Henry Case and Elizabeth Symes

Parish Church of St Helier, Jersey
Danrok, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Henry Case (b. 1821 in Dorset, England) married Elizabeth Symes (b. 1822) at the Parish Church of St Helier, St Helier, Jersey on 19 Nov 1843. 

Henry and Elizabeth, it appears, had three sons:

1. Frederick James Case b. 1847 in the Channel Islands
2. John Josh Case b. 1849 in Alderney, Channel Islands
3. Henry George Case b. 1851 in Alderney, Channel Islands

In 1851, Henry Case (29) Mason, birthplace England, was living in Braze Road, Guernsey And Adjacent Islands, Channel Islands (presumably Alderney) with Elizabeth Case (27), Frederick Jas Case (4), John Josh Case (2) and Henry Geo Case (0), as well as George Symes (22) Mason, Brother-In-Law and Maria Symes (15) Sister-In-Law (presumably Elizabeth's siblings).

In 1861, Henry Case (39) Journeyman Mason was living in St Jacques Road, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey with wife Mary Ann Case (45) born (in 1816) in the Channel Islands. Presumably Elizabeth had died and Henry had remarried in the previous 10 years, but I haven't been able to find the relevant death and marriage records. Frederick Case (14) from St Helier, Jersey was with Shipping At Sea And In Ports Abroad; John Case (12) and Henry Case (10) born in Alderney, Channel Islands, in 1861, were both in Saint Peter Port, under the care of Alfred A Davies (33) Reformatory Superintendent Prison. (A reformatory or reformatory school is a youth detention centre.)

In 1871, Henry Case (49) Mason from England and Mary A Case (56) were living at St Jacques Syndenham Cottage, St Peter Port, Guernsey. Henry G Case (20) Stone Mason was lodging - three doors down - at Bath Cottage, St Peter Port, Guernsey in the household of Thomas L Tissier (60).

In 1881, Henry Case (59) Mason from Dorset, England was still living in St Jacques, St Peter Port, Guernsey with wife Mary Ann Case (67) from Guernsey, Channel Islands.

In 1891, Henry Case (69) Wall Mason from Dorsetshire, England was once more in St Jacques, St Peter Port, Guernsey with wife Mary Ann Case (79).

In 1901, Henry Case (listed as only 71) Widowed, Retired Mason, was still living in St Peter Port, Guernsey, this time with Ann Thompson (85) Widowed, from England, described as Henry's sister. (I've been unable to find a record of Mary Ann's death. I've found no further records for Henry either.)

Ephraim Reinhold Seehl and Sarah Perry

Photo © Glyn Baker (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Andrew Undershaft

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Ephraim Reinhold Seehl (b. ~1718 in Sweden) of Bromley St Leonard, Batchelor, aged upwards of twenty-seven years, Chemist, son of Captain Reinhold Seehl (apparently a German volunteer with the Swedish Army), married Sarah Perry (bap. 12 Mar 1721 at St Mary Magdalene Woolwich), of the Parish of St Dunstan's, Stepney, Spinster, aged upwards of twenty-two years, daughter of Philip Perry and Elizabeth Flemming, at St Andrew Undershaft, City of London, (a rare example of a City church that survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz) by Licence, on 19 Nov 1745.

There is no evidence of any children being born to this couple.

Seehl was known as a manufacturer of Iron(II) sulfate (known since ancient times as copperas and as green vitriol) and was apparently leasing the Copperas Works from Sarah's brother, John Perry (and probably later from her nephew, John Perry). As we see here in An Account of the Hamlet of Poplar, in Middlesex, From "The Universal magazine" for June, 1795, "Not far from this dock, Mr. Perry has a copperas work, situate on the river Lea, near the Thames, in the parish of St. Leonard Bromley, and which, although not so large as his copperas works at Whitstable in Kent, and Walton-on-the-Naze, in Essex, is allowed to be the most complete work of the kind in England."

Ephraim Reinhold Seehl appears in various London directories from 1752, through until well after his death, listed as a chemist, or copperas merchant, to be found at Blackwall, or at one of the London Coffee Houses, such as the Bank Coffee House in Threadneedle Street. From 1765, he began to be listed at Blackwall and Baltic Coffee House, Sweeting's Alley (or Sweeting' Rents) and later, Cole's Coffee House, Ball Court, Cornhill, London.

