Charles James Renshaw and Lilian Mary Back

Church of St Paul, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5625215

Charles James Renshaw (b. 10 Feb 1884 in Rugby, Warwickshire) son of James Renshaw and Frances Elizabeth Green, married Lilian Mary Back (b. 4 Nov 1889), daughter of Thomas Back and Elizabeth Mary Horn, both of 11 St George's Terrace, at St Paul's Church, East Stonehouse on 29 Jul 1910.

Charles and Lilian had three children:

1. Dorothy May Renshaw b. 28 Jan 1913 (1913 M Q in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 519), bap. 13 Mar 1913 at St James, Devonport. Died, at 27, in 1941 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 1024. 
2. Margery Lilian Renshaw b. 31 Jan 1915 (1915 M Q in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 543), bap. 11 Jun 1915 in Stoke Damerel
3. Bernard Charles Renshaw b. 23 Jan 1923 (1923 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 515), bap. 1923 in Devon.

In 1911 Charles Renshaw (27) Engine Fitter at Government Dockyard, from Rugby, Warwickshire and Lilian Mary Renshaw (21) were living with Lilian's mother, Elizabeth Mary Back, at 36 Durnford Street, East Stonehouse.

In 1921, Charles James Renshaw (37) Engineer at the Royal William Victualling Yard; Lilian Mary Renshaw (31), Dorothy Mary Renshaw (8), Margery Lilian Renshaw (6) and Elizabeth Mary Back (61) Wife's Mother, were living at 7 Duckworth Street, Devonport.

In 1939, still at 7 Duckworth Street, Plymouth, were Charles J Renshaw, Fleet Engineer; Lilian M Renshaw; Dorothy M Renshaw, Incapacitated; Bernard C Renshaw, Fitter and Turner Apprentice; Howard J Ryall, RN Petty Officer; Margery L Ryall and one closed record (the Ryall's first daughter).

Charles James Renshaw died, at 73, 1957 J Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 07A 558.

Lilian Mary Renshaw died, in 1973, at 84.

• Margery Lilian Renshaw married Howard James Ryall (b. 23 Aug 1914 in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland) in 1938, in Plymouth. The couple appear to have had two daughters, born in 1938 and 1944. Both Margery and Howard Ryall died in 2006.
• Bernard Charles Renshaw married Valerie Frances Glanville in Plymouth in 1975. He doesn't appear to have married previously. Born Valerie Frances Bawden (b. 6 Sep 1913 in Barnstaple, Devon), she previously married Edgar Bruce Glanville, in 1936, in St. Germans, Cornwall, with whom she had two children, in 1940 and 1946, but presumably divorced, as Edgar Bruce Glanville (b. 11 Dec 1907), died at 81, in 1988. Valerie Frances Renshaw died, at 82, in 1995. Bernard Charles Renshaw died in 2004, at 81.

Henry Ridgeway and Maud Emily Kemp

West Anstey: village
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/147405

Henry Ridgeway (b. 17 Mar 1876), Police Constable, son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Maud Emily Kemp (b. 10 Aug 1872), daughter of William John Kemp and Mary Prouse, on 27 Jul 1899, at St Petrock's Church, West Anstey, Devon. Maud's father was also a Police Constable.

Henry and Maud had three children:

1. Harold Henry Ridgeway b. 23 Apr 1900 (1900 J Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 106), bap. 3 Jun 1900 in Denbury, Devon
2. Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway b. 8 Sep 1904 (1904 D Qtr in NEWTON ABBOT Vol 05B Page 108), bap. 22 Jan 1905 in Denbury, Devon
3. Horace William Ridgeway b. 21 Feb 1911 (1911 M Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 103), bap. 21 Apr 1911 in Kingsteignton

In 1901, Henry Ridgeway (25) Police Constable, Maud E (28) and Harold H (11 months) were living in East Street, Denbury, Newton Abbot.

In 1911, at 2 Yeoman Terrace, Kingsteignton, Devon, were Henry Ridgeway (35) Devon police constable; Maud Emily (38), Harold Henry Ridgeway (10), Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway (6) and Horace William Ridgeway (1 month). They confirm they had three children during their then 11 year marriage.

In 1921, Henry Ridgeway (45) Police Constable was living at 14, Hillmans Road, Newton Abbot, Wolborough with Maud Emily Ridgeway (48), Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway (16) and Horace William Ridgeway (10)

Henry Ridgeway, Retired police constable and Maud E Ridgeway, in 1939, were living at 5 Torquay Road, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot.

Henry Ridgeway died, aged 74, in 1950 S Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 07A Page 448.

Maud E Ridgeway of Haytor House, Kingsteignton (her daughter, Gwendoline Williams' address), died on 28 Dec 1955, aged 83 (1955 D Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 07A Page 530). Probate was granted to Andrew John Williams, Dairyman and James Marshall, retired police officer.

• In 1918, Harold Henry Ridgeway, had joined the Merchant Navy and married Doris Clark in Marylebone, London, in 1928. Harold Henry Ridgeway died in 1980, in Torbay, Devon, at 79. 
• Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway married Andrew John Williams, in Newton Abbot on 29 May 1939. That year Andrew J Williams (b. 29 Dec 1904), Dairyman, Gwendoline M Williams and Wilfred H Green (b. 1890) Salesman Disabled War Pensioner, were living at Haytor House, Kingsteignton. Andrew John Williams of Cherry Trees, 22 Grosvenor Ave, Cadewell, Torquay died on 29 Oct 1993. Gwendoline Maud Williams died in Q1/2004 in TORBAY (4221A) Reg A93A Entry Number 106, at 99.
• Horace William Ridgeway married Euphemia I Wilson, in Wetherby, Yorkshire, on 4 Jun 1938. The Aberdeen Press And Journal announced on 6 Jun 1938: RIDGEWAY-WILSON: At Wetherby Parish Church, Yorkshire on 4th June 1938, by the Rev. Milnes, Horace William, son of Mr and Mrs Ridgeway, of Torquay, South Devon, to Effie, younger daughter of the late James Wilson and of Mrs Wilson, 8 Victoria Crescent, Cullen. In 1939, Horace and Effie were at Devon Cottage, Wharfe View Estate, Wetherby. Horace was a "Sales Representative For Manager Of Glazed Tiles Fire Places", while Effie was "Private Secretary To Director Woollen Merchants". The record says Euphemia was born 8 Nov 1906, but found no birth record. Horace William Ridgeway died, at 85, in Q1/1996 in TORBAY (4221C) Reg C26A Entry Number 173. There was a death of an Effie Ridgeway, with birth year listed as 1908, in Q3/2007 in WIRRAL (0371B) Reg 1B002 Entry Number 42.

Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow

Huntsham : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6039979

As William Henry Stone (bap. Henry William on 13 Jul 1856 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Sarah Snow on 23 Jul 1879 at All Saints' Church, Huntsham. Witnesses were John Voisey and Marrianne (Mary Ann) Stone, the bridegroom's sister. 

Their only daughter had arrived a tad early: 

1. Ellen Stone Snow b. 27 Feb 1879 (1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425) at Putson Cottages, Blundells Road, Tiverton, to Sarah Snow, Domestic Servant. 

