Henry Wilton and Mary Barton

The King's Head (closed), Great Dunmow. Photo © Robin Webster (cc-by-sa/2.0)

This pub and hotel on North Street has been closed and boarded up for some years, with signs of abandoned or postponed building work. It is grade II listed, the oldest parts from the 15th century. Conflicting reports suggest it has since been demolished or converted into flats.

Henry Wilton (bap. 30 Oct 1768 St Mary's, Sawston, Cambridgeshire), widower (not found previous marriage), son of Richard Wilton and Mary Robinson, married Mary Barton (b. ~ 1780 in Ruislip, Middlesex), spinster, both "Of This Parish" of St Mary's, Great Dunmow, on 20 Sep 1810.

In 1783 Henry had been apprenticed to Matthew Norris in Shelford, as a Collarmaker and, as with his brother, Stephen Wilton, this will have meant collars for horses. [Horse Collar Making, Draught Harness and Horse Collar Making] In Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823, under Taverns and Public Houses, is listed 'Henry Wilton, King's Head'. Also listed at the King's Head is William Cock, who was listed as the Licensee or Tavernkeeper from 1815 until at least 1829, so it isn't clear what role Henry Wilton played in this business.

Henry Wilton wrote his Will on 4 Apr 1839 and appointed his wife Mary and his friend Charles Prior, Basket Maker, Executrix and Executor. His bequests included: to his nephew Henry Wilton of Great Dunmow, Saddler and Harness Maker; to his wife Mary; to Elizabeth Wilton, widow of his late brother Stephen Wilton; to Charles Prior; to his niece Mary Prior, wife of Charles Prior; Henry Prior, son of Charles Prior; to Richard, Joseph, Elizabeth, Martha, Eleanor, Ann & Sarah, sons and daughters of his late brother, Stephen; and to his sister Martha Root (Martha Wilton, who had married John Root). Probate was not granted until 7 Nov 1854, for reasons I'm not yet aware.

In 1841, Henry Wilton (73) Ind [Independant means] and his wife Mary (61) were living alongside his nephew, Henry Wilton, saddler in the High Street, Great Dunmow. They were one side of Geo. Saich, ostler (most likely at the Saracen's Head Hotel), on the other was Robert Hockley, tailor and draper.

Henry Wilton died at 78 in 1846 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 49, and was buried on 8 May 1846 in Great Dunmow (England and Wales, Non-Conformist Record Indexes).

In 1861, Mary Wilton (80) with birthplace given as Ruislip, Middlesex, was a Lodger in the High Street, Great Dunmow.

Mary Wilton died, at 81, on 8 Nov 1861 (1861 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 214). Probate was granted to John Barnard, Grocer and Sole Executor. John Barnard (1799-1872), was a grocer (later wine & spirit merchant) in the High Street, Great Dunmow. It's not known if there was any familial link or what the reason was for appointing him.

Thomas Wilkey and Eliza Flew

Church of St James, Swimbridge
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3512831

Thomas Wilkey (bap. 7 Jul 1822 in Bratton Fleming), son of John and Mary Wilkie married, Eliza Flu (sic), daughter of Arthur Flew and Sarah Hines, at The Church of St. James, Swimbridge, on 18 Sep 1848. Their marriage service was conducted by the famous Vicar of Swimbridge, John Russell (The Rev. John "Jack" Russell, who first bred the Jack Russell Terrier).

Thomas and Eliza Wilkey had four daughters, of whom only one survived:

1. Lucy Wilkey b. 1849 S Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 10 Page 21, bap. 19 Aug 1849 at St James, Swimbridge. Died, aged 2, in 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 361 and was buried on 21 Mar 1852, also at St James, Swimbridge.
2. Rhoda Wilkey b. 1852 M Quarter in BARNSTAPLE UNION Volume 05B Page 461, bap. 30 May 1852 at St James, Swimbridge.
3. Lucy Wilkie b. 1855 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 404. Died aged 5 in 1860 M Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 289 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales
4. Sarah Wilkie b. 1858 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 455. Died aged 1 in 1859 J Quarter in NEATH Volume 11A Page 296.

