William Tooze and Sophia Disney

St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Wayland Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/6557083

William Tooze (bap. 3 Apr 1809) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sophia Disney at St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon, on 8 Sep 1831. Sophia was most likely born around 1805 - census records place her birth anywhere between 1803 and 1808 - and she is consistently listed as being born in Thorne St Margaret, Somerset, as was Eliza Disney (b. 1807), wife of William's elder brother, Richard Tooze. Baptisms for that parish are not freely available online, so I haven't seen baptism records for either, but I imagine there's a good chance that the two could have been sisters.

William and Sophia had three children:

1. Thomas Tooze bap. 10 Feb 1833 in Holcombe Rogus
2. Edward Tooze bap. 29 Nov 1835 in Holcombe Rogus.
   Died, aged 7, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1843.
3. Eliza Tooze bap. 20 Jun 1838 in Burlescombe. Died, aged 4 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1842. (No GRO registrations)

William's occupation listed on all the baptisms was Thatcher.

In 1841, William Tooze (30), Sophia Tooze (35), Thomas (8), Edward (5) and Eliza (3) were living at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1851, William Tooze (40) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (43) and Thomas Tooze (18) Thatcher were again living at Ridgeway, Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1861, William Tooze (59) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (58) and Sophia Tooze (7) Granddaughter, were again listed at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

William Tooze died, aged 60, in 1869 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 297.

In 1871, Sophia Tooze (67) Widow, Gardenwoman, and granddaughter, Sophia Tooze (17) Fancy Worker, were still at Ridgeway Gate.

Sophia Tooze died in 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 274, aged ~70. She was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 4 Jun 1875.

Cottages, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1268080

Thomas Tooze (bap. 10 Feb 1833) son of William Tooze and Sophia Disney, married Caroline Cottrell (bap. 16 Feb 1834), daughter of Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Tooze. The Banns of the marriage were attempted to be read in Holcombe Rogus, but written on the record is, "I William Tooze, father of the above Thomas Tooze, did openly in the Church this day March 13th, 1853, forbid these Banns. My son being under age." William Tooze.

The determined couple married, in Tiverton, in the 4th quarter of 1853.

Thomas and Caroline Tooze went on to have twelve children:

1. Sophia Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 417, bap. 7 May 1854 in Holcombe Rogus
2. Edward William Thomas Tooze b. 1855 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 05C Page 355, bap. 2 Dec 1855
3. Sarah Jane Tooze b. 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 416, bap. 14 Feb 1858
4. Caroline Tooze b. 1859, bap. 26 Feb 1860 (no GRO registration)
5. Eliza Tooze bap. 15 Dec 1861 (no GRO registration)
6. Lily Tooze b. 1863 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 396, bap. 8 Nov 1863
7. Thomas Tooze b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET & DEVON Volume 05C Page 390, bap. 10 Sep 1865
8. Lucy Ann Tooze b. 1867 S Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369, bap. 14 Jul 1867. Died, aged 13, in 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 273 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus
9. Emily Tooze b. 1869 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 352, bap. 10 Oct 1869
10. Elizabeth Tooze b. 1872 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 393, bap. 3 Mar 1872. Died, 1900 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET & DEVON  Volume 05C  Page 209
11. William Tooze b. 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 361, bap. 15 Aug 1875
12. Albert Tooze b. 9 Mar 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 333, bap. 16 May 1880

Caroline will have been 46 when the last child was born, which is late, so I did check that they weren't passing off any illegitimate grandchildren as their own, but all of the registrations of the above show the mother's maiden name as COTTERILL, COTTERELL or COTTRELL and all of the baptisms list the child as being that of Thomas and Caroline, so appear to be theirs.

In 1861, Thomas Tooze (28) Carter; Caroline Tooze (28), Edward (5), Sarah J (3) and Caroline (2) were living at Knowle Cottage, Holcombe Rogus. Their eldest daughter, Sophia (7) was living with her grandparents.

In 1871, Thomas Tooze (38) Agricultural Labourer; Caroline Tooze (37), Caroline (10), Eliza (8), Lillie (sic) (7), Thomas (5), Lucy (4) and Emily (1) were all living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. Living with them was Caroline's widowed father, Thomas Cotterell (84) Pauper and an Elizabeth Hall (22) Visitor. Eldest daughter, Sophia (17) Fancy Worker, was still living with her grandmother; yet to find Edward; Sarah Tooze (13) was Domestic Servant to Henry Jones (73) Carpenter, in South Street, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1881, still at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus were Thomas Tooze (48) Ag Lab, Caroline Tooze (48), Emily (10), Elizabeth (9), William (6) and Albert (1). Also living with them was Frances Tooze (6) Granddaughter (b. 1875 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 365), bap. 31 Jan 1875, illegitimate daughter of Sophia Tooze. Not found Sophia, Edward or Sarah Jane; Caroline married in 1879; Eliza Tooze (19) was Domestic Servant to John Howse (42) Farmer at Burrow Farmhouse, Ashbrittle; Lillie (sic) Tooze (18) was a General Servant to Alice E James (21) Schoolmistress in South Street, Wellington and Thomas Tooze (15) was a Farm Servant (indoor) to William Warren (55) Farmer at Ford Place, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1891,  at Twitchen, were Thomas Tooze (58) Coachman, Caroline Tooze (57), William Tooze (15) French Polisher and Albert Tooze (11). Elizabeth Tooze (20) was Domestic Servant to Frederick Chave (68) in Halberton.

In 1901, Thomas Tooze (68) Ordinary Labourer and Caroline Tooze (68).

Caroline Tooze died actually at 66, in 1901 S Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 193. Thomas Tooze died in  1902 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 213, at 68.

John Hurley Coombe and Mary Jane Southcott

East side of St Peter's Church, Tiverton
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John Hurley Coombe (b. 1845 in Tiverton, Devon), son of James Coombe and Sarah Hurley, married Mary Jane Southcott (b. 1854 in Tiverton), daughter of William Southcott and Temperance Cosway, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 7 Sep 1869. On the marriage certificate both are listed as being of 'full' age, however, Mary Jane, registered in the 2nd quarter of 1854, may have been 15. Witnesses to the marriage were James Coombe and Mary Bawden. 

