James Orchard and Elizabeth Howe

Church of All Saints, Dulverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marika Reinholds - geograph.org.uk/p/6070176

James Orchard (bap. 25 Dec 1808 in Luxborough, Somerset) son of John Orchard and Elizabeth Darch, married Elizabeth How (sic) (bap. 27 Jul 1807 in Exton, Somerset), daughter of Joseph How and Mary How, on 28 Feb 1831 at the church of All Saints, Dulverton, Somerset. Not the church seen today, but in the previous 15th Century building (the tower survives), largely rebuilt in the 1850s. Witnesses were Jane How and James How.

James and Elizabeth had seven children, all baptised in Dulverton:

1. Frances Ann Orchard bap. 3 Jul 1831 
2. Thomas Orchard bap. 2 Feb 1834 
3. Mary Elizabeth Orchard bap. 13 Jan 1837
4. Ellen Howe Orchard b. 1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 238, bap. 6 Oct 1839
5. Matthew Howe Orchard b. 1843 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 258, bap. 21 May 1843
6. Anne Orchard b. 1846 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 263, bap. 10 Jan 1847
7. Jane Orchard b. 1852 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396, bap. 29 Aug 1852

The mother's maiden name listed on all the GRO birth records is HOWE.

In 1841, James Orchard (30) and Elizabeth Orchard (30), Thomas Orchard (7), Mary Orchard (4) and Ellen Orchard (1) were living in the household of Grace Hanford (65) at Castle Court, Dulverton. Frances (10), was living at West Broford, Dulverton, with her grandparents, Joseph and Mary How.

In 1851, in Dulverton, were James Orchard (42) Colt Breaker from Luxborough, Somerset; Elizabeth Orchard (43), Mary E Orchard (14), Ellen H Orchard (11), Matthew H Orchard (7), Ann Orchard (7) and Ann Badley (21) Lodger. Frances Ann Orchard (19) House Servant, was still living in the household of her grandfather, Joseph How, Farmer of 180 Acres, at West Broford, as was Thomas Orchard (17) Grandson, Farm Servant.

Elizabeth Orchard died, at 52, in 1860 J Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 265 and was buried on 22 Apr 1860, at Dulverton.

In 1861, James Orchard (48) Colt Breaker, Widowed, was a Lodger in the household of John Holcombe (67) in Back Street, Dulverton. I've not been able to find Frances Ann. Thomas Orchard (27) was living in the household of his Father-in-law, George Staple (53), also there was his sister Ann Orchard (14). There was a Mary Orchard (22) Housemaid in Fore Street, Dulverton; an Ellen Orchard (24) Kitchenmaid at Calm John Cottages, Rewe, Devon; Matthew Orchard (17) Saddler was living in Bridgetown Village, Exton, in the household of James Clatworthy (44) Sadler and Jane Orchard (9) was a Visitor in the household of John Rudd (29) in Lady Street, Dulverton.

In 1871, James Orchard (65) Labourer, Widowed, from Luxborough, Somerset, was a lodger in the household of William England (50).

James Orchard died, aged 69, in 1878 D Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 227 and was buried, on 14 Dec 1878, in Dulverton.

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson

Northampton: St Giles
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/4127502

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson (bap. 18 Dec 1815), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, married, on 26 Feb 1838, at St Giles Church, Northampton. Thomas Smith, Brickmaker, listed his father as Thomas Smith, Labourer. Both gave their address as "Butcher's Yard". One of the witnesses was Catherine Willis, who may have been related to Lucy's mother.

There is only one confirmed record of a child of this couple:

1. Ann Smith b. 1841 D Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 230, with mother's maiden name listed as TOMPSON

In 1841, Thomas (29) and Lucy (25), lived in West Haddon. Staying with them was Elizabeth Tompson (10) - actually 12 - who was Lucy's sister.

