Samuel Webber and Harriet Lock

Uplowman : The Redwoods Inn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7503704

Samuel Webber (b. ~1815 in Wiveliscombe, Somerset), listed on the marriage certificate as the son of William Webber, Farmer (often used inaccurately), married Harriet Lock (bap. 19 Jun 1814 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 17 Dec 1850. The witnesses to their marriage were Richard Frankpitt and Jane Parr.

In 1841, Harriet Lock (25) had been a Female Servant in the household of Edward Chave (35) at Burrow Farm, Ashbrittle [the same Edward Chave who was at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman in 1861 and 1871] and at the same time Samuel Webber (~20) had been a Male Servant on Burrow Farm.

In 1851, Samuel Webber (33) Victualler from Wiveliscombe, Somerset and Harriet Webber (37) Victualler's Wife from Ashbrittle, Somerset were living at, and clearly running, the Redwoods Inn, Uplowman (confirmed there).

Samuel and Harriet had one daughter:

1. Elizabeth Webber b. 1851 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 273, mother's maiden name confirmed as LOCK, but can identify no further records for this child and fear she most likely died as an infant.

However, Harriet Webber died, at just 38, in 1853 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 283 and was buried in Uplowman on 9 Apr 1853.

Samuel Webber (36), Widower, again listed as son of William Webber, Farmer, wasted no time in remarrying, also at St Peter’s, Uplowman, on 14 Jul 1853 to Jane Cruze (40), Widow, listed as daughter of John Lake, Sawyer.

In 1861, Samuel Webber (46) Farmer of 16 acres was at Lowman Cross Way, Uplowman, Tiverton, in a property next door to Hugh Redwood, Wheelwright and Innkeeper, who then ran the Redwoods Inn. Living with Samuel were Jane Webber (48), Sarah Cruze (23) Bonnet Maker from Bampton, Devon; Sarah Jane Cruze (6) and Ann Elizabeth Cruze (0) - Jane's granddaughters.

Jane appears to have been 'massaging' her age: In 1851, Jane Cruse (sic) (46) Annuitant and Sarah Cruse (sic) (14) had been living in Barrington Street, Tiverton. It hasn't been possible to find a record of Jane's previous marriage, however, there was a baptism of an Ann Cruze in Bampton, Devon on 12 Sep 1830, the daughter of James and Jane and the death of a James Cruze, aged 32, in 1837 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 177 and buried on 10 Sep 1837 in Bampton, who, I feel, was almost certainly her first husband. (There was also a burial of a Caroline Cruze, aged 4, in Bampton on 31 Dec 1837, and fear this may well have been this couple's child also.)

No birth or baptism records come up for either Jane Lake or her daughter, Sarah Cruze, however, Sarah Jane b. 1856 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 395, bap. 12 Aug 1856 in Uplowman, the daughter of Sarah Cruze, Single woman and Ann Elizabeth b. 1859 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378, were both Jane's daughter Sarah's illegitimate daughters.

Samuel Webber died, aged 55, in 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 323 and was buried on 20 Mar 1869, in Uplowman. (In sad irony, the very next burial record was for Samuel's best man, and presumably friend, Richard Frankpitt, on 17 Apr 1869, who died, at 60, on 11 Apr 1869.)

In 1871, Jane Webber (60) Widow, Dairy Keeper, was living at Lowman Cross Farm Houses, Uplowman with Sarah Short (28) Dressmaker and Milliner; Sarah J Carew (14), Ann E Carew (11) and a then unnamed 2 day old Female Infant - later registered Edith Margaretta Hannah Short b. 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436 and bap. Edith Margaret Hannah Short on 1 May 1871 in Uplowman. You might think that Carew was an error, however, Jane's daughter, Sarah had married as Sarah Jane Carew in 1869 to Thomas Short (bap. 25 Jan 1843 in Northam, Devon), son of Thomas Short and Margaret Webb, in Bristol, so it seems to have been intentional. The mother's maiden name on Edith's birth registration was also listed as CAREW. On Edith's baptism, Thomas Short is described as a Railway Clerk.

As yet, I've been unable to identify any further records for Jane Webber.

In 1881, Thomas Short (39) [Profession infuriatingly unreadable] from Northam, North Devon was living at a fancy sounding address, Kennett Villa, [Royal] Albert Road, Westbury upon Trym, Barton Regis, Gloucestershire with wife Sarah J Short (39) - she must have been 44 - Edith Short (10) born in Uplowman, Devon; William H Short (6) born in the United States and Thomas Short (3) born in Clifton, Gloucestershire. (Thomas Short b. 1877 J Quarter in BARTON REGIS Volume 06A Page 79, mother's maiden name CREW.)

Annie Elizabeth Cruise (sic), it appears, married John Lake Fry in 1887.

Alfred Beamer and Emily Luxton

Castle Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/6587133

Alfred Beamer (b. 28 Aug 1880 in East Stonehouse, Devon), Private RMLI of Cecil Street, Plymouth, son of Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White, married Emily Luxton (b. 22 Jun 1882 in Tiverton), daughter of James Luxton and Hannah Maria Hawkins, on 14 Dec 1905, at St Paul's Church, Tiverton. Emily's address at the time was Heathcoat Square, Tiverton and her younger sister, Jessie Luxton, was one of witnesseses (bridesmaid perhaps).