(Temperance Cosway, Mary Jane's Southcott's mother, had married her third husband, James Coombe, John Hurley Coombe's father, in 1866.)

John and Mary Jane had six children:

1. John William Southcott Coombe b. 1869 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 439. (Died at 7 in 1876 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 270)
2. Sarah Jane Coombe b. 7 Nov 1871 D Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 133, bap. 19 May 1872 at St John the Baptist, Hoxton. (Died aged 5, in 1876 S Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 89, and was buried on 19 Sep 1876 at Victoria Park Cemetery, Hackney.)
3. Fanny Maria Coombe b. 1874 M Qtr in SHOREDITCH Vol 01C P 125
4. Frederick Coombe b. 1876 J Qtr in SHOREDITCH Vol 01C P 127
5. Charles Henry Coombe b. 1878 D Qtr in HOLBORN Vol 01B P 677
6. James Coombe b. 1883 S Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 659 (Died 1884 M Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 435)

In 1871, John H Coombe (24) Tailor, Mary J Coombe (18) and John H S Coombe (1) were living in Kiddles Court, Tiverton, Devon, with his father, James Coombe, who married Mary Jane's mother, Temperance, in 1866.

In 1881, John Hurley Coombe (35) Journeyman tailor from Tiverton, Devon, Mary Jane Coombe (28), Fanny Maria Coombe (7), Frederick Coombe (5) and Charles Henry Coombe (3) were at 10, Green Street, St Andrew Holborn. 

Then Mary Jane Coombe (née Southcott) died, aged 33, in 1887 J Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 408.

In 1891, John H Coombe (45) Widower, was in Leigh Street, Holborn, with Fanny Maria Coombe (17) Packer soap factory, Frederick Coombe (14) Printer's boy and Charles H Coombe (12).

In 1901, John H Coombes (sic) (55) Tailor Journeyman was living in Great Queen Street, Bloomsbury, London, with Frances Maria Coombe (26) Packer in soap factory; Fredrick Coombe (24) Porter Hotel kitchen and Charles H Coombe (22) Tailor journeyman.

In 1911, John Coombe (68) Tailor, Widowed was an Inmate of Holborn Union Workhouse, Mitcham, Surrey. (Dining Hall, Holborn Union Workhouse)

John Hurley Coombe died in 1913 J Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 469.

Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter

Fore Street, Kentisbeare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2793712

Thomas Stone (b. ~1766), son of Thomas Stone and Sarah Tozer, married Dorothy (Dolly) Carpenter (bap. 15 Jul 1764), daughter of Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter, at St Mary's, Kentisbeare, Devon, on 5 Sep 1787. 

There are records for nine children, all baptised in Kentisbeare: 

1. Sarah Stone bap. 20 Apr 1788 (listed as Sally on baptism) 
2. John Stone, b. 6 Jan 1790, bap. 22 Jan 1792
3. Henry Stone bap. 22 Jan 1792
4. Hugh Stone bap. 25 Jul 1793 (buried 19 Nov 1802)
5. William Stone bap. 26 Apr 1795 (buried 4 Apr 1796)
6. Mary Stone bap. 2 Apr 1797 (buried 11 Apr 1813)
7. William Stone bap. 3 Nov 1799
8. Hugh Stone bap. 15 Feb 1803 (buried 13 Jan 1804)
9. Elizabeth Stone bap. 7 Sep 1806

Dorothy Stone died, aged 49, and was buried at Kentisbeare on 9 May 1813. 

Thomas Stone remarried, also in Kentisbeare, on 17 Apr 1814 to Mary Hill (probably born around 1773-6 and, given her age, was probably a widow at the time of this marriage). Witnesses to this marriage were Thomas Farnell and Elizabeth Hill. Thomas and Mary had three more children.

1. Robert Stone bap. 16 Oct 1814
2. John Stone bap. 10 Mar 1816
3. Thomas Stone bap. 13 Sep 1818

Thomas Stone died at 72 in 1838 M Qtr in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 207 and was buried in Kentisbeare on 26 Jan 1838.

In 1841, Mary Stone (65) was living in "Kentisbeer Village" with her sons Robert Stone (30), John Stone (26) and Thomas Stone (23). 

In 1851, Mary Stone (78), Widow, Pauper, was still living in the village.

Mary Stone, with age estimated to be 84, died in 1857 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 294 and was buried in Kentisbeare.

In 1799, the year my 3rd great-grandfather, William Stone, was born in the village, Betty Limpany was executed in Exeter for burning down the house of her master, William Leech of Kentisbeare. According to Trewman's Exeter Flying Post of April 11th 1799, "She acknowledged her guilt, was very penitent, and behaved in a manner becoming her unhappy situation." However, the film, Betty Limpany (1997), claims "Betty was said to be pregnant with the master's child and framed for a crime she didn't commit ..." It's also said that she was the last girl (at 17) to be hanged in England. It's a small enough village, so the Stones must have at least known about the house fire. Could they even have known Betty Limpany? Was she seduced by her master? Was she framed, or was she guilty? We'll never know, but for the people of Kentisbeare, it must have been the talk of village for a long time. The film of the story apparently has a character named "Village Idiot". Gotta wonder which family member was the inspiration for that role?😀

(Robert Stone (bap. 1814), son of Thomas Stone and his second wife, Mary Hill, married Jane Farnel (sic) at St Mary, Kentisbeare, on 3 Oct 1844. A Thomas Farnell had been a witness to Robert's parents' marriage, so it's a possibility that these families had known to each other for many years. Robert and Jane had a daughter, Marianne, bap. 15 Jun 1845 in Kentisbeare. Then Robert Stone died, aged 31, and was buried on 27 Dec 1846.)

Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey and Ada Mary Hartwell

Clifton Suspension Bridge

At almost 42, Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey (b. 1 Oct 1869), son of Thomas Bailey and Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fudge, married the 25 year old, Ada Mary Hartwell (b. 1886), daughter of Thomas Cooper Hartwell and Julia Adelaide Hodges, at St Paul's Church, Clifton, Bristol (photo) on 4 Sep 1911.