Sarah Stone, wife of Henry Stone, Farm Labourer, died, aged 25, on 22 Jan 1880 (1880 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 377), from Phthisis acuta (Acute tuberculosis), at Huntsham. 

In 1881, Henry Stone, was a widower, aged just 24, living alone at Little Fair Oak, Uplowman, while his daughter Ellen was living with her grandparents. Also in 1881, in Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway's household were two visitors: Mary Ann Tarr (27) and Jane Tarr (22), who were daughters of William Tarr, a Hostler, and his wife, Jane Wood, of Marsh Bridge Road, Dulverton, Somerset. Clearly they were there preparing for a wedding, because in Q2 of 1881, William Henry Stone married Jane Tarr.  

Henry and Jane Stone had four further children: 

1. Frederick Harry Stone b. 1885 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 420, bap. 26 Apr 1885, Frederick Henry, son of Henry and Jane, at St Mary’s church, Uffculme (Died, aged 2, in 1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 267, see report below.)
2. Francis Albert Stone b. 17 May 1886, bap. 15 Aug 1886 in Halberton, son of William Henry and Jane (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 417, as Albert Stone with mother's maiden name TARSE.)
3. Louisa Jane Stone b. 1888 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 406, bap. 26 Feb 1888 as Louisa Mary Jane Stone, at St Mary’s, Uffculme.
4. Emma Katie Stone b. 3 Feb 1890 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432, bap. 12 Feb 1892 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, the abode on the baptism record was Tiverton (Union), i.e. Workhouse

On 29 July 1887 The Western Times reported on the inquest into the accidental death of Frederick Henry Stone, 2½ yrs old, of Wellington Road, Uffculme, whose clothes caught fire, causing burns over his whole body, as did the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. This report of the inquest, which was held in the cottage where they lived, is hard reading.

THE SHOCKING DEATH OF A CHILD NEAR UFFCULME

The inquest touching the death of the child, Frederick Henry Stone, aged 2½ years, son of a labourer residing at Brickyard Cottage, Wellington Road, near Uffculme, was held by Mr. F. Burrow, district coroner, on Saturday, when the evidence of the mother, Mrs Potter, a neighbour, and Dr. Morgan, of Uffculme, was taken. It appeared that about 8 a.m. on Friday the mother, having lighted the kitchen fire, placed the child, which was wearing its night-dress, in a chair by the side of it. Her back was turned for a few moments, and in the meantime the nightdress, a long one, became ignited by a burning stick which fell out of the grate. On hearing the child scream the mother ran into the kitchen, and finding the nightdress in flames, endeavoured to smother them by throwing some woollen material around the child. Failing, however, in this attempt, she and her little girl called for assistance, Mrs Potter then came in and, according to her statement, found the child in the middle of the floor, getting up into its knees and enveloped in "a mass of flames from head to foot." With the exception of fragments, the nightdress and undergarments were then completely charred. She extinguished the flames upon what remained and then, with the assistance of other neighbours, the burns were treated with linseed oil and lime water. In the meantime Dr. Bryden, of Uffculme, was sent for, as also was Dr. Morgan. The latter arrived first, but not until the child had expired. In his evidence, Mr. Morgan said he entirely approved of the remedies applied and even had he been there more could not have been done. The extent and nature of the burns, involving as they did the whole body were sufficient to cause death. -- The father of the child was present at the earlier part of the enquiry, but as he persisted in interposing remarks he was ordered by the Coroner to withdraw. Subsequently he was recalled and allowed to make a statement, the Coroner holding that he was not in a fit state to be sworn. Stone complained very strongly that Dr. Bryden although called twice and promised to come down did not do so until it suited his convenience in the course of his usual round as parish doctor, which was an hour or more after death. Mentioning incidentally that Dr. Bryden had attended on previous occasions he said he owed him 7s 6d, which he declared he would never pay. -- The Coroner remarked that that was a matter between himself and Dr. Bryden. -- It transpired that the child was insured in the Prudential Insurance Company. -- The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

William Henry Stone, Farm Labourer of Halberton, died, aged 33, on 11 Aug 1889, at the Infirmary Tiverton from Cardiac disease and oedema of the lungs (Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure.) 

In 1891, Jane Stone (32), Francis Albert Stone (5), Louisa Mary Jane Stone (4) and Emma Katie Stone (1) were all listed as Inmates at the Tiverton Union Workhouse. Ellen Snow (12) was again living with her grandfather, going by her mother's surname, even though her parents subsequently married. 

Jane Stone, Widow, married William Staddon at Uffculme Parish Church on 11 Oct 1899. William Staddon, Widower, son of William Staddon and Jane Babbage, had been blind from birth. (He'd previously married Leah Parr, in Halberton, on 30 Mar 1871. Leah Staddon died, at 51, in 1897.)

In 1901, William Staddon (51), Jane Staddon (42), Lucy Stone [Louisa Mary Jane] (13), Emma Stone (11) and Richard Takel (59) Boarder were living in Bridge Street, Uffculme. Ellen S Stone (22), was a Domestic Cook at a Private Girls School at 19, St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon.

In 1911, in Kitwell Street, Uffculme were William Staddon (52?) Basket Maker, from Uplowman, Devon, with Jane Staddon (52) from Dulverton, along with his son Tom Staddon (32) and Henry Wright (45) Boarder. 

In 1921, with address just listed as 'Halberton' were William Staddon (73) Basket Maker (retired); Jane Staddon (62) and Doris Irene Harding (11) Granddaughter - actually Jane's granddaughter, daughter of Emma Katie Stone, who had married Reginald Herbert Harding in 1909.

William Staddon died in 1925 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 466.

There's a death of a Jane Staddon of the right age who died, at 78, in 1937 J Quarter in MERTHYR TYDFIL Volume 11A Page 598, which may relate (if one of the children moved to that area perhaps), but so far I'm unable to confirm.

William Trick and Eliza Authers

H.M.S. Royal Adelaide lying at anchor in the Hamoaze at Devonport.

William Trick (b. 1858), son of William Trick and Elizabeth Blake, married Eliza Authers (b. 1861), daughter of Henry Authers and Susannah Osmond, at Princes Street Congregational Chapel, Devonport, on 22 Jul 1883.

William and Eliza had one son:

1. William Henry Trick b. 14 Jun 1884 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 351.

William Trick, giving his date of birth as 16 July 1856 (this was later corrected to 16 Aug 1858, which agrees with the timing of his birth registration), had enlisted in the Royal Navy on 9 Aug 1871. If he had been born in 1856, this would have been close to his 15th birthday, which is probably significant. As it was, it was a whisker before his 13th birthday. At that time he was 4 ft 10½ in tall, with a fair complexion, dark hair and hazel eyes, weighing 99 lbs.

He was immediately assigned to HMS Cambridge (former HMS Windsor Castle (1858), renamed in 1869), gunnery ship off Plymouth, as a Boy 2nd Class. The training of naval ratings in the use of naval guns was carried out aboard HMS Cambridge. On 8 Dec 1872, she was driven ashore in a storm and refloated the next day. William was with this ship until 13 Jan 1873, so was presumably on her at the time of this incident. He was made up to Boy 1st Class in Oct 1872, so William appears to have shown early promise.

