John Tooze and Sarah Tristram

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: South porch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642067

John Tooze (bap. 25 Dec 1806) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sarah Tristram (bap. 11 Dec 1808) daughter of James Tristram and Mary Hooper, on 13 Jun 1830, in Holcombe Rogus. Witnesses were Thomas Tooze and Richard Tooze, presumably John's two older brothers. 

John and Sarah Tooze had eight children baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. Eliza Tooze bap. 17 Mar 1833. Died, aged 35 in 1868 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 257
2. Isaac Tooze bap. 9 Aug 1835 
3. Mary Tooze bap. 22 Jul 1838
4. John Tooze bap. 29 Aug 1841
5. James Tooze b. 1845 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 518, bap. 23 Feb 1845
6. Sarah Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847
7. Frederick Tooze b. 1850 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 472, bap. 2 Feb 1851
8. Frank Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 417, bap. 1 Oct 1854

All of the baptisms gave John Tooze' occupation as Chairmaker, except for that of Mary, when he was described as a Wheelwright. That might be a mistake in easy confusion, as there were so many Toozes in Holcombe Rogus. The mother's maiden name on the GRO birth registrations for James, Sarah and Frederick is TRISTAM. On Frank's it was correct with TRISTRAM.

On the same day, 1 Oct 1854, as the baptism of Frank Tooze, there was a baptism of an Elizabeth Tooze, illegitimate daughter (1854 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 420) of Eliza Tooze. As it was the adjacent entry on the baptism register, one may surmise that this may have been the child of John and Sarah's eldest daughter.

It also appears Sarah Tristram had a son, born in Holcombe Rogus, around the time of her marriage, but for whom there does not appear to be a baptism record. This, I can only imagine is because they didn't want have the 'wrong' surname imposed by the church. Census records and his age at death suggest a year of birth around 1830 and being born so close to the wedding, I feel, makes it far more likely that he was indeed John Tooze' biological son. When this son married Ann Escott (20) daughter of John Escott, Sawyer, on 30 Jun 1853 in Holcombe Rogus, he listed himself as William Tristram Tooze and his father as John Tooze, Chairmaker. On the marriage record, William is merely listed as being of 'Full Age'. However, in 1841, he had been listed as William Tooze (10), living in the household of Sarah's parents, James and Mary Tristram (didn't help that this had been mis-transcribed as Tresham) at Dowdneys, Holcombe Rogus. In 1851, William Tooze (20) Sawyer, was a Lodger in the household of John Escott (37) Widower, Sawyer, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. William and Ann had three children, before he died, aged 27, in 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 325 and was buried on 3 Jan 1858 in Wellington. 

In 1841, John Tooze (30) Chair Maker and Sarah Tooze (30) were living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Eliza (8), Isaac (6) and Mary (3), and William Tooze (20) Ag Lab (this is not William Tristram Tooze. There was a William Tooze bap. 26 Aug 1821 in Holcombe Rogus, the son of William Tooze, Mason and Tamzin Nott, but I don't know for certain if this is him, nor have I done any further research to discover what relation he could be).

In 1851, still at Twitchen, were John Tooze (44) Chairmaker; Sarah Tooze (42) Lace Mender; Isaac Tooze (15) Chairmaker; Mary (12), John (10), James (6), Sarah (3) and Frederick (6 months). There also was Lodger, Richard Willway (29) Tailor, from Witheridge. Eliza Tooze (18) was House Servant to Charles Gorman (30) Innkeeper, at the While Lion, East Street, Taunton.

In 1861, Mary Tooze (23) was General Servant in the household of Thomas Chard (73) Farmer of 65 Acres as Haydon Farm, Taunton; James Tooze (14) was Farm Servant in the household of James Tristram (50) at Lower Besley, Farm House, Holcombe Rogus; Sarah Tooze (13) was General Servant in the household of William Woolaway (35) Letter Carrier at 9 Church Square, Taunton. Not been able to find the rest of them on the 1861 census.

Sarah Tooze died, aged 56, in 1865 M Quarter in WELLINGTON,SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 305.