Thomas and Ada had two children:

1. Dorothy Ada Bailey b. 19 Sep 1912 D Quarter BRISTOL Vol 06A Pg 8
2. Stanley Thomas Bailey b. 1914 S Quarter in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 7

Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey had enlisted, at 14, in the Royal Marines on 22 Nov 1884, in which he served until 20 Feb 1896, having attained the rank of Corporal in 1894. On 21 Feb 1896, he signed up for 12 years with the Royal Navy, as a Ship's Corporal, from which he was pensioned on 16 Dec 1909.

In 1911, Thomas Bailey, from Stonehouse, Devonshire, listed as 40, was a boarder in the household of John Milton Mann (53) Fine Art Dealer, in Clifton, Bristol and was employed as a Toll Collector by the Clifton Suspension Bridge Company. Meanwhile, Ada Mary Hartwell (24), from Chadbury, Worcestershire, was in service as a domestic cook in Long Ashton, North Somerset, just outside the boundary of city of Bristol urban area.

Then along came the First World War and Thomas Bailey was re-engaged by the Royal Navy in Aug 1914, until his final discharge on 1 Mar 1919. 

In 1921, Thomas S O Bailey (51) Temporary Postman GPO, Out of Work; Ada Mary Bailey (34), Dorothy Ada Bailey (8) and Stanley Thomas Bailey (7) were listed as living at 44, Dearose Road, Plymouth.

Ada Mary Bailey died, aged 40, in 1927 in Plymouth Vol 05B Page 427.

In 1939, Thomas S O Bailey, Widowed, was listed at 25 Victoria Street, Plymouth, with his daughter Dorothy A Bailey.

Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey died, aged 79, in 1948 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 634.

• Dorothy Ada Bailey married Vincent Prete in Plymouth, in 1947.
• Stanley Thomas Bailey married Vera Muriel Helen Crabb, at Emmanuel Church, Plymouth, on 2 Aug 1941.

Jane Middleton and William Flew

Church of St Peter, Knowstone
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/3465881

Jane Middleton (bap. 15 Mar 1829 in Knowstone, Devon), daughter of Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker, was my 2x great-grandmother.

By 1841, then aged around 12, Jane had already left home and was working as a farm labourer for John Bucknell at Beaple's Barton. The still-important farmhouse is about one mile south west of Knowstone village, bordered to the south by Beaple's Moor and to the north by Beaple's Wood. 

In 1851, Jane (~20), was a Pauper inmate of The Workhouse in Church Lane, South Molton, along with her son, Robert, aged 1. Presumably, this was the only place she could go as a single mother and clearly she was either still there or back there in 1853/4 when she had her second son, William.

Jane actually had 4 children out of wedlock. Only her daughter survived.

1. Robert Middleton, b. 1850 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 10  Page 199, bap. on 3 Mar 1854, record marked 'dead' (abode 'Union', i.e. Workhouse) and buried on 6 Mar 1854 in Knowstone, aged 4 years.
2. William Middleton, b. 1853 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B  Page 416, bap. 9 Feb 1854, record marked 'dead' (abode given as 'Union', i.e. Workhouse), buried 5 Mar 1854 in Knowstone, aged 8 months.
3. Frederick Middleton, b. 1856 D Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 430. Buried 20 Jan 1858 at St Peter’s Church, Rose Ash, Devon, and bap. (posthumously) 3 Oct 1858 in West Anstey.
4. Emma Middleton, b. 6 Aug 1862, bap. 5 Oct 1865, in West Anstey.

Robert, William and Frederick's surname is listed on their GRO birth records as MEDDLETON. All have the mother's maiden name left blank, confirming illegitimate births. Found no GRO birth registration for Emma.

In 1861 Jane Middleton (32), was a House Servant in the employ of John Micks at Woods Farm, West Anstey. A decade later, in 1871, Jane Middleton (34?) was Housekeeper to William Short (66) at Rowry, Molland, South Molton, Devon, with her daughter Emma (8) listed as a Boarder. 

Jane Middleton, Spinster, daughter of Robert Middleton, married William Flew, Widower, son of Richard Flew, who said he was then 38, at her parish of St Peter's, Knowstone on 2 Sep 1875. On the marriage certificate, Jane is listed as being 30. She was actually 46. Witnesses were Hugh Tapp (married to Jane's sister Harriet) and Mary Ann Marshall (William's sister Mary).

However, within six months, William Flew died, age estimated at 40. He was buried on 5 Mar 1876, at All Saints Church, Rackenford. William also left four children from his first marriage; Thomas, Mary Jane, Sarah and William.

Jane Flew then married John Howe (or How) in the first quarter of 1877.

St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper
geograph.org.uk/p/2448281

John How, born 12 Mar 1842 to John How and Mary Ann Broom (who married in 1837 in Oakford, Devon), was baptised on 3 Apr 1842 in Stoodleigh, Devon.

In 1851, at Hasswells Cottage, Stoodleigh, John was the second of six children; Mary Ann (11), John (9), Matilda (7), Ellen (5), Robert (2) and William (0). John's maternal grandmother, Mary Broom, widow (78), born in 1773, lived with the family.

John How Sr had been baptised on 13 May 1810, in the wonderfully named village of Huish Champflower in Somerset, the son of Nathaniel Howe and Joan Rogers, who had married on 25 Mar 1805 in Chipstable.

In 1881, John How (38) Agricultural Labourer and Jane How (claiming to be 49, she was actually 52), were living at Babcott Cottage on the Stoodleigh Estate, Stoodleigh. (John's parents also lived in Stoodleigh at 1, Little Coleford.) Jane's daughter, Emma, then 19, must have been out working somewhere, but I've been unable to find her on this census.

In 1891, living at Habridge Cottages, Steart Road, Stoodleigh, John How (49) and Jane How (49 again, really 62), were joined by John's mother, Mary Ann (76), widow - John's father had died in 1887 - and Emma's illegitimate son, William Henry Middleton (2), described as 'Wife's Daughter's Son'. (My dad just called him Uncle Bill.) Emma Middleton (claiming to be 26, really 29) was a Domestic Servant to William Heywood (27), Farmer (son of Robert Heywood of Spurway Barton), at West Spurway Farm, Oakford, Devon. 

