Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson

Northampton: St Giles
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/4127502

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson (bap. 18 Dec 1815), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, married, on 26 Feb 1838, at St Giles Church, Northampton. Thomas Smith, Brickmaker, listed his father as Thomas Smith, Labourer. Both gave their address as "Butcher's Yard". One of the witnesses was Catherine Willis, who may have been related to Lucy's mother.

There is only one confirmed record of a child of this couple:

1. Ann Smith b. 1841 D Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 230, with mother's maiden name listed as TOMPSON

In 1841, Thomas (29) and Lucy (25), lived in West Haddon. Staying with them was Elizabeth Tompson (10) - actually 12 - who was Lucy's sister.

The Northampton Mercury of Saturday 13 April 1844, reported on the Northampton Borough Sessions of Tuesday 9 Apr 1844:

LUCY SMITH, wife of Thomas Smith, was indicted for stealing a quantity of ribbon, the property of Mr. T. S. Wright. Mr. Scriven appeared for the prosecution. Charles Goosey, one of Mr. Wright's assistants, saw the prisoner come in and out of the shop quite as many as twelve times on Saturday last. Some persons were looking at some ribbons, when the prisoner put her hand over the shoulders of the parties, took a piece of ribbon up, concealed it under her shawl, and ultimately put it in her basket. She had previously asked to be shown some net. Witness was engaged with a customer when she took the ribbon, and upon observing what had occurred, he went to the prisoner, and served her with some net, for which she tendered a shilling. Witness went under pretence of getting change and sent for a policeman, and she was given into custody. The ribbon was found in her basket.

Sessions House, Northampton
StJaBe, CC BY 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

Prisoner comes from West Haddon, and a Mrs. Hoole of that place, said she had an excellent character. Her sister, Mrs. Bottrill, a respectably dressed person, who cried bitterly, also said she had always borne a good character. The distress of her sister affected the prisoner who had hitherto exhibited no signs of emotion.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty.

There were two other indictments against her, one for stealing a pair of shoes, the property of Henry Freeman, and the other for stealing 14 yards of cotton print, the property of J. Phipps, both on the same day. At the suggestion, however, of the Recorder, no evidence was offered in either of these cases. After a feeling address, the Recorder sentenced the prisoner to Six Months' Imprisonment.

The Cast of Characters:

1. Thomas Wright (35) was a Draper at Waterloo House, 21 Market Square, Northampton in 1841 and had a Charles Goosey (15), Draper's Apprentice, listed in his considerable household (employ) of 27 people.
2. Mr. Thos. Scriven, of the Town of Northampton, Solicitor, according to the 1841 census, when he was aged 40, lived in St Giles Square.
3. Mrs. Hoole: Ann Hoole, wife of Thomas Hoole, Brazier, in 1841 lived next door to Stephen and Mary Bottrill, of The Bell Inn, West Haddon.
4. Henry Freeman (35), Shoemaker, in 1841, resided at Great Russell Street, Northampton. (Great Russell Street, Northampton, in 1974 waiting to be demolished.) Perhaps he sold his wares in the market?
5. In 1841 there was a John Phipps (40), Draper, in Albion Place, Northampton and a John Phipps (15), Draper, in Gold Street, Northampton. We can assume it was one of these.
6. The Recorder was N. R. Clarke, Esq., Sergeant-at-Law.

Presumably, Lucy will have served her sentence at the Northampton Borough Gaol and House of Correction, at that time located at Fish Lane (now Fish Street), Northampton. Built in 1792–4 this gaol and bridewell were erected to the south of the County Hall and held 120 prisoners. She was lucky that her punishment wasn't transportation, still very much in use at that time.

In 1851, we find them in Matildia Place, Foleshill, Warwickshire - literally 'Sent to Coventry', it would seem after Lucy's stint behind bars. Well, Thomas Smith was listed as James Smith (40) - this could be an error or it might be deliberate - Brickmaker and it's clearly Lucy Smith (36), birthplace Cransley, Northamptonshire. Listed with them was Lucy's older brother, Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter and Ann Smith (9), born in West Haddon.

So far, I've found no further evidence of this family.

Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis

All Saints' Church, Thorpe Malsor
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Solomon Thompson Jnr (bap. 15 Jun 1786 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Solomon Thompson Sr and Ann Rawson, married Maria Willis (bap. 24 May 1789 in Thorpe Malsor, Northamptonshire), daughter of Thomas Willis and Mary Essex, at All Saints Church, Thorpe Malsor on 19 Jan 1807. 

Their 12 children, all baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley were:

1. Mary Thompson bap. 14 Dec 1807
2. Daniel Thompson bap. 30 Jul 1809
3. Thomas Thompson bap. 14 Apr 1811
4. Maria Thompson bap. 19 Dec 1814
5. Lucy Thompson bap. 18 Dec 1815
6. Anne Thompson bap. 20 Oct 1817
7. Eliza Thompson bap. 9 Jul 1820 (buried 14 Oct 1821)
8. Solomon Thompson bap. 4 Apr 1822
9. Eliza Thompson bap. 8 Feb 1824
10. William Thompson bap. 31 Dec 1825 
11. Martha Thompson, b. 1826, bap. 20 Dec 1831
12. Elizabeth Thompson b. 1828, bap. 20 Dec 1831 (at 3y 3m) 

Solomon Thompson Jnr, carpenter, died, aged 54 in 1839 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 198 and was buried on 9 Dec 1839 at St Andrew's Church, Little Cransley.

By 1841, Maria Thompson (55), Pauper, was in the Hamlet of Cransley, as the head of the family with younger sons Solomon (20), Carpenter's Apprentice and William (15), and daughter Martha (14), as well as a John James (20) - presumably a boarder/lodger - also a Carpenter's Apprentice. 

In 1851, in Little Cransley, were Maria Thompson (66), Pauper, Carpenter's Widow, with son William (25) Mason's Labourer and Anne Thompson (5) (Elizabeth's child). Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter, was staying as a visitor with his sister, Lucy Smith and her husband in Foleshill, Warwickshire. 

In 1861, Maria Thompson (74) widow, was still living in Little Cransley, with just her son William Thompson (31, actually 36) living with her. Thomas Thompson (50) Carpenter was living alone in Cransley.

By 1871, Maria (listed as Mary) Thompson (85) was living with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Wykes, in Deptford. Thomas Thompson (60), was still a carpenter in Broughton. William Thompson (47) Farm Servant, was visiting his sister and brother-in-law, William Naseby and Eliza Thompson, in Rugby. 