The Register of Duties Paid for Apprentices' Indentures, 1710-1811, show that on 15 May 1749, Ephraim Reinhold Seehl of Blackwall, Middlesex, Copperas Maker, took as his apprentice one John Bridges Buckle. 

(As an aside, but this could have been the same chap previously apprenticed to Seehl, a John Bridges Buckle, Gent, was buried on 26 Apr 1756 at Saint Giles in the Fields, Holborn. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey dated 28 May 1756 explain the case where Buckle had been stabbed by a Mr Venables, who said in his defence, "I saw Mr Buckle upon my wife in the bed naked as I am to appear before God". Venables was found guilty of Manslaughter.)

The six pages of the Will of Ephraim Reinhold Seehl of the Parish of Bromley St Leonards in the County of Middlesex Chemist and Copperas Maker, which was originally drafted in 1757, has been one of the most difficult to read because of the quality of the squashed up handwriting. Nevertheless, he mentions therein, his loving wife Sarah; his brothers-in-law John Perry and John Brown; his sisters-in-law Elizabeth Brown, wife of John Brown; Susanna Gilbert, Widow; and Mrs [unreadable] Perry, Widow (certain this is Hellen Perry, widow of Philip Perry); as well as his niece Sarah Brown eldest daughter of the said John Brown; and Kitty Brown youngest daughter of John Brown (Kitty is either my misreading of the handwriting, a pet name for their youngest daughter, Helen, or a child I've not found records for). Seehl left most of his property to his 'dearly beloved wife Sarah' and appointed Sarah as sole Executrix. He seemed to make some changes to the Will in 1769, but added a Codicil, dated 29 Apr 1775, in which he began, "That as my two brothers-in-law and Mrs [unreadable] Perry are since the making of this Will dead ..." and changes the beneficiaries: in place of John Brown, is Kitty Brown and in place of Mrs [unreadable] Perry, was her daughter Susanna Taylor. Also mentioned is Mrs Sarah Clark. And, "... to my nephew John Perry and also to my niece Elizabeth Perry his wife ... as had given and bequeathed before in the Will to their fathers John Perry and John Brown". The Will also mentions his nephew Joseph Hankey (who was married to John Perry Sr's daughter, Ann); the Copyhold property in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex and the Copyhold estate in Bromley St Leonard. The Will was proved on 12 Sep 1783.

Ephraim Reinhold Seehl of Bromley was buried at Poplar, undoubtedly at Poplar Chapel (St Matthias Old Church) much used by the Perry family, on 6 Sep 1783, according to the Parish Register of St Dunstan's, Stepney.

Sarah Seehl died on 28 Apr 1804. The Commercial Chronicle of 1 May 1804 (Tuesday) reported "On Saturday last, at Limehouse, Mrs Sarah Seehl, relict of Ephraim Seehl, Esq." Sarah Seehl was buried on 4 Jun 1804 (?). The Parish Register of St Dunstan's, Stepney lists the burial of, "Sarah Seehl of Poplar at Poplar", which I assume to be once again at Poplar Chapel (St Matthias Old Church) - in her Will, Sarah stated her wish to be buried in the vault with her late husband - although there's also a record in the Parish Register of All Saints Church, Poplar on the same date of the burial of Sarah Seehl (86). 

Probate was granted on the Will (with three Codicils the last dated 3 Jun 1802) - which runs to 15 handwritten pages - of Sarah Seehl of Church Row, Limehouse, Widow, to the surviving Executor, John Perry, on 20 Jun 1804.

How am I related? Sarah Perry's niece married my 1st cousin 7x removed.

John Cowtley and Mary Pateman

John Cowtley (b. 1670), bachelor, married Mary Pateman (bap. 20 Mar 1669 at St Dunstan's), spinster, daughter of Thomas and Mary Pateman, at the church of St James Duke's Place, Aldgate, City of London on 18 Nov 1691.

