Showing posts with label Kentisbeare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentisbeare. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Thomas Chilcott and Elizabeth Stone

St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Thomas Chilcott (b. 4 Jul 1803, bap. 29 Sep 1803 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton), son of Joseph Chilcott and Miriam Carrick (née Perkins), married Elizabeth Stone (bap. 7 Sep 1806 at St Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare), daughter of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, at Cove Chapel, Cove, Devon on 9 Sep 1827. Witnesses were Thomas Venting and Philip Chave.

Their marriage will have taken place in the old Cove Chapel that was demolished in the 1850s, as An Act for legalizing certain Marriages solemnized in Cove (PDF) dated 13 Mar 1873, explains that, "in or about the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six the ancient consecrated chapel called Cove Chapel, situate in Pitt Portion in the parish of Tiverton in the county of Devon [...] was wholly taken down, in consequence of its dilapidated condition, and rebuilt on different site within the ancient chapel yard belonging thereto, but such new chapel was not consecrated or licensed for the solemnization of marriages ..." The oversight left this clarification.

Thomas and Elizabeth Chilcott had nine children:
  1. Henry Chilcott b. 16 Nov 1828, bap. 30 Nov 1828 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 6 mts, and was buried 30 April 1829, at St Peter's.
  2. Love Chilcott b. 18 Apr 1830, bap. 2 May 1830 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  3. James Chilcott b. 1 Oct 1831, bap. 23 Oct 1831 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 5 weeks and was buried on 6 Nov 1831 at St Peter's.
  4. William Chilcott b. 27 Feb 1834, bap. 13 Apr 1834 at St Peter's.
  5. John Chilcott b. 27 Oct 1835, bap. 11 Nov 1835 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  6. Maria Chilcott b. 1 May 1837, bap. 29 Jun 1837 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  7. Emma Chilcott b. 19 Jun 1839 (1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 243), bap 8 Feb 1840 at St Peter's.
  8. Thomas Chilcott b. 30 Dec 1841 (1842 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 291), bap. 27 May 1844 at St Peter's
  9. Elizabeth Chilcott b. 5 Feb 1844, bap. 28 May 1844 at St Peter's
On Henry and Love's baptisms, Thomas Chillcott's occupation is listed as Labourer. On James, William, John and Maria's baptisms, it's Cordwainer (a skilled artisan who makes new shoes from new leather, distinct from a cobbler who traditionally repairs existing footwear.) And on Emma's, Thomas' and Elizabeth's baptisms, Thomas' occupation is listed as Shoemaker.

In 1841, living in Bridewell Lane, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (~35) Ag Lab; Elizabeth Chilcott (35); Love Chilcott (10); William Chilcott (7); John Chilcott (4); Maria Chilcott (3) and Emma Chilcott (1). (There's no Bridewell Lane in Tiverton now, but I assume it was off St Andrew's Street, because The Tiverton Town Bridewell, House of Correction, was situated on St Andrew's Street. Bridewell House, St Andrew Street, Tiverton, a former police station, built in 1846, is now converted to flats Bridewell Court.)

In 1851, living in St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (48) Pauper; Elizabeth Chilcott (44) born in Kentisbeare; William Chilcott (17) Lace hand; John Chilcott (15) Lace hand; Maria Chilcott (13) Lace hand; Emma Chilcott (10); Thomas Chilcott (8) and Elizabeth Chilcott (6).

The family do not appear to be listed anywhere on the 1861 Census.

By 1871, Thomas Chilcott (~71); Elizabeth Chilcott (~69) and son Thomas (27) Mason's Labourer, were living at Little Silver, Tiverton, Devon.

Elizabeth Chilcott (née Stone) died on 24 Mar 1875 (1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B 8Page 371). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette read: "CHILCOTT: - March 24, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Elizabeth Chilcott, aged 72." Though this was over-estimated as she was only 69. 

Thomas Chilcott died on 19 Oct 1878 (1878 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 318). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette, read: "CHILCOTT: - October 19, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Thomas Chilcott, aged 77." Again, there was a slight over-estimation in his age, as he will have been 75.

Saturday, 5 September 2026

Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter

Fore Street, Kentisbeare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2793712

Thomas Stone (b. ~1766), son of Thomas Stone and Sarah Tozer, married Dorothy (Dolly) Carpenter (bap. 15 Jul 1764), daughter of Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter, at St Mary'sKentisbeare, Devon, on 5 Sep 1787

There are records for nine children, all baptised in Kentisbeare: 

  1. Sarah Stone bap. 20 Apr 1788 (listed as Sally on baptism) 
  2. John Stone, b. 6 Jan 1790, bap. 22 Jan 1792
  3. Henry Stone bap. 22 Jan 1792
  4. Hugh Stone bap. 25 Jul 1793 (buried 19 Nov 1802)
  5. William Stone bap. 26 Apr 1795 (buried 4 Apr 1796)
  6. Mary Stone bap. 2 Apr 1797 (buried 11 Apr 1813)
  7. William Stone bap. 3 Nov 1799
  8. Hugh Stone bap. 15 Feb 1803 (buried 13 Jan 1804)
  9. Elizabeth Stone bap. 7 Sep 1806

Dorothy Stone died, aged 49, and was buried at Kentisbeare on 9 May 1813. 

