Showing posts with label Somerset. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Somerset. Show all posts

Friday, 6 March 2026

James Prescott and Mary Ann Stone

Tiverton : Gold Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1658721

James Prescott (b. 1858 in Washfield, Devon), son of John Prescott and Jane Gage, married Mary Ann Stone (bap. 5 Feb 1860 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, at St Peter's, Tiverton, on 6 Mar 1882. Witnesses were Henry Stone and Harriet Stone, Mary Ann's sister.

By 1881, Mary Ann (21) had left home and had been working, as a General Domestic Servant, for Alfred T Gregory, Newspaper Proprietor, in Gold Street, Tiverton, hence marrying in the town. (Alfred Gregory was publishing titles such as the Tiverton Gazette and East Devon Herald, Western Observer and affiliated papers for South Molton and Crediton. (The Tiverton and District Directory for 1894-5 lists them as, Gregory, Son, and Tozer.)

However, the couple were married for little more than a year, when Mary Ann Prescott died, tragically aged just 23, on 14 Apr 1883, in Chapel Street, Tiverton, from Acute Phthisis Pulmonalis (Tuberculosis (TB) 18 days - I'd suspected this when reading that Mary Ann had been present at the death of her brother, John Stone, when he had died from Phthisis, in August 1882. Her mother-in-law, Jane Prescott, was present at Mary Ann's death.

My connection was broken once Mary Ann died, however:

Not unsurprisingly, James Prescott remarried quite quickly, to a Jane Davey (b. ~1858) in Q1 of 1884, also in Tiverton. James and Jane had one son Charles Prescott b. 1884 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 435.

In 1891, James Prescott (32) Labourer, wife Jane Prescott (33) and son Charles Prescott (7) were living in Eglwysilan, Glamorganshire, Wales.

In 1901, James Prescott (44) Navvy Ganger; Jane Prescott (44), Charles Prescott (17), with Berty Snooke (31), Albert Tilley (22) and John Jenkins (31) - the three being lodgers - were living in Staines, Middlesex.

Charles Prescott married Elizabeth Ann Long (b. 1880 in Barton Regis), daughter of Richard Long and Mary Ann Lewis, in Bristol, in 1907.

Charles and Elizabeth Prescott had three children:
  1. Dora Jane Prescott b. 18 Sep 1907 (1907 D Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 221), bap. 21 Nov 1907 at Westbury on Trym, Holy Trinity
  2. Charles James Prescott b. 1909 J Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 491, bap. 25 Apr 1909 in Portsea St John. Died, aged 3, in 1912 J Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 598
  3. George Richard Prescott b. 15 Mar 1910 (1910 J Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 483), bap. 13 Apr 1910 in Portsea St John
The mother's maiden name on the three births was LONG.

In 1911, James Prescott (56) Dock Labourer, was at 15 Unicorn St, Portsea, Portsmouth, with Jane Prescott (57), and six Dock Labourers (presumably boarders/lodgers): Alf Smith (49), George Bailey (31), Art Bailey (27), Charles Bailey (23), Fred Andrews (29) and George Hopkins (35). Charles Prescott (26) Railway Labourer was living at 11 1/2 Unicorn Street, Portsmouth with Elizabeth Prescott (29ish), Charles J Prescott (2) and George Prescott (1). Dora Jane Prescott (3) was a Visitor in the household of her grandmother, Mary Ann Long (69) Widow, Laundress in Westbury-on-Trym. (James' parents, John and Jane Prescott were still living in Tiverton.)

James Prescott died at 57 in 1913 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 480 was buried on 22 Oct 1913, in Uplowman. (James predeceased both his mother who died in 1914 and father who died in 1916.)

In 1921, Jane Prescott (62) Widow, was Housekeeper to William Talley Wood (79) Gentleman at Gaddon House, Gaddon, Uffculme, Devon. Charles Prescott (36) Pile Driver was living in Westbury on Trym, Gloucestershire with Elizabeth Prescott (40) and George Prescott (11). Dora Prescott was also still living in Bristol, along with her grandmother, Mary Ann Long.

Charles Prescott died at 43 in 1928 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 56, predeceasing his mother by around 9 months. Jane Prescott (née Davey) died at 71 in 1929 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 691. Elizabeth Ann Prescott died at 58 in 1939 M Quarter in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 46.

Dora Jane Prescott married Walter Henry Tudball in Bristol in 1931

In 1939, Walter H Tudball (b. 30 Sep 1906) & Dora J Tudball were living in Eastfield, Bristol and living with them was George R Prescott.

Dora Jane Tudball died, aged 57, in 1964. 

George Richard Prescott died in Bristol, in 1995.

Saturday, 28 February 2026

James Orchard and Elizabeth Howe

Church of All Saints, Dulverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marika Reinholds - geograph.org.uk/p/6070176

James Orchard (bap. 25 Dec 1808 in Luxborough, Somerset) son of John Orchard and Elizabeth Darch, married Elizabeth How (sic) (bap. 27 Jul 1807 in Exton, Somerset), daughter of Joseph How and Mary How, on 28 Feb 1831 at the church of All SaintsDulverton, Somerset. Not the church seen today, but in the previous 15th Century building (the tower survives), largely rebuilt in the 1850s. Witnesses were Jane How and James How.

James and Elizabeth had seven children, all baptised in Dulverton:
  1. Frances Ann Orchard bap. 3 Jul 1831 
  2. Thomas Orchard bap. 2 Feb 1834 
  3. Mary Elizabeth Orchard bap. 13 Jan 1837
  4. Ellen Howe Orchard b. 1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 238, bap. 6 Oct 1839
  5. Matthew Howe Orchard b. 1843 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 258, bap. 21 May 1843
  6. Anne Orchard b. 1846 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 263, bap. 10 Jan 1847
  7. Jane Orchard b. 1852 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396, bap. 29 Aug 1852
The mother's maiden name listed on all the GRO birth records is HOWE.

