Inherited Craziness
A place to share all the nuts found on my family tree

Showing posts with label Labourer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Labourer. Show all posts

Monday 16 October 2023

William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone

St Peter’s Church, Uplowman
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2510457

William Bridle (24), son of Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, and Lucy Jane Stone (23), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 16 Oct 1895. Witnesses to the marriage were Lucy Jane's elder brother, Francis Stone and her niece, Ellen Stone

In 1891, William Bridle (20), Horse Driver, was a boarder in the household of Mary Jennings in Westexe South, Tiverton. Lucy Stone, was a General Servant in the employ of Charles E Tutton, Chemist, in Gold Street.

The couple had just one child, a daughter, Nellie Bridle, born 20 Feb 1898, and baptised on 7 Apr 1898 at St George's Church, Tiverton

In 1901, William Bridle (29), Coal Yard Labourer, Lucy Jane (28) and Nellie (3) were living at School Board House, 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton. (111 Chapel Street was also the address given by Lucy's brother Charles at the time of his marriage to Emma Middleton in 1896.) There was a school, where there is a green bush, just beyond these houses, on the map of the area in 1890.

In 1911, at the same address, with William Bridle (40) employed as a Carter; with Lucy Jane Bridle (38) and Nellie Bridle (13) was still at school. 

In 1921, again at 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton, were William Bridle (50) Driver Motor Lorry, working for Shell Mex Ltd at the GWR Goods Yard, Tiverton Depot; with Lucy Jane Bridle (49) and Nellie Bridle (23).

William Bridle died relatively young, at 55, on 5 Aug 1926. 

By 1939, Nellie had married and she and her husband, Lewis William Kerslake and their son William were all living with the widowed Lucy Jane, who was undertaking Sewing and Domestic work, still at 111 Chapel Street. 

Lucy Jane Bridle died on 18 Apr 1944, aged 72. Probate was granted on 8 Jun that year, to her daughter, Nellie Kerslake. Lucy Jane left effects valued at £1912 15s 2d, worth approximately £85,345 today.

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

Wednesday 11 October 2023

William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn

Lingfield, Surrey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1929778
Looking towards the Grade I listed church of St. Peter & St. Paul.

William Penfold (bap. 5 Nov 1826 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield), son of William Penfold and Hannah Humphrey (m. 1821) married Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn (bap. 25 Jul 1830 at St Nicholas Church, Chiswick), daughter of Robert Gunn and Dinah Powell (m. 1812) at St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield, Surrey on 11 Oct 1851. Witnesses were Thomas and Hannah Tharp.

William and Mary Ann had nine children:
  1. Jane Penfold b. 1853 D Quarter in EAST GRINSTED Vol 02B Page 94, bap. 30 Oct 1853 at St Peter and St PaulLingfield, Surrey
  2. William Robert Penfold b. 1855 D Quarter in CROYDON SURREY Volume 02A Page 123, bap. 20 Jan 1856 in Croydon, Surrey, died 1856 J Quarter Volume 02A Page 82, buried on 13 Apr 1856 in Croydon.
  3. John Robert Penfold b. 12 Apr 1857 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 98, bap. 24 May 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  4. Arthur Edward Penfold b. 1859 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 99, bap. 5 Jun 1859 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  5. Amelia Dinah Penfold b. 1861 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 104, died, age 5, in 1867 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 74
  6. Frederick William Penfold b. 20 Jul 1863 in EAST GRINSTEAD 
  7. Charles Penfold b. 31 Oct 1865 in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 104
  8. Thomas Penfold b. 1868 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 111. Died, aged 19 on 20 Apr 1887, at St. George Hanover Square
  9. George Albert Penfold b. 1870 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 114, died, age 3, in 1874 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 82, bur: 14 May 1874 St. Mary's Church, Hartfield, Sussex
Later newspaper reports allude to the existence of four [surviving] brothers.

In 1861, William Penfold (34) Agricultural Labourer was living in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, East Grinstead, Sussex with wife Mary Ann Penfold (30), Jane Penfold (7), John Penfold (4) and Arthur Edward Penfold (2).

In 1871, still in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, Sussex, were William Penfold (44), Mary Ann C Penfold (40), John R (14), Arthur E (11), Frederick W (7), Charles (5), Thomas (3), George A (0) and Henry Care (15) Nephew.

William Penfold died, aged 46, and was buried in Hartfield on 1 Mar 1873.

In 1881, Mary Ann Penfold (50) widow, was living at the Old Turnpike House, Hartfield - a later newspaper article mentions that her late husband, William Penfold, had been the toll house keeper - with Thomas (13) and Charles Payne (9) Boarder. Frederick William Penfold (18) was at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda; Charles Penfold (17) Grocer's assistant was living in Mitcham, Surrey in the household of his older brother, John Edward Penfold; there's no knowing where Arthur Edward Penfold was at that time.

Mary Ann Penfold died, aged 55, in 1886, in Chelsea. Newspaper reports indicate that she had died during an epileptic seizure.

Saturday 30 September 2023

Moses Doe, Harriet White and Mary Ann Norman

St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rodney Burton - geograph.org.uk/p/141922

Moses Doe (bap. 4 Feb 1821 in Little Canfield), son of Henry Doe and Elizabeth Doe, married Harriet White (bap. 6 Oct 1822 in Great Dunmow), daughter of Mark and Rhoda White, at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch on 30 Sep 1844. Rhoda White was one of four witnesses to the marriage. (In 1841, Rhoda White (42) had been listed in the household - presumably as a servant - of James Samms (67) at Manor Farm, Little Easton (Little Easton Manor). Mark White had been buried on 11 Apr 1834, in Little Easton.)

Moses and Harriet had three sons:
  1. Charles Doe b. 1845 S Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 278, bap. at Walthamstow, St John the Evangelist
  2. Benjamin Doe b. 1848, reg. 1849 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 320, bap. Walthamstow, St James the Great. Died, aged 13, in 1862 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 34, and is buried at Walthamstow, St Mary the Virgin.
  3. William Doe b. 1851 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Vol 12 Page 317
In 1851, Moses Doe (30) Labourer from Essex was living in Black Horse Lane, Walthamstow, West Ham, with wife Harriet (29) from Dunmow, Essex; Charles Doe (5), Benjamin Doe (1), William Doe (0) and Roda (sic) White (50) Widow, House Servant, Mother-in-Law from Fakenham, Norfolk.

