Thomas Back and Mary Drake

Photo © Stephen Craven (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Plymouth Minster: nave, Friday, 30 June, 2023

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

The Minster Church of St Andrew, also known as St Andrew's Church, Plymouth

Thomas Back (39), Labourer, listing himself as a Bachelor and misnaming his father as Thomas Back, Shipwright, married Mary Drake (42) (b. 20 Apr 1810 and baptised in Stoke Damerel on 15 Dec 1812), daughter of Thomas Drake, Shipwright and Frances Poad, at the Chapel of East Stonehouse (St George, which was badly damaged during World War II in 1941, and demolished in 1957) on 22 Jun 1852. Both gave their address as 20 George Street, which is in Devonport, so a marriage in Stonehouse definitely seemed an odd choice. Thomas Back undoubtedly thought he was committing bigamy and these anomalies certainly make it look like he was actively trying to hide it.

Thomas Back (bap. 24 Oct 1813 in Stoke Damerel), actually the son of John Back, Shipwright and Martha Norton, had previously married Eliza Stafford (bap. 28 Jul 1814 in Stoke Damerel), 'Spinster', daughter of Samuel Stafford, said to have been a Sergeant in the 43rd Regiment of Foot, on 7 Aug 1837 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth. On this marriage certificate, Thomas Back was (correctly) listed as a Mariner (Thomas Back b. 1813 is listed among Britain, Merchant Seamen, 1835-1857), son of John Back, Shipwright.

However, George Wright, Seaman, and Elizabeth Stafford, Spinster, had married at Stoke Damerel Church on 7 Aug 1832. Witnesses to this marriage were John Williams and Geo[rge] Nettle. Oh and just to double-check, I have researched and Samuel Stafford didn't have another daughter called Elizabeth, so this had to have been Eliza. As she didn't call herself a widow - and was again marrying under her maiden name of Stafford - when she married in 1837, we have to assume that Eliza was committing bigamy, so actually Thomas Back's marriage to her would have been automatically void. 

(Under English common law in that period, a bigamous marriage was classified as void from the very beginning and needed no decree of annulment.)

We know this is her, because George and Eliza Wright had a son: 

1. Samuel George Stafford Wright, bap. 11 Apr 1834 at Stoke Damerel Church, son of George Wright, Mariner, and Eliza.

And we know this because, in 1841, listed as Samuel Stafford, aged 8, this child was living with his grandparents, Samuel and Mary Stafford. (Thomas Back may have been led to believe he was Eliza's illegitimate son.) In 1851, he was listed as Samuel Wright, then 18, and was living with Eliza's father. 

So what happened to George Wright? Sadly, I don't have the answer. I did find a George Wright (~25) on the Stirling Castle, Convict Hulk, in Stoke Damerel in 1841, but cannot confirm if he was the right George Wright. 

Thomas and Eliza Back had two daughters:

1. Mary Ann Elizabeth Back b. 1838 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 418 (mother's maiden name Stafford), bap. 25 Jul 1839 at Stoke Damerel Church, daughter of Thomas Back, Mariner and Eliza.
2. Eliza Ann Beck (sic) b. 1840 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 395. Died, aged 1y 11mts, on 26 Aug 1842 (1842 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 332), and buried on 30 Aug 1842 in Stoke Damerel. The address on the burial record was 26, Clowance Lane, Devonport. (Eliza's father lived in Clowance Lane in 1841).

In 1841, Thomas Back (25) occupation 'Navy'; Eliza Back (20), Eliza Back (2) and Mary Back (0) were among a long list of people in Pembroke Street, one of Devonport's principal streets, with a great number of retailers and public houses. In fact, the names of the their daughters were transposed, so I suspect either they or the enumerator had visited one of those pubs.  

Thomas and Eliza must certainly have parted ways in the early 1840's, because William Hill and Eliza Stafford married at Stoke Damerel Register Office on 9 May 1844. (Although the [civil] registration of births, deaths and marriages commenced on July 1st 1837, there was no such thing as a Register Office until the administration of the system was transferred to the local authorities, as required by the Local Government Act 1929. However, the original legislation in 1836 did require that an office be provided for the Superintendent Registrar because he was required to officiate at marriages. The Stoke Damerel one was at 20 Fore Street. [Source]). William Hill was listed as being 20 (actually around 18) and a Bachelor, son of John Hill, Sail Maker. (William Hill bap. 28 May 1826 in Stoke Damerel, was the son of John Hill, Mariner and Sarah Staton); Eliza was listed as 28 (actually 30) and (again) a Spinster, daughter of Samuel Stafford, Labourer. Both gave their address as Pembroke Street, Devonport. William Hill signed his name, while Eliza Stafford made her mark (as she had also done on the 1832 and 1837 marriages). Witnesses to this marriage appear to be Robert Prout and Jane Hedge. These names aren't familiar, so could have been anyone. 

Eliza's marriage to Thomas Back was void (because of her previous bigamy), but George Wright would need to have died, otherwise she was committing bigamy again, and surely she was, because if she'd been a widow, she wouldn't have said Spinster nor been marrying for a third time as Eliza Stafford. So Eliza's marriage to William Hill was technically invalid too. And what was she telling her dad, that these mariners kept getting lost at sea? Or maybe he was just glad someone was going to be looking after her?

Nevertheless, William and Eliza Hill had six more children together:

1. Caroline Hill b. 23 Sep 1844 (1844 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 437), bap. 11 May 1845 in Stoke Damerel
2. Sarah Maria Hill b. 1846 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 445 (No baptism record found)
3. Lavinia Hill b. 22 Jul 1849 (1849 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 464), bap. 3 Oct 1855 at St Mary's Church, Devonport
4. John William Hill b. 2 Jun 1852 (1852 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 300), bap. 3 Oct 1855 at St Mary's Church, Devonport
5. Eliza Ann Hill b. 16 Sep 1855 (1855 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 268), bap. 3 Oct 1855 at St Mary's Church, Devonport
6. Elizabeth Jane Hill b. 1858 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 286 (No baptism record found)

The mother's maiden name on all six birth registrations was Stafford.

In 1851, William Hill (this had been miss-transcribed as Still) (32 - really 25) Waterman from Devonport was living at 6, Pembroke Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, with Eliza Hill (36) Wife, Charwoman; Caroline (~12), Sarah (6) and Lavinia (4) and Mary A Back (12) described as his Daughter-In-Law - often then used interchangeably, as here, to mean Step-Daughter. Both Caroline and Lavinia were also names of Eliza's sisters, which is how I found them and the correct surname, searching for anybody with those given names, whose mother was Stafford. Also living at 6, Pembroke Street, Stoke Damerel, in 1851, in a separate household, was Eliza's father, Samuel Stafford (59) Widower, Chelsea Pensioner; with son William Stafford (22) Waterman (same as William Hill and only 3 years difference in age, Hill could have been a friend or workmate of Eliza's brother) and grandson, Samuel Wright (18). 

In 1861, at 4, Canterbury Street, Stoke Damerel, were William Hill (35) Waterman from Devonport; Eliza Hill (~45) Wife; Caroline Hill (17), Sarah Hill (15), Lavinia Hill (12), John Hill (9), Eliza Hill (7) and Elizabeth Hill (3).

In 1871, at 5, Prospect Row, Stoke Damerel, Devon, were William Hill (46) Waterman; Eliza Hill (56), Eliza Hill (16) and Elizabeth (12). (Next door were William Eustes (26) Seaman RN and wife Sarah (24) (née Sarah Maria Hill).

