Monday, 13 October 2025

Charles Frederick Burden and Sophia Baker

Watney Street and entrances to Shadwell Stations
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/3999191

Charles Frederick Burden (b. 22 Oct 1858, bap. 15 Apr 1860 at Holy Trinity (built 1844, demolished 1963), Milton-Next-Gravesend, Kent), Customs Officer, then of 363 Cable Street, son of William Henry Burden, Customs Officer, and Mary Elizabeth Sharland, married Sophia Baker (b. 1858), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, at Christ Church Watney Street, St George in the East, on 13 Oct 1878. Witnesses were Charles Richard Baker, the bride's brother, and an Elizabeth Pearson. (Charles' father's occupation was later listed as a Tidewaiter - who was a customs officer who boarded ships on their arrival to enforce the customs regulations.)

Charles and Sophia had six children:
  1. Amelia Mary Burden b. 1879 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 409. Died, aged 3, in 1883 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 275
  2. Jessie Edith Burden b. 1881 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 402
  3. Ethel May Burden b. 1883 J Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 411
  4. Hilda Irene Burden b. 1884 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 652
  5. Alfred Charles Burden b. 1886 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 48
  6. Christopher Frederick Burden b. 26 Nov 1887, Reg: 1888 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 57
All of the registrations show the mother's maiden name as Baker.

In 1881, Charles F Burden (22) Bricklayer was living at 27, Watney Street, St George in the East with wife Sophia Burden (22) and Amelia M Burden (1). Living there also were Dan and Sarah Jane Tompson (formerly Sarah Jane Baker, Sophia's sister); Eliza Louisa Tompson (my great-grandmother); Sarah Sophia Tompson, Mabel Grace Tompson and Mary Adcock Tompson.

In 1891, Chas Fredk Burden (32) Surveyor, Sophia (32), Jessie (9), Ethel (8), Irene (6), Alfred (5) and Christopher (3) were in Stamford Road, East Ham.

On 6 Apr 1892, Charles Frederick Burden, Architect, became a member of St. John Lodge (United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership).

Christine Miller at Gin and Genealogy tells us that Charles Burden had risen to the position of Superintendent of Works at Mile End Workhouse around 1884 and was appointed the Architect for the Guardians of the Poor in 1894. "Then, suddenly, the Eastern Post Newspaper of February 25th 1899, brings news of Charles Burden’s sudden resignation ..." Due to a sex scandal.

No longer surprising then, in July 1900, C F Burden (40) Architect, arrived in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, sailing from Liverpool on the SS Tunisian.

In 1901, Sophia Burden (42) Married, listed as head of the household was living in Daubeney Road, Hackney with Jessie E Burden (19), Ethel M Burden (18), Hilda J Burden (16) and Alfred C Burden (15). Christopher F Burden (13) was staying with his Aunt Amelia, his mother's sister. Having left the UK, Charles Burden was by that time lodging in Massey, Ontario, Canada.

In 1910, Charles Burden (~50), Architect, embarked in Montreal on the SS Barbadian (Leyland Line) travelling from New Orleans to Liverpool, arriving in Liverpool on 27 Oct 1910. Chas Fred Burden arrived in Canada again in Feb 1911, on the SS Sardinian, which I think also sailed from Liverpool, with destination Massey, Ontario and shows he'd previously lived in Canada for 10 years, from 1900 to 1910, which concurs with the 1900 record.

In 1911, Sophia Burden (52) Married and once again head of the household, was living in Lower Clapton, London with Alfred Charles Burden (25), Christopher F Burden (23) and Hilda Irene Burden (26). (Ethel May had married in 1902 and Jessie Edith in 1903). While, Charles F Burden (listed as 56) was again a Lodger in a household in Algoma East, Ontario, Canada.

In 1921, Chas Frederick Burden (62) was, a Boarder (presumably getting fed too) in a household in Algoma East, Ontario, Canada, living with Arthur Albert Hallett (41), Emily Hallett (35) and what appears to be their four children. Sophia Burden (62) Housewife, meanwhile, was living at 173, Chatsworth Road, Hackney, with three young gentleman boarders.

In 1931, C F Burden (~70) Architect, Married, was lodging, it appears still in the household of Arthur A Hallett in Massey, Ontario, Canada.

Sophia Burden died, aged 73, in 1931 D Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B 388.

Charles Frederick Burden, Architect, Widower, died, aged 77, in Massey, Ontario, Canada, on 14 Dec 1935 with cause of death given as chronic myocarditis (heart failure). The record specifies his length of residence in Canada as being 35 years, which again agrees with the record of him arriving in 1900. His obituary describes him as "a grand old man, liked by all". 

Saturday, 11 October 2025

William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn

Lingfield, Surrey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1929778
Looking towards the Grade I listed church of St. Peter & St. Paul.

William Penfold (bap. 5 Nov 1826 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield), son of William Penfold and Hannah Humphrey, married Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn (bap. 25 Jul 1830 at St Nicholas Church, Chiswick), daughter of Robert Gunn and Dinah Powell, at St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield, Surrey on 11 Oct 1851. Witnesses to this couple's marriage were Thomas and Hannah Tharp.