Maria Thompson died, in 1873 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 461.

In 1881, Thomas Thompson (70), carpenter, may have become too old or infirm to work or manage on his own, because he was listed as an inmate at Kettering Union Workhouse (later St Mary's Hospital, Kettering). His brother William Thompson (55), was also an inmate in the Kettering Union Workhouse. It appears that Thomas Thompson died, in Kettering, in 1886 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 103. Neither he nor William ever married. In 1891, William Thompson (then 66), single, Gardener Domestic Servant, was back living with his sister and brother-in-law in Rugby. William Thompson died, at 76, in 1901 J Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D 346.

Edward Taylor and Ann Thompson

Mile End Lock, Regent's Canal
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/4514511

Edward Taylor, bricklayer, who listed his father as Thomas Taylor, Gentleman, married Ann Thompson (bap. 20 Oct 1817 at St Andrew's Church, Cransley, Northamptonshire), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at Christ Church Watney Street, St George in the East (historically known as Wapping-Stepney), on 18 Nov 1847. Witnesses were Solomon Thompson, Ann's brother, and a Harriet Brown. Not found a baptism for Edward Taylor, who gives his birthplace as Newington, Surrey, however there was a marriage of a Thomas Taylor and Elizabeth Saveall on 11 Apr 1823 at St Mary's Newington, who I believe to have been his parents.

There are records for four children that I believe are of this family:

1. Thomas Saveall Taylor b. 1848 D Quarter in Stepney Volume 2 Page 495 (A transcription of this exists at FindMyPast, but not at the GRO.)
2. John Taylor b. 1853 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 489. Died 1854 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 388.
3. John Daniel Taylor b. 1855 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 525. Died, aged 2, in 1857 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 373
4. George Taylor b. 1858 D Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C 507

The 3 GRO records confirm the mothers maiden name as THOMPSON.

In 1851 Edmond Taylor (sic) (30) Bricklayer from Newington, Surrey; wife Ann Taylor (36) from Cransley, Northamptonshre and son Thomas Taylor (2), were living at Webbs Nursery Ground, Jacksons Rent, Stepney, London. (This is the third time I've found cases, in completely different parts of the tree, where Edward and Edmond/Edmund have been used interchangeably.)

In 1861, living at Regent Cottage, Rhodeswell Rd, Limehouse, Stepney (almost parallel to the Regent's Canal), were Edmond Taylor (39) Master Bricklayer; Ann Taylor (40), Thomas Taylor (12) and George Taylor (2).

There is a death of an Ann Taylor in the 3rd quarter of 1864, in Stepney (Vol 1C Page 409), again curiously not found at the GRO, which may relate.

There are no further census listings for an Edmond/Edward Taylor, Bricklayer, anywhere so he may have died too, but I cannot yet identify a death record.

In 1871, listed as George S Taylor (12), the younger son was living with his aunt, Maria Blackett, his mother's sister, in Bermondsey. (It hasn't been possible to isolate relevant further records for Thomas S Taylor.)

In 1881, listed as George S Saville (22) Schoolmaster, was still living with his aunt, Maria Kenward (who had remarried), at 17, Douglas Street, Deptford. It is George continuing to live with his aunt that leads me to believe that his mother must have died and to consider the probable death in 1864.

Originally, I though that Saveall was a mis-transcription of Saville and it could well be, but it could equally be the other way around. However, I do think this is the clue to the continuity and that holds this family together.

Albury Street. Deptford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Lunn - geograph.org.uk/p/2180678

George Taylor (b. 1858), son of Edward Taylor and Ann Thompson, married Julia Ellen Kemp in Hackney, London in the 4th quarter of 1888.

After his mother seemingly died in 1864, George had lived with his mother's sister, his aunt Maria Blackett (formerly Maria Thompson, later Maria Kenward), in 1871 listed as George Taylor and in 1881, listed as George Saville, both times quoting a middle initial of S, which actually he didn't have. Saveall, if not Saville, appears to have been his paternal grandmother's surname and Saveall was certainly his elder brother's middle name.

In 1891, George Taylor (32) Schoolmaster and wife Julia Taylor (33) from Lincolnshire, were living at 19, Crompton Road, Beckenham, Kent.

There appears to be no birth/baptism record of a Julia Ellen Kemp in Lincolnshire - or anywhere else for that matter - neither have I found her, anywhere, on any census, prior to 1891 - and, given that she was 30 at the time of her marriage to George, it's entirely feasible that she could have been a widow, but without further clues, she remains a complete mystery.

There are no apparent children to this couple either, but not knowing if they would be registered as Taylor or Saville, nor whether their mother's maiden name was Kemp or something else, means with all variables, it's not possible to know what to search for or how to confirm if any records relate.

There was then a death registered of George Saville, aged 36, in 1895 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 227.

Quite why he kept swapping from Taylor to Saville is also a mystery.

In 1901, Julia Taylor (43) Widow, was a boarder in the household of Elizabeth Burch (39) Midwife Nurse at 20, Albury Street, Deptford, who were extended family. Elizabeth Burch (née Wykes), was the  daughter of Elizabeth Thompson, another sister of George's mother and aunt Maria. 

As yet, I've found no clues to suggest what happened to Julia next.

George Collins and Martha Thompson

St. Andrew's church, Cransley
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George Collins (bap. 25 Mar 1827 in Kingsthorpe, Northamptonshire), Carpenter, resident of Broughton, son of William Collins and Elizabeth Turland, married Martha Thompson, daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St Andrew's, Cransley, on 8 Nov 1847. Martha's father isn't listed (he was deceased, but should still have been named), but it's clear this is her, because the witnesses include Solomon Thompson, Martha's brother; Maria Blackett, Martha's sister and also one of the Bottrell/Botterill 'clan' (Martha's eldest sister, Mary, had married Stephen Bottrell).

George and Martha had a son, George Collins, b. 1848 J Qtr Vol 02 Page 127 in St George in the East, but there are no further records for this child.

Then Martha Collins died, aged just 24, in 1850 D Qtr Vol 02 Page 82.

In 1851, George Collins (24), Carpenter, Widower, was lodging with John and Maria Blackett at Wellington Place, Back Road, Saint George in the East.

Unable to find him in 1861, it appears George Collins died, aged 36, in 1863 S Quarter in NORTHAMPTON UNION Volume 03B Page 41) and was buried on 21 Sep 1863 at St John the Baptist, Kingsthorpe. There is a note on the burial record giving his residence as 'Northampton NTH' and my fear and feeling is that he'd become ill and was sent back to the Workhouse to the north east of Northampton, from where he'd probably be sent to his native parish to be buried at the request of family, or at the parish's expense.

