Family Stories
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Showing posts with label Hampshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hampshire. Show all posts

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

John Palmer and Esther Collins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, 22 August 2025

Henry John Leese and Marian Blanche Burgess

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

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

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

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

  1. May Constance Leese b. 9 Jun 1886 (1886 S Qtr in BRIGHTON Vol 02B Page 228), bap. 23 Mar 1890 at Southsea, St Bartholomew.
  2. Elsie Christine Leese b. 29 May 1890 (1890 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 479), bap. 3 Aug 1890 at Southsea, St Bartholomew. Presume died as an infant, possibly in Malta.
  3. Henry John Leese b. 14 Dec 1892 in Valletta, Malta 
  4. Maude Christiana Leese b. 13 Jul 1894 in Malta 
  5. Marian Blanche Leese b. 6 Nov 1895 (1895 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 301), bap. 19 Jan 1896 in Stoke Damerel, Devon, died at 1 in 1896 D Qtr in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Pg 361
  6. William Gordon Leese b. 17 Jan 1897 (1897 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Page 560), bap. 19 Sep 1897 in Forton (Gosport), Hampshire
  7. John Stanley Leese b. 2 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 540), bap. 8 Feb 1898 in Forton (Gosport), Hampshire
  8. Edward Lionel Leese b. 23 Feb 1900 (1900 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 568), bap. 10 Apr 1900 at Forton, Hampshire, died aged 3 in 1903 M Quarter in ALVERSTOKE Volume 02B Page 355
  9. Frank Alfred Joseph Leese b. 10 Jun 1909 (1909 J Qtr in ALVERSTOKE Vol 02B Page 565), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Forton (Gosport)
The family are not on the 1891 Census in England as Henry John Leese was stationed at Malta Dockyard between 14 Jun 1890 and 11 Dec 1894.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle

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

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

Thomas and Ann had three children:
  1. Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fuge (sic) bap. 7 Aug 1836 in East Stonehouse
  2. Thomas James Fudge b. 1843 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 09 Page 341
  3. Sarah Jane Fudge b. 25 Dec 1850, reg. 1851 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 09 Page 389
On Lucy Elizabeth Ann's baptism, her father's occupation is given as Drummer, Royal Marines. The registrations of Thomas and Sarah confirm their mother's maiden name as Beedle. Despite there being long gaps between each child, checking year by year through the records at the General Record Office did not reveal any others, possibly because Thomas was often away at sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, 27 July 2025

William Tubb and Sarah Ruff

St Mary's Church, Alverstoke
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Barry Shimmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2255172

William Tubb (bap. 1 May 1808), son of William Tubb and Sarah Chard, married Sarah Ruff (bap. 15 Jul 1808), daughter of William Ruff and Martha Preston, at St Mary's, Alverstoke, Gosport on 27 Jul 1827. William Tubb signed with an excellent hand. Witnesses were William Ruff and Jane Ruff.

William and Sarah Tubb had ten children:
  1. William Tubb bap. 30 Mar 1828 at St Mary's Church, Portsea. Died, aged 26, in Alverstoke and was buried on 19 Feb 1854 at St Mary's, Portsea.
  2. Sarah Maria Tubb bap. 11 Jul 1830 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  3. Elizabeth Jane Tubb bap. 30 Sep 1832 at St Mary's Church, Portsea (Jane Tubb (3) was buried at St Mary's, on 22 Mar 1835.)
  4. James Henry Tubb b. 1 Apr 1834, bap. 6 Jul 1834 at St Mary's, Portsea
  5. Jane Tubb bap. 21 Aug 1836 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  6. Amelia Tubb b. 1838 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 120, bap. 3 Feb 1839 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  7. Martha Louisa Tubb b. 1841 M Quarter Volume 07 Page 137
  8. Mary Ann Tubb b. 1843 M Quarter Volume 07 Page 136
  9. Alfred Tubb b. 1844 D Quarter Volume 07 Page 129
  10. Lavinia Tubb b. 1851 M Quarter Vol 07 Page 160. Died, aged 2, in 1853 S Quarter Volume 02B Page 232, buried 2 Oct 1853, in Portsea.
In 1841, William Tubb (35), Sarah Tubb (30), William Tubb (13), Sarah Tubb (11), James Tubb (7), Jane Tubb (5), Amelia Tubb (3) and [Martha] Louisa Tubb (0) were listed in 'Marie Lee Borne Street' (Marylebone Street). 

In 1851, still in Marylebone Street were William Tubb (42) Master Brush Maker, Sarah Tubb (42); married daughter, Sarah Donset (21); James Tubb (16), Sailor; Jane Tubb (14), Louisa Tubb (9), Mary Ann Tubb (7), Alfred Tubb (6) and Louisa (sic) - must be Lavinia (0). Amelia Tubb (12) was staying with her aunt and uncle James and Jane Frankham in Waterloo Street, Portsea.

