Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway

Church of St Thomas, Chevithorne
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5109963

Thomas Ware (bap. 15 May 1836, in Cullompton), son of Robert Ware and Sarah Radford, married Harriet Ridgeway, 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 a Margaret Ridgway, so I'm certain this is an error and as is so often the case, neither of them could read and write to spot it.

(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, bap. 21 Jul 1861 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset
2. Thomas Ware b. 30 Aug 1863 in Ashbrittle (1863 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432)
3. Mary Jane Ware b. 1865 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 443
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. 1883 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 421

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 also found no further records for him.

Thomas Ware Snr died, his age given as 51 (he will actually have been 54), in 1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273.

In 1891 at Chettiscombe Cottage, Chettiscombe, Tiverton, Harriet Were (sic) (50) Widow, Charwoman, was living with James Were (17) Farm Labourer, John (12), Ellen (8) and Harriet's mother, Mary A Marsh (83) Widow.

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 at St Thomas, Chevithorne, on 25 Dec 1891. Robert Ware died in 1909, aged 40. 
• 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.

Jane Ridgeway and Thomas Vickery

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

Jane Ridgeway (b. 1839 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Thomas Vickery (bap. 23 Nov 1834 in Sampford Peverell), son of James Vickery and Elizabeth Webber, on 7 May 1865 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Witnesses were Jane's brother and his wife, Thomas and Ann Ridgeway; at St Peter's in March of that year, Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway had been witnesses to their marriage.

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, 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 any children.

In 1891, James Copp (59) Mason and Jane Copp (52) were living at Woods Tenement, Pinnex Moor, Tiverton. (If now replaced by the 'bungalow land' of Pinnex Moor Road, 'tenement' suddenly sounds wildly enticing!)

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

Jane Copp died in 1905, aged 66. James Copp died in 1911, at 78.

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, a pair of my 3rd great-grandparents, married, on 29 Apr 1833, at the Church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle. Witnesses to this marriage were Henry Vickery and Elizabeth Webber.

Mary Ann Lock, it appears, also had an illegitimate daughter prior to her marriage, Elizabeth Lock b. around 1830. There is no baptism record for her, however, I have DNA matches as half-relatives through three of Elizabeth Lock's sons, giving Mary Ann Lock as the common ancestor of all of us.

James and Mary Ann had a further seven children, with baptisms only of first two, Mary and James. Once civil registration had been introduced (in 1837), there are no more baptism records for the subsequent five children, but neither are there civil registrations until the sixth child, John, in 1847.

1. Mary Ridgeway bap. 28 Dec 1833 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
2. James Ridgeway bap. 25 Oct 1835 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
3. Jane Ridgeway b. 1839
4. Harriet Ridgeway b. 1841 
5. Thomas Ridgeway b. 1844
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 (As John Ridgway, died aged 4 (1851 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 352) and had already been 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 (Died aged 29, in 1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 307.)

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 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 and John Salway

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.

Then Harry Sampson died, in 1938, aged 55.

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 in Tiverton, in 1957, aged 71. John William Salway died on 11 Mar 1972.

James Ridgeway and Harriet Stone

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

Harriet Stone (b. 1865), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married her first cousin, James Ridgeway (b. 1867), the son of her mother's younger brother, Thomas Ridgeway and Ann Tooze, on 1 Apr 1895, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman. Harriet was 29 and James 27. Witnesses 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, aged 62, in 1929 and Harriet, in 1936, aged 71.

• 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.

Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze

Whitnage Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/2826469

Thomas Ridgway, son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock (and brother of my 2x great-grandmother, Mary Ridgeway), married Ann Tooze, daughter of Richard Tooze, Chair Maker, and his wife, Eliza Disney, of Holcombe Rogus, on 27 Mar 1865, at St Peter’s Church Tiverton. Witnesses were Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway (Thomas and Mary Ridgway's sister), who were married, also at St Peter's, Tiverton, in May of that same year.

