William Parsons and Mary Ann Stone

Tyne Cot Cemetery. Photo: Mike Thurston Some rights reserved

William Parsons (b. 4 Jul 1882 in Bampton, Devon), son of John Parsons and Emma Burrows, married Mary Ann Stone (b. 1886 in Uffculme) daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 19 Apr 1906. Witnesses were the bride's father, Frederick James Stone and James Parsons, the groom's elder brother.

On 21 Oct 1899, William Parsons from Shillingford, Bampton, Devon, adding a year to his age and saying he was 18, had joined the Devonshire Regiment at Exeter. He was then 5ft 5⅝in, weighing 126 lbs, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was, however, discharged on 30 Jun 1900. In 1901, William Parsons was Stockman at Mill Head, Bampton, but by the time of his marriage, he'd become a Railway Platelayer, residing in Landkey.

William and Mary Ann had two children: 

1. William James Parsons b. 1906 D Qtr in BARNSTAPLE Vol 05B 407
2. Olive Mary Parsons b. 1908 M Qtr in BARNSTAPLE Vol 05B 421

In 1911, William Parsons (28) Railway Platelayer, Mary Ann (24), William James (4) and Olive Mary (3) were living at 2 Abyssinia Terrace, Barnstaple.

Corporal William Parsons of 1st Bn., Devonshire Regiment, was killed in action during the Battle of Broodseinde on 4 Oct 1917, aged 35, and is buried at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, located outside Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium, Plot LXIII. D. 12. (The Battle of Broodseinde was part of the Third Battle of Ypres – a major Allied offensive in Flanders which became known as Passchendaele.) The Western Times of 9 Nov 1917 reported on his death: "Corpl Parsons, who in peace time was engaged on the G.W.R. at Bristol, leaves a widow and two children."

In 1919, Mary Ann Parsons married Sydenham Charles Brunt (b. 1871), son of John Brunt and Fanny Carpenter, in Keynsham, Somerset. Sydenham was a widower, having first married Hannah Elizabeth "Bessie" Carey, in 1891, with whom he had two children. Hannah Elizabeth Brunt died, at 45, in 1917.

In 1921, Sydenham C Brunt (49) Time Keeper working for G.W.R. at Bristol (he'd previously been a Railway Policeman), was living at 72, Repton Road, Brislington, Bristol, with Mary Ann Brunt (35), William J Parsons (14) Step-son, Messenger and Olive Mary Parsons (13) Step-Daughter.

Sydenham Charles Brunt died, at 58, in 1929 M Quarter in BRISTOL.

Mary Ann Brunt of 72, Repton Road, Brislington, died, at 44, on 15 Dec 1930 (1930 D Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 117), leaving her effects to William James Parsons, Railway Porter and Olive Mary Parsons, Spinster.

John Parsons and Emma Burrows

Shillingford : Village Sign & B3227
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3283397

John Parsons (b. 1850), son of William Parsons and Harriet Norman, married Emma Burrows (b. 1856), daughter of James Burrows and Martha Perry, at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton on 31 Mar 1878. Witnesses were Samuel Burrows and Eliza Burrows, Emma's elder brother and his wife.

A report in The Western Times on 19 Jun 1874, tells us that Emma Burrows was, at that time, a servant at the Barleycorn Inn, Shillingford, Bampton.

John and Emma had nine children:

1. James Burrows Parsons b. 7 Aug 1878 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436, bap. 1 Sep 1878 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
2. Lucy Parsons b. 19 May 1880 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 424, bap. 12 Dec 1880 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
3. William Parsons b. 4 Jul 1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 30 Jul 1882 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
4. Sarah Ann Parsons b. 16 Jan 1884 in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 439, bap. 10 Feb 1884 in Bampton. Died, aged 16, in 1900 S Qtr Vol 05B Page 267, buried at Petton Chapelry on 27 Jul 1900.
5. Harriet Parsons b. 1886 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 444, bap. 23 Apr 1886, in Bampton. Died in 1886 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 320.
6. Samuel Charles Parsons b. 1887 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 428, bap. 5 Jun 1887 in Bampton. Died, aged 11, in 1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275.
7. Sydney Parsons b. 7 Feb 1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 438, bap. 10 Mar 1889 in Bampton
8. Florence Annie Parsons b. 3 Feb 1891 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 424, bap. 8 Mar 1891 in Bampton
9. John Parsons b. 20 Jul 1894 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408, bap. 26 Aug 1894 in Bampton

Many of the actual dates of birth are those listed when the child was registered at the Shillingford And Petton County Primary School.

In 1881, living in Shillingford, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon, were John Parsons (30) Carpenter from Bampton, Devon; Emma Parsons (25) from Clayhanger, Devon; John B Parsons (2) and Lucy Parsons (0).

In 1891, living at the Turnpike Gate Home, North Hayne, Bampton were John Parsons (40) Carpenter; Emma Parsons (35), Lucy Parsons (10), William Parsons (8), Sarah A Parsons (7), Samuel C Parsons (3), Sydney Parsons (2) and Florence A Parsons (0). Eldest son James was presumably out working somewhere, but does not appear to be listed on this census.

