Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway

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

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

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

1. Frederick James Stone bap. 25 Dec 1854
2. Henry William Stone bap. 13 Jul 1856 
3. John Stone bap. 23 May 1858 (Died, aged 24, on 27 Aug 1882)
4. Mary Ann Stone bap. 5 Feb 1860 
5. Tom Stone b. 11 Dec 1861, bap. 4 Feb 1862
6. Harriet Stone bap. 2 Apr 1865 
7. Francis Stone b. 1 Feb 1867, bap. 3 Mar 1867
8. Charles Stone b. 8 Apr 1869, bap. 9 May 1869
9. Lucy Jane Stone b. 11 Apr 1872 (1872 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 374), bap. 26 May 1872

Lucy Jane's birth was the only one that was registered at the GRO and upon which her mother's maiden name was confirmed as RIDGWAY.

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the listed buildings at Widhayes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samuel Webber and Harriet Lock

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

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

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

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

Samuel and Harriet had one daughter:

1. Elizabeth Webber b. 1851 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 273, mother's maiden name confirmed as LOCK, but can identify no further records for this child and fear she most likely died as an infant.

However, Harriet Webber died, at just 38, in 1853 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 283 and was buried in Uplowman on 9 Apr 1853.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

George Norman and Ellen Stone

St Peter's Church, Tiverton

Ellen Stone (b. Ellen Stone Snow on 27 Feb 1879 in Tiverton), daughter of Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow, 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 gave her address at the time of her marriage as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, the home of her aunt, Lucy Jane Bridle, who Ellen was brought up with. (Ellen Stone was a witness, bridesmaid perhaps, at Lucy's wedding in 1895.)

George and Ellen Norman had three sons:

1. Frank Norman b. 7 Apr 1903 (1903 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 371)
2. George James Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 250 and buried 22 May 1909 at Uplowman.
3. William Henry Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 225 and buried 5 Aug 1909 at Uplowman.

The mother's maiden name on all three births was listed as Stone.

In 1911, George Norman (29) Waggoner on Farm, wife Ellen Norman (31) and Frank Norman (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.

In 1939, at Cott Farm, Uplowman, were G Norman, Dairy Farming (with DOB listed as 29 Mar 1882) and E Norman (with DOB listed as 27 Feb 1880).

Ellen Norman died on 18 Mar 1952, aged 73 (1952 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 870). She is buried in Uplowman Churchyard.

George Norman died on 6 Apr 1953, aged 71 (1953 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 718). He is buried in Uplowman with his late wife.

• Frank Norman married Amy Cleeve (b. 7 Jul 1901 in Bampton, Devon), daughter of William Cleeve and Mary Kingdom, 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), who 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 late husband.

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 Church, Uplowman 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 four children:

1. Frederick James Shopland b. 19 Nov 1905 (1905 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 368), bap. 17 Dec 1905 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, as the family's address then was 3 Adam's Court, Barrington Street, Tiverton. 
2. Loveday Jane Shopland b. 14 Feb 1907 (1907 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 373), bap. 17 Feb 1907 at Cove. 
   
3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland b. 21 Jul 1908 (1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 357). 
4. Sidney Arthur Shopland bap. 27 Feb 1910 at Bickleigh (1910 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 337)

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 was still at 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol, with daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott. James was not listed. 

Loveday Jane Shopland died, aged 56, in 1941 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 912. 

James Shopland died, at 69, in 1955 S Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 07B Page 68.

