Hugh Flew and Mary Wood

Rackenford : Village Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4637008

Hugh Flew (bap. 28 Feb 1779), son of Richard Flew and Elizabeth Thomas, married Mary Wood (bap. 26 Dec 1780), daughter of George Wood and Elizabeth Tucker, at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 11 Apr 1805.

Hugh and Mary had ten children, all baptised in Rackenford:

1. William Flew bap. 29 Sep 1805
2. Elizabeth Flew bap. 28 Feb 1808
3. John Flew bap. 28 Jan 1810. (Buried on 26 Sep 1835.)
4. Mary Flew bap. 26 May 1812
5. Ann Flew bap. 5 Jun 1814
6. Sarah Flew bap. 1 Sep 1816
7. Jane Flew bap. 1 Jan 1820
8. George Flew bap. 1 Jan 1822
9. Thomas Flew bap. 11 Jan 1824
10. Susanna Flew bap. 21 May 1826. (Buried 26 Oct 1828.)

In 1841, living in the Village, Rackenford, South Molton, Devon, were Hugh Flew (60), Mary Flew (60), William Flew (30), Ann Flew (27), Sarah Flew (25) and Thomas Flew (15). Also in the household were Mary Wood (35), Mary Ann Wood (10) and Elizabeth Wood (2), as well as John Baker (25). Elizabeth Flew (32) was a Female Servant in the household of Thomas Tanner, Farmer, at Creacombe Barton and in the same household was John Flew (3), who was the illegitimate son of Elizabeth Flew, Spinster, baptised in Rackenford on 4 Feb 1838; Jane Flew was a Female Servant at Little Hensley, Tiverton; there was a George Flew (15) Apprentice at Lower Thorne, Rackenford.

Hugh Flew died at 74 in 1850 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 10 Page 163 and was buried in Rackenford on 2 May 1850.

In 1851, with address merely listed as Cottage, Rackenford, were Mary Flew (70) Widow and George Flew (29) Agricultural Labourer. Elizabeth Flue (sic) was still Servant to Thomas Tanner, Retired Farmer, in Witheridge with her son John Flue (sic) (13) still living with her.

In 1861, Mary Flew (80) Widow, Lodger and Pauper, was living with her son-in-law James Chamberlain (50) at Cottages on Village, Rackenford.

Mary Flew died, age estimated at 83, in 1862 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 268 and was buried on 4 Oct 1862, in Rackenford.

• John Flew married Susanna Wood in Rackenford on 31 Mar 1834
• James Chamberlain m. Mary Flew in Rackenford on 27 Oct 1839
• John Baker m. Sarah Flew at St Peter's, Tiverton on 28 Jun 1841
• William Chamberlain married Ann Flew in 1843
• William Flew married Sarah Fewings in Q1 1845
• John Baker married Jane Flew on 11 Nov 1847 in Creacombe
• Thomas Flew married Maria Yendell on 7 Nov 1850 in Creacombe

It's clear James Chamberlain and William Chamberlain are brothers, so we have yet another pair of brothers, marrying two sisters in the family.

The John Baker who married Sarah Flew in 1841 was a Carpenter, bachelor, listed as son of Wm Baker. The John Baker who married Jane Flew in 1847, was also a Carpenter, listed as a bachelor, son of Robert Baker. It was allegedly this latter John Baker who was lodging with the family in 1841. Further research is needed, but were these perhaps the same person?

Richard Flew and Ann Hagley

St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/5579894

Richard Flue (sic) (bap. 29 Jun 1794 in Rackenford, Devon) of Loxbeare, son of Richard Flew and Jane Wright, married Ann Hagley (b. 14 Jan 1799, bap. 9 Jun 1799 in Stoodleigh), daughter of William Hagley and Mary Gale, at St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh on 25 Feb 1827. Both parties made their mark with an X. Witnesses were Richard Greenslade and William Jordan.