In 1851, in the Village, Swimbridge, Barnstaple, Devon, were Thomas Wilkey (28) Ag Lab from Bratton, Devon; Eliza Wilkey (24) from Rackenford, Devon; Lucy Wilkey (1) born in Swimbridge; Arthur Flew (60) Ag Lab, Father-in-Law from Rackenford; Sarah Flew (70) Mother-in-Law, from Exeter and John Flew (8) Nephew, from Rose Ash, Devon. (John Flew bap. 23 Apr 1843 in Rose Ash, Devon was the base - illegitimate - son of Charlotte Flew.)

Eliza Wilkie died, aged 31, in 1859 J Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A Page 301.

On 8 Apr 1860, Thomas Wilkie, Widower, married Mary Thomas, Widow, daughter of Thomas Lewis, at St Cynwyd's Church, Llangynwyd.

In 1861, Thomas Wilkins (sic) (38) Shearer; Mary Wilkins (sic) (39) and 9 year old daughter [Rhoda] were living in the household of George Ley, also from Bratton, Devon, in Brown Street, Llangynwyd, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1871, Thomas Wilkey (47) Labourer, Mary Wilkey (listed as 40) and Roda Wilkey (19) as well as three boarders, were living in Cwm Du, Glamorgan, Wales, where inhabitants were employed chiefly in iron and coal works.

In 1881, listed as Thomas Wilkes (sic) (58) Plate Layer from Barnstaple, Devon and Mary Wilkes (sic) (52) from Cowbridge, Glamorgan, were living at 7, Treharne Row, Cwmdu, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales. 

Thomas Wilkie died at 62 in 1883 M Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 380 and was buried in Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Wilkie remarried Thomas Adams on 10 Mar 1884, in Llangynwyd.

In 1891, Thomas Adams (50) from Berkshire, England and Mary Adams (listed as 60) were living in High Street, Glyncorrwg Late Llangynwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales with five lodgers in the household. 

Mary Adams died in 1894 M Qtr in NEATH Vol 11A  Page 491.

Ornate gates, Talbot Terrace, Maesteg
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jaggery - geograph.org.uk/p/3005790
The gates have two oval motifs each depicting four daffodils.
Across the top of the gates is PUDDLER'S COTTAGE.

David Williams married Rhoda Wilkey, daughter of Thomas Wilkey and Eliza Flew, in Q2 1879 (Vol 11A Page 617), in Bridgend, Glamorgan. The marriage certificate should reveal the venue, as well as clues to David's origins.

David and Rhoda had four children:

1. Thomas Williams b. 1880 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 513
2. William Williams b. 1882 J Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 567
3. John Williams b. 8 Jul 1884 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 610
4. Eliza Mary Williams b. 1892 S Qtr in BRIDGEND Vol 11A Page 709

In 1881 living at 7, Treharne Row, Cwmdu, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales, were David Williams (36) Puddler (An iron puddler (often merely puddler) was a worker in iron manufacturing who specialized in puddling, an improved process to convert pig iron into wrought iron. The strenuous labor, heat and fumes caused puddlers to have a short life expectancy, with most dying in their thirties.); Roda Williams (30) and Thomas Williams (0).

In 1891, David Williams (47) Colliery Labourer and Rhoda Williams (42) and two of their sons: William Williams (9) and John Williams (6) were living at Talbot Terrace, Cwm Du, Glamorgan, Wales.

In 1901, David Williams (64) Water Pumper (Colliery) Below, this time his birthplace is listed as Ystalafern, Glamorganshire (presumably Ystalyfera) was still living at Talbot Terrace, Cwm Du, Maesteg, Glamorganwith Rhoda Williams (listed as 50), William Williams (19), John Williams (16), Elizabeth [Eliza] M Williams (8) and Patsy Regar (19) (Male) Boarder.

Rhoda Williams, with age over estimated to 58, died in 1908 M Quarter in BRIDGEND Volume 11A Page 569. 

The rest of them are harder to locate going forward. Rhoda Wilkey was listed as the mother's name on a Social Security Application in the United States relating to John Williams in Mar 1937, which provided his date of birth and from which we can deduce that he had emigrated at some point.

Richard Benbow and Elizabeth Cowtley

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477077
This beautiful church is often spoken of as the Mother Church of the East End. It is, of course, one of the 'Oranges and Lemons' churches, ("When will that be/ Said the bells of Stepney").

