Charles Hockley and Annie Crow

Halfway House Farm, near Great Dunmow, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Edwards - geograph.org.uk/p/231844

Charles Hockley (b. 27 Apr 1876), son of William Hockley and Charlotte Cock, like generations of the family grew up at Halfway House, married Annie Crow, daughter of James Crow and Ann Newcombe, who had lived virtually next door at Philpot End, in Great Dunmow, on 29 Mar 1902.

Charles and Annie Hockley had four children:

1. William Charles Hockley b. 7 Sep 1903 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 869, bap. 18 Oct 1903, in Great Dunmow
2. James Hockley b. 24 Oct 1909 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 842, bap. 28 Nov 1909 in Great Dunmow
3. Annie Hockley b. 14 Jan 1912 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 1696, bap. 25 Feb 1912 in Great Dunmow
4. Charles Francis Hockley b. 25 Mar 1915 J Quarter in DUNMOW 04A Page 1630, bap. 2 May 1915 in Great Dunmow

At Halfway House in 1911 were Charles Hockley (35) Farm Labourer, Annie Hockley (33), William Charles Hockley (7) and James Hockley (1).

None of the baptism records say where, but they do all confirm the family's residence at Halfway House. On the last baptism for Charles Francis in 1915, his father's occupation is given as Army Service Corps Serving in France. 

Despite about 60% of soldiers’ Service Records being irretrievably damaged or lost completely as a result of enemy bombing in 1940 during the Second World War, Charles Hockley's record survives. Charles Hockley, Service number T4/041670 of Halfway House, Great Dunmow, Essex, had volunteered, age 38 years and 8 months, for 3 years service on 18 Jan 1915, at which time he was 5 ft 4¼ with a 37" chest. The record confirms the dates of birth of his four children, which it says were verified by certificates, but he'd incorrectly remembered the date of his wedding anniversary.

Charles was attached to the 452nd Horse Transport Company (he'd have been used to working with horses on the farm). See: Army Service Corps Horse Transport Companies. According to the list, pre-war, this was the 46th (North Midland) Division and his record does show him with the 46th Division Train - "the ‘workhorse’ of the Division in terms of carrying stores and supplies". Charles' embarked in Southampton on 18 Feb 1915, arriving in Le Havre the following day. It is recorded that the Division spent the first months in the Ypres Salient. Charles was in France until he was discharged on 22 Mar 1919. He received a British War Medal and a Victory Medal.

In 1939, at Halfway House Cottages, Great Dunmow, were Charles Hockley, Labourer Stockman; Annie Hockley; James Hockley, Farm Labourer and Charles Francis Hockley, Heavy Tractor Driver (Agricultural Contract Work).

Charles Hockley died, aged 76, in 1953 J Qtr in BRAINTREE Vol 04A 283.

Annie Hockley died, aged 77, in 1955 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 540.

• William Charles Hockley of Church Cottage, Tilty, had married Jessica Emma Trott, daughter of Robert William Trott, on 11 Feb 1928 in Tilty, Essex. In 1939, William C Hockley, Gardener, and Jessie E Hockley were living at The Fields, Stansted Mountfitchet. William Charles Hockley died, aged 86, in Bishops Stortford, in 1989. Jessie Emma Hockley died, aged 92, in Harlow, in 1998.
• James Hockley, of Halfway House Cottage, Ongar Road, Great Dunmow, died on 2 Oct 1979. He does not appear to ever marry.
• Annie C Hockley (she didn't have a second name, but the birth date agrees), married Fred Hardy in Great Dunmow in 1937. In 1939, Fred Hardy, Horseman on farm and Annie Hardy were living at Tolliday Cottages, Stebbing, Great Dunmow. Fred Hardy died, aged 80, in 1985 and Anny Hardy, aged 77 in 1989.
• Charles Francis Hockley died on 5 Sep 2012. He'll have been 97.

Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray

High Street, Chipping Ongar
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stuart Shepherd - geograph.org.uk/p/1144124

Arthur Stephen Day (b. 1855), son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Mary Ann Ray (bap. 14 Apr 1854), daughter of William Ray and Rhoda Ward, on 29 Mar 1879 at the church of St Martin of Tours, Chipping Ongar.

This couple had three children.

1. Arthur Wilton Day b. 29 Dec 1879 (1880 M Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 213), bap. 22 Feb 1880
2. Daisy Rhoda Day b. 10 Feb 1881 (1881 M Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 231), bap. 8 Apr 1881
3. Cecil Alfred Day b. 20 Nov 1886 ( 1886 D Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 315), bap. 23 Jan 1887

All of the birth registrations list the mother's maiden name as RAY; all of the baptisms took place at St Martin's Church, Chipping Ongar.

In 1881, Arthur S Day (27) was employed as a Grocer's Assistant in High Street, Chipping-Ongar, Essex with wife Mary Ann (27), Arthur (1) and Daisy (0), and Elizabeth E North (11), niece, staying with them as a visitor.

In 1891, Arthur Day (37) was a Fruiterer's Assistant, still in High Street, Chipping Ongar, with wife Mary Ann Day, son Arthur Day (11), Daisy Day (10), Cecil Day (4) and James Keys (68), Shoemaker, boarder.

In 1901, in High Street, Chipping Ongar, were Arthur Day (46), Mary Ann Day (45) and Cecil Day (14). Arthur's occupation was given as Photographer. Back in 1871, aged 15, Arthur Stephen Day was listed as a Photographic Artist, so he has gone full circle, presumably now able to make his living from something he loved. (Arthur and Daisy had both married in 1900, in Wandsworth.)

In 1911, Arthur Day (57), wife is listed as Marion Day (57) and staying with them were their grandsons: Archibald Wilton Napoleon Heckman (10) and Cecil Arthur Heckman (7) - Daisy's children.

In 1921, Arthur Day (67) was still in the High Street, Chipping Ongar, working for himself as a Photographer, with Mary Ann Day (67).

Mary Ann Day died, aged 78, in 1931 D Qtr in ONGAR Vol 04A Page 405.