By 1901, John and Jane Howe had moved to Manley Cottage, 2, Halberton - near to the Manley Bridge on the Grand Western Canal (here's what the property at 1 Manley Cottages looks like). John was 59 and Jane had clearly become tired of lying about her age, as she's listed accurately at 71.

Jane Howe, wife of John Howe a Farm Labourer (in attendance), died on 21 Nov 1905 (1905 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 264) at West Manley, Halberton, from Heart Failure. Age estimated as 70, she was 76.

In 1911, John Howe (69), Widower, was a boarder in the household of George Cockram at Marsh Cottages, Bolham Road, Tiverton. 

In 1921, John Howe (79) Widower, OAP, was still a boarder in the household of George Cockram, this time at 80, Chapel Street, Tiverton.

John Howe died on 31 Mar 1927 (1927 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414) at the age of 85.

When my father had hand drawn a family tree for me some years ago, he had added John and Jane Howe with some of their dates, unlinked, at the bottom of the page. Clearly he knew of them (he was a small boy when John died), but didn't know who they were nor that Jane was his great-grandmother.

Manley Bridge, Grand Western Canal, from the west
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Johnstone - geograph.org.uk/p/4085587

Joseph Jerred and Sarah Elworthy

St Mary's Church, Stockleigh Pomeroy
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/160134

Joseph Jerred (b. ~1797) of the parish of Thorverton married Sarah Elworthy (bap. 18 Nov 1804 in Stockleigh Pomeroy) daughter of William Elworthy and Mary Dunn, on 29 Aug 1830 at St Mary's Church, Stockleigh Pomeroy (Joseph's surname is spelt Gerrard on the marriage record).

Records suggest Joseph and Sarah had six children:

1. Mary Jerrard (sic) bap. 19 Jun 1831 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton
2. William Jerrad or Jerrard (sic) bap. 12 May 1833 in Thorverton
3. John Jerred (listed as Gerrard) bap. 15 Feb 1835 in Thorverton
4. James Gerrard (sic) bap. 18 Dec 1836 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton
5. Maria Gerrard (sic) bap. 23 Jun 1839 at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton (Died 1842 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 178)
6. Elizabeth Jerred b. 1842 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10  Page 287, mother's maiden name ELSWORTHY, bap. Elizabeth Jerrard (sic) on 20 Feb 1842 in Thorverton

In 1841, Joseph Jerred (44), Sarah Jerred (37), John Jerred (6), James Jerred (4) and Maria Jerred (1), were living at Willses, Thorverton. Mary Jerred (10) was in the employ of Richard Vinicombe at Lee Cross Farm, Thorverton. William (8) (listed as William Gerad) was visiting his grandparents, William and Mary Elworthy, at Village Cottage, Stockleigh Pomeroy.

Joseph Jerrard (sic) died - his age at death was estimated to 55 - in 1847 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 171 and he was buried on 18 Nov 1847, at St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton.

In 1851, Sarah Jerrad (sic) (48) Widow, from Stockleigh, Devonshire, was in Silver Street, Thorverton, with her occupation listed as 'Work in Fields'. William Jerred (17) Shoemaker (Apprentice) was still with his grandparents in Stockleigh Pomeroy; John Jerred (16) was employed as a farm servant to Samuel Kingdon, Farmer of 150 Acres, at Lynch House, Thorverton. (Lynch Farm, to the west of the village still exists); James Jared (sic) (14) was a Farm Labourer in the household of William Hosgood (76) at Starkisses Farm, Raddon, Thorverton, Devon and Elizabeth Jerred (9) Scholar, was living in the household of William and Elizabeth Wotton in Cheriton Fitzpaine Village, listed as their Niece. (Elizabeth Wotton née Elworthy, was Sarah's sister.)

On 7 Aug 1853 at the Parish church of Thorverton, Sarah Jerrard (sic) Widow, daughter of William Elsworthy (sic), married Thomas Walter (sic) Widower, both of Silver Street, Thorverton. Actually Thomas Walker, he had previously married Sarah Way, in Thorverton, on 27 Mar 1826. (Thomas wasn't going to get his wives first names mixed up, at least. In 1851, Thomas wife, Sarah, was shown as being born 1802 in Poughill, Devonshire. There is a death of a Sarah Walters (sic) in 1852, aged 50, which would appear to relate.)

In 1861, Thomas Walker (59) Ag Lab and 2nd wife Sarah Walker (56) born in Stockleigh, Devon, were still living in Silver Street, Thorverton. James Jerred (24) Carter was at Yellowford Farm, Yellowford Lane, Thorverton in the employ of Thomas Potter (58) Yeoman Farmer; Elizabeth Jerred (19) Dressmaker, was still living with her aunt and uncle in Cheriton Fitzpaine.

In 1871, Thomas Walker (70) Agricultural Labourer and Sarah Walker (68) from Stockleigh Pomeroy, once more in Silver Street, Thorverton with James Jerred (34) Gardner listed as Son-in-law (often used as if interchangeable with Step-son) and John Nix (or Nex) (80) Widower, Ag Lab, Lodger.

Sarah Walker died, at 71, in 1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 291 and was buried on 14 Mar 1875, in Thorverton.

Thomas Walker died, aged 77, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 299 and was buried on 6 Apr 1879, also in Thorverton.

John Palmer and Esther Collins

Winchester - St John The Baptist Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Talbot - geograph.org.uk/p/2386190r

John Palmer (b. ~1776 in Bridestowe, Devon), son of John and Joan Palmer married Esther Collins (bap. 15 Aug 1790 at St Bartholomew, Winchester), daughter of Benjamin Collins and Mary Heamer, at St John the Baptist, Winchester on 26 Aug 1811. 