Apparently, this tiny little parish church was a very popular place to get wed during the 17th century. Some 40,000 marriages were recorded as having taken place here between 1644 and 1691. Described a "Aldgate’s own version of Gretna Green", it was famous for performing irregular marriages. It's clear that St Dunstan's, Stepney was their home parish, so it's perhaps reasonable to surmise that John and Mary's marriage in this parish was one of the irregular ones, for whatever intriguing reason (that the records don't explain). 

John and Mary had two daughters baptised at St Dunstan's:

1. Susanna Cowtley b. 24 Aug 1692, Susanna daughter of John Cowtley of Ratcliffe, Brewer's Servant and Mary bap. 28 Aug 1692 at St Dunstan, Stepney (at 4 days old)
2. Elizabeth Cowtley b. 3 Oct 1696, Elizabeth daughter of John Cowtly (sic) of White Horse Street, Labourer & Mary bap. 4 Oct 1696 at Saint Dunstan, Stepney (1 day old)

Found no further records of John or Mary Cowtley nor of their deaths.

Edward Taylor and Ann Thompson

Mile End Lock, Regent's Canal
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/4514511

Edward Taylor, bricklayer, who listed his father as Thomas Taylor, Gentleman, married Ann Thompson (bap. 20 Oct 1817 at St Andrew's Church, Cransley, Northamptonshire), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at Christ Church Watney Street, St George in the East (historically known as Wapping-Stepney), on 18 Nov 1847. Witnesses were Solomon Thompson, Ann's brother, and a Harriet Brown. Not found a baptism for Edward Taylor, who gives his birthplace as Newington, Surrey, however there was a marriage of a Thomas Taylor and Elizabeth Saveall on 11 Apr 1823 at St Mary's Newington, who I believe to have been his parents.

There are records for four children that I believe are of this family:

1. Thomas Saveall Taylor b. 1848 D Quarter in Stepney Volume 2 Page 495 (A transcription of this exists at FindMyPast, but not at the GRO.)
2. John Taylor b. 1853 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 489. Died 1854 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 388.
3. John Daniel Taylor b. 1855 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 525. Died, aged 2, in 1857 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 373
4. George Taylor b. 1858 D Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C 507

The 3 GRO records confirm the mothers maiden name as THOMPSON.

In 1851 Edmond Taylor (sic) (30) Bricklayer from Newington, Surrey; wife Ann Taylor (36) from Cransley, Northamptonshre and son Thomas Taylor (2), were living at Webbs Nursery Ground, Jacksons Rent, Stepney, London. (This is the third time I've found cases, in completely different parts of the tree, where Edward and Edmond/Edmund have been used interchangeably.)

In 1861, living at Regent Cottage, Rhodeswell Rd, Limehouse, Stepney (almost parallel to the Regent's Canal), were Edmond Taylor (39) Master Bricklayer; Ann Taylor (40), Thomas Taylor (12) and George Taylor (2).

There is a death of an Ann Taylor in the 3rd quarter of 1864, in Stepney (Vol 1C Page 409), again curiously not found at the GRO, which may relate.

There are no further census listings for an Edmond/Edward Taylor, Bricklayer, anywhere so he may have died too, but I cannot yet identify a death record.

In 1871, listed as George S Taylor (12), the younger son was living with his aunt, Maria Blackett, his mother's sister, in Bermondsey. (It hasn't been possible to isolate relevant further records for Thomas S Taylor.)

In 1881, listed as George S Saville (22) Schoolmaster, was still living with his aunt, Maria Kenward (who had remarried), at 17, Douglas Street, Deptford. It is George continuing to live with his aunt that leads me to believe that his mother must have died and to consider the probable death in 1864.

Originally, I though that Saveall was a mis-transcription of Saville and it could well be, but it could equally be the other way around. However, I do think this is the clue to the continuity and that holds this family together.

John Byatt and Sarah Pewter

St Mary the Virgin Elsenham - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3285903

John Byatt (bap. 30 Sep 1753 in Elsenham, Essex), son of Edward Byart and Ann Brown, married Sarah Pewter (bap. 4 Apr 1754 at St Mary's Church, Ware, Hertfordshire) daughter of George and Grace Pewter, at St Mary's Church, Elsenham, Essex on 17 Nov 1775. Various records spell his surname as Byart or Biatt and one calls him James, but as time goes by, the spelling Byatt becomes consistent and all other records are for John.

