George Poulter and Grace Calvert

Photo © John Salmon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Michael, Bishop's Stortford, Tuesday, 9 August, 2011

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

George Powter (sic) (bap. 30 Oct 1730 at St Michael's Church, Bishop's Stortford), son of John Poulter, Bricklayer, and Elizabeth Nicholls, married Grace Calvert (bap. 12 Jan 1730 Julian calendar, 1731 on the Gregorian calendar, at St Mary's, Standon, Hertfordshire), daughter of Samuel Calvert and Martha Faircloth, at St Michael, Bishop's Stortford on 6 Aug 1753.

On George's baptism, his and his parents' surname was spelled Powlter; he married as Powter, but on his burial record, he was listed as Poulter. The last of these seems like the most reasonable option and is the consistent spelling of the name in previous generations. Grace was baptised with the surname Colver, as was her sister Martha, but her brother was baptised Samuel Culver. Upon marriage her surname is listed as Calvert, and in 1765, both Grace, his daughter and George, his son-in-law, were beneficiaries to the will of Samuel Calvert. Clearly these were written as each clerk imagined upon hearing.

On 1 Jul 1745, when he will have been about 15, George Powter, son of John Powter, was apprenticed to Master Crips Northage of Bishop's Stortford, as a Pattenmaker, then, a skilled craftsman making patten shoes (outdoor clogs or overshoes to raise feet out of the mud ... and horse poo). 

George and Grace had seven children:

1. Sarah Powtor (sic) (reads as Powtor, transcribed as Pewter) bap. 4 Apr 1754 at St Mary's Church, Ware, Hertfordshire
2. George Poulter bap. 19 Jun 1757 at St. Cecilia, Little Hadham
3. Samuel Pewter (sic) bap. 7 Dec 1760 in Little Hadham
4. Martha Pewter (sic) bap. 25 Sep 1763 in Little Hadham
5. Edward Powtor (sic) (again, reads as Powtor, but has been transcribed as Pewter) bap. 21 Sep 1766 in Little Hadham
6. John Pewter (sic) (this time, reads as Pewtor, but has been transcribed as Pewter) bap. 6 May 1769 in Little Hadham
7. Mary Pewter or Pauter (sic) (original record reads as Pauter and transcribed as both) bap. 15 Aug 1773 in Little Hadham

As we can see, they were still having immense trouble with the surname, but all are clearly listed as the children of George and Grace.

George Poulter was buried at St. Cecilia, Little Hadham on 26 Dec 1779.

Grace Powter, aged 80, was buried in Standon, Hertfordshire on 26 Jun 1810. Whilst it's tempting to imagine she had merely been sent back to be buried in her parish of birth, son George was then living in Standon.

George Thompson and Diana Shatford

Broughton church, dedicated to St Andrew
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/4116541

George Thompson (bap. 15 Apr 1836), eldest son of Daniel Thompson and Mary Adcock, married Diana Shatford, daughter of John Shatford and Mary Chapman, on 6 Aug 1862 at Broughton church. Diana's father was a Victualler And Farmer of High Street, Broughton (he held the large 18th century pub, The Red Lion, on the corner of High Street and Church Street).  

At 14, in 1851, George Thompson was already employed as a carpenter in his father's business in Cransley Street, Broughton. After his father's death in 1854, he took over the business and, in 1861, was employing 2 men and 1 boy, having moved to 9, Mount Pleasant, Broughton. Staying with him in 1861 was his widowed mother, Mary Thompson (née Adcock), his brother Dan (12), sister Sarah Elizabeth Botterill and her sons Daniel (4) and Benjamin (0).

After they married in 1862, George and Diana had five children: 

1. Mary Elizabeth Thompson b. 1863 M Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 182, bap. 1 Mar 1863 at Broughton church
2. John Daniel Thompson b. 1865 S Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B Page 168
3. Diana Shatford Thompson b. 1867 D Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B 159
4. Francis George Thompson b. 1870 J Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 177. Died 1870 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 137
5. Charles Francis Thompson b. 1871 S Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B Page 170, bap. 30 Jul 1871. Died 1873 M Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B Page 125, aged 19 m, buried on 11 Feb 1873 at St Andrew, Broughton.

In 1871, George Thompson (34), carpenter, was in Broughton with Diana Thompson (30), Mary Eliza Thompson (8), John D Thompson (5), Diana S Thompson (3) and apprentice, Samuel Draper (15). 

George Thompson died, aged 37, in 1873 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 91 and was buried at St Andrew's Church, Broughton. 

Diana Thompson then remarried to Thomas Skellham (bap. 4 Dec 1842 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire), son of William Skellom (sic) and Mary Streather in Q3 1875, also at St Andrew's Church, Broughton.

Thomas and Diana went on to have three further children:

1. Joseph Thomas Skellham b. 1876 J Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 189. bap. 30 Apr 1876 in Broughton
2. Amy Isabella Skellham b. 1879 M Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B 193
3. Clara Eliza Skelham (sic) b. 1881 D Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B 191

In 1881, Thomas Skellham (38) Carrier, Diana Skellham (40), John D Thompson (15) Wife's son; Joseph T Skellham (5), Amy I Skellham (2) and Edward S Brown (22) Boarder were living at 5, Tilleys Hill, Broughton. Mary [Elizabeth] Tompson (18) was working as a Barmaid at the Victoria Tavern, 46 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London for her uncle Benjamin Thompson; Diana Thompson (13) was living with her grandmother, Mary Shatford (64) Innkeeper, at the Red Lion Inn, 69, High Street, Broughton.

