William George Beamer and Elsie May Carver

HMS Impregnable in the Hamoaze off Devonport Dockyard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

William George Beamer, once more of 5 Artizans Dwellings, Notte Street, died on 1 Jan 1956 and left £605 4s 10d to his widow.

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

Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway

Church of St Thomas, Chevithorne
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5109963

Thomas Ware (bap. 15 May 1836, in Cullompton), son of Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, married Harriet Ridgeway, daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 12 May 1859. The marriage record lists her as Margaret Ridgway, daughter of James Ridgway. There are no other records of a Margaret Ridgway, so I'm certain this is an error and as is so often the case, neither of them could read and write to spot it.

(Thomas' parents, Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, had married on 31 Mar 1834. Robert, died aged 28, and was buried in Halberton on 21 May 1837. In 1841, Thomas' widowed mother, Sarah Ware, was a Female Servant at the Growing Farm, Cullompton and with her were her two children: Mary Ware (bap. 30 Nov 1834) and Thomas (4). Then in 1851, Thomas Were (sic) (14) was employed as a Farm Servant at Sutton Barton, Halberton.)

Thomas and Harriet had ten children: 

1. Eliza Ware b. 27 Jun 1861, bap. 21 Jul 1861 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset
2. Thomas Ware b. 30 Aug 1863 in Ashbrittle (1863 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432)
3. Mary Jane Ware b. 1865 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 443
4. Emma Ware b. 1867 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 470
5. Robert Were (sic) b. 5 Jul 1869 (1869 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 25 Jul 1869 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
6. Harriet Ware b. 28 Feb 1871 (1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 441), bap. 19 Mar 1871 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
7. James Ware b. 23 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 13 Jul 1873 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
8. Ann Ware b. 25 Mar 1875 (1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), bap. 11 Apr 1875 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
9. John Ware b. 16 Mar 1878 (1878 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 447), bap. 14 Apr 1878  at St Thomas, Chevithorne
10. Ellen Ada Ware b. 1883 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 421

In 1861, Thomas Were (sic) (24) Agricultural Labourer from Halberton, and Harriet Were (20) were living in a Private Cottage, Court Place, Ashbrittle, Wellington. (This was Court Place Farm, where her parents had lived.)

In 1871, in Chettiscombe were Thomas Ware (33), Harriet Ware (29), Eliza (9), Thomas (7), Mary Jane (5), Emma (4), Robert (1) and Harriet (0).

In 1881, at Chettiscombe Villas, were Thomas Were (sic) (43) Ag Lab, Harriet Were (38), Robert (11), Harriet (10), James (8), Annie (6) and John (3). Couldn't locate Thomas; Mary Jane Ware (15) was a General domestic servant to the household of Robert S Austin in Angel Hill Terrace, Tiverton. That year, there was an Emma Ware (14) employed as a Housemaid to the household of John C Williams, Carpenter, in Castle Street, Tiverton.

On 30 Mar 1882, Thomas Ware, Farm Labourer born 30 Aug 1863 in Ashbrittle, Wellington, Somerset, enlisted in the Royal Marines at Exeter. He was 5ft 7in with a ruddy complexion, light brown hair and light blue eyes. In 1883-4 Thomas served with HMS Achilles (1863) with the Channel Fleet. On Tuesday, 2 Jun 1885 Thomas Ware, Private R.M.L.I.'s name and description (matching above) appeared on an Admiralty List of Deserters in the Police Gazette as being a 'straggler', having deserted from HMS Impregnable. The next period he was DSQ (Disqualified). He was back at Plymouth Division in 1886 and subsequently getting good reports, but on 27 Jun 1888 his service ends with him having Run (Deserted). This time I cannot determine what ship he was with or where he ran. I've also found no further records for him.

Thomas Ware Snr died, his age given as 51 (he will actually have been 54), in 1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273.

In 1891 at Chettiscombe Cottage, Chettiscombe, Tiverton, Harriet Were (sic) (50) Widow, Charwoman, was living with James Were (17) Farm Labourer, John (12), Ellen (8) and Harriet's mother, Mary A Marsh (83) Widow.

Harriet Ware died, aged 55, in 1896 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 270.

• Eliza Ware had married Charles Stuart McDougal, Mechanic, son of John McDougal, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 15 Dec 1879.
• Emma Ware married John Copp, Labourer, son of John Copp, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 11 Sep 1884.
• Mary Jane Ware married Charles Vinnicombe, Mason, son of Henry Vinnicombe, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 5 Jul 1885.
• Robert Ware married Amelia Land, daughter of Robert Land, Labourer at at St Thomas, Chevithorne, on 25 Dec 1891. Robert Ware died in 1909, aged 40. 
• James Ware (24), Porter at the Railway, of "Paradise" Cowleymoor Road, Tiverton, married Mary Pook, daughter of Richard Pook, Labourer, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton on 4 Apr 1896. James Ware died in 1897, aged 24.

William Trick and Elizabeth Blake

Mount Pleasant Redoubt
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5400394

William Eastman Trick (22), Labourer, son of Elizabeth Trick, married Elizabeth Blake, daughter of John Blake and Elizabeth Leigh, at the Church of St James the Great, Devonport on 12 May 1856. Both gave their address as 27 John Street, which was in Morice Town. Eastman was the surname of William's step-father. The space for his father had been left blank.

William and Elizabeth had two children:

1. Elizabeth Trick b. 1857 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Pg 320
2. William Trick b. 1858 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Pg 286

In 1861, wrongly transcribed as William Frick (sic) (27) Labourer In H.M.D.Yard, from Bideford, Devon; Elizabeth (27) Laundress, from Launceston, Cornwall; Elizabeth (4) born in Morice Town and William (2), born in Devonport, were living at 15 Marlborough St, Devonport.