William and Mary Ann had nine children:
  1. Jane Penfold b. 1853 D Quarter in EAST GRINSTED Vol 02B Page 94, bap. 30 Oct 1853 at St Peter and St PaulLingfield, Surrey
  2. William Robert Penfold b. 1855 D Quarter in CROYDON SURREY Volume 02A Page 123, bap. 20 Jan 1856 in Croydon, Surrey. Died 1856 J Quarter Volume 02A Page 82, buried on 13 Apr 1856 in Croydon.
  3. John Robert Penfold b. 12 Apr 1857 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 98, bap. 24 May 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  4. Arthur Edward Penfold b. 1859 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 99, bap. 5 Jun 1859 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  5. Amelia Dinah Penfold b. 1861 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 104, died, age 5, in 1867 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 74
  6. Frederick William Penfold b. 20 Jul 1863 (1863 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 105) 
  7. Charles Penfold b. 31 Oct 1865 in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 104
  8. Thomas Penfold b. 1868 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 111. Died, aged 19 on 20 Apr 1887, at St. George Hanover Square
  9. George Albert Penfold b. 1870 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 114, died, age 3, in 1874 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 82, bur: 14 May 1874 St. Mary's Church, Hartfield, Sussex
In 1861, William Penfold (34) Agricultural Labourer was living in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, East Grinstead, Sussex with wife Mary Ann Penfold (30), Jane Penfold (7), John Penfold (4) and Arthur Edward Penfold (2).

In 1871, still in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, Sussex, were William Penfold (44), Mary Ann C Penfold (40), John R (14), Arthur E (11), Frederick W (7), Charles (5), Thomas (3), George A (0) and Henry Care (15) Nephew.

William Penfold died, aged 46 (1873 M Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 80), and was buried in Hartfield on 1 Mar 1873.

In 1881, Mary Ann Penfold (50) widow, was living at the Old Turnpike House, Hartfield - a later newspaper article mentions that her late husband, William Penfold, had been the toll house keeper - with Thomas (13) and Charles Payne (9) Boarder. Frederick William Penfold (18) was at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda; Charles Penfold (17) Grocer's assistant was living in Mitcham, Surrey in the household of his older brother, John Edward Penfold; there's no knowing where Arthur Edward Penfold was at that time.

Mary Ann Penfold died, at 55, in 1886 (1886 M Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A Page 252). News reports indicated she died during an epileptic seizure.

Millbank Estate, Erasmus Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Richards - geograph.org.uk/p/2294495
Looking down St Oswulf Street towards Hogarth House, built in 1897-99 by R. Minton Taylor. Grade II* listed. The Millbank Estate was one of the earliest and highest quality public housing projects of the London County Council, built in 1897-1902. The style is Arts and Crafts with touches of Queen Anne, red brick, neat white-painted windows, shaped gables.

John Robert Penfold (b. 1857), son of William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn, married Mary Jane Wilmshurst (b. 1856), daughter of James Wilmshurst a farmer of 26 acres in HeathfieldHailsham, Sussex and Sarah Prior, in 1878 in the district of Hailsham, perhaps in Heathfield.

John Robert and Mary Jane had five children:
  1. Frederick William Penfold b. 1879, registered in 1880 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 270, died 1 Jan 1918 (see below)
  2. Arthur James Penfold b. 1883 D Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A Page 321
  3. Charles Edward Penfold b. 1886 M Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A Page 341
  4. Mary Jane Penfold b. 1888 J Qtr in CHELSEA Volume 01A Page 3
  5. Mabel Penfold b. 1890 D Qtr in CHELSEA Volume 01A Page 360
In 1881, John R Penfold (23) from Hartfield, Sussex was living at Field Gate, Mitcham, Croydon, Surrey with wife Mary J Penfold (24), brother Charles Penfold (17) Grocer's assistant and son, Fred W Penfold (1).

In 1891, in the Queens Road, Chelsea, London with John R Penfold (33) Boot maker (the Chelsea boot, made popular in that district in 1960's, but the design goes back to Victorian times), Mary J Penfold (34), Arthur J Penfold (7), Charles J Penfold (5), Mary J Penfold (3), Mabel Penfold (0) and Sarah Wilmshurst (68) Widow, Mother-in-law. Frederick William, then 11, is not listed and I've been unable to find him elsewhere either.

In 1901, in Hogarth Buildings, 52, Westminster (Hogarth Buildings, Millbank Estate, Westminster. The Millbank Estate, was planned by the Housing of the Working Classes Branch of the London County Council (LCC) Architect’s Department in 1897) were John R Penfold (43) Shoemaker; Frederick W Penfold (21) Commercial clerk; Arthur J Penfold (17) Student; Charles E Penfold (15) Shoemaker; Mary J Penfold (13) and Mabel Penfold (10). Not listed in the household was wife Mary Jane Penfold, as M J Penfold (45) female patient born in Heathfield, Sussex was listed as a 'Lunatic' in the London County Asylum, The Heath, Dartford. (Heath Asylum, which became Bexley Hospital). Opened in 1898, the first patients moved in before the hospital was completed, initially with 4 male and 3 female ward blocks. All were committed ‘lunatics’, none were there on a voluntary basis.

John Robert had been elected as one of the six Labour members returned for the St. John Ward to Westminster City Council on Monday 9th November 1903 and he served for three years until November 1906. [Source]

Mary Jane Penfold (48) died, in Dartford, Kent on 29th January 1905.