Most of William's assignments throughout his career were of short duration, joining HMS Cambridge on several different occasions; likewise HMS Royal Adelaide (1828) at various times, with his longest tour as a rating being with HMS Curacoa (1878), which he was with from 24 Feb 1880 until 27 Mar 1883, that served on the Cape of Good Hope and West Africa Station.

In 1891, we find William Trick (34) Warrant Officer RN, living in Palmerson Street, Stoke [Damerel], Plymouth with Eliza Trick (30), William H Trick (6) and Susannah Authers (67) Widowed, Housekeeper, Mother-in-Law.

In 1901, William Trick (43) Gunner RN, Eliza Trick (40), William H Trick (16) Telegraphist and Mother-in-Law, Susannah (75) incorrectly listed as Trick.

William Trick was promoted to Lieutenant on 6 May 1909.

In 1911, still in Devonport, were William Trick (54) Lieutenant RN, Eliza Trick (50), William Engstrom Trick (2) Grandson, born in Fort William, Canada, as well as Margaret Watts (32) General Domestic Servant.

William Trick was placed on the retired list due to age on 16 Jul 1911 (not yet caught up with the 2 year 'discrepancy'), but was mobilised again, at the start of World War I on 1 Aug 1914, and assigned to HMS Impregnable (former HMS Howe (1860) school ship). He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on 6 May 1917 and returned to the retired list on 1 Mar 1919.

In 1921, living at Model Farm, Wembdon, Somerset were William Trick (62) Lt Commander RN Retired; Eliza Trick (60), William H Trick (37) Farmer; Hulda N Trick (31) Daughter-in-law, birthplace Sweden; William E Trick (12) born in Canada; Henry D Trick (9), Eliza H Trick (8), Harold G Trick (6) and Dorothy H Trick (4). [William Henry Trick had married Hulda Naema Engstrom, in Ontario, Canada on 29 Aug 1908.]

In 1939, William Trick, Lieutenant Commander RN, Retired; Eliza Trick; William H Trick, Farmer; Hulda N Trick; Henry D Trick and two others, were living at Model Farm, Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset. William Trick and his wife Eliza lived and died at Model Farm in Wembdon. Now a Country House, Guest House, it attracts some dubious visitors.

William Trick died on 19 Nov 1943, age estimated as 87, (1943 D Quarter in BRIDGWATER Volume 05C Page 425). Eliza Trick died the following year at 83, in 1944 M Quarter in BRIDGWATER Volume 05C Page 412.

W Trick is remembered on the War Memorial to St Georges Parishioners who served in both wars, inside St George's Church, Wembdon.

William Stone and Hannah Westcott

Church of St John the Baptist, Wellington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1350345

William Stone (bap. 1 Apr 1821 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville), eldest son of William Stone and Mary Thorne, married Hannah Westcott (b. 8 Feb 1831), daughter of Thomas Westcott and Hagar (Ann) Mitchell, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Wellington, Somerset, on 13 Jul 1850. One of the witnesses was Mary Ann Westcott, Hannah's sister. Hannah was baptised Anna Westcott (due to pronunciation, probably) on 19 Jun 1831, at the The Lower Meeting Independent Formerly Presbyterian, Wellington, Somerset and in 1841, Hannah Westcott (10) was living at Tone Wharf, Wellington Somerset with her parents, Thomas and Ann Westcott. 

Tracking down the children of this marriage has been proving difficult, with no birth records for half of them, but include the following half-dozen: 

1. William Stone b. 1851 in Devon (listed on 1861 census)
2. Mary Ann Stone b. 1854 in Ashbrittle, Somerset (on 1861 census)
3. Hannah Maria Stone b. 1861 S Qtr in PONTYPOOL Vol 11A 122
4. Thomas Stone b. 12 Aug 1864 in Usworth, Durham 
5. Edith Ellen Stone b. 1866 D Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A 428
6. Isabella Stone b. 1870 S Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A 479

Those at the GRO, the mother's maiden name is listed as Westcott.

In 1851, William Stone (28), Agricultural Labourer, was at Whipples, Holcombe Rogus, with wife Anah (sic) (21). Whipples Farmhouse, Tracebridge, is a Grade II Listed Building. Living at Whipples also was Henry Tremlett, a Dairyman, for whom William was presumably working. 

In 1861, however, William Stone (40), married, Pitman from Holcombe, Devon was a lodger in the house of Elizabeth Archer (50), widow at Nailers Shops, New Row, Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham. While Hannah Stone (29) from Wellington, Somerset was living at Garndiffath, Trevethin, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales with son William Stone (10) born in Devon, England and daughter, Mary Ann Stone, born in Ashbrittle. 

In 1871, living at Washington New Row, Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham were William Stones (sic) (under estimated to 43) Miner from Somerset; Hannah Stones (39), William Stones (19) Miner; Anna Maria Stones (9), Thomas stones (5), Edith Ellen Stones (3) and Isabella Stones (11 m).

William Stone died at 55 in 1875 S Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A Page 356 and was buried on 24 Jul 1875 at Holy Trinity Church, Usworth.

In 1881, Hannah Stone (49) widow, mother-in-law, was living in the household of Miles Handy (35) Coal Miner from Wallsend, Northumberland and Mary A Handy (27) from Somerset, with Thomas Stone (16) Coal Miner (putter) born in Usworth, Durham, brother-in-law and Isabella Stone (10) born in Washington, Durham, sister-in-law and William Handy (25) Coal Miner, boarder, also from Wallsend, Northumberland, Miles' brother. 

In 1891, Hannah Stone (59), widow, was living on her own means in the household of William Handy (34) Coal Miner at New Rows, Little Usworth, Chester Le Street - her home, but he presumably became head as a man. In the household also were Hannah's daughter, Isabella Brack (20) and her husband John Brack (23) from Byker, Northumberland, Coal miner deputy.

In 1901, Hannah Stone (70), widow, mother-in-law, from Wellington, Somerset, was living in the household of John Robert Brack (34) Coal deputy overman and Isabella Brack (30), and their then five children, at 10, New Rows, Washington, Great and Little Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham.

Hannah Stone died, aged 78, 1909 J Quarter in CHESTER LE STREET Volume 10A Page 317.

• William Stone married Ann Jackson in Kelloe on 8 Sep 1873
• Mary Ann Stone married Miles Handy in Chester Le Street, in 1872
• Anna Maria Stone married John Hodgson in 1883
• Thomas Stone married Polly Beaty in 1888
• Edith Ellen Stone married William Brabbon Simpson in 1889
• Isabella Stone married John Robert Brack in 1890

Edward Charles Drake and Emma Jane Gloyne

Former entrance to Roath Basin, Cardiff
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/6404417

Edward Charles Drake, son of Edmund Drake and Esther Elizabeth Palmer, married Emma Jane Gloyne, daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes, on 12 Jul 1886 in Roath, Glamorgan, Wales. 

Edward Charles Drake's mother, Esther Elizabeth Palmer, was the older sister of Edward Oxford Palmer, who was married to Emma Jane's older sister, Charlotte Emma Gloyne. So, Charlotte's husband was Emma's husband's uncle - or Emma's husband was Charlotte's husband's nephew. The two couples' respective children will have been double-cousins, once removed and once not, I think. Working out family relationships just got very complicated!