In 1861, Moses Doe (40) Grocer, was at Sinkers Bridge, Walthamstow, West Ham, with Harriet Doe (36), Benjamin Doe (11), William Doe (10), Kate Stacks (2) Granddaughter from Middlesex and Elizabeth Martain (51) Widow, Lodger from Hackney. I've been unable to find Charles Doe, who would have been around 15 and probably out working. (There is a death of a Charles Doe in West Ham in 1861, but this record can be discounted as the deceased was aged 3.) With only three sons, who were too young, Kate Stacks cannot be the Doe's granddaughter so assume was the lodger's granddaughter.

In 1871, at Shern Hall Place, Walthamstow, West Ham were Moses Doe (50) Undergardener Domestic Servant from Little Canfield, Essex; Harriet Doe (49) from Little Easton and William Doe (20) Groom. (Shern Hall: stood in impressive grounds of more than 18 acres that contained landscaped gardens, a large T-shaped pond, orchards, meadowland, farm buildings and stabling.)

Harriet Doe died, at 52, in 1874 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 333 was buried on 7 Jan 1874 at St Paul's Church, Rusthall.

Moses Doe (53) Widower, Gardener, remarried to Mary Ann Norman (39) Spinster, on 7 Mar 1875 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.

Moses and Mary Ann added one further son:
  1. John Doe b. 1876 S Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 603, bap. at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.
In 1881, transcribed as Morris Deo (and the bad handwriting does look like that) living at Denny Bottom, Speldhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, were Moses Doe (60) Gardener; Mary Ann Deo (45) Wife of Gardner; John Deo (4) Scholar, plus 2 Lodgers: John P Norbury (32) Carpenter from Liverpool and Alfred Brown (20) Carpenter from Bradwell on Sea, Essex.

Mary Ann Doe died, aged 53 in 1888 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 439, and was buried on 13 Mar 1888, at St Paul's Church, Rusthall

Moses Doe died, at 67, on 24 Jun 1888 (1888 J Qtr in TUNBRIDGE Vol 02A Page 364) and was buried on 27 Jun 1888, also at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. Sadly, the gravestone mentions "a long and painful affliction".

St. Paul's Church, Rusthall Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Malc McDonald - geograph.org.uk/p/6408539

Sunday 24 September 2023

Alfred Eldred and Frances Amelia Godfrey

Ponders End High Street at the junction with South Street 
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nigel Cox - geograph.org.uk/p/678890

Alfred Eldred, son of John Eldred and Harriett Page, married Frances Amelia Godfrey, daughter of William Godfrey and Catherine Astor Oxenham, at St Thomas's Church, West Ham on 24 Sep 1917. They'd already been together for close to 40 years and brought up seven offspring. How very modern!

Alfred Eldred was half-brother of Thomazine Maria Eldred, step-son of Catherine Byatt and thus, also step-brother of Elizabeth Wilton.

Records suggest that Alfred and Frances had 7 children:
  1. Catherine Ellen Eldridge (sic) b. 1879 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Pg 674
  2. Alfred John Eldred b. 1881 S Quarter in EDMONTON Vol 03A Pg 321
  3. Mary Ann Margaret Eldred b. 1885 (no birth registration found)
  4. Rachel Maria Amelia Eldred b. 1890 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 630. Died, aged 1, in 1891 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 443
  5. Walter William Eldrett (sic) b. 1892 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 605
  6. Elizabeth Alice Eldrett (sic) b. 1895 S Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 199
  7. John Edward Phillip Eldrett (sic) b. 1899 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 4
Despite all the different spellings and variations of the family surname, on the GRO birth registrations, the mother's maiden name is consistently GODFREY.

In 1881, in South Street, Enfield [Ponders End], were Alfred Eldrett (sic) (26) Labourer, Francis (sic) Amelia Eldrett (sic) (23) and Catherine Hellen (sic) Eldrett (sic) (1). It says that their daughter was born in Bromley, Kent, but this too is yet another error as she was born in Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar

In 1891, Alfred Eldrett (sic) (36) Gas Labourer was living at 29, Donald Street, Bromley, Poplar with Francis (sic) Eldrett (33), Katherine Eldrett (12), Alfred Eldrett (10) and Mary Ann Eldrett (6).

In 1901, Alfred Eldret (45) General Carman was living in Church Street Buildings, 19, Church Street, Plaistow (West Ham), with Frances (41), Mary A Eldret (16), Walter W Eldret (9), Elizabeth Eldret (5) and John Eldret (2).

In 1911, Alfred Eldred (54) General Labourer, from Dunmow, Essex; Frances Eldred (50), Walter Eldred (19), Elizabeth Eldred (15) and John Eldred (12) were living at 41 Preston RoadStratfordWest Ham. They 'claimed' they'd been married for 32 years (corresponding with the birth of their eldest) and confirmed they'd had 7 children, of whom 6 were living and one had died.

In 1921, Alfred Eldred (64) General labourer for the Charrington City And Westminster Electric Light Company; Frances Eldred (60) and Walter William Eldred (29) Tallow Melter for Cockman Brothers Limited Tallow Melters And Bone Merchants, were still at 41, Preston Road, Stratford, West Ham.

Frances Amelia Eldred died, at 67, in 1927 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 5. 

Alfred Eldred died, aged 74, in 1931 D Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 1.

Sunday 17 September 2023

Henry Ralph Gabbedey and Elizabeth Louisa Osborn

St Botolph without Bishopsgate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1193022

Henry Ralph Gabbedey, son of John Benbow Gabbedy and Isabella Cleghorn, married Elizabeth Louisa Sheldrick on 17 Sep 1833 at the church of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate. Born Elizabeth Louisa Osborn and baptised on 24 Apr 1808 in Rotherhithe, daughter of James Osborn and Ann Hopwood, Elizabeth had previously married Thomas Sheldrick on 10 Oct 1830, also at St. Botolph Bishopsgate. However, by the time Elizabeth had their daughter, Eliza Maria Sheldrick baptised, on 19 Aug 1831, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Elizabeth was already described as a widow, although she wasn't, yet.

