Inherited Craziness
A place to share all the nuts found on my family tree

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

Tuesday 16 April 2024

James Potter and Jane Stone

All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5100720

James Potter (b. 1741) married Jane Stone (bap. 3 Jul 1744 in Holcombe Rogus), who was the daughter of William Stone and Temperance Hitchcock, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus, on 16 Apr 1770

James and Jane had two daughters, baptised in Holcombe Rogus:
  1. Joan Potter bap. 21 Jan 1771
  2. Agnis Potter (sic) bap. 17 Dec 1775
James Potter died, at 39, in 1780 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

Jane Potter later remarried to James Dunn of Chipstable, in Holcombe Rogus, on 13 May 1796. Witnesses to this marriage were Joan Blackmore and Samuel Tooze. James Dunn, bap. 8 Sep 1732 in Chipstaple, son of John and Joan Dunn, had previously married Ann Langdon on 6 Feb 1757 and on the record of this marriage, we discover that James Dunn was a Shoemaker. The couple had one child, a daughter, Ann Dunn bap. 17 Sep 1760. James first wife, Ann Dunn, died in 1782. James Dunn died in Chipstable, in 1802. 

Jane Dunn died in 1828 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

  • William Heyward (bap. 3 Jun 1757 in Huish Champflower), son of John and Elenor Heyward, married Ann Dunn, daughter of James Dunn and Ann Langdon, in Chipstable, on 14 Mar 1785. William and Ann had six children: William Heyward bap. 19 Feb 1786 in Huish Champflower; Ann Heyward bap. 28 Sep 1788, Silva Heyward (sic) bap. 18 Mar 1792, Elinor Heyward bap. 9 Apr 1795, James Dunn Hayward bap. 24 Mar 1798 in Chipstable, and Fanny Heyward b. 8 May 1804, bap. 15 May 1804 in Huish Champflower. Anne Heyward (née Dunn) died, aged 79, in 1840 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 167 and was buried in Huish Champflower. In 1841, William Heyward was living in the household of Robert and Fanny Stone. Robert Stone, son of William Stone, Miller had married Fanny Heyward, daughter of William Heyward, Shoemaker - thus it appears she is William's granddaughter. (Please don't ask me what relation Robert Stone is to Jane Stone, but they inevitably are.) William Heyward died, aged 87, in 1843 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 1660 and was also buried in Huish Champflower.
  • William Heyward (bap. 19 Feb 1786 in Huish Champflower), son of William Heyward and Ann Dunn, meanwhile, married Agnes Potter (bap. 17 Dec 1775 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of James Potter and Jane Stone, on 26 Nov 1809, in Chipstable. Records exist for three daughters: Sylvia Heyward bap. 27 Nov 1809, Harriott Heyward bap. 8 Nov 1811 (buried in Chipstaple in 1813) and Agnes Heyward bap. 9 Jan 1815, all baptised in Chipstable. The last of these baptisms shows her father's occupation as a Cordwainer (a shoemaker who makes new shoes from new leather.) William Heywood (50) Journeyman Shoemaker and Agnes Heywood (60) were living on Golden HillWivelscombe in 1841. In 1851, still on Golden Hill, were William Hayward (65) Pauper Shoemaker and Agnes Hayward (75). Agnes Heyward (née Potter) died, at 84, in 1858 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 251 and was buried in Wivelscombe. In 1861, William Hayward (75) Widower, Shoe Maker, was a boarder in the household of John Richards (45) and Sylvia Richards (52) - clearly William's eldest daughter - at Routine Row, Russells Buildings, Wivelscombe. William Heyward died, at 80, in 1861 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 258 and was also buried in Wivelscombe.
Once more, the Devon family tree is a complicated monkey puzzle! :)

Tuesday 9 April 2024

Francis Stone and Frances Mary Jerred

Cottages, High Street, Halberton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1177578
44 High Street, Halberton, is the blue cottage in the centre

Francis Stone (Frank) (b. 1 Feb 1867) son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Frances Mary Jerred (b. 3 May 1869), daughter of John Jerred and Frances Ann Orchard, always known to my father as "Aunt France", although if we were being pedantic, she was his father's aunt, his great-aunt. The couple married at St Peter’s Church Tiverton on 9 Apr 1902. Witnesses were the bride's father, John Jerred and a Bessie Louisa Corrick. Francis and Frances, at 34 and 33, respectively, married late by the standards of the day, and this may have been a factor toward the couple not having children.