1. Frederick James Shopland married Elizabeth A P Cox (b. 1 Mar 1906) in Bristol, in 1927. In 1939, were at 131 Eden Grove, Bristol, with three other people in the household. Frederick James Shopland died in 1971, in Weston-super-Mare.
2. Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott in Bristol in 1928. Their address in 1939 was 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol. Leonard Southcott died, aged 47, in 1950 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 07B Page 49. In 1952, Loveday Jane Southcott remarried to a James John Basten Rank (b. 1898 in Wandsworth), son of James Rank and Rose Basten. James J B Rank died, aged 68, in 1966, in Weston-super-Mare. Loveday Jane Rank died in Q1/1995 in TAUNTON (7241B) Reg B62B Entry Number 168. There's also a record of her death listed as Loveday Jane Southcott. 
3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland married Annie Richards (b. 30 Sep 1911) in Bristol in 1930 and in 1939 they were living at 3 Chessington Avenue, Bristol. Albert G Shopland died, at 35, in 1944 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 48.
4. On 13 Jun 1929, Sidney Arthur Shopland enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Sidney A Shopland died, aged 58, in 1968, in Bristol.

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). William Henry Middleton (13) Agricultural Labourer was working for John Hussey (38) Farmer at Wood & Honeyland, Tiverton. 

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 7 Sep 1904 reported that: "A summons against Frank Raymond, farmer's son, of Washfield, for assaulting Emma Stone, a married woman, of Washfield, on August 30th, was dismissed at the Tiverton Sessions yesterday. From the evidence it appeared that there was a family quarrel, brought about by a son aged 17 years, going back home to reside. The father objected to the lad staying at home, and asked Raymond to assist him to remove the youth's box from the house, which he did. Mrs Stone attempted to stop the father from removing the box, and, in consequence, Raymond held her while he was doing so." (The age of the 'youth' mentioned corresponds with that of Charles' step-son, William Henry Middleton.)

Charles and Emma with their children:
Charley (rear right), Albert (rear left),
Emily, (front right) and Harry (front left)

In 1911, in Hayne Lane, Bolham, were Charles Stone (40) Carter on Farm; Emily Stone who had lost another couple of years to reach 41 (actually 49); Charley Stone (12) School half-timer; Albert Stone (10), Emily Stone (9) and Harry Stone (8). The information on this census confirms that they had four children and said they had been married 12 years (closer to 15). The photo (right) was taken around this time, 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 presumably then worked. William Henry Middleton (21) Private Royal Marines, was then at the Royal Marine Barracks, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Devon.

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 just Harry Stone (18) General Roadman For District Council, still at home. William Henry Middleton had married in 1918 and was living in Ash Thomas, Devon; 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 and Emily Stone (20) was 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 (1930 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 467). So far found no record of burial.

Emily Stone died on 2 Jun 1936 (1936 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 492), age again under-estimated at 68 - actually in her 74th year.

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016

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 (b. 1871 in Brampford Speke, Devon), son of William Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, and Lucy Jane Stone (b. 11 Apr 1872 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, were 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.

William and Lucy Jane had just one child:

1. Nellie Bridle, b. 20 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396), bap. 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 (1926 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 387). 

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 (1944 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 423). Probate was granted on 8 Jun that year, to her daughter, Nellie Kerslake. Lucy Jane left effects valued at £1912 15s 2d, worth approximately £106,000 in 2024.

(How am I related? Lucy Jane Stone was my Great-Grand Aunt, younger sister of my Great-Grandfather, Charles Stone.)

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

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 Smith. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Witnesses were James Webber and Loveday's father, James Land (and despite his daughter's young age, it was already a bit late for the shotgun).

 Frederick and Loveday went on to have twelve children: 

1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882 (1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427), bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884 (1884 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418) Not found baptism
5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888 (1888 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409), bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
7. Albert Henry Stone b. 1892 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409. (Died 1893 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310).
8. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894 (1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
9. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898 (1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392), bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
10. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900 (1900 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 364), bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
11. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365), bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
12. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 360), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman

In 1891, Frederick James Stone (36) and Loveday Stone (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton with Rosanna (10), Bessy Ann (8), Lovdy Jane (6), Mary Ann (4), Frederick James (3) and John Charles (0).

