Showing posts with label Royal Marines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal Marines. Show all posts

Saturday, 21 March 2026

Richard Hooper and Annie Louisa Bailey

Probus Village
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/195028

Richard Hooper (29) Private RM, son of Thomas Hooper and Caroline Huddy, married Annie Louisa Bailey (23) (Listed as Annie Louisa on marriage, she was registered at birth as Louisa Ann and appears to have been known as Annie), daughter of Thomas Bailey and Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fudge, at the Church of Saint GeorgeEast Stonehouse, Plymouth, on 21 Mar 1883

Richard Hooper was born on 19 Jan 1854 and baptised on 19 Feb 1854 in Probus, Cornwall. He enlisted in the Royal Marines on 19 Feb 1873. On 5 Jul 1878, he embarked on HMS Iron Duke (1870), which departed Plymouth on 4 August, bound for the China Station. At the time of the 1881 Census, Richard Hooper (27) Private RMLI from Probus, Cornwall, was in Hong Kong Harbour. Iron Duke returned home in January 1883, Richard Hooper left the ship on 15 Mar 1883 and clearly, he and Annie married just days later.

Richard and Annie had four sons:
  1. Richard William Samuel Hooper b. 1884 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 313, bap. at East Stonehouse, St George in 1884. Died in 1885 J Quarter Volume 05B  Page 204.
  2. Thomas Charles Hooper b. 29 Nov 1887, reg. 1888 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 283
  3. Albert Edward Hooper b. 1893 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 295
  4. Francis Victor Emmanuel Hooper b. 1897 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 283
At Plymouth Division from 16 Mar 1883 until the December that year, Richard Hooper's next assignment was with HMS Royal Adelaide (1828), by then a depot ship. From 1 Oct 1886 until 2 Mar 1888, he was attached to HMS Cambridge, gunnery ship off Plymouth. Stints with Royal Adelaide, HMS Vivid shore establishment (then Royal Navy designation for the barracks at Devonport) followed and finally back to Plymouth Division, Richard Hooper completed 21 years of service in the Royal Marines on 27 Mar 1894.

Richard's Royal Marine's record show that by the time he was discharged he was 5 ft 5½ in, had brown hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion, with a tattoo of Britannia on his right forearm and a ship on the left forearm.

In 1891, Richard Hooper (37), Annie Hooper (31) and Thomas (3) were living in Edgcumbe Street, East Stonehouse with Annie's mother, Lucy Bailey.

In 1901, Richard Hooper (47) General Labourer from Probus, Cornwall, wife Annie L Hooper (41), Thomas C Hooper (13) Albert E Hooper (8) and Francis E Hooper (4), were still living in Edgcumbe Street, Plymouth. 

In 1911, Richard Hooper (57) was listed as Brewer's Drayman Pensioner Royal Marine Light Infantry, with wife Annie L Hooper (51), Albert E Hooper (18) Solicitor's Clerk, Francis E Hooper (13) and Lucy Mary Lenora Symons (11) visitor. Thomas C Hooper (23) was with the Royal Navy At Sea And In Ports Abroad with HMS Exmouth (1901). He may have been in Malta.

Richard Hooper died, at 58, on 8 Jan 1912 J Quarter Vol 05B Page 363.

Francis Victor Emmanuel Hooper joined the Devonshire Regiment, 1st/4th Bn. He died on 8 Nov 1917 in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Basra, Iraq, Panel 11. 

In 1921, Annie Louisa Hooper (60) Widowed, was living with her son Albert Edward Hooper (28) and his wife Violet Ethel (28) - who was listed as the head of the household and he as husband - at 2, Notte Street, Plymouth.

Annie Louisa Hooper died, at 79, in 1937 D Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B 347. 

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

George Charles Mew and Sarah Jane Fudge

Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Basher Eyre - geograph.org.uk/p/2655103

George Charles Mew (24), son of George Mew and Mary Collins, married Sarah Jane Fudge (b. 25 Dec 1850 in East Stonehouse, Devon), daughter of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 3 Mar 1870. Witnesses were Ann Fudge (bride's mother) and W Hatch.

The bridegroom, a Steward on HMS Asia, lists his father as George Charles Mew, Petty Officer RN. George Charles Mew was born on 31 Mar 1845 at Cove of Cork, now Cobh, Ireland. It's claimed he was baptised at St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh on 3 Apr 1845, but this cannot be true as construction of the cathedral was not begun until 1868. The baptism record will be held by the Cathedral's Cobh Parish Office, but undoubtedly took place in St John the Baptist Catholic Church, which stood on that site from 1810 to 1868.

George and Sarah had eleven children in total:
  1. Lucy Elizabeth Ann Mew b. 4 May 1870 (1870 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 478), bap. Lucia Elizabetha, St John's RC Cathedral on 12 Jun 1872. Died, aged 6, in 1876 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 324.
  2. Mary Ann Mew b. 2 April 1872 (1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 452), bap. Maria Anna at St John's RC Cathedral on 12 June 1872.
  3. George Charles Mew b. 9 Dec 1874, reg. M Qtr 1875 in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 463, bap. 15 Aug 1877 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth. Died, aged 37 in 1912 M Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 663.
  4. Annie Louisa Mew b. 18 May 1877 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 504, bap. 15 Aug 1877, at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  5. Henrietta Mew b. 18 Oct 1879 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 493, bap. 16 Nov 1879 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  6. Henry Michael Mew b. 10 Oct 1881 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B 522, bap. Henricus Michael on 20 Nov 1881, at St John's R C Cathedral
  7. Mabel Mary Mew b. 26 May 1884  (1884 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 480), bap. Mabilla Maria on 11 June 1884 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth.
  8. Lucy Maria Mew b. 10 Sep 1885 (1885 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 498), bap. Maria Lucia on 20 Sep 1885 at St John's RC Cathedral. Died age 1, in 1886 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 350.
  9. Lucy Mary Mew b. 19 Sep 1887 (1887 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 511), bap. 9 Oct 1887 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth
  10. Margaret Marshall Mew b. 29 Nov 1889 (1890 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 423), bap. Margarita Marshall on 15 Dec 1889 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth
  11. Andrew Samuel Mew b. 25 Dec 1892 (1893 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 458), bap. Andreas Samuel on 15 Jan 1893 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Died, aged 2, in 1894 D Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 301, buried on 31 Dec 1894 at Kingston Cemetery.
George Charles Mew had enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1863. From 29 Apr 1863 until 31 Dec 1866, he was assigned to HMS Asia (1824), which, by that time was flagship of the Admiral-Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard. For much of that time George Charles Mew was a Warrant Officer's Servant or Cook. With HMS Rodney (1833) from 1 Jan 1867 to 4 May 1868, George was back with HMS Asia from 28 May 1868 to 31 Dec 1872 and engaged again from 1 Jan 1873 to 20 Feb 1874. His record in 1873 lists him as being 5ft 3in with brown hair, grey eyes and a dark complexion.