Thomas Stone remarried, also in Kentisbeare, on 17 Apr 1814 to Mary Hill (probably born around 1773-6 and, given her age, was probably a widow at the time of this marriage). Witnesses to this marriage were Thomas Farnell and Elizabeth Hill. Thomas and Mary had three more children.

  1. Robert Stone bap. 16 Oct 1814
  2. John Stone bap. 10 Mar 1816
  3. Thomas Stone bap. 13 Sep 1818

Thomas Stone died at 72 in 1838 M Qtr in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 207 and was buried in Kentisbeare on 26 Jan 1838.

In 1841, Mary Stone (65) was living in "Kentisbeer Village" with her sons Robert Stone (30), John Stone (26) and Thomas Stone (23). 

In 1851, Mary Stone (78), Widow, Pauper, was still living in the village.

Mary Stone, with age estimated to be 84, died in 1857 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 294 and was buried in Kentisbeare.

In 1799, the year my 3rd great-grandfather, William Stone, was born in the village, Betty Limpany was executed in Exeter for burning down the house of her master, William Leech of Kentisbeare. According to Trewman's Exeter Flying Post of April 11th 1799, "She acknowledged her guilt, was very penitent, and behaved in a manner becoming her unhappy situation." However, the film, Betty Limpany (1997), claims "Betty was said to be pregnant with the master's child and framed for a crime she didn't commit ..." It's also said that she was the last girl (at 17) to be hanged in England. It's a small enough village, so the Stones must have at least known about the house fire. Could they even have known Betty Limpany? Was she seduced by her master? Was she framed, or was she guilty? We'll never know, but for the people of Kentisbeare, it must have been the talk of village for a long time. The film of the story apparently has a character named "Village Idiot". Gotta wonder which family member was the inspiration for that role?😀

(Robert Stone (bap. 1814), son of Thomas Stone and his second wife, Mary Hill, married Jane Farnel (sic) at St Mary, Kentisbeare, on 3 Oct 1844. A Thomas Farnell had been a witness to Robert's parents' marriage, so it's a possibility that these families had known to each other for many years. Robert and Jane had a daughter, Marianne, bap. 15 Jun 1845 in Kentisbeare. Then Robert Stone died, aged 31, and was buried on 27 Dec 1846.)

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Eli Drew and Anna Goff

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

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

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

Eli and Anna Drew had six children:

  1. Lily Drew b. 7 Jul 1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 17 Aug 1887 in Cullompton
  2. Charles Eli Drew b. 6 Jun 1889 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jul 1889 in Cullompton. Killed in Action 1916.
  3. Frank Goff Drew b. 29 Oct 1890 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 364, bap. 3 Dec 1890 in Cullompton
  4. Albert Drew b. 1893 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 411, bap. 7 Dec 1894. Died, at 21 months, in 1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 268 and was buried on 16 Dec 1894 in Cullompton
  5. Bertie Drew b. 3 Jun 1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 383
  6. Gladys May Drew b. 1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 388, bap. 15 Oct 1898. Died at 6 months in 1898 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 253 and was buried on 30 Oct 1898 in Cullompton
In 1891, Eli Drew (30) Boot maker was in High Street, Cullompton with Annie Drew (27), Lily Drew (4), Charles Eli Drew (2) and Frank Goff Drew (0).

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

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

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

Eli and Mary Ann then added another seven children:
  1. Thomas John Drew b. 2 Jun 1901 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 387, bap. 25 Sep 1901 in Cullompton
  2. Winifred Violet Read Drew b. 21 Dec 1902 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 364)
  3. Richard Leslie Drew b. 10 Dec 1904 (1905 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 369)
  4. Evelyn Dorothy Drew b. 23 Mar 1906 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 376
  5. James Drew b. 7 Jul 1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 352
  6. Robert George Eli Drew b. 13 Aug 1910 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 341. Died, aged 12, in 1923 S Qtr in EXETER Vol 05B Page 65
  7. Alec Drew b. 6 Dec 1915 (1916 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 591)
In 1901, Eli Drew (40) Licenced Victualler and Bootmaker was at the Angel Inn, Fore Street, Cullompton (The Licence was passed from [William] James Richards to Mrs Richards (i.e. Mary Ann), who in turn transferred it to her second husband, Eli Drew), with Mary Ann Drew (31), Lily Drew (13), Charles Drew (11), Frank Drew (10), Bertie Drew (5), John Richards (3), Polly Richards (1) and three boarders: Joseph Gale (53) Agricultural Labourer and Beatrice Royal (24) and Mena Rambow (22), who were both Actresses. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, 3 July 2026

William Stone and Mary Thorne

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

William Stone (bap. 3 Nov 1799 in Kentisbeare, Devon) son of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, married Mary Thorne (b. ~1799 in Langford Budville, Somerset), daughter of Joseph Thorne and Eleanor Westcott, on 3 Jul 1820 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville, Somerset. Witnesses were Ann Waygood and William Bridges. The groom is described as a 'Sojourner' - temporary resident - a blow in - as he was from Kentisbeare in Devon.

