Joseph Soppit (bap. 19 Oct 1806 in Ovingham, Northumberland), son of Joseph and Bridget Soppit, married Catherine Winship (bap. 9 Sep 1804 in Longbenton, Northumberland), daughter of John Winship and Mary Daggett on 1 Apr 1838 at All Saints' Church, Newcastle upon Tyne.
The late wife and infant child of engineer, George Stephenson (1781 - 1848), are buried at St Bartholomew's Church, Longbenton. George Stephenson having worked as a brakesman and later appointed as engine-wright in 1812, in 1814, Stephenson constructed his first locomotive, 'Blucher', for hauling coal at Killingworth Colliery. (See Killingworth locomotives). This may even have been an influence, as later, John Soppit became an Engine Fitter.
In 1839, the Soppit family were living in Killingworth, with Joseph's occupation listed as Waggonman. In 1841, Joseph Sopwith (sic), Banksman, wife Catherine, daughter Bridget and Bridget Elias (with the change of name, I assume she remarried, but found no record) were living at Killingworth, Longbenton, Tynemouth. Longbenton has a long history of coal mining.
(Banksman: In Irish and British civil engineering, a banksman is the person who directs the operation of a crane or larger vehicle from the point near where loads are attached and detached.)
By 1851, Joseph Soppit (44), a Colliery Labourer, Catherine (45), Bridget (12), Winship (9) and John (6), as well as Joseph's mother, Bridget (70), were all living at Hazbrigg, Longbenton, Tynemouth.
In 1861, Joseph Soppit (55), Labourer, Catherine (56), Winship (19), Blacksmith at Colliery, and John (14), Joiner at Colliery were living at Four Lane Ends, Hetton Le Hole (where coal has been mined since Roman times).
On the 1871 census, Joseph Soppitt (64), Labourer, and son Winship (29), Blacksmith, along with Isabella Hepple, Servant, were living at Lyons, Hetton-Le-Hole, Houghton Le Spring, Durham.
In 1881, Joseph Soppit (74), a Retired Coal Miner, was living in Caroline Street, Hetton-Le-Hole.
Francis Stone b. 25 Dec 1887 (1888 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 407), bap 10 Feb 1888 at Uplowman, described as the "Base born son of Harriet Stone, Labourer's daughter."
Charles Ridgway b. 3 Mar 1895 (1895 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 393), bap. 1 May 1895 at Uplowman as "Charles Stone or Ridgway, son of Harriet Stone alias Ridgway. Married after birth of child."
Nellie Ridgway b. 7 Jan 1897 (1897 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 398), bap. 28 Feb 1897 at Uplowman.
Emily Ridgeway b. 31 Aug 1899 (1899 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 375), bap. 29 Oct 1899 (Died, aged 3, in 1903 S Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 233, buried 3 Aug 1903, in Uplowman)
James Ridgway b. 10 Feb 1904 (1904 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 1 Apr 1904 at Uplowman.
In 1901, at Greengate, Uplowman, James Ridgway (34), Farm Labourer, had become the head of the family; Harriet Ridgeway (35), Francis Ridgeway (13), Charles Ridgeway (6), Nellie Ridgeway (4) and Emily Ridgeway (1). Living with them was Harriet's widowed father, Henry (71) (listed incorrectly as Henry Ridgway), working as a Labourer on Roads, as well as Harriet's brother, Francis Stone (again, incorrectly listed under the surname Ridgeway). Whether the two older boys were James Ridgway's sons or not, they were also both listed with the surname Ridgway, but this all looks most likely to be a simple case of the enumerator getting carried away with Ditto marks.
In 1911, at Road Crosses, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, were James Ridgway (44), Farm Labourer, Harriet (46), Nellie (14), Domestic Servant, James Ridgway (7). However, Frank Stone (23) and Charles Stone (16), were relegated the bottom of the list and both described as James' stepsons.
In 1921, living at Trucklegate Farm, Uplowman, Devon, were James Ridgway (sic) (54) General Farm Labourer; Harriet Ridgway (56), Francis Stone (33) Road Labourer and Charles Ridgway (26) General Farm Labourer. Nellie Ridgeway (24) was a General Domestic Servant to Thomas Richards Mills, Creamery Manager at Beechwood, Tiverton. James Ridgeway (17) was a House Man to George Thorne, Farmer at Tillbrook, Butterleigh, Devon.
James Ridgway died, aged 62, in 1929 and Harriet, in 1936, aged 71.
In 1939, Francis Stone, Road Labourer, single, was at Pead Hill Cottage, Chevithorne. Francis died, in Tiverton, in 1965.