In 1871, Sarah Mew (20) was lodging in Hertford Street, Portsea with her daughter Losie [Lucy] (0) and Anne Bailey (11) Visitor. This will have been her niece, Louisa Anne [Annie] Bailey, who was actually 13. She was also listed in her grandparents' household, so being counted twice on this census.

From 21 Feb 1874 to 21 Mar 1874, George became the 4th of my relatives to serve, albeit briefly, on HMS Duke of Wellington (1852). From 6 May to 24 Aug 1874, he was with HMS Newcastle (1860) and his final posting was with HMS Endymion (1865) - which may have taken him to as exotic a location as Hull - from 25 Aug 1874 to 9 Aug 1875, when he was Invalided.

In 1881, George Charles Mew (36) then a Tailor's porter, was a Lodger in the household of his in-laws, Thomas Fudge (72) Navy Pensioner and Ann Fudge (68) at 33, Bridport Street, Portsea, along with wife Sarah Jane (29), Mary Ann (9), George Charles (7), Annie Louisa (4) and Henrietta (1).

Sarah Jane, was baptised as Sara Joanna Mew - listed as a convert - at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth, on 3 Jul 1882.

In 1891, in Clarence Street, Portsea, were George Mew (47) Tailor's trimmer, Sarah Mew (40), Mary A (19) Tailoress; George Mew (16) Shoemakers apprentice; Annie Mew (13) Dressmakers apprentice; Henrietta Mew (11), Mabel Mew (7), Henry Mew (9), Lucy Mew (4) and Maggie Mew (1).

George Charles Mew of Clarence Street, Landport died, aged 48, on 8 Apr 1893 and was buried, on 13 April 1893, at Kingston Cemetery, "in a Catholic Slot, 4th Row, 12th Grave, in Unconsecrated Ground."

In 1901, Sarah Mew (50) Widowed, at 46, Clarence Street, Portsmouth with Harry Mew (19) Stableman; Mabel Mew (16) Corset Maker; Lucy Mew (13); Maggie Mew (11), daughter Henrietta Hazzard (21), George Hazzard (22) Son-in-law, Journeyman Bricklayer and James Eyers (23) Blacksmith, Visitor. Son George Charles Mew (26) was a Stable Lad in the employ of Alfred Willson (50) Trainer of Race Horses in East Garston, Berkshire.

In Q3 of 1905, in Portsmouth, Sarah Mew married James William Holdaway. This gentleman, I believe, was the son of William James Holdaway and Eliza Gardener, bap. 6 Nov 1864 at St Luke's, Southsea, who, at 19, on 24 Feb 1885, had joined the Hampshire Regiment. He served in India from 1886 to 1888; Burma from 1888 to 1891 and in India again from 1891 to 1892 and was discharged on 23 Feb 1897. On 11 May 1897, he had enlisted in the 3rd Battalion Hampshire Regiment and was in Malta from 1901 to 1903. On 23 Mar 1904, he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in South Africa from 1904 to 1905, being finally discharged on 4 Aug 1905. What happened to him after 1905, however, is [as yet] a mystery.

In 1911, Sarah Jane Mew (61) Widow, employed as a Stay Lacer was living at 40 Fyning Street, Fratton, Portsmouth with her daughter Margaret Marshall Mew (21) Assistant Stock Keeper and Alec John Mew (1) (1910 M Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 439), who appears to have been Margaret's illegitimate child. Why Sarah Jane was listed with the surname Mew again when she'd already remarried (and presumably been widowed again), is not at all clear from the records available. On this census too, she lists (although these details have been crossed through) that she was married 40 years - her marriage to George Charles Mew was only 23 years until his death in 1893 - had eleven children of whom seven were living and four had died.

In 1921, Sarah Jane Holdaway (70) Widow, Wife's Mother, was living with her daughter Henrietta Hazzard (41) at 77, Middlesex Road, Eastney.

Sarah Jane Holdaway died in 1936 D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 647. The Portsmouth Evening News on 8 Oct 1936, had the following notice: "HOLDAWAY (Mew) Sarah Jane. In loving memory of our dear Mother, who passed peacefully away on October the 7th, at 77, Middlesex Road, age 85 years. - From her sorrowing daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. - Will be sadly missed. Peacefully sleeping." 

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Thomas Bailey and Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fudge

Stonehouse Barracks - Archway entrance
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/4896492

Thomas Bailey (b. 1833), son of Thomas Bailey and Ellen Purley, married Lucy Elizabeth Ann Fudge (bap. 7 Aug 1836 in East Stonehouse), daughter of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, at the Church of Saint GeorgeEast Stonehouse, Plymouth on 4 Feb 1856. Thomas Bailey was then a Seaman with HMS Bulldog (1845) and lists his father as Thomas Bailey, Private Royal Marines, as was Lucy's father, Thomas Fudge, Mariner. HMS Bulldog, was on that exact date, 4 Feb 1856, in Devonport, in Keyham Basin, having just returned from the Baltic Sea from the Russian War (Crimean War) and on 23 Apr 1856, was present at the Fleet Review, Spithead. If Thomas Fudge was still on that ship in April, he was the third of my relatives to be there.

Thomas and Lucy had four children:
  1. William Henry Bailey b. 1856 D Qtr EAST STONEHOUSE Vol 05B 272
  2. Louisa Ann Bailey b. 1858 D Qtr EAST STONEHOUSE Vol 05B 270
  3. Lucy Bailey b. 1861 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 327. Died, aged 3, in 1864 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 270 and is buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
  4. Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey b. 1 Oct 1869 (1869 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 328)
In 1861, Thomas Baily (sic) (27) was living in Adelaide Place, East Stonehouse, Plymouth with wife Elizabeth Baily (sic) (23), which appears to be them. Daughter Ann (Louisa Ann) was staying with her grandparents.

In 1871, Thomas Bailey (38) Naval Pensioner, was living in Mount Street, Stoke Damerel with Lucy Bailey (36), William Bailey (14) and Thomas Bailey (1). Louisa Ann [Anne] (13) was once again living with her grandparents, although listed as their daughter and listed under the surname Fudge.

Thomas Bailey of 40 Edgcumbe Street, Stonehouse, died, aged 41, in 1874 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 209, and he was buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth on 19 May 1874.