Arthur Stephen Day died, aged 89, in 1943 M Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 436.

John Tubb and Mary Anne Harfull

Portsmouth Naval Base - Lion Gate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Allen - geograph.org.uk/p/7577310
Town gate, now naval entrance way. 1778. The Lion Gate which once stood at the end of Queen Street, Portsea, dismantled in the 19th century and re-erected in present position 1929.

John Tubb (bap. 12 Feb 1816) Seaman, son of William Tubb and Sarah Chard, married Mary Anne Harfull (bap. 11 Aug 1816), daughter of William Harfull and Mary Anne Brine, at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 28 Mar 1838. Witnesses to this marriage were Eliza Harfull and William Tubb.

John and Mary Anne Tubb had nine children:

1. John William Tubb b. 1839 J Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 119, bap. 15 Sep 1839 at St Mary's, Portsea. Residence Abercrombie Street, Portsmouth (wiped out by bombing) and his father was a Seaman. John William Tubb (28) Shipwright of Lion Gate Road, Landport died on 22 Dec 1867 (1867 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 257), buried on 27 Dec 1867 at Portsea Cemetery.
2. Emma Ann Tubb b. 1841 Q3 in Portsea Island Vol 7 Page 106, bap. 11 Jul 1841 at St Mary's Portsea. Address was Copenhagen Street, Landport - also no longer exists - John was still a Seaman.
3. William Cox Tubb b. 1848 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 132, bap. 8 Oct 1848 at St Mary's, Portsea.
4. Edward Tubb b. 1850 M Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 147, bap. 20 Oct 1850 at St Mary's, Portsea. The family had moved to Spring Street and John was still described as a Seaman.
5. Mary Ann Tubb b. 1851 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 07 Page 144, bap. 2 Nov 1851 at St Mary's, Portsea. They were then living in Lion Gate Road and John was listed as a Beer Retailer.
6. Sarah Tubb b. 1853 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND UNION Volume 02B Page 310, bap. 10 Jul 1853 at St Mary's, Portsea. Again living in Lion Gate Road and John listed as a Beer Retailer.
7. Ellen Tubb b. 1855 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 304. Died, aged 2Y 8M, on 5 May 1858 (1858 J Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 253), buried on 9 May 1858 at St Mary's Portsea, daughter of John Tubb, of Lion Gate Road, Landport.
8. Elizabeth Tubb b. 1857 J Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 325, bap. 2 Apr 1862 at All Saints, Portsea, residence Lion Gate Road and John listed as a Licenced Victualler.
9. Henry Tubb b. 1860 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 339, bap. 2 Apr 1862 at All Saints, Portsea. Died, aged 3, on 15 Jan 1864 (1864 M Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 292), buried 19 Jan 1864 at Portsea Cemetery, son of John Tubb of Lion Gate Road.

On the birth registrations for William Cox, Mary Ann, Ellen and Elizabeth the mother's maiden name is listed as HARFIELD. On the registrations for John William, Edward, Sarah and Henry, it is correctly listed as HARFULL.

We have scant details of John's naval career as he was too early for a continuous service record, but the obvious conclusion is that he went on a lengthy cruise between the births of Emma in 1841 and William in 1848.

John Tubb, born in Portsmouth, 5ft 10in, with dark brown hair, a ruddy complexion and hazel eyes and an anchor on his right arm, was, however, issued with a Merchant Seaman ticket in Valparaíso (Chile), on 17 Mar 1846, whilst serving with HMS Daphne (1838) in the capacity of Master-at-Arms. This record gives his date of birth as 15 Nov 1813. Baptised in early 1816, various records suggest that John Tubb was born in late 1815 and I'm happy to accept this record and believe that the tall lad made himself 2 years older when he signed up as a Seaman in 1831 - as he was then 16 and a boy, so by adding 2 years will have had him taken on and paid accordingly as an adult.

Adding weight to accepting the above record, HMS Daphne, on 30 Jul 1842 was reported at Portsmouth and on 28 Sep 1842 departed Spithead for South America. In Feb 1843, she was struck by lightning off Montevideo (Uruguay); on 26 Jul 1845 they arrived at Port Apia (Samoa), then proceeded to Auckland, New Zealand the following day. On 2 Oct 1845 Daphne left Auckland for the Pacific. 1846 Pacific and Otaheite (Tahiti). Jan 1848 Chatham, in Ordinary - which precisely fits the gap between kids.

In 1851, in Lion Gate Road, were John Tubb (36) Beer seller; Mary Tubb (35), John Tubb (12), Emma Tubb (10), William Tubb (2), Edward Tubb (1) and Frances Thompsham (17) and William Snook (10) House Servants.

In 1861, and still in Lion Gate Road, Portsmouth, were John Tubb (45) Publican; Mary Tubb (44) Publican's Wife; John Tubb (21) Assistant; Emma Cook (19) Seaman's wife; William Tubb (12), Edward Tubb (11), Mary Ann Tubb (9), Sarah Tubb (7), Elizabeth Tubb (4), Henry Tubb (0), Maria Tithridge (20) House Servant; Honore Batchat (15) House Servant; Charlet (sic) White (31) House Servant and Thomas Carroll (41) Traveller, Boarder.

The Hampshire Telegraph of 28 Dec 1867, under DEATHS, carried the following notice: "TUBB-On the 22nd instant, at the "Battle and the Breeze," Landport, John William Tubb, eldest son of John Tubb, aged 28." Although the Hampshire Telegraph on 26 Nov 1859 had placed Mary Tubb at the "Battle and Breeze", this confirms the name of the pub they ran for 25+ years. The Battle and the Breeze, Landport, The Portsmouth Encyclopedia tells us, was on north side of Lion Gate Road, on the east corner of Spring Street. That part of Lion Gate Road is now part of Edinburgh Road." That location is where the Park Tavern is today, although it may well now be a different edifice.

