Showing posts with label White. Show all posts
Showing posts with label White. Show all posts

Saturday, 10 January 2026

David Huke and Hannah White

St Andrew, Thorpe St Andrew
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4006187

David Huke (bap. 3 Jun 1838 in Burgh, St Peter, where he'd lived with his parents at Hukes Corner), Shoemaker, son of Edward Huke, Blacksmith, and Ann Taylor, married Hannah White (bap. 23 Aug 1840), daughter of William White and Ann Francis, at Thorpe St Andrew on 10 Jan 1869. The witnesses were Walter White and Hannah White, the bride's brother and his wife.

Hannah already had an illegitimate daughter, registered as Alice Roxby White in 1864 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 196. When Alice married in 1884, she listed her father as James Roxby. (There was one James Roxby in Norfolk, born in 1850. I'll do the maths for you: it would have involved Hannah 'seducing' a 13 year old lad. Not impossible, but I feel unlikely.) However, at her sister Maria's wedding in 1863, Hannah White was one of the witnesses, the other was a John Roxby, who is a much more likely prime suspect. There was a John Roxby, born around 1831-3, who would fit. He appears to have married someone else in 1865 and died in his 40's in 1875. If this is the man, then he won't have been around while Alice was growing up and that would account for the confusion in naming him.

David and Hannah Huke added four children:
  1. Lucy Ann Huke b. 1869 S Quarter in BLOFIELD Volume 04B Page 180, bap. 1 Feb 1870 in Thorpe-next-Norwich (Thorpe St Andrew).
  2. Minnie Huke b. 18 Apr 1871 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 191, bap. 28 Jun 1874 at Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew). Died in Reigate, Surrey, in 1914 (see below).
  3. Herbert Huke b. 1872 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 197, bap. 11 Apr 1874 at Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew). Died at 1½ in 1874 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 132 and was buried on 24 Apr 1874, also in Thorpe Episcopi.
  4. Albert Huke b. 16 Mar 1875 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 195, bap. 17 Mar 1875 in Thorpe Episcopi. Died aged 3 weeks in 1875 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 141 and was buried in Thorpe Episcopi on 10 Apr 1875.
Alice, born 18 May 1864, was also baptised on 28 Jun 1874 in Thorpe Episcopi (Thorpe St Andrew), her surname listed as "White or Huke", which I take to read as David Huke's intention to 'adopt' Hannah's daughter.

The baptisms confirm David Huke's occupation as Shoemaker.

In 1871, living at Thorpe Road (Dale's Place), Thorpe St Andrew, Blofield, Norfolk, were David Huke (32) Shoemaker from Burgh, St Peter; Hannah Huke (30) from Mattishall, Alice Huke (6) and Lucy Huke (1).

David Huke died, at 41, in 1879 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 131 and was buried at St. Andrew Episcopi on 1 Oct 1879.

In 1881, Hannah Huke (40), Widow, Washwoman from Mattishall, was living at Red Lion Square, Thorpe-Next-Norwich, with Alice White (16) Washwoman; Lucy Huke (11) and Minnie Huke (9).

Hannah Huke died, at 47, on 3 Feb 1888 M Quarter in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 153 and was buried on 8 Feb 1888, also in Thorpe Episcopi.

The Downham Market Gazette of 15 May 1880, reported that Arthur Ellgood, Labourer, of Thorpe St Andrew's was summoned by Alice White for assaulting her on 1 May 1880. The defendant did not appear, and the case was heard in his absense. He was fined 5s and costs of 16s 6d. So, it was some surprise to read that, Alice Roxby White (20) married Arthur Elgood (23) Labourer, son of William Elgood, Lime Burner at Thorpe St Andrew on 22 June 1884

The couple had one daughter, Lucy Hannah Elgood b. 16 Mar 1888 J Quarter in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 218 and bap. 15 Apr 1888 at Thorpe Episcopi.

Arthur Elgood died, aged 29, 1889 D Qtr in BLOFIELD Vol 04B Page 126 and was buried on 4 Dec 1889, also in Thorpe Episcopi.

In 1891, Alice Elgood (26) Widow, Laundress, was at Tan Yard, Thorpe Next Norwich, with daughter, Lucy Elgood (3) and Minnie Huke (19) Sister. 

Alice Elgood (27) Widow, married Walter Henry Lane (27) Bachelor, again at Thorpe Episcopi, on 12 Apr 1892. This time she listed her father as David Huke, Shoemaker (Deceased). Walter Henry's occupation was 'Agent'.