In 1841, James Orchard (30) and Elizabeth Orchard (30), Thomas Orchard (7), Mary Orchard (4) and Ellen Orchard (1) were living in the household of Grace Hanford (65) at Castle Court, Dulverton. Frances (10), was living at West Broford, Dulverton, with her grandparents, Joseph and Mary How.

In 1851, in Dulverton, were James Orchard (42) Colt Breaker from Luxborough, Somerset; Elizabeth Orchard (43), Mary E Orchard (14), Ellen H Orchard (11), Matthew H Orchard (7), Ann Orchard (7) and Ann Badley (21) Lodger. Frances Ann Orchard (19) House Servant, was still living in the household of her grandfather, Joseph How, Farmer of 180 Acres, at West Broford, as was Thomas Orchard (17) Grandson, Farm Servant.

Elizabeth Orchard died, at 52, in 1860 J Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 265 and was buried on 22 Apr 1860, at Dulverton.

In 1861, James Orchard (48) Colt Breaker, Widowed, was a Lodger in the household of John Holcombe (67) in Back Street, Dulverton. I've not been able to find Frances Ann. Thomas Orchard (27) was living in the household of his Father-in-law, George Staple (53), also there was his sister Ann Orchard (14). There was a Mary Orchard (22) Housemaid in Fore Street, Dulverton; an Ellen Orchard (24) Kitchenmaid at Calm John Cottages, Rewe, Devon; Matthew Orchard (17) Saddler was living in Bridgetown Village, Exton, in the household of James Clatworthy (44) Sadler and Jane Orchard (9) was a Visitor in the household of John Rudd (29) in Lady Street, Dulverton.

In 1871, James Orchard (65) Labourer, Widowed, from Luxborough, Somerset, was a lodger in the household of William England (50).

James Orchard died, aged 69, in 1878 D Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 227 and was buried, on 14 Dec 1878, in Dulverton.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

William Tidborough and Mary Hawkins

Taunton: former County Gaol
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/4529457

William Tidborough (b. 27 Sep 1829 in Uffculme, Devon), widower, son of John Tidborough and Elizabeth Summers, married Mary Hawkins (27), spinster, daughter of Robert Hawkins and Ann Shewbrooks, at St George's Church, Fons GeorgeWiltonTaunton, Somerset on 14 Feb 1856.

William Tidborough had previously married Jane Manley in the first quarter of 1852, in Wells, Somerset, with whom he had two children:
  1. Sarah Tidberough (sic) b. 1852 D Quarter in WELLS Volume 05C Page 565, bap. 2 Jan 1853 at St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset. Died in 1855 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 341.
  2. John Tidberough (sic) b. 1854 D Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 380. Died in 1855 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 340.
Jane Tidberough (sic) also died, aged 27, in 1855 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 339; wife and both children dying in the same quarter.

William had two further children with Mary:
  1. Anne Tidborough b. 1856 D Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 393. Died aged 14, in 1871 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 291 and was buried on 19 Jan 1871, at St Mary Magdalene.
  2. Elizabeth Tidberough (sic) b. 1858 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 411, bap 12 Sep 1858 at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. Died in 1860 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 291. The infant was buried on 6 Apr 1860, at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton.
Sarah's and Elizabeth's baptisms list their father's occupation as Miller.

William Tidberough (sic) died, aged 30, in 1860 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 323 and was buried on 25 Mar 1860, in Wilton, Somerset.

In 1861, Mary Tidborough (32) Widow, was an Assistant Matron of County Gaol (Wilton (Taunton) County Gaol and House of Correction). Annie Tidborough (4) was living in the household of James Northalt (64) Beer House Keeper at the Shuttern County Inn, Taunton, described as Niece.

Mary Tidborough, Widow, married Henry Sully, Widower. Well, the records of the Banns of the marriage list her as Mary Tidborough, Widow, however, the record of the marriage itself, which took place at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton on 2 Sep 1862, lists her as Mary Hawkins, Single, daughter of Robert Hawkins, Mason. Obviously incorrect, but useful confirmation.

Mary had one daughter with her second husband:
  1. Henrietta Elizabeth Sully b. 1865 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 404, bap. 13 Jul 1865 at St Mary Magdalene. Died, aged 10, in 1875 D Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 271 and was buried, on 22 Oct 1875, at St Mary Magdalene.
Henrietta's baptism lists her father as Deputy Governor Of Wilton Gaol

Mary Sully died, aged 38, in 1868 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 237 and was buried on 10 Apr 1868 at St Mary Magdalene.

What do we know about Henry Sully?

Henry Sully was baptised on 27 July 1817, son of Henry Sully, Labourer and Hannah Burrows. At the time of his first marriage to Mary Burston, bap. 19 Oct 1817, daughter of John Burston, Fishmonger and his wife, Jane, on 22 Nov 1838, Henry Sully's occupation was listed as Mariner. Two of their sons later had Naval careers. Henry and Mary went on to have at least 10 children, the last of whom was baptised on 30 Oct 1860. Then first wife, Mary Sully, died, at 43, in 1860 D Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 259. 

On many of the children's baptisms, Henry is described as Guard At Wilton Gaol. In 1851, Henry had been Chief Turnkey Of Wilton Gaol, as he was in 1861. By 1865, he was Deputy Governor Of Wilton Gaol.

Henry then married Mary Tidborough (née Hawkins) and had the one further daughter with her, before he was widowed again in 1868.

So Henry married for a third time to Elizabeth Morgan, bap. 30 Aug 1828 in Pitminster, Somerset, daughter of William Morgan, Green Grocer, and Mary Dymond, on 13 Aug 1868, at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. On this marriage, Henry Sully's occupation was listed as Inn Keeper. Henry's son by his first wife, Samuel Sully, later married Elizabeth's younger sister, Camilla Morgan.

