William Ridgeway and Florence Louise Finnimore

St James, Taunton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/7064603

William Ridgeway (b. 29 Jun 1873), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Florence Louise Finnimore (b. 22 Mar 1880), daughter of Henry Finnimore and Louisa Beer, at St. James, Taunton, on 22 Mar 1903. Witnesses were Florence's father and her sister, Alice Maud.

William and Florence had five children:

1. Edith Maud Ridgway b. 28 Sep 1904 (1904 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392), bap. 6 Nov 1904 in Uplowman, Devon
2. Lily Ridgeway b. 23 Feb 1907 (1907 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 380), bap. 24 Mar 1907 in Uplowman
3. Hilda Ridgway b. 7 Oct 1910 (1910 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 342), bap. 6 Nov 1910 in Uplowman
4. Elsie Ridgway b. 8 Jul 1912 (1912 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 670), bap. 28 Jul 1912 in Uplowman
5. Herbert Ridgway b. 4 Apr 1914 (1914 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 676), bap. 3 May 1914 in Uplowman

Only Lily was registered with the surname spelled Ridgeway, all of the others were Ridgway. The two spellings have been used interchangeably for many generations. All were baptised at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman.

In 1911, William Ridgway (37) Farm Waggoner, Florence Louise Ridgway (31) were living at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton, with Edith Maud (6), Lily (4) and Hilda (0), and William's widowed father, Thomas Ridgway (67).

In 1921, William Ridgway (47) Shepherd was living at Neddycott, Uplowman, with Florence Louise Ridgway (41), Hilda Ridgway (10), Elsie Ridgway (8), Herbert Ridgway (7) and Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, Father. Edith Maud Ridgway (16) was a Domestic Servant in the household of Edward Gale, Farmer, at East Mere, Tiverton. While Lillie (sic) Ridgway (14) was a Domestic Servant at Widhayes, Uplowman. (William, his father Thomas and daughter Lily were all employed by L Batting, Farmer, at Widhayes.)

In 1939, at Wallflower Cottage, Uplowman, were William Ridgeway, Shepherd retired; Florence L Ridgeway, Edith M Ridgeway and Herbert Ridgeway, Farm Carter. 

William Ridgway died on 27 Jun 1941 (1941 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 1114), aged 67 and is buried at Uplowman.

Florence Louise Ridgway of Sellake Cottage, Uplowman, died on 27 Oct 1965 and is buried in Uplowman churchyard along with her husband. She was 85. She left her effects to her eldest daughter, Edith Maud Ridgway, spinster. 

• Edith Maud Ridgway never married and died in 1997, aged 92. Edith Maud Ridgway is also buried in Uplowman churchyard.
• Hilda Ridgeway married Louis Joseph Holway on 1 Jul 1933. From the Western Times 7 July 1933: "UPLOWMAN AND UFFCULM FAMILIES UNITED. The marriage was solemnised quietly at St Peter's Church, Uplowman, on Saturday, of Miss Hilda Ridgway, third daughter of Mr and Mrs William Ridgway of Neddicott, Uplowman, and Mr Louis Joseph Holway, third son of Mrs and the late Mr Thomas Holway of the Post Office, Cradock, Uffculme. The Rector (Rev. E J Sandford) officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a pretty dress of lido blue silk crepe, the panelled skirt reaching to the ankles and the roll collar, white silk in one half and brick in the other, finished at the point with diamonds of white and brick, and the belt was fastened with a small paste brooch. She wore a large white felt hat and carried a prayer book in place of a bouquet. There was no bridesmaid. Mr Edgar Holway carried out the duties of best man. A reception was held at Nedicott, and the happy couple left for their new home at Bridge Street, Uffculme." In 1939, Louis and Hilda Holway were indeed living in Bridge Street, Uffculme, with their daughter Margaret. Hilda Holway died in 1953, aged 42.
• Lily Ridgeway married William John Palk (b. 16 Oct 1902), son of John Palk and Bessie Scorse, in 1928. They do not appear to have any children. In 1939, the couple were living at Sellake Cottage, Willand. Jack and Lily Palk both died in 1987. Jack died on 23 Feb 1987, which would have been his wife's 80th birthday. They are buried together in Uplowman churchyard.
• Harry Tremlett married Elsie Ridgeway, in 1932. Harry Tremlett died on 20 Jul 1961 and is buried at Uplowman. Elsie Tremlett of 2 Crosses Cottages, Uplowman, died on 29 Dec 1979 and is buried in Uplowman, with her husband.
• In 1946, Herbert Ridgeway married Elsie Kelland. Herbert Ridgway died on 28 May 1988, aged 74 and is buried at Uplowman with his wife, Elsie Ridgway (d. 14 Jan 2006).

Florence's parents, Henry Finnimore (b. 1851), son of William Finnimore and Maria Pickard, married Louisa Beer (b. 1855), daughter of Thomas Beer and Mary Elson, in St Thomas, Devon [Exeter] in the 1st quarter of 1877.

Henry and Louisa had seven daughters and one son:

1. Lily Eliza Finnimore b. 1877 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Volume 05B Page 63, bap. 2 Nov 1877 in Heavitree, Devon. On this baptism their address was White's Court and Henry's occupation was Coachman.
2. Florence Louise Finnimore b. 22 Mar 1880 J Quarter in ST THOMAS Volume 05B Page 62, bap. 12 May 1880 in Heavitree, Devon.
3. Alice Maud Finnimore b. 13 May 1882 J Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 58, bap. 14 May 1882 in Heavitree, Devon.
4. Beatrice Ellen Finnimore bap. 28 Dec 1883 in Heavitree, Devon, reg. 1884 M Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 59
5. Blanche Annie Finnimore b. 1886 J Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 61, bap. 21 May 1886 in Heavitree, Devon.
6. William Henry Finnimore b. 7 Jan 1889 M Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 62, bap. 1 Feb 1889 in Heavitree, Devon.
7. Ivy May Finnimore b. 12 Oct 1892 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378, bap. 30 Nov 1892 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman.
8. Elsie Beer Finnimore b. 1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 388, bap. 8 Sep 1896 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon. On this baptism, Henry Finnimore's occupation was again Coachman and the family's address was given as the Redwoods Inn, Uplowman.

In 1881, Henry Finnimore (26) Coachman was living at 17, Roseland Terrace, Heavitree with Louisa Finnimore (25), Lilie E (sic) (3) and Florence L (1).