Elizabeth Trick died, aged 35, in 1869 J Quarter in LAUNCESTON Vol 05C Page 21. She was buried in the parish of Lawhitton, on 22 Apr 1869.

William Trick, Widower (on this marriage certificate he specifies that his father is Not Known), remarried on 29 May 1871 to Caroline Rickard Osborn, Widow, at St George's church, East Stonehouse. One of the witnesses at this wedding was Pamela Wonnacott (née Eastman), William's half-sister.

Baptised Catherine Rickard Townshend in Stoke Damerel on 28 Jul 1833, his second wife was the daughter of John Townshend and Betsey Coram. Her father was listed on her baptism and again on the marriage certificate as a Mariner. In 1861, he was a Boatman Coast Guard. Caroline had previously married Richard James Osborn, Seaman RN, in Stoke Damerel in 1853 and the couple had one son, William John Osborn [1], b. 6 Oct 1857 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 303, bap. 20 Dec 1857 at St James, Devonport. In 1861, Caroline Osborn (27) Ship Stewards Wife, had lived in Navy Row, Stoke Damerel with her son, William (3). Richard James Osborn died on 2 Jul 1867 and was buried on 6 Jul 1867, in Stoke Damerel.

In 1871, William Trick (37) Widower, Labourer from Bideford, Devon, was living in Morice Town with daughter, Elizabeth Trick (14) [2] and son William Trick (12). Caroline Osborn (38) Widow, Milliner, meanwhile, was living with her brother, John Avery Townshend (27) Shipwright, also in Morice Town.

In 1881, William Trick (46) Labourer H M Dockyard, Caroline Trick (46) and William J Osborn (23) Assistant Ship's Steward RN, Stepson, were living at 12, Charlotte Row, Devonport Stoke-Damerel.

In 1891, William Trick (56) Retired Skilled Labourer from Monkleigh, Devon and Caroline R Trick were living at 23 Herbert Place, Devonport.

In 1901, William Trick (67) Caretaker at Mount Pleasant Redoubt was still living in Herbert Place, Devonport with wife Caroline R Trick (66).

Caroline Rickard Trick died, aged 71, in 1904 D Quarter in DEVONPORT.

In 1911, William Trick (77) Retired Park Caretaker, Widower, was living in the household of his grandson, William Henry Trick (26) Dairyman in Chilton Trinity, Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset.

William Trick died at the age of 80 in 1914 M Quarter in BRIDGWATER.

Plymouth Blockhouse or Mount Pleasant Redoubt

1. William John Osborn (b. 1857), Caroline's son from her first marriage, William Trick's stepson, married Fanny Kelland, daughter of John Kelland and Betsy Maria Palfrey, in Stoke Damerel, in 1882. They had one daughter, Lilian Osborn b. 1884 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 359, who died, aged 4, in 1889 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 231. In 1901, William John Osborn was a Retired Ship's Steward, and in 1911, his occupation was Writer Naval Pensioner, seemingly employed at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, Plymouth. Fanny Osborn died at 81, in 1936 J Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 428. William John Osborn died, at 82, in 1939  M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 539. What is absolutely certain is that William John Osborn is NOT the same person as William's son, William Trick (b. 1858), which I saw claimed on one website! 
2. [So far], I've been unable to identify any further records relating to Elizabeth Trick (b. 1857), after 1871.

James Luxton and Hannah Maria Hawkins

St John the Evangelist, Lambeth Tom Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0 (interior)

James Luxton (b. 1841 in Taunton, Somerset), son of Charles Luxton and Charlotte Townsend, married Hannah Maria Hawkins (b. 20 Aug 1839 in Tiverton, Devon), daughter of James and Susannah Hawkins, at St John the Evangelist, Lambeth, on 11 May 1874. The couple undoubtedly met in Tiverton, perhaps were even childhood sweethearts, as James' parents had moved to Tiverton by 1853, where his younger sister was born that year.

This couple had five children, all baptised at at St Peter’s Church Tiverton.

1. Charles Frank Luxton, b. 28 Jan 1876 (GRO Reference: 1876 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 451), bap. 12 Feb 1876
2. Alice Luxton, b. 11 May 1878 (GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 452), bap. 26 May 1878
3. Alfred James Massey Luxton, b. 1880 (GRO Reference: 1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 470), bap. 18 Apr 1880
4. Emily Luxton b. 22 Jun 1882, (GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433), bap. 9 Jul 1882
5. Jessie Luxton, b. 27 Jun 1886 (GRO Reference: 1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 423), bap. 25 Jul 1886

On 29 Mar 1860, at the age of 19, James Luxton had enlisted in the British Army and served for 13 years, 320 days, in the 10th Reg Of Foot, until 16 Jul 1874, being promoted to Corporal in 1869 and attaining the rank of Sergeant in 1871. During that time, he spent over nine years serving abroad in the Cape of Good Hope, St Helena, Japan, China and the Straits Settlements.

James was discharged from the army in 1874, found unfit for further service, because of a valve disease of the heart. "Due to a constitutional cause, aggravated by service in hot climates", says the medical report on his service record. It went on to say that it was first noticed at Singapore in Nov 1872, when the patient was under treatment for another complaint. "He suffers from a most serious heart disease which he can never recover from. He can contribute to his maintenance by light work only", it concludes. 

In 1881, James Luxton (40), Grocer (Chelsea Pensioner) in Bampton Street, Tiverton, was living with wife Hannah M Luxton (40), Charles F (5), Alice (2), Alfred J M (1) and Bessie Hewett (14) Nurse domestic servant.