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

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

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

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

  1. Mary Ann Stone b. Aug 1834, bap. 25 Dec 1834 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville.
In 1841, William (40), Elizabeth (30) - William is listed as M. S. (male servant) and Elizabeth as F. S. (female servant); William Jr (rounded down to 15) - I think they've confused which son was at home and this was actually Thomas - and Mary Anne (6) were living at Hill Cottage, Holcombe Rogus, Wellington. Henry Stone, age rounded down to 10 (actually 13), was a servant of Richard and Martha Barton at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. "Richard Barton was born in Churchstanton, Somerset, in about 1817. I think that he was baptised at Otterford with his brother John Barton on 16th March 1817. He married Martha Surridge in Tiverton Registration District during 1841 and they were probably living at Langford Budville, Somerset, until at least 1844. At the time of the 1841 census Richard was farming at Higher Wellesford, Langford Budville. He was described as a twenty-year-old farmer, not born in the county of Somerset, and his wife, Martha, was aged twenty and born in that county." - Pedigree of the Bartons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Henry Wood and Mary Jane Melhuish

Kentisbeare: St Mary's churchyard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/4624352

Henry Wood (b. 1842), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Jane Melhuish (b. 1847 in East Stonehouse, Plymouth), daughter of William Melhuish, Marine, and Sarah Lake, at St. Mary's ChurchKentisbeare on 31 May 1866. Witnesses were William Melhuish and Jane Bond.

Henry and Mary Jane had ten children:
  1. Charles Henry Wood b. 1866 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 388, bap. 19 Aug 1866 at All SaintsBlackborough (Demolished 1994)
  2. William Wood b. 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 27 Mar 1869 at St. Mary’sKentisbeare
  3. Emma Jane Wood b. 15 Aug 1871 (1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413), bap. 3 Sep 1871 in Kentisbeare
  4. Alice Wood b. 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419, bap. 18 Jan 1874 in Kentisbeare. (Died 1874 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 311, at 3 weeks and was buried on 25 Jan 1874.)
  5. Henry Wood b. 1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 3 Feb 1875 in Kentisbeare
  6. Amelia Wood b. 1877 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427, bap. 3 Jun 1877 in Kentisbeare
  7. Walter Wood b. 1879 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414, bap. 25 Dec 1879 in Kentisbeare
  8. Alice Mary Wood b. 1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433, 4 Jun 1882 in Kentisbeare
  9. Ellen Wood b. 1887 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 411, bap. 9 Mar 1887 in Kentisbeare
  10. Frederick Wood b. 1889 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 11 Aug 1889 in Kentisbeare
All with mother's maiden name MELHUISH. On Charles Henry's baptism in Blackborough, Henry and Mary Jane are described as "Tinkers in Kentisbeare", an archaic term for an itinerant tinsmith who mends household utensils.

In 1871, they were living in the 'Village, Kentisbeare' with Henry Wood (28) Farm Labourer from Kentisbeare, Devon, wife Mary Jane (24), with Charles Henry (6), William (2) as well as Henry's father, James Wood (57), mother, Harriet (51), brother James (12) and sister, Sarah (8). 

In 1881 and still living in the Village, Kentisbeare, were Henry Wood (38), Mary J (34), William (12), Harry (6), Amelia (4) and Walter (1). Charles Henry (15) had already left home and was working as a Farm Servant (indoors) for William Snell (48) Farmer of 118 Acres at Bishops Farm, Kentisbeare, while Emma Jane (9) was staying nearby with her grandmother, Harriet. 