Alfred and Emily had two children:

1. Alfred James Beamer b. 15 Mar 1908 (1908 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 241), bap. 29 Mar 1908 at St Peter’s Church, Stonehouse, Plymouth. But the infant died, in 1908 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 174, at bearly six months of age.
2. Evelyn Beamer b. 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365, who also died in 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 227

Alfred Beamer, who had enlisted in the Royal Marines on 15 Aug 1896, just shy of his 16th birthday, was discharged, invalided, on 15 Oct 1908. On 7 Mar 1909, Alfred Beamer (29) Labourer of 40 Neswick St, Plymouth, was admitted to the Devon and Cornwall Sanatorium for Consumptives Didworthy. Consumption was another name for Tuberculosis. When he was discharged from the sanitorium on 15 Jun 1909, the record shows Alfred developed the disease 7 months previously, which ties in with the date he was discharged from the Royal Marines. In the notes it says, "light work - dead". What kind of light work the dead can do, is what I would like to know! Alfred Beamer died, at 29, in 1909 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 183. 

In 1911, Emily Beamer (28), widow, was living at 1 Melbourne Street, Tiverton and working at the Heathcoat Lace Factory, as a spinner. Although she was a widow, Emily helpfully completed the fields on this census to confirm that she had two children born alive and that both had died.

In 1912, Emily Beamer remarried to a John Heard, in Tiverton.

In 1921, John Heard (49) Labourer from Oakford Devon, Emily Heard (39), and John's two children from his previous marriage (to Lily Holmes in 1901, who died in 1911), Beatrice Lily Heard (19) Lace Folder (at Heathcoat) and Sidney John Heard (13) were living at 125, West Exe South, Tiverton.

John Heard died, aged 59, in 1930 D Quarter in EXETER Vol 05B Page 94.

In 1939, Emily Heard, widow, was living with a single lady, Beatrice E Gollop, at 26 Castle Street, Tiverton.

Emily Heard died, in Tiverton, in 1962, aged 79.

Edward John Bicknell and Marcella Jones

Portsmouth Cathedral
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/6829155

Edward John Bicknell married Marcella Jones (b. 10 May 1883 in Rushbrooke, Cobh (Queenstown, as it was then), Ireland), daughter of David Jones and Johannah Anne O'Callaghan, at St Jude's Church, Southsea on 12 Dec 1906. Among the witnesses was Marcella's younger sister, Helena Jones. At the time of this marriage, Edward John Bicknell was a Corporal RGA (Royal Garrison Artillery) and was then stationed at Southsea Castle. On the marriage certificate, Bicknell's father is listed as Edward Bicknell, a farmer.

Their only child was:

1. David Nicholas Bicknell b. 20 Jan 1909 at 15 Gold Street, Southsea (1909 M Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 491), bap. 10 Feb 1909, at St Thomas of Canterbury (now Portsmouth Cathedral).

There is no birth, nor baptism record for an Edward John Bicknell. The only likely record is an illegitimate birth of an Edward Bicknell, in 1879 D Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 46. The birth certificate lists that the child, born on 19 Nov 1879, in the Village, Withycombe Raleigh (which certainly falls within St Thomas Registration District), was the son of Rose Creasley Bicknell, Domestic Servant, Cook. His birth was registered by his mother, on 9 Dec 1879 and the name of the deputy registrar on the certificate was Edward John Carter. Is that where the Edward John came from? That and naming their son after Marcella's father and uncle and not after Bicknell's ancestors, leads me to think Edward had no idea who his father was and, as is so often done, just made one up for appearances on the marriage certificate.

There was a Rose Cressly Bicknell b. 1859 M Quarter in TOTNES Volume 05B Page 173 and baptised on 2 Jan 1859 at St Saviour's Church, Dartmouth, Devon, clearly listed as the base child of Elizabeth Bicknell (and a bloke named Cressly, I wouldn't be surprised). Edward John was described as Elizabeth's nephew, but it's obvious she was actually his grandmother.

Records show that Henry Palmer had married Elizabeth Fanny Bicknell, at St Margaret's, Westminster, London, in 1873. In 1881, they had been living at Church End, Tempsford, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, where Henry was Under butler. Elizabeth Bicknell (bap. 5 Jan 1834), listed in Withycombe Rawleigh in 1841 and 1851, certainly had a brother named Edward, born in 1830. However, he had died in 1870, so could not have been the boy's father. In fact, there were very many people named Edward Bicknell, in Withycombe, going right back to the 17th Century. Not one of them were farmers.

In 1891, Edward Jno Bricknell (sic) (10), 'nephew', had been living with Henry Palmer (42) Butler domestic and Elizabeth F Palmer (54) from Withycombe, Devon, at Hencroft Street, Upton with Chalvey, Eton, Buckinghamshire.

On 17 Dec 1895, Edward John Bicknell, listed originally as aged 14 years, 11 months (although the 14 appears to have been over-written as 15 on the 2nd page), from Withycombe [Withycombe Raleigh], Exmouth, Devon, formerly a Telegraph Messenger, had enlisted for Long Service in the Royal Artillery, at Slough, Bucks. The name and address of his next of kin was given as Mrs F E Palmer, 18 Hencroft Street, Sough, Bucks. (In 1901, Elizabeth F Palmer (60) Tailoress, from Withycombe, Devon, was still listed at that address.)

Fort Rowner-Gosport
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Colin Babb - geograph.org.uk/p/704877

When he enlisted in 1895, Edward John was 5' 1⅝' tall, weighed 98lbs, had a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He was then sent to Fort Rowner, Gosport on 21 Dec 1895. Initially passed as fit, he spent 29 days in hospital from 5 Feb 1896 to 4 Mar 1896, suffering from an illness referred to only by the initials V.D.H. (valvular disease of the heart and implies some organic disease or heart malfunction), of unknown cause and was discharged on 7 Mar 1896, as "Not being likely to become an efficient soldier."

On 19 Sep 1900, in London, at 18 years and 9 months, Edward John Bicknell, once again enlisted in the Royal Artillery. The record, again, says he was from Withycombe, Exmouth, Devon. Was he cured of his previous condition, or hopeful nobody would tie the two together (which they don't seem to do)?