John and Sarah had ten children, baptised at St Mary's Church, Elsenham:

1. William Byat (sic) bap. 21 Apr 1776
2. John Byatt bap. 3 May 1778
3. James Byat (sic) bap. 15 Mar 1780
4. Elizabeth Byatt bap. 10 Dec 1782 and again on 6 Mar 1783 (There isn't time for this to have been a different child, so I wonder if the first is a private baptism at home and a second in the church?)
5. Mary Byatt bap. 17 Jul 1785
6. Susan Byatt bap. 23 Nov 1788 (Died 31 Dec 1788)
7. George Byatt bap. 28 Feb 1790
8. Thomas Byatt bap. 26 Aug 1792
9. Samuel Byatt bap. 3 Jul 1796 (Buried 8 May 1797) The baptism, as Sal, specifies the sex as male. On the burial, the child is described as a daughter. We may have found our first transgender relative.
10. Joseph Byatt bap. 25 May 1800 

Sarah Byatt died, at 69, and was buried on 8 Feb 1824, in Elsenham.

Not yet been able to identify a death or burial for John Byatt.

Edmund Drake and Eliza Dixon

Plymouth : Plymouth Gin Distillery
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1185248
The Plymouth Gin Distillery (the Black Friars Distillery) is the only gin distillery located in Plymouth in what was once a Dominican Order monastery built in 1431 and opens on to what is now Southside Street. It has been in operation since 1793.

Edmund Drake (b. 5 Oct 1831) Seaman, upon marriage, listed his father as Edmund Drake, Tailor (he was the illegitimate son of Mary Drake, Tailoress), married Eliza Dixon at the Parish church, Stoke Damerel on 17 Nov 1857. 

Their only son:

1. Edmund George Drake b. 21 Jan 1858 (1858 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 285), bap. 4 Feb 1858 in Stoke Damerel

However, Eliza Drake died in the same quarter as the birth, aged just 22 (GRO Ref: 1858 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 231).

Edmund Drake, Widower, Seaman, then married Esther Elizabeth Palmer, daughter of Charles Palmer and Mary Amelia Oxford at Holy Trinity Church, Plymouth on 7 Dec 1860. (The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity was in Southside Street/Friars Lane, The Barbican, Plymouth. It no longer exists.) Edmund Drake gave his address at this time as HMS Jason (1859).

Edmund and Esther Drake had a further six children:

1. Edward Charles Drake b. 1861 S Qtr in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 239
2. Florence Esther Drake b. 1867 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 252. Died, aged 1, in 1869 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 181. Buried at Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.
3. Mary Amelia Drake b. 1869 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 247
4. Edith Esther Drake b. 1873 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Vol 05B Page 239
5. Annie Eliza Drake b. 1875 J Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 342
6. Eliza Ellen Drake b. 1876 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 329. Died, aged 1, in 1877 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 200

In 1861, Edmund and Esther Drake don't seem to be listed anywhere, but Edmund Drake (3), Edmund's son from his first marriage, was boarding with Charles and Mary Palmer, Esther's parents, in Vauxhall Street, Plymouth.

In 1865, there is a record of Shipping agreements and crew lists, suggesting that Edmund Drake (32), birthplace Jersey, was serving on a Merchant ship named Hantoon that departed from Wexford, Ireland.

In 1871, Esther Drake (35) was in Vauxhall Street, Charles, Plymouth, with [Edmund] George Drake (13), Edward Drake (9), Mary Drake (1) and her brother, James Palmer (31) Porter. Edmund was presumably at sea.

In 1881, Edmund Drake (48) Coal Tipper was a boarder in the household of William Brooks (31) Railway Guard at 6, Inchmarnock Street, Roath, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales. Edmund Drake was listed as being from Plymouth, Devon, which is probably, simply, what his landlord assumed. Meanwhile, Esther Drake (44) Sailor's Wife, was then residing at 27, Rendle Street, Plymouth with her son Edward Drake (19) Iron Moulder; Mary Drake (11), Edith Drake (7), Annie Drake (5) and Alfred Nelson (1) Boarder.

