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Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Thomas Back and Elizabeth Mary Horn

Plymouth: Morice Square
cc-by-sa/2.0- © Martin Bodman - geograph.org.uk/p/688016

Thomas Back (b. 15 Oct 1850 in Stoke Damerel), son of Thomas Back and Mary Drake married Elizabeth Mary Horn (b. 1859 in Okehampton, Devon), daughter of James Horn and Elizabeth Bolt, on 23 Oct 1884 at St Paul's Church, Devonport. (The Anglican Church of Saint Paul the Apostle was situated on the east side of Morice Square in Devonport, Plymouth.)

Born Thomas Drake (1850 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 09 Page 429), as he was named Thomas, it did seem likely that he was the son of Thomas Back, who his mother married two years later. He started life in Stoke Damerel Workhouse, where he was in 1851 with his mother and his older (half) siblings, Mary and George. He was subsequently known as Thomas Back and on his marriage certificate in 1884, as Thomas Back, Stoker RN, lists his address as 40, Cannon Street, Devonport - the very same address where we find both his parents and his sister in 1881, so we can be sure it's him - and names his father as Thomas Back, Labourer. Of course, this could simply be because that was the man who was around as he was growing up, but actually being named after him at birth, seems to confirm what we're being told.

Thomas Back, DOB 15 Oct 1850 (agrees with the quarter of his birth registration), enlisted in the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in July 1865, volunteering at HMS Implacable (1805) - former Duguay-Trouin, turned training ship (exactly the same ship, on exactly the same day as my great-grandfather, David Jones). Thomas Back's naval career does not appear to progress at this point, there being no entries beyond enlistment. 

There is then a record of a Thomas Back from Devonport, with date of birth given as 14 Oct 1849 (one year and one day of difference and this time the year does NOT agree with his birth registration), but we know this is our man from other records (marriage, census), who joined the Royal Navy on 9 Jan 1873 and served for 21 years, until 27 Apr 1894. He began as a Stoker 2nd Class, moved up to Stoker, Leading Stoker and Leading Stoker 1st Class.

Both naval records list Thomas as having Black hair and Hazel eyes. He was 4 ft 10 in at 14 and grew to 5 ft 6 in as an adult, gaining a bunch of tattoos.

From May 1873 to Aug 1875, Thomas was with HMS Agincourt (1865) at Portland, Dorset and, during that time, spent 28 days in Dorchester Gaol (HM Prison Dorchester) - Pure Victorian detention in all it’s glory.

At the time of the census of 1881, Thomas Back (30) Stoker, was moored in Hong Kong aboard HMS Victor Emmanuel (1855), which ship he was assigned to from Jun 1880 to Jan 1882, Feb 1882 to Jan 1883 and again from Feb to Apr 1883 (transferring to HMS Pegasus (1878) for the month in 1882, also in China and HMS Albatross (1873) in Jan 1883).

Two days before his marriage, Thomas joined HMS Tamar (1863), commissioned at Devonport on 21 Oct 1884 and then, from 15 Jan 1885 until 22 Jan 1889, was with HMS Nelson (1876). She sailed for the Australia Station after commissioning and became the flagship there in 1885. She was in Sydney and Brisbane and at the Woolloomooloo Bay Regatta on 18 Apr 1885, remaining on station until returning home in January 1889.

Thomas and Elizabeth's only child was born later that year:

  1. Lilian Mary Back b. 4 Nov 1889 D Q in STOKE DAMEREL 05B 340
Thomas spent time with HMS Magicienne (1888) in Portsmouth in 1890; HMS Goshawk (1872) took him to Gibraltar from May 1890 to Jun 1892 and while he was away, Elizabeth M Back (31) Wife Of A Stoker RN and Lilian M Back (1) were living in St Levan Road, Devonport. Thomas finished his career, from Dec 1892 to Apr 1894, at HMS Vivid II, the Stokers and Engine Room Artificers School in Devonport, before being pensioned.

In 1901, Thomas Back (50) Naval Pensioner was living in Avondale Terrace, Devonport with wife, Elizabeth M Back (41), daughter, Lilian M Back (11) and John Cornhill (29) General Labourer from Ireland, Boarder.

Thomas Back died in 1906 D Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 220. His age was estimated as 58 (he was 56), having gained yet another year on top of the one he added the second time he enlisted in the Navy.

In 1911, Elizabeth Back (51) Widow from Okehampton, Devonshire, was living in East Stonehouse. Living with her were recently married, son-in-law and daughter, Charles and Lilian Renshaw.

In 1921, Elizabeth Mary Back was still living with Charles and Lilian Renshaw (and their two daughters), at 7 Duckworth Street, Devonport.

