Edward Oxford Palmer and Charlotte Emma Gloyne

The Melbourne Inn, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1777650
This pub on the corner of Cecil Street (left) and Wyndham Street, with its green glazed tiles, one of the toughest pubs in Plymouth, has been recommended for listing. Originally built in the 1700s, this Stonehouse pub was later named after British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne.

Edward Oxford Palmer, Seaman, son of Charles Palmer and Mary Oxford, married Charlotte Emma Gloyne, daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes at the The Church of the Holy Trinity on 9 Mar 1873. (The church was destroyed during the Blitz in 1941 and demolished.)

The couple had one child:

1. Charles Edward Samuel Palmer b. 9 Sep 1874 (GRO Reference: 1874 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 248), bap. 4 Oct 1874, in the Parish of Charles, Plymouth. (Charles Church was destroyed during the night of March 21st/22nd 1941.) The family's address was 8 Devonshire Street, Plymouth and Edward's profession was again listed as Seaman.

Edward Oxford Palmer, born 31 May 1844, had enlisted in the Royal Navy on 25 Apr 1859, shortly before his 15th birthday, as a Boy 2nd Class. At that time he was 5 ft and ½ inch, with a Fresh complexion, Light brown hair and Grey eyes. He had a scar on the left side of his chin and weighed 110 lbs. The ship on which he entered service was HMS Impregnable. He remained in the service until 1882, achieving the rank of Petty officer first class.

In 1881, living at 67, Cecil Street, Plymouth, were Edward Palmer (36) Quarter master royal navy; Charlotte Palmer (27) and son Charles Palmer (6).

Although, in 1891, Edward O Palmer (46) General Labourer was living in Roath, Cardiff, Wales, with Charlotte A Palmer (36) and son Charles (16) Fitter's Apprentice. (Charlotte's sister Emma Jane married in Roath.)

By 1901, the family had returned to Plymouth and were living in Alexandra Road, Ford, Devonport, with Edward Palmer (56) General Labourer; Charlotte Palmer (46), Charles Palmer (26) Steam Engine Fitter and Emma Gloyne (74) Widow, Former Monthly Nurse, Charlotte's mother in the household.

In 1902, son Charles Edward Palmer married Alice Amy Gamblen.

In 1911 and still living in Devonport, were Edward O Palmer (66) Naval Pensioner and Charlotte Palmer (56). Son, Charles Palmer (36) Engine Fitter at Government Dockyard, was also living in Devonport, with wife Alice Palmer (36) and Cyril Gamblen (5), inexplicably listed as a Niece (not Nephew). 

Edward Oxford Palmer died in 1913, aged 69. (GRO Reference: 1913 D Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 392.)

(Then Edward and Charlotte's son, Charles Edward Palmer also died, on 17 Apr 1915, aged just 40 (GRO Reference: 1915 J Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 444). Probate was granted to Alice Palmer on 8 Jun 1915. The couple do not appear to have had any children. Alice Amy Palmer does not appear to have remarried and is listed in Plymouth in 1921 and again in 1939. She died, in Plymouth, in 1969, in what will have been her 95th year.)

In 1921, Charlotte Palmer (66) Widow was living at 5, St Paul Street, East Stonehouse, close to her sister, Maria Mullarkey in Admiralty Street and just a couple of doors from Margaret Stone, whose son, Frederick Thomas, married her niece, Kathleen Mullarkey, in 1923. There was quite a gathering of family and more so when my grandparents moved into 36 Admiralty Street.

Charlotte Palmer died, at 75, in 1930. (GRO Reference: 1930 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 401.)

Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines

Swimbridge: East Kerscott
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/441946

Arthur Flew (bap. 16 Sep 1789 in Rackenford), son of Richard Flew and Ann Kingdom, married Sarah Hines (reputedly b. around 1781 in Exeter. The only available baptism record is for a Sarah Hines bap. 11 Jun 1775, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hines, but I've been unable to confirm this is her), on 26 Dec 1814, in Tiverton (the venue of this marriage is not specified).

Records exist for three children of Arthur and Sarah, baptised in Rackenford:

1. James Flew bap. 26 Aug 1818 
2. Charlotte Flew bap. 3 Feb 1822
3. Eliza Flew bap. 18 Oct 1829

In 1841, Arthur Flue (sic) (55) Ag Lab; Sally Flue (sic) (55) and Eliza Flue (sic) (12) were at Kerscott, Swimbridge. James Flew, listed as 20, was an Ag Lab in the employ of George Bexley, Farmer at South Coombe, Templeton; Charlotte Flew, listed as 15, was a Female Servant to Thomas Lake in Thelbridge.

In 1851, Arthur Flew (60) Ag Lab, Father-in-Law from Rackenford; Sarah Flew (70) Mother-in-Law, from Exeter and John Flew (8) Nephew, from Rose Ash, Devon. (John Flew bap. 23 Apr 1843 in Rose Ash, Devon was the base - illegitimate - son of Charlotte Flew) were living in the Village, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, in the household of Thomas Wilkey (28).

Sarah Flue (sic) died aged 72 in 1853 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 350 and was buried in Swimbridge, Devon.

Arthur Flue (sic) died age estimated as 75 in 1859 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 351 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales, where daughter Eliza and son-in-law Thomas Wilkey had recently moved to.

Edmund Drake and Esther Elizabeth Palmer

Plymouth : Plymouth Gin Distillery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1185248
The Plymouth Gin Distillery (the Black Friars Distillery) is the only gin distillery located in Plymouth in what was once a Dominican Order monastery built in 1431 and opens on to what is now Southside Street. It has been in operation since 1793.

Edmund Drake (b. 7 Oct 1832), Seaman, upon marriage, said he was the son of Edmund Drake, Tailor (actually he was the illegitimate son of Mary Drake, Tailoress), first married Eliza Dixon at the Parish church, Stoke Damerel on 17 Nov 1857. Their son, Edmund George Drake was born on 21 Jan 1858 (1858 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 285) and baptised at Stoke Damerel on 4 Feb 1858. However, Eliza Drake died in that same quarter, aged 22 (GRO Ref: 1858 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 231).

Edmund Drake, Widower, Seaman, then married Esther Elizabeth Palmer, daughter of Charles Palmer and Mary Amelia Oxford at Holy Trinity Church, Plymouth on 7 Dec 1860. (The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity was in Southside Street/Friars Lane, The Barbican, Plymouth. It no longer exists.) Edmund Drake gave his address at this time as HMS Jason (1859).

Edmund and Esther had at least a further six children:

1. Edward Charles Drake b. 1861 S Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 239
2. Florence Esther Drake b. 1867 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 252. Died, aged 1, in 1869 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 181. Buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
3. Mary Amelia Drake b. 1869 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 247
4. Edith Esther Drake b. 1873 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 239
5. Annie Eliza Drake b. 1875 J Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 342
6. Eliza Ellen Drake b. 1876 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 329. Died, aged 1, in 1877 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 200

In 1861, Edmund and Esther Drake aren't listed anywhere, however, Edmund Drake (3), Edmund's son from his first marriage, was boarding with Charles and Mary Palmer, Esther's parents, in Vauxhall Street, Plymouth.

In 1865, there is a record of Shipping agreements and crew lists, suggesting that Edmund Drake (32), birthplace Jersey, was serving on a Merchant ship named Hantoon that departed from Wexford, Ireland.