Eliza Hill, wife of William Hill, a Labourer, died on 28 Jan 1881 (1881 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 241), at 5, Prospect Row, Stoke Damerel, with her age under-estimated to 63. The informant was Caroline Langmead, daughter, in attendance, of 4, Prospect Row, Stoke Damerel. (Source: Andrews Newspaper Index Cards.)

In 1881, William Hill (54) Widower, General Labourer was a 'Boarder' in the household of Eliza Felwick (26) Seaman's Wife at 18, Monument Street, Devonport. (Eliza Ann Hill had married Arthur Felwick in 1876.)

In 1891, William Hill (with his age over-estimated to 69) Widower, appears to have been living alone at 15, Pembroke Street, Devonport.

William Hill died, aged 67, in 1893 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 228. He was buried on 16 May 1893, in Milehouse Cemetery.

43rd Regiment of Foot 1810

Eliza's parents: Bans were read on the 1st, 8th and 15th of August 1813 for the marriage between Samuel Stafford and Mary Winn, Widow, both then of the parish of St Andrew, Plymouth. Presumably they married there, however, I've not seen the record of the actual marriage. (This is held at Plymouth Archives, The Box. Ref 358/31). As Mary was a widow, obviously, Winn was not her maiden name, but I've not yet been able to confirm what her maiden name was, nor when or to whom she was previously married (or indeed what happened to her previous husband - for all we know, there could be a pattern here). 

When I read on the marriage certificate of the (bigamous) marriage of Eliza Stafford to Thomas Back in 1837, that her father was allegedly of the 43rd Regiment of Foot, my first search was to see if that regiment had been in Plymouth at the relevant time and indeed discovered that, "The 1st Battalion of the 43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot arrived in England from overseas in July 1814 and was quartered at Plymouth, Devon."

Clearly, Samuel Stafford had arrived before the rest of the regiment and his service records provide the rest of the story: Samuel Stafford, born ~1789 (well, he said he was 16) from Lambeth, Surrey, service number 121034976, had joined the army on 14 Mar 1805. His rank was Private, so (no surprise), his daughter had given him a couple of promotions. Samuel Stafford was discharged from the army on 15 Apr 1813, "in consequence of a gunshot wound to the hip at Badajoz on 27 Mar 1812". This will have been sustained taking part in the Siege of Badajoz (1812), during the Peninsular War.

At the time of his discharge, Samuel was 24 years old, 5ft 3in tall, with dark hair, grey eyes and a pale complexion. He was granted a pension from 6 May 1813. This fits in neatly just before the date the banns were read. 

Samuel and Mary Stafford had these six children:

1. Eliza Stafford bap. 28 Jul 1814 at Stoke Damerel Church
2. Lavinia Luke Stafford bap. 29 Jul 1818 at St Andrew's, Plymouth
3. Mary Ann Luke Stafford b. 18 Feb 1818, bap. 27 Jan 1819 at St Andrew's, Plymouth
4. Samuel James Stafford bap. 25 Dec 1820 at St Andrew's, Plymouth. Died aged 3yrs 4mts and was buried on 8 Jun 1824 at Stoke Damerel 
5. Caroline Stafford b. 30 Sep 1822, bap. 3 Feb 1823 Wesleyan Methodist
6. William Daniel Stafford bap. 26 Dec 1825 at Stoke Damerel Church

The family's address listed on several baptisms was Plymouth Dock (Devonport). With two of the girls being given the name Luke - guessing a surname - as a middle name, this had to have have been significant. 

In 1841, living in Clowance Lane, Stoke Damerel, Devon, were Samuel Stafford (55) Army P[ensioner] (Samuel Stafford is marked as NOT being born in Devon); Mary Stafford (55), Caroline Stafford (15), William Stafford (14) and Samuel Stafford (8). There are no indications of relationships on this census, but we now know this boy was their grandson, Eliza's son.

Mary Stafford died, with her age listed as 67, in 1849 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 459, suggesting a year of birth of 1782. 

In 1851, as listed above, Samuel Stafford (59) Widower, Chelsea Pensioner; was living at 6, Pembroke Street, Stoke Damerel, with his son William Stafford (22) Waterman and grandson, Samuel Wright (18). Curiously, on this census, Samuel Stafford lists his place of birth as St Peters, Worcester. That's a bit too specific to be some random error, but is a long way from Lambeth that's on his army records. I cannot find a baptism for him at either, but would probably surmise from this that he was born in Worcester, but at some point went to Lambeth and thus was 'from' there at the time he enlisted.

Samuel Stafford, Pensioner, died on 29 Dec 1852 (1853 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 225) and his cause of death was "An accidental fall". He was buried at Stoke Damerel Church on 3 Jan 1853. The burial record incorrectly lists that he died on 27th and his army records erroneously killed him off on 28 Dec, then corrected it to the 29 Dec, which is the date stated on the death certificate. (His death was mentioned in The Western Courier of 5 Jan 1853.) Samuel's age was listed as 69, which would compute back to a year of birth of 1783, which is a few years older than on his army records. In this case, I think the reason for that was because his wife was older than him and his children would probably have thought, or perhaps been led to believe, that their parents were both around the same age. 

Research for a future date: Eliza's son Samuel George Stafford Wright married and all six of Eliza's children with William Hill lived to adulthood and married too. The only one of Eliza's children who I can't locate is her daughter with Thomas Back, Mary Ann Elizabeth Back, not yet confirmed after 1851. Well, there are some potential options, but only as either Mary or Mary Ann, but none that can be absolutely proven with corroborating evidence.

Other questions I'm still working on:

1. Was there a convict named George Wright? Was he due to be transported? Was Eliza then perhaps looking for a ticket to 'a better life' under the Convict Family Reunion Scheme? (Wouldn't be the first).
2. What is the significance of the Luke middle name? 
3. There was a Mary Williams who married a William Winn in 1798. Was this Mary's previous marriage? If it was, was there a link between Mary Williams and the John Williams who witnessed Eliza's first marriage (with those names VERY difficult to substantiate). 

So, finally back to our original protagonists ...

In 1841, Mary Drake (30) had been residing in Hill Street, St Helier, Jersey, along with her widowed mother, Frances Drake (75), and children Edward Drake (9) and Mary Drake (5). There is a baptism for this latter child, in St Helier, Jersey on 25 Jun 1837, illegitimate daughter of Mary Drake.

(As an aside, Mary Drake's father, Thomas Drake, was reputed to have been descended from Sir Francis Drake. This I doubt, but cannot actually rule out some sort of distant familial link. Mary's brother, John Poad Drake (1794–1883), inventor and artist, enjoyed some fame and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich has a collection of his manuscript volumes.)