In the 2nd quarter of 1906, John Robert Penfold then remarried to Louisa Morfill in the district St. George Hanover Square. Born Louisa Gamble, she had previously married Thomas Morfill, in Petersfield, Hampshire, in 1881. Or to give him his full name, Wemyss Thomas Cockburn Morfill, born in 1857, in Torrington, Devon, son of James Waugh Morfill a Professor of Music and Elizabeth Green. In 1891, Morfill was in service as a Housekeeper in Ashley Place, Westminster. He had died, at 34, in 1892.) Louisa bought with her two daughters from her previous marriage: May Morfill and Emma Louise Morfill, born in 1882 and 1883, respectively, on Portsea Island, Portsmouth.

Charles Edward Penfold died, aged 21, and was buried on 25 Apr 1907 at Hanwell Cemetery, formerly City of Westminster Cemetery.

In 1911, living at 32 Rampayne Street, Westminster were John Robert Penfold (53) Bootmaker, Louisa Penfold (59), Frederick William Penfold (31) Clerk in tailoring house; May Elisa Morfill (28) Tobacconist; Emma Louise Morfill (27) Tobacconist; Arthur James Penfold (27) Clerk inst civil; Mary Jane Penfold (23) and Mabel Penfold (20) Student. Much can be deduced about their attitudes seeing them listed in order of age, disregarding family or gender and that Mabel is listed as a Student, worthy of further education.

Frederick William Penfold of 17 Chapter Street, Westminster, died, aged 38, on 1 Jan 1918 at the First London General Hospital, Brixton (The 1st London General Hospital in Cormont Road was a school requisitioned by the military wing of St Bart's during World War I.), leaving his effects to his father, John Robert Penfold, Bootmaker. Private Frederick William PenfoldMiddlesex Regiment 33rd Bn., son of John Robert and Mary Jane Penfold, is buried at Brookwood Military CemeteryBrookwood, Surrey (XIII. E. 6.)

John Robert Penfold died, aged 66, on 15th March 1924.

Louisa Penfold of Alver Bank, West Road, Clapham Park (Residential Home) died, at 84, in Wandsworth, London, on 21 Sep 1936, leaving her effects to her daughter, Emma Louise Tapper (wife of William Frans Tapper).

Richard Flew and Jane Wright

Rackenford: All Saints church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/234495

Richard Flew Jnr (bap. 29 Sep 1765 in Rackenford, Devon), of this parish, Husbandman, son of Richard Flew and Joan Thorne, married Jane Wright (bap. 4 Dec 1768 in Rose Ash), Spinster, sojourner, daughter of Thomas Wright and Mary Wall, on 11 Oct 1787 at All Saints Church, Rackenford. Witnesses were John Way and John Ganzery. The Jnr suffix was because Richard's father, Richard Flew Snr, married for the third time that year and that marriage was recorded on the same page of the church records.

Richard and Jane Flew had at least ten children, baptised in Rackenford:
  1. Thomas Flew bap. 24 Mar 1788
  2. Richard Flew b. 1788, bap. 24 Mar 1788, buried on 30 Mar 1788
  3. Jane Flew bap. 20 Jun 1790, died at 23, buried on 16 May 1813
  4. John Flew bap. 22 Apr 1792
  5. Richard Flew bap. 29 Jun 1794
  6. William Flew bap. 29 May 1796
  7. George Flew bap. 11 Nov 1798
  8. Robert Flew bap. 21 Jun 1801
  9. Loveday Flew bap. 14 Oct 1804
  10. Samuel Flew bap. 27 Aug 1809
Richard Flew and Thomas Flew, baptised together in 1788 could have been twins, but my gut feeling is that Thomas was born previously and, to record the right surname, they waited until after marriage to baptise them both. 

There was also a Jane Flew baptised on 7 Mar 1813 in Rackenford, also listed as the daughter of Richard and Jane Flew, but, I wonder. To me it's doubtful they would name a child Jane again while the earlier one was still alive. Jane was baptised in 1790, so its not the late baptism of a dying adult, so the most likely explanation, I believe, is that the Jane born in 1813 is the illegitimate child of Jane born in 1790, who the grandparents intend to bring up.

Loveday Flew, was apprenticed to William Webber Gent, in 1818.

Jane Flew died at 56 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 17 Feb 1822.

Richard Flew died at 69 and was buried, in Rackenford, on 23 Jul 1835.

Henry Hawkins and Sarah Ann Tooze

Alma Street, Sheerness
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/4410976

Henry Hawkins (bap. 5 Apr 1846 in Rackenford, Devon), son of Edward Hawkins and Leah Courtis (Henry's father, Edward Hawkins, was a Game Keeper and Henry's maternal grandfather, George Courtis, was a Farmer Of 171 Acres), married Jessie Tooze (born Sarah Ann), daughter of Thomas Tooze and Mary Summers, on 11 Oct 1868, in West Ham.

Henry and "Jessie" had three children:
  1. Emily Louisa Hawkins b. 1869 J Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A 132
  2. William Hawkins b. 4 Jun 1872 in Detroit, Michigan, Unites States
  3. Arthur Hawkins b. 1874 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A 791
In 1871, Henry Hawkins (25) Carpenter; Jessie Hawkins (24); Emily Hawkins (1) born in Notting Hill and Mary Tooze (68) Widow, Pauper, Mother-in-law, were living at Durley Moor Cottage, Holcombe Rogus.