In 1871, Esther Drake (35) was in Vauxhall Street, Charles, Plymouth, with [Edmund] George Drake (13), Edward Drake (9), Mary Drake (1) and her brother, James Palmer (31) Porter. Edmund was presumably at sea.

In 1881, Edmund Drake (48) Coal Tipper was a boarder in the household of William Brooks (31) Railway Guard at 6, Inchmarnock Street, Roath, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales. Edmund Drake was listed as being from Plymouth, Devon, which is probably, simply, what his landlord assumed. Meanwhile, Esther Drake (44) Sailor's Wife, was then residing at 27, Rendle Street, Plymouth with her son Edward Drake (19) Iron Moulder; Mary Drake (11), Edith Drake (7), Annie Drake (5) and Alfred Nelson (1) Boarder.

In 1891, Edmund Drake (59) Pensioner from Jersey, Channel Islands, was living at 10, Moira Street, Cardiff with Esther Drake (56), Edward Drake (28) Iron Moulder; Mary Drake (21); Edith Drake (19); Annie Drake (16); Emma Drake (29) and granddaughters, Esther Drake (3) and Gladys Drake (1).

In 1901, Edmund Drake (69) Boxman Coal Tipper from St Helier, Jersey, was living at 12, Seymour Street, Roath, Cardiff, with wife Esther Drake (65) and granddaughter, Esther Drake (13).

Esther Elizabeth Drake died at 72 in 1907 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A 149.

In 1911, Edmund Drake (80) Widowed, Father-in-law from St Helier, Jersey, was living in the household of Fred and Annie Silby at 30 Romilly Road, Cardiff. (Annie Silby, of course, being Annie Eliza Drake, as was.)

In 1921, Edmund Drake (90) Widower, Father-in-law, Able Seaman Retired HM Navy, from Jersey, Channel Islands, was still living with his daughter and son-in-law, Fred and Annie Silby, at 67, Forrest Road, Cardiff.

Edmund Drake died at 91 in 1922 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 707.

Samuel Morcombe and Hephzibah Eastabrook

Victorian graves in Cathays Cemetery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Gareth James - geograph.org.uk/p/1405099

Samuel Sparrow Morcombe (b. 1851), son of William Morcombe and Mary Howe, married Hephzibah Sarah Eastabrook (b. 18 Sep 1852), daughter of Richard Eastabrook and Susana Derry, on 27 Nov 1881, in Cardiff.

Samuel and Hephzibah had five children, of whom three died as infants:

1. Mary Ellen Rose Morcombe b. 1885 J Quarter in OF CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 283, died at 8 months on 27 Nov 1885 (Volume 11A Page 1760) and was buried at Cathays Cemetery, Cathays, Cardiff, Wales.
2. William Samuel Morcombe b. 1887 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A 319
3. Margaret Mabel Morcombe b. 1891 J Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 409
4. George Oswald Morcombe b. 1893 J Qtr in OF CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 418, died in 1893 S Quarter in OF CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 179.
5. Lucy Eliza Morcombe b. 1895 M Qtr in OF CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 310, died aged 1, in 1896 M Quarter in OF CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 224.

In the cruellest kind of irony, shortly before he married in 1881, Samuel Morcombe was living with family in Cardiff, working as a Gravedigger.

In 1891, Samuel Morcombe (38) General Labourer, listed as Single, and William Morcombe (4) were visitors in the household of William Carder (56) Grocer in Cross Street, Cardiff. Meanwhile, Hephzibah S Morcombe (38) was living in Pritchard Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1901, Samuel Morcambe (sic) (49) Gardener was living in Manor Street, Central Cardiff with Hepzibah (47), William Samuel (14) Margaret Mabel (9), with Cyril Morgan (12) and John Morgan (8), from Bristol, Visitors.

In 1911, Samuel Morcombe (53 ish) from Neath, Glamorganshire, was once more a Labourer in Cemetery for the Corporation and still living in Central Cardiff with Hephzibah Sarah Morcombe (58), Margaret Mabel Morcombe (19) and a Robert Joseph Jones (38) Boarder.

In 1921, Samuel Morcombe (69) Labourer at Cardiff Cemetery and Hephzibah S Morcombe (68) were living at 27, Newfoundland Road, Llandaff, Wales.

Samuel Morcombe died, at 73, in 1926 D Quarter in CARDIFF.

In 1939, Hephzibah S Morcombe, Old Age Pensioner, was living with her daughter Margaret M Whitaker and her husband at 20 Kyle Avenue, Cardiff. 

Hephzibah S Morcombe died, at 89, in 1942 in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 338.

Thomas Wilkey and Eliza Flew

Church of St James, Swimbridge
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3512831

Thomas Wilkey (bap.7 Jul 1822 in Bratton Fleming), son of John and Mary Wilkie married, Eliza Flu (sic), daughter of Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines, at The Church of St. James, Swimbridge, on 18 Sep 1848. Their marriage service was conducted by the famous Vicar of Swimbridge, John Russell (The Rev. John "Jack" Russell, who first bred the Jack Russell Terrier).

Thomas and Eliza Wilkey had four daughters, of whom only one survived:

1. Lucy Wilkey b. 1849 S Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 10 Page 21, bap. 19 Aug 1849 at St James, Swimbridge. Died, aged 2, in 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 361 and was buried on 21 Mar 1852, also at St James, Swimbridge.
2. Rhoda Wilkey b. 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 461, bap. 30 May 1852 at St James, Swimbridge.
3. Lucy Wilkie b. 1855 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 404. Died aged 5 in 1860 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 289 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales
4. Sarah Wilkie b. 1858 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 455. Died aged 1 in 1859 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 296.

In 1851, in the Village, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, were Thomas Wilkey (28) Ag Lab from Bratton, Devon; Eliza Wilkey (24) from Rackenford, Devon; Lucy Wilkey (1) born in Swimbridge; Arthur Flew (60) Ag Lab, Father-in-Law from Rackenford; Sarah Flew (70) Mother-in-Law, from Exeter and John Flew (8) Nephew, from Rose Ash, Devon. (John Flew bap. 23 Apr 1843 in Rose Ash, Devon was the base - illegitimate - son of Charlotte Flew.)

Eliza Wilkie died, aged 31, in 1859 J Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A Page 301.

On 8 Apr 1860, Thomas Wilkie, Widower, married Mary Thomas, Widow, daughter of Thomas Lewis, at St Cynwyd's Church, Llangynwyd.

In 1861, Thomas Wilkins (sic) (38) Shearer; Mary Wilkins (sic) (39) and 9 year old daughter [Rhoda] were living in the household of George Ley, also from Bratton, Devon, in Brown Street, Llangynwyd, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1871, Thomas Wilkey (47) Labourer, Mary Wilkey (listed as 40) and Roda Wilkey (19) as well as three boarders, were living in Cwm Du, Glamorgan, Wales, where inhabitants were employed chiefly in iron and coal works.

In 1881, listed as Thomas Wilkes (sic) (58) Plate Layer from Barnstaple, Devon and Mary Wilkes (sic) (52) from Cowbridge, Glamorgan, were living at 7, Treharne Row, Cwmdu, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales. 

Thomas Wilkie died at 62 in 1883 M Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 380 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Wilkie remarried Thomas Adams on 10 Mar 1884, in Llangynwyd.

