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

Showing posts with label Stone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stone. Show all posts

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 14 February 2024

Loveday a girl's name meaning "beloved day"

Loveday is the Middle English form of the Anglo-Saxon name Léofdæg, derived from the Old English lēof ' "dear, loved"+ dæġ 'day'. Léofdæg was in use before the Conquest of 1066 and managed to survive to good use in the Middle Ages as Loveday and with the alternative pronunciation Lowdy. 

The term "loveday" is also a literal translation of dies amoris, a day of reconciliation on which enemies met to settle disputes and the name was sometimes given to babies who were born on such a day. By the 16th century, the given name was predominantly used in Cornwall and Devon and mostly for girls. Over the course of the 19th century, Loveday was fairly consistent in use, averaging around eight births per year. It declined by the 1930s.

The earliest record I have [so far] for a Loveday in the family was Loveday Flew, daughter of Richard and Jane Flew, who was baptised in Rackenford, Devon in 1804. She married John Land and they named one of their daughters Loveday Land. They were also the parents of James Land, who, with Rose Anna Beamer, named their daughter Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864).

Loveday Jane Land, along with her husband (my great-grand uncle), Frederick James Stone, named their third daughter Loveday Jane Stone (b. 1884). 

And in turn, Loveday Jane Stone, with her husband, James Shopland, named their only daughter, Loveday Jane Shopland, born on 14 Feb 1907. The name is nothing to do with Valentine's Day, but that was a happy accident.

Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott. Their daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott, born in 1930, was probably one of the only ones by then.

Thursday 1 February 2024

John William Stone and Rosina Sweeney

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477079

Rosina Sweeney
(b. 4 Jun 1883), daughter of John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey, married John William Stone (b. 11 Jul 1882), son of John Stone and Sarah Ann Bock, at St Dunstan's, Stepney, on 25 Dec 1902.

John and Rosina had ten children:
  1. Rosina Dorothy Stone b. 1906 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 393. Died 1906 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 263
  2. May Ena Stone b. 10 May 1907 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 388
  3. Violet Rosina Stone b. 26 Nov 1910 (1911 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C 315)
  4. William John Arthur Stone b. 15 Jan 1913 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 623
  5. George Albert Stone b. 1915 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 607
  6. Rosina Stone b. 1916 S Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 516
  7. Daisy Stone b. 1920 J Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C 786
  8. Albert Stone b. 1925 M Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C 524
  9. Doreen Stone b. 1926 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 401
  10. Ronald Stone b. 1929 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 323
In 1911, living at 58 Conder Street, Limehouse were John William Stone (29) General Labourer for the Borough Council; Rosina Stone (28), May Ena Stone (3) and Violet Rosina Stone (4 months). This census confirms that by then they'd had three children, two were still living and one had died.

Information I've been given is that during World War I, John William Stone served in the Essex Regiment, 13th (Service) Battalion (West Ham), which he joined in 1915. On 22 Dec 1915, they were transferred to 6th Brigade in 2nd Division. He was said to have been discharged in 1917, due to an injury. 

(The image left must date to ~1916 and, in descending order, shows John and Rosina Stone with May, Violet, William, George and Rosina.)

In 1921, John William Stone (38) Navvy for Stepney Boro Council; Rosina Stone (38), May Ena Stone (14), Violet Rosina Stone (10), William John Arthur Stone (8), George Albert Stone (5) and Daisy Stone (1) were living at 38, St Ann's Road, Mile End Old Town. (Rosina b. 1916 is not listed and there was a record of a death of a Rosina Stone, aged 4, in 1920, in Lewisham (why there?) that may relate.)

In 1939, John Stone, Paviour & Mason Labourer; Rosina Stone, Daisy Stone, Beer Bottler; with two closed records (presumably younger children) and Rosina's brother, Charles Sweeney, were living at 12 Leith Road, Mile End.

John William Stone died, in Stepney, in 1965, aged 83.

Rosina Stone died, also in Stepney, in 1971, at 88.

Photos provided by Jon Gilbert, direct descendant of John William Stone and Rosina Sweeney

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). The first three boys having left home already. Living next-door-but one was the family of John Ridgeway (relatives of Mary's, obviously) and then that of John Vickery. These three families remain intrinsically linked. In 1871, Frederick (16) was already working, as a servant, described as an 'Ag Lab Indoor', for Henry Oxenham at Chevithorne, Tiverton. The mind boggles at how you do agricultural labour indoors, but I'm sure they mean lives inside the farmer's main accommodation, rather than outside in a cottage.  

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. Both Henry and Mary have been buried in the same plot in Uplowman Churchyard along with their son, John, who had died in 1882. 

