Samuel Morcombe and Hephzibah Sarah Eastabrook

Victorian graves in Cathays Cemetery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gareth James - geograph.org.uk/p/1405099

Samuel Sparrow Morcombe (b. 9 May 1851 in Briton Ferry, Glamorgan, Wales), son of William Morcombe and Mary Howe, married Hephzibah Sarah Eastabrook (b. 18 Sep 1852 in Stoke Damerel, Devon), daughter of Richard Eastabrook and Susana Derry, on 27 Nov 1881, in Cardiff.

Samuel and Hephzibah had five children, of whom three died as infants:

1. Mary Ellen Rose Morcombe b. 1885 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 283, died at 8 months on 27 Nov 1885 (Volume 11A Page 1760) and was buried at Cathays Cemetery, Cathays, Cardiff, Wales.
2. William Samuel Morcombe b. 30 Jan 1887 in CARDIFF Vol 11A 319
3. Margaret Mabel Morcombe b. 1891 J Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 409
4. George Oswald Morcombe b. 1893 J Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 418, died in 1893 S Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 179.
5. Lucy Eliza Morcombe b. 1895 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 310, died aged 1, in 1896 M Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 224.

In 1891, Samuel Morcombe (38) General Labourer, listed as Single, and William Morcombe (4) were visitors in the household of William Carder (56) Grocer in Cross Street, Cardiff. Meanwhile, Hephzibah S Morcombe (38) was living in Pritchard Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1901, Samuel Morcambe (sic) (49) Gardener was living in Manor Street, Central Cardiff with Hepzibah (47), William Samuel (14) Margaret Mabel (9), with Cyril Morgan (12) and John Morgan (8), from Bristol, Visitors.

In 1911, Samuel Morcombe (53 ish) from Neath, Glamorganshire, was once more a Labourer in Cemetery for the Corporation and still living in Central Cardiff with Hephzibah Sarah Morcombe (58), Margaret Mabel Morcombe (19) and a Robert Joseph Jones (38) Boarder.

In 1921, Samuel Morcombe (69) Labourer at Cardiff Cemetery and Hephzibah S Morcombe (68) were living at 27, Newfoundland Road, Llandaff, Wales.

Samuel Morcombe died, at 73, in 1926 D Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 298.

In 1939, Hephzibah S Morcombe, Old Age Pensioner, was living with her daughter Margaret M Whitaker and her husband at 20 Kyle Avenue, Cardiff. 

Hephzibah S Morcombe died, at 89, in 1942 in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 338.

James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley

Bradninch: Devon Valley Mill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/71623
Also known as Hele Mill; there has been a paper mill here since at least 1765. These buildings date from the 20th century. The brick building carries a datestone of 1912. In previous centuries several other paper mills relied on the water power of the river Culm, seen here flowing under a bridge that may have once carried a siding into the works from the nearby railway.

James Ridgeway (bap. 25 Oct 1835 in Ashbrittle), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Thomasin Rookley (bap. 28 Feb 1841), daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, on 12 Nov 1859, at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare.

The only child of this marriage was:

1. James Ridgway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 430, bap. 25 Dec 1866 at St. Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare. He died, aged 6 months in 1867 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 287 and was buried, also in Kentisbeare churchyard, on 5 May 1867.

In 1861, James Ridgeway (25), Thomasin Ridgeway (20) and Samuel Rookley (4) Nephew, were living at Kentismoor [Farm], Kentisbeare.

In 1871, James Ridgway (37), Thomasin Ridgeway (28), still living at the 'Moor' [Kentismoor Farm]. Thomasin's father, John Rookley (78) still employed as a Farm Labourer, was living with them. (John Rookely died shortly afterwards, aged 78, and was buried on 14 May 1871.)

By 1881, James Ridgeway (45) and Thomasin Ridgeway (35), had moved to Rhode [Farm], Bradninch. Two nephews were staying with them as visitors, Walter Hartley (8) from Portsmouth and John Hartley (7) from Wales (actually Newcastle, Northumberland), sons of Thomasin's sister Anna. 

In 1891, James Ridgway (50) Farm Labourer and Thomasin Ridgeway (45) now working at the paper mill, were living in Hele, Bradninch.

In 1901, at Lower Hele, Bradninch, were James Ridgeway (68) Agricultural Labourer and Tamsin (sic) Ridgeway (60) Rag cutter in a paper mill.

In 1911, still at Lower Hele, where James Ridgway (77) and Tomassie (sic) Ridgeway (70) were both described as "Old Age Pensioner". Mary James (67) Widow of No occupation from Plymtree, was a visitor staying with them. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom (which then included all of Ireland). Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and the pensions were subject to a means test.)

James Ridgeway died, aged 78 in 1913 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 492.

Thomasin Ridgeway died at 76 in 1918 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 503.

Bradninch and Hele

Hugh Tapp and Harriet Middleton

Twitchen : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7465149
The first church in Twitchen was erected in medieval times and
was rebuilt in 1844 by John Tapp, Churchwarden.