In 1891, Thomas Adams (50) from Berkshire, England and Mary Adams (listed as 60) were living in High Street, Glyncorrwg Late Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales with five lodgers in the household. 

Mary Adams died, she was said to have been 63, but lost 10 years decades before, so was actually 73, in 1894 M Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A  Page 491.

Frederick Thomas Stone and Kathleen Mullarkey

St Paul Street, Plymouth (number 9 is the darkest caramel coloured one)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2333440

Frederick Thomas Stone, Leading Signalman, H.M.S. Sandhurst, of 9 St Paul's Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, second son of Tom Stone and Margaret Knapman, married Kathleen Mullarkey, tailoress, of 8 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, only daughter of Anthony Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne, at King Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, on 4 Aug 1923. 

Witnesses were Frederick's first cousin, Charley Stone (best man); Rosina Kathleen Stone, the bridegroom's younger sister (bridesmaid?), and Anthony Charles Mullarkey, the bride's brother who probably gave her away. Their fathers, Tom Stone and Anthony Mullarkey (both deceased), had been Royal Marines, as were Charley Stone and Anthony Charles Mullarkey. 

Frederick and Kathleen had two sons: 

1. Frederick Anthony Stone b. 25 July 1924
2. Douglas John Stone b. 27 Sep 1927

Frederick Thomas Stone had enlisted in the Royal Navy as a boy of 15, on 6 Jul 1907 and served for 21 years until 25 Nov 1928, at which time he was a Yeoman of Signals. He re-entered service with the Royal Navy Shore Signal Service (RNSSS) on 30 May 1932 as a Signalman. As he was still living at Royal Naval Shore Signal Station Cottages at the time of his death, at 65, in 1957, he must have remained with the service through both World Wars.

At 18, Frederick Thomas Stone was 5ft 5½in with dark brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion. Among his tattoos were an anchor, two female figures and a bird on his right forearm; Eagle, snake, Ensign, rose and thistle. Clasped hands and heart and 8 dots on left forearm.

In 1939, son Frederick Anthony Stone was a boarder at the Royal Hospital School (historically nicknamed "The Cradle of the Navy"). Frederick Thomas and Douglas John do not appear anywhere on the 1939 Register. The only entry for a Kathleen Stone of the right age is that detailed below.

On 11 Aug 1943, Douglas J Stone appears on a "List or Manifest of Aliens Employed on the Vessel as Members of the Crew" of the Marquesa, as an apprentice on his 1st trip to New York. He was 16, 5' 4" and 123lbs.

Frederick Thomas Stone of 5 Royal Naval Shore Signal Station Cottages, Old Folkstone Road, Dover, died on 11 Nov 1957, aged 65, at Buckland Hospital, Dover, leaving effects of £960 12s 5d to Frederick Anthony Stone, Chief Electrician R.N. and Douglas John Stone, Laboratory Assistant. 

As she wasn't a beneficiary to Frederick's will, it would be easy to assume that Kathleen had pre-deceased her husband, but there was no death record in the relevant period and there looks to be another possibility: There are only two records (that I could find) of deaths of someone named Kathleen Stone, born 1896. One was in St Albans and there are other records in that area to prove that is a distinct person, so that death can certainly be discounted. 

The other is of a Kathleen Stone, born 1896, listed as married, who in 1939 was patient at the East Riding Mental Hospital, Beverley, Yorkshire. 

The later Probate record shows that this Kathleen Stone died there, at Broadgate Hospital, on 4 Feb 1968. My research hasn't discovered any other Kathleen Stone locally, for example, who this might have been. 

The East Riding Archives, searched the records they hold and were unable to link her to Frederick Thomas Stone, nor discount it either; there's no mention of family members, but they were able to tell me that this person "was admitted on the 31 Aug 1937, her care was being charged to Bridlington." Further searches produced no local person in the Bridlington area either. 

There was, however, a signal station at Flamborough Head, which is only around six miles from Bridlington. There is nothing on Frederick's records to suggest that he went there, but it would follow the usual pattern in the Royal Navy Shore Signal Service to be posted and move from station to station, so he might well have done, which might account for her presence in the area if this is her. This could be casting aspersions, but sadly, all of the circumstantial evidence does persuade me that it is still possible it was and, hopefully this information might lead to something that either confirms or refutes it.

• Douglas John Stone died in 1985 in Kingsbridge, Devon, at 58.
• There is a record of a marriage of a Frederick A Stone in Newport, in 1950. Frederick Anthony Stone died, also in 1985, on 19 Mar, in Newport, Wales. He will have been 60. 

David Williams and Rhoda Wilkey

Ornate gates, Talbot Terrace, Maesteg
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jaggery - geograph.org.uk/p/3005790
The gates have two oval motifs each depicting four daffodils.
Across the top of the gates is PUDDLER'S COTTAGE.

David Williams married Rhoda Wilkey, daughter of Thomas Wilkey and Eliza Flew, in Q2 1879 (Vol 11A Page 617), in Bridgend, Glamorgan. The marriage certificate should reveal the venue, as well as clues to David's origins.

David and Rhoda had four children:

1. Thomas Williams b. 1880 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 513
2. William Williams b. 1882 J Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 567
3. John Williams b. 8 Jul 1884 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 610
4. Eliza Mary Williams b. 1892 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 709

In 1881 living at 7, Treharne Row, Cwmdu, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales, were David Williams (36) Puddler (An iron puddler (often merely puddler) was a worker in iron manufacturing who specialized in puddling, an improved process to convert pig iron into wrought iron. The strenuous labor, heat and fumes caused puddlers to have a short life expectancy, with most dying in their thirties.); Roda Williams (30) and Thomas Williams (0).

In 1891, David Williams (47) Colliery Labourer and Rhoda Williams (42) and two of their sons: William Williams (9) and John Williams (6) were living at Talbot Terrace, Cwm Du, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1901, David Williams (64) Water Pumper (Colliery) Below, this time his birthplace is listed as Ystalafern, Glamorganshire (presumably Ystalyfera) was still living at Talbot Terrace, Cwm Du, Maesteg, Glamorganwith Rhoda Williams (listed as 50), William Williams (19), John Williams (16), Elizabeth [Eliza] M Williams (8) and Patsy Regar (19) (Male) Boarder.

Rhoda Williams, with age over estimated to 58, died in 1908 M Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 569. 

The rest of them are harder to locate going forward. Rhoda Wilkey was listed as the mother's name on a Social Security Application in the United States relating to John Williams in Mar 1937, which provided his date of birth and from which we can deduce that he had emigrated at some point.

William Stone and Hannah Westcott

Church of St John the Baptist, Wellington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/1350345

William Stone (bap. 1 Apr 1821 at St Peter's Church, Langford Budville), eldest son of William Stone and Mary Thorne, married Hannah Westcott (b. 8 Feb 1831), daughter of Thomas Westcott and Hagar (Ann) Mitchell, at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Wellington, Somerset, on 13 Jul 1850. One of the witnesses was Mary Ann Westcott, Hannah's sister. Hannah was baptised Anna Westcott (due to pronunciation, probably) on 19 Jun 1831, at the The Lower Meeting Independent Formerly Presbyterian, Wellington, Somerset and in 1841, Hannah Westcott (10) was living at Tone Wharf, Wellington Somerset with her parents, Thomas and Ann Westcott. 