Richard and Ann had four children:

1. Mary Flew bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford
2. Ann Flew bap. 5 Jun 1831 in Rackenford
3. William Flew bap. 16 Nov 1834 in Rackenford
4. Jane Flew bap. 20 Aug 1837 in Rackenford

All of the baptisms list Richard's occupation as Labourer. On Jane's baptism, it is noted that their residence was again in Oakford.

In 1841, at Whitnoll Cottage, Stoodley (sic) were Richard Flew (47), Ann Flew (43), Mary Flew (12), Ann Flew (9), William Flew (6) and Jane Flew (3).

In 1851, with address listed merely as "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton", were Richard Flew (58) Ag Lab, Ann Flew (54) and Jane Flew (10). Mary Flew had married in 1850; William Flew (15) was Boots & Farm Servant to Richard Veysey, Farmer and Victualler at the Bell Inn, Rackenford. (The word 'Boots' came from, ‘boot boys’, an occupation in the 1830s and 40s requiring young men to clean the boots of hotel guests. Later, the occupation had become simply known as ‘boots’, and duties included odd-jobs.) 

In 1861, still at Cottage, Village, Rackenford, were Richard Flew (69) Pauper and Ann Flew (65) Pauper. (Was unable to locate William.)

Richard Flew (75) died in 1868 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 312 and was buried on 23 Feb 1868 in Rackenford.

In 1871, Ann Flew (72) was living in Rackenford with her son William.

Ann Flew (75) from Union, South Molton (South Molton Workhouse), died in 1873 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 271 and was buried on 22 Aug 1873 in Rackenford, presumably at the expense of the parish.

Loveday a girl's name meaning "beloved day"

Loveday is the Middle English form of the Anglo-Saxon name Léofdæg, derived from the Old English lēof ' "dear, loved"+ dæġ 'day'. Léofdæg was in use before the Conquest of 1066 and managed to survive to good use in the Middle Ages as Loveday and with the alternative pronunciation Lowdy. 

The term "loveday" is also a literal translation of dies amoris, a day of reconciliation on which enemies met to settle disputes and the name was sometimes given to babies who were born on such a day. By the 16th century, the given name was predominantly used in Cornwall and Devon and mostly for girls. Over the course of the 19th century, Loveday was fairly consistent in use, averaging around eight births per year. It declined by the 1930s.

The earliest record I have [so far] for a Loveday in the family was Loveday Flew, daughter of Richard and Jane Flew, who was baptised in Rackenford, Devon in 1804. She married John Land and they named one of their daughters Loveday Land. They were also the parents of James Land, who, with Rose Anna Beamer, named their daughter Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864).

Loveday Jane Land, along with her husband (my great-grand uncle), Frederick James Stone, named their third daughter Loveday Jane Stone (b. 1884). 

And in turn, Loveday Jane Stone, with her husband, James Shopland, named their only daughter, Loveday Jane Shopland, born on 14 Feb 1907. The name is nothing to do with Valentine's Day, but that was a happy accident.

Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott. Their daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott, born in 1930, was probably one of the only ones by then.

Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines

Swimbridge: East Kerscott
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/441946

Arthur Flew (bap. 16 Sep 1789 in Rackenford), son of Richard Flew and Ann Kingdom, married Sarah Hines (reputedly b. around 1781 in Exeter. The only available baptism record is for a Sarah Hines bap. 11 Jun 1775, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hines, but I've been unable to confirm this is her), on 26 Dec 1814, in Tiverton (the venue of this marriage is not specified).

Records exist for three children of Arthur and Sarah, baptised in Rackenford:

1. James Flew bap. 26 Aug 1818 
2. Charlotte Flew bap. 3 Feb 1822
3. Eliza Flew bap. 18 Oct 1829

In 1841, Arthur Flue (sic) (55) Ag Lab; Sally Flue (sic) (55) and Eliza Flue (sic) (12) were at Kerscott, Swimbridge. James Flew, listed as 20, was an Ag Lab in the employ of George Bexley, Farmer at South Coombe, Templeton; Charlotte Flew, listed as 15, was a Female Servant to Thomas Lake in Thelbridge.