Passenger Lists of vessels arriving at New York, Unites States, show Henry Hawkins (26) Carpenter, Jessie Hawkins (26) Wife and Emily Hawkins (2) Child leaving from Liverpool on 14 Mar 1872, on the transatlantic passenger ship City of New York (1865) of the Inman Line. The streets presumably not being paved with gold, however, they were back in the UK by 1874.

In 1881, at 5, Lower James Street, Minster in Sheppey, were Henry Hawkins (35) Joiner from Rackenford, Devon; Jessie Hawkins (34) from Holcombe Rogus; Emily L Hawkins (11) born in Notting Hill; William Hawkins (8) born in the United States and Arthur Hawkins (6) born in Sheerness.

In 1891, Henry Hawkins (45) Ship's Joiner; Jessie Hawkins (44), Arthur Hawkins (16) and Emily L Ridler (21) were living in Alma Street, Minster in Sheppey. William Hawkins was in the Mediterranean with HMS Inflexible, (and 42 days in Malta Gaol, having joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 31 May 1888, until he was Invalided with Asthma on 4 Nov 1909). 

In 1901, Henry Hawkins (55) Joiner Ship Dock Yard from Rackenford, Devon was living in Delamark Road, Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (54) and two boarders, Oscar Riche (29) Schoolmaster from Cambridge and Alfred J Middleton (30) Schoolmaster from Grimsby, Lincolnshire. William Hawkins was alternating between HMS VictoryHMS Vernon shore establishments and HMS Duke of Wellington (for all three, read Portsmouth.)

In 1911, Henry Hawkins (65) Pensioned Joiner was still living in Sheerness with Jessie Hawkins (64), William Hawkins (38) Naval Pensioner; John Tooze (71) Retired Thatcher (Jessie's older brother); and three boarders.

Henry Hawkins died, aged 73, in 1919 M Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1782 and Jessie Hawkins died later in the same year, also aged 73, in 1919 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 02A Page 1140.

Friday, 10 October 2025

Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land

Bampton (Devon), Church of St Michael & All Angels
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/5006885

Frederick James Stone (b. 1854 in Stawley, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married the delightfully-named, Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864), daughter of James Land and Rose Anna Smith. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Witnesses were James Webber and Loveday's father, James Land (and despite his daughter's young age, it was already a bit late for the shotgun).

 Frederick and Loveday went on to have twelve children: 

  1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
  2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882 (1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427), bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
  3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884 (1884 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
  4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418) Not found baptism
  5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888 (1888 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409), bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
  6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
  7. Albert Henry Stone b. 1892 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409. (Died 1893 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310).
  8. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894 (1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
  9. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898 (1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392), bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
  10. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900 (1900 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 364), bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
  11. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365), bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
  12. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 360), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman
In 1891, Frederick James Stone (36) and Loveday Stone (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton with Rosanna (10), Bessy Ann (8), Lovdy Jane (6), Mary Ann (4), Frederick James (3) and John Charles (0).

In 1901, Frederick (46), Carter on Farm, and Loveday (37) with John Charles (10), Florence May (6), Laura Alice (2) and Irene Venetta (0) were living at Stagg MillUplowman. It's from here their older daughters marry.

By 1911, they'd gone full circle to Berry, Chevithorne, with Frederick (56), Farm Labourer, and Loveday (47), Frederick James (23), Florence May (16), Irene Venetta (Minnie) (10), Stanley William (8) and Phillip Alfred (1). They confirm on this census return that they'd had 12 children, of whom 11 were living and one had died, during their then 29 years of marriage. John Stone (20) Police Constable, was at the Devon County Constabulary Exeter.

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916 (1916 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), aged 62. 

In 1921, Loveday Jane Stone (55) Widow, Dairy Farm was living at Lugsland Cottage, Cruwys Morchard, Devon, with Frederick James Stone (33) Roadman for Tiverton District Council and Philip Alfred Stone (12). Stanley William Stone (18) was a Horse Man on the farm of Ernest John Hill (husband of Irene Venetta Stone) at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon.

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard (1938 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 297).

Combe Florey : Grassy Field
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6259044

Frederick James Stone (b. 27 Mar 1888), son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Jessie Ann Crook, daughter of Samuel Crook and Elizabeth Hill of Mariansleigh, near South Molton, in Q2 of 1926. 

Frederick and Jessie appear to have had two children: 
  1. Alfred Stone b. 30 Apr 1928, died Q3 2004
  2. Daughter b. 1936, who may still be living.
There are two entries on the 1939 Register for Frederick J Stone (b. 27 Mar 1888) and Jessie A Stone (b. 26 Sep 1900), one at West View, Bishops Lydeard and the other at C&B Cottage, Combe Florey, near Taunton. My guess is they moved from one to the other close to the date that the register was prepared. On both, Frederick's employment is Farm Carter.

Frederick J Stone died in 1968, aged 79. Jessie Ann Stone in 1984.

Bishops Lydeard
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Atkin - geograph.org.uk/p/246659
The crossroads on what could be called the village centre

Sidney William Hitchcock married Florence May Stone, daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married , in Tiverton, in 1920. Without buying a copy of the marriage certificate - not economically attractive for any but direct ancestors - I have no more details on date or venue. 

This couple had at least one child:
  1. Frederick Walter Hitchcock b. 1920 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B  Page 636
In 1921, Sidney William Hitchcock (22) Engine Driver Threshing and Hauling; Florence May Hitchcock (24) and son Frederick Walter Hitchcock 8 months, born in Cruwys Morchard, were living in Bishops Lydeard, Taunton.