Richard Benbow, listed as 24, which would suggest birth year of 1690, of Ratt. (Ratcliff), Bricklayer, son of Richard Benbow and Grace Beer, married Elizabeth Cowtley (bap. 4 Oct 1696 at Saint Dunstan, Stepney), daughter of John Cowtley and Mary Pateman, on 18 Sep 1714 at St Dunstan's, Stepney. Elizabeth was said to be 21, but she was then a minor, at only 18.

A transcript of a London Apprenticeship Abstract lists that Richard - who would then have been the correct age of 15 - son of Richard Bendbow (sic), Stepney, Middlesex, bricklayer was apprenticed to William Mart, Grocers' Company (Worshipful Company of Grocers). Why he was apprenticed to a grocer when he clearly came back to bricklaying, we'll never know.

Less than six months after the wedding, on 4 Mar 1715, under Burials in the Parish of Stepney, was the burial of Richard Benbow, Ratc[liffe], Bricklayer.

Richard and Elizabeth's only child:

1. Elizabeth Benbow, b. Sunday, 15 Jul 1716 - posthumously - bap. 5 Aug 1716 at St Dunstan's, Stepney (at 21 days old), listed as Elizabeth [daughter] of Richard and Elizabeth Benbow, Ratt, Bricklayer.

I cannot [yet] say what happened to Elizabeth Benbow (née Cowtley) or whether perhaps she remarried. There are surprisingly too many records of Elizabeth Benbow to isolate the relevant ones without more clues.

Richard's brother, James, also listed as son of Richard and a Bricklayer, later left three houses to Richard's daughter, Elizabeth Travally, his niece. From this alone, I think 'bricklayer' in their context means a firm of builders doing quite nicely, rather than a bunch of jobbing brickies living hand to mouth.

It has been claimed that Richard Benbow's father was John Benbow even attributing a baptism on 7 Nov 1693, at St Paul's, Deptford - which was the baptism of the son of then Captain John Benbow. One very good reason not to accept the 1693 baptism is because that child (already the 2nd child the Admiral had named Richard), was buried in Jan 1694. 

A third Richard was born to Captain John and Martha Benbow in 1696. Still not unreasonable at the same age as Elizabeth Cowtley. If that had been relevant, it would have made the infamous Admiral my 8x Great-Grandfather. But, of course, it's not true. Whoever originally attributed that baptism for 'our' Richard was - as is so often the case - grabbing the nearest available record, just because. 

The above marriage of Richard and Elizabeth is even considered as being that of the Admiral's son in this biography of Bravebenbow and I can see why. When the Admiral's son John Benbow died in 1709, he left a legacy, amongst others, to his brother Richard, however, when the Admiral's widow died, in 1722, Richard was not mentioned, from which it could be assumed he had died between those dates, which entirely fits with 'our' Richard above. 

Having had misgivings that a bricklayer could be a son of an Admiral the crucial proofs are Richard's apprenticeship, which names his father as Richard and the fact that 'our' Richard's father was a Quaker. None of the baptisms would be the right ones, because Quakers don't practice baptism.

All that notwithstanding, clearly the Admiral was very keen to have a son named Richard for some reason, so we might assume this was a family name. The famous John Benbow was born in 1653; Richard Benbow Sr, Bricklayer, was born around 1659. At the very least they were contemporaries and we know that they lived within the same parish; Benbow is hardly a common name so there could still be a familial link and given the mere six year difference, it isn't inconceivable for John Benbow and Richard Benbow Sr to have been brothers - I just can't produce a record to prove it.

Henry Ralph Gabbedey and Elizabeth Louisa Osborn

St Botolph without Bishopsgate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1193022

Henry Ralph Gabbedey (b. 18 Dec 1807), son of John Benbow Gabbedy and Isabella Cleghorn, married Elizabeth Louisa Sheldrick on 17 Sep 1833 at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate. Born Elizabeth Louisa Osborn (bap. 24 Apr 1808 in Rotherhithe), daughter of James Osborn and Ann Hopwood, Elizabeth had previously married Thomas Sheldrick, also at St. Botolph Bishopsgate, on 10 Oct 1830. By the time Elizabeth had their daughter, Eliza Maria Sheldrick, baptised on 19 Aug 1831 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Elizabeth was described on the baptism record as a widow, although she wasn't, yet.