In 1871, with the address listed as 10 Lion Gate Road, were John Tubb (55) Licenced Victualler; Mary Tubb (54), Edward Tubb (21) Cabinet Maker; Mary A Tubb (19) Milliner; Sarah Tubb (17), Elizabeth Tubb (14), William Cook (7) listed as Nephew - he was actually John and Mary's grandson, so perhaps one of the children filled out the census forms and gave the relationship to themselves rather than their father - Alfred Hayden (25) Waiter, Domestic Servant; and James Brown (46) from Kent, Lodger, Pensioner RN.

In 1875 & 1878, son Edward Tubb is listed at the Battle & the Breeze.

In 1881, living at 114, Queens Road, Portsea, was John Tubb (65) Retired Publican with Mary Tubb (64), William Tubb (32) Upholsterer; Elizabeth Tubb (23) and William Cook (17) Tailor's Apprentice, born in Ireland (he was the son of Emma Ann Tubb and her husband William Cook).

In 1891, at 1, Queens Road, Portsea, were John Tubb (75), Mary Tubb (74), William Tubb (42) Upholster and Emma Honeyman (17) Domestic Servant.

Mary Tubb, wife of John Tubb of Queen's Road, Buckland, died, aged 83, in 1900 J Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 279, and she was buried on 29 Jun 1900 at Kingston Cemetery.

In 1901, John Tubb (85) Living on own means was still living at 1, Queens Road, Portsmouth with his son William Tubb (51) Living on own means and Bertha K Hillyer (23) General Domestic Servant.

John Tubb of Queens Road died, aged 90, in 1905 D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 255 and was buried on 24 Nov 1905.

• There was a William Tubb (62) Retired, Single, living alone at 17 Chitty Road, Portsmouth in 1911 and a record in the Portsmouth Workhouse Registers of a William Tubb b. 1848, admitted and discharged on 3 Sep 1914. There's also a record of a death of a William Tubb (66) in 1914 S Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B  Page 493. Sadly, I believe all of these may relate.

Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young

St John's Church, Waterloo Tom Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0

Charles Hoile Baker (b. 23 Aug 1825, bap. 9 Oct 1825 at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch), son of Charles Baker and Sarah Hoile, married Amelia Young (b. 6 May 1823, bap. 14 Sep 1823 at Southwark St Saviour), daughter of Richard and Sarah Young, at St John's Church, Waterloo (interior) a..k.a. Lambeth St John the Evangelist, Surrey on 28 Mar 1847. 

Charles and Amelia Baker, it would appear, had six children:

1. Charles Richard Baker b. 1848 M Quarter in SHOREDITCH Vol 02 Page 399, bap. 4 Jun 1848 at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch
2. Frederick Hoile Baker b. 21 Nov 1849 D Quarter in ST GILES IN THE FIELDS & ST GEORGE BLOOMSBURY Volume 01 Page 65, bap. 9 Dec 1849 at St Anne's Church, Soho. Died, aged 7, in 1856 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 295 and was buried on 21 Dec 1856 at the City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery.
3. Sarah Jane Baker b. 1 Feb 1852 M Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 395, bap. 1852 at Lambeth St John.
4. Amelia Elizabeth Baker b. 1854 J Quarter in HOLBORN Vol 01B 421
5. Sophia Baker b. 1858 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 426
6. Ellen Rosina Baker b. 1866 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 398. Registered as Ellen Susannah, the mother's maiden name is also shown as Young. Always known as Ellen Rosina, it appears the registration was listed or transcribed incorrectly.

In 1851, in Kingsgate Street, Holborn (celebrated by Dickens as the address of Mrs. Gamp's Lodging) were Charles Hoile Baker (25) Plumber, Amelia Baker (27), Charles Richard Baker (3), Frederick Hoile Baker (1) and Eliza Sandall (19) Dressmaker, who I can only assume was a Lodger.

By 1861, in Cowley Street, St George-In-The-East (which ran north-south just east of Shadwell Station), the household comprised: Charles Baker (39) Mechanic Plumber, Amelia Baker (40), Charles Baker (13), Sarah Baker (9), Amelia Baker (7) and Sophia Baker (2).

Once more in Cowley Street, St George in the East in 1871 were Charles H Baker (45), Amelia Baker (47), Sarah J Baker (20), Amelia Baker (17), Sophia Baker (13) and Ellen Baker (4). (Charles Richard had married in 1867.)

And in 1881, at 75, Cowley Street, St George in the East, were Charles Baker (54) Plumber, Amelia Baker (58) and Ellen Baker (14).

Amelia Baker died, aged 61, in 1883 M Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 300.

Charles Hoile Baker died on 20 Sep 1883 at 75, Cowley St, Stepney. (1883 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 283).

Albert Tooze and Flora May Kingsbury

St John the Apostle's Church, Torquay, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/1769697

Albert Tooze (b. 9 Mar 1880), the youngest son of Thomas Tooze and Caroline Cotterell, married Flora May Kingsbury (b. 6 Jan 1880 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset), daughter of Henry John Kingsbury and Elizabeth Lancey, at St John's Church, Torquay, Devon, on 28 Mar 1903. Both Albert and Flora listed their age as 22 and address as 14 Braddons Street, Torquay.

Albert and Flora had two children:

1. Albert Henry Tooze b. 25 Apr 1903 J Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Vol 05B Page 117, bap. Whit Sunday, 31 May 1903 at St John's, Torquay.
2. Alice May Tooze b. 9 Jun 1906 S Quarter in NEWTON ABBOT Volume 05B Page 117, bap. 22 Jul 1906, at St John's Church, Torquay.

Upon marriage, Albert gave his rank as Stoker H.M.S. Albert Tooze had joined the Royal Navy on 2 Dec 1902. (Unsurprisingly, as his mother died in 1901 and his father in 1902.) At that time, Albert was 5 ft 4 in with dark brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion. He signed up for 12 years. By 4 Dec 1914, he'd grown to 5 ft 6 in and gained some tattoos: on his right forearm was a woman's head and "FLORRIE" and on his left forearm, was a figure playing a flute. Obviously, these were images of importance to him.

Albert's date of birth on his naval record is 9 Mar 1881, but his birth was registered in the March quarter of 1880 and he was baptised on 16 May 1880. The one year difference could be a simple error, or there may have been some reason why he needed to be a year younger when he signed up. Either way, I think it safe to accept that 9 Mar 1880 was his actual birthday.