Thomas Sheldrick (43) "A convict in the General Penitentiary" (Millbank Prison), was buried on 5 Jul 1832 at the burial ground of the General Penitentiary, Millbank. In 1830, Thomas Sheldrick and at the same time John Kimpton, were both sentenced, in Cambridge, to 7 years Transportation for Larceny. Then there's a second record ordering the removal of Thomas Sheldrick and John Kimpton from Cambridge to the General Penitentiary on 14 Jul 1830. Clearly Sheldrick died before he could be transported. 

But it raises so many questions, like why did Elizabeth marry a convict?

Henry Ralph and Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey had 10 children:
  1. Henry William Gabbedey bap. 5 Oct 1834 at St John's, Wapping.
  2. John Gabbodey (sic) b. 11 Dec 1835, bap. 27 Jan 1836 at Shadwell, Ebenezer Chapel, Independant, just north of Ratcliff Highway.
  3. James Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  4. Jesse Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name SHELDUCK). There's no record of a marriage between anyone named Gabbedey and Shelduck, so I'm confident this is Sheldrick misspelled. It looks like Jesse and James (Actually, the outlaw Jesse James was not yet born) may have been twins, but why they were listed with different mother's maiden names, is a mystery. Died, aged 1, in 1839 J Quarter in Volume 02 Page 50.
  5. Louisa Ann Gabbedey b. 1839 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 77 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  6. Charles Gabbedey b. 1842 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 82. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
  7. Thomas Gabbedey b. 1844 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 94. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
  8. Matilda Gabbedey b. 1845 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 80. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
  9. Joseph William Gabbedey b. 1848 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 566. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  10. George Gabbedey b. 1850 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 586. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN). Died, aged 1, 1851 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 381.
On Henry William's baptism, the family's address was listed as 70 Anchor and Hope Alley, (Browns Quay, Wapping), St. George in the East and Henry Ralph's occupation listed as Labourer. Later, on daughter Louisa's marriage in 1863, he is described as a Shipwright (as were his father and grandfather.) As I've seen before, once Civil Registration had been introduced in 1837, this family appear to have given up on baptisms. And which former name has been used on each of those registrations for the mother's maiden name looks random, however, I suppose it depends on how the question was asked.

In 1841, in Charles Square, St George, Tower Hamlets, were Henry Gabbedey (35), Elizabeth Gabbedy (33), Eliza Sheldrick (10), Henry Gabbedey (6), John Gabbedey (5), James Gabbedey (4) and Louisa Ann Gabbedey (2).

In 1851, Henry Gabbedey (44) General Labourer, was living in Sarah Street, Shadwell, with wife Louisa Gabbedy (43) purportedly from Hitchin, Hertfordshire; Henry Gabbedey (17), James Gabbedey (14), Louisa Gabbedey (12), Charles Gabbedey (10), Thomas Gabbedey (8), Matilda Gabbedey (6), Joseph Gabbedey (4), George Gabbedey (0), Eliza Sheldrick (20) and John Channing (21) Blacksmith from Newington, Surrey, Lodger.

Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey died, aged 60, in 1868 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 342 and Henry Gabbedey died, aged 70, on 30 Jan 1877 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 299, leaving his effects to son and daughter, Henry William Gabbedey and Louisa Seares.

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Henry Bradley, Mary Chapman and Mary Thompson

Ye Olde King's Head, Chigwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/7349355
The main part of this set of buildings is the Olde Kings Head, a former coaching inn on Chigwell's High Road opposite the church. It is grade II* listed and probably dates from the 17th century, although some sources give a very specific date of 1547. Closer to the camera are the grade II listed King's Head Cottages built in the 18th century. The inn is said to have been the model for the Maypole in Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge.

Henry Bradley, son of  Thomas Bradley and Sarah Garton, had married Mary Chapman, in Chigwell, on 19 May 1810, but that Mary Bradley, aged 22, was buried, also in Chigwell, on 2 Aug 1812. Henry Bradley, widowed, then remarried, again at St Mary's Church, Chigwell, on 12 Sep 1813 to Mary Thompson. At least he wasn't going to get their names confused!

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson had at least eight children:
  1. Elizabeth Ann Bradley born 29 Oct 1814, bap. 20 Nov 1814 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  2. Sarah Anne Bradley bap. 29 Apr 1816 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  3. Thomas Bradley bap. 22 Jun 1817. A note on this baptism record says, "Whilst St Mary Woodford Was Being Repaired, The Ceremony Of Baptism Was Performed At St Mary Wanstead."
  4. Ann Bradley bap. 20 Sep 1818 (presumably didn't survive)
  5. Ann Bradley bap. 30 Jan 1820
  6. James Bradley bap. 2 May 1824
  7. Henry Bradley bap. 8 Jan 1826
  8. Eliza Bradley bap. 13 Apr 1828
The baptism records all list Henry's occupation and Labourer and several of them also list the family's residence as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Woodford.

In 1841, address listed as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Epping, were Henry Bradley (50) Ag Lab, Mary (45), James (15), Henry (15) and Elizabeth (14) - Eliza?

In 1851, Henry Bradley (63) Ag Lab, birthplace Woodford Bridge and Mary Bradley (54) born in Takeley, Essex, were living at King William, Chigwell Horse Lane, Epping. I'm sure Chigwell Horse Lane became Chigwell Road / High Road and wonder if the previous name was to distinguish it from other lanes that weren't even fit for horses? All joking aside, meaning the main thoroughfare that passes coaching inns, such as the King's Head.

Mary Bradley died, aged 65, and was buried on 29 Jan 1860 in Chigwell.

Henry Bradley died, aged 74, and was buried on 30 Mar 1862.

Friday 11 August 2023

John Harvey and Esther Glede

Georgian Town Houses on Arbour Square, Stepney Casualguy, Public domain

John Harvey married Esther Glede, daughter of Morris Glede and Sarah Thorn, on 11 Aug 1849, at the church of St ThomasStepney, which had stood in Arbour Square: "a neat edifice of Suffolk brick, in the early English style, with two octangular turrets that was erected in 1837." It closed in 1940

The record of the marriage lists the bride's father as Morris Glede, the bridegroom's father as John Harvey and all three with the occupation of Labourer. John and Esther are listed as bachelor and spinster, respectively and the record states that they were "of full age". Esther would have been 20, John 38. Witnesses were Eleanor Hooper and John P Hughlings. 