In 1881, Elizabeth Bailey (44) Widow, Green Grocer, was residing at 47, Edgcumbe Street, East Stonehouse with daughter Annie L (Louisa Ann) (22) Assistant Grocer, son Thomas Bailey (11) and Frances M Grey (17) Servant.

In 1891, Lucy Bailey (53) Green Grocer in Edgcumbe Street, living with her were son William Bailey (33) Seaman Royal Navy; daughter Annie (Louisa Ann) Hooper (31) Dressmaker; son-in-law Richard Hooper (37) from Cornwall, Royal Marine; daughter-in-law Jane Bailey (27); granddaughter Lucy M Bailey (0); grandson Thomas Hooper (3) and Carrie Hill (13) Visitor.

In 1901, Lucy E A R Bailey (65) Widow, had become an Innkeeper, at 48, Edgcumbe Street, East Stonehouse, noted on the census as the Stonehouse Inn, maybe once known as the Stonehouse Tavern. Living with her was youngest son, Thomas S O Bailey (31) Ship's Corporal Royal Navy.

Lucy Elizabeth Ann Regan Bailey (no idea where the Regan came from) of 1 Durnford Street, Stonehouse, died on 10 Nov 1910 (1910 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 181), she will have been 74. Probate was granted on 25 Nov 1910, in Exeter, with beneficiaries being Thomas Simon Oliver Bailey, Annie Louisa Hooper and Richard Hooper.

Ford Park Cemetery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/4958844
Ford Park Cemetery is a 34.5-acre cemetery in central Plymouth, established by the Plymouth, Stonehouse & Devonport Cemetery Company in 1846 and opened in 1848. Its official name at the time of inception was The Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse Cemetery.

Sunday, 14 December 2025

Alfred Beamer and Emily Luxton

Castle Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/6587133

Alfred Beamer (b. 28 Aug 1880 in East Stonehouse, Devon), Private RMLI of Cecil Street, Plymouth, son of Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White, married Emily Luxton (b. 22 Jun 1882 in Tiverton), daughter of James Luxton and Hannah Maria Hawkins, on 14 Dec 1905, at St Paul's Church, Tiverton. Emily's address at the time was Heathcoat Square, Tiverton and her younger sister, Jessie Luxton, was one of witnesseses (bridesmaid perhaps).

Alfred and Emily had two children:
  1. Alfred James Beamer b. 15 Mar 1908 (1908 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 241), bap. 29 Mar 1908 at St Peter’s Church, Stonehouse, Plymouth. But the infant died, in 1908 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 174, at bearly six months of age.
  2. Evelyn Beamer b. 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365, who also died in 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 227
Alfred Beamer, who had enlisted in the Royal Marines on 15 Aug 1896, just shy of his 16th birthday, was discharged, invalided, on 15 Oct 1908. On 7 Mar 1909, Alfred Beamer (29) Labourer of 40 Neswick St, Plymouth, was admitted to the Devon and Cornwall Sanatorium for Consumptives Didworthy. Consumption was another name for Tuberculosis. When he was discharged from the sanitorium on 15 Jun 1909, the record shows Alfred developed the disease 7 months previously, which ties in with the date he was discharged from the Royal Marines. In the notes it says, "light work - dead". What kind of light work the dead can do, is what I would like to know! Alfred Beamer died, at 29, in 1909 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 183. 

In 1911, Emily Beamer (28), widow, was living at 1 Melbourne Street, Tiverton and working at the Heathcoat Lace Factory, as a spinner. Although she was a widow, Emily helpfully completed the fields on this census to confirm that she had two children born alive and that both had died.

In 1912, Emily Beamer remarried to a John Heard, in Tiverton.

In 1921, John Heard (49) Labourer from Oakford Devon, Emily Heard (39), and John's two children from his previous marriage (to Lily Holmes in 1901, who died in 1911), Beatrice Lily Heard (19) Lace Folder (at Heathcoat) and Sidney John Heard (13) were living at 125, West Exe South, Tiverton.

John Heard died, aged 59, in 1930 D Quarter in EXETER Vol 05B Page 94.

In 1939, Emily Heard, widow, was living with a single lady, Beatrice E Gollop, at 26 Castle Street, Tiverton.

Emily Heard died, in Tiverton, in 1962, aged 79.

Sunday, 23 November 2025

Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White

Adelaide Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - geograph.org.uk/p/6083118

Alfred Beamer (b. 29 Dec 1853 in Taunton, Somerset), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith (half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land), married Mary Ann White (b. 1851 in Plympton), daughter of Alfred Augustus Harker White and Mary Sorton, on 23 Nov 1879 at Saint George's Church, Stonehouse (bombed in WWII). Alfred Beamer's rank or profession was listed as Private RM (He'd enlisted in the Royal Marines on 29 Dec 1871.)

Alfred and Mary Ann had five children:
  1. Alfred Beamer b. 28 Aug 1880 (1880 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 289) [a]
  2. Ethel Annie Beamer b. 23 Feb 1883 (1883 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 299) [a]
  3. William George Beamer b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 303) [a]
  4. Rosa May Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408) [b]
  5. Frederick John Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 408) (Died 1896 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 288) [b]
[a] Alfred, Ethel Annie and William George were all baptised, on 19 Jan 1886, at the Anglican Church of Saint Matthew, located in Clarence Place, opposite the former Royal Naval Hospital at East Stonehouse, Plymouth.

[b] Registered at the GRO as Rosa May, this twin was baptised Rosa Mary, when she and Frederick John were both baptised "privately" on the same day they were born, 7 Jan 1893, in Halberton, Devon. Their address at this time was Valley House, Halberton and Alfred was employed as a labourer. (Private baptism: "This means the child wasn’t baptised at Sunday service, usually because it was thought too weak to survive until then. [...] but it can mean the child was baptised by the priest visiting the family home, or by the midwife attending the birth. In fact, according to Anglican practice, in an emergency, a baptism may be performed by anyone who is already themselves baptised.")

In 1881, Mary A Beamer (29), Marines Wife, was at 47, Adelaide Street, East Stonehouse, with son Alfred (0) and her sister Mary J White (19). (Mary Ann, who's mother was named Mary, and her mother before her was also Mary (her parents married, on 15 December 1850, when Mary Sorton was a minor (19), at St Mary’s Church Plympton) had a younger sister, named Mary Jane!)

Again in 1891, Mary A Beamer (38) was listed as the head of the household "Supported by husband", with children: Alfred (10), Ethel A (8) and William G (5), and were living at Union Place, East Stonehouse.

Alfred completed 21 years service in the Royal Marines, with a final date of 6 Jan 1893, however, both William George and Ethel Annie were registered in the National School Admission Registers a Halberton by Nov 1892.