On 1 Feb 1883, aged 19, at Great Yarmouth, Walter Henry Lane had joined the Norfolk Regiment. He deserted on 16 Jun 1883; re-joined on 7 Sep 1883 and was imprisoned, but eventually settled down to achieve 5 years 83 days service and promotion to Corporal. He served in India, was awarded a medal with clasp, Burma 1887-89 and was pensioned on 17 Sep 1890.

In 1901, Walter Henry Lane (36) Carpenter, Alice Lane (36) and Lucy Lane (13) [Elgood], were living at 30, Rangemoor Road, Tottenham, Edmonton.

In 1911, still at 30 Rangemoor Road, Tottenham, were Walter Henry Lane (listed as 50) Carpenter; Alice Lane (48) Charwoman; Lucy Hannah Lane (23) Boot boxer and William Smith (22) Door Man at Boot Shop, Lodger.

Lucy H Elgood married William H Smith, in Edmonton, in Q4 1911. 

Walter Henry Lane died at 49, in 1914 J Qtr in EDMONTON.

In 1921, Alice Lane (57) Widow, whose occupation was listed as 'Washing', was living at 19, Highweek Road, Tottenham. Also at that same address were Lucy Smith (33) Widow (one imagines that her husband, William H Smith, had been lost during WWI); Minnie Smith (9) and William Smith (7).

In 1939, Alice Lane (b. 18 May 1864), Widow, of Private Means, was living, at 15 Highwood Road, Tottenham.

Alice Lane died at 77, in 1942 M Qtr in EDMONTON Vol 03A Page 1157.

  • Minnie Huke of The Brabazon Home Reigate (Brabazon Home of Comfort. Founded to care for chronic or incurable invalids among the members of the Girls' Friendly Society who might otherwise face ending their days in the workhouse infirmary) died aged 43, in 1914 J Quarter in REIGATE Volume 02A Page 252 at was buried on 24 Apr 1914 at St Mary's Church, Reigate.
  • Lucy Huke was listed in 1914-1915 at 13 Stonebridge Road, Tottenham. Lucy Ann Huke, died at 61, in 1932 M Quarter in EDMONTON Volume 03A Page 934, having never married.

Thursday, 25 December 2025

John Daines and Sarah White

St Andrew, Thorpe St Andrew - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4006187

John Daines (bap. 10 Apr 1837 in Langley, Norfolk), Shoemaker, son of Isaac Daines, Wheelwright, and Maria Atmore, married Sarah White (bap. 26 Jun 1836 in Mattishall), daughter of William White and Ann Francis at Thorpe Episcopi, Norfolk (Thorpe St Andrew) on 25 Dec 1859. Witnesses were William White (Sarah's father or brother) and Rebecca Arthurton.

John and Sarah Daines had six children:

  1. Arthur George Daines b. 12 Apr 1860 (1860 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Vol 04B Page 188), bap. 6 May 1860 at Thorpe Episcopi
  2. Annie Laurie Daines b. 1863 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 154
  3. Maria Louisa Daines b. 1866 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 173
  4. William Henry Daines b. 9 Apr 1871 (1871 J Qtr Vol 04B Page 160)
  5. Emily Marella Daines b. 3 Jul 1873 (1873 S Qtr Vol 04B Page 148) 
  6. Edith Marina Daines b. 1875 D Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 139
In 1861, living in Plumstead Road, Thorpe, Blofield, Norfolk, were John Daynes (sic) (23) Cordwainer - a shoemaker who makes new shoes from new leather - from Langley, Norfolk; Sarah Daynes (sic) (24) from Mattishall, and Arthur G Daynes (sic) (11 months) born in Thorpe St Andrew.

In 1871, John Daynes (sic) (33) Rivetter (Shoe) was living in Derby Street, Heigham, Norwich with Sarah Daynes (sic) (34); Arthur G Daynes (10), Anna L Daynes (7) and Maria L Daynes (5).

In 1879, William Henry Daines was registered at St Stephen's Boys School, Norwich and Emily Daines was registered at St Stephen's Girls School.

In 1881, John Daines (42) Boot Operator was living in Upper Rupert Street, Heigham, Norwich, with Sarah Daines (43), Arthur G Daines (20) Rivetter (Shoe); Anna L Daines (17) Boot machinist; Marie L Daines (15) Dress maker; William H Daines (9), Emily M Daines (7) and Edith M Daines (5).

In 1891, John Daynes (sic) (53) Shoe Operator was at 70, Heigham Road, Norwich, with Sarah Daynes (54), Emily M Daynes (17) and Emily M Daynes (15). Arthur Daines (32) Shoemaker was a lodger at The Crown, 117, St Benedick Street, Norwich (This pub was destroyed by bombing in 1942).