John and Esther already had three children and added several more:
  1. Sarah Harvey b. c. 1843 in Essex
  2. Susannah Harvey, b. 15 Oct 1845 at 174 Eastfield Street, Limehouse (Mother's maiden surname on the civil registration written as Glead)
  3. Mary Ann Harvey b. 1848 (Mother's maiden surname Gleed)
  4. John Harvey b. 1850 (Mother's maiden surname Gleed)
  5. Morris Harvey b. 1853 (Mother's maiden surname Gleed)
  6. Esther Harvey b. 1855 (Mother's maiden surname Gleed)
  7. Job Harvey b. 5 Oct 1859, bap. 14 Dec 1859 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney (died in the 4th quarter of 1859)
  8. Job Harvey b. 6 Nov 1860, bap. 9 Jan 1861 at St Dunstan and All Saints
  9. Lydia Harvey bap. 14 Apr 1864 at St John the Evangelist, Limehouse
In 1851, living in Fair Place, Stepney, were John Harvey (40), Labourer, born in Chingford, Essex c. 1811, wife Esther (32), Sarah (8), born in Essex, Susannah (5), Mary Ann (3), both born in Limehouse and John (0), born in Stepney. Esther was actually 22 then. I'm confident this is the right household, but what I think is going on here is that her age has been 'rounded up' to hide how young she was - 16 at the time Susannah was born. Was Sarah Harvey, born 1843, in Essex, actually Esther's child? I'm not entirely convinced, but have been unable to identify any relevant birth to confirm. 

Unable to find them in 1861, John Harvey died in 1866, aged 56.

In 1871, Esther Harvey (47), Trouser Finisher, was living back in Eastfield Street, Limehouse, with son John (21), Bricklayer's Labourer, Morris (19), Dock Labourer, Esther (16), Trouser Finisher, Job (12), Scholar, and Lydia (8).

There is a potential death for Esther Harvey, aged 76, in 1899.

Thursday 3 August 2023

Edward William Wykes and Mary Jane Austin

Brixworth Union Workhouse
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Burgess Von Thunen - geograph.org.uk/p/1889562
Erected in 1835-6 to accommodate 265 inmates. Conditions were described as "prison-like and spartan", while food was "meagre and tasteless", according to Brixworth History Society

Edward William Wykes (b. 30 Jun 1859), son of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, married Mary Jane Austin (b. 1861), widow, daughter of Stephen Austin and Ann Wykes - they were first cousins: William Wykes was the elder brother of Ann Wykes - at St Mark's Church, Deptford on 3 Aug 1890.

In 1871, Mary Jane Austin (9) had been living at home with her parents at Holdenby Rectory, Holdenby, Brixworth, Northamptonshire. 

In 1881, however, Mary J Austin, erroneously listed as 30, was a Prisoner at HM Prison, Northampton St Sepulchre. The Northampton Mercury, on 2 Apr 1881, details: NORTHAMPTON imprisonment. Theft by a Pauper. Mary Jane Austin (20), Holdenby, was charged by Samuel Giles, master of the Brixworth Union [Workhouse], with stealing a pair of shoes. One assumes Mary Jane was an inmate of the workhouse for the birth of her illegitimate daughter, Kate M Austin, who at 6 mts, was also at the prison.

Mary Jane Austin had previously married Thomas Austin (b. 1844), son of William Austin and Jane Smith, at All Saints' Holdenby on 12 Dec 1881. On their marriage certificate, Thomas Austin's father is listed as Stephen Austin and Mary Jane Austin's as William Austin, clearly been transposed, which I'm sure is sending many a researcher barking up the wrong family trees.

Mary Jane had three Austin daughters:
  1. Kate Mary Austin b. 28 Oct 1880, bap. 23 Nov 1880 in Brixworth
  2. Bertha Minnie Austin b. 1882 D Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 117, bap. 16 Sep 1883 in East Haddon, Northamptonshire
  3. Emily Jane Austin b. 4 Jan 1885 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 131
There was no GRO registration for Kate, clearly born before Mary Jane married. We cannot be certain whether Thomas Austin was her father. On the two GRO registrations for Bertha and Emily, the mother's maiden name is AUSTIN, that is to say, not left blank and defaulted, as in illegitimate births, but specifically listed to confirm that both parents had this surname.

Thomas Austin died, at 41, in 1886 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 98.

In 1887 and 1888, Kate Austin was enrolled at Holdenby School and Emily Jane Austin was also enrolled there on 13 Jan 1890. The record lists that Kate left the school on 15 Oct 1890, which fits in with them going to London.

Mary Jane had a further three children with Edward William Wykes:
  1. Edward John Wykes b. 1891 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 1018
  2. Mary Wykes b. 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1029. Died 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 610.
  3. Annie Wykes b. 15 Dec 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1054, at 6 Charles Place, Kent, London, England, bap. 15 Dec 1899 at St Paul, Deptford. Died 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 739.
All three, once more, have the mother's maiden name of AUSTIN.

In 1891, Edward W Wykes (31) Boilermakers' Labourer from Deptford, Mary J Wykes (29) from Northampton, Kate Wykes [Kate Mary Austin] (10) and Edward J Wykes (0) from Deptford, Kent, were living at 16, Czar Street, St Paul Deptford. Emily Austin (6) was living in The Village, Holdenby in the household of her maternal grandparents, Stephen and Ann Austin.

In 1901, Edward Wykes (41) Iron foundry labourer; Mary Wykes (39), Emily Wykes [Emily Jane Austin] (16) Tin Worker from East Haddon and Edward Wykes (10) were still living at 6, Charles Place, St Paul Deptford. Bertha M Austin (18) was a Housemaid in the household of Herewald Wake (48) (Sir Hereward Wake, 12th Baronet (1852–1916) Magistrate, landowner and farmer at The Hall, Courteenhall, Hardingstone, Northamptonshire.

Mary Wykes died, at 39, in 1901 S Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 596.

On 15 Jan 1908, Edward Wykes (50) Labourer, pleaded guilty at Greenwich Police Court to "Stealing five hundredweight in weight of iron and steel castings, the property of Samuel Isaacs and another." He also fessed up to "Receiving the same well knowing them to have been stolen." He was [lucky he was merely] bound over into his own recognisance for 12 months. 

It appears that Edward Wykes, with his age estimated at 79, died in 1936 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 909.