In 1891, Edmund Drake (59) Pensioner from Jersey, Channel Islands, was living at 10, Moira Street, Cardiff with Esther Drake (56), Edward Drake (28) Iron Moulder; Mary Drake (21); Edith Drake (19); Annie Drake (16); Emma Drake (29) and granddaughters, Esther Drake (3) and Gladys Drake (1).

In 1901, Edmund Drake (69) Boxman Coal Tipper from St Helier, Jersey, was living at 12, Seymour Street, Roath, Cardiff, with wife Esther Drake (65) and granddaughter, Esther Drake (13).

Esther Elizabeth Drake died at 72 in 1907 S Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A 149.

In 1911, Edmund Drake (80) Widowed, Father-in-law from St Helier, Jersey, was living in the household of Fred and Annie Silby at 30 Romilly Road, Cardiff. (Annie Silby, of course, being Annie Eliza Drake, as was.)

In 1921, Edmund Drake (90) Widower, Father-in-law, Able Seaman Retired HM Navy, from Jersey, Channel Islands, was still living with his daughter and son-in-law, Fred and Annie Silby, at 67, Forrest Road, Cardiff.

Edmund Drake died at 91 in 1922 M Qtr in CARDIFF Vol 11A Page 707.

John Winnall and Alice Woodin & Elizabeth Woodin

River Thames at Blackwall
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nigel Cox - geograph.org.uk/p/792054

John Winnall (bap. 31 Mar 1642), son of Augustine Wynnall and Elizabeth Knighte, reputedly married Alice Woodin (bap. 3 May 1640 in Chislehurst, Kent), daughter of Thomas Woodin, but [so far] I've been unable to locate a record of their marriage, which should have been in around 1668.

John and Alice Winnall were, however, the parents of the following children:

1. Elizabeth Winnall bap. 2 Jun 1669
2. Mary Winnall bap. 30 Jul 1671
3. Jo** Winnum (sic) bap. 12 Sep 1672 (Transcribed as Joyce Winnum, however, on the original written document, although the first name isn't easily readable, it says SON of John Winnum of Blackwall, Waterman and Alice. So I definitely don't think it's Joyce, but I do think that Winnum is an error and this is a son of the same John Winnall. John for the first name would be the obvious choice, but it doesn't look like that.)
4. Alyce Winnall (sic) bap. 6 Mar 1673
5. Augustine Winnall b. 14 Nov 1678, bap. 16 Nov 1678 (at 2 days old)
6. Anne Winnall b. 3 Mar 1680, bap. 16 Mar 1680 (at 13 days old)
7. Rachel Winnall b. ~1680 (Not found original baptism.)

All of the baptisms took place at St Dunstan's, Stepney and most specify son or daughter of John Winnall of Blackwall, Waterman and Alice.

So, not only was John Winnall born the same year as the start of the English Civil War, this places him and Alice in the capital at the time of the Great Fire of London. They also lived through the plague (1665-6). Interesting times.

It is also reputed that Alice Winnall died around 1681 and this looks likely. The absense of a baptism record for Rachel, as well as there being no record of the death of Alice, leads me to believe the two events are probably linked. 

There is then a record of a marriage between John Winnall, Widower and Elizabeth Woodin, at St James Duke's Place, on 16 Nov 1682. "The long-vanished Parish Church of St James’s Duke’s Place is worth remembering for the notoriety it once enjoyed in performing irregular marriages within the City of London." If, as I suspect, John Winnall was marrying his deceased wife's sister, then this is exactly the sort of irregular marriage that Henry VIII's shenanigans probably created the need for this church to perform.

John and Elizabeth Winnall then had a son:

1. John Winnall son of John Winnall of Blackwall, Waterman & Elizabeth bap. 25 Mar 1689 at St Dunstan's, Stepney

The record of the burial of John Winnall, on 16 Nov 1693 at St Dunstan's, Stepney, also lists him as John Winnall of Blackwall, Waterman at Poplar.