Mrs F Hitchcock, was one of the family mourners at her nephew's funeral in 1932. That newspaper report also told us that she lived in Bishops Lydeard, which was useful data, because this family evaded the 1939 Register.

Sidney William Hitchcock died, in Taunton district, in 1952, aged 53.

Florence M Hitchcock died in 1967. She will have been 73.

Sidney William Hitchcock (b. 1899), was the son of Walter Simon Hitchcock and his wife Ann Stone. Is this yet another circular branch on the family tree? 

Walter Simon Hitchcock and Annie Stone had married in 1880 and had lived at Red Ball in 1881 and 1891. "W. S. Hitchcock, labourer, Redball" is listed under the Cottagers - a term, the meaning of which, has changed enormously in the intervening 127 years - in GREGORY'S DIRECTORY OF 1894. Back then, it had nothing to do with homosexual practices in public toilets, or following Fulham Football Club. A Cottager was a person who lived in a cottage, one of the levels of serfdom in feudal societies. 

In 1901, Walter Hitchcock (40) then a Traction engine driver, from Culmstock, Devon, still lived at Red Ball Cottages, 1, Nicholashayne in Culmstock. Wife Ann (38) was from Burlescombe.  

Walter Simon Hitchcock (b. 1858) was the son of William Hitchcock (b. 1827), Shoemaker, and his wife Susana. And this William Hitchcock was the son of William Hitchcock (b. 1798) Shoemaker, and his wife Sarah.

Ann Stone (b. 1862) was the daughter of William Stone (b. 1813) and Ann Croyden who had married on 15 Dec 1840, in Burlescombe. William Stone, Husbandman, was the son of Samuel Stone, Quarryman and his wife Grace. Ann Croyden, Seamstress, was the daughter of John Croyden, a Sawyer. But, if there's any link between Ann Stone and the rest, it's in earlier generations.

Combe Florey: village street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/56115

Walter James Baker (b. 27 Feb 1898), son of Andrew Baker and Elizabeth Ann Coles, married Laura Alice Stone, daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, in the district of Tiverton, Devon, in 1923. 

Walter and Laura had two children in rapid succession: 
  1. Irene Venetta Baker b. 1 Jan 1925
  2. Dennis Christopher Baker b. 21 Dec 1925
The family went to live in Combe Florey, Somerset, where Walter had been born and brought up. In 1901, Andrew Baker (36), Stockman on Farm, wife Elizabeth A (35), son George A (8), Mary L (6) and Walter J (3) had lived at Yard Wood Cottage, Village Street, Combe Florey. By 1911, Walter James Baker (13), still living at home in Combe Florey, was a "Labourer in garden domestic". Then on 1 Nov 1915, aged 17, Walter James Baker enlisted in the Royal Marines and served until 6 Jan 1920. He joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 8 Jan 1920, from which he was discharged on 7 Jan 1925.

In 1939, still living in Combe Florey, with wife Laura A and children Irene V and Dennis C, Walter was employed as a Civilian "Orderly At Military Camp".

Walter James Baker died on 9 Apr 1965, aged 67 and is buried in Coombe Florey.

Laura Alice Baker died on 10 Sep 1970 and is buried with her late husband.

(Grave photo Janice Dennis at Findagrave.)

North Devon : Grassy Field & Cattle near Rackenford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3997996

Ernest John Hill (b. 16 Nov 1882), son of John Hill and Martha Bennett married Irene Venetta Stone (b. 15 Jul 1900), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, in Tiverton District, in Q2 1919. 

The couple had six children:
  1. John Hill b. 18 Oct 1919 D Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 709
  2. Martha Hill b. 1921 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 684
  3. Loveday Jane Hill b. 1924 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 581
  4. Mary Ann Crw Hill b. 8 Mar 1926 in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 570
  5. Ernest Hill b. 1928 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 567
  6. Irene Venetta Hill b. 1931 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 545
In 1921, Ernest John Hill (38) Farmer from Mariansleigh, Devon and Irene Venetta Hill (pretending to be 25) were living at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon with son John Hill (1), Stanley William Stone (18) Horse Man (who was Irene's brother) and William Crook (19) Nephew, Learning Farming.

In 1939, the family was still living at East Wilson Farm, Rackenford (PDF) with Ernest J Hill engaged in Mixed Farming. 

Ernest John Hill of East Wilson Farm, Rackenford, died, aged 61, on 9 Dec 1943 and in 1944, Probate was granted to his widow, Irene Venetta Hill, to whom he left effects valued at £1723 10s 3d (worth £96,882 in 2023). 

In the 2nd quarter of 1944, daughter Mary A C Hill married William Coles and in the 4th quarter of 1945, Irene V Hill remarried to William C Coles

In 1939, there'd been a William Coles (b. 8 Mar 1917) living with his widowed father, William C Coles (b. 8 Oct 1878) at 11 Bolham Halt, Chettiscombe, so it seems that mother and daughter married father and son.

William C Coles died, aged 84, in Tiverton, in 1959.

Irene Venetta Coles died in 1980, in her 80th year.