In 1891, Thomas Skellham (48) Publican was living in Main Street, Broughton - presumably the Red Lion - with Diana Skellham (50), Joseph T Skellham (16), Amy I Skellham (12) and Clara E Skellham (9). Diana Tompson (23) was a Hotel Barmaid for Alice Slight (39) in Sheep Street, Kettering.

In 1901, Thomas Skellham (58) Market Gardener was living in Mill Road, Kettering with Diana Skellham (60), Amy Skellham (22), Clara Skellham (19) and Francis Bates (25) Boarder.

In 1911, still in Kettering, were Thomas Skellham (68) Garden Labourer, Diana Skellham (70) and Amy Skellham (32).

Thomas Skellham died, at 76, in 1919 J Quarter in WELLINGBOROUGH and he was buried in Plot E582 at Newton Road Cemetery, Rushden.

Diana Skellham died, aged 89, in 1930 S Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B 151.

Broughton, Red Lion
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Faherty - geograph.org.uk/p/3972560

John Shatford (bap. 25 Dec 1817 in Broughton, Northamptonshire), son of Joseph Shatford and Diana Dainty, married Mary Chapman (b. 1817 in Little Addington), in Q1 1839, in the district of Thrapston, Northamptonshire. 

John and Mary had eight children:

1. Elizabeth Shatford b. 1839 S Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 262, bap. 13 Aug 1839 in Broughton, Northamptonshire
2. Diana Shatford b. 1840 in Brixworth, Northampton Q4 Vol 15 P 219
3. Joseph Shatford b. 1842 J Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 15 Page 220
4. Amy Deacon Shatford b. 1844 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 272, bap. 10 Nov 1844 in Broughton, Northamptonshire. Died, aged 3, in 1848 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 15 Page 184
5. William Francis Dainty Shatford b. 1846 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 282, bap. 6 Dec 1846 in Broughton
6. John Shatford b. 1849 M Quarter in KETTERING Volume 15 Page 315, bap. 18 Mar 1849 in Little Addington, Northamptonshire
7. Mary Amy Shatford b. 1851 S Qtr in KETTERING Vol 15 Page 306
8. Charles Chapman Shatford b. 1857 D Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 148, bap. 3 Nov 1858 in Broughton, Northamptonshire. Died, aged 8, in 1866 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 94 and was buried on 20 Sep 1866, in Broughton, Northamptonshire.

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

In 1841, in High Street, Hannington, Northamptonshire, were John Shatford (20) and Mary Shatford (20), Dihannah (sic) Shatford (0), Naomi Dainty (12), William Chapman (70) and Hannah Chapman (65). (William Chapman and Hannah Bird, married on 27 Dec 1791 in Little Addington. They could be Mary's parents, or perhaps grandparents.) Elizabeth Shatford (1) meanwhile was staying in Loddington, in the household of Francis Dainty (40).

In 1851, John Shatford (33) Farmer Of 63 Acres Employing 3 Labourers was in High Street, Broughton with Mary Shatford (34), Elizabeth Shatford (11), Joseph Shatford (8), William Shatford (4), John Shatford (2) and George Brigs (30) Servant. (John's father, Joseph Shatford (60) Victualler, Diana Shatford (54) and William Shatford (26) were also in High Street, Broughton, possibly at the Red Lion.) Diana Shatford (11) was in Loddington with Rebecca Dainty (47) Licensed Victualler, her great aunt. (Rebecca was the widow of Francis Dainty, with whom Elizabeth was staying in 1841. Francis and Rebecca probably held the The Hare at 5 Main Street, Loddington.)

In 1861, John Shatford (43) Victualler And Farmer Of 63 Acres Employing 3 Men was still located in High Street, Broughton with Mary Shatford (44), Elizabeth Shatford (21), Diana Shatford (20), John Shatford (11), Mary A Shatford (9) and Charles C Shatford (3). Joseph Shatford (16) and William Shatford (14) were also living in Broughton High Street with their widowed grandfather, Joseph Shatford (71) Victualler & Grocer. 

In 1871, in Broughton were, John Shatford (53) Farmer, Mary Shatford (54), Joseph Shatford (81) Father, William F D Shatford (24), Mary A Shatford (19) and George Briggs (50) Lodger. (Elizabeth had married in 1864 and Diana in 1862; Joseph, it seems, had emigrated to New Zealand in 1865 and John Shatford married that year and was living with his in-laws.)

John Shatford died, at 54, on 16 Jan 1872 M Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 117, leaving his effects to his widow, Mary Shatford and William Shatford. John's father, Joseph Shatford, died in the same quarter, at 82, 1872 M Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 119.

In 1881, Mary Shatford (64) Innkeeper, Widow was at the Red Lion Inn, 69, High Street, Broughton with her granddaughter, Diana Thompson (13) (daughter of George Thompson and Diana Shatford). William F D Shatford (34) was Innkeeper at the The Three Cranes in Cransley and John Shatford (32) was Innkeeper at the Buccleuch Arms, 48, High Street, Broughton.

Mary Shatford died, at 71, in 1888 J Qtr in KETTERING Vol 03B Page 101.

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 (b. 10 May 1853, bap 17 May 1853 at Sacred Heart, Rath), 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 - where his brother, David Jones (my great-grandfather), was Sexton. Nicholas' address was listed as 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 was baptised on 17 May 1853 at the Roman Catholic church of the Sacred Heart, Rath, near Baltimore (Rath And The Islands Parish), Cork. Sponsors were James Hayes and Ellen Hart (sic) - his mother's sister. 

Ellen White, said to be born ~1854 in Surrey (Possibly 1854 D Quarter in EPSOM Volume 02A Page 4, mother's maiden name Smith). Upon marriage to Nicholas, she lists her father as William Henry White, farmer and 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 can I locate a previous marriage anywhere of an Ellen White to a 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. 