Edward and Emma had eight children:

1. Esther Kathleen Drake b. GRO Reference: 1887 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 330
2. Gladys Emma Drake b. GRO Reference: 1889 S Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 334
3. John Gloyne Drake b. 6 May 1891, GRO Reference: 1891 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 342. Died 4 Jul 1915 (see below).
4. Francis Oxford Drake b. GRO Reference: 1892 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 396
5. Helen Palmer Drake b. 7 February 1895 in Plymouth. (No GRO record.)
6. Fred Silby Drake b. GRO Reference: 1895 D Quarter in MONMOUTH Volume 11A Page 16. Died, aged 4, in GRO Reference: 1900 J Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 253
7. Constance Edith Drake b. GRO Reference: 1899 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 8
8. Florence May Drake b. GRO Reference: 1902 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 255

In 1891, Edward Drake (28) Iron Moulder, Emma Drake (29) and their first two daughters, Esther (3) and Gladys (1) were living in the household of Edward's parents, Edmund and Esther Drake in Moira Street, Cardiff.

In 1901, Edward C Drake (39) Iron & Brass Founder, was resident in Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, with wife Emma J Drake (40), Gladys E Drake (11), John G Drake (9), Francis O Drake (8), Helen P Drake (6) and Constance E Drake (2). Eldest daughter, Esther Drake (13) was staying with her grandparents, Edmund and Esther Drake, in Seymour Street, Roath.

In 1911, Edward Drake (49) Iron and Brass Founder, was still in Plymouth with wife Emma Drake (50) and daughters, Gladys Drake (21), Helen Drake (17), Constance Drake (12) and Florence (9). Esther Kathleen had married in 1906 and was living in North End, Buckland, Portsmouth; John Drake (19) Stoker, was in Chatham, Kent; haven't yet located Francis.

Emma Drake died, in 1912, age given as 51 - she was 54 (GRO Reference: 1912 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 276).

Son John Drake died at HMS Vivid (shore establishment 1890), the Royal Navy barracks at Devonport. John Drake had joined the Royal Navy, at 18, on 9 July 1909, at which time he was 5 ft 3½ in with a 33¾ inch chest, light brown hair, light brown eyes and a fair complexion. At the time of his death he was assigned to Vivid II, the Stokers and Engine Room Artificers School in Devonport. The note on his naval record states that he was DD (Discharged Dead) on 4 July 1915 in Sick Quarters, Devonport Depot as result of cycle accident. Inquest verdict:- Accidental death through cycle accident. This was only weeks after his cousin, Charles Edward Palmer, Engine Fitter at the Government Dockyard, Devonport, also died, on 17 Apr 1915.

Edward Charles Drake (55) married Helen or Ellen Saull (48) on 23 Dec 1916, in Roath, Glamorganshire, Wales. 

In 1921, Edward Drake (59) Iron Moulder and wife listed as Norah Drake (54) from Plymouth, Devon, were living at 41, Harold Street, Roath, Cardiff.

Edward Charles Drake died, at 74, in 1935 (GRO Reference: 1935 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B  Page 403).

John Martin Mullarkey and Elsie Aitchinson

Church of St Jude, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5813993

John Martin Mullarkey (b. 10 May 1890), son of Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne, married Elsie Aitchinson (b. 7 Feb 1890), daughter of John George Aitchinson and Emma Bolt, at St Jude's, Plymouth on 9 Jul 1918.

(Elsie's parents had married, on 29 Jun 1885, at Charles Church, Plymouth. John George Aitchinson of 16 Guldford Street, Plymouth was a Shipwright, son of John George Aitchinson, Petty Officer RN. Emma Bolt was from 10 Guildford Street and her father, John Bolt, was a Shoemaker.)

John Martin Mullarkey (20) enlisted in the Royal Navy on 19 Jun 1909 and in 1911, was bobbing about in Malta Harbour on HMS Medea. On 31 May - 1 Jun 1916 John Martin Mullarkey was serving as a Leading Stoker on HMS Tiger at the Battle of Jutland. Tiger was hit a total of 18 times during the battle. John Martin Mullarkey stayed with Tiger until 30 Sep 1921. 

John and Elsie Mullarkey had three children:

1. John George Anthony Mullarkey b. 1 Oct 1920
2. Lilian Kathleen Mullarkey b. 15 Oct 1922
3. Martyn Mullarkey b. 15 Aug 1930

In 1921, John M Mullarkey (31) Leading Stoker RN; Elsie Mullarkey (31) and John G Mullarkey (0) were living at 182, Beaumont Road, Plymouth, Devon.

After leaving the Royal Navy on 1 Apr 1928, John Martin became a Merchant Seaman. John's naval record says that he had a scar on his left thigh and a heart tattoo on his right forearm. His Merchant Navy record states that the top of his left index finger was crushed. It doesn't say when, where or how.

In 1939, living at 54 Ocean Street, Plymouth, John M Mullarkey's occupation is described as "Greaser Cable Ship Maker Louisa Mackay" (Louisa Mackay was the name of his ship). Son John G A was a Turner And Fitter Apprentice; Lilian K a Shop Assistant and Martyn was at school. Living with them was John G Aitchinson, Retired Shipwright, Widowed (who died in 1941). 

Elsie Mullarkey died in Plymouth, in 1963, aged 73.

John Martin Mullarkey died in 1974.

• John George Anthony Mullarkey married Lilian K Clarke in 1958. Born Lilian Kathleen May Hood on 18 Apr 1914, Lilian was probably a widow at the time of this marriage. She had previously married Herbert J Clarke in 1933 and potentially brought with her four children from this marriage. John George Anthony Mullarkey of 15 Dundas Street, Stoke, Plymouth, died on 8 Nov 1974. Lilian Kathleen May Mullarkey died on 25 Jun 1991.
• In 1945, Lilian Kathleen Mullarkey married William George Matthews. They appear to have had one child later that year. Lilian Kathleen Matthews died in 1996.
• In 1951, Martyn Mullarkey married Margaret A Pepper and they appear to have one child in 1952. Martyn Mullarkey died, in Plymouth, in 2005.

Thomas Tooze and Mary James

St Olave, Exeter, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Neil Owen - geograph.org.uk/p/4210935
One of Exeter's oldest churches, it was founded in 1035. It had a varied past, being closed by Cromwell and converted to a school, reopened during the Huguenot exodus as a church.

Thomas Tooze (b. 5 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805, in Halberton, Devon), son of Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton, married Mary James at St Olave's Church, Exeter on 8 Jul 1832. Undoubtedly, this is the same Thomas Tooze who had appeared in court in Exeter in 1832, being tried for Larceny. Both were listed as sojourner (temporarily residing) in this parish. Further records suggest that Mary was born in around 1806-1807. The 1851 census reports her birthplace as 'Kintbar, Devon', which Google and I believe should be Kentisbeare. There was a Mary James bap. 1 Feb 1807, daughter of Richard and Ann James.