In 1901, Edward John Bicknell (19) Gunner Royal Artillery, was listed on the census at Leith Fort, North Fort Street, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Part of Tigné Barracks, now incorporated in The Point Shopping Mall, Sliema, Malta.
(And yes, I did go to Sliema, Malta to track the location down. Would be rude not to!)

In 1911, Sergeant Edward John Bicknell (29), from Exmouth, Devon, was listed on the census of Overseas Establishments with 96th Company RGA (Royal Garrison Artillery) at Fort Tigné, Malta. Also listed there at that time were wife, Marcella Bicknell (26) and son, David Nicholas Bicknell (2) (96th Company, I believe, remained in Malta for the duration of World War I.)

But on 27 Oct 1919, Edward John Bicknell, then a Battery Sergeant Major at Sandown Barracks, Sandown, Isle of Wight, filed for divorce from Marcella, citing her adultery with co-respondent, Harry Babb, a Fitter in His Majesty's Dockyard at Portsmouth, with whom she was allegedly residing at 34, Castle Road, Southsea. The final decree was granted on 29 Sep 1920 and Harry Babb was ordered to pay costs of £63 18s 4d (around £3,655 in 2025).

In 1920 and 1921, records show that Sergeant Major Edward John Bicknell was a member of Sandown Masonic Lodge on the Isle of Wight. 

Edward John Bicknell remarried, to Ida Gertrude Pressley, on 25 Mar 1921, on the Isle of Wight. Ida Gertrude Pressley (b. 31 Dec 1890 (1891 M Quarter in ISLE OF WIGHT Volume 02B Page 615)), was the daughter of Thomas Frederick Pressley (a Yacht steward) and Sophia Caroline Lobb (from Jersey, Channel Islands). In 1901, the family address was Grocer's Shop, 62, West Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight (now a branch of The Co-operative Food). In 1911, Ida Gertrude Priestley (20), had been employed as a Lady's Maid to a Mrs Winifred Walker at 10 Marmion Road, Battersea, London.

In 1921, Ida Gertrude Bicknell (29) Dressmaker & Costumer from the Isle of Wight was a boarder and Edward John Bicknell (38) Soldier, 9th Bde RGA (Attached 34th Bde RFA North Camp Aldershot) a visitor in the household of Ada Smith (55) at 177, Filbert Street, Leicester, Leicestershire.

Edward John Bicknell was discharged from the Army on 18 Sep 1921, at Dover, under Paragraph 392 (xxi) of the King's Regulations - the end of a period of engagement - and awarded a pension of 51½d per day for life. His address on discharge matches, as 177, Filbert Street, Leicester. 

However, Edward John Bicknell of 4 Burton Street, Leicester, Bank Messenger, died on 21 Apr 1922 (1922 J Quarter in LEICESTER Volume 07A Page 300), at Leicester Royal Infirmary from shock following an operation (stomach cancer, diagnosed 5-6 months previously). He was ~40. His death was registered by P H Priestley, Brother-in-law (Ida's younger brother).

34, Castle Road, Southsea, alleged address of these shocking adulterers.

Henry Babb (30 - only 26), Engine fitter at HM Dockyard, son of Levi Frank Babb (deceased), Antique Dealer, married Marcella Bicknell formerly Jones (34 - actually 37) 'the divorced wife of Edward John Bicknell', daughter of David Jones, Naval Pensioner, both of 34, Castle Road, Southsea, at The Register Office, St Michael's Road, Portsmouth, on 15 Dec 1920 (1920 Q4 Vol 2B Pg 1395). Witnesses were Maria Arnold and Edith Arnold.

The only relevant birth of a Harry Babb, was in 1894 D Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 417, with his mother's maiden name given as Ware. There was a marriage of an Eli Francis Babb and Annie Ware on 21 Feb 1880, at St Martin-in-the-Fields, in The Strand, London. Harry was baptised on 25 Jan 1895 at Holy Trinity Church, Barnstaple and the baptism record gives his parents as Levi Frank and Annie Babb, with his father's occupation listed as 'Boots' at the Fortescue Hotel. (The word 'Boots' came from, ‘boot boys’, an occupation in the 1830s and 40s requiring young men to clean the boots of hotel guests. Later, the occupation had become simply known as ‘boots’, and duties included odd-jobs.)

In 1921, Henry Babb (30) - still adding 4 years - from Barnstaple, Devon, working for the Department (Engineering) H M Dockyard Portsmouth was again living at 34, Castle Road, Southsea with Marcella Babb (~36), step-son David Bicknell (12), four Boarders and one Domestic servant.

In 1939, Harry Babb (b. 17 Nov 1894), Marine Engineer, Marcella Babb, David N Bicknell and a lodger were living at 10 Wilberforce Road.

Marcella Babb of 1 Festing Grove, Southsea, died on 9 Oct 1963, at 80.

Henry Babb, also still of 1 Festing Grove, Southsea, died on 19 Nov 1967, just two days after celebrating his 73rd birthday.

David Nicholas Bicknell never married. He died of a cardiac arrest on 22 Jan 1987 (Q1/1987 in PORTSMOUTH (4971E) Volume 20 Page 1011), two days after his 78th birthday. The retired production controller still lived at 1 Festing Grove, Southsea. On his death certificate, his place of birth was listed as India. Records show that he was born in Southsea, so I wonder if his father spent time in India while he was growing up, or did David only think it was India, being just a small child in the Mediterranean heat of Malta?