In 1901, at 70, Heigham Road, Norwich, were John Daines (64) Boot & shoe operator; Sarah Daines (65), Arthur G Daines (38) Boot & shoe rivetter; Emily M Minns (27), Aubrey G Minns (4) and Leslie H Minns (3) Grandsons.

Sarah Daines died at 68 in 1905 D Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 92.

In 1911, John Daines (74) Boot maker, Widower, was living at 21 Connaught Road, Norwich with his son Arthur G Daines (50) Boot printer.

In 1921, John Daines (84) Wife's father, Boot repairer, was living in the household of Arthur Frederick Browne (55), along with Edith Marina Browne (45) and Arthur G Daines (61) Boot maker (Wife's brother).

Eldest son Arthur George Daines never married and died at 64 in 1924 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B  Page 129.

John Daines died at 89 in 1926 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 148.

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

George Woods and Maria White

St Julian's church in Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/1958118

George Woods (bap. 25 May 1834 in Rackheath, Norfolk), son of John Woods and Elizabeth Waters, married Maria White (bap. 31 Jul 1842 in Mattishall, Norfolk), daughter of William White and Ann Francis, at St Julian's Church, Norwich on Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1863. Witnesses to the marriage were listed as John Roxby and Hannah White (Maria's sister). 

George and Maria do not appear to have had any children.

In 1881, George Woods (46) Gardener and Maria Woods (38), were living at Mile Lane (Mile Cross Lane?), Eaton St Andrew, Norwich.

In 1891, living in Ipswich Road, Norwich, were George Woods (57) Market Gardener from Rackheath, Norfolk; Maria Woods (48) from Mattishall and Mary Wilson (sic) (64) Sister, Married, also from Mattishall, whose name was wrongly listed and was actually Maria's eldest sister, Mary Ann Watson.

George Woods died at 62 in 1896 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 83.

In 1901, Maria Wood (sic) (58) was Housekeeper to Henry Davy, Licenced Victualler at 78, St Benedict Court Street, Norwich (The Ten Bells). 

In the 4th quarter of 1905, Maria Woods married Thomas Scrivener

In 1911, Thomas Scrivener (78) Naval Pensioner from Houghton, Bedfordshire and Maria Scrivener (68) from Mattishall, Norfolk, were living in Back Lane, Banham, Attleborough, Norfolk.

Thomas Scrivener of 101 Glebe Road, Norwich died, aged 87, on 3 Apr 1920 (1920 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 149). Probate was granted on 15 Apr 1920 to Maria Scrivener, Widow, to whom he left effects of £318 16s 9d (around £18,000 in 2023).

In 1921, Maria Scrivener (78) was still living at 101, Glebe Road, Norwich, Norfolk with Theresa Wardle (43) and Murial Tuxford Wardle (8), Boarders.

Maria Scrivener died at 83 in 1926 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Pg 156.

Sunday, 23 November 2025

Alfred Beamer and Mary Ann White

Adelaide Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - geograph.org.uk/p/6083118

Alfred Beamer (b. 29 Dec 1853 in Taunton, Somerset), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith (half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land), married Mary Ann White (b. 1851 in Plympton), daughter of Alfred Augustus Harker White and Mary Sorton, on 23 Nov 1879 at Saint George's Church, Stonehouse (bombed in WWII). Alfred Beamer's rank or profession was listed as Private RM (He'd enlisted in the Royal Marines on 29 Dec 1871.)

Alfred and Mary Ann had five children:
  1. Alfred Beamer b. 28 Aug 1880 (1880 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 289) [a]
  2. Ethel Annie Beamer b. 23 Feb 1883 (1883 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 299) [a]
  3. William George Beamer b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 303) [a]
  4. Rosa May Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408) [b]
  5. Frederick John Beamer b. 7 Jan 1893 (1893 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 408) (Died 1896 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 288) [b]
[a] Alfred, Ethel Annie and William George were all baptised, on 19 Jan 1886, at the Anglican Church of Saint Matthew, located in Clarence Place, opposite the former Royal Naval Hospital at East Stonehouse, Plymouth.

[b] Registered at the GRO as Rosa May, this twin was baptised Rosa Mary, when she and Frederick John were both baptised "privately" on the same day they were born, 7 Jan 1893, in Halberton, Devon. Their address at this time was Valley House, Halberton and Alfred was employed as a labourer. (Private baptism: "This means the child wasn’t baptised at Sunday service, usually because it was thought too weak to survive until then. [...] but it can mean the child was baptised by the priest visiting the family home, or by the midwife attending the birth. In fact, according to Anglican practice, in an emergency, a baptism may be performed by anyone who is already themselves baptised.")

