Edward Green and Eliza Goodman

St. Matthew's Church, Bethnal Green
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Dr Neil Clifton - geograph.org.uk/p/688069

Edward Green (50) Licenced Victualler, Batchelor, son of William Green, Blacksmith, eventually married Eliza Goodman (49) Spinster, by Licence at Christ Church, St George in the East (Christ Church Watney Street), on 12 Jun 1870. They'd already been living together for around 30 years. Neither could read and write and each made their mark with an X. Witnesses were Charles John Osborne and Ann Bellett, Eliza's eldest sister.

Edward and Eliza had already had five lovely daughters: 

1. Eliza Green b. 1841 J Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 63, mother's maiden surname Goodman. (This looks like the child on the 1841 census. Eliza born 1841, does not appear on the census again.) There is a death of an Eliza Green, aged 8 in 1850 M Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 3 that would correspond.
2. Emma Green b. 1847 S Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 16, with mother's maiden surname listed as Goodwin (Close LOL).
3. Mary Ann Green b. 3 Jul 1849, bap. 29 Jul 1849 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. This baptism lists their address in Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Found no civil birth registration for Mary Ann. 
4. Sarah Green b. 15 May 1854, bap. 11 Jun at Christ Church, Stepney.
5. Eliza Louisa Green b. 21 Mar 1858 in St George in the East (1858 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 413. Mother's maiden surname Goodman), bap. 18 Apr 1858 at Christ Church, Watney Street, Shadwell. (The transcript of the London, Docklands And East End Baptisms says Christ Church, Jamaica Street, Stepney, but that church didn't open until 1877.) Died, aged 13, in 1871 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 361 and was buried on 29 Jul 1871 at the City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery.

From his baptism, we discover that Edward Green was born on 28 May 1821 and baptised on 7 Oct 1821 at the church of St George in the East, Cannon Street Road, son of William Green, Brazier and his wife Matilda. 

The records of the 1st and 5th births had already confirmed Eliza's surname as Goodman. The 1851 census, said she was from Braintree, Essex. On her marriage certificate, Eliza lists her father as Thomas Goodman, Carpenter, making her the daughter of Thomas Goodman and Mary Ann Pluck.

There is a record of an Edward Green (18) occupation Cabinet Maker, being indicted for stealing, on the 28th of January 1837, "1 horse-cloth, value 4s., the goods of Robert Campion". He was tried at the Old Bailey on 2 Feb 1837, found guilty and sentenced to one month in Newgate Prison.

In 1841, in Anglesea Street, St Matthew, Bethnal Green, there's a weird census entry of an Edward Green (20), Cabinet Maker, not born in the county and, with him are an Elizabeth (2) and Elizabeth (1 month). This might make sense if the first Elizabeth was 20, but it doesn't look like a mis-transcription. And Elizabeth isn't Eliza. Nevertheless, I'm still pretty sure this is them.

In 1851, living in Scott Street, Bethnal Green, we find Edward Green (32), Cabinet Maker, born in Shoreditch, with Eliza Green (28), born in Braintree, Essex, and daughter Emma Green (3). Where was Mary Ann? 

On Eliza Louisa's baptism in 1858, the family's address was given as Chapel Street, St George in the East, which was later renamed Tait Street. And we know they were already at the The King and Queen public house in 1856.

Chapel Street, St. George in the East was later renamed Tait Street (although the street doesn't exist at all now - current Tait Street is a completely different location). The King and Queen Public House, long since demolished, stood on the corner of Tait Street and Mary Street (marked P.H.) You can clearly see the area referred to as 'a yard in the rear'.

Anyway, it would seem from the newspaper report I've discovered (see below) that Edward Green was the subject of a sting operation, authorised right from the top in Scotland Yard. (If you're going to do something, aim high, eh?)

Fascinating to read dialogue that came straight out of the mouths of these ancestors, even if they do sound, shall we say, a bit on the rough side. :)

Sunday opening isn't even a crime now, but trying to blame Eliza, nooooo ....

From The Morning Chronicle of Monday, November 8, 1858.

SUNDAY IN A PUBLIC HOUSE – ARTS OF THE POLICE

Edward Green, the landlord of the King and Queen public-house, in Chapel Street, St. George’s-in-the-East, appeared at the Thames Police-court, on Saturday, on a police information charged with unlawfully opening his house for the sale of ale, beer and spirituous liquors on Sunday morning last, during the hours prohibited by law.

Richard Blanks, a police-constable, 81 K, stated that he was directed by Mr. Superintendent Howie, of the K division, to detect the defendant, who was in the practice of supplying people with beer and spirits on Sunday, during the whole of the day, while other houses were closed. He went to the house in plain clothes, dressed as a waterman, and was accompanied by Mrs. Randall, the female searcher at the station-house adjoining the Thames Police-court, who was the wife of a police-constable. On reaching the defendant’s house Mrs. Randall knocked at the front door, and waited some time without its being answered, and he said, “Come old lady, we shall not be served with anything here.” The door was then opened by the defendant, who narrowly scrutinised them both, and after looking at the trousers of witness, which were not blue [a laugh], said, “You will do; have what you like,” and directed them to a side door, which was opened, and they were admitted into the house and directed to a yard in the rear, in which was a private bar fitted up. There were 20 men and women in front of the small bar, and they were served with rum, gin, ale, beer, and tobacco. He saw others admitted at the side door, and let out after they were served at the back door. Mrs. Randall asked for two pennyworth of gin and cold water, which was supplied to her. He then called the landlady on one side, and told her she was doing wrong. She said, “What of it?” He then asked for the landlord, and told him what he had seen and he said it was a bad job.