The Northampton Mercury of Saturday 13 April 1844, reported on the Northampton Borough Sessions of Tuesday 9 Apr 1844:

LUCY SMITH, wife of Thomas Smith, was indicted for stealing a quantity of ribbon, the property of Mr. T. S. Wright. Mr. Scriven appeared for the prosecution. Charles Goosey, one of Mr. Wright's assistants, saw the prisoner come in and out of the shop quite as many as twelve times on Saturday last. Some persons were looking at some ribbons, when the prisoner put her hand over the shoulders of the parties, took a piece of ribbon up, concealed it under her shawl, and ultimately put it in her basket. She had previously asked to be shown some net. Witness was engaged with a customer when she took the ribbon, and upon observing what had occurred, he went to the prisoner, and served her with some net, for which she tendered a shilling. Witness went under pretence of getting change and sent for a policeman, and she was given into custody. The ribbon was found in her basket.

Sessions House, Northampton
StJaBe, CC BY 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

Prisoner comes from West Haddon, and a Mrs. Hoole of that place, said she had an excellent character. Her sister, Mrs. Bottrill, a respectably dressed person, who cried bitterly, also said she had always borne a good character. The distress of her sister affected the prisoner who had hitherto exhibited no signs of emotion.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty.

There were two other indictments against her, one for stealing a pair of shoes, the property of Henry Freeman, and the other for stealing 14 yards of cotton print, the property of J. Phipps, both on the same day. At the suggestion, however, of the Recorder, no evidence was offered in either of these cases. After a feeling address, the Recorder sentenced the prisoner to Six Months' Imprisonment.

The Cast of Characters:

1. Thomas Wright (35) was a Draper at Waterloo House, 21 Market Square, Northampton in 1841 and had a Charles Goosey (15), Draper's Apprentice, listed in his considerable household (employ) of 27 people.
2. Mr. Thos. Scriven, of the Town of Northampton, Solicitor, according to the 1841 census, when he was aged 40, lived in St Giles Square.
3. Mrs. Hoole: Ann Hoole, wife of Thomas Hoole, Brazier, in 1841 lived next door to Stephen and Mary Bottrill, of The Bell Inn, West Haddon.
4. Henry Freeman (35), Shoemaker, in 1841, resided at Great Russell Street, Northampton. (Great Russell Street, Northampton, in 1974 waiting to be demolished.) Perhaps he sold his wares in the market?
5. In 1841 there was a John Phipps (40), Draper, in Albion Place, Northampton and a John Phipps (15), Draper, in Gold Street, Northampton. We can assume it was one of these.
6. The Recorder was N. R. Clarke, Esq., Sergeant-at-Law.

Presumably, Lucy will have served her sentence at the Northampton Borough Gaol and House of Correction, at that time located at Fish Lane (now Fish Street), Northampton. Built in 1792–4 this gaol and bridewell were erected to the south of the County Hall and held 120 prisoners. She was lucky that her punishment wasn't transportation, still very much in use at that time.

In 1851, we find them in Matildia Place, Foleshill, Warwickshire - literally 'Sent to Coventry', it would seem after Lucy's stint behind bars. Well, Thomas Smith was listed as James Smith (40) - this could be an error or it might be deliberate - Brickmaker and it's clearly Lucy Smith (36), birthplace Cransley, Northamptonshire. Listed with them was Lucy's older brother, Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter and Ann Smith (9), born in West Haddon.

So far, I've found no further evidence of this family.

Henry John Kingsbury and Elizabeth Lancey

St Mary's church, Pilton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3513540

Henry John Kingsbury (bap. 17 May 1849 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset) son of John Kingsbury and Matilda Lawrence, married Elizabeth Lancey (bap. 31 Aug 1845 in Pilton, Devon) daughter of James Lancey and Mary Scamp, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pilton on 26 Feb 1879. At the time of their marriage, both were Servants and Henry was resident at "Exbury, in the County of Southampton". (Exbury House on the Solent, was rented by Conservative MP for Barnstaple, Devon, Colonel Sir George Stucley, to pursue his pastime of yacht-sailing. Kingsbury was his Butler.) One of the witnesses to the marriage was Eliza Lancey, Elizabeth's sister. Both fathers, John Kingsbury and James Lancey were listed as being Gardeners.