Mary Drake actually had 4 illegitimate children:

1. Edmund Drake b. 5 Oct 1831, bap. 22 Jan 1849 in Stoke Damerel, Devon, son of Mary Drake, Single Woman. Mary's eldest illegitimate child was listed, in 1841, as Edward Drake, born around 1832 on the Isle of Jersey. On both of his marriages, Edmund named his father as Edmund Drake (often correct, but also common is saying the same as one's own name when the father is not known). He also lists his father as a Tailor. Mary was a Tailoress and again, when people make stuff up for the records, there's usually a grain of truth in it, as we can see here.
2. Mary Drake (bap. 25 Jun 1837 in St Helier, Jersey) died on 3 Jun 1878 (1878 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 261) with age estimated as 38 (she was 40). She was buried on 7 Jun 1878, with her abode on the burial record as 40, Cannon Street, Devonport.
3. George Drake b. 23 Jun 1843, bap. 30 Jul 1843, illegitimate son of Mary Drake with abode given as Workhouse. George Drake from Devonport, Devon, with his date of birth listed as 23 Jun 1843 joined the Royal Navy at the Royal William Yard on 31 Jul 1857 as a Boy 2nd Class, service number 34047. At that time, the 14 year old was 4ft 9in tall, with a fair complexion, brown hair and blue eyes. He was at the Royal William Yard until Oct 1857; from Jan-Dec 1859 with HMS Impregnable (1810); from Dec 1859 to Aug 1862 with HMS Hydra (1838) on the North America and West Indies Station; In 1861, at 17, George was with the "Royal Navy At Sea And In Ports Abroad", with HMS Hydra in Havana, Cuba; from Aug 1862 to Feb 1864 with HMS Trafalgar (1841); then six months at HMS Wellesley; his last ship was the armoured frigate, HMS Achilles (1863) with the Channel Fleet, from 30 Sep 1864, until his date of discharge, 13 Feb 1868, when his record states that he was invalided. (He wasn't with the Navy in 1871 and he was NOT the George Drake who died at sea in 1878, as he'd left the Navy a decade earlier.) Our George Drake, from Devonport, Devon, next turns up, in 1881, aged 39, as a Boarder in the household of Cornwallis Johnson from Shelford, Cambridgeshire at 19, Pitt Street, Stansfield, Todmorden, Yorkshire, employed as Cellarman at cotton mill. Not found him again.
4. Thomas Drake, later known as Thomas Back b. 15 Oct 1850 in Stoke Damerel Workhouse, bap. 17 Nov 1850 at Stoke Damerel Parish Church of St Andrew with St Luke, son of Mary Drake, Single Woman. 

In 1851, we still find Mary Drake (44) Unmarried, Tayloress (sic) living in Stoke Damerel Workhouse, accompanied by Mary Drake (14) born in St Helier, Jersey; George Drake (8) and Thomas Drake (0). 

(In 1851, there is a record of a Thomas Beck (also transcribed as Bick) (37), by occupation a Sail Maker born in Devonport, Unmarried, living at 7, Mount Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, listed as being Deaf. While this is the only record of someone who is about the right age, about the right name and in about the right place, I am certain this is NOT him. Sail maker is a skill that this Mariner or Labourer hasn't otherwise used and the disability of deafness is not mentioned on any of the subsequent census records that we can identify as Thomas Back, who appears to have evaded this census.)

After their marriage in 1852, Thomas and Mary added a daughter:

1. Eliza Back b. 21 Aug 1853 (1853 S Qtr in STOKE DAMEREL Vol 05B Page 266), bap. 12 Jan 1855 at St Mary's Church, Devonport, daughter of Thomas, Labourer, and Mary of 5 Trafalgar Court, Devonport

In 1861, living at 19, Dockwall Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, were Thomas Back (42) Town Commissioner's Labourer; Mary Back (49), Mary Drake (22) Domestic Servant born in Jersey, Chanel Islands; Thomas Back (9) and Eliza Back (6). The jury's still out on whether Thomas was the biological son of Thomas Back, however, this census gives us the strongest evidence to suggest that he was, because they've made the distinction that Mary's daughter had the surname Drake and could have done the same for Thomas.

In 1871, at 17, Dockwall Street, Stoke Damerel, were Thomas Back (~57) Labourer; Mary Back (59) Tailoress; Mary Back (sic) (30) Servant born in Jersey; Thomas Back (20) Tailor and Eliza Back (17) Tailoress.

In 1881, Thomas Back (~70) Labourer and Mary Back (72) Tailoress, were at 40, Cannon Street, Devonport, in a separate household, but the same address as their daughter, Eliza and her husband, Samuel Eastabrook.

Mary Back of 40, Cannon Street, Devonport died on 20 Apr 1883 (1883 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 226), with her age over-estimated to 75. As Mary Beck (sic) she was buried at Milehouse Cemetery in Devonport, on 24 Apr 1883. Thomas Back, then of Chapel Street, died five years later, on 12 Nov 1888 (1888 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 217), with his age over-estimated to 78. He was buried (again miss-transcribed as Thomas Beck) on 16 Nov 1888 also at Milehouse Cemetery. On the cemetery records, M Back and T Back and the relevant dates are written next to each other on the page, so it it may be that they were reunited for a time. Sadly, in 1967, the cemetery was closed and cleared.

(My interest is because I'm VERY distantly related to Mary Drake, by marriage, through her eldest son, Edmund Drake. His son, Edward Charles Drake, married Emma Jane Gloyne. Her sister, Maria Gloyne probably met my dad, when he was 3 weeks old, at her daughter, Kathleen Mullarkey's wedding to Frederick Thomas Stone on 4 Aug 1923. My grandfather, Charley Stone was his 1st cousin and was best man at that wedding.)

Mary Drake | Mary Drake

Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle

Luxulyan Church, dedicated to St Cyriacus & St Julitta
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rod Allday - geograph.org.uk/p/2708738

Joseph Trevail (bap. 24 Jun 1816, at Luxulyan, Cornwall), son of John Trevail and Elizabeth Knight, married Jane Rundle (bap. 23 Feb 1817 in Lanivet, Cornwall), daughter of Nicholas Rundle and Mary Ann Burn, on 19 Jun 1837, at the parish church of St Cyriacus and St Julitta, Luxulyan, Cornwall.  

Joseph and Jane Trevail had 12 children:

1. Nicholas Rundle Trevail bap. 28 Jan 1838 in Luxulyan
2. Ellen Trevail bap. 22 Sep 1839 in Luxulyan 
3. Mary Ann Burn Trevail bap. 29 Dec 1841 in Luxulyan
4. Emma Jane Rundle Trevail bap. 25 Feb 1843 in Luxulyan 
5. Elfrida Trevail bap. 4 Feb 1845 in Luxulyan (died 1921, see below)
6. Joseph Rundle Trevail, b. 1847 J Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 09 Page 42, bap. (as Joseph Henry) 21 Jun 1847 in Luxulyan
7. Dahlia Trevail b. 1849 J Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 09 Page 42, bap. (as Cordelia) 27 May 1849 
8. Charles Trevail b. 2 Aug 1851 (no GRO registration) at Rosemelling, bap. 16 Sep 1851 at Rosemelling Chapel
9. Olivia Trevail, b. 1854 (per census), bap. 20 May 1855 in Luxulyan
10. Nancy Rundell (sic) Trevail b. 1855 J Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 103, bap. 20 May 1855 (disappears)
11. Kate Trevail b. 12 Nov 1857 (1857 D Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 05C Page 90), bap. 27 Dec 1857 in Luxulyan
12. Jane Rundle Trevail, b. 1860 M Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 05C Page 104, bap. 29 Mar 1862

In 1841, at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, were Joseph Trevail (25) Farmer, Jane Trevail (20), Nicholas Trevail (3) and Ellen Trevail (1), Charles Trevail (20) and Philip Trevail (40) (Charles and Philip were Joseph's brothers. Philip was the father of Jane Trevail & grandfather of Silvanus Trevail).