In 1881, Mary A Beamer (29), Marines Wife, was at 47, Adelaide Street, East Stonehouse, with son Alfred (0) and her sister Mary J White (19). (Mary Ann, who's mother was named Mary, and her mother before her was also Mary (her parents married, on 15 December 1850, when Mary Sorton was a minor (19), at St Mary’s Church Plympton) had a younger sister, named Mary Jane!)

Again in 1891, Mary A Beamer (38) was listed as the head of the household "Supported by husband", with children: Alfred (10), Ethel A (8) and William G (5), and were living at Union Place, East Stonehouse.

Alfred completed 21 years service in the Royal Marines, with a final date of 6 Jan 1893, however, both William George and Ethel Annie were registered in the National School Admission Registers a Halberton by Nov 1892.

In 1901, they were back in Plymouth at 19, Cecil Street, Stonehouse, with Alfred Beamer (46), Labourer at Victualling Yard, wife Mary (49) and their two daughters, Ettie (Ethel) (18) and Rosa (8). Son Alfred was away, having joined the Royal Marines, while William was away training in the Royal Navy.

And in 1911, at 40 Neswick Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, were Alfred Beamer (57) Pensioner Royal Marine Labourer Royal William Victualling Yard, wife Mary Ann (59), Rose May (18) (There are no records beyond 1911 for daughter, Rosa May) and Mary Jane White (51), Mary Ann's sister.

Alfred Beamer died, at 68, in 1920 D Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 329.

In 1921, Mary Ann Beamer (70) Widow, Mother-in-law, was living in what had then become the household of her son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, but still at 40, Neswick Street, Plymouth.

In 1939, Mary Ann, widow, was again living with son-in-law and daughter, Edward and Ethel Priddle, at 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth.

Mary Ann Beamer of 2 Glendower Road, Peverell, Plymouth, died on 17 May 1950 (1950 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 600). She was aged 99. A notice of her death had appeared in the Western Morning News on 19 May 1950 and Mary Ann was buried, on 20 May 1950, at The Parish Church of St Gabriel, Peverell Terrace, Peverell, Plymouth.

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Jacob White and Rose Bunkall

St. Nicholas Church, Dereham

Jacob White and Rose Bunkall, married on 12 Nov 1805 at St. Nicholas ChurchDereham. Jacob, the son of Jacob White and Elizabeth Thompson, was baptised at All Saints ChurchShipdham, on 23 Jul 1770 (where his parents had married just two months earlier on 19 May 1770). Rose, the daughter of William and Margaret Bunkall, was born in December 1766 and baptised at St. Nicholas Church, Dereham on 1 Feb 1767. Jacob and Rose married late and were already 35 and 38, respectively, at the time of their marriage, but are described as a single man and a single woman. 

The lateness probably accounts for why they had only one child: 
  1. William White, bap. 20 Jul 1806 at St MargaretGarvestone
Rose White died, her age estimated at 62, and was buried on 6 Jul 1827, at All Saints, Mattishall. (Mattishall is where son William then lived.)

In 1841, Jacob White (70) was living South GreenMattishall

Jacob White died, his age also over-estimated by two years to 76, in 1844 M Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH Volume 13 Page 181.

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Moses Doe and Harriet White

St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rodney Burton - geograph.org.uk/p/141922

Moses Doe (bap. 4 Feb 1821 in Little Canfield), son of Henry Doe and Elizabeth Doe, married Harriet White (bap. 6 Oct 1822 in Great Dunmow), daughter of Mark White and Rose/Rhoda Pickett, at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch on 30 Sep 1844. Rhoda White was one of four witnesses to the marriage. (In 1841, Rhoda White (42) was in the household - presumably as a servant - of James Samms (67) at Manor Farm, Little Easton (Little Easton Manor). Mark White had been buried in 1834, in Little Easton.)

Moses and Harriet had three sons:
  1. Charles Doe b. 1845 S Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 278, bap. at Walthamstow, St John the Evangelist
  2. Benjamin Doe b. 1848, reg. 1849 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 320, bap. Walthamstow, St James the Great. Died, aged 13, in 1862 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 34, and is buried at Walthamstow, St Mary the Virgin.
  3. William Doe b. 1851 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Vol 12 Page 317
In 1851, Moses Doe (30) Labourer from Essex was living in Black Horse Lane, Walthamstow, West Ham, with wife Harriet (29) from Dunmow, Essex; Charles Doe (5), Benjamin Doe (1), William Doe (0) and Roda (sic) White (50) Widow, House Servant, Mother-in-Law from Fakenham, Norfolk.