Tracking down the children of this marriage has been proving difficult, with no birth records for half of them, but include the following half-dozen: 

1. William Stone b. 1851 in Devon (listed on 1861 census)
2. Mary Ann Stone b. 1854 in Ashbrittle, Somerset (on 1861 census)
3. Hannah Maria Stone b. 1861 S Qtr in PONTYPOOL Vol 11A 122
4. Thomas Stone b. 12 Aug 1864 in Usworth, Durham 
5. Edith Ellen Stone b. 1866 D Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A 428
6. Isabella Stone b. 1870 S Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A 479

Those at the GRO, the mother's maiden name is listed as Westcott.

In 1851, William Stone (28), Agricultural Labourer, was living at Whipples, Holcombe Rogus, with wife Anah (21). Whipples Farmhouse, Tracebridge, is a Grade II Listed Building. Living at Whipples also was Henry Tremlett, a Dairyman, for whom William was presumably working. 

In 1861, however, William Stone (40), married, Pitman from Holcombe, Devon was a lodger in the house of Elizabeth Archer (50), widow at Nailers Shops, New Row, Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham. While Hannah Stone (29) from Wellington, Somerset was living at Garndiffath, Trevethin, Pontypool, Monmouthshire, Wales with son William Stone (10) born in Devon, England and daughter, Mary Ann Stone, born in Ashbrittle. 

In 1871, living at Washington New Row, Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham were William Stones (sic) (under estimated to 43) Miner from Somerset; Hannah Stones (39), William Stones (19) Miner; Anna Maria Stones (9), Thomas stones (5), Edith Ellen Stones (3) and Isabella Stones (11 m).

William Stone died at 55 in 1875 S Qtr in CHESTER LE STREET Vol 10A Page 356 and was buried on 24 Jul 1875 at Holy Trinity Church, Usworth.

In 1881, Hannah Stone (49) widow, mother-in-law, was living in the household of Miles Handy (35) Coal Miner from Wallsend, Northumberland and Mary A Handy (27) from Somerset, with Thomas Stone (16) Coal Miner (putter) born in Usworth, Durham, brother-in-law and Isabella Stone (10) born in Washington, Durham, sister-in-law and William Handy (25) Coal Miner, boarder, also from Wallsend, Northumberland, Miles' brother. 

In 1891, Hannah Stone (59), widow, was living on her own means in the household of William Handy (34) Coal Miner at New Rows, Little Usworth, Chester Le Street - her home, but he presumably became head as a man. In the household also were Hannah's daughter, Isabella Brack (20) and her husband John Brack (23) from Byker, Northumberland, Coal miner deputy.

In 1901, Hannah Stone (70), widow, mother-in-law, from Wellington, Somerset, was living in the household of John Robert Brack (34) Coal deputy overman and Isabella Brack (30), and their then five children, at 10, New Rows, Washington, Great and Little Usworth, Chester Le Street, Durham.

Hannah Stone died, aged 78, in Chester Le Street, in 1909.

• William Stone married Ann Jackson in Kelloe on 8 Sep 1873
• Mary Ann Stone married Miles Handy in Chester Le Street, in 1872
• Anna Maria Stone married John Hodgson in 1883
• Thomas Stone married Polly Beaty in 1888
• Edith Ellen Stone married William Brabbon Simpson in 1889
• Isabella Stone married John Robert Brack in 1890

Edward Charles Drake and Emma Jane Gloyne

Former entrance to Roath Basin, Cardiff
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/6404417

Edward Charles Drake, son of Edmund Drake and Esther Elizabeth Palmer, married Emma Jane Gloyne, daughter of Samuel Pascoe Gloyne and Emma Jane Coombes, on 12 Jul 1886 in Roath, Glamorgan, Wales. 

Edward Charles Drake's mother, Esther Elizabeth Palmer, was the older sister of Edward Oxford Palmer, who was married to Emma Jane's older sister, Charlotte Emma Gloyne. So, Charlotte's husband was Emma's husband's uncle - or Emma's husband was Charlotte's husband's nephew. The two couples' respective children will have been double-cousins, once removed and once not, I think. Working out family relationships just got very complicated!

Edward and Emma had eight children:

1. Esther Kathleen Drake b. GRO Reference: 1887 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 330
2. Gladys Emma Drake b. GRO Reference: 1889 S Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 334
3. John Gloyne Drake b. 6 May 1891, GRO Reference: 1891 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 342. Died 4 Jul 1915 (see below).
4. Francis Oxford Drake b. GRO Reference: 1892 J Quarter in CARDIFF Volume 11A Page 396
5. Helen Palmer Drake b. 7 February 1895 in Plymouth. (No GRO record.)
6. Fred Silby Drake b. GRO Reference: 1895 D Quarter in MONMOUTH Volume 11A Page 16. Died, aged 4, in GRO Reference: 1900 J Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 253
7. Constance Edith Drake b. GRO Reference: 1899 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 8
8. Florence May Drake b. GRO Reference: 1902 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 255

In 1891, Edward Drake (28) Iron Moulder, Emma Drake (29) and their first two daughters, Esther (3) and Gladys (1) were living in the household of Edward's parents, Edmund and Esther Drake in Moira Street, Cardiff.

In 1901, Edward C Drake (39) Iron & Brass Founder, was resident in Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, with wife Emma J Drake (40), Gladys E Drake (11), John G Drake (9), Francis O Drake (8), Helen P Drake (6) and Constance E Drake (2). Eldest daughter, Esther Drake (13) was staying with her grandparents, Edmund and Esther Drake, in Seymour Street, Roath.

In 1911, Edward Drake (49) Iron and Brass Founder, was still in Plymouth with wife Emma Drake (50) and daughters, Gladys Drake (21), Helen Drake (17), Constance Drake (12) and Florence (9). Esther Kathleen had married in 1906 and was living in North End, Buckland, Portsmouth; John Drake (19) Stoker, was in Chatham, Kent; haven't yet located Francis.

Emma Drake died, in 1912, age given as 51 - she was 54 (GRO Reference: 1912 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 276).

Son John Drake died at HMS Vivid (shore establishment 1890), the Royal Navy barracks at Devonport. John Drake had joined the Royal Navy, at 18, on 9 July 1909, at which time he was 5 ft 3½ in with a 33¾ inch chest, light brown hair, light brown eyes and a fair complexion. At the time of his death he was assigned to Vivid II, the Stokers and Engine Room Artificers School in Devonport. The note on his naval record states that he was DD (Discharged Dead) on 4 July 1915 in Sick Quarters, Devonport Depot as result of cycle accident. Inquest verdict:- Accidental death through cycle accident. This was only weeks after his cousin, Charles Edward Palmer, Engine Fitter at the Government Dockyard, Devonport, also died, on 17 Apr 1915.

Edward Charles Drake (55) married Helen or Ellen Saull (48) on 23 Dec 1916, in Roath, Glamorganshire, Wales. 

In 1921, Edward Drake (59) Iron Moulder and wife listed as Norah Drake (54) from Plymouth, Devon, were living at 41, Harold Street, Roath, Cardiff.

Edward Charles Drake died, at 74, in 1935 (GRO Reference: 1935 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B  Page 403).