In 1891, Henry Finnimore (37) Groom & Gardener, was living at Glebe Cottage, Coles Hill, Uplowman with Louisa Finnimore (36), Lily E Finnimore (13), Florence L Finnimore (11), Maude E [Alice Maud] Finnimore (8), Beatrice Finnimore (7), Blanche A Finnimore (4) and William Henry Finnimore (2).

In 1901, at Shoreditch, Scattered Houses, Pitminster, Taunton, Somerset, were Henry Finnimore (45) Domestic gardener; Louisa Finnimore (44), Alice M Finnimore (18) Housemaid; Beatrice E Finnimore (17) Housemaid; Blanche A Finnimore (14), Ivy M Finnimore (8) and Elsie B Finnimore (4). Florence Finnimore (23) was a Housemaid to James Cook (64) Retired Solicitor at Claire, Southside, Weston Super Mare. William Henry Finnimore (12) was an Errand Boy for Walter J Hunt (26) Butcher in Halse, Somerset.

In 1911, Henry Finnimore (59) Groom was living in North Petherton, Somerset with Louisa Finnimore (55), William H Finnimore (22) Farm Labourer and Elsie Finnimore (14). Ivy May Finnimore (19) at that time was working as a Housemaid in Kingston by Yeovil, Somerset.

In 1921, Henry Finnimore (69) Gardner (Domestic) and Louisa Finnimore (65) were living at Manor Farm Cottage, West Newton, North Petherton.

Henry Finnimore died, aged 78, in 1930 M Quarter in BRIDGWATER.

Louisa Finnimore died in 1936 D Quarter in BRIDGWATER, aged 80.

• Lily Eliza Finnimore died, aged 20, in 1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 340 and was buried at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman.
• Florence Louise Finnimore married William Ridgeway, in 1903.
• Alice Maud Finnimore married Arthur Beadon Butt in 1909. Alive Maud Butt died in 1970 and is buried at St James Cemetery, Taunton.
• Beatrice Ellen Finnimore married Francis Samuel Atyeo in Taunton, in 1903. Beatrice Ellen Atyeo died in Bridgwater, Somerset, in 1960.
• Blanche Annie Finnimore married George Perry in Bridgwater, Somerset, in 1910. Blanche Annie Perry died, in 1962, in Taunton, Somerset.
• William Henry Finnimore died in Taunton, Somerset, in 1970. 
• Ivy May Finnimore married Ernest Bartlett on 11 Jun 1911 in North Newton, Somerset. Ernest Bartlett died on 5 Feb 1927 and is buried at St. Peter's Churchyard, North Newton. Ivy May Bartlett remarried to William Henry John Dunn in 1947. Ivy May Dunn died on 8 Jan 1970 and is also buried at St. Peter's Churchyard, North Newton.
• Elsie Beer Finnimore died in 1931 S Quarter in HOLSWORTHY Volume 05B Page 513 with age estimated as 33 (35).

Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway

Church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5104522
A plaque near The Ancient Yew of Ashbrittle declares, "Generations of local people
have cherished this tree, one of the oldest living things in Britain."

Henry Stone (bap. 26 Oct 1828 in Langford Budville, Somerset), son of William Stone and Mary Thorne, married Mary Ridgeway (bap. 22 Dec 1833 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at her parish of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, on 24 Jan 1854. Witnesses were George Churly and Mary Ann Churly (who had married in 1853). Mary Ann Stone, as was, was Henry Stone's half-sister.

Henry and Mary Stone, a pair of my 2nd great-grandparents, had nine children. Frederick James was born in Stawley and the rest in Ashbrittle, Somerset. All were baptised at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

1. Frederick James Stone bap. 25 Dec 1854
2. Henry William Stone bap. 13 Jul 1856 
3. John Stone bap. 23 May 1858 (Died, aged 24, on 27 Aug 1882)
4. Mary Ann Stone bap. 5 Feb 1860 
5. Tom Stone b. 11 Dec 1861, bap. 4 Feb 1862
6. Harriet Stone bap. 2 Apr 1865 
7. Francis Stone b. 1 Feb 1867, bap. 3 Mar 1867
8. Charles Stone b. 8 Apr 1869, bap. 9 May 1869
9. Lucy Jane Stone b. 11 Apr 1872 (1872 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 374), bap. 26 May 1872

Lucy Jane's birth was the only one that was registered at the GRO and upon which her mother's maiden name was confirmed as RIDGWAY.

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

In 1861, Henry (31) and Mary (27) were also living in a Private Cottage at Court Place, as were Henry's parents at that time. With Henry and Mary were the four children born to date; Frederick (6), Henry (4), John (3) and Mary Ann (1), along with Jane Ridgeway (28), Sister-in-Law (Mary's sister).

In 1871, with their address merely given as Cottage, Ashbrittle, were Henry and Mary with Mary Ann (12), Tom (9), Harriet (6), Francis (3) and Charles (1). Frederick Stone (16) Ag Lab Indoor', was working for Henry Oxenham at Chevithorne, Tiverton. Henry Stone (13), Indoor Agricultural Labourer working for Richard Poole (62) a Farmer at Bathealton, Somerset.

In 1873, aged 15, John Stone, was arrested and taken to the Devon County Prison, on 2 Jun, accused of "Attempting to ravish and carnally know Maria Disney on the 28th May, 1873, at Hockworthy." The committing magistrate was J. C. New, Esq., of Cullompton, but John wasn't tried: the bill was ignored for assault with intent to ravish, indecent assault and assault. No further details or clues as to why the case did not proceed, but as Peter Calver of Lost Cousins suggests, securing a conviction was difficult in those times. (On the 1871 census, Mariah Disney (then 12, so 14 at the time of the alleged assault), daughter of John Disney, farm labourer, was living at Hockford Barton, Hockworthy. John's sister, Harriet Stone, married their first cousin, James Ridgway. James Ridgway's mother was Ann Tooze, who's mother was Eliza Disney, so John was also "keeping it in the family"!)

In 1875, the family were living in Hill, Huntsham, according to son Francis Stone's school record, when he was enrolled at Huntsham County Primary School that year. At the time he left school in 1879, Francis was attending school in Chevithorne, so presumably the family had relocated there.

