Charles Stone and Emma Middleton

Interior of St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Voller - geograph.org.uk/p/3683165
This church is famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) in that upon its organ, seen left of picture, was played for the very first time, the tune that was destined to send shivers up the spine of many a strong man. It was of course ... (intake of breath) "The Wedding March". On June 2nd 1847, at a wedding ceremony here, Felix Mendelssohn's composition ushered the bride and groom out of the church as man and wife. The couple were, I believe, friends of the composer.

Charles Stone (b. 8 Apr 1869 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Emma Middleton (b. 6 Aug 1862 in West Anstey, Devon), daughter of Jane Middleton, on 29 Oct 1896 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton and were my great-grandparents. They both gave their address as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, which was that of Charles' younger sister, Lucy Jane and her husband, William Bridle, who were their witnesses.

In 1891, Emma Middleton (26) was a Domestic Servant to William Heywood (27), Farmer (son of Robert Heywood of Spurway Barton), at West Spurway Farm, Oakford, Devon. (Emma's illegitimate son, William Henry Middleton, b. 4 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 435), was then living with his grandmother, Jane Howe, in Stoodleigh.) Charles Stone (20), was Farm Servant to William Gale (69), at Courtney Farm, Washfield.

No idea why she later chose to change her name from Emma to Emily (fashion perhaps?), but she didn't seem to be trying to hide her son William Henry's illegitimate status, but might have been trying to play down her own, because Emma (Emily) "invented" a father called William Middleton for the marriage certificate. As we now know Middleton was not only hers, but also her mother's maiden name, so that couldn't be her father's name. Emma (Emily) had an older brother and an uncle William Middleton, both of whom she never met as they died as infants, whose name she was clearly borrowing.

Well, I say she wasn't trying to hide William Henry's true origins, but clearly someone came up with a story later, because my father was always under the mistaken impression that William Henry Middleton, his "Uncle Bill", was the product of Emily's "first marriage". Of course there was no such alliance.

1 Silver Street, Tiverton where my grandfather was born on 6 Jun 1898

Charles and Emma (Emily) Stone added four more children:

1. Charley Stone b. 6 Jun 1898 at 1 Silver Street, Tiverton (1898 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401), bap. 20 Jul 1898 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, clearly listed as son of Charles and Emma.
2. Albert Stone b. 18 Jan 1900 (1900 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 399)
3. Emily Stone b. 2 May 1901 (1901 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 387)
4. Henry Stone b. 17 Nov 1902 (1902 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 375)

All of the GRO registrations list the mother's maiden name as MIDDLETON.

Only Charley was baptised, most probably because they moved out to Lower Washfield, which would have been a very long walk to any church.

Woodgates, Lower Washfield, Tiverton, their address in 1901

In 1901, Charles (30), Agricultural Labourer, and Emily (33 - really 39 - the gap between fiction and reality getting bigger) were living at Woodgates, Lower Washfield, with their two sons, Charley (2) and Albert (Bert) (1). William Henry Middleton (13) Agricultural Labourer was working for John Hussey (38) Farmer at Wood & Honeyland, Tiverton. 

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 7 Sep 1904 reported that: "A summons against Frank Raymond, farmer's son, of Washfield, for assaulting Emma Stone, a married woman, of Washfield, on August 30th, was dismissed at the Tiverton Sessions yesterday. From the evidence it appeared that there was a family quarrel, brought about by a son aged 17 years, going back home to reside. The father objected to the lad staying at home, and asked Raymond to assist him to remove the youth's box from the house, which he did. Mrs Stone attempted to stop the father from removing the box, and, in consequence, Raymond held her while he was doing so." (The age of the 'youth' mentioned corresponds with that of Charles' step-son, William Henry Middleton.)

Charles and Emma with their children:
Charley (rear right), Albert (rear left),
Emily, (front right) and Harry (front left)

In 1911, in Hayne Lane, Bolham, were Charles Stone (40) Carter on Farm; Emily Stone who had lost another couple of years to reach 41 (actually 49); Charley Stone (12) School half-timer; Albert Stone (10), Emily Stone (9) and Harry Stone (8). The information on this census confirms that they had four children and said they had been married 12 years (closer to 15). The photo (right) was taken around this time, at the side of the house at 4 Hayne Lane, Bolham. These cottages were originally built for the workers on the Knightshayes Estate - Home Farm, Knightshayes is at the end of Hayne Lane - for whom Charles presumably then worked. William Henry Middleton (21) Private Royal Marines, was then at the Royal Marine Barracks, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Devon.