In 1881, with address listed as Market House, Taunton, at 63, Henry Sully's occupation was listed as Hall Keeper. With his previous experience with the prison service, he may well have been caretaker of Taunton Shire Hall

Elizabeth Sully, of Wilton Cottage, died, at 73, in 1900 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 286 and was buried on 5 Mar 1900.

Henry Sully died in 1903 M Qtr in TAUNTON Vol 05C 219, at 86.

Friday, 6 February 2026

Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock

Ford, footbridge and Goodiford Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5058166

Charles Goff (bap. 9 Feb 1834 in Kentisbeare), Mason, son of James Goff and Elizabeth Lane, married Elizabeth Lock (bap. 2 Jan 1831 in Ashbrittle), daughter of Mary Ann Lock, at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, on 6 Feb 1855. Incredibly, Elizabeth Lock, Servant, where her father should be named, it just says 'Illegitimate'. Whilst this is honest and true, I've never seen that on a marriage certificate before, with most in that situation making up a father 'for appearances sake'. Witnesses were James Ridgeway, presumably her half-brother, and Charles Vickery. (In 1841, Elizabeth Lock, then 10, had been living with her grandfather, John Lock, and I wouldn't have known about her, but DNA links to descendants of three of Elizabeth's sons show her as being my 'half 2nd great-grandaunt'. As the daughter of my 3rd great-grandmother and half-sister of my 2nd great-grandmother, that's spot on.)

Charles and Elizabeth Goff had nine children:
  1. James Goff b. 1855 in Ashbrittle, Somerset (no birth reg nor baptism)
  2. William Goff b. 1857 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392, bap. 7 Jun 1857 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  3. Mary Goff b. 1859 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 373, bap. 6 Nov 1859 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  4. John Goff b. 1861 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436, bap. 6 Oct 1861 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  5. Anna Goff b. 1863 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427, bap. 7 Feb 1864 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  6. Frank Goff b. 14 Feb 1866 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 472, bap. 5 Aug 1866 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  7. Edmund Goff b. 1868 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 449, bap. 5 Apr 1868 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare. Died, aged 17 months, in 1869 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 317 and was buried on 23 May 1869 also at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  8. Henry Goff b. 1 Feb 1870 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 456, bap. 3 Jul 1870 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
  9. Charles Goff b. 15 Jun 1871 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 412, bap. 3 Sep 1871 at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare 
In 1861, Charles Goff (26) Mason was in North Street, Kentisbeare with Elizabeth Goff (32), son James Goff (6), William Goff (3) and Mary Goff (1).

In 1871, at Goodiford, Kentisbeare were Charles Goff (34) Mason, Elizabeth Goff (37), James Goff (16) Mason's Labourer; William Goff (13), Mary Goff (11), John Goff (9), Anna Goff (7), Francis Goff (5) and Henry Goff (1).

In 1881, Charles Goff (45) Farmer & mason & miller employing 15 men & boys was still at Goodiford Mills, Kentisbeare with Elizabeth Goff (48), William Goff (23) Mason; Mary Goff (21), John Goff (20) Carpenter; Hannah [Anna] Goff (17), Frank Goff (15) Miller; Henry Goff (11), Charles Goff (9) and James Hiles (16) Farm Servant from Clayhanger, Devon.

In 1891, at Mill House, Kentisbeare, were Charles Goff (56) Builder & miller; Elizabeth Goff (58), Frank Goff (25) Miller; Henry Goff (21) Carpenter and Charles Goff (19) Builder's son.

Elizabeth Goff of Goodiford, Kentisbeare, died, aged 60, on 17 Apr 1892 (1892 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 279) and was buried on 23 Apr 1892 at St Marys, Kentisbeare, leaving £171 to Charles Goff, Builder.

Charles Goff, Builder and Miller, died the following year, aged 58, on 29 Mar 1893 (1893 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 295) and was buried on 5 Apr 1893, also at St Marys Church, Kentisbeare. He left effects of £1084 (£171,775 in 2023) to Frank Goff and Charles Goff.


The triangle at the centre of Kentisbeare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/2697345

James Goff (b. 1855 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), eldest son of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, married Sarah Ann Canniford (bap. 18 Jan 1857 in Kentisbeare), daughter of William Canniford and Jane Baker, in 1876. 

James and Sarah Ann Goff had nine children:

  1. William Goff b. 1877 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 428, and was initially baptised privately on 10 Mar 1877 and then again in the church of St Mary, Kentisbeare on 20 May 1877. Died, aged 6, on 18 Sep 1883 (1883 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 252) and was buried on 23 Sep 1883 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. [1]
  2. Annie Goff b. 1879 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433, bap. 5 Jan 1879 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. Died, aged 4, on 18 Sep 1883 (1883 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 252) and was buried on 23 Sep 1883 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. [1]
  3. Tom Goff b. 1881 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 13 Mar 1881 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. Died, aged 2, on 23 Sep 1883 (1883  D Quarter in TIVERTON  Volume 05B  Page 275) and was buried on 25 Sep 1883 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. [1]
  4. Beatrice Elizabeth b. 26 Oct 1882 (registered as Mary Jane in 1882 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 422 Occasional Copy: A), bap. as Beatrice Elizabeth Goff on 16 Mar 1883 at St Mary, Kentisbeare.
  5. James Goff b. 1 Sep 1886 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413, bap. 14 Nov 1886 at St Mary, Kentisbeare.
  6. Henrietta Goff b. 22 Oct 1888 D Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 310 (no baptism found)
  7. Anna Goff b. 1891 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 318, bap. Annie Goff on 12 Nov 1893 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. 
  8. Winnifred Goff b. 1893 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 389, bap. 4 Oct 1893 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. Died, aged 2, in 1895 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 259 and was buried on 1 Dec 1895 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. [2]
  9. Agnes Augusta Goff b. 28 Aug 1900 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 347, bap. 25 Aug 1901 at St Mary, Kentisbeare.
[1] The newspaper report in Western Times of 28 Sep 1883 reads: "Sympathy is felt in this village with James Goff, who lost two children on the 18th instant - a boy aged six years and a girl aged four, dying within 10 minutes of each other.  This heavy bereavement was followed by another in the death of a boy aged two years on the 23rd instant, and now Mrs Goff has been taken seriously ill with dyptheria (sic). Foul water is assigned as the cause of the illness, and the Nuisance Inspector as well as the Medical Officer of Health have been called into consultation over this very serious affair."