Stephen Bottrill and Mary Thompson

Wesleyan Chapel in West Haddon. Image provided by West Haddon Local History Group

Being located by both Baptist and Methodist Chapels in the 1840s probably wasn't conducive to business at The Bell Inn, which might account for the move to The Graziers Arms.

Stephen Bottrill (bap. 30 Mar 1803 in Scaldwell, Northamptonshire), son of John Bottrill and Alice Farndon, married Mary Thompson (bap. 14 Dec 1807), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis (and sister of Daniel Thompson), at St Andrew's Church, Cransley, on 2 Nov 1830.

The only children of the marriage that I can find records for are:

1. Daniel Botterill, bap. 20 Dec 1831 in Cransley, Northamptonshire
2. Alice Botterill, bap. 4 Mar 1838 at Scaldwell, St Peter and St Paul (Died, aged 18, 1856 J Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 73, and was buried on 7 Jun 1856 at All Saints, West Haddon.)
3. Stephen Bottrell (sic) b. 16 Jan 1841 (1841 M Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 Page 262), bap. 3 Apr 1844 in West Haddon
4. Mary Ann Bottrell b. 1844 D Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 242

Mother's maiden name: Stephen's is TOMPSON; Mary Ann's THOMPSON.

In 1841 Stephen Bottrill was a Publican in West Haddon. This will have been at The Bell Inn. A later article says, "The Bell Inn no longer exists at West Haddon, although the old thatched house, with its picturesque gables, which bore the title, still stands opposite the Wesleyan Chapel." At that time, Solomon Thompson (b. 1802), brewer, was staying with the Botterills, while his own wife, Elizabeth (née York) and family were at their home in Cransley. This Solomon Thompson, must be related to Mary, but not discovered how.

Mary Bottrel (sic) (née Thompson) died on 12 Feb 1845 (1845 M Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 207). The death notice in The Banbury Guardian of Thursday, February 27, 1845, read, "February 12, at West Haddon, Warwickshire, Mary, the wife of Mr. Stephen Bottrell, of the Bell Inn, aged 38; deeply lamented by all her friends." And in The Northampton Mercury, the notice added that, "Her illness was short, but she bore it with great firmness and contentment." Whatever that means. Mary Bottrell was buried at All Saints' Church, West Haddon, on 18 Feb 1845.

Stephen Botterell, widower, son of John Bottrell, Farmer, married, Elizabeth Newton, widow, daughter of John Dunn, Sheep Drover, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East, London, on 24 July 1845. Born Elizabeth Dunn, she previously married Samuel Newton, on 9 May 1834, in West Haddon, who died at 45 and was buried in West Haddon, on 4 Nov 1843. Witnesses were John Blackett and Maria Blackett, Mary's sister.

In 1847 and 1849 Stephen Bottrel (sic) was listed at the The Bell Inn. The Banbury Guardian of 13 Sept 1849, reported that at the Daventry Petty Sessions, Stephen Botterell was charged with keeping his house open after 10pm and allowing gaming. On this occasion the case was dismissed.

In 1851, Stephen Botterill was listed as Victualler Farmer of 140 Acres, with new wife Elizabeth Botterill (b. 1804), daughter Alice Botterill (13), son Stephen Botterill (10) and niece, Eliza Newton (9).

The Graziers Arms in the early 20th century when the public house was run by Phipps Brewery. Image reproduced from the Phipps Archive by permission of Northamptonshire Archives.

In 1854 Stephen Bottrel (sic) was listed at The Graziers Arms, victualler.

Elizabeth Botterill died, aged 55 (1858 S Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 68), and was buried on 26 Aug 1858, also at All Saints, West Haddon.

In 1861, Stephen Bottard (sic), Widowed, was a Farmer Of 147 acres Employing 3 men & 3 boys (In the trade directory he was a Beer retailer and farmer). Elizabeth's niece, Eliza Newton (19) was still living in his household.

The Northampton Mercury of 5 Apr 1862 reported that William Blunsom, veterinary surgeon, was claiming the sum of £13. 17s. (£1,764.89 in 2021) from Stephen Botterill in the County Court.

The London Gazette of 30 Nov 1867, reported that Stephen Botterill was declared bankrupt. There are several reports in the Northampton Mercury of Stephen Botterill being fined for 'Unjust measures': 15 Oct 1864 (2s + 18s costs), on 15 Feb 1868 (£4), 12 Sep 1868 (fined £5 for 4 quart jugs deficient in measure), and again on 13 Feb 1869 (£5). He blamed his bankruptcy on the 'badness of trade', but one has to wonder if poor judgement was as much, or perhaps more, to blame. Did it not occur to him these things might be linked? (Rhetorical question.) Nevertheless, Stephen Boterill was discharged from bankruptcy on 7 Feb 1868 (Northampton Mercury 28 March 1868).

By 1871, Stephen Boterill (66), Widowed, was a farm labourer and lodger in the household of Thomas Bull, in West Haddon.

Stephen Botterill died, aged 73, in 1878 S Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 74. He was buried on 8 Sep 1878 in West Haddon.

With gracious thanks to Wendy Raybould, Archivist at the West Haddon Local History Group for many of the photos; for identifying the names of the pubs that Stephen Botterill was associated with and pointers towards many other records of his life. See also her: A brief history of West Haddon (PDF)

The Graziers Arms from above. Image provided by West Haddon Local History Group

Joseph Adcock and Sarah Cook

All Saints, Pytchley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Rob - geograph.org.uk/p/5413142

Joseph Adcock (bap. 19 Jul 1776 at All Hallows Church, Wellingborough), son of William Adcock and Elizabeth Shephard, married Sarah Cook (b. ~1783 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire), daughter of John Cook and Sarah Burdett, at All Saints Church, Pytchley, Northamptonshire, on 31 Oct 1803. 

Joseph and Sarah Adcock had nine children, of whom six died in infancy:

1. William Adcock bap. 25 Oct 1804 (buried 29 Jan 1805)
2. John Cook Adcock bap. 8 Aug 1805 (buried 24 Sep 1805)
3. Elizabeth Adcock bap. 27 Oct 1806 (buried 16 Nov 1806)
4. Lydia Adcock bap. 12 Nov 1807 
5. William Adcock bap. 9 Jan 1809 (buried 9 Nov 1809)
6. Mary Adcock bap. 30 Apr 1810
7. John Adcock bap. 28 Jul 1811 (buried 28 Sep 1813)
8. James Adcock bap. 31 Dec 1812
9. Elizabeth Adcock bap. 26 Dec 1814 (buried 12 Sep 1819)

On son James' marriage certificate, Joseph's profession is listed as a Baker.