Sadly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, James Luxton died, aged just 45, in 1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 272. 

In 1891, Maria Luxton, widow, lived in Sewards Court, Leat Street, Tiverton, where she worked as a silk lace mender; Charles F Luxton (15) was a machine boy at the lace factory (Heathcoat Lace Factory, Tiverton, Devon), Alice (12) was employed as a silk winder at the lace factory and Alfred J M (10) was also a machine boy at the lace factory. Emily (8) and Jessie (5) were at school.

By 1901, Hannah M Luxton (59), widow, was still a silk lace mender; Alice Luxton (22) had moved up to silk lace finisher; Alfred Jas M (20) was employed as a cellar man at a wine & spirit merchants; whilst Emily (18) and her younger sister, Jessie (14), were silk winders at the lace factory.

In 1911, Anne Maria Luxton (71) was still in Tiverton, living with her son, Alfred (31) still employed as a cellar man for a wine and spirit merchant.

Hannah Maria Luxton died, in Tiverton, in 1912 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418), aged 72.

Workers' housing and mill, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/2458956

James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood

British Cemetery Graves, St Sever Cemetery Extension Photo: Giogo, Some rights reserved

James Edmond (b. 1888, in Prestonpans, Midlothian, Scotland), son of George Edmond, married Sarah Ann Wood (bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare) daughter of James Wood and Mary Ann Melhuish, at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare on 8 May 1911. At the time of the marriage, James Edmond was a Lodging House Keeper and Sarah was a Domestic Servant. Both gave their address as Ponchydown, Kentisbeare (former Ponchydown Inn in Blackborough).

James and Sarah Ann had three children:

1. James Roland George Edmond b. 24 Jul 1912 in Scotland, bap. 29 Dec 1912 at Blackborough, Devon, although the family's address on the baptism record was given as 2 New St, Prestonpans.
2. Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond b. 23 Dec 1914 (1915 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 666)
3. Constance Mary Helen Edmond b. 11 May 1917 (1917 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 537)

On 23 Jun 1906, James Edmond enlisted for Short Service in the Scots Guards. He served until 23 Jun 1909 and was transferred to the reserve. However, he was mobilised again on 5 Aug 1914, the day after Britain declared war on Germany. James was promoted to Corporal in 1915 and Sergeant in 1916. His army record states that he embarked on the "SS Queen Alexandria", in Southampton on 9 Aug 1916, arriving in Le Havre the next day.

Admitted to hospital on 14 May 1918, dangerously ill, having received a gunshot wound to the head, James died of his wounds, at the No 5 General Hospital, Rouen, on 25 May 1918. Sgt James Edmond is buried at the St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Plot: Q. I. A. 3.

In 1921, Sarah Ann Edmond (36) Widow; James Roland George Edmond (8), Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond (6) and Constance Mary Helen Edmond (4) were living with Sarah's mother, Mary Ann Wood, at Downlands, Kentisbeare.

Devington Park, Exminster
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Sarah Charlesworth - geograph.org.uk/p/990195
A huge complex of apartments, housed in what was once the Devon Mental Hospital.

However, Sarah Ann Edmond, widow, of The Mental Hospital, Exminster (originally Devon County Lunatic Asylum, Exminster), died at 48 on 4 Dec 1933 (1933 D Quarter in ST. THOMAS Volume 05B Page 76), leaving her effects to her son James Roland George Edmond, Guardsman.

Constance M H Edmond, in 1939, Incapacitated, was resident at the The Royal Western Counties Institution For Training And Treatment Of Mental Defectives, Starcross. "Originally known as the Western Counties Idiot Asylum, this institution opened in 1864 in a house and land, rented from W.R. Courtenay, 11th Earl of Devon." "It later became known as the Western Counties Institution, Starcross, and was certified as 'a residential special school for mental defectives'. Residents were trained in carving, weaving, basketry, lace-making and carpentry, and worked on the institution's agricultural holdings." It was closed in 1986, and demolished.

Constance M H Edmond died, aged 32, in 1949 S Quarter in DEVON CENTRAL Volume 07A Page 303. 

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook and Eliza Back

The 'Odd Fellows Hall', Ker Street, Devonport
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/2771775

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook (b. 12 Dec 1849), son of Richard Eastabrook and Susana Derry, married Eliza Back (b. 1853), daughter of Thomas Back and Mary Drake, at Saint Saviour's church that was located on Lambhay Hill, The Hoe, Plymouth, on 7 May 1876. Both gave their address as Lambhay Hill at the time of their marriage. (The church was destroyed during the Second World War but the Church Hall is still standing.)

Samuel and Eliza had six children:

1. Ellen Hepzibah Derry Easterbrook (sic) b. 9 Feb 1877 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B  Page 347, bap. 29 Jun 1879 at St Aubyn's Church, Devonport. Died, aged 2 y 10 m, in 1879 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 249, buried 2 Jan 1880.
2. Thomas Samuel Eastabrook b. 19 Feb 1880 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 343), bap. 11 Apr 1880 at St Aubyn's Church, Devonport.
3. William Ebenezer Eastabrook b. 28 Mar 1882 (1882 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 342), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
4. Amelia Elizabeth Eastabrook b. 24 Jun 1884 (1884 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 335), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
5. Ernest Richard Eastabrook b. 15 Mar 1886 (1886 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 326), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
6. Samuel Patrick Eastabrook b. 18 Sep 1889 (no birth record found).

In 1881, Samuel Eastabrook (31) Labourer, Eliza Eastabrook (26) Tailoress and Thomas Eastabrook (1) were living at 40, Cannon Street, Devonport.