Some of the listed buildings at Widhayes

By 1881, the family had moved to Lands Mill, Uplowman (Now demolished, Lands Mill, was part of the Widhayes estate, so assuming Henry was employed by Edward Chave at Widhayes Farm. The stable block, barn, linhay, gate house and farmhouse at Widhayes are Listed Buildings) with Henry (51) and Mary (49), Harriet (16), Francis (14), Charles (11) and Lucy Jane (8), granddaughter, Ellen Snow (2) and widowed Sister-in-Law, Jane Vickery (43). Visiting were Mary Ann Tarr (27) and Jane Tarr (22), General Servants. Widening the area of search, I eventually found John Stone on the 1881 census living in the household of Henry Payne, Railway Tunnel Miner, at Railway Hut, Hurst Green, Oxted, Godstone, Surrey. Living there were Henry Payne (31), his wife, four children aged 5 to 11, as well as nine men, all boarders, all railway tunnel labourers. And at the bottom of the long list was John Stone (22), Tunnel Miner's Labourer, born in Somerset. The Oxted Tunnel - on the Oxted line, which passes under the North Downs in two tunnels, and then splits into two branches at Hurst Green, adjoining Oxted in Surrey - opened in 1884. Living in such horrendous conditions, with so many people crammed into an overcrowded space, lacking in facilities, will have been a perfect environment for transmitting infectious diseases ...

Because one year later, John Stone, "Labourer on Railway", died, aged just 24, on 27 Aug 1882, in Uplowman. His sister, Mary Ann Prescott, was present at his death. Wondering if he'd been killed in an accident, I'd ordered his death certificate, but John had died of the all-too-common Phthisis (Tuberculosis). He was buried, on 3 Sep 1882, in the churchyard at Uplowman.

Mary Stone died, aged 52, on 28 Dec 1885 (1885 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 306) and was buried on 3 Jan 1886, also in Uplowman. 

In 1891, Henry Stone (63), Widower, was living at Greengate Cottage in Uplowman, with daughter Harriet (25), son Francis (23), granddaughter, Ellen Snow (12) (Henry's daughter) and grandson Francis (3) (Harriet's son).

In 1901, Henry (71), Widower (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, was still living at Greengate, Uplowman, this time in the household of James Ridgway (34), who was married to Harriet Stone.

Henry Stone died, aged 72, on 26 Nov 1901 and was buried on 30 Nov 1901 at Uplowman. Henry and Mary are buried together in Uplowman Churchyard along with their son, John. Finding their grave was something I came across quite by accident online, thanks to the magnificent work of Janice Dennis, contributing at Find A Grave. We'd even been to the church and didn't bother to look, because we didn't expect the family to have had the resources.

Grave of John, Mary and Henry Stone in Uplowman Churchyard.

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

Henry Ridgeway and Maud Emily Kemp

West Anstey: village
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/147405

Henry Ridgeway (b. 17 Mar 1876), Police Constable, son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Maud Emily Kemp (b. 10 Aug 1872), daughter of William John Kemp and Mary Prouse, on 27 Jul 1899, at St Petrock's Church, West Anstey, Devon. Maud's father was also a Police Constable.

Henry and Maud had three children:

1. Harold Henry Ridgeway b. 23 Apr 1900 (1900 J Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 106), bap. 3 Jun 1900 in Denbury, Devon
2. Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway b. 8 Sep 1904 (1904 D Qtr in NEWTON ABBOT Vol 05B Page 108), bap. 22 Jan 1905 in Denbury, Devon
3. Horace William Ridgeway b. 21 Feb 1911 (1911 M Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 103), bap. 21 Apr 1911 in Kingsteignton

In 1901, Henry Ridgeway (25) Police Constable, Maud E (28) and Harold H (11 months) were living in East Street, Denbury, Newton Abbot.

In 1911, at 2 Yeoman Terrace, Kingsteignton, Devon, were Henry Ridgeway (35) Devon police constable; Maud Emily (38), Harold Henry Ridgeway (10), Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway (6) and Horace William Ridgeway (1 month). They confirm they had three children during their then 11 year marriage.

In 1921, Henry Ridgeway (45) Police Constable was living at 14, Hillmans Road, Newton Abbot, Wolborough with Maud Emily Ridgeway (48), Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway (16) and Horace William Ridgeway (10)

Henry Ridgeway, Retired police constable and Maud E Ridgeway, in 1939, were living at 5 Torquay Road, Kingskerswell, Newton Abbot.

Henry Ridgeway died, aged 74, in 1950 S Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 07A Page 448.

Maud E Ridgeway of Haytor House, Kingsteignton (her daughter, Gwendoline Williams' address), died on 28 Dec 1955, aged 83 (1955 D Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 07A Page 530). Probate was granted to Andrew John Williams, Dairyman and James Marshall, retired police officer.

• In 1918, Harold Henry Ridgeway, had joined the Merchant Navy and married Doris Clark in Marylebone, London, in 1928. Harold Henry Ridgeway died in 1980, in Torbay, Devon, at 79. 
• Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway married Andrew John Williams, in Newton Abbot on 29 May 1939. That year Andrew J Williams (b. 29 Dec 1904), Dairyman, Gwendoline M Williams and Wilfred H Green (b. 1890) Salesman Disabled War Pensioner, were living at Haytor House, Kingsteignton. Andrew John Williams of Cherry Trees, 22 Grosvenor Ave, Cadewell, Torquay died on 29 Oct 1993. Gwendoline Maud Williams died in Q1/2004 in TORBAY (4221A) Reg A93A Entry Number 106, at 99.
• Horace William Ridgeway married Euphemia I Wilson, in Wetherby, Yorkshire, on 4 Jun 1938. The Aberdeen Press And Journal announced on 6 Jun 1938: RIDGEWAY-WILSON: At Wetherby Parish Church, Yorkshire on 4th June 1938, by the Rev. Milnes, Horace William, son of Mr and Mrs Ridgeway, of Torquay, South Devon, to Effie, younger daughter of the late James Wilson and of Mrs Wilson, 8 Victoria Crescent, Cullen. In 1939, Horace and Effie were at Devon Cottage, Wharfe View Estate, Wetherby. Horace was a "Sales Representative For Manager Of Glazed Tiles Fire Places", while Effie was "Private Secretary To Director Woollen Merchants". The record says Euphemia was born 8 Nov 1906, but found no birth record. Horace William Ridgeway died, at 85, in Q1/1996 in TORBAY (4221C) Reg C26A Entry Number 173. There was a death of an Effie Ridgeway, with birth year listed as 1908, in Q3/2007 in WIRRAL (0371B) Reg 1B002 Entry Number 42.