Thomas Sheldrick (43) "A convict in the General Penitentiary" (Millbank Prison), was buried on 5 Jul 1832 at the burial ground of the General Penitentiary, Millbank. In 1830, Thomas Sheldrick and at the same time John Kimpton, were both sentenced, in Cambridge, to 7 years Transportation for Larceny. Then there's a second record ordering the removal of Thomas Sheldrick and John Kimpton from Cambridge to the General Penitentiary on 14 Jul 1830. Clearly Sheldrick died before he could be transported. But it raises so many questions, like why did Elizabeth marry a convict?

Henry Ralph and Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey added 10 children:

1. Henry William Gabbedey bap. 5 Oct 1834 at St John's, Wapping.
2. John Gabbodey (sic) b. 11 Dec 1835, bap. 27 Jan 1836 at Shadwell, Ebenezer Chapel, Independant, just north of Ratcliff Highway.
3. James Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
4. Jesse Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name SHELDUCK - Sheldrick misspelled.) Jesse and James (The outlaw Jesse James was not yet born) may have been twins, but why different mother's maiden names, is a mystery. Died, aged 1, in 1839 J Quarter in Volume 02 Page 50.
5. Louisa Ann Gabbedey b. 1839 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 77 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
6. Charles Gabbedey b. 1842 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 82. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
7. Thomas Gabbedey b. 1844 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 94. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK). Bap. Thomas Enoch Gabbedy 25 Mar 1874 at St Anne, Limehouse
8. Matilda Gabbedey b. 1845 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 80. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
9. Joseph William Gabbedey b. 1848 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 566. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
10. George Gabbedey b. 1850 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 586. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN). Died, aged 1, 1851 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 381.

On Henry William's baptism, the family's address was listed as 70 Anchor and Hope Alley, (Browns Quay, Wapping), St. George in the East and Henry Ralph's occupation listed as Labourer. Later, on daughter Louisa's marriage in 1863, he was described as a Shipwright (as were his father and grandfather.) Once Civil Registration was introduced in 1837, they appear to have given up on baptisms. And what has been used on birth registrations for the mother's maiden name looks random, however, I suppose it depends on how the question was asked - 'maiden name' and 'former name', for example, would elicit two different answers if a woman had been married before.

In 1841, in Charles Square, St George, Tower Hamlets, were Henry Gabbedey (35), Elizabeth Gabbedy (33), Eliza Sheldrick (10), Henry Gabbedey (6), John Gabbedey (5), James Gabbedey (4) and Louisa Ann Gabbedey (2).

In 1851, Henry Gabbedey (44) General Labourer, was living in Sarah Street, Shadwell, with wife Louisa Gabbedy (43) purportedly from Hitchin, Hertfordshire; Henry Gabbedey (17), James Gabbedey (14), Louisa Gabbedey (12), Charles Gabbedey (10), Thomas Gabbedey (8), Matilda Gabbedey (6), Joseph Gabbedey (4), George Gabbedey (0), Eliza Sheldrick (20) and John Channing (21) Blacksmith from Newington, Surrey, Lodger.

Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey (60) died in 1868 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 342, buried 28 Jan 1868 in City of London & Tower Hamlets Cemetery.

Henry Gabbedey died, aged 70, on 30 Jan 1877 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 299, leaving his effects to his son Henry William Gabbedey and his daughter Louisa Seares.

William Blazey and Mary Anne Clarke

St Saviour's Church, Knightsbridge. Photograph by John Salmon.

William Blazey (b. 7 Nov 1853 in Heigham, Norfolk), youngest son of Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns, married Mary Anne Clarke (b. 1852 in Furneux Pelham, Hertfordshire), daughter of Joseph Clarke and Elizabeth Randle, at the Church of St Saviour, Upper Chelsea, on 16 Sep 1877. William was then a Servant, of 151 Pavillion Road, Knightsbridge. Mary Anne listed her father as Joseph Clark, Farm Steward. Witnesses were William Clarke, probably Mary Ann's older brother, and Elizabeth Lasthman.