Henry and Elizabeth had five children:

1. Flora May Kingsbury b. 6 Jan 1880 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 246, bap. 6 Jun 1880 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
2. Matilda Mary Kingsbury b. 22 May 1881 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 239, bap. 26 Jun 1881 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
3. Alice Mabel Kingsbury b. 1882 J Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 523. (No baptism found)
4. Elizabeth Kingsbury b. 13 Dec 1884 (1885 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 498), bap. 1 Mar 1885 at St Mary, Bideford
5. Henry John Kingsbury b. 1889 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 501, bap. 24 Feb 1889 in Bideford

In 1881, Henry John Kingsbury (32) was Butler to Sir George Stucley (68) at Moreton House, Bideford, Devon, where the then 'Deputy Lieutenant for the Counties of Devon & Cornwall, Baronet, Justice of the Peace', his wife and two youngest sons were waited upon by no less than thirteen servants. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kingsbury (35) Butler's wife and Flora M Kingsbury (0) were living at Moreton Cottage, 4, Higher Meddon Street, Bideford, Devon.

In 1891, Henry John Kingsbury (42) was still Butler to Sir George Stucley (79) Magistrate, although the then three members of the family were having to 'make do' with the reduced circumstances of having merely 10 servants. Elizabeth Kingsbury (45) was living at 7 River View, Bideford with Matilda M Kingsbury (9), Alice M Kingsbury (8), Elizabeth Kingsbury (6), Henry J Kingsbury (2) and Charles F Lancey (17) Nephew, Apprentice Gardner. Eldest daughter, Flora (listed as Florence) (10) was at that time, a Visitor in the household of Mary E Sanders (65) Widow, in Regents Park, Heavitree, Exeter, in whose household also was Eliza Lansey (sic), who was her aunt.

In 1901, Henry J Kingsbury (52) Retired Butler - Sir George Stucley had died in 1900 and presumably left his 'Retainer' in a position to be able retire early - was living at Higher Gunstone, River View Terrace, Bideford with Elizabeth Kingsbury (55), Alice M Kingsbury (18), Elizabeth Kingsbury (16) and Henry J Kingsbury (12). F M Kingsbury [Flora May] (20) was a Schoolroom Maid in Holcombe Burnell, Devon. While Matilda Kingsbury (19) was a Lady's Maid in the household of Harriet Compton (57) Widow, in Andover, Hampshire. (Harriet Granville married Henry Compton, Esq. on 28 Dec 1870. She and Sir George Stucley's second wife, Louisa Granville, were daughters of Bernard Granville, Esq of Wellesbourne Hall, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.)

In 1911, Henry John Kingsbury (62) Retired Butler, Elizabeth Kingsbury (65), Alice Mabel Kingsbury (28) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (26) were still living in Bideford. Flora May had married in 1903 and Matilda in 1908. Henry John Kingsbury (22) from Bideford, Devon was described as a WHOLESALE MANCHESTER WAREHOUSEMAN in Southwark, at 95 Southwark St and a curious note: (MilitaryDisposition) MESSRS. COOK'S EMPLOYEES, one assumes Thomas Cook & Son, who had transported the British Army up the Nile in 1884, so conceivable they were still undertaking military contracts. 

In 1921, Henry John Kingsbury (72) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (75) were living at 4, Lansdowne [Terrace], Bideford, Devon with their daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury (36) School Teacher for Devon County Council at Church Infants' School, Bideford and Eliza Lancy (77) Visitor (Elizabeth's sister).

Elizabeth Kingsbury died at 78 in 1923 in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 456. 

Henry John Kingsbury died, also aged 78, on 27 Oct 1927 D Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 520, leaving his estate to daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury. The notice in the Hartland and West Country Chronicle read, KINGSBURY - Oct 27th, at Lansdowne, Bideford HENRY JOHN KINGSBURY, formerly Stucley's butler, aged 78.

In 1939, Elizabeth Kingsbury, Elementary School Teacher, was living at 7 The Strand, Bideford with her sister, Matilda M Lancey, Widow.

Elizabeth never married and died, at 80, in Bideford, in 1965.