[2] The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 6 Dec 1895 reported, "An inquest was held at Kentisbeare, on Saturday, upon the body of Winifred Goff, aged two years, the daughter of Mr. James Goff, Builder. Dr Tracey, of Willand, attributed death to diphtheria, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly."

Of course this was pre-vaccine, pre-antibiotics and pre-NHS.

In 1881, James Goff (26) Mason from Ashbrittle, Somerset was living in the Village, Kentisbeare, with Sarah A Goff (25) from Broadhembury, Devon; William Goff (4), Annie Goff (2) and Tom Goff (0). Beatrice E Goff (18) was working as a Parlourmaid in St Leonards, Weston Super Mare.

In 1891, in Burlescombe were James Goff (36) Bricklayer; Sarah A Goff (35), Beatrice E Goff (8), James Goff (4), Henrietta Goff (2) and Anna Goff (0).

On 19 Sep 1899, The Western Times reported, "The first meeting of Creditors of James Goff, Mason, of Colepark, Kentisbeare, was held in the Receiver's Office, Exeter, on Thursday. Debtor estimated his liabilities at £212 15s 6d and assets £75 9s 6d, leaving a deficiency of £137 6s. Causes of failure alleged by debtor were sickness of self and family ..."

In 1901, at Hollis Green, Kentisbeare, were James Goff (46) Mason; Sarah A Goff (45), James Goff (14) Mason; Henrietta Goff (12), Annie Goff (10) and Agnes Goff (0). 

James Goff, Mason, died, aged 53, at the Tiverton Infirmary and Dispensary in 1908 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 251 and was buried on 11 Nov 1908 at St Mary, Kentisbeare.

Sarah Ann Goff née Canniford, of Hollis Green, Kentisbeare, wife of the above James Goff, died, aged 52, in 1908 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 248 and was buried on 13 Dec 1908, also at St Mary, Kentisbeare.

  • Beatrice Elizabeth Goff (24) Domestic Servant of Hollis Green, Kentibeare, daughter of James Goff, married William John Wyatt (21) Brakeman, of 22 Sutton Road, Newport, Monmouthshire, son of James Wyatt, on 31 Mar 1907 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. They had four children. Beatrice Elizabeth Wyatt died, in 1976.
  • James Goff married Harriet Bennett, daughter of John Bennett, on 8 Apr 1911 at St John's Church, Maindee, Newport, Monmouthshire. They had four daughters. James Goff died, at 63, in 1949 in Newport (Monmouthshire).
  • Henrietta Goff married George Hendy, son of George David Hendy and Jane Richards, in Tiverton, in 1908. In 1911, they were living at 6 Melbourne Street, Tiverton and living with them was Henrietta's younger sister, Agnes Augusta, then 10 and at school. George and Henrietta had one son, Leslie George Hendy b. 1921. Agnes was still living with them, at 1 John Street, Tiverton, in 1939. Henrietta Hendy died, in Tiverton, in 1980. 
  • Annie Goff died, aged 40, in St Thomas, Exeter, in 1931.
  • Agnes Augusta Goff died, in Tiverton, on 17 Jul 1982.

Bradfield House
Bradfield House - or Bradfield Hall, the name on the gateposts - in Uffculme parish, south west of the village, near Willand. This is the east front with the medieval great hall in the centre.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/5773754

John Goff (b. 1861), son of Charles Goff and Elizabeth Lock, married Hannah Mary Cook (b. 19 Oct 1861 in Halberton), daughter of John Cook and Elizabeth Davey, in Tiverton Registration District, in 1883.

John and Hannah (known as Annie) had seven children:
  1. Charles Goff b. 1883 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 406. Died, aged 20, in 1904 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 13 and was buried, on 5 Jun 1904 at St Mary'sKentisbeare.
  2. Bessie Goff b. 1884 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416
  3. Henry Goff b. 15 Feb 1887 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409, bap. 10 Apr 1887 at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.
  4. Edmund Goff b. 1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 413. Killed in action on 18 Jul 1917, see below.
  5. Rose Ellen Goff b. 31 Jul 1893 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 402, bap. 10 Sep 1893 at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.
  6. Arthur Goff b. 19 Jul 1896 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 384, bap. 13 Sep 1896 at St Mary's, Kentisbeare.
  7. Harold Goff b. 7 May 1899 J Quarter in HONITON Volume 05B Page 19, bap. 11 Jun 1899 a St Andrew's ChurchBroadhembury
In 1891, John Goff (30) Carpenter, Cottage, Kentisbeare, Annie Goff (29), Charles Goff (7), Bessie Goff (6), Henry Goff (4) and Edmund Goff (0).

In 1901, John Goff (39) Estate carpenter in Kerswell, Broadhembury with Annie Goff (39), Edmund Goff (10), Rose Ellen Goff (7), Arthur Goff (4) and Harold Goff (1). Charles Goff was not listed anywhere; Bessie Goff (16) was a Domestic Servant at Gowers Turners, Fore Street, Cullompton and Henry Goff (15) was a Farm Servant at Kentismoor Farm, Kentisbeare.

In 1911, John Goff (49) Estate carpenter was at Bradfield, Uffculme with Annie Goff (49), Edmund Goff (20) Baker; Arthur Goff (14) and Harold Goff (11). The 1911 census confirms that the couple had 7 children, of whom 6 were, at that time, still living. Bessie Goff (26) was a Domestic Servant in Holland Villas Road, Kensington, London (Holland Park). Rose Ellen Goff, who will have been 17, I assume was out working, but didn't find her.