Elizabeth Mary Back died, at 66, in 1926 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 457.

George Hemens Standing and Bessie Botterill

The Lord Palmerston, Deptford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/848868
Lord Palmerston, 81 Childers Street, Deptford

George Hemens Standing (b. 12 Jun 1883 in Sydenham, Kent), son of George Standing and Maria Hemens, married Bessie Botterill (b. 1 Aug 1888 in Finsbury, London), daughter of Dan Stephen Thompson Botterill and Mary Jane Harris, at the New Cross Road Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, on 23 Oct 1909. Witnesses to their marriage were the bride's father, D S T [Dan Stephen Thompson] Botterill, A Standing and E Botterill.

George and Bessie had two sons:
  1. George Edward Standing b. 23 Aug 1910 (1910 S Quarter in ETON BUCKS Volume 03A Page 933)
  2. Leonard Frank Standing b. 30 Dec 1917 (1918 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1376)
In 1911, George Hemens Standing (27) General Clerk from Sydenham, Kent, was staying with his widowed mother and brothers at 11 Clifton Hill, New Cross, while Bessie Standing (22) and George Standing (7m), born in Slough, Bucks, were visiting Bessie's parents at 65 Childers Street, Deptford.

On 29 Jun 1918, at the age of 35, George Hemens Standing enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment2nd, 3rd Battalion and was examined on 1 Aug 1918 at Whitehall, at which time he was 5ft 4½in, weighed 104lbs and had brown hair, grey eyes and a sallow complexion. George was transferred to the Army Reserve upon Demobilisation, on 8 Oct 1919, at Hounslow.

In 1921, George Hemens Standing (38) Foreman Steel Tubes Bond Dept; Bessie Standing (32), George Edward Standing (10) and Leonard Frank Standing (3) were living at 65, Childers Street, Deptford.

In 1939 and still at 65 Childers Street, Deptford, were George H Standing, Electricians Mate; Bessie Standing; Alfred Botterill, Engineers Pattern Maker; Donald A Botterill (b. 17 Jul 1924) and Leonard F Standing.

George Hemens Standing of 65 Childers Street, Deptford, died, aged 61, on 31 Jan 1945 (1945 M Quarter in DEPTFORD Volume 01D Page 685).

Bessie Standing died, at 71, in Q3 of 1959, in Greenwich.

Frederick John Jago and Emily Louisa Hawkins

Sheppey - Minster Abbey church from the east
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rob Farrow - geograph.org.uk/p/7395731
The Abbey of St Mary and St Sexburga, Minster-in-Sheppey

Charles Ridler (bap. 17 Jul 1864 in Luxborough, Somerset), son of William Ridler and Fanny Howe, married Emily Louisa Hawkins (b. 22 May 1869 in Notting Hill, London), daughter of Henry Hawkins and Sarah Ann Tooze, in Strood, Kent in 1890, with whom she had three children:
  1. Eva Ridler b. 1 Mar 1892 J Qtr in MEDWAY Volume 02A Page 591
  2. May Ridler b. 20 May 1893 J Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 616
  3. Arthur Ridler b. 16 Oct 1898 D Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 644
In 1891, Charles Ridler (26) Constable of Metropolitan Police from Somersetshire, was at the Police House at H M Dockyard, Sheerness, while Emily L Ridler (21) was still living at her parents' home in Sheerness.

In 1901, Charles Ridler (36) Constable Metropolitan Police from Somerset was living in Police Quarters, 12, Chattenden Lane, Frindsbury, Kent, with Emily Ridler (31), Eva Ridler (9), May Ridler (7) and Arthur Ridler (2).

However, Charles Ridler died, at 42, 1n 1907 J Quarter in STROOD Volume 02A Page 369 and was buried at Sheppey Cemetery on 13 Apr 1907.

Frederick John Jago (27) Bachelor, Engine Fitter, son of John Edwin Jago and Harriett Eliza Philpott, then married Emily Louisa Ridler (40) Widow, at The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga (Seaxburh of Ely), now the parish church of Minster-in-Sheppey, on 23 Oct 1909. Witnesses were Arthur Hawkins, the bride's younger brother and Eva Ridler, her daughter.

Frederick John and Emily Louisa Jago added a daughter:
  1. Doris Jago b. 16 Nov 1910 D Qtr in SHEPPEY Vol 02A Page 945
In 1911, at 4 Delamark Road, Sheerness, Kent, were Frederick John Jago (29) Engine Fitter, Emily Louisa Jago (41), Doris Jago (4 months), Eva Ridler (19) General Servant: May Ridler (17) Housemaid and Arthur Ridler (12).