In 1886, William Ebenezer, Amelia Elizabeth and Ernest Richard were all baptised together at The Anglican Church of Saint Mary (St Mary's Church, Devonport). It no longer exists. Their father's occupation then was listed as Storehouse man and their address given as 19, Ker Street, Devonport.

In 1891, Eliza Eastabrook (37), Thomas S Eastabrook (11), William E Eastabrook (9), Amelia E Eastabrook (6) and Ernest R Eastabrook (5) were listed in Baring Street, Plymouth. Neither Samuel is listed anywhere.

In 1901, both Thomas S Eastabrook and William E Eastabrook are listed with the Royal Navy at Sea and in ports abroad, but I've not been able to locate records for any other members of the family, anywhere in the world.

On 6 Oct 1903, we find Samuel Eastabrook (54), Ellen Eastabrook (51), Emelia (sic) Eastabrook (19) and Samuel Eastabrook (14), arriving at Ellis Island, New York from Bermuda on the ship Pretoria (USS Pretoria (1897). The record gives their nationality as Great Britain, English and their residence as Bermuda. It also states Samuel's occupation as "late of Civil Service". One might speculate, therefore, that Samuel had been working at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. It says they were arriving in New York, en route to England and that Samuel Sr had last been in the US 10 years previously. Their onward address in the UK was c/o 22 Union Street, Portsmouth, England. Interestingly, the record specifies that Samuel paid for his own passage, that Eliza's was paid for by her husband and both Amelia's and Samuel Jnr's were paid for by their father - which is how we can identify him as their child.

Eliza Eastabrook died at 53, in 1907 M Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Pg 256. 

In 1911, S E D (Samuel Ebenezer Derry) Eastabrook (61) Widower, Railway Storekeeper was in Stockwell, London with A E (Amelia Elizabeth) Eastabrook (26) Daughter and E E (Ellen Elizabeth) Barker (64) Widow, Sister.

In 1921, Samuel E D Eastabrook (71) Pensioner, Admiralty, Widower; Amelia E Eastabrook (37) and Ellen K Eastabrook (15) Granddaughter (daughter of Thomas Samuel Eastabrook and Esther Kathleen Drake), were listed as living at 36 Llanishen Street, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales.

In 1939, Samuel E Eastabrook, Pensioner, and Amelia E Eastabrook, House Keeper to Father, were listed at 25 Norham Avenue, Southampton.

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook died, aged 93, in 1943 D Quarter in WINCHESTER Volume 02C Page 196.

Amelia Elizabeth Eastabook died, aged 62 (1946 S Quarter in SOUTHAMPTON Volume 06B Page 480). "EASTERBROOK Amelia Elizabeth of 25 Norham-Avenue Shirley Southampton spinster died 22 August 1946 at the Borough Hospital Southampton Administration Winchester 14 November to Samuel Patrick Eastabrook motor car driver. Effects £442 11s. 11d."

There are many records of a Samuel Eastabrook of the correct age crossing the Atlantic in the 1920s, which suggest that Samuel Patrick Eastabrook worked as a First Class Waiter on vessels such as the RMS Mauretania, once Cunard’s most luxurious ocean liner. No records suggest that he ever married. Samuel Patrick Eastabrook died, aged 81, in 1970, in Winchester. 

Jane Ridgeway and Thomas Vickery

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4739285

Jane Ridgeway (b. 1839 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Thomas Vickery (bap. 23 Nov 1834 in Sampford Peverell), son of James Vickery and Elizabeth Webber, on 7 May 1865 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Witnesses were Jane's brother and his wife, Thomas and Ann Ridgeway; at St Peter's in March of that year, Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway had been witnesses to their marriage.

In 1871, Thomas Vickery (37) Farm Labourer, Jane Vickery (32) and George Coombe (37) Miller, Lodger, were living at Lands Mill, Uplowman.

Thomas Vickery died, aged 45, and was buried on 16 Apr 1879, in Uplowman.

In 1881, Jane Vickery (43) Widow, Laundress, was living with her brother-in-law and sister Henry and Mary Stone, still at Lands Mill, Uplowman.

Jane Ridgeway remarried to James Copp (b. 24 Feb 1832 and bap. 11 Mar 1832), son of Thomas Copp and Elizabeth Hall, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 24 Jun 1882.

Neither marriage produced any children.

In 1891, James Copp (59) Mason and Jane Copp (52) were living at Woods Tenement, Pinnex Moor, Tiverton. (If now replaced by the 'bungalow land' of Pinnex Moor Road, 'tenement' suddenly sounds wildly enticing!)

In 1901, James Copp (69) Mason and Jane Copp (62) were living at 67, Barrington Street, Tiverton.

Jane Copp died in 1905, aged 66. James Copp died in 1911, at 78.

Richard Flew and Joan Thorne

Rackenford : Village Sign & Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3011542

Richard Flew, [then] of the Parish, Labourer, married Joan Thorne, also then of Rackenford, Spinster on 6 May 1765 at All Saints Church, Rackenford. Witnesses to this marriage were John Way and Christopher Kingdom. There are no baptism records in the right period for a Richard Flew in Rackenford, however, there was a Richard Flew, son of Richard and Jane Flew, bap. 10 Feb 1743 in Stockleigh English, which possibly relates. The most likely baptism for Joan Thorne was that on 16 Mar 1749, the daughter of Robert and Mildred Thorne, making her 16 at the time of her marriage. 

Richard and Joan Flew had four children:

1. Richard Flew bap. 29 Sep 1765
2. Thomas Flew bap. 12 Jun 1768. There was a burial on 21 Mar 1778.
3. John Flew bap. 4 Mar 1772. (Assume died in infancy.)
4. Elizabeth Flew bap. 19 May 1775 

The same day as Elizabeth was baptised, 19 May 1775, Joan Flew was buried.