On 2 Aug 1912, Edmund Goff (22) listed as a Farm Labourer embarked in London on the SS Roscommon, bound for BrisbaneQueensland, Australia, where he arrived, after a 56 day voyage, on 27 Sep 1912.

On the 1913 Australia Electoral Roll, Edmund Goff, Baker, was listed "Care Of Mrs Reed, Sachs Street, Cairns, Herbert, Queensland, Australia". Then in 1915, Edmund Goff, Baker was in Rankin StreetInnisfail, Queensland, Australia, where the record suggests he had been since 20 Jul 1914.

Williand War Memorial
cc-by-sa/2.0
© Martin Bodman
geograph.org.uk/p/5820655
On 13 May 1916, Edmund Goff enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and on 20 Oct 1916, embarked on Australian Troop Transport, HMAT A17, Port Lincoln, with the 12th Machine Gun Company, 6th Reinforcements, from Melbourne, Victoria. The record gave his home address as 'Care Of Mrs E Wallace, Innisfail'. It also gave his next of kin as John Goff of Willand, Cullompton, Devon, England.

Edmund Goff, Private, 13th Australian Machine Gun Corps., A.I.F., Service No. 415, son of John and Hannah Mary Goff of Willand, Cullompton, Devon, England, was Killed in Action, in Belgium, on 18 July 1917. (Battle of Passchendaele). He is buried at (the presumably aptly named) Mud Corner CemeteryWallonie, Belgium, Grave II. B. 2. Personal Inscription: FAME & GLORY EASE NOT OUR ACHING HEARTS. He is remembered on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, the Innisfail Cenotaph and on Willand War Memorial at St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Willand Old Village.

In 1921, John Goff (59) Estate Carpenter working for Mrs Adams; Hannah Mary Goff (58), Arthur Goff (24) Coal Miner; and Harold Goff (22) Motor Driver were living in the New Buildings, Willand, Devon.

John Goff died, aged 76, in 1936 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 483.

In 1939, Hannah M Goff, Widowed, Old Age Pensioner, was living with daughter & son-in-law, Charles & Rose Hole in Station Road, Culmstock.

Hannah Mary Goff died, at 87, in 1949 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 07A 948.

  • Henry Goff married Eveline James Drew (b. 9 Dec 1888), daughter of Edwin Drew and Fanny Louisa James, in Truro, Cornwall, in 1909. The couple had one son, George Henry Goff b. 1910 M Quarter in REDRUTH Volume 05C Page 157. In 1911, Henry Goff (24) Nurseryman from Cullompton, Devon; Eveline James Goff and George Henry Goff (1) were living at Treleigh Redruth, Cornwall. Son George Henry died, aged 9, in 1919 D Quarter in REDRUTH Volume 05C Page 221. In 1939, Henry Goff, Smallholder and Eveline Goff were living at Salem HouseChacewater, Truro. Eveline James Goff died on 10 Dec 1961 and Harry Goff died, at 89, on 6 May 1976 and are in buried in St. Paul's Churchyard.
  • Rose Ellen Goff married Charles Edward Hole (b. 22 Jan 1891 in Tiverton), son of Robert Hole and Rosa Ellen Jones, in Tiverton, in 1921. In 1939, Charles E Hole, Storekeeper Coal & Corn, Rosa E Hole and mother-in-law were living in Station Road, Culmstock. Charles E Hole died, at 75, in 1966, in Taunton, Somerset and Rose Ellen Hole died, at 80, in Newton Abbot, Devon.
  • Arthur Goff married Florence May Jarvis (b. 29 Sep 1899), daughter of Charles Jarvis and Sarah Spurway, in Tiverton, in 1927. The couple had three daughters. Florence May Goff died on 3 Mar 1984 and Arthur Goff less than two weeks later, on 16 Mar 1984. They are buried together Cullompton Cemetery.
  • Harold Goff married Elizabeth Margaret Viney (b. 8 Jan 1905), daughter of James Viney and Elizabeth Featherby, in Tiverton, in 1930 and had 3 daughters. Harold Goff died in Uffculme, on 24 Apr 1978 and Elizabeth Goff, in Exeter, on 24 Mar 1995.

Monday, 2 February 2026

Joseph How and Mary How

St Peter's Church, Exton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lord - geograph.org.uk/p/3608275

Joseph How (b. 1781 in Dulverton, Somerset) married Mary How (b. 1779 in Exton, Somerset) at St Peter's Church, Exton on 2 Feb 1807. Most likely the couple were cousins, but it hasn't been possible to find baptism records to confirm exactly how they were related. And undoubtedly still keeping it in the family, the witnesses to this marriage were John How and Jane How.

There are records for seven children of this marriage, all of whom were baptised at at St Peter's Church, Exton:
  1. Elizabeth How bap. 27 Jul 1807 
  2. Jane How bap. 19 Feb 1810
  3. Thomas How bap. 27 Nov 1812 
  4. Joseph Howe bap. 17 Feb 1815
  5. Mathew Howe bap. 29 Dec 1816
  6. Margaret Blackwell How bap. 9 Jun 1819
  7. Mary How bap. 8 Dec 1821
In 1841, at West Broford, Dulverton were Joseph How (60) Farmer, Mary How (63), Joseph How (25), Matthew How (21), Margaret How (20), Mary How (19), Elizabeth How (20) formerly Elizabeth Stevens wife of Joseph How (m. 22 Apr 1841); Mary How (1 m) daughter of Joseph How and Elizabeth Stevens; Frances Orchard (10) daughter of James Orchard and Elizabeth How; Henry Westcott (40) Ag Lab and Robert Hobbs (12).

In 1851, still at West Broford, Dulverton were Joseph How (70) Farmer Of 180 Acres Employing 2 Labourers; Mary How (72) Farmer's Wife from Exton, Somerset; Joseph How (35) Farmer's Son; Elizabeth How (30) Domestic; Frances A Orchard (19) Granddaughter, House Servant; Thomas Orchard (17) Grandson, Farm Servant, son of James Orchard and Elizabeth How and Joseph How (8) Grandson, son of Joseph How and Elizabeth Stevens.