In 1921, Charles Stone (51) General Farm Labourer was living in West Manley, Tiverton, Devon, working for Mr A Farrant, Farmer of West Manley Farm. Emily Stone was claiming to be 31 - she was actually 59 - with just Harry Stone (18) General Roadman For District Council, still at home. William Henry Middleton had married in 1918 and was living in Ash Thomas, Devon; Charley Stone (24) [i.e. still maintaining he was a year older than he really was], Corporal RMLI, was with the Royal Navy, Armed Forces Overseas (he was in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland); Albert Stone (21) Private RMLI was with H.M.S. Ramillies in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth and Emily Stone (20) was a General Domestic Servant in the household of the Managing Secretary of the Cooperative Society Ltd, at 27, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. 

Charles Stone died on 13 Jun 1930, aged 61 (1930 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 467). So far found no record of burial.

Emily Stone died on 2 Jun 1936 (1936 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 492), age again under-estimated at 68 - actually in her 74th year.

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016

Samuel John Regelous and Emma Byatt

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/5562692

Samuel John Regelous (b. 15 Jul 1848 in Saffron Walden, Essex), son of John Regelous, Policeman, and Sarah Pilstow, married Emma Byatt (b. 1847), daughter of William Byatt and Ann Poole, on 28 Oct 1866 at St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden - the largest non-cathedral church in Essex.

Samuel and Emma had four children, but only one survived infancy:

1. Sarah Emma Regelous b. 1867 S Qtr in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 401. Died 1867 D Qtr in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 229.
2. Charles John Regelous b. 19 Oct 1868 D Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Volume 04A Page 403, bap. 12 Mar 1871 in Saffron Walden.
3. Emma Elizabeth Regelous b. 1870 J Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Volume 04A Page 415, bap. 12 Mar 1871 in Saffron Walden. There was an Emily Elizabeth Regelous buried on 13 Aug 1872 in Hackney, Middlesex. (There was family in Mile End to place them in the area).
4. Henry John Regelous b. 1871 S Quarter in SAFFRON WALDEN Vol 04A Page 393. Listed as John Henry Regelous died, aged 2, in Kensington, in 1874 J Quarter in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 51.

In 1871, in Saffron Walden were Samuel Jn Regelous (22) Warehouseman; Emma (23) from Little Canfield; Charles J Regelous, Son was listed as 2 months (he'll have been 3 years) and Sarah E Regelous was listed as 4. I have no explanation why they listed Sarah who had died in the first three months of her life, but not listed Emma Elizabeth who'll have been a year old.

In 1881, at 53, Portland Road, Kensington, London, were Samuel Regelans (sic) (39) Carman; Emma Regelans (sic) (33) and Charles Regelans (sic) (12). 

In 1891, Samuel J Regelous (43) Servant Gardener and Emma Regelous (43) were living in Underhill Road, Camberwell, Southwark, London with Arthur Ralfe (15) Grocers Porter, who was listed as Adopted. 

Various records suggest they emigrated to Canada between 1891 and 1895.

In 1901, in Macdonald, Manitoba, Canada, were Sam J Regelous, Head; Emma Regelous, Wife; Charles J Regelous, Son; Margaret Regelous, Daughter-in-Law; William Regelous, Grandson; Edward Regelous, Grandson; Bessie Rowls (sic) (10), Lodger and Albert Rowls (sic) (6) Lodger. Arthur Regelous (24), also in Macdonald, Manitoba, was a Lodger in the household of Thomas R McCartney (whose sister, Evelyn, he later married.)

In 1911, Samuel Rebelous (sic) and Emma Rebelous (sic) were living in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with Albert Rolls living with them, listed as being born in 1873 and as Adopted. 

Emma Regelous died on 15 Apr 1912 and is buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada.

Samuel John Regelous remarried on 7 Jul 1914 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to an Elizabeth Elliot. (Found no further details for her.)

In 1916, Samuel J Regelous (67) Widowed, was living in North Norfolk, Neepawa, Manitoba. 

In 1926, Samuel John Regelous (78), father, was living in the household of Arthur Regelous (49), in Springfield, Manitoba, Canada. 

In 1931, Samuel J Regelous (83) Widowed, was again living with Arthur Regelous (54), Evelyn Regelous (49) and their son, Victor William Regelous (18), in East Kildonan Rural Municipality, Manitoba, Canada.

Samuel John Regelous died, aged 84, on 21 Aug 1933 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and is also buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada.