In 1921, living at 2, Delamark Road, Sheerness, were Frederick John Jago (39) Engine Fitter at HM Dockyard Sheerness; Emily Louisa Jago (52), Doris Jago (10), William Henry Hawkins (50) Skilled Labourer at HM Dockyard Sheerness (Emily's brother); Eva Ridler (29) and Joan Ridler (4) (Born 1916 D Quarter in MEDWAY Volume 02A Page 1289, she appears to be Eva Ridler's illegitimate daughter); and two boarders Daniel Ernest Winterflood Crosby (39) Shipwright at HM Dockyard Sheerness and Mabel Alice Crosby (37), as both are listed as married, one images they're husband and wife. Harold Wright (35) Marine Engineer for the Admiralty; May Wright (28) and Alan Wright (1) were living next door at 4, Delamark Road, Sheerness.

In 1939, still living at 2 Delamark Road, Sheerness, were Frederick John Jago (b. 2 May 1882) Engine Fitter; Emily Louisa Jago, Eva Ridler, Arthur Ridler, Boilermaker; and Joan Ridler, Waitress and Shop Assistant. And, still living next door at 4 Delamark Road, Sheerness were Harold J Wright, Marine Engineer Admiralty Fleet Fuelling; May Wright and Alan Wright.

Frederick John Jago died, on 29 Oct 1956 (1956 D Quarter in SHEPPEY Volume 05B Page 650).

Emily Louisa Jago, died in Sheppey, Kent, on 26 Sep 1958.

  • Eva Ridler died in 1981, having never married.
  • May Ridler (23) had married Harold James Wright (30) on 1 Jun 1916 at Minster in Sheppey, Ss Mary & Sexburga. They had two sons, Leslie Wright b. Q4 1917, who died the same quarter and Alan Wright b. 15 Jul 1919, bap. 31 Jul 1919 at Holy Trinity, Sheerness. Harold James Wright died, in Sheerness in 1967; May Wright died in 1984 and Alan Wright appears to have died in 2019.
  • Arthur Ridler, who served in the Merchant Navy, does not appear to have married. He died, in Kent, in 1976.
  • Doris Jago died in 1987, in Sheppey, also unmarried.

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Nicholas Rundle Trevail and Ann Bennett

 Packhorse Inn, Fore Street, St Blazey, Cornwall

Nicholas Rundle Trevail (bap. 28 Jan 1838), son of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, married Ann Bennett (bap. 28 Apr 1840 in Luxulyan), daughter of Richard Bennett and Ann Collings, at the Parish Church of St Cyriacus and St Julitta, Luxulyan, on 22 Oct 1864. However, Ann Trevail died giving birth to their daughter, Ann Bennett Trevail (b. 1867 M Quarter in BODMIN Volume 05C Page 84). The Royal Cornwall Gazette Death Notice read TREVAIL - At Rosemelling, Luxulyan, February 19, Ann, the wife of Mr Nicholas Trevail, aged 27 (1867 M Quarter in OF BODMIN Volume 05C Page 61). Ann Trevail was buried and the infant baptised on the same day, 21 Feb 1867.

On 3 Aug 1869, Nicholas Rundle Trevail, widower, by profession a butcher, married Sophia Jane Olver (b. 1845), daughter of William Joseph Olver and Mary Kingston, at St. Blaise, St Blazey, Cornwall. (Sophia's father was a Master Mariner, born in 1816 in Mevagissey and had married Mary Kingston, from Devonport, at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth on 31 Mar 1837.)

But Nicholas and Sophia had been married for only four months, when Nicholas Rundle Trevail died, aged 32, on 11 Dec 1869, at St Blazey (1869 D Quarter in SAINT AUSTELL Volume 05C Page 82). Nicholas Rundle Trevail of the Packhorse Inn, St Blazey was buried, on 15 Dec 1869, at Luxulyan. The probate record, which granted his effects to his widow Sophia Trevail of the Parish of Mevagissey, listed Nicholas' occupation as Innkeeper.

In 1871, the four year old orphan, Ann B Trevail was living in the household of William and Tabitha M Carkeek, at High Lanes Cottage, Veryan, Truro, where she was described as their niece. Tabitha Martha Bennett, born 1842, was her mother's younger sister. In 1881, Ann (14) was still living with her aunt and uncle, Tabitha and William Carkeek, grocer, at Church Town, Luxulyan. 

In 1891, Ann Trevail (24) had moved to the household of Elizabeth Bennett (44) widow, farmer at Colkerrow, Lanlivery, another relative of her mother's. Living there also was Elizabeth's father, James Rundell (Rundle?) (73).

