Private Robert John Ridgeway

When we first visited St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, in 2016, I'd noticed this cross in remembrance of Private Robert John Ridgeway and took the photo as a reminder to research him to see how we might be related. Many of my Ridgeway ancestors had ended up in Uplowman: my 2x great-grandmother, Mary Ridgeway, daughter of James Ridgway, was born in Ashbrittle and is buried in Uplowman churchyard; Mary's brother, Thomas Ridgway, also came to Uplowman and had no less than ten children there. Perhaps, I thought, Robert John Ridgeway will have 'belonged' to one of them. Now that I've worked my way through them, however, I discover he does not and actually exists in a parallel universe:

Private Robert John Ridgeway, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the parish website informs us, "... died in November 1945, after the war in Europe had ended, in a road accident when the armoured Ford Lynx scout car that he was a passenger in, tried to overtake another vehicle in a convoy and left the road striking a tree on Watling Street, Shenstone in Staffordshire." Robert John Ridgeway died on 6 Nov 1945, is buried in Uplowman churchyard and is remembered inside the church.

Robert John Ridgeway, who was born on 18 Mar 1927, was at home in 1939, at Uplowman Cross Cottage, Uplowman. Is that the same as 1 Crosses Cottage, Uplowman, where my relative, Frederick John Ponsford, son of Charles Ponsford and Bessie Ann Stone, was living in 1970? Or 2 Crosses Cottages, Uplowman, where Elsie Tremlett, daughter of William Ridgeway and Florence Louise Finnimore, was living in 1979? Or even Lowman Cross, Uplowman where Thomas and Ann Ridgway were living in 1871?

The parish website also says that "Robert lived a large part of his life at Wallflower Cottages, Uplowman." Several of my relatives have been residents at Wallflower Cottages, Uplowman: William and Florence Ridgeway and George and Ellen Norman in 1911, and Herbert Ridgeway in 1988. These were most likely tied cottages, so it suggests they were all working for the same farms, but is no particular indication that they're related.

Sarah Ridgway 

|

John Ridgway bap. 27 Nov 1825 - Mary Parker b. 1831

|

James Ridgway bap. 25  Apr 1858 - Eliza Vickery b. 1861

|

Robert John Ridgeway b. 7 Sep 1898 - Louisa Baker b. 10 Dec 1899

|

Robert John Ridgeway b. 18 Mar 1927 - d. 6 Nov 1945

Robert John Ridgeway's parents were Robert John Ridgeway (b. 7 Sep 1898) and Louisa Baker (b. 10 Dec 1899), who had married, in Tiverton, in 1924.

In 1911, Robert John Ridgeway Snr (12), born in Holcombe Rogus, was living with his widowed mother, Eliza (48), sister Florence Alice (9) and brother, Herbert Percy (6) at Passmore's Court, Halberton. In 1910, this Robert John Ridgeway had attended Halberton School. In 1901, living at Ford, 90, Holcombe Rogus, were James Ridgway (43) Cattleman on farm, from Stawley, Somerset, wife Eliza (39), Beatrice (13), Edith (11), Eliza (9), William (7), Lillie (5) and Robert John, listed simply as John (3).

Records suggest that James Ridgeway had married Eliza Vickery in the second quarter of 1887, in the Wellington, Somerset registration district.

The baptism for James Ridgway on 25 Apr 1858, in Stawley, Somerset, listed his parents as James and Mary Ridgway, however, in 1861, we find the 3 yr old, living at Parkley, Stawley, Wellington as the son of John Ridgway (33) Agricultural Labourer, with wife Mary (30) and John (8), Mary Ann (6), Sarah Jane (4), James (3), Charles (1) and Mary Cotter (12) Housemaid. In 1871, John Ridgeway (46) and wife Mary (40) were living at Stones Cottage, Stawley, Wellington, with John (18), Mary Ann (16), Sarah (14), James (13), Elizabeth (10), Emily (8), Thomas (6), Edwin (4) and William Henry (2).

John Ridgway married Mary Parker, on 18 Apr 1851, at St Michael & All Angels, Stawley. One of the witnesses was William Vickery. Mary Parker's father is listed as James Parker, while the name of John Ridgeway's father isn't listed ... which stacks up with the baptism of John Ridgway in Ashbrittle, on 27 Nov 1825, son of Sarah Ridgway, described as 'single - base'.

These earliest records of Baptisms, Burials & Marriages, were transcribed from the "Bishop's Transcripts", which were in poor condition. There aren't any further records to prove if we have a common ancestor. But, to be having an illegitimate child in 1825, there's a fair chance that Sarah Ridgway was born around 1805, give or take. My 3x great-grandfather, James Ridgway was born around 1806. They are from the same hamlet - the population in 2014 was only 225 - with the same surname. Their descendants all turn up in the same locations. They could be siblings. They could be first cousins. It would be much more difficult to accept that they were not at all related.

Thomas Fuller and Mary Farrant

St Mary’s Parish Church Woodford 1812
St Mary’s Parish Church and Woodford History

Thomas Fuller (b. ~1750), married Mary Farrant (bap. 9 Jul 1749 at St Michael's, Aveley), daughter of George and Mary Farrant at St Mary's Church, Woodford on 17 Apr 1775. Witnesses to the marriage were Thomas Renn and John Row. The transcriptions for this marriage, at both Ancestry and FindMyPast list her as Mary Tarrant. The original parish record, a copy of which was shared to Ancestry by my cousin, Tony Crompton, is feint and quite difficult to read, however, the style of the writer's script makes it impossible to distinguish between their capital Ts and their capital Fs. Their T for Thomas and F for Fuller appear to be identical shapes. The only record for a Mary Tarrant in the right period and area is this marriage, which doesn't mean there wasn't such person, but the baptism of Mary Farrant does seem reasonable and acceptable, although I can see no way to categorically prove it. 