In 1901, Frederick (46), Carter on Farm, and Loveday (37) with John Charles (10), Florence May (6), Laura Alice (2) and Irene Venetta (0) were living at Stagg Mill, Uplowman. 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). They confirm on this census return that they'd had 12 children, of whom 11 were living and one had died, during their then 29 years of marriage. John Stone (20) Police Constable, was at the Devon County Constabulary Exeter.

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916 (1916 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), 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 (husband of Irene Venetta Stone) at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon.

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard (1938 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 297).

Combe Florey : Grassy Field
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6259044

Frederick James Stone (b. 27 Mar 1888), son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Jessie Ann Crook, daughter of Samuel Crook and Elizabeth Hill of Mariansleigh, near South Molton, in Q2 of 1926. 

Frederick and Jessie appear to have had two children: 

1. Alfred Stone b. 30 Apr 1928, died Q3 2004
2. Daughter b. 1936, who may still be living.

There are two entries on the 1939 Register for Frederick J Stone (b. 27 Mar 1888) and Jessie A Stone (b. 26 Sep 1900), one at West View, Bishops Lydeard and the other at C&B Cottage, Combe Florey, near Taunton. My guess is they moved from one to the other close to the date that the register was prepared. On both, Frederick's employment is Farm Carter.

Frederick J Stone died in 1968, aged 79. Jessie Ann Stone in 1984.

Bishops Lydeard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/246659
The crossroads on what could be called the village centre

Sidney William Hitchcock married Florence May Stone, daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married , in Tiverton, in 1920. Without buying a copy of the marriage certificate - not economically attractive for any but direct ancestors - I have no more details on date or venue. 

This couple had at least one child:

1. Frederick Walter Hitchcock b. 1920 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 636

In 1921, Sidney William Hitchcock (22) Engine Driver Threshing and Hauling; Florence May Hitchcock (24) and son Frederick Walter Hitchcock 8 months, born in Cruwys Morchard, were living in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton.

Mrs F Hitchcock, was one of the family mourners at her nephew's funeral in 1932. That newspaper report also told us that she lived in Bishops Lydeard, which was useful data, because this family evaded the 1939 Register.

Sidney William Hitchcock died, in Taunton district, in 1952, aged 53.

Florence M Hitchcock died in 1967. She will have been 73.

Sidney William Hitchcock (b. 1899), was the son of Walter Simon Hitchcock and his wife Ann Stone. Is this yet another circular branch on the family tree? 

Walter Simon Hitchcock and Annie Stone had married in 1880 and had lived at Red Ball in 1881 and 1891. "W. S. Hitchcock, labourer, Redball" is listed under the Cottagers - a term, the meaning of which, has changed enormously in the intervening 127 years - in GREGORY'S DIRECTORY OF 1894. Back then, it had nothing to do with homosexual practices in public toilets, or following Fulham Football Club. A Cottager was a person who lived in a cottage, one of the levels of serfdom in feudal societies. 

In 1901, Walter Hitchcock (40) then a Traction engine driver, from Culmstock, Devon, still lived at Red Ball Cottages, 1, Nicholashayne in Culmstock. Wife Ann (38) was from Burlescombe.  

Walter Simon Hitchcock (b. 1858) was the son of William Hitchcock (b. 1827), Shoemaker, and his wife Susana. And this William Hitchcock was the son of William Hitchcock (b. 1798) Shoemaker, and his wife Sarah.

Ann Stone (b. 1862) was the daughter of William Stone (b. 1813) and Ann Croyden who had married on 15 Dec 1840, in Burlescombe. William Stone, Husbandman, was the son of Samuel Stone, Quarryman and his wife Grace. Ann Croyden, Seamstress, was the daughter of John Croyden, a Sawyer. But, if there's any link between Ann Stone and the rest, it's in earlier generations.

Combe Florey: village street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/56115

Walter James Baker (b. 27 Feb 1898), son of Andrew Baker and Elizabeth Ann Coles, married Laura Alice Stone, daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, in the district of Tiverton, Devon, in 1923. 