Joseph Adcock died at 38 and was buried, in Pytchley, on 26 Jul 1814.

Sarah Adcock was buried in Pytchley, on 15 May 1832.

Solomon Thompson Snr and Ann Rawson

St. Mary Magdalene church, Geddington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Richard Croft - geograph.org.uk/p/533762

Solomon Thompson Snr (bap. 25 Aug 1745 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn, married Ann Rawson (bap. 2 Jan 1747, in Geddington, Northamptonshire), daughter of James Rawson and Sarah Fletcher, at St. Mary Magdalene, Geddington, on 27 Oct 1767.

They had at least nine children baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley:

1. Ann Thompson bap. 6 Nov 1768 (Buried 17 Dec 1768)
2. Solomon Tomson (sic) bap. 20 May 1770 (Assume died in infancy)
3. Sarah Tomson (sic) bap. 15 Dec 1771
4. Mary Thompson bap. 17 Dec 1775
5. Thomas Thompson b. ~1779 (Buried 20 Aug 1780)
6. Martha Thompson bap. 11 Jun 1780
7. Lucy Thompson bap. 6 Oct 1782
8. Ann Thompson bap. 8 Nov 1784
9. Solomon Thompson Jnr bap. 15 Jun 1786

Solomon Thompson, labourer, had appeared on the Northamptonshire Militia Lists 1771. "The Militia Act of 1757 required each county to raise an assigned quota of able-bodied men to serve in the militia. The act was passed as a reaction to the French invasion during the Seven Years War. The militia was responsible for the defense of Great Britain and Ireland. They never served abroad. Men were between the ages of 18 and 45 and served for a minimum of 28 days a year, over three years."

Solomon Thompson Snr (75) was buried, in Cransley, on 2 Sep 1823.

Ann Thomson (sic) Widow (81), was buried in Cransley on 31 Jan 1828.

Daniel Thompson and Mary Adcock

Pytchley Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Rob - geograph.org.uk/p/5413142

Daniel Thompson (bap. 30 Jul 1809 St Andrew's, Cransley), son of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis and Mary Adcock (bap. 30 Apr 1810 at All Saints, Pytchley), daughter of Joseph Adcock and Sarah Cook, a pair of my 3x great-grandparents, married, on 25 Oct 1832, at All Saints, Pytchley. Witnesses were William Sheffield and Elizabeth Cox.

Daniel and Mary had five children:

1. Sarah Elizabeth Thompson bap. 15 Dec 1833 in Broughton
2. George Thompson bap. 15 Apr 1836 in Broughton
3. Benjamin Thompson b. 1841 S Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 275, bap. 3 Oct 1841 at St Andrews of Cransley
4. Louisa Thompson b. 1844 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 271, bap. 15 Dec 1844 at St Andrews of Cransley
5. Dan Thompson b. 12 Oct 1848 (1848 D Quarter in KETTERING Volume 15 Page 260), bap. 5 Nov 1848 at St Andrews of Cransley

Benjamin's birth was registered at the GRO with the surname Tompson (without the H), while Louisa and Dan were both registered with the surname Thompson (with the H) and all with the mother's maiden name ADCOCK. 

In 1841, Daniel Tompson (30), carpenter, was living in Cransley Street, Broughton, with his wife, Mary (30), daughter Sarah (8) and son George (5). Also staying with them were Maria Blackett (25), Dressmaker (Daniel's sister); Ann Ray (30); Emily Ray (1) and Sarah Hewitt (10).

In 1851, living at the same address of Cransley Street, Broughton, were Daniel Thompson (42) Carpenter, Mary Thompson (41), Sarah Thompson (17) Dressmaker; George Thompson (14) Carpenter; Benjamin Thompson (9), Louisa Thompson (6) and Dan Thompson (2).

Daniel Thompson, Carpenter & Wheelwright, died, aged 45, on 15 Feb 1854 (1854 M Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 114) and was buried, on 19 Feb 1854, at St Andrew's, Broughton. His effects, which were valued under £100, were granted to his widow, Mary Tompson, in 1861. 

In 1861, the widowed Mary Thompson (51) was living in the household of her son George, at 9, Mount Pleasant, Broughton, who appeared to have taken over the family business as a Carpenter employing 2 men and 1 boy. 

Then in 1871, Mary and younger daughter, Louisa, were staying with eldest daughter, Sarah and son-in-law, Daniel Botterill, in Deptford. 

Mary Thompson died, aged 69 in 1879 D Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 501 (Daniel Botterill, married to eldest daughter, Sarah, was landlord of the Clock House (formerly Coach & Horses), in Leather Lane, Holborn in 1881, so I think it safe to assume that's where Mary was at the time of her death). Mary was buried, on 15 Oct 1879, at St Andrew's, Broughton.

Herbert Edward Southwell and Emma Elizabeth Adcock

St. Mark's Church, Peterborough
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/4306299

Herbert Edward Southwell (b. 3 Mar 1863 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire), son of Alfred Southwell and Louisa Boyden, married Emma Elizabeth Adcock (b. 20 Sep 1864 in Peterborough), daughter of John Adcock and Sarah Ann Richards, at St Mark's Church, Peterborough on 17 Oct 1892. Witnesses to the marriage were John Adcock, bride's father, and Sarah Wright.

The couple do not appear to have had any children.

In 1901, living at 14 Belvoir Road, Bottesford, Leicestershire, were Herbert E Southwell (38) Assurance Agent and wife, Emma Southwell (36).

In 1911, they were living back in Werrington, Peterborough with Herbert (48) Insurance Agent, Emma (46) and mother-in-law, Sarah Ann Adcock (68).

Herbert Edward Southwell died on 19 Aug 1919, aged 56 (1919 S Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 191). Probate was granted to Emma.

In 1921, Emma Elizabeth Southwell (56) was living at Lincoln Road, Werrington, Gunthorpe, with her mother, Sarah Ann Adcock (78).

In 1939, Emma Elizabeth Southwell, Widow, was living at 199 Lincoln Road, Werrington. Living with her were Walter E Johnson, Automobile Engineer & Garage Proprietor and his wife, Ethel G Johnson (née Linley). 