(An alternative baptism of a Mary Tarrant on 29 Sep 1752, allegedly at St Gregory by St Paul, London (unlikely, as that church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666), the child having been born 3 days previously on 26 Sep 1752. Questionable in so many ways, I feel safe discounting it.)

One of the witnesses was listed as a Thomas Renn, but names were often written down as heard. Son Robert Fuller later married Elizabeth Bass, whose mother was Elizabeth Wren. Is it possible that these were related?

Thomas and Mary Fuller appear to have at least the following children:

1. Sarah Fuller bap. 28 May 1775 at St Mary's Church, Woodford
2. Thomas Fuller bap. 29 Mar 1778 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell
3. John Fuller bap. 19 Mar 1780 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell
4. Sarah Fuller bap. 26 May 1782 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell
5. Robert Fuller bap. 10 Sep 1785 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell
6. Mary Fuller bap. 30 Dec 1787 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell

All list the parents as Thomas and Mary. Presumably the first daughter died in infancy for another to be given the name Sarah in 1782. Neither can I find a death for Thomas born 1778, nor find records of him reaching adulthood.

There are three possible further children who could be of this family:

7. Thomas Fuller bap. 3 May 1795 at St Mary's Church, Woodford. Died 8 Sep 1795 and buried on 12 Sep 1795 at St Mary's Church, Chigwell
8. James Fuller bap. 28 Aug 1796 at St Mary's Church, Woodford
9. Thomas Fuller bap. 10 Jun 1798 at St Mary's Church, Woodford

On these three, I can neither categorically confirm nor discount them. The swaps back and forth between churches in Woodford and Chigwell are not an issue and indeed persuade me it's likely these probably are the children of this couple; there is no other marriage of a Thomas Fuller and a Mary in the area, whose children they could be otherwise. The eight year gap isn't impossible, but does slightly suggest they are of a different family. Although further children being named Thomas would support the death in infancy of Thomas born 1778. But, if we have the right baptism for Mary Farrant, this would make her 49 at the time of the last birth. Again, not impossible, but it is pushing the limits a bit. Alternatively, the then 16 year old daughter, Sarah, could have had a child in 1798 and it was often a custom to name illegitimate children after one's own father, but here I may be casting aspersions.

Mary Fuller is alleged to have died in Waltham Abbey, Essex in 1814, but I have found no record nor circumstances to substantiate this.

Thomas Fuller, aged 86, calculating to a year of birth of 1750, residence Work House (Woodford parish workhouse was set up in 1723 and became part of the West Ham Poor Law Union in 1836), was buried in the parish of Chigwell on 27 Nov 1836. A burial of someone from the Workhouse, often at the parish expense, would tend to suggest that this was his parish of birth.

Another two sisters marry two brothers: For further research later, but it's interesting to note that Sarah Fuller married John Chumley on 25 Dec 1802, at Woodford. Her sister Mary Fuller married John's brother, Joseph Chumley, also at St Mary's, Woodford, on 23 Feb 1805.

Charles Palmer and Mary Amelia Oxford

Maker Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © jeff collins - geograph.org.uk/p/3634359

Charles Palmer, son of John Palmer and Esther Collins, married Mary Amelia Oxford, daughter of John Oxford and Elizabeth Lang, at St Mary's and St Julian's Church, Maker, Cornwall on 17 Apr 1835. 

Charles and Mary had seven children:

1. Esther Elizabeth Palmer b. 27 Mar 1836, bap. 12 Jun 1836 at Buckwell Lane Rehoboth Chapel -Independent, Plymouth.
2. Benjamin Charles Palmer b. 1838 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 387. (No baptism and no further records found.)
3. James Lang Palmer b. 1840 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 371, bap. 11 Oct 1844 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth
4. Edward Oxford Palmer b. 31 May 1844 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 409, bap. 11 Oct 1844 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth
5. Elizabeth Colwill Palmer b. 1846 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 378, bap. 7 Oct 1846 at St Andrew's Church, Plymouth, died aged 1, in 1848 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 245
6. Charles Palmer b. 1848 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 365
7. Mary Palmer b. 17 November 1848 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 09 Page 365, reputedly born at 16 Catte Street, Plymouth.

It's clear that the last two were twins. On James and Edward's baptism, Charles' occupation in listed as Labourer. On Elizabeth Colwill's baptism, he is listed as a Porter and the family's address as Catte Street.

In 1841, Charles Palmer (25) was living in York Street, Plymouth St Andrew with Mary Palmer (25), Ester Palmer (5), Benjn Palmer (3), James Palmer (1) and a Margert Charter (20). All spellings as (badly) written/transcribed.

In 1851, Charles Parmer (sic) (39) Sub Bailliff (sic) with birthplace suggested as Ionkley (sic), Lancashire - there is a Charles Palmer born in Hinckley, Leicestershire - was living in Vauxhall Street, Charles The Martyr, Plymouth with wife Mary Parmer (39) from Devonport, Devonshire; Benjamin Parmer (13), Edward Parmer (11), James Parmer (7) - clearly they have transposed James and Edward's ages - Charles Parmer (2) and Mary Parmer (2). 

In 1861, Charles Talmer (sic - this is certainly a transcription error) (48) Tanner and Mary Talmer (sic) Wife of Tanner are still living in Vauxhall Street with the twins, Charles (12) and Mary (12), as well as Esther Talmer (70) from Winchester, Hampshire, Widowed, 'Tanner's Mother', Edmund Drake (3) - daughter Esther's step-son - and William Barry (0) Boarder. Charles' father, John Palmer, who had died in 1855, had been a Tanner, so it would appear that Charles had taken over his trade (or at least attempted to do so).

Mary Amelia Palmer died, aged 55, in 1867 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 208 and was buried in Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.

There is a Charles Palmer (age estimated to 61), Widowed, Porter, birthplace Plymouth, Devonshire, listed in Charles, Devon in 1871.

Charles Palmer died, aged 61, in 1874 J Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 170. He is also buried in Ford Park Cemetery, Plymouth.

James Potter and Jane Stone

All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/5100720

James Potter (b. 1741) married Jane Stone (bap. 3 Jul 1744 in Holcombe Rogus), who was the daughter of William Stone and Temperance Hitchcock, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus, on 16 Apr 1770. 

James and Jane had two daughters, baptised in Holcombe Rogus:

1. Joan Potter bap. 21 Jan 1771
2. Agnis Potter (sic) bap. 17 Dec 1775

James Potter died, at 39, in 1780 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

Jane Potter later remarried to James Dunn of Chipstable, in Holcombe Rogus, on 13 May 1796. Witnesses to this marriage were Joan Blackmore and Samuel Tooze. James Dunn, bap. 8 Sep 1732 in Chipstaple, son of John and Joan Dunn, had previously married Ann Langdon on 6 Feb 1757 and on the record of this marriage, we discover that James Dunn was a Shoemaker. The couple had one child, a daughter, Ann Dunn bap. 17 Sep 1760. James first wife, Ann Dunn, died in 1782. James Dunn died in Chipstable, in 1802. 

Jane Dunn died in 1828 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

• William Heyward (bap. 3 Jun 1757 in Huish Champflower), son of John and Elenor Heyward, married Ann Dunn, daughter of James Dunn and Ann Langdon, in Chipstable, on 14 Mar 1785. William and Ann had six children: William Heyward bap. 19 Feb 1786 in Huish Champflower; Ann Heyward bap. 28 Sep 1788; Sylvia Heyward bap. 18 Mar 1792; Elinor Heyward bap. 9 Apr 1795; James Dunn Hayward bap. 24 Mar 1798 in Chipstable; and Fanny Heyward b. 8 May 1804, bap. 15 May 1804 in Huish Champflower. Anne Heyward (née Dunn) died, aged 79, in 1840 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 167 and was buried in Huish Champflower. In 1841, William Heyward was living in the household of Robert and Fanny Stone. Robert Stone, son of William Stone, Miller had married Fanny Heyward, daughter of William Heyward, Shoemaker - thus it appears she is William's daughter. (Please don't ask me what relation Robert Stone is to Jane Stone, but they inevitably are.) William Heyward died, aged 87, in 1843 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 1660 and was also buried in Huish Champflower.
• William Heyward (bap. 19 Feb 1786 in Huish Champflower), son of William Heyward and Ann Dunn, meanwhile, married Agnes Potter (bap. 17 Dec 1775 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of James Potter and Jane Stone, on 26 Nov 1809, in Chipstable. Records exist for three daughters: Sylvia Heyward bap. 27 Nov 1809, Harriott Heyward bap. 8 Nov 1811 (buried in Chipstaple in 1813) and Agnes Heyward bap. 9 Jan 1815, all baptised in Chipstable. The last of these baptisms shows her father's occupation as a Cordwainer (a shoemaker who makes new shoes from new leather.) William Heywood (50) Journeyman Shoemaker and Agnes Heywood (60) were living on Golden Hill, Wivelscombe in 1841. In 1851, still on Golden Hill, were William Hayward (65) Pauper Shoemaker and Agnes Hayward (75). Agnes Heyward (née Potter) died, at 84, in 1858 J Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 251 and was buried in Wivelscombe. In 1861, William Hayward (75) Widower, Shoe Maker, was a boarder in the household of John Richards (45) and Sylvia Richards (52) - clearly William's eldest daughter - at Routine Row, Russells Buildings, Wivelscombe. William Heyward died, at 80, in 1861 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 258 and was also buried in Wivelscombe.

Once more, the Devon family tree is a complicated monkey puzzle! :)

James Land and Jane Flew

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Bampton

cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rob Purvis - geograph.org.uk/p/6807505

James Land (b. 1828) son of John Land and Loveday Flew, married Jane Flew (b. ~1826), daughter of Robert Flew and Mary Cottrell (Robert Flew was the brother of Loveday Flew, so the couple were first cousins), at the parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Bampton, on 16 Apr 1854.

James and Jane had one son:

1. George Land b. 1855 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 374, bap. 9 Dec 1855, in Bampton, Devon. Died 1856 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 304.

Jane Land died, aged 30, in 1856 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 304. Those deaths may have occurred at the end of 1855 and registered in early 1856 and, it would appear likely that Jane died giving birth to their son.

James Land, widower, married Rose Anna Beamer (b. 1823), widow, on 19 Apr 1863 at St Michael and All Angels, Bampton. Rose Anna Beamer gave her father's name as Isaac Smith, Labourer. (Not found hers, but I've found a baptism on 1 Feb 1824 for a Mary Smith, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Smith at All Saints, Norton Fitzwarren, who may have been her sister.)

In 1861, James Land (32) Quarry Labourer was a Lodger in the household of Ann Beamer (38) from Norton, Somerset, along with four of her children: Mary (10), Alfred (8), James (6) and Lindy (2). The civil birth registration for James in 1855, confirms that Rose Anna's maiden name was SMITH.

With a two year old in 1861, one might assume that Rose Anna (Ann) had only recently been widowed, but the only record of a death that may be that of her husband - I haven't been able to find the earlier marriage, but son Alfred Beamer's marriage gives his father's name as James Beamer - is that for a James Beamer, aged 37, in the last quarter of 1854. That would make James Beamer, born 1855, a posthumous child. Although, it would also make Lindy Beamer the child of another liaison. Not exactly unheard of.

John and Rose Anna Land had at least three further children together:

1. George Land Beamer b. 1862 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 461, registered George Beamer, no mother's maiden name. Death registered as George Land Beamer in 1863 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 335.
2. Loveday Jane Land b. 1864 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 455, mother's maiden name this time was listed as SMITH.
3. John Land b. 3 Feb 1866, in Stoodleigh, Devon (No GRO reg.)

In 1871, in High Street, Bampton, we find James Land (41) and Rosannah (46), with just Loveday J (7) and John (5). Not one of Rose Anna's family are living with their mother. It's not the first time I've seen a first family "disappear" when their parent remarries. Rose Anna's daughter, Mary (b. 1850), I've been unable to find any mention of; Alfred Bimmer (sic) (19) was working as a [Farm] Servant for Thomas Chave in Morebath; James Beamer (16) Masons Labourer was lodging, with Henry Beamer (21) Ag Lab, elsewhere in Bampton; there are no other records of Lindy Beamer.

In 1881, at Westbrook Cottage, Bampton, at a guess, on Westbrook Farm (PDF), were James Land (54) Ag Lab; Ann Land (58); Jane Land (18) Domestic (Out of Service) - just given birth; John Land (16) Gen Labourer; Henry Beames (sic) (8) Grandson and Rosana Land (0) Granddaughter.

James Land died, at 56, in 1884 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 297.

There is a death of a Rose Anne Land in 1889, with her age estimated as 40 (1889 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 273). This would be a 20 year discrepancy, but is a typical lie about a woman's age and her name is uncommon enough for me to be persuaded this does most likely relate.

In 1891, John Land (24) Private in the Royal Marines Light Infantry was at Fort Stamford, Plymstock, Devon. He had enlisted on 3 Jan 1885, served for 21 years until Jan 1906 and then again in 1914-15. That latter period, mostly, at Plymouth Division, but from 12 Sep - 3 Dec 1914, on HMS Jupiter: When World War I broke out in August 1914, Jupiter was transferred to the 7th Battle Squadron of the Channel Fleet. During this service, she covered the passage of the British Expeditionary Force from England to France in September 1914. In late October 1914, Jupiter was reassigned to serve alongside her sister ship Majestic as a guard ship at the Nore. On 3 November 1914, Jupiter and Majestic left the Nore and relieved their sister ships Hannibal and Magnificent of guard ship duty on the Humber. In December 1914, Jupiter moved on to guard ship duty on the Tyne. On his Marines Record, John describes his sister Loveday Jane's daughter, Rose Anna Southwood (née Land) as his sister, whereas, in reality she was his niece. This might suggest that the illegitimate child was brought up by her grandparents long enough for him to believe / consider her as such.

In 1911, John Land (45) Horse Man on Farm, who never married, was boarding with his niece Rose Anna (30) and her husband, William Henry Southwood (34) at Chieflowman Cottage, Uplowman.

In 1921, John Land (56) Royal Marine Pensioner was still boarding with William Henry Southwood (45) Farmer at Bungsland, West Anstey.

John Land died, aged 58, in 1924 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON.

Old Toll House, Briton Street, Bampton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Milestone Society - geograph.org.uk/p/6114414

James Beamer (b. 1855), son of James Beamer and Rose Anna Smith, brother of Alfred Beamer and half-brother of Loveday Jane Land and John Land, married Mary Jane Snell (b. ~1857) - that's the maiden name listed on several of their children's birth registrations - in Exeter, in 1876. The transcript of the marriage record lists them as James Bemer and Mary Jane Smale, which made this record difficult to find. Only because, in 1911, they said they'd been married for 34 years, was there finally a clue to the period to look in.

Mary Jane is listed on census records as being from Devonport, Plymouth, but it hasn't been possible to find records of her birth or early years.

James and Mary Jane had at least seven children:

1. Mary Jane Beamer born Q2 1884 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died and was buried, on 13 Apr 1884, in Bampton).
2. Ethel Anna Beamer (no civil reg), bap. 26 Apr 1885 in Bampton.
3. (Unnamed male child) Beamer born Q3 1886 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. (Died in the same quarter, age 0.)
4. Sarah Jane Beamer born Q3 1887 in Tiverton, mother's name SMALE
5. Tom Beamer born Q3 1890 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SUELL. Bap. 3 Aug 1890 in Bampton.
6. Rosanna Beamer born Q1 1893 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name SNELL. Bap. as Rose Anna Beamer, on 30 Apr 1893, in Bampton. (Died, aged 16 months and was buried, on 22 Aug 1894, in Bampton.)
7. Mary Ann Beamer registered Q1 1896 in Tiverton, mother's maiden name listed as SNELL. Bap. 29 Dec 1895 in Bampton. (Died in Q2 1901, aged 5. Buried on 27 Apr 1901 in Bampton.)

There could be other children, particularly given the number of discrepancies in the information, such as the mother's maiden name, which could be errors in transcription, or registrars writing down what they heard. The parents don't help, because on the 1911 census they say they have only had 3 children with 3 then living, but various corroborating records prove that to be untrue.

In 1881, James Beamer (25) Railway Labourer and Mary Beamer (23) were living at Rose Cottage, Bampton, Devon.

Ethel Ann Beamer (3) "British King" from Liverpool

This curious record relates to an Ethel Ann Beamer, then age 3, sailing on the "SS British King" from Liverpool, arriving in Philadelphia on 29 May 1888. Their intended destination was Chicago. Taken alone, I'd have ignored this and assumed that this was another Ethel Ann Beamer entirely. HOWEVER, in the box at the top right, it says "Accompanied by" Sarah Jane 8 months and Mary Jane 30, both of which fit exactly. I've also found an equivalent record for Sarah Jane and both children appear on the passenger list, along with Mary Jane. It's hard to imagine them being able to afford to go to the US - and come back again - but equally hard to imagine the combination of those three names and ages cropping up together more than once. It's a mystery.

In 1891, James Beamer (39) Agricultural Labourer, wife Mary (35), Ethel A (6), Sarah J (3) and Tom (0), were living in Briton Street, Bampton. 

On 16 Oct 1894, James and Mary Beamer were both charged and bailed, accused of "Wilfully neglecting Rose Anna Beamer, a girl under the age of 16 years, to wit, 16 months, in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering and injury to health, at Bampton, on 15 August 1894, and on various other dates." They were found not guilty and acquitted. 

In 1901, James Beamer (48) General Labourer, Mary Jane (42), Ethel (15), Tom (9) and Mary A (5), were living on the Tiverton Road, Bampton. Sarah Jane (14), was employed as a General domestic servant, in the household of Henry Early, Watchmaker and jeweller, at 12, Angel Hill, Tiverton. 

In 1911, we find the family has "emigrated" ... to Wales. James Beamer (53) from Bampton, Devon was then a Coal miner hewer living at 4 Price Street, Pentre in the Rhondda Valley, Glamorganshire with Mary (49), Tom (20) also working as a Coal miner hewer; Ethel Cappell (25), William Cappell (25) Son-in-law, and grandchildren, William (3) and Ethel (1). (Ethel Ann Beamer had married William David Cappell on 24 Apr 1907, in Bampton.)

In 1921, James Beamer (69) Labourer (Surface) Ocean Cal Company Out Of Work; Mary Jane Beamer (63), William David Cappell (35) Labourer Corys Broks Coal Company Out Of Work; Ethel Ann Cappell (38), William David James Cappell (13), Ethel Ann Cappell (11) and Lawrence Earnest Cappell (5) were living at 1, Price Street, Pentre, Rhondda, Glamorganshire, Wales.

Mary Beamer died, aged 70, in 1927 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 442. 

James Beamer died, in 1931, aged 77, also in Taunton. 

(William and Ethel Cappell lived in Rowford, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton in 1939. No further records for Sarah Jane after 1901 nor Tom after 1911.)

John Lynch and Ann Wiltshire

Photo © Stephen McKay (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel, Wednesday, 9 April, 2008

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

This open space, to the south of Whitechapel Road, was originally the site of the 'White Chapel', St Mary Matfelon (Church of St Mary, Whitechapel, London, 1831)

John Lynch (b. 15 Mar 1806, bap. 30 Mar 1806 at St George in the East), son of James and Jane Linch (sic), married Ann Wiltshire - the marriage record spells her name Wilcher - (b. 3 Oct 1806, bap. 27 Oct 1813 at St Mary Whitechapel), daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Wiltshire (there's a marriage of Richard Wiltshire and Elizabeth Todd, in Shoreditch on 13 Oct 1806 that may relate), at St Mary Matfelon (St Mary Whitechapel) on 13 Apr 1828.

Records suggest that John and Ann Lynch had nine children:

1. Charlotte Lynch b. 21 May 1829, bap. 14 Jun 1829 at St George in the East
2. Elizabeth Harriet Lynch b. 20 May 1831, bap. 19 Jun 1831 at St George in ...
3. John Edward Lynch b. 22 Sep 1833, bap. 13 Oct 1833 at St George in the East
4. Francis Lynch b. 13 Nov 1835, bap. 27 Dec 1835 at St George in the East
5. James Linch (sic) b. 8 Mar 1838 (1838 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLE Volume 02 Page 127 - mother's maiden name WILCHERE), bap 15 Apr 1838 at St George in the East. Died, aged 1, in 1839 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 84.
6. Ann Elizabeth Lynch b. 22 Jun 1840 (1840 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 114 - mother's maiden name WILTCHER), bap. 19 Jul 1840 at St George in the East
7. Richard Lynch b. 27 Apr 1842 (1842 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 108 - mother's maiden name WILCHER), bap. 22 May 1842 at St George in the East
8. Robert Gordon Lynch b. 2 May 1845 (1845 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 116 - mother's maiden name WILTSHIRE), bap. 1 Jun 1845 at St George in the East (as Robert Lynch) and bap. again on 17 Aug 1845 (as Robert Gordon Lynch) at Christ Church, Watney Street, Shadwell. The transcriptions in the London, Docklands And East End Baptisms says Christ Church, Jamaica Street, but that church didn't open until 1877. Suspect the second baptism was because his middle name was missed on the first one.
9. Alfred James Lynch b. 26 Feb 1852 (1852 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 01C Page 456 - mother's maiden name listed as WILLSHER), bap. 21 Mar 1852 at St George in the East.

The various spellings of the mother's maiden name on the GRO birth registrations are undoubtedly as a result of clerks writing down what they heard, which the parents couldn't spell out to them, but it's clear they're all meant to be Wiltshire. All of the baptisms list John's occupation as a Butcher. On Charlotte's baptism, the family address was Upper Chapman Street (see on map); on Elizabeth Harriet's and John Edward's baptisms their address was Lower Cornwall Street (now Cornwall Street formerly Upper (western part) and Lower (eastern part) Cornwall Street, it's just north of and parallel to Cable Street.) On Francis' baptism the address is just Cornwell Street, but that's probably the same place as before. On James, Ann Elizabeth and Richard's baptisms, the address is transcribed as Lower Cornwell Street. On Robert Gordon and Alfred James' baptisms, it was specified as 7 Lower Cornwell Street. I'm sure this is all still Lower Cornwall Street.

Haven't been able to locate any record of the family on the 1841 census.

In 1851 and still living at 7 Lower Cornwall Street, Saint George in the East, were John Lynch (45) Butcher Journeyman; Ann Lynch (44), Charlotte Hanson (21) (Charlotte Lynch had married Adolph Hanson in 1850), John Ed[ward] Lynch (17) Messenger; Francis Lynch (15) Coach painter apprentice; Ann Elizabeth Lynch (10), Richard Lynch (8) and Robert G Lynch (6). (Cannot confirm any further records for Elizabeth Harriet and need further clues.)

In 1861, at 143 High Street, Shadwell we find John Lynch (55) Butcher; Ann Lynch (55) Laundress with her birth place listed as Aldgate (which makes sense as it's yards from where she was baptised in Whitechapel); Ann Lynch (20); Richard Lynch (18) Warehouseman; Robert G Lynch (15) Errand Boy; Alfred J Lynch (9); Catherine Lewis (30) Servant Housemaid; and two boarders: William Honeyford (20) from Middlesex and George Thompson (19) from Sunderland, Durham, both list their occupation as Blacksmith.

In 1871, Ann Lynch (64) was living at 15 Sidney Street, Mile End Old Town, she was listed as the head of the household and married. Living with her were Robert G Lynch (25) Smith; Alfred J Lynch (19) Factory Hand; Sarah J Hanson (15) Granddaughter, Domestic Servant; and Ann Twyman (30) Lodger. Meanwhile, John Lynch (65) Oil refiner, Married, birthplace Wapping (St George in the East, was historically known as Wapping-Stepney) was less than half a mile away as a Patient in The London Hospital, Whitechapel Road. (The current Tower Hamlets Town Hall, opened in 2023, incorporates the façade of the old London Hospital which is a Grade II listed building.)

John Lynch (66) Oil refiner, died on 17 Dec 1872 (1872 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 332) at 15 Sidney Street, of 'Dropsy' 10 days, certified. The informant was R G [Robert Gordon] Lynch, present at death, of 15 Sidney Street. (Dropsy is an archaic term for edema, a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, causing swelling. Dropsy is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition, including heart, liver, or kidney failure.) The change of occupation from butcher to oil refiner was at first confusing, but the address in Sidney Street where he died, as well as the name of the informant on his death certificate confirm that these are the correct records.

Ann Lynch (née Wiltshire) died, aged 72, in 1880 M Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 340.

Charles Awton and Mary Maurice

St Michael, Awliscombe, Devon - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1726261

Charles Awton (bap. 1735 in Broadhembury, Devon) married Mary Maurice (b. 1737) at the church of St Michael and All Angels, Awliscombe, East Devon on 13 Apr 1762. The family name was probably, and it certainly became, Horton, but I'll reproduce what was written undoubtedly as a result of the Devonshire accent and the precedent set by the spelling of the village name.

Charles and Mary had at least ten children, all baptised in Awliscombe:

1. Betty Awton bap. 6 Jun 1762
2. John Awton bap. 7 Apr 1765 (John, son of Charles and Mary, was buried on 10 Feb 1782. He will have been 16.)
3. William Awton bap. 22 May 1768
4. Charles Awton bap. 9 Sep 1770
5. Mary Awton bap. 18 Apr 1773
6. Nancy Awton bap. 2 Jul 1775
7. Jenny Awton bap. 19 Apr 1778 (Later calling herself Jane)
8. Henry Awton bap. 14 Jan 1781 (Presume died as an infant)
9. John Awton bap. 11 Feb 1782
10. Henry Awton bap. 9 Jan 1785

Charles Awton reputedly died in 1810, however, I've found no evidence.

There is a burial of a Mary Auten (sic), on 21 Jun 1837 - the day after Queen Victoria ascended to the throne - in Awliscombe, who had lived to 100. 

Reenactors in the uniform of the 33rd Regiment of Foot (Wellington's Redcoats), who fought in the Napoleonic Wars between 1812 and 1816. (Slightly later than William Horton's time.)
“The 33rd Regiment was unquestionably the best trained regiment in the British Army at this time (1765 -1795).” [Source] WyrdLight.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Most of the Awtons/Hortons I've been unable to trace forward, however, William Horton, living with his sister, Jane Gollop, in Widworthy, in 1841 and 1851, described as a Chelsea Pensioner, who had served with Marquess Cornwallis' 33rd Regiment of Foot (the real one, not the reenactors, but this does help to visualise him in his red coat, looking like an extra in a Jane Austen drama). He was discharged on 21 Apr 1796: William Horton, Private of the Aforesaid Regiment, born in the parish of Orliscomb (sic), in or near the Market Town of Honiton, in the county of Devon, aged twenty-six years (ish) and by Trade a Labourer, hath served honestly and faithfully in the said Regiment, five years and eight months, but being lame of the right arm from a Wound received at Bois-de-duk (sic) on the 15th October 1794, which renders him unfit for service ... The regiment took part in the disastrous Flanders Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars (War of the First Coalition). In 1794, Bois-le-Duc (French) ('s-Hertogenbosch a.k.a. Den Bosch, Netherlands) was taken by French troops of the newly created young republic. The Siège de Bois-le-Duc (1794) took place from 23 Sep to 5 Oct 1794, so it's clear that William Horton was there around that time.

Despite this, William Horton lived until the age of 84 and was buried, on 27 Mar 1853, in the churchyard of St Cuthbert's church in Widworthy.

Hugh Flew and Mary Wood

Rackenford : Village Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4637008

Hugh Flew (bap. 28 Feb 1779), son of Richard Flew and Elizabeth Thomas, married Mary Wood (bap. 26 Dec 1780), daughter of George Wood and Elizabeth Tucker, at All Saints Church, Rackenford on 11 Apr 1805.

Hugh and Mary had ten children, all baptised in Rackenford:

1. William Flew bap. 29 Sep 1805
2. Elizabeth Flew bap. 28 Feb 1808
3. John Flew bap. 28 Jan 1810. (Buried on 26 Sep 1835.)
4. Mary Flew bap. 26 May 1812
5. Ann Flew bap. 5 Jun 1814
6. Sarah Flew bap. 1 Sep 1816
7. Jane Flew bap. 1 Jan 1820
8. George Flew bap. 1 Jan 1822
9. Thomas Flew bap. 11 Jan 1824
10. Susanna Flew bap. 21 May 1826. (Buried 26 Oct 1828.)

In 1841, living in the Village, Rackenford, South Molton, Devon, were Hugh Flew (60), Mary Flew (60), William Flew (30), Ann Flew (27), Sarah Flew (25) and Thomas Flew (15). Also in the household were Mary Wood (35), Mary Ann Wood (10) and Elizabeth Wood (2), as well as John Baker (25). Elizabeth Flew (32) was a Female Servant in the household of Thomas Tanner, Farmer, at Creacombe Barton and in the same household was John Flew (3), who was the illegitimate son of Elizabeth Flew, Spinster, baptised in Rackenford on 4 Feb 1838; Jane Flew was a Female Servant at Little Hensley, Tiverton; there was a George Flew (15) Apprentice at Lower Thorne, Rackenford.

Hugh Flew died at 74 in 1850 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 10 Page 163 and was buried in Rackenford on 2 May 1850.

In 1851, with address merely listed as Cottage, Rackenford, were Mary Flew (70) Widow and George Flew (29) Agricultural Labourer. Elizabeth Flue (sic) was still Servant to Thomas Tanner, Retired Farmer, in Witheridge with her son John Flue (sic) (13) still living with her.

In 1861, Mary Flew (80) Widow, Lodger and Pauper, was living with her son-in-law James Chamberlain (50) at Cottages on Village, Rackenford.

Mary Flew died, age estimated at 83, in 1862 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 268 and was buried on 4 Oct 1862, in Rackenford.

• John Flew married Susanna Wood in Rackenford on 31 Mar 1834
• James Chamberlain m. Mary Flew in Rackenford on 27 Oct 1839
• John Baker m. Sarah Flew at St Peter's, Tiverton on 28 Jun 1841
• William Chamberlain married Ann Flew in 1843
• William Flew married Sarah Fewings in Q1 1845
• John Baker married Jane Flew on 11 Nov 1847 in Creacombe
• Thomas Flew married Maria Yendell on 7 Nov 1850 in Creacombe

It's clear James Chamberlain and William Chamberlain are brothers, so we have yet another pair of brothers, marrying two sisters in the family.

The John Baker who married Sarah Flew in 1841 was a Carpenter, bachelor, listed as son of Wm Baker. The John Baker who married Jane Flew in 1847, was also a Carpenter, listed as a bachelor, son of Robert Baker. It was allegedly this latter John Baker who was lodging with the family in 1841. Further research is needed, but were these perhaps the same person?

Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter

St Mary, Kentisbeare, Devon - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1726294

Edward Carpenter (bap. 31 May 1730), son of Hugh Carpenter and Joan Baker, married Mary Winter on 11 Apr 1748 at St Mary, Kentisbeare. 

Records suggest the couple had seven children: 

1. William Carpenter bap. 25 Apr 1749
2. Dorothy Carpenter bap. 29 May 1752 (buried 25 Jul 1752)
3. Jenney Carpenter bap. 24 Aug 1755
4. Thomas Carpenter bap. 18 Jun 1758
5. Edward Carpenter bap. 9 Nov 1760
6. Dorothy Carpenter bap. 15 Jul 1764
7. Hugh Carpenter bap. 6 Jan 1769

There's nothing in the records I've seen to date to suggest what occupation Edward had, neither has it been possible to find a record of his death. There are several deaths for a Mary Carpenter in Kentisbeare between 1774 and 1796, any of which could relate, but it hasn't been possible to identify which one it is. Likewise, trying to trace each of their children forward has either provided no further records beyond their baptisms, or where several records exist and no clues to narrow it down. Frustrating, but common problem.

Charles Archer and Kate Trevail

St Saviours Church, Pimlico
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/2815323
Picture taken from Chichester Street

Charles Archer (bap. 29 Dec 1861 at St Paul's, Poole, Dorset), son of Charles Archer, Queen's Messenger, and Ellen Briggs, married Kate Trevail (b. 12 Nov 1857 in Luxulyan, Cornwall), daughter of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, at St Saviour's, St George's Square, Pimlico on 10 Apr 1884.

Charles and Kate had three children:

1. Charles Archer b. 10 Jul 1885 (1885 S Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 422), bap. 10 Sep 1885 at St Saviour's, St George's Square
2. Ellen Florence Archer b. 23 Sep 1887 (1887 D Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 423), bap. (and thereafter as Florence Ellen) 6 Nov 1887 at St Saviour's, St George's Square.
3. Eileen Elfrida Trevail Archer b. 19 May 1897 (1897 J Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 450), bap. 18 Jul 1897 at St Gabriel's, Warwick Square

In 1891, Charles Archer (29) Collector, Kate Archer (33), Charles (5), Ellen F (3) and Lizzie Isch (20) General Domestic Servant, were in Chichester Street, Pimlico. (Kate's sister, Olivia and her family, also lived in Chichester Street in 1891.) "Collector" (to disappoint all of us thinking of antiques and curios), in the context of Charles Archer's job, is a Gas Rate Collector, i.e. the bloke who goes round collecting the shillings from the gas meters.

In 1901, still at 8, Chichester Street, Pimlico, were Charles Archer (39) Gas Rate Collector, Kate Archer (43), Charles Archer (15) Mechanical engineer's apprentice, Ellen Archer (13) and Eileen Archer (3).

In 1911, once again at 8, Chichester Street, Pimlico, there were Charles Archer (49) Collector, Kate (53), Ellen Florence (23) Lady clerk, Eileen Elfrida (13) at School and Beatrice Matthews (28) General Domestic Servant.

In 1921, Charles Archer (59) Collector (retired) from Poole, Dorset, was living at 18, Townley Road, Dulwich, Camberwell with Kate Archer (63) and Eileen Elfrida Trevail Archer (24) Music Mistress.

Charles Archer died on 17 Jan 1936 (1936 M Quarter in BUCKLOW Volume 08A Page 270), aged 74.

Kate Archer, as well as Charles Archer Jnr and his wife and Eileen and her husband, were all living in Hale, Cheshire (Greater Manchester) in 1939.

Kate Archer, of Girvan, Leicester Road, Hale, Cheshire, widow, died on 29 Jan 1947 (1947 M Quarter in BUCKLOW Volume 10A Page 176), aged 89, leaving £557 10s to her son Charles Archer.

1. Charles Archer married Gladys Mary Pardew (b. 24 Aug 1885 in Plymouth, Devon), daughter of John Andrew Pardew and Pricilla Nichols Millard, in Bucklow, Cheshire, in 1920. Their son, Charles John Trevail Archer was born on 17 Oct 1921. In 1939, they were living at 23 Crescent, Hale, Cheshire. Charles Archer died on 31 Oct 1956 in Hale, Cheshire. Gladys Mary Archer died in Buckinghamshire, in 1961. Charles John Trevail Archer FFARCS died in St. Marylebone, London, in 1974.
2. Florence Ellen Archer married John Leonard Ravenhill (b. 29 Dec 1881 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey), son of Henry Ravenhill and Hannah Street, at St Saviour's, St George's Square, Pimlico, in 1911. They had two children: Eileen Nellie Trevail Ravenhill b. 1912 and Harry Kenneth Trevail Ravenhill b. 27 Jan 1917. In 1939 they were at 17 Townley Road, Dulwich, London. Florence Ellen Ravenhill died on 30 Nov 1952 in East Dulwich. John Leonard Ravenhill died in Surrey, in 1970.
3. Eileen Elfrida Trevail Archer married Frank Marsden (b. 13 Jul 1887 in Dukinfield, Cheshire), son of John Marsden and Maria Hallas, in Camberwell, London, in 1927. Frank was a widower at the time of his marriage to Eileen and had a daughter, Joan Doreen Marsden b. 16 Dec 1919, from his previous marriage to May Chadderton, who had died in 1925. Frank and Eileen added a son, John Charles Marsden b. 22 Dec 1927. In 1939, they were living at Girvan, Leicester Road, Hale, Cheshire and Frank Marsden's occupation was Managing Director, Iron Foundry. Eileen Elfrida Trevail Marsden died in Northamptonshire, in 1976.