In 1851, again at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, were Joseph Trevail (35) Farmer of 118 acres, Jane (34), Nicholas R (13) Farmer's Son, Ellen (11), Mary A (9), Alfreda (sic) (6), Joseph (4), Delilah (sic) (1), John Couch (17) Farm Servant, William Browne (17) Farm Servant, John Tamblyn (60) Vitenary Sergant (sic) - they mean Veterinary Surgeon LOL - from Broadoak. Emma Trevail (9) was in the household of her grandparents, Nicholas and Mary Ann Rundle at Tymorkham [Farm], St Neot Cornwall, Liskeard, but listed as their niece (guessing her uncle completed the census for his parents).

Jane Trevail died, aged 43, in 1860 M Qtr in BODMIN Vol 05C Page 67.

In 1861, Joseph Trevail (45), was farming 118 acres at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, with Nicholas R Trevail (23), Ellen (21), Elfreda (16), Joseph (15), Delcia (sic) (12), Charles (9), Olivia (7), Nancy (5), Kate (3) and Jane R (1). 

In the last quarter of 1865, Joseph Trevail remarried to Eliza Roach (sic), in Plymouth, and went on to have another two daughters:

1. Hetty Trevail b. 23 Apr 1866 (1866 J Qtr in BODMIN Vol 05C 97)
2. Emily Trevail b. 1868 J Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 95. Died, aged 25, on 24 Oct 1893 (1893 D Quarter in BODMIN Vol 05C Page 53) and is buried at the parish church in Lanlivery.

Eliza Roche (bap. 26 Dec 1824 in Luxulyan, Cornwall), daughter of John Roche and Jenefer Udy, had previously married William Roche (bap. 20 Jun 1824 in Luxulyan, Cornwall), son of William Roach (sic) and Mary Warne, on 5 Mar 1853 in Luxulyan, Cornwall. At a guess, probably yet another pair of cousins. The couple had three daughters: Priscilla Roach b. 1853; Eliza Jane Roach b. 1856 and Charlotte Ann Roach b. 1858, before William Roach died, at 35, in 1858 S Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 05C Page 63.

Then the following item appeared in the London Gazette of 20 Aug 1869: "Joseph Trevail, of Tregarden in the Parish of Luxulyan, in the County of Cornwall, Farmer, having been adjudged bankrupt under a Petition for adjudication of Bankruptcy, filed in the County Court of Cornwall, holden at Bodmin on the 14th day of August 1869, is hereby required to surrender himself to John Basset Collins, Registrar of the said Court, at the first meeting of creditors to be held before the said Registrar, on the 4th day of September next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon precisely, at the said Court."

In 1871, Joseph Trevail (55) was at Redmoor, Lanlivery with wife Eliza (45), Kitty (assume they mean Hetty) (4) and Emily (2) and Charlotte Ann Roach (12), listed as Daughter-in-law, but obviously they mean Step-daughter. Olivia Trevail (20), was a kitchen maid in the household of Francis Gosling, Banker, at Wellbury House, Great Offley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. (Goslings Bank was one of the banks merged into Barclays Bank in 1896). Eliza's two older daughters, Priscilla Roach (17) and Eliza J Roach (15) were staying in the household of Richard Williams in Falmouth, Cornwall and his wife Priscilla, who was their aunt, Eliza's sister.

In 1881, at Redmoor, Lanlivery, were Joseph Trevail (65) Butcher & farmer of 2½ acres, Eliza Trevail (56), Hetty Trevail (14), Emily Trevail (13).  

Lanlivery, St. Brevita's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - 
geograph.org.uk/p/6279283

Joseph Trevail died, aged 75, on 1 Apr 1891 (1891 J Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 59). He is buried at Lanlivery Parish Church and, having found these details in "Cornwall Memorial Inscriptions", we can probably assume there may be a headstone.

In 1891, Eliza Trevail (66) widow, farmer was still at Redmoor, Lanlivery, with her daughters Hetty (24) and Emily (22).

In 1901, Eliza Trevail (76) widow, living on own means, was alone at Churchtown, Lanlivery Rural, Bodmin. 

Eliza Trevail died on 26 Nov 1904, aged 80 (1904 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 41) and is also buried at Lanlivery parish church.

By 1871, Elfrida Trevail (26) was a Pauper Patient at the Lunatic Asylum, Bodmin (later St Lawrence's Mental Hospital). She was still there, aged 57, in 1901, at 67 in 1911 and at 77 in 1921. After 50+ years in that institution, Elfrida Trevail died, aged 77, in 1921 D Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 81 and was buried in Bodmin on 12 Dec 1921.

Eastern Monarch (ship, 1874)

Jane Rundle Trevail, youngest daughter of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, aged 14, embarked on the Eastern Monarch, one of seventy-four single women, mostly domestics, all as Assisted Immigrants to Canterbury, New Zealand. In Jane's case, it would appear that the New Zealand Government bore the whole of the cost of her passage. The ship sailed from Plymouth on 7 May 1874 and arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand on 22 Jul 1874. (Jane's two eldest sisters, Ellen Higgs and Mary Ann Bawden and their husbands, had emigrated together, to Lyttelton, New Zealand, at the end of 1862.)

The initial report, on 23 Jul 1874, on the ship's arrival, said that "During the voyage (73 days) fifteen deaths, principally infants, occurred." A subsequent report, on 24 Jul 1874, called it a floating village with talk of entertainments. It also remarked, "The Eastern Monarch brings 552 souls, representing 473 statute adults. They appear to be a well selected and healthy-looking lot of immigrants ..." which makes them sound like little more than slaves!

In 1875, when Jane must have been no more than 15, she married James Robinson, in New Zealand. Later records suggest that he was born in 1854, so will have been 21. Unfortunately, there are far too many people called James Robinson and no other clues, to be able to trace his origins.

The records I could find point to James and Jane having five children:

1. James Robinson b. 1876
2. Elizabeth Jane Robinson b. 1878
3. Alfred Trevail Robinson b. 1888
4. Mabel Eveline Robinson b. 1890
5. Eva Mary Robinson b. 1891 (appears to have died 1891 or 1892)

James Robinson died on 16 Jul 1945, aged 91. He is buried at Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch City. Jane Rundle Robinson died on 9 Jul 1947, at 87. She also, is buried at Linwood Cemetery, alongside her husband. The inscription reads: "In Loving Memory of JAMES Dearly Loved Husband of JANE ROBINSON Died 16th July 1945 Aged 91 Years Also JANE RUNDLE Beloved Wife of the Above Died 9th July 1947 Aged 86 Years."

Jane's will appoints daughters, Mabel Evelyn Price and Elizabeth Estall as the Executrices and Trustees of the Will. To Mabel she left properties at 241 Hereford Street and at 244 Hereford Street, Christchurch and to Elizabeth Estall her property at 242 Hereford Street. Jane also left a property at 49 Keppel Street, New Brighton, to her son Alfred Trevail Robinson. Son James isn't mentioned, so may also have predeceased her. Again, as there are too many people called James Robinson, it's not possible to identify the relevant record to confirm. There are no records to suggest what James or Jane did for a living, but to have property they seem to have done pretty well on it. 

Ugborough, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Billinger - geograph.org.uk/p/623840

George Dalton (purportedly b. 5 April 1845 in Michelmersh, Hampshire), married Hetty Trevail (b. 23 Apr 1866), daughter of Joseph Trevail and Eliza Roach, at Mutley Weslyan Church, Plymouth, in 1893. George Dalton had previously married Sarah Jane Rogers, in Plymouth, in 1869, with whom he had a son, William John Dalton in 1870. Sarah Jane died, at 40, in 1892.