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

Tuesday 26 December 2023

Harry Stone and Ellen Minnie Loud

Axminster: Church of St Mary and WWI War Memorial
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mr Eugene Birchall - geograph.org.uk/p/3423250

Harry Stone (b. 17 Nov 1902), youngest son of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, married Ellen Minnie Loud (b. 6 Sep 1904), 13th child of George Alfred Loud and Tryphena Davis, on 26 Dec 1929, in Axminster.

In 1939, Harry Stone, General Labourer and Ellen M Stone, Ironer (Laundry) lived at 12, North Street, Axminster. Living with them was Amelia M Stratchcombe (b. 1918), Domestic Servant. My feeling is that she was most likely to have been a boarder or lodger who worked elsewhere. 

Harry and Ellen had one son in 1948 (afaik, still living).

Ellen M Stone died on 1 Mar 1966, aged 62. 

Harry Stone died in 1982, aged 80.

Saturday 25 November 2023

Leslie Victor Stone and Lilian Letts

Stainforth Packhorse Bridge and the River Ribble
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John S Turner - geograph.org.uk/p/433349

Leslie Victor Stone (b. 21 Feb 1901 in Devonport), son of Tom Stone and Margaret Knapman, married Lillian Daniel, in the district of Thorne, South Yorkshire, in 1939. Born Lilian Letts on 15 Jun 1903 and registered in Cardiff, she was the illegitimate daughter of Edith Emily Letts, who was then 16. 

In 1911, Lilian Letts was living with her great-grandmother, Julia Ann Founds, although listed as her grandchild, at Swan Court, Cross St, Northam, Devon. In 1921, Lilian Letts (18) Laundry Maid was living with her grandparents, Alfred and Mary Hannah Letts, in Fore Street, Northam. (Lilian's mother, Edith Emily Letts, married a Frederick George Stone (b. 25 Dec 1873 in Bideford) in 1911. He seems not to be related to the rest of my Stone family.)

Lilian Letts had first married Norman Daniel in Bideford, Devon, in Q2 of 1923 and they had one child, Joan Daniel b. 24 Sep 1923 D Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 656. Norman Daniel died, at 25, in 1930.

In 1939, Leslie Victor Stone, Agricultural Land Worker, Lilian Stone and Joan Daniel were living at 16, Long GroveStainforth, North Yorkshire.

Leslie and Lilian had 3 further children: 2 daughters in 1941 and 1943, and a son, Anthony Michael Stone b. 17 Apr 1946, who died, at just 25, in 1971. 

Leslie Victor Stone died, at 63, on 5 Jun 1964, in Fishlake, Yorkshire.

Lilian Stone died, in Doncaster, in 1984.

Monday 20 November 2023

John Charles Stone and Elsie Alberta Wright

Blackchurch rock looking across Mouthmill beach.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Andrew Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/1701554
John Charles Stone (Jack) (b. 18 Jun 1890), son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Elsie Alberta Wright (bap. 11 Dec 1892 in Bickleigh, Devon), daughter of [Albert] Henry Wright and Elizabeth Baker, at the Church of St Thomas, Exeter on 20 Nov 1911

Elsie's father's name is listed as Albert Henry Wright on both the record of her admission to Cadbury School in 1898 and on her marriage certificate, but in 1901, when Elsie (8) was at home with her family in Hayne Lane, Bolham, her father, listed as Henry Wright, was employed as a Carter on Farm.

On the 1911 census, John Stone (20) Police Constable, was residing at the Devon County Constabulary Exeter, while Elsie (19) was employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired Army Officer Major Frederic Smyly at 1 Milverton Lodge, [22 The Avenue], Tiverton.

Jack and Elsie had three sons, all of whom pre-deceased them:
  1. Frederick Charles Stone b. Q4 1911 in Exeter (Died 1949, aged 37.)
  2. Kenneth John Stone b. 23 Mar 1915, bap. 28 Apr 1915 in Revelstoke, Plympton (Died 1932, aged 17, see below.)
  3. Burgess William Stone b. 29 Jan 1918, bap. 2 Feb 1918 in Newton Ferrers. (Died Q1 1918, aged 0.)
In 1921, John Charles Stone (31) Police Constable was at Sticklepath, Northleigh, Devon. (In Sticklepath village Mill House was used as a bakehouse, then as the Police Station in the early 1900's until the 1930's). Frederick Stone (9) and Kenneth Stone (6) were hen living in the household of Walter Hurford (34) at Sickerleigh Cottage, Halberton, Devon, described as his nephews. (Walter Hurford married Florence Wright, Elsie Alberta's older sister, in 1909). There's no sign anywhere of Elsie Alberta Stone.

We get a wealth of information on this family - and confirm some of the other family marriages - from the very detailed newspaper reports of the time.