Emma Elizabeth Southwell died on 26 Feb 1943 (1943 M Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Vol 03B Page 309). Probate was granted, on 3 Jun 1943; beneficiaries were Walter Ernest Johnson and Ethel Gertrude Johnson.

There is a post script to this couple's story. The Peterborough Standard of 3 Jul 1953 reports: New Pulpit Dedicated. "For the first time in its 800 year history, Werrington Church has a pulpit worthy of the beautiful surroundings. The dedication of the pulpit was performed on Saturday evening by Dr Spencer Leeson, Bishop of Peterborough. Other clergy in attendance were the Rev. F H Stallard, RD; the Rev. A Butterworth, the Rev. F Wesley Clifford and the Rev. G Murray Beard. The last pulpit installed in the late 19th century, is far surpassed in beauty by Leslie Moore's design in carved light oak."

On the inside of the pulpit are the words:

"To the Glory of God and in memory of Herbert Edward Southwell, died 19th August, 1919 and Emma Elizabeth Southwell, died 26th February, 1943. Dedicated by the Right Rev. Spencer Leeson, Lord Bishop of Peterborough, 27th June, 1953."

"Among the large congregation were several members of the Methodist Church, who had received a special invitation to attend. After the service the Bishop attended a reception in the Parish Hall."

Church of St. John The Baptist, Werrington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/7123383

Thomas Willis and Mary Essex

All Saints' Church, Thorpe Malsor
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Thacker - geograph.org.uk/p/6620224

Thomas Willis (bap. 19 Jan 1752 in Thorpe Malsor), son of William and Elizabeth Willis, married Mary Essex on 13 Oct 1778 at All Saints Church, Thorpe Malsor, Northamptonshire. Thomas and Mary had nine children, all of whom were baptised at Thorpe Malsor, All Saints:

1. William Willis bap. 2 Jan 1780
2. Elizabeth Willis bap. 7 Apr 1782
3. Mary Willis bap. 18 Jul 1784
4. Ann Willis bap. 26 Mar 1786
5. Maria Willis bap. 24 May 1789
6. Joseph Willis bap. 25 Apr 1791
7. Thomas Willis bap. 11 Feb 1792
8. John Willis bap. 24 May 1795
9. Lucey (sic) Willis bap. 15 Jan 1797

It is clear that they named the first two children after Thomas' parents and therefore appear to follow common family convention on naming. Particularly interesting and unusual is that there are both a Mary and a Maria - that these are NOT interchangeable to the same person. Maria Willis and her husband, Solomon Thompson, do this too and re-use many of these same names, adding another reason for accepting this as the correct family.

Mary Willis, wife of Thomas Willis, was buried on 10 Feb 1799.

Thomas Willis was buried in Thorpe Malsor on 25 Feb 1814.

Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn

Pytchley Church
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Benjamin Thompson (purportedly b. ~1723 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), married Sarah Munn on 8 Oct 1744 at All Saints Church, in the village of Pytchley, Northamptonshire. This pair of 6th great-grandparents are the earliest of this line in Northamptonshire that I can confirm [so far]. 

This couple had four children, baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley:

1. Solomon Thompson Sr bap. 25 Aug 1745
2. Priscilla Thomson bap. 6 Mar 1748
3. Sarah Thompson bap. 28 Apr 1751
4. William Thompson bap. 24 Jun 1753

There are suggestions that Sarah Munn was born in 1725 and died in 1788, however, I have not yet seen any records to confirm this. So far, I've been unable to confirm any further records for this couple.

John Adcock and Sarah Ann Richards

Interior, St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Julian P Guffogg - geograph.org.uk/p/5211727

John Adcock (b. 1839 in Stamford, Lincolnshire), Joiner of Cumbergate, Peterborough, eldest son of James Adcock and Mary Hill, married Sarah Ann Richards (b. 1843 in Peterborough), daughter of John Richards and Ellen Davis, at St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough on 2 Sep 1861. 

John and Sarah had four children:

1. Unnamed female child b. 1861 D Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 191 (Clearly, this child didn't survive)
2. Emma Elizabeth Adcock b. 20 Sep 1864 D Quarter Vol 03B Page 208
3. John James Adcock b. 1869 J Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 205 (Died, aged 20, in 1889 J Quarter Volume 03B Page 137)
4. Annie Louisa Adcock b. 1872 J Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 262 (Died, aged 8, in 1880 S Quarter Vol 03B Page 145)

In 1871, living in Swan Place, Peterborough, were John Adcock (32), Joiner, with Sarah A Adcock (28), Emma E Adcock (6) and John J Adcock (2).

In 1881, at 121, Cromwell Road, Peterborough were John Adcock (42) Carpenter and Joiner, Sarah Ann Adcock (38), Emma Elizabeth Adcock (16) Shop Assistant and John James Adcock (12) Scholar.

In 1891, at 303, Cromwell Road, Peterborough, were John Adcock (52) "Joiner Foreman", Sarah Ann Adcock (48) and Emma Elizabeth Adcock (26).

In 1901, still at 303, Cromwell Road, Peterborough, there are just John Adcock (62) Foreman Joiner, with wife Sarah Ann Adcock (58). 

John Adcock died, at 68, on 8 May 1907 (1907 J Qtr in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 121). Probate was granted on 19 Jun 1907 to his widow, Sarah Ann Adcock and daughter, Emma Elizabeth Southwell. Also mentioned on the probate record was Herbert Edward Southwell, his son-in-law.

In 1911, Sarah Ann Adcock (68) was living with her daughter and son-in-law, Herbert and Emma Southwell, in Werrington, Peterborough.

In 1921, Sarah Ann Adcock (78) was living with her daughter, Emma Elizabeth Southwell (56) at Lincoln Road, Werrington, Gunthorpe, Northamptonshire.

Sarah Ann Adcock died on 26 Dec 1926, aged 83 (1926 D Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 254). Probate was granted on 27 Jan 1931 to her daughter Emma Elizabeth Southwell.

Samuel Mobbs and Lydia Adcock

All Saints' Church, Pytchley, Northamptonshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Jeffrey - geograph.org.uk/p/7904931

Samuel Mobbs (bap. 13 Oct 1808 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire), Batchelor, son of William Mobbs and Ann Jones married Lydia Adcock (bap. 12 Nov 1807 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire), Spinster, daughter of Joseph Adcock and Sarah Cook, at All Saints Church, Pytchley, Northamptonshire on 26 Aug 1830. Witnesses were Daniel Tompson and Mary Adcock (who married in 1832, a pair of my 3x great-grandparents). Mary was Lydia's sister.