In 1911, Frank Stone (42) Farm Labourer and Frances Mary Stone (42) were living at Middle Pitt, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, still at Middle Pitt Westleigh, Wellington, Sampford Peverell, Devon were Francis Stone (53) Farm Carter and Frances Mary Stone (52).

Francis Stone, of Middle Pitt Cottage, Sampford Peverell, died on 18 Nov 1937, aged 70, leaving £517 13s 11d to Frances Mary Stone. 

In 1939, Frances Mary Stone, Old Age Pensioner, was living at 2 Sunnidale, Willand, Devon.

Frances Mary Stone, of 44 High Street, Halberton, Devon died on 11 Aug 1962 at the ripe old age of 93. She didn't have much money left (~£75). 

Francis and Frances are buried together in the churchyard at Uplowman.

Grave of Francis Stone and Frances Mary Jerred in Uplowman Churchyard

Monday 8 April 2024

Richard Rowland and Caroline Tooze

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Taunton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3157603

Richard Rowland (bap. 25 Dec 1819 in Upottery), son of William Rowland and Betty Hill (m. 11 Mar 1802 in Upottery, Devon), married Caroline Tooze (bap. 22 Feb 1829 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Mary MagdaleneTaunton (now Taunton Minster) on 8 Apr 1856. The witnesses were Samuel Tooze and Robert Dyer.

Richard and Caroline had eight children, none were baptised:
  1. Alfred James Rowland b. 1857 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369. Died, aged 6, in 1864, and was buried in Nynehead, Somerset.
  2. Emma Jane Rowland b. 1859 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 427. Died at 26, in 1885 in Wellington.
  3. Alfred Richard Rowland b. 1860 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 368. Registered as Alfred Richard, but appears to have been known as Francis.
  4. Ann Rowland b. 1863 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 440. Died at 8, in 1871, in Wellington.
  5. Rosa Rowland b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 378
  6. Emily Rowland b. 1867 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 386. Died, aged 10, in 1877, in Wellington.
  7. Alfred Rowland b. 1869 S Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 355
  8. Walter Rowland b. 1872 in Wellington, Somerset.
In 1861, Richard Rowland (34) Shepherd from Upottery, Devon was living at Haywood Cottage, Nynehead, Somerset with wife Caroline Rowland (32) from Holcombe Rogus, Devon; Alfred (3) and Emma Jane (2) born in West Buckland, Somerset; Francis Rowland (5 months) [must be the child registered as Alfred Richard] born in Nynehead and James Tooze (21) Chairmaker, Lodger (this is Caroline's younger brother).

In 1871, living in Payton, Wellington, were Richard Rowland (50) Farm Labourer, Caroline Rowland (40), Francis (10), Anne (8), Rosa (6), Emily (4) and Alfred (2) - the last two having been born in Langford, Somerset.

Caroline Rowland died, age estimated to 48, in 1876 D Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 238.

In 1881, Richard Rowland (68) Agricultural Labourer from Upottery, was an Inmate in Wellington Union Workhouse. Wellington Workhouse was the first to be built after the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which ordered that every area in England and Wales should have a purpose built place to house the poor. [Source] Also Inmates, in a different section from their father, were Alfred Rowland (13) Scholar (pauper) born in Langford Budville, Somerset and Walter Rowland (9) Scholar (pauper), born in Wellington, Somerset. There was a Rose Rowland (16) Woolen Feeder, living in Wellington as head of the household, living with her was Mary A Stevens (14) Lodger.

In 1891, Richard Rowland (age estimated to 75) Widower, Agricultural Labourer was still an Inmate of Wellington Union Workhouse. Rose Rowland married Tom Winter in 1887 and were living in Rockwell Green, in 1891. Alfred Rowland (21) Assistant Butcher, Servant, born in Langford, Somerset was in the household of James Moorish (29) Butcher, at 27 Rockwell Green.