Thursday 27 July 2023

Thomas Barton and Elizabeth Ann Fuller

St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/5264357

Thomas Barton (bap. 4 Dec 1842 at Woodford Bridge), son of Thomas Barton and Ann Birch, married and Elizabeth Ann Fuller (bap. 8 Oct 1843), daughter of Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Ann Bradley, at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge (the previous church before it was rebuilt) on 27 July 1862.

Records suggest that this couple had 12 children:
  1. Jane Ann Fuller b. 1860 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 44, bap. 16 May 1860 at All Saints Church, West Ham with a note that residence was 'Westham Union' (West Ham Union Workhouse)
  2. Emily Elizabeth Fuller b. 1862 M Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 44, bap. 4 Apr 1862 at St Mary the Virgin, Leyton
  3. Ann Jane Barton b. 1864 M Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 61, bap. 7 Feb 1864 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  4. Eliza Barton b. 1868 D Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 92, bap. 15 Jan 1869 at St John the Baptist Church, Buckhurst Hill and then again on 5 May 1872 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  5. Thomas Frederick Barton b. 1872 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 96, bap. 5 May 1872 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  6. Frederick William Barton b. 1875 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 114. Died 1875 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 55. 
  7. Elizabeth Ann Barton b. 1878 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 154, bap. 4 May 1878 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge. Died 1878 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 76 and was buried at Woodford Bridge, Essex.
  8. John Barton b. 1880 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 179, bap. 7 Mar 1880 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  9. George Barton b. 1882 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 219, bap. 8 Aug 1882 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  10. Beatrice Barton b. 1883 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 215, bap. 7 Aug 1887 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford
  11. Joshua Barton b. 1886 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 262, bap. 3 Jul 1886 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  12. Elizabeth Barton b. 1887 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 261, bap. 7 Aug 1887 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford. Died 1887 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 132 and was buried at Woodford Bridge, Essex
In 1871, Thomas Barton (29) Labourer was living in Woodford Bridge, Essex with wife, Elizabeth Ann Barton (28), Jane Ann Barton (10) born in Leytonstone; Emily Barton (9) born Leytonstone; Ann Jane Barton (7) born in Woodford and Eliza Barton born in Buckhurst Hill.

In 1881, Thomas Barton (37) Labourer was living in Victoria Road, Woodford, West Ham with Elizabeth Barton (37), Ann J Barton (17), Eliza Barton (12), Thomas Barton (9), John Barton (1) and James Mead (21) Lodger. (Eliza Barton married Alfred Mead in 1888, James Mead's younger brother.) Jane Ann Barton (21) was a Domestic Servant in the household of Augustus Harper (35) Member of stock exchange, at Louise Heim House, Cleveland Road, Wanstead. Couldn't find Emily Elizabeth under either Fuller or Barton.

In 1891, Thomas Barton (49) General labourer was living in Lower Road, Woodford with Elizabeth Barton (49), John Barton (11) and George Barton (9), Beatrice Barton (7), Joshua Barton (4) and William Fuller (46) Lodger.

In 1901, Thomas Barton (59) General labourer was living in Oxford Terrace, Chigwell Road, Woodford, with Elizabeth Barton (58) and John Barton (21) and Joshua Barton (14). (George had married that year at just 19.)

Elizabeth Ann Barton died at 65 in 1908 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 227.

In 1911, Thomas Barton (69) Widowed, was still living in Woodford with Joseph Barton (29) [George] (Meanwhile, Annie Barton (27), George's wife, was Housekeeper to William Patience (34) Widower), Joshua Barton (24), Beatrice Saggers (28), Charles Saggers (28), Beatrice Saggers (8), Emily Saggers (6), Mary Saggers (3) and John Saggers (2).

Thomas Barton died at 69, in 1911 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 161 and was buried on 8 Apr 1911 at Woodford Bridge.

Monday 17 July 2023

Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason

St Mary, Broxted - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3374402

Daniel Hockley, Labourer, married Sophia Mason on 17 Jul 1815 at the parish church in Broxted, Essex. Witnesses were Samuel Mason and Amelia Baker

For now Daniel is the earliest of my Hockley ancestors that I can follow a trail of records to in order to be confident are correct. He was reputedly the son of Daniel Hockley and Sarah Turner - and thus brother of Sally Hockley - but I've found no record of his birth (or baptism) to prove this. There is, however, a listing of a Daniel Hockley, baptised in Broxted on 21 Feb 1790, son of John and Mary Hockley, which looks to be a far more likely candidate. 

Daniel and Sophia had nine children:
  1. George Hockley bap. 1 Oct 1815 in Broxted
  2. Lucy Hockley bap. 26 Oct 1817 (No further records found)
  3. Eliza Hockley bap. 23 Jul 1820 (died, aged 25, and was buried on 7 Jul 1845 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.)
  4. Mary Hockley bap. 9 May 1824
  5. Tamar Hockley bap. 8 Oct 1826. Tamar as a name: There are three characters in the Bible with this name. 
  6. Sarah Hockley bap. 10 Aug 1828 (buried 14 Sep 1828)
  7. Sophia Hockley bap. 14 Aug 1831
  8. William Hockley bap. 15 Sep 1833
  9. James Hockley bap. 5 Aug 1838
From Lucy onwards, they were baptised at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

Youngest child, James, falls within Civil Registration and, the General Register Office record confirms the mother's maiden name as MASON.

In 1841, at Halfway House, Great Dunmow, were Daniel Hockley (50), Sophia (45), George (25), Eliza (20), Tamar (15), Sophia (10), William (8), James (2) and Lucy (0), daughter of Eliza Hockley, Single Woman [1]. Mary Hockley (18ish) was working as a Female Servant in the household of William Piper (30) Chemist & Druggist in High Street, Great Dunmow, Dunmow.

Sophia Hockley died, aged 46 - which suggests a year of birth of 1796 - and was buried, on 23 Oct 1842, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

In 1861, the widowed Daniel Hockley - age wrongly estimated to 62 - was living in the household of son William Hockley (27), married to Charlotte (née Cock) (27), their daughter Sarah C (1) and William's brother, James (23).

Daniel Hockley died in 1868, his age was estimated to 81. Daniel Hockley was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 8 Jul 1868.