Once more at Marylebone Street, in 1861, we find just William Tubbs (sic) (52), Brush Maker with wife Sarah Tubbs (sic) (52).

In 1871, in Marylebone Street, Landport, were William Tubb (62), Brush Maker, Sarah Tubb (62), daughter Louisa Nichlas (29) Widowed and granddaughter, Lydia Nichlas (5). 

William Tubb, Brush Maker of Marylebone Street, Landport, Portsea, died, at 71, in 1878 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 308, and was buried on 27 Aug 1878, at Kingston Cemetery

Sarah Tubb, widow, then of St Vincent Street, Southsea, died, also aged 71, the following year (1879 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 318) and was buried on 31 Dec 1879, also at Kingston Cemetery.

Sunday, 20 July 2025

William Ruff and Martha Preston

Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, or Portsmouth Cathedral
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Colin Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/2872284
St Thomas, the Anglican Cathedral, which was built in Old Portsmouth in 1180.

William Ruff (b. ~1763) married Martha Preston (b. 22 Mar 1773, bap. 28 Apr 1773 at St Thomas, Portsmouth), daughter of Benjamin Preston and Ann Carter, at St Thomas church (now Portsmouth Cathedral) on 20 Jul 1794.

Records show that William and Martha had seven children:
  1. James Ruff bap. 4 Jun 1797 at St Thomas, Portsmouth
  2. George Ruff bap. 23 Jun 1799 in Portsea, Hampshire
  3. William Evans Ruff bap. 27 Sep 1801 in Portsea, Hampshire
  4. Isaac Ruff bap. 8 Apr 1804 in Portsea, Hampshire
  5. James Ruff bap. 11 May 1806 in Portsea, Hampshire
  6. Sarah Ruff bap. 15 Jul 1808 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  7. Jane Ruff bap. 18 Nov 1810 in Portsea, Hampshire
All of the baptisms in Portsea will have been at St Mary's. As there's a James Ruff born in 1806, it seems highly likely that the James born in 1797 didn't survive infancy, although I have not found a record to confirm this. 

William (78) and Martha (67) were in Greetham Street, Portsmouth in 1841.

William Ruff died, aged 80, in 1843 M Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 107 and was buried on 19 Feb 1843 at St Mary's, Portsea.

Martha Ruff died in 1846 M Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 90, age estimated as 76, and was buried in Portsea on 1 Mar 1846.

Saturday, 12 July 2025

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).

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Benjamin Copeland and Tamar Hockley

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lord - geograph.org.uk/p/3307085

Benjamin Copeland (b. ~1841 in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland), Corporal Royal Artillery, Artillery Barracks, married Tamar Hockley (b. 1844 in Great Dunmow, Essex) daughter of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, then resident at Woolwich Common, at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich, on 15 Jun 1869. Benjamin Copeland lists his father as Benjamin Copeland, Farmer and it's usually suspicious if a groom a) uses the same name as himself and b) says his father was a farmer, however, I've not found a birth record in Ireland to confirm or deny it. Witnesses were Joseph C Leopard and Ellen Leopard (who appear to be a local couple, but I don't know their connection).

Benjamin and Tamar Copeland had four children:
  1. Arthur Edward Copeland b. 19 Aug 1870 (1870 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 858), bap. 25 Sep 1870 at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich and also entered into the register at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich, by which time Benjamin Copeland had been promoted to Sergeant Coast Brigade, Royal Artillery. (Died 1901.)
  2. Alice Lucy Copeland b. 15 Nov 1872 (1872 D Qtr in WOOLWICH Vol 01D Page 947), bap. 27 Dec 1872 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich. Died, at 14, in 1887 M Qtr in WOOLWICH Vol 01D 728.
  3. Edith Tamar Copeland b. 16 Jun 1878 (1878 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1057), bap. 17 Jul 1878 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich. Benjamin Copeland was Sergeant Major R A. Died, aged 5, in 1883 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 275 and was buried on 22 Jul 1883 at St Mary's Church, Great Canfield.
  4. Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland b. 30 Sep 1881 in Gosport, Hampshire (1881 D Qtr in FAREHAM Vol 02B Page 577). (No baptism found.)
In 1871, Benjamin Copeland (30) Sergeant Royal Artillery from Ireland was living at Royal Artillery Cottages, Charlton, Woolwich with Tamar Copeland (25) from Great Dunmow, Essex and Arthur E Copeland (7 months).

In 1881, Benjamin Copeland (40) Master Gunner Royal Artillery (SLDR) from Enniscorthy, Ireland was at Fort GrangeGosport, with Tamar Copeland (34), Arthur Copeland (10), Alice Copeland (8), Edith Copeland (2) and two soldiers, William Chappell (37) and Frederick Hide (23).