John Parsons died, aged 43, in 1894 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 283.

In 1901, Emma Parsons (45) Widow was living in Shillingford, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon, with James Parsons (22) Labourer on farm who appears have moved back home to support his widowed mother and grandmother; Sydney Parsons (12), Florrie Parsons (10), John Parsons (6) and Martha Burrows (76) Widow, Emma's mother. This time Lucy appears to have escaped the census and William Parsons (18) was Stockman at Mill Head, Bampton.

In 1911, Emma Parsons (55) Charwoman was living in Shillingford with her daughter Florence Parsons (21) Kitchenmaid. James, Lucy and William had all married, Private Sydney Parsons (22) was with the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at St George's Barracks (Pembroke Army Garrison), Malta and John Parsons (16) was an Agricultural Labourer at Teal Farm, Bampton, Devon.

Four Sons on Active Service: The Western Times of 1 Dec 1916 reported that, "Corporal Sydney Parsons of the Devons, who was also wounded in France, has been spending a week-end at his home, Shillingford, Bampton. He is the third son of the late Mr John Parsons and of Mrs Parsons, and has two older and one younger brother on active service. He is a good marksman, having won at Malta the cup for shooting at 600 yards; also a medal for the highest score at 200 yards. He has served for six years at Malta and Egypt, and expects to take a further part in the great campaign."

The Western Times 9 May 1917 communicated that, "Sergt Sydney Parsons, son of Mrs Parsons of Shillingford, is reported missing."

The Western Times of 9 Nov 1917 reported: "Mrs E Parsons, of Shillingford, Bampton, has received the news that her second son, Corpl. Wm. Parsons, of the Devons, was killed in action [during the Battle of Broodseinde] on the 4th October last and has had a very sympathetic letter from Lieut. J W Chandler, deceased's Company officer, saying "his loss will be felt, both as a soldier and a friend." Corpl Parsons, who in peace time was engaged on the G.W.R. at Bristol, leaves a widow and two children. His elder brother, James, is attached to the Royal Engineers and his youngest brother is a prisoner of war in Germany. Another brother, Sergt Sydney Parsons, is reported missing. Much sympathy is evinced towards the mother, who is a widow."

Have been unable to find the record relating to James Parsons serving in the Royal Engineers, but he survived the war; William Parsons is buried at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, outside Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium; records sadly confirm that Sergeant Sydney Parsons of the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment had been killed in action on 23 Apr 1917 [during the Battle of Arras] and is one of 35,942 soldiers with no known grave commemorated on the Arras Memorial; Corporal John Parsons of the Devonshire Regiment, Machine Gun Corps had been captured at Frankreich Serre [Serre-lès-Puisieux] on 16 Nov 1916 and various records show him constantly being sent from one German POW Camp to another, including Laz Mülheim, Dülmen, Minden, Aachen and Cambrai.

Sydney and William Parsons are commemorated on Bampton War Memorial.

In 1921, Emma Parsons (65) was still living in Shillingford, with her youngest son, John Parsons (26) General Labourer for Tiverton Council.

Emma Parsons died at 69 in 1926 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 539.

• James Burrows Parsons married Mabel Mary Hayward (b. 1883) at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 21 Oct 1908. They had five children: Robert John Parsons in 1910; Doris Annie Parsons in 1912; Beatrice Mabel Parsons 1916; Rosie Florence Parsons 1920 and Malcolm James Parsons 1922. James Burrows Parsons died on 7 Nov 1956 and Mabel Mary Parsons on 24 Sep 1969. They are buried together at St Bartholomew's Church, Lyng, Somerset.
• Thomas Kingdom (b. 1876), son of Isaac Kingdom and Ann Hayward, married Lucy Parsons on 30 Apr 1903 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton. They had three children: Albert Thomas Kingdom in 1904; Ivy Florence Kingdom in 1909 and Sydney John Kingdom in 1913. In 1911 they had lived in Petton, Bampton, where Lucy was a Sweet Shop Keeper. Thomas Kingdom died, at 43, in 1920. Lucy was still in Petton in 1921. There are no further records for Lucy Kingdom, but a death of a Louise Kingdom, aged 44, in 1926.
• Frank Cottrell (b. 1887) married Florence Annie Parsons in 1919. In 1921, Frank Cottrell (34) Woodman and Florence Annie Cottrell (30) were living at Lugh Barton Cottage, Skilgate, Somerset and in 1939, at 3 Rocknelle Cottage, Bampton, Tiverton. They don't appear to have had any children. Florence Cottrell died in 1965.
• John Parsons married Bessie Grace Bird (b. 8 Jul 1888), daughter of William Bird and Mary Dunn, in Crediton, Devon, in Q3 1922. They had twins: Francis John Charles Parsons and Elsie Betty Emma Parsons born 30 Nov 1922. All four members of the family were at Haddon View, Dulverton, Somerset in 1939. Both John Parsons and Bessie Grace Parsons died in Q3 of 1973.