The Crediton Gazette, 30 Jan 1886 reported on "A DISHONEST SERVANT GIRL. Emma Wood, servant, aged 15 years, was summoned for stealing a sovereign and a jet chain, together of the value of 32s, the property of Mr Henry Brown, farmer of Aylesbeare, Kentisbeare. Mrs Caroline Brown, wife of the prosecutor, said that on Saturday week she heard a noise at the top of the stairs, and saw the prisoner coming out of her bedroom without her boots, and with a lamp in her hand. She had no suspicions of the girl, and locked her door and returned downstairs. On the Thursday following her husband asked her for some money, and on looking in the box she found a sovereign, which she had placed there, missing. On making further search she missed the jet chain from her jewel case. She questioned the girl, who persistently denied all knowledge of the matter, but subsequently she admitted her guilt to her mother, who was, witness believed, innocent of any previous knowledge of the affair. The girl had been with her only a week. She said she had burnt the chain. PC Clatworthy said the girl had told him she burnt the chain in a kitchen fire, and on being questioned she said he had similarly destroyed the sovereign, and had seen it melt. [UNLIKELY: The melting point of gold is 1064°C, whereas the average house fire, or household wood fire, burns at around 600°C.] The ashes had been sifted, and he had found amongst them the fragments produced which appeared to be jet. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr J Frost said he knew the girl's father to be a hard working man, and he believed he had a large family. The chairman pointed out to the girl the serious nature of the charge, and cautioned her as to her future conduct. She was fined £1, and the girl's mother was allowed a month for payment."

In 1891, living in a Cottage, Kentisbeare (quite possibly the same place as in previous decades), were Henry Wood (48), Mary J (44), Charles (24), Emma J (19), Henry (16), Milly [Amelia] (14), Walter (11), Alice (9) and Ellen (4). 

In 1901, listed again as the Village, Kentisbeare, there were Henry Wood (59) now a Carter on Farm, Mary Jane (55), Charles Wood (34) Single, also a Carter on Farm, Ellen Wood (14) and Henry Melhuish (44) Lodger.

Henry Wood died, aged 63, in 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310 and was buried on 13 Mar 1904 in Kentisbeare.

In 1911, Charles Wood (44) Waggoner on Farm was listed as the head of the household with, Mary Jane Wood (65) and Walter Wood (31) Farm Labourer. (On the original census, Charles Wood was first listed as single, then that was crossed out and Widower was written over it, which is what was then (rightly) transcribed, even though this is not true. Next Mary Jane is listed as Mother, Widow, lastly Walter is listed as 'Son'. Obviously, Walter was Mary Jane's son, not the son of the supposed head of the household and I believe this is key. There's no evidence of Charles marrying and indeed, in 1921 he was back to being single. What I think happened here was that despite Charles being listed as the head of the household, it was Mary Jane giving the information to the enumerator. Mother, Mary Jane, was still the head of the household really, but I'll bet some misogynist insisted a man had to be and then she had to look at the the relationships / conditions from a new, confusing, perspective.)

In 1921, Mary Jane Wood (73) and son Charles Wood (55) General Labourer, who was then employed by Henry Morish at Cotters Farm, Kentisbeare, were living at Church Cottage, Kentisbeare, Devon.

Charles Wood predeceased his mother and died, aged 68, in 1933 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 414.

Mary Jane Wood died, at 87, 1935 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 539.

Sunday, 24 May 2026

John Rookley and Mary Ayres

Kentisbeare : Priest Hill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3707225

John Rookley (bap. 9 Jan 1797 in Kentisbeare, Devon), son of James Rookley and Thomazin Salter, married Mary Ayres (bap. 13 Jun 1800 in Kentisbeare), daughter of Zachariah Ayres and Mary Farnell, on 24 May 1820 at St Mary's ChurchKentisbeare. Witnesses were William Ayres and Charles Knight.

Records suggest John and Mary Rookley had 13 children:
  1. Mary Ann Rookley bap. 8 Oct 1820 (Residence: Picksey Pool)
  2. John Rookley Jnr b. 1822 (No baptism found)
  3. Jane Ayres Rookley bap. 18 Jan 1824 (Residence: Little Silver)
  4. James Rookley bap. 20 Aug 1826 (Residence: Crosses)
  5. Emma Rookley bap. 1829 in Kentisbeare
  6. Elizabeth Ruckley (sic) bap. 13 Feb 1831
  7. William Rookley bap. 3 Feb 1833 (Residence: Town)
  8. Sarah Ruckley (sic) bap. 24 May 1835 (Residence: Little Silver)
  9. Henry Ruckley (sic) bap. 18 Jun 1837 (Residence: Crosses)
  10. Thomas Rookley b. 1839 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 257 bap. 14 Apr 1839.
  11. Thomasin Rookley b. 1841 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 258 bap. 28 Feb 1841
  12. Eliza Rookley b. 1843 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 250 bap. 30 Apr 1843
  13. Anna Rookley b. 1845 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 266 bap. 1 Jun 1845
All Civil Birth registrations list the surname as Ruckley (doubtlessly, as a result of illiteracy and the Devon accent - on William's baptism the curate has written "Rookley, or as they say Ruckley") and the mother's maiden name as Ayres. On the baptisms of Mary Ann, Jane Ayres and James, John Rookley's occupation is described as a Husbandman (a person who cultivates the land; a farmer), obviously employed casually, but on those of Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Henry, Thomas, Thomasin, Eliza and Anna, he's a Labourer.