In 1901, they were back in Plymouth at 19, Cecil Street, Stonehouse, with Alfred Beamer (46), Labourer at Victualling Yard, wife Mary (49) and their two daughters, Ettie (Ethel) (18) and Rosa (8). Son Alfred was away, having joined the Royal Marines, while William was away training in the Royal Navy.

And in 1911, at 40 Neswick Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, were Alfred Beamer (57) Pensioner Royal Marine Labourer Royal William Victualling Yard, wife Mary Ann (59), Rose May (18) (There are no records beyond 1911 for daughter, Rosa May) and Mary Jane White (51), Mary Ann's sister.

Alfred Beamer died, at 68, in 1920 D Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 329.

In 1921, Mary Ann Beamer (70) Widow, Mother-in-law, was living in what had then become the household of her son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, but still at 40, Neswick Street, Plymouth.

In 1939, Mary Ann, widow, was again living with son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, at 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth.

Mary Ann Beamer of 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth, died on 17 May 1950 (1950 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 600). She was aged 99. A notice of her death had appeared in the Western Morning News on 19 May 1950 and Mary Ann was buried, on 20 May 1950, at The Parish Church of St Gabriel, Peverell Terrace, Peverell, Plymouth.

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Henry Sweney MBE and Mary Louisa Efford

Christchurch tramway

Henry Sweney (b. 13 Jan 1874) son of John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey, married divorcee, Mary Louisa Ansley, in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 22 Nov 1901. Born Mary Louisa Efford on 16 Sep 1869 in Torquay, Devon (Volume 05B Page 161), daughter of John Ash Efford Jnr and Louisa Fulford, she had previously married Frederick William Ansley (b. 23 Jan 1866 in Oldbury, Staffordshire), son of Alfred Ansley and Emma Cooper, also in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 1 Nov 1887, with whom she had three daughters: Mary Louisa Ansley, b. 16 Aug 1888; Rose Amelia Ansley (1889-90) and Emma Miriam Ansley b. 18 Apr 1891.

Henry Sweeney had joined the Royal Marines on 8 Apr 1889. He gave his date of birth as 8 Feb 1871, making himself three years older in order to enlist. He was actually only 15, but at already 5 ft 5⁷⁄₁₀in had been tall enough to get away with it. His record confirms his father as John, of 1 Stephensons Cottages, Condor Street, London. Henry grew to 5ft 9½in at final discharge; he had a fresh complexion, brown hair, grey eyes and a tattoo of a basket of flowers on his forearm. 

After initial training at the Royal Marine Depot, Walmer (Deal, Kent) and at Portsmouth Division until 5 Dec 1890, ships that Henry Sweney served on included: HMS Agamemnon (1879) until 1892, while she was part of the Mediterranean Fleet; from 1892 to 1894, HMS Camperdown (1885), again with the Mediterranean Fleet. Henry will therefore have been aboard HMS Camperdown on 22 Jun 1893, when she collided with and sank the battleship HMS Victoria with 358 deaths, off Tripoli, Lebanon. The report here offers the explanation, "Following an order by the admiral to carry out a dangerous and near impossible manoeuvre, taking into account the positions of the vessels, the Camperdown rammed HMS Victoria, off the Lebanon, which sank with heavy loss of life. Camperdown was also badly damaged, but managed to limp into port." 

Henry's final ship was HMS Rapid (1883), then serving on the Australia Station and on 30 Sep 1897, was Discharged by Purchase at Sydney.

The Lyttleton Times on 13 Dec 1898, reported on: ANSLEY V. ANSLEY
This was a case in which Mary Louisa Ansley petitioned for the dissolution of her marriage with Frederick William Ansley of Wanganui on the grounds of cruelty and bigamy. Mr Cresswell appeared for the petitioner. The respondent did not appear, and was not represented by counsel. The evidence of the petitioner showed that she had lived six and a half years with the respondent, who had commenced to ill-treat her two days after the marriage. During the last six years they had been separated by mutual consent, owing to ill relations arising from the cruelty referred to. Amelia Stevens [1], sister of the petitioner, gave corroborative evidence. The written evidence of William T Clapham, clergyman, of Brisbane, taken by the Registrar on Nov 25, showed that he married the respondent to a woman in Brisbane on August 6, 1896 [2]. The respondent subsequently disappeared, and witness heard that he was already married and in New Zealand. His Honour granted the petitioner a decree nisi, with custody of the children and costs against the respondent.

[1] Amelia Efford married Archibald Stevens, in 1896. In 1911, Archibald and Amelia Stevens were listed on the New Zealand Electoral Roll at the Sailors Home Lyttelton, of which Archibald was the Superintendent.

[2] Frederick William Ansley (30) Bootmaker, who was listed on the Australia Electoral Roll in 1896 at 1 Downing Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane, Australia, married [Ellen] Nellie Ashton, in Queensland, Australia on 6 Aug 1896. Frederick, who died on 20 Apr 1956 (aged 90) and is buried at Aramoho Cemetery, Whanganui, [bio] appears to have been very partial to wedding cake, having had a total of five marriages (including the bigamous one).

In 1911, the New Zealand Electoral Roll places Henry Sweney, Hairdresser, at 89 Lower High Street, Christchurch East with Mary Louisa Sweney, Married, and Mary Louisa Sweney Jun (Jnr) (Mary Louisa Ansley). 

Step-daughter, Mary Louisa Ansley Sweney it appears married Herbert Charles Ford in 1916 and went on to have five children. [Source]

In 1925, Henry Sweney, Commission Agent, and Mary Louisa Sweney were listed at 64 Abberley Rd, St Albans, Christchurch.

Then Mary Louisa Sweney died, at 65, on 22 Jan 1934 and is buried at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch, Block 31. Plot 14.

Some five years later, Henry Sweney remarried to Kathleen Elizabeth Hocking Raddon (b. 10 Mar 1892 in Christchurch, New Zealand), daughter of Captain Hugh Hocking Raddon and Elizabeth Ann Jackson, who was the widow of James Arthur Taylor, on 21 Feb 1939, in New Zealand. 

In the 1955 New Year Honours (New Zealand), Henry Sweney was awarded an M.B.E. for social welfare services. This bio offers some background: 

"Henry Sweney came to New Zealand in 1897 after purchasing a discharge from the Royal Marines after 8 1/2 years service. He was house manager of Christchurch Musical Society and Christchurch Harmonic Society and a worker for charity and patriotic funds for nearly 60 years.

In 1909 he and several others founded the Christchurch Competitions' Society. Henry worked as a stage manager and had his own concert party which gave charitable entertainment. He raised money for children's homes and was Justice of the Peace in Christchurch."