Richard Flew remarried to Elizabeth Tommas (sic), also at All Saints Church, Rackenford, on 27 May 1776. Witnesses to this marriage were John Way and Arthur Saunders. There was a baptism of an Elizabeth Thomas on 4 Mar 1749, in Thelbridge, Devon, the daughter of Robert and Joan Thomas.

Richard and Elizabeth added three more children:

5. Jane Flew bap. 25 Nov 1776
6. Hugh Flew bap. 28 Feb 1779
7. John Flew bap. 30 Jan 1781. Burial on 4 Feb 1781.

Then Elizabeth Flew was buried on 7 Dec 1783, also in Rackenford.

Richard Flew, of this Parish, Husbandman, married for the 3rd time to Ann Kingdom, of Rackenford, Spinster, on 14 May 1787. Once again, John Way was one of the witnesses. The other looks like William Griffin. Ann Kingdom (bap. 17 May 1761 in Rackenford), was the daughter of Christopher Kingdom (who was a witness at Richard's first marriage) and Mary Taylor.

Richard and Ann added 7 further children, bringing his total to 14:

8. Mary Flew bap. 30 Mar 1788
9. Arthur Flew bap. 16 Sep 1789
10. Sarah Flew bap. 22 May 1792. Infant, buried 3 Jun 1792. Pauper.
11. Ann Flew bap. 28 Dec 1794. Infant, buried 15 Feb 1795.
12. John Flew bap. 20 Mar 1796
13. Ann Flew bap. 21 Jan 1798. Buried 19 Feb 1798.
14. Ann Flew bap. 24 Aug 1800. Buried 14 Sep 1800.

Richard Flue (sic) Snr was buried in Rackenford on 26 Feb 1809.

It's unclear when 3rd wife, Ann Flew, died.

Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: Eastern aspect
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642105
The church stands next to Holcombe Court 'the finest Tudor house in Devon'.
Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus

Thomas Tooze (bap. 5 Jun 1770), son of William Tooze and Joan Cood, married Joan Potter (bap. 21 Jan 1771), daughter of James Potter and Jane Stone, on 6 May 1795, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus, Devon. One of the witnesses to this marriage was a Samuel Tooze.

Thomas and Joan had seven children, all baptised at Holcombe Rogus: 

1. Robert Tooze bap. 29 Jan 1797 (Buried on 21 May 1797)
2. Thomas Tooze bap. 17 May 1801
3. Richard Tooze bap. 24 Jul 1803
4. John Tooze bap. 25 Dec 1806
5. William Tooze bap. 3 Apr 1809
6. Samuel Tooze bap. 8 Mar 1812. (Buried on 4 Jul 1813)
7. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 15 May 1814

On Elizabeth's baptism, her father's occupation is listed as Thatcher.

Thomas Tooze died, aged 70, in 1840 (GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 10 Page 367) and was buried on 1 Mar 1840.

In 1841, Joan Tooze (70) was living by the New Inn, Holcombe Rogus, with James Tooze (15), her grandson, son of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers. I've not [yet] found any further records for Joan nor of her death.

William Palmer Wilton and Dorothy Agnes Dickins

Fitzjohn's Avenue, Hampstead
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1916588

William Palmer Wilton (b. 19 Sep 1869), son of Henry Staines Wilton and Amelia Palmer, married at 40 (in quite some style), to Dorothy Agnes Dickins, then 25, daughter of Henry Percy Tavener Dickins and Charlotte Rebecca Fase, at the church of St Paul, Hampstead, on Saturday, 30 Apr 1910.

Major Henry Percy Tavener Dickins VD Victoria Rifles was a wine and spirit merchant in Philpot Lane, in partnership with his brother Wyndham. This family was the Dickins known for the department store Dickins & Jones.

The Hampsted News of Thursday, 5 May 1910 reported on the Marriage of Miss D. A. Dickins and Mr W. P. Wilton: A very large congregation assembled at St Paul's Church, Avenue Road, on Saturday, on the occasion of the marriage of Miss Dorothy Agnes Dickins, daughter of Mr H. P. T. Dickins, of "Atherstone", Eton Avenue, and Mr William Palmer Wilton, elder son of Mr  H. S. Wilton of "Cotswold House", St John's Wood Park.

        The chancel of the church was handsomely decorated with giant palms and white flowers, and during the assembling of the guests an organ recital was given by Mr E. G. Croager.

        The Service was conducted by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of British Honduras, assisted by the Ven. G. A. Ford (Vicar), and the Rev. A. Congreve-Pridgeon, who with the choir awaited the bridal party at the west door.

        The bride, who was given away by her father, wore an elegant gown of ivory white satin draped with ninon and trimmed with silver and silk embroidery, while the boddice was decorated with Brussels applique. Her veil of the same lace was arranged over a spray of orange blossoms, and she carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley and white heather. Eight bridesmaids - the Misses O & M Wilton [Olive and Margaret - bridegroom's sisters]; B. Beozley, V. Hall, B. Thompson, Esther Rosamond, Molly Bartley [bridegroom's niece] and Eileen Norris - were in attendance. The four elder maids were attired in gowns of white satin, draped with ninon with silver trimming and large silver roses, and large mauve hats veiled with stretched chiffon, trimmed with pale pink roses, and finished with long mauve velvet ribbon tied in a knot at the left side. They carried mauve silk sun-shades, with bouquets of pink roses attached to the handles. The four children wore white muslin dresses, and silver and white lace caps finished with pink chiffon rosette. They carried mauve sticks mounted with pink roses. 