Benjamin Copeland from the parish of St Mary's, Enniscorthy, Ireland, formerly a Clerk, had enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Liverpool at the age of 21, on 17 Jan 1862, at which point, his military record notes, he was 5ft 5⅜in tall, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was awarded a silver medal for long service & good conduct, as well as a Gratuity of £5, and discharged, on 23 Jan 1883, after 21 years service, at Portsmouth, with his intended residence on discharge recorded as Great Canfield, Essex.

In 1891, however, Benjamin Copeland (50) Writer Royal Arsenal, was living at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (45) and Eleanor E Copland (9). Arthur Edward Copeland (22) Acting bombardier, was at the Royal Artillery BarracksArtillery Place, Woolwich.

In 1901, Benjamin Copeland (59) Pensioner and Writer in Royal Arsenal, was still living at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (57), William E Doyle (63) Army Pensioner from Liverpool; Alice J Copeland (29) Daughter-in-law from Norfolk, England; George A Copeland (4) Grandson born in Plumstead and Edith E Copeland (3) Granddaughter, born in Devon.

In 1911, Benjamin Copeland (72) Army Pensioned Master Gunner Royal Artillery was still living at 27 Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (67) and William Sayle Edwards (74) Army Pensioner Warrant Officer, Boarder. The 1911 Census confirms that they had been married for 41 years and had four children, of whom one was living and, sadly, three had died.

Benjamin Copeland died on 15 May 1913 (1913 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Vol 01D Page 1191) and was buried on 20 May 1913 in Greenwich.

Tamar Copeland died in 1925 M Qtr in HAMMERSMITH Vol 01A 301, at 82.

Friday, 13 June 2025

Thomas James Fudge and Elizabeth Stewart

London Road, North End
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Barry Shimmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3108027

Thomas James Fudge (b. 1843 in East Stonehouse, Devon), Labourer of Ivy Street, son of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, married Elizabeth Stewart (b. ~1848 in Edinburgh, Scotland), then of Castle Road, who listed her father as Robert Stewart, Piper, on 13 Jun 1869 at St Mary's Church, Portsea. Their witnesses were the bridegroom's younger sister and her intended, Sarah Fudge and G C [George Charles] Mew, who married the following year. 

Thomas and Elizabeth had eight children:
  1. Mary Stewart Fudge b. 1870 M Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 525
  2. Thomas James Fudge b. 1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 448
  3. Charles Stewart Fudge b. 1874 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 481
  4. Annie Elizabeth Fudge b. 1877 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 478
  5. James Fraser Fudge b. 1880 M Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 557
  6. Catherine Lucy Fudge b. 1882 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 530
  7. William Fudge b. 1884 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 515
  8. Charlotte Rachel Fudge b. 27 Dec 1887, reg. 1888 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 503, bap. 18 Jan 1888 at Portsea, St Michael
There's evidence of baptisms of the later children at Portsea, St Michael.

In 1871, Thomas Fudge (22) Grocer's Assistant, was living in Landport, Portsea. His wife was listed as Mary S Fudge (22) from Scotland - names have been confused with those of their daughter - and Mary Fudge (1).

In 1881, listed as Thomas J Fudge (38) was living at 40, Bridport Street, Portsea with wife Elizabeth Fudge (32) from Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland; Mary (11), Thomas (9), Charley (6), Annie (3) and James (1).

In 1891, Thomas J Fudge (48) Wine & Spirit Porter, was living in Northam Street, Portsea with Elizabeth Fudge (43), Thomas J Fudge (19) Blacksmith; Charles Fudge (16) Stableman Groom; Annie E Fudge (13) Tailoress; James F Fudge (11), Catherine (9), William (7) and Charlotte (3).

In 1911, Thomas James Fudge (67) Motorman on Corporation Tramways, was living in North End, Portsmouth, listed as married, but Elizabeth was not in the household, with Charlotte Rachel Fudge (23) Cardboard Box Maker at a Corset Manufacturer. (Portsmouth Corporation Transport was a tram, trolleybus and bus operator formed in 1898, serving the city of Portsmouth, and owned by Portsmouth Corporation. Tram services ended in 1936.)

In 1921, Thomas James Fudge (77) Old Age Pensioner was living at 75, Cardiff Road, North End, Portsmouth with Elizabeth Fudge (73) Old Age Pensioner from Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

Thomas James Fudge died at 75, Cardiff Road (said in his 78th year), on 21 Oct 1922, (D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 507). There were various announcements from their children in the Portsmouth Evening News, which sadly mention that he died, "after much suffering."

The Evening News of 17 Nov 1936 mentions, "Also my dear mother, Elizabeth Stewart Fudge, passed peacefully away New Zealand."

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Edward Tubb and Hannah Bussey

Sheppey - View along coastal path near Cheyney Rock
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rob Farrow - geograph.org.uk/p/7419462

Edward Tubb (bap. 18 Nov 1827), son of William Tubb and Sarah Chard, married Hannah Bussey, daughter of Benjamin Bussey and Elizabeth Bowen at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 13 May 1850. (In the previous, second church, built 1843, not the current building, built in the 1880s.)