Charles Ridgway married Alice Conibeer (b. 7 Apr 1890), in 1922. In 1939, Charles Ridgeway, Lorry Driver, and his wife Alice, were living at Copplestone Cottage, West Manley, Tiverton. Alice Ridgway died in 1949, aged 59. Charles Ridgway died on 19 May 1958, aged 63, leaving his effects to his sister, Nellie Burt.
Nellie Ridgway married Charles Edward Burt, son of George Burt and Fanny Jerwood, in Tiverton, in 1925. In 1939, Charles Burt (b. 4 Dec 1887) Lacemaker Machinist, Nellie and their three children, were at 5 Queen Street, Tiverton. Charles Edward Burt died, in 1965, in Tiverton, aged 77. Nellie Burt died in 1976, in Exeter.
James Ridgway married Evelyn Laura Howden (b. 30 Jul 1901 in Islington, London), daughter of John William Howden and Laura Purchase, in Edmonton, in 1934. In 1939, James Ridgway, Farm Carter, and Evelyn, lived at Rose Cottage, Stag Mill, Uplowman. Evelyn Laura Ridgway or Ridgeway, married woman, of Rose Cottage, Stag Mill, Uplowman, died at Tidcombe Hall, Tiverton (the Early 19th century house, shown as Tidcombe Rectory on late 19th century OS map, was once a Marie Curie daycare unit), on 1 Oct 1960, aged 59, leaving her effects to her brother, Charles Edwin Howden, retired postman. James Ridgeway died in 1976.
Charles Trevail (b. 1852 in Luxulyan, Cornwall), son of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, married Mary Fleming (b. ~1855), daughter of Henry Flemming, Tailor, at St Margaret's, Westminster on 31 Mar 1874. Both listed their address at the time of the marriage as 3 Artillery Terrace. Witnesses were Henry Fleming, bride's father and Dahlia Trevail, groom's sister.
Charles and Mary had five children, all born in Lambeth:
In 1881, Charles Trevail (29) Engine Fitter, was living at 13, Meadow Terrace, Lambeth - at that time Charles' brother, Joseph, lived at 6, Meadow Terrace - with Mary (26), Charles F (6), Herbert F (4) and Edward (sic) F (0). On the 1881 census, Mary claimed to be from Barnstaple, Devon, born around 1855. In 1891, she said she was from London; in 1901, Westminster and 1911, London City. One would normally trust the earliest records, but it transpires her father, Henry Fleming, tailor, was from Barnstaple, while her mother, Edith was from Middlesex, City (i.e. London) - there is a marriage of a Henry Fleming to Edith Arding, in Kensington, in 1842 that may refer. On the 1871 census where Mary (17) is living with her parents at Artillery Terrace, St Margaret, Westminster, says she was born in Soho, Middlesex.
By 1891, they had moved to Osborne Terrace, Lambeth. With Charles (38) Engine Fitter, were Mary (36) Pattern Maker, Charles F (16), Herbert F (14) Messenger, Edwin F (10) Scholar and Lily M (5).
And in 1901, at 195, South Lambeth Road, Lambeth, we find Charles Trevail (48) Engine Fitter, Mary (46), Edwin (20) Carpenter, Lily (15) and Daisy (7).
In 1911, Charles Trevail (59) Engineer, Mary (57), Frederick (37) widower (he married Charlotte Ada Land in Camberwell, in 1898), Daisy (17) and Arthur Trevail (11) Grandson, had moved to 10 Elgin Road, Wallington, Surrey.
Mary Trevail died on 28 July 1938, aged 85. The probate record says Mary Trevail of 62 Milton Road, Wallington, Surrey (wife of Charles Trevail) died at Netherne Hospital (formerly The Surrey County Asylum or Netherne Asylum: a psychiatric hospital), Coulsdon, Surrey, leaving effects of £300 to Charles Trevail of no occupation and Lord Harold Graves, builder. (Lord was a given name, not a title - he married Daisy Fleming Trevail in 1917.)
In 1939, Charles Trevail, Refridgerating Engineer Retired, was living with his daughter, Lily M Townsend (she had married William Dring Townsend in Croydon, in 1904) at 23 Dalmeny Road, Sutton, Surrey.
Charles Trevail died, in Surrey, in 1946, aged 94.
Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church The church, which was once reported to be the smallest church in Norfolk, was the subject of a Vestry meeting in 1862. It was decided at this meeting that the church needed to be enlarged and then in 1864 it was a agreed that a new one should be built. The new church was consecrated on 31st May 1866 by the Bishop of Norwich [just in time for Walter and Hannah's wedding the following year]. The remains of the medieval church still exist in front of the Parish Church.
