John Kerslake and Mary Ann Beedell

Mid Devon : Higher Pitt Farm
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3667038

John Kerslake married Mary Ann Beedell, in Tiverton, in 1880. The marriage record names her merely as Mary Beedle (sic), but on each of their children's baptisms, she's listed as Mary Ann and on each of the civil registrations of the births, her maiden name is Beedell (a name we've encountered before, when Temperance Southcott married her second husband, Francis Thomas Beedell.) So far, I haven't been able to find the births or parents for either John or Mary Ann to be able to establish the link (if there is one) between these people.

John and Mary Ann Kerslake had ten children: 

1. Jane Kerslake b. 19 Mar 1880, bap. 4 Jan 1881 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Their abode at the time of Jane's baptism was Clayhanger.
2. Ernest John Kerslake b. 5 Aug 1881
3. Alice Elizabeth Kerslake b. 21 Jun 1883
4. Lewis William Kerslake b. 16 Nov 1885, bap. 31 Dec 1885 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. Residence was Burlescombe.
5. Albert Henry Kerslake b. 6 Dec 1887
6. Edwin Beedell Kerslake b. 2 Jan 1890
7. Geoffrey Kerslake b. 1892. (Buried 29 Jun 1892 in Washfield.)
8. Florence Ellen Kerslake b. 1894, bap. 2 Dec 1894 in Loxbeare. Address was Buttermoor Farm, Washfield, John Kerslake was Dairyman Farmer.
9. Manuel Charles Kerslake b. 17 Nov 1900, bap. 24 Dec 1900 at St George's Church, Tiverton. Residence was Castle Barn Farm, Exeter Hill.
10. Frederick Kerslake b. 5 Nov 1902, bap. 4 Dec 1902 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. At East Bicknell Farm, Cove, John was a Dairyman.

In 1881, John Kerslake (35) was a Farmer of 30 acres at Goldsmoor [Farm], Sampford-Peverell, with Mary Kerslake (25), Jane Kerslake (1), William Kerslake (4) Visitor and 'Eles' Biddle (13) Servant.

In 1891, at Higher Pitt Farm, Washfield, were John Kerslake (43) Farmer, Mary Kerslake (33), Jane Kerslake (11), John Kerslake (9), Alice Kerslake (7), Lewis William Kerslake (5), Albert Henry (3) and Edwin Beedell (1).

In 1894, five of the children were enrolled at Loxbeare Church of England School: Ernest John Kerslake, Elizabeth Alice Kerslake, Lewis William Kerslake, Albert Henry Kerslake and Edwin Beedell Kerslake. 

In 1901 at Castle Barn Farm, Tiverton, there were John Kerslake (55) Farmer, Mary A Kerslake (42), Jenny (Jane) Kerslake (21), William (Lewis William) Kerslake (15) Tailor's Apprentice, Edwin Kerslake (11), Florence E Kerslake (6) and Charles M (Manuel Charles) Kerslake (0).

(With so many changes of address, I have visions of them driving their cattle almost incessantly around the narrow lanes of Devon!)

John Kerslake, finally of Luttrell Farm, Bampton, Devonshire, died on 30 Nov 1903, leaving his effects of £271 5s (worth around £33,800 in 2021) to William Henry Beedell, Innkeeper. As yet, I don't know which inn he kept. One can perhaps assume that William Henry Beedell was a relative of Mary Ann's, but again, I've not been able to find out how they might be related. 

In 1911, Mary Ann Kerslake, Widow, Needle woman, living at 1 The Works, Tiverton with Edwin Beedell Kerslake (21) Gardener, Florence Ellen Kerslake (16) School teacher, Charles Emanuel Kerslake (10) and Frederick Kerslake (8). Jane Kerslake (listed as Jenny) (29) was Cook to the family of Henry William Gould, Solicitor, at Compass Cottage, Stoke Hill, Heavitree.