Richard Rowland died, at 73, in 1892 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 252.

Friday 5 April 2024

Tom Stone and Margaret Knapman

Royal Marines' Stonehouse Barracks, Durnford Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth

Tom Stone (b. 11 Dec 1861 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married and Margaret Knapman (b. 28 Aug 1863 at Mary Rows (Mary Rose?) Cottage, St Budeaux Devon), daughter of Thomas Knapman and Kitty Horden. There's a record of their marriage, in Q1 1889, however, the British Royal Marines Marriage Registers, lists it as the Register Office, East Stonehouse on 5 Apr 1893. As there was no such thing as a Register Office (until after 1929), I assume this was an administrative ratification, once permission was granted, of the ceremony that had taken place in 1889, although there are civil registrations for both dates.

Peter Calver at Lost Cousins, potentially provides the explanation, as these rules would almost certainly apply to Marines too, "... soldiers needed the permission of their commanding officer if they wanted the marriage to be recognised (which is why you will sometimes come across a couple who married each other twice)." Either date was a little late and, in the haste to legitimise their eldest, may have forgotten to ask permission of the CO. 

On 11 Mar 1880, Tom Stone, then 18, enlisted in the Royal Marines, at that time was 5' 6¾", with a fair complexion, dark brown hair and hazel eyes. His record states, "Right little finger amputated through second phalanx." As well as various stints at Plymouth Division, from 1881 to 1884 Tom was with HMS Mallard (1875), a Forester-class composite screw gunboat; from 3 Oct 1889 until 3 Jan 1893, he was assigned to HMS Himalaya (1854)

In 1881, Tom Stone (19) Private RMLI was in Devonport, Stoke Damerel; There were a Thomas and Catherine Knapman in Tamerton-Foliott in 1881, who I believe to have been Margaret's parents. (Catherine was from Waterford, Ireland.); and Margaret Knapman (16) was a General Domestic Servant to Henry Couch (58) Farmer at Hays End, Tamerton-Foliott.

Tom and Margaret had six children:
  1. Archer Henry Stone (Archie), b. 28 Mar 1889 (1889 J Quarter in PLYMPTON ST MARY Volume 05B Page 223), bap. 21 May 1889, at the Wesleyan Methodist church, Tamerton Foliot. Died, at 18, on 11 Nov 1907, in Gillingham, Kent (1907 D Quarter in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 393). Commemorated in Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney, Australia.
  2. Frederick Thomas Stone, b. 20 Jan 1892 (1892 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 297)
  3. Beatrice May Stone, b. 14 Mar 1894 (1894 J Quarter in PLYMPTON ST MARY Volume 05B Page 189), bap. 27 May 1894 in Hooe, Plymouth
  4. Bertram Charles Stone, b. 24 Feb 1899 (1899 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 273) Died 16 Jun 1899 (1899 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 211)
  5. Leslie Victor Stone, b. 21 Feb 1901 (1901 J Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 273)
  6. Rosina Kathleen Stone, b. 14 Apr 1903 (1903 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 238)
In 1891, Margaret Stone (25) and Archer H Stone (2) had been staying with her sister, Lucy Hoskins (23) in Star Lane, Tamerton Foliott.

In 1901 the family were living at 9, St Paul Street, East Stonehouse, with Tom Stone (39) listed as a Marine Pensioner. (Tom served in the Royal Marines for 21 years (+ 2 days), from 11 Mar 1880 until 13 Mar 1901, transferring to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 3 Jul 1901.) Also listed were Margaret (35), Archie (12), Frederick (9), Beatrice (7) and Leslie (0).

Archer Henry Stone enlisted in the Royal Marines, at 14, on 11 Nov 1903.