In 1911, Albert Tooze (31) Stoker Petty Officer from Holcombe Rogus, Devonshire, was living at 30 Cotehele Avenue, Plymouth with Flora May Tooze (30), Albert Henry Tooze (7) and Alice May Tooze (4).

On 29 Aug 1913, Albert was assigned to HMS Highflyer (1898). From August 1914, she was assigned to the 9th Cruiser Squadron in the Central Atlantic to intercept German commerce raiders and protect Allied shipping. Albert will have been with the ship when she sank the German armed merchant cruiser SMS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse off the coast of Spanish Sahara.

Albert Tooze died on 13 Jul 1915 at San Vicente Hospital, Cape Verde, from shock following the amputation of a leg crushed between lighter and ship, coaling on 23 Jun. Chief Stoker Albert Tooze, HMS Highflyer, is buried at the Mindelo Municipal Cemetery, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde.

Flora May Tooze (née Kingsbury) died, aged 71, in 1951 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 07A Page 596. She never remarried.

• Albert Henry Tooze (23) Electric Fitter at HM Dockyard, married Lilian Mabel Turner (21), in December 1926 at Emmanuel church, Compton Gifford, Plymouth. Lilian Mabel and two of their children returned from Singapore in 1946. Albert Henry Tooze died in 1987 and Lilian Mabel Tooze in 1992, both in Birkenhead, Cheshire.
• Alice May Tooze married William Henry James Barrett on 17 Aug 1936 at St Jude's Church, Plymouth. They had one son, Peter Barrett (1943-2020). William Henry James Barrett died on 11 Jan 1972 and Alice May Barrett, on 18 Sep 1980, both in Plymouth.

Thomas Ridgway and Ann Tooze

Whitnage Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/2826469

Thomas Ridgway (b. 1844), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Ann Tooze (b. 1844), daughter of Richard Tooze and Eliza Disney, at St Peter’s Church Tiverton on 27 Mar 1865. Witnesses to their marriage were Thomas Vickery and Jane Ridgway (Thomas' sister), who were also married, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, in May of that same year.

Thomas and Ann Ridgeway/Ridgway had ten children. Where they were baptised, these were all at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman: 

1. James Ridgeway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441
2. Tom Ridgeway b. 1868 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 441, bap. 7 Jun 1868 (As Thomas Ridgway, died, aged 12, in 1881 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275 and was buried in Uplowman)
3. John Ridgeway b. 18 Jun 1870 (1870 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 421), bap. 10 Jul 1870 
4. William Ridgeway b. 29 Jun 1873 (1873 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 412), bap. 10 Aug 1873
5. Henry Ridgeway b. 17 Mar 1876 (1876 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 433), bap 23 Apr 1876 
6. Frank Ridgway b. 1878 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 445, bap 28 Apr 1878 (Died aged 22 in 1900 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 253 and was buried on 13 Dec 1900 at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman)
7. Bessie Ann Ridgway b. 4 Mar 1880 (1880 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 461), bap. 28 Mar 1880
8. Sidney Ridgway b. 24 Feb 1882 (1882 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 439), bap. 7 Apr 1882
9. Charles Ridgway b. 1884 M Quarter in TIVERTON  Volume 05B  Page 428, bap. 24 Feb 1884
10. Ellen Ridgway b. 4 Jan 1886 (1886 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432)

As well as some being registered as Ridgeway and others Ridgway, various records have the mother's maiden name as TOOZE, TWOZE or TWOSE.

In 1871, Thomas Ridgway (sic) (27) Farm Labourer and Ann Ridgway  (27) were living at Lowman Cross, Uplowman with James Ridgway (4), Tom Ridgway (2) and John Ridgway (9m).

In 1881, at Whitnage, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgeway (37), Ann Ridgeway (37), John Ridgeway (10), William Ridgeway (7), Henry Ridgeway (5), Frank Ridgeway (3) and Bessie Ann Ridgeway (1), as well as Thomas' mother, Mary Ann Marsh (74). James Ridgeway (15) Ag Lab was in the household of Rachel Chave (51) Widow, Farmer in Halberton.

In 1891, still at Whitnage, Uplowman, with Thomas (47) and Ann (47), were James (24), Frank (13), Bessie (11), Sydney (9), Charles (7) and Ellen (5). In 1891, John Ridgeway (20) was lodging with James Wood at Widhayes, Uplowman. And Harry Ridgeway (17) was working as a Farm servant to farmer, James Crosby at Landside, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton.

In 1901, living at Greenend, Uplowman, were Thomas Ridgway (57), General Farm Labourer; Ann Ridgway (56), William Ridgway (27), Carter on Farm and Ellen Ridgway (15). 

Ann Ridgway died, aged 63, in 1907 D Quarter in ST THOMAS [Exeter - presumably at the hospital there] Volume 05B Page 41.

In 1911, Thomas Ridgway (67), Widower, Farm Labourer, was living with his son William Ridgway, at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton. 

In 1921, Thomas Ridgway (77) Farm Labourer, was still living with son William Ridgeway at Neddycott, Uplowman.

Thomas Ridgway died, aged 83, in 1927 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 571.

Richard Wilton and Catherine Byatt

Quaker Meeting House (1835), New Street, Great Dunmow

Richard Wilton (bap. 20 Mar 1811 in Royston, Hertfordshire), middle son of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, married Catherine Byatt (bap. 4 Apr 1824 in Little Canfield, Essex), daughter of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, at the Independent Meeting House (Quaker Meeting House), New Street, Great Dunmow, on 25 Mar 1843, according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Protestant Dissenters. Richard Wilton, who had been listed on the 1841 census, living in the High Street, Great Dunmow, as a harness maker (as he is on the marriage certificate), was 32 at the time of the wedding and Catherine Byatt, then 19, was listed as a minor. Witnesses were Richard's younger brother Joseph Wilton and Maria Staines (then 17) sister of Richard's brother, Henry's wives (both), daughters of Thomas Staines and Sally Hockley.