This Thomas and Mary had three children:

1. Ellen Tooze b. 1837 in Stoke Newington, Middlesex (no reg)
2. William Tooze b. 19 Aug 1839 (1839 S Quarter in OF THE HACKNEY UNION Volume 03 Page 133). A 1879 record, British Civil Service Evidence Of Age (Post Office), gives William's birth date.
3. Elizabeth Tooze b. 10 Jan 1842 M Qtr HACKNEY Vol 03 Page 196

The mother's maiden name on both birth registrations is James.

They were in the London Borough of Hackney by the time of Ellen's birth, but there are no baptisms, so there could have been other children that were never recorded. There is no birth registration, but there is also a death of a 3 year old Eliza Tooze, in Hackney, in 1849, who could also have been theirs.

In 1841, Thomas Tooze (rounded down to 30), Mary Tooze (30), Ellen Tooze (4) and William Tooze (1) were living in Brook Street, Hackney.

In 1851, Thomas Tooze (47) Brewers Servant - no surprise, his father was a Maltster - from Halberton, Devon, and Mary Tooze (44) from Kintbar, Devon [Kentisbeare] Laundress; William Tooze (11) and Elizabeth Tooze (9), both born in Clapton, Middlesex, were living in Assembly Row, which Victorian Villas in Hackney (PDF) suggests was in Northwold Road, Clapton, London. Ellen Tooze (14) Domestic Servant, born in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, was employed in the household of Thomas F Wilson (33) Stock Broker, in Wellington Place, Hackney. (An offshoot from the high road, called Wellington Place, had eight gentleman's residences by 1821; it had been extended due east as Wellington Road (from 1939 Shacklewell Road).

In 1861, Thomas Tooze (56) from Halberton, Devonshire 'Formerly Brewer' and saying formerly and being only in his 50's, I would read to indicate that Thomas had become infirm; Mary Tooze (54) Laundress and Elizabeth Tooze (19) Dress Maker, were living at 5, Queens Road, Hackney.

Mary Tooze was admitted to Hackney Union Workhouse on 3 Jul 1869, then both Thomas Tooze and Mary Tooze were admitted to Hackney Union Workhouse on 19 Oct 1869.

Thomas Tooze, 65, was discharged dead from Hackney Union Workhouse on on 30 Dec 1869 (1869 D Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 335).

In 1871, Mary Tooze (69) Pauper, Widow, Domestic Servant from Devonshire, was a resident at Hackney Union Workhouse.

Mary Tooze died at 66, on 12 Jun 1872, also at Hackney Union Workhouse (1872 J Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 287).

So what relation are Thomas Tooze and Mary James to Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers? The chance that they are NOT related, given they all hail from the same Devon villages, is infinitesimally small, however the link is further back than available records, so we can only speculate: Thomas Tooze (b. 1801) m. Mary Summers was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1770) m. Joan Potter who was son of, William Tooze (b. 1727) m. Joan Cood. On the other hand, this Thomas Tooze (b. 1805) m. Mary James was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1776) m. Jane Burton who was son of, Thomas Tooze (b. 1735) m. Dorothy Woodbery. Baptisms for William Tooze (b. 1727) and Thomas Tooze (b. 1735) are not available online, however, with only eight years between them, it would not be a surprise if they were brothers. If so, then the first common ancestors that Thomas Tooze (b. 1801) and Thomas Tooze (b. 1805) would share would be their great-grandparents, making them 2nd cousins.

Eli Drew and Anna Goff

High Street becomes Fore Street, Cullompton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/4955008

Eli Drew (b. 5 Nov 1860), son of Thomas Drew and Ann Trickey, married Anna Goff (b. 1863) daughter of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare, on 7 Jul 1886. Witnesses to the marriage were William Goff and Mary Blackmore (née Goff), both of them Anna's older siblings.

There is no birth registration, nor baptism for Eli Drew (there are for all of his siblings), however he was listed with his parents in Bradninch, in 1861. His father died in 1871 and Eli (10) was that year out working as a Farm Servant for Philip Walters (39) Farmer, in Collumpton. In 1881, Eli Drew (20) Shoemaker, was home with his mother, who remarried in 1874.

Eli and Anna Drew had six children:

1. Lily Drew b. 7 Jul 1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 17 Aug 1887 in Cullompton
2. Charles Eli Drew b. 6 Jun 1889 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jul 1889 in Cullompton. Killed in Action 1916.
3. Frank Goff Drew b. 29 Oct 1890 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 364, bap. 3 Dec 1890 in Cullompton
4. Albert Drew b. 1893 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 411, bap. 7 Dec 1894. Died, at 21 months, in 1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 268 and was buried on 16 Dec 1894 in Cullompton
5. Bertie Drew b. 3 Jun 1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 383
6. Gladys May Drew b. 1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 388, bap. 15 Oct 1898. Died at 6 months in 1898 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 253 and was buried on 30 Oct 1898 in Cullompton

In 1891, Eli Drew (30) Boot maker was in High Street, Cullompton with Annie Drew (27), Lily Drew (4), Charles Eli Drew (2) and Frank Goff Drew (0).

Anna Drew died, aged 34, in 1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 264 and was buried on 3 Jun 1898, in Kentisbeare. Given the date her last child was born, I think we can guess at the cause of her death.

Eli Drew then remarried, on 22 Sep 1900, to Mary Ann Richards.

Born Mary Ann Read, in 1868, daughter of John Read and Mary Ann Pook, she had previously married William James Richards, in Tiverton District, in 1896. William James Richards had died, at 38, in 1900. Mary Ann brought with her two children from her previous marriage: John James Richards b. 11 Jun 1897 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 383 and Polly Read Richards b. 14 Jan 1899 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 394.

Eli and Mary Ann then added another seven children:

7. Thomas John Drew b. 2 Jun 1901 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 387, bap. 25 Sep 1901 in Cullompton
8. Winifred Violet Read Drew b. 21 Dec 1902 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 364)
9. Richard Leslie Drew b. 10 Dec 1904 (1905 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 369)
10. Evelyn Dorothy Drew b. 23 Mar 1906 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 376
11. James Drew b. 7 Jul 1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 352
12. Robert George Eli Drew b. 13 Aug 1910 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 341. Died, aged 12, in 1923 S Qtr in EXETER Vol 05B Page 65
13. Alec Drew b. 6 Dec 1915 (1916 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 591)

In 1901, Eli Drew (40) Licenced Victualler and Bootmaker was at the Angel Inn, Fore Street, Cullompton (The Licence was passed from [William] James Richards to Mrs Richards (i.e. Mary Ann), who in turn transferred it to her second husband, Eli Drew), with Mary Ann Drew (31), Lily Drew (13), Charles Drew (11), Frank Drew (10), Bertie Drew (5), John Richards (3), Polly Richards (1) and three boarders: Joseph Gale (53) Agricultural Labourer and Beatrice Royal (24) and Mena Rambow (22), who were both Actresses. 

By 1911, Eli Drew (50) Bootmaker was living on Cullompton Hill, Bradninch (having transferred the licence at the Angel in 1901), with Mary Ann Drew (40) Working at mill; John James Richards (13), Polly Read Richards (11), Thomas John Drew (9), Winifred Violet Drew (8), Richard Drew (6), Evelyn Drew (5), James Drew (2) and Robert Drew (0). That year Charles Drew (21) was boarding with the family of Samuel Pring in Pound Square, Cullompton; Frank G Drew was boarding with the family of Henry Willey in Exeter Road, Cullompton and Bert Drew was boarding in the household of James Broom, also on Exeter Road, Cullompton.