In 1871, John Tooze (64) Chairmaker, Widower, was a Lodger in Mantle Street, Bowermans Lane, Wellington, Somerset, with Frank Tooze (17) Sawyer and Isaac Tooze (8), both Boarders. (Isaac William Tooze (1862 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 387) was John's grandson, the illegitimate son of Mary Tooze.)

In 1881, John Tooze (75) Chair Maker (Cabt Mkr), Widower was living in the household of John Vincent (43) - John Vincent had married Mary Tooze in 1874 - in Butleigh, Wells, Somerset.

As yet, I've been unable to find the record of John Tooze' death. He does not appear on the 1891 Census and a death in Wellington, Somerset in 1890 is suggested, but I've been unable to find a record to confirm this.

Robert Hawkins and Ann Shewbrooks

Richard Huish Homes
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Neil Owen - geograph.org.uk/p/3630521
One of Taunton's leading merchants of old, Richard Huish left money for the establishment of homes 'for 13 poor, needy, maimed, impotent and aged men'. The buildings were completed in 1615, the year Huish died; during the nineteenth century, much rebuilding was carried out. 

Robert Hawkins (b. 3 May 1803, bap. 29 May 1803 in Taunton, Somerset), son of Robert Hawkins and Mary Summerhays, married Ann Shewbrooks (bap. 31 Jul 1791, in Taunton), daughter of Edward Shoebrooks and Mary Sparke, at St Mary Magdalene (Taunton Minster), on 23 May 1824.

Robert and Ann had one daughter:

1. Mary Hawkins bap. 13 Jul 1828 at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton.

On Mary's baptism, Robert's occupation is listed as Bricklayer and their address given as Paul Street, Taunton.

In 1841, Robert Hawkins (37) Journeyman Mason, Ann Hawkins (49) and Mary Hawkins (12) were living in High Street, Taunton.

In 1851, we find Robert Hawkins (48) Mason and Ann Hawkins (60).

In 1861, at 3 Tailer Court, High Street, are Robert Hawkins (59) Bricklayer and Ann Hawkins (70) Glover (leather).

Ann Hawkins died at 72, in 1862 J Qtr in TAUNTON Vol 05C Page 279.

In 1871, Robert Hawkins (67) Widower, Mason was at Huishs Almshouse.

In 1881, Robert Hawkins (80) Widower, Mason, was still living at Huish Alms Houses (now Huish Homes), 2, Magdalen Street, Taunton.

Robert Hawkins died in 1886 D Qtr in TAUNTON Vol 05C Page 260.

John Jerred and Frances Ann Orchard

Thorverton: Cherry Tree
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/404160

John Jerred (bap. 15 Feb 1835 in Thorverton) son of Joseph Jerred and Sarah Elsworthy, married Frances Ann Orchard (bap. 3 Jul 1831 in Dulverton, Somerset), daughter of James Orchard and Elizabeth How, on 20 May 1862, at the Parish Church of St Thomas a Becket, Thorverton, Devon, as both resided in the parish. John's occupation was listed on marriage as Cooper.

John and Frances Orchard had two children:

1. Lewis Jerrad (sic) b. 19 Mar 1863 (1863 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 434) in Silverton, Devon
2. Frances Mary Jerrad (sic) b. 3 May 1869 (1869 J Quarter in SAINT THOMAS Volume 05B Page 66)

In 1871, at Bishops Court Lodge, Sowton Village, St Thomas, Devon, were John Jerrad (sic) (35) Gardener (Bishop’s Court) from Thoverton, Devon; Frances A Jerrad (39) Ag keeper from Dulverton; Louis Jerrad (8) from Silverton, Devon and Frances M Jerrad (2) born in Heavitree, Devon.

In 1881, at Church Cottage, Halberton were John Jerred (46) Agricultural Labourer; Frances A Jerred (49), Frances M Jerred (11) and George Davey (14) from Uplowman, Devon, Lodger. Louis Jerred (18) was Baker's Apprentice in Angel Hill, Tiverton, to George Hannabus, Master Confectioner from Cadbury, Devon (shoulda named his business after his village). 