Richard and Catherine had seven children:

1. Ann Wilton b. 1844 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 76, mother's maiden name BYATE. (Died 27 Apr 1850 (1850 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 56), aged 6, buried 2 May 1850)
2. Elizabeth Wilton b. 9 Aug 1847 (1847 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 69). Many places, online and off, have listed Elizabeth's date of birth as 6 August, however, I've now obtained a copy of her birth certificate from the GRO and it clearly reads Ninth August 1847.
3. Richard Wilton b. 1848 (No GRO birth registration) (Died, aged 41, in 1889 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 322)
4. Walter Wilton b. 1850 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 12 Page 79 (Died, aged 1, in 1852 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 219)
5. Martha Wilton b. 1853 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 317 (Died, aged 1, in 1854 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 209)
6. William Wilton b. 1855 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 311 (Died, aged 3, in 1858 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 223)
7. Ellen Wilton b. 1857 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 335

On the birth registrations for Elizabeth, Walter, Martha, William and Ellen, the mother's maiden name is correctly listed as BYATT. On Elizabeth's birth certificate, her father is listed as Richard Wilton, Harness Maker and her mother, Catherine Wilton, formerly Byatt, Informant, made her mark.

Richard Wilton, Harness maker (journeyman), died on 3 Mar 1858 (1858 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 262), from Phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis). He was 46.

George Wilton, born in the Dunmow Union (Workhouse) on 3 Feb 1860 (1860 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 361), birth certificate says his mother's name was Caroline Wilton, no father listed, but I cannot find a Caroline Wilton in the area at any time. On later census returns George was listed as Catherine's new husband - John Eldred's - step-son, so George appears to have been Catherine's 'mystery' illegitimate son.

In 1861, the widowed Catherine (surname transcribed as Wilson), was living with her brother, William Byatt, in Little Canfield. George Wilton, aged 1, was listed there as nephew to the head of the household. There was a Stephen Wilton (13) Baker, lodging in the household of Elizabeth Edwards (73) at Dunmow Down, Great Dunmow, however, I believe this was a pseudonym used by Catherine's son Richard Wilton (see 1884 below). While, the 13 year old Elizabeth and her 4 year old sister, Ellen (listed as being 6), were that year, listed as inmates in the Great Dunmow Union Workhouse.

Catherine then remarried to John Eldred, widower, on 27 Sep 1862 in Great Dunmow. (Various records list her previous surname as Walton or Wilson.)

John Eldred (bap. 10 Mar 1822 in Great Dunmow) son of William Eldred and Eleanor Fewell, had married for the first time to Harriett Page, on 20 Aug 1848, in Great Dunmow. John and Harriett Eldred had three sons:

1. John Eldred b. 1849 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 12 Page 73, bap. 10 Jul 1853 in Great Dunmow. (Died aged 10, in 1860 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 224)
2. Walter Eldred b. 1852 D Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Volume 01C Page 355, bap. 10 Jul 1853 in Great Dunmow. On the baptism, his father's occupation is listed as Brewer's Servant and address given as No 12 Smith Place High Street Wapping London. (Died, aged 18, in 1871 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 256)
3. Alfred Eldred b. 1855 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 01C Page 468 (for reasons unknown the mother's maiden name is listed as PORTER, but there does not appear to be another Alfred Eldred it could relate to) bap. 12 Aug 1855 in Great Dunmow

But Harriet Eldred died aged 28, in 1855 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 312.

John Eldred remarried to Elizabeth Tennisse, Widow, daughter of John Pitts, Mariner, on 2 Nov 1856 at Christ Church, St George in the East. Elizabeth Pitts had previously married James Tennisse (born Jacobus Teunisse on 8 Feb 1823 in Amsterdam, Netherlands) on 5 Jun 1854, in Bethnal Green. The pair had three children, all of whom died as infants: Maria Sophia Tennisse (1849-1853); James John Tennisse (1851-1856) and Sarah Tennisse (1853-1855). James Tennisse also died, aged just 32, in 1855, in Stepney.

John and Elizabeth Eldred had one daughter:

1. Thomazine Maria Eldred b. 24 Jul 1857 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 413, bap. 4 Apr 1858 in the parish of St George in the East, Stepney. Her father's occupation was listed as Drayman and their address again as 12 Smith's Place.

Then Elizabeth Pitts Eldred died, aged 30, on 1 Apr 1859 (1859 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 271).

So when Catherine Wilton married John Eldred, she became his third wife.

In 1871, living in Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, were John Eldred (44) Ag Lab, Catherine Eldred (42) both had lost 5 years; Walter Eldred (18) Son, Alfred Eldred (16) Son, Maria Eldred (13) Daughter, Ellen Wilton (14) Step-Daughter; George Wilton (11) Step-Son; and Alice Wilton (2) Granddaughter (Alice Catherine Wilton born 12 Feb 1869, to Elizabeth Wilton.)

Then John Eldred died, aged 49, in 1876 D Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 54.

In 1881, Catherine Eldridge (sic) (56) Widow, Dressmaker from Cranfield (sic), Essex, was living at 23, Powis Road, Bromley, Poplar, with Richard Wilton (31) Labourer; George Wilton (21) Labourer; Ellen Wilton (24) Match Maker; Susan Robinson (21) Match Maker (Boarder) and four Lodgers: William Wardley (20) Labourer from Sudbury, Suffolk; Arthur Seatch (36) Labourer from Bromley; Frank Poulter (24) Carman from Cambridge and James Howard (18) Match Maker (Fusee) from Bromley.

Matchgirl strikers, several showing early symptoms of phosphorus necrosis. Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

White Slavery in London

Living little more than half a mile from theBryant & May's factory in Bow, it's probably reasonable to assume this was where they were all employed, where conditions were especially bad. 

"The match girls worked from 6.30am (or 8am in winter) until 6pm, with just two breaks, standing all the time. “A typical case”, wrote Besant, “is that of a girl of 16, a piece worker; she earns 4s a week ..." (Worth around £26 in 2020).