• Matilda Mary Kingsbury married Gerald Slayter on 20 Apr 1908. In 1911, Gerald Slayter (37) Butler and Mary Matilda Slayter (30) Cook-Housekeeper, were employed in the household of Francis Nicholas Blundell (30) Landowner and Farmer in Little Crosby, Lancashire. (Crosby Hall was the manorial home of the Blundell family, lords of the manor of Crosby since the Middle Ages.) Gerald Slayter died, at 48, in 1922, in Liverpool. Matilda Mary Slayter, Widow, married Charles Frederick Lancey, Widower, Gardner, who was her first cousin, at St Mary's Church, Grassendale, on 9 May 1927. Charles Frederick Lancey died, at 61, in 1935, in Liverpool South. Matilda Mary Lancey died in 1954, in Bideford, Devon.
• Alice Mabel Kingsbury married Clement Arthur Page (b. 29 Sep 1884) on 5 Aug 1912, in Bideford. They had one son, Ernest John Page, born in Frome, Somerset in 1913. In 1921, Clement A Page, Alice M Page and Ernest J Page were living in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Ernest John Page died, at 17, in Portsmouth, in 1931. Clement Arthur Page died, at 48, in Portsmouth, in 1933. Alice Mabel Page died, at 69, in 1951, in Bideford, Devon.

Robert Marsh and Hannah Piggin

A Fine Day in February (Hellesdon) - John Middleton (Before 1856)

Robert Marsh, widower, married Hannah Piggin (bap. 9 Feb 1734 at St Edmund's Church, Norwich) single woman, then of the parish of Bauberg (Bawburgh), daughter of John and Mary Piggin, by Licence, at St Mary's Church, Hellesdon, Norfolk on 25 Feb 1758. No witnesses are listed. 

Let's hope it was a fine day for them!

Robert was a widower at the time of his marriage to Hannah. Although I've not [yet] located the earlier marriage, records show the burial of Sarah Marsh, wife of Robert Marsh, in Hellesdon, on 24 Dec 1755, with whom he'd had several children, including these baptised / buried in Hellesdon: 

1. Mary Marsh buried 20 Nov 1735
2. Keziah Marsh bap. 7 Jan 1738. Buried 9 Jan 1738
3. Samuel Marsh bap. 27 Oct 1740. Buried 30 Oct 1740
4. Robert Marsh bap. 6 Sep 1741. Buried 25 Oct 1741
5. Kerenhappuch Marsh bap. 5 Mar 1744. Buried 11 Mar 1744

Keren-happuch (Hebrew: קֶרֶן הַפּוּךְ‎ Qeren Happūḵ, "Horn of kohl") was the youngest of the three beautiful daughters of Job, named in the Bible as given to him in the later part of life, after God made Job prosperous again. Keren-happuch's older sisters are named as Jemima and Keziah. (Clearly, they knew their bible, but I didn't find a record for a Jemima anywhere.)

Robert Marsh's second marriage only seems to have produced one child: 

1. Hannah Marsh bap. 18 Feb 1759

Then it appears that Robert Marsh of Hellesdon Old Hall, Farmer, died and was buried in Hellesdon on 23 Jun 1762.

Richard Flew and Ann Hagley

St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/5579894

Richard Flue (sic) (bap. 29 Jun 1794 in Rackenford, Devon) of Loxbeare, son of Richard Flew and Jane Wright, married Ann Hagley (b. 14 Jan 1799, bap. 9 Jun 1799 in Stoodleigh), daughter of William Hagley and Mary Gale, at St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh on 25 Feb 1827. Both parties made their mark with an X. Witnesses were Richard Greenslade and William Jordan.

Richard and Ann had four children:

1. Mary Flew bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford
2. Ann Flew bap. 5 Jun 1831 in Rackenford
3. William Flew bap. 16 Nov 1834 in Rackenford
4. Jane Flew bap. 20 Aug 1837 in Rackenford

All of the baptisms list Richard's occupation as Labourer. On Jane's baptism, it is noted that their residence was again in Oakford.

In 1841, at Whitnoll Cottage, Stoodley (sic) were Richard Flew (47), Ann Flew (43), Mary Flew (12), Ann Flew (9), William Flew (6) and Jane Flew (3).