On 13 Aug 1918, giving his DOB as 5 Nov 1868 and therefore age as 50, Eli Drew, Shoemaker, volunteered for Military Service with the Royal Air Force.

In 1921, Eli Drew (60) Boot Maker and Repairer was again living on Cullompton Hill, Bradninch, with Mary Ann Drew (53), Bertie Drew (26), Mary Drew (25) [wife of Bertie]; Winnie Drew (18), Richard Leslie Drew (16), Evelyn Dorothy Drew (15) (Evelyn Dorothy Drew (15) was double-counted, also being listed next door in the household of Annie Georgina Tree), James Drew (12), Eli Robert Drew (10), Alec Drew (5), and grandchildren, Kenneth Albert Drew (2) and Hazel May Drew (1) - Bertie & Mary's children.

Mary Ann Drew died, at 62, in 1932 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 656.

In 1939, Eli Drew, Boot Maker, Widowed, was still living on Cullompton Hill, Bradninch, with youngest son, Alec Drew, Assurance Agent.

Eli Drew died, at 92, on 18 Dec 1952 (1952 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 738) and is buried in St Dionysius Churchyard, Bradninch, Plot 2.17.

1. Lily Drew married George James Underhay (b. 1 Jun 1885, in Winkleigh, Devon), son of George James Underhay and Mary Lugg, in 1908, in Totnes, Devon. George and Lily had one daughter, Hazel Emily Underhay b. 3 Dec 1908 (1909 M Quarter in TOTNES Volume 05B Page 143). In 1921, the three were living at 1, Handley Road, Gosport, where George was working as a Joiner for the Admiralty. George James Underhay died in Gosport, in 1969. Lily Underhay died in Droxford, Hampshire, in 1976.
2. Private Charles Drew, Devonshire Regiment 1st/4th Bn, was Killed in Action on 8 Mar 1916 in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) No known grave. Commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq (Panel 11). He's also remembered on the World War I board at Cullompton Methodist Church.
3. Frank Goff Drew married Florence Annie Willey (b. 9 Nov 1893 in Tiverton), daughter of Henry Willey and Charlotte Gardener, in Tiverton, Devon, in 1913. They had one daughter, Mollie Delphine Goff Drew, b. 8 Apr 1914 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 679. On 9 Oct 1914, Frank Goff Drew enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment, 7th Battalion. He later served with the Royal Army Service Corps. In 1921, they were living with Charlotte Willey and in 1939 at 92 Exeter Road, Cullompton. Frank Goff Drew died on 4 Sep 1980 and is buried at Cullompton Cemetery. Florence Annie Drew died in 1982.
4. Bertie Drew (as Albert Drew) enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry, but was discharged after 17 days. He married Mary Matthews in Pontypridd, Glamorganshire, Wales, in 1917. They had two children, Albert Kenneth Drew b. 1918 and Hazel May Drew b. 1920. In 1921, they were staying with Bert's parents. In 1939, Bert, Mary and Hazel May Drew were living at 9 Passmore Road, Bradninch. Bertie Drew died at 73 in 1968.
5. John James Richards married Martha Elizabeth Alma Western Packer (b. 28 Feb 1900), daughter of John Packer and Alma Western, at Exeter Registry Office, in 1920. A newspaper report of his divorce petition, in the Western Morning News of 20 Nov 1940, says they had seven children (I've found records for six); that his wife had left him in 1937 and that three of the younger children had been sent to Australia under a farm school scheme. In 1939, John James Richards was living at 23 Westfield Road, Bradninch with four of the children and his eldest daughter as Housekeeper. Meanwhile, Martha E A Richards was living in Dinham Road, Exeter with George Albert Denning (b. 12 Dec 1915) and the daughter they had together b. 1939. Martha E A W Richards married George A Denning in 1941. One presumes she was divorced again as Martha E A W Denning married again in 1952 and George A Denning remarried in 1954. (I've not found a record of a death of John James Richards and wonder if maybe he too emigrated.)
6. Polly Read Richards married William Henry Poole in 1921. They had one daughter, Sybil May Poole b. 1921. In 1939 they were in Bradninch. William Henry Poole died in 1956. Polly Read Poole died in 1987.
7. Thomas John Drew joined the Royal Navy, as an Assistant Cook, on his 18th birthday, 2 Jun 1919. He was however invalided in August 1921, due to Fibrosis of the lung (Pulmonary fibrosis). Thomas John Drew married Elizabeth Alice Turner (b. 13 May 1900 in Clyst St Lawrence, Devon), daughter of James Turner and Thomasine Stone, in Tiverton, in 1926. They had one son, Roy Eli Drew b. 27 Aug 1928. In 1939, the three were living at Mana Cottage, Passways Street, Bradninch. Thomas John Drew died at 39 in 1940. Elizabeth Alice Drew died, aged 44, on 21 July 1944, leaving her effects to Eli Drew and Richard Leslie Drew. 
8. Winifred Violet Read Drew married Howard Raymond Willetts (b. 19 Jan 1902 in Erdington, Birmingham), son of Thomas George Willetts and Sarah Gough, in Birmingham on 2 Aug 1927. Howard Raymond Willetts had joined the RAF on 16 Nov 1920 and it lists his previous Civilian Occupation as Electrician at the Austin Motor Company, Longbridge Works, Northfield, Birmingham. Howard and Winifred appear to have had three daughters in 1928, 1930 and 1931. In 1939, Winifred V R Willetts was living at 71 Ilmington Road, Birmingham with the three children. Howard Willetts was discharged from the RAF in 1940. Howard R G Willetts died at 64, in Birmingham, in 1967. Winifred Violet Read Willetts of St Anthony's Nursing Home, 72 Middleton Hall Road, Kings Norton, died in 1999. Her funeral on 26 Jan 1999 was conducted by Co Op Funeral Services (Yardley) at Yardley Crematorium.
9. Richard Leslie Drew married Marjorie Rowland (b. 19 Aug 1908 in Taunton, Somerset), daughter of John Rowland and Bessie Winter, in Tiverton, in 1935. Richard and Marjorie Drew had two sons, born in 1937 and 1940. In 1939, Richard, Marjorie and their elder child were living at Malt House Tenement, Bradninch. Richard Leslie Drew died in 1983 and Marjorie Drew died, in Exeter, in 1992.
10. Evelyn Dorothy Drew married Edward Charles Bale (b. 19 Dec 1905), in Tiverton, in 1931. In 1921, Edward Bale (15) was living in Chapel Street, Bradninch with a George and Janet Suell, listed as their adopted son. I cannot locate any other records for them, before or since, nor of Edward's birth. Edward and Evelyn had three sons between 1931 and 1938 and a daughter in 1941. In 1939, Edward, Evelyn and the three boys were living at No 2 Winsor House, Bradninch. Edward Charles Bale died in 1984. Evelyn Dorothy Bale died, in Exeter, in 1995.
11. James Drew never married and died, at 50, on 12 Jun 1959, leaving his effects to Richard Leslie Drew and Evelyn Dorothy Bale.
12. Alec Drew married Elsie V J Champion, in Exeter, in 1948. Born Elsie Vera Joan Addicott (b. 8 Sep 1918 in Newton Abbot), daughter of Walter Addicott, Police Constable, and Edith Maud Mary Woodley, she had previously married Alfred John Champion in 1940, with whom she had two children in 1942 and 1944. Alfred John Champion died, in Exeter, in 1983, so presumably their marriage was disolved. Alec and Elsie Drew had one daughter, born in 1949. Alec Drew died, in Exeter, in 1995 and Elsie Vera J Drew died in East Devon, in 2003.