The defendant, in reply to the charge, said that he could not contradict what was said. He was not aware what was done in the house. His wife did it all, and admitted people into the house without his knowledge.

Mr. Yardley: Where was the landlord – the defendant, I mean?

Blanks: He was at the front door. He directed me to the side door.

Mr Yardley: To be sure; you said so before. Don’t tell me, Mr. Green, you were not aware of it. It is a most flagrant case.

Sir Richard Mayne KCB (27 November 1796 – 26 December 1868) was a barrister and the joint first Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, the head of the London Metropolitan Police (1829–1868).

Inspector Hayes, of the K division, said repeated complaints had been made by licenced victuallers and beer shop keepers, who complied with the law, of the practice adopted by the defendant, who stood at the front door to reconnoitre, while persons were admitted at the side door. Mr. Howie, the superintendent, had made a special complaint to Sir Richard Mayne, the Chief Commissioner of Police, and had received his permission to adopt the means of detection used on Sunday morning last. Mr. Howie intended to be present to explain to the magistrate why he adopted the unusual step of allowing a woman to accompany the constable, but was obliged to leave the court to meet the commissioners.

Mr. Yardley: There is no harm in the means adopted to detect the defendant. No trap was laid. Mr. Howie was perfectly justified in doing what he has done. There is nothing illegitimate in the mode of finding out what was going on. I would not convict if a trap had been laid, but it appears there were 20 persons in the house. I shall deviate from the ordinary practice where a first offence has been proved. I generally treat a first offence lightly, but I fine the defendant £3 and costs, because he has broken the law systematically.

The fine was instantly paid.

[£3 in 1858 is equivalent to about £375 in 2020. Source.]

In 1861, at 25, Mary Street (same place: on the corner with Tait Street), St George in the East, were Edward Green (40), Publican, Eliza (38), Emma (13), Mary (12), Sarah (6) and Eliza (3), and Harriet Blundell (12), visitor.

Edward Green died on 22 Jun 1870, aged 50, from liver and kidney disease, just 10 days after he and Eliza married. From this, we can probably deduce that he knew how sick he was and at least cared enough to leave Eliza the means, through marriage, to take over the pub licence and a livelihood.

In 1871, at Tait Street, St George in the East (still the King and Queen pub), were Eliza Green (48), Widow, Licenced Victualler, married daughter, Emma Horn (22), Barmaid, John Horn (23), Plumber, Sarah Green (17), Eliza Green (13), Eliza Thompson (2), granddaughter, Emma Horn (2), granddaughter, Edward J Horn (0), grandson, and Emily R Slade (14), General Servant.

The East London Observer in August 1875 lists Eliza Green as the outgoing licensee at the King and Queen, ending the Green's tenure at this pub. 

In 1881, Eliza was living with her daughter Sarah and her husband, Alfred James Lynch, at the Duke of Norfolk public house in Mile End Old Town. 

Eliza Green, widow of Edward Green, Licenced Victualler, died on 12 Feb 1882 (1882 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 462) at the Duke of Norfolk public house in Mile End Old Town from Chronic Bronchitis. Her death was registered by Alf J Lynch, son-in-law.

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.

John Sweeney and Anne Elizabeth Gabbaday

St Leonard, Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2624832

John Sweeney married Anne Elizabeth Gabbaday (b. 23 Feb 1811), daughter of John Benbow Gabbedy and Isabella Cleghorn, on 11 Jun 1832, at St Leonard, Shoreditch (often known simply as Shoreditch Church - this is the church mentioned in the line "When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch" from the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons). Witnesses to the marriage were Anne's brother, Henry Gabbedy (sic), Ann Goose and Geo. Garrow.

Census listings consistently show John as having been born ~1809, in St George in the East, but I've not been able to find a baptism for him.

John and Anne had at least these five children: 

1. Maria Eliza Isabella Sweney, bap. 11 Jan 1835 at St Dunstan's, Stepney
2. Unnamed Male Sweeney b. 1838 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 02 Page 390, mother GABBEDEY. Died 1838 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 02 Page 493.
3. John Henry Charles Sweeney, b. 11 May 1839, at 1 George Place, White Horse Street, Ratcliff (1839 J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 02 Page 466)
4. Mary Ann Sweeney, b. 10 Dec 1848, bap. 19 Jan 1860 at St John the Evangelist, Limehouse
5. Matilda Sweeney b. 8 Sep 1851, bap. 19 Jan 1860 at St John the Evangelist, Limehouse (Died, aged 16, in 1866 S Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Volume 01C Page 415)

On John Henry Charles' birth certificate, his father's occupation is Ship's Joiner. His mother is clearly listed as "Ann Sweeney, formerly Gabbedy". 

The dates of birth for the two youngest are as listed on the baptism records, as there appear to be no GRO birth registrations for the girls. 

In 1841 living in Pleasant Row, Brewers Place, Stepney were John Swaney (sic) (32) Carpenter; son John (2), wife, Ann (29) and daughter Maria (7). (Throughout her life, my mother had been most pedantic that her maiden name was spelled Sweeney “with three Es.” It should have occurred to me to ignore that and, indeed, most of the records before 1901 are listed with the spelling of Sweney, sometimes Sweeny and, as here, even Swaney.)

In 1851, in Ocean Street, Mile End Old Town, were John Sweeny (42), Carpenter, Ann (39), Maria (17), John (9), Mary Ann (5) and Matilda (0).