The Devon and Exeter Gazette of Friday, 16 Sep, 1932, reported:
BATHING FATALITY
Clovelly Youth's Cries for Help
Companion Goes to Aid But is Exhausted
CLERGYMAN HELPS IN RESCUE
INQUEST VERDICT
    A youth was drowned while bathing at Clovelly on Friday afternoon and a companion was only saved by the help of visitors after he had become exhausted by his effort to save his colleague.
    The lad who was drowned was Kenneth John Stone, aged 17, son of P.C. Stone, stationed at Clovelly and his companion, Walter James Wheaton. Both are employed at Clovelly Court. They were bathing at Mouth Mill near Clovelly, and had been swimming for about five minutes when Wheaton heard calls for help. Looking round he saw his companion was in difficulties. He swam to him and tried to keep him up, but Stone pulled him under the water and then released his hold.
    When Wheaton came up again assistance was forthcoming from some visitors on the beach, who had noticed them struggling in the water. They were Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, Mr Lionel Bruce Taylor, of Purley, Surrey, his brother Mr Christopher Douglas Taylor, and their brother-in-law, the Rev Henry Bunny, of the Vicarage, Cullompton. They rescued Wheaton, who by that time was in an exhausted condition, and afterwards swam about in an endeavour to locate Stone, but failed to find any trace of him.
    The search was continued until dark and resumed on Saturday morning, when the body was recovered near the spot where the young man drowned.

THE INQUEST
    At the inquest a verdict of "Accidental drowning" was returned by the North Devon Coroner (Dr Ellis Pearson).
    P.C. Stone said his son, who was 17, was a footman employed at the Clovelly Court, and was only a beginner at swimming. Witness heard during the afternoon of Friday that his son had go into difficulties while bathing in the sea and had been drowned. A search was made until dark that night, but it was not until Saturday morning that William Braund, a Clovelly fisherman, found the body.
    Wilfred John Wheaton, also an employee at Clovelly Court, stated that on Friday he went to bathe with Stone at Mouth Mill. He could swim, but Stone was not much of a swimmer. There was a strong under-current, and the water was rather rough. The tide was going out. Witness swam out towards the rocks, and Stone then appeared to be about ten yards from the shore.
    Hearing someone shouting for help, witness turned around, and, realising that Stone was in difficulties, swam back to him. He reached him in an exhausted condition, and put his arm around him as he sank. It was a dead weight, and witness was pulled down as well.
    Stone slipped free, and a man named Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, helped witness ashore.
    Lionel Bruce Taylor, or Purley, Surrey, a visitor, said he was at Mouth Mill that day with his brother and brother-in-law. They were paddling when he heard calls, but could not distinguish whether it was one bather calling to another or not. His brother, who was on the hill behind, came down to the beach and said a man was calling for help, and another man in a bathing costume asked them to help him in reaching the swimmers. They went into the water and witness was surprised to see only one swimmer - the other had disappeared.
    Wheaton was got to the shore in an exhausted condition, and witness and the others swam to the spot where Stone had disappeared, and dived two or three times, but failed to find him.
    Constable Stone thanked the visitors who had attempted to save his son, and the local fishermen who helped in recovering the body.