Sadly, by 1901, A B Trevail (35) single female, Pauper Patient, was an Inmate of the Cornwall County Asylum, later St Lawrence's Mental Hospital. Annie Bennett Trevail died, aged 43, and was buried, in Bodmin, on 4 Sep 1909.

As was hinted on the probate record, Nicholas Rundle Trevail's widow, Sophia Jane, returned to her family in Mevagissey after his death. In 1871, Sophia Jane Trevail (25) was living with her widowed mother, Mary Olver (55), her sister Mary (27) and brother, George (21), in Fore Street, Mevagissey.

By 1891, Sophia (42) and her mother, Mary Olver (75) retired and living off her own means, were at Prospect Terrace, Church Street, Mevagissey

It was not until 1896, when Sophia Jane Trevail, 51, remarried, in St Austell, to Walter Henry Sanders (b. 1840 J Quarter in MEDWAY Volume 05 Page 338, bap. 28 Jun 1840 at St Mary's Church, Chatham, Kent), son of Stephen Sanders and Jane Nichols. This is interesting, because way back before Sophia had married Nicholas Trevail, on 5 May 1867, the first banns were called for an intended marriage between Walter Henry Sanders and Sophia Jane Olver, in Mevagissey. Obviously, something had prevented the marriage from going ahead at that time, because under the second date for the banns is written 'to be omitted', the third space is left blank and a line crossed through the whole record. But, almost 30 years later, they finally tied the knot.

In 1901, Walter H Sanders (60) from Chatham, Kent, Grocer; Sophia J Sanders (53) and Mary Olver (83) were living in Pouddlin Lane, St Austell. 

A newspaper death notice tells us that Walter Henry Sanders died, age under-estimated as 64, on 27 Jan 1907, in Truro. His death was registered at the General Register Office erroneously under William Henry Sanders (sic) in 1907 M Quarter in ST. AUSTELL Volume 05C Page 79.

In 1911, Sophia Jane Sanders (66) Widow, was a Grocer in her own right, with her niece, Beatrice Mary Olver (19) as a Companion.

In 1921, Sophia Jane Sanders (76) was living with her sister Elizabeth Doidge Kymbrell (82) Widow, in Church Street, Mevagissey, Cornwall.

Sophia Jane Sanders (GRO record wrong as Saunders) died, in St Austell, aged 85, in 1931 J Quarter in ST. AUSTELL Volume 05C Page 126.

Fore St, Mevagissey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5694544

James Maslin and Ann Jones

Former St James church, New Cross
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/843636
St James, Hatcham was created in 1845 from Deptford, St Paul. The church
was designed by W Granville and consecrated on 17 October 1854.

James Maslin (20) Blacksmith of 9 Clifton Hill (Clifton Rise?), son of William Maslin, Brass Finisher, married Ann Jones (20) of 10 Vance Street, Deptford, daughter of John Jones, at St James Hatcham on 22 Oct 1877. Witnesses to their marriage appear to be William Campbell and Ann Rugg. However ...

In 1881, James Maslin (23) Blacksmiths Labourer was living as husband and wife with Jessie 'Maslin' (21) Collar Ironer, reputedly from Southwark, in the household of James' parents, William George Maslin and Charlotte Bland

(There was a death of an Annie Maslin, aged 19, in Greenwich, in 1878, but after much research, I'm convinced this relates to the unmarried daughter of a Joseph Maslin in Deptford, so I can find no further records, that can be corroborated, of Ann who had married James Maslin. And I'm certain that Jessie isn't Ann using a nickname as there are too many differences.)

James and Jessie had three children:

  1. Jessie Elizabeth Maslin b. 1883 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 994, bap. 6 Jul 1883 in Hatcham, presumably St James Hatcham
  2. Florence Charlotte Maslin b. 1886 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1021, bap. 23 Jan 1890 at St James Hatcham
  3. James Thomas Maslin b. 1890 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 1032, bap. 23 Jan 1890 also at St James Hatcham
(Hatcham largely corresponds to the area around New Cross.)

All three children have the mother's maiden name listed as Dunford. On Jessie Elizabeth's baptism, her mother's name is also Jessie Elizabeth; on those of Florence and James, their mother is listed only as Jessie. Those records are the only sources for identifying who she was, because I found no previous records of a Jessie or Jessie Elizabeth Dunford anywhere, let alone near Southwark ~1860. There's no record of a marriage between James and Jessie either, and if they knew he wasn't free to marry, that makes sense.