In 1921, Mary A Kerslake (62) Widow; Jane Bowden (40) Widow (Jane Kerslake married Frank Bowden in 1917); Lewis W Kerslake (34) Widower, Tailor; Emanuel C Kerslake (20) Motor Driver and Frederick Kerslake (18) Grocer's Assistant were living at 1, The Works, Tiverton, Devon.

In 1939, Jane Bowden was still living with her mother, Mary Ann Kerslake, at 1 Castle View, Tiverton.

Mary Ann Kerslake (née Beedell) died in 1951, aged 93.

George Alfred Loud and Tryphena Davis

Axminster: Castle Hill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mr Eugene Birchall - geograph.org.uk/p/3423227

George Alfred Loud (b. 1860), son of Edward Loud and Ann Phippen, married Tryphena Davis (b. 1 Jul 1863), daughter of John Davis and Charlotte Enticott, in 1882, in Axminster. In 1881, both the Loud and the Davis families had lived in Paradise Row, Axminster, so George married 'the girl next door'. "In the early 1920s there was disquiet amongst the members of the Axminster UDC about the very poor state of 7 small cottages known collectively as Paradise Row, including a report of a plague of rats. These cottages (which can be seen on the 1905 OS map) had been built many years before in an alleyway behind (in 2018) the former Axe Vale Social Club building."

Before he had married, in Honiton, on 7 Mar 1881, George Loud of Castle Hill, Axminster, then aged 20, Labourer Out of Employ - which probably explains exactly why he did so - had enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment. He joined the Militia - reserve, equivalent of the TA - but there's no indication that he was ever deployed. At the time of his Attestation, he was 5ft 6in, with a 32in chest, a fresh complexion, dark grey eyes and dark brown hair.

Tryphena as a girl's name is of Greek origin meaning "delicacy". In the Bible, Tryphena appears in one of Paul's epistles to the Romans.

George and Tryphena had 14 children, all of whom survived infancy:

1. William Loud b. 1883 M Qtr in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 3
2. Alice Maud Loud b. 1884 S Qtr in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 8
3. Edward Loud b. 7 Nov 1885 in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 7
4. Annie Loud b. 21 Jul 1889 in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 7
5. Eva May Loud b. 20 Nov 1890 in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 3
6. Frederick James Loud b. 1 Feb 1893 Vol 05B Page 5, bap. 27 Feb 1895
7. Walter George Loud b. 8 May 1894 Vol 05B Page 6, bap. 27 Feb 1895
8. Thomas Loud b. 1896 J Qtr in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 6, bap. 9 Aug 1896 in Axminster. Killed in Action 4 Sep 1918.
9. Sydney Loud b. 25 Jul 1898 in AXMINSTER Vol 05B Page 4
10. Bertie Loud b. 1900 M Qtr Vol 05B Page 3, bap. 9 Feb 1900
11. Elsie Mary Loud b. 1901 D Qtr Vol 05B Page 5, bap. 23 Feb 1902
12. George Alfred Loud b. 29 Mar 1903 Vol 05B Page 4, bap. 26 Jul 1903
13. Ellen Minnie Loud b. 6 Sep 1904 Vol 05B Page 3, bap. 1 Jan 1905
14. Edith May Loud b. 8 Dec 1906 Vol 05B Page 3, bap. 22 Mar 1907

In 1891, living in Paradise Row, Chard Street, Axminster, were George Loud (30) General Labourer, Tryphena Loud (27) Brushmaker, William Loud (8), Alice M Loud (7), Edward Loud (5), Annie Loud (2) and Eva M Loud (0).

In 1901, in Castle Street, Axminster, we find George A Loud (39), Tryphena (36), William (18), Alice M (16), Edward (15), Annie (11), Eva M (10), Frederick (8), Walter G (6), Thomas (4), Sydney (2) and Bertie (1).

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 19 July 1907, reported that: "The Axminster Justices had imposed a fine of 10s and costs on a labourer, named George Loud, for making use of bad language. There were several previous convictions against the defendant." (Court would be even busier today.)

And The Western Times of 22 September 1909: "George Loud, labourer, Axminster, was summoned for using obscene language. PC Ridgeway stated the facts, and defendant, who did not appear, was fined £1 and costs." 