Edward and Hannah had three children:
  1. Elizabeth Tubb b. 1850 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 173, bap. 29 Dec 1850 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  2. Susan Alice Tubb b. 23 Jul 1852 Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 02B Page 334, bap. 7 Oct 1855 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
  3. Edward Tubb b. 1860 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 575, died, aged 2 in 1863 M Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 461, buried on 28 Mar 1863 at Sheppey Cemetery.
In 1851, Edward Tubb (23) Shipwright, was a visitor in the household of Jane Watsworth (40), Seaman's Wife in Nelson Street, Portsea, while Hannah Tubb (21) and their daughter, Elizabeth Tubb (0) were in the household of Hannah's widowed mother, Elizabeth Bussey (56).

Edward & Hannah must have moved to the Isle of Sheppey, Kent between 1855 and 1860, because in 1861, at 4 James Street, Minster in Sheppey, Sheerness were Edward Tubb (33), Shipwright from Portsmouth; Hannah Tubb (32), Elizabeth Tubb (10), Susan Tubb (9) and Edward Tubb (0).

Hannah Tubb died, at 33, in 1862 J Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 379 and was buried, on 27 Jun 1862, at Sheppey Cemetery.

Edward Tubb then married Sarah Elizabeth Joy (bap. 8 Mar 1829 at St. John The Baptist, Margate, Kent), daughter of Edward Joy and Harriet Mary Garling, in Thanet, Kent in Q3 1864. 

Edward and Sarah added another three children:
  1. Herbert Joy Tubb b. 8 Oct 1865 D Qtr in SHEPPEY Vol 02A Page 716
  2. Harriet Mary Tubb b. 21 May 1867 J Qtr in SHEPPEY Vol 02A Page 752
  3. Grace Hannah Tubb b. 9 Aug 1871 S Qtr in SHEPPEY Vol 02A Page 754
In 1871, living at 5 Rock Cottages, Minster, Sheppey, were Edward Tubb (43) Shipwright, Sarah E Tubb (42), H J Tubb (Herbert Joy) (5), HM Tubb (Harriet Mary) (3) and Harriet Curtis (13) Boarder. I've been unable to find either Elizabeth or Susan, who at 20 & 19, were presumably out working.

In 1881, living at Cheyney Rock Cottages, Minster in Sheppey, were Edward Tubb (58); Sarah (51), Herbert (15), Harriet (13) and Grace (9). 

Edward Tubb died on 26 Jan 1884 (1884 M Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 534). He'll have been 56. He is buried at Sheppey Cemetery.

In 1891, Sarah E Tubb (61), widow, was a lodger in the household of John Parrett (31) Upholsterer in Trinity Road, Minster in Sheppey. Visiting were daughter, Harriet Mary Penfold (26), Harriet M Penfold (6) and George E Penfold (2). Herbert J Tubb (25) Merchant's Clerk, was in Cornwall. Grace Tubb (19) was a General Servant Domestic in the household of George Harper (49), Upholsterer & Auctioneer in Castle Street, Ashford, Kent.

Sarah Tubb, with her age estimated to 64, died in 1895 J Quarter in WEST ASHFORD Volume 02A Page 432. There is a record of a burial of a Sarah Tubbs (sic) in Ashford, on 10 May 1895, which presumably relates.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

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. 

Sunday, 27 April 2025

James Alfred Garnett and Mabel Shotter

Pizza Hut on corner of Kingston Crescent and Gamble Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Basher Eyre - geograph.org.uk/p/770407

James Alfred Garnett (b. 1881), son of John William Garnett and Margaret Mary Coleborn, married Mabel Shotter (b. 1879), daughter of William Thomas Shotter and Hannah Jane Bussey, at St Mark's church, North End, Portsmouth (demolished in the 1970s) on 27 Apr 1908. The groom was Licence Holder at The Fairy Queen, Grosvenor Street, Southsea at the time of his marriage.

James and Mabel had one daughter:
  1. Marjorie Mabel Garnett, b. 28 Feb 1915 (1915 M Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 767), bap 1 Apr 1915 at St Mary's Church, Portsea
In 1891, the ten year old James Alfred Garnett had lived at Public House, Stamshaw Road, Portsea (Derby Tavern, 47 Stamshaw Road, Landport), where his father, John William Garnett, was described as a Beer retailer.

In 1901, James Alfred Garnett (19) had been Assistant manager of the Fountain Hotel, London Road, Portsmouth (Fountain, 133 London Road, North End), held by Edward Gardner, Licensed victualler, his uncle.

In 1911, James Alfred Garnett (29) Licensed victualler and Mabel Garnett (31) Assisting in business, were at 90 Kingston Crescent, North End, Portsmouth (The Admirals Head, 90 Kingston Crescent, Landport), now a Pizza Hut. In 1916, James Alfred Garnett of The Admiral's Head, Kingston, Publican, appears on an Exemption Register of Portsmouth Military Tribunals, presumably exempting him from military service in World War I.