In 1926, Nicholas Jones (73) born in Baltimore, County Cork, Sailor (Retired) last employer Cork Steam Packet Company, was still living on the Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, with Ellen Jones (73) Wife, birthplace Guildford, Surrey, England and Annie Jones (74) Sister, also born in Baltimore, County Cork.

Nicholas Jones, Sailor, died on 22 Jan 1930, ultimately from cardiac failure, in Carrigaline, Kinsale, County Cork, said to have been 72, but actually 76. Nicholas Jones is buried at Saint Matthews Templebreedy Cemetery, an historic, mainly 18th-century graveyard in Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland, featuring ruins of a former Anglican Church overlooking Cork Harbour. "Templebreedy Cemetery in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, offers a stunning, elevated view looking eastwards across the entrance to Cork Harbour, featuring landmarks like the Roche's Point Lighthouse and Power Head in the distance. The historic site, situated at the southern edge of Crosshaven, provides a panoramic perspective of the Atlantic Ocean and the busy waterway." There can't be many places more suitable for this former sailor to rest.

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. Ellen Jones is also buried at Templebreedy Cemetery, along with her late husband.

John Frederick Rickman and Ellen Tooze

St James the Less, Bethnal Green
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4167332

John Frederick Rickman (b. 1838 in Homerton), son of George and Maria Rickman, married Ellen Tooze (b. 1837), daughter of Thomas Tooze and Mary James, at St James-the-Less, Bethnal Green, on 5 Aug 1858. Witnesses were John Benn and Elizabeth Tooze, who will have been Ellen's sister.

In 1861, John Rickman (27) Police Officer and Ellen Rickman (24) Dressmaker, were living in the High Road, Loughton, Essex.

In 1871, John F Rickman (32) Coachman and Ellen Rickman (34) Dressmaker, were Lodgers in Blackheath, Lewisham. The couple don't have children.

In 1881, John Frederick Rickman (43) Labourer, Ellen Rickman (44) and Ellen M A Leys (14) Niece, were at 42, Sedgwick Street, Hackney.

Ellen Rickman died, aged 48, in 1885 J Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B Page 348.

John Frederick Rickman then remarried to Lydia Ann Hazell. (bap. 12 Dec 1845 in Brooke, Norfolk), daughter of James Hazell and Emma Yallop, in Ongar, Essex, in 1886. However, John Frederick Rickman died, aged 51, in 1890 D Quarter in HACKNEY Volume 01B Page 413. 

In 1891, Lydia Ann Rickman (44) Widow, was a Housekeeper, living at 31 St Stephens Square, Norwich, Norfolk, along with her two sons Frederick James Rickman (4) b. 23 Apr 1887 (1887 J Quarter in WATFORD Volume 03A Page 570) and George Hazell Rickman (1891 M Quarter in HACKNEY Volume 01B Page 527), who, at just 4 months, was a posthumous child. 

Lydia Ann Rickman died at 83, in 1929 S Qtr in HENSTEAD Vol 04B 181.

Henry Staines Wilton and Amelia Palmer

Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Bill Boaden - geograph.org.uk/p/6410237

Henry Staines Wilton (b. 14 Aug 1840 in Great Dunmow, Essex), son of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines, Harness Maker, married Amelia Palmer (bap. 15 Oct 1841 in Bishop's Stortford), daughter of William Palmer and Henrietta Crabb of Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford at St Michael, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, on 4 Aug 1868. Witnesses were the bride's father, William Palmer; the bridegroom's parents, Henry and Sarah Wilton; and Martha Palmer, the bride's older sister. This looks like a 'beneficial match' for Henry, because Amelia's Great Western Railway shares passed to him on their marriage. (This was before the Married Women's Property Act 1882).

Henry Staines Wilton and Amelia Palmer had five children:

1. William Palmer Wilton b. 19 Sep 1869 (1869 D Quarter in THE BISHOP STORTFORD UNION Volume 03A Page 265), bap. 28 Nov 1869 at St Michael's, Bishop's Stortford. The Essex Herald of 28 Sep 1869 announced the birth, "WILTON: 19th inst, at Bridge Street, Bishop's Storford, the wife of Henry Staines Wilton, of a son."
2. Mary Henrietta Wilton b. 8 Feb 1871 (1871 M Quarter in OF THE BISHOP STORTFORD UNION Volume 03A Page 282), bap. 30 Apr 1871 in Bishop's Stortford. Her birth was announced in the press.
3. Olive Martha Wilton b. 25 Dec 1872 (1873 M Quarter in BISHOP'S STORTFORD Volume 03A Page 295), bap. 28 Feb 1873 in Bishop's Stortford. (Olive Martha Wilton, artist, died, aged 45, on 14 Apr 1918 in Ringwood, Hampshire. She is buried at Hampstead Cemetery.)
4. John Staines Wilton b. 17 Feb 1874 (1874 M Qtr in BISHOPS STORTFORD Vol 03A Page 295), bap. 24 Apr 1874 in Bishop's Stortford. (Died 6 May 1936 (1936 J Qtr in WESTMINSTER Vol 01A Page 521), at 62, buried on 11 May 1936 at Hampstead Cemetery.)
5. Margaret Staines Wilton b. 22 Dec 1876 (1877 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 365), daughter of Henry Staines Wilton, Saddler and Harness Maker of 261 Oxford Street, bap. 18 Mar 1877 at St Thomas, Portman Square, Marylebone. (Died aged 81 in 1957 D Quarter in CHAPEL EN LE FRITH Volume 10A Page 932. She was buried, on 31 Dec 1957, in Hampstead Cemetery.)