Samuel and Lydia Mobbs had nine children:

1. Benjamin Mobbs bap. 3 Jul 1831 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
2. Joseph Adcock Mobbs bap. 12 Apr 1833 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
3. William Adcock Mobbs bap. 13 Mar 1836 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
4. George Mobbs b. 22 Jun 1838 (1838 J Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 275), bap. 22 Jul 1838 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
5. Edward Thomas Mobbs b. 1840 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 271 (mother's maiden name listed as HADCOCK), bap. 31 Jan 1841 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
6. Louisa Mobbs b. 1843 J Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 282 (as Casia Mobbs and mother's maiden name listed as HADCOCK), bap. 3 Aug 1843 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire 
7. Samuel Mobbs b. 1846 J Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 295, bap. 26 Apr 1846 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
8. James Adcock Mobbs b. 1848 D Quarter in KETTERING Volume 15 Page 255, bap. 25 Dec 1848 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire
9. Mary Elizabeth Cook Mobbs b. 1852 D Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 140

On birth registrations for George, Samuel, James and Mary, mother's maiden name is correctly listed as ADCOCK. Baptisms give the parent's names as Samuel and Lydia. Found no baptism for Mary Elizabeth Cook Mobbs.

Son Samuel's marriage in 1872, lists his father's occupation as Gardner.

In 1841, Samuel Mobbs (~30), Lydia Mobbs (~30), Benjamin (10), Joseph (8), William Ad[cock] (5), George (2), Edward Thos (0) and James Phillips (20) [Presumably a Lodger] were living in Pytchley, Northamptonshire.

In 1851, and still in Pytchley, Northamptonshire, were Samuel Mobbs (42), Lydia Mobbs (43), Benjamin Mobbs (19), Joseph A Mobbs (17), George Mobbs (12), Edward Mobbs (10), Louisa Mobbs (7), Samuel Mobbs (5) and James A Mobbs (2). William [Adcock] Mobbs (15), listed as their Nephew, was staying with his uncle George Mobbs and family, also in Pytchley.

Samuel Mobbs died, aged 50, on 3 Jun 1859 (1859 J Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 106) and was buried, on 7 Jun 1859 at All Saints, Pytchley. Probate was granted on 25 Feb 1860 to a Richard Lane.

In 1861, Lydia Mobbs (53) Widowed, was still living in Pytchley Village with George Mobbs (22), Louisa Mobbs (18), Samuel Mobbs (15), James Adcock Mobbs (12), Mary Elizabeth Cook Mobbs (8) and George Mead (20), Lodger.

Lydia Mobbs died, at 62, in 1870 J Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 113 and was buried in Pytchley on her son George's birthday, 22 Jun 1870.

Dan Tompson and Mary Ann Green

Junction of Cable Street and Watney Street, Shadwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Stott - geograph.org.uk/p/6067988

Dan Thompson (b. 12 Oct 1848 in Broughton, Northamptonshire), son of Daniel Thompson and Mary Adcock, at 19, married married Mary Ann Green (b. 3 Jul 1849 in Bethnal Green), 18, daughter of Edward Green and Eliza Goodman, at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, Limehouse (bombed in 1940 and since demolished) on 15 Aug 1867. Witnesses to their marriage were Robert Davis and Harriet Blundell (in 1861, Harriet, then 12, had been a visitor in the household of Mary Ann's parents, so may have been family.)

Dan and Mary Ann had two children:

1. Eliza Louisa Tompson b. 24 Aug 1868 at 299 Cable Street (1868 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 417)
2. Dan Edward Green Tompson b. 12 Mar 1870 (1870 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 466). Died 1870 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 288.

In 1851, Dan (2) was with his parents, in Broughton. Following his father's death in 1854, by 1861, the 12 year old Dan was living in the household of his eldest brother, George Thompson (b. 1836), who appeared to have taken over the family carpentry business in Broughton, along with their widowed mother, Mary Thompson (née Adcock). Dan's brother Benjamin (19) was then living with their aunt and uncle, in St George in the East, Middlesex. So it's presumably as a result of this latter connection that Dan also went to London and it seems to be that when the brothers reach the East End they drop the aitch from Thompson. My mother always insisted it was Tompson.

Mary Ann Tompson, wife of Dan Tompson, Bricklayer (present at the death), died on 19 Mar 1870 at 363 Cable Street, St George in the East, after giving birth to their son. The causes listed on Mary Ann's death certificate state "Childbirth 7 days, Scarlet Fever 4 days, exhaustion". She was just 20.

In April 1871, the widowed Dan Tompson (22) was lodging in Cable Street, while his daughter Eliza Louisa (2) (listed as Thompson), was living with her widowed maternal grandmother, Eliza Green, then landlady at The King and Queen Public House in Tait Street, St George in the East (Wapping).

On 4 June 1871, Dan Tompson (23) remarried to Sarah Jane Baker (19), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, at Christ Church, Watney Street, Stepney (four of the five Tompson siblings married in this church). Witnesses were Charles Richard Baker, Sarah Jane's brother; Amelia Baker, who was either her mother or sister and Louisa Tompson, Dan's sister.

Dan and Sarah Jane went on to have a further TWELVE children:

1. Amelia Mary Tompson b. 1872 D Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 473 (Died, aged 1, in 1874 M Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C 399)
2. Jessie Elizabeth Tompson b. 1874 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 597 (Died, aged 1, in 1876 M Qtr in Vol 01C Page 433)
3. Sarah Sophia Tompson b. 9 Oct 1876 (1876 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 523), bap. 5 Jun 1895 in Waddesdon
4. Mabel Grace Tompson b. 6 Aug 1878 (1878 S Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 443), bap. 25 Dec 1890 in Waddesdon
5. Mary Adcock Tompson b. 1880 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 371 (Died, aged 1, in 1881 J Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 280)
6. Dan Baker Tompson b. 1882 D Quarter in ST: GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 385 (Died 1883 J Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 274)
7. Charles Frederick Tompson b. 1884 M Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 409 (Died, aged 3, in 1887 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 451)
8. George Daniel Tompson b. 1885 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 349, bap. 25 Dec 1890 in Waddesdon
9. Ernest Wilberforce Tompson b. 1888 D Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 641 (Died, aged 1, in 1890 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 81)
10. Amelia Mary Tompson b. 14 Nov 1890 (1890 D Quarter in AYLESBURY Volume 03A Page 648), bap. 25 Dec 1890 in Waddesdon
11. Ellen Hoile Folville Tompson b. 22 May 1893 (1893 S Quarter in MELTON MOWBRAY Volume 07A Page 323), bap. 5 Jun 1895 in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
12. Ivy Maud Tompson b. 23 Feb 1895 (1895 J Quarter in AYLESBURY Volume 03A Page 761), bap. 5 Jun 1895 in Waddesdon

The mother's maiden name on all of these birth registrations is BAKER.