Elizabeth Winnall of Blackwall was buried at St Dunstan's on 18 Jun 1702.

• William Thomas of Blackwall, Waterman, Bachelor aged 24 years, married Mary Winnall of the same, Spinster, aged 22 years, by and with the consent of her mother, at St Dunstan's, Stepney on 11 Dec 1695. (Why did she need consent at that age? And this must have been her step-mother.)
• Michael Bernar of Blackwall, Mariner, a Bachelor aged 20 years married Anne Winnall of the same place, Spinster, 'aged 17 years or thereabouts' (clearly, she was 16) at St Dunstan's, Stepney on 27 Dec 1696. Michael, certainly started out life as Michel. Their daughter Elizabeth Bernar was baptised on 8 Oct 1699 at the French Protestant Church of London - The French Church (Threadneedle St) - the record specifically mentions 'French Huguenot', those who, after French King Louis XIV issued the Edict of Fontainebleau (1685), were forced to either convert to Catholicism or flee as refugees. (Samuel Pepys the diarist and naval administrator, who had links to influential members of the congregation, is known to have worshipped at Threadneedle Street with his French wife, Elizabeth de St Michel. [Source])
• On 13 Dec 1698, Augustine Winnall was admitted into the Freedom of the City of London by Redemption in the Company of Embroiderers, paying forty six shillings and eight pence. (Although few of the privileges remain, all Liverymen are still granted the Freedom of the City of London, which is obtained in one of three ways: by right of servitude (apprenticeship to a freemen), by right of patrimony (son or daughter of a freemen), or by redemption (purchase with the approval of the corporation). Augustine Winnall from King's Arms Yard, was buried at St Sepulchre, Holborn, City of London (St Sepulchre-without-Newgate) on 18 Mar 1706.
• William Soper of Blackwall in the Parish of Stepney in the County of Middlesex, Shipwright & a Bachelor aged 26 years, married Alice Winnall of the same place, aged 24 years, on 15 Dec 1698 St Dunstan and All Saints. Their son, John Soper was baptised at St Dunstan's on 22 Mar 1701.

(In the records of Thames Watermen & Lightermen 1688-2010, there is a John Winnall, in Blackwall, apprenticed to a Master Winnall, in 1707.)

Thomas William Colwill and Olivia Trevail

St George's, Hanover Square
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Anthony O'Neil - geograph.org.uk/p/4518508

Thomas William Colwill (b. 1861 in Pimlico), son of Henry Colwill and Mary White, married Olivia Trevail (b. 1854 in Luxulyan), daughter of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, at St George, Hanover Square on 13 Nov 1886. Witnesses were Kate Archer and Charles Trevail, the bride's sister and brother.

Thomas and Olivia had two children:

1. Harry George Colwill b. 29 Oct 1888 D Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 438, bap. 1889 at St Saviour's, St George's Square, Pimlico. Died in France, in WWI, on 19 Apr 1915.
2. Elsie Mary Colwill b. 30 Jul 1896 in Dalston, Hackney (1896 S Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 118)

In 1891, Thomas Colwill (29) Labourer joiner, living at Chichester Street, St George Hanover Square, with wife Olivia Colwill (33), son Harry (2), as well as four boarders: Charles Usher (26), Walter Wilham (35), Constance Wilham (25) and Ernest Aller (24). (Thomas claimed to be from Taunton, Somerset. He wasn't. Following the clues, we discover that Thomas William Colwill, born in Pimlico in 1861, was the son of Henry Colwill, Joiner, and Mary White - who had married in Wells, Somerset, on 24 Dec 1857. Thomas William Colwill was merely baptised at St Thomas, Wells, Somerset, in 1861.)

By 1901, Thomas Collwell (sic) (39) Builder's foreman, living at 24, Back Common Road, Lake Avenue Terrace, Chiswick, with Olivia (36), Harry (12) and Elsie (4), had remembered that he was born in Pimlico.

In 1911, Thomas Colwill (49) Foreman Joiner, Olivia Colwill (53), Harry Colwill (22) Joiner and Elsie Colwill (14), were living at 21 Slowmans Cottages, Ashingdon Road, Rochford, Essex. This census confirms that they had two children during their 24 year marriage, both then still living.