John and Esther Palmer, it seems, had at least these four children:

1. Charles Palmer b. 12 Jul 1812, bap. 24 Jul 1812 at St Mary's Church, Hinckley, Leicestershire. As unlikely as that location seems, on the 1851 census, Charles' birthplace is listed as 'Ionkley, Lancashire', which is surely a mis-transcription of Hinckley, Leicestershire. 
2. James Palmer bap. 16 Sep 1821 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth
3. Elizabeth Palmer bap. 25 Nov 1827 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth
4. Henry Palmer bap. 18 Jul 1830 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth

On James', Elizabeth's and Henry's baptisms, John's occupation is Tanner.

It's extremely likely there were other children born between those, but it's difficult to confirm, not knowing when or where and being too early for them appear on census returns together as a family for confirmation. 

In 1841, John Palmer (60) was living in York Street, Plymouth (as was son Charles, in a separate household), with Esther Palmer (50), Elizabeth Palmer (14) and Henry Palmer (11). There is a James Palmer (20), resident at Plymouth Citadel, in 1841, presumably there with the military.

In 1851, John Palmer (75) Tanner, from Bridestowe, Devonshire and Esther Palmer (61), from Winchester, were in Richmond Street, Plymouth.

John Palmer died, aged 78, in 1855 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 251. He is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.

In 1861, Esther Talmer (sic) Tanner's mother, widowed, from Winchester, Hampshire, was living in Vauxhall Street, Plymouth in the household of her son Charles - who it appears had taken over the trade from his father.

Esther Palmer died, aged 79, in 1868 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 145. She is also buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.

Henry John Leese and Marian Blanche Burgess

HMS President in London
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Steve Daniels - geograph.org.uk/p/3352722
HMS President is a stone frigate, or shore establishment of the Royal Naval Reserve; on the northern bank of the River Thames near Tower Bridge.

Henry John Leese (b. 5 Jan 1862 in Telscombe, Lewes, Sussex) Naval Schoolmaster, HMS Boscawen, Portland, son of John Leese and Caroline Bussey, married Marian Blanche Burgess (b. 1863 in Greenwich), daughter of William Burgess, Printer, at All Saints, Rotherhithe, on 22 Aug 1885. Witnesses were William Burgess and Christiana Elizabeth Burgess.

Henry John Leese began his naval career on 5 Jan 1879, having previously attended Greenwich School, with school ship, HMS Impregnable (1810). From 1 Jan 1881, Henry John Leese (19) was an Ordinary seaman pupil teacher, stationed at HMS President (shore establishment).  

Henry and Marian Leese had nine children, three of whom died (numbers confirmed by Henry John Leese' own account on 1911 Census):

1. May Constance Leese b. 9 Jun 1886 (1886 S Qtr in BRIGHTON Vol 02B Page 228), bap. 23 Mar 1890 at Southsea, St Bartholomew.
2. Elsie Christine Leese b. 29 May 1890 (1890 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 479), bap. 3 Aug 1890 at Southsea, St Bartholomew. Presume died as an infant, possibly in Malta.
3. Henry John Leese b. 14 Dec 1892 in Valletta, Malta 
4. Maude Christiana Leese b. 13 Jul 1894 in Malta 
5. Marian Blanche Leese b. 6 Nov 1895 (1895 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 301), bap. 19 Jan 1896 in Stoke Damerel, Devon, died at 1 in 1896 D Qtr in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Pg 361
6. William Gordon Leese b. 17 Jan 1897 (1897 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Page 560), bap. 19 Sep 1897 in Forton (Gosport), Hampshire
7. John Stanley Leese b. 2 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 540), bap. 8 Feb 1898 in Forton (Gosport), Hampshire
8. Edward Lionel Leese b. 23 Feb 1900 (1900 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 568), bap. 10 Apr 1900 at Forton, Hampshire, died aged 3 in 1903 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 355
9. Frank Alfred Joseph Leese b. 10 Jun 1909 (1909 J Qtr in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Page 565), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Forton (Gosport)

The family are not on the 1891 Census in England as Henry John Leese was stationed at Malta Dockyard between 14 Jun 1890 and 11 Dec 1894.

Henry John Leese was appointed Schoolmaster at Portsmouth Division Royal Marines, located at Forton Barracks, near Gosport in Hampshire, on 29 Jul 1896, position he appears to have held until 30 Apr 1917.

In 1901, Henry J Leese (39) Schoolmaster, Warrant Officer RMLI, born in Portobello, Sussex was living at 139 Forton Rd, Gosport), with wife Marian B Leese (37) born in Greenwich; May C Leese (14) born in Brighton, Henry J Leese (8) born in Malta; Maud C Leese (6) born in Malta; William G Leese (4), John S Leese (3) and Edward L Leese (1) born in Gosport. There are no further records of Elsie Christine after her baptism; she is not listed on this census and I can find no record of a death either, so the most logical explanation is that she must have died as an infant in Malta.

In 1911, Henry John Leese (49) Schoolmaster, WO RMLI, was still living in Alverstoke, Hampshire with Marian Blanche Leese (47), May Constance Leese (24), Maude Christania Leese (16), William Gordon Leese (14), John Stanley Leese (13) and Frank Alfred Leese (1). Son Henry J Leese (18) had joined the Royal Marines in 1910 and was that year listed in Walmer, Kent (Deal).

In 1921, Henry John Leese (59) Elementary School Teacher was living at 139, Forton Road, Gosport, Alverstoke, with Marian Blanch Leese (57), May Constance Leese (35), Maud Christine Leese (26) Elementary School Teacher; John Stanley Leese (23) Pattern Maker; and Frank Alfred Joseph Leese (12).

Henry John Leese died, aged 70, on 15 Apr 1932 (1932 J Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 734) and is buried at Clayhall Naval Cemetery (Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery).

Marian Blanche Leese died exactly seven years after her husband, on 15 Apr 1939 (1939 J Quarter in GOSPORT Volume 02B Page 822), aged 75.