Hugh Tapp (bap. 22 Apr 1832 in Twitchen, Devon), son of Hugh Tapp and Ann Yendell, married Harriet Middleton (bap. 4 May 1834, in Knowstone, Devon), daughter of Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker, at St Peter's Church, Twitchen, on 10 Nov 1858, 'legitimising' their eldest at the same time.

At home with his parents at Marledge in 1841, Hugh Tapp was then eldest of three surviving children: Hugh (9), John (5) and William (2). His grandparents, Hugh (77) and Joan (84) also lived at Marledge. By 1851, Hugh Tapp (17) was one of the labourers employed by Roger Buckingham, Farmer Of 70 Acres 2 Laborers, in Twitchen. James Buckingham, Hugh Buckingham, William and Roger Buckingham, as well as a John Tapp and a William Tapp, were all listed as farmers in Twitchen in WHITE'S DIRECTORY OF 1850. At that time, Harriet Middleton (16) was employed as a general servant by George Gilliard at Sandyway, Exmoor, on the Devon & Somerset border.

Hugh and Harriett Tapp had eight children:

1. John Tapp Middleton b. 1858 (Registered at the GRO as John Meddleton (sic) in 1858 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 429) and bap. 10 Nov 1858 at St Peter's Church, Twitchen
2. Hugh Tapp b. 1860 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 432 bap. 16 Dec 1860 at St Peter's Church, Twitchen
3. Mary Ann Tapp b. 1863 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 457 bap. 22 Nov 1863 at Twitchen
4. William Tapp b. 1866 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 8 Apr 1866 at St Mary's Church, Molland (Died aged 4 in 1870 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 380)
5. James Tapp b. 1868 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 449, bap. 25 Dec 1868 at St Mary's Church, Molland
6. William Henry Tapp b. 1870 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 431, bap. 27 Nov 1870 at St Mary's Church, Molland
7. Harriet Jane Tapp b. 7 Apr 1873 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 446. (No baptism record found.)
8. Willie Tapp b. 1875 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 439. (No other records of any kind found.)

From Hugh onwards the mother's maiden name is quoted as MIDDLETON.

In 1861, at Hough, Twitchen were Hugh Tapp (27) Agricultural Labourer; Harriett Tapp (26), John Tapp (2) and Hugh Tapp (4 mts).

In 1871, at Brimley, Molland were Hugh Tapp, Ag Lab and Harriet Tapp - who both inexplicably gave their ages as 31 - with John Tapp (13), Mary Tapp (8), James Tapp (3) and William H Tapp (3 mts).

Hugh Tapp died at just 45 in 1877 S Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 281 and was buried on 3 Jul 1877 in Molland.

Widow Harriet Tapp married Henry Blackford in South Molton, in 1879. 

In 1881, Henry Blackford (62) Ag Lab; Harriet Blackford (48), [William] Henry Tapp (10) and Jane Tapp (8), were living at Headgate, Twitchen. John Tapp (22) and James Tapp (13) were both Farm Servants for James Buckingham (55) Farmer at Pulsworthy, Twitchen. Mary [Ann] Tapp (18) was a General Servant to William May (48) Farmer at Popham Farm, North Molton.

Henry Blackford died, aged 66, in 1883 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 267 and was buried on 16 Jul 1883 in Twitchen.

In 1891, Harriet Blackford (56) Widow, was employed as a female servant in the household of Charles Purchase in North Hensley, North Molton. 

Harriet Blackford married William Palfreman (bap. 15 Aug 1830 in Molland, Devon), son of Richard Palfreman and Susanna Bowden, in Q1 1894. 

William Palfreman then died at 69 in 1899 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 314 and was buried on 12 Feb 1899 in Molland.

In 1901, Harriet Palfreman (67) Mother-in-Law, Widow, was living in the household of Eli James Jones - who had married Harriet Jane Tapp in 1899 - at 11 Volis Cottages (Volis Farm), Kingston St Mary, Taunton, Somerset.

In 1911, Harriet Palfreman (77) Mother-in-Law, Widow, Old Age Pensioner, was still living with her son-in-law and daughter at Ivy Cottage, Parkersfield, North Petherton. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom with the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908. Pensions were means-tested and a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p), was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum. The qualifying age was 70.)

Harriet Palfreman died, at 80, in 1915 J Qtr in BRIDGWATER Vol 05C 425.

William Hockley and Charlotte Cock

St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1304086

William Hockley (b. 1833), son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Charlotte Cock (bap. 19 Oct 1834), daughter of Timothy Cock and Sarah Mead, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 24 Sep 1859.