George and Hetty Dalton added another two sons:

1. Silvanus Henry Dalton b. 1894 (Died 18 July 1923, aged 29, and was buried on 23 Jul 1923 in Ugborough, Devon)
2. Victor George Trevail Dalton b. 30 Aug 1902, bap. 11 Nov 1903 at the Anglican Church of Emmanuel, Plymouth, Devon

In 1911, George Dalton (62) Farmer, Hetty (49), Silvanus (16) Farmer's son working on farm and Victor Dalton (8) at School, were living and working at Stone Farm, Ugborough, Ivybridge, Devon. 

In 1921, George Dalton (75) Farmer was still at Stone Farm, Ugborough, Devon, with Hetty Dalton (55), Silvanus Henry Dalton (27) and Victor George Dalton (18) both assisting their father and Olive Rose Legg (15) Servant.

George Dalton died, at 75, on 21 July 1921 in Ugborough, Devon (1921 S Quarter in TOTNES Volume 05B Page 204).

Hetty Dalton, widow, in 1939, was living with her son, Victor, Dairyman Grocer And General Shop Keeper at 2 Lipson Avenue, Plymouth.

Hetty Dalton of 2 Lipson Avenue, Plymouth, widow, died on 15 Jan 1945 at The City Hospital Plymouth - originally opened in 1858 as the Plymouth Workhouse. She left £3224 12s 1d (£3,224 in 1945 is worth £142,736 today) to John Archibald Dave, commercial traveller. 

Francis Blazey and Amy Rosa Joslin

Regent's Canal, Bow Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Pierre Terre - geograph.org.uk/p/129062

Francis Blazey (bap. 18 Oct 1867), son of Samuel Blazey and Elizabeth Wiggins, married Amy Rosa Joslin (b. 5 Feb 1865 in Kensington), daughter of Robert Hurrell Joslin from Chelmsford, Essex and Anna Graver from Hemsby, Norfolk, on 19 Jun 1892, at Saint John The Evangelist, Golding Street, Saint George in the East, where their marriage service was performed by Daniel Radford, Curate. (The church was closed during the Second World War and demolished in 1964.) Witnesses were Valentine and Caroline Wolf.

Francis and Amy had six children, all born in St George in the East:

1. Hilda Alice Eleanor Blazey b. 1892 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 370 (Died, aged 1, on 1 Jul 1894 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 205 and was buried at Margravine Cemetery, Hammersmith, Section 8 Letter K No. 7)
2. Rosalie Hilda Blazey b. 7 May 1895 (1895 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 390)
3. Alfred Hurrell Blazey b. 28 Jul 1898 (1898 S Quarter in ST GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 366), bap. 14 Aug 1898 at the church of St George in the East, in Cannon Street Road, Stepney.
4. William Francis Blazey b. 27 Jan 1902 (1902 M Quarter in ST GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 345)
5. Dorothy Alice Blazey b. 1904 M Quarter in ST. GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 357. (Died 1904 D Quarter Volume 01C Page 243)
6. Ida Winifred Blazey b. 24 Aug 1907 (1907 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE-IN-THE-EAST Volume 01C Page 325)

Their address at the time of Alfred's baptism was 35 Tarling Street, St George in the East and Francis Blazey's occupation was Dock Labourer. After double-checking through records, it seems he was the only child they baptised.

In 1901, living at 35, Tillman Street, St George in the East, were Francis Blazey (33) Labourer (civil service), Amy (33), Rosalie (5) and Alfred (2).

By 1911, they'd moved to 22 Upper Chapman St, St George in the East with Francis Blazey (44) described as "Leading Man Of Labourers", Amy Blazey (44), Rosalie Blazey (16), Alfred Blazey (13), William Blazey (10) and Ida Blazey (4). The information on this census confirms they had six children during their 20 year marriage, with four still living and two had died.

In 1921, still living at 22, Upper Chapman Street, St George in the East, London, were Francis Blazey (54) Charge Man & Labourer employed by the Admiralty; Amy Blazey (53), Rosalie Blazey (25) Clerk; Alfred Blazey (22) Clerk for the Admiralty; William Blazey (19) General Labourer for the Admiralty; Ida Blazey (13) and Annie Wood (24) Cook, Boarder.

Frances Blazey of 22 Chapman Street, E1, died on 18 Apr 1938 aged 70 (1938 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 267) and was buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Tower Hamlets, London. Probate was granted on 22 Jul 1938. Francis left £313 9s 7d to his widow, Amy Rosa Blazey.

In 1939, Amy Blazey was living with her married daughter, Ida Jarvis, at 30 Warren Road, Merton, Surrey. Rosalie Blazey, Coal Merchant's Clerk, was still living at 22 Chapman Street, Shadwell, Tower Hamlets, Stepney.

Amy Rosa Blazey died on 1 Apr 1941, aged 75 (1941 J Quarter in SURREY MID-EASTERN Volume 02A Page 246) and was also buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Tower Hamlets, London.

• Rosalie Hilda Blazey of 4 Queensbridge Drive, Herne Bay, Kent died, on 2 Jul 1981, aged 86. She had never married.
• 2nd Lieutenant Alfred Hurrell Blazey served in the The Duke Of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) during World War I and on 21 Feb 1922 was appointed to the Civil Service, Admiralty, as a Writer in HM Dockyards and Naval Establishments. In 1925 Alfred Hurrell Blazey married Violet Catherine Petrie, in Poplar. They appear to have two sons, born 1928 and 1930 (in 1939 could be evacuees). In 1939, Alfred and Violet were living at 4 St James's Avenue, Bromley, Kent. Alfred H Blazey died, at 61, in 1959, in Bromley, Kent. Violet Catherine Blazey (b. 1 Nov 1898), of 4 St James's Avenue, Bromley, Kent, died at 93, on 19 Jan 1991.
• William Francis Blazey married Lilian Selina Martin (b. 25 May 1898) at St. George in the East, in 1922. They had one daughter, Lilian Ida Blazey (b. 1923 - d. 20 Dec 2016 in Herne Bay, Kent). In 1939, William F Blazey, Crane Driver, his wife and daughter were living at 36 Boundfield Road, Hither Green, Lewisham. Lilian S Blazey died, at 68, in 1966, in Lewisham; William Francis Blazey died, at 66, on 24 Jan 1969, in Bromley, Kent.
• Ida Winifred Blazey married Herbert James Valentine Jarvis (b. 8 Feb 1910), in 1935, in Stepney. They had a daughter, Doreen Ann Jarvis (b. 22 Dec 1936 - d. 31 Aug 2017) and a son in 1948. In 1939, Herbert J Jarvis, Fishmonger's Shop Assistant, Ida W Jarvis, Doreen A Jarvis and Amy R Blazey, were living at 30 Warren Road, Merton, Surrey. Herbert James V Jarvis died in 1978 and Ida Winifred Jarvis died on 6 Apr 1984, both in Crawley.

William Tooze and Joan Cood

Interior, of All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1267966

William Tooze (b. 1727) married Joan Cood (bap. 6 Jan 1725 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of Thomas Cood (the baptism record doesn't mention her mother), at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 18 Jun 1751.