William and Mary Ann Blazey had 10 children:

1. Francis William Blazey b. 29 Dec 1878 (1879 M Quarter in CHELSEA Volume 01A Page 350), bap. 2 Mar 1879 at St Barnabas, Pimlico
2. Maud Elizabeth Blazey b. 1881 J Quarter in ST. GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 432
3. Frederick John Blazey b. 18 Aug 1882 (1882 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 457), bap. 8 Oct 1882 at Holy Trinity, Vauxhall Bridge Road
4. Annie Ellen Blazey b. 25 Feb 1884 (1884 M Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 494), bap. 23 Mar 1884 at Holy Trinity, Vauxhall Bridge Road
5. Florence Emily Blazey b. 26 Feb 1886 M Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 333
6. Sydney George Blazey b. 1 Jul 1888 S Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 272
7. Alice Mary Blazey b. 26 Jan 1892 M Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 299
8. William George Blazey b. 26 Jan 1892 (1892 M Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 299). (Died 15 May 1892 (1892 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 220) and was buried on 20 May 1892
9. Lily Ada Blazey b. 1893 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 268 (Died aged 20 in 1913 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 300)
10. Charles William Blazey b. 30 May 1895 (1895 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 344), bap. 29 Jul 1895 at St Peter's Fulham

All of the birth registrations have the mother's maiden name CLARKE. 

Obviously, Alice Mary and William George, born in the same quarter of 1892, were dizygotic (fraternal) twins, of whom only Alice survived (to 100).

In 1881, William Blazey (27) Cab proprietor from Norwich, Norfolk and Mary A Blazey (29) from Hertforshire, were living at 16, Trinity Mews, St George Hanover Square, Westminster. While I cannot account for the absense of Francis William (2), neither can I find him listed elsewhere.

In 1891, William Blazey (37) Omnibus driver; Mary A Blazey (38), Francis Blazey (12), Maud Blazey (10), Frederick Blazey (8), Annie Blazey (7), Florence Blazey (5) and Sydney Blazey (2) were living in Fulham.

In 1901, at 37, Bishops Road, Fulham, London were William Blazey (46) Omnibus driver; Mary Anne Blazey (48), Francis W Blazey (22) Builder's clerk; Maud E Blazey (20) Barmaid (retired); Frederick J Blazey (18) Stock broker's clerk; Annie E Blazey (17) Dressmaker; Florence E Blazey (15), Sydney G Blazey (12), Alice M Blazey (9), Lily A Blazey (7), Charles W Blazey (5) and Charles E Hall (35) Lodger, Married, Omnibus driver.

Then the first Mrs Mary Anne Blazey (née Clarke - with a final E) died, aged 54, in 1905 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 215.

On 15 Oct 1905, at Saint Peter's Church, Islington, William Blazey (52) Widower, Driver, son of Francis Blazey (deceased) married again, incredibly, to another Mary Ann Clark (41) (no final E's) Spinster of 71 Prebend Street, Islington, daughter of William Clark, Carman. William Clark was also from Norfolk. She brought with her an illegitimate son, John William McCallam Clark b. 1903 S Quarter in ST MARYLEBONE Volume 01A Page 540.

In 1911, William Blazey (57) Bus Driver from Norfolk; Mary Ann Blazey (47) from Islington; Lily Blazey (17), Charles Blazey (15), William McCallam Clark (7), David Howe (46) Lodger, Motor bus Driver and Lily Holmes (22) General Domestic Servant, Visitor were at 37 Racton Road, Fulham. Alice Blazey (20) was Under Housemaid in the household of Cecil Fane (54) at 27 Beaufort Gardens, Kensington (a stone's throw from Harrods Department Store.)

In 1921, William Blazey (67) Taxi driver, Out of Work, was living alone at 5, Adeney Road, Hammersmith and described himself as Widowed. However, just over a mile away at 25, Gratton Road, West Kensington, were Mary Ann Blazey (56) Daily woman, listed as married, with her son, John William Clark (17) Clothes Shop Assistant. Had William not used 'Widowed', this could have had a simple explanation, but as it is, it looks as if they'd separated.

Mary Anne Blazey (59) died in 1924 M Quarter in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 291. There was the extraneous E on her middle name this time.

William Blazey (80) died in 1934 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 640.

Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor

St Margaret, The Broadway, Barking - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2974985

Isaac Phillips (bap. 26 Dec 1813 in Orsett, Essex), son of Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke, married Caroline Elizabeth Taylor (purportedly b. ~1813 in Woolwich, Kent) on 16 Sep 1832 at St Margaret's Church, Barking.

Isaac and Caroline had 12 children:

1. Henry Phillips bap. 29 Sep 1833
2. Isaac Phillips bap. 16 Apr 1835
3. Maria Phillips b. 19 Aug 1837 (unnamed on reg 1837 S Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 153), bap. 17 Sep 1837
4. James Davis Phillips, b. 1841 M Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 223, bap. 26 Jan 1841 (Died in 1841 M Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page and was buried on 31 Jan 1841)
5. Alfred Davis Phillips b. 1842 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 12 Page 203, bap. 14 Aug 1842 (Died in 1842 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 12 Page 147)
6. Jacob Phillips b. 1844 J Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 226, bap. 26 Mar 1844
7. Rebecca Phillips b. 1846 S Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 224, bap. 13 Aug 1846
8. Abraham Phillips b. 1849 M Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 243, bap. 23 Feb 1849
9. Anne Phillips b. 1851 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 12 Page 229
10. Thomas Phillips b. 1854 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 88, bap. 26 Mar 1854
11. Hester Phillips b. 1857 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 97
12. Alfred Phillips b. 1861 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 103

Baptisms all took place at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham.

The mother's maiden name on all of the GRO birth registrations is TAYLOR. The use of Davis as a middle name for both James and then Alfred leads me to believe that this may have been Caroline's mother's maiden name - it's a convention I've seen used frequently in this period - however, I've been unable to find Caroline's baptism, nor a marriage between a Taylor and a Davis. Rebecca's baptism in 1846 lists her father's occupation as Shepherd.

In 1841, the family, living in Rainham, consisted of Isaac Phillips (25) Ag Lab, Caroline (25), Henry (8), Isaac (6) and Maria (4). Also living with them were Elizabeth Parker (75) and Mary Taylor (60). The 1841 census doesn't give us relationships, but could this latter have been Caroline's mother?

In 1851, in the Upminster Road, Rainham, we find Isaac Phillips (38) Shepherd, Caroline Phillips (38) birthplace Woolwich, Kent; with children: Henry (17) Ag Lab, Isaac (15) Ag lab, Maria (13), Jacob (7), Rebecca (5) and Abraham (2). They also had a lodger, Henry Neville (18), also an Ag Lab.

In 1861, with their address listed as Fran House, Cottage, Rainham, there are Isaac Phillips (48) Ag Lab, Caroline (48), Jacob (17) Ag Lab, Rebecca (14), Abraham (12) Ag Lab, Thomas (7) Ag Lab, Esther (sic) (4) and Alfred (0).

In 1871, at Back Street Cottage, Rainham (Back Lane/Street becoming part of Upminster Road, these different addresses are probably all the same place), this time are Isaac Phillips (58) Ag Lab, Caroline (58), Thomas (17) Ag Lab, Hester (14) Domestic Servant and Alfred (10) Ag Lab.

Caroline Phillips died, aged 67 in 1880 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 129, and was buried on 31 Oct 1880 in Rainham.

In 1881, still in the Village Back Street, Rainham, Isaac Phillips (68), widower, Ag Lab, is living with his daughter, Esther (sic) (24) as his housekeeper.

In 1891, Isaac Phillips (76), widower, Field Labourer, was an Inmate at the Workhouse in Romford. And he was still at the Romford Union House (later Oldchurch Hospital) at the time of his death in 1892 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 182, aged 78. He was buried, on 5 Nov 1892, in Rainham.

Oldchurch Hospital, Romford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/282543

Henry Wilton and Martha Douse

Saint Mary the Virgin, Great Shelford

Henry Wilton (bap. 12 Apr 1702), son of Henry Wilton and Elizabeth Bissell, first married Mary Simper, on 14 Jan 1727 in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, with whom he had a daughter, Mary Wilton bap. 18 Nov 1728. However, it appears that Mary Wilton and the infant were buried in Stapleford on 28 Nov 1728.