Tom Stone, General Labourer and Marine Pensioner, died, aged 43, at 3 Ashley Place, Plymouth, on 2 May 1905 (1905 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 171), from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

On 11 Nov 1907, Archie Stone (18) died at the Royal Naval Hospital (Medway Maritime Hospital) in Gillingham, Kent, of a Tubercle of the lung (Tuberculosis again) and cardiac failure. Initially, it didn't make sense that there was a commemorative stone to Archer Henry Stone in Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney, Australia (albeit as Arthur H. Stone, Bugler, R.M.L.I. - his mates may not have known that Archer was the name he was registered and baptised with). However, this would appear to be one of many memorials to shipmates who died elsewhere. A closer look at Archer's Royal Marines record shows that in Feb/Mar 1907 Archer was with HMS Powerful (1895) that became the flagship of the Australia Station. He then transferred to HMS Prometheus (1898) and finally to HMS Pioneer, at that time a drill ship with the Australian Squadron. Archie's last line with Pioneer says he was 'on passage', which presumably means he was being brought home. 

In 1911, Margaret Stone, widowed and in receipt of Parochial Relief, was living in East Stonehouse, with Leslie V (10) and Rosina K (7). Frederick had enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1907 and Beatrice (17) was working as a Servant for Samuel Reed, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, in Devonport.

On 11 Apr 1919, aged 18, Leslie Victor Stone joined the Royal Tank Corps.

In 1921, Margaret Erne Stone (57) Widowed; Frederick Thomas Stone (29) Royal Navy (Leading Signalman) and Rosina Kathleen Stone (18) were still living at 9, St Paul Street, East Stonehouse. Leslie Victor Stone (20) was with the Army Tank Corps at Pinehurst Barracks, Farnborough, Hampshire.

Margaret Erne Stone died, on 1 Sep 1921, aged 57 (1921 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 324), and probate was granted to her son, Frederick Thomas Stone, on 24 Dec 1921.

Tuesday 2 April 2024

James Norman and Harriet Woodland

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

James Norman (b. 1843), son of Samuel Norman and Ann Gamlin, married Harriet Woodland (bap. 11 Apr 1841 in Huish Champflower, Somerset), daughter of Abraham Woodland and Mary Milton, on 2 Apr 1866 at the church of St. James, Taunton. James and both fathers' occupations are listed as Labourer. Both James and Harriet's address is listed as North Town.

James and Harriet had around 12 children:
  1. Lucy Woodland b. 1865 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C
  2. Elya Norman b. 1867 listed only on 1871 census, no birth record found
  3. Jane Norman b. 1868 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C
  4. Mary Ann Norman b. 1870 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 446
  5. Ellen Norman b. 1872 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 478
  6. William Norman b. 1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 418
  7. Tom Norman b. 1875 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 428
  8. Maria Norman b. 1877 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 440
  9. Samuel Norman b. 1878 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 439 (Died at 32 in 1911 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 331)
  10. Elizabeth Norman b. 1880 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 413 (Died, aged 0, in 1880 D Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 285)
  11. George Norman b. 1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 444
  12. Bessy Norman b. 1885 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 431
There's one further child attributed to this family, Lily Norman: b. 1885 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421. This birth was later in the same year as Bessy Norman: technically possible, only just, but unlikely. There's no mother's maiden name on her birth registration, suggesting an illegitimate birth, so far more plausible this was the child of one of the daughters, that the grandparents brought up. No doubt the birth certificate would list the true mother's name. (Lily Norman married Tom Richards in 1910; in 1911 Tom Richards (29), Lily Richards (26) and son Thomas James Richards (b. 1910 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 355) were living in Bampton, Devon. Lily Richards died in the 3rd quarter of 1911, aged 26.)

In 1871, James Norman (27) Farm Labourer, was living in Tiverton with Harriet Norman (28), daughter Lucy Norman (6), Elya Norman (4) (this is the only record with this name), Jane Norman (2) and Mary Ann Norman (1).

In 1881, James Norman (38) Ag Lab, was at Ewings, Tiverton, with Harriet Norman (39), Jane Norman (12), Mary A Norman (11), Ellen Norman (9), William Norman (8), Tom Norman (6), Maria Norman (4) & Samuel (2).

In 1891, at Drizzlecombe, Higher Curham, Halberton, were James Norman (47) Agricultural Labourer, Harriet Norman (49), William Norman (17), George Norman (9), Bessie Norman (6) and Lily Norman (5). That year Maria Norman (13) was employed as a General Servant in the household of Henry Venner, Confectioner, in Bridge Street, Tiverton, Devon.