William Flew and Sarah Bennett

Shop and post office, Rackenford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Humphrey Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/1801119

William Flew (bap. 16 Nov 1834 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, married Sarah Bennett (b. 1845 J Quarter in CREDITON UNION Volume 10 Page 79) in the 4th quarter of 1863, in Crediton.

Sarah Bennett was born on 16 Jun 1845, the illegitimate daughter of Jane Bennett. Her birth was registered by a Mr Leach, Master of the Workhouse, Crediton, on 20 Jun 1845. In 1851, Sarah (6) was living with William and Ann Bennett at Courtlage, Morchard Bishop, Crediton, listed as their niece. In 1861, Sarah Bennett (17) was House Servant in the household of William Davy, Farmer and Miller at Stone Mill, Leverton Road, Chawleigh, Crediton. Sarah's grandparents, the parents of both her uncle William Bennett and her mother, Jane Bennett, were Richard Bennett and Mary Richards.

William and Sarah Flew had four children: 

1. Thomas Flew b. 11 Feb 1864 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 475, bap. 18 Feb 1864 at All Saint's Church, Rackenford
2. Mary Jane Flew b. 3 Sep 1865 S Quarter in CREDITON Volume 05B Page 387, bap. 6 Sep 1865 at St David’s Church, Thelbridge
3. Sarah Flew b. 31 Dec 1867, reg. 1868 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 470, bap. 22 Mar 1868 at All Saint's, Rackenford
4. William Flew b. 1870 M Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 480

The GRO birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as Bennett.

In 1871, William Flew (30), Sarah Flew (26), Thomas Flew (7), Jane Flew (5), Sarah Flew (3) and William Flew (1) were living at Windsor, Rackenford, South Molton, Devon. William Flew's birthplace was listed as Rackenford, although Sarah's was listed as not known; the two older children's birthplace was listed as Thelbridge and the two younger ones, Rackenford. Living with them was Ann Flew (72), William's mother, listed as Mother-in-Law.

Sarah Flew died, age estimated to 29, on Christmas Eve 1872 of "diarrhoea" which may mean Typhoid (1872 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 302) and was buried on 29 Dec 1872 in Rackenford.

In Sarah Child's, Rackenford, A Short History, we read that, Thomas Flew aged 11 years 3 months, was admitted to Rackenford school on May 24 1875. "Thomas came from Winsor Cottage on Sideham farm, a good two miles’ walk from school; his father was a labourer working for Mr Beedell [Robert Beedell 1817-1886] on Sideham and his mother had died three years earlier. Thomas’ sister Mary Jane aged 8 joined him at school in October."

William Flew remarried to Jane Middleton, in Knowstone on 2 Sep 1875.

William Flew died, age estimated as 40, from measles and pneumonia, in March 1876 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 344 and was buried on 5 Mar 1876. His widow Jane was present at that death.

The descendants of William Flew and Sarah Bennett:

On March 13 1876, however, the school records tell us that, “Thomas and Mary Flew have left, gone to the workhouse." Sarah Child in, Rackenford, A Short History, continues that, "Their stepmother seems to have managed to keep their 7 year old sister but for Thomas, Mary and 6 year old William there was no alternative." Mary Jane Flew, age estimated as 13, died in 1880 M Quarter in South Molton Workhouse and "as was the regulation, she was buried in Rackenford at the parish expense", on 7 Feb 1880.

In 1881, Thomas Flew (16) Farm Servant (Indoor) was back at Sideham, Rackenford. Sarah Flue (sic) (12) was a General Domestic Servant to Elias Mills, Farmer, at Lower Southdown, Burrington, while William Flew (11), sadly, was still an inmate of the Union Workhouse, South Molton.

In 1891, Thomas Flew (25) was still Agricultural Servant to Robert Beedell, Farmer (son of his earlier boss) at Syd[e]ham, Rackenford; Sarah Flew (23) was a General Servant at Lewiss Elstone, Chulmleigh, South Molton. William Flew, by then 21, seems to have evaded being listed on this census.

Thomas Flew (33) Servant from Rackenford, son of William Flew, married Elizabeth Ann Marshall (32) Servant from Knowstone, at St Peter's Church, Knowstone on 31 Mar 1897. Elizabeth Ann was the daughter of James Marshall and Mary Flew. Mary was the elder sister of Thomas' father, William - so the couple were first cousins. They had one son, William James Flew b. 19 Feb 1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 400.

William Flew (28) Post Man, son of William Flew, married Joan Priest (bap. 28 Jun 1868 in North Molton), daughter of William Priest and Harriet Galliford, on 6 Oct 1897 in North Molton, Devon. This couple also had one son, Ernest William Flew b. 6 Apr 1902 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 398, bap. 20 Apr 1902 in North Molton.

In 1901, living at Zeal Cottage, Bampton, were Thomas Flew (37) Agricultural Labourer; son, William Flew (3); sister, Sarah Flew (31) House keeper and Robert Flew (5) Nephew [1]. Elizabeth A Flew (36) was a Patient (Lunatic) at the Devon County Lunatic Asylum, Exminster (later Exminster Hospital). William Flew (30) Rural Postman and Joan Flew (32) were living with Joan's widowed mother, Harriet Priest (65) at Tellacott Cottage, North Molton.

[1] Robert George Haymon Flew b. 11 Nov 1895 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 395 and bap. 9 Dec 1895 in South Molton, was the illegitimate son of Sarah Flew (and, presumably, a Mr Haymon). In 1901, Robert Flew, son of S Flew of Zeal Cottage, was registered at Shillingford And Petton County Primary School, Shillingford, Devon. A date of leaving of 31 Oct 1902 is listed on the school register. As Robert George Edward Flew, age 6, of Zeal Cottage, Bampton, he died in 1902 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 279 and was buried at Petton Chapelry on 8 Nov 1902.

Elizabeth Ann Flew, died aged 43, at Devon County Lunatic Asylum, in 1908 S Quarter in ST THOMAS Volume 05B Page 40 and was buried on 10 Aug 1908 at the Exminster, Devon County Asylum Cemetery.

In 1911, Thomas Flew (45) Carter on Farm, Sarah Flew (41) Sister, Housekeeper and William James Flew (13) were at Higher Coombe, Uplowman, Devon. William Flew (41) Rural Postman, Joan Flew (42) and Ernest William Flew (8) were living in East Street, North Molton.

In 1921, Thomas Flew (57) Farm Labourer, Out of Work and Sarah Flew (53) were living at Worth Cottages, Silverton, Devon; William James Flew (23) Cowman was at Poundland Farm, Silverton, Devon; William Flew (51) Town Postman, was living at 16, East Street, South Molton with Joan Flew (53) and George Somerwill (75) Old Age Pensioner from Swimbridge, Boarder.

Ernest William Flew, son of William Flew and Joan Priest, married Elsie May Baker, daughter of Richard Baker and Ellen Irwin, in Cardiff, in 1927. (Elsie May's parents were from Ilfracombe and Coombe Martin, respectively.)

William Flew died, at 63, in 1933 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 368.

In 1939, Thomas Flew, Incapacitated, Widowed and his sister, Sarah Flew, still keeping house, were living in High Street, North Petherton, Bridgewater, Somerset; William James Flew was a Cowman at Manor Farm, Marsh Green, Whimple, Exeter, Devon; and Ernest W Flew, Test Baker Flour Mill (he also had a civilian role as a Special Constable) and wife Elsie M Flew were living at 7 Treorky Street, Cardiff, with Elsie's widowed mother, Ellen Baker.