Records suggest at least six children, all baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. William Tooze bap. 26 Jan 1752
2. Mary Tooze bap. 31 Mar 1754
3. Catherine Tooze bap. 7 Mar 1756
4. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 27 Dec 1762
5. John Tooze bap. 11 Oct 1767
6. Thomas Tooze bap. 5 Jun 1770

It appears that Joan Tooze, with year of birth listed as 1727, died in 1769. Assuming Thomas was baptised at a few months old, this is not necessarily inconsistent and, indeed, may point to the cause of her death.

William Tooze died in 1787. Both were buried in Holcombe Rogus.

William Eastman and Elizabeth Trick

St George's Church, Monkleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Philip Halling - geograph.org.uk/p/4437956

William Eastman (bap. 2 May 1790 in Monkleigh, Devon), son of Robert Eastman and Mary Morish, married Elizabeth Trick (bap. 12 Oct 1806, in Monkleigh, Devon), daughter of William Trick and Elizabeth Trick (yes, both were named Trick), at St George's Church, Monkleigh, on 18 Jun 1834.

Elizabeth Trick already had at least three illegitimate children before the marriage and added six more children with her husband:

1. Louisa Martin Trick b. 25 Oct 1827, bap. 26 Mar 1828 at Bideford, Methodist Circuit. The record makes it look likely that her father was Edward Martin. Perhaps the baptism was made in this manner to attempt to get him to take responsibility for the illegitimate child.
2. Thomas Trick bap. 12 Sep 1830 in Monkleigh, Devon, the record specifies that he is the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. 
3. William Trick b. 1834, bap. 18 Apr 1834 in Monkleigh, Devon, also makes the point that he's the son of Elizabeth Trick, Single Woman. (William Trick leaves blank or states Not Known for his father on his subsequent marriages, so I'm convinced that he's not William Eastman's child, despite the proximity of his birth to his mother's marriage.)
4. Mary Eastman bap. 22 May 1836 in Monkleigh, Devon.
5. Pamela Eastman b. 1838 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 65, bap. 28 Oct 1838 in Monkleigh, Devon.
6. Maria Eastman b. 1841 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 61, bap. 4 Apr 1841 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 10, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
7. Rebecca Eastman b. 1843 D Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 71, bap. 28 Jan 1844 in Monkleigh, Devon.
8. John Trick Eastman b. 1846 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 59, bap. 23 Dec 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died, aged 6, in 1852 S Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 05B Page 324.
9. Elizabeth Ann Eastman b. 1849 M Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 73, bap. 4 Apr 1849 in Monkleigh, Devon. Died 1849 J Quarter in THE BIDEFORD UNION Volume 10 Page 47.

In 1841, William Eastman (45) Agricultural Labourer, Elizabeth Eastman (30), William Eastman (7) [William Trick] - that he was listed as Eastman is most likely an unchallenged assumption and in no way infers parentage - Mary Eastman (5), Pamela Eastman (2) and Maria Eastman aged 3 months were living in Monkleigh Village. Meanwhile, Louisa Martin Trick (13) was living in the household of Thomas Fursman (25) in Bideford, where there is a Residence Note on the record which reads "Outhouse Bibery". Most likely she was a servant. There was a Thomas Trick (10) employed as an Agricultural Labourer by Christopher Quick (40) Farmer at Pickhoe, Monkleigh. 

In 1851, in Monkleigh were: William Eastman (62) Pauper Ag Lab; Elizabeth Eastman (48) Glover; Mary Eastman (16), Pamela Eastman (12) Glover, Maria Eastman (9), Rebecca Eastman (6) and John Eastman (3). Louisa Trick (23) from Bideford, Devon was a Nursemaid in the household of Samuel John Sayce (38) Stock Broker, in Aberdeen Place, Westbury-on-Trym, Gloucestershire. Thomas Trick (20) was a Farm Servant to Thomas Newcombe (30) Farmer of 65 Acres, in Monkleigh.

In 1861, and still in Monkleigh Village were William Eastman (71) Formerly Ag Lab, Elizabeth Eastman (53) Charwoman and Pamela Eastman (22) Glover (cotton). There was a Rebecca Eastman (16) House Servant in Marlborough Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, which may well be relevant.

William Eastman died, at 72, in 1862 J Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B 365.

In 1871, Elizabeth Eastman (64) Widowed Needle Woman from Monkleigh, Devon, Mother, was living with Louisa Martin Trick (42) Needlewoman, Single, Daughter from Bideford, Devon, in Mile End Old Town, Stepney. 

Elizabeth Eastman died, at 67, in 1874 M Qtr in LEWISHAM Vol 01D 560.

1. Pamela Eastman had married Albert Wonnacott in Great Torrington, Devon in 1861. Albert Wonnacott b. 1841 J Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 10 Page 269, was the son of George Wonnacott and Mary Bastard. Yes, that really was her surname, and her dad's. Albert and Pamela had three children: Louisa Wonnacott b. 1862 S Quarter in TORRINGTON UNION Volume 05B Page 499 (no further records); Mary Jane Wonnacott b. 1864 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 313 and Albert Wonnacott b. 1866 D Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 300 who died at a year old in 1867 D Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 345. Pamela Wonnacott was a witness at the marriage of her half-brother, William Trick, in 1871. Pamela Wonnacott died, aged 33, in 1872 M Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 243 - hence the widowed Albert married Pamela's elder half-sister, Louisa, two years later. 
2. Louisa Martin Trick, according to the record, married Alfred Wonnacott on 15 Apr 1874 at the church of Saint Philip The Apostle, Stepney, London. On the marriage certificate, 'Alfred' lists his father as George Wonnacott, Hatter. Louisa lists her father as Edward Trick, Doctor. (This adds weight to him being Edward Martin, but most likely not a Doctor.) When we catch up with them again on the 1881 Census, living at 66, Blair Street, Bromley, Poplar, London, it becomes clear this is Albert Wonnacott (39) Hatter (Unemployed) with Louisa Wonnacott (52) and Mary A Wonnacott (sic) (17) Daughter - she is Mary Jane Wonnacott, Albert's daughter with is first wife, Pamela Eastman (see above). If Louisa had been Pamela's full sister, this marriage would surely have been illegal. We lose sight of all three of them after this.
3. Mary Eastman married William Jones, in Bideford district, in 1856. They had six children in England, but by 1871, were living in Vaughan, York, Ontario, Canada. There they added at least three or four more children. William Jones died in 1915. Mary Eastman died on 28 Jan 1928. She is buried, along with her husband, at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Mary's age at death was 91, not 93, so the headstone is wrong, despite being "set in stone". Also, she was baptised and married plain Mary and not Mary Elizabeth. 

Joshua Barton and Mary Birch

Queensland, Australia [va Pixabay]

Joshua Barton (bap. 3 Jul 1886 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge), son of Thomas Barton and Elizabeth Ann Fuller, by 16 Jun 1915, had emigrated to Australia, because that's the date he married Mary Birch (b. 1 Oct 1894, in Queensland, Australia) there, daughter of James William Birch and Albertine Augusta Bucholz. Joshua and Mary were second cousins because Joshua Barton's paternal grandmother was Ann Birch (1812-1885) while Mary Birch was the granddaughter of Ann's brother, James Birch (1815-1879).  

The couple had at least one son:

1. Thomas James Barton b. 27 May 1917 in Queensland, Australia

Joshua Barton died on 16 May 1968 and was buried at Caboolture Cemetery, Caboolture, Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. His widow, Mary Barton, died on 26 Jun 1989, is buried with him.