In 1851, with address listed merely as "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton", were Richard Flew (58) Ag Lab, Ann Flew (54) and Jane Flew (10). Mary Flew had married in 1850; William Flew (15) was Boots & Farm Servant to Richard Veysey, Farmer and Victualler at the Bell Inn, Rackenford. (The word 'Boots' came from, ‘boot boys’, an occupation in the 1830s and 40s requiring young men to clean the boots of hotel guests. Later, the occupation had become simply known as ‘boots’, and duties included odd-jobs.) 

In 1861, still at Cottage, Village, Rackenford, were Richard Flew (69) Pauper and Ann Flew (65) Pauper. (Was unable to locate William.)

Richard Flew (75) died in 1868 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 312 and was buried on 23 Feb 1868 in Rackenford.

In 1871, Ann Flew (72) was living in Rackenford with her son William.

Ann Flew (75) from Union, South Molton (South Molton Workhouse), died in 1873 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 271 and was buried on 22 Aug 1873 in Rackenford, presumably at the expense of the parish.

William Hockley and Jane Pye and Sarah Stokes

The Chequers Public House - formerly The Chequers Inn,
a coaching inn, 27 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow, Essex

William Hockley (bap. 16 Feb 1766), Bachelor, son of Robert and Mary Hockley, married Jane Pye (bap. 12 Jul 1772), Spinster, daughter of Joseph Pye and Mary Guyver, on 24 Feb 1795 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, by Banns, in the Presence of George Nye and John Gunn.

William Hockley was described as Hostler at the Chequers Inn. The Hostler may have been the innkeeper, but certainly will have been responsible for the horses. The building is Grade II Listed, parts of which may date back to the 14th Century or even earlier, so one can probably presume that much of what one sees today is still fundamentally as it was in William Hockley's time.

William and Jane Hockley had two children:

1. William Hockley b. 7 Jun 1795, bap. 3 Jul 1795, Age: 3 Weeks & 5 Days
2. Jane Pye Hockley bap. 30 Jul 1797. Died aged 9 months, and was buried on 14 Mar 1798.

It would appear that Jane likely died as a result of giving birth to their daughter, as she was buried at St Mary's on 6 July 1797, aged 25. 

William then remarried to Sarah Stokes (bap. 27 Dec 1778 in Little Canfield) daughter of William Stokes and Mary Judd, on 7 Sep 1800, also at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, not before they'd had their first child however. William and Sarah went on to have at least eight children:

1. Jane Hockley b. Feb 1800 "Bastard Child of William Hockley and Sarah Stokes", it states, was baptised, aged 9 weeks, on 13 Apr 1800
2. Robert Hockley bap. 2 Oct 1802 (Died aged 3 weeks, 3 days and was buried 15 Oct 1802)
3. Robert Hockley bap. 11 Mar 1804
4. Sarah Hockley bap. 29 Dec 1805
5. Mary Ann Hockley bap. 26 Feb 1809
6. Elizabeth Hockley bap. 25 Aug 1811
7. Anne Hockley bap. 8 Dec 1816 (where William is still listed as Hostler). (Died 1819, aged 2 and buried 16 Sep 1819)
8. Henry Hockley bap. 25 Apr 1819. [Sources]

In 1841, William Hockley (74), wife Sarah (65) and youngest son, Henry (20), were living in Star Lane, Great Dunmow. 

William Hockley died, aged 76, in 1844 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 12  Page 55 and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 20 Oct 1844. 

In 1861, Sarah Hockley (83) Widow, was still living in Star Lane.

Sarah Hockley died, aged 90, in 1867 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 215. 

Star Lane in Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Edwards - geograph.org.uk/p/1503881

Alfred Blazey and Margaret Jane Webb

St Peter's Church, St.Peter's Square, Hammersmith
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1790156

Alfred Blazey (b. 8 Oct 1869 in Drayton, Norfolk), second son of Samuel Blazey and Elizabeth Wiggins, married Margaret Jane Webb (b. 2 Feb 1877 in Battersea, London), daughter of Frederick Potter Webb and Alice Mary Allen, on 24 Feb 1901, at St Peter's Church, Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith. Witnesses were Frederick Potter Webb, bride's father and Eleanor Wood.