In 1841, John Ruckley (sic) (45) was in the Devon County House Of Correction, St David's, Exeter, having earned a 6 month sentence for Larceny. Mary and the children don't appear anywhere on this census.

We do find the family in 1851, when they are listed, unhelpfully, as living in "Village, Kentisbeare". John Rookley (56) is a Farmer of 22 Acres, with the household consisting wife Mary (52), William (19) and Henry (12) Employed on the farm; Thomas (10), Thomasin (8), Eliza (6) and Hannah (Anna) (4).

Mary Rookley died at 59 in 1859 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 282 and was buried on 27 Apr 1859 in Kentisbeare churchyard.

In 1861, listed as John Rockley (sic) (67), widowed, Retired Farmer, was living at Gaddford Hills, Kentisbeare, Devon.

In 1871, John Rookley (78), Farm Labourer, was living at "Moor, Kentisbeare" (Kentis Moor) in the household of James and Thomasin Ridgeway

John Rookely died, still said to be aged 78, in 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 279 and was buried on 14 May 1871, in Kentisbeare.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

James Wood and Mary Ann Melhuish

Broadhembury
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Stowell - geograph.org.uk/p/6855

James Wood (bap. 2 Aug 1857 in Kentisbeare), son of James Wood and Harriet Gollop, married Mary Ann Melhuish (b. ~1864) on 20 May 1883 at St. Mary’sKentisbeare. The spaces for Mary Ann's father are left blank on the marriage certificate who consistently said she was born in Clayhidon, Devon. (There was a Mary Ann Melhuish born illegitimately to an Elizabeth Melhuish, on 12 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 445), but that birth was in Hemyock. Were they connected to Mary Jane Melhuish, who James' elder brother Henry had married.)

James and Mary Ann had 11 children:
  1. Robert Wood b. 1883 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 404, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare (Baptised at 18 months old.) 
  2. Sarah Ann Wood b. 1885 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 405, bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare
  3. Edith Maud Wood b. 24 Jul 1887 (1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 14 Aug 1887 in Kentisbeare
  4. Harriet Mary Wood b. 23 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 419), bap. 13 Jan 1889 in Kentisbeare
  5. George Wood b. 30 Aug 1890 (1890 D Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 13), bap. 5 Oct 1890 in Broadhembury
  6. Unnamed male Wood b. 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 16 (Died 1893 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14)
  7. Eldred James Wood b. 15 Mar 1894 (1894 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 14), bap. 1 Apr 1894 in Broadhembury
  8. Mabel Wood b. 1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 385, bap. 8 Aug 1896, marked P.B. Private Baptism, presumably at home. (Died at 21 days old (1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 257), buried 23 Aug 1896, also in Kentisbeare)
  9. Roland Ashford Wood b. 25 Jan 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 384), bap. 13 Mar 1898 in Kentisbeare
  10. Reginald Leonard Wood b. 8 May 1901 (1901 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378), bap. ? 1901 in Blackborough
  11. Mabel Frances Wood b. 1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 380 (Died at 26 days old (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307), buried 17 Jan 1904 in Blackborough)
In 1891 the family were living in Broad Road, Broadhembury, Honiton with James Wood (32) Agricultural Labourer, Mary A (29), Robert (7), Sarah A (5), Edith M (3), Harriet M (2) and George (0).

In 1901, they were back in Kentisbeare at Hollis Green, with James Wood (43), Mary A (39), Edith (13), Harriet M (12), George (10), Eldred J (7) and Roland A (3). I've been unable to find either Robert or Sarah Ann. 

In 1911, at Cobblers Hall, Kentisbeare, were James Wood (53), Mary Ann (49), Sarah Ann Wood (25) Servant Cook, and Reginald Leonard Wood (9). They confirm on this census that they had 11 children during their 28 years of marriage, with 8 still living and 3 had died. Harriet Mary Wood (23) from Kentisbeare, Devon was Cook in the household of James Browning Young (63) Retired Captain Royal Navy at Wimborne Minster, Dorset.

James Wood died at 61 on 11 Nov 1918 (1918 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 833) and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare.

In 1921, Mary Ann Wood (58) Widow, was living at Downlands, Kentisbeare, Devon with Roland Ashford Wood (23) & Reginald Leonard Wood (20) Farm Labourers; Sarah Ann Edmond (36) Widow; James Roland George Edmond (8) Grandson; Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond (6) Grandson; Constance Mary Helen Edmond (4) Granddaughter and Robert Wood (37) Visitor (eldest son).

In 1939, Mary Ann Wood, Widow, was living at 15, Blackborough with her youngest son, Reginald Leonard, then employed as a Rabbit Trapper. 

Mary Ann Wood died ~91 on 6 Jan 1955 (1955 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A Page 1000) and buried with her late husband at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.