In 1851, Arthur Flew (60) Ag Lab, Father-in-Law from Rackenford; Sarah Flew (70) Mother-in-Law, from Exeter and John Flew (8) Nephew, from Rose Ash, Devon. (John Flew bap. 23 Apr 1843 in Rose Ash, Devon was the base - illegitimate - son of Charlotte Flew) were living in the Village, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, in the household of Thomas Wilkey (28).

Sarah Flue (sic) died aged 72 in 1853 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 350 and was buried in Swimbridge, Devon.

Arthur Flue (sic) died age estimated as 75 in 1859 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 351 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales, where daughter Eliza and son-in-law Thomas Wilkey had recently moved to.

Richard Flew and Jane Wright

Rackenford: All Saints church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/234495

Richard Flew Jnr (bap. 29 Sep 1765 in Rackenford, Devon), of this parish, Husbandman, son of Richard Flew and Joan Thorne, married Jane Wright, Spinster, sojourner (a temporary resident), on 11 Oct 1787 at All Saints Church, Rackenford. Unfortunately, it doesn't say where Jane came from, although there was a Jane Wright bap. 4 Dec 1768 in Rose Ash, daughter of Thomas Wright, who is possibly the most likely candidate. Witnesses were John Way and John Ganzery. The Jnr suffix was needed as Richard's father, Richard Flew Snr, had married for the third time earlier in the same year and that marriage was recorded on the same page of the church records.

Richard and Jane Flew had at least ten children, baptised in Rackenford:

1. Richard Flew bap. 24 Mar 1788, buried on 30 Mar 1788
2. Thomas Flew bap. 24 Mar 1788
3. Jane Flew bap. 20 Jun 1790, died at 23, buried on 16 May 1813
4. John Flew bap. 22 Apr 1792
5. Richard Flew bap. 29 Jun 1794
6. William Flew bap. 29 May 1796
7. George Flew bap. 11 Nov 1798
8. Robert Flew bap. 21 Jun 1801
9. Loveday Flew bap. 14 Oct 1804
10. Samuel Flew bap. 27 Aug 1809

Richard Flew and Thomas Flew, baptised together in 1788 could have been twins, but my gut feeling is that Richard was born previously and, to record the right surname, they waited until after marriage to baptise them both. 

There was also a Jane Flew baptised on 7 Mar 1813 in Rackenford, also listed as the daughter of Richard and Jane Flew, but, I wonder. To me it's doubtful they would name a child Jane again while the earlier one was still alive. Jane was baptised in 1790, so its not the late baptism of a dying adult, so the most likely explanation, I believe, is that the Jane born in 1813 is the illegitimate child of Jane born in 1790, who the grandparents intend to bring up.

Loveday Flew, was apprenticed to William Webber Gent, in 1818.

Jane Flew died at 56 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 17 Feb 1822.

Richard Flew died at 69 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 23 Jul 1835.

Thomas Wilkey and Eliza Flew

Church of St James, Swimbridge
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3512831

Thomas Wilkey (bap.7 Jul 1822 in Bratton Fleming), son of John and Mary Wilkie married, Eliza Flu (sic), daughter of Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines, at The Church of St. James, Swimbridge, on 18 Sep 1848. Their marriage service was conducted by the famous Vicar of Swimbridge, John Russell (The Rev. John "Jack" Russell, who first bred the Jack Russell Terrier).