At the time of the 1901 census, Alfred Blazey (32) Unemployed, and wife Margaret (24) were living at 15, Standish Road, Hammersmith.

Then, on 1 Nov 1906, Alfred and Margaret Blazey embarked, in Liverpool, on the RMS Empress of Britain, bound for Quebec, Canada.

Alfred and Margaret Blazey next surface, on the 1911 Census of Canada, living in Red Deer, Alberta, described as settlers. 

The couple didn't have any children of their own, but took in a child, who was thereafter known as Frank Blazey. From FamilySearch, "Frank was born in 1911 in Red Deer Alberta. He was the son of Arthur Sheraton Reed and Jane Thomas. Jane passed shortly after his birth, and Frank was given to childless neighbors to look after while his father and brothers re-arranged their life. Frank was taken by Alfred Blazey and Margaret Webb to Ontario without his family's knowledge and was "lost" until making contact with them again in about 1965. He was overjoyed to be re-united with his 4 brothers, and many other family members after being raised as a seemingly "only child".

Margaret Blazey (52) Housewife, sails, again (appears to have been travelling alone) from Liverpool to Quebec, this time on the SS Letitia, on 19 Oct 1929, giving 10 Piggot Street, Limehouse, London as her last address in the UK.

Alfred Blazey, Painter and Decorator, of 99 Barton Avenue, Toronto, died, aged 63, on 24 Aug 1933 and was buried, on 26 Aug 1933 at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto. Cause of death was given as Carcinoma of Stomach (Stomach cancer) with Endocarditis as a contributing factor. 

Margaret Blazey (née Webb) died on 27 Jun 1962, aged 85 and is also buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto (Plot P, Sec. 23, Lot 9).

The death notice in The Toronto Star for their adopted (kidnapped) son Frank Blazey, mentions brothers, Art Reed, Creston, B.C. and Ernie Reed, Red Deer, Alberta, and and a cousin, Ernest Blazey (son of Frederick John Blazey and grandson of William Blazey, Alfred's father, Samuel's youngest brother.)

Memorial for Alfred Blazey and Margaret Jane Webb

PS: It really is a small world

Alfred Blazey's brother, Francis Blazey - both cousins of my paternal grandmother - had ended up in the very next street to where various members of my maternal grandfather's family had lived in London's East End, which was surprising enough given that - so we thought - the two sides of my family came from very different parts of the UK and Ireland. That Alfred's - my paternal grandmother's cousin - final address should be little more than a ten minute drive from where my maternal grandfather's grandfather, Dan Tompson, had lived and died only nine years earlier, is astonishing.

John Leese and Caroline Bussey

Looking down from Telscombe Cliffs
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/6864973

John Leese (b. 21 Oct 1826, bap. Joannes Leese on 12 Nov 1826, in Portsmouth), son of John Leese and Maria McCarthy, married Caroline Bussey (bap. 6 Aug 1826 at St Mary's Church, Portsea), daughter of Benjamin Bussey and Elizabeth Bowen at St Mary's Church, Portsea, Portsmouth, on 23 Feb 1852. (In 1851, Caroline (24) had been a housemaid at Greenwich Hospital, home for retired sailors of the Royal Navy.)

John and Caroline Leese had seven children:

1. Susan Caroline Leese b. 1852 D Quarter in ROMNEY MARSH Volume 02A Page 646, baptised at All Saints Church, Lydd, Romney Marsh.
2. Margaret Hannah Leese b. 1857 J Quarter in ROMNEY MARSH Volume 02A Page 677, baptised at All Saints Church, Lydd, Romney Marsh.
3. Henrietta Leese b. 1860 M Quarter in LEWES Volume 02B Page 169, bap. 12 Feb 1860 in Telscombe, presumably St Laurence.
4. Henry John Leese b. 5 Jan 1862 M Quarter in LEWES Volume 02B Page 164, bap. 7 Feb 1862, also in Telscombe.
5. Mary Jane Leese b. 1864 S Quarter in LEWES Volume 02B Page 161
6. Elizabeth Leese b. 1867 M Quarter in LEWES Volume 02B Page 178
7. William James Leese b. 1869 D Qtr in LEWES Vol 02B Page 182

In 1861, at Lower Bannings, Lewes Sussex (in the area of Saltdean) were John Leese (35) Coast Guard R N; wife Caroline (35), Susan C (8), Margaret H (4) and Henrietta (1). Being a coastguard explains why they were in Lydd earlier, of which is said, "As with much of the marsh, the town was a base for smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries."