[1] Lucy Hockley (b. 1841 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 77), bap. 5 Mar 1841 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, daughter of Eliza Hockley, Single Woman. In 1861, Lucy Hockley (20) Domestic Servant was an Inmate of Great Dunmow Union Workhouse. In 1871, Lucy Hockley (30) Domestic Servant was an Inmate of Dunmow Union Workhouse, but, in 1881 Lucy Hockley (36ish) was employed as a Domestic Servant by Charles Cook (70) in Chelmsford Road, Barnston, Dunmow. Lucy Hockley of Dunmow Union Workhouse died, aged 49, and was buried on 22 Nov 1890.

Monday 10 July 2023

Thomas Sapsford and Mary Ann Sweeney

Church of St John the Baptist, Leytonstone
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/4863853

Thomas Sapsford (bap. 14 Aug 1842 at St Mary the Virgin, Hatfield Broad Oak), son of James Sapsford and Susannah Kye, married Mary Ann Sweeny (sic) (b. 10 Dec 1848 in Limehouse), daughter of John Sweeney and Anne Elizabeth Gabbaday, on 10 Jul 1865, at St John the Evangelist, Limehouse. At the time of their marriage, the groom was 23 and the bride was just 16.

Thomas and Mary Ann had eleven children:
  1. Mary Ann Sapsford b. 28 Jul 1866 S Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 464, bap. 16 Aug 1866 in Limehouse, London
  2. Thomas Sapsford b. 18 May 1868 (J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 503), bap. 9 May 1872 at St John the Baptist, Leytonstone
  3. James Sapsford b. 30 Jun 1871 (S Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 70), bap. 9 May 1872 at St John the Baptist, Leytonstone
  4. Henry Sapsford b. 1873 J Quarter in POPLAR UNION Volume 01C Page 603. Died 1873 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 481
  5. John Sapsford b. 1 Oct 1874 D Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 655
  6. Charles Sapsford b. 28 Mar 1878 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 625
  7. Richard Sapsford b. 14 Jul 1880 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 634
  8. Maria Elizabeth Sapsford b. 14 Mar 1883 in POPLAR Vol 01C 656
  9. Louisa Sapsford b. 1885 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 626
  10. Susan Sapsford b. 1889 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 584
  11. Joseph George Sapsford b. 23 Oct 1892 D Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 590
The mother's maiden name on all of the births is SWEENY or SWEENEY.

In 1871, Thomas Sapsford (28), Mary A Sapsford (23), Mary (5) and Thomas (3) were living in Eastward Street, Bromley St Leonard, Poplar.

In 1881, at 4, Leigh Build[ing]s, Bowncom Lane, Bromley, Poplar, were Thomas Sapsford (39) Bricklayer's Labourer; Mary A Sapsford (35), Mary A Sapsford (14) Works in jute factory; Thomas Sapsford (12), James Sapsford (9), John Sapsford (6), Charles Sapsford (3) and Richard Sapsford (0).

In 1891, at 3, Thomas Street, Bromley, Poplar, were Thomas Sapsford (49) Scaffolder Bricklayer; Mary Ann Sapsford (44), [Mary] Ann Sapsford (24) Twin spinner hemp; Thomas Sapsford (22) Bricklayer's labourer; James Sapsford (19), John Sapsford (17), Charles Sapsford (12), Richard Sapsford (10), [Maria] Elizabeth Sapsford (7), Louisa Sapsford (4) and Susan (1).

In 1901, at 4, Ascot Street, Canning Town, were Thomas Sapsford (59) Builder's labourer; Mary Sapsford (55), Charles Sapsford (23) General labourer; Richard Sapsford (20) Builder's labourer; Louisa Sapsford (15), Susan Sapsford (12) and [Joseph] George Sapsford (8).

Mary Ann Sapsford died in 1902 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 24, with her age estimated to 59. She will actually have been 54).

In 1911, Thomas Sapsford (66) Widower, Street Hawker, was living at 25 Star St, Canning Town with son-in-law, Frederick Morton (27) - married to [Maria] Elizabeth Sapsford (28) - also living with them were James Sapsford (40) Street Hawker and [Joseph] George Sapsford (18) Labourer in iron yard. Charles Sapsford (32) Dock Labourer was Lodging at 12 Tidal Basin Road.

Thomas Sapsford died on 28 Aug 1912 in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 75.

Thursday 6 July 2023

John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey

John Henry Charles Sweeney
and Susannah Harvey
.
Image provided by Jon Gilbert,
descendant of Rosina Sweeney

John Henry Charles Sweeney (b. 11 May 1839 in Ratcliff), son of John Sweeney and Anne Elizabeth Gabbaday, married Susannah Harvey (b. 15 Oct 1845 in Limehouse), daughter of John Harvey and Esther Glede, on 6 Jul 1862 at the church of St John the Evangelist, Limehouse (St John's Church, Halley Street, Limehouse). Susannah was 16 and John, a Seaman, 23. Witnesses were the bridegroom's father, John Sweney (sic) and his sister, Mary Ann Sweeney.

John and Susannah had eleven children:

  1. Susannah Sweeney b. 5 Jun 1862 (1862 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 518), bap. 28 May 1863 at St John the Evangelist
  2. John Sweeney b. 6 Apr 1864 (1864 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 552), bap. 5 May 1864 at St John the Evangelist. (Died 1866 S Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 610, aged 2)
  3. Esther Ann Sweeney b. 1866 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 478 (Died 1866 J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 399, aged 0)
  4. John Sweeney b. 12 Dec 1867 (1868 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 515), bap. 5 Jan 1868 at St John the Evangelist.
  5. Job Sweeney b. 6 Feb 1870 (1870 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 531), bap. 11 May 1871 at St John the Evangelist.
  6. Thomas Sweeney b. 25 Dec 1871 (1872 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 508), bap. 15 Feb 1872 at St John the Evangelist.
  7. Henry Sweeney b. 13 Jan 1874 (1874 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 488), bap. 12 Mar 1874 at St John the Evangelist.
  8. Mary May Sweeney b. 1876 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 483 (Died 1877 D Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 344, age 1)
  9. Mary Matilda Sweeney b. 11 Mar 1878 (1878 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 451) (No further baptism records found.)
  10. Charles Sweeney b. 17 Jul 1880 (1880 S Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C 443)
  11. Rosina Sweeney b. 4 Jun 1883 (1883 S Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C 425)
With three having not survived infancy, this explains the eight listed in the family bible. There are no more civil registrations to support further reputed issue, though, of course, there could have been stillbirths or miscarriages.