Saturday, 9 May 2026

John Hartley and Anna Rookley

Shops in Terrace Road, Plaistow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/4132776

John Hartley (b. 1846 in Bow, Middlesex), son of John Hartley and Mary Blundell, married Anna Rookley (b. 1845 in Kentisbeare, Devon), youngest daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, at St Stephen's Church, Tredegar Road, Bow (damaged during WW2 and demolished) on 9 May 1869.

Records suggest that John and Anna Hartley had four children:
  1. Arthur John Hartley b. 1869, died aged 0. Death registered 1869 D Qtr in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 595. Birth shows in the next quarter, 1870 M Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 839.
  2. Walter James Hartley b. 16 May 1872 (1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Pg 435), bap. 4 Jul 1875 at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare, Devon. Died in 1891 M Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Pg 34, at 18.
  3. Elias John Hartley (as it was on his birth registration) b. 14 Oct 1873 (1873 D Qtr in SOUTH SHIELDS Vol 10A Page 795), bap. John Elias Hartley on 4 Jul 1875 at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare
  4. Alice Anna Hartley b. 1878 M Qtr in PEMBROKE Vol 11A Page 870, bap. 13 Mar 1878 at St John the Evangelist, Pembroke Dock
In 1871, John Hartley (25) from Middlesex, England and Anna Hartley (25) from Devon, England, were lodging at Charlton Place, St Mary, Pembroke.

Walter James Hartley and John Hartley were enrolled at Bradninch National School in 1880, a note next to their names on the school register says, "on a visit to Bradninch from London". Their aunt and uncle James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley (Thomasin was Anna's sister), lived in Bradninch.

In 1881, John Hartley (35) Engine Fitter from Bow, London, wife Anna (36) from Devon and Alice A (4) born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, were living at 4, Edward Street, West Ham, London. Walter Hartley (8) from Portsmouth and John Hartley (7) from Wales (clearly confused his birthplace with his sister's) were again or still with James and Thomasin Ridgeway, in Bradninch.

John Hartley Jnr was again registered at Bradninch National School in 1885, this time with James Ridgeway of Hele listed as his parent/guardian.

In 1891, at 4, Randolph Road, West Ham, were John Hartley (43) Marine Engineer; Annie Hartley (44), John Hartley (17) Smith and Alice Hartley (13).

John Hartley died, aged just 48, in 1895 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 87. And in the same quarter of the same year, their 16-17 year old daughter, Alice Anna Hartley married John Watson Bell, in Poplar.

John Hartley (b. 1873 in Newcastle, Northumberland) enlisted in the Grenadier Guards, at 22, on 11 Nov 1895, at Horse Guards, London. The record lists his previous occupation as Blacksmith, his father John, mother Anna and sister Alice (the family's address listed as 26, Freemasons Road, Custom House); that he was then 5ft 9in with a fair complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair, with a small scar on his right cheek. Recalled in 1899; convicted of Drunkenness and spent 5 days in prison from 22nd to 27th Jun 1899; served in South Africa from 21 Oct 1899 to 21 Jul 1902 (for the entirety of the Second Boer War); re-transferred to the Army Reserve on 17 Mar 1903; reengaged in 1907 and finally discharged in 1911.

In 1901, Anna Hartley (55) from Kentisbeare, Devon, listed as married rather than widowed, was living in the household of her son-in-law, John Watson Bell (32) Shipping Clerk at 104, Terrace Road, Plaistow (West Ham), with Alice Bell (23), Alice (5), Grace (4), John (2) and Beatrice (0).

Anne Hartley died in 1909 S Quarter in ROCHFORD Volume 04A Page 290, with age (under) estimated as 62. She was buried, on 28 Aug 1909, at St Mary's Church, Great Ilford.

In 1911, Jack [John Elias] Hartley (38) born in Jarrow, Newcastle, a Ship Worker at the Docks, was a boarder in Plaistow. John Elias Hartley died, at 71, in 1945 S Quarter in ESSEX SOUTH-WESTERN Vol 04A Page 128.

Friday, 8 May 2026

James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood

British Cemetery Graves, St Sever Cemetery Extension Photo: GiogoSome rights reserved

James Edmond (b. 1888, in PrestonpansMidlothian, Scotland), son of George Edmond and Helen Hardie, married Sarah Ann Wood (bap. 12 Jul 1885 in Kentisbeare) daughter of James Wood and Mary Ann Melhuish, at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare on 8 May 1911. At that time, James Edmond was a Lodging House Keeper and Sarah was a Domestic Servant, both of Ponchydown, Kentisbeare (former Ponchydown InnBlackborough).