In 1871, listed at the Coast Guard Station, Newhaven, Lewes, Sussex, were John Leese (44) Chief Boatman Coast Guard, Caroline Leese (44), Susan Leese (18), Henrietta Leese (11), Henry Leese (9), Mary J Leese (9), Elizabeth Leese (4) and William Leese (1). Margaret Leese (14) was a Servant in the household of John Sykes, Assistant Secretary Civil Service (father of Sir John Charles Gabriel Sykes (1869-1952) at 38 Kensington Square, Kensington.

In 1881, living at 41, Ivory Place, Brighton, Sussex were John Leese (54) Naval Pensioner from Portsmouth, Hampshire; Caroline Leese (54); Margaret Leese (23) Dressmaker; Hetty Leese (Henrietta) (21) Confectioner's Assistant; Jane Leese (Mary Jane) (16) Pupil teacher and Elizabeth Leese (14). Susan Caroline Leese had married in 1877; Henry John Leese, who had joined the Royal Navy in 1879, was an "Ordinary seaman pupil teacher" at HMS President (shore establishment) in Poplar (Wapping), while William James Leese (11) was a pupil at Greenwich Hospital, School, Greenwich, Kent.

John Leese died, aged 55, in 1882 M Quarter in BRIGHTON Vol 02B Pg 195.

Caroline Leese died, aged 62, in 1889 S Qtr in BRIGHTON Vol 02B Pg 125.

Walter White and Florence Mary Parsonage

St John the Baptist Church, Holland Road, London W14
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1292678

Walter White (b. 1869), Fruiterer, of 155 Holland Road, son of Walter White and Hannah Blazey, married Florence Mary Parsonage (b. 12 Aug 1875 in Hammersmith), of 157 Holland Road - the girl next door - daughter of Edward Parsonage, Builder's Foreman from Wem, Shropshire, and Eleanor Agnes Crosbie, at St John The Baptist, Kensington on 21 Feb 1898. (The same church that Walter's cousin, Alice Maud Stanley Blazey, married in later that same year.) Witnesses were Edgar Audric - who must have been related to Walter's Uncle Francis Robert Blazey's third wife - and Frank Read.

Walter and Florence had five children:

1. Dorothy Eleanor White b. 1899 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 246
2. Elsie Ivy Florence White b. 1902 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 262
3. Walter Edward White b. 1905 J Qtr in BRENTFORD Vol 03A Page 204
4. Pansy Alice White born 27 Sep 1908 (1908 D Quarter in STEYNING Volume 02B Page 247) in Steyning, West Sussex
5. Lilian Winifred White b. 1914 M Quarter in FULHAM Vol 01A Page 311. Died, aged 1 in 1915 M Quarter in FULHAM Vol 01A Page 420

All of the birth registrations show the mother's maiden name PARSONAGE.

In 1901, Walter White (31) Licenced Victualler's Assistant was living in Sherrard Road, East Ham (Forest Gate) with Florence M White (25), Dorothy E White (2), Mary Ann White (71) Widow, Boarder from Hackney, London (may be just coincidence) and George Ralph (25) Boarder. 

In 1911, Walter White (42) Conductor motor bus, wife Florence Mary (35), Dorothy Eleanor (12), Elsie Ivy (9), Walter Edward (5) and Pansy Alice (2), were living at 30 Percy Road W, Hammersmith. Percy Road is in Shepherd's Bush in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

In 1921, Walter White (51) working for the London General Omnibus Co, was at 74, Becklow Road, Hammersmith, London, with Florence Mary White (44), Elsie Ivy White (19) Ledger Clerk and Pansy Alice White (12).

Walter White died, aged 64, in 1934 J Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A 167. 

In 1939, Florence Mary White, widow, was living with her daughter, Pansy Alice Pearson, at 5 Lansbury Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex. 