John Ridgeway and Ellen Norman

Building at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman

John Ridgeway (b. 18 Jun 1870), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ellen Norman (b. 23 Dec 1871), daughter of James Norman and Harriet Woodland at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 3 Jul 1892. Witnesses were James Norman and William Norman, the bride's father and brother.

The couple probably met at Widhayes Farm (Grade II Listed), as in 1891, John Ridgeway (20) Agricultural Labourer, had been lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman and at the same time, Ellen Norman (20) had been employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Edward Chave (39), a prosperous Farmer, at the Farm, Widhayes, Uplowman. 

John and Ellen had three children: 

1. William Henry Ridgway b. 1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Pg 407
2. Thomas Ridgway b. 1894 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401 (Died 1894 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 261)
3. Annie Elizabeth Ridgway b. 26 May 1895 (1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 387), bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman

The mother's maiden name on all three births was NORMAN.

In 1901, John Ridgeway (30) Cattleman on farm, Ellen Ridgeway (29), William H (8) and Annie E (6) were at Little Sellake, Halberton.

In 1911, still at Sellake, Halberton, were John Ridgway (40), Ellen Ridgway (39) and William Henry (18) Farm Labourer. The original census record confirms that the couple had three children - two living and one who had died - during their then 19 year marriage. Annie Ridgway (16) that year was working as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired farmer, Robert Pearce (89) at Locks House, Witnage, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, John Ridgway (50) Farmer was living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus with Ellen Ridgway (49).

In 1939, John and Ellen Ridgway, were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.

John Ridgeway of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 (1947 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 340) at Gamlins, Greenham, Stawley. Probate was granted to Herbert John Howe, quarry proprietor and Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk, leaving effects of £2282 12s.

Ellen Ridgway of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died, aged 80, on 11 Sep 1952 (1952 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 179) at Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was again granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.

• After joining the Australian Military in November 1916, William Henry Ridgeway married Gertrude Hannah Goodwin (b. 14 Jan 1892 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 16 Jan 1918, in Brisbane. William Henry Ridgeway died, at 84, on 29 Oct 1977 and was buried, on 1 Nov 1977, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia. Gertrude Hannah Ridgeway died on 18 Sep 1984 and was also buried, on 20 Sep 1984, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery. (There's also a Raymond Francis Ridgway b. 1926, d. 14 Jun 1921, at that cemetery. Was he their son?)
• Herbert John Howe (b. 31 Jan 1895), son of Walter Howe and Ann Hawkins, married Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway, in Wellington, in 1916. (Walter Howe, was a Carter on farm and general labourer, living in Holcombe Rogus village.) Herbert and Annie Howe had one son: Colin John Ridgway Howe b. 3 Feb 1933. In 1921, Herbert John Howe (26) Road Stone Quarrier, at Whipcott Quarries; and Annie Elizabeth Howe (26) were living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus. In 1939, Herbert J Howe "General Farmer, Quarts Owner, Haulage & Road Contractors & Quarrying", Annie E Howe "Assistant To Husband In Farming" and Colin J R Howe, were living at Gamlin's [Farm], Stawley, Somerset. Herbert John Howe (56) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire, died on 6 Dec 1951, leaving effects of £2796 2s to his widow, Annie Elizabeth Howe. Almost an entire column of the Crediton Gazette on 18 Dec 1951 was filled with the report on the funeral of Mr Herbert John Howe of Gamlins, "well known quarry owner and agriculturalist, who took a keen and active interest in local affairs", saying that "there was a large and representative gathering at Holcombe Rogus Parish Church." Annie Elizabeth Howe died, in 1970, at 75.

Stawley: Gamlins Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/148474

Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3491709

Thomas Ware (bap. 15 May 1836, in Cullompton, Devon), son of Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, married Harriet Ridgeway (bap. 14 Feb 1841 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 12 May 1859. The marriage record lists her as Margaret Ridgway, daughter of James Ridgway. There are no other records of any type for a Margaret Ridgway, so I'm certain this is an error and is Harriet.

(Thomas' parents, Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, had married on 31 Mar 1834. Robert, died aged 28, and was buried in Halberton on 21 May 1837. In 1841, Thomas' widowed mother, Sarah Ware, was a Female Servant at the Growing Farm, Cullompton and with her were her two children: Mary Ware (bap. 30 Nov 1834) and Thomas (4). Then in 1851, Thomas Were (sic) (14) was employed as a Farm Servant at Sutton Barton, Halberton.)

Thomas and Harriet had ten children: 

1. Eliza Ware b. 27 Jun 1861 (haven't found a GRO birth registration), bap. 21 Jul 1861 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset
2. Thomas Ware b. 30 Aug 1863 in Clayhanger (1863 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432), bap 2 Aug 1864 in Clayhanger
3. Mary Jane Ware b. 1865 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 30 Apr 1865 in Chevithorne
4. Emma Ware b. 1867 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 470
5. Robert Were (sic) b. 5 Jul 1869 (1869 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 25 Jul 1869 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
6. Harriet Ware b. 28 Feb 1871 (1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 441), bap. 19 Mar 1871 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
7. James Ware b. 23 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 13 Jul 1873 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
8. Ann Ware b. 25 Mar 1875 (1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), bap. 11 Apr 1875 at St Thomas, Chevithorne
9. John Ware b. 16 Mar 1878 (1878 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 447), bap. 14 Apr 1878  at St Thomas, Chevithorne
10. Ellen Ada Ware b. 10 Mar 1883 (1883 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 421), bap. 8 Apr 1883 as Ellen Edith Ware, in Chevithorne

In 1861, Thomas Were (sic) (24) Agricultural Labourer from Halberton, and Harriet Were (20) were living in a Private Cottage, Court Place, Ashbrittle, Wellington. (This was Court Place Farm, where her parents had lived.)

In 1871, in Chettiscombe were Thomas Ware (33), Harriet Ware (29), Eliza (9), Thomas (7), Mary Jane (5), Emma (4), Robert (1) and Harriet (0).

In 1881, at Chettiscombe Villas, were Thomas Were (sic) (43) Ag Lab, Harriet Were (38), Robert (11), Harriet (10), James (8), Annie (6) and John (3). Couldn't locate Thomas; Mary Jane Ware (15) was a General domestic servant to the household of Robert S Austin in Angel Hill Terrace, Tiverton. That year, there was an Emma Ware (14) employed as a Housemaid to the household of John C Williams, Carpenter, in Castle Street, Tiverton.