James Norman (52) died in 1896 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 287.

In 1901, Harriet Norman (58) Widow, was living in Halberton, Devon with Samuel Norman (22), George Norman (17), Lily Norman (15) and William Fook (24) Lodger. Bessie Norman (17) that year was Housemaid in the household of Edward Chave, in Uplowman (at Widhays Farm), where her sister Ellen had been a General domestic servant 10 years earlier.

In 1911, Harriet Norman (70) Widow, was living at Priory Cottage (adjoining The Priory), 9 High Street, Halberton with Beattie Gors (12) Grandchild.

Harriet Norman (71) died in 1913 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 567.

Monday 1 April 2024

James Ridgeway and Harriet Stone

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

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

Children of this blended family included:
  1. Francis Stone b. 25 Dec 1887 (1888 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 407), bap 10 Feb 1888 at Uplowman, described as the "Base born son of Harriet Stone, Labourer's daughter."
  2. Charles Ridgway b. 3 Mar 1895 (1895 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 393), bap. 1 May 1895 at Uplowman as "Charles Stone or Ridgway, son of Harriet Stone alias Ridgway. Married after birth of child."
  3. Nellie Ridgway b. 7 Jan 1897 (1897 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 398), bap. 28 Feb 1897 at Uplowman.
  4. Emily Ridgeway b. 31 Aug 1899 (1899 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 375), bap. 29 Oct 1899 (Died, aged 3, in 1903 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 233, buried 3 Aug 1903, in Uplowman)
  5. James Ridgway b. 10 Feb 1904 (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 1 Apr 1904 at Uplowman.
In 1901, at Greengate, Uplowman, James Ridgway (34), Farm Labourer, had become the head of the family; Harriet Ridgeway (35), Francis Ridgeway (13), Charles Ridgeway (6), Nellie Ridgeway (4) and Emily Ridgeway (1). Living with them was Harriet's widowed father, Henry (71) (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, as well as Harriet's brother, Francis Stone (again, incorrectly listed under the surname Ridgeway). Whether the two older boys were James Ridgway's sons or not, they were also both listed with the surname Ridgway, but this all looks most likely to be a simple case of the enumerator getting carried away with Ditto marks.

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

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

James Ridgway died, aged 62, in 1929 and Harriet, in 1936, aged 71.

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

Friday 22 March 2024

William Ridgeway and Florence Louise Finnimore

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

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

William and Florence had five children:
  1. Edith Maud Ridgeway b. 28 Sep 1904, bap. 6 Nov 1904 
  2. Lily Ridgeway b. 23 Feb 1907, bap. 24 Mar 1907
  3. Hilda Ridgeway b. 7 Oct 1910, bap. 6 Nov 1910
  4. Elsie Ridgeway b. 8 Jul 1912, bap. 28 Jul 1912
  5. Herbert Ridgeway b. 4 Apr 1914, bap. 3 May 1914
All were baptised at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman.

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

In 1921, William Ridgway (47) Shepherd was living at Neddycott, Uplowman, with Florence Louise Ridgway (41), Hilda Ridgway (10), Elsie Ridgway (8), Herbert Ridgway (7) and Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, Father. Edith Maud Ridgway (16) was a Domestic Servant in the household of Edward Gale, Farmer, at East Mere, Tiverton. While Lillie (sic) Ridgway (14) was a Domestic Servant at Widhayes, Uplowman. (William, his father Thomas and daughter Lily were all employed by L Batting, Farmer, at Widhayes.)
In 1939, at Wallflower Cottage, Uplowman, were William Ridgeway, Shepherd retired; Florence L Ridgeway, Edith M Ridgeway and Herbert Ridgeway, Farm Carter. 

William Ridgeway died on 27 Jun 1941, aged 67 and is buried at Uplowman.

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

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

Wednesday 6 March 2024

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 (b. 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, this 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 the August of 1882. Her mother-in-law, Jane Prescott, was present at Mary Ann's death. 