Florence Mary White, died at 75 on 2 Feb 1951 (1951 M Qtr in MIDDLESEX SOUTH Vol 05F Page 97), leaving £6 19s, to Pansy Alice Pearson.

Thomas Mason and Charlotte Dixon

St Pancras Old Church, Pancras Road, London
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1673070
 Believed to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in England, and is dedicated to the Roman martyr Saint Pancras, although the building itself is largely Victorian.

Thomas Mason (bap. 29 May 1833 in Broxted, Essex) son of Samuel Mason and Amelia Baker, married Charlotte Dixon (bap. 29 Dec 1833 in Broxted), daughter of John and Elizabeth Dixon, on 21 Feb 1857 at St Mary, Broxted, creating the family's very own Mason–Dixon line (sorry, couldn't resist).

Thomas and Charlotte Mason had nine children:

1. Ellen Mason b. 1857 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 346, bap. 14 Jun 1857 at St Mary, Broxted
2. Thomas Mason b. 1859 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 329, bap. 11 Dec 1859 at St Mary, Broxted
3. Isabella Mason b. 1862 J Quarter in CLERKENWELL Volume 01B Page 551, bap. 6 May 1862 at St James, Clerkenwell
4. Evelyn Mason b. 2 May 1864, bap. 22 Jun 1864 at Old St Pancras, died in 1865 M Quarter in PANCRAS Volume 01B Page 106
5. Evelyn Mason b. 18 Dec 1865, reg. 1866 M Quarter in PANCRAS Volume 01B Page 127, bap. 19 Jan 1866 at Saint Pancras, London
6. Samuel Mason b. 30 Apr 1868 J Quarter in PANCRAS Volume 01B Page 58, bap. 8 Jun 1868 at St Pancras Old Church, Saint Pancras, London
7. Frederick William Mason b. 9 May 1871 J Quarter in PANCRAS Volume 01B Page 77, bap. 14 Jun 1871 at Saint Peter, Saint Pancras, London
8. Charlotte Elizabeth Mason b. 21 Dec 1873, reg. 1874 J Quarter in PANCRAS Volume 01B Page 61, bap. 21 Jan 1874 at Saint Peter, Saint Pancras, London. Died, aged 7, in 1881 J Quarter in HOLBORN.
9. Edith Millicent Mason b. 1876 S Qtr in HOLBORN Vol 01B Page 659

In 1861, Thomas Mason (27) Dock labourer was living at 6, Thornhill Street, St Marys Islington, Islington, London with Charlotte Mason (26) and their two children to date: Ellen Mason (3) and Thomas Mason (1).

In 1871, living at Speedy Place, St Pancras, London, were Thomas Mason (37) Deputy turncock (as had been his sister's husband, Abraham Shelford), Charlotte Mason (36), Ellen Mason (13) Cartridge Maker; Thomas Mason (11), Isabella Mason (9), Evelyn Mason (5), Samuel Mason (2).

Thomas Mason must have died between 1875 and 1881.

In 1881, Charlotte Mason (47) Widow, Charwoman (unemployed) was living at 27, Green Street, St Andrew Holborn Above the Bars and St George the Martyr, Holborn with son Thomas Mason (21) Labourer; Isabella Mason (19) Florist artificial; Evelyn Mason (15) Domestic servant; Samuel Mason (12), Frederick William Mason (9) and Charlotte Elizabeth Mason (7).

In 1891, Charlotte Mason (57) Charwoman was living in Hastings Street, St Pancras, London, with her three sons: Thomas Mason (31) General labourer; Samuel Mason (22) Ostler and Frederick Mason (19) General labourer.

In 1901, Charlotte Mason, (60ish) was listed as Widow, Charwoman, Mother-in-law, living with William J Uttridge - married to Ellen Mason - at 5, Brantholme Place, St Pancras, along with Samuel Mason (32).

It appears that Charlotte Mason died in 1908 S Quarter in ISLINGTON Volume 01B Page 154.

(In 1911, Samuel Mason (42) was no longer living with the family and was a Porter and Salesman at Gray's Inn, Gray's Inn Road, St Pancras, London.)