        Mrs H. F. Dickins [1] was attired in a handsome gown of Irish lace mounted with white satin draped with moule ninon and wore a toque of Irish lace trimmed with moule and gold embroidery, and a plume and white feather. She carried a bouquet of roses.

        The bridegroom was accompanied by his brother, Mr J. S. Wilton, who performed the duties of best man.

        The service was fully choral, and included the hymns "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden" (sung in procession), and "Now thank we all our God". An anthem was sung during the signing of the registers.

        Subsequently a reception was held at "Atherstone", and later the bride and bridegroom left Hampstead en route for the South of England, where the honeymoon is being spent."

[1] Mrs H. F. Dickins was the bride's father's step-mother, second wife of Henry Francis Dickens, the former Agnes Haines Fase, the bride's mother's sister. She was the bride's aunt AND her step-grandmother and, as the bride's mother had died in 1902, we can assume she was standing in for her.

William and Dorothy had three daughters, all born in Hampstead: 

1. Frances Mary Wilton b. 31 Aug 1911 D Quarter Vol 01A Page 984 
2. Agnes Joan Wilton b. 1916 M Quarter Volume 01A Page 963 
3. Helen Margaret Wilton b. 1919 J Quarter Volume 01A Page 724 

In 1911, living at 117 Fellows Road, Hampstead, London, were William Palmer Wilton (41) Saddler & Harness maker, and Dorothy Agnes Wilton (26), employing two servants to look after them: Elizabeth Anne Crouch (35), Cook General Domestic and Ellen Friend (29), House Parlourmaid.

William P Wilton inherited Champion & Wilton on his father's death in 1915.

In 1921, at 18 Fitzjohn's Avenue, Belsize Park were William Palmer Wilton (52) Sadler & Harness Maker, Employer, with his place of work listed as 457, 459 Oxford St, London; Dorothy Agnes Wilton (36), Frances Mary Wilton (9), Agnes Joan Wilton (5), Helen Margaret Wilton (2) and five servants: Lucy Esther Same (40) Nurse; Elizabeth Ann Crouch (46), Agnes Roe Jack (18), Florence May Bass (21) and Alice Rowsell (20). Other than the nurse, William hasn't bothered to list what jobs each of them performed, but I would guess that Elizabeth Ann Crouch was still Cook and the rest were housemaids.

In 1939, still at 18 Fitzjohn's Avenue, Belsize Park, William P and Dorothy A Wilton were reduced to three staff: Florence M Kemcock, Domestic Cook; Leticia M Labrook, Housemaid and Eilan M Brown, Housemaid.

William Palmer Wilton died at the end of 1957 D Quarter in HAMMERSMITH Volume 05C Page 955, at the age of 88. He was buried, on 3 Jan 1958, in the family plot at Hampstead Cemetery, along with his parents, his brother John and sister Margaret. On his death, Major William Palmer Wilton left the company, Champion & Wilton, to his shop manager Reginald Arkell.

Amusing comment here: "In the early 1950s I met William Wilton who was pretty old then and died soon after. He told me his shop was on Oxford Street and that he lived in Hampstead. From the top floor of his shop he told me that he could see his home “until that man Selfridge built in the way”."

Dorothy Agnes Wilton died in 1965, aged 81.

William and Dorothy's Daughters

Records show that Frances Mary Wilton (42) and Agnes Joan Wilton (37), embarked in Southampton at the end of July 1953 and arrived in Quebec on 4 Aug 1953, aboard the T.S.S. Columbia and then crossed the border into the United States. They gave the address - presumably of where they were going to be staying - as 1725 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, IL.

Frances Mary Wilton died in August 1986, aged 75 and Agnes Joan Wilton died, in 2014 at the grand old age of 98, both in London. Neither married.

Helen Margaret Wilton, married in Hampstead, in 1954 to Kenneth Graeme Todd (b. 1909). Records suggest that they had two children (born in 1957 and 1960). Kenneth Graeme Todd died, in Surrey in 1994. Helen Margaret Todd died in 2017, in Exeter, Devon. Like her sister, she will have been 98.

James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock

Ashbrittle Village with Court Place Farm (foreground left)
Photo © Lewis Clarke (cc-by-sa/2.0)

James Ridgeway (bap. 22 Oct 1809 in Seaton & Beer), son of Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray, married Mary Ann Lock (bap. 7 May 1809 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott, a pair of my 3rd great-grandparents, married, on 29 Apr 1833, at the Church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. Witnesses to this marriage were Henry Vickery and Elizabeth Webber.

Mary Ann Lock, it appears, also had an illegitimate daughter prior to her marriage, Elizabeth Lock b. around 1830. There is no baptism record for her, however, I have DNA matches as half-relatives through three of Elizabeth Lock's sons, giving Mary Ann Lock as the common ancestor of all of us.

James and Mary Ann had a further seven children, with baptisms only of first two, Mary and James. Once civil registration had been introduced (in 1837), there are no more baptism records for the subsequent five children, but neither are there civil registrations until the sixth child, John, in 1847.

1. Mary Ridgeway bap. 28 Dec 1833 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
2. James Ridgeway bap. 25 Oct 1835 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
3. Jane Ridgeway b. 1839
4. Harriet Ridgeway b. 1841 
5. Thomas Ridgeway b. 1844
6. John Ridgeway b. There are three potential birth registrations: 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 501 with mother's maiden name listed as LOOK; 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 Volume 10 Page 502 and/or 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 with mother's maiden name LOCK (As John Ridgway, died aged 4 (1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 352) and had already been buried 6 Aug 1851 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle)
7. William Ridgeway b. 1850 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 505, although mother's maiden name is not listed (Died aged 29, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307.)