Terraced houses, South Molton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/4679011

Stanley William Stone (b. 7 Jan 1903), son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Evelyn A Robjohns, in South Molton, in Q1 of 1926. Born Eveline Ann Skinner in 1896, she was the daughter of James Henry Skinner and Sarah Jane Cockram. In 1901, Eveline had lived with her family at Backston Cottage, Rackenford and 1911 in East Anstey. Evelyn A Skinner had married George Henry Robjohns (b. 1897), in Tiverton, in 1920, however, he had died in 1925, aged only 28. (The couple had a son, George Henry Robjohns, b. 10 Oct 1920, who died, in Tiverton, in 2003.)

Evelyn A Stone died in 1935, aged just 38.

In 1939 Stanley William Stone was living at Foxdon Cottage, South Molton, with an Emily A Crook (b. 1894) - Stanley's elder brother, Frederick James Stone, was married to a Jessie Ann Crook - and son, Leslie Walter Stone (b. 17 Mar 1928), birth registration lists the mother's maiden name as Skinner

Stanley William Stone died in 1947, aged only 44.

Leslie Walter Stone married in 1949 and died, on 10 Apr 2008, in Sidmouth.

Wheatfield north-east of Combe Florey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Johnstone - geograph.org.uk/p/4096081

Philip Alfred Stone, 11th and last child of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Florence Julia Hardwell, in Taunton, in 1929. 

Florence Julia Hardwell (b. 26 Mar 1906), daughter of Fred Hardwell and Julia Ann Boon, was baptised in Broadway, Somerset, on 22 Apr 1906. In 1911, her family lived at London Farm, West Bagborough.

In 1939, Philip A and Florence J Stone were living at East Combe, Bishops Lydeard, where Philip was employed as a Threshing Hand. We knew they lived around Combe Florey from the report of Philip's attendance at his nephew's funeral in 1932. I cannot find that this couple had any children.

Philip Alfred Stone died in 1979, in Taunton Deane, in his 70th year. 

Florence Julia Stone died in 1986. She was 80.

Thursday, 9 October 2025

James William Fuller and Maria Phillips

St Mary, High Road, South Woodford - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2975185

James William Fuller (bap. 16 Mar 1834 in Chigwell, Essex), son of Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Ann Bradley, married Maria Phillips (b. 19 Aug 1837, bap. 17 Sep 1837 at St Helen and St GilesRainham), daughter of Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor on 9 Oct 1859 at St Mary's Church, Woodford. James' grandparents, Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Bass, had married in the previous, medieval, incarnation of this church, but this marriage will have taken place in the building, dating from 1816, which stands today.

James and Maria had 9 children, baptised in RainhamSt Helen and St Giles:
  1. William James Fuller b. 1860 S Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 97, bap. 6 Sep 1860
  2. Emily Elizabeth Fuller b. 1862 D Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 113, bap. 30 Nov 1862
  3. James Fuller b. 1864 D Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page 119, bap. 27 Nov 1864
  4. George Fuller b. 19 Oct 1866 (1866 D Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 04A Page), bap. 18 Nov 1866
  5. John Fuller b. 1869 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 140, bap. 31 Jan 1869
  6. Frederick Fuller b. 1871 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 140, bap. 4 Jun 1871
  7. Elizabeth Fuller b. 1873 S Quarter in ROMFORD ESSEX Volume 04A Page 167, bap. 7 Sep 1873
  8. Annie Fuller b. 1876 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 210, bap. 5 Mar 1876 (died at 9m in 1876 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 101 and buried, on 12 Nov 1876, at St Helen and St Giles)
  9. Alfred Robert Fuller b. 1880 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 253, bap. 8 Aug 1880
All of the GRO registrations give the mother's maiden name PHILLIPS.

(There had been a 10th child, Ellen Fuller, born 1867, attributed to this family, but this can be discounted. Checking the GRO entry for her birth, that child's mother's maiden name is listed as WHITTAM. Her baptism, on 8 Dec 1867, in Upminster, lists the mother's first name as Eliza. Ellen died, aged 1, in 1868 and was buried on 11 Oct 1868 at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham. There was a marriage of a James Fuller to an Eliza Witham, in South Weald, in 1855, who were most likely the unfortunate Ellen's actual parents.)

In 1861, James Fuller (25) Agricultural Labourer, Maria (23) and their 3 month old son, William, were listed at 'Cottage, Rainham, Essex'. 

In 1871, in Back Street, Rainham, were James Fuller (36) Ag Lab, Maria (34), William (11), Emily (9), James (7), George (5), John (2) and Frederick (0). 

In 1881, address upgraded to Village Back Street, Rainham, were James Fuller (46) Ag Lab, Maria (43), sons James (17), George (15), John (13) all Ag Labs, Frederick (10) and Elizabeth (8) were at school and, Alfred (0).

And in the same place in 1891, James Fuller (57) Ag Lab, Maria (53) and just George (24) and Alfred (11) still at home. They'd taken in two lodgers instead: Charles Valentine (24) and David Joslin (46), both Ag Labs.

In 1901, James Fuller (66) Farm Labourer, Maria (64) and just Alfred (20) Ag Lab still at home with one boarder, Albert Hardcastle (26) Farm Labourer.

In 1911, at Mitchells Cottages, Rainham, there were James William Fuller (77) no longer working, wife Maria (74). Albert Hardcastle (36), Boarder, had become a Platelayer on the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway. On this census, they confirm that they'd had nine children, with six then living and three had died: Annie in 1876; John in 1894 and James in 1899.

James Fuller died, at 76, in 1911 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 543.

Maria Fuller died, aged 81, in 1919 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 434.