• Thomas Flew (80) died in 1944 S Qtr in BRIDGWATER 05C 310
• Sarah Flew (78) died in 1946 D Qtr in BRIDGWATER 07C 103
• Joan Flew (88) died in 1956 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 08B 163
• William James Flew (74) died in Taunton, Somerset in 1972
• Elsie May Flew died in Cathays, Cardiff on 18 Apr 1984
• Ernest William Flew died, in Cardiff on 1 May 1985

John Hartley and Anna Rookley

Shops in Terrace Road, Plaistow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/4132776

John Hartley (b. 1846 in Bow, Middlesex), son of John Hartley and Mary Blundell, married Anna Rookley (b. 1845 in Kentisbeare, Devon), youngest daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, at St Stephen's Church, Tredegar Road, Bow (damaged during WW2 and demolished) on 9 May 1869.

Records suggest that John and Anna Hartley had four children:

1. Arthur John Hartley b. 1869, died aged 0. Death registered 1869 D Qtr in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 595. Birth shows in the next quarter, 1870 M Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 839.
2. Walter James Hartley b. 16 May 1872 (1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Pg 435), bap. 4 Jul 1875 at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare, Devon. Died in 1891 M Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Pg 34, at 18.
3. Elias John Hartley (as it was on his birth registration) b. 14 Oct 1873 (1873 D Qtr in SOUTH SHIELDS Vol 10A Page 795), bap. John Elias Hartley on 4 Jul 1875 at St Mary's Church, Kentisbeare
4. Alice Anna Hartley b. 1878 M Qtr in PEMBROKE Vol 11A Page 870, bap. 13 Mar 1878 at St John the Evangelist, Pembroke Dock

In 1871, John Hartley (25) from Middlesex, England and Anna Hartley (25) from Devon, England, were lodging at Charlton Place, St Mary, Pembroke.

Walter James Hartley and John Hartley were enrolled at Bradninch National School in 1880, a note next to their names on the school register says, "on a visit to Bradninch from London". Their aunt and uncle James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley (Thomasin was Anna's sister), lived in Bradninch.

In 1881, John Hartley (35) Engine Fitter from Bow, London, wife Anna (36) from Devon and Alice A (4) born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, were living at 4, Edward Street, West Ham, London. Walter Hartley (8) from Portsmouth and John Hartley (7) from Wales (clearly confused his birthplace with his sister's) were still visiting James and Thomasin Ridgeway, in Bradninch.

John Hartley was again registered at Bradninch National School in 1885, this time with James Ridgeway of Hele listed as his parent/guardian.

In 1891, at 4, Randolph Road, West Ham, were John Hartley (43) Marine Engineer; Annie Hartley (44), John Hartley (17) Smith and Alice Hartley (13).

John Hartley died, aged just 48, in 1895 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 87. And in the same quarter of the same year, their 16-17 year old daughter, Alice Anna Hartley married John Watson Bell, in Poplar.

John Hartley (b. 1873 in Newcastle, Northumberland) enlisted in the Grenadier Guards, at 22, on 11 Nov 1895, at Horse Guards, London. The record lists his previous occupation as Blacksmith, his father John, mother Anna and sister Alice (the family's address listed as 26, Freemasons Road, Custom House); that he was then 5ft 9in with a fair complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair, with a small scar on his right cheek. Recalled in 1899; convicted of Drunkenness and spent 5 days in prison from 22nd to 27th Jun 1899; served in South Africa from 21 Oct 1899 to 21 Jul 1902 (for the entirety of the Second Boer War); re-transferred to the Army Reserve on 17 Mar 1903; reengaged in 1907 and finally discharged in 1911.

In 1901, Anna Hartley (55) from Kentisbeare, Devon, listed as married rather than widowed, was living in the household of her son-in-law, John Watson Bell (32) Shipping Clerk at 104, Terrace Road, Plaistow (West Ham), with Alice Bell (23), Alice (5), Grace (4), John (2) and Beatrice (0).

Anne (sic) Hartley died in 1909 S Quarter in ROCHFORD Volume 04A Page 290, with age (under) estimated as 62. She was buried, on 28 Aug 1909, at St Mary's Church, Great Ilford.

In 1911, Jack [John Elias] Hartley (38) born in Jarrow, Newcastle, a Ship Worker at the Docks, was a boarder in Plaistow. John Elias Hartley died, at 71, in 1945 S Quarter in ESSEX SOUTH-WESTERN Vol 04A Page 128.

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook and Eliza Back

The 'Odd Fellows Hall', Ker Street, Devonport
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Lyne - geograph.org.uk/p/2771775

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook (b. 12 Dec 1849), son of Richard Eastabrook and Susana Derry, married Eliza Back (b. 1853), daughter of Thomas Back and Mary Drake, at Saint Saviour's church that was located on Lambhay Hill, The Hoe, Plymouth, on 7 May 1876. Both gave their address as Lambhay Hill at the time of their marriage. (The church was destroyed during the Second World War but the Church Hall is still standing.)

Samuel and Eliza had six children:

1. Ellen Hepzibah Derry Easterbrook (sic) b. 9 Feb 1877 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B  Page 347, bap. 29 Jun 1879 at St Aubyn's Church, Devonport. Died, aged 2 y 10 m, in 1879 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 249, buried 2 Jan 1880.
2. Thomas Samuel Eastabrook b. 19 Feb 1880 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 343), bap. 11 Apr 1880 at St Aubyn's Church, Devonport.
3. William Ebenezer Eastabrook b. 28 Mar 1882 (1882 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 342), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
4. Amelia Elizabeth Eastabrook b. 24 Jun 1884 (1884 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 335), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
5. Ernest Richard Eastabrook b. 15 Feb 1886 (1886 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 326), bap. 13 Aug 1886.
6. Samuel Patrick Eastabrook b. 18 Sep 1889 (no birth record found).

In 1881, Samuel Eastabrook (31) Labourer, Eliza Eastabrook (26) Tailoress and Thomas Eastabrook (1) were living at 40, Cannon Street, Devonport.

In 1886, William Ebenezer, Amelia Elizabeth and Ernest Richard were all baptised together at The Anglican Church of Saint Mary (St Mary's Church, Devonport). It no longer exists. Their father's occupation then was listed as Storehouse man and their address given as 19, Ker Street, Devonport.

In 1891, Eliza Eastabrook (37), Thomas S Eastabrook (11), William E Eastabrook (9), Amelia E Eastabrook (6) and Ernest R Eastabrook (5) were listed in Baring Street, Plymouth. Neither Samuel is listed anywhere.

In 1901, both Thomas S Eastabrook and William E Eastabrook are listed with the Royal Navy at Sea and in ports abroad, but I've not been able to locate records for any other members of the family, anywhere in the world.

On 6 Oct 1903, we find Samuel Eastabrook (54), Ellen Eastabrook (51), Emelia (sic) Eastabrook (19) and Samuel Eastabrook (14), arriving at Ellis Island, New York from Bermuda on the ship Pretoria (USS Pretoria (1897). The record gives their nationality as Great Britain, English and their residence as Bermuda. It also states Samuel's occupation as "late of Civil Service". One might speculate, therefore, that Samuel had been working at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. It says they were arriving in New York, en route to England and that Samuel Sr had last been in the US 10 years previously. Their onward address in the UK was c/o 22 Union Street, Portsmouth, England. Interestingly, the record specifies that Samuel paid for his own passage, that Eliza's was paid for by her husband and both Amelia's and Samuel Jnr's were paid for by their father - which is how we can identify him as their child.