It hasn't [yet] been possible to identify deaths of Joseph or Mary.

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway

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


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

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

  1. Frederick James Stone bap. 25 Dec 1854
  2. Henry William Stone bap. 13 Jul 1856 
  3. John Stone bap. 23 May 1858 (Died, aged 24, on 27 Aug 1882)
  4. Mary Ann Stone bap. 5 Feb 1860 
  5. Tom Stone b. 11 Dec 1861, bap. 4 Feb 1862
  6. Harriet Stone bap. 2 Apr 1865 
  7. Francis Stone b. 1 Feb 1867, bap. 3 Mar 1867
  8. Charles Stone b. 8 Apr 1869, bap. 9 May 1869
  9. Lucy Jane Stone b. 11 Apr 1872 (1872 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 374), bap. 26 May 1872
Lucy Jane's birth was the only one that was registered at the GRO and upon which her mother's maiden name was confirmed as RIDGWAY.

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the listed buildings at Widhayes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Bowerman

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: Eastern aspect
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642104

Thomas Cotterell (bap. 27 Mar 1785 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon), son of Thomas and Agnes Cotterell, married Sarah Bowerman (bap. 21 Jun 1789 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of William and Susanna Bowerman, in Holcombe Rogus, on 24 Dec 1813.

Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Bowerman had four children:

  1. William Cotterell bap. 17 Sep 1814
  2. Susanna Cotterell bap. 18 Aug 1816
  3. Sarah Cotterell bap. 28 Mar 1819
  4. Thomas Cotterell bap. 18 Mar 1821
All four baptisms, in Holcombe Rogus, list their father as a Chairmaker.

Then there is a record of the burial of Sarah Cotterell, in Holcombe Rogus, in 1822, her age then estimated as 35. With potentially four young children to bring up, it's no wonder Thomas married again quickly. 

Thomas Cotterell, widower, married Sarah Tooze (bap. 19 Sep 1802 in Holcombe Rogus) daughter of Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton, on 11 Dec 1822 at the Church of All SaintsHolcombe Rogus. The record says 22, but Sarah was 20, still a minor. One of the witnesses was John Tooze.

Before marriage, Sarah Tooze had given birth to Elizabeth Tooze, bap. 14 Oct 1821, specifying that the child was the daughter of Sarah Tooze, Spinster. 

Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Tooze then added a further eight children:

  1. James Cotterell bap. 21 Sep 1823
  2. Jane Cotterell bap. 24 Dec 1826
  3. Mary Ann Cotterell bap. 7 Dec 1828
  4. John Cotterell bap. 25 Dec 1831
  5. Caroline Cotterell bap. 16 Feb 1834
  6. Robert Cotterell bap. 5 Jan 1837
  7. Charles Cotterell bap. 7 Jul 1839
  8. Richard Cotterell bap. 11 Apr 1847

On the baptisms for James, Mary Ann, John and Caroline, Thomas' occupation is listed as Labourer. On that of Jane's it was listed as Mason, but there is a note on that record that it had been copied, which gives the opportunity for error. On Robert's, Charles' and Richard's baptisms, Thomas Cotterell is once more described as a Chairmaker. The different occupations might suggest two different families, but as most of these children do appear with this family on census returns, that cannot be the case. Probably more likely that Thomas' first wife's death caused the temporary change in his circumstances.

In 1841, Thomas Cotterell (listed as 45) Chairmaker was living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Sarah Cotterell (35), Mary (12), John (9), Caroline (7), Robert (5) and Charles (2), as well as Elizabeth Tooze (20) Female Servant. Jane Cotterell (15) was a Female Servant at Widhays Farm, Uplowman.

In 1851, and still at Twitchen, we find Thomas Cotterell (62) Chairmaker, Sarah Cotterell (54 - she was only 49), Richard Cotterell (4) and John Cotterell (2) Grandson. Caroline Cotterell (17) was a House Servant in Sampford Peverell, Devon. Meanwhile, Robert Cotterell (14) was a House Servant to John Cork, Farmer of 132 Acres, in Holcombe Rogus.

In 1861, at Twitchen Cottage, were Thomas Cotterell (75) Chairmaker, Sarah Cotterell (64) and Richard Cotterell (14) Chairmaker. Charles Cotterell (21) Chairmaker was a visitor in the household of James Tristram (63) Gardener, at Lower Greenham, Ashbrittle. Charles married Emma Tristram that year.

Sarah Cotterell died, at 63, in 1866 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 227 and was buried in Ashbrittle, Somerset. This did not make sense. However, the first Sarah Cotterell (née Bowerman), had come from Ashbrittle. This, the second Sarah Cotterell (née Tooze) was born in Holcombe Rogus. Thomas Cotterell was 81 when his second wife died. Had he confused them and is this suggestive, perhaps, of dementia?

In 1871, Thomas Cotterell (84) Pauper, Widower, was living in the household of his son-in-law, Thomas Tooze - married to daughter Caroline [1].

Thomas Cotterell died at 93, in 1878 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 240 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

[1] Sarah Tooze (b. 1802) was the elder sister of Thomas Tooze (b. 1805). Her daughter, Caroline Cottrell, later married Thomas Tooze, son of William Tooze the younger brother of Thomas Tooze (b. 1801).

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Arthur Wilton Day and Louisa Jane James

South Beach, Weston-super-Mare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Capper - geograph.org.uk/p/6392467
South Beach at Weston-super-Mare with Birnbeck Pier

Arthur Wilton Day (b. 29 Dec 1879 in Chipping Ongar, Essex), son of Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray, married Louisa Jane James (b. 31 Jan 1880 in Highbridge, Somerset), daughter of Joseph James and Emily Young, at St Faith's Church, Wandsworth (Ebner Street), on 23 Dec 1900.