Henry Sweney died on 3 Jun 1963, aged 89, and was also buried, on 6 Jun 1963, at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch, Block 31. Plot 14.

Kathleen Elizabeth Hocking Sweney died on 5 Mar 1977, aged 85.

Photos of Henry Sweney provided by Jon Gilbert, descendant of Rosina Sweeney 

Thursday, 20 November 2025

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne

Wyndham Street West, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1777663
With the spire of the
Roman Catholic cathedral of St Mary & St Boniface

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey (b. 5 Dec 1864, presumably in Mayo, Ireland), son of Martin Mullarkey and possibly Catherine Loughlin (see below), married Maria Gloyne (b. 1863), daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes, on 20 Nov 1887 at the Roman Catholic cathedral of St Mary & St Boniface, Plymouth. Anthony Mullarkey had enlisted in the Royal Marines, at 18, in Liverpool, on 5 Jun 1883. On his Royal Marines record he said he was from Garston, Liverpool, previously a Labourer, and professed to be Roman Catholic. However, in 1881, Anthony Mullarkey (16) General Labourer, had been boarding at 8, Hughes Street, Garston, with his father, Martin Mullarkey (40) and Michael Mullarkey (7). All three were said to be from Ireland.

Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne had three children:

  1. John Martin Mullarkey b. 10 May 1890 (1890 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 289)
  2. Anthony Charles Mullarkey b. 12 Jan 1893 (1893 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 294)
  3. Kathleen Mullarkey b. 17 Jan 1896 (1896 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 286)
All three were baptised, on 1 May 1896, at St Paul's, East Stonehouse - The Anglican Church, situated at the southern end of Durnford Street. The family's address on these baptism records was listed as 8 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, with their father's rank listed as Private RMLI.

Victualling yard at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
Captain-tucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On 20 Dec 1895, Anthony had joined HMS Terror (1856) (a 16-gun iron screw floating battery that became the base ship at Bermuda in 1857), from which he was Discharged Dead (at 32) on 2 Dec 1896.

In 1901, Maria Mullarkey (36), Seamstress, Widow, was still at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse with John (11), Charles (8) and Kathleen (5).

In 1911, at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, Maria Mullarkey (48) in receipt of a pension from the Admiralty. Anthony Charles Mullarkey (18) Bugler RMLI was home on leave and Kathleen Mullarkey (15) was an apprentice tailoress to a Military Tailor. John Martin Mullarkey (20) was with the Royal Navy on HMS Medea (1888), anchored in Malta Harbour.

In 1921, Maria Mullarkey (57) was still living at 8, Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse with Anthony Mullarkey (28) Private R M L I and Kathleen Mullarkey (25) Machinist, employed by Mr Cross, R M Barracks.

Maria Mullarkey died at 61 in 1924 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 501.

The Probable Story of Martin Mullarkey and Catherine Loughlin

In 1881, Martin Mullarkey (40) had been boarding at 8, Hughes Street, Garston, Liverpool with Anthony Mullarkey (16) General Labourer and Michael Mullarkey (7), among 15 mostly Irish people, all three from Ireland.

In 1891, Martin Mullarkey (51) General labourer for corporation and his younger son, Michael Mullarkey (17) Shoemaker, were lodging in Thomas Street, Garston. This narrows them down to being from Mayo, Ireland.

On both of these censuses, Martin Mullarkey is described as a widower, which is doubtful (unless Catherine had since died), as several newspaper reports had appeared, one in the Manchester Evening News, on Tuesday, 2 Apr 1872:

AN EXTRORDINARY DEFENCE:-

At Liverpool Police Court, yesterday, an Irishman named Martin Mullarkey was charged with bigamy. It having been proved that he was married, some few years ago, at a Roman Catholic chapel near Westport, County Mayo, and that he was married to a woman named Julia Garvey, in Liverpool, about twelve months since, the first wife being still alive, he was called on for his defence. He said that the first marriage was a forced one; that he was taken sixteen miles from his home by a lot of men, and married in spite of himself. (Roars of laughter.) This was done in the dead of night; and he did not think it was allowed for a man to be married without a certificate or anything of that kind. One of the witnesses for the prosecution admitted that the marriage took place at about eleven o'clock at night. The prisoner was remanded.

A later report, on Tuesday, 16 Apr 1872, named the first wife as Miss Catherine Loughlin, who he had married in Islandeady, Mayo, about 12 years previously. It also went on to say that, "The second wife said she did not wish to prosecute, and the prisoner was discharged." She wished to see no more of him, provided he paid for the expense of maintaining the child.

The Belfast Evening Telegraph on Thursday, 18 Apr 1872, under the headline, BIGAMY MADE EASY, added that Mullarkey had emigrated to England about two years ago (i.e. 1870) and that this second marriage had resulted in the birth of a child. "The circumstance at length reached the ears of the first wife, who came to England in search of her errant husband ..."

Is this the same Martin Mullarkey from Mayo? It certainly fits, unless there were two people called Martin Mullarkey, both in the same city at the same time, up to the exact same shenanigans, which I'd find difficult to believe.

I've not been able to find birth or marriage records in Ireland to confirm, but I think it safe to believe that Anthony Mullarkey was originally from County Mayo, Ireland and that his mother may have been Catherine Loughlin.

Lower Lane, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/6856382

At the time of the 1851 Census, Samuel Gloyne (22) Merchant Sailor, had been lodging with John Coombes (55) Widower, a Scavenger (a scavenger, as a job in Victorian times, was a dustman or street cleaner), his unmarried daughter, Emma Coombes (21) and John Coombes (2) (b. 1848 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 392, Emma's illegitimate son), Grandson at 10, Lower Lane, Saint Andrew, Plymouth. 

Maria's parents, Samuel Pascoe Gloyne (b. 1828 in Plymouth) and Emma Jane Coombes (b. 1829 in Plymouth), daughter of John Coombes and Emma Gloyne, presumably cousins, married in East Stonehouse in Q2 1851. 

A record from 1853 lists Samuel Gloyne (b. 1828) as a Merchant Seaman.