Sapper H G Colwill #24926 Royal Engineers, 2nd Field Coy, died on 19 Apr 1915 and is buried at Rue-Petillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, Departement du Pas-de-Calais, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France, Plot: I. C. 47.

In 1921, T W [Thomas William] Colwill (59) Commercial Traveller; Olivia Colwill (63) and Elsie Mary Colwill (24) Clerk at the Ministry of Pensions, were living at 108, Oval Road, Croydon, Surrey.

Thomas William Colwill died, aged 69, in 1930 J Quarter in CROYDON Volume 02A Page 401. Olivia Colwell died, aged 83, in 1937 S Quarter in CROYDON Volume 02A Page 605.

• Elsie Mary Colwill married Tom Bristow Bates (b. 27 Jan 1894 in Croydon, Surrey) in Croydon in 1922. In 1939 Tom B Bates, Elsie M Bates and Clifford H Bates (Clifford Harry Frank Bates b. 1924 D Quarter in CROYDON Volume 02A Page 439 (died 2001) and one other person were living at 27 Abbey Road, Croydon, Surrey. Elsie Mary Bates died on 27 May 1946 (1946 J Quarter in CROYDON Volume 02A Page 762). Tom B Bates remarried to Beatrice A D Hayes in Croydon, in 1951 and died in 1969.

Charles Penfold and Mary Anna Tucker

View of St. Luke's and Christ Church Chelsea from Flood Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Lamb - geograph.org.uk/p/4810123

Charles Penfold (b. 31 Oct 1865 in Hartfield, Sussex), son of William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn, married Mary Anna Tucker (bap. 29 Nov 1857 in Burlescombe, Devon), daughter of Robert Allen Tucker and Mary Linton, at Christ Church, Chelsea on 13 Nov 1886. Witnesses were John R Penfold, bridegroom's brother, Rosalie Jane Burnell and one other.

Charles and Mary Anna Penfold had seven children:

1. Thomas Edwin Penfold b. 1887 D Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A 327
2. Rosalie Mary Penfold b. 24 Aug 1889 in CHELSEA Volume 01A 317
3. Mary Anna Penfold b. 1892 M Qtr in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 136 (Died at 23 in 1915 M Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 604)
4. Josephine Grace Penfold b. 15 Sep 1893 in CUCKFIELD Vol 02B 159
5. Minnie Gunn Penfold b. 1895 J Qtr in CUCKFIELD Vol 02B Page 157 (Died in 1896 J Quarter in LAMBETH Volume 01D Page 272)
6. Charles Edward Powell Penfold b. 4 Sep 1897 in FULHAM Vol 01A 260
7. William Robert Penfold b. 1899 D Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 322

In 1891, Charles Penfold (25) Bootmaker and Mary A Penfold (31ish) were living in Glenvue Road, East Grinstead, Sussex with their first two children, Thomas E Penfold (3) and Rosalie M Penfold (1).

In 1901, at 48, Hugon Road, Fulham, London: Charles R Penfold (35) Civil servant postman bootmaker, Mary A Penfold (41), Thomas E (13), Rosalie M (11), Mary A (9), Josephine G (7), Charles E P (3) and William R (1).

And in 1911, at 68 Perrymead Street, Fulham, London, were Charles Penfold (45) Civil service Post Office Worker, Mary Anna Penfold (51), Thomas Edwin (23) Civil service Post Office Worker; Rosalie Mary (21) Elementary teacher for Surrey County Council; Mary Anna (19) Bodice assistant Dressmaking; Josephine Grace (17), Charles Edwin Powell (13) and William Robert (11).

Mary Anna Penfold died, aged 23, in Fulham, in the first quarter of 1915. Also in the first quarter of 1915, Josephine Grace Penfold married Douglas Gordon Reich (right, presumably with Josephine), who served in the Middlesex Regiment, Royal Engineers during the First World War, also in Fulham. And on 26 Apr 1915, Charles Edward Powell Penfold (19) enlisted in the County of London Yeomanry. (I'm certain both Thomas Edwin Penfold and William Robert Penfold also served in the First World War, however, I've not been able to isolate relevant records.)