While unpicking the two families of another pair of brothers who married two sisters: Thomas Barton and Elizabeth Ann Fuller and Peter Barton and Annie Fuller, inevitably, I encountered Thomas and Elizabeth Ann's youngest son, Joshua Barton, who was born in 1886, to whose record at FamilySearch, someone had attached records of a birth in 1888, merely stating the reason for doing so was "Correct Information", but offering no justification for why they believed this to be so. This is the genealogical equivalent of a red rag to a bull, because that just couldn't be right, so I sought to solve the puzzle ...

These records belong to two different people, as the evidence shows. This Joshua Barton had already been registered in 1886, so there'd be no need to register him again in 1888. The person who attached the 1888 record, most likely someone related to Joshua Barton who went to Australia, had obviously missed the correct 1886 registration and, of course, if they ordered the birth certificate on the basis of the later one, they've got the wrong one. 

My hope is that one day that person will come across this information, not to show them they are wrong, but so they can reclaim their true heritage. 

(So, that just leaves us with the 1888 birth registration ... If it doesn't belong to this Joshua Barton, who does it belong to? The answer is, his nephew, illegitimate son of his older sister, Ann Jane Barton, baptised as such.)

Benjamin Copeland and Tamar Hockley

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

Benjamin Copeland (b. ~1841 in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland), Corporal Royal Artillery, Artillery Barracks, married Tamar Hockley (b. 1844 in Great Dunmow, Essex) daughter of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, then resident at Woolwich Common, at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich, on 15 Jun 1869. Benjamin Copeland lists his father as Benjamin Copeland, Farmer and it's usually suspicious if a groom a) uses the same name as himself and b) says his father was a farmer, however, I've not found a birth record in Ireland to confirm or deny it. Witnesses were Joseph C Leopard and Ellen Leopard (who appear to be a local couple, but I don't know their connection).

Benjamin and Tamar Copeland had four children:

1. Arthur Edward Copeland b. 19 Aug 1870 (1870 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 858), bap. 25 Sep 1870 at St Mary Magdalene, Woolwich and also entered into the register at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich, by which time Benjamin Copeland had been promoted to Sergeant Coast Brigade, Royal Artillery. (Died 1901.)
2. Alice Lucy Copeland b. 15 Nov 1872 (1872 D Qtr in WOOLWICH Vol 01D Page 947), bap. 27 Dec 1872 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich. Died, at 14, in 1887 M Qtr in WOOLWICH Vol 01D 728.
3. Edith Tamar Copeland b. 16 Jun 1878 (1878 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1057), bap. 17 Jul 1878 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich. Benjamin Copeland was Sergeant Major R A. Died, aged 5, in 1883 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 275 and was buried on 22 Jul 1883 at St Mary's Church, Great Canfield.
4. Eleanor Elizabeth Copeland b. 30 Sep 1881 in Gosport, Hampshire (1881 D Qtr in FAREHAM Vol 02B Page 577). (No baptism found.)

In 1871, Benjamin Copeland (30) Sergeant Royal Artillery from Ireland was living at Royal Artillery Cottages, Charlton, Woolwich with Tamar Copeland (25) from Great Dunmow, Essex and Arthur E Copeland (7 months).

In 1881, Benjamin Copeland (40) Master Gunner Royal Artillery (SLDR) from Enniscorthy, Ireland was at Fort Grange, Gosport, with Tamar Copeland (34), Arthur Copeland (10), Alice Copeland (8), Edith Copeland (2) and two soldiers, William Chappell (37) and Frederick Hide (23).

Benjamin Copeland from the parish of St Mary's, Enniscorthy, Ireland, formerly a Clerk, had enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Liverpool at the age of 21, on 17 Jan 1862, at which point, his military record notes, he was 5ft 5⅜in tall, with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was awarded a silver medal for long service & good conduct, as well as a Gratuity of £5, and discharged, on 23 Jan 1883, after 21 years service, at Portsmouth, with his intended residence on discharge recorded as Great Canfield, Essex.

In 1891, however, Benjamin Copeland (50) Writer Royal Arsenal, was living at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (45) and Eleanor E Copland (9). Arthur Edward Copeland (22) Acting bombardier, was at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Artillery Place, Woolwich.

In 1901, Benjamin Copeland (59) Pensioner and Writer in Royal Arsenal, was still living at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (57), William E Doyle (63) Army Pensioner from Liverpool; Alice J Copeland (29) Daughter-in-law from Norfolk, England; George A Copeland (4) Grandson born in Plumstead and Edith E Copeland (3) Granddaughter, born in Devon.

In 1911, Benjamin Copeland (72) Army Pensioned Master Gunner Royal Artillery was still living at 27 Llanover Road, Plumstead, with Tamar Copeland (67) and William Sayle Edwards (74) Army Pensioner Warrant Officer, Boarder. The 1911 Census confirms that they had been married for 41 years and had four children, of whom one was living and, sadly, three had died.

Benjamin Copeland died on 15 May 1913 (1913 J Quarter in WOOLWICH Vol 01D Page 1191) and was buried on 20 May 1913 in Greenwich.

Tamar Copeland died in 1925 M Qtr in HAMMERSMITH Vol 01A 301, at 82.

Thomas James Fudge and Elizabeth Stewart

London Road, North End
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Barry Shimmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3108027

Thomas James Fudge (b. 1843 in East Stonehouse, Devon), Labourer of Ivy Street, son of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, married Elizabeth Stewart (b. ~1848 in Edinburgh, Scotland), then of Castle Road, who listed her father as Robert Stewart, Piper, on 13 Jun 1869 at St Mary's Church, Portsea. Their witnesses were the bridegroom's younger sister and her intended, Sarah Fudge and G C [George Charles] Mew, who married the following year. 

Thomas and Elizabeth had eight children:

1. Mary Stewart Fudge b. 1870 M Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 525
2. Thomas James Fudge b. 1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 448
3. Charles Stewart Fudge b. 1874 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 481
4. Annie Elizabeth Fudge b. 1877 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 478
5. James Fraser Fudge b. 1880 M Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 557
6. Catherine Lucy Fudge b. 1882 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 530
7. William Fudge b. 1884 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 515
8. Charlotte Rachel Fudge b. 27 Dec 1887, reg. 1888 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 503, bap. 18 Jan 1888 at Portsea, St Michael

There's evidence of baptisms of the later children at Portsea, St Michael.

In 1871, Thomas Fudge (22) Grocer's Assistant, was living in Landport, Portsea. His wife was listed as Mary S Fudge (22) from Scotland - names have been confused with those of their daughter - and Mary Fudge (1).

In 1881, listed as Thomas J Fudge (38) was living at 40, Bridport Street, Portsea with wife Elizabeth Fudge (32) from Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland; Mary (11), Thomas (9), Charley (6), Annie (3) and James (1).

In 1891, Thomas J Fudge (48) Wine & Spirit Porter, was living in Northam Street, Portsea with Elizabeth Fudge (43), Thomas J Fudge (19) Blacksmith; Charles Fudge (16) Stableman Groom; Annie E Fudge (13) Tailoress; James F Fudge (11), Catherine (9), William (7) and Charlotte (3).

In 1911, Thomas James Fudge (67) Motorman on Corporation Tramways, was living in North End, Portsmouth, listed as married, but Elizabeth was not in the household, with Charlotte Rachel Fudge (23) Cardboard Box Maker at a Corset Manufacturer. (Portsmouth Corporation Transport was a tram, trolleybus and bus operator formed in 1898, serving the city of Portsmouth, and owned by Portsmouth Corporation. Tram services ended in 1936.)