"Conditions were appalling for the 1,400 women and girls who worked at Bryant and May's match factory in Bow, East London. Low pay for a 14-hour day was cut even more if you talked or went to the toilet, and 'phossy jaw' - a horrible bone cancer caused by the cheap type of phosphorus in the matches - was common."

"If you handled white phosphorus or came into contact with it too much, then it caused serious damage to your health and you ended up with a terrible condition known as ‘Phossy Jaw’ – where you would get severe toothache followed by swelling of the gums. Abscesses would then form on the jaw-bone, and the facial bones would glow a greeny white in the dark. If untreated then ‘Phossy Jaw’ would develop into brain damage and ultimately multiple organ failure." As a result of these appalling conditions, the London Matchgirls Strike of 1888 started in the factory, which led to the establishment of the first British trade union for women. Match Girls Strike at Bryant and May Factory: The 1888 Uprising for Workers’ Rights in London

Having checked the records, I know my 2x great-grand aunt was not involved in the Matchgirls Strike in 1888, but it gives an insight into the conditions she must have endured. She could have been involved in an earlier, unsuccessful, strike in 1881. [As yet] I've found no verified record of Ellen Wilton after 1881, so she may have already become a victim of these circumstances.

The Essex Herald of 20 Oct 1884 reported on "WHOLESALE SHOP LIFTING. - Richard Wilton, a navvy, of Bromley-by-Bow, was brought up in custody charged with stealing a black rep cloth overcoat and 12 pairs of tanned leggings, value £1, from the shop of Edwin Joseph Wilton, in High Street, Dunmow on Saturday night last. Prisoner was further charged with stealing six twill jackets, value 24s, the property of Mr John Beard, of North Street, Great Dunmow, on Saturday night. Superintendent Ackers stated that the greater part of the property had been recovered and identified, and, it being believed that others were implicated in the robbery, he asked that the prisoner, who was only arrested on Sunday night, might be remanded. The prisoner was accordingly remanded for a week. Later reports, which (named the perp as Stephen Wilton (36) Baker) noted that Mr [Edwin] Wilton stated the prisoner was his cousin. The prisoner was acquitted. (There were two cousins, to both Richard and Edwin, named Stephen Wilton [1] [2] - neither were angels - but I'm sure this was Richard and not either of them.

Of Catherine's two surviving children and two step-children: her daughter Elizabeth Wilton; her son George Wilton; Alfred Eldred and Thomazine Maria Eldred ... all four gave the name Catherine as the first or middle name to their first child. In the case of her step-son, Alfred's wife's mother was also named Catherine to account for this, but for all of them to use the name, I think tells us far more about Catherine as a person than records usually can.

So far, I've not found a death for Catherine, but with so many incorrect names given throughout her life, it's not easy to guess what it might be listed under. There's also the chance, of course, that she remarried once again and therefore this is under yet another totally new name.

William Joseph Buzzacott and Martha Wykes

Church of St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lord - geograph.org.uk/p/3307085

William Joseph Buzzacott (b. 26 Feb 1853 in Greenwich), son of William Phillips Buzzacott and Elizabeth Edwards, married Martha Wykes (b. 1853 in Spratton, Northamptonshire), daughter of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, who was then resident at Woolwich Common, at the Parish Church of Woolwich (St Mary Magdalene Woolwich), on 24 Mar 1872.

In 1861, William (8) was living with his grandparents in Broomfield Place, Deptford, while his parents William Buzzacott (31) Blacksmith and Elizabeth (30) from Ireland, were living at 4, Wellington Street, Greenwich East.

In 1871, William Buzzacott (18) Boiler Smith, along with his father William Buzzacott, Engine Smith and mother Elizabeth Buzzacott, were living in the household of Alexander Buzzacott (82) - William Jnr's grandfather - from Devon, in Hamilton Street, St Paul, Greenwich [Deptford]. 

(William Phillips Buzzacott and Elizabeth Edwards had married, in Lewisham, in 1849. William Phillips Buzzacott b. 10 Aug 1829, had been baptised, in Deptford, on 30 Aug 1829, the son of Alexander Buzzacott and Sarah Stanley, who, in turn had married on 4 Sep 1817 in Lee, Kent. Alexander Buzzacott had been baptised in Honiton on Otter (Honiton, Devon) on 25 Dec 1789, and was the son of Julius Buzzacott and Agnes Phillips, who, in turn, had married on 20 Nov 1785 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon.)

In 1881, Martha Buzzacott was staying with her mother, Elizabeth Wykes, at 249, Evelyn Street, St Paul Deptford. Her husband was not listed.

William and Martha's daughter, Maud Elizabeth Buzzacott was b. 23 Jun 1885 in South Africa and bap. on 8 May 1892 at St Paul's, Deptford. 

In 1891, Martha Buzzacott (38) and Maude Buzzacott (4), were visitors in the household of Ernest J Burch (32) at 20, Evelyn Street, St Paul Deptford, whose wife Elizabeth Burch (30) was Martha's younger sister. Again, William Joseph Buzzacott was not listed, though Martha was listed as married.

I've found no further records for William Joseph Buzzacott and can only surmise from the birthplace of their daughter, that he had remained, and died, in South Africa. There is a declaration by Martha O'Toole dated 17 Jun 1895, which I think is regarding this, but appears to be written in Afrikaans.

Martha Buzzacott, widow, married John O'Toole, bachelor, born in Ireland, on 15 Jan 1895, in Boksburg, Heidelberg, Transvaal, South Africa.

In 1901, Martha was once again a visitor in her sister Elizabeth Burch's household in Deptford, this time listed as Martha O'Toole (48). 

John O'Toole, Carpenter, died at 54, on 12 Aug 1904, at 13 Station Street, Woodstock, Cape Town and was buried at Maitland Cemetery on 14 Aug 1904. The informant, present at his death, was John Wardrop. 

Martha O'Toole married John Wardrop on 20 Jul 1909 in Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa. John Wardrop, Harness Maker, of 33 Warwick Street, Woodstock, South Africa, born in Scotland, died on 16 Dec 1918, aged 62.