In 1911, in Castle Hill, Axminster, were George Loud (51), Tryphena (48), William (28), Annie (21), Eva May (20), Frederick (18) Milk Carrier, Walter George (16), Thomas (14), Sydney (12), Bert (11), Elsie Mary (9), George Alfred (8), Ellen Minnie (6) and Edith May (4). Annie, Eva May, Walter George and Thomas worked at the Brush Factory. (Brush Making in Axminster). Alice Maud Loud had married Herbert Edmund Davey in 1906: they were living in Chelsea, London. Edward Loud (25), in 1911, was a boarder in Teffont Magna, Wiltshire. In 1917, he married his landlady, Sarah Brockway.

In late 1880 it was reported that James Boon had “… let a portion of his mills at the bottom of Castle Hill to Messrs Coate, Bidwell & Co, tooth brush manufacturers of Chard and London”. It was estimated at the time that about 200 persons were likely to be employed in Axminster as a consequence.

In 1921, listed as George Albert Loud (62) General Labourer was living at 9, Stoney Bridges (on Castle Hill), Axminster Hamlets, Devon, with Tryphena Loud (58), Annie Loud (31) working for Bidwell & Co; Fred Loud (28) Mason's Labourer; Sydney Loud (21) General Labourer; Bert Loud (20), Elsie Loud (19), George Loud (18) Labourer; Ellen Loud (16) Laundry Hand; Edith May Loud (14), Percy Loud (3) Grandson and Lilian Loud (1) Granddaughter.

George A Loud died in 1923, aged 64. 

Tryphena Loud died in 1933, aged 69.

Frederick Southcott and Eliza Harris

Tiverton : Former Belmont Hospital
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/4587272
Now known as Perreyman Court, this used to be a hospital and workhouse.

Frederick Southcott, son of William Southcott and Temperance Cosway, married Eliza Harris in Tiverton, in 1879. They had five children:

1. Lucy Southcott b. 30 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Sep 1880 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. (Died in the first quarter of 1881, aged 0.)
2. Alice Southcott b. 22 Mar 1882, bap. 14 Apr 1882 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. (Died at the beginning of 1885, aged 3.)
3. Arthur Southcott b. 30 Jul 1883, bap. 9 Aug 1883 at St Peter's.
4. Frederick William Southcott b. 27 Feb 1886, bap. 28 Mar 1886 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. (Died in the 2nd quarter of 1886, aged 0.)
5. Bessie Southcott b. 1889, bap. 12 Feb 1892 at St Peter's, Tiverton.

In 1881, Frederick Southcott (29) Milk Carrier (these listings of Victorian Occupations 'helpfully' says this is "Someone who carries milk". No doubt from dairy to customer in a hand cart as shown here) and Eliza (25) were living in Kiddles Court, off Fore Street, Tiverton.

However, on the 1886 baptism, under what is usually the father's occupation, was listed "Inmate of Workhouse". And on Bessie's baptism in 1892, their address was also given as Tiverton Union, i.e. Workhouse.

In 1891, Frederick, Eliza, Arthur and Bessie were all Inmates at The Tiverton Union Workhouse, as the records explain that Frederick Southcott, former milk carrier, had become "Blind not from birth".

Without buying all the death certificates, it's not possible to know for sure, but the fact that two of the children died around the same time, in 1885 and 1886, tends to suggest that disease, rather than accident, was implicated. Smallpox was a common killer in nineteenth century Britain, and was responsible for a third of all human blindness. The risk of death after contracting the disease was about 30%, with higher rates among babies.

Arthur went to sea, joining the Royal Navy in March 1899, when he will have been 15½. While Bessie was enrolled in Elmore School in 1899, with her address on the school records once again listed as "Workhouse".

Bessie and her parents were still in the Workhouse in 1901, after which she just disappears. Art Southcott (17), in 1901, was a Boy 1st Class, part of the crew of HMS Nile, while she was the coast guard ship at Devonport.

Frederick Southcott died in 1906, undoubtedly still in the Workhouse. 