James Alfred Garnett of The Queens Hotel, 143 Queen's Road, Gosport, died, aged 55, on 22 Nov 1936 (1936 D Quarter in GOSPORT Volume 02B Page 796), leaving his effects to Mabel Garnett, Widow.

In the 3rd quarter of 1938, Mabel Garnett remarried to Walter John Morgan, widower, of 131 Queen's Road, Gosport, in Portsmouth and, in the same quarter, Marjorie Mabel Garnett married Bernard Connorton, in Gosport.

In 1939, Mabel Morgan and her daughter, Marjorie M Connorton were both living at 26 Lower Farlington Road, Portsmouth, while Walter J Morgan was listed in the household of his son-in-law and daughter, Ina G M Palmer, at 44 Bishop's Way, Andover. (I've been unable to locate Bernard.)

Marjorie M Connorton died, at 25, in 1940 M Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 1770. While a death in 1940 might be related to the Second World War, this was too early to be related to The Portsmouth Blitz, during which: "The three major raids took place on August 24th 1940 during the Portsmouth Blitz, January 10th 1941 and March 10th 1941."

Mabel Morgan died, at 68, in 1948 M Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 06B 496.

Thursday, 6 March 2025

James Prescott and Mary Ann Stone

Tiverton : Gold Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1658721

James Prescott (b. 1858 in Washfield, Devon), son of John Prescott and Jane Gage, married Mary Ann Stone (bap. 5 Feb 1860 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, at St Peter's, Tiverton, on 6 Mar 1882. Witnesses were Henry Stone and Harriet Stone, Mary Ann's sister.

By 1881, Mary Ann (21) had left home and had been working, as a General Domestic Servant, for Alfred T Gregory, Newspaper Proprietor, in Gold Street, Tiverton, hence marrying in the town. (Alfred Gregory was publishing titles such as the Tiverton Gazette and East Devon Herald, Western Observer and affiliated papers for South Molton and Crediton. (The Tiverton and District Directory for 1894-5 lists them as, Gregory, Son, and Tozer.)

However, the couple were married for little more than a year, when Mary Ann Prescott died, tragically aged just 23, on 14 Apr 1883, in Chapel Street, Tiverton, from Acute Phthisis Pulmonalis (Tuberculosis (TB) 18 days - I'd suspected this when reading that Mary Ann had been present at the death of her brother, John Stone, when he had died from Phthisis, in August 1882. Her mother-in-law, Jane Prescott, was present at Mary Ann's death.

My connection was broken once Mary Ann died, however:

Not unsurprisingly, James Prescott remarried quite quickly, to a Jane Davey (b. ~1858) in Q1 of 1884, also in Tiverton. James and Jane had one son Charles Prescott b. 1884 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 435.

In 1891, James Prescott (32) Labourer, wife Jane Prescott (33) and son Charles Prescott (7) were living in Eglwysilan, Glamorganshire, Wales.

In 1901, James Prescott (44) Navvy Ganger; Jane Prescott (44), Charles Prescott (17), with Berty Snooke (31), Albert Tilley (22) and John Jenkins (31) - the three being lodgers - were living in Staines, Middlesex.

Charles Prescott married Elizabeth Ann Long (b. 1880 in Barton Regis), daughter of Richard Long and Mary Ann Lewis, in Bristol, in 1907.

Charles and Elizabeth Prescott had three children:
  1. Dora Jane Prescott b. 18 Sep 1907 (1907 D Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 221), bap. 21 Nov 1907 at Westbury on Trym, Holy Trinity
  2. Charles James Prescott b. 1909 J Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 491, bap. 25 Apr 1909 in Portsea St John. Died, aged 3, in 1912 J Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 598
  3. George Richard Prescott b. 15 Mar 1910 (1910 J Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 483), bap. 13 Apr 1910 in Portsea St John
The mother's maiden name on the three births was LONG.

In 1911, James Prescott (56) Dock Labourer, was at 15 Unicorn St, Portsea, Portsmouth, with Jane Prescott (57), and six Dock Labourers (presumably boarders/lodgers): Alf Smith (49), George Bailey (31), Art Bailey (27), Charles Bailey (23), Fred Andrews (29) and George Hopkins (35). Charles Prescott (26) Railway Labourer was living at 11 1/2 Unicorn Street, Portsmouth with Elizabeth Prescott (29ish), Charles J Prescott (2) and George Prescott (1). Dora Jane Prescott (3) was a Visitor in the household of her grandmother, Mary Ann Long (69) Widow, Laundress in Westbury-on-Trym. (James' parents, John and Jane Prescott were still living in Tiverton.)

James Prescott died at 57 in 1913 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 480 was buried on 22 Oct 1913, in Uplowman. (James predeceased both his mother who died in 1914 and father who died in 1916.)