In 1891, John Jerred (56), still working as an Ag Lab, and Frances Ann Jerred (59) were living at Court Cottage, Corner, Halberton. Frances Mary Jerred (24) was Servant to Alfred T Gregory in Alsa Terrace, Tiverton.

In 1901, John (66), once more working as a gardener, and Frances Ann (69), had moved into the centre of Tiverton to 12, Hammetts Square. Frances Mary Jerred (31) was working as a Cook for Rev. Donald M Owen, Clergyman in the Church of England, at 25, Bampton Street, Tiverton. (That address is now an ugly modern building in use as the Royal Mail Tiverton Delivery Office.)

In 1911, John Jerred (78) and Frances Jerred (79), were living at 1 The Fords Homes, Old Blundells, Gold Street, Tiverton, Devon. (Alms Houses?) This confirmed they'd been married 49 years and had two children, both still living.

John Jerred died, aged 78, in 1911 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 263.

Frances Ann Gerrod (sic) died at 87 in 1919 M Qtr Vol 05B 693.

Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway

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

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

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

Thomas and Harriet had ten children: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Records suggest that a Thomas Ridgway married Ellen Copp (bap. 13 Mar 1870 in Broadclyst, Devon), daughter of John Copp and Charlotte Clements, in Highworth, Wiltshire, in the 4th quarter of 1889. So far, so unremarkable, except this was not Thomas Ridgway, this was Thomas Ware, son of Thomas Ware and Harriet Ridgeway, going by his mother's maiden name, without any doubt because, on 27 Jun 1888, he had deserted from the Royal Marines. Ellen Copp certainly knew who she was really marrying, because her brother John Copp, had married Thomas' sister Emma Ware in Tiverton, in 1884.

Thomas and Ellen had five children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charles and Ellen Chislett added four sons:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Luxton and Hannah Maria Hawkins

St John the Evangelist, Lambeth Tom Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0 (interior)

James Luxton (b. 1841 in Taunton, Somerset), son of Charles Luxton and Charlotte Townsend, married Hannah Maria Hawkins (b. 20 Aug 1839 in Tiverton, Devon), daughter of James Hawkins and Susannah Babb, at St John the Evangelist, Lambeth, on 11 May 1874. The couple undoubtedly met in Tiverton, perhaps were even childhood sweethearts, as James' parents had moved to Tiverton by 1853, where his younger sister was born that year.

This couple had five children, all baptised at at St Peter’s Church Tiverton.

1. Charles Frank Luxton, b. 28 Jan 1876 (GRO Reference: 1876 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 451), bap. 12 Feb 1876
2. Alice Luxton, b. 11 May 1878 (GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 452), bap. 26 May 1878
3. Alfred James Massey Luxton, b. 1 Apr 1880 (GRO Reference: 1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 470), bap. 18 Apr 1880
4. Emily Luxton b. 22 Jun 1882, (GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433), bap. 9 Jul 1882
5. Jessie Luxton, b. 27 Jun 1886 (GRO Reference: 1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 423), bap. 25 Jul 1886

On 29 Mar 1860, at the age of 19, James Luxton had enlisted in the British Army and served for 13 years, 320 days, in the 10th Reg Of Foot, until 16 Jul 1874, being promoted to Corporal in 1869 and attaining the rank of Sergeant in 1871. During that time, he spent over nine years serving abroad in the Cape of Good Hope, St Helena, Japan, China and the Straits Settlements.

James was discharged from the army in 1874, found unfit for further service, because of a valve disease of the heart. "Due to a constitutional cause, aggravated by service in hot climates", says the medical report on his service record. It went on to say that it was first noticed at Singapore in Nov 1872, when the patient was under treatment for another complaint. "He suffers from a most serious heart disease which he can never recover from. He can contribute to his maintenance by light work only", it concludes. 

In 1881, James Luxton (40), Grocer (Chelsea Pensioner) in Bampton Street, Tiverton, was living with wife Hannah M Luxton (40), Charles F (5), Alice (2), Alfred J M (1) and Bessie Hewett (14) Nurse domestic servant.