In 1921, Thomas James Fudge (77) Old Age Pensioner was living at 75, Cardiff Road, North End, Portsmouth with Elizabeth Fudge (73) Old Age Pensioner from Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.

Thomas James Fudge died at 75, Cardiff Road (said in his 78th year), on 21 Oct 1922, (D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 507). There were various announcements from their children in the Portsmouth Evening News, which sadly mention that he died, "after much suffering."

The Evening News of 17 Nov 1936 mentions, "Also my dear mother, Elizabeth Stewart Fudge, passed peacefully away New Zealand."

John Tooze and Sarah Tristram

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: South porch
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642067

John Tooze (bap. 25 Dec 1806) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sarah Tristram (bap. 11 Dec 1808) daughter of James Tristram and Mary Hooper, on 13 Jun 1830, in Holcombe Rogus. Witnesses were Thomas Tooze and Richard Tooze, presumably John's two older brothers. 

John and Sarah Tooze had eight children baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. Eliza Tooze bap. 17 Mar 1833. Died, aged 35 in 1868 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 257
2. Isaac Tooze bap. 9 Aug 1835 
3. Mary Tooze bap. 22 Jul 1838
4. John Tooze bap. 29 Aug 1841
5. James Tooze b. 1845 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 518, bap. 23 Feb 1845
6. Sarah Tooze b. 1847 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 10 Page 406, bap. 22 Aug 1847
7. Frederick Tooze b. 1850 D Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET Volume 10 Page 472, bap. 2 Feb 1851
8. Frank Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 417, bap. 1 Oct 1854

All of the baptisms gave John Tooze' occupation as Chairmaker, except for that of Mary, when he was described as a Wheelwright. That might be a mistake in easy confusion, as there were so many Toozes in Holcombe Rogus. The mother's maiden name on the GRO birth registrations for James, Sarah and Frederick is TRISTAM. On Frank's it was correct with TRISTRAM.

On the same day, 1 Oct 1854, as the baptism of Frank Tooze, there was a baptism of an Elizabeth Tooze, illegitimate daughter (1854 M Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 420) of Eliza Tooze. As it was the adjacent entry on the baptism register, one may surmise that this may have been the child of John and Sarah's eldest daughter.

It also appears Sarah Tristram had a son, born in Holcombe Rogus, around the time of her marriage, but for whom there does not appear to be a baptism record. This, I can only imagine is because they didn't want have the 'wrong' surname imposed by the church. Census records and his age at death suggest a year of birth around 1830 and being born so close to the wedding, I feel, makes it far more likely that he was indeed John Tooze' biological son. When this son married Ann Escott (20) daughter of John Escott, Sawyer, on 30 Jun 1853 in Holcombe Rogus, he listed himself as William Tristram Tooze and his father as John Tooze, Chairmaker. On the marriage record, William is merely listed as being of 'Full Age'. However, in 1841, he had been listed as William Tooze (10), living in the household of Sarah's parents, James and Mary Tristram (didn't help that this had been mis-transcribed as Tresham), next door at Dowdneys, Holcombe Rogus. In 1851, William Tooze (20) Sawyer, was a Lodger in the household of John Escott (37) Widower, Sawyer, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. William and Ann had three children, before he died, aged 27, in 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 325 and was buried on 3 Jan 1858 in Wellington. 

In 1841, John Tooze (30) Chair Maker and Sarah Tooze (30) were living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Eliza (8), Isaac (6) and Mary (3), and William Tooze (20) Ag Lab (this is not William Tristram Tooze. There was a William Tooze bap. 26 Aug 1821 in Holcombe Rogus, the son of William Tooze, Mason and Tamzin Nott, but I don't know for certain if this is him, nor have I done any further research to discover what relation he could be).

In 1851, still at Twitchen, were John Tooze (44) Chairmaker; Sarah Tooze (42) Lace Mender; Isaac Tooze (15) Chairmaker; Mary (12), John (10), James (6), Sarah (3) and Frederick (6 months). There also was Lodger, Richard Willway (29) Tailor, from Witheridge. Eliza Tooze (18) was House Servant to Charles Gorman (30) Innkeeper, at the While Lion, East Street, Taunton.

In 1861, Mary Tooze (23) was General Servant in the household of Thomas Chard (73) Farmer of 65 Acres as Haydon Farm, Taunton; James Tooze (14) was Farm Servant in the household of James Tristram (50) at Lower Besley, Farm House, Holcombe Rogus; Sarah Tooze (13) was General Servant in the household of William Woolaway (35) Letter Carrier at 9 Church Square, Taunton. Not been able to find the rest of them on the 1861 census.

Sarah Tooze died, aged 56, in 1865 M Quarter in WELLINGTON,SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 305.

In 1871, John Tooze (64) Chairmaker, Widower, was a Lodger in Mantle Street, Bowermans Lane, Wellington, Somerset, with Frank Tooze (17) Sawyer and Isaac Tooze (8), both Boarders. (Isaac William Tooze (1862 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 387) was John's grandson, the illegitimate son of Mary Tooze.)

In 1881, John Tooze (75) Chair Maker (Cabt Mkr), Widower was living in the household of John Vincent (43) - John Vincent had married Mary Tooze in 1874 - in Butleigh, Wells, Somerset.

Several of us have been unable to find the record of John Tooze' death. He does not appear on the 1891 Census and a death in Wellington, Somerset in 1890 is suggested, the source not noted. The most likely explanation, I feel, is that he died at The Wellington Union Workhouse. Elsewhere I've found cold records of inmates being discharged for being dead, but for which there are no corresponding civil death records, and only sometimes burials.

Henry Wilton and Maria Frogg

St Andrew, Stapleford, Cambridgeshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/334044

Henry Wilton (bap. 2 Sep 1733 in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire), son of Henry Wilton and Martha Douse, farmer, married Maria Frogg (bap. 21 May 1740 in Cambridge [1]), daughter of Thomas Frogg and Eleanor Foyson, on 12 Jun 1762, at St Andrew's Church, Stapleford, Cambridgeshire. 

Henry and Maria had 3 children, baptised in Stapleford:

1. Martha Wilton bap. May 1763
2. Henry Wilton bap. 24 Dec 1769
3. Maria Wilton bap. 29 May 1774 (Allegedly buried 27 May 1777)

[1] Although there is a baptism of Maria Frogg on 12 Jul 1738 in Bottisham, Cambridgeshire, there is also a baptism of a Maria Frogg, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Frogg, at Downing Street Or Church Of Christ-Independent, Cambridge, on 21 May 1740. Whilst I'm happy to accept that this was the same couple of parents, it suggests that either Maria was baptised again when her parents began attending the Independent church, or that Maria born 1738 died and they renamed their subsequent child Maria too. My feeling is that it's more likely these are two separate births, but I've found no death record for the child born in 1738, which would confirm the second scenario. Whilst records do say BRIDE OF BOTTISHAM at the time of the marriage, the record of Cambridgeshire, Ely Diocese Marriage Licences in 1762 lists Maria's year of birth as 1740, so I'm confident that the second baptism is relevant.

Maria Wilton was buried in Stapleford on 7 July 1786.

Henry Wilton was buried in Stapleford, on 25 Jun 1793.