In 1861, Henry Staines Wilton (20) had been staying with his grandparents, Thomas Staines and Sally Hockley at Lord Peters (Sir William Petre) Alms Houses, Stone Field, Ingatestone, Chelmsford. He then set up business next door to his future father-in-law, in Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford.

By 1871, Henry Staines Wilton (30), Saddler and Harness Maker, Employing 2 men, 2 apprentices and 1 boy in Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford; Amelia Wilton (29), William P Wilton (1), Mary H Wilton (0). The household was completed with William Thorman (15) Saddler Apprentice; Martha Cornell (24) General Servant and Elizabeth Kitchener (16) Nurse.

In 1875, Henry Staines Wilton bought into an established saddlery company in Oxford Street and became associated with Henry Champion, and from the merger, the Champion & Wilton brand officially appeared. [Source]

Champion & Wilton Saddlers and Harness Makers by Royal Appointment

Champion & Wilton were the successors to two old-established firms of Oxford Street saddlers. One started out under the name of Matthew Wilson, in South Molton Street, moved around 1806 to Oxford Street, and became successively Wilson, Wilkinson & Kidd, then Wilkinson, Champion & Frewer and finally Champion & Wilton. Neighbouring saddlers, Samuel Blackwell, also long-established, was taken over by Champion & Wilton in the 1880s.

"Champion and Wilton [its predecessors, clearly] were founded in 1780 and had premises in Oxford Street, opposite Selfridges, in London’s West End. At one time they employed over one hundred saddlers making saddles, harness and other saddlery items and became, as holders of the Royal Warrant, the most highly respected firm in the country and I don’t doubt that many a stately home will still have a Champion and Wilton saddle tucked away somewhere in their tack room." - Keith Jenkin, SMSQF of Minster Saddlery

In their time, it is said that Champion & Wilton held Royal Warrants to Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as to the German Emperor, Queen Maud of Norway and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. 

In The London Gazette of 4 January 1878, there was a notice regarding a Patent application: Henry Staines Wilton, of Bishop's Stortford, in the county of Herts, Saddler, for an invention of "improvements in the construction of saddles and saddle girths."—Dated 24th December, 1874. Then in 1879: 

In addition to the quality of the product, the main peculiarity that distinguished the saddles of this brand, owed much to the invention made in 1879 by Henry Wilton, who patented the well-known safety system, still in use and much appreciated today, which represented a technical revolution. 

This was but one of many Patents that Henry Staines Wilton applied for, including: "An Improvement in Side Saddles" in 1893; for "Improvements in and connected with Saddle Bars", in 1895; "Improvements in Trace and Pole Chain Attachments" in 1896; "Improvements in the Heads or Pommels of Side Saddles" in 1903 and "An Improved Machine for Centrally Punching and Spacing Holes in Leather Straps, and for like purposes" in 1905, are those I can find records for. The first was just in his name, the rest were applied for by Henry Staines Wilton in conjunction with Benjamin Samuel Weston.

Not found on the 1881 Census, the Hertford Mercury of 15 Oct 1881, reported on "DAMAGING A WALNUT TREE. Samuel Cowland, John Curtis, John Bush and Arthur Shorter, all young men of Bishop's Stortford, were charged with maliciously breaking part of a walnut tree, growing on enclosed land at Whitehall Farm, Bishop's Stortford, the property of Mr Henry Staines Wilton ..." Of course, owning the farm doesn't mean he lived there.

On 17 Feb 1881, Henry Staines Wilton, Saddler of 261 Oxford Street joined the Gihon Lodge (Freemasonry).

In 1891, the family were living at Braywick, High Town Road, Bray, Cookham, Berkshire with Henry S Wilton (50) Sadler & Harness Maker; Amelia Wilton (49), Olive Martha Wilton (18), John S Wilton (17) Saddlers Apprentice; Margaret Wilton (14), along with Sarah Asbridge (28) Cook from Margaret Roding and Kate Maydwell (23) Housemaid from Hornchurch, Essex. William P Wilton (21) Sadler, was that year [so far unaccountably] a Visitor in a household in Wanstead, Essex, along with three female servants. 

At the time of their daughter Mary Henrietta Wilton's marriage to Augustus Percival Bartley (of Bartley & Sons, Military and Hunting Bootmakers, of 493, Oxford Street), on 11 Aug 1894, at St Michael's Church, Bray, Berkshire, their address was then stately Stafferton Lodge, Braywick Road, Maidenhead. 

Fake news is not a new thing: Apparently, according to this document (PDF), in Vol IV No 5 of 'Saddlery and Harness' November 1894, a spurious claim appears, "p.101 Notable Members of the Trade: Mr H S Wilton (Champion and Wilton) Owner of Champion and Wilton. At 457/459 Oxford Street. One of the leading West End saddlery firms. Made Queen Victoria's first saddle when HSW was only 19 years old, some 63 years ago." [i.e. 1831] Complete and utter horse poop, of course, like so many family stories, and you have to laugh, as he wasn't even born until 1840! My feeling is the Oxford Street company that later became Champion & Wilton probably did make Queen Victoria's first saddle. It was Henry Staines Wilton's personal involvement that got tacked (pun intended) on as an embellishment to aggrandize himself.

In 1901, the family had moved back into town to 29, St Johns Wood Park, in the affluent community of Hampstead, where we find Henry S Wilton (60) Sadler & Harness Maker; Amelia Wilton (59), William P Wilton (31) Sadler & Harness Maker; Olive M Wilton (28), John S Wilton (27) Sadler & Harness Maker; Margaret S Wilton (24), along with Mary J Howlett (23) Cook from Norfolk and Annie Fosbury (21) Housemaid, from Maidenhead.