Sadly, but unsurprisingly given his medical history, James Luxton died, aged 45, on 2 Sep 1886 (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 272). 

In 1891, Maria Luxton, widow, lived in Sewards Court, Leat Street, Tiverton, where she worked as a silk lace mender; Charles F Luxton (15) was a machine boy at the lace factory (Heathcoat Lace Factory, Tiverton, Devon), Alice (12) was employed as a silk winder at the lace factory and Alfred J M (10) was also a machine boy at the lace factory. Emily (8) and Jessie (5) were at school.

By 1901, Hannah M Luxton (59), widow, was still a silk lace mender; Alice Luxton (22) had moved up to silk lace finisher; Alfred Jas M (20) was employed as a cellar man at a wine & spirit merchants; whilst Emily (18) and her younger sister, Jessie (14), were silk winders at the lace factory.

In 1911, Anne Maria Luxton (71) was still in Tiverton, living with her son, Alfred (31) still employed as a cellar man for a wine and spirit merchant.

Hannah Maria Luxton died, in Tiverton, in 1912 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418), aged 72.

Workers' housing and mill, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/2458956

John Lock and Mary Nott

St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1939290

John Lock (b. ~1781) married Mary Nott (b. ~1785) on 1 May 1806 at the church of St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, Somerset.

John and Mary Lock had eight children:

1. Elizabeth Lock bap. 7 Jun 1807 in Ashbrittle
2. Mary Ann Lock bap. 7 May 1809 in Ashbrittle
3. John Lock bap. 19 Jan 1812 in Ashbrittle
4. Harriet Lock bap. 19 Jun 1814 in Ashbrittle
5. William Lock bap. 7 Jul 1816 in Ashbrittle
6. James Lock bap. 13 Dec 1818 in Ashbrittle
7. Thomas Lock bap. 14 Jul 1822 in Ashbrittle
8. Eliza Lock bap. 14 Nov 1824 in Ashbrittle

Mary Lock died in 1839 J Qtr in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 333 and was buried on 28 Apr 1839 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle, age listed as 54, suggesting she was born around 1785.

In 1841, in Ashbrittle Village, were John Lock (58) Ag Lab with Eliza Lock (18) and Elizabeth Lock (10). DNA links confirm that Elizabeth Lock was his granddaughter, the illegitimate daughter of Mary Ann Lock. Harriot Lock (25) was at Burrow [Farm], Ashbrittle, working as a Female Servant.

John Lock died, aged 65, in 1847 M Quarter in WELLINGTON Vol 10 Page 426 and was buried at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle on 14 Feb 1847. The burial record lists John Lock of Wellington Union House, i.e. Workhouse.

James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock

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

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

Mary Ann Lock had an illegitimate daughter, Elizabeth Lock (bap. 2 Jan 1831 at St John the Baptist, Ashbrittle), prior to her marriage. Confirming this, I have several DNA matches as half-relatives through three of Elizabeth Lock's sons, which list Mary Ann Lock as the common ancestor of all of us and is a huge branch of the family I would never have found otherwise.

James and Mary Ann had a further seven children together:

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

Although civil registration was introduced in 1837, they made no civil registrations until sixth child, John, in 1847, which clearly confused them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Private Robert John Ridgeway

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

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

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

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

Sarah Ridgway 

|

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

|

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

|

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

|

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 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; Sylvia Heyward 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 daughter. (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 Hill, Wivelscombe 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! :)

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 (1937 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 502), leaving £517 13s 11d to his widow, 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

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 Magdalene, Taunton (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 J Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 05C Page 252.
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 they were living in Rockwell Green. 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.

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 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. 23 Dec 1871 M Qtr 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 was 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 highly unlikely. There's no mother's maiden name on her birth registration, suggesting an illegitimate birth, so it's far more plausible that this was the illegitimate child of one of the daughters. 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.

James Ridgway and Harriet Stone

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

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

Children of this blended family included:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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