Thomas and Ann had ten children. Where they were baptised, these were all at at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman: 

1. James Ridgway b. 1867
2. Tom Ridgway b. 1868, bap. 7 Jun 1868 (died 1881, aged 12)
3. John Ridgway b. 18 Jun 1870, bap. 10 Jul 1870 
4. William Ridgeway b. 29 Jun 1873, bap. 10 Aug 1873
5. Henry Ridgeway b. 17 Mar 1876, bap 23 Apr 1876 
6. Frank Ridgeway b. 1878, bap 28 Apr 1878 (Died aged 22 and was buried on 13 Dec 1900 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman)
7. Bessie Ann Ridgeway b. 4 Mar 1880, bap. 28 Mar 1880
8. Sidney Ridgway b. 24 Feb 1882, bap. 7 Apr 1882
9. Charles Ridgway b. 1884, bap. 24 Feb 1884
10. Ellen Ridgeway b. 4 Jan 1886

By 1871, Thomas and Ann Ridgway were living at Lowman Cross, Uplowman.

In 1881, at Whitnage, Uplowman, are Thomas Ridgeway (37), Ann (37), John (10), William (7), Henry (5), Frank (3) and Bessie Ann (1), as well as Thomas' twice widowed mother, Mary Ann Mash (sic), formerly Ridgeway, née Lock (74). James had left home and Tom died in 1881, aged just 12.

In 1891, still at Whitnage, Uplowman, with Thomas (47) and Ann, were James (24), Frank (13), Bessie (11), Sydney (9), Charles (7) and Ellen (5). In 1891, John Ridgeway (20) was lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman. And that year, Harry Ridgeway (17) was working as a Farm servant to farmer, James Crosby at Landside, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton.

In 1901, living at Greenend, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgway (57), General Farm Labourer; Ann Ridgway (56), William Ridgway (27), Carter on Farm and Ellen Ridgway (15). 

Ann Ridgway died, aged 63, in 1907, in St Thomas, Exeter.

In 1911, Thomas Ridgway (67), Widower, Farm Labourer, was living with his son William Ridgway, at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton. 

In 1921, Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, was still living with son William Ridgeway at Neddycott, Uplowman.

Thomas Ridgway died in 1927, aged 83.

William Ridgeway and Florence Louise Finnimore

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

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

William and Florence had five children:

1. Edith Maud Ridgeway b. 28 Sep 1904, bap. 6 Nov 1904 
2. Lily Ridgeway b. 23 Feb 1907, bap. 24 Mar 1907
3. Hilda Ridgeway b. 7 Oct 1910, bap. 6 Nov 1910
4. Elsie Ridgeway b. 8 Jul 1912, bap. 28 Jul 1912
5. Herbert Ridgeway b. 4 Apr 1914, bap. 3 May 1914

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 Ridgeway died on 27 Jun 1941, 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 living in Bridge Street, Uffculme, with 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).

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. 28 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. 

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, bap. 26 May 1872

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 suggested, 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. We may assume she was the young lady in question. John's sister, Harriet Stone, married their first cousin, James Ridgway. James Ridgway's mother was Ann Tooze, who's own mother was Eliza Disney, so there's no doubt that 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 (Lands Mill (now demolished) 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 and was buried on 3 Jan 1886. 

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.

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

The only child I have been able to find of this marriage was the birth of James Ridgeway in 1866, baptised in Kentisbeare on 25 Dec 1866. He died, aged 6 months and was buried, also in Kentisbeare churchyard, on 5 May 1867.

James Ridgway (37), Thomasin Ridgeway (28), still living at the 'Moor' [Kentismoor Farm] in 1871, had Thomasin's father, John Rookley (78) still employed as a Farm Labourer, 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.

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.

Still at Lower Hele in 1911, 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 bap. 3 Jun 1900
2. Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway b. 8 Sep 1904, bap. 22 Jan 1905
3. Horace William Ridgeway b. 21 Feb 1911, bap. 21 Apr 1911

The first two were baptised in Denbury and Horace 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).

In 1918, Harold Henry Ridgeway, had joined the Merchant Navy.