In 1921, Jane Prescott (62) Widow, was Housekeeper to William Talley Wood (79) Gentleman at Gaddon House, Gaddon, Uffculme, Devon. Charles Prescott (36) Pile Driver was living in Westbury on Trym, Gloucestershire with Elizabeth Prescott (40) and George Prescott (11). Dora Prescott was also still living in Bristol, along with her grandmother, Mary Ann Long.

Charles Prescott died at 43 in 1928 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 56, predeceasing his mother by around 9 months. Jane Prescott (née Davey) died at 71 in 1929 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 691. Elizabeth Ann Prescott died at 58 in 1939 M Quarter in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 46.

Dora Jane Prescott married Walter Henry Tudball in Bristol in 1931

In 1939, Walter H Tudball (b. 30 Sep 1906) & Dora J Tudball were living in Eastfield, Bristol and living with them was George R Prescott.

Dora Jane Tudball died, aged 57, in 1964. 

George Richard Prescott died in Bristol, in 1995.

Monday, 3 March 2025

George Charles Mew and Sarah Jane Fudge

Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Basher Eyre - geograph.org.uk/p/2655103

George Charles Mew (24), son of George Mew and Mary Collins, married Sarah Jane Fudge (b. 25 Dec 1850 in East Stonehouse, Devon), daughter of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 3 Mar 1870. Witnesses were Ann Fudge (bride's mother) and W Hatch.

The bridegroom, a Steward on HMS Asia, lists his father as George Charles Mew, Petty Officer RN. George Charles Mew was born on 31 Mar 1845 at Cove of Cork, now Cobh, Ireland. It's claimed he was baptised at St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh on 3 Apr 1845, but this cannot be true as construction of the cathedral was not begun until 1868. The baptism record will be held by the Cathedral's Cobh Parish Office, but undoubtedly took place in St John the Baptist Catholic Church, which stood on that site from 1810 to 1868.

George and Sarah had eleven children in total:
  1. Lucy Elizabeth Ann Mew b. 4 May 1870 (1870 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 478), bap. Lucia Elizabetha, St John's RC Cathedral on 12 Jun 1872. Died, aged 6, in 1876 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 324.
  2. Mary Ann Mew b. 2 April 1872 (1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 452), bap. Maria Anna at St John's RC Cathedral on 12 June 1872.
  3. George Charles Mew b. 9 Dec 1874, reg. M Qtr 1875 in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 463, bap. 15 Aug 1877 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth. Died, aged 37 in 1912 M Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 663.
  4. Annie Louisa Mew b. 18 May 1877 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 504, bap. 15 Aug 1877, at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  5. Henrietta Mew b. 18 Oct 1879 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 493, bap. 16 Nov 1879 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  6. Henry Michael Mew b. 10 Oct 1881 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B 522, bap. Henricus Michael on 20 Nov 1881, at St John's R C Cathedral
  7. Mabel Mary Mew b. 26 May 1884  (1884 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 480), bap. Mabilla Maria on 11 June 1884 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth.
  8. Lucy Maria Mew b. 10 Sep 1885 (1885 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 498), bap. Maria Lucia on 20 Sep 1885 at St John's RC Cathedral. Died age 1, in 1886 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 350.
  9. Lucy Mary Mew b. 19 Sep 1887 (1887 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 511), bap. 9 Oct 1887 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth
  10. Margaret Marshall Mew b. 29 Nov 1889 (1890 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 423), bap. Margarita Marshall on 15 Dec 1889 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth
  11. Andrew Samuel Mew b. 25 Dec 1892 (1893 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 458), bap. Andreas Samuel on 15 Jan 1893 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Died, aged 2, in 1894 D Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 301, buried on 31 Dec 1894 at Kingston Cemetery.
George Charles Mew had enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1863. From 29 Apr 1863 until 31 Dec 1866, he was assigned to HMS Asia (1824), which, by that time was flagship of the Admiral-Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard. For much of that time George Charles Mew was a Warrant Officer's Servant or Cook. With HMS Rodney (1833) from 1 Jan 1867 to 4 May 1868, George was back with HMS Asia from 28 May 1868 to 31 Dec 1872 and engaged again from 1 Jan 1873 to 20 Feb 1874. His record in 1873 lists him as being 5ft 3in with brown hair, grey eyes and a dark complexion.

In 1871, Sarah Mew (20) was lodging in Hertford Street, Portsea with her daughter Losie [Lucy] (0) and Anne Bailey (11) Visitor. This will have been her niece, Louisa Anne [Annie] Bailey, who was actually 13. She was also listed in her grandparents' household, so being counted twice on this census.

From 21 Feb 1874 to 21 Mar 1874, George became the 4th of my relatives to serve, albeit briefly, on HMS Duke of Wellington (1852). From 6 May to 24 Aug 1874, he was with HMS Newcastle (1860) and his final posting was with HMS Endymion (1865) - which may have taken him to as exotic a location as Hull - from 25 Aug 1874 to 9 Aug 1875, when he was Invalided.