In 1861, Moses Doe (40) Grocer, was at Sinkers Bridge, Walthamstow, West Ham, with Harriet Doe (36), Benjamin Doe (11), William Doe (10), Kate Stacks (2) Granddaughter from Middlesex and Elizabeth Martain (51) Widow, Lodger from Hackney. I've been unable to find Charles Doe, who would have been around 15 and probably out working. (There is a death of a Charles Doe in West Ham in 1861, but this record can be discounted as the deceased was aged 3.) With only three sons, who were too young, Kate Stacks cannot be the Doe's granddaughter so assume was the lodger's granddaughter.

In 1871, at Shern Hall Place, Walthamstow, West Ham were Moses Doe (50) Undergardener Domestic Servant from Little Canfield, Essex; Harriet Doe (49) from Little Easton and William Doe (20) Groom. (Shern Hall: stood in impressive grounds of more than 18 acres that contained landscaped gardens, a large T-shaped pond, orchards, meadowland, farm buildings and stabling.)

Harriet Doe died, at 52, in 1874 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 333 was buried on 7 Jan 1874 at St Paul's Church, Rusthall.

Moses Doe (53) Widower, Gardener, remarried to Mary Ann Norman (39) Spinster, on 7 Mar 1875 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.

Moses and Mary Ann Doe added one further son:
  1. John Doe b. 27 Aug 1876 (1876 S Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 603), bap. 26 Nov 1876 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church, son of Moses Doe, Gardener of Grove Cottages, Bishops Down
In 1881, transcribed as Morris Deo (and the bad handwriting does look like that) living at Denny Bottom, Speldhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, were Moses Doe (60) Gardener; Mary Ann Doe (45) Wife of Gardner; John Doe (4) Scholar, plus 2 Lodgers: John P Norbury (32) Carpenter from Liverpool and Alfred Brown (20) Carpenter from Bradwell on Sea, Essex.

Mary Ann Doe died, aged 53 in 1888 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 439, and was buried on 13 Mar 1888, at St Paul's Church, Rusthall

Moses Doe died, at 67, on 24 Jun 1888 (1888 J Qtr in TUNBRIDGE Vol 02A Page 364) and was buried on 27 Jun 1888, also at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. Sadly, the gravestone mentions "a long and painful affliction".

St. Paul's Church, Rusthall Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Malc McDonald - geograph.org.uk/p/6408539

Saturday, 27 September 2025

Francis Anthony Martyn and Anne White

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

Francis Anthony Martyn, widower, son of Frederick Martyn, Clerk, married Anne White (bap. 23 Oct 1831), spinster, daughter of William White and Ann Francis, on 27 Sep 1852 at the Parish Church of St. Margaret, Norwich.

Francis had previously married Mary Anne Jeffries on 17 Mar 1835 at St Benedict's Church, Norwich and in 1841, Francis Martyn (26) Upholsterer and Marianna Martyn (28) had lived at Ten Bell Lane, St Swithin, Norwich. 

In 1851, Francis Martin (sic) (35) Upholsterer and Marianne Martin (40) were in Three King Lane, Saint Margaret's, Norwich. Then Mary Ann Martyn died, at 38, and was buried, on 21 Oct 1851, at St Martin at Oak, Norwich.

In 1871, Francis Martyn (55) Upholsterer, Ann Martyn (39) and Sarah Watson (19) Niece (Sarah was the daughter of Ann's elder sister, Mary Ann) were living in Lothian Street, St Benedict, Norwich.

Francis Martyn died at 65-66, on 20 Dec 1880 and was buried on Boxing Day 1880 at the Rosary Cemetery, Norwich.

In 1881, Ann Martin (sic) (49) Widow, was still living in Lothian Street, Norwich St Benedict, Norwich with her widowed mother, Ann White (78).

Ann Martyn died at 52 in 1884 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 129 and, it appears from the inscription on the stone, was buried with her husband.

Neither of Francis Martyn's marriages had resulted in any children.

Sunday, 7 September 2025

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 as White, but was listed as Watson on Census.

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, in 1902 M Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A 304.