Notice that the 3rd child has been named Esther Ann - these are the names of the two grandmothers, maternal first, paternal second - and I believe this is significant: there are suggestions that this is a pattern within the family.

In 1871, John Sweeney (63), carpenter - John Henry Charles' father - was still listed as the head of the household at Stephen Cottages, James Street, St Anne, Limehouse. Then there is John Henry Charles (31), labourer, wife Susan (26), daughter Susan (9), plus sons John (3) and Job (1).

In 1881, at Stephen Cottage, 1, Limehouse, Stepney, were John (41), Dock Labourer, wife Susannah (36), daughter Susannah (18), Tailoress, John (13), Tea Packer, Job (11), Thomas (9), Henry (7), Mary (3) and Charles (0).

In 1891, at Stephensons Cottages, Condor Street, Limehouse, Stepney (still the same place), were John (52), Labourer, Susannah (47), Job (21), Packer, Thomas (19), Labourer, Mary M (13), Charles (10) and Rosina (7).

In 1901, at Stephenson Cottages, 1, Limehouse, Stepney, were John Sweeney (63), Dock Labourer, Susannah (54), Thomas (29), General Labourer, Matilda (23), and Rosina (18), both Confectionery Packers.

And in 1911, the address as 1 Stephensons Cottages, Conder St, Limehouse, with all the kids having flown the nest, there were just John Henry Charles Sweeney (71), Night Watchman for the Borough Council and Susannah Sweeney (65). This census confirms that they had 11 children, of whom 8 were still living, with 3 having died, during their then 48 year marriage.

Susannah  Sweeney died in 1918, aged 72. 

In 1921, John Henry Sweeney (82) Caretaker Retired, widower, was living with his youngest son Charles at 102, Hind Street, Poplar.

John Henry Charles Sweeney died in 1922, aged 83.

(Thomas Sweeney (29), was still single and living at home in 1901. Not located him in 1911, however, at the time of the census on 19 June 1921, Thomas Sweeney (49 years and 6 months) was living, alone - listed as Single  - at 94, Lynvie Road, Bow, Poplar and working as a Deal Porter for Mr W Howard Bros Timbers Merchant of Canning Town at Crown Wharf. I can find no evidence of him marrying and it appears he died, at 58, in 1930.)

Thursday 22 June 2023

Thomas Back and Mary Drake

Church of St Paul, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5625201

Thomas Back (39) married Mary Drake (42) at the Chapel of St Paul, East Stonehouse on 22 Jun 1852. Both gave their address as 20 George Street, which is in Devonport. Thomas was listed as a Labourer, son of Thomas Back, Shipwright and Mary Drake as daughter of Thomas Drake, Shipwright. This, I believe, is all nearly true. Thomas Back, bap. 24 Oct 1813 in Stoke Damerel, was actually the son of John Back, Shipwright and his wife Martha. 

Mary Drake, born 20 Apr 1810 and baptised in Stoke Damerel on 15 Dec 1812, was indeed the daughter of Thomas Drake, Shipwright and Frances Poad (who in turn had married, in Stoke Damerel, on 25 May 1784).

On the 1852 marriage, Thomas Back is listed as a Bachelor, however, it is my belief that he had previously married an Eliza Stafford on 7 Aug 1837 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth. On this marriage, Thomas Back is listed as a Mariner, son of John Back, Shipwright. (There is a Thomas Back b. 1813 listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857.) In 1841, Thomas Back (25), Eliza Back (20), Eliza Back (2) and Mary Back (0) were among a long list of people (boarders perhaps) in Pembroke Streetone of Devonport's principal streets, with a great number of retailers and public houses. I've not found birth registrations for the girls and cannot trace what became of them.

In 1841, Mary Drake (30) was among a similarly long list of people residing in Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, along with Frances Drake (75), Edward Drake (9) and Mary Drake (5). There is a baptism record for this latter child, in St Helier, Jersey on 25 Jun 1837, illegitimate daughter of Mary Drake.

We next find Mary Drake (44) Unmarried, Tayloress (sic) in Stoke Damerel Workhouse in 1851, accompanied by Mary Drake (14) born in St Helier, Jersey; George Drake (8) and Thomas Drake (0). George Drake, was born 23 Jan 1843 and bap. 30 Jul 1843, illegitimate son of Mary Drake with abode given as Workhouse. Thomas Drake b. 1850 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 429, has no mother's maiden name (illegitimate). He was later known as Thomas Back and named Thomas Back as his father.

After their marriage in 1852, the couple added a daughter:
  1. Eliza Back b. 1853 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 266
We lose sight of them then until, in 1881, Thomas Back (70) Labourer and Mary Back (72) Tailoress, were found living at 40, Cannon Street, Devonport, seemingly in a separate household, but nevertheless at the very same address as their daughter, Eliza and her husband, Samuel Eastabrook.

Mary Back died in 1883 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 226, with age estimated at 75. Thomas Back died five years later, in 1888 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 217, age given as 78.

Mary Drake's children: 
  1. Edmund Drake b. 7 Oct 1832, bap. 22 Jan 1849 in Stoke Damerel, Devon, son of Mary Drake, Single Woman. Mary's eldest illegitimate child was listed, in 1841, as Edward Drake, born around 1832 on the Isle of Jersey. On both of his marriages, Edmund named his father as Edmund Drake (often correct, but also common is saying the same as one's own name when the father is not known). He also lists his father as a Tailor. Mary was a Tailoress and again, when people make stuff up for the records, there's usually a grain of truth in it, as we can see here.
  2. Mary Drake (bap. 25 Jun 1837 in St Helier, Jersey) died on 3 Jun 1878 (1878 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 261) with age estimated as 38 (she was 40). She was buried on 7 Jun 1878, with her abode on the burial record as 40, Cannon Street, Devonport.
  3. George Drake b. 23 Jan 1843, bap. 30 Jul 1843. George Drake from Devonport, Devon, whose date of birth was listed as 23 Jun 1843 - January and June could be confused, especially if abbreviated - joined the Royal Navy at the Royal William [Yard] on 31 Jul 1857 as a Boy 2nd Class. In 1861, at 17, George was with the "Royal Navy At Sea And In Ports Abroad". He appears to have served until 13 Feb 1868, when he was invalided. He next turns up, in 1881, aged 39, as a boarder in the household of Cornwallis Johnson from Shelford, Cambridgeshire at 19, Pitt Street, Stansfield, Todmorden, Yorkshire, employed as Cellarman at cotton mill. After that, we lose sight of him unfortunately.
  4. Thomas Drake, later known as Thomas Back b. 1850