Martha Wykes Wardrop died at 91 on 7 Aug 1944 at Pinelands, a South African Garden City. She is buried in Maitland Cemetery. The record of her death lists her as a Widow and that John Wardrop was her 'last husband'.

(Maud Elizabeth Buzzacott married Woldemar Lüdig (b. 28 Jan 1878, bap. 12 Feb 1878 in Tori, Pärnumaa, Estonia), son of Johann Lüdig and Jüly (Julia) Lamstern, in Pancras, London in 1912. However, tragically, Maud died at 28 in 1913 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1044, having given birth to twin girls on 13 Oct 1913: Florence Julia Ludig and Lilian Martha Ludig (1913 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1841). In 1921, Woldemar Ludwig (sic) from Pernau (Pärnu), Estonia was living in the household of Gordon Wycliffe Noakes and his wife, born Florence Emma Burch, daughter of Ernest James Burch and Elizabeth Wykes. Elizabeth being his mother-in-law, Martha's sister, Florence Emma was his late wife's cousin. Woldemar Ludig remarried to Florence Noakes, Gordon's sister, in 1922. Their son, Valedemar Leonard Ludig was b. 9 Apr 1923 (died in Greenwich, in 2001). Florence Julia Ludig married Norman C Lovell in 1936.)

William Southcott and Temperance Cosway

Fore Street, Tiverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/6875609

William Southcott (bap. 24 Feb 1822 in Witheridge), 'Base Child' (illegitimate) of Mary Southcott, married Temperance Cosway (bap. 9 Apr 1819 at St Andrew's, Clayhidon), daughter of Thomas Cosway and Mary, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, on 24 Mar 1845. One of the witnesses was Mary Cosway. Temperance Cosway's father is listed as Thomas Cosway, Yeoman (other records list him as a Farmer). There was a Thomas Cosway of the right vintage, aged 60 (b. ~1780), buried on 19 Apr 1840 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, who would fit the circumstances. A note on the burial record says, "destroyed himself", could they mean suicide? (One wonders also if they may have been poor relations of the Tiverton-born portrait painter of the Regency era, Richard Cosway. The town even has a Cosway Road.) 

William and Temperance Southcott had six children:

1. William Southcott b. 7 Jan 1846 (1846 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 300), bap. 24 Feb 1846 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. (Died at 6 in 1852 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 315 and was buried 11 Apr 1852)
2. Walter Southcott b. 1847 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 246. (Died, aged 18, in 1864 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 332)
3. Robert Southcott b. 1849 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 252. (As Richard Southcott (for whom there was no birth record), aged 1, died in 1850 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 10 Page 189.)
4. Frederick Southcott b. 1851 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 10 Page 267
5. Mary Jane Southcott b. 1854 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 411
6. Lucy Southcott b. 1856 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 376. (Died, aged 2, in 1859 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 343.)

In 1841, in Fore Street, Tiverton in the household of Mary Cosway (60) Dairy Keeper had been Mary Cosway (25) (conceivably a sister); Temperance Cosway (21), Elizabeth Cosway (2), Eliza Copp (25) Dressmaker (a lodger, perhaps) and Elizabeth Harmer (65) 'Ind' (Independant). The baptism record reveals that the 2 year old Elizabeth Cosway, b. 22 Feb 1839 and bap. on 19 May 1839, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, was the illegitimate daughter of Temperance Cosway. Sadly, the infant Elizabeth Cosway died, aged just 3 in 1842 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 185, and was buried, on 18 Aug 1842, also at St Peter's Church, Tiverton.

In 1851, William Southcott (29) Carpenter, Temperance Southcott (30), William Southcott (5), Walter Southcott (3), Maria Trump (20) House Servant and John L Dunsford (34) Lodger, were all living in Becks Square, Tiverton.

Then William Southcott died at the age of 33 in 1856 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 264. 

Temperance Southcott married Francis Thomas Beedell (b. 30 Jul 1823, bap. 17 Aug 1823), son of William and Elizabeth Beedell at the Chapel of St John the Baptist, Cove, Devon, on 15 Jul 1860. (Francis had previously married Elizabeth Tucker, daughter of Robert Tucker, on 29 Oct 1852 at the parish church in Butterleigh. They'd had one child, Henry Robert Beedell, in 1853 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 393, but Elizabeth Beedell died in 1854 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 300, aged 24.) 

In 1861, Francis J Beedell (35) Tailor, Temperance Beedell (36), Walter Southcott (14) Carpenter's Apprentice, Frederick Southcott (9), Mary Jane Southcott (7) - Wife's sons and Wife's daughter - and Ann M Limborough (29) House Servant, were at Vercoc's Court, Fore Street, Tiverton. 

Francis Thomas and Temperance Beedell added one son: 

1. Francis Southcott Beedell, b. 1862 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 437.

Then Francis Thomas Beedell died, aged 42, in 1865 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 299. 

Temperance Beedell married for a 3rd time in Q4 1866 to James Coombe. 

James Coombe (b. 1811), Butcher, son of John Coombe, previously married Sarah Hurley, daughter of John Hurley, Carpenter, on 22 Mar 1838, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. James was in Newport Street, Tiverton, in 1841. In 1851 and 1861, he was a Dairyman in Frog Street, Bampton. Sarah Coombe died, at 53, in 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 308.

In 1871, at Kiddles Court, Fore Street, Tiverton, were: James Coombe (59) Dairyman; Temperance Coombe (50); John H Coombe (24) Son, Tailor; William H Coombe (22) Son, Whitesmith (unemployed); Mary J Coombe (18) Daughter-in-law (wife of John H Coombe); Mary A Coombe (22) Daughter-in-law (wife of William H Coombe); Frederick Southcott (19) Son-in-law (Step-son) Dairyman's assistant; Frederick Coombe (13) Son, Errand Boy; Francis T Beedle (sic) (8) Son-in-law (Step-son); John H S Coombe (1) Grandson (Son of John Hurley Coombe and Mary Jane Southcott); William H Coombe (0) Grandson (Son of William Henry and Mary Ann Coombe, born 20 Jan 1870, bap. 26 Dec 1870 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Mother's maiden name Land.) Finding this blended family in 1871, led me to investigate, as on that census return, the 19 year old unmarried Frederick Southcott was described as Son-in-law (to the head of the household) and that didn't make sense at all. Clearly, he is James Coombe's step-son. However, there's no wonder they were confused, because James Coombe and Sarah Hurley's son, John Hurley Coombe (b. 1845) had married Mary Jane Southcott, daughter of William Southcott and Temperance Cosway, in 1869. She was then both James Coombe's step-daughter AND his daughter-in-law.