Festing Grove, Southsea
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Kate Jewell - geograph.org.uk/p/3319369

Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray

Parish Church of St. Gregory, Seaton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Maurice D Budden - geograph.org.uk/p/2942441

Jacob Ridgway (b. 3 May 1776, baptised at the age of 17 in Culmstock, on 27 Oct 1793), son of Thomas Ridgway and Sarah Leaman, married Jane Bray (bap. 8 Jul 1777 in Uffculme, Devon), daughter of James Bray and Jane Taylor, on 23 Nov 1802 at the parish church of St. Gregory, Seaton, Devon. One of the witnesses to their marriage was a William Salter.

On 14 Feb 1798, Jacob Ridgeway had married Mary Spurway, in Culmstock. There being no other Jacob Ridgway in the area, this appears to be Jacob's previous marriage. A death of a Mary Ridgeway between 1798 and 1802 would provide additional evidence, but I cannot find a record.

Jacob and Jane Ridgway had six children:

1. John Ridgway bap. 8 May 1803 in Seaton & Beer
2. Sarah Ridgway bap. 6 Jan 1805 in Seaton & Beer
3. Thomas Ridgway bap. 9 Mar 1806 in Seaton & Beer
4. Jacob Ridgeway bap. 13 Dec 1807 in Seaton & Beer
5. James Ridgeway bap. 22 Oct 1809 in Seaton & Beer
6. Jane Ridgway bap. 29 Nov 1812 in Ashbrittle, Somerset

In 1841, Jacob Ridgway (66) and Jane Ridgway (62) were living in Ashbrittle Village, Ashbrittle, next-door-but-two to John Lock and Mary Nott.

Jacob Ridgway died, at 69, in 1845 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 10 Page 322 and was buried on 14 Dec 1845 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

In 1851, Jane Ridgway (76) Widow, from Uffculme, Devon, was a lodger in the household of Thomas Salter (32) Ag Lab from Wiveliscombe. Also lodging in his household were Mary Taylor (32) Widow and her five children. The youngest, James Taylor, then 2 months old, b. 1851 M Quarter in WELLINGTON (SOMERSET & DEVON) Volume 10 Page 523, shows his mother's maiden name was RIDGEWAY. (James Taylor married Mary Ridgway on 11 Sep 1836 in Ashbrittle, Somerset. In 1841, they were living at Bourden Gate Cottage, Hockworthy and James Taylor died, aged 31 - with the census on 30 March 1851, it must have been days before - with his death registered in 1851 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 367. Thomas Salter then married widow, Mary Taylor in the 4th quarter of 1851. James Taylor and Mary Ridgway, clearly were family. 

Jane Ridgway died, age estimated as 77, in 1853 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 294 and was buried on 13 Feb 1853, also at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White

Adelaide Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - geograph.org.uk/p/6083118

Alfred Beamer (b. 29 Dec 1853 in Taunton, Somerset), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith (half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land), married Mary Ann White (b. 1851 in Plympton), daughter of Alfred Augustus Harker White and Mary Sorton, on 23 Nov 1879 at Saint George's Church, Stonehouse (bombed in WWII). Alfred Beamer's rank or profession was listed as Private RM (He'd enlisted in the Royal Marines on 29 Dec 1871.)

Alfred and Mary Ann had five children:

1. Alfred Beamer b. 28 Aug 1880 (1880 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 289) [a]
2. Ethel Annie Beamer b. 23 Feb 1883 (1883 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 299) [a]
3. William George Beamer b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 303) [a]
4. Rosa May Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408) [b]
5. Frederick John Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 408) (Died 1896 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 288) [b]

[a] Alfred, Ethel Annie and William George were all baptised, on 19 Jan 1886, at the Anglican Church of Saint Matthew, located in Clarence Place, opposite the former Royal Naval Hospital at East Stonehouse, Plymouth.

[b] Registered at the GRO as Rosa May, this twin was baptised Rosa Mary, when she and Frederick John were both baptised "privately" on the same day they were born, 7 Jan 1893, in Halberton, Devon. Their address at this time was Valley House, Halberton and Alfred was employed as a labourer. (Private baptism: "This means the child wasn’t baptised at Sunday service, usually because it was thought too weak to survive until then. [...] but it can mean the child was baptised by the priest visiting the family home, or by the midwife attending the birth. In fact, according to Anglican practice, in an emergency, a baptism may be performed by anyone who is already themselves baptised.")

In 1881, Mary A Beamer (29), Marines Wife, was at 47, Adelaide Street, East Stonehouse, with son Alfred (0) and her sister Mary J White (19). (Mary Ann, who's mother was named Mary, and her mother before her was also Mary (her parents married, on 15 December 1850, when Mary Sorton was a minor (19), at St Mary’s Church Plympton) had a younger sister, named Mary Jane!)

Again in 1891, Mary A Beamer (38) was listed as the head of the household "Supported by husband", with children: Alfred (10), Ethel A (8) and William G (5), and were living at Union Place, East Stonehouse.

Alfred completed 21 years service in the Royal Marines, with a final date of 6 Jan 1893, however, both William George and Ethel Annie were registered in the National School Admission Registers a Halberton by Nov 1892.

In 1901, they were back in Plymouth at 19, Cecil Street, Stonehouse, with Alfred Beamer (46), Labourer at Victualling Yard, wife Mary (49) and their two daughters, Ettie (Ethel) (18) and Rosa (8). Son Alfred was away, having joined the Royal Marines, while William was away training in the Royal Navy.

And in 1911, at 40 Neswick Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, were Alfred Beamer (57) Pensioner Royal Marine Labourer Royal William Victualling Yard, wife Mary Ann (59), Rose May (18) (There are no records beyond 1911 for daughter, Rosa May) and Mary Jane White (51), Mary Ann's sister.