William Stone and Mary Thorne

Langford Budville : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4028563

William Stone (bap. 3 Nov 1799) son of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, married Mary Thorne on 3 Jul 1820 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville, Somerset. Witnesses were Ann Waygood and William Bridges. The groom is described as a 'Sojourner' - temporarily residing in the parish - a blow in - which makes sense, as he was from Kentisbeare in Devon.

Records suggest they had three sons, all baptised in Langford Budville:

1. William Stone bap. 1 Apr 1821
2. Thomas Stone bap. 4 Jan 1824
3. Henry Stone bap. 26 Oct 1828

Mary Stone (née Thorne) died - the burial record says she was aged 33 (b. 1799) - and was buried on 9 Sep 1832 at Langford Budville. Given her age and the timing, I'd imagine there's at least an evens chance that Mary died having a fourth child, although I've not found a record to support this.

William Stone then remarried to Elizabeth Sprague (bap. 11 Apr 1807 in Ashbrittle), daughter of James Sprague and Mary Davy, on 5 Feb 1834, also in Langford Budville. William and Elizabeth had one daughter:

1. Mary Ann Stone b. 17 Aug 1834, bap. 25 Dec 1834 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville.

In 1841, William (40), Elizabeth (30) - William is listed as M. S. (male servant) and Elizabeth as F. S. (female servant); William Jr (rounded down to 15) - I think they've confused which son was at home and this was actually Thomas - and Mary Anne (6) were living at Hill Cottage, Holcombe Rogus, Wellington. William Stone (20) was living and working in the household of James Stephens (50) in the village of Langford Budville. While, Henry Stone, age rounded down to 10 (actually 13), was employed as a servant to the family of Richard and Martha Barton at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. "Richard Barton was born in Churchstanton, Somerset, in about 1817. I think that he was baptised at Otterford with his brother John Barton on 16th March 1817. He married Martha Surridge in Tiverton Registration District during 1841 and they were probably living at Langford Budville, Somerset, until at least 1844. At the time of the 1841 census Richard was farming at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. He was described as a twenty-year-old farmer, not born in the county of Somerset, and his wife, Martha, was aged twenty and born in that county." - Pedigree of the Bartons

In 1851, William and Elizabeth were living at Trace Bridge, Ashbrittle with Mary Anne (16), who had become a 'Needle Woman' and Henry Sprague (6), lodger, born in Exeter, while Henry (21) was a servant (Farm Servant/Ag Lab) to James and Elizabeth Talbot at Appley, Stawley, Wellington, Somerset.

In 1861, William Stone (62), Agricultural Labourer, and Betsy Stone (53) were in a Private Cottage at Court Place, Ashbrittle, "Court Place Farm has been a feature of Somerset’s Tone Valley for centuries. Some of its pastures still bear the names they were given over five hundred years ago."

William Stone died, with his age overestimated as 75 (70) in 1869 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 289 was buried on 7 Feb 1869 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

In 1871, Betsy Stone (64) Widow, Farm Labourer was still living, this time alone, in a Cottage, Ashbrittle.

In 1881, Betsy Stone (74) Widow, Pauper was a Lodger in the household of Charles Kingdon (26) Farm Labourer at 1, Pitt Cottages, Ashbrittle.

Elizabeth Stone died at 83 in 1890 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 231 and was buried on 11 Jun 1890 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

Court Place, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/3819462

John Ridgeway and Ellen Norman

Building at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman

John Ridgeway (b. 18 Jun 1870), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ellen Norman (b. 23 Dec 1871), daughter of James Norman and Harriet Woodland at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 3 Jul 1892. Witnesses were James Norman and William Norman, the bride's father and brother.

The couple probably met at Widhayes Farm (Grade II Listed), as in 1891, John Ridgeway (20) Agricultural Labourer, had been lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman and at the same time, Ellen Norman (20) had been employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Edward Chave (39), a prosperous Farmer, at the Farm, Widhayes, Uplowman. 

John and Ellen had three children: 

1. William Henry Ridgway b. 1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Pg 407
2. Thomas Ridgway b. 1894 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401 (Died 1894 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 261)
3. Annie Elizabeth Ridgway b. 26 May 1895 (1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 387), bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman

The mother's maiden name on all three births was NORMAN.

In 1901, John Ridgeway (30) Cattleman on farm, Ellen Ridgeway (29), William H (8) and Annie E (6) were at Little Sellake, Halberton.

In 1911, still at Sellake, Halberton, were John Ridgway (40), Ellen Ridgway (39) and William Henry (18) Farm Labourer. The original census record confirms that the couple had three children - two living and one who had died - during their then 19 year marriage. Annie Ridgway (16) that year was working as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired farmer, Robert Pearce (89) at Locks House, Witnage, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, John Ridgway (50) Farmer was living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus with Ellen Ridgway (49).

In 1939, John and Ellen Ridgway, were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.

John Ridgeway of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 (1947 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 340) at Gamlins, Greenham, Stawley. Probate was granted to Herbert John Howe, quarry proprietor and Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk, leaving effects of £2282 12s.

Ellen Ridgway of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died, aged 80, on 11 Sep 1952 (1952 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 179) at Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was again granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.

• After joining the Australian Military in November 1916, William Henry Ridgeway married Gertrude Hannah Goodwin (b. 14 Jan 1892 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 16 Jan 1918, in Brisbane. William Henry Ridgeway died, at 84, on 29 Oct 1977 and was buried, on 1 Nov 1977, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia. Gertrude Hannah Ridgeway died on 18 Sep 1984 and was also buried, on 20 Sep 1984, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery. (There's also a Raymond Francis Ridgway b. 1926, d. 14 Jun 1921, at that cemetery. Was he their son?)
• Herbert John Howe (b. 31 Jan 1895), son of Walter Howe and Ann Hawkins, married Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway, in Wellington, in 1916. (Walter Howe, was a Carter on farm and general labourer, living in Holcombe Rogus village.) Herbert and Annie Howe had one son: Colin John Ridgway Howe b. 3 Feb 1933. In 1921, Herbert John Howe (26) Road Stone Quarrier, at Whipcott Quarries; and Annie Elizabeth Howe (26) were living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus. In 1939, Herbert J Howe "General Farmer, Quarts Owner, Haulage & Road Contractors & Quarrying", Annie E Howe "Assistant To Husband In Farming" and Colin J R Howe, were living at Gamlin's [Farm], Stawley, Somerset. Herbert John Howe (56) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire, died on 6 Dec 1951, leaving effects of £2796 2s to his widow, Annie Elizabeth Howe. Almost an entire column of the Crediton Gazette on 18 Dec 1951 was filled with the report on the funeral of Mr Herbert John Howe of Gamlins, "well known quarry owner and agriculturalist, who took a keen and active interest in local affairs", saying that "there was a large and representative gathering at Holcombe Rogus Parish Church." Annie Elizabeth Howe died, in 1970, at 75.