Thomas and Eliza Wilkey had four daughters, of whom only one survived:

1. Lucy Wilkey b. 1849 S Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 10 Page 21, bap. 19 Aug 1849 at St James, Swimbridge. Died, aged 2, in 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 361 and was buried on 21 Mar 1852, also at St James, Swimbridge.
2. Rhoda Wilkey b. 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 461, bap. 30 May 1852 at St James, Swimbridge.
3. Lucy Wilkie b. 1855 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 404. Died aged 5 in 1860 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 289 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales
4. Sarah Wilkie b. 1858 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 455. Died aged 1 in 1859 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 296.

In 1851, in the Village, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, were Thomas Wilkey (28) Ag Lab from Bratton, Devon; Eliza Wilkey (24) from Rackenford, Devon; Lucy Wilkey (1) born in Swimbridge; Arthur Flew (60) Ag Lab, Father-in-Law from Rackenford; Sarah Flew (70) Mother-in-Law, from Exeter and John Flew (8) Nephew, from Rose Ash, Devon. (John Flew bap. 23 Apr 1843 in Rose Ash, Devon was the base - illegitimate - son of Charlotte Flew.)

Eliza Wilkie died, aged 31, in 1859 J Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A Page 301.

On 8 Apr 1860, Thomas Wilkie, Widower, married Mary Thomas, Widow, daughter of Thomas Lewis, at St Cynwyd's Church, Llangynwyd.

In 1861, Thomas Wilkins (sic) (38) Shearer; Mary Wilkins (sic) (39) and 9 year old daughter [Rhoda] were living in the household of George Ley, also from Bratton, Devon, in Brown Street, Llangynwyd, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1871, Thomas Wilkey (47) Labourer, Mary Wilkey (listed as 40) and Roda Wilkey (19) as well as three boarders, were living in Cwm Du, Glamorgan, Wales, where inhabitants were employed chiefly in iron and coal works.

In 1881, listed as Thomas Wilkes (sic) (58) Plate Layer from Barnstaple, Devon and Mary Wilkes (sic) (52) from Cowbridge, Glamorgan, were living at 7, Treharne Row, Cwmdu, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales. 

Thomas Wilkie died at 62 in 1883 M Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 380 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Wilkie remarried Thomas Adams on 10 Mar 1884, in Llangynwyd.

In 1891, Thomas Adams (50) from Berkshire, England and Mary Adams (listed as 60) were living in High Street, Glyncorrwg Late Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales with five lodgers in the household. 

Mary Adams died, she was said to have been 63, but lost 10 years decades before, so was actually 73, in 1894 M Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A  Page 491.

Jane Middleton and William Flew and John Howe

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

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

By 1841, then aged around 12, Jane had already left home and was working as a farm labourer for John Bucknell at Beaple's Barton. The still-important farmhouse is about one mile south west of Knowstone village, bordered to the south by Beaple's Moor and to the north by Beaple's Wood. Listed among the workers at Beaple's Barton at the same time was Thomas Baker (20).

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

Jane actually had 4 children out of wedlock. Only one survived.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1881, John and Jane How were living at Babcott Cottage on the Stoodleigh Estate, Stoodleigh. John, an Agricultural Labourer, was 38. It says 49, but Jane was 52. John's parents, John and Mary Ann How, also lived in Stoodleigh at 1, Little Coleford. (Perhaps a cottage on Little Coleford Farm?)

In 1891, living at Habridge Cottages, Steart Road, Stoodleigh, John How (49) and Jane How (49 again, really 62), were joined by John's mother, Mary Ann (76), widow - John's father had died in 1887 - and William Henry Middleton (2), described as 'Wife's Daughter's Son'. My dad just called him Uncle Bill.

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

Jane Howe died in November 1905, she will have been 76.

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

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

John Howe died on 31 Mar 1927 at the age of 85.

When my father had hand drawn a family tree for me some years ago, he had added John and Jane Howe with some of their dates, unlinked, at the bottom of the page. Clearly he knew of them (he was a small boy when John died), but didn't know who they were: that Jane was his great-grandmother.