Samuel and Emma Gloyne went on to have at least seven further children together, with Charlotte, Emma and Samuel baptised, on 1 Sep 1861, at Charles Church, Plymouth, their address given as Gasking Street and Samuel Pascoe Gloyne's profession given as Seaman:

  1. Emma Jane Gloyn (sic) b. 1851 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 374. Died, 1852 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 206, buried on Leap Day, 29 February 1852, at Plymouth, St Andrew.
  2. Charlotte Emma Gloyne b. 28 Dec 1854, 1855 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 217, bap. 1 Sep 1861 at Charles Church, Plymouth
  3. Emma Jane Gloyne b. 28 Jul 1858, 1858 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 211, bap. 1 Sep 1861 at Charles Church, Plymouth
  4. Samuel Richard Pascoe Gloyne b. 14 Aug 1861, S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 235, bap. 1 Sep 1861 at Charles Church, Plymouth. Died, 1862 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 174 and was buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
  5. Maria Gloyne b. 1863 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 217
  6. Bessie Emma Gloyne b. 1865 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B  Page 237, died 1865 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 177 and buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
  7. Rosina Ann Gloyne b. 1865 D Qtr in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 237
It is clear from the dates that Bessie Emma and Rosina Ann were twins.

In 1861, Samuel was away, presumably at sea, while Emma Gloyn (sic) Mariner's Wife, was living at 1, Gasking Street, Charles, Plymouth. John (13) was then listed as John Gloyn, rather than Coombes and had become a Rope Maker's Assistant. With them were Charlotte (6) Scholar, and Emma J (2).

In 1863, the England & Wales Merchant Navy Crew Lists, lists Samuel Gloyne (35) as Able seaman, of the 108 ton vessel, Gipsey, owned by John Bayley, Merchant from Plymouth, under master John Searle of Guildford Street, Plymouth. Samuel Gloyne had joined the vessel on 1 Jul 1863.

In 1871, Emma Gloyn (sic) (40) Laundress, was seemingly living alone in the Village, Tamerton Foliott, Plympton; Charlotte Gloyne (17) was a Servant in the household of John Sommers James (27) at Plym Villa, Egg Buckland, Plympton; Emma Gloyn (sic) (12) was a Servant in the household of Dorothy Clatworthy (69) Annuitant, where Jane Pascoe (14) was a visitor.

In 1881, Emma Gloyn (52) Formerly Nurse, listed as Wife, Married, was lodging at 37, North Street, Plymouth, along with her daughter Maria Gloyn (17) General Servant (Out of Employment). At that time, daughter Emma Gloyne (22) was employed as a Housemaid to Ship Agent, William T Weekes at 5, Lipson Terrace, Plymouth; while Rose Gloyne (15) was employed as a Domestic Servant in the household of John Foot, Tailors Cutter from the City of London, at 8, Ann's Place, Devonport

By 1891, Emma Gloyn (60) Nurse, Widow, was lodging in Mildmay Street, Plymouth, so clearly Samuel had died in the previous decade. 

In 1901, Emma Gloyne (74), Widowed, Retired Monthly Nurse, was living with her son-in-law, Edward Oxford Palmer and daughter Charlotte Palmer in Alexandra Road, Devonport. Emma Gloyne died, aged 76, in Devonport (1907 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 284).

North Street, Greenbank, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/449770
North Street is a narrow cobbled street which runs from Sutton Harbour up the hillside into the heart of the Greenbank District. It is reputed to be one of the oldest routes in Plymouth.

Albert William Horswell (b. 6 May 1865), son of William Horswell and Julia Hurrell, married Rosina Ann Gloyne, youngest daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes, in Plymouth in 1886. Inexplicably, but usefully, the bride's name was listed as Rosina Pascoe Gloyne. 

In 1891, Albert W Horswell (25) Steam Engine Maker Fitter and wife, Rosina A Horswell (25) were living in North Street, Plymouth.

But Rose Annie Horswell died, at just 31, in 1896 (GRO Reference: 1896 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 200).

By 1901, Albert Horswell (35) Steam Engine Maker Fitter, was living, in Ebrington Street, Plymouth with new wife, Bessie Horswell (34), although I can find no record of a further marriage of Albert Horswell to anyone.

Albert Horswell (45) Engine Fitter at Government Dockyard was still living in Plymouth with 'wife' Bessie Horswell (44) in 1911. 

In 1921, Albert W Horswell (56) Engine Fitter at HM Royal Dockyard and Bessie A Horswell were living at 7, Belmont Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth.

Albert William Horswill (sic) died at 74 in 1940 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 921.

Central Terrace
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger W Haworth - geograph.org.uk/p/333311
Central Terrace: built as Police Quarters for those guarding the depot at Chattenden

Anthony Charles Mullarkey (b. 12 Jan 1893), son of Anthony Joseph Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne, married Mabel Sarah Elizabeth Manley (b. 16 Jan 1904), daughter of William Manley and Jessie Hammacott, in Devonport, in 1926. They had one child, Barbara May Mullarkey, born in 1929.

Anthony Charles Mullarkey had joined the Royal Marines as a Bugler at around 14½ on 18 Sep 1907, becoming a Private when he turned 18 in 1911. On 22 May 1913, he was assigned to HMS Centurion (1911), with which he stayed until 10 May 1919, which means, that on 31 May - 1 Jun 1916, Anthony also took part in the Battle of Jutland, as had his elder brother, John Martin Mullarkey. (As did his future father-in-law, William Manley.)

Anthony left the Royal Marines on 11 Jan 1932. However, in 1939, Anthony Charles Mullarkey, Royal Marine Police and wife - listed as Mabel on official forms, but on Anthony's service record as Sarah, so was presumably known by her second name in the family - were living at No 3 Central TerraceChattenden, Upper Upnor, Kent. Central Terrace was built as Police Quarters for those guarding the depot at Chattenden.

Barbara May Mullarkey (1929-2008) married Ronald Stephen Lyons (1927-2014), in Chatham, in 1947 and had three children between 1947 and 1952. 

Anthony Charles Mullarkey, his service record shows, was discharged dead from the Royal Marines Police on 23 Jan 1968. He will have been 75, so I assume he was still engaged as something like a watchman. His Royal Marines and Royal Marines Police service put together add up to a total of 61 years. This surely has to be some sort of record? He is buried at Hoo St Werburgh.

Mabel Sarah Elizabeth Mullarkey of The Elms, 77 Main Road, Hoo, Kent (Residential Home), died on 27 Nov 1990, aged 86. 

The Parish Church of St Werburgh, Hoo
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ifor R Griffiths - geograph.org.uk/p/267759

Mabel Sarah Elizabeth Manley's parents, William Manley had married Jessie Hammacott, in Devonport in the 3rd quarter of 1900. William Manley (b. 29 Nov 1869) in Bovey Tracey, Devon, lived in Mary Street, Bovey Tracey with his parents, Joseph Manley and Elizabeth Taylor Williams. Jessie Hammacott (b. 1872) meanwhile, was the daughter of John Hammacott and Sarah Trebble, and hailed from Chudleigh.