A death of an Ann Sweeny, in Whitechapel, in the Jan-Feb-Mar Quarter of 1855, had been widely accepted as that of Anne Elizabeth, however, upon double-checking this at the GRO, it lists that this record relates to a baby girl aged 1. Another death in 1855 in Stepney that had been attributed was for a woman of 32 (would compute to birth year of 1823). Closer, but still not acceptable. Both youngest daughters were baptised in 1860, so I feel that may have been motivated by their mother's illness or death. As yet, I've been unable to confirm exactly when Anne died and I think there's a very good chance that her death wasn't registered, but it was clearly by 1861 ...

In 1861 at 107, North Street, Limehouse was John Sweney (52), Carpenter and Joiner, Widower, with Mary Ann (13) and Matilda (10), as well as son-in-law Richard Ford (27) Labourer Blacksmith, Maria Ford (24) and grandson, Richard Ford (6 months). There are records of a John Sweeney (22), lodging nearby, but none conclusively identified as John Henry Charles Sweeney.

In 1871, John Sweney (63), Widower, Carpenter, was head of the household at Stephen Cottages, James Street, St Anne Limehouse, Stepney, and living with him was his son John [Henry Charles] Sweney (31) Labourer; Susan Sweney (26), Susan Sweney (9), John Sweney (3) and Job Sweney (1).

John Sweeney died, at 71, in 1878 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 351. 

John Gabbedy and Elizabeth Travally

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477017

John Gabbedy (b. 20 July 1745, bap. 11 Aug 1745 at St Anne's Limehouse), son of Henry Gabbedy and Ann Causton, married Elizabeth Travally (b. 3 Oct 1742, bap. 14 Nov 1742 at St Anne's Limehouse), daughter of Winnall Travally and Elizabeth Benbow at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, on 11 Jun 1769. This pair of my 5th great-grandparents married, by licence, and, witnesses were the bride's father, Winnall Travally and James Bryant.

Information suggests that John and Elizabeth had four children:

1. William Travally Gabbedy b. 1770 in Limehouse, London.
   (Buried on 17 Nov 1770 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney.)
2. John Benbow Gabbedy b. 17 Nov 1771 in Risby's Rope Walk, Limehouse, bap. 8 Dec 1771 at St Anne's Limehouse
3. Thomas Gabbady b. 15 Jan 1773 in Risby's Rope Walk, Limehouse, bap. 7 Feb 1773 at St Anne's Limehouse. It looks as if Thomas was buried on 10 Jan 1781 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney.
4. Esther Gabbady b. 16 Feb 1775 in Limekiln Hill, Limehouse, bap. 18 Mar 1775 at St Anne's Limehouse

On the baptisms, John Gabbdey's occupation is listed as Shipwright.

John Gabbedy must have died before 1781, because Elizabeth Gabbedy remarried, at St George in the East, to Edward Penfold on 7 Aug 1781. Witnesses were R Soper and, again, the bride's father, Winnall Travally.

Elizabeth Penfold (74) was reported to have been discharged from St George in the East Workhouse on 27 Sep 1811, but readmitted on 1 Jun 1812.

Elizabeth Penfold (~85) was buried on 20 Mar 1825 at St Anne, Limehouse.

John Blake and Elizabeth Leigh

Launceston - St Mary Magdalene Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Colin Park - geograph.org.uk/p/4285105

John Blake, son of John Blake and Margaret White (bap. 27 Aug 1786 in Launceston, Cornwall) married Elizabeth Leigh (bap. 23 Apr 1793 in Tregony, Cornwall), daughter of William Thomas Leigh and Rebecca Harris, on 11 Jun 1812 at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston.

Records exist for eight children of this marriage:

1. Rebecca Blake bap. 31 Oct 1813 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
2. Harriett Blake bap. 7 Sep 1817, died at 20 weeks and was buried on 4 Jan 1818, both in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
3. Mary Anne Leigh Blake bap. 18 Feb 1821 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
4. John Blake bap. 26 Oct 1823 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
5. Solomon Blake bap. 16 Oct 1825 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
6. Harriot Blake bap. 30 Sep 1827 at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston.
7. James Blake bap. 4 Oct 1829 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.
8. Elizabeth Blake bap. 27 Oct 1833 in Lawhitton, Cornwall.

In 1841, John Blake (55) was living at Lower Luckham, Lawhitton with his wife Elizabeth Blake (45), John Blake (15) and Elizabeth Blake (7). Rebecca Blake had married in 1834 and was living in Lezant, Cornwall; there was a Mary Blake (20) working as a Female Servant in Fore Street, Callington who I believe was Mary Anne Leigh Blake; Solomon Blake (15) was a Male Servant in the employ of John Stevens (55) Farmer in Linkinhorne, Cornwall; Harriot Blake (13) was a Female Servant in the employ of Henry Paynter also at Lower Luckham, Lawhitton; there was a James Blake (11) employed as an Ag Lab at Guncott, North Petherwin, then in Devon, and to add to the reasons for accepting this as him, his future wife was from South Petherwin.

In 1851, son John Blake (37) Agricultural Labourer was the head of the household at Luckham, Lawhitton with wife Mary Blake (33), John Blake (66) Father; Elizabeth Blake (58) Mother and James Blake (25) Brother. Mary A Blake (29) from Lawhitton, Cornwall was a House Servant to Thomas Coode (53) Attorney At Law in St Austell; Solomon Blake (26) had married and was living in Cardiganshire, Wales; Elizabeth Blake (17) was visiting Robert and Harriet Cundy (Harriet Blake, as was) at 12 Keates St, Stoke Damerel.