Henry Wilton, groom from Stapleford, then married Martha Douse (bap. 8 Jul 1711 in Great Shelford), daughter of Philip Douse and Constance Harvey, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire on 15 Sep 1732.

Henry and Martha Wilton had three children baptised in Stapleford:

1. Henry Wilton bap. 2 Sep 1733
2. Richard Wilton, bap. 16 Oct 1737
3. Martha Wilton bap. 21 Oct 1739

Henry Wilton died on 18 Oct 1739 and was buried on the 21st, at Stapleford.

Martha Wilton was buried on 24 Oct 1766, also at Stapleford.

Henry's parents, Henry Wilton (b. ~1669) and Elizabeth Bissell (b. ~1673), had five children, all baptised in Stapleford:

1. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Jul 1695 (Died in 1695)
2. Martha Wilton bap. 27 Dec 1696
3. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Apr 1700
4. Henry Wilton bap. 12 Apr 1702
5. Richard Wilton bap. 7 Oct 1705 (Buried 18 Dec 1707)

Elizabeth Wilton was buried on 15 Oct 1705. (I think we can guess the cause.) Henry does not appear to remarry and there are no other children listed born to a Henry Wilton in that period with a different mother.

Henry Wilton Snr died on 27 Jun 1726 and was buried, on 30 Jun 1726, in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire.

• Martha Wilton m. Robert Reynolds in Stapleford on 14 Jan 1722.
• Sarah Wilton m. William Archer in Stapleford on 14 Sep 1726.

Stapleford church on a winter morning. The remains of President Barack Obama’s ancestor may rest in this cemetery near St. Andrew's church in Stapleford, England. Mine certainly do.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/2841826

Anthony Cleghorn and Margaret Jane Murray

The River Tweed at Carham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Walter Baxter - geograph.org.uk/p/270077
Viewed from England at Carham, the village of Birgham in Scotland is on the left

Anthony Cleghorn (bap. 17 Mar 1745, in Carham, Northumberland), Batchelor, son of John Cleghorn (John Cleghorn and Isabel Edmiston, who married in Carham on 27 Mar 1733) married Margaret Jane Murray, Spinster, both "of this parish", at St Paul's Church, Shadwell, on 15 Sep 1770. Not the current church, built in 1821, but the old church, traditionally known as the Church of Sea Captains. Witnesses were George Cleghorn and an Andrew Hedly. What brought them to London and when, however, isn't clear.

It isn't possible to go any further north than Carham, without going over the border into Scotland and with a name like Murray, there must be an enormous probability that was where Margaret Jane's origins were. Sadly, trying to find the right Murray in Scotland is like trying to find the right Jones in Wales or Sweeney in Ireland! So, for now at least that's as far as we can go. 

The couple had at least five children: 

1. Isabella Cleghorn b. Sunday, 7 July 1771, Isabella, daughter of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane of Farmer Street, Shadwell, bap. 28 Jul 1771 (at 21 days old) at St Paul's, Shadwell
2. William Guthrie Cleghorn b. 1772, William Guthrie, son of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane of New Gravel Lane, Shadwell [1], bap. 18 Oct 1772 (the number of days old, if written, has disappeared into the margin and cannot be read) at St Paul's, Shadwell
3. John Guthrie Cleghorn b. 13 Nov 1774, son of Anthony and Margaret Jane Cleghorn, bap. 20 Nov 1774 St Mary Magdalen Bermondsey
4. Susanna Cleghorn b. 13 Nov 1774, son of Anthony and Margaret Jane Cleghorn, bap. 20 Nov 1774 St Mary Magdalen Bermondsey
5. Ann Phillis Cleghorn b. Tuesday, 25 Feb 1777. Ann Phillis, daughter of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane (Margaret had been added in over the record, so she may have been known as Jane), Upper Shadwell [2], bap. 16 Mar 1777 (at 19 days old) at St Paul's, Shadwell

Guthrie is clearly significant, probably a grandmother's maiden name. John and Susanna must have been fraternal twins. Land Tax records also place Anthony Cleghorn in Shadwell in 1771, 1772, 1773 and again in 1777.