The Western Times, Friday, September 23, 1932
Clovelly Fatality
MR KENNETH STONE LAID TO REST
Parish Loses a Popular Young Man
    The funeral of Mr Kenneth Stone, younger son of Police Constable J C Stone and Mrs Stone, who was drowned while bathing at Mouth Mill, took place at All Saints' Church on Wednesday week. The Rector (Rev. Somers Cocks) officiated.
    Deceased was a quiet, unassuming, courteous young man of sterling character, and he was very popular in the parish, having a host of friends, His sad death cast a great gloom over the district, and there was a large number of sympathising friends and parishioners present in the church and at the graveside. The utmost sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Stone, Mr Frederick Stone and the relatives in the loss they have sustained.
    The family mourners were:- Police Constable J C and Mrs Stone (father and mother); Frederick C Stone (brother); Mrs L J Stone, Cruwys Morchard (grandmother); Mrs R Southwood, West Anstey, Mrs F Hitchcock, Bishops Lydeard, Mrs L Baker, Coombe Florey and Mrs F Harford, Chevithorne (aunts); Mr Phillip Stone, Coombe Florey (uncle); Mr W Southwood junr, West Anstey, Mrs L Baker, West Anstey, Mr W and Mrs R Watts (cousins), Mrs R Anstey, Messrs. W Bale, E Martin, R Arnold, E Moore, S Leach, A Ackland, B Bridgeman, Mesdames L Stacey, R Blight, W Bale, C Ayres, T Vanstone, T Martin, L Ackland, Misses C Ackland, M Blight and E Ackland (friends from Shebbear), and Wilfred John Wheaton (fellow employee at Clovelly Court.)
    The bearers were officers of the "A" Division, Devon Constabulary, in charge of Seargeant Stuart (Hoops) and Inspector Rendell (Bideford). They were Police Constables Butt (Instow), Morcombe (Hartland), Hooper (Horns Cross), Beavis (Bideford). The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass fittings, and the breastplate was inscribed: "Kenneth Stone, aged 17 years, died 9th September, 1932."
    The following were among the general public:- Messrs A E Bushell, T Bale, J Crase, R Anstey, J T Moss, H Braund, E Braund, A Holloway, W Elliott, H Patton, S Williams, F Cleave, J Heal, H Tuke, J Stuart, O May, G Reilly, G Prince, F Robbins, J Headon, W Gist, L Gist, W Jewell, F Littlejohn, W Pengilly, J Whitefield, W Hamlyn, W Cruse, H Carpenter, H Taylor, C Braund, W Braund, G Lamey, J Johns, J Dunn, P Dunn, C Badcock, T Squire, A Dayman, A Beer, J Beer, F Found, E Found, C Prouse, C Pennington, E Rowe, S Wilson, G Attwood, T Jennings, W Jennings, M Beer, G Dark, F Pickett, F Day, W Thomas, J Jennings, L Symons, G Wonnacott, D Cook, W Cook, Capt. Burnard, Capt. H Jenn and Police Constable Cole (Bovey Tracey). Mesdames Hillsdon, D Hilton, E Moss, C Jenn, A May, H Taylor, L Cook, D Cook, J Babb, S Beer, Clements, F Johns, M Johns, M Lamey, A Dunn, N Colwill, M Badcock, E Shackson, F Badcock, H Braund, J Parsons, E Bragg, E Pengilly. Misses Doughton, Falconer, Anstey, F Gist, G Beer, E Johns and H Cook. There was a large number of floral tributes.

Kenneth John Stone (1915-1932)

(Though I did chuckle to see a Beavis and Butt among the bearers.)

Witheridge, Trafalgar Square And Hare And Hounds Inn

The Western Times, Friday, June 5, 1936
WITHERIDGE HOTEL: PROTECTION ORDER GRANTED
    "A protection order in respect of the Hare and Hounds Hotel, Witheridge, was granted at South Molton Petty Sessions on Tuesday to Mr John Charles Stone, now a police constable at Clovelly, who is retiring from the force on June 24th. The order will not take effect until the constable's retirement, Supt. E C Parr pointing out that a police officer could not be the holder of a licence."

Jack Stone did retire from the police in 1936 and became landlord of the Hare and Hounds (see image - undoubtedly Jack behind the bar, as the family resemblance is glaring), which was in the then pretentiously named Trafalgar Square in Witheridge, Devon. Nowadays it's just the junction of Fore Street and Church Street, where the B3137 is intersected by North Street and West Street. The pub has been turned into a residential cottage, so if you drive past, you'd have no idea of it's previous use, as we have on several occasions.

This is confirmed in the 1939 Register, where John Charles Stone (b. 18 Jun 1890) Police Pensioner Now Licenced Victualler and wife Elsie A Stone (b. 28 Oct 1892) are listed at the Hare & Hounds Public House, Witheridge.

John Charles (Jack) Stone died in 1960, aged 70.

Elsie Alberta Stone died in 1973, at 81.

Saturday 11 November 2023

George Norman and Ellen Stone Snow

St Peter's Church, Tiverton

Ellen Stone, daughter of Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow (brought up by her grandparents Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway), married George Norman (b. 19 Mar 1882), of 92 Bampton Street, Tiverton, son of James Norman and Harriet Woodland, on 11 Nov 1901, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton

The bride, who was 22, gave her address at the time of her marriage as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, which was the home of her aunt, Lucy Jane Bridle, only seven years older than herself, who Ellen will have been brought up with. Ellen had been a witness (bridesmaid maybe?) at Lucy's wedding in 1895.

George and Ellen had three sons:
  1. Frank Norman b. 7 Apr 1903
  2. George James Norman b. 16 May 1909, bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church. (Buried 22 May 1909.)
  3. William Henry Norman b. 16 May 1909, bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church. (Buried 5 Aug 1909.)
The mother's maiden name on all three births was given as Stone.

Growing up, Ellen's father's younger brother Francis (Frank), was also part of the household, which is probably who her first son was named for. 

The twins, the first pair I've found in the family, it seems clear that they were in fear for their lives from the outset, because having them baptised at one day old looks excessively quick under any other circumstances. George James, named for his father and paternal grandfather, was indeed only a few days old when he died. William Henry, named for his paternal grandfather and great-grandfather, died at the age of 11 weeks. Both were buried at Uplowman.

In 1911, George Norman (29) Waggoner on Farm, wife Ellen (31) and son Frank (8) were living at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton.