John Blake died, aged 69, in  1853 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 21 and was buried on 29 July, in Lawhitton.

In 1861, Elizabeth Blake (68) Pauper was living alone in Lawhitton Village.

Elizabeth Blake died, at 79, in 1871 D Qtr in LAUNCESTON Vol 05C P 15.

1. Rebecca Blake married Richard Braund on 16 Apr 1834 in Lawhitton. They went to live in Lezant, Cornwall. Records list their surname as Braund, Bround, Brawn or Brown. Richard Brawn died, at 77, in 1886 J Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 23. Rebecca Brawn died in 1905 J Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 18, at 93.
2. Mary Anne Leigh Blake (39) married William Metters (34) Widower, Yeoman, on 12 Nov 1860 in Stoke Damerel. The bride's brother-in-law, William Trick, was one of the witnesses. William Metters died at 55, in 1881 D Quarter in LAUNCESTON. Mary Ann Leigh Metters died, at 68, in 1887 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 17.
3. John Blake married Mary Stanbury in Lawhitton on 10 Oct 1843.
4. Solomon Blake married Maria Williams in Cardigan, Wales on 31 Jan 1849. The couple reputedly had 20 children. Maria Blake died, at 60, in 1888 S Quarter in CARDIGAN Volume 11B Page 3. Solomon Blake died in 1889 M Quarter in CARDIGAN Volume 11B Page 5, at 70.
5. Harriet Blake married Robert Cundy in the 4th quarter of 1845, in Launceston, Cornwall. Robert Cundy died, at 51, in 1871 D Quarter in TAVISTOCK Volume 05B  Page 318. Harriet Cundy died in 1906 M Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 225, at 78.
6. James Blake married Mary Ralph Martyn in Werrington, then in Devon, on 30 Mar 1852. James Blake died at 47, on 30 Jun 1878 (1878 S Quarter in LAUNCESTON Volume 05C Page 21) and was buried in Lawhitton, Cornwall on 3 Jul 1878. Mary Ralph Blake died, in 1917 D Quarter in DEVONPORT Volume 05B Page 404, at 86.

Henry Gabbedy and Ann Stewart (née Causton)

The east end of St. Katharine's Church, founded by Queen Matilda in 1150

Henry Gabbedy (b. Wednesday, 19 Sep 1705, bap. 7 Oct 1705 at St Dunstan's, Stepney), then from the parish of St Anne's Limehouse, Ship's Carpenter, son of Henry Gabbedy and Hannah Peters, married Anne Stewart, at the Collegiate Church of St Katherine By the Tower, City of London on 6 Sep 1737. (St Katharine by the Tower on map c. 1720. This church was demolished in 1825 to make way for St Katharine Docks, which were named after it.) The marriage record erroneously calls her Mary and Henry's occupation on the licence I'm sure is wrong and should say Ship's Caulker. The rest is true. Crucially, the record of their marriage and the licence make it clear that Henry was a widower, aged 32 and Ann was a widow, aged 30.

Ann Causton (b. 1707, bap. 15 Jan 1711 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, aged 5 years), was the daughter of James Causton and Parthenia Clarke. ("Parthenia" is a Greek word meaning "virginity" or "maidenhood." It's derived from the Ancient Greek word "parthénos" (παρθένος), which means "virgo" or "virgin". Parthenia is sometimes used as a given name for girls, particularly those with Greek heritage.) Further proof of this link: Ann's sister, Parthenia Quick, left £5.00 in her will to her nephew, John Gabbaday. (It has been claimed that Ann had previously married at St Andrew, Holborn on 31 Oct 1727, however that marriage can be discounted, because Charles Stewart had, in fact, married Ann Barnes, Spinster.) The correct previous marriage, I believe, is that between James Stewart and Ann Coston (sic) at St Mary's Church, Bromley St Leonard's (more about this church here) - this church is also in the right area, where Holborn isn't - on 15 Jan 1729. It hasn't been possible to tell if the couple had children, nor to find James' death.

Henry Gabedey (sic) of the Parish of St Dunstan's, Stepney, Bat[chelor], had previously married Bridget Ward (said to be b. 1705, daughter of William Ward) of the same, Sp[inster], at St Botolph's Aldgate, on 22 Sep 1728.

Henry and Bridget Gabbedy had two sons:

1. Thomas Gabbedey b. Monday, 15 Sep 1729, son of Henry Gabbedey, Caulker, & Bridget, bap. 13 Oct 1729 (aged 28 days) at St Dunstan's
2. Henry Gabedy (sic) b. Sunday, 16 May 1731, son of Henry Gabedy (sic) of Pop[lar], Caulker, & Bridget, bap. 6 Jun 1731 (at 21 days old) at St Dunstan's, Stepney

As Henry and Ann later name another son Thomas and, as these are not mentioned in Henry's will, I have to assume that both died in infancy.

Bridget Gabeday was buried, in Stepney, on 2 Jul 1731.