Alfred Beamer died, at 68, in 1920 D Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 329.

In 1921, Mary Ann Beamer (70) Widow, Mother-in-law, was living in what had then become the household of her son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, but still at 40, Neswick Street, Plymouth.

In 1939, Mary Ann, widow, was again living with son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, at 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth.

Mary Ann Beamer of 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth, died on 17 May 1950 (1950 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 600). She was aged 99. A notice of her death had appeared in the Western Morning News on 19 May 1950 and Mary Ann was buried, on 20 May 1950, at The Parish Church of St Gabriel, Peverell Terrace, Peverell, Plymouth.

John Charles Stone and Elsie Alberta Wright

Blackchurch rock looking across Mouthmill beach.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Andrew Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/1701554

John Charles Stone (Jack) (b. 18 Jun 1890) Police Constable, son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Elsie Alberta Wright (bap. 11 Dec 1892 in Bickleigh, Devon), daughter of Albert Henry Wright and Elizabeth Baker, at the church of St Thomas, Exeter on 20 Nov 1911. Witnesses to their marriage were Sarah Ann Wright and Walter Hurford.

Jack and Elsie had three sons, all of whom pre-deceased them:

1. Frederick Charles Stone b. 1911 D Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B 109
2. Kenneth John Stone b. 23 Mar 1915 (1915 J Qtr in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Vol 05B Page 292), bap. 28 Apr 1915 in Revelstoke, Plympton (Died, aged 17, in 1932 S Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 500)
3. Burgess William Stone b. 29 Jan 1918 (1918 M Quarter in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Volume 05B Page 223), bap. 2 Feb 1918 in Newton Ferrers. (Died 1918 M Qtr in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Vol 05B Page 306)

In 1921, John Charles Stone (31) Police Constable was at Sticklepath, Northleigh, Devon. (In Sticklepath village Mill House was used as a bakehouse, then as the Police Station in the early 1900's until the 1930's). Frederick Stone (9) and Kenneth Stone (6) were then living in the household of Walter Hurford (34) at Sickerleigh Cottage, Halberton, Devon, described as his nephews. (Walter Hurford married Florence Wright, Elsie Alberta's older sister, in 1909). There's no sign anywhere of Elsie Alberta Stone.

We get a wealth of information on this family - and confirm some of the other family marriages - from the very detailed newspaper reports of the time.

The Devon and Exeter Gazette of Friday, 16 Sep, 1932, reported:

BATHING FATALITY

Clovelly Youth's Cries for Help

Companion Goes to Aid But is Exhausted

CLERGYMAN HELPS IN RESCUE

INQUEST VERDICT

    A youth was drowned while bathing at Clovelly on Friday afternoon and a companion was only saved by the help of visitors after he had become exhausted by his effort to save his colleague.

    The lad who was drowned was Kenneth John Stone, aged 17, son of P.C. Stone, stationed at Clovelly and his companion, Walter James Wheaton. Both are employed at Clovelly Court. They were bathing at Mouth Mill near Clovelly, and had been swimming for about five minutes when Wheaton heard calls for help. Looking round he saw his companion was in difficulties. He swam to him and tried to keep him up, but Stone pulled him under the water and then released his hold.

    When Wheaton came up again assistance was forthcoming from some visitors on the beach, who had noticed them struggling in the water. They were Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, Mr Lionel Bruce Taylor, of Purley, Surrey, his brother Mr Christopher Douglas Taylor, and their brother-in-law, the Rev Henry Bunny, of the Vicarage, Cullompton. They rescued Wheaton, who by that time was in an exhausted condition, and afterwards swam about in an endeavour to locate Stone, but failed to find any trace of him.

    The search was continued until dark and resumed on Saturday morning, when the body was recovered near the spot where the young man drowned.

THE INQUEST

    At the inquest a verdict of "Accidental drowning" was returned by the North Devon Coroner (Dr Ellis Pearson).

    P.C. Stone said his son, who was 17, was a footman employed at the Clovelly Court, and was only a beginner at swimming. Witness heard during the afternoon of Friday that his son had go into difficulties while bathing in the sea and had been drowned. A search was made until dark that night, but it was not until Saturday morning that William Braund, a Clovelly fisherman, found the body.

    Wilfred John Wheaton, also an employee at Clovelly Court, stated that on Friday he went to bathe with Stone at Mouth Mill. He could swim, but Stone was not much of a swimmer. There was a strong under-current, and the water was rather rough. The tide was going out. Witness swam out towards the rocks, and Stone then appeared to be about ten yards from the shore.

    Hearing someone shouting for help, witness turned around, and, realising that Stone was in difficulties, swam back to him. He reached him in an exhausted condition, and put his arm around him as he sank. It was a dead weight, and witness was pulled down as well.

    Stone slipped free, and a man named Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, helped witness ashore.

    Lionel Bruce Taylor, or Purley, Surrey, a visitor, said he was at Mouth Mill that day with his brother and brother-in-law. They were paddling when he heard calls, but could not distinguish whether it was one bather calling to another or not. His brother, who was on the hill behind, came down to the beach and said a man was calling for help, and another man in a bathing costume asked them to help him in reaching the swimmers. They went into the water and witness was surprised to see only one swimmer - the other had disappeared.

    Wheaton was got to the shore in an exhausted condition, and witness and the others swam to the spot where Stone had disappeared, and dived two or three times, but failed to find him.

    Constable Stone thanked the visitors who had attempted to save his son, and the local fishermen who helped in recovering the body.

The Western Times, Friday, September 23, 1932

Clovelly Fatality

MR KENNETH STONE LAID TO REST

Parish Loses a Popular Young Man

    The funeral of Mr Kenneth Stone, younger son of Police Constable J C Stone and Mrs Stone, who was drowned while bathing at Mouth Mill, took place at All Saints' Church on Wednesday week. The Rector (Rev. Somers Cocks) officiated.