On 30 Mar 1882, Thomas Ware, Farm Labourer born 30 Aug 1863 in Ashbrittle, Wellington, Somerset, enlisted in the Royal Marines at Exeter. He was 5ft 7in with a ruddy complexion, light brown hair and light blue eyes. In 1883-4 Thomas served with HMS Achilles (1863) with the Channel Fleet. On Tuesday, 2 Jun 1885 Thomas Ware, Private R.M.L.I.'s name and description (matching above) appeared on an Admiralty List of Deserters in the Police Gazette as being a 'straggler', having deserted from HMS Impregnable. The next period he was DSQ (Disqualified). He was back at Plymouth Division in 1886 and subsequently getting good reports, but on 27 Jun 1888 his service ends with him having Run (Deserted). This time I cannot determine what ship he was with or where he ran. I've found no further records in this name.

Thomas Ware Snr died on 17 Sep 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273) and was buried on 24 Sep 1890 in Chevithorne.

In 1891 at Chettiscombe Cottage, Chettiscombe, were Harriet Were (sic) (50) Widow, Charwoman, with James Were (17) Farm Labourer, John (12), Ellen (8) and Harriet's mother, Mary A Marsh (83) Widow. Robert Ware (21) General Railway Labourer from Tiverton, Devon was Lodger in the household of a Thomas Ridgway (29) Labourer Railway Works from Ashbrittle in Thomas Street, Swindon, Highworth, Wiltshire, however, it became obvious that this was deserter, Thomas Ware (b. 1863), using his mother's maiden name. 

Harriet Ware died, aged 55, in 1896 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 270.

• Eliza Ware had married Charles Stuart McDougal, Mechanic, son of John McDougal, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 15 Dec 1879.
• Emma Ware married John Copp, Labourer, son of John Copp, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 11 Sep 1884.
• Mary Jane Ware married Charles Vinnicombe, Mason, son of Henry Vinnicombe, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 5 Jul 1885.
• Robert Ware married Amelia Land, daughter of Robert Land, Labourer at St Thomas, Chevithorne, on 25 Dec 1891.
• James Ware (24), Porter at the Railway, of "Paradise" Cowleymoor Road, Tiverton, married Mary Pook, daughter of Richard Pook, Labourer, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton on 4 Apr 1896. James Ware died in 1897, aged 24.

St. Michael's church, Highworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gareth James - 
geograph.org.uk/p/7476707

Records suggest that Thomas Ridgway married Ellen Copp (bap. 13 Mar 1870 in Broadclyst, Devon), daughter of John Copp and Charlotte Clements, in Highworth, Wiltshire, in the 4th quarter of 1889. So far, so unremarkable, except this was not Thomas Ridgway, this was Thomas WareAshbrittle

) son of Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway, going by his mother's maiden name, without any doubt because, on 27 Jun 1888, he had deserted from the Royal Marines. Ellen Copp certainly knew who she was really marrying, because her brother John Copp, had married Thomas' sister Emma Ware in Tiverton, in 1884.

Thomas and Ellen had five children:

1. Thomas Ware Ridgway b. 1890 D Qtr in HIGHWORTH Vol 05A Page 22. Died at 21 in 1912 J Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 501
2. Alice Ware Ridgway b. 1893 S Quarter in HIGHWORTH Volume 05A Page 8. Died 1893 S Quarter in HIGHWORTH Volume 05A Page 4
3. Florence May Ridgway b. 1894 S Qtr in HIGHWORTH Vol 05A Page 2
4. William Henry Ridgway b. 1895 D Quarter in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 410, bap. 5 Sep 1895 in Cadoxton-Juxta-Barry as William Henry Ridgeway, son of Thomas, Labourer, and Ellen with the family's address as 18 Hannah Street. Died 1896 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 233
5. Alice Ridgway b. 1899 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 465. Died 1899 S Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 294

The mother's maiden name on all the births is COPP.

In 1891, Thomas Ridgway (29) Labourer railway works from Ashbrittle, Devonshire (sic) was living in Thomas Street, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire with Ellen Ridgway (21) from Broadclyst, Devonshire; Thomas W Ridgway (0) and Robert Ware (21) General railway labourer from Tiverton, Devon, Lodger, but who was, of course, Thomas' brother. In fact, if it hadn't been for his brother staying with him, I probably wouldn't have found Thomas.

Thomas 'Ridgway' died, at 35, in 1898 D Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 216.

Ellen Ridgway (30) Widow, daughter of John Copp, married Charles Chislett (35) (b. 2 Jul 1864 (1864 S Quarter in WILTON Volume 05A Page 189), bap. 2 Oct 1864 in Steeple Langford, Wiltshire), Widower, son of John Chislett and Martha Rowe, at the Church of St Cadoc, Cadoxton, on 1 Feb 1900. One of the witnesses was John Copp, presumably Ellen's brother.

Charles Chislett (19) from Steeple Langford, Wiltshire had enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Fort Rowner, Gosport on 18 Oct 1882. He was then 5ft 5in with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair and served in the army until 16 Oct 1894. His medical record shows him in Hilsea, Coventry, Aldershot - at the latter two places he was treated for Gonorrhea - and in Fermoy in 1888, where he was treated for Primary Syphilis.

Charles Chislett had previously married Kate M'Donald in Fermoy, Cork in Q4 1889. In 1891, Charles Chislett (25) Groom from Langford, Wiltshire and Kate Chislett (23) from Ireland were living in Mill Lane, Warminster, Wiltshire. The marriage does not appear to produce any children and Kate Chislett died, at 32, in 1898 D Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 220.

Charles and Ellen Chislett added four sons:

1. Wyndham Baden Chislett b. 1900 D Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 441
2. Charles John Chislett b. 1906 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 515
3. William Henry Chislett b. 1908 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 498
4. John Chislett b. 1910 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 537

On the first and the last, the mother's maiden name was listed as COPP. On the registrations for the middle two it was wrongly, but helpfully, listed as RIDGWAY. As I've seen before, this probably depended on whether the question asked about a woman's birth surname or previous name.

In 1901, Charles Chislett (37) Coal Merchant was at Witchill House, Barry, Wales with 'Helen' Chislett (33), Thomas Chislett (11) [Thomas Ridgway]; May Chislett (7) [Florence May Ridgway] and Baden Chislett (6 months).