[1] New Gravel Lane in Shadwell was an historic street that was later renamed Garnet Street. It was located near the Shadwell Basin and the London Docks. "... gravel was obtained and carried down to the Thames to supply the ballast for the ships hence the derivation of the names of Old Gravel and New Gravel Lanes." [Source]

[2] Upper Shadwell was an extension of the Ratcliff Highway and ran across the north side of St Paul's Church, Shadwell (see map). (Captain James Cook is reputed to have lived at 26, Upper Shadwell, 1763 - 1765).

On 23rd May 1782 ("the twenty second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third"), in the Parish of Saint Paul Shadwell in the County of Middlesex, Anthony Cleghorn was one of twelve "good and lawful men" of the jury at the Coroners' Inquest into the death of an infant, James Le Plasterer. We can probably be sure Anthony Cleghorn was alive then.

In Apr 1799, William Guthrie Cleghorn, Barber, was admitted into the Freedom of the City of London, having served his apprenticeship.

Otherwise, so far, I've found no further records for this family.

Morris Glede and Sarah Thorn

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477077

Morris Glede (or Gleed) b. 1783, married Sarah Thorn b. 1793, at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney on 14 Sep 1812. Both of them were listed as from the Hamlet of Ratcliff, a sub-district, in Stepney and Limehouse parishes. The marriage was solemnised in the presence of [unreadable] and Ann Gleed. 

Records exist for the following children: 

1. William Gleed b. 26 Dec 1813, bap. 20 Feb 1814 at St Dunstan
2. Sarah Glede b. 1 Aug 1815, bap. 3 Dec 1815 in Edmonton
3. Marian Glead b. 3 Aug 1818, bap. 18 Oct 1818 in Edmonton 
4. Esther Gleed, bap. 12 Nov 1829 at St Dunstan and All Saints
5. Robert Morris Gleed, b. 8 Oct 1833, bap. 14 Jan 1844 at All Saints, Poplar

All of the baptisms show them as children of Morris and Sarah. On Sarah's baptism, their address is listed as Fore Street, Edmonton.

In 1841, Morris Gleed (58), wife Sarah (48), daughter Esther (17) and son Morris (8) were living in Water Lane, Fore Street, Edmonton. Also in the household were Thomas Acland (20) and Sarah Batts (4). (There is no indication of relationships, but could she be a granddaughter?)

Morris Gleed died, at 58, in 1843 M Qtr in EDMONTON Vol 03 Page 97. 

In 1851, Sarah Gleed (58), widow, laundress, from Bromley, Middlesex, was at Victory Row, Mile End Old Town, with Morris (18) dock labourer. 

There is a death of a Sarah Gleed with age estimated as 74, in 1865 M Quarter in POPLAR UNION Volume 01C Page 553, which may relate.

Jeremiah Woodbury and Ann Brice

Burlescombe Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nick Chipchase - geograph.org.uk/p/3419551

Jeremiah Woodbury (bap. 23 Dec 1715 in Burlescombe), son of Johanis [John] Woodbury and Gratia [Grace] Stanbury, married Anne Brice (bap. 10 Oct 1718 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of John Brice and Dorothy Wyatt, on 12 Sep 1737, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus.

Jeremiah and Anne had at least these six children:

1. Johannes [John] Woodbury bap. 24 Feb 1739 in Burlescombe [1]
2. Betty Woodbury bap. 2 May 1742 in Holcombe Rogus
3. Dorothy Woodbery bap. 11 Apr 1746 in Holcombe Rogus
4. Grace Woodbury bap. 9 Dec 1753 in Holcombe Rogus [2]
5. Mary Woodbury bap. 16 Dec 1757 in Holcombe Rogus
6. Thomas Woodbury bap. 6 Sep 1762 in Holcombe Rogus

There is also a Jeremiah Woodbury b. 1744-1745 attributed to this couple, but I've not seen a baptism record to confirm that this is their child.

As we can see, they were still writing the records in Latin in Burlescombe.

Anne Woodbury died at 47 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 22 Nov 1765. Jeremiah Woodberry (80) was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1795.

1. John Woodbery married Elizabeth Webber in Holcombe Rogus on 25 Jun 1759. Elizabeth Woodbury died in 1783 and John Woodbery in 1807.
2. It appears Grace Woodberry (sic) married William Cotterell of Bampton, Widower, in Burlescombe, on 9 May 1779.