In 1891, one of two families living at 15 Batavia Road, New Cross were James Maslin (33) Blacksmiths Labourer, Jessie Maslin (31), Jessie (8), Elizabeth (5) - surely, they mean Florence Charlotte - and James (1).

Jessie Maslin died, at 35, in 1895 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 905. She was discharged from the Poor Law Hospital in Greenwich (St Alfege's Hospital), having died there at 8:35 am on Saturday, 2 Mar 1895.

In 1901, James Maslin (43), listed as single, and employed as a Potman (a man employed in a public house to collect empty pots or glasses), was living at the (Common Lodging House), (formerly Brunswick House), 124, Tanners Hill, St Paul Deptford (Common Lodging Houses, also known as the doss-house, were an option for those who could scrape together a few pence to stay out of the workhouse, though they were scarcely any better and notorious for overcrowding); Eldest daughter, Jessie E Maslin was employed as a General domestic servant in the household of Sydney T Wayment (33) Grain merchant at 194, High Street, St Nicholas Deptford; Cannot be sure of where Florence Charlotte was in 1901, but at 15, she was almost certainly also in a situation somewhere as a domestic servant; Son, James Maslin (11) from New Cross, Surrey, was a boarder in the household of Edward Cheeseman (39) Potman (public house) at 4, Morden Street, Greenwich. 

James Maslin died, aged 44, in 1901 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 667, having been discharged from the Poor Law Hospital in Greenwich on 26 Dec 1901. Reason for discharge, simply reads 'Dead'.

  • In the 2nd quarter of 1910, Florence Charlotte Maslin married Albert Robert Williams, in Woolwich. In 1911, Albert Robert Williams (25) Soldier A S Corps, Sergeant, from Clonmel, Tipperary; Florence Charlotte Williams (24) from Deptford and their one-and-a-half month old son, Robert Ronald Williams, were living at Caxton House, Godfrey Hill, Woolwich. 2nd child, Irene Dorothy Williams, was born, in Woolwich, in 1912.
  • James Maslin (21), in 1911, was with the 2nd Battalion The King's Shropshire Light Infantry, in Trimulgherry (Tirumalagiri), India.

Monday, 21 October 2024

John Benjamin Botterill & Everlda Jane C Summers

St John the Evangelist, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill - Sanctuary
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2428606
View of St. John's Church from St. John's Gardens

John Benjamin Botterill (b. 25 Aug 1864 in Greenwich), son of Daniel Botterill and Sarah Elizabeth Thompson, married Everlda Jane Caroline Summers (b. 4 Jun 1865 in Kensington), daughter of Thomas Summers and Ann Tyrrell, at St John the EvangelistLansdowne CrescentNotting Hill on 21 Oct 1889

John and Everlda had four children: 

  1. Thomas Daniel Botterill b. 26 March 1891 (1891 J Quarter in LEWISHAM Volume 01D Page 1177)
  2. Everlda Botterill b. 20 Sep 1892 (1892 D Quarter in LEWISHAM Volume 01D Page 1114)
  3. Benjamin Tompson Botterill b. 1895 D Quarter in LEWISHAM Volume 01D Page 1110
  4. Mary Botterill b. 1902 D Qtr in LEWISHAM Vol 01D Page 1170
On all of the birth registrations the mother's maiden name is SUMMERS.

Princess Royal Public House
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1215433

In 1891, they were living at 115 High StreetLewisham, with John B (26), Butcher, Everelda (25), their first child, Thomas Daniel (0) and Elsie Jones (43), Ladies Nurse, a widow from Catford, London, lodging with them.

But in 1900 and again in 1901, they were at the Princess Royal at 22, Longley Road, Croydon, where his uncle, John Soppit, had employed John Benjamin Botterill (36) as his Licenced Victualler Manager. Living there also were Everlda (35), Thomas Daniel (10), Everlda (8), Benjamin Tompson (5) and John's father, Daniel (69), who is listed as a widower - which is a mystery, because his wife, Sarah, was alive and living in Lewisham at the time.

Then on 16 Oct 1902, John Benjamin Botterill (38), appeared at the Quarter Sessions in Maidstone, accused of stealing, by his uncle, John Soppit.

From the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 23 October 1902

THE JURY STOP A CASE

John Benjamin Botterill pleaded not guilty to stealing two boxes containing 51 cigars, one bottle of brandy, three bottles of whiskey, etc., belonging to John Soppitt, at Cudham, on August 7th.

Mr. C. S. Fooks prosecuted, and Mr. Hohler defended.