In 1911, living at 52 Barry Road, Cadoxton, Barry, Glamorganshire, Wales were Charles Chislett (45) Brake Driver; Ellen Chislett (41), Thomas Ridgeway (20) Goods Porter, Step-Son; May Ridgeway (16) Step-Daughter; Baden Chislett (10), Charles Chislett (5), Harry Chislett (2), John Chislett (11 months), plus George Bellamy (29) and Harry Bellamy (20) Boarders.

Ellen Chislett died, at 49, in 1918 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 541.

In 1921, still at 52, Barry Road, Barry, were Charles Chislett (58) General labourer; Wyndham Baden Chislett (19) Rivet Warmer; Harry Chislett (13), John Chislett (11), Maud Chislett (22) Daughter-in-law (married to Wyndham); Florence May Thomas (27) Step-Daughter (Florence May Ridgway had married Henry Thomas in 1920); Henry John Thomas (0) (Florence's son) and Florence Maud Chislett (3) (Daughter of Wyndham Baden Chislett and Maud McKinley who had married in 1917).

In the 3rd quarter of 1924, in Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales, Charles Chislett married for the 3rd time, to Emma J McIntosh. Born Johanna Emma Helps in 1880 J Quarter in PONTYPRIDD Volume 11A Page 358, daughter of William Helps and Alice Louisa Smith, presumably her father must have died, as her mother remarried Thomas Matthews. When she was registered at Cilfynydd Primary School (Girls), as Emma Juana Helps, with Thomas Matthews listed as her parent, her birthdate was quoted as 9 Jun 1881 (one year too late). In 1911, George McIntosh (47), Emma McIntosh (33) and their two children, George McIntosh (11) and Jessie McIntosh (10) - for whom there are no GRO birth registrations - were living at 153 Lewis Terrace Crumlin, Near Newport, Llanhilleth, Monmouthshire, Wales. That census claimed that they had been married for 12 years (fitting in with the ages of the children), whereas in reality, they did not marry until early 1912, in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales. In 1921, George and Emma McIntosh were living in 22, Fairford Street, Barry, Glamorganshire, Wales. George McIntosh died, at 60, in 1924 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 340.

In 1939, living at 52 Barry Road, Barry, were Charles Chislett, General Labourer Retired, birthdate given as 2 Jul 1862 (1864) and Emma Chislett, whose birthdate was listed as 9 Jun 1879 (this time adding a year).

Charles Chislett (80) died in 1944 M Qtr EAST GLAMORGAN Vol 11A 1004.

Emma Chislett died at 79 in 1957 D Qtr in EAST GLAMORGAN Vol 08B 393.

Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgeway

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4739285

Thomas Vickery (bap. 23 Nov 1834 in Sampford Peverell), son of James Vickery and Elizabeth Webber, married Jane Ridgeway (bap. 2 Sep 1838 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, on 7 May 1865 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Witnesses were Jane's brother and his wife, Thomas and Ann Ridgeway. In March that year, Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway had been witnesses to their marriage, also at St Peter's.

In 1871, Thomas Vickery (37) Farm Labourer, Jane Vickery (32) and George Coombe (37) Miller, Lodger, were living at Lands Mill, Uplowman.

Thomas Vickery died, aged 45, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307 and was buried on 16 Apr 1879, in Uplowman.

In 1881, Jane Vickery (43) Widow, Laundress, was living with her brother-in-law and sister Henry and Mary Stone, still at Lands Mill, Uplowman.

Jane Ridgeway remarried to James Copp (b. 24 Feb 1832 and bap. 11 Mar 1832), son of Thomas Copp and Elizabeth Hall, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 24 Jun 1882. (Neither marriage produced children.)

In 1891, James Copp (59) Mason and Jane Copp (52) were living at Woods Tenement, Pinnex Moor, Tiverton. 

In 1901, James Copp (69) Mason and Jane Copp (62) were living at 67, Barrington Street, Tiverton.

Jane Copp died, at 66, in 1905 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 264. 

James Copp died, at 78, in 1911 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 339.

James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock

Ashbrittle Village with Court Place Farm (foreground left)
Photo © Lewis Clarke (cc-by-sa/2.0)

James Ridgeway (bap. 22 Oct 1809 in Seaton & Beer), son of Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray, married Mary Ann Lock (bap. 7 May 1809 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott, on 29 Apr 1833, at the Church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. Witnesses to this marriage were Henry Vickery and Elizabeth Webber. They were a pair of my 3rd great-grandparents. 

Mary Ann Lock had an illegitimate daughter prior to her marriage, Elizabeth Lock, bap. 2 Jan 1831 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. Confirming this, I have DNA matches as half-relatives through three of Elizabeth Lock's sons, which list Mary Ann Lock as the common ancestor of all of us.

James and Mary Ann had a further seven children:

1. Mary Ridgeway bap. 22 Dec 1833 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
2. James Ridgeway bap. 25 Oct 1835 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
3. Jane Ridgeway bap. 2 Sep 1838 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
4. Harriet Ridgeway bap. 14 Feb 1841 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
5. Thomas Ridgeway bap. 4 Feb 1844 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
6. John Ridgeway b. There are three potential birth registrations: 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 501 with mother's maiden name listed as LOOK; 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 Volume 10 Page 502 and/or 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 411 with mother's maiden name LOCK, bap. 18 Apr 1847 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. (Died aged 4 (1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 10 Page 352), already buried 6 Aug 1851 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle)
7. William Ridgeway b. 1850 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 505, although mother's maiden name is not listed, bap. 16 Jan 1850 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. (Died aged 29, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307.)

Although civil registration had been introduced in 1837, there were no civil registrations until the sixth child, John, in 1847, which clearly confused them.

In 1841, James Ridgway (32) and Ann Ridgeway (33), were living in Ashbrittle Village, with children; Mary (7), James (5), Jane (2) and Harriot (0). 

And in 1851, still living in Ashbrittle Village, we find James (45) and Ann (45), with Harriot (10), Thomas (7), John (4) and William (1). Mary (19) was a Servant of William Sweet at Appley Court, Appley, Stawley; James (15) had also left home and was working as a Servant in the household of Robert Venn at Little Tadbeer Farm, Ashbrittle; while Jane Ridgeway (12), was a Servant in the household of Robert Johns of Kittisford at Stawley, Somerset. 

James Ridgeway died, aged 44, in 1854 J Qtr in WELLINGTON Vol 05C Page 235 and was buried on 18 Jun 1854 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. 