In 1921, Henry Ridgeway (45) Police Constable was living at 14, Hillmans Road, Newton Abbot, Wolborough with Maude Emily Ridgeway (48), Gwendoline Maude 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 in Newton Abbot, in 1950, aged 74.

Maud E Ridgeway of Haytor House, Kingsteignton (her daughter, Gwendoline Williams' address), died on 28 Dec 1955, aged 83. Probate was granted to Andrew John Williams, Dairyman and James Marshall, retired police officer.

• Harold Henry Ridgeway died in 1980, in Torbay, Devon, shortly before his 80th birthday. [Found no marriage for Harold.]
• In 1939, Gwendoline Maud Ridgeway married Andrew John Williams, in Newton Abbot. 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 Torbay, in 2004, 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 living at Devon Cottage, Wharfe View Estate, Wetherby. Horace was employed as a "Sales Representative For Manager Of Glazed Tiles Fire Places", while Effie was the "Private Secretary To Director Woollen Merchants". The record says Euphemia was born 8 Nov 1906, but I have found no birth record. Not [yet] sure what happened to Effie, but Horace William Ridgeway died, in 1996, back in Torbay, Devon. He will have been 85.

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. 1872), 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
2. Thomas Ridgway b. Q1 1894 (Died Q2 1894, aged 0)
3. Annie Elizabeth Ridgway b. 26 May 1895, bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman

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. Annie Ridgway (16) 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 Ridgway, Assisting Cowman, and Ellen Ridgway (b. 23 Dec 1871), were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.

John Ridgway (77) of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 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 (worth around £91,590 in 2021).

Ellen Ridgway (81) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died on 11 Sep 1952 at Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.

Charles Ridgeway and Ivy Edna Evans

Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey

Charles Ridgeway (b. 1884), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ivy Edna Evans (b. 5 Jan 1905), in Tiverton, in 1936. The bridegroom was 52 at the time of their marriage, while the bride was 21 years his junior at 31. Nevertheless, this does seem to be Charles' first marriage. Unable to find Ivy's birth record, I cannot discount that she could have been married before.

On 29 May 1901, Charles Ridgeway, previously a labourer from Uplowman, Devon, had enlisted in the British Army. His age of 18 and 3 months on enlistment, would give a birth year of 1883, so it appears that he added a year to his age to sign up. Certainly not the first or last to do so, and if there were any additional urgency or motivation for doing this, it might have been because the Second Boer War was then in progress. Charles later, was at Fort Regent, Saint Helier, Jersey and there transferred to the Royal Tank Corps, having previously been attached to the 3rd Hussars. 

He was discharged, after 21 years service, on 28 May 1922, at the termination of his period of engagement (Para 392 (xxi) KR), having served right through World War I. His address on discharge was 104, Barrington Street, Tiverton, which was his sister, Bessie Ann Quick's address. 

At some point, Charles had been wounded, which I believe is why he was awarded a pension at a rate of 31½d for life from 29 May 1922. (That's 18s 4½d per week, when 20 shillings = £1 in 1922 is worth £58.29 today.)

In 1939, Charles Ridgeway, Groom, was living at 5 Radcliffe Cottages, St Thomas, Devon. His date of birth on the 1939 Register is given as 24 Feb 1884. This was the date he was baptised, so either he was baptised on the very day he was born, or the actual date of his birth is lost in time. Living with him is his wife, Ivy E Ridgeway. There are then two closed entries, so it's possible that they had children (who may well still be alive).

Charles Ridgeway died at the beginning of 1955, aged 70, in Tiverton.

Ivy Edna Ridgeway died, in Exeter, in 1975, also aged 70.

Sidney Ridgeway and Lucy Headford

St Andrew Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1546985

Sidney Ridgeway (b. 24 Feb 1882), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Lucy Headford (b. 3 Jan 1886), daughter of George Headford and Ellen Baker, in Tiverton, in 1908. In 1901, Lucy, living at Cosways Buildings, 7, Westexe South, Tiverton, with her widowed mother and siblings, was working as a Wheelwinder, while her mother was a Silk hand and her sister a Silk winder, which suggests they were employed at Heathcoat Fabrics.