The six surviving children: 

1. May Constance Leese died, unmarried, aged 81, in Portsmouth, in 1967.
2. Henry John Leese (70) was discharged dead from the Royal Marines, to which he'd obviously devoted his entire life, on 15 Nov 1962.
3. Maude Christina Leese died, aged 83, also still a spinster, in 1977.
4. William Gordon Leese enlisted in the Royal Navy on 20 Jul 1912, but was declared invalided on 8 Feb 1921 at Haslar Hospital. William G Leese died, aged 71, in 1968 in Gosport.
5. John Stanley Leese died, at 80, in 1979 in Stockport, Cheshire.
6. Frank Alfred Joseph Leese joined the British Army, Coldstream Guards in 1928. Frank Alfred Joseph Leese married Faith Kathleen Partridge in Acle, Norfolk in 1947. Frank died in 1990, in Norwich.

George Bawden and Mary Baker

Knowstone : Cottage & Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3980875

George Bawden (bap. 9 Dec 1821 in Knowstone, Devon), son of John Boaden (sic), Shoemaker and Ann Marshall, married Mary Baker, illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Baker, at St Peter's church, Knowstone on 15 Aug 1845.

George and Mary appear to have had seven children:

1. George Bawden b. 1845 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 286. Died 1845 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 133.
2. John Bawden b. 1847 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 205
3. Mary Ann Boaden (sic) b. 1850 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 216
4. George Boaden (sic) b. 1854 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 426. George Bawden aged 1 was buried on 26 Dec 1855
5. Grace Boaden (sic) b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415. Died at 16 months in 1858 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 302 and was buried on 2 May 1858 in Knowstone
6. Grace Bawden b. 1860 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 417
7. George Bawden b. 1863 M Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 480

The mother's maiden name on all of these births was BAKER.

In 1851, George Boaden (sic) (29) Farm Labourer and Mary Boaden (30) were living in Knowstone Town, with John Boaden (3) and Mary Anne Boaden (0).

In 1861, George Boaden (sic) (39) Labourer and Mary Boaden (40) were living at West House, West Village, Knowstone with Mary Boaden (10) and Grace Boaden (0). John Bouden (sic) (13) was a Farm Servant at Allshire, Higher Sour Hill, Brushford, Dulverton, Somerset.

In 1871, George Bawden (49) and Mary Bawden (50) were living at Bawden Cottage, Knowstone with George Bawden (8) and Elizabeth Middleton (71) Annuitant, Lodger, but who was in fact, Mary's widowed mother. Grace Bawden (10) was a Domestic Servant at Beaples Barton, Knowstone.

George Bawden died at 51 in 1872 D Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 301 and was buried on 20 Oct 1872 in St Peter's churchyard.

Mary Bawden, Widow, then remarried to Thomas Marshall, Widower, son of Edward Marshall and Elizabeth Sellick, at St Peter's, Knowstone on 9 Jun 1875. The next wedding to take place in that church and listed on the same page of the register, was that of Mary's half-sister (and my 2x great-grandmother), Jane Middleton to William Flew, on 2 Sep 1875. And Thomas Marshall was the brother of James Marshall, who had married William Flew's sister, Mary Elworthy (née Flew) in 1856. In addition to that, Mary Baker's first husband, George Bawden's mother, Ann Marshall, was the sister of her 2nd husband, Thomas Marshall's father, Edward Marshall, so her two husbands were first cousins. What a small gene pool they had in these villages. Honestly, an episode of Soap would be easier to follow! 

Thomas Marshall had previously married Hannah Kingdom (bap. 26 Aug 1827 in Knowstone) daughter of John Kingdom and Mary Marley, in Knowstone, on 31 Mar 1847. Thomas and Hannah had four children. Hannah Marshall died at 46 on 25 Feb 1875 (1875 M Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 378) and was buried that same day in Knowstone churchyard.

In 1881, Thomas Marshall (61) Ag Lab and Mary Marshall (60) were living in Knowstone Village. Grace Bowden (sic) (20) was Servant to Charles Williams, Grocer at 1, Queen Street, South Molton; and George Bowden (sic) Jnr (18) was an Ag Lab (indoors) at Whitefield Farm, Knowstone.

Have been unable to find them in 1891, nor a death for Mary Marshall.

Thomas Marshall died at 77 in 1896 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 275.

William Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas

Interior of St Thomas a Becket's Church, Thorverton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Voller - geograph.org.uk/p/4038111

William Henry Bridle (b. 1844 in Rockbeare, Devon), son of Thomas Parsons Bridle and Elizabeth Wills, married Emma Lucas (bap. 2 Sep 1849 in Thorverton, Devon), daughter of William Lucas and Eliza Bamsey, at St Thomas a Becket's Church, Thorverton, on 14 Aug 1870.

They had five sons:

1. William Bridle b. 1871 M Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 71 in Brampford Speke
2. James Bridle b. 1873 M Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 427. Died 1873 J Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 285
3. Mark Bridle b. 9 Jan 1876 (1876 M Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 428) in Newton St Cyres
4. John Lucas Bridle b. 11 Jun 1879 (1879 S Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 411) in Newton St Cyres
5. Harry Bridle b. 7 Aug 1887 (1887 S Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 57) in Stoke Canon

In 1871, Henry Bridle (26), Agricultural Labourer, Emma Bridle (21) and William Bridle (1) were living at Pound Cottage, Brampford Speke.

In 1881, in Lilly Road, Newton St Cyres, were Henry Bridle (36) Railway Labourer; Emma Bridle (31), William (10), Mark (5) and John (1).

In 1891, at Barrow Cottages, 4, Barrow Road, Rewe, Stoke Canon, were William Henry Bridle (45) Agricultural Labourer; Emma Bridle (40), with Mark Bridle (14), John L Bridle (11) and Harry Bridle (3). William Bridle (20), Horse Driver, was a boarder in a household in Westexe South, Tiverton.

In 1901, at Hill Cottages, Netherene Village, Nether Exe (24 households in 1086), were Henry Bridle (56), Emma Bridle (51), and Harry Bridle (13).

In 1911, in Stoke Canon, William Henry Bridle (66), Farm Labourer, and his wife, Emma Bridle (62), were living in the household of their son Mark Bridle and his wife, Maud Lucy Medcalf (who he married in St Pancras, London in 1905); with Harry Bridle (3) Nephew (son of Harry Bridle and Adeline Martha Coome) and Elizabeth Deroney (72), Boarder.