James Marsh, Widower, son of Richard Marsh, married Mary Ann Ridgeway, Widow, daughter of John Lock, at the Parish church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, on 28 Nov 1859. Witnesses were Thomas and Harriet Ware.

James Marsh (bap. 31 Jul 1814 in Bampton, Devon) son of Richard and Mary Marsh, had married Mary Cruwys - also a widow - in Morebath, on 22 Mar 1840. They had one child, Mary Marsh, born 1841 and that year were living at Exbridge, Morebath, along with three children from that Mary's previous marriage. In 1851, they were still there with Mary (9) and three more children Elizabeth (7), Martha (5) and James (2). Mary Marsh died in 1858. 

In 1861, James Marsh (46), Anne [Mary Ann] Marsh (51) and William Ridgeway (11) were living at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton'. Thomas Ridgeway (18), was employed as a Carter at Holcombe Barton, Holcombe Rogus. (Holcombe Barton Farm was part of the Manor of Holcombe Rogus of Holcombe Court, "the finest Tudor house in Devon.")

In 1871, still at 'Cottage, Bampton Down, Bampton', were James Marsh (60) and Mary Ann Marsh (62). William Ridgeway (21) Postman, was a lodger in Ashbrittle, in the household of William Cude (64) Carpenter & Builder. 

James Marsh died at 58 in 1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273 and was buried, on 3 Jul 1871, in Bampton.

Mary Ann's son, William Ridgeway died, aged 29, and was buried on 15 Mar 1879, in Uplowman. "Administration of the Personal Estate of William Ridgway (sic) late of Uplowman in the County of Devon Letter Carrier a Batchelor who died 9 Mar 1879 at Uplowman was granted at Exeter to Mary Ann Marsh of Uplowman Widow the Mother and only Next of Kin."

In 1881, Mary Ann Mash (sic) (74), Widow, was living with her son, Thomas Ridgeway, in Whitnage, Uplowman. 

In 1891, Mary A Marsh (83), was living with her daughter, Harriet Were (sic) (50), in Chettiscombe.

Mary Ann Marsh died, at 86, in 1894 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 279.

Harry Sampson and Ellen Ridgeway

Rectory House and Church at Sampford Peverell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/2227593

Harry Sampson (25), son of James Sampson and Sarah Jane Ponsford, married Ellen Ridgeway (22), daughter of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, at St John the Baptist Church, Sampford Peverell on 20 April 1908. Witnesses to the marriage were William Ambrose Quick, husband of Ellen's sister Bessie Ann, and Mary Sampson, Harry's younger sister.

In 1911, Harry Sampson (28) Waggoner on farm and Ellen Sampson (25) were living at Middle Pitt, Burlescombe. (Living at Middle Pitt at that same time were Frank Stone, Ellen's first cousin, and his wife Frances.)

In 1921, Harry Sampson (38), Carter on Farm and Ellen Sampson (35) were living at 2, Putson Cottages, [Blundells Road], Tiverton, Devon.

Harry Sampson died, at 55, in 1938 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 547.

In 1939, Ellen Sampson was living with her brother-in-law and sister, William and Bessie Quick, at 104, Barrington Street, Tiverton.

In 1947, Ellen Sampson remarried, at 61, to John William Salway. 

John William Salway (b. 1884), was the son of Charles Salway and Sarah Ann Galpin. In 1909, John William Salway had married Ellen Taylor, who had died in 1940. He was in no danger of getting his wives' names confused!

Ellen Salway (formerly Sampson, née Ridgeway) died, aged 71, in 1957 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 706. 

John William Salway died on 11 Mar 1972.

Private Robert John Ridgeway

When we first visited St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, in 2016, I'd noticed this cross in remembrance of Private Robert John Ridgeway and took the photo as a reminder to research him to see how we might be related. Many of my Ridgeway ancestors had ended up in Uplowman: my 2x great-grandmother, Mary Ridgeway, daughter of James Ridgway, was born in Ashbrittle and is buried in Uplowman churchyard; Mary's brother, Thomas Ridgway, also came to Uplowman and had no less than ten children there. Perhaps, I thought, Robert John Ridgeway will have 'belonged' to one of them. Now that I've worked my way through them, however, I discover he does not and actually exists in a parallel universe:

Private Robert John Ridgeway, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the parish website informs us, "... died in November 1945, after the war in Europe had ended, in a road accident when the armoured Ford Lynx scout car that he was a passenger in, tried to overtake another vehicle in a convoy and left the road striking a tree on Watling Street, Shenstone in Staffordshire." Robert John Ridgeway died on 6 Nov 1945, is buried in Uplowman churchyard and is remembered inside the church.

Robert John Ridgeway, who was born on 18 Mar 1927, was at home in 1939, at Uplowman Cross Cottage, Uplowman. Is that the same as 1 Crosses Cottage, Uplowman, where my relative, Frederick John Ponsford, son of Charles Ponsford and Bessie Ann Stone, was living in 1970? Or 2 Crosses Cottages, Uplowman, where Elsie Tremlett, daughter of William Ridgeway and Florence Louise Finnimore, was living in 1979? Or even Lowman Cross, Uplowman where Thomas and Ann Ridgway were living in 1871?

The parish website also says that "Robert lived a large part of his life at Wallflower Cottages, Uplowman." Several of my relatives have been residents at Wallflower Cottages, Uplowman: William and Florence Ridgeway and George and Ellen Norman in 1911, and Herbert Ridgeway in 1988. These were most likely tied cottages, so it suggests they were all working for the same farms, but is no particular indication that they're related.

Sarah Ridgway 

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John Ridgway bap. 27 Nov 1825 - Mary Parker b. 1831

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James Ridgway bap. 25  Apr 1858 - Eliza Vickery b. 1861

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Robert John Ridgeway b. 7 Sep 1898 - Louisa Baker b. 10 Dec 1899

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Robert John Ridgeway b. 18 Mar 1927 - d. 6 Nov 1945

Robert John Ridgeway's parents were Robert John Ridgeway (b. 7 Sep 1898) and Louisa Baker (b. 10 Dec 1899), who had married, in Tiverton, in 1924.

In 1911, Robert John Ridgeway Snr (12), born in Holcombe Rogus, was living with his widowed mother, Eliza (48), sister Florence Alice (9) and brother, Herbert Percy (6) at Passmore's Court, Halberton. In 1910, this Robert John Ridgeway had attended Halberton School. In 1901, living at Ford, 90, Holcombe Rogus, were James Ridgway (43) Cattleman on farm, from Stawley, Somerset, wife Eliza (39), Beatrice (13), Edith (11), Eliza (9), William (7), Lillie (5) and Robert John, listed simply as John (3).