In 1921, George Norman (39) Farmer was living at Cott Daisy, Uplowman, Devon with Ellen Norman (40) and Frank Norman (18) Agricultural Worker, who was employed by Herbert Pearce at Whitnage Farm.

Ellen Norman died on 18 Mar 1952, aged 73. She is buried at Uplowman

George Norman died on 6 Apr 1953, aged 71. He is buried with his wife.

  • Frank Norman married Amy Cleeve, in 1924. In 1939, they were living at No 3 Council House, Uplowman, Devon with their two children: i. William George Norman (b. 4 Apr 1924, d. 5 Mar 2000) and ii. Doris Elizabeth Norman (b. 26 Oct 1926, d. 2003, in Exeter), m. Leslie Lewis Hutchings (b. 30 Dec 1922 d. 2005), in 1953. Frank Norman died on 9 Jun 1976, aged 73 and is buried in St. Peter's Churchyard, Uplowman. Amy Norman died on 8 Jan 1992, aged 89 and is buried with her husband.

Thursday 2 November 2023

James Shopland and Loveday Jane Stone

Bridge and Uplowman church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/4097757

James Shopland (b. 1885), son of James Shopland and Caroline Sydenham, married Loveday Jane Stone (b. 6 Apr 1884), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, at St Peter’s ChurchUplowman on 2 Nov 1904. Witnesses were Mary Ann Stone and Frederick James Stone. 

James Shopland's father, James Shopland (1850-1908), was a Wheelwright and Carpenter of Chevithorne Village. In 1901, James Shopland (16) had been employed as a Dairyman's Labourer to Samuel B Thornton, residing at The Island Cottage, Lowman Green, Tiverton. Then, on 8 Jun 1901, adding two years to his age and claiming to be 18 years and 3 months, James Shopland, enlisted for Short Service in the Devonshire Regiment and served until 7 Jun 1913, when he was discharged at the end of his first period of engagement. James' record says he passed classes as Mounted infantry, Certified. From 23 Jul 1902 until 21 May 1903, James served in South Africa, in the aftermath of the Second Boer War. From 22 May 1903, until his discharge, he was assigned to Home, presumably actual home, as a reservist.

James and Loveday had five children:
  1. Frederick James Shopland b. 19 Nov 1905, bap. 17 Dec 1905 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, as the family's address at the time was 3 Adam's Court, Barrington Street, Tiverton. In 1927, he married Elizabeth A P Cox and in 1939, they were living at 131 Eden Grove, Bristol. Frederick James Shopland died in 1971, in Weston-super-Mare.
  2. Loveday Jane Shopland b. 14 Feb 1907, bap. 17 Feb 1907 at Cove. In 1928, Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott in Bristol. Their address in 1939 was 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol. Leonard Southcott died, aged 47, in 1950, in Bristol and in 1952, Loveday Jane Southcott remarried to a James J Basten-Rank. James J B Rank died, aged 68, in 1966, in Weston-super-Mare. Despite this, her death in 1995, in Taunton Deane, is registered under Loveday Jane Southcott. 
  3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland born 21 Jul 1908. In 1930, Albert Geoffrey Shopland married Annie Richards in Bristol and in 1939 were living at 3 Chessington Avenue, Bristol. Albert G Shopland died, in Bristol, at 35.
  4. Sidney Arthur Shopland bap. 27 Feb 1910 at Bickleigh. On 13 Jun 1929, Sidney Arthur Shopland enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Unable to find a marriage, but Sidney A Shopland died, aged 58, in 1968, in Bristol.
  5. John James Shopland born 1911. There is more than one John Shopland in the relevant areas and none specifically listed as John James, so it hasn't yet been possible to isolate subsequent records for him.
In 1911, living at New Cottages, Seckerleigh Farm, Halberton, were James Shopland (27) Farm Labourer, Loveday Jane (27), Frederick James (6), Loveday Jane (4), Albert Geoffrey (3), Sidney Arthur (1) and boarder, Robert Charles Harris (38) Farm Labourer, from Penzance, Cornwall. 

In 1921, James Shopland (35) was working for the Great Western Railway at Temple Meads Station, Bristol, and was living at 34, Pylle Hill Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol, with Loveday J Shopland (37), Frederick J Shopland (15) Machanist (Printing); Loveday J Shopland (14) Out of work; Albert J Shopland (12) and Sidney A Shopland (11).

In 1939, Loveday Jane Shopland (née Stone) was still at 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol, with her daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott. She was listed as married, but there was no sign of James. Loveday Jane Shopland died, aged 56, in 1941, in Taunton, Somerset. James Shopland died, in Bristol, in 1955.