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn

Pytchley Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Rob - geograph.org.uk/p/5413142

Benjamin Thompson (purportedly b. ~1723 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), married Sarah Munn on 8 Oct 1744 at All Saints Church, in the village of Pytchley, Northamptonshire. This pair of 6th great-grandparents are the earliest of this line in Northamptonshire that I can confirm [so far]. 

This couple had four children, baptised at St Andrew's ChurchCransley:
  1. Solomon Thompson Sr bap. 25 Aug 1745
  2. Priscilla Thomson bap. 6 Mar 1748
  3. Sarah Thompson bap. 28 Apr 1751
  4. William Thompson bap. 24 Jun 1753
There are suggestions that Sarah Munn was born in 1725 and died in 1788, however, I have not yet seen any records to confirm this. So far, I've been unable to confirm any further records for this couple.

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright

St Michael at Plea Church (Norwich Christian Resource Centre)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/1398216

Spire of Holy Trinity, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - 
geograph.org.uk/p/167498
James Baker (bap. on Leap Day, 29 Feb 1824 in Trowse, Norfolk) Widower, Servant, son of James Baker and Sarah Leach, married Mary Ann Wright (b. 11 Oct 1838 in Heigham, Norfolk), Spinster, daughter of James Wright and Mary Ann Minns, both then resident in Heigham, at Holy Trinity, Norwich on 7 Oct 1866. Witnesses were three of Mary Ann's 1st cousins: Samuel Blazey, Hannah Blazey (my 2x great-grandmother) and Elizabeth Blazey.

This was James Baker's third marriage.

In the first quarter of 1849, James Baker had married Virtue Dunham, also in Norwich. James and Virtue Baker had two children:
  1. James William Baker b. 1850 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 308, bap. 19 May 1850 in Heigham, Norwich
  2. Mary Baker b. 1852 J Quarter in HENSTEAD Volume 04B Page 186, bap. 23 May 1852 in Trowse, Norwich
In 1851, James Baker (28) 'Keeper of lunatic gent', from Trowse Newton, Norfolk; Virtue Baker (28) birthplace listed as Bellingham (Burlingham); J W Baker [James William] (0) and Elizabeth Dunham (8) from Lingwood, Norfolk, Niece, were living in Philadelphia, Saint Clement, Norwich.

Then Virtue Baker died, aged 30, in 1854 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 128 and was buried, on 27 Aug 1854 in Heigham, Norfolk.

And so, James Baker (35) Widower, Dealer, son of James Baker, Labourer, married Julia Mickleburgh (23) Spinster, daughter of Robert Mickleburgh, Labourer, on 7 Nov 1859, at the church of St Michael-at-Plea, Norwich. Born Julia Anne Mickleburgh on 3 Aug 1837 (1837 S Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 13 Page 18), bap. 17 Aug 1837 in Postwick, Norwich, James' second wife was the daughter of Robert Mickleburgh and Alitha Kate Barrett.

In 1861, James Baker (36) Servant, from Trowse; Julia Baker (24) from Postwick; James Baker (11) and Mary Ann Baker (9), Scholars, were living at Newmans Buildings, 1, Armes Street, Heigham, Norwich.

Julia had an illegitimate child before marriage, as Henry, son of Julia Anne Mickleborough (sic), Spinster was baptised at Postwick, on 17 Jan 1858. However, the infant died in 1858 M Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 177 and was buried in Postwick on 24 Jan 1858. There is no evidence of any further children with James Baker and, then Julia Baker died, age listed as 26, in 1861 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 130.

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright then added three children:
  1. Ellen Mary Baker b. 14 Apr 1867 (1867 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 166)
  2. Eliza Harriet Baker b. 8 Aug 1869 in Nelson Street, Heigham (1869 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)
  3. Herbert Alfred Baker b. 27 Jul 1874 (1874 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)
In 1871, living in Seppings Buildings, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (32) Wife, Dressmaker with Ellen M Baker (3) and Eliza H Baker (1). James Baker (47) from Trowse, was not in the family home and was listed as a Servant, with his occupation being "Male attendant" at Heigham Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich. (Heigham Private Lunatic Asylum, which had opened in 1836, was almost opposite the Dolphin Inn. It's grounds "filled the large swathe of land between Armes Street, Nelson Street, Old Palace Road and Heigham Street." It closed in 1960. [Source]. It was an asylum for ‘patients belonging to the upper and middle classes.)

In 1881, once again at Seppings Buildings, 1, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (42) Wife, Dressmaker; Ellen Mary Baker (13), Eliza H Baker (11) and Herbert A Baker (6). Once again, James Baker (age rounded down to 55) Hosp[ital] attendant on the insane, birthplace Trowse, was listed at Heigham Hall Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich.

James Baker died at 63 on 1 Sep 1887 (1887 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 112). He is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery, Section 7 Plot 182. Probate was granted at the Principle Registry in Norwich on 22 Sep 1887.

In 1891, Mary A Baker (52) Widow, Dressmaker, was living at 186, Nelson Street, Norwich, Norfolk with her daughter, Eliza H Baker (21) Dressmaker; and son, Herbert A Baker (16) Shoe Hand.

In 1901, and still at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, were Mary A Baker (62) Widow, with Herbert A Baker (26) Boot & shoe trimmer; Eliza H Bream (31), Jack W Bream (2) and Fred H Bream (0).