Not unsurprisingly, James Prescott remarried quite quickly, to a Jane Davey in the 1st quarter of 1884, also in Tiverton. Then, in the 3rd quarter of 1884, they had a son Charles, who, it appears was their only child. 

My connection was broken once Mary Ann died, but one can't help being curious: In 1891, James Prescott (32), Labourer, wife Jane and son Charles were living in Eglwysilan, Glamorganshire, Wales; in 1901, we find the trio - with James a Navvy Ganger - in Staines, Middlesex and then, in 1911, with James Prescott (56) Dock Labourer, at 15 Unicorn St, Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire with Jane Prescott (57) and five other dock labourers in the household, presumably boarders. Son Charles, also living in Unicorn Street, Portsmouth and a Railway Labourer, was by then married. You wouldn't expect labourers at that time to have moved around so much or so far.

James' parents, John and Jane Prescott, meanwhile, then aged 78 and 83, respectively, were still alive and still living in Tiverton in 1911.

James Prescott was buried on 22 Oct 1913, in Uplowman.

Wednesday 28 February 2024

James Orchard and Elizabeth How

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 (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), that was 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.

Friday 2 February 2024

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.

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway

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


Henry Stone (bap. 26 Oct 1828 in Langford Budville, Somerset), son of William Stone and Mary Thorne, married Mary Ridgeway (bap. 28 Dec 1833 in Ashbrittle, Somerset)daughter of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, at her parish of St John the BaptistAshbrittle, on 24 Jan 1854

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

  1. Frederick James Stone bap. 25 Dec 1854
  2. Henry William Stone bap. 13 Jul 1856 
  3. John Stone bap. 23 May 1858 
  4. Mary Ann Stone bap. 5 Feb 1860 
  5. Tom Stone b. 11 Dec 1861, bap. 4 Feb 1862
  6. Harriet Stone bap. 2 Apr 1865 
  7. Francis Stone b. 1 Feb 1867, bap. 3 Mar 1867
  8. Charles Stone b. 8 Apr 1869, bap. 9 May 1869
  9. Lucy Jane Stone b. 11 Apr 1872, bap. 26 May 1872
Court Place, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/3819462

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

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

In 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.

By 1881, the family had moved to Lands Mill, Uplowman 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. 

Lands Mill (now demolished) was part of the Widhayes estate, so assuming Henry was employed by Edward Chave at Widhayes Farm. The stable block, barn, linhay, gate house and farmhouse at Widhayes are Listed Buildings

Some of the listed buildings at Widhayes

Mary Stone died, aged 52, on 28 Dec 1885 and was buried on 3 Jan 1886

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

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

Henry Stone died, aged 72, on 26 Nov 1901 and was buried on 30 Nov 1901 at Uplowman. Henry and Mary are buried together in Uplowman Churchyard along with their son, John, who died in 1882. Finding their grave was something I came across quite by accident online, thanks to the 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.

Sunday 24 December 2023

Thomas Cotterell, Sarah Bowerman and Sarah Tooze

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

Thomas Cotterell (b. 1785), 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 a 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 (b. 1802) daughter of Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton, on 11 Dec 1822 at the Church of All SaintsHolcombe Rogus. The record says that Sarah was 22, but she would have been 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).

Sunday 17 December 2023

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 as son of William Webber, Farmer, married Harriet Lock, daughter of John Lock, Labourer [and Mary Nott] at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman on 17 Dec 1850. Witnessing 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, Elizabeth Webber b. 1851 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 273, mother's maiden name confirmed on the listing as LOCK, but I can identify no further records for this child.

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, son of William Webber, Farmer, wasted no time at all 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.

Monday 27 November 2023

George Tooze and Anne Clarke

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

George Tooze (b. 1778) son of Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery, married Anne Clarke at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 27 Nov 1803.

George and Anne had seven children:
  1. John Tooze 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 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 275. Ann Tooze died, aged 81, in GRO Reference: 1860 M Quarter Volume 05C Page 306.
  1. John Tooze b. 1804 is listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen in 1845. 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).

Tuesday 14 November 2023

James Goff and Sarah Ann Canniford

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.