In 1891, William (21) was employed as a Blacksmith. William Manley joined the Royal Navy on 22 Aug 1891 and he and Jessie married just before William joined HMS Phaeton on which he served from Oct 1900 to 28 Apr 1903Phaeton was re-commissioned at Esquimalt (Canada) on 10 October 1900 by Captain Ernest James Fleet, to serve on the Pacific Station. In July 1902 she visited Acapulco, and most of the Autumn of that year she was at Panama. She paid off on 28 April 1903. This commission was the subject of a book in the 'Log' series, entitled: HMS Phaeton, Pacific Station, 1900–1903.

William and Jessie had six children:
  1. William Henry Manley b. 13 Sep 1897
  2. Lilian May Manley b. 2 Mar 1899
  3. Mabel Sarah Elizabeth Manley b. 16 Jan 1904
  4. Sidney Manley b. 1910 
  5. Ronald Manley b. 23 Apr 1912
  6. Dorothy Manley b. 1914 (died 1916, aged 1)
In 1901, Jessie Manley (28) Wife of an armourer was living with their two oldest children at 28, Victory Street, East Devonport.

In 1911, William Manley (41) Chief Armourer Royal Navy and is living with wife, Jessie (38) and children, William Henry (13), Lilian May (12), Mabel Sarah (7), Sidney (0) and William's widowed mother, Elizabeth Manley (72), at 67 Renown Street, East Devonport.

On 28 Nov 1912, William Manley was assigned to HMS Conqueror and stayed with her through to 6 Mar 1919, which means that on 31 May - 1 Jun 1916, William Manley took part in the Battle of Jutland.

In 1921, William Manley (51) Chief Armourer Royal Navy, was living at 4, Garden Estate, St Budeaux, Devonport with Jessie Manley (49), Elizabeth Manley (82) Mother; William H Manley (23) Building & Repairing Ships For H M Navy; Lilian M Burrows (22), Mabel S Manley (17) Shop Assistant; Sidney Manley (9), Ronald Manley (8), Cyril Burrows (22) Building & Repairing Ships For H M Navy, Son-in-Law and Cyril M Burrows (2 months) Grandson.

William Manley retired from the Royal Navy on 17 Jun 1922.

Jessie Manley died in the 2nd quarter of 1926, aged 54.

William Manley died in 1947, aged 77.

  • William Henry Manley married Rose Evelyn Georgina Ide (b. 2 Jan 1897) at St Mark's church, Ford, Plymouth, on 20 Apr 1922. In 1939, William and Rose were living at 4 Stirling Rd, St Budeaux, Plymouth. William Henry Manley died in 1990, at 93. Rose Evelyn Georgina Manley died on 19 Oct 1993, at 96.
  • Cyril Burrows (b. 1899 in Malta), son of Henry Burrows and Mary Cock married Lilian May Manley (b. 2 Mar 1899 in Devonport, Devon), daughter of William Manley and Jessie Hammacott, in Devonport in 1921. (Cyril's parents, Henry Burrows (b. 13 Dec 1873 in Whitehouse, Bodmin, Cornwall), Blacksmith and Mary Cock (bap. 21 Aug 1871, in Luxulyan, Cornwall), daughter of Johnathan Cock and Mary Phillips married, in Bodmin, in 1895. Henry Burrows joined the Royal Navy as an Armourer on 19 Apr 1893. The same career path as Lilian's father. On 9 Mar 1898, until 15 Dec 1899, Henry Burrows was assigned to HMS Hibernia (1804). Hibernia was flagship of the British Mediterranean Fleet from 1816 until 1855, then she became the flagship for the Royal Navy's base at Malta, stationed in Grand Harbour, Valetta, Malta. In 1901, the family were living at 64, Admiralty Street, Devonport, but in 1911, while Mary and the children were residing at 9 Highland Terrace, St Budeaux, Devonport, Henry Burrows was with HMS Monmouth (1901), of the China Squadron, at Colombo (Ceylon, now Sri Lanka). Henry Burrows was Invalided on 13 Apr 1916 with the reason given as paralysis agitans, a less common name for Parkinson's disease.) In 1921, Cyril Burrows (22) Building & Repairing Ships For H M Navy, Son-in-Law, Lilian M Burrows (22) and Cyril M Burrows (2 months) had been living with Lilian's parents, William Manley and Jessie Hammacott, at 4, Garden Estate, St Budeaux, Devonport, Devon. In 1939, Cyril Burrows (b. 2 May 1899) Inspector Of Shipwrights, wife Lilian and son Cyril Maynard Burrows (b. 24 Apr 1921) Apprentice Shipwright, were living at 35 Oakwood Road, Portsmouth. Cyril's Admiralty appointment was reported in the Portsmouth Evening News of 21 July 1939. Cyril Burrows died, in Portsmouth, in 1979, aged 80. Lilian May Burrows died, in Portsmouth, in 1989, at 90. Cyril Maynard Burrows died, also in Portsmouth, in 2001, also aged 80.
  • Ronald Manley married Lilian Annie Richards at The Anglican Church of Saint Boniface on 5 Oct 1935. In 1939, Ronald Manley, Fitter's Labourer Dockyard and wife Lilian were living at 16 Warleigh Avenue, Plymouth, along with Lilian's sister, Vera, Shorthand Typist RN Barracks. Assume they divorced, as Lilian A Manley married Henry R Adams in 1946. Ronald Manley died in 1973. Lilian Annie Adams died on 13 Sep 2012, at 97.

Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Edward Priddle and Ethel Annie Beamer

St Peter's Church, Wyndham Square, Plymouth
Plymouth's five star-rated building a select few people have been inside of
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tom Jolliffe - geograph.org.uk/p/2342746

Edward Priddle (b. 12 Apr 1875 in Hackney, London), Sergeant RMLI, son of James Priddle and Catherine Stevens, married Ethel Annie Beamer (b. 23 Feb 1883 in East Stonehouse), daughter of Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White, on 14 Oct 1905 at St Peter’s Church, Plymouth. Witnesses to their marriage were Alfred Beamer and Emily Luxton, the bride's brother and his intended, who married exactly two months later in Tiverton, Devon.

Edward Priddle, at 16, was employed by his father, a shoe maker, as a Clicker (A boot and shoe clicker cuts the uppers for boots or shoes), in Shoreditch. Edward enlisted in the Royal Marines on 27 Jan 1896 and served for 22 years, until 3 Mar 1918, finally attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Edward and Ethel had three daughters, baptised at Plymouth, St Peter:
  1. Ethel Annie Priddle b. 13 Jul 1906 (1906 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 250), bap. 29 Jul 1906 (Died, aged 2, in 1909 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 169)
  2. Winifred May Priddle b. 4 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 249), bap. 20 May 1909
  3. Mary Caroline Priddle b. 29 Dec 1912 (1913 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 399), bap. 2 Feb 1913
In 1911, Edward Priddle (35) Sergeant Royal Marines, Ethel Annie (28) and Winifred May (1), were living at 40 Neswick Street, Plymouth. On this census return they confirm that by this point they'd had two children, one of whom had died, and one still living, during their five years of marriage.