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

James Flew and Elizabeth Zelley

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/5054852

James Flew (bap. 26 Aug 1818 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines, married Elizabeth Zelley (bap. 27 Dec 1829 in Tiverton, Devon), daughter of Joseph Zelly and Susanna Serles, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton on 29 Sep 1852. Witnesses to their marriage were Joseph Zelley, who may have been the bride's brother and a Mary Ann Leigh.

James and Elizabeth had seven children:

1. Emma Flew b. 21 Jun 1853 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 388, bap. 10 Jul 1853 at St Peter's, Tiverton
2. Charles Flew b. 23 Mar 1855 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 397, bap. 15 Apr 1855 at St Peter's, Tiverton
3. Fred Flew b. 1857 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401, bap. Frederick Flew on 4 Jan 1857 in Loxbeare, Devon
4. Susan Ellen Flew b. 1858 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 407. Died, aged 3, in 1862 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 259 and was buried in Withleigh, Devon
5. Ann Eliza Flew b. 8 Feb 1860 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 18 Mar 1860 at St Peter's, Tiverton
6. Mary Ann Flew b. 1 Jan 1862 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 457, bap. 26 Jan 1862 at St Catherine's Church, Withleigh
7. Elizabeth Flew b. 29 Aug 1863 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425, bap. 13 Sep 1863 at St Catherine's, Withleigh

In 1861, the household included: James Flew (38), Elizth Flew (32) Emma Flew (7), Charles Flew (6), Fredk Flew (4), Susan Flew (2) Anna E Flew (1) and Mary Southwood (75). Susan Flew (2) and Anna E Flew (1) were also listed as staying at Lower Wyke, Tiverton with Mary Elson (45).

James Flew died, age estimated to 44, in 1864 M Quarter in TIVERTON.

Elizabeth Flew remarried to John Cann, 16 years her junior, on 15 Jan 1871, at Cove, Devon. Her children, Emma Flew & Charles Flew, were witnesses.

John and Elizabeth Cann added one son:

1. William Cann b. 11 May 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 447, bap. 27 Dec 1871 at St Paul's Church, Tiverton

In 1881, living in Hammetts Lane, Tiverton were John Cann (36) Shoemaker from Sandford, Devon; Elizabeth Cann (51) Laundress; William Cann (9) Scholar; Emma Flew (27) Step-daughter, Dressmaker; Fred Flew (24) Step-son, Whitesmith; Eliza Flew [Ann Eliza] (21) Step-daughter, Laundress; Mary A Flew (19) Step-daughter, Laundress and Frank Leigh (15) Boarder. Charles Flew had married in 1877. Bessie Flew [Elizabeth] (17) was Shop Assistant to John Harwood, Baker & confectioner in Fore Street, Tiverton.

In 1891, John Cann (46) Bootmaker was in Fore Street, Tiverton with Elizabeth Cann (61), William Cann (19) Blacksmith; Emma Candy (37) Married, Step-Daughter, Dressmaker and William E Heath (9) Grandson. 

In 1901, we find John Cann (56) Shoemaker in Hammett's Square, Tiverton with Elizabeth Cann (only 68) Laundress; William Cann (30) Blacksmith and Emma Candy (48) Married, Laundress.

In 1911, John Cann (66) Formerly Boot and Shoe Maker of No Occupation, and Elizabeth Cann (81) were still living in Tiverton.

Elizabeth Cann died at 85 in 1915 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 731

John Cann died in 1916 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 531.

The thrice-married Richard Flew and Joan Thorne, Elizabeth Thomas and Ann Kingdom

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 from 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 available for Richard Flew in Rackenford. It hasn't been possible to prove when or where Richard Flew was born, although there was a Richard Flew, son of Richard and Jane Flew, bap. 10 Feb 1743 in Stockleigh English, who would have been around the right age.

The most likely baptism for Joan Thorne was 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 the 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.