    Deceased was a quiet, unassuming, courteous young man of sterling character, and he was very popular in the parish, having a host of friends, His sad death cast a great gloom over the district, and there was a large number of sympathising friends and parishioners present in the church and at the graveside. The utmost sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Stone, Mr Frederick Stone and the relatives in the loss they have sustained.

    The family mourners were:- Police Constable J C and Mrs Stone (father and mother); Frederick C Stone (brother); Mrs L J Stone, Cruwys Morchard (grandmother); Mrs R Southwood, West Anstey, Mrs F Hitchcock, Bishops Lydeard, Mrs L Baker, Coombe Florey and Mrs F Harford, Chevithorne (aunts); Mr Phillip Stone, Coombe Florey (uncle); Mr W Southwood junr, West Anstey, Mrs L Baker, West Anstey, Mr W and Mrs R Watts (cousins), Mrs R Anstey, Messrs. W Bale, E Martin, R Arnold, E Moore, S Leach, A Ackland, B Bridgeman, Mesdames L Stacey, R Blight, W Bale, C Ayres, T Vanstone, T Martin, L Ackland, Misses C Ackland, M Blight and E Ackland (friends from Shebbear), and Wilfred John Wheaton (fellow employee at Clovelly Court.)

    The bearers were officers of the "A" Division, Devon Constabulary, in charge of Seargeant Stuart (Hoops) and Inspector Rendell (Bideford). They were Police Constables Butt (Instow), Morcombe (Hartland), Hooper (Horns Cross), Beavis (Bideford). The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass fittings, and the breastplate was inscribed: "Kenneth Stone, aged 17 years, died 9th September, 1932."

    The following were among the general public:- Messrs A E Bushell, T Bale, J Crase, R Anstey, J T Moss, H Braund, E Braund, A Holloway, W Elliott, H Patton, S Williams, F Cleave, J Heal, H Tuke, J Stuart, O May, G Reilly, G Prince, F Robbins, J Headon, W Gist, L Gist, W Jewell, F Littlejohn, W Pengilly, J Whitefield, W Hamlyn, W Cruse, H Carpenter, H Taylor, C Braund, W Braund, G Lamey, J Johns, J Dunn, P Dunn, C Badcock, T Squire, A Dayman, A Beer, J Beer, F Found, E Found, C Prouse, C Pennington, E Rowe, S Wilson, G Attwood, T Jennings, W Jennings, M Beer, G Dark, F Pickett, F Day, W Thomas, J Jennings, L Symons, G Wonnacott, D Cook, W Cook, Capt. Burnard, Capt. H Jenn and Police Constable Cole (Bovey Tracey). Mesdames Hillsdon, D Hilton, E Moss, C Jenn, A May, H Taylor, L Cook, D Cook, J Babb, S Beer, Clements, F Johns, M Johns, M Lamey, A Dunn, N Colwill, M Badcock, E Shackson, F Badcock, H Braund, J Parsons, E Bragg, E Pengilly. Misses Doughton, Falconer, Anstey, F Gist, G Beer, E Johns and H Cook. There was a large number of floral tributes.

Kenneth John Stone (1915-1932)

(Though I did chuckle to see a Beavis and Butt among the bearers.)

Witheridge, Trafalgar Square And Hare And Hounds Inn

The Western Times, Friday, June 5, 1936

WITHERIDGE HOTEL: PROTECTION ORDER GRANTED. "A protection order in respect of the Hare and Hounds Hotel, Witheridge, was granted at South Molton Petty Sessions on Tuesday to Mr John Charles Stone, now a police constable at Clovelly, who is retiring from the force on June 24th. The order will not take effect until the constable's retirement, Supt. E C Parr pointing out that a police officer could not be the holder of a licence."

Jack Stone did retire from the police in 1936 and became landlord of the Hare and Hounds (see image - undoubtedly Jack behind the bar, as the family resemblance is glaring), which was in the then pretentiously named Trafalgar Square in Witheridge, Devon. Nowadays it's just the junction of Fore Street and Church Street, where the B3137 is intersected by North Street and West Street. The pub has been turned into a residential cottage, so if you drive past, you'd have no idea of it's previous use, as we have on several occasions.

This is confirmed in the 1939 Register, where John Charles Stone (b. 18 Jun 1890) Police Pensioner Now Licenced Victualler and wife Elsie A Stone (b. 28 Oct 1892) were listed at the Hare & Hounds Public House, Witheridge.

John Charles (Jack) Stone died in 1960, aged 70.

Elsie Alberta Stone died in 1973, at 81.

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne

Wyndham Street West, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1777663
With the spire of the Roman Catholic cathedral of St Mary & St Boniface

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey (b. 5 Dec 1864, presumably in Mayo, Ireland), son of Martin Mullarkey and possibly Catherine Loughlin (see below), married Maria Gloyne (b. 1863), daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes, on 20 Nov 1887 at the Roman Catholic cathedral of St Mary & St Boniface, Plymouth. Anthony Mullarkey had enlisted in the Royal Marines, at 18, in Liverpool, on 5 Jun 1883. On his Royal Marines record he said he was from Garston, Liverpool, previously a Labourer, and professed to be Roman Catholic. However, in 1881, Anthony Mullarkey (16) General Labourer, had been boarding at 8, Hughes Street, Garston, with his father, Martin Mullarkey (40) and Michael Mullarkey (7). All three were said to be from Ireland.