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

Nicholas Jones and Ellen Brennan (otherwise White)

Glenbrook from the R624 near Carrigalore
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian S - geograph.org.uk/p/5837006

Nicholas Jones, son of Thomas Jones and Mary Harty, married Ellen Brennan otherwise White, widow, on 5 Aug 1886, at Christ Church, Church of Ireland, Rushbrooke, Cobh - the church where his brother, David Jones, was Sexton. Nicholas' address was Rushbrooke and Ellen's Glenbrook. Witnesses to the marriage were a George Owens and Annie Jones - David and Nicholas' sister. Nicholas' rank or profession at that time was Able Seaman. 

Nicholas had been baptised on 17 May 1853 at the Catholic church of the Sacred Heart, Rath, near Baltimore (Rath And The Islands Parish), Cork. Sponsors were a James Hayes and Ellen Hart (sic) - his mother's sister. 

Ellen White, said to be born in 1854 D Quarter in EPSOM Volume 02A Page 4, civil record gives her mother's maiden name as Smith. On the record of her marriage to Nicholas, she gives her father's name as William Henry White, a farmer, but it hasn't been possible to find a marriage of a William White and someone whose surname is Smith in the right timeframe and area. I'd be quite well off if I had a quid for every illegitimate-born person who claimed that their father was a farmer, so this makes me suspicious. Nor has it been possible to locate Ellen's previous marriage to Mr Brennan.

Nicholas and Ellen had one daughter, Annie Jones, purportedly b. 30 Sep 1890 in London. On both the 1901 and 1911 Irish census returns Annie, 12 and 22, respectively, calculate to a year of birth of 1889/90 and state she was born in England. Annie's own daughter could never find a birth record for her, so I'm sure I can't and we're forced to conclude that Ellen probably didn't register the birth before leaving England, nor once she got back to Ireland.

What will we do with a drunken sailor? You honestly couldn't make this up, and fulfilling every stereotype in the book: Irish. Sailor. Drunk. On 1 Sep 1875, Nicholas Jones, Seaman appeared in court as a Defendant in Queenstown (Cobh). The Cork Constitution (newspaper) of 2 Sep 1875, reported on the previous day's Queenstown Petty Sessions: "Nicholas Jones for breaking a window in the house of Mrs Cotter, publican, Harbour Row, was fined 7s 6d., compensation, and 5s. additional for being drunk." The summons details that Nicholas was "Found drunk on the highway, town of Queenstown on the 3rd August 1875." And that he "Wilfully committed damage to a pane of glass the property of Complainant [Catherine Cotter, Widow] value seven shillings and six pence." "Defendant to pay a fine of five shillings + costs one shilling, or in default to be imprisoned for seven days in the County Jail. Said defendant to pay Catherine Cotter the sum of seven shillings compensation for breaking said pane of glass + costs 6d." 

However, on, 17 Jan 1888, the same newspaper reported:

MERITORIOUS CONDUCT OF A CORK SAILOR

At two o'clock yesterday, Nicholas Jones, of 11 Harbour View, Queenstown, was made the recipient of a silver medal, presented by the French Government for his meritorious services performed under the following circumstances:- 

In March 1886, he was serving on board the steamship Sarah Ann of West Hartlepool, bound from Baltimore to Galway. When in the neighbourhood of the Grand Bank of Newfoundland they fell in with a French brig Dix Freres (Ten Brothers) of Martinique, in distress, with masts gone and decks swept, a very heavy sea running at the time. The steamer hove to, launched a boat, of which Nicholas Jones was one of the crew, and they, after great difficulty and risk, brought four of the French crew on board the Sarah Ann the remainder being subsequently rescued by another steamer. 

The medal, which was accompanied by a certificate of merit, bore the following inscription:- "A Nicholas Jones, matelot a bord du naviere Anglais Sarah Ann; services a la marine Française, 1886." (To Nicholas Jones, sailor aboard the English ship Sarah Ann; services to the French navy, 1886.)

Mr W Harvey, President of the Board of Trade, presided; and Alderman Scott and Capt. M Dermott were also present.

Mr Harvey, in presenting the medal said that [the] board had very frequently been applied to to perform duties of the present pleasing nature, and that, he thought, spoke very well for the bravery of Cork seamen. He had very great pleasure indeed in presenting Jones with the medal and certificate which was so justly awarded to him for his share in the meritorious rescue, and he heartily wished him a long and successful career.

Alderman Scott said he had only to endorse what had been said by Mr Harvey, and he thought he was expressing the opinions of the community when he said he was proud of the recipient, not alone for the favourable record he bore, but for his instrumentality in saving human life, which was a most commendable quality. Mr Jones, having returned thanks, the proceedings terminated.