In 1881, Dan Tompson (32) and Sarah Jane Tompson (29) were living at 27 Watney Street, St George in the East, with Dan's daughter Eliza Louisa Tompson (12) - listed as Elizabeth L - Sarah Sophia Tompson (5), Mabel Grace Tompson (3) and Mary Adcock Tompson (0). (Living at the same address were Sarah Jane's younger sister, Sophia and her husband Charles Frederick Burden. Both couples followed similar naming patterns for their children, with Dan and Sarah Jane naming one son Charles Frederick, which suggests they were close. Burden went to Canada in 1900. Did this have a bearing on Dan and Sarah Jane's decision to emigrate in 1912?)

On 4 Oct 1886 Mabel Grace and on 1 Nov 1886 Sarah Sophia, daughters of Dan Tompson of 106 High Street, were enrolled at Bow High Street School (Closed in 1932). This record provides their actual birth dates.

Mabel Grace (b. 1878), George Daniel (b. 1885) and Amelia Mary (b. 1890), were all baptised on Christmas Day 1890, in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire.

In 1891, in High Street, Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire were Dan Tompson (40) Bricklayer; Sarah Jane Tompson (39), Mabel G Tompson (12), George D Tompson (5) and Amelia M Tompson (0). Eliza Louisa Tompson (22) 'Fancy box maker' was living with William and Ellen Burton, in Knapp Road, Bromley, Poplar, listed as their niece (Ellen Burton (née Baker) was Sarah Jane' sister). Sarah Sophia Tompson was visiting her aunt Mary Thompson, widow of her father's brother, Benjamin, at the Spotted Cow, Hither Green, Lewisham.

St Michael & All Angels,
Waddesdon - Font
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon
geograph.org.uk/p/3267102

Sarah Sophia, Ellen Hoile Folville (b. 1893 in Ashby Folville, Leicestershire and Ivy Maud (b. 1895) were also baptised, in Waddesdon, on 5 Jun 1895. The denomination on all of the baptisms is listed as Anglican, so I assume this was at the church of St Michael & All Angels, Waddesdon. In later documents, Dan lists himself as Wesleyan and there is a Wesleyan Chapel in Waddesdon High Street.

In 1901, Dan Tompson (52) and Sarah Jane Tompson (49), were listed as living in Gracious Street, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire with George Daniel (15) Bricklayer; Amelia Mary (10), Ellen T H (7) and Ivy Maud (6), plus lodger, William Warren (61), described as 'Draper But Not In Occupation'.

Dan's obituary details that, in 1904 he was elected to the Whittlesey Urban District Council and that "Mr Tompson came to Whittlesey in July 1896 and became landlord of the "King's Head" (now in residential use, see image) in, Gracious Street, which he kept until he left for Canada in 1911."

Gracious Street, Whittlesey (1897) A decorated house on Whittlesey’s Gracious Street during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria in 1897. Image Peterborough Images Archive

In 1911, Dan Tompson (63), Sarah Jane Tompson (60), Ellen Hoile Folville Tompson (18), Ivy Maud Tompson (16) and William Charles Kritzer (7), Grandson, were living at Lattersey Field, Whittlesey; Mabel Grace Tompson was a Lady's Maid in the household of Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow, 2nd Baronet (Waterlow and Sons) in Carlton House Terrace; Amelia Tompson (23) from Waddeston, Bucks was a Domestic Servant in the employ of James Hainsworth Ismay (son of Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line) at Iwerne Minster House, Iwerne Minster, Dorset.

R.M.S. Corsican Image: Eric Eggertson Some rights reserved

Family stories, at best, usually have a mere grain of truth in them, almost universally contain large measures of exaggeration and "self-aggrandisement" and sometimes, huge amounts of complete fiction. Researching family history, therefore, becomes an exercise in debunking the family myths. Some relatives are more prone to bigging themselves and their forebears up, so you learn to question (read completely disbelieve) their tales, so you could honestly have knocked me down with a feather when I found this one was mostly true.

My mother said that one of the Tompsons had gone to Canada and set up a business. The story wasn't without some exaggeration, as she did make it sound like they'd set up a massive corporation and given the impression that if one were to go to any place in that vast country and mention "Tompsons" everyone would instantly know the household name - when reality was a couple of self-employed brickies - but they do turn up in Canada.

To be fair, she will have got this story too from her grandmother, Eliza Louisa Sweeney (née Tompson), but my mother didn't seem to know who among the Tompsons had gone to Canada and the way the story came across is as if it was some distant relative, not Eliza Louisa's own father, Dan Tompson.

Dan's son George Daniel Tompson, had travelled, initially to the US, in 1908, but on 6 Jul 1912, Dan Tompson (63), with daughters Amelia (21) and Ellen (19), had embarked in London bound for Montreal on the R.M.S. Corinthian. Curiously, they're listed on the passenger list under "The Salvation Army Pantel", with Dan's Profession, Occupation or Calling listed as "Farming" and of the girls as "Domestic". They had all travelled 3rd class, or Steerage. Then separately, on 18 Oct 1912, wife Sarah Jane (listed as 36, although she was actually 61), youngest daughter Ivy (17) and Willie Thompson (8) - this has to be the grandchild listed on the 1911 Census as William Charles Kritzer - embarked in Liverpool aboard the SS Corsican, also bound for Montreal.

House on the left 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada

The family set up home in the Earlscourt neighbourhood in Toronto, settled in 1906 by labourers from the British Isles. Even in 1914 it still had a “shack town” reputation. This article about the area, which talks of a "Building Boom", indicates why the Tompsons went there, "The modest sized lots on empty fields appealed to those looking for affordable land, low taxes and lax building regulations." Reading between the lines, my belief is that the family acquired one of the plots and split it between father and son. George Daniel initially lived in the house on the right of the picture, 133 Morrison Avenue and Dan settled in the house on the left, 131 Morrison Avenue. Given they were bricklayers, there's a good chance they built the houses themselves.

In the 1913 Toronto City Directory, Dan Tompson is listed at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, as a bricklayer. In the 1917 directory, Dan is listed at 73 Ashburnham Rd, Toronto, with George at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto.