In 1871, Walter White (26), Gardener, Hannah White (26), Walter White (1) and Laura White (5 months) were living at Thorpe Grove, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew. In the next-door household was a Robert Knivett (53), also a gardener. Also living at Thorpe Grove, was William Birkbeck (1832–1897), banker and landowner, whose former property in Thunder Lane, now named The Cottage is currently a pub and restaurant. One presumes these gardeners were employed on Birkbeck's then quite large estate.
Walter White, Gardener, of Globe Street, Heigham, Norwich, died, aged just 26 on 5 Jan 1872 (M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 130) from Smallpox. The death certificate states that H White [Hannah] was present at his death. As yet, I've been unable to work out what happened to Hannah, whether she remarried; I've found no death record, but feel, sadly, that's more likely.
John Parsons (b. 1850), son of William Parsons and Harriet Norman, married Emma Burrows (b. 1856), daughter of James Burrows and Martha Perry, at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton on 31 Mar 1878. Witnesses were Samuel Burrows and Eliza Burrows, Emma's elder brother and his wife.
James Burrows Parsons b. 7 Aug 1878 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436, bap. 1 Sep 1878 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
Lucy Parsons b. 19 May 1880 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 424, bap. 12 Dec 1880 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
William Parsons b. 4 Jul 1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 443, bap. 30 Jul 1882 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton
Sarah Ann Parsons b. 16 Jan 1884 in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 439, bap. 10 Feb 1884 in Bampton. Died, aged 16, in 1900 S Qtr Vol 05B Page 267, buried at Petton Chapelry on 27 Jul 1900.
Harriet Parsons b. 1886 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 444, bap. 23 Apr 1886, in Bampton. Died in 1886 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 320.
Samuel Charles Parsons b. 1887 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 428, bap. 5 Jun 1887 in Bampton. Died, aged 11, in 1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 275.
Sydney Parsons b. 7 Feb 1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 438, bap. 10 Mar 1889 in Bampton
Florence Annie Parsons b. 3 Feb 1891 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 424, bap. 8 Mar 1891 in Bampton
John Parsons b. 20 Jul 1894 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 408, bap. 26 Aug 1894 in Bampton
Many of the actual dates of birth are those listed when the child was registered at the Shillingford And Petton County Primary School.
In 1881, living in Shillingford, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon, were John Parsons (30) Carpenter from Bampton, Devon; Emma Parsons (25) from Clayhanger, Devon; John B Parsons (2) and Lucy Parsons (0).
In 1891, living at the Turnpike Gate Home, North Hayne, Bampton were John Parsons (40) Carpenter; Emma Parsons (35), Lucy Parsons (10), William Parsons (8), Sarah A Parsons (7), Samuel C Parsons (3), Sydney Parsons (2) and Florence A Parsons (0). Eldest son James was presumably out working somewhere, but does not appear to be listed on this census.
John Parsons died, aged 43, in 1894 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 283.
In 1901, Emma Parsons (45) Widow was living in Shillingford, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon, with James Parsons (22) Labourer on farm who appears have moved back home to support his widowed mother and grandmother; Sydney Parsons (12), Florrie Parsons (10), John Parsons (6) and Martha Burrows (76) Widow, Emma's mother. This time Lucy appears to have escaped the census and William Parsons (18) was Stockman at Mill Head, Bampton.
In 1911, Emma Parsons (55) Charwoman was living in Shillingford with her daughter Florence Parsons (21) Kitchenmaid. James, Lucy and William had all married, Private Sydney Parsons (22) was with the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at St George's Barracks (Pembroke Army Garrison), Malta and John Parsons (16) was an Agricultural Labourer at Teal Farm, Bampton, Devon.
Four Sons on Active Service: The Western Times of 1 Dec 1916 reported that, "Corporal Sydney Parsons of the Devons, who was also wounded in France, has been spending a week-end at his home, Shillingford, Bampton. He is the third son of the late Mr John Parsons and of Mrs Parsons, and has two older and one younger brother on active service. He is a good marksman, having won at Malta the cup for shooting at 600 yards; also a medal for the highest score at 200 yards. He has served for six years at Malta and Egypt, and expects to take a further part in the great campaign."
The Western Times 9 May 1917 communicated that, "Sergt Sydney Parsons, son of Mrs Parsons of Shillingford, is reported missing."
The Western Times of 9 Nov 1917 reported