Walter and Laura had two children in rapid succession: 

1. Irene Venetta Baker b. 1 Jan 1925
2. Dennis Christopher Baker b. 21 Dec 1925

The family went to live in Combe Florey, Somerset, where Walter had been born and brought up. In 1901, Andrew Baker (36), Stockman on Farm, wife Elizabeth A (35), son George A (8), Mary L (6) and Walter J (3) had lived at Yard Wood Cottage, Village Street, Combe Florey. By 1911, Walter James Baker (13), still living at home in Combe Florey, was a "Labourer in garden domestic". Then on 1 Nov 1915, aged 17, Walter James Baker enlisted in the Royal Marines and served until 6 Jan 1920. He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 8 Jan 1920, from which he was discharged on 7 Jan 1925.

In 1939, still living in Combe Florey, with wife Laura A and children Irene V and Dennis C, Walter was employed as a Civilian "Orderly At Military Camp".

Walter James Baker died on 9 Apr 1965, aged 67 and is buried in Coombe Florey.

Laura Alice Baker died on 10 Sep 1970 and is buried with her late husband.

(Grave photo Janice Dennis at Findagrave.)

North Devon : Grassy Field & Cattle near Rackenford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3997996

Ernest John Hill (b. 16 Nov 1882), son of John Hill and Martha Bennett married Irene Venetta Stone (b. 15 Jul 1900), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, in Tiverton District, in Q2 1919. 

The couple had six children:

1. John Hill b. 18 Oct 1919 D Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 709
2. Martha Hill b. 1921 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 684
3. Loveday Jane Hill b. 1924 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 581
4. Mary Ann Crw Hill b. 8 Mar 1926 in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 570
5. Ernest Hill b. 1928 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 567
6. Irene Venetta Hill b. 1931 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 545

In 1921, Ernest John Hill (38) Farmer from Mariansleigh, Devon and Irene Venetta Hill (pretending to be 25) were living at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon with son John Hill (1), Stanley William Stone (18) Horse Man (who was Irene's brother) and William Crook (19) Nephew, Learning Farming.

In 1939, the family was still living at East Wilson Farm, Rackenford (PDF) with Ernest J Hill engaged in Mixed Farming. 

Ernest John Hill of East Wilson Farm, Rackenford, died, aged 61, on 9 Dec 1943 and in 1944, Probate was granted to his widow, Irene Venetta Hill, to whom he left effects valued at £1723 10s 3d (worth £96,882 in 2023). 

In the 2nd quarter of 1944, daughter Mary A C Hill married William Coles and in the 4th quarter of 1945, Irene V Hill remarried to William C Coles. 

In 1939, there'd been a William Coles (b. 8 Mar 1917) living with his widowed father, William C Coles (b. 8 Oct 1878) at 11 Bolham Halt, Chettiscombe, so it seems that mother and daughter married father and son.

William C Coles died, aged 84, in Tiverton, in 1959.

Irene Venetta Coles died in 1980, in her 80th year.

Terraced houses, South Molton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/4679011

Stanley William Stone (b. 7 Jan 1903), son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Evelyn A Robjohns, in South Molton, in Q1 of 1926. Born Eveline Ann Skinner in 1896, she was the daughter of James Henry Skinner and Sarah Jane Cockram. In 1901, Eveline had lived with her family at Backston Cottage, Rackenford and 1911 in East Anstey. Evelyn A Skinner had married George Henry Robjohns (b. 1897), in Tiverton, in 1920, however, he had died in 1925, aged only 28. (The couple had a son, George Henry Robjohns, b. 10 Oct 1920, who died, in Tiverton, in 2003.)

Evelyn A Stone died in 1935, aged just 38.

In 1939 Stanley William Stone was living at Foxdon Cottage, South Molton, with an Emily A Crook (b. 1894) - Stanley's elder brother, Frederick James Stone, was married to a Jessie Ann Crook - and son, Leslie Walter Stone (b. 17 Mar 1928), birth registration lists the mother's maiden name as Skinner. 