• Charles John Regelous married Margaret Rolls on 5 Nov 1896 in Carbery, Manitoba, Canada. In 1891, Margaret, with birth year listed as 1871, had been living with Thomas Rolls (b. 1864 in England) in Marquette, Manitoba, Canada, with their two children, Bessie Rolls (3) and Joseph Rolls (4m). I haven't found a birth record for Elizabeth (Bessie) Rolls in 1888, however, the birth record for Joseph H Kellaway Rolls on 16 Feb 1891 in North Norfolk, Manitoba, Canada lists his mother as Margaret Stephenson, his father's name is left blank and his parent's marriage status given as unknown. I haven't found any record of a marriage, anywhere, between a Thomas Rolls and a Margaret Stephenson, so it may be that the couple were never married. On the 1901 Census, Margaret's year of birth is given as 1866, which is more reasonable, but either date, with only the information that she was born in England, it has not been possible to identify her origins. Charles and Margaret had a further two sons: i. Charles William Regelous b. 23 Aug 1897 in North Norfolk, Manitoba; ii. Edward Samuel Regelous b. 22 Apr 1899 in North Norfolk, Manitoba. On the birth record for Charles William, his mother is listed as Margaret Stephenson and this time, it is specified that his parents were married. In 1906, Charles J. Rylous (sic) (39) was living in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, with wife Margaret (36), Bessie Rolls (17) Daughter; Joseph Rolls (15) Son; Willie Rylous (sic) (8) Son; Edward Rylous (sic) (6) Son and R Davis (22) from England, Boarder. in 1911, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, were Charles Regelous, Margaret Regelous, William Regelous [Charles William], Son; Edward Regelous, Son; Elizabeth Rolls, Step-Daughter; Joseph Rolls, Step-Son, along with seven male lodgers.  Charles John Regelous died at 46, on 20 Sep 1915 and is buried at Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Manitoba, Canada. In 1916, Margaret Regelous (46) Widow, was living in Tupper Street, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with Bessie Regelous (26) Daughter; William Regelous (18) Son; Edward Regelous (16) Son and a Lidia Setter (22) Lodger. In 1926, Margaret's son, Joseph Roles (sic) (listed as 28) was living in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada with wife Viola Doris (26) and son William Joseph (1). Grandsons, Charles William Regelous died on 3 Apr 1942 and is buried at Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Edward Samuel Regelous died on 20 Dec 1944 and is buried with his brother at Brookside Cemetery. Joseph Kellaway Rolls died on 26 Nov 1955, aged 64, and is buried at Carberry Plains Cemetery, Carberry, Manitoba, Canada. 
• Adopted son, Arthur Regelous married Evelyn Matilda McCartney, presumably in Canada between 1901 and 1906. In 1906, Arthur Regelous (listed as 39) was living in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada with wife Evelyn M (24) and their family. In 1911, Arthur Regelous was living in Winnipeg with Evelyn (30), and three of their children. In 1916, Arthur Regelous (39 again) was living at 412 Victor St, Winnipeg Centre, Manitoba with is wife Evelyn (34) and four children. Arthur Regelous died on 18 Feb 1949 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Solomon Thompson Snr and Ann Rawson

St. Mary Magdalene church, Geddington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Richard Croft - geograph.org.uk/p/533762

Solomon Thompson Snr (bap. 25 Aug 1745 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn, married Ann Rawson (bap. 2 Jan 1747, in Geddington, Northamptonshire), daughter of James Rawson and Sarah Fletcher, at St. Mary Magdalene, Geddington, on 27 Oct 1767.

They had at least nine children baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley:

1. Ann Thompson bap. 6 Nov 1768 (Buried 17 Dec 1768)
2. Solomon Tomson (sic) bap. 20 May 1770 (Assume died in infancy)
3. Sarah Tomson (sic) bap. 15 Dec 1771
4. Mary Thompson bap. 17 Dec 1775
5. Thomas Thompson b. ~1779 (Buried 20 Aug 1780)
6. Martha Thompson bap. 11 Jun 1780
7. Lucy Thompson bap. 6 Oct 1782
8. Ann Thompson bap. 8 Nov 1784
9. Solomon Thompson Jnr bap. 15 Jun 1786

Solomon Thompson, labourer, had appeared on the Northamptonshire Militia Lists 1771. "The Militia Act of 1757 required each county to raise an assigned quota of able-bodied men to serve in the militia. The act was passed as a reaction to the French invasion during the Seven Years War. The militia was responsible for the defense of Great Britain and Ireland. They never served abroad. Men were between the ages of 18 and 45 and served for a minimum of 28 days a year, over three years."