Stawley: Gamlins Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/148474

Charley Stone and Ellen Jones

St George's Church, Tiverton

Charley Stone (known as 'Char') (b. 6 Jun 1898 in Tiverton, Devon), son of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, married Ellen Jones (Nell) (b. 23 Apr 1894 in Rushbrooke, Cobh (Queenstown as it was then), County Cork, Ireland), daughter of David Jones and Laura Elizabeth White, on 3 Jul 1922, at St George's Church, Tiverton (generally considered to be the finest Georgian church in Devon, and one of the best examples in England.) Witnesses were Francis Stone, the groom's uncle; William Henry Middleton, the groom's elder half-brother and their mother, Emily Stone (former Emma Middleton). Given that line up, my feeling is that Bill was best man, while Frank gave away the bride as her own father was back in Ireland.

Charley Stone born 6 Jun 1898 at 1 Silver Street, Tiverton, and baptised on 20 Jul 1898 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, lied about his age when he enlisted in the Royal Marines at Exeter on 18 Jan 1915, which is why this and many subsequent records suggest he was born a year earlier in 1897. The marines can't ever have discovered the one year discrepancy though, because his record notes the 139 days he was underage, from 18 Jan 1915 to 5 Jun 1915, but 6 Jun 1915 will only have been his 17th birthday, not his 18th.

(The photo, right, must have been taken, in Plymouth, very close to the end of his career, because the four medals he was awarded and can be seen wearing were: the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for WWI; he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 20 Jul 1930; and on 7 May 1935 he received the King's Silver Jubilee Medal.)

Char did his training at the Royal Marine Depot, Deal, until 18 Aug 1915. Then after a brief period at Plymouth Division, was assigned to HMS Revenge (06) on 1 Feb 1916 and stayed with this ship until 24 Jan 1918, being promoted to Corporal on the 1st day of that year, at age 19.

Revenge (left) and the battleship Hercules (right) at the Battle of Jutland

Consequently, on 31 May - 1 Jun 1916, just five days before his 18th birthday, Charley Stone took part in the Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the First World War. "In the course of the battle, Revenge had fired 102 rounds from her main battery [...]. She also fired 87 rounds from her secondary guns. She was not hit by any fire during the engagement."

British battleship HMS Glory at Murmansk

From 23 May 1918, until 16 Jul 1919, Char was assigned to HMS Glory (1899), of the British North Russia Squadron, which took him to Archangel and Murmansk during the North Russia intervention. "Glory was based at Archangel to protect supplies that arrived there for the Russian Army. The squadron's mission evolved after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 into preventing the supplies that had been delivered from falling into the hands of the Red Army." He arrived just in time for A Fire, a Riot, a Bombing, and a Mutiny (The Allied Intervention at Archangel and Murmansk in 1918). Like most who went through these events, Char never talked about his experiences, except to a brother who was also a Marine, and what I've been told only intimated that things were really bad (understatement) up there.

HMS Royalist (1883)

Continuing his amazing ability to turn up in all the wrong places at the right times, from 12 Feb 1920 to 15 Mar 1922 Char was sent to HMS Colleen (formerly HMS Royalist (1883)), which was then the depot ship at Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland, at the height of the Irish War of Independence. Being hulked (stuck in one place), allowed more opportunity to fraternise with the locals, obviously. The 1921 Census merely shows Charley Stone (24) [i.e. still maintaining he was a year older than he really was], Corporal R M L I, with the Royal Navy, Armed Forces Overseas.

Nell and Char's only child, Charles Francis Stone (Frank) was born, on 17 July 1923 at The Military Families Hospital, Devonport and christened at The Anglican Church of Saint Paul, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse on Sunday, 5 Aug 1923. This was the day after the wedding of Char's first cousin Frederick Thomas Stone and Kathleen Mullarkey, at which Char was best man and could have been the new baby's first "social engagement" - not that he'd have remembered it - but it feels like a real connection to the past to imagine that maybe Maria Mullarkey, the bride's mother, may have fawned over the new infant (as you do). The family's address then was 36, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse (flat above presumably). Now The Fig Tree Restaurant, this was once a shop.

Eastern Kings Battery, Plymouth, taken Friday, 30 June, 2023
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Alan Murray-Rust - geograph.org.uk/p/7538232
This was built on the site of a late 18th century battery in 1849 as the Prince of Wales Battery and includes later alterations up to WW2, such as the observation post visible in the view.
Still in military occupation. Designated a Scheduled Monument.

The rest of Char's Royal Marines' career was spent mostly at Plymouth Division - they lived in the Eastern King battery (dad said it was damp and cold), where Frank and his cousins played football on the landings, climbed on the roofs and generally got into trouble - and at HMS Impregnable training establishments in Devonport: the former HMS Black Prince (1861) in late 1922 and the former HMS Ganges (1821) in 1923/24. Char was promoted to Sergeant from 9 Aug 1924, Colour sergeant from 2 Apr 1931, and Quartermaster sergeant (QMS) in Aug 1932, retiring on 5 Jun 1936.

Charley Stone's uniform tunic now in the possession of the Royal Marines Museum

Here's an exhibit you wouldn't see on display, even if the Royal Marines Museum wasn't currently homeless, so I consider myself fortunate that I was able to visit when it was still housed in the former officers’ mess on the Eastney Barracks (reportedly to be turned into a five-star hotel) a few years ago and had made arrangements for a private viewing of the tunic pictured.

Nell and Char's only child, Charles Francis Stone (Frank), aged around three.

Charley Stone and his car (with my dad, Frank, in the vehicle). This must have been taken in Plymouth and therefore is in or before 1936. Grandad still had that car when I was a child too.

Nell and Char on their
25th Wedding Anniversary
in 1947, in the garden of 117,
Corisande Road, Selly Oak.

After he retired from the Royal Marines, Char took a job as a Post Office Van Driver in Birmingham, which is where we find the family in 1939, at 117 Corisande Road, Selly Oak with Charley Stone, Postman Driver (Heavy Work) still listing himself as a year older and Ellen still trying to close the four year age gap and be two years younger. Frank (16) was working as a Stationery clerk at the Screw Works. 

Char had worked as a gardener before he'd joined the marines, having worked in the kitchen garden at Knightshayes Court in Tiverton. In Birmingham, he grew soft fruits - I remember being sent up the garden to pick raspberries and blackcurrants - and he had a greenhouse stuffed full of his favourite fuchsias that, in his Devon accent were always pronounced foosherrs.

Charley Stone died on 10 May 1973 at Selly Oak Hospital. He was 75.

Ellen Stone died on 31 Jan 1993 in Highcliffe, Dorset (DOR Q1/1993 in BOURNEMOUTH (4271A) Reg A2D Entry Number 254), in her 99th year, although the death certificate doesn't reflect that because at that time even my father had no idea exactly when or even where she had been born.