Stanley William Stone died in 1947, aged only 44.

Leslie Walter Stone married in 1949 and died, on 10 Apr 2008, in Sidmouth.

Wheatfield north-east of Combe Florey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Johnstone - geograph.org.uk/p/4096081

Philip Alfred Stone, 11th and last child of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Florence Julia Hardwell, in Taunton, in 1929. 

Florence Julia Hardwell (b. 26 Mar 1906), daughter of Fred Hardwell and Julia Ann Boon, was baptised in Broadway, Somerset, on 22 Apr 1906. In 1911, her family lived at London Farm, West Bagborough.

In 1939, Philip A and Florence J Stone were living at East Combe, Bishops Lydeard, where Philip was employed as a Threshing Hand. We knew they lived around Combe Florey from the report of Philip's attendance at his nephew's funeral in 1932. I cannot find that this couple had any children.

Philip Alfred Stone died in 1979, in Taunton Deane, in his 70th year. 

Florence Julia Stone died in 1986. She was 80.

Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow

Huntsham : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6039979

As William Henry Stone (bap. Henry William on 13 Jul 1856 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Sarah Snow on 23 Jul 1879 at All Saints' Church, Huntsham. Witnesses were John Voisey and Marrianne (Mary Ann) Stone, the bridegroom's sister. 

Their only daughter had arrived a tad early: 

1. Ellen Stone Snow b. 27 Feb 1879 (1879 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425) at Putson Cottages, Blundells Road, Tiverton, to Sarah Snow, Domestic Servant. 

Sarah Stone, wife of Henry Stone, Farm Labourer, died, aged 25, on 22 Jan 1880 (1880 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 377), from Phthisis acuta (Acute tuberculosis), at Huntsham. 

In 1881, Henry Stone, was a widower, aged just 24, living alone at Little Fair Oak, Uplowman, while his daughter Ellen was living with her grandparents. Also in 1881, in Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway's household were two visitors: Mary Ann Tarr (27) and Jane Tarr (22), who were daughters of William Tarr, a Hostler, and his wife, Jane Wood, of Marsh Bridge Road, Dulverton, Somerset. Clearly they were there preparing for a wedding, because in Q2 of 1881, William Henry Stone married Jane Tarr.  

Henry and Jane Stone had four further children: 

1. Frederick Harry Stone b. 1885 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 420, bap. 26 Apr 1885, Frederick Henry, son of Henry and Jane, at St Mary’s church, Uffculme (Died, aged 2, in 1887 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 267, see report below.)
2. Francis Albert Stone b. 17 May 1886, bap. 15 Aug 1886 in Halberton, son of William Henry and Jane (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 417, as Albert Stone with mother's maiden name TARSE.)
3. Louisa Jane Stone b. 1888 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 406, bap. 26 Feb 1888 as Louisa Mary Jane Stone, at St Mary’s, Uffculme.
4. Emma Katie Stone b. 3 Feb 1890 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432, bap. 12 Feb 1892 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, the abode on the baptism record was Tiverton (Union), i.e. Workhouse

On 29 July 1887 The Western Times reported on the inquest into the accidental death of Frederick Henry Stone, 2½ yrs old, of Wellington Road, Uffculme, whose clothes caught fire, causing burns over his whole body, as did the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. This report of the inquest, which was held in the cottage where they lived, is hard reading.