Sidney and Lucy had two children: 

1. Charles Ridgeway b. 29 May 1908
2. Beatrice Maud Ridgeway b. 21 Jun 1910

In 1911, Sidney Ridgeway (28) Woodman on estate, Lucy Ridgeway (24), Charles (2) and Beatrice (0) were living at 2 Langwood, Cove, Tiverton.

In 1921, Sidney Ridgeway (39) Colliery Repairer Underground at Gt Western Colliery Co; Lucy Ridgeway (35), Charles Ridgeway (13) and Beatrice Maud Ridgeway (11) were living at 48, Danygraig Street, Pontypridd, Wales.

In 1939, Sidney Ridgeway, 'Electric Wireman at the Municipal Electric Works', Lucy Ridgeway and Lily Headford, Incapacitated (Lucy's younger sister), were in Higher Rock Close, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. In a separate household in Higher Rock Close, were Malcolm G Huish, 'General Labourer Gas & Electricity Works', Beatrice Huish and daughter, Marion. Charles Ridgeway, 'Gas Worker' and Dorothy Ellen Ridgeway, lived at 9 Hammett Square.

Lucy Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1949, aged 64. Sidney Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1957, aged 75. Charles Ridgeway died, in Tiverton, in 1973, at 65, and Beatrice Huish, in 1975, at 65, in Sedgemoor, Somerset.

• Charles Ridgeway married Dorothy Ellen Lazarus in 1932.
• Beatrice Ridgeway married Malcolm Garfield Huish in 1935.

William Ambrose Quick and Bessie Ann Ridgeway

Tiverton : Barrington Street & The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601864

William Ambrose Quick (b. 2 May 1885), son of George Quick and Mary Winzer married Bessie Ann Ridgeway, daughter of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, in Tiverton in 1906. In 1901, Bessie had been employed as Servant in the household of Thomas Heath, Postmaster, at 11, Bampton Street, Tiverton. William Quick (15), at that time, was a Tailor's apprentice.

William and Bessie had three sons:

1. George Ridgeway Quick b. 8 Feb 1907
2. Kenneth William Quick b. 7 Jan 1911
3. Hedley Charles Quick b. 18 Aug 1918

George and Kenneth were both baptised on 5 Jul 1911 at St Peter's Church.

In 1911, at 1 Brickfield Terrace, Martins Lane, Tiverton, Bessie Ann Quick (31) Boarding house keeper, with sons George Ridgeway Quick (4) and Kenneth William Quick (0) and three boarders: Annie Cuthbert (52), Thomas Jenkinson (28) and Edward Jenkinson (26). William Quick (25) Tailor, was a patient at the Tiverton Infirmary And Dispensary in Bampton Street.

In 1921, William Ambrose Quick (36) Tailor, working for Frederick William Mogridge Tailor at 47 Bampton Street, Tiverton, was living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with Bessie Anne Quick (41), George Ridgway Quick (14) Factory Boy Machine Minder at John Heathcoat & Co, Lace Manufacturers; Kenneth William Quick (10) and Hedley Charles Quick (2).

In 1926, Kenneth William Quick (15) enlisted in the Royal Artillery.

In 1939, the family were living at 104 Barrington Street, Tiverton with William A Quick, Tailor; Bessie A Quick; Hedley C Quick, Glove Cutter. Living with them was Ellen Sampson, widow, Bessie's younger sister.

William A Quick died in 1952, at 67. 

Bessie A Quick died in 1956, at 75.

Herbert John Howe and Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway

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

Herbert John Howe (b. 31 Jan 1895), son of Walter Howe and Ann Hawkins, married Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway (b. 26 May 1895), daughter of John Ridgeway and Ellen Norman, 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:

1. 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." There were many family members attending, of course, but it also reads as a who's who of farming in the area.

Annie Elizabeth Howe died, in 1970, at 75.