Charles James Parsons and Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland

Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/6732016

Charles James Parsons (b. 1867 in Rawalpindi, then in India, now Pakistan, presumably an army brat) married Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland (b. 30 Sep 1881 in Gosport, Hampshire), daughter of Benjamin Copeland and Tamar Hockley, at All Saints Church, Shooters Hill, Plumstead, on 4 Nov 1899.

Charles James Parsons, Musician, joined the Royal Artillery, at 15 y & 3 m (but appeared 14), at Woolwich, on 9 Sep 1882. He was 4ft 9¾in, with a fresh complexion, light hazel eyes and a fair complexion. In 1891, Charles James Parsons (23) Musician Royal Artillery, birth place India, was at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Artillery Place, Woolwich. He was reengaged at Woolwich on 4 May 1894 to complete 21 years service; promoted to Bombardier on 1 May 1895; Corporal on 5 Jul 1896 and Sergeant on 20 Oct 1899, then was permitted to continue beyond 21 years in 1903. Under next of kin, is "Father" Joseph Parsons, St John's Road, Deptford. No idea why parenthesis were used. At 41 years and 1 month on discharge, Charles James Parsons, who had been a Musician in the Royal Artillery Band, had grown to 5ft 9in. He was discharged after 3 months notice on 31 Jul 1908, after 25 years 327 days service, with his character described as 'Exemplary' and awarded a Silver Medal for long service and good conduct. 

In 1901, Charles James Parsons (33) Sergeant Royal Artillery Band and Eleanor E Parsons (19), were living - as a separate household - but at her parents' address at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead.

Charles James Parsons died, aged 41, in 1909 M Quarter in GREENWICH.

Their only daughter, Elsa Euphie Parsons was born, posthumously, on 4 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1203).

Eleanor Elizabeth Parsons, Widow, married Frederick William Watson (b. 25 Apr 1877 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1046, mother's maiden name THOMPSON), son of Frederick Watson and Martha Emma Thompson, in Woolwich, on 2 Jun 1910.

Frederick William Watson, Musician, had joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, at 18 y & 4 m, at Woolwich on 6 Sep 1895. He was then 5ft 4¼in, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had a small mole on the right side of his nose. In 1901, Frederick Watson (23) Soldier Royal Artillery Band, was at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich Common.

Frederick William and Eleanor Elizabeth Watson added one son:

1. Frederick Charles Watson b. 13 Mar 1911 ( 1911 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1143), bap. 7 Jun 1911, in Plumstead.

In 1911, Frederick William Watson (33) Sergeant Royal Artillery Band from Woolwich, Kent; Eleanor Elizabeth Watson (29) from Gosport, Hants; Frederick Charles Watson, son, under one month; Elsa Euphie Parsons (1) Stepdaughter and Jessie Alice Green (28) Visitor, were at 23 Belford Grove, Woolwich. (Jessie Alice Green was the daughter of Charles Green and Sarah Ann Hockley, her mother's youngest sister, thus Eleanor's first cousin.)

Frederick William Watson served in France three times during and after World War I, in 1915/16 and again in 1919, finally being discharged on 25 Jul 1919. He was also awarded long service and good conduct medal.

In 1921, Frederick William Watson (44) Musician working for Mrs Davis at the Marble Arch Pavilion Cinema (the cinema then was equipped with a Jones straight pipe organ, which is presumably what Frederick played); Eleanor Elizabeth Watson (39), Elsa Euphie Parsons (12) and Frederick Charles Watson (10) were living at 16, Herbert Road, Plumstead.

On 6 May 1924, Frederick Charles Watson, son of F W Watson, Musician of 36, Ellerslie Road, W12, was admitted to Latymer Upper School, public school in Hammersmith, his previous school having been Woolwich Polytechnic. Frederick Charles Watson stayed at Latymer for the Summer 1924, Autumn 1924, Spring 1925, Summer 1925, Autumn 1925, Spring 1926 terms, leaving on 5 Mar 1926 for a Clerkship, Estate Agents & Surveyors.

In 1939, Frederick W Watson, Porter (Flats) and Eleanor Watson were living at 1a Challoner Mansions, Challoner Street, West Kensington.

It appears that Eleanor Watson may have died, at 80, in 1962. 

Elsa Euphie Parsons married William Arthur Connelley, son of William Connelley and Marian Jenny Cook, in Camberwell, in 1935. In 1939, William A Connelley (b. 15 Aug 1911) Postman and Elsa E Connelley, Solicitor's Clerk, were living at 8 York Close, Merton, Surrey. William Arthur Connelley of 99 Erith Road, Belvedere, Kent died, at 52, at St Nicholas Hospital, Plumstead on 2 Sep 1963 and left over £6500 to his widow, Elsa Euphie Connelley. Elsa Euphie Connelley of 122 Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, died on 17 Apr 1992.