In 1841, James Ridgway (32) and Ann Ridgeway (33), were living in Ashbrittle Village, with children; Mary (7), James (5), Jane (2) and Harriot (0). 

And in 1851, still living in Ashbrittle Village, we find James (45) and Ann (45), with Harriot (10), Thomas (7), John (4) and William (1). Mary (19) was a Servant of William Sweet at Appley Court, Appley, Stawley; James (15) had also left home and was working as a Servant in the household of Robert Venn at Little Tadbeer Farm, Ashbrittle; while Jane Ridgeway (12), was a Servant in the household of Robert Johns of Kittisford at Stawley, Somerset. 

James Ridgeway died, aged 44, in 1854 J Qtr in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 235 and was buried on 18 Jun 1854 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. 

James Marsh, Widower, son of Richard Marsh, married Mary Ann Ridgeway, Widow, daughter of John Lock, at the Parish church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, on 28 Nov 1859. Witnesses were Thomas and Harriet Ware.

James Marsh (bap. 31 Jul 1814 in Bampton, Devon) son of Richard and Mary Marsh, had married Mary Cruwys - also a widow - in Morebath, on 22 Mar 1840. They had one child, Mary Marsh, born 1841 and that year were living at Exbridge, Morebath, along with three children from Mary's previous marriage. In 1851, they were still there with Mary (9) and three more children Elizabeth (7), Martha (5) and James (2). Mary Marsh died in 1858. 

In 1861, James Marsh (46), Anne [Mary Ann] Marsh (51) and William Ridgeway (11) were living at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton'. Thomas Ridgeway (18), was employed as a Carter at Holcombe Barton, Holcombe Rogus. (Holcombe Barton Farm was part of the Manor of Holcombe Rogus of Holcombe Court, "the finest Tudor house in Devon.")

In 1871, still at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton', were James Marsh (60) and Mary Ann Marsh (62). William Ridgeway (21) Postman, was a lodger in Ashbrittle, in the household of William Cude (64) Carpenter & Builder. 

James Marsh died at 58 in 1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273 and was buried, on 3 Jul 1871, in Bampton.

Mary Ann's son, William Ridgeway died, aged 29, and was buried on 15 Mar 1879, in Uplowman. "Administration of the Personal Estate of William Ridgway (sic) late of Uplowman in the County of Devon Letter Carrier a Batchelor who died 9 Mar 1879 at Uplowman was granted at Exeter to Mary Ann Marsh of Uplowman Widow the Mother and only Next of Kin."

In 1881, Mary Ann Mash (sic) (74), Widow, was living with her son, Thomas Ridgeway, in Whitnage, Uplowman. 

In 1891, Mary A Marsh (83), was living with her daughter, Harriet Were (sic) (50), in Chettiscombe.

Mary Ann Marsh died, at 86, in 1894 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 279.

Richard Gollop and Hester Litten

Honiton : St Michael's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5740951

Richard Gollop and Hester Litten were married, on 27 Apr 1770, in Honiton on Otter, Devon, which today is just called Honiton and, well, it's close to the River Otter. Not at St Paul's Church, High Street, as that wasn't built until 1835, so probably at the former parish church of St Michael's (now closed), but not as we see it now, as it was rebuilt in 1911/12 after a fire. 

Richard Gollop appears to be the son of William and Mary Gollop, baptised on 25 Dec 1746 in Kilmington, Devon, while Hester Litten (or Littin) was the 'Bast' (Bastard, obvs) child of Dinah Littin from Offwell, bap. 7 Sep 1741.

Richard and Hester had at least three children: 

1. Robert Gollop bap. 17 May 1772 in Offwell
2. Elizabeth Gollop bap. 12 May 1776 in Offwell
3. Dinah Gollop bap. 22 Oct 1780 in Offwell

It's hard to be certain with records this old, but there was a burial of a Richard Gollop on 15 Jun 1800 and a burial of an Esther Gollop, Widow, on 11 Dec 1808, both in the parish of Widworthy, which may relate to this couple.

Thomas Parsons Bridle and Elizabeth Wills

East Devon : Countryside Scenery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4625599
Looking out across the East Devon countryside with the church at Rockbeare in view.

Thomas Parsons Bridle (bap. 14 Jun 1812 in Rockbeare, Devon), son of John and Mary Bridle, married Elizabeth Wills, daughter of William Wills and Elizabeth Chown, at St Mary with St Andrew, Rockbeare, on 23 Apr 1840. 

Thomas and Elizabeth had four sons:

1. James Bridle b. 1841 M Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 251
2. Thomas Bridle b. 1842 D Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 209
3. William Henry Bridle b. 1844 D Qtr in ST THOMAS UNION Vol 10 254
4. Mark Bridle b. 1850 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Vol 10 Page 248

In 1841, Thomas Bridle (25) Ag Lab, and Elizabeth Bridle (25), were living at Upcott, Rockbeare, St Thomas, Devon, with son, James, 5 months.

In 1851, living at Hill Cottages, Rockbeare, were Thomas Bridle (38) Farm Labourer, Elizabeth Bridle (36), James (10), Thomas (8), Henry (6) and Mark (0). Living next door to them were William Wills (73) Pauper and his wife Elizabeth Wills (76), who I assume to be Elizbeth's parents.