Henry and Ann Gabbedy then went on to have a further seven children:

3. Henrietta Gabday (sic) b. Wednesday, 18 Apr 1739, daughter of Henry Gabday, Caulker, Limehouse Causeway and Anne, bap. 11 May 1739 (at 23 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse. Henrietta, daughter of Henry Gabdey, Caulker, was buried 16 May 1739 at St Anne's Limehouse
4. Jane Gabedey b. Saturday, 27 Sep 1740, daughter of Henry Gabedey, Caulker, Limehouse Causeway and Anne was bap. 19 Oct 1740 (at 22 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse
5. James Gabedey b. Wednesday, 10 Mar 1742, son of Henry Gabedy, Caulker, L.H. Causeway & Anne was bap. 4 Apr 1742 (at 25 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse
6. Thomas Gabedey b. Tuesday, 23 Aug 1743, son of Henry Gabedey, Caulker of L.H. Causeway & Anne, bap. 18 Sep 1743 (at 26 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse. Thomas, son of Henry Gabdey, Caulker, Rotherhithe, Drowned, buried 30 Aug 1749 at St Anne's Limehouse.
7. John Gabdey (sic) b. Saturday, 20 July 1745, son of Henry Gabdey, Caulker, Limeh[ouse] Causeway & Anne, was bap. 11 Aug 1745 (at 22 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse
8. George Gabedey b. Wednesday, 21 Jan 1747, son of Henry Gabedey, Caulker, Limehouse Causeway & Anne, bap. 14 Feb 1747 (at 24 days old) at St Anne's Limehouse. George, son of Henry Gabedey of Limehouse Causeway, buried 1 Mar 1747 at St Anne's Limehouse
9. Anne Gabady (sic) b. Wednesday, 23 Aug 1749, Anne of Henry & Anne Gabady, bap. 2 Sep 1749 (at 10 days old) at St Mary's Church, Rotherhithe. Not found burial, but presume died as an infant.

Ann Gabedy of Middle Turning [Shadwell] was buried at St Paul's Church, Shadwell (Burial ground. St Paul Shadwell) on 26 July 1753. (Others have suggested this as the burial of their child, but the church records consistently list deceased children as 'son/daughter of ...' and this doesn't, so I'm confident that it's the burial of Ann Gabedey, formerly Stewart (née Causton).

Henry Gabedey of the Parish of St Paul's Shadwell, Caulker, wrote his will on 10 Aug 1753, "being weak of body, but of sound and disposing mind ..." It seemed obvious that Ann had pre-deceased him when he left his estate to be divided equally between his three [surviving] children: Jane Gabedy, James Gabedy and John Gabedy. He appointed his sisters (Ann's sisters, his sisters-in-law) Parthenia Quick and Hester Causton as joint Executrixes.

Henry Gabbedy of Middle Turning was buried at St Paul's, Shadwell on 3 Oct 1753. Whilst there are no details on their causes of death, Ann will have been 46 and Henry 48. Henry "weak of body", was clearly ill. That both died within a short time of each other might point to a common pathogen. Consumption (Tuberculosis) always springs to mind, however, Smallpox was probably the single most lethal disease in eighteenth-century Britain, accounting for approximately 10% of all burials. The London Smallpox Hospital, one of the first of its kind in Europe, [coincidentally] was established in 1753.

"By the mid-eighteenth century, many houses in Shadwell had been rebuilt. "Seamen, watermen and lightermen, coalheavers and shopkeepers, and ropemakers, coopers, carpenters and smiths, lived in small lathe and plaster or weatherboard houses, two storeys and a garret high, with one room on each floor"; the average rent was £2/7/0." - Cox, Jane (November 2013). Old East Enders: A History of Tower Hamlets. [Via] A Land Tax Record in 1753 shows that Henry Gabedey was paying £5.00 in rent, so they were very much at the upper end of the average for the area - until illness struck them down.

There are indications to suggest that Hester took on the care of the children. Jane will have been 13, James 11 and John just 8, when their parents died.

Middle Turning was a narrow lane or alley in Shadwell, which existed in the 1750s or before. You can see it here on the map, running l-to-r between Shakespears Walk and Spring Street, south of the churchyard, below Upper Turning. "In the 1840s, half of the churchyard land was bought by the London Dock Company in a compulsory purchase order, in order to expand Shadwell Basin." [Source] This may mean that Henry and Ann are no longer resting there. However, you can also deduce by comparing to the present day map, that the area they were living in is now under the waters of the basin.

Photo © Peter Trimming (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Shadwell Basin (with the spire of St Paul's Church, Shadwell behind)

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

James Clark and Alice Flint

Photo © John Salmon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

All Hallows, Devons Road, Bromley by Bow, London E3

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

James Clark (22) (b. ~1879 in Poplar, London) Batchelor, Labourer of 9 Eastward Street, who listed his father as James Clark, Hair Dresser, married Alice Flint (19) (b. 24 Jul 1883 in Poplar, London) Spinster, of 17 Hawgood Street, Bromley-by-Bow, listing her father as Harry Flint, Coal Porter (deceased) - she will have thought so - (Francis Henry Flint and Ellen Wilton), at All Hallows Church, Devons Road, Bromley-by-Bow, on 31 Mar 1902 (in the previous church built 1873-1874 that was damaged by bombing in WWII). Witnesses were John Smith and Hannah Elizabeth Smith.

James and Alice Clark had 12 children in all:

1. James Clark b. 1902 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 558. Did not find registration of death, however, must have died as an infant.
2. Alice Clarke (sic) b. 1904 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 595
3. William Clark b. 8 Oct 1905 (1905 D Qtr in POPLAR  Vol 01C P 554)
4. Charles Clark b. 23 Jun 1907 (1907 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C P 528)
5. Ellen Elizabeth Clark b. 1909 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 484. Did not find registration of death, but must have died by 1911.
6. Arthur Clark b. 1911 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 531
7. John Joseph Clark b. 26 Feb 1913 (1913 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 894)
8. Florence Elizabeth Clark b. 1916 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 828. Died, aged 1, in 1917 S Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 349
9. James Victor Clark b. 1 Mar 1920 (1920 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 868)
10. George Clark b. 1922 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 756. Died 1922 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 419
11. Leonard Leslie Clark b. 3 Jun 1923 (1923 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 619)
12. Joan Amelia Clark b. 1927 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 555

Four of the birth registrations for James, Alice, William and Ellen Elizabeth quote the mother's maiden name as FINCH. While those for Charles, Arthur, John Joseph, Florence Elizabeth, James Victor, George, Leonard Leslie and Joan Amelia were all registered with the mother's maiden name FLINT. Initially, I'd thought that Finch was a miss-hearing or misspelling of Flint, however, further research showed that after Alice's father had disappeared, her mother Ellen had lived with a John Finch (with whom she had two further daughters), listing all of her children under the name Finch. So Alice had possibly grown up using that name rather than her birth name. 