Frederick Charles Watson of 29 Elmwood Drive, Ewell, died 10 Jul 1985.

William Watson and Mary Ann White

St Margaret, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Keating - geograph.org.uk/p/3638192

William Watson (bap. 9 Jul 1833 in Great Ryburgh, Norfolk), son of Mark Watson and Lydia Maria Fox, married Mary Ann White (bap. as Marianne, 8 Oct 1826 in Mattishall), daughter of William White and Ann Francis, on 7 Sep 1856, at St Margaret's Church, Norwich. On the marriage certificate, both parties are listed as 21, whereas Mary Ann was actually 30.

William and Mary Anne had four children:

1. Sarah White b. 20 Feb 1852, bap. 20 Sep 1857 at Thorpe Episcopi
2. Mary Ann Watson b. 25 Aug 1857 D Qtr in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 183, bap. 20 Sep 1857 at Thorpe Episcopi
3. William Watson b.1859 S Qtr in BLOFIELD UNION Vol 04B Page 189
4. James Francis Watson b. 1862 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 125

Sarah was baptised, honestly, as White, but subsequently listed as Watson.

In 1861, in King Street, St Julian, Norwich, were William Watson (27) General Labourer; Mary Ann Watson (34) from Mattishall; Sarah Watson (9), William Watson (1), William White (27) Market Gardener, Brother-in-Law (Mary Ann's brother); Susan White (32) (William White's wife) and Alice White (4). Second daughter, Mary Ann Watson (4) was staying with her grandfather, Mark Watson (60) at May Green, Little Ryburgh.

In 1871, William Watson (38) Farm Labourer from Little Ryburgh; Mary Ann Watson (44) from Mattishall; William Watson (11) and James F Watson (8) were living at Thorpe Road (Dale's Place), Thorpe St Andrew (as were Mary Ann's sister, Hannah and her husband). Sarah Watson (19) was staying with her Aunt Ann Martyn in in Lothian Street, Norwich, while Mary Ann Watson (13) was staying with her grandparents, William White and Ann Francis. 

In 1881, we find Mary Ann Watson (54) Laundress, listed as Married (Not located William) living at Rowena Buildings, Thorpe Next Norwich with Mary Ann Watson (23) Laundress and James Francis Watson (18) Labourer.

In 1891, listed as Mary Wilson (sic) (64) from Mattishall, Mary Ann was living with her brother-in-law and sister, George and Maria Woods, in Ipswich Road, Norwich. Mary was again listed as married, but no sign of William.

In 1901, Mary Ann Watson (74) Widow from Norwich, Norfolk was living in the household of her youngest child, James Francis Watson (38) Telegraph Foreman (railway) at 62, Glenny Road, Barking, Romford, Essex.

Mary Ann Watson died, at 75, 1902 M Quarter in ROMFORD.

Stephen Wilton and Sophia Watson

St George's Church, Wells Way, Camberwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/2696927

Stephen Wilton (b. 1848), son of Ann Wilton (although his father was listed as an 'invented', non-existent John Wilton), married Sophia Watson at St George's Church, Camberwell on 4 Sep 1871. Sophia was the daughter of James Watson and Sophia Barker, who had also married in Camberwell, in 1843, although, Sophia was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1851, where her father was listed at that time, in Wellington Street, Westgate, as a Leather finisher and dyer. Stephen Wilton was a Harness Maker: a trade he undoubtedly learned while apprenticed to his maternal uncle Thomas Clark, who was one of the witnesses to Stephen and Sophia's marriage.

Stephen and Sophia had thirteen children, all born in Peckham, however, I have only been able to identify records for 12 of them:

1. Matilda Wilton b. 1872 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 737
2. Edward Wilton b. 1873 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 771
3. Stephen Wilton b. 1875 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 794
4. Sophia Ann b. 1878 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 834. (Died 1878 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 516)
5. Rose Wilton b. 1879 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 804. (Died, aged 1, in 1881 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 513)
6. Jane Wilton b. 1881 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 915
7. William Wilton b. 1883 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 918
8. Minnie Wilton b. 1885 S Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 917. (Died 1886 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 500)
9. Robert Wilton b. 16 Apr 1887 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 962
10. Florence Wilton b. 1891 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 882
11. Maud Wilton b. 1893 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 943
12. Edith Wilton b. 1895 D Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 860

In 1881, at 29, Sumner Road, Camberwell, were Stephen Wilton (33) Harness Maker; with wife Sophia Wilton (30), Matilda Wilton (9), Edward Wilton (7), Stephen Wilton (5) and Jane Wilton (0).