James and Sarah Ann had three children:
  1. James Roland George Edmond b. 24 Jul 1912 in Scotland, bap. 29 Dec 1912 at Blackborough, Devon, although the family's address on the baptism record was given as 2 New St, Prestonpans.
  2. Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond b. 23 Dec 1914 (1915 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 666)
  3. Constance Mary Helen Edmond b. 11 May 1917 (1917 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 537)
On 23 Jun 1906, James Edmond enlisted for Short Service in the Scots Guards. He served until 23 Jun 1909 and was transferred to the reserve. However, he was mobilised again on 5 Aug 1914, the day after Britain declared war on Germany. James was promoted to Corporal in 1915 and Sergeant in 1916. His army record states that he embarked on the "SS Queen Alexandria", in Southampton on 9 Aug 1916, arriving in Le Havre the next day.

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

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

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

However, Sarah Ann Edmond, widow, of The Mental Hospital, Exminster (originally Devon County Lunatic Asylum, Exminster), died, aged 48, on 4 Dec 1933 (1933 D Quarter in ST. THOMAS Volume 05B Page 76), and was buried with her parents, in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare, Devon, leaving her effects to her son James Roland George Edmond, Guardsman.

In 1939, Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond was a Motor Driver, living at 3 Higher Summerlands, Whipton, Exeter. Constance M H Edmond, Incapacitated, was resident at the The Royal Western Counties Institution For Training And Treatment Of Mental Defectives, Starcross. Originally known as the Western Counties Idiot Asylum, this institution opened in 1864 in a house and land, rented from W.R. Courtenay, 11th Earl of Devon. It later became known as the Western Counties Institution, Starcross, and was certified as 'a residential special school for mental defectives'. Residents were trained in carving, weaving, basketry, lace-making and carpentry, and worked on the institution's agricultural holdings. It was closed in 1986, and demolished. This dreadful terminology is very much 'of it's time', but reading between the lines, considering where she was living and the age, 32, she died my suspicion is that Connie may have been born with an extra chromosome. Constance M H Edmond died on 6 Aug 1949 (1949 S Quarter in DEVON CENTRAL Vol 07A Page 303) and is buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare.

Penywern Road, Earls Court
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/1266232

James Roland George Edmond, elder son of James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood, married Elizabeth Thompson, in 1937, in Paddington, London. 

On 12 Feb 1932, James R G Edmond had enlisted in the Scots Guards

Spot the glaring error in this communication from the Recruiting Office in Exeter, writing to the Commanding Officer of the Scots Guards in Birdcage Walk, S.W.1.
"May this man be accepted please. He is a Bona-fide Scotchman. Wishes to serve in his Father's Regt. Father killed on service in the Great War. Father's Regt: Scots Guards. He is of a very respectable appearance and his acceptance is recommended."
In another communication, they'd also quoted the wrong service number and date of death for his father. And on another page, his nationality as Scottish (although for many it would be great news if that really was a thing.)

On 31 Mar 1935, James was in Civil Custody to be tried the next day, at Marylebone Police Court, for "taking and driving away" and this offence is noted on his military record. He was fined 45 Shillings (£2.25 in 1935 is worth £168 today.) From 1 Nov 1935 to 23 Nov 1936, he served in Egypt and transferred to Palestine on 24 Nov 1936 until 30 Dec 1936, for which he was awarded the General Service Medal with Clasp "Palestine". 

J R G Edmond was discharged from the guards on 13 Jan 1939 (under Paragraph 383 (xviii) of the Kings Regulations 1935), his services being no longer required. On discharge, his military conduct was listed as "FAIR" and described as "A clean and hardworking man. He is a good groom. Has also been employed as a saddler in which capacity he has done good work."

Given he was only 27 at the outbreak of World War II, it's strange he seems not to have been called back into service in some sort of capacity, but in 1939 we find James R G Edmond, Attendant Amusement, with wife Elizabeth (b. 25 Mar 1914) and George Thompson (b. 27 May 1917), Luggage Porter, at 25 Penywern Road, Earls Court (later the address of the Lord Jim Hotel). 

Elizabeth Edmond died in DOR Q2/2000 in PETERBOROUGH (3351B) Reg B64G Entry Number 22. James Roland George Edmond in DOR Q4/2001 in PETERBOROUGH (3351C) Reg C36G Entry Number 266.

Dunkeswell Bridleway
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2785192

Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond (b. 23 Dec 1914), younger son of James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood, married Mildred Hettie Dunn (b. 2 Jan 1919), at the end of 1940. The Western Times, on Friday 10th January, 1941, reported on the CLAYHIDON WEDDING. "The wedding took place at the Blackdown Mission Room, Clayhidon, of Miss Mildred Hettie Dunn (eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs H J Dunn of Ashill, Craddock) and Mr Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond of Stentwood FarmDunkeswell (youngest son of the late Sergeant-Major James Edmond, Scots Guards, and the late Mrs Edmond). Mr D W Brealey officiated. The organist was Mrs Venn of London. The bride, given away by her father, wore a navy striped costume and pink blouse, with a navy hat, shoes and gloves en suite. She carried a bouquet of shaded pink chrysanthemums and fern. There were no bridesmaids. The best man was Mr Ivor Colman, friend of the bridegroom. Mr Escott was usher. There was no reception. Later in the day Mr and Mrs Cecil Edmond went to their future home at Stentwood Farm, Dunkeswell. There were many presents."
(In another prime example of how family stories so often contain exaggeration and "self-aggrandisement", the bridegroom's father has managed to progress two ranks, despite having been dead for over 20 years. Neat trick!)

Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond died in 1974, at 59.

Mildred Hettie Edmond died on 5 Jun 2012 (DOR Q2/2012 in DEVON (423-1B) Entry Number 506889888). She will have been 93.

Saturday, 11 April 2026

Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter

St Mary, Kentisbeare, Devon - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1726294

Edward Carpenter (bap. 31 May 1730), son of Hugh Carpenter and Joan Baker, married Mary Winter on 11 Apr 1748 at St MaryKentisbeare

Records suggest the couple had seven children: 
  1. William Carpenter bap. 25 Apr 1749
  2. Dorothy Carpenter bap. 29 May 1752 (buried 25 Jul 1752)
  3. Jenney Carpenter bap. 24 Aug 1755
  4. Thomas Carpenter bap. 18 Jun 1758
  5. Edward Carpenter bap. 9 Nov 1760
  6. Dorothy Carpenter bap. 15 Jul 1764
  7. Hugh Carpenter bap. 6 Jan 1769
There's nothing in the records I've seen to date to suggest what occupation Edward had, neither has it been possible to find a record of his death. There are several deaths for a Mary Carpenter in Kentisbeare between 1774 and 1796, any of which could relate, but it hasn't been possible to identify which one it is. Likewise, trying to trace each of their children forward has either provided no further records beyond their baptisms, or where several records exist and no clues to narrow it down. Frustrating, but common problem.

Thursday, 19 February 2026

James Wood and Harriet Gollop

Kentisbeare: village stores and Post Office
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/4624324

James Wood (b. 4 Sep 1814 in Uffculme, Devon) Bachelor, Servant then resident in Bathwick, Somerset, son of Henry Wood, Shoemaker, and Sarah James, married Harriet Gollop (bap. 24 Oct 1819 in Widworthy, East Devon), daughter of Robert Gollop and Jane Horton on 19 Feb 1840 at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare Devon. One of the witnesses was Robert Gollop, who must have been Harriet's elder brother; the other was a member of the Wood family.

Records suggest that James and Harriet had seven children:
  1. Mary Jane Wood b. 1840 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 10 Page 117, bap. 14 Jun 1840 in Widworthy.
  2. Henry Wood b. 1842 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 251, bap. 30 Oct 1842 in Kentisbeare
  3. Ann Wood b. 1845 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 254. Died, at 5, in 1851 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 10 Page 177.
  4. Charles Wood bap. 9 Sep 1849 in Kentisbeare, listed as son of James and Harriet Wood. (The only birth registration is 1849 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 252, but has the mother's maiden name LOCK, which is a mystery.)
  5. Emma Wood b. 1852 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 370, bap. 4 May 1856 in Kentisbeare
  6. James Wood b. 1857 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 384, bap. 2 Aug 1857 in Kentisbeare
  7. Sarah Ann Wood b. 1862 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413 bap. 5 Oct 1862 in Kentisbeare
The mother's maiden name (other than for Charles) is GOLLOP.

In 1841, Harriet Wood (20) and Mary (1) were in Harriet's mother's household at Lusehayne, Widworthy. It was common for women to go back to their mother's home to give birth to first babies. Not located James.

In 1851, James Wood (37), Harriet (32), Mary (9), Henry (8), Ann (5) and Charles (2) were at Lower Croyle, Kentisbeare. Mary Jane (10) was double-counted, listed as again staying with her grandmother in Widworthy.

In 1861, living in North Street, Kentisbeare, were James Wood (47), Harriet Wood (43), Charles Wood (10), Ann Wood (7) (Assume this was Emma) and James Wood (4). Henry Wood (18) was a Farm Servant to John Percey (37) Innkeeper and Farmer in West Street, Kentisbeare (presumably Keepers Cottage Inn, which appears to still be in the Persey family.)

In 1871, James Wood (57), Harriet (51), James (12) and Sarah (8) were living with son Henry Wood in Kentisbeare Village. Mary Jane Wood (30) born in Widworthy, Devonshire was a Lady's Maid in the household of Gilbert and Sophia Matthews in Colaton Raleigh, Devon, described as a Cousin.

James Wood died in 1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 306, aged 65 and was buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Kentisbeare.

In 1881, Harriet Wood (64) Widow, Unemployed, was living in Kentisbeare Village with James (23) and granddaughter, Emma (9) [Henry's daughter].

Harriet Wood died in 1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 309 and was buried on 3 Jan 1889, also in Kentisbeare Churchyard.