Monday 19 June 2023

Francis Blazey and Amy Rosa Joslin

Regent's Canal, Bow Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Pierre Terre - geograph.org.uk/p/129062

Francis Blazey (bap. 18 Oct 1867), son of Samuel Blazey and Elizabeth Wiggins, married Amy Rosa Joslin (b. 5 Feb 1865 in Kensington), daughter of Robert Hurrell Joslin from Chelmsford, Essex and Ann Graver from Hemsby, Norfolk, on 19 Jun 1892, at Saint John The Evangelist, Golding Street, Saint George in the East, where their marriage service was performed by Daniel Radford, Curate. (The church was closed during the Second World War and demolished in 1964.) Witnesses were Valentine and Caroline Wolf.

Francis and Amy had six children, all born in St George in the East

  1. Hilda Alice Eleanor Blazey b. 1892 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 370 (Died, aged 1, on 1 Jul 1894 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 205 and was buried at Margravine Cemetery, Hammersmith, Section 8 Letter K No. 7)
  2. Rosalie Hilda Blazey b. 7 May 1895 (1895 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 390)
  3. Alfred Hurrell Blazey b. 28 Jul 1898 (1898 S Quarter in ST GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 366), bap. 14 Aug 1898 at the church of St George in the East, in Cannon Street Road, Stepney.
  4. William Francis Blazey b. 27 Jan 1902 (1902 M Quarter in ST GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 345)
  5. Dorothy Alice Blazey b. 1904 M Quarter in ST. GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 357. (Died 1904 D Quarter Volume 01C Page 243)
  6. Ida Winifred Blazey b. 24 Aug 1907 (1907 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 325)
Their address at the time of Alfred's baptism was 35 Tarling Street, St George in the East and Francis Blazey's occupation was Dock Labourer. After double-checking through records, it seems he was the only child they had baptised.

In 1901, living in 35, Tillman Street, St George in the East, were Francis Blazey (33) Labourer (civil service), Amy (33), Rosalie (5) and Alfred (2).

By 1911, they had moved to 22 Upper Chapman StSt George in the East. Francis Blazey (44) described as "Leading Man Of Labourers", with wife Amy Blazey (44), Rosalie (16), Alfred (13), William (10) and Ida (4). 

In 1921, still living at 22, Upper Chapman Street, St George in the East, London, were Francis Blazey (54) Charge Man & Labourer employed by the Admiralty; Amy Blazey (53), Rosalie Blazey (25) Clerk; Alfred Blazey (22) Clerk for the Admiralty; William Blazey (19) General Labourer for the Admiralty; Ida Blazey (13) and Annie Wood (24) Cook, Boarder.

Frances Blazey of 22 Chapman Street, E1, died, on 18 Apr 1938, aged 70 and was buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Tower Hamlets, London. He left £313 9s 7d (worth £21,610 in 2021) to his widow, Amy Rosa Blazey.

In 1939, Amy was living with her married daughter, Ida Jarvis, at 30 Warren Road, Merton, Surrey. Rosalie Blazey, Coal Merchant's Clerk, was still living at 22 Chapman Street, Shadwell, Tower Hamlets, Stepney.

Amy R Blazey died, in Surrey, on 1 Apr 1941, aged 75. She was also buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Tower Hamlets, London.

  • Rosalie Hilda Blazey of 4 Queensbridge DriveHerne Bay, Kent died, on 2 Jul 1981, aged 86. She had never married. 
  • 2nd Lieutenant Alfred Hurrell Blazey served in the The Duke Of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) during World War I and on 21 Feb 1922 was appointed to the Civil Service, Admiralty, as a Writer in HM Dockyards and Naval Establishments. In 1925 Alfred Hurrell Blazey married Violet Catherine Petrie, in Poplar. They appear to have two sons, born 1928 and 1930 (in 1939 could be evacuees). In 1939, Alfred and Violet were living at 4 St James's Avenue, Bromley, Kent. Alfred H Blazey died, at 61, in 1959, in Bromley, Kent. Violet Catherine Blazey (b. 1 Nov 1898), of 4 St James's Avenue, Bromley, Kent, died at 93, on 19 Jan 1991.
  • William Francis Blazey married Lilian Selina Martin (b. 25 May 1898) at St. George in the East, in 1922. They had one daughter, Lilian Ida Blazey (b. 1923 - d. 20 Dec 2016 in Herne Bay, Kent). In 1939, William F Blazey, Crane Driver, his wife and daughter were living at 36 Boundfield Road, Hither Green, Lewisham. Lilian S Blazey died, at 68, in 1966, in Lewisham; William Francis Blazey died, at 66, on 24 Jan 1969, in Bromley, Kent.
  • Ida Winifred Blazey married Herbert James Valentine Jarvis (b. 8 Feb 1910), in 1935, in Stepney. They had a daughter, Doreen Ann Jarvis (b. 22 Dec 1936 - d. 31 Aug 2017) and a son in 1948. In 1939, Herbert J Jarvis, Fishmonger's Shop Assistant, Ida W Jarvis, Doreen A Jarvis and Amy R Blazey, were living at 30 Warren Road, Merton, Surrey. Herbert James V Jarvis died in 1978 and Ida Winifred Jarvis died on 6 Apr 1984, both in Crawley.

Friday 9 June 2023

John Elworthy, Mary Flew and James Marshall

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

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

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

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

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

James and Mary Marshall had five more children:
  1. John Marshall b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jan 1857 in Knowstone
  2. Emma Jane Marshall b. 1859 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 22 May 1859 in Knowstone
  3. James Marshall b. 1862 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 452, bap. 13 Apr 1862 in Knowstone
  4. Elizabeth Ann Marshall b. 1865 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 16 Apr 1865 in Knowstone
  5. Mary Ann Marshall b. 1868 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 451, bap. 29 Nov 1868 in Knowstone
The birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as Flew.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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