In 1911, still at 29, St Johns Wood Park, Hampstead, were Henry Staines Wilton (70) Sadler & Harness Maker; Amelia Wilton (69), Olive Martha Wilton (37) Artist; John Staines Wilton (36) Sadler & Harness Maker; Margaret Wilton (33) attended by three servants: Emma Fosbury (61) Widow, Cook Housekeeper; Ellen Gorey (37) Parlourmaid and Alice Fordham (24) Housemaid. The original census schedule also confirms that the couple had been married for 43 years and had five children, all then still living.

The Rebuilding of Oxford Street

"Nos. 453–459 (odd) Oxford Street and Nos. 22 and 23 North Audley Street, a small but elegant set of shops with flats over, were designed by Herbert Read and Robert Falconer Macdonald and built by Holloway Brothers in 1900–2 (Plate 46b). The client was E. H. Wilton of Champion and Wilton, saddlers, of Nos. 457 and 459 Oxford Street. (There was nobody with the initials  E. H. Wilton, so I assume this is H. S. Wilton and an error.) The building had three storeys towards North Audley Street and five on to Oxford Street. The ground floor was of Doulting stone, the upper storeys of red brick with stone dressings, and the style a picturesque and effective Arts and Crafts treatment." This tells us where the Champion and Wilton premises were, on the diagonally opposite corner to where Selfridges was later built. The building is long gone and replaced, with currently, a branch of Zara on that corner. 

Henry Staines Wilton (74) died on 31 May 1915 (1915 J Quarter in HAMPSTEAD Volume 01A Page 819) and his funeral took place on Thursday 3 Jun 1915. He is interred in Hampstead Cemetery (Camden) grave reference WE/222. He left his fortune to his two sons, William Palmer Wilton and John Staines Wilton, saddlers, and his son-in-law, Augustus Percival Bartley, bootmaker. The Probate record shows that Henry Staines Wilton left £57,256 11s 4d, which is now worth over seven million pounds (£7,376,323 in 2024).

Hampstead News of 10 Jun 1915, reported on the:

Death of Mr H Staines Wilton

The funeral of Mr H Staines Wilton, of 18 Fitzjohn's Avenue, took place on Thursday morning at St Paul's Church, Avenue Road. The deceased gentleman, who was much respected, had long been a resident in the neighbourhood and a member of St Paul's Church, where he was a sidesman and a generous supporter of the church. He had been in failing health, but was in church on Sunday morning and died the following day. The service was conducted by the Vicar (Rev W H T N Rainey) and the Rev P B Phelps, who together with the choir met the cortege at the entrance gate to the church. Psalm 39 was chanted, and the hymn "Blessed are the pure in heart" was sung during the service, and as the coffin was carried from the church, preceded by the clergy and choir, the "Nunc Dimittis" was sung. The coffin, upon which rested a few floral tributes, was of polished oak with brass fitting and plate, which was inscribed "Henry Staines Wilton, born 14th August, 1840; died 31st May, 1915." The immediate mourners at the church were the widow and family, but a large congregation included Mr Boyton MP, the Rev W H Wilkins (a former curate), the staff and employees from 457 & 459 Oxford Street, and the household servants. The coffin was conveyed in an open car, and was immediately followed by the deceased gentleman's carriage filled with numerous and beautiful floral tributes. The interment was made at Hampstead Cemetery, where the service at the graveside was concluded by the Vicar. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs J Nodes & Co (M Nodes Lello) of 193 High Road, Kilburn; 23 Church Street, Grove End Road, etc.

Amelia Wilton died four years later, aged 77 (1919 D Quarter in PADDINGTON Volume 01A Page 77), and was buried, on 17 Dec 1919, in Hampstead Cemetery, along with her late husband. 

Neither Olive, John, nor Margaret ever married. I can find neither John, nor Margaret in 1921, however, in 1939, Margaret S Wilton (b. 22 Dec 1876) Single Female of Private Means, was at Lilybank Hydro, Chesterfield Road, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire (the last Hydro in Matlock to close in 1962). Described in the 1930's, "The establishment is not exclusively a sanatorium; it affords accommodation to families and others who desire to spend a holiday amidst the beautiful scenery of the English Switzerland and it is also a delightful winter resort for those delicate individuals who dread the severities of our English climate." As Margaret also died in Derbyshire, in 1957, we may reasonably assume she was using Lilybank as a residential care home.

Frederick Thomas Stone and Kathleen Mullarkey

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

Frederick Thomas Stone (b. 20 Jan 1892 in Stonehouse, Devon), Leading Signalman, H.M.S. Sandhurst, of 9 St Paul's Street, East Stonehouse, son of Tom Stone and Margaret Knapman, married Kathleen Mullarkey (b. 17 Jan 1896 in Stonehouse, Devon), tailoress, of 8 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, daughter of Anthony Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne, at the King Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, on 4 Aug 1923. Witnesses were Frederick's first cousin, Charley Stone (best man); Rosina Kathleen Stone, the bridegroom's younger sister (bridesmaid?), and Anthony Charles Mullarkey, the bride's elder brother who probably gave her away. The couple's fathers, Tom Stone and Anthony Mullarkey (both deceased), had both been Royal Marines, as were Charley Stone and Anthony Charles Mullarkey. 

Frederick and Kathleen had two sons: 

1. Frederick Anthony Stone b. 25 July 1924 (1924 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 417)
2. Douglas John Stone b. 27 Sep 1927 (1927 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 404)

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

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

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

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

Frederick Thomas Stone of 5 Royal Naval Shore Signal Station Cottages, Old Folkstone Road, Dover, died on 11 Nov 1957, aged 65 (1957 D Quarter in DOVER Volume 05B Page 594), at Buckland Hospital, Dover, leaving effects of £960 12s 5d to Frederick Anthony Stone, Chief Electrician R.N. and Douglas John Stone, Laboratory Assistant. 