Charles James Parsons and Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland

Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/6732016

Charles James Parsons (b. 1867 in Rawalpindi, then in India, now Pakistan, presumably an army brat) married Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland (b. 30 Sep 1881 in Gosport, Hampshire), daughter of Benjamin Copeland and Tamar Hockley, at All Saints Church, Shooters Hill, Plumstead, on 4 Nov 1899.

Charles James Parsons, Musician, joined the Royal Artillery, at 15 y & 3 m (but appeared 14), at Woolwich, on 9 Sep 1882. He was 4ft 9¾in, with a fresh complexion, light hazel eyes and a fair complexion. In 1891, Charles James Parsons (23) Musician Royal Artillery, birth place India, was at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Artillery Place, Woolwich. He was reengaged at Woolwich on 4 May 1894 to complete 21 years service; promoted to Bombardier on 1 May 1895; Corporal on 5 Jul 1896 and Sergeant on 20 Oct 1899, then was permitted to continue beyond 21 years in 1903. Under next of kin, is "Father" Joseph Parsons, St John's Road, Deptford. No idea why parenthesis were used. At 41 years and 1 month on discharge, Charles James Parsons, who had been a Musician in the Royal Artillery Band, had grown to 5ft 9in. He was discharged after 3 months notice on 31 Jul 1908, after 25 years 327 days service, with his character described as 'Exemplary' and awarded a Silver Medal for long service and good conduct. 

In 1901, Charles James Parsons (33) Sergeant Royal Artillery Band and Eleanor E Parsons (19), were living - as a separate household - but at her parents' address at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead.

Charles James Parsons died, aged 41, in 1909 M Quarter in GREENWICH.

Their only daughter, Elsa Euphie Parsons was born, posthumously, on 4 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1203).

Eleanor Elizabeth Parsons, Widow, married Frederick William Watson (b. 25 Apr 1877 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1046, mother's maiden name THOMPSON), son of Frederick Watson and Martha Emma Thompson, in Woolwich, on 2 Jun 1910.

Frederick William Watson, Musician, had joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, at 18 y & 4 m, at Woolwich on 6 Sep 1895. He was then 5ft 4¼in, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had a small mole on the right side of his nose. In 1901, Frederick Watson (23) Soldier Royal Artillery Band, was at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Common.

Frederick William and Eleanor Elizabeth Watson added one son:

1. Frederick Charles Watson b. 13 Mar 1911 ( 1911 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1143), bap. 7 Jun 1911, in Plumstead.

In 1911, Frederick William Watson (33) Sergeant Royal Artillery Band from Woolwich, Kent; Eleanor Elizabeth Watson (29) from Gosport, Hants; Frederick Charles Watson, son, under one month; Elsa Euphie Parsons (1) Stepdaughter and Jessie Alice Green (28) Visitor, were at 23 Belford Grove, Woolwich. (Jessie Alice Green was the daughter of Charles Green and Sarah Ann Hockley, her mother's youngest sister, thus Eleanor's first cousin.)

Frederick William Watson served in France three times during and after World War I, in 1915/16 and again in 1919, finally being discharged on 25 Jul 1919. He was also awarded long service and good conduct medal.

In 1921, Frederick William Watson (44) Musician working for Mrs Davis at the Marble Arch Pavilion Cinema (the cinema then was equipped with a Jones straight pipe organ, which is presumably what Frederick played); Eleanor Elizabeth Watson (39), Elsa Euphie Parsons (12) and Frederick Charles Watson (10) were living at 16, Herbert Road, Plumstead.

On 6 May 1924, Frederick Charles Watson, son of F W Watson, Musician of 36, Ellerslie Road, W12, was admitted to Latymer Upper School, public school in Hammersmith, his previous school having been Woolwich Polytechnic. Frederick Charles Watson stayed at Latymer for the Summer 1924, Autumn 1924, Spring 1925, Summer 1925, Autumn 1925, Spring 1926 terms, leaving on 5 Mar 1926 for a Clerkship, Estate Agents & Surveyors.

In 1939, Frederick W Watson, Porter (Flats) and Eleanor Watson were living at 1a Challoner Mansions, Challoner Street, West Kensington.

It appears that Eleanor Watson may have died, at 80, in 1962. 

Elsa Euphie Parsons married William Arthur Connelley, son of William Connelley and Marian Jenny Cook, in Camberwell, in 1935. In 1939, William A Connelley (b. 15 Aug 1911) Postman and Elsa E Connelley, Solicitor's Clerk, were living at 8 York Close, Merton, Surrey. William Arthur Connelley of 99 Erith Road, Belvedere, Kent died, at 52, at St Nicholas Hospital, Plumstead on 2 Sep 1963 and left over £6500 to his widow, Elsa Euphie Connelley. Elsa Euphie Connelley of 122 Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, died on 17 Apr 1992.

Frederick Charles Watson of 29 Elmwood Drive, Ewell, died 10 Jul 1985.