It may be mentioned that the delay caused in presenting the medal was due to the fact of Mr Jones being at sea almost constantly since the occurrence.

This further report of the incident, from the Northern Daily Mail, March 27th, 1886, tells us more, "The lifeboat by which the rescue was affected was in the command of Mr Andrews, the mate & it was so severely damaged by the heavy sea running at the time that it was little short of a miracle that she ever got back to the steamer. The entire crew of the brigantine were Negroes & the master & mate were quite drunk & not only resisted all persuasion to leave the sinking vessel, with which they declared they would go down, but they most inhumanely prevented a small boy from being rescued with the other four."

Records of Shipping agreements and crew lists at the National Archives of Ireland suggest that Nicholas served on various vessels, including the following ships: SS Xema departing from Cork in Jun 1891, Dec 1891, Jun 1893, Dec 1893, Jun 1894 and Dec 1894; SS Rotterdam from Dublin in Dec 1896, Lee from Cork in 1898 and Blamey from Cork in Dec 1900.

In 1901, Ellen Jones (47), wife, and Annie Jones (12), scholar, were living in the Lower Glanmire Road, Cork City. Nicholas will have been at sea. 

In 1911, still in Lower Glanmire Road, were Nicholas Jones (57) Ship's Steward, Ellen Jones (57) and Annie Jones (22) Bookkeeper. The household also included three Boarders: Samuel Donald Dare (42), James Raynane (22), John Foley (25) and Hannah Healy (40), Domestic Servant, Visitor. 

Nicholas Jones, Sailor, died on 22 Jan 1930, ultimately from cardiac failure. His death was registered in the district of Carrigaline, KinsaleCounty Cork. The record said he was 72, but he will have been 76. 

Ellen Jones, Sailor's Widow, died on 23 Dec 1931, also in Carrigaline. She was 76. Her daughter, Annie King, was present at her death.

Friday, 30 May 2025

Sydney George Blazey and Nelly White

Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common, Panels 85 to 90.

Sydney George Blazey (b. 1 July 1888 in Fulham, London), son of William Blazey and Mary Anne Clarke, married Nelly White (b. 21 Feb 1891 in Westminster, London), the daughter of John Charles White and Sarah Elizabeth Saunders, reportedly on 30 May 1915 in Southwark.

The couple's only child was:

  1. Edwin Sidney Blazey b. 14 Jan 1920 at Electric Light Station, Napier Road, Kensington (1920 M Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 200)

Sidney George Blazey had served with the British Army during World War I, as very shortly after he and Nelly had married, on 18 Sep 1915, Bombardier Sidney George Blazey, Royal Field Artillery, his medal card shows, had disembarked in France. (The Royal Artillery in the First World War).

In 1921, at Holland Mews, Kensington were Sidney George Blazey (32), Substation Attendant, Electricity Supply, employed by Notting Hill Electric Lighting Co Ltd; Nellie Blazey (30) and Edwin Sidney Blazey (1).

In 1939, at 9 Holland Mews, West Holland Park, Kensington And Chelsea, were Sidney G Blazey, Electricity Sub Station Attendant; Nellie Blazey and Nancy W J Adams (b. 1909), Clerk To School Governors (Lodger?).

Petty Officer Supply Edwin Sydney Blazey (known as Eddie) served in the Royal Navy on board HMS Janus, Service No. P/MX 61137.

On 22 Jan 1944, HMS Janus "Provided naval gunfire support during assault phase" [of the Battle of Anzio]. On 23 Jan 1944, she was hit by torpedo during air attack off Anzio and sank with heavy loss of life when magazine exploded. 94 survivors were rescued, but 158 of ship’s company lost their lives. Eddie Blazey, who was my 2nd cousin twice removed, was one of those who died at sea that day, aged 24. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Southsea Common, Panel 87, Column 1.

Sydney George Blazey of 29 Lymescote Gardens, Sutton, Surrey, died on 3 Jul 1969, just two days after his 81st birthday. Probate was granted on 11 May 1973, on his estate worth £819, which was after Nelly Blazey's death, on 3 Jan 1973. Probate on her estate of £700 had been granted the day before her late husband's, on 10 May 1973. Neither lists a beneficiary.

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

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 (1845 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 13 Page 20) (Birth, marriage and death certs held.)

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). Sarah White (15) Servant in the household of John Baker at 16 Victoria Street, Lakenham. Elizabeth White (13) was Servant to Susannah Balley (28) Gentlewoman, on Thorpe Road.

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 (1871 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 123) and was buried at the Rosary Cemetery, Norwich, Plot D3/578.