In 1911, James Clark (31) General Labourer was living at 70 Barchester Street, Poplar, with Alice Clark (28), Alice Clark (7), William Clark (6), Charley Clark (4) and Arthur Clark (1). On this census Alice is listed as having had 6 children, of whom 4 were then living and 2 had died. 

In 1921, James Clark (40) Seaman Now Home, was living at 10, Blackthorn Street, Poplar (immediately opposite the church in which they married), with Alice Clark (37), Alice Clark (17), William Clark (15), Charles Clark (13), Arthur Clark (11), John Clark (7) and James Victor Clark (1). 

James Clark, it seems, was deceased by the time of William's marriage in Apr 1927, however, I haven't been able to find a record of his death in the relevant period. As he had become a Seaman, could he have died at sea?

In 1939, Alice Clark (b. 24 Jul 1883) Widowed, was living at 446 Old Ford Road, Victoria Park, Hackney with John Clark (b. 26 Feb 1913) Painter; James Clark (b. 1 Mar 1920) Labourer Van Boy; Leonard Clark (b. 3 Jun 1923) Van Boy Labourer; and a closed record which presumably relates to Joan.

Alice Clark died, aged 61, on 13 Jan 1945 (1945 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 241).

John Elworthy and Mary Flew

Rackenford : Church of All Saints - Lych Gate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3011518

John Elworthy (b. ~1826 in Molland, Devon) and Mary Flew (bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford), daughter of Richard Flew and Ann Hagley, both resident in the parish, married at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 9 Jun 1850. 

In 1851, John Elworthy (26) Ag Lab from Molland and Mary Elworthy (23) from Rackenford, were living at "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton".

John and Mary Elworthy had one daughter, Mary Jane Elworthy b. 1852 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 437, bap. 4 Apr 1852, in Rackenford, Devon. However, John Elworthy died, age estimated at 30, in 1852 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 313 and was buried, on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 1852, in Rackenford. Then Mary Jane Elworthy died, in 1853 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 332 and the infant was buried, also in Rackenford, on 6 Mar 1853.

On 26 Mar 1856, Mary Elworthy, widow, daughter of Richard Flew, married James Marshall (bap. 9 May 1824 in Knowstone), bachelor, son of Edward Marshall and Elizabeth Sellick, at St Peter's Church, Knowstone. 

James and Mary Marshall had five more children:

1. John Marshall b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415, bap. 4 Jan 1857 in Knowstone
2. Emma Jane Marshall b. 1859 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 421, bap. 22 May 1859 in Knowstone
3. James Marshall b. 1862 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 452, bap. 13 Apr 1862 in Knowstone
4. Elizabeth Ann Marshall b. 1865 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 458, bap. 16 Apr 1865 in Knowstone
5. Mary Ann Marshall b. 28 Oct 1868 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 451, bap. 29 Nov 1868 in Knowstone

The birth registrations confirm the mother's maiden name as FLEW.

In 1861, at Westcott, White Field, Knowstone, were listed James Marshall (35) Labourer from Knowstone, Devon; Mary Marshall (34) from Oakford, Devon; John Marshall (4) and James Marshall (1). This is a neat trick, listing James who was not even born until the following year. Wishful thinking? I did check that there had not been a James born earlier and who died as an infant, but there were no records to suggest this. Also Emma Jane is not listed. 

In 1871, at Marshall Cottage, Knowstone, we find James Marshall (48), Mary Marshall (44), James Marshall (9), Elizabeth Marshall (6), Mary Marshall (2) and Elizabeth Howard (0) Lodger. (Elizabeth Howard b. 1871 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B  Page 470, bap. 5 Feb 1871 in Knowstone, was the illegitimate daughter of Joanna Howard (21), who in 1871 was working as a Domestic Servant at Woods Farm, West Anstey. One assumes she paid Mary Marshall to care for the infant while she was working. Joanna, daughter of John Howard and Sarah Land is undoubtedly, distantly related.) John Marshall (14) Farm Servant and Emma Marshall (11) Child Maid, were working for Henry Buckingham at Awlo Borrough Farm, Knowstone.

Most of the family seem to have escaped the census of 1881, except Elizabeth Ann Marshall (16) who was employed as a General Servant to George Gunn, Farmer, at Lower Bulwarthy, Rackenford.

In 1891, James Marshall (68) Farm Labourer was living in the Village, Knowstone, with Mary Marshall (63) Charwoman; James Marshall (29) Farm Labourer; Sarah J Marshall (26) Daughter-in-law and Nellie Kingdom (1) Granddaughter. (Son James had married Sarah Jane Kingdom on 2 Jun 1890, but Nellie had arrived a bit prematurely in 1890 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 410.) John had married in 1883; Emma Jane in 1879 and Mary Ann in 1890. Elizabeth A Marshall (25) was General Servant in the employ of William Cole, Farmer, at Bommer, Molland.