In 1921, at 40 Neswick Street, Plymouth were Edward Priddle (46) Retired Lieut Royal Marines; Ethel Annie Priddle (38), Winifred May Priddle (12), Mary Caroline Priddle (8) and Mary Ann Beamer (70) Mother-in-law.

In 1939, the family including Edward Priddle, Retired RM, Ethel A, and Ethel's widowed mother, Mary Ann Beamer were living at 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth. Winifred May Priddle was an Assistant Mistress at a Secondary School in Exeter and Mary C Hadley and her husband, John Harold Hadley (Retail Tobacconist Proprietor), were at 42 Chestnut Road, Plymouth.

Ethel Annie Priddle, of 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth, died on 12 May 1959, leaving £281 17s 9d to her husband, Edward Priddle, Retired Lieutenant RM.

Edward Priddle, of 2 Glendower Road, Plymouth, died on 21 Jun 1962. He was 87. He left effects of £2809 11s to his two daughters, Winifred May Mayner and Mary Caroline Tomkins.

  • Winifred May Priddle married Stanley Edmund Mayner (b. 29 Sep 1909) on 25 Jul 1959 at Plymouth, St Gabriel. Winifred May Mayner died, in Plymouth, on 27 Feb 1982. Stanley Edmund Mayner died, also in Plymouth, in 1986.
  • Mary Caroline Priddle married John Harold Hadley (b. 30 Mar 1913 in Bristol) at Plymouth, St Gabriel, on 19 Feb 1938. In 1939, John H Hadley, Retail Tobacconist Proprietor, and Mary C Hadley were living at 42 Chestnut Road, Plymouth. On 22 May 1940, the Western Morning News, Plymouth, reported that Mary Caroline Hadley brought an action against her husband John Harold Hadley, who by then was serving in the Army, for desertion and wilful neglect. Hadley, it appears died, in his native Bristol in 1965. Meanwhile, Mary C Hadley remarried Ernest Frederick Tomkins (b. 26 Dec 1915 in Gloucestershire), in Plymouth, in 1951. Mary Caroline Tomkins died on 22 Oct 1996 in Pensilva, Cornwall. Ernest Frederick Tomkins died on 15 Feb 2002.

Monday, 13 October 2025

William Melhuish and Sarah Lake

Stoke Damerel Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © High View 
geograph.org.uk/p/1111563
William Melhuish (bap. 27 Aug 1820 in Uffculme, Devon), son of Henry Melhuish and Elizabeth Fry, married Sarah Lake (bap. 7 Apr 1822 in Kentisbeare), daughter of John and Sarah Lake, at Stoke Damerel Parish Church on 13 Oct 1844. William Melhuish, Marine, gave his address just as 'Barracks' (in 1841 he was listed at the Royal Marine Barracks Stonehouse) and his father as Henry Melhuish, Mason. Sarah, then of 22 Moon Street, listed her father as John Lake, Labourer. Their witnesses were John Symons and Grace Alger.

William's brother Robert Melhuish married Sarah's sister, Jane Lake, in Exeter in 1846, which means both couple's children have the same mother's maiden name. By elimination, it seems William and Sarah had at least the following seven children:

  1. John Thomas Melhuish b. 1845 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 09 Page 335
  2. Mary Jane Melhuish b. 1847 D Qtr in EAST STONEHOUSE Vol 09 316
  3. William Melhuish b. 1850 S Qtr in EAST STONEHOUSE Vol 09 Page
  4. Sarah Ann Melhuish b. 1853 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 281 
  5. Eliza Melhuish b. 1857 J Qtr in EAST STONE HOUSE Vol 05B Page 269
  6. Elizabeth Melhuish b. 1862 M Qtr in EAST STONEHOUSE Vol 05B 317
  7. Lucy Melhuish b. 1866 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 470
The mother's maiden name was LAKE on all of the birth registrations.

In 1851, at 6, Brownlow Place, East Stonehouse, Devon, were Sarah Melhuish (27), John Melhuish (5), Mary J Melhuish (3) & William (0).

Have not [yet] found any of the family members in 1861.

From being at the Royal Marines Barracks in 1841, to still being there when the penultimate child was registered in East Stonehouse in 1862, it's clear that William Melhuish had a long career in the Royal Marines. Unfortunately, I've not [yet] found a Marines, nor a pension record for him.

In 1871, living 'Near the Beacon, Kentisbeare' (guessing Blackborough Beacon), were William Melhuish (49), Sarah Melhuish (46), William Melhuish (19), Eliza Melhuish (15), Elizabeth Melhuish (9) and Lucy Melhuish (5). Mary Jane Melhuish (23) Servant, was living with Mary Ann Melhuish (68) of Independant Means at 134 Hight Street, Crediton. Sarah Ann Melhuish (18) from Plymouth, was a Servant, living in the household of Joseph Radford (76) Assistant Overseer, in Kentisbear.

In 1881, at Poncheydown Village, Kentisbeare with Blackborough, we find William Melhuish (59) Agricultural Labourer, born in Uffculme, Devon; Sarah Melhuish (57), Elizabeth Melhuish (20) and Lucy Melhuish (15).

William Melhuish must have died between 1881 and 1891, but sadly, once again, so far I haven't found a record of a death or burial for him.

In 1891, Sarah Melhuish (65) Widow, Mother, was living with her youngest daughter, Lucy Canniford (Lucy Melhuish married John Canniford in 1887) at Village, Broadhembury, Honiton, Devon.

In 1901, Sarah Melhuish (76) Widow, Pauper was living in Wood Lane, Broadhembury with Jane Canniford (12) Granddaugher.

In 1911, Sarah Melhuish (89) Old Age Pensioner, was living with her daughter Elizabeth Symons (Elizabeth Melhuish had married John Symons in 1881) at Higher Downlands Blackborough Kentisbeare. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom, following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms) 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.)

Sarah Melhuish, relict of William Melhuish, née Lake, of Downlands, Kentisbeare, died in 1914 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 519 and was buried on 23 Oct 1914, in Kentisbeare. The record keeper at the church has helpfully even cross-referenced the burials of her two sisters, so we can have no doubt of who she was and her connections. She was 92.