In 1881, George Charles Mew (36) then a Tailor's porter, was a Lodger in the household of his in-laws, Thomas Fudge (72) Navy Pensioner and Ann Fudge (68) at 33, Bridport Street, Portsea, along with wife Sarah Jane (29), Mary Ann (9), George Charles (7), Annie Louisa (4) and Henrietta (1).

Sarah Jane, was baptised as Sara Joanna Mew - listed as a convert - at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth, on 3 Jul 1882.

In 1891, in Clarence Street, Portsea, were George Mew (47) Tailor's trimmer, Sarah Mew (40), Mary A (19) Tailoress; George Mew (16) Shoemakers apprentice; Annie Mew (13) Dressmakers apprentice; Henrietta Mew (11), Mabel Mew (7), Henry Mew (9), Lucy Mew (4) and Maggie Mew (1).

George Charles Mew of Clarence Street, Landport died, aged 48, on 8 Apr 1893 and was buried, on 13 April 1893, at Kingston Cemetery, "in a Catholic Slot, 4th Row, 12th Grave, in Unconsecrated Ground."

In 1901, Sarah Mew (50) Widowed, at 46, Clarence Street, Portsmouth with Harry Mew (19) Stableman; Mabel Mew (16) Corset Maker; Lucy Mew (13); Maggie Mew (11), daughter Henrietta Hazzard (21), George Hazzard (22) Son-in-law, Journeyman Bricklayer and James Eyers (23) Blacksmith, Visitor. Son George Charles Mew (26) was a Stable Lad in the employ of Alfred Willson (50) Trainer of Race Horses in East Garston, Berkshire.

In Q3 of 1905, in Portsmouth, Sarah Mew married James William Holdaway. This gentleman, I believe, was the son of William James Holdaway and Eliza Gardener, bap. 6 Nov 1864 at St Luke's, Southsea, who, at 19, on 24 Feb 1885, had joined the Hampshire Regiment. He served in India from 1886 to 1888; Burma from 1888 to 1891 and in India again from 1891 to 1892 and was discharged on 23 Feb 1897. On 11 May 1897, he had enlisted in the 3rd Battalion Hampshire Regiment and was in Malta from 1901 to 1903. On 23 Mar 1904, he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in South Africa from 1904 to 1905, being finally discharged on 4 Aug 1905. What happened to him after 1905, however, is [as yet] a mystery.

In 1911, Sarah Jane Mew (61) Widow, employed as a Stay Lacer was living at 40 Fyning Street, Fratton, Portsmouth with her daughter Margaret Marshall Mew (21) Assistant Stock Keeper and Alec John Mew (1) (1910 M Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 439), who appears to have been Margaret's illegitimate child. Why Sarah Jane was listed with the surname Mew again when she'd already remarried (and presumably been widowed again), is not at all clear from the records available. On this census too, she lists (although these details have been crossed through) that she was married 40 years - her marriage to George Charles Mew was only 23 years until his death in 1893 - had eleven children of whom seven were living and four had died.

In 1921, Sarah Jane Holdaway (70) Widow, Wife's Mother, was living with her daughter Henrietta Hazzard (41) at 77, Middlesex Road, Eastney.

Sarah Jane Holdaway died in 1936 D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 647. The Portsmouth Evening News on 8 Oct 1936, had the following notice: "HOLDAWAY (Mew) Sarah Jane. In loving memory of our dear Mother, who passed peacefully away on October the 7th, at 77, Middlesex Road, age 85 years. - From her sorrowing daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. - Will be sadly missed. Peacefully sleeping." 

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Henry John Kingsbury and Elizabeth Lancey

St Mary's church, Pilton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3513540

Henry John Kingsbury (bap. 17 May 1849 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset) son of John Kingsbury and Matilda Lawrence, married Elizabeth Lancey (bap. 31 Aug 1845 in Pilton, Devon) daughter of James Lancey and Mary Scamp, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pilton on 26 Feb 1879. At the time of their marriage, both were Servants and Henry was resident at "Exbury, in the County of Southampton". (Exbury House on the Solent, was rented by Conservative MP for Barnstaple, DevonColonel Sir George Stucley, to pursue his pastime of yacht-sailing. Kingsbury was his Butler.) One of the witnesses to the marriage was Eliza Lancey, Elizabeth's sister. Both fathers, John Kingsbury and James Lancey were listed as being Gardeners.