THE SHOCKING DEATH OF A CHILD NEAR UFFCULME

The inquest touching the death of the child, Frederick Henry Stone, aged 2½ years, son of a labourer residing at Brickyard Cottage, Wellington Road, near Uffculme, was held by Mr. F. Burrow, district coroner, on Saturday, when the evidence of the mother, Mrs Potter, a neighbour, and Dr. Morgan, of Uffculme, was taken. It appeared that about 8 a.m. on Friday the mother, having lighted the kitchen fire, placed the child, which was wearing its night-dress, in a chair by the side of it. Her back was turned for a few moments, and in the meantime the nightdress, a long one, became ignited by a burning stick which fell out of the grate. On hearing the child scream the mother ran into the kitchen, and finding the nightdress in flames, endeavoured to smother them by throwing some woollen material around the child. Failing, however, in this attempt, she and her little girl called for assistance, Mrs Potter then came in and, according to her statement, found the child in the middle of the floor, getting up into its knees and enveloped in "a mass of flames from head to foot." With the exception of fragments, the nightdress and undergarments were then completely charred. She extinguished the flames upon what remained and then, with the assistance of other neighbours, the burns were treated with linseed oil and lime water. In the meantime Dr. Bryden, of Uffculme, was sent for, as also was Dr. Morgan. The latter arrived first, but not until the child had expired. In his evidence, Mr. Morgan said he entirely approved of the remedies applied and even had he been there more could not have been done. The extent and nature of the burns, involving as they did the whole body were sufficient to cause death. -- The father of the child was present at the earlier part of the enquiry, but as he persisted in interposing remarks he was ordered by the Coroner to withdraw. Subsequently he was recalled and allowed to make a statement, the Coroner holding that he was not in a fit state to be sworn. Stone complained very strongly that Dr. Bryden although called twice and promised to come down did not do so until it suited his convenience in the course of his usual round as parish doctor, which was an hour or more after death. Mentioning incidentally that Dr. Bryden had attended on previous occasions he said he owed him 7s 6d, which he declared he would never pay. -- The Coroner remarked that that was a matter between himself and Dr. Bryden. -- It transpired that the child was insured in the Prudential Insurance Company. -- The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

William Henry Stone, Farm Labourer of Halberton, died, aged 33, on 11 Aug 1889, at the Infirmary Tiverton from Cardiac disease and oedema of the lungs (Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure.) 

In 1891, Jane Stone (32), Francis Albert Stone (5), Louisa Mary Jane Stone (4) and Emma Katie Stone (1) were all listed as Inmates at the Tiverton Union Workhouse. Ellen Snow (12) was again living with her grandfather, going by her mother's surname, even though her parents subsequently married. 

Jane Stone, Widow, married William Staddon at Uffculme Parish Church on 11 Oct 1899. William Staddon, Widower, son of William Staddon and Jane Babbage, had been blind from birth. (He'd previously married Leah Parr, in Halberton, on 30 Mar 1871. Leah Staddon died, at 51, in 1897.)

In 1901, William Staddon (51), Jane Staddon (42), Lucy Stone [Louisa Mary Jane] (13), Emma Stone (11) and Richard Takel (59) Boarder were living in Bridge Street, Uffculme. Ellen S Stone (22), was a Domestic Cook at a Private Girls School at 19, St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon.

In 1911, in Kitwell Street, Uffculme were William Staddon (52?) Basket Maker, from Uplowman, Devon, with Jane Staddon (52) from Dulverton, along with his son Tom Staddon (32) and Henry Wright (45) Boarder. 

In 1921, with address just listed as 'Halberton' were William Staddon (73) Basket Maker (retired); Jane Staddon (62) and Doris Irene Harding (11) Granddaughter - actually Jane's granddaughter, daughter of Emma Katie Stone, who had married Reginald Herbert Harding in 1909.

William Staddon died in 1925 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 466.

There's a death of a Jane Staddon of the right age who died, at 78, in 1937 J Quarter in MERTHYR TYDFIL Volume 11A Page 598, which may relate (if one of the children moved to that area perhaps), but so far I'm unable to confirm.

John Ridgeway and Ellen Norman

Building at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman

John Ridgeway (b. 18 Jun 1870), son of Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze, married Ellen Norman (b. 23 Dec 1871), daughter of James Norman and Harriet Woodland at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 3 Jul 1892. Witnesses were James Norman and William Norman, the bride's father and brother.