Mary Ann Baker, Widow of James Baker, a Valet, died, aged 65, at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, on 6 May 1904 (1904 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 100) from Locomotor Ataxia 1 year, Apoplexy 23 years, Cardiac Syncope and is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery along with her late husband. Probate was granted on 11 Nov 1904 to Herbert Alfred Baker, Licenced Victualler. She left £285 8s 9d (~£44,000 in 2025).

Their headstone reads: In loving memory of JAMES the beloved husband of MARY ANN BAKER who died 1st September 1887 aged 63 years also of MARY ANN the beloved wife of the above who died 6th May 1904 aged 65 years Call not back the dear departed Anchored safe where storms are o'er On the border land we left them Soon to meet and part no more. (These words are from the hymn, Our Missing Treasures, written by Fanny Crosby.)

Monday, 6 October 2025

John Blackett and Maria Thompson

Church of St John at Hackney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/5660501

John Blackett (b. 27 Jul 1811, bap. 15 Aug 1811 at St. Leonard's, Shoreditch), son of Joseph and Frances Blackett, married Maria Thompson (bap. 19 Dec 1814 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St John-at-Hackney, on 6 Oct 1833.

Records suggest that the couple had at least two children:

  1. Maria Blackett b. 16 Mar 1834, bap. 29 Jun 1834 at St Mary's, Whitechapel. Maria Blackett, aged 2 years 2 months, was buried on 19 Jun 1836 (Mile End New Town (Independent): Burials)
  2. Henry Blackett b. 1847 (mentioned only on 1851 census)
In 1841, Maria Blackett (25) Dressmaker - no sign of John or any child - was staying with her brother Daniel, in Cransley, Northamptonshire.

In 1851, John Blackett (39), Butcher; Maria Blackett (38); Henry Blackett (4), birthplace Northamptonshire and George Collins (24), Carpenter, Widower, Lodger; John Nursey (18) Lodger and John Grant (25) Lodger were living in Wellington Place, Back Road, St George in the East.

In 1861, at 4, Back Road, St George in the East, were John Blackett (49) Butcher; Maria (47); William Hill Adcock (21) Bookseller's Assistant, Visitor (Maria's brother Daniel's wife's brother's son); Benjamin Thompson (19) Bricklayer, Nephew (her brother Daniel's son) and Henry M Thompson (10), Sugar Maker, Nephew, born in Stepney (By elimination, I believe he may have been the son of Solomon Thompson and his 1st wife Jane. To confirm.)

John Blackett died, aged 54, on 9 Feb 1866 (1866 M Qtr in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Vol 01C Page 354), leaving his effects to Maria Blackett.

In 1871, Maria Blackett (56) Widowed, Coffee-Shop Keeper from Cransley, Northamptonshire was living at Star Corner, Bermondsey (near the Leather Market), with George S Taylor (12) Nephew from Stepney, Middlesex.

In the 2nd quarter of 1871, Maria Blackett remarried to widower, William Kenward, in St. Olave Southwark.

In 1881, William Kenward (73) House Agent from Hartfield, Sussex, was living at 17, Douglas Street, St Paul Deptford, Greenwich with Maria Kenward (68) from Cransley, Northamptonshire and George S Saville (22), Nephew, Schoolmaster, from Stepney. [See how Taylor transforms into Saville.]

Maria Kenward wife of William Kenward, late of 17 Douglas Street, Deptford, died, age estimated to 76, in Greenwich on 28 Oct 1888 (1888 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 589). Her will was proved on 13 Dec 1888, by Benjamin Tompson (her nephew), the sole executor.

In 1891, William Kenward (83) House Agent, was still at 17 Douglas Street, Deptford. His grandson, Robert Hy Murray (26) was living with him.

William Kenward died at 86, in 1893 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 750.

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Anthony Frederick J Brady and Maggie Dorothy Howes

St Peter and St Paul's Church, Swaffham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4609546

Anthony Frederick John Brady (b. 8 May 1908, in Andover, Hampshire), son of Anthony Brady and Ethel Berry, married Maggie Dorothy Howes (b. 4 Apr 1910), daughter of William Harman Howes and Elizabeth Eliza Blazey, on 4 Oct 1936, at Holy Trinity, Norwich (where her sister Alice married in 1922). Witnesses were both William Harman Howes: the bride's father and brother

(At the time of the marriage, the bridegroom's father, Anthony Brady (b. 1882 in Belfast, County Antrim, d. 1957 in Norwich), was described as an Omnibus Driver. He had married Ethel Berry (b. 1883 in Norwich), in 1905, in Norwich. In 1911, both Anthony and Ethel Brady were both on the census in Yorkshire at the Infantry Barracks 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Anthony Frederick John Brady was baptised at Holy Trinity, Heigham, in 1913.)

In 1939, Anthony F J Brady, Local Government Officer, Audit Secretary, his wife Maggie D and son Lawrence Cormac Brady (b. 2 Oct 1938 d. 1997), were living at "Spinney Edge", Cantley Road, Cringleford, Norfolk.

Maggie Dorothy Brady, of Coronation Grove, Swaffham, died, aged just 45 (1955 D Quarter in KING'S LYNN Volume 04B Page 465), and was buried at St Peter and St Paul's, Swaffham, on 19 Oct 1955.

Anthony Frederick J Brady died in May 1995 (DOR Q2/1995 in NORWICH (6391B) Reg B12B Entry Number 175), in the month of his 87th birthday.