Sunday 29 October 2023

Charles Stone and Emma Middleton

Interior of St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Voller - geograph.org.uk/p/3683165
This church is famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) in that upon its organ, seen left of picture, was played for the very first time, the tune that was destined to send shivers up the spine of many a strong man. It was of course ... (intake of breath) "The Wedding March". On June 2nd 1847, at a wedding ceremony here, Felix Mendelssohn's composition ushered the bride and groom out of the church as man and wife. The couple were, I believe, friends of the composer.

Charles Stone (b. 8 Apr 1869 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Emma Middleton (b. 6 Aug 1862 in West Anstey, Devon), daughter of Jane Middleton, on 29 Oct 1896 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton and were my great-grandparents. They both gave their address as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, which was that of Charles' younger sister, Lucy Jane and her husband, William Bridle, who were their witnesses.

In 1891, Emma Middleton (26) was a Domestic Servant to William Heywood (27), Farmer (son of Robert Heywood of Spurway Barton), at West Spurway Farm, Oakford, Devon. (Emma's illegitimate son, William Henry Middleton, b. 4 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 435), was then living with his grandmother, Jane Howe, in Stoodleigh.) Charles Stone (20), was Farm Servant to William Gale (69), at Courtney Farm, Washfield.

No idea why she later chose to change her name from Emma to Emily (fashion perhaps?), but she didn't seem to be trying to hide her son William Henry's illegitimate status, but might have been trying to play down her own, because Emma (Emily) "invented" a father called William Middleton for the marriage certificate. As we now know Middleton was not only hers, but also her mother's maiden name, so that couldn't be her father's name. Emma (Emily) had an older brother and an uncle William Middleton, both of whom she never met as they died as infants, whose name she was clearly borrowing.

Well, I say she wasn't trying to hide William Henry's true origins, but clearly someone came up with a story later, because my father was always under the mistaken impression that William Henry Middleton, his "Uncle Bill", was the product of Emily's "first marriage". Of course there was no such alliance.

1 Silver Street, Tiverton where my grandfather was born on 6 Jun 1898

Charles and Emma (Emily) Stone added four more children:

  1. Charley Stone b. 6 Jun 1898 at 1 Silver Street, Tiverton (1898 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401), bap. 20 Jul 1898 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, clearly listed as son of Charles and Emma.
  2. Albert Stone b. 18 Jan 1900 (1900 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 399)
  3. Emily Stone b. 2 May 1901 (1901 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 387)
  4. Henry Stone b. 17 Nov 1902 (1902 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 375)
All of the GRO registrations list the mother's maiden name as MIDDLETON.

Only Charley was baptised, most probably because they moved out to Lower Washfield, which would have been a very long walk to any church.

Woodgates, Lower Washfield, Tiverton, their address in 1901

In 1901, Charles (30), Agricultural Labourer, and Emily (33 - really 39 - the gap between fiction and reality getting bigger) were living at Woodgates, Lower Washfield, with their two sons, Charley (2) and Albert (Bert) (1).

Charles and Emma with their children:
Charley (rear right), Albert (rear left),
Emily, (front right) and Harry (front left)
Then in 1911, we find them in Hayne Lane, Bolham. Charles (40) was then a Carter on Farm. Emily had lost another couple of years to reach 41 (actually 49) and they'd added another two children: Emily and Harry. The photo (right) was taken at the side of the house at 4 Hayne Lane, Bolham.

These cottages were originally built for the workers on the Knightshayes Estate - Home Farm, Knightshayes is at the end of Hayne Lane - for whom Charles then worked. I imagine the image was probably taken for the bosses to show their loyal servants with their lovely new accommodations.

In 1921, Charles Stone (51) General Farm Labourer was living in West Manley, Tiverton, Devon, working for Mr A Farrant, Farmer of West Manley Farm. Emily Stone was claiming to be 31 - she was actually 59 - with Harry Stone (18) General Roadman For District Council, still at home. Charley Stone (24) [i.e. still maintaining he was a year older than he really was], Corporal RMLI, was with the Royal Navy, Armed Forces Overseas (he was in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland). Albert Stone (21) Private RMLI was with H.M.S. Ramillies in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth. Emily Stone (20) was working as a General Domestic Servant in the household of the Managing Secretary of the Cooperative Society Ltd, at 27, St Andrew Street, Tiverton

Charles Stone died on 13 Jun 1930, aged 61. Emily Stone died 2 Jun 1936.

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016

Thursday 26 October 2023

Charles John Northcott and Emily Stone

Tiverton : The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601875

Charles John Northcott (b. 23 Feb 1902), son of William Northcott and Emma Jane Wood, married Emily Stone (b. 2 May 1901), daughter of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, in Tiverton, on 26 Oct 1929

The couple had one daughter, Beryl Emily Northcott, born 19 Feb 1930.