John Elworthy, Mary Flew and James Marshall

Knowstone: St Peter’s church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/234553

The marriage of John Elworthy and Mary Flew (bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford), daughter of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, both resident in the parish, took place at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 9 Jun 1850. It hasn't been possible to identify a baptism for John Elworthy, born around 1825 in Molland.

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

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

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

James and Mary Marshall had five more children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

William Flew and Sarah Bennett

Shop and post office, Rackenford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Humphrey Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/1801119

William Flew (bap. 16 Nov 1834 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, married Sarah Bennett (b. 1845 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79) in the 4th quarter of 1863, in Crediton.

Sarah Bennett was born on 16 Jun 1845, the illegitimate daughter of Jane Bennett. Her birth was registered by a Mr Leach, Master of the Workhouse, Crediton, on 20 Jun 1845. In 1851, Sarah (6) was living with William and Ann Bennett at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, listed as their niece. In 1861, Sarah Bennett (17) was House Servant in the household of William Davy, Farmer and Miller at Stone Mill, Leverton Road, Chawleigh, Crediton. Sarah's grandparents, the parents of both her uncle William Bennett and her mother, Jane Bennett, were Richard Bennett and Mary Richards.

William and Sarah Flew had four children: 

1. Thomas Flew b. 11 Feb 1864 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 475, bap. 18 Feb 1864 at All Saint's Church, Rackenford
2. Mary Jane Flew b. 3 Sep 1865 S Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 387, bap. 6 Sep 1865 at St David’s Church, Thelbridge
3. Sarah Flew b. 31 Dec 1867, reg. 1868 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 470, bap. 22 Mar 1868 at All Saint's, Rackenford
4. William Flew b. 1870 M Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 480

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

In 1871, William Flew (30), Sarah Flew (26), Thomas Flew (7), Jane Flew (5), Sarah Flew (3) and William Flew (1) were living at Windsor, Rackenford, South Molton, Devon. William Flew's birthplace was listed as Rackenford, although Sarah's was listed as not known; the two older children's birthplace was listed as Thelbridge and the two younger ones, Rackenford. Living with them was Ann Flew (72), William's mother, listed as Mother-in-Law.

Sarah Flew died, age estimated to 29, on Christmas Eve 1872 of "diarrhoea" which may mean Typhoid (1872 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 302) and was buried on 29 Dec 1872 in Rackenford.

In Sarah Child's, Rackenford, A Short History, we read that, Thomas Flew aged 11 years 3 months, was admitted to Rackenford school on May 24 1875. "Thomas came from Winsor Cottage on Sideham farm, a good two miles’ walk from school; his father was a labourer working for Mr Beedell [Robert Beedell 1817-1886] on Sideham and his mother had died three years earlier. Thomas’ sister Mary Jane aged 8 joined him at school in October."

William Flew remarried to Jane Middleton, in Knowstone on 2 Sep 1875.

William Flew died, age estimated as 40, from measles and pneumonia, in March 1876 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 344 and was buried on 5 Mar 1876. His widow Jane was present at that death.

The descendants of William Flew and Sarah Bennett:

On March 13 1876, however, the school records tell us that, “Thomas and Mary Flew have left, gone to the workhouse." Sarah Child in, Rackenford, A Short History, continues that, "Their stepmother seems to have managed to keep their 7 year old sister but for Thomas, Mary and 6 year old William there was no alternative." Mary Jane Flew, age estimated as 13, died in 1880 M Quarter in South Molton Workhouse and "as was the regulation, she was buried in Rackenford at the parish expense", on 7 Feb 1880.

In 1881, Thomas Flew (16) Farm Servant (Indoor) was back at Sideham, Rackenford. Sarah Flue (sic) (12) was a General Domestic Servant to Elias Mills, Farmer, at Lower Southdown, Burrington, while William Flew (11), sadly, was still an inmate of the Union Workhouse, South Molton.