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

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

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

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

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

• Douglas John Stone died, at 58, in DOR Q1/1985 in KINGSBRIDGE (4111) Volume 21 Page 1587.
• Frederick Anthony Stone married Barbara Matthews (1927-1999), in Newport, Wales, in 1950. Frederick Anthony Stone died, on 19 Mar 1985, in Newport, Wales (DOR Q1/1985 in NEWPORT (8362C) Volume 28 Page 994). He will have been 60. 

Edward William Wykes and Mary Jane Austin

Brixworth Union Workhouse
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Burgess Von Thunen - geograph.org.uk/p/1889562
Erected in 1835-6 to accommodate 265 inmates. Conditions were described as "prison-like and spartan", while food was "meagre and tasteless", according to Brixworth History Society. 

Edward William Wykes (b. 30 Jun 1859), son of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, married Mary Jane Austin (b. 1861), widow, daughter of Stephen Austin and Ann Wykes - they were first cousins: William Wykes was the elder brother of Ann Wykes - at St Mark's Church, Deptford on 3 Aug 1890.

In 1871, Mary Jane Austin (9) had been living at home with her parents at Holdenby Rectory, Holdenby, Brixworth, Northamptonshire. 

In 1881, however, Mary J Austin, erroneously listed as 30, was a Prisoner at HM Prison, Northampton St Sepulchre. The Northampton Mercury, on 2 Apr 1881, details: NORTHAMPTON imprisonment. Theft by a Pauper. Mary Jane Austin (20), Holdenby, was charged by Samuel Giles, master of the Brixworth Union [Workhouse], with stealing a pair of shoes. One assumes Mary Jane was an inmate of the workhouse for the birth of her illegitimate daughter, Kate Mary Austin, who at 6 mts, was also at the prison.

Mary Jane Austin had previously married Thomas Austin (b. 1844), son of William Austin and Jane Smith, at All Saints' Holdenby on 12 Dec 1881. On their marriage certificate, Thomas Austin's father is listed as Stephen Austin and Mary Jane Austin's as William Austin, clearly being transposed, which I'm sure is sending many a researcher barking up the wrong family trees.

Mary Jane had three Austin daughters:

1. Kate Mary Austin b. 28 Oct 1880, bap. 23 Nov 1880 in Brixworth
2. Bertha Minnie Austin b. 1882 D Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 117, bap. 16 Sep 1883 in East Haddon, Northamptonshire
3. Emily Jane Austin b. 4 Jan 1885 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 131

There was no GRO registration for Kate, clearly born before Mary Jane married. We cannot be certain whether Thomas Austin was her father. On the two GRO registrations for Bertha and Emily, the mother's maiden name is AUSTIN, that is to say, not left blank and defaulted, as in illegitimate births, but specifically listed to confirm that both parents had this surname.

Thomas Austin died, at 41, in 1886 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 98.

In 1887 and 1888, Kate Austin was enrolled at Holdenby School and Emily Jane Austin was also enrolled there on 13 Jan 1890. The record lists that Kate left the school on 15 Oct 1890, which fits in with them going to London.

Mary Jane had a further three children with Edward William Wykes:

1. Edward John Wykes b. 16 Feb 1891 J Qtr GREENWICH Vol 01D 1018
2. Mary Wykes b. 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1029. Died 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 610.
3. Annie Wykes b. 15 Dec 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1054, at 6 Charles Place, Kent, London, England, bap. 15 Dec 1899 at St Paul, Deptford. Died 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 739.

All three, once more, have the mother's maiden name of AUSTIN.

In 1891, Edward W Wykes (31) Boilermakers' Labourer from Deptford, Mary J Wykes (29) from Northampton, Kate Wykes [Kate Mary Austin] (10) and Edward J Wykes (0) from Deptford, Kent, were living at 16, Czar Street, St Paul Deptford. Emily Austin (6) was living in The Village, Holdenby in the household of her maternal grandparents, Stephen and Ann Austin.

In 1901, Edward Wykes (41) Iron foundry labourer; Mary Wykes (39), Emily Wykes [Emily Jane Austin] (16) Tin Worker from East Haddon and Edward Wykes (10) were still living at 6, Charles Place, St Paul Deptford. Bertha M Austin (18) was a Housemaid in the household of Herewald Wake (48) (Sir Hereward Wake, 12th Baronet (1852–1916) Magistrate, landowner and farmer at The Hall, Courteenhall, Hardingstone, Northamptonshire.

Mary Wykes died, at 39, in 1901 S Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 596.

On 15 Jan 1908, Edward Wykes (50) Labourer, pleaded guilty at Greenwich Police Court to "Stealing five hundredweight in weight of iron and steel castings, the property of Samuel Isaacs and another." He also fessed up to "Receiving the same well knowing them to have been stolen." He was [lucky he was merely] bound over into his own recognisance for 12 months. 

It appears that Edward Wykes, with his age estimated at 79, died in 1936 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 909.

Samuel Blazey and Susanna Plunkett

Photo © Marathon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The Norman nave of Wymondham Abbey, Wednesday, 19 August, 2015

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Banns were read in Wymondham on 23 Jun 1782 and 30 Jun 1782, for the marriage of Samuel Blazey (bap. 12 Sep 1761 in Wymondham), of this parish, bachelor, son of Paul Blazey and Mary Day, and Susanna Plunkett (bap. 27 Jan 1763 in Wymondham), of the same parish, Spinster, daughter of John Plunkett and Mary Bale, but on the third date the record states that they were not published. Unfortunately, I can't read the reason written on the record and to be fair, nor could various online OCR tools, the best of which, channelling it's inner Stanley Unwin (that'll date me) came up with, "at the men's steather and he had vermed astotter from herden which forted the going on". Indeed. What I interpret the situation to be is that Samuel had requested them not to be published as the couple had separated. If so, only temporarily, because after the banns were recalled on 8th, 15th and 22nd Jun 1783, Samuel Blazey and Susan Plunkett were married at Wymondham Abbey on 23 Jul 1783. Witnesses at this wedding were Sam Taylor and Jeramiah Forster.