Eliza Eastabrook died at 53, in 1907 M Qtr in LAMBETH Vol 01D Pg 256. 

In 1911, S E D (Samuel Ebenezer Derry) Eastabrook (61) Widower, Railway Storekeeper was in Stockwell, London with A E (Amelia Elizabeth) Eastabrook (26) Daughter and E E (Ellen Elizabeth) Barker (64) Widow, Sister.

In 1921, Samuel E D Eastabrook (71) Pensioner, Admiralty, Widower; Amelia E Eastabrook (37) and Ellen K Eastabrook (15) Granddaughter (daughter of Thomas Samuel Eastabrook and Esther Kathleen Drake), were listed as living at 36 Llanishen Street, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales.

In 1939, Samuel E Eastabrook, Pensioner, and Amelia E Eastabrook, House Keeper to Father, were listed at 25 Norham Avenue, Southampton.

Samuel Ebenezer Derry Eastabrook died, aged 93, in 1943 D Quarter in WINCHESTER Volume 02C Page 196.

Amelia Elizabeth Eastabook died, aged 62 (1946 S Quarter in SOUTHAMPTON Volume 06B Page 480). "EASTERBROOK Amelia Elizabeth of 25 Norham-Avenue Shirley Southampton spinster died 22 August 1946 at the Borough Hospital Southampton Administration Winchester 14 November to Samuel Patrick Eastabrook motor car driver. Effects £442 11s. 11d."

There are many records of a Samuel Eastabrook of the correct age crossing the Atlantic in the 1920s, which suggest that Samuel Patrick Eastabrook worked as a First Class Waiter on vessels such as the RMS Mauretania, once Cunard’s most luxurious ocean liner. No records suggest that he ever married. Samuel Patrick Eastabrook died, aged 81, in 1970, in Winchester. 

James Beamer and Mary Jane Snell

Old Toll House, Briton Street, Bampton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Milestone Society - geograph.org.uk/p/6114414

James Beamer (b. 1855), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith, brother of Alfred Beamer and half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land, married Mary Jane Snell (b. ~1857) - that's the maiden name listed on several of their children's birth registrations - in Exeter, in 1876. The transcript of the marriage record lists them as James Bemer and Mary Jane Smale, which made this record difficult to find. Only because, in 1911, they said they'd been married for 34 years, was there finally a clue to the period to look in.

Mary Jane is listed on census records as being from Devonport, Plymouth, but it hasn't been possible to find records of her birth or early years.

James and Mary Jane had at least seven children:

1. Mary Jane Beamer born Q2 1884 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died and was buried, on 13 Apr 1884, in Bampton).
2. Ethel Anna Beamer (no civil reg), bap. 26 Apr 1885 in Bampton.
3. (Unnamed male child) Beamer born Q3 1886 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died in the same quarter, age 0.)
4. Sarah Jane Beamer born Q3 1887 in Tiverton, mother's name SMALE
5. Tom Beamer born Q3 1890 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SUELL. Bap. 3 Aug 1890 in Bampton.
6. Rosanna Beamer born Q1 1893 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. Bap. as Rose Anna Beamer, on 30 Apr 1893, in Bampton. (Died, aged 16 months and was buried, on 22 Aug 1894, in Bampton.)
7. Mary Ann Beamer registered Q1 1896 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SNELL. Bap. 29 Dec 1895 in Bampton. (Died in Q2 1901, aged 5. Buried on 27 Apr 1901 in Bampton.)

There could be other children, particularly given the number of discrepancies in the information, such as the mother's maiden name, which could be errors in transcription, or registrars writing down what they heard. The parents don't help, because on the 1911 census they say they have only had 3 children with 3 then living, but various corroborating records prove that to be untrue.

In 1881, James Beamer (25) Railway Labourer and Mary Beamer (23) were living at Rose Cottage, Bampton, Devon.

Ethel Ann Beamer (3) "British King" from Liverpool

This curious record relates to an Ethel Ann Beamer, then age 3, sailing on the "SS British King" from Liverpool, arriving in Philadelphia on 29 May 1888. Their intended destination was Chicago. Taken alone, I'd have ignored this and assumed that this was another Ethel Ann Beamer entirely. HOWEVER, in the box at the top right, it says "Accompanied by" Sarah Jane 8 months and Mary Jane 30, both of which fit exactly. I've also found an equivalent record for Sarah Jane and both children appear on the passenger list, along with Mary Jane. It's hard to imagine them being able to afford to go to the US - and come back again - but equally hard to imagine the combination of those three names and ages cropping up together more than once. It's a mystery.

In 1891, James Beamer (39) Agricultural Labourer, wife Mary (35), Ethel A (6), Sarah J (3) and Tom (0), were living in Briton Street, Bampton. 

On 16 Oct 1894, James and Mary Beamer were both charged and bailed, accused of "Wilfully neglecting Rose Anna Beamer, a girl under the age of 16 years, to wit, 16 months, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering and injury to health, at Bampton, on 15 August 1894, and on various other dates." They were found not guilty and acquitted. 

In 1901, James Beamer (48) General Labourer, Mary Jane (42), Ethel (15), Tom (9) and Mary A (5), were living on the Tiverton Road, Bampton. Sarah Jane (14), was employed as a General domestic servant, in the household of Henry Early, Watchmaker and jeweller, at 12, Angel Hill, Tiverton. 

In 1911, we find the family has "emigrated" ... to Wales. James Beamer (53) from Bampton, Devon was then a Coal miner hewer living at 4 Price Street, Pentre in the Rhondda Valley, Glamorganshire with Mary (49), Tom (20) also working as a Coal miner hewer; Ethel Cappell (25), William Cappell (25) Son-in-law, and grandchildren, William (3) and Ethel (1). (Ethel Ann Beamer had married William David Cappell on 24 Apr 1907, in Bampton.)

In 1921, James Beamer (69) Labourer (Surface) Ocean Cal Company Out Of Work; Mary Jane Beamer (63), William David Cappell (35) Labourer Corys Broks Coal Company Out Of Work; Ethel Ann Cappell (38), William David James Cappell (13), Ethel Ann Cappell (11) and Lawrence Earnest Cappell (5) were living at 1, Price Street, Pentre, Rhondda, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Beamer died, aged 70, in 1927 in Taunton, Somerset. 

James Beamer died, in 1931, aged 77, also in Taunton. 

(William and Ethel Cappell lived in Rowford, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton in 1939. No further records for Sarah Jane after 1901 nor Tom after 1911.)

William Thomas Eastabrook and Catherine Eliza Authers

Mulberry Street, New York City (c. 1900) Library of Congress

William Thomas Eastabrook (b. 1848), son of Richard Eastabrook and Susana Derry, married Catherine Eliza Authers, daughter of Henry Authers and Susannah Osmond, in the 3rd quarter of 1871, in Stoke Damerel, Devon.