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne had three children:

1. John Martin Mullarkey b. 10 May 1890 (1890 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 289)
2. Anthony Charles Mullarkey b. 12 Jan 1893 (1893 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 294)
3. Kathleen Mullarkey b. 17 Jan 1896 (1896 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 286)

All three were baptised, on 1 May 1896, at St Paul's, East Stonehouse - The Anglican Church, situated at the southern end of Durnford Street. The family's address on these baptism records was listed as 8 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, with their father's rank listed as Private RMLI.

Victualling yard at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
Captain-tucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 20 Dec 1895, Anthony had joined HMS Terror (1856) (a 16-gun iron screw floating battery that became the base ship at Bermuda in 1857), from which he was Discharged Dead (at 32) on 2 Dec 1896.

In 1901, Maria Mullarkey (36), Seamstress, Widow, was still at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse with John (11), Charles (8) and Kathleen (5).

In 1911, at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, Maria Mullarkey (48) in receipt of a pension from the Admiralty. Anthony Charles Mullarkey (18) Bugler RMLI was home on leave and Kathleen Mullarkey (15) was an apprentice tailoress to a Military Tailor. John Martin Mullarkey (20) was with the Royal Navy on HMS Medea (1888), anchored in Malta Harbour.

In 1921, Maria Mullarkey (57) was still living at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse with Anthony Mullarkey (28) Private R M L I and Kathleen Mullarkey (25) Machinist, employed by Mr Cross, R M Barracks.

Maria Mullarkey died at 61 in 1924 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 501.

The Probable Story of Martin Mullarkey and Catherine Loughlin

In 1881, Martin Mullarkey (40) had been boarding at 8, Hughes Street, Garston, Liverpool with Anthony Mullarkey (16) General Labourer and Michael Mullarkey (7), among 15 mostly Irish people, all three from Ireland.

In 1891, Martin Mullarkey (51) General labourer for corporation and his younger son, Michael Mullarkey (17) Shoemaker, were lodging in Thomas Street, Garston. This narrows them down to being from Mayo, Ireland.

On both of these censuses, Martin Mullarkey is described as a widower, which is doubtful (unless Catherine had since died), as several newspaper reports had appeared, one in the Manchester Evening News, on Tuesday, 2 Apr 1872:

AN EXTRORDINARY DEFENCE:-

At Liverpool Police Court, yesterday, an Irishman named Martin Mullarkey was charged with bigamy. It having been proved that he was married, some few years ago, at a Roman Catholic chapel near Westport, County Mayo, and that he was married to a woman named Julia Garvey, in Liverpool, about twelve months since, the first wife being still alive, he was called on for his defence. He said that the first marriage was a forced one; that he was taken sixteen miles from his home by a lot of men, and married in spite of himself. (Roars of laughter.) This was done in the dead of night; and he did not think it was allowed for a man to be married without a certificate or anything of that kind. One of the witnesses for the prosecution admitted that the marriage took place at about eleven o'clock at night. The prisoner was remanded.

A later report, on Tuesday, 16 Apr 1872, named the first wife as Miss Catherine Loughlin, who he had married in Islandeady, Mayo, about 12 years previously. It also went on to say that, "The second wife said she did not wish to prosecute, and the prisoner was discharged." She wished to see no more of him, provided he paid for the expense of maintaining the child.

The Belfast Evening Telegraph on Thursday, 18 Apr 1872, under the headline, BIGAMY MADE EASY, added that Mullarkey had emigrated to England about two years ago (i.e. 1870) and that this second marriage had resulted in the birth of a child. "The circumstance at length reached the ears of the first wife, who came to England in search of her errant husband ..."

Is this the same Martin Mullarkey from Mayo? It certainly fits, unless there were two people called Martin Mullarkey, both in the same city at the same time, up to the exact same shenanigans, which I'd find difficult to believe.

I've not been able to find birth or marriage records in Ireland to confirm, but I think it safe to believe that Anthony Mullarkey was originally from County Mayo, Ireland and that his mother may have been Catherine Loughlin.

Charles Penfold and Mary Anna Tucker

View of St. Luke's and Christ Church Chelsea from Flood Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Lamb - geograph.org.uk/p/4810123

Charles Penfold (b. 31 Oct 1865 in Hartfield, Sussex), son of William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn, married Mary Anna Tucker (bap. 29 Nov 1857 in Burlescombe, Devon), daughter of Robert Allen Tucker and Mary Linton, at Christ Church, Chelsea on 13 Nov 1886. Witnesses were John R Penfold, bridegroom's brother, Rosalie Jane Burnell and one other.

Charles and Mary Anna Penfold had seven children:

1. Thomas Edwin Penfold b. 1887 D Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A 327
2. Rosalie Mary Penfold b. 24 Aug 1889 in CHELSEA Volume 01A 317
3. Mary Anna Penfold b. 1892 M Qtr in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 136 (Died at 23 in 1915 M Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 604)
4. Josephine Grace Penfold b. 15 Sep 1893 in CUCKFIELD Vol 02B 159
5. Minnie Gunn Penfold b. 1895 J Qtr in CUCKFIELD Vol 02B Page 157 (Died in 1896 J Quarter in LAMBETH Volume 01D Page 272)
6. Charles Edward Powell Penfold b. 4 Sep 1897 in FULHAM Vol 01A 260
7. William Robert Penfold b. 1899 D Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 322

In 1891, Charles Penfold (25) Bootmaker and Mary A Penfold (31ish) were living in Glenvue Road, East Grinstead, Sussex with their first two children, Thomas E Penfold (3) and Rosalie M Penfold (1).

In 1901, at 48, Hugon Road, Fulham, London: Charles R Penfold (35) Civil servant postman bootmaker, Mary A Penfold (41), Thomas E (13), Rosalie M (11), Mary A (9), Josephine G (7), Charles E P (3) and William R (1).