Solomon Thompson Snr (75) was buried, in Cransley, on 2 Sep 1823.

Ann Thomson (sic) Widow (81), was buried in Cransley on 31 Jan 1828.

James Tubb and Sarah Pearce

St. Mary's Church - Alverstoke
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Colin Babb - geograph.org.uk/p/1093207

James Tubb (b. 30 Apr 1809 in Portsmouth), son of William Tubb and Sarah Chard, married Sarah Pearce (b. 16 Dec 1810 in Portsmouth), daughter of Thomas Pearce and Sarah Hall, at St. Mary's, Alverstoke, on 27 Oct 1830.

James and Sarah had nine children, the first two of whom were baptised in the 12th Century, early version of St Mary's Church, Portsea.

1. Sarah Pierce (sic) Tubb b. 26 Feb 1830, bap. 18 Jan 1835
2. James Thomas Tubb b. 6 Nov 1833, bap. 18 Jan 1835
3. Emma Tubb b. 1838 M Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 143
4. William Tubb b. 1840 D Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 109
5. Alfred Tubb b. 1843 J Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 122 (Died 1844 M Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 102)
6. Caroline Tubb b. 1844 D Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 122
7. Henry Edward Tubb b. 1847 J Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 126
8. Mary Ann Tubb b. 1849 D Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 173
9. Elizabeth Tubb b. 1853 J Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 02B Page 401

Once again, as civil registration was introduced, baptisms were abandoned.

In 1851, we find this family living in Upper Church Road, Portsea with James Tubb (42) Shipwright at Dock Yard; wife Sarah Tubb (40), daughter Sarah Tubb (20), James Tubb (17), Shipwright's Apprentice; Emma Tubb (13), William Tubb (10), Caroline Tubb (6), Henry Tubb (4), Mary Tubb (1) and Sarah's father, Thomas Pearce (74), Widower, Retired Grocer.

In 1871, James Tubb (61) Superannuated Shipwright, Sarah Tubb (60), Mary A Tubb (21) and Elizabeth Tubb (17), were at Church Path, North, Portsea.

Shortly before his 65th birthday, James Tubb, DOB 30 Apr 1809, from Portsea, Hampshire, 5ft 7in tall, with grey hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion, enlisted in the Royal Navy as a Shipwright. From 1 Jan 1874 until 13 Feb 1875, he was assigned to HMS Asia, flagship of the Admiral-Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard. From 31 Mar 1875 to 31 Mar 1876 and from 1 Apr 1876 to 9 Jun 1877, he was assigned to HMS St Vincent, which had been commissioned as a training ship in 1862, and specifically as a training ship for boys, moored permanently at Haslar from 1870. James Tubb may have been maintaining or converting the vessel. If I were to speculate, my feeling is that this already long-standing dockyard employee was taken into Royal Navy service at such a 'ripe age' to provide him with a pension.

In 1881, James Tubb (73), Shipwright Pensioner and Sarah Tubb (70), were living at 2, Charles Street, Portsea, with William Jeffery (7), listed as their nephew. He was their grandson, William James Jeffery, born 1874, son of their youngest daughter, Elizabeth, who married William Jeffery in 1872.

In 1891, James Tubb (81), Retired Shipwright and Sarah Tubb (80) were living in Church Path North, Portsea, with the house to themselves.

After more than 65 years of marriage, James and Sarah Tubb both died in 1896, within a week of each other. James Tubb (87) Pensioner of Church Path, Landport, died in 1896 S Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 324 and was buried from St Mary's, at Kingston Cemetery, on 22 Jul 1896. Sarah Tubb (86) Widow of Church Path, Landport was likewise buried at Kingston Cemetery, from St Mary's, seven days later, on 29 Jul 1896.

Charles John Northcott and Emily Stone

Tiverton : The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601875

Charles John Northcott (b. 23 Feb 1902 in Cullompton, Devon), son of William Northcott and Emma Jane Wood, married Emily Stone (b. 2 May 1901 in Lower Washfield, Devon), the only daughter of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, in Tiverton, on 26 Oct 1929. 

The couple had one daughter, Beryl Emily Northcott, b. 19 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 528).

In 1939, Charles John Northcott, Coal & General Carter, wife Emily and Beryl, were living at 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, Devon (next-door-but-one to The Barley Mow, partly over the entrance to Martin's Lane).

Emily Northcott of 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, died, aged 66, on 22 Dec 1967. Beryl Emily Northcott died, aged 44, in 1974, leaving a daughter. I've not found a record of Charles John Northcott's death, which I don't find surprising as just his vulnerable granddaughter was left then.