On the 1921 Census of Canada, Dan (72), Sarah Jane (69), Amelia Mary (31), Ellen (29), Ivy Maud (27) and Willie Christie (18) - the grandson with the ever-changing surname - were all living at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto.

Dan Tompson died on Friday, 1 Aug 1924, at his home of 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto. The record of his death says it was from "Senility", although his obituary contradicts that saying, "He was 77 years of age, but his vigour of mind made him appear younger." He was actually only 75. Dan was buried on 3 Aug 1924 at Prospect Cemetery, Toronto, Section 17, Plot 509. (Plan)

Grave of Dan Tompson at Prospect Cemetery in Toronto

August 23, 1924

DAN TOMPSON of WHITTLESEY

A Noted Builder's Death in Canada

Whittlesey Council Meetings of the Past

Old friends in the Whittlesey neighbourhood will learn with regret that Mr Daniel Tompson, formerly a well-known Whittlesey resident, of whom many will have lively and pleasing recollections, is dead.

The following is culled from the "Toronto Evening Telegram":- The Lloyd George of Earlscourt is dead. Dan Tompson he was to strangers, but Lloyd George to the hundreds of Earlscourt residents who saw a likeness to the British statesman in the shaggy crop of hair and the rugged, honest face - who watched him as he stood at rate payers' meetings denouncing some condition which he thought unjust - who heard his ejaculate "Shame!" at some big public gathering, when overpowering indignation forced a remark from him. Dan Tompson died on Friday at his home, 131 Morrison Avenue. He was 77 years of age, but his vigour of mind made him appear younger, and he rarely missed a meeting of his favourite organisation, the British Imperial Association. Born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, he lived over 30 years in London, and was nine years on the Whittlesey Urban Council. In 1912 he came to Toronto, and lived in Earlscourt for the last seven years. He was a member of the Church of England [?] And Royal Alexandra [?] No 2459. Surviving him are his widow, Mrs Sarah Jane Tompson; one son, George, 124 Hatherley Road; and six daughters, Mrs J Sweeney, Mrs J Christie and Mrs Mabel Martin, of England and Misses Amelia, Ellen and Ivy at home. He was always an outstanding figure at meetings. Head thrown back and blue eyes flashing, he could speak from his extensive experience on practically every subject which was under discussion.

The last paragraph of the above report is indeed a tribute to Mr Tompson's powers of expression and volubility.

His Whittlesey Associations

Mr Tompson came to Whittlesey in July 1896 and became landlord of the "King's Head" in, Gracious Street, which he kept until he left for Canada in 1911. Always original, and by no means hide-bound by convention, he combined the role of publican with that of a local preacher, truly a strange combination, and one not often seen nowadays. But "Dan" as he was intimately known to hundreds, could well sustain this dual role. There was one occasion when his dignity suffered a severe shock, and that was at Pond's Bridge. He had been invited over there in his capacity as a local preacher to take the service at the little chapel, which was given to the hamlet by Lord de Ramsey, and being unused to the pulpit, which was of [unreadable] design, he had no sooner got into it he tripped out!

By trade he was a builder and a very efficient and reliable contractor too. Among works undertaken by him was the building of the New Whittlesey Brick Company, now known as the Victory Brickworks, and he also assisted in the building of the Gildenburgh Brick Works, now known as the United Brick Company. An employer of labour, he was most generous and paid his men liberally. Inclined towards Liberalism in politics, and delivered many stirring orations in his advocacy of the cause. As will be realised by "Sub Rosa's" accompanying article, a meeting at which Mr Tompson was present was never dull and although Dan's electioneering motto - or shall we say, battle-cry - was "Actions speak louder than words", he was never a believer in the quiet subdued style of advocacy, but went "all out" with a force that told.

Besides the wider realm of national politics, local government attracted him, and in 1904 he was elected to the Whittlesey Urban District Council, fourteenth on the list of the eighteen successful candidates. Again in 1907 and 1910 he was returned, improving his position each time, and he retained his seat on the Council until he left for Canada in 1911. Arrived in the Dominion, he carried on his business as a builder.

His wife, who, as the Canadian report states, survives him, was a charming lady, and made a host of friends in Whittlesey.

Their daughters must have travelled back to the UK, because on 17 Sep 1926, Amelia Mary Thompson (35) and Ellen Hoile Thompson (32), embarked in Liverpool, bound for Montreal on the R.M.S. Regina. Interestingly, they gave their last address in the United Kingdom as c/o Mrs Sweeney, 102 Fore Street, London (my great-grandmother, their half-sister).

On the 1931 Canada Census, Sarah Jane Tompson (81) widowed, arrival date 1912, was still listed at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto with Amelia Mary Tompson (41), Ellen Hoile Tompson (38) and Ivy Maude Tompson (36).

Then on 19 Sep 1931, Ellen (38) and Ivy Maud (36) made the crossing from Liverpool to New York, in transit to Canada, on the R.M.S. Adriatic. They stated they were citizens of Canada. (Until 1947, settlers from Britain were considered citizens of Canada without needing to naturalize.)

The three Tompson girls then all appeared in the Toronto Centennial City Directory of 1934 at 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto.

Sarah Jane Tompson died on 4 Aug 1937 and was buried with her husband.

In 1939, the three spinster daughters were back in the UK, living together at Way Homesteads, Broadway, Yaxley, Cambridgeshire. Amelia and Ellen were dressmakers, while Ivy was a School Teacher (Technical). Their brother George Daniel's father-in-in law, George Oldfield's parents were, George Oldfield and Mary Haddon and, in 1851, Mary was listed as having been born in Yaxley, then in Huntingdonshire. This may well explain why the three sisters were in Yaxley after they returned to the UK from Canada. None of these three sisters ever married and they then returned to Whittlesey.

On 12 Sep 1939, Probate was granted to Amelia Mary Tompson and Ivy Maud Tompson on the estates of both Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Tompson. They left effects of £400 (worth around £26,000 today), hardly a fortune. 

Ellen died on 14 Jan 1976. She will have been 82. Amelia Mary Tompson of 81 Benwick Road, Whittlesey, died on 4 Mar 1986. She was 95. Ivy Maud Tompson of Keneydon House, 2 Delph Street, Whittlesey (a Residential Dementia care home) died on 12 Feb 1991, just eleven days before her 96th birthday. 

Ellen Hoile Tompson, Amelia Mary Tompson and Ivy Maud Tompson are buried in Whittlesey Cemetery.