And in 1911, at 68 Perrymead Street, Fulham, London, were Charles Penfold (45) Civil service Post Office Worker, Mary Anna Penfold (51), Thomas Edwin (23) Civil service Post Office Worker; Rosalie Mary (21) Elementary teacher for Surrey County Council; Mary Anna (19) Bodice assistant Dressmaking; Josephine Grace (17), Charles Edwin Powell (13) and William Robert (11).

Mary Anna Penfold died, aged 23, in Fulham, in the first quarter of 1915. Also in the first quarter of 1915, Josephine Grace Penfold married Douglas Gordon Reich (right, presumably with Josephine), who served in the Middlesex Regiment, Royal Engineers during the First World War, also in Fulham. And on 26 Apr 1915, Charles Edward Powell Penfold (19) enlisted in the County of London Yeomanry. (I'm certain both Thomas Edwin Penfold and William Robert Penfold also served in the First World War, however, I've not been able to isolate relevant records.)

Charles Penfold died, at 51, in 1917 S Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D 536.

In 1921, Mary A Penfold (62) was living at 12, Penrith Street, Streatham, Wandsworth in the household of daughter Rosalie M Penfold (31) School Teacher. Also living with them was William R Penfold (21) Meteorologist working for the Metrological Office, Air Ministry; and Visitors were Douglas G Reich (28) School Teacher from Dublin, Ireland; Josephine Reich (27), Irene Mary Reich (6) and Josephine Grace Reich (under one month).

Mary Penfold died, at 71, in 1930 S Qtr in BATTERSEA Vol 01D Page 393.

In 1939, Rosalie Mary Penfold, Head Mistress, was at 38, Hillside, Banstead, Surrey with her brother-in-law, Douglas G Reich, School master, sister, Josephine G Reich and their children. Rosalie died, aged 68, in 1957, in St Austell, Cornwall; Douglas Reich of Glamis, Fore Street, Bugle, Cornwall, died on 23 Oct 1970. Josephine Grace Reich died in 1977 at St Lawrence's Hospital, Bodmin, a mental hospital, originally Cornwall County Asylum.

Charles Edward Powell Penfold (known as Edward Penfold) had died, on 5 Oct 1970, in Perth, Western Australia.

James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley

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

James Ridgeway (bap. 25 Oct 1835 in Ashbrittle), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Thomasin Rookley (bap. 28 Feb 1841), daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, on 12 Nov 1859, at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare.

The only child of this marriage was:

1. James Ridgway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 430, bap. 25 Dec 1866 at St. Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare. He died, aged 6 months in 1867 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 287 and was buried, also in Kentisbeare churchyard, on 5 May 1867.

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

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

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

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

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

In 1911, still at Lower Hele, where James Ridgway (77) and Tomassie (sic) Ridgeway (70) were both described as "Old Age Pensioner". Mary James (67) Widow of No occupation from Plymtree, was a visitor staying with them. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom (which then included all of Ireland). Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and the pensions were subject to a means test.)

James Ridgeway died, aged 78 in 1913 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 492.

Thomasin Ridgeway died at 76 in 1918 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 503.

Bradninch and Hele

George Norman and Ellen Stone

St Peter's Church, Tiverton

Ellen Stone (b. Ellen Stone Snow on 27 Feb 1879 in Tiverton), daughter of Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow, married George Norman (b. 19 Mar 1882), of 92 Bampton Street, Tiverton, son of James Norman and Harriet Woodland, on 11 Nov 1901, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. The bride gave her address at the time of her marriage as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, the home of her aunt, Lucy Jane Bridle, who Ellen was brought up with. (Ellen Stone was a witness, bridesmaid perhaps, at Lucy's wedding in 1895.)

George and Ellen Norman had three sons:

1. Frank Norman b. 7 Apr 1903 (1903 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 371)
2. George James Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 250 and buried 22 May 1909 at Uplowman.
3. William Henry Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 225 and buried 5 Aug 1909 at Uplowman.

The mother's maiden name on all three births was listed as Stone.

In 1911, George Norman (29) Waggoner on Farm, wife Ellen Norman (31) and Frank Norman (8) were living at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton.

In 1921, George Norman (39) Farmer was living at Cott Daisy, Uplowman, Devon with Ellen Norman (40) and Frank Norman (18) Agricultural Worker, who was employed by Herbert Pearce at Whitnage Farm.

In 1939, at Cott Farm, Uplowman, were G Norman, Dairy Farming (with DOB listed as 29 Mar 1882) and E Norman (with DOB listed as 27 Feb 1880).

Ellen Norman died on 18 Mar 1952, aged 73 (1952 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 870). She is buried in Uplowman Churchyard.

George Norman died on 6 Apr 1953, aged 71 (1953 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 718). He is buried in Uplowman with his late wife.

• Frank Norman married Amy Cleeve (b. 7 Jul 1901 in Bampton, Devon), daughter of William Cleeve and Mary Kingdom, in 1924. In 1939, they were living at No 3 Council House, Uplowman, Devon with their two children: i. William George Norman (b. 4 Apr 1924, d. 5 Mar 2000) and ii. Doris Elizabeth Norman (b. 26 Oct 1926, d. 2003, in Exeter), who m. Leslie Lewis Hutchings (b. 30 Dec 1922 d. 2005), in 1953. Frank Norman died on 9 Jun 1976, aged 73 and is buried in St. Peter's Churchyard, Uplowman. Amy Norman died on 8 Jan 1992, aged 89 and is buried with her late husband.

Hugh Tapp and Harriet Middleton

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

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

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

Hugh and Harriett Tapp had eight children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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