Then Elizabeth Bridle died, in 1852, aged 36. So, in 1853, Thomas Parsons Bridle remarried to Sarah Symons, with whom he had three more children:

1. Edwin Symons Bridle b. 1856 M Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B 47
2. Eva Bridle b. 1863 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 57
3. Emma Bridle b. 1865 D Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 58

In 1861, Thomas Bridle (48) Agricultural Labourer, Sarah Bridle (36), Mark Bridle (10) and Edwin Bridle (5) were living at Ridgway, Rockbeare. James Bridle (20), in 1861, was a Carter at Coombe Farm, Broadway, Woodbury, St Thomas, Devon. Thomas Bridle Jnr (18) was working as a Mason's labourer to John Kenwood at Whimple Road, Whimple, St Thomas, Devon. 

By 1871, the family had moved to Whipton, Heavitree, where we find Thomas Bridle (58) Gardener, Sarah (45), Mark (20), Edwin (15), Eva (8) and Emma (5), as well as William Walters (11) Lodger.

In 1881, at 56, Sandford Street, Exeter, were, Thomas Bridle, Gardner, Sarah Bridle (56), Eva Bridle (17) Pupil teacher and Henry Chown (28) Boarder.

Thomas Bridle died, aged 78 in 1890 S Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B Page 36.

In 1891, at Pinhoe Road, Heavitree, Eva, listed as Evangeline Bridle (27) Teacher of elementary school and has become the head of the household. Living with her were her widowed mother, Sarah Bridle (64), Emma Bridle (25) Sister, Eva Bridle (8) Niece and a William H Prall (26) Boarder. 

Sarah Bridle died, at 74, in 1901 M Qtr in EXETER Vol 05B Page 63. 

Harry Sampson and Ellen Ridgeway and John Salway

Rectory House and Church at Sampford Peverell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/2227593

Harry Sampson (25), son of James Sampson and Sarah Jane Ponsford, married Ellen Ridgeway (22), daughter of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, at St John the Baptist Church, Sampford Peverell on 20 April 1908. Witnesses to the marriage were William Ambrose Quick, husband of Ellen's sister Bessie Ann, and Mary Sampson, Harry's younger sister.

In 1911, Harry Sampson (28) Waggoner on farm and Ellen Sampson (25) were living at Middle Pitt, Burlescombe. (Living at Middle Pitt at that same time were Frank Stone, Ellen's first cousin, and his wife Frances.)

In 1921, Harry Sampson (38), Carter on Farm and Ellen Sampson (35) were living at 2, Putson Cottages, [Blundells Road], Tiverton, Devon.

Then Harry Sampson died, in 1938, aged 55.

In 1939, Ellen Sampson was living with her brother-in-law and sister, William and Bessie Quick, at 104, Barrington Street, Tiverton.

In 1947, Ellen Sampson remarried, at 61, to John William Salway. 

John William Salway (b. 1884), was the son of Charles Salway and Sarah Ann Galpin. In 1909, John William Salway had married Ellen Taylor, who had died in 1940. He was in no danger of getting his wives' names confused!

Ellen Salway (formerly Sampson, née Ridgeway) died in Tiverton, in 1957, aged 71. John William Salway died on 11 Mar 1972.

William Parsons and Mary Ann Stone

Tyne Cot Cemetery. Photo: Mike Thurston Some rights reserved

William Parsons (b. 4 Jul 1882 in Bampton, Devon), son of John Parsons and Emma Burrows, married Mary Ann Stone (b. 1886 in Uffculme) daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 19 Apr 1906. Witnesses were the bride's father, Frederick James Stone and James Parsons, the groom's elder brother.

On 21 Oct 1899, William Parsons from Shillingford, Bampton, Devon, adding a year to his age and saying he was 18, had joined the Devonshire Regiment at Exeter. He was then 5ft 5⅝in, weighing 126 lbs, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was, however, discharged on 30 Jun 1900. In 1901, William Parsons was Stockman at Mill Head, Bampton, but by the time of his marriage, he'd become a Railway Platelayer, residing in Landkey.

William and Mary Ann had two children: 

1. William James Parsons b. 1906 D Qtr in BARNSTAPLE Vol 05B 407
2. Olive Mary Parsons b. 1908 M Qtr in BARNSTAPLE Vol 05B 421

In 1911, William Parsons (28) Railway Platelayer, Mary Ann (24), William James (4) and Olive Mary (3) were living at 2 Abyssinia Terrace, Barnstaple.

Corporal William Parsons of 1st Bn., Devonshire Regiment, was killed in action during the Battle of Broodseinde on 4 Oct 1917, aged 35, and is buried at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, located outside Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium, Plot LXIII. D. 12. (The Battle of Broodseinde was part of the Third Battle of Ypres – a major Allied offensive in Flanders which became known as Passchendaele.) The Western Times of 9 Nov 1917 reported on his death: "Corpl Parsons, who in peace time was engaged on the G.W.R. at Bristol, leaves a widow and two children."

In 1919, Mary Ann Parsons married Sydenham Charles Brunt (b. 1871), son of John Brunt and Fanny Carpenter, in Keynsham, Somerset. Sydenham was a widower, having first married Hannah Elizabeth "Bessie" Carey, in 1891, with whom he had two children. Hannah Elizabeth Brunt died, at 45, in 1917.

In 1921, Sydenham C Brunt (49) Time Keeper working for G.W.R. at Bristol (he'd previously been a Railway Policeman), was living at 72, Repton Road, Brislington, Bristol, with Mary Ann Brunt (35), William J Parsons (14) Step-son, Messenger and Olive Mary Parsons (13) Step-Daughter.

Sydenham Charles Brunt died, at 58, in 1929 M Quarter in BRISTOL.

Mary Ann Brunt of 72, Repton Road, Brislington, died, at 44, on 15 Dec 1930 (1930 D Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 117), leaving her effects to William James Parsons, Railway Porter and Olive Mary Parsons, Spinster.