Arthur served in the Royal Navy until 4 Jun 1908, when he was Invalided, so by 1911, Arthur Southcott (27) was back in the Tiverton Union Workhouse. Eliza was still in the Workhouse in 1911 and died in 1913.

Utterly heart-breaking that accident or illness had consigned them to what was undoubtedly a miserable existence for the rest of their lives.

Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond and Mildred Hettie Dunn

Dunkeswell Bridleway
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2785192

Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond, younger son of James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood, in 1939, was a Motor Driver, living at 3 Higher Summerlands, Whipton, Exeter. At the end of 1940, he married Mildred Hettie Dunn. 

The Western Times, Friday 10th January, 1941, reports: 

CLAYHIDON WEDDING

The wedding took place at the Blackdown Mission Room, Clayhidon, of Miss Mildred Hettie Dunn (eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs H J Dunn of Ashill, Craddock) and Mr Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond of Stentwood Farm, Dunkeswell (youngest son of the late Sergeant-Major James Edmond, Scots Guards, and the late Mrs Edmond). Mr D W Brealey officiated. The organist was Mrs Venn of London. The bride, given away by her father, wore a navy striped costume and pink blouse, with a navy hat, shoes and gloves en suite. She carried a bouquet of shaded pink chrysanthemums and fern. There were no bridesmaids. The best man was Mr Ivor Colman, friend of the bridegroom. Mr Escott was usher. There was no reception. Later in the day Mr and Mrs Cecil Edmond went to their future home at Stentwood Farm, Dunkeswell. There were many presents.

In another prime example of how family stories so often contain exaggeration and "self-aggrandisement", the bridegroom's father has managed to progress two ranks, despite having been dead for over 20 years. Neat trick! 

Arthur Cecil Ronald Edmond died in 1974, at 59. Mildred Hettie Edmond died on 5 Jun 2012, in Hampshire. She will have been 93.

James Roland George Edmond and Elizabeth Thompson

Penywern Road, Earls Court
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © PAUL FARMER - geograph.org.uk/p/1266232

James Roland George Edmond, elder son of James Edmond and Sarah Ann Wood, married Elizabeth Thompson, in 1937, in Paddington, London. 

On 12 Feb 1932, James R G Edmond had enlisted in the Scots Guards. 

Spot the glaring error in this communication from the Recruiting Office in Exeter, writing to the Commanding Officer of the Scots Guards in Birdcage Walk, S.W.1.

"May this man be accepted please. He is a Bona-fide Scotchman. Wishes to serve in his Father's Regt. Father killed on service in the Great War. Father's Regt: Scots Guards. He is of a very respectable appearance and his acceptance is recommended."

In another communication, they'd also quoted the wrong service number and date of death for his father. And on another page, his nationality as Scottish (although for many it would be great news if that really was a thing.)

On 31 Mar 1935, James was in Civil Custody to be tried the next day, at Marylebone Police Court, for "taking and driving away" and this offence is noted on his military record. He was fined 45 Shillings (£2.25 in 1935 is worth £168 today.) From 1 Nov 1935 to 23 Nov 1936, he served in Egypt and transferred to Palestine on 24 Nov 1936 until 30 Dec 1936, for which he was awarded the General Service Medal with Clasp "Palestine". 

J R G Edmond was discharged from the guards on 13 Jan 1939 (under Paragraph 383 (xviii) of the Kings Regulations 1935), his services being no longer required. On discharge, his military conduct was listed as "FAIR" and described as "A clean and hardworking man. He is a good groom. Has also been employed as a saddler in which capacity he has done good work."

Given he was only 27 at the outbreak of World War II, it's strange he seems not to have been called back into service in some sort of capacity, but in 1939 we find James R G Edmond, Attendant Amusement, with wife Elizabeth (b. 25 Mar 1914) and George Thompson (b. 27 May 1917), Luggage Porter, at 25 Penywern Road, Earls Court (now the address of the Lord Jim Hotel). 

Elizabeth Edmond died in 2000 and James R G Edmond in 2001, both in Peterborough.