In 1939, Charles John Northcott, Coal & General Carter, wife Emily and Beryl, were living at 93 Barrington StreetTiverton, Devon (next-door-but-one to The Barley Mow, partly over the entrance to Martin's Lane).

Emily Northcott of 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, died, aged 66, on 22 Dec 1967. Beryl Emily Northcott died, aged 44, in 1974, leaving a daughter. It appears that Charles John Northcott's death has not been registered, which I don't find surprising with just his young granddaughter left by then. 

Monday 16 October 2023

William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone

St Peter’s Church, Uplowman
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2510457

William Bridle (24), son of Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, and Lucy Jane Stone (23), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 16 Oct 1895. Witnesses to the marriage were Lucy Jane's elder brother, Francis Stone and her niece, Ellen Stone

In 1891, William Bridle (20), Horse Driver, was a boarder in the household of Mary Jennings in Westexe South, Tiverton. Lucy Stone, was a General Servant in the employ of Charles E Tutton, Chemist, in Gold Street.

The couple had just one child, a daughter, Nellie Bridle, born 20 Feb 1898, and baptised on 7 Apr 1898 at St George's Church, Tiverton

In 1901, William Bridle (29), Coal Yard Labourer, Lucy Jane (28) and Nellie (3) were living at School Board House, 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton. (111 Chapel Street was also the address given by Lucy's brother Charles at the time of his marriage to Emma Middleton in 1896.) There was a school, where there is a green bush, just beyond these houses, on the map of the area in 1890.

In 1911, at the same address, with William Bridle (40) employed as a Carter; with Lucy Jane Bridle (38) and Nellie Bridle (13) was still at school. 

In 1921, again at 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton, were William Bridle (50) Driver Motor Lorry, working for Shell Mex Ltd at the GWR Goods Yard, Tiverton Depot; with Lucy Jane Bridle (49) and Nellie Bridle (23).

William Bridle died relatively young, at 55, on 5 Aug 1926. 

By 1939, Nellie had married and she and her husband, Lewis William Kerslake and their son William were all living with the widowed Lucy Jane, who was undertaking Sewing and Domestic work, still at 111 Chapel Street. 

Lucy Jane Bridle died on 18 Apr 1944, aged 72. Probate was granted on 8 Jun that year, to her daughter, Nellie Kerslake. Lucy Jane left effects valued at £1912 15s 2d, worth approximately £85,345 today.

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

Tuesday 10 October 2023

Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land

Bampton (Devon), Church of St Michael & All Angels
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/5006885

Frederick James Stone (b. 1854 in Stawley, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married the delightfully-named, Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864), daughter of James Land and Rose Anna Beamer. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) were married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Loveday's father, James Land, made his mark as witnesses to the marriage (and, no doubt, had his shotgun in his other hand.)

In 1891, Frederick James (36) and Loveday (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton. And they'd begun to acquire quite a brood: 

  1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
  2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
  3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884, bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
  4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (seem to have missed baptism)
  5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888, bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
  6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890, bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
  7. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894, bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
  8. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898, bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
  9. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900, bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
  10. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903, bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
  11. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909, bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman
In 1901, Frederick (46), Carter on Farm, and Loveday (37) with John Charles (10), Florence May (6), Laura Alice (2) and Irene Venetta (0) are living at Stagg MillUplowman. It's from here their older daughters marry.

By 1911, they'd gone full circle to Berry, Chevithorne, with Frederick (56), Farm Labourer, and Loveday (47), Frederick James (23), Florence May (16), Irene Venetta (Minnie) (10), Stanley William (8) and Phillip Alfred (1).

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916, aged 62. 

In 1921, Loveday Jane Stone (55) Widow, Dairy Farm was living at Lugsland Cottage, Cruwys Morchard, Devon, with Frederick James Stone (33) Roadman for Tiverton District Council and Philip Alfred Stone (12). Stanley William Stone (18) was a Horse Man on the farm of Ernest John Hill at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon (husband of Irene Venetta Stone).

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard.

Tuesday 5 September 2023

Thomas Stone and Dolly Carpenter

Fore Street, Kentisbeare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2793712

The earliest Stone ancestors I can document a link to in Devon are Thomas Stone (b. 1766) who married Dolly Carpenter (bap. 15 Jul 1764), daughter of Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter, at St Mary'sKentisbeare, Devon, on 5 Sep 1787. These were a pair of my 4th great-grandparents. 