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

Anne White died on 4 Nov 1889 (1889 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 92), aged 86 and is buried with her husband at Rosary Cemetery. 

After contacting a local history group for 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. The Rosary Cemetery itself is notable, nay unique, 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 site and here talks about The History of Rosary Cemetery

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

Monday, 21 April 2025

William White and Susan Lynes

St John the Baptist & All Saints, Lakenham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - geograph.org.uk/p/153352

William White (b. 1834, bap. 26 Jun 1836 in Mattishall), son of William White and Ann Francis, married Susan Lynes, on 21 Apr 1856, at St John the Baptist, Lakenham, Norwich. Susan lists her father as Thomas Lynes, Gamekeeper. In 1851, Susan Lynes, then giving her age as 26, from South Creake, Norfolk was Servant to the Curate of Thorpe, Thorpe St Andrew

William and Susan had three children:
  1. Alice White b. 27 Feb 1857 (1857 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 126), bap. 3 May 1857 in Thorpe Hamlet
  2. Henrietta Frances White b. 1860 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 155
  3. William Francis White b. 1862 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 143
In 1861, William White (27) Market Gardener; Susan White (32 ish) from South Creake, Norfolk and Alice White (4) were living in the household of William Watson (27) in King Street, St Julian, Norwich. (William Watson was married to Mary Ann White, William White's older sister.)

In 1871, William White (36) Gardener; Susan White (claiming to be only 39), Alice White (14), Henrietta White (11) and Francis White (9) were living in Trory Street, Lakenham, Norwich.

Susan White died, said to be 54, on 7 Mar 1881 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 102 and Susan the wife of William White, was buried at Rosary Cemetery, Norwich (along with Francis Martyn, the husband of William's sister Ann White.)

In 1881, William White (45) Widower, Gardener from Mattishall, Norfolk; Alice White (24) Labourer Gardener; Henrietta White (21) Housekeeper and William F White (19) Gardener were living at Ivory Street, Norwich Lakenham, Norwich.

William White died, at 50, in 1885 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 95.

Monday, 31 March 2025

Walter White and Hannah Blazey

Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church
The church, which was once reported to be the smallest church in Norfolk, was the subject of a Vestry meeting in 1862. It was decided at this meeting that the church needed to be enlarged and then in 1864 it was a agreed that a new one should be built. The new church was consecrated on 31st May 1866 by the Bishop of Norwich [just in time for Walter and Hannah's wedding the following year]. The remains of the medieval church still exist in front of the Parish Church.

Walter White (b. 16 Nov 1845 in Thorpe, Norfolk), youngest son of William White and Ann Francis, married Hannah Blazey (b. 17 Jun 1845 in Heigham, Norfolk), daughter of Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns on Sunday, 31 Mar 1867 at the Parish church of St Andrew, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich. Witnesses to their marriage were Samuel Blazey, the bride's brother, Hannah White, the bridegroom's sister and an Elizabeth Blazey (unsure which).

Walter and Hannah shortly added two children to the family:
  1. Walter White b. 1869 S Qtr in BLOFIELD UNION Vol 04B Page 179
  2. Laura Elizabeth White b. 15 Oct 1870 (1870 D Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 185)
On 4 Jun 1870, The Norfolk Chronicle and Norwich Gazette reported that Walter White, of Thorpe St. Andrew's, gardener, was summoned by Hannah White, his wife, for unlawfully assaulting her on the 25th ult. [i.e. the previous month] Complainant said that she asked her husband for the money to pay the gas rate with, on which he flew into a violent passion, and beat and kicked her in the back. Defendant said he might have kicked her, but not to have hurt her, but it was under great provocation. Defendant was fined 5s, and 15s costs. 

In 1871, Walter White (26) Gardener, Hannah White (26), Walter White (1) and Laura White (5 months) were living at Thorpe Grove, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew. In the next-door household was a Robert Knivett (53), also a gardener. Also living at Thorpe Grove, was William Birkbeck (1832–1897), banker and landowner, whose former property in Thunder Lane, now named The Cottage is currently a pub and restaurant. One presumes these gardeners were employed on Birkbeck's then quite large estate.

Walter White, Gardener, of Globe Street, Heigham, Norwich, died, aged 26 on 5 Jan 1872 (M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 130) from Smallpox. The death certificate states that H White [Hannah] was present at his death. 

As yet, I've been unable to work out what happened to Hannah, whether she remarried; I've found no death record, but feel, sadly, that's more likely, as in 1881, Walter and Laura, were living with their maternal grandmother.