In 1891, Thomas Flew (25) was still Agricultural Servant to Robert Beedell, Farmer (son of his earlier boss) at Syd[e]ham, Rackenford; Sarah Flew (23) was a General Servant at Lewiss Elstone, Chulmleigh, South Molton. William Flew, by then 21, seems to have evaded being listed on this census.

Thomas Flew (33) Servant from Rackenford, son of William Flew, married Elizabeth Ann Marshall (32) Servant from Knowstone, at St Peter's Church, Knowstone on 31 Mar 1897. Elizabeth Ann was the daughter of James Marshall and Mary Flew. Mary was the elder sister of Thomas' father, William - so the couple were first cousins. They had one son, William James Flew b. 19 Feb 1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 400.

William Flew (28) Post Man, son of William Flew, married Joan Priest (bap. 28 Jun 1868 in North Molton), daughter of William Priest and Harriet Galliford, on 6 Oct 1897 in North Molton, Devon. This couple also had one son, Ernest William Flew b. 6 Apr 1902 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 398, bap. 20 Apr 1902 in North Molton.

In 1901, living at Zeal Cottage, Bampton, were Thomas Flew (37) Agricultural Labourer; son, William Flew (3); sister, Sarah Flew (31) House keeper and Robert Flew (5) Nephew [1]. Elizabeth A Flew (36) was a Patient (Lunatic) at the Devon County Lunatic Asylum, Exminster (later Exminster Hospital). William Flew (30) Rural Postman and Joan Flew (32) were living with Joan's widowed mother, Harriet Priest (65) at Tellacott Cottage, North Molton.

[1] Robert George Haymon Flew b. 11 Nov 1895 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 395 and bap. 9 Dec 1895 in South Molton, was the illegitimate son of Sarah Flew (and, presumably, a Mr Haymon). In 1901, Robert Flew, son of S Flew of Zeal Cottage, was registered at Shillingford And Petton County Primary School, Shillingford, Devon. A date of leaving of 31 Oct 1902 is listed on the school register. As Robert George Edward Flew, age 6, of Zeal Cottage, Bampton, he died in 1902 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 279 and was buried at Petton Chapelry on 8 Nov 1902.

Elizabeth Ann Flew, died aged 43, at Devon County Lunatic Asylum, in 1908 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Volume 05B Page 40 and was buried on 10 Aug 1908 at the Exminster, Devon County Asylum Cemetery.

In 1911, Thomas Flew (45) Carter on Farm, Sarah Flew (41) Sister, Housekeeper and William James Flew (13) were at Higher Coombe, Uplowman, Devon. William Flew (41) Rural Postman, Joan Flew (42) and Ernest William Flew (8) were living in East Street, North Molton.

In 1921, Thomas Flew (57) Farm Labourer, Out of Work and Sarah Flew (53) were living at Worth Cottages, Silverton, Devon; William James Flew (23) Cowman was at Poundland Farm, Silverton, Devon; William Flew (51) Town Postman, was living at 16, East Street, South Molton with Joan Flew (53) and George Somerwill (75) Old Age Pensioner from Swimbridge, Boarder.

Ernest William Flew, son of William Flew and Joan Priest, married Elsie May Baker, daughter of Richard Baker and Ellen Irwin, in Cardiff, in 1927. (Elsie May's parents were from Ilfracombe and Coombe Martin, respectively.)

William Flew died, at 63, in 1933 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 368.

In 1939, Thomas Flew, Incapacitated, Widowed and his sister, Sarah Flew, still keeping house, were living in High Street, North Petherton, Bridgewater, Somerset; William James Flew was a Cowman at Manor Farm, Marsh Green, Whimple, Exeter, Devon; and Ernest W Flew, Test Baker Flour Mill (he also had a civilian role as a Special Constable) and wife Elsie M Flew were living at 7 Treorky Street, Cardiff, with Elsie's widowed mother, Ellen Baker.