Samuel and Susanna Blazey had at least five children:

1. William Blazey bap. 5 Oct 1783 in Wymondham
2. Elizabeth Blazey bap. 28 Mar 1785 in Wymondham
3. Paul Blazey bap. 4 Apr 1790 Private Baptism in Wymondham
4. Susanna Blazey bap. 11 Jul 1792 in Wymondham
5. Mary Blazey b. 12 Aug 1797, bap. 20 Aug 1797 in Wymondham

On Elizabeth's and Susanna's baptisms, their mother's name is Susanna Blazey (late Susanna Plunkett) and on Paul's, it's Susan Blazey (late Plunkett).

So far I've not found a record of the death of this Samuel Blazey. There are various records that could relate to Susanna (a further marriage included), but, so far, I've been unable to confirm if any of them are relevant.

George Churly and Mary Ann Stone

Photo © Bill Boaden (cc-by-sa/2.0)

The Iron Duke, Friday, 10 July, 2020

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

A Wetherspoon's on the central crossroads in Wellington, Somerset. This was originally the town hall, completed in 1833. Its current name commemorates the Duke of Wellington.

George Churly (b. 28 Jun 1831, bap. 26 Jul 1831 in Silverton, Devon), Batchelor, Wheel Wright of Stawley, Somerset, son of William Churly and Melony Godfrey, married Mary Ann Stone (b. Aug 1834, bap. 25 Dec 1834 in Langford Budville, Somerset), Spinster, Dress Maker of Ashbrittle, Somerset, daughter of William Stone and Elizabeth Sprague, at The Register Office in the District of Wellington, Somerset on 21 July 1853. The venue for this marriage, I can only assume, will have been in the then Wellington Town Hall. Witnesses were Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway (later my 2x great-grandparents). In turn, George and Mary Ann Churly were the witnesses at Henry & Mary's marriage in 1854. Mary Ann was Henry's half-sister.

Spellings of this surname are widely varied, often as Churley, sometimes Chorley and one time even Charley, but Churly is on George's baptism, as well as on the marriage certificate, so I'm considering that the 'standard' spelling.

George and Mary Ann Churly had nine children:

1. Laura Churly bap. (as Laura Chorley) 30 Jul 1854 in Stawley, Somerset
2. Abel Asa Charley (sic) b. 24 Aug 1856 (1856 S Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 357), bap. (as Abel Asa Chorley) 3 Jan 1858 in Stawley, Somerset
3. Eli Churly b. 23 Sep 1858, bap. 5 Jun 1859 in Stawley, Somerset. Died, aged 35, in 1894 S Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 177 and was buried on 4 Sep 1894 at All Saints' Parish Church, Holcombe Rogus
4. Ada Churly b. 1861 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 380, bap. (as Ada Charley) in 1863 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon
5. Obadiah Churly b. 17 Sep 1863, bap. 1869 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon
6. William Wilfred Churly b. 23 Oct 1866 (1866 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 355), bap. (as William Wilfrid Chorley) 1869 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon
7. Levi Churly b. 1870 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 396, bap. (as Levi Chorley) in 1870 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon. Died, aged 4, in 1874 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 233 and was buried at All Saints' Parish Church, Holcombe Rogus
8. Frederick John Churly b. 1873 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 376, bap. 1875 in Holcombe Rogus
9. Levi George Churly b. 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 359, bap. 1875 in Holcombe Rogus

On Laura's baptism, George's occupation is listed as Carpenter. There don't appear to be GRO civil birth registrations for Laura, Eli or Obadiah.

In 1861, George Churley (sic) (28) Sawyer from Silverton, Devon, was living in South Street, Holcombe Rogus with Mary Ann Churley (26) from Langford Budville, Somerset; Laura Churley (6); Abel A Churley (4); and Eli Churly (2).

In 1871, George Churley (sic) (39) was living in Fore Street, Holcombe Rogus with Mary Ann Churly (36); Eli Churly (11); Ada Churly (8); Obediah Churly (6); William Churly (4) and Levi Churly (1). Laura Chorley (sic) (16) from Stawley, Somerset, was a Servant in the household of William J C Browne (William James Caulfeild Browne) in Kittisford, Somerset (Rev. William J. C. Browne M.A. was rector of Kittisford 1862—91); and Abel Chorley (sic) (13) was a Servant to Thomas Cape, also in Kittisford.

In 1881, George Churley (sic) (49) Carpenter, was living in Fore Street, Holcombe Rogus with Mary Ann Churly (46); Obadiah Churly (16) Grocers assistant; Frederick Churly (8) and Levi George Churly (6). Laura married in 1878; Abel Asa Churly (23) Blacksmith was a Visitor in the household of his married sister Laura Downing (25) Wife of Ships Carpenter, in Cross Street, Northam, Devon. (There also was Mary Ann Fry (22) who Abel married in 1886 in Ontario, Canada); Eli Churly (22) Gunner RMA (Royal Marine Artillery) from Wellington, Somerset, was with HMS Audacious at Devonport Stoke-Damerel; Ada Churley (sic) (19) was Housemaid in the household of Elizabeth J Wilmot, Widow at Clevehouses (Clift Cottage), Northam, Devon and there also was William Churley (sic) (14) Stable Boy.

