 11 children:

1. Robert Wood b. 1883 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 404, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare (Baptised at 18 months old.) 
2. Sarah Ann Wood b. 1885 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare
3. Edith Maud Wood b. 24 Jul 1887 (1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 14 Aug 1887 in Kentisbeare
4. Harriet Mary Wood b. 23 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419), bap. 13 Jan 1889 in Kentisbeare
5. George Wood b. 30 Aug 1890 (1890 D Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 13), bap. 5 Oct 1890 in Broadhembury
6. Unnamed male Wood b. 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 16 (Died 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14)
7. Eldred James Wood b. 15 Mar 1894 (1894 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14), bap. 1 Apr 1894 in Broadhembury. 
8. Mabel Wood b. 1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 385, bap. 8 Aug 1896, marked P.B. Private Baptism, presumably at home. (Died at 21 days old (1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 257), buried 23 Aug 1896, also in Kentisbeare)
9. Roland Ashford Wood b. 25 Jan 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 384), bap. 13 Mar 1898 in Kentisbeare
10. Reginald Leonard Wood b. 8 May 1901 (1901 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378), bap. ? 1901 in Blackborough
11. Mabel Frances Wood b. 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 380 (Died at 26 days old (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307), buried 17 Jan 1904 in Blackborough)

In 1891 the family were living in Broad Road, Broadhembury, Honiton with James Wood (32) Agricultural Labourer, Mary A (29), Robert (7), Sarah A (5), Edith M (3), Harriet M (2) and George (0).

In 1901, they were back in Kentisbeare at Hollis Green, with James Wood (43), Mary A (39), Edith (13), Harriet M (12), George (10), Eldred J (7) and Roland A (3). I've been unable to find either Robert or Sarah Ann. 

In 1911, at Cobblers Hall, Kentisbeare, were James Wood (53), Mary Ann (49), Sarah Ann Wood (25) Servant Cook, and Reginald Leonard Wood (9). They confirm on this census that they had 11 children during their 28 years of marriage, with 8 still living and 3 had died. Harriet Mary Wood (23) from Kentisbeare, Devon was Cook in the household of James Browning Young (63) Retired Captain Royal Navy at Wimborne Minster, Dorset.

James Wood died at 61 on 11 Nov 1918 (1918 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 833) and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare.

In 1921, Mary Ann Wood (58) Widow, was living at Downlands, Kentisbeare, Devon with Roland Ashford Wood (23) & Reginald Leonard Wood (20) Farm Labourers; Sarah Ann Edmond (36) Widow; James Roland George Edmond (8) Grandson; Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond (6) Grandson; Constance Mary Helen Edmond (4) Granddaughter and Robert Wood (37) Visitor (eldest son).

In 1939, Mary Ann Wood, Widow, was living at 15, Blackborough with her youngest son, Reginald Leonard, then employed as a Rabbit Trapper. 

Mary Ann Wood died ~91 on 6 Jan 1955 (1955 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 1000) and buried with her late husband at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.

• George Wood died on 29 Dec 1953 and is buried at St Mary's, Kentisbeare, with his brother Reginald and niece, Connie Edmond.
• Eldred James Wood served in the Devonshire Regiment during World War I and married Margaret Evans in Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales in 1916. Eldred James Wood died on 19 Aug 1967 in Weymouth, Dorset and was buried back at St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare. Margaret Wood died on 8 Jul 1975 and was buried with her late husband.
• Roland Ashford Wood married Cicely Butt in 1939. That year they were living at Bodmiscombe Wood, where Roland was a Farmer. Roland Ashford Wood died on 28 Feb 1975. Cicely Wood died on 23 Oct 1981. They are buried together at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.
• Reginald Leonard Wood of 15 Blaydon Cottages, Blackborough, 53, died on 18 Jun 1954 (1954 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 725) at Tiverton and District Hospital. As he left his effects to his widowed mother, he probably hadn't married. 

William George Beamer and Elsie May Carver

HMS Impregnable in the Hamoaze off Devonport Dockyard

William George Beamer (b. 4 Jan 1886 in East Stonehouse), son of Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White, married Elsie May Carver (b. 22 Nov 1894, bap. 16 Dec 1894 at Holy Trinity Church), daughter of Charles Frederick Carver from Clerkenwell, London and Frances Rundle, native of Plymouth, at the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, which church was located in Southside Street/Friars Lane, Barbican, Plymouth, on 17 May 1916. (This church no longer exists because it was was destroyed in the Second World War.)

At 16, in 1901, William George Beamer had been a member of the crew of HMS Impregnable 1st Rate (Training Ship For Boys), in the Hamoaze, Devonport off Maker, St Germans, Cornwall. (HMS Impregnable became the Royal Navy's second boys' training ship at Devonport in 1862.)

Having signed up for a further 12 years in the Royal Navy, on 4 Feb 1903, William was discharged, invalided, on 8 Jun 1905. Then on 9 Sep 1905, he enlisted in the British Army in the Devonshire Regiment. One wonders what condition was classed as invalid for the Navy, but still fit for the Army.

Next we find William George Beamer (26), in 1911, with the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment, stationed at Saint Georges Barracks, Malta. (Part of the Pembroke Army Garrison, at Pembroke, Malta, near St. Julian's.)

William George Beamer was the recipient of a Silver War Badge, having been discharged from the Machine Gun Corps on 30 Mar 1917, under King's Regulation 392 (xvi) “No longer physically fit for war service". "He has a Ministry of Pensions record card which shows him as 22105 MG, residing at 13 Walsdon Rd, Plymouth. He was discharged on 30.3.17. Cause - deafness. He was entitled to the Silver War Badge number 197170." (The Silver War Badge was designed to be worn on civilian clothes after early discharge from the army. The accompanying certificate will have read, "Served with honour and was disabled in the Great War. Honourably discharged on ...")

Elsie's younger brother, Charles Frederick Carver (b. 1898), 5th (Prince of Wales's) Battalion (Territorials), Devonshire Regiment, son of Charles F. and Frances Carver, of 5, Artizan's Dwellings, Notte St., Plymouth, was killed in action on 20 Jul 1918 and is buried at Marfaux British Cemetery, France.

In 1921, William George Beamer (35) General Labourer for the Admiralty, and Elsie M Beamer (25) were living at 13, Wolsdon Street, Plymouth.

In 1939, William G Beamer, Skilled Labourer HM Dockyard, wife Elsie M Beamer and John F Carver (b. 1902), Road Repair Labourer (Elsie's brother), were still living at 5 Artizans Dwellings, Notte Street, Plymouth - buildings in that street were destroyed in the Second World War and demolished.

William George Beamer, of 5 Artizans Dwellings, Notte Street, died on 1 Jan 1956 (1956 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 834).

Elsie May Beamer died in the 4th quarter of 1973, aged 79.