In 1891, in Camden Grove North, Camberwell, we find Stephen Wilton (43), Sophia Wilton (40), Edward Wilton (17) Soldier - records show that Edward had joined the East Surrey Regiment in 1890 - Stephen (15) Tin plate maker, Jane (10), William (8) and Robert (4) - the last 3 at school.

In 1901, at 24, Middle Street, Camberwell, were Stephen Wilton (53), Sophia Wilton (50), Jane Wilton (20) Ironer; William Wilton (18) Tin worker; Robert Wilton (14) Van boy; Florence (9), Maud (8) and Edith Wilton (5).

In 1911, at 129 Camden Grove North, Peckham: Stephen Wilton (63) Harness Maker, Sophia Wilton (60), Robert Wilton (23) Deal porter - a dangerous job done by a specialist group of workers in London's docks - Florence (19), Maud (18) Ironer and Edith (15) Book folder. They list on this census that they'd had thirteen children during their 40 year marriage, with nine then still living and four having died. (Can only find records for 12.)

Stephen Wilton died aged 65, in 1913 D Quarter Volume 01D Page 833 and is buried at Camberwell Old Cemetery, Square 23, Grave 23241.

In 1921, Sophia Wilton (70) widow, was living at 62, Commercial Road, Peckham, with her daughter Florrie Wilton (28).

Sophia Wilton died aged 80 in 1931 J Quarter Volume 01D Page 660.

London Docks - Deal Porters & Bag Work

William White and Ann Francis

All Saints' Church, Mattishall, Norfolk

William White (bap. 20 Jul 1806 at St Margaret, Garvestone), only child, son of Jacob White and Rose Bunkall, married Anne Francis (b. 3 Dec 1802 in Mattishall Burgh), daughter of William Francis and Sarah Homes, at All Saints' Church, Mattishall, Norfolk on 7 May 1826. 

Records exist for this couple having nine children:

1. Mariann White bap. 8 Oct 1826 in Mattishall
2. Anne White bap. 16 May 1830 in Mattishall (assume died in infancy)
3. Anne White bap. 23 Oct 1831 in Mattishall 
4. William White (b. 1834) bap. 26 Jun 1836 in Mattishall
5. Sarah White bap. 26 Jun 1836 in Mattishall
6. Elizabeth White bap. 27 May 1838 in Mattishall
7. Hannah White bap. 23 Aug 1840 in Mattishall
8. Maria White bap. 31 Jul 1842 in Mattishall
9. Walter White, b. 16 Nov 1845 in Thorpe 

In 1841, William (35) and Anne (35) were living 'Near the Church, Mattishall' with children: Mariann - listed as Mary - (14), Ann (9), William (7), Sarah (5), Elizabeth (3) and Hannah (0), as well as an Ann Clark (55).

By 1851, they had moved to Thorpe Road, St Andrew Thorpe with William (44) Gardener, Anne (47), Ann (19), William (17), also employed as a gardener, Hannah (10), Maria (8) and Walter (5).

In 1861, at Red Lion Hill, Thorpe were William (54) Gardener, Anne (54), Hannah (26), Maria (18) and Walter (15).

In 1871, William White (64) Gardener, and Anne White (68) were in Thorpe Street, Thorpe St Andrew, with granddaughter, Mary Ann Watson (13).

William White died just 16 days after the 1871 census was taken, aged 64, on 18 April 1871 and was buried at the Rosary Cemetery, Norwich.

16 Oct 1871: The will of William White late of Thorpe St. Andrew in the County of Norfolk, Gardener, who died 18 April 1871 at Thorpe St. Andrew was proved at Norwich by Francis Anthony Martyn of the City of Norwich Upholsterer one of the Executors. Effects under £100. (Francis Anthony Martyn was William's son-in-law, then married to daughter, Ann.)

In 1881, Ann White (78), widow, was living with her daughter Ann Martin (sic) (49), also then widowed, in Lothian Street, Norwich. Ann White died in 1889, aged 86 and is buried with her husband at the Rosary Cemetery. After contacting a local history group in in Thorpe St Andrew , I was contacted by former Sheriff of Norwich, Nick Williams, whose wife had seen my question and who provided photos and even a plan, which made the plot very easy to find. Interesting to read that the site was a former market garden and is "... also a haven for flora and fauna", as William White, as well as his sons, William and Walter, were all gardeners by profession. Ideal.

The Rosary Cemetery itself is notable, nay unique, too, as it was the first non-denominational cemetery in England. Laid out in 1819, it celebrated it's 200th Anniversary in 2019. Nick Williams, who is also involved in The Friends of the Rosary Cemetery, has now written several books on the burial site and here talks about The History of Rosary Cemetery. 

Headstone for William White and Ann Francis (left) Plot D3/578