James Coombe died, at 65, on 16 Jun 1876 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 328.

In 1881, the now thrice-widowed Temperance Coombe (62) Dairy woman, was still living in Kiddles Court, Tiverton, with her son from her first marriage, Frederick Southcott (29) Milk carrier and his wife Eliza (25), as well as her son by her second husband, Francis Beedell (18) also a Milk carrier. 

Temperance Coombes (sic) died in 1882 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 291. Despite her age being listed / transcribed as a wildly inaccurate under-estimate of 51, I have little doubt that this record relates to her.

Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin

St Mary Ashwell - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2474397

Stephen Wilton (bap. 25 Dec 1777 in Sawston, Cambridgeshire), Bachelor, son of Richard Wilton and Mary Robinson, married Elizabeth Hankin (bap. 28 Aug 1777 in Royston, Hertfordshire), Spinster, daughter of Robert Hankin and Elizabeth Edwards, both 'of the parish' of St Mary the Virgin, Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 24 Mar 1803. Both appear to have signed their own names. One of the witnesses was an Elizabeth Abbot.

Stephen and Elizabeth had nine children, the first six baptised in Royston: 

1. Mary Wilton b. 1804, bap. 25 Feb 1807 
2. Elizabeth Wilton b. 1805, bap. 25 Feb 1807
3. Martha Wilton bap. 25 Feb 1807 
4. Henry Wilton bap. 15 Jan 1809
5. Richard Wilton bap. 20 Mar 1811
6. Ellenor Hannah Wilton b. 5 Aug 1812, bap. 11 Jan 1829
7. Joseph Wilton b. 1815
8. Ann Wilton b. 1817
9. Sarah Wilton b. 1819

In 1792, at the age of 15, Stephen Wilton had been apprenticed to William Haggis in Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire, as a Collarmaker. On Ellenor's baptism, Stephen's occupation is listed as Harness Maker (trade also carried on by his sons Henry and Richard). Originally, I'd assumed a Collarmaker had meant he was making collars for men's shirts, but it appears this was actually leather collars for horses. "Historically there were three separate trades: saddlery, collar making and harness making. There are two types of collars: heavy horse collars and driving collars. However, today the demand dictates that collar making is done as a complete service with harness making." [Horse Collar Making] (Draught Harness and Horse Collar Making). On his second marriage in 1873, son Henry Wilton describes his father as Stephen Wilton, Deceased, Sadler (sic), which now makes perfect sense with the leather-working traditions in Sawston, Cambridgeshire and his sons' trades.

Stephen Wilton died, at 62, in 1839 M Quarter in ROYSTON AND BUNTINGFORD Volume 06 Page 389.

In 1841, Elizabeth Wilton (60) was living at Lewers Cottages, Royston with Ellen Wilton (22), Ann Wilton (20) and a Mary Whitechurch (16), all Dressmakers. Ellen will actually have been 29, but when unmarried daughters are beyond 'one and twenty', you probably won't tell the whole truth. :)

There is a record of a death of an Elizabeth Wilton of the right age (69) on 10 Sep 1846 (1846 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 61) and non-conformist burial on 17 Sep 1846 in Great Dunmow.

Nazareth Gardens, Peckham Rye
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Anstiss - geograph.org.uk/p/2620932
In 1878 Gordon Road Workhouse was built in the grounds of Nazareth House

Ann Wilton despite never marrying, had two children: 

1. Stephen Wilton b. 1848 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE THE MARTYR SOUTHWARK Volume 04 Page 461
2. Martha Wilton b. 1860 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 469

In 1851, Ann Wilton (34) Visitor and Stephen Wilton (3) Nephew, were staying with her brother-in-law and younger sister, Thomas and Sarah Clark, at South Place, Saint Giles Camberwell, Camberwell, London.

On 5 Aug 1867, Stephen Wilton (18) Harness Maker, 5ft 3in with brown hair, blue eyes, a fresh complexion and a scar on his chest, was sentenced to 20 days in Wandsworth Prison and a £2 fine, for Assault. Again, on 19 Apr 1870, Stephen Wilton (21) Harness Maker, 5ft 6in, with one previous conviction, was sentenced to 1 month in Wandsworth Prison, also for Assault.

In 1871, Ann Wilton (54), Needlewoman, 'wife's sister' was again living with Thomas and Sarah Clark, in Blakes Road, Camberwell, with her children, Stephen Wilton (23), Harness Maker, and Martha Wilton (10) Scholar. 

In 1881, Ann Wilton (64), was listed as an inmate at the Workhouse Gordon Road, Camberwell. (With Thomas Clark, having died in 1877 and sister, Sarah then lodging with her own daughter, options must have run out for Ann.) Martha Wilton (21), in 1881, was a General Servant to John Newlands (61) Warehouseman Fancy Goods, at 16, Talfourd Road, Camberwell.

In 1891 Ann Wilton (73) was again an Inmate in Camberwell Workhouse.

She must have left the workhouse at some point, because the Workhouse Admission and Discharge Records show Ann Wilton (77) being (re)admitted to Camberwell Workhouse on Thursday, 18 Jul 1895.

In 1901, Ann Wilton (83) Pauper was once again at Camberwell Workhouse.

According to the Register of Deaths in the Constance Road Workhouse, Camberwell, Ann Wilton died there, on 18 Feb 1909 (1909 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL Volume 01D Page 594), and was buried on 23 Feb 1909 at Camberwell Old Cemetery, Square 75, Grave 21367.