John Soppit, formerly licensee of the Princess Royal, Croydon, deposed that in 1898 he took the prisoner, who was his nephew, into his employ as manager and paid him at first £2 15s per week, and after £2. The net takings of the house were not satisfactory to him at the latter part of the prisoner's management. Prisoner left on June 23rd of this year. Then witness looked through the books. Prisoner had bought goods unauthorised, and after his departure witness found some scales missing. He afterwards found them in the prisoner's possession at the Blacksmiths' Arms, at Cudham, and he also found a couch there, which had been at the Princess Royal. Other things, including glasses, were also missing.

By Mr. Hohler: The couch was never given to the prisoner by him. He did not know that the bottle of brandy was given to the prisoner by the wholesale firm, and was not aware that the cigars were brought from the result of a draw from the slate club. The reason he saw the gas mantles were his was because they were the same kind as those used at the Princess Royal, and the glasses were similar to those belonging to witness. The labels with the prisoner's name on, which were on the bottles, was not printed with the witness's consent.

Sergt. Humphrey deposed to searching the Blacksmith's Arms, and finding the mantels in a box among some children's clothes.

Cross-examined: The prisoner had an excellent character. The goods had evidently not been unpacked after the move.

Prisoner gave evidence on oath, and said that his uncle gave him the couch. The cigars he bought as his share in the money out of the slate club, the money to be spent in the house. The bottle of whiskey and brandy was given to him by the wholesale houses in 1899. The bottle of gin was given to him by his uncle.

The jury at this point stopped the case, and the prisoner was discharged. 

As we can see from the report above, John Benjamin Botterill, by 1902, had gone to the Blacksmith’s ArmsCudham (in the London Borough of Bromley), although not for long. (Read about this beautiful pub's history here.) 

The Blacksmith's Arms, Cudham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Oast House Archive - geograph.org.uk/p/1984351

In 1911, John Benjamin Botterill (46), Licenced Victualler, was at the Prince Frederick, Nichol Lane, Bromley, Kent, with Everlda Jane Caroline Botterill (45) assisting in the business; Thomas Daniel Botterill (20) engineer's fitter; Everlda Botterill (18) Dressmaker; Benjamin Thompson Botterill (15), Mary Botterill (8) and Esther Elizabeth Challen (19), Servant. This census confirms they had 4 children. They were still at the Prince Frederick in 1913

In 1921, John B Botterill (56) from Deptford, London was Club Steward at Stratford Engineers Club, & Institute Ltd, living in at 167, Romford Road, West Ham, Essex with Everlda J C Botterill (55), Benjamin T Botterill (23) Milk Carrier for the Stratford Cooperative Society and Mary Botterill then (18) was a Drapers Assistant at Allders Limited, in Croydon.

We next catch up with the family, in 1939, living at 44 Wellington Avenue, Hounslow, Middlesex. Living with John Benjamin Botterill (75), described as a Retired Fitter's Mate, are wife Everlda J C (74), daughter Everlda White, dressmaker, widowed, and her daughter, Joan Mary White (16) and a Leslie F Taylor, Gentleman's hairdresser, presumably a lodger.

Everlda Jane Caroline Botterill died, aged 77, in 1943 M Quarter in BRENTFORD Volume 03A Page 239. 

John Benjamin Botterill died, at 83, in 1948 M Qtr in EALING Vol 05E 197. 

Prince Frederick, Bromley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/4625769

Sunday, 20 October 2024

Henry Doe and Elizabeth Stones

St Mary's, Great Canfield, Essex

Henry Doe (bap. 19 May 1754 in Great Canfield, Essex), son of John Doe and Jane Brand, married Elizabeth Stones (most likely bap. 14 Apr 1754 in Leaden Roding, Essex), which, if correct, would make her the daughter of John and Mary Stones, at St Mary's, Great Canfield on 20 Oct 1773.

Henry and Elizabeth appear to have had 7 children:

  1. Elizabeth Doe bap. 16 Jan 1774
  2. Eleanor Doe bap. 25 Dec 1774
  3. Henry Doe bap. 20 Sep 1778
  4. Sarah Doe bap. 9 Sep 1781
  5. Jane Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795 (Said to have been born 1790)
  6. Dinah Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795 (Born between 1784 and 1791)
  7. Jude Doe bap. 12 Apr 1795 (Judith, born ~1792)
The first four children were baptised at Great Canfield and the last three, all baptised together at All Saints Church in Little Canfield on 11 Dec 1799, were also listed as being the children of Henry and Elizabeth Doe (and were born too early to be the children of son Henry Doe and his wife, also Elizabeth).

There are too many burials of an Elizabeth Doe to be certain which relates, however, instinct suggests considering one in Aythorpe Roding in 1797.