In 1901, James Marshall (77) Retired ordinary labourer, Mary Marshall (73) Pauper and Mary Ann Packer Marshall (23) Dressmaker (daughter of Samuel Packer and Emma Jane Marshall) were living in "Cottage, Knowstone". 

James Marshall, age estimated as 80, died in 1906 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 247 and was buried on 2 Sep 1906, in Knowstone.

Mary, listed as Mary Ann (she never had a middle name), age also estimated as 80, died the following year in 1907 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 237 and was buried on 7 Jul 1907, also in Knowstone.

Charles Edward Puffett and Ann Jane Barton

Photo © John Salmon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Mary, High Road, South Woodford - East end

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Charles Edward Puffett (b. 17 Jun 1867, bap. 11 Aug 1867 in Wanstead, Essex), son of Robert Puffett and Sarah Ann Brett, married Ann Jane Barton (bap. 7 Feb 1864 at Woodford Bridge), daughter of Thomas Barton and Elizabeth Ann Fuller, at St Mary's Church, Woodford on 9 Jun 1890.

Records identify 10 children of this couple (there were 11, see 1911):

1. Peter Barton b. 1886 D Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 238, bap. 12 Dec 1886 at Holy Trinity Church, Harrow Green, Leytonstone, son of Annie Barton, residence West Ham Union
2. Joshua Barton b. 1888 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 268, bap. 13 Dec 1888 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford, and the record clearly notes he was the child of Annie Barton, Single Woman
3. Florence Elizabeth Puffett b. 12 Mar 1890 (1890 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 274), bap. 16 Nov 1892 as Florence Elizabeth Barton, daughter of Ann Jane Barton, Single Woman (true at the time Florence was born) at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford
4. Roger Charles Puffett b. 23 May 1892 (1892 S Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 305), bap. 16 Nov 1892 at Holy Trinity, South Woodford
5. Louisa Beatrice Puffitt (sic) b. 1895 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 347, bap. 5 Dec 1894 at Holy Trinity, South Woodford
6. George Puffett b. 29 Nov 1896 (1897 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 374), bap. 3 Oct 1897 at Holy Trinity, South Woodford
7. Alfred Puffett b. 1898 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 416. Died 1898 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 236.
8. Charles Puffitt (sic) b. 31 Jul 1899 (1899 D Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 382), bap. 27 Aug 1902 at Holy Trinity, South Woodford
9. Elsie Puffett b. 1902 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 491, bap. 27 Aug 1902 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford
10. John Puffett b. 1905 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 517, bap. 14 Jun 1905 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford

There's no mother's maiden name on the registrations of the first two, confirming that they were illegitimate births, however, after their parents married in 1890, from then on, they used their father's surname. From Florence onwards their mother's maiden name is listed as BARTON.

In 1891, Charles E Puffett (24) Labourer, was living at 1, Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, West Ham, with Annie Puffett (27), Peter Puffett (4), Joshua Puffett (2) and Florence E Puffett (1).

The Eastern Mercury of 15 Mar 1892 reported on: WEIGHING COAL "BY GUESS" - At the Stratford Petty Sessions on Saturday, Charles Puffett, 24, a labourer of Hermon Hill, Wanstead, and Alfred Mead, 24, of George Lane, Woodford, [Alfred Mead was married to Eliza Barton, Ann Jane's sister] were charged on remand with stealing and receiving 295lb of coal, from Messrs Tanner's coal depot at George Lane, Woodford, on the 7th inst. The evidence showed that the prisoner, Puffett, had been employed by Messrs Tanner for some time past, and that in consequence of suspicion being aroused by the constant appearance of Mead at the depot early in the morning, suspicions were aroused. He was there sometimes before the yard was open, and on Monday last Detective Johnson was at the yard. As Mead was leaving, he was stopped and questioned, and said he had 3cwt [CWT is the abbreviation for hundredweight, which in the British imperial system, is equal to 112 pounds (50.8 kilograms)] of coal - that he had paid for one, and had a charity ticket for the remainder. He had however, 295lb in addition to the quantity he named and when Puffett, who supplied him, was questioned, he said he thought the ticket was for a sack, and that he weighed the coal "by guess" as the machine was a long way off. The prisoners were now each fined 20s and costs or three weeks imprisonment.

The Walthamstow and Leyton Guardian of 7 July 1899, reported on an ASSAULT AT WOODFORD - John Smith and Clara Smith, of Woodford, brother and sister, were summoned for assaulting Mrs Ann Jane Puffett, of 33 Oxford Terrace, with a horse whip and their fists. Clara Smith was discharged, and John Smith was fined 10s and 16s 6d costs.

In 1901, Charles Puffett (33) General Labourer; Ann Puffett (37), Peter Puffett (14), Joshua Puffett (13), Florrie Puffett (11), Roger Puffett (8), Louisa Puffett (6), George Puffett (4) and Charles Puffett (1) were, indeed, living at 33 Oxford Terrace, Chigwell Road, Woodford.

The Eastern Mercury of 29 Dec 1903, amongst other press, carried a story under the headline A PUGNATIOUS LITTLE POMPADOUR, "At Stratford, on Saturday, Joshua Puffett, 15, of 17, Oxford Terrace, and William Bass, 16, a private of the 2nd Essex Regiment, was charged with being disorderly and assaulting the police. Constable Sharp, 107J, said that at nine o'clock on Xmas Eve he found the two prisoners at Salway Hill, Woodford, in a fighting attitude. They were using very bad language, and when witness interfered, Bass struck him on the breast, saying "I belong to the 44th Pompadours; they are ----- to fight." Prisoners pleaded guilty; Bass saying he was home on leave and had had a little spree with some friends. Mr W W Glenny; "You may be a brave fighting little fellow, but don't interfere with the police, you are bound to get into trouble." Bass was fined 10s and costs, and Puffett 5s and costs." (While it was Bass who was charged with assaulting PC Sharp, before you sigh with relief, he was likely a cousin as my 4x great-grandmother, Joshua Puffett's 2x great-grandmother, was Elizabeth Bass.)

The Woodford Times of 25 Sep 1908 with HAWKER AND DOG then informs us that, "At the Stratford Petty Sessions on Thursday, 17th inst., Joshua Puffett, 20, hawker, 25, Oxford Terrace, Chigwell Road, Woodford, was charged with having in his possession a dog wearing a leather collar, supposed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. P C Smith, 692K, said he saw the prisoner in Nelson road, Wanstead, late on Wednesday night, leading the dog with a pocket handkerchief attached to it's collar. Witness asked prisoner if the dog belonged to him, and he replied in the negative, and stated he did not know to whom it belonged. He added, "A man gave it to me at the Duke of Edinburgh public house, and I was going to take it home and bandage its leg up." Prisoner now adhered to this statement and called Henry Godsalve, potman at the Duke of Edinburgh, Wanstead, who stated that the dog had been hanging about the house for three or four days, and he told the prisoner he might have it. The bench stopped the case, and discharged prisoner."

Coincidentally, or not, it was in 1908 that Joshua Puffett (20) of Woodford, Essex, joined the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

In 1911, Charles Edward Puffett (44) Fish Hawker unable to work was at 20 Oxford Terrace S Woodford with Ann Jane Puffett (47) Laundress; Roger Puffett (18) Fish Hawker; Louisa Beatrice Puffett (16) Step Cleaning; George Puffett (15), Charles Puffett (12), Elsie Puffett (9) and John Puffett (6). On this census, they have filled out the information that they had been married for 21 years, but that they'd had 11 children born alive, of whom 9 were alive and 2 had died. So there is still one child missing from the list I was able to identify, which sadly relates to one of those who didn't make it. Meanwhile, Joshua Puffett (22) was with his regiment in Neemuch, India. 

By Aug 1914 the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry were in Nowshera, India (which is now in Pakistan). Research carried out by Adrian Lee and Redbridge Museum reveals that "On 16th September 1916 he [Puffett] was admitted to hospital suffering from Malaria, but on 23rd September 1916 he underwent an operation for an appendicitis. Unfortunately he died from the effects of this condition on 26th September 1916." Records show that Joshua Puffett was buried on 27 Sep 1916, with his cause of death listed as Apendicitis and Malaria. His grave, as are the others in Nowshera Military Cemetery, is one that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission can no longer maintain, so he's formally remembered on the Delhi Memorial (India Gate). J Puffett is also listed on the WW1 Board at Holy Trinity Church, South Woodford, the church where he was baptised (as Joshua Barton).

In 1921, Charles Edward Puffett (56) Invalid unable to work was living at 68, Chigwell Road, Woodford, Essex with Anne Jane Puffett (58), George Puffett (24) General Labourer; Charles Puffett (21) General Labourer; John Puffett (16) Green Grocer; Henry Green (39) Rag & Bone Dealer, Son-in-law; Florence Elizabeth Green (31) Daughter; Florence Elizabeth Green (14) Granddaughter; Henry Green (13) Grandson; John Frederick Green (7) Grandson; Charles Edward Green (5) Grandson; James Smith (36) General Dealer, Boarder and Frederick John Smith (31) Jobbing Carman, Boarder.

Charles Edward Puffett of 68 Chigwell Rd Woodford died, aged 67, in 1933 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 283 and was buried on 2 Aug 1933 at Holy Trinity, Barkingside.

Ann Jane Puffett of 117 Sutton[s] Lane, Hornchurch, Essex (this was the address of the former St George's Hospital, a home for the elderly that had opened in 1938), died at 75 in 1939 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 519 and was buried on 8 Jun 1939 at Holy Trinity, Barkingside.

The India Gate War Memorial, New Delhi, India
Photo: Vikram Siingh Via Pixabay

Thomas Tooze and Dorothy Woodbery

Holcombe Rogus : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7371472

Thomas Tooze (b. 1735) married Dorothy Woodbery (b. 1746), daughter of Jeremiah Woodbery and Ann Brice, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus on 8 Jun 1767. Both were 'of the parish'. It looks as if Thomas Tooze was able to sign his own name, while Dorothy made her mark. Witnesses were Sarah Webber and John Hurly. Thomas' baptism record is not available.

Records exist for six children of this couple:

1. Sarah Tooze bap. 5 Apr 1768 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 5 Aug 1771, also in Holcombe Rogus.
2. Mary Tooze bap. 15 Oct 1769 in Holcombe Rogus. Appears to have died at 32, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1802.
3. Sarah Tooze bap. 12 Jul 1772 in Holcombe Rogus. 
4. Thomas Tooze bap. 23 Mar 1776 in Holcombe Rogus. 
5. George Tooze bap. 15 Jun 1778 in Holcombe Rogus. 
6. Elizabeth Tooze bap. 4 Feb 1780 in Holcombe Rogus. Died as an infant and was buried on 17 Apr 1784, again in Holcombe Rogus.

Thomas Tooze was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1818 and Dorothy in 1820.