In 1891, George Churly (59) was once again living in Holcombe Rogus with Mary Ann Churly (56), Levi Churly (16) and Eli Churly (31).

George Churly died, aged 60, in 1891 D Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 249.

Eli Churly had enlisted in the Royal Marines at Taunton, Somerset on his 18th birthday, 23 Sep 1876. At that time he was 5ft 7¼in with a fair complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes. On final discharge, in 1888, he'd grown to 5ft 10in. Much of his career was listed simply with R M Artillery. He was with HMS Audacious from 8 Aug 1879 and transferred to HMS Repulse on 15 Apr 1881, confirmed here as it states, "Portsmouth 21 Apr 1881 Crew of the Audacious, from Devonport, turned over to the Repulse, guardship in the River Humber." On 28 Aug 1882, during the Battle of Kassassin, Eli Churly suffered "gun shot wounds both thighs (severe)" and was transferred to To Hosp[ital]. (There were several columns devoted to the action in the Portsmouth Evening News of 31 Aug 1882, and Agincourt Road was renamed Kassassin Street in Southsea to commemorate the Battle of Kassassin, which took place in Egypt in 1882 during the Anglo-Egyptian War.) However, Eli was back in service on 25 Sep 1882 for a further six years. From 1883 to 1885 he was with HMS Hercules, flagship of the reserve fleet from 1881 until 1890. Eli Churly was finally Discharged Invalided on 10 Oct 1888 and died, aged 35, in 1894.

In 1901, Mary A Churly (66) Widowed, was living alone in Holcombe Rogus.

Mary Ann Churly of Union Workhouse, Bideford, Devon, died, aged 71, in 1905 S Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 290 and was buried in on 6 Sep 1905 at St Margaret of Antioch, Northam, Devon.

John Brown and Elizabeth Perry

St Dionis Backchurch

John Brown (b. ~1710) married Elizabeth Perry (bap. 27 Mar 1714 in Woolwich, Kent), eldest daughter of Philip Perry and Elizabeth Flemming, at the church of St Dionis Backchurch, located in the heart of the City of London on 13 Feb 1734 (Julian) 1735 (Gregorian). The record reads, "John Brown of the Parish of St Dunstan Stepney in the County of Middlesex Batchelor & Elizabeth Perry of the same parish Spinster were married (by Licence) on Thursday the 13th day of Feb 1734/5."

The records of seven children can be attributed to this couple:

1. Sarah Brown b. Friday, 11 Jan 1740, bap. 5 Feb 1740 (at 25 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney. Sarah, daughter of John Brown of Poplar Brewer & Elizabeth
2. Elizabeth Brown b. Wednesday, 3 Jul 1745, bap. 11 Jul 1745 (at 8 days old). In the records of St Dunstan's, Stepney, it says 'Elizabeth, daughter of John Brown of Poplar Brewer & Elizabeth at Poplar'. Being baptised 'at Poplar' may have been at Poplar Chapel (St Matthias Old Church).
3. Susanna Brown b. Tuesday, 21 Apr 1747, bap. 19 May 1747 (at 28 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney. Susanna, daughter of John Brown of Poplar Brewer & Elizabeth.
4. John Ephraim Brown b. Wednesday, 14 Feb 1750, bap. 5 Mar 1750 (at 19 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney. John Ephraim, son of John Brown of Poplar Brewer & Elizabeth.
5. Helen Brown b. Saturday, 12 May 1753, bap. 6 Jun 1753 (at 25 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney. Helen, daughter of John Brown Poplar Brewer & Elizabeth.
6. Catherine Brown b. 26 Apr 1755, bap. 28 Apr 1755 (at 2 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney, Catherine daughter of John Brown of Poplar, Brewer and Elisabeth. (Listed as Kitty in the Will of her Uncle Ephraim Seehl)
7. Ann Brown b. 9 Aug 1758, bap. 27 Aug 1758 (at 18 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney, Ann daughter of John Brown of Poplar, Brewer and Elisabeth.

The baptisms all list their father as John Brown of Poplar, Brewer. Additional evidence that these are the children of this family: Sarah was the name of Elizabeth's aunt and sister; Elizabeth is obviously her own and her mother's name; Susanna was another of Elizabeth's sisters; John, clearly for his father, but Ephraim after his uncle, Ephraim Seehl, married to his mother's sister, Sarah; and Helen was the widow of Elizabeth's brother, Philip Perry.

John Brown was alive when he was witness at daughter Elizabeth's marriage to John Perry on 19 Mar 1765, but we know he died before 29 Apr 1775, because a Codicil to the Will of his brother-in-law, Ephraim Reinhold Seehl, of that date stated he had died. Brown is not the easiest name to research, however, one would expect a man of his standing to leave a Will, so I began looking there, within the window between those dates, and indeed, found the Will of John Brown of the Hamlet of Poplar in the Parish of Stepney, Brewer, dated 7 Apr 1768 and proved on 22 Apr 1768, who left all of his estates together with his household furniture, stock in trade, plate, ready money ... to his dear beloved wife Elizabeth Brown, who he also appointed sole Executrix. He specified that bequests of £300 each should be given to their two youngest daughters, Catherine and Ann, upon Elizabeth's death, but otherwise, gave her full discretion 'to dispose of whatever she shall be possessed of in such manner as she shall think proper'. In the parish records of St Dunstans, Stepney on 15 Apr 1768, is the burial of "John Brown of Poplar, at Ditto". This means, first of all that he clearly died between the 7th and 15th of April 1768, and that he was buried at Poplar Chapel (St Matthias Old Church), as were so many other members of the Perry family.

Locating the death of Elizabeth Brown (née Perry) is another day's challenge.