Henry Doe was buried at St Mary's, Great Canfield on 25 Jun 1825.

Saturday, 19 October 2024

Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett

Ruins of St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk

Robert Marsh Minns (b. 1776), son of David Minns and Hannah Marsh, married Mary Kett on 19 Oct 1801 at St Bartholomew's, the Parish Church for Heigham, Norfolk. Mary Kett, baptised here at St Bartholomew's on 1 Oct 1780, was the daughter of Hannah Kett and, just in case there was any doubt, the record of Mary's baptism states that she was 'Baseborn' (illegitimate). 

(Wonder if they were related to Robert Kett, leader of Kett's Rebellion.)

Robert and Mary also wasted no time in starting a family:
  1. Robert Marsh Minns b. 1 Apr 1802, bap. 4 Apr 1802
  2. Mary Ann Minns b. 17 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805
  3. John Minns b. 19 Jul 1807 and bap. 19 Jul 1807
  4. Ann Minns b. 14 Sep 1810, bap. 16 Sep 1810
  5. Hannah Minns bap. 24 Jan 1813
  6. David Minns b. 22 Jun 1815, bap. 25 Jun 1815
  7. Elizabeth Minns b. 29 Mar 1818 and bap. 29 Mar 1818
  8. Harriet Minns b. 15 Feb 1824 and bap. 15 Feb 1824
Several of the baptism records, which all took place at St Bartholomew's, Heigham, list Robert's occupation as Husbandman. On Harriet's baptism, her father is listed as David Minns, but I'm certain this is an error. The record also clearly lists her mother, and specifies her as the former Mary Kett.

In 1829, Mary Minns (née Kett) died, aged 49. She was buried on 17 Jun 1829 in the churchyard at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. (The church was destroyed by German bombs on April 27, 1942 and the graveyard was grassed over in the 1950s. No trace of any grave remains.)

St Mary's churchyard Hellesdon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak
 geograph.org.uk/p/850775
Robert Marsh Minns, Widower, remarried Ann Clark, Widow (have been unable to discover her maiden name), on 13 Nov 1831, also at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. 

In 1841, Robert Minns (55), Ann Minns (55) and youngest daughters, Elizabeth (20) and Harriet (15) were living at Upper Heigham. 

In 1851, still living in Upper Heigham, were Robert M Minns (74) and Ann Minns (64).

In 1861, in Heigham were Robert Minns (84) with Ann Minns (74).

Robert Marsh Minns, of Heigham, died in 1865, aged 88 (1865 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 125), and was buried on 31 Jan 1865 at St Mary, Hellesdon (where his grandparents had married and his mother was baptised). 

In 1871, Ann Minns (85) Widow, was living alone in Norton's Yard, Upper Heigham (Yards and Courts of Old Norwich). 

Ann Minns died in 1873 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 104, at 86.

Friday, 18 October 2024

William Byatt and Ann Poole

All Saints, Little Canfield

William Byatt (bap. 6 Mar 1814) son of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, married Ann Poole (b. 1817) on 18 Oct 1834, in Great Dunmow, Essex. 

William Byatt and Ann Poole had ten children, all baptised in Little Canfield:

  1. George Byatt bap. 3 Apr 1836 
  2. Walter Byatt bap. 11 Mar 1838
  3. Charlotte Byatt bap. 31 May 1840
  4. Alfred Byatt bap. 25 Sep 1842
  5. Henry Byatt b. 1845 M Quarter Volume 12 Page 81, bap. 2 Mar 1845
  6. Emma Byatt b. 1847 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 78, bap. 18 Apr 1847
  7. Charles Byatt b. 1849 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 22, bap. 10 Jun 1849
  8. Mary Byatt b. 1852 M Quarter Volume 04A Page 318, bap. 21 Mar 1852
  9. John Byatt b. 1854 J Quarter Volume 04A Page 321, bap. 2 Apr 1854
  10. Rebecca Byatt b. 1856 M Quarter Vol 04A Page 343, bap. 27 Apr 1856
All of the baptisms list William's occupation as Labourer and the registrations, in DUNMOW UNION, list the mother's maiden name as POOLE or POOL.

In 1841, William Byatt (26) was living in Hickey's Lane, Little Canfield with Ann Byatt (24), George (5), Walter (3) and Charlotte (1).


Ann Byatt died, aged 42, in 1859 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 224 and was buried in Little Canfield on 6 Jan 1860.