There are records for nine children, all baptised in Kentisbeare: 

  1. Sally Stone bap. 20 Apr 1788
  2. John Stone, b. 6 Jan 1790, bap. 22 Jan 1792
  3. Henry Stone bap. 22 Jan 1792
  4. Hugh Stone bap. 25 Jul 1793 (buried 19 Nov 1802)
  5. William Stone bap. 26 Apr 1795 (buried 4 Apr 1796)
  6. Mary Stone bap. 2 Apr 1797 (buried 11 Apr 1813)
  7. William Stone bap. 3 Nov 1799
  8. Hugh Stone bap. 15 Feb 1803 (buried 13 Jan 1804)
  9. Elizabeth Stone bap. 7 Sep 1806

Dorothy Stone died, aged 49, and was buried at Kentisbeare on 9 May 1813. 

Thomas Stone remarried, also in Kentisbeare, on 17 Apr 1814 to Mary Hill (probably born around 1773-6). Witnesses to this marriage were Thomas Farnell and Elizabeth Hill. Thomas and Mary had three more children.

  1. Robert Stone bap. 16 Oct 1814
  2. John Stone bap. 10 Mar 1816
  3. Thomas Stone bap. 13 Sep 1818

Thomas Stone Sr died in 1838, aged 72 (from exhaustion, I shouldn't be surprised), and was buried in Kentisbeare on 26 Jan 1838.

In 1841, Mary Stone (65) was living in "Kentisbeer Village" with her sons Robert (30), John (26) and Thomas (23). And Mary Stone (78), Widow, Pauper, was still living in the village in 1851, but disappears after that.

In 1799, the year my 3rd great-grandfather, William Stone, was born in the village, Betty Limpany was executed in Exeter for burning down the house of her master, William Leech of Kentisbeare. According to Trewman's Exeter Flying Post of April 11th 1799, "She acknowledged her guilt, was very penitent, and behaved in a manner becoming her unhappy situation." 

But the film, Betty Limpany (1997), claims "Betty was said to be pregnant with the master's child and framed for a crime she didn't commit ..." It's also said that she was the last girl (at around 17) to be hanged in England.

It's a small enough village, so the Stones must have known about the house fire. Could they even have known Betty Limpany? Was she seduced by her master? Was she framed, or was she guilty? We'll never know, but for the people of Kentisbeare, it must have been the talk of village for a long time.

The film of the story apparently has a character named "Village Idiot". Gotta wonder which family member was the inspiration for that role?😀

Monday 7 August 2023

Albert Stone and Agnes Jones

Tiverton : King's Crescent
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3053842
On Bert's Marines record, Agnes' address is given as King's Crescent, Tiverton.

Albert Stone (Bert), son of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton and brother of Charley Stone, married Agnes Jones (Daisy), daughter of David Jones and Laura Elizabeth White and sister of Ellen Stone (née Jones), married, on 7 Aug 1926 at the Anglican Church of Saint Matthew, which was in Clarence Place, opposite the former Royal Naval Hospital at East Stonehouse, in Plymouth. 
As you may have deduced, the two brothers married two sisters.

On 27 July 1914, at the age of 14½, Albert Stone enlisted as a Bugler in the Royal Marines and from 7 Dec 1914 until 29 May 1917, was assigned to his first ship, HMS Hilary (1914), a former passenger steamship, converted to an armed merchant cruiser for service during the First World War. She was commissioned into the Royal Navy at Liverpool on 6 Dec 1914 and patrolled between the British Isles and the Denmark Strait, often in the area between the Outer Hebrides and Faroe Islands and also to the Shetland Islands. 

On 25 May 1917, HMS Hilary was torpedoed and sunk west of the Shetlands, by German submarine, SM U-88, captained by Kapitänleutnant Walther Schwieger. Schwieger was infamous for sinking RMS Lusitania two years earlier, an event Agnes (Daisy) remembered as a child, living in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland, where both survivors and dead were brought ashore. 

Bert was one of the survivors in the seven lifeboats from HMS Hilary, picked up by the naval drifter Maggie Bruce or the destroyer HMS Sarpedon.

After that, Bert was transferred to Plymouth Division and was at Deal from Sep 17 to Apr 18, becoming a Private in Dec 17, shortly before he was 18.

From 25 June 1919 to 21 Aug 1919, Bert embarked on HMS Cornwall (1902), presumably for her return journey from Bermuda to Devonport.

In Oct-Nov of that year, he was at HMS Impregnable training establishment (at that point the former HMS Black Prince (1861) in Devonport. And then at the HMS Vivid shore establishment from Dec 1919 until Dec 1920. 

His subsequent excursions were with: 

Bert, who had been promoted to Corporal in July 1927, was discharged at the end of his second period of engagement in Jan 1939. But, on 27 Sep 1939, he was back for service during World War II, until 1 Jan 1942.

They had two sons, Albert Henry Stone (1927-1999) and one living.

In 1939, Albert Stone, Postman, wife Agnes, son Albert H (Harry) and two other occupants were living at 9 Falconhurst Road, Birmingham.

Albert Stone died in 1974. Agnes died in 2000.