Charles Penfold died, at 51, in 1917 S Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D 536.

In 1921, Mary A Penfold (62) was living at 12, Penrith Street, Streatham, Wandsworth in the household of daughter Rosalie M Penfold (31) School Teacher. Also living with them was William R Penfold (21) Meteorologist working for the Metrological Office, Air Ministry; and Visitors were Douglas G Reich (28) School Teacher from Dublin, Ireland; Josephine Reich (27), Irene Mary Reich (6) and Josephine Grace Reich (under one month).

Mary Penfold died, at 71, in 1930 S Qtr in BATTERSEA Vol 01D Page 393.

In 1939, Rosalie Mary Penfold, Head Mistress, was at 38, Hillside, Banstead, Surrey with her brother-in-law, Douglas G Reich, School master, sister, Josephine G Reich and their children. Rosalie died, aged 68, in 1957, in St Austell, Cornwall; Douglas Reich of Glamis, Fore Street, Bugle, Cornwall, died on 23 Oct 1970. Josephine Grace Reich died in 1977 at St Lawrence's Hospital, Bodmin, a mental hospital, originally Cornwall County Asylum.

Charles Edward Powell Penfold (known as Edward Penfold) had died, on 5 Oct 1970, in Perth, Western Australia.

James Ridgeway and Thomasin Rookley

Bradninch: Devon Valley Mill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/71623
Also known as Hele Mill; there has been a paper mill here since at least 1765. These buildings date from the 20th century. The brick building carries a datestone of 1912. In previous centuries several other paper mills relied on the water power of the river Culm, seen here flowing under a bridge that may have once carried a siding into the works from the nearby railway.

James Ridgeway (bap. 25 Oct 1835 in Ashbrittle), son of James Ridgeway and Mary Ann Lock, married Thomasin Rookley (bap. 28 Feb 1841), daughter of John Rookley and Mary Ayres, on 12 Nov 1859, at St. Mary’s, Kentisbeare.

The only child of this marriage was:

1. James Ridgway b. 1866 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 430, bap. 25 Dec 1866 at St. Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare. He died, aged 6 months in 1867 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 287 and was buried, also in Kentisbeare churchyard, on 5 May 1867.

In 1861, James Ridgeway (25), Thomasin Ridgeway (20) and Samuel Rookley (4) Nephew, were living at Kentismoor [Farm], Kentisbeare.

In 1871, James Ridgway (37), Thomasin Ridgeway (28), still living at the 'Moor' [Kentismoor Farm]. Thomasin's father, John Rookley (78) still employed as a Farm Labourer, was living with them. (John Rookely died shortly afterwards, aged 78, and was buried on 14 May 1871.)

By 1881, James Ridgeway (45) and Thomasin Ridgeway (35), had moved to Rhode [Farm], Bradninch. Two nephews were staying with them as visitors, Walter Hartley (8) from Portsmouth and John Hartley (7) from Wales (actually Newcastle, Northumberland), sons of Thomasin's sister Anna. 

In 1891, James Ridgway (50) Farm Labourer and Thomasin Ridgeway (45) now working at the paper mill, were living in Hele, Bradninch.

In 1901, at Lower Hele, Bradninch, were James Ridgeway (68) Agricultural Labourer and Tamsin (sic) Ridgeway (60) Rag cutter in a paper mill.

In 1911, still at Lower Hele, where James Ridgway (77) and Tomassie (sic) Ridgeway (70) were both described as "Old Age Pensioner". Mary James (67) Widow of No occupation from Plymtree, was a visitor staying with them. (The "Old Age Pension" was introduced in 1909 in the United Kingdom (which then included all of Ireland). Following the passage of the Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 a pension of 5 shillings per week (25p, equivalent, using the Consumer Price Index, to £26 in present-day terms), or 7s.6d per week (equivalent to £39/week today) for a married couple, was payable to persons with an income below £21 per annum (equivalent to £2200 today), The qualifying age was 70, and the pensions were subject to a means test.)

James Ridgeway died, aged 78 in 1913 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 492.

Thomasin Ridgeway died at 76 in 1918 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 503.

Bradninch and Hele