• Thomas Flew (80) died in 1944 S Qtr in BRIDGWATER 05C 310
• Sarah Flew (78) died in 1946 D Qtr in BRIDGWATER 07C 103
• Joan Flew (88) died in 1956 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 08B 163
• William James Flew (74) died in Taunton, Somerset in 1972
• Elsie May Flew died in Cathays, Cardiff on 18 Apr 1984
• Ernest William Flew died, in Cardiff on 1 May 1985

John Land and Loveday Flew

West Street, Bampton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2450185

There's no record of a marriage, anywhere, between John Land (bap. 29 May 1791 in Bampton, Devon), son of John Land and Sarah Melhuish and Loveday Flew (bap. 14 Oct 1804 in Rackenford, Devon), daughter of Richard Flew and Jane Wright (Loveday Flew, was therefore the great-aunt of William Flew, who married Jane Middleton), but they must have got together by 1823.

John Patchett has written here that, John Land, "Joined the Royal Marines in 1810 and served to 1814 then discharged for being undersize at 5ft 2.3/4 when he was 19 and 5ft 4 in 1822. Joined the 46th regiment of foot in 1815 and served in Australia and India until 1822 when discharged with chronic hepatitis. Total service 10 years 48 days. On leaving the army was given a pension of 6d per day which he received until death." John Land had joined the 46th Regt Of Foot on 14 Nov 1815, and the record of his discharge from that service in 1822, in consequence of the chronic hepatitis, confirms his previous service in the Royal Marines from 4 Sep 1810 until 14 Jul 1814.

It seems obvious that while John was useful to the Royal Marines during the Napoleonic Wars they kept him, but once they no longer needed the numbers, his height was used as an excuse to select him for discharge. Of the 46th (South Devonshire) Regiment of Foot, "When peace came in 1814, the regiment was sent to garrison New South Wales for three years and escort convicts. It moved to India for the first time in 1817 ..."

John Land already had two children from a previous relationship with Sarah (b. 1794). Again, it hasn't been possible to locate a record of a marriage:

1. Richard Land b. 6 Oct 1816 At Sea, off the coast of Botany Bay, bap. 5 Jan 1817 at St Philip's Church, Sydney, Australia
2. Jane Land b. 25 Apr 1818 also born At Sea, off Botany Bay, bap. 3 Aug 1818 at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle, New South Wales

Likewise, there are no records that explain what happened to Sarah.

John Land had a further nine children with Loveday Flew:

3. John Land b. 1823
4. Harriet Land b. 1827
5. James Land b. 1828
6. Elizabeth Land bap. 25 Jun 1830 at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Bampton, Devon
7. Loveday Land b. 1833. Died at 18 in 1851 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 191.
8. George Land b. 1836
9. Eliza Land b. 1839 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 239. Died at 19 in 1859 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 291.
10. Maria Land b. 1841 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 249. Died at 25 in 1867 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 298.
11. Eleanor Land b. 1845 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 249, bap. 26 Nov 1845 in Bampton, daughter of John and Loveday. Address given as Westgate and John was described as a Pensioner.

The birth registrations for Eliza and Maria confirm the mother's maiden name as FLEW. On Eleanor's it is merely mis transcribed as FLEX. 

In 1841, living in Gate Street, West, Bampton, were John Land (50) Loody Land (sic) (35), Jane Land (20), John Land (18), Harriet Land (14), James Land (13), Elizabeth Land (9), Loody Land (8), George Land (5) and Eliza Land (1).

In 1851, in West Street, Bampton, Devon, we find John Land claiming to be 46 (he was 60) Pauper (ag lab), Loveday Land (47), James Land (23) Ag Lab; Loveday Land (18) Invalid; George Land (14) Ag Lab; Eliza Land (11), Maria Land (9) and Eleanor Land (5) the last three all at school. 

Loveday Land died at 47 in 1851 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 10 Page 191.

John Land died on 22 Sep 1857 (S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 275) from chronic bronchitis, with his age at death over estimated to 71 (66).