In 1921, William H Bridle (76) described as 'Blind Retired' and Emma Bridle (71) were still living in Stoke Canon, Devon.

[William] Henry Bridle died, aged 84, on 22 Dec 1928 (1928 D Qtr in EXETER Vol 05B 114) and is buried at St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Canon.

Emma Bridle died, aged 88, on 21 Jul 1937 (1937 S Quarter in EXETER Vol 05B Page 73) and was buried at St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Canon.

Victoria Street, Exeter
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/293678

Mark Bridle (b. 9 Jan 1876), son of Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, married Maud Lucy Medcalf (b. 20 Mar 1882 in Peckham, London), daughter of Arthur Charles Medcalf and Eliza Dale, in St Pancras, London, in 1905. Wonder how they met? Maud's father was from Ballingdon, then in Essex (now a suburb of Sudbury in Suffolk) and her mother from Kensington.

In 1911, Mark Bridle (35) Blacksmith, Maud Lucy (29); Mark's parents, William Henry (66), Emma (62); nephew, Harry (3) and Elizabeth Deroney (72), were living in Stoke Canon, Devon. Could it be that they also moved away from Stoke Canon as a consequence of the strike at the paper mill, in which his brother John had been caught up in, in 1915?

Their only child was:

1. Arthur Albert Mark Bridle b. 18 Mar 1917 (1917 M Quarter in ST. THOMAS Volume 05B Page 70)

In 1921, Mark Bridle (46) Motor Driver; Maud Lucy Bridle (38) and Arthur Albert Mark Bridle (5), were living at 68 Victoria Street, Exeter, Devon.

In 1939, Mark Bridle, Chauffer / Gardener, wife Maud Lucy and son Arthur Albert Mark Bridle, Electrician, were still at 68 Victoria Street, Exeter.

Maud Lucy Bridle died in Exeter, in 1957, aged 75.

Mark Bridle of 49 West Grove Road, Exeter died on 25 Feb 1958, aged 82, at 200 Woodwater Lane, Exeter, leaving his effects to Arthur Albert Mark Bridle.

Arthur Albert Mark Bridle died on 19 Jun 2005, also in Exeter.

Stoke Canon Post Office & Stores
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Bill Boaden - geograph.org.uk/p/4054054

John Lucas Bridle (b. 11 Jun 1879), son of Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, married Alice Brewer, in Exeter in early 1899. Alice, born in Newton St Cyres, on 29 Jul 1881 and baptised there on 2 Oct 1881, was the daughter of Thomas Brewer from Morchard Bishop and Sarah Heywood.

John and Alice had five children:

1. Emma Bridle b. 29 Apr 1899, bap. 18 Jun 1899 in Stoke Canon
2. Frances Annie Bridle b. 12 Dec 1900, bap. 6 Feb 1901 in Stoke Canon
3. William Henry Bridle b. 1902 (Died aged 2, and was buried on 14 Apr 1904 in Stoke Canon. Curiously, the burial record specifies that the child was "unbaptised" and that "Burial Service not used".)
4. George Henry Bridle b. 6 Jan 1906, bap. 18 Mar 1906 in Stoke Canon
5. Frederick John Bridle b. 18 Dec 1912, bap. 22 Feb 1913 in Stoke Canon

All of the children's baptisms list John as a Paper Maker.

In 1901, John Lucas Bridle (21) Paper mill labourer, Alice (19), Emma (1) and Frances Anne (0) were living at Channings Court, Stoke Canon.

And in 1911, in The Square, Stoke Canon, were John Bridle (30) Paper millhand, Alice (30) Paper sorter, Emma (12), Annie (11) and George (5).

In 1915 the village of Stoke Canon, just north of Exeter, was the centre of a bitter strike. [...] Workers were in dispute over a pay claim and recognition of the National Union of Printing and Paper Workers. Charles Tremlett, Managing Director of the Stoke Canon Paper Mill, responded by sacking the workers and evicting them from their tied cottages. With nowhere else to go, the union bought the families tents and they were forced to camp in a local field. The strikers won widespread support from around the area. The village schoolteachers took up the cause and funds were raised to support them.

Among the strikers (pictured here) were John Bridle and family, who lived at The Square. They must have moved on, as there's a note on George Henry's school record, dated 15 Oct 1915, which says "Left the Place".

In 1921, John Lucas Bridle (42) Paper Maker at Smith Stone & Knight Avon Side Paper Works, Bristol, was living at 117, Philip Street, Bristol, Gloucestershire with Alice Bridle (40), George Henry Bridle (15) General Factory Hand at Smith Stone & Knight and Frederick John Bridle (8),

In 1939, John Bridle, Incapacitated and Alice, were at 17 Philip Street, Bristol.

John Lucas Bridle died in 1956, aged 77; Alice Bridle died in 1964, aged 83.

Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Verity Cridland, CC BY 2.0

Frederick John Bridle, youngest child of John Lucas Bridle and Alice Brewer, married Florence Melita Louisa Coleman, in Bristol, in 1934.

They had a daughter in 1935. And in 1939, we find them in Wells Road [Totterdown], Bristol, with Frederick working as a "Labourer Arp Shelters".

Frederick John Bridle (30), Driver, Royal Army Service Corps, son of J. and Alice Bridle; husband of Florence Melitia Bridle, of Totterdown, Bristol, died on 9 Feb 1943. He is buried at Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery, Plot 15. G. 7., near Majaz al Bab, Tunisia. (Tunisia was the scene of Operation Torch (8 Nov 1942 – 13 May 1943), the Allied invasion of North Africa. CWGC Commonwealth War Graves in Béja & Medjez-el-Bab, Tunisia, North Africa.)

Frederick's widow, Florence M L Bridle, died in 1988, at 78, in Bristol.

Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle

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

Thomas Fudge (b. 1808), of the Royal Marines, married Ann Beedle (b. 1813), at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth on 12 Aug 1834. Neither could sign their own names. Witnesses were Catherine Murray and James Boulter.