Registered as Caroline Authers (1854 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 253), born 25 Feb 1854 and baptised, as Eliza Caroline Authers, on 12 Mar 1854 at St Peter, Plymouth, she was 17 at the time of her marriage.

William and Catherine had at least thirteen children:

1. William Henry Authers Eastabrook b. 17 Apr 1872 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 308.
2. Susanna Eastabrook b. 11 Apr 1874 in Manhattan, New York, United States. Birth record states that she was the "Mother's 2nd child". Died, aged 2, on 2 Sep 1876 and was buried on 4 Sep 1876 at Evergreen Cemetery, on the borders Brooklyn and Queens, New York.
3. Unnamed male (Jack) Eastabrook b. 3 Aug 1876 in Manhattan.
4. John Samuel Eastabrook b. 21 Dec 1877 in New York, USA.
5. Catherine Eliza Eastabrook b. 1879 J Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 323, died at 8 months, on 30 Jan 1880 (1880 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 283), buried 8 Feb 1880 in Stoke Damerel.
6. Harry Eastabrook b. 1880 (listed here)
7. Susannah Catherine Easterbrook b. 20 Mar 1881 J Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 327, bap. 24 Jun 1881 at St Mary's Devonport.
8. Beatrice Alberta Eastabrook b. 28 Jul 1883, bap. 17 Aug 1883 at St Mary's Devonport. (Seem to have missed the GRO registration.)
9. Ethel May Eastabrook b. 16 Dec 1885 (1886 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 318), bap. 22 Jan 1886 at St Mary's Devonport.
10. Harry Clifford Eastabrook b. 17 Sep 1888 (1888 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 305). (Not found baptism.)
11. Eliza Ellen Eastabrook b. 1891 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 308, died, in 1892 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 299.
12. Lawrence Aubrey Eastabrook b. 24 Nov 1897 (1898 M Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 309), bap. 9 Jan 1898 in Devonport, Devon.
13. One further male child.

On the baptisms of Susannah in 1881, Beatrice in 1883 and Ethel in 1886 William Thomas Eastabrook is described as Seaman R.N. and the family's address as 26, St John Street, Devonport, Stoke-Damerel. On that for Lawrence in 1898, R.N. and living at 42 Palmerston St, Stoke, Plymouth.

In 1871, just before his marriage, William Eastabrook (21) Butcher (as had been his father before him), was a Servant in the household of Sarah Payne (27) Butcher, in Morice Town, Devonport, Plymouth.

On 1 Jan 1873, William Thomas Eastabrook, from Stoke Damerel, Devonport, with birth date given as 10 Aug 1849 (his birth was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1848, so this seems to be a year out), joined the Royal Navy, as a Butcher. At that time being 5 ft 2 in, with brown hair, grey eyes and a ruddy complexion. He was assigned to HMS Audacious (1869), which from 23 Nov 1871 - 17 Mar 1874 served as a Coast Guard Ship at Hull, in the Humber. It appears that William Thomas "Run [at] Hull" (deserted) on 17 Apr 1873.

By Apr 1874, we find the couple in Manhattan, New York for the birth of their 2nd child. They had clearly emigrated and this, it must be remembered, is within a decade of the American Civil War. History of NYC - 1870s.

• Introduction to Immigration from 1870–1905
• Immigration to the United States, 1851-1900

The family's address on the burial record for daughter, Susanna, was 168 Mulberry St, New York. Mulberry Street, is a narrow thoroughfare that includes parts of Chinatown and Little Italy in The Five Points neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Five Points gained international notoriety as a densely populated, disease-ridden, crime-infested slum. "Nicknamed 'Death's Thoroughfare', it was here, where the street crooks its elbow at the Five Points, that the streets and numerous alleys radiated in all directions, forming the foul core of the New York slums." So notorious, Manhattan's Mulberry Street has been subject of books, films and music.

On 8 Oct 1878, William T Eastabrook became a naturalised American citizen. The record gives his address as 20 N Moore St, New York and his occupation as Milkman. Witnessing his naturalisation was Henry Authers (wife's father).

They had stayed in New York for around five years, but returned to the UK by the time of the birth of fifth child, Catherine Eliza Eastabrook, in 1879.

On 26 Feb 1880, William Easterbrook (sic) (leaving out the Thomas), from Devonport, Devon and giving his date of birth as 9 Aug 1856 - one day adrift from that on the previous naval record and having now lost eight years in age - joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class, this time advancing to Chief Stoker and serving for 20 years, until he was pensioned on 28 Feb 1900.

In 1881, transcribed as William I Easterbrook (sic) (32) Stoker RN (at sea) is listed at 26, St John Street, Devonport, Stoke Damerel with Catherine E Easterbrook (27), William H A Easterbrook (9), John S Easterbrook (4) born in the United States; ? Easterbrook (0) Daughter [later named Susannah Catherine]; K T Easterbrook (20) Sister [mystery - not identified birth] Nurse and Eliza Arthers (sic) (20) Tailoress - Catherine's younger sister.

In 1891, still in St John Street, Devonport, were Catherine Easterbrook (37) Dressmaker; William H A Easterbrook (19) Blacksmith; John S Easterbrook (14), Catherine Easterbrook (10) [Susannah Catherine]; Beatrice A Easterbrook (7), Ethel M Easterbrook (5), Harry C Easterbrook (2) and Eliza E Easterbrook (0). William was at sea with HMS Mildura from 18 Mar 1891 until 4 Nov 1891. She served primarily in Australian waters.

In 1901, William Esterbrook (sic) (49) Naval Pensioner Admiralty from Devonport, Devonshire, was living in North Road, Central Cardiff, with Catherine Eastabrook (47) Sub Postmistress; Catherine Esterbrook (20) Lady Clerk (Commercial); Beatrice Esterbrook (17) Post Office Assistant; Ethel Esterbrook (15) Apprentice to Stationer and Lawrence Esterbrook (3).

William Thomas Eastabrook of 80 Whitchurch Rd, Cardiff, died on 11 Jun 1908. His age was estimated as 52 - which would agree with the birth date in 1856 given on his second enlistment in the Royal Navy - he was actually 59 - and was buried in the parish of St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff. Probate was granted on 29 Jun 1908 to beneficiary, Catherine Eliza Easterbrook.

In 1911, Catherine Easterbrook (57), Widowed, Sub Postmistress from Plymouth, Devonshire, was still living in Central Cardiff with Harry Easterbrook (22) Railway Clerk; Ethel Easterbrook (25) Postal Assistant; Frank Powell (26) Boarder, Kitty Murrell (30) and Kitty Murrell (1) Visitors. (Daughter Susannah Catherine, known as Catherine and clearly also as Kitty, had, as Catherine Susannah, married Charles Murrell in 1907.)

In 1921, C E [Catherine Eliza] Easterbrook (66) Sub Postmistress from Devonport, was at 102, Whitchurch Road, Cathays, Cardiff with L A Easterbrook (23) Clerk, Pension Office and four boarders, who were actually daughter E M [Ethel May] Vanner, her husband and two children.

Catherine Eastabrook or Easterbrook (as it says on the Probate record) of 42 Llanishen St, Cardiff, died, aged 80, on 29 Jun 1934 J Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 853 and was buried at Cardiff, All Saints, leaving her effects to sons, William Henry Eastabrook and Harry Clifford Eastabrook.

Easterbrook family genealogy