Ebner Street, Wandsworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper
geograph.org.uk/p/3069437
This couple did not have any children.

In 1901, they were living at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, with Arthur Day (21) Gas Fitter, Louisa Day (21) Lilian James (17) - Louisa's sister - an Incandescent Mantle Packer and Henry White (22) Window Cleaner, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Boarder. 

In 1911, still at the same address at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, we find Arthur W Day (31) Gas Fitter, Louisa J Day (31), Cecil A Day (24) Clerk Columbia Phono Corp - Arthur's brother - and his sister, Daisy R Heckman (30) described as "Married Deserted 7 Yrs".

In 1921, Arthur Wilton Day (42) Electrician and Louisa Day (42) were living at 69, Richmond Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire.

Arthur Wilton Day died, at 58, on 18 Jun 1938 (1938 J Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 233) and is buried at Greenbank Cemetery, Eastville, Bristol.

In 1939, Louisa Jane Day, widowed, was a Paid Companion, living in the household of Charles and Julia Burnett at 141 Richmond Road, Bristol.

Louisa Jane Day returned to her Somerset roots in her retirement, it seems, as she died, aged 79, in 1959, in Weston-super-MareNorth Somerset.

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Samuel Webber and Harriet Lock

Uplowman : The Redwoods Inn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7503704

Samuel Webber (b. ~1815 in Wiveliscombe, Somerset), listed on the marriage certificate as the son of William Webber, Farmer (often used inaccurately), married Harriet Lock (bap. 19 Jun 1814 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 17 Dec 1850. The witnesses to their marriage were Richard Frankpitt and Jane Parr.

In 1841, Harriet Lock (25) had been a Female Servant in the household of Edward Chave (35) at Burrow Farm, Ashbrittle [the same Edward Chave who was at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman in 1861 and 1871] and at the same time Samuel Webber (~20) had been a Male Servant on Burrow Farm.

In 1851, Samuel Webber (33) Victualler from Wiveliscombe, Somerset and Harriet Webber (37) Victualler's Wife from Ashbrittle, Somerset were living at, and clearly running, the Redwoods Inn, Uplowman (confirmed there).

Samuel and Harriet had one daughter:
  1. Elizabeth Webber b. 1851 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 273, mother's maiden name confirmed as LOCK, but can identify no further records for this child and fear she most likely died as an infant.
However, Harriet Webber died, at just 38, in 1853 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 283 and was buried in Uplowman on 9 Apr 1853.

Samuel Webber (36), Widower, again listed as son of William Webber, Farmer, wasted no time in remarrying, also at St Peter’s, Uplowman, on 14 Jul 1853 to Jane Cruze (40), Widow, listed as daughter of John Lake, Sawyer.

In 1861, Samuel Webber (46) Farmer of 16 acres was at Lowman Cross Way, Uplowman, Tiverton, in a property next door to Hugh Redwood, Wheelwright and Innkeeper, who then ran the Redwoods Inn. Living with Samuel were Jane Webber (48), Sarah Cruze (23) Bonnet Maker from Bampton, Devon; Sarah Jane Cruze (6) and Ann Elizabeth Cruze (0) - Jane's granddaughters.

Jane appears to have been 'massaging' her age: In 1851, Jane Cruse (sic) (46) Annuitant and Sarah Cruse (sic) (14) had been living in Barrington Street, Tiverton. It hasn't been possible to find a record of Jane's previous marriage, however, there was a baptism of an Ann Cruze in Bampton, Devon on 12 Sep 1830, the daughter of James and Jane and the death of a James Cruze, aged 32, in 1837 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 177 and buried on 10 Sep 1837 in Bampton, who, I feel, was almost certainly her first husband. (There was also a burial of a Caroline Cruze, aged 4, in Bampton on 31 Dec 1837, and fear this may well have been this couple's child also.)

No birth or baptism records come up for either Jane Lake or her daughter, Sarah Cruze, however, Sarah Jane b. 1856 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 395, bap. 12 Aug 1856 in Uplowman, the daughter of Sarah Cruze, Single woman and Ann Elizabeth b. 1859 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378, were both Jane's daughter Sarah's illegitimate daughters.

Samuel Webber died, aged 55, in 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 323 and was buried on 20 Mar 1869, in Uplowman. (In sad irony, the very next burial record was for Samuel's best man, and presumably friend, Richard Frankpitt, on 17 Apr 1869, who died, at 60, on 11 Apr 1869.)

In 1871, Jane Webber (60) Widow, Dairy Keeper, was living at Lowman Cross Farm Houses, Uplowman with Sarah Short (28) Dressmaker and Milliner; Sarah J Carew (14), Ann E Carew (11) and a then unnamed 2 day old Female Infant - later registered Edith Margaretta Hannah Short b. 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436 and bap. Edith Margaret Hannah Short on 1 May 1871 in Uplowman. You might think that Carew was an error, however, Jane's daughter, Sarah had married as Sarah Jane Carew in 1869 to Thomas Short (bap. 25 Jan 1843 in Northam, Devon), son of Thomas Short and Margaret Webb, in Bristol, so it seems to have been intentional. The mother's maiden name on Edith's birth registration was also listed as CAREW. On Edith's baptism, Thomas Short is described as a Railway Clerk.

As yet, I've been unable to identify any further records for Jane Webber.

In 1881, Thomas Short (39) [Profession infuriatingly unreadable] from Northam, North Devon was living at a fancy sounding address, Kennett Villa, [Royal] Albert Road, Westbury upon Trym, Barton Regis, Gloucestershire with wife Sarah J Short (39) - she must have been 44 - Edith Short (10) born in Uplowman, Devon; William H Short (6) born in the United States and Thomas Short (3) born in Clifton, Gloucestershire. (Thomas Short b. 1877 J Quarter in BARTON REGIS Volume 06A Page 79, mother's maiden name CREW.)