Thomas and Ann had three children:

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

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

Navy Allotment Records list Thomas Fudge of 26 High Street, Stonehouse as a Fifer aboard HMS Endymion (1797) in 1841; in 1844 with HMS Mutine (1844) and HMS Mutche in 1845. In 1845, Thomas Fudge from Stonehouse was listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857.

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

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

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

In 1871, then living in Bridport Street, Portsea, Hampshire, were Thomas Fudge (64) Seaman Pensioner, Anne Fudge (58) and Anne Fudge (13) listed as their daughter, but must be their granddaughter, Louisa Ann Bailey.

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

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

Robert Middleton and Mary Pyke

Interior Warkleigh Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Brinicombe - geograph.org.uk/p/4455623

Robert Middleton (bap. 4 Jun 1826 in Knowstone), son of Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker, married Mary Pyke (b. ~1831), daughter of William and Ann Pyke, on 7 Aug 1855, at the church of St John, Warkleigh, Devon. Robert made his mark, while Mary Pyke, with a Y, was able to scrawl her signature. Witnesses to their wedding were John Beer and Sarah Ford.

Mary Pyke already had an illegitimate daughter, Selina Ann Pyke, b. 1852 M Quarter in OKEHAMPTON Volume 05B Page 369, bap. (as Selina Ann Pike, listed as daughter of Mary) on 28 Mar 1852 in Sampford Courtenay.

Robert and Mary Middleton had a further eleven children:

1. Sarah Middleton b. 1856 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 432. Died aged 3 in 1859 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 305 and buried on 22 Apr 1859 in Warkleigh, Devon.
2. Samuel Middleton b. 1857 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 423, bap. 2 Apr 1857 privately, in Warkleigh, Devon. Died 1857 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 299.
3. Emily Middleton b. 1858 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 402, bap. 12 Sep 1858 in Warkleigh, Devon
4. James Middleton b. 1860 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 425, bap. 10 Jun 1860 in Warkleigh, Devon
5. Thomas Middleton b. 9 Oct 1862 D Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B 410
6. Sarah Ann Middleton b. 1864 S Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B 395
7. Robert Middleton b. 29 Aug 1867 S Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B 409
8. Mary Elizabeth Middleton b. 1870 (No GRO registration found)
9. William Middleton b. 3 Jan 1873 M Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B 408
10. John Middleton b. 1874 J Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B Page 393. Died aged 19 and was buried on 19 Sep 1893 in Okehampton
11. Charles Middleton b. 1876 D Qtr in OKEHAMPTON Vol 05B Page 359, bap. 3 Dec 1876 in Okehampton. Died aged 2 in 1879 M Quarter Vol 05B Page 295 and was buried on 7 Jan 1879 in Okehampton

All of the births registered in South Molton have the mother's maiden name spelled as PYKE. On Sarah Ann's and Robert's registrations, it's also PYKE, however, on those of the remaining four boys: Thomas, William, John and Charles, registered in Oakhampton, it was spelled PIKE.

On earlier baptisms their address was Little Shortridge "... the census records show that the population at Little Shortridge briefly peaked between the 1850s and the 1880s, with up to five households of farm workers and their families who presumably lived within subdivided accommodation."

In 1861, Robert Middleton (36) Ag Lab was living at Chapel, Sampford Courtenay, Okehampton, with Mary Middleton (29), Emily Middleton (2), James Middleton (11 mo), Selina Pyke (9) listed as Daughter-in-law (they mean Step-daughter) and in the next household, but it appears lodging with them, were Ann Pyke (65) Widow (Mary's mother? It appears that Mary's father, William Pike (sic), had died, aged 68, in 1860) and Samuel Pyke (25) (Mary's brother). In fact, it looks as if Robert and Mary have moved into Mary's parent's home as this was previously their address, where, as was customary, he became the "man of the house" and head of the family.

In 1871, Robert Middleton (46) Ag Lab, was living in Lower Ajustment, Sampford Courtenay, Okehampton, Devon, with Mary Middleton (40), James Middleton (11), Thomas Middleton (9), Sarah [Ann] Middleton (7), Robert Middleton (4) and Mary Middleton (1). Selina Ann Pyke (19) late a Servant was living in the household of John Easterbrook (33) Farm Labourer at Lower Treecott, Sampford Courtenay, Okehampton, listed as a First Cousin. Emily Middleton (12) from Warkleigh, Devon, was a Domestic Servant to Willmote Coombe (59) [Female] Farmer at Cliston, Sampford Courtenay.

In 1881, at Brightley, Okehampton, were Robert Middleton (56) Railway lab packer; Mary Middleton (50), Robert Middleton (14), Mary Middleton (12), William Middleton (8) and John Middleton (7). James Middleton was with the Army in Southern Afghanistan; Thomas Middleton (18) from Sampford, Devonshire was with the Royal Navy aboard the 4th Class Corvette, HMS Tenedos (1870), At Sea Off Antigua Long 61' 17' W Lat 16' 56' N; Sarah Ann Middleton (17) Domestic Servant was in the household of Charles Henry Child (57) Farmer and Gentleman at Goldburn, Inwardleigh, Okehampton.

Robert Middleton died, aged 63, in 1889 S Quarter in OKEHAMPTON Volume 05B Page 253 and was buried on 20 Jul 1889, in Okehampton.

In 1891, Mary Middleton (62) Widow was listed as a Lodger in the household of John Lang (who had married daughter, Mary Middleton), at Brightly Hamlet Cottage, Station Road, Okehampton; William Middleton (18) Agricultural Labourer was employed by Richard Sloman (35) Farmer at Knowle Farm, Station Road, Okehampton; John Middleton (16) was a Lodger with his older brother, James Middleton at Brightly Cottage, Station Road, Okehampton.

In 1901, Mary Middleton (70) Mother-in-law, living in North Street, Okehampton with John and Mary Lang, was a Monthly nurse.

In 1911, Mary Middleton (82) Mother-in-law, Widow, still lived with John and Mary Lang at 38 North Street, Okehampton.

Mary Middleton, with age estimated as 84, died in 1912 D Quarter in OKEHAMPTON Volume 05B Page 466.