William and Charlotte had nine children:

1. Sarah Charlotte Hockley b. 5 May 1860 Vol 04A 333, bap. 8 Jul 1860 
2. Edith Hockley b. 3 Aug 1861 Volume 04A Page 340, bap. 13 Oct 1861
3. William James Hockley b. 1863 Vol 04A Page 370, bap. 12 Apr 1863, died, aged 16, and was buried on 16 Nov 1879 at St Mary the Virgin.
4. Elizabeth Hockley b. 1865 Volume 04A Page 389, bap. 9 Apr 1865
5. Sophia Hockley b. 1866 Volume 04A Page 370, bap. 9 Dec 1866
6. Martha Hockley b. 1869 Volume 04A Page 406, bap. 13 Jun 1869
7. Harry Hockley b. 27 Jun 1871 Vol 04A Page 373, bap. 14 May 1874 
8. Mary Emma Hockley b. 27 Apr 1874 04A Page 432, bap. 14 May 1874
9. Charles Hockley 27 Apr 1876 Vol 04A Page 453, bap. 30 Apr 1883

The mother's maiden name on the registrations for Sarah Charlotte, Edith, William James, Sophia, Martha and Mary Emma is listed correctly as COCK. On those of Elizabeth, Harry and Charles it has been written as COX.

All of the baptisms, except those for Harry and Mary Emma in 1874, which are listed in records for England, Essex Non-Conformist Church Records [venue unknown], were at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

(There's a baptism, on April 14, 1872, of "Alfred son of William and Charlotte Hockley", listed here. Whilst I have every faith that those records are correctly transcribed, he was not a child of this family. He does not appear on any census with this family, but he does appear as the son of William's younger brother, James Hockley and Emma Parker. The only registration of an Alfred Hockley, in Dunmow, in 1872, has the mother's maiden name PARKER.)

In 1861, William Hockley (27) Agricultural Labourer, Charlotte (27), Sarah C (1), James (23) - William's brother - and their father, Daniel Hockley (age incorrectly shown as 62) were living at Halfway House, Great Dunmow. 

(The adjacent Halfway House Cottage, was used for labourers on the farm, including several generations of our family. Back then it probably housed several labourers' families and certainly won't have had a swimming pool.)

In 1871, William Hockley (36) is joined by Charlotte (35), Sarah C (11), Edith (9), William J (8), Elizabeth (6), Sophia (4) and Martha (2).

In 1881, at Halfway House Cottage, Great Dunmow, were William Hockley (41), Charlotte Hockley (39), Martha (13), Harry (10), Emma Mary [Mary Emma] (6), Charles (4) and granddaughter, Alice Hockley (2)**. Sarah Charlotte Hockley (20) was working as a Domestic Servant in the household of Amelia Hockley (32) widow (if any relation I've yet to discover), Lodging house keeper at Hockerill, Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. Edith Hockley (19) was a Domestic servant in the household of William Henry Cox (33) Farmer at Elms Farm, Great Canfield; and Sophia Hockley (14) was a Domestic Servant to John Sayer (63) Farmer at Bedfords, Great Dunmow.

**Alice Jane Hockley b. 1879 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 472, bap. 14 Sep 1879 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, was the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Charlotte Hockley. Alice Jane Hockley died, aged 8, in 1887 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 314.

In 1891, we find William Hockley (57), Charlotte (56) with Charles (15).

In 1901, William Hockley (68), Charlotte (67) and Charles (24).

Charlotte Hockley died, at 67, in 1902 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 396.

In 1911, William Hockley (79), widowed, was still at Halfway House as an Old Age Pensioner Farm Labourer. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom. Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and pensions were subject to a means test.)

William Hockley died, at 83, in 1916 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 869.

Thomas James Fudge and Elizabeth Stewart

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

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

Thomas and Elizabeth had eight children:

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

There's evidence of baptisms of the later children at Portsea, St Michael.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Francis Stone and Frances Mary Jerred

Cottages, High Street, Halberton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1177578
44 High Street, Halberton, is the blue cottage in the centre

Francis Stone (Frank) (b. 1 Feb 1867) son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Frances Mary Jerred (b. 3 May 1869), daughter of John Jerred and Frances Ann Orchard, always known to my father as "Aunt France", although if we were being pedantic, she was his father's aunt, his great-aunt. The couple married at St Peter’s Church Tiverton on 9 Apr 1902. Witnesses were the bride's father, John Jerred and a Bessie Louisa Corrick. Francis and Frances, at 34 and 33, respectively, married late by the standards of the day, and this may have been a factor toward the couple not having children.

In 1911, Frank Stone (42) Farm Labourer and Frances Mary Stone (42) were living at Middle Pitt, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, still at Middle Pitt Westleigh, Wellington, Sampford Peverell, Devon were Francis Stone (53) Farm Carter and Frances Mary Stone (52).

Francis Stone, of Middle Pitt Cottage, Sampford Peverell, died on 18 Nov 1937, aged 70 (1937 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 502), leaving £517 13s 11d to his widow, Frances Mary Stone. 

In 1939, Frances Mary Stone, Old Age Pensioner, was living at 2 Sunnidale, Willand, Devon.

Frances Mary Stone, of 44 High Street, Halberton, Devon died on 11 Aug 1962 at the ripe old age of 93. She didn't have much money left (~£75). 

Francis and Frances are buried together in the churchyard at Uplowman.

Grave of Francis Stone and Frances Mary Jerred in Uplowman Churchyard