Henry and Elizabeth had five children:
  1. Flora May Kingsbury b. 6 Jan 1880 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 246, bap. 6 Jun 1880 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
  2. Matilda Mary Kingsbury b. 22 May 1881 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 239, bap. 26 Jun 1881 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
  3. Alice Mabel Kingsbury b. 1882 J Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 523. (No baptism found)
  4. Elizabeth Kingsbury b. 13 Dec 1884 (1885 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 498), bap. 1 Mar 1885 at St Mary, Bideford
  5. Henry John Kingsbury b. 1889 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 501, bap. 24 Feb 1889 in Bideford
In 1881, Henry John Kingsbury (32) was Butler to Sir George Stucley (68) at Moreton House, Bideford, Devon, where the then 'Deputy Lieutenant for the Counties of Devon & Cornwall, Baronet, Justice of the Peace', his wife and two youngest sons were waited upon by no less than thirteen servants. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kingsbury (35) Butler's wife and Flora M Kingsbury (0) were living at Moreton Cottage, 4, Higher Meddon Street, Bideford, Devon.

In 1891, Henry John Kingsbury (42) was still Butler to Sir George Stucley (79) Magistrate, although the then three members of the family were having to 'make do' with the reduced circumstances of having merely 10 servants. Elizabeth Kingsbury (45) was living at 7 River View, Bideford with Matilda M Kingsbury (9), Alice M Kingsbury (8), Elizabeth Kingsbury (6), Henry J Kingsbury (2) and Charles F Lancey (17) Nephew, Apprentice Gardner. Eldest daughter, Flora (listed as Florence) (10) was at that time, a Visitor in the household of Mary E Sanders (65) Widow, in Regents Park, Heavitree, Exeter, in whose household also was Eliza Lansey (sic), who was her aunt.

In 1901, Henry J Kingsbury (52) Retired Butler - Sir George Stucley had died in 1900 and presumably left his 'Retainer' in a position to be able retire early - was living at Higher Gunstone, River View Terrace, Bideford with Elizabeth Kingsbury (55), Alice M Kingsbury (18), Elizabeth Kingsbury (16) and Henry J Kingsbury (12). F M Kingsbury [Flora May] (20) was a Schoolroom Maid in Holcombe Burnell, Devon. While Matilda Kingsbury (19) was a Lady's Maid in the household of Harriet Compton (57) Widow, in Andover, Hampshire. (Harriet Granville married Henry Compton, Esq. on 28 Dec 1870. She and Sir George Stucley's second wife, Louisa Granville, were daughters of Bernard Granville, Esq of Wellesbourne Hall, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.)

In 1911, Henry John Kingsbury (62) Retired Butler, Elizabeth Kingsbury (65), Alice Mabel Kingsbury (28) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (26) were still living in Bideford. Flora May had married in 1903 and Matilda in 1908. Henry John Kingsbury (22) from Bideford, Devon was described as a WHOLESALE MANCHESTER WAREHOUSEMAN in Southwark, at 95 Southwark St and a curious note: (MilitaryDisposition) MESSRS. COOK'S EMPLOYEES, one assumes Thomas Cook & Son, who had transported the British Army up the Nile in 1884, so conceivable they were still undertaking military contracts. 

In 1921, Henry John Kingsbury (72) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (75) were living at 4, Lansdowne [Terrace], Bideford, Devon with their daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury (36) School Teacher for Devon County Council at Church Infants' School, Bideford and Eliza Lancy (77) Visitor (Elizabeth's sister).

Elizabeth Kingsbury died at 78 in 1923 in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 456. 

Henry John Kingsbury died, also aged 78, on 27 Oct 1927 D Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 520, leaving his estate to daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury. The notice in the Hartland and West Country Chronicle read, KINGSBURY - Oct 27th, at Lansdowne, Bideford HENRY JOHN KINGSBURY, formerly Stucley's butler, aged 78.

In 1939, Elizabeth Kingsbury, Elementary School Teacher, was living at 7 The Strand, Bideford with her sister, Matilda M Lancey, Widow.

Elizabeth never married and died, at 80, in Bideford, in 1965.

  • Matilda Mary Kingsbury married Gerald Slayter on 20 Apr 1908. In 1911, Gerald Slayter (37) Butler and Mary Matilda Slayter (30) Cook-Housekeeper, were employed in the household of Francis Nicholas Blundell (30) Landowner and Farmer in Little Crosby, Lancashire. (Crosby Hall was the manorial home of the Blundell family, lords of the manor of Crosby since the Middle Ages.) Gerald Slayter died, at 48, in 1922, in Liverpool. Matilda Mary Slayter, Widow, married Charles Frederick Lancey, Widower, Gardner, who was her first cousin, at St Mary's Church, Grassendale, on 9 May 1927. Charles Frederick Lancey died, at 61, in 1935, in Liverpool South. Matilda Mary Lancey died in 1954, in Bideford, Devon.
  • Alice Mabel Kingsbury married Clement Arthur Page (b. 29 Sep 1884) on 5 Aug 1912, in Bideford. They had one son, Ernest John Page, born in Frome, Somerset in 1913. In 1921, Clement A Page, Alice M Page and Ernest J Page were living in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Ernest John Page died, at 17, in Portsmouth, in 1931. Clement Arthur Page died, at 48, in Portsmouth, in 1933. Alice Mabel Page died, at 69, in 1951, in Bideford, Devon.