The couple probably met at Widhayes Farm (Grade II Listed), as in 1891, John Ridgeway (20) Agricultural Labourer, had been lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman and at the same time, Ellen Norman (20) had been employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Edward Chave (39), a prosperous Farmer, at the Farm, Widhayes, Uplowman. 

John and Ellen had three children: 

1. William Henry Ridgway b. 1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Pg 407
2. Thomas Ridgway b. 1894 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401 (Died 1894 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 261)
3. Annie Elizabeth Ridgway b. 26 May 1895 (1895 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 387), bap. 30 Jun 1895 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman

The mother's maiden name on all three births was NORMAN.

In 1901, John Ridgeway (30) Cattleman on farm, Ellen Ridgeway (29), William H (8) and Annie E (6) were at Little Sellake, Halberton.

In 1911, still at Sellake, Halberton, were John Ridgway (40), Ellen Ridgway (39) and William Henry (18) Farm Labourer. The original census record confirms that the couple had three children - two living and one who had died - during their then 19 year marriage. Annie Ridgway (16) that year was working as a General domestic servant in the household of Retired farmer, Robert Pearce (89) at Locks House, Witnage, Sampford Peverell. 

In 1921, John Ridgway (50) Farmer was living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus with Ellen Ridgway (49).

In 1939, John and Ellen Ridgway, were living at Whipcott, Red Ball.

John Ridgeway of Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus, died on 22 Mar 1947 (1947 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 340) at Gamlins, Greenham, Stawley. Probate was granted to Herbert John Howe, quarry proprietor and Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk, leaving effects of £2282 12s.

Ellen Ridgway of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire died, aged 80, on 11 Sep 1952 (1952 S Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 07C Page 179) at Mountbatten Nursing Home Taunton, leaving effects of £2942 9s 2d. Probate was again granted to Arthur John Exton, solicitors managing clerk.

• After joining the Australian Military in November 1916, William Henry Ridgeway married Gertrude Hannah Goodwin (b. 14 Jan 1892 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 16 Jan 1918, in Brisbane. William Henry Ridgeway died, at 84, on 29 Oct 1977 and was buried, on 1 Nov 1977, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery, Albany Creek, Queensland, Australia. Gertrude Hannah Ridgeway died on 18 Sep 1984 and was also buried, on 20 Sep 1984, at Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery. (There's also a Raymond Francis Ridgway b. 1926, d. 14 Jun 1921, at that cemetery. Was he their son?)
• Herbert John Howe (b. 31 Jan 1895), son of Walter Howe and Ann Hawkins, married Annie Elizabeth Ridgeway, in Wellington, in 1916. (Walter Howe, was a Carter on farm and general labourer, living in Holcombe Rogus village.) Herbert and Annie Howe had one son: Colin John Ridgway Howe b. 3 Feb 1933. In 1921, Herbert John Howe (26) Road Stone Quarrier, at Whipcott Quarries; and Annie Elizabeth Howe (26) were living at Whipcott, Holcombe Rogus. In 1939, Herbert J Howe "General Farmer, Quarts Owner, Haulage & Road Contractors & Quarrying", Annie E Howe "Assistant To Husband In Farming" and Colin J R Howe, were living at Gamlin's [Farm], Stawley, Somerset. Herbert John Howe (56) of Gamlins, Greenham, Somersetshire, died on 6 Dec 1951, leaving effects of £2796 2s to his widow, Annie Elizabeth Howe. Almost an entire column of the Crediton Gazette on 18 Dec 1951 was filled with the report on the funeral of Mr Herbert John Howe of Gamlins, "well known quarry owner and agriculturalist, who took a keen and active interest in local affairs", saying that "there was a large and representative gathering at Holcombe Rogus Parish Church." Annie Elizabeth Howe died, in 1970, at 75.

Stawley: Gamlins Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/148474