Records suggest that James Ridgeway had married Eliza Vickery in the second quarter of 1887, in the Wellington, Somerset registration district.

The baptism for James Ridgway on 25 Apr 1858, in Stawley, Somerset, listed his parents as James and Mary Ridgway, however, in 1861, we find the 3 yr old, living at Parkley, Stawley, Wellington as the son of John Ridgway (33) Agricultural Labourer, with wife Mary (30) and John (8), Mary Ann (6), Sarah Jane (4), James (3), Charles (1) and Mary Cotter (12) Housemaid. In 1871, John Ridgeway (46) and wife Mary (40) were living at Stones Cottage, Stawley, Wellington, with John (18), Mary Ann (16), Sarah (14), James (13), Elizabeth (10), Emily (8), Thomas (6), Edwin (4) and William Henry (2).

John Ridgway married Mary Parker, on 18 Apr 1851, at St Michael & All Angels, Stawley. One of the witnesses was William Vickery. Mary Parker's father is listed as James Parker, while the name of John Ridgeway's father isn't listed ... which stacks up with the baptism of John Ridgway in Ashbrittle, on 27 Nov 1825, son of Sarah Ridgway, described as 'single - base'.

These earliest records of Baptisms, Burials & Marriages, were transcribed from the "Bishop's Transcripts", which were in poor condition. There aren't any further records to prove if we have a common ancestor. But, to be having an illegitimate child in 1825, there's a fair chance that Sarah Ridgway was born around 1805, give or take. My 3x great-grandfather, James Ridgway was born around 1806. They are from the same hamlet - the population in 2014 was only 225 - with the same surname. Their descendants all turn up in the same locations. They could be siblings. They could be first cousins. It would be much more difficult to accept that they were not at all related.

James Ridgway and Harriet Stone

Inside the Grade II* Listed St Peter’s Church in Uplowman

James Ridgway (b. 1866 in Uplowman), son of Thomas Ridgeway and Ann Tooze, married his first cousin, Harriet Stone (bap. 2 Apr 1865 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, on 1 Apr 1895, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman. Witnesses to their marriage were Harriet's brother, Francis Stone, and younger sister, Lucy Jane Stone.

Children of this blended family included:

1. Francis Stone b. 25 Dec 1887 (1888 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 407), bap 10 Feb 1888 at Uplowman, described as the "Base born son of Harriet Stone, Labourer's daughter."
2. Charles Ridgway b. 3 Mar 1895 (1895 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 393), bap. 1 May 1895 at Uplowman as "Charles Stone or Ridgway, son of Harriet Stone alias Ridgway. Married after birth of child."
3. Nellie Ridgway b. 7 Jan 1897 (1897 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 398), bap. 28 Feb 1897 at Uplowman.
4. Emily Ridgeway b. 31 Aug 1899 (1899 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 375), bap. 29 Oct 1899 (Died, aged 3, in 1903 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 233, buried 3 Aug 1903, in Uplowman)
5. James Ridgway b. 10 Feb 1904 (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 1 Apr 1904 at Uplowman.

In 1901, at Greengate, Uplowman, James Ridgway (34), Farm Labourer, had become the head of the family; Harriet Ridgeway (35), Francis Ridgeway (13), Charles Ridgeway (6), Nellie Ridgeway (4) and Emily Ridgeway (1). Living with them was Harriet's widowed father, Henry (71) (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, as well as Harriet's brother, Francis Stone (again, incorrectly listed under the surname Ridgeway). Whether the two older boys were James Ridgway's sons or not, they were also both listed with the surname Ridgway, but this all looks most likely to be a simple case of the enumerator getting carried away with Ditto marks.

In 1911, at Road Crosses, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, were James Ridgway (44), Farm Labourer, Harriet (46), Nellie (14), Domestic Servant, James Ridgway (7). However, Frank Stone (23) and Charles Stone (16), were relegated the bottom of the list and both described as James' stepsons.

In 1921, living at Trucklegate Farm, Uplowman, Devon, were James Ridgway (sic) (54) General Farm Labourer; Harriet Ridgway (56), Francis Stone (33) Road Labourer and Charles Ridgway (26) General Farm Labourer. Nellie Ridgeway (24) was a General Domestic Servant to Thomas Richards Mills, Creamery Manager at Beechwood, Tiverton. James Ridgeway (17) was a House Man to George Thorne, Farmer at Tillbrook, Butterleigh, Devon.

James Ridgway died, at 62, in 1929 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 689.

Harriet Ridgway died, at 71, in 1936 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 585.

• In 1939, Francis Stone, Road Labourer, single, was at Pead Hill Cottage, Chevithorne. Francis died, in Tiverton, in 1965.
• Charles Ridgway married Alice Conibeer (b. 7 Apr 1890), in 1922. In 1939, Charles Ridgeway, Lorry Driver, and his wife Alice, were living at Copplestone Cottage, West Manley, Tiverton. Alice Ridgway died in 1949, aged 59. Charles Ridgway died on 19 May 1958, aged 63, leaving his effects to his sister, Nellie Burt.
• Nellie Ridgway married Charles Edward Burt, son of George Burt and Fanny Jerwood, in Tiverton, in 1925. In 1939, Charles Burt (b. 4 Dec 1887) Lacemaker Machinist, Nellie and their three children, were at 5 Queen Street, Tiverton. Charles Edward Burt died, in 1965, in Tiverton, aged 77. Nellie Burt died in 1976, in Exeter.
• James Ridgway married Evelyn Laura Howden (b. 30 Jul 1901 in Islington, London), daughter of John William Howden and Laura Purchase, in Edmonton, in 1934. In 1939, James Ridgway, Farm Carter, and Evelyn, lived at Rose Cottage, Stag Mill, Uplowman. Evelyn Laura Ridgway or Ridgeway, married woman, of Rose Cottage, Stag Mill, Uplowman, died at Tidcombe Hall, Tiverton (the Early 19th century house, shown as Tidcombe Rectory on late 19th century OS map, was once a Marie Curie daycare unit), on 1 Oct 1960, aged 59, leaving her effects to her brother, Charles Edwin Howden, retired postman. James Ridgeway died in 1976.