Annie Elizabeth Cruise (sic), it appears, married John Lake Fry in 1887.

Thursday, 27 November 2025

George Tooze and Anne Clarke

Mid Devon : Holcombe Rogus Scenery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/2812924

George Tooze (bap. 15 Jun 1778 in Holcombe Rogus) son of Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery, married Anne Clarke (b. ~1779), Spinster of this parish, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 27 Nov 1803. The witnesses to their marriage appear to be Susannah Clarke and John Clarke.

George and Anne had seven children:
  1. John Tooze b. 28 Aug 1804, bap. 2 Sep 1804 in Holcombe Rogus [1]
  2. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 19 Apr 1807 in Holcombe Rogus [2]
  3. Susanna Tooze bap. 30 Jul 1809 in Holcombe Rogus
  4. George Tooze bap. 22 Sep 1811 in Holcombe Rogus [3]
  5. Thomas Tooze bap. 14 Aug 1814 in Holcombe Rogus [4]
  6. James Tooze bap. 30 Dec 1817 in Holcombe Rogus
  7. Anne Tooze bap. 11 Apr 1819 in Holcombe Rogus
On all of the baptisms, George's occupation is listed as Chairmaker.

1841, George Tooze (60) Chairmaker; Ann Tooze (60) with Mary Tooze (12), John Vickery (6) and Susan Vickery (3) were living at Bulgins, Holcombe Rogus. Presumably, all three children were their grandchildren.

In 1851, living on Golden Hill, Holcombe Rogus, were George Tooze (74) Pauper Formerly Chairmaker and Ann Tooze (73) Pauper.

George Tooze died, at 75, in 1853 (1853 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 275), and was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 27 Mar 1853.

Ann Tooze died, age given as 81, in 1860 M Quarter Volume 05C Page 306 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 4 Mar 1860.
  1. John Tooze b. 1804 is listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen in 1845. At that time he was 5ft 6in tall, with brown hair, a pale complexion and grey eyes. He married Ann Turner on 11 Oct 1847 at St Mary Magdalene, Gillingham, Kent. John Tooze was buried at St Mary's, Chatham, Kent in 1876. Ann Tooze (b. 1812) was buried at St Mary's, Chatham, in 1878.
  2. Elizabeth Tooze married William Vickery, on 26 May 1833
  3. George Tooze b. 1811 married Agnes Dearley in Halse, Somerset on 15 Jul 1836. In 1841, George Tooze (30) Chairmaker, was living in Kingsbury West, Somerset. By 1851, they were in Rockwell Green.
  4. Thomas Tooze b. 1814 married Mary Keates, in Wellington, on 29 Sep 1837. (Yet another Thomas and Mary Tooze!) Their daughter, Susan Emily Tooze was born in Truro, Cornwall in 1846 (and baptised in St Helier on 26 Sep 1863). In 1851, Thomas Tooze (37) Chairmaker, was living in St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands with wife Mary (33), Emily (4), Thomas (1) and George (0). Thomas Tooze was buried in St Helier, Jersey on 17 Aug 1858. Mary Tooze (40) Widow, was living in Dorset Street, St Helier in 1861. In 1871, son George (21) Provision Dealer, was living in the City of London with his sister, Ellen (18).

Sunday, 23 November 2025

Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray

Parish Church of St. Gregory, Seaton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Maurice D Budden - geograph.org.uk/p/2942441

Jacob Ridgway (b. 3 May 1776, baptised at the age of 17 in Culmstock, on 27 Oct 1793), son of Thomas Ridgway and Sarah Leaman, married Jane Bray (bap. 8 Jul 1777 in Uffculme, Devon), daughter of James Bray and Jane Taylor, on 23 Nov 1802 at the parish church of St. Gregory, Seaton, Devon. One of the witnesses to their marriage was a William Salter.

On 14 Feb 1798, Jacob Ridgeway had married Mary Spurway, in Culmstock. There being no other Jacob Ridgway in the area, this appears to be Jacob's previous marriage. A death of a Mary Ridgeway between 1798 and 1802 would provide additional evidence, but I cannot find a record.

Jacob and Jane Ridgway had six children:
  1. John Ridgway bap. 8 May 1803 in Seaton & Beer
  2. Sarah Ridgway bap. 6 Jan 1805 in Seaton & Beer
  3. Thomas Ridgway bap. 9 Mar 1806 in Seaton & Beer
  4. Jacob Ridgeway bap. 13 Dec 1807 in Seaton & Beer
  5. James Ridgeway bap. 22 Oct 1809 in Seaton & Beer
  6. Jane Ridgway bap. 29 Nov 1812 in Ashbrittle, Somerset
In 1841, Jacob Ridgway (66) and Jane Ridgway (62) were living in Ashbrittle Village, Ashbrittle, next-door-but-two to John Lock and Mary Nott.

Jacob Ridgway died, at 69, in 1845 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 10 Page 322 and was buried on 14 Dec 1845 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.

In 1851, Jane Ridgway (76) Widow, from Uffculme, Devon, was a lodger in the household of Thomas Salter (32) Ag Lab from Wiveliscombe. Also lodging in his household were Mary Taylor (32) Widow and her five children. The youngest, James Taylor, then 2 months old, b. 1851 M Quarter in WELLINGTON (SOMERSET & DEVON) Volume 10 Page 523, shows his mother's maiden name was RIDGEWAY. (James Taylor married Mary Ridgway on 11 Sep 1836 in Ashbrittle, Somerset. In 1841, they were living at Bourden Gate Cottage, Hockworthy and James Taylor died, aged 31 - with the census on 30 March 1851, it must have been days before - with his death registered in 1851 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 367. Thomas Salter then married widow, Mary Taylor in the 4th quarter of 1851. James Taylor and Mary Ridgway, clearly were family. 

Jane Ridgway died, age estimated as 77, in 1853 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 294 and was buried on 13 Feb 1853, also at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle.