Henry Savage and Mary Ann Perry

Photo © Robert Edwards (cc-by-sa/2.0)

All Saints: the parish church of Frindsbury, Wednesday, 1 April, 2009

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Henry Savage Esquire (b. 1 Jul 1796 in Ireland), son of Francis Savage and Elizabeth Atkinson of County Down, then of the Parish of Saint Mary in the Town and County of Pembroke, Bachelor, married Mary Ann Perry (b. 23 Aug 1803, bap. 1 Oct 1803 at St Mary & St Hugh, Old Harlow, Essex), daughter of John Perry and his 2nd wife Mary, then of this Parish, Spinster, at Saint Pancras Parish Church (St Pancras Old Church where her parents had also married), on 23 Jul 1835. The marriage service was conducted by Mary Ann's brother, the Reverend George Perry, as confirmed by the announcement in the Essex Herald of 28 Jul 1835, which read: "23rd inst. At St. Pancras Church by the Rev, George Perry, Henry Savage, Esq. of the Royal Marines, to Mary Ann, daughter of the late John Perry, Esq., of Moor Hall, Harlow." Witnesses were Richard Perry, Mary Ann's brother; Elizabeth Perry, Reverend George Perry's wife; a Francis Savage (presumably a relative); and another Savage.

Burke's Family Records (1860) list "Henry, of Frindsbury, near Rochester, Kent, J.P. [Justice of the peace], Capt. R.M.A. [Royal Marines Artillery]" and suggests his line goes back to the Savage family (Ireland) descended from members of the Anglo-Norman Savage family, who landed in Ulster and settled in the barony of Ards, County Down in the latter half of the 12th century during the conquest of Ulster. Sir William Savage, Baron Savage accompanied Sir John de Courcy during the conquest of Ulster in 1177 and the family went on to build a number of castles and priories in The Ards.

Henry and Mary Ann Savage did not have children. This is confirmed, again in Burke's Family Records, which lists that he died, d.s.p., abbreviation of the Latin phrase decessit sine prole, which translates to "died without issue". 

The Royal Marines have a long, historic association with the area, particularly Chatham and nearby Frindsbury. From 1775 to 1950, the Chatham Division of the Royal Marines occupied barracks at the southern end of the Chatham Dockyard, adjacent to the Medway. (Royal Marine Barracks, Chatham). Although they lived closer to the Elizabethan artillery fort Upnor Castle.

In 1841, Henry Savage (40) from Ireland and Mary Savage (35) were living in in Frindsbury Street, Frindsbury, Kent, with two female and one male servant living in. In the profession field next to Henry's name was written "Navy", but that had been crossed through and Royal Marines written over it. (The census is completed in such a way as to appear as if they are part of the household of Benjamin Young (80) of Independent Means and Ann Young (45), but I'm sure these are separate households. In the next door household lived Thomas Day (35) Banker. Mary Catherine Perry, the eldest daughter of Mary Ann's brother, Rev. George Perry, married his son, Hermitage Charles Day, in 1859.)

In 1851, Henry Savage (54) Magistrate, Captain of Marines Half Pay, from Ireland and Mary A Savage (45), were living at Goddington House, Frindsbury Street, Frindsbury. They had two male and two female servants. (Next door still was Anna Young (60) Widow, Annuitant and next-door-but-one, Thomas Hermitage Day (49) Justice of the Peace for the County and Banker.)

In 1861, Henry Savage (64) Magistrate, Captain of Marines Half Pay, and Mary A Savage (~50) were living in Frindsbury Road, Frindsbury. I'm sure this is still the same address and that Frindsbury Street had merey been renamed Frindsbury Road in the previous decade. They still retained four servants, two female, a cook and a housekeeper, and two male, a groom and a footman. 

In 1871, with their address expressed as High Street, Goddington House, Frindsbury, were Henry Savage (74) Magistrate, Captain Royal Marines Artillery Retired and Mary Ann Savage (65). They still employed three servants, including Alfred Marsh (27) Footman, who'd also been there, aged 18, in 1861, plus a cook and a housemaid, Alice Pocock (27) from Frindsbury - who we will see again in 1881. Presumably in his retirement, Captain Savage could no longer justify the employment of a groom.

Captain Henry Savage died, aged 82, on 27 Feb 1879 (1879 M Quarter in NORTH AYLESFORD Volume 02A Page 328) at Goddington House and is buried in St Philip and St James Churchyard, Upnor. On 4 Apr 1879, the Will with a Codicil of Henry Savage late of Goddington House Frindsbury in the County of Kent Esquire who died 27 Feb 1879 at Goddington House was proved at the Principal Registry by Mary Ann Savage of Goddington House Widow the Relict the sole Executrix. His personal estate was valued at under £14,000 (about £2.2M today). Mary Ann had a Stained Glass Window, South Aisle, at All Saints Church, Frindsbury, dedicated in Henry's memory.

In 1881, Mary Ann Savage (~77) Widow was living in High Street, Frindsbury with three servants: Alfred Marsh (37), who'd risen to the position of Butler; Alice Marsh (37) Housemaid, and a cook. (Yes, Alfred Marsh and Alice Mary Pocock had married, on 15 Jun 1880 at St Philip and St James, Upnor. While I hope they weren't forced to wait until after Henry had died for permission, sadly, the timing suggests that they may well have had to do so.) 

Mary Ann Savage died, aged 85, on 9 Jun 1889 (1889 J Quarter in STROOD Volume 02A Page 279) The London Evening Standard of 12 June 1889 carried the announcement, "SAVAGE - June 9, at Goddington House, Frindsbury, Rochester, Mary Ann, widow of the late Captain H Savage R.M., J.P., and daughter of the late J Perry Esq., of Moor Hall, Harlow, Essex, aged 85." Mary Ann is also buried in St Philip and St James Churchyard, Upnor.

On 11 Jul 1889, The Will with four Codicils of Mary Ann Savage late of Goddington House Frindsbury in the County of Kent Widow who died 9 Jun 1889 at Goddington House was proved by the Right Reverend Charles Bishop Perry of 32 Avenue Road Regent's Park in the County of Middlesex D.D. late Bishop of Melbourne the Brother and the Reverend Hermitage Charles Day of Frindsbury Clerk and Augustus Alfred Arnold of Rochester in the County of Kent Solicitor the Executors. Her Personal Estate was valued at £55,009 2s 2d (equivalent in purchasing power to about £9,175,365.39 today). Mary Ann had never worked, obvs., and her husband 'only' left her £14,000. So the balance of £41,000 must therefore have come from the trust fund left to her by her father; bequests from her siblings and by shrewd investment.

William Trick and Eliza Authers

H.M.S. Royal Adelaide lying at anchor in the Hamoaze at Devonport.

William Trick (b. 1858), son of William Trick and Elizabeth Blake, married Eliza Authers (b. 1861), daughter of Henry Authers and Susannah Osmond, at Princes Street Congregational Chapel, Devonport, on 22 Jul 1883.

William and Eliza had one son:

1. William Henry Trick b. 14 Jun 1884 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 351.

William Trick, giving his date of birth as 16 July 1856 (this was later corrected to 16 Aug 1858, which agrees with the timing of his birth registration), had enlisted in the Royal Navy on 9 Aug 1871. If he had been born in 1856, this would have been close to his 15th birthday, which is probably significant. As it was, it was a whisker before his 13th birthday. At that time he was 4 ft 10½ in tall, with a fair complexion, dark hair and hazel eyes, weighing 99 lbs.

He was immediately assigned to HMS Cambridge (former HMS Windsor Castle (1858), renamed in 1869), gunnery ship off Plymouth, as a Boy 2nd Class. The training of naval ratings in the use of naval guns was carried out aboard HMS Cambridge. On 8 Dec 1872, she was driven ashore in a storm and refloated the next day. William was with this ship until 13 Jan 1873, so was presumably on her at the time of this incident. He was made up to Boy 1st Class in Oct 1872, so William appears to have shown early promise.

Most of William's assignments throughout his career were of short duration, joining HMS Cambridge on several different occasions; likewise HMS Royal Adelaide (1828) at various times, with his longest tour as a rating being with HMS Curacoa (1878), which he was with from 24 Feb 1880 until 27 Mar 1883, that served on the Cape of Good Hope and West Africa Station.

In 1891, we find William Trick (34) Warrant Officer RN, living in Palmerson Street, Stoke [Damerel], Plymouth with Eliza Trick (30), William H Trick (6) and Susannah Authers (67) Widowed, Housekeeper, Mother-in-Law.

In 1901, William Trick (43) Gunner RN, Eliza Trick (40), William H Trick (16) Telegraphist and Mother-in-Law, Susannah (75) incorrectly listed as Trick.

William Trick was promoted to Lieutenant on 6 May 1909.

In 1911, still in Devonport, were William Trick (54) Lieutenant RN, Eliza Trick (50), William Engstrom Trick (2) Grandson, born in Fort William, Canada, as well as Margaret Watts (32) General Domestic Servant.

William Trick was placed on the retired list due to age on 16 Jul 1911 (not yet caught up with the 2 year 'discrepancy'), but was mobilised again, at the start of World War I on 1 Aug 1914, and assigned to HMS Impregnable (former HMS Howe (1860) school ship). He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on 6 May 1917 and returned to the retired list on 1 Mar 1919.

In 1921, living at Model Farm, Wembdon, Somerset were William Trick (62) Lt Commander RN Retired; Eliza Trick (60), William H Trick (37) Farmer; Hulda N Trick (31) Daughter-in-law, birthplace Sweden; William E Trick (12) born in Canada; Henry D Trick (9), Eliza H Trick (8), Harold G Trick (6) and Dorothy H Trick (4). [William Henry Trick had married Hulda Naema Engstrom, in Ontario, Canada on 29 Aug 1908.]

In 1939, William Trick, Lieutenant Commander RN, Retired; Eliza Trick; William H Trick, Farmer; Hulda N Trick; Henry D Trick and two others, were living at Model Farm, Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset. William Trick and his wife Eliza lived and died at Model Farm in Wembdon. Now a Country House, Guest House, it attracts some dubious visitors.

William Trick died on 19 Nov 1943, age estimated as 87, (1943 D Quarter in BRIDGWATER Volume 05C Page 425). Eliza Trick died the following year at 83, in 1944 M Quarter in BRIDGWATER Volume 05C Page 412.

W Trick is remembered on the War Memorial to St Georges Parishioners who served in both wars, inside St George's Church, Wembdon.

St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon

Eliza's parents, Henry Authers married Susannah Osmond at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon in the Q3 1851. Earlier that year, Susan Osmond (24) from Ashburton, Devonshire, had been living in Water Lane, Tiverton with an Eliza Osmond (24) from Tiverton as her Lodger. Both girls were employed as a Lace Hand, which infers that they will have worked for John Heathcoat's Lace Factory (Heathcoat Fabrics). Having not found birth or baptism records for either girl, it isn't clear if they are related, although one imagines so.

Ten years previously, in 1841, Susanna Osmond (15) had been living in Barrington Street, Tiverton, in the household of John Osmond (40). If this is the correct family, potential siblings are William, Catherine and John.

Both Henry and Susannah were born around 1827. Henry was reputedly born in Uplowman, Devon, but there is no baptism record for him either.

Henry and Susannah, however, had at least eight children:

1. William Henry Authers b. 1851 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 268, bap. at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Not seen after 1871, there is a burial of a W H Arter in Stoke Damerel, in 1879, which may relate.
2. Catherine Eliza Authers (Registered as Caroline Authers b. 25 Feb 1854 M Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 253), bap. as Eliza Caroline Authers, on 12 Mar 1854 at St Peter, Plymouth. My guess over this discrepancy is that she was always meant to be called Catherine.
3. Mary Jane Authers b. 20 Mar 1856 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 277, bap. 13 Apr 1856 at St Mary's Devonport. Died 1860 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 233.
4. Eliza Authers b. 3 Jan 1861 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 305, bap. 3 Feb 1861 at St Mary's Devonport.
5. Harry Authers b. 4 Mar 1863 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 342, bap. 22 Mar 1863 at St Mary's Devonport.
6. John Nicholas Authers b. 1 Jun 1865 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 319, bap 16 Jul 1865. Died 1866 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 277.
7. Emma Authers b. 6 May 1867 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 333, bap. 29 May 1867. Died  1868 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 221.
8. John Osmond Authers b. 20 Sep 1869 D Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 337, bap. 6 Oct 1869 at Devonport, St Mary.

Whilst various records describe Henry as a Labourer, on the baptism for Mary Jane in 1856, he is listed specifically as a 'Labourer at Dock Yard'. On the baptism for Eliza in 1861, the family's address was 17 Bragg's Alley. 

In 1861, Henry Auther (sic) (34) from Uplowman, Devon, was listed as a Licensed Victualler at 1 Queen Street, "Lamb Inn", Stoke Damerel (although it says he was Cousin to the head of the household), with Susan Auther (sic) (34) from Ashburton, Devon; William Auther (10) born in Tiverton, Devon - Disability: Dumb - and Eliza (0) born in Devonport. They had nine visitors (incl. five Seamen R.N. and one Soldier), one Boarder and one Servant.

In 1862, the Licensee of The Lamb Inn is listed as Henry Arthur (sic).

On the baptism for Harry in 1863, his father is listed as a Licenced Victualler and the family's address listed as 1 Queen Street, which confirms that he was residing at The Lamb Inn, one of many Public Houses in Queen Street.

By 1865 and again in 1867, Henry Authers was once more a Labourer and the family were back at 17 Bragg's Alley, which was said to be full of 'wretched hovels and dilapidated buildings'. Bragg's Alley was a narrow thoroughfare that ran between Catherine Street and Dock Wall Street. "These warrens threatened to tumble around the ears of their occupants - persons so repellent that no citizen could enter without certainty of insult."

In 1869, the family were living at 16 Granby Street, Devonport.

In 1871, Susan Arthurs (sic) (b. 1827), William H (year of birth as 1852), Catherine (b. ~1855), Eliza (b. 1861), Harry (b. 1863) and John (b. ~1870) were living at 1 Braggs Alley, Stoke Damerel, with no less than seven Lodgers in the household, whilst I've not [yet] located Henry.

On 11 Oct 1875, Henry Authors, Labourer of 20 N Moore St, New York, became a naturalized American citizen. He was also there in 1878, when he witnessed the naturalization of his son-in-law, William Thomas Eastabrook, who spent around 5 years in the Lower Manhattan slums, before returning to the UK by 1879. Henry Authers also clearly returned.

In 1881, Susannah Arthure (sic) (53) from Ashburton, Devon, Wife, Head of the household - have not [yet] found her husband - was living at 3, Trafalgar Court, Devonport Stoke-Damerel. With her were son Harry (18) Mason's apprentice, plus Elizabeth Hill (22) and M A Starling (23), both lodgers.

Henry Authers, died, at 57, in 1885 S Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL. 

Susannah Authurs (sic) (60) of 18 John St, Devonport, her occupation listed as Nurse, was treated at The Royal Albert Hospital and Eye Infirmary, Devonport, between 10 Oct 1888 and 13 Nov 1888 for Eczema of leg.

In 1891, Susannah Authers (67) Widow was Housekeeper in the household of her son-in-law, William Trick (Eliza Authers had married William Trick in 1883), in Palmerston Street, Stoke, Plymouth.

In 1901, incorrectly listed as Susannah Trick (75) Widowed Mother-in-Law from Ashburton, Devonshire, was still living with William and Eliza Trick in Palmerston Street, Stoke, Plymouth.

Susannah Arthurs died at 76 in 1903 M Quarter in DEVONPORT.

Royal Naval Memorial, The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Matthews - geograph.org.uk/p/3106428

Harry Authers (as Henry Authers), son of Henry Authers and Susannah Osmond, married Mary Ann Pellew Robertson (b. 17 Mar 1862 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 344, bap. 18 Feb 1875 at Devonport, St James the Great), daughter of Archibald Robertson and Mary Ann Thomas Butters, in Plymouth, Devon, in the 2nd quarter of 1887. 

Harry and Mary Ann had two sons:

1. Harry Archibald Pellew Authers b. 13 May 1891 (1891 J Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 362), bap. 4 Jun 1891 at Devonport, St James the Great.
2. Archibald John Authers b. 31 Dec 1894 (1895 M Quarter in STOKE DAMEREL Volume 05B Page 336). Died 1 Nov 1914 (See below).

Also listing himself as Henry Authers and his date of birth as 6 Mar 1863, Harry had enlisted in the Royal Navy on 15 Apr 1885, becoming a Stoker and progressing to Leading Stoker and ultimately to Acting Chief Stoker until he was invalided at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth on 5 Nov 1897. 

In 1901, Harry Authers (38) Pensioner, Stoker R.N., Mary Ann Authers (39) Laundress, Harry A Authers (9), Archibald J Authers (6), as well as a Sarah Godfrey (45) Widowed Machinist at H M Dockyard, Boarder, were living in Palmerston Street, Stoke, Plymouth.

Harry Authers died, aged 38, in 1901 S Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 193.

Mary Ann Pellew Authers then died, at 42, just two years later, in 1903 S Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 132.

Both of the boys joined the Royal Navy. Harry would have been only 12 when his mother died and Archibald just 9. Both were listed as having come from GH School, which I can only assume was the Greenwich Hospital School.

1. Harry Archibald Pellew Authers enlisted as a Boy 2nd Class on 6 Nov 1906, at just shy of 15. He progressed to the rank of Petty Officer, retired in 1931, was mobilised in 1938, finally being invalided in 1947. He married in 1946 and died, at 90, in Tavistock, Devon in 1982.
2. Archibald John Authers enlisted as a Boy Ship's Steward on 7 Dec 1909, also just shy of his 15th birthday. He was lost in HMS Monmouth (1901) on 1 Nov 1914, at 19, killed in action at the Battle of Coronel, off the coast of Chile. Ship's Steward Archibold John Authers, son of the late Harry and Mary Ann Authers, is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial on The Hoe, Plymouth, Devon.