In 1861, living in High Canfield Lane, Little Canfield were William Byatt (48) Agricultural Labourer, Widowed; George Byatt (25), Alfred Byatt (18), Charles Byatt (11), Mary (9), John (7) and Rebecca (5). George, Alfred and Charles were all working as Agricultural Labourers too, while Mary, John and Rebecca were at school. Living with them was William's sister, Catherine Wilton (35) Widow and George Wilton (1) Nephew. Henry Byatt (16) was a Carter on the farm of Thomas Bernard (59) at Little Hoddens, Little Canfield. Emma Byatt (14) Visitors Nurse Maid, was among a large number of staff at Gardeners Cottage, Little Easton (on the Easton Lodge estate).

William Byatt then remarried to Ann Vail (sic) on 18 Oct 1862

William shouldn't have been able to forget his wedding anniversary. 

Baptised Mary Ann Vale on 3 Nov 1833 in Little Canfield, daughter of Robert Vale and Mary Dubry, she was listed as Ann Vale when living with her parents at Frogs HallTakeley, Essex (presumably, her father was working there on the farm), in 1841. In 1861, she had been listed as Mary Vale (28) House Servant to Joseph Sweeting (64) at Beelfords, Great Dunmow.

William Byatt and Ann Vale had two sons, but neither survived:
  1. William Byatt bap. 20 Apr 1864 in Little Canfield. Died in 1864 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 236
  2. David Byatt b. 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 349, mother's maiden name VALE, bap. 17 Aug 1865, in Little Canfield. Died in 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 226.
In 1871, William Byatt (58) Ag Lab and Ann Byatt (40) were living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1881, William Byatt (68) and Ann Byatt (50) were still living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1891, William Byatt (81) Agricultural Labourer Retired, had accelerated time, while Ann Byatt (50) had succeeded in making time stand still.

William Byatt, with age 81 (actually 77), died in 1891 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 296 and was buried in Little Canfield on 19 Aug 1891.

Ann Byatt died, at 68, in 1897 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 385.

Thursday, 17 October 2024

Herbert Edward Southwell and Emma Elizabeth Adcock

St. Mark's Church, Peterborough
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/4306299

Herbert Edward Southwell (b. 3 Mar 1863 in WisbechCambridgeshire), son of Alfred Southwell and Louisa Boyden, married Emma Elizabeth Adcock (b. 20 Sep 1864 in Peterborough), daughter of John Adcock and Sarah Ann Richards, at St Mark's Church, Peterborough on 17 Oct 1892. Witnesses to the marriage were John Adcock, bride's father, and Sarah Wright.

The couple do not appear to have had any children.

In 1901, living at 14 Belvoir RoadBottesford, Leicestershire, were Herbert E Southwell (38) Assurance Agent and wife, Emma Southwell (36).

In 1911, they were living back in Werrington, Peterborough with Herbert (48) Insurance Agent, Emma (46) and mother-in-law, Sarah Ann Adcock (68).

Herbert Edward Southwell died on 19 Aug 1919, aged 56 (1919 S Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 191). Probate was granted to Emma.

In 1921, Emma Elizabeth Southwell (56) was living at Lincoln Road, Werrington, Gunthorpe, with her mother, Sarah Ann Adcock (78).

In 1939, Emma Elizabeth Southwell, Widow, was living at 199 Lincoln Road, Werrington. Living with her were Walter E Johnson, Automobile Engineer & Garage Proprietor and his wife, Ethel G Johnson (née Linley). 

Emma Elizabeth Southwell died on 26 Feb 1943 (1943 M Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Vol 03B Page 309). Probate was granted, on 3 Jun 1943; beneficiaries were Walter Ernest Johnson and Ethel Gertrude Johnson.

There is a post script to this couple's story. The Peterborough Standard of 3 Jul 1953 reports: New Pulpit Dedicated. "For the first time in its 800 year history, Werrington Church has a pulpit worthy of the beautiful surroundings. The dedication of the pulpit was performed on Saturday evening by Dr Spencer Leeson, Bishop of Peterborough. Other clergy in attendance were the Rev. F H Stallard, RD; the Rev. A Butterworth, the Rev. F Wesley Clifford and the Rev. G Murray Beard. The last pulpit installed in the late 19th century, is far surpassed in beauty by Leslie Moore's design in carved light oak."

On the inside of the pulpit are the words:
"To the Glory of God and in memory of Herbert Edward Southwell, died 19th August, 1919 and Emma Elizabeth Southwell, died 26th February, 1943. Dedicated by the Right Rev. Spencer Leeson, Lord Bishop of Peterborough, 27th June, 1953."
"Among the large congregation were several members of the Methodist Church, who had received a special invitation to attend. After the service the Bishop attended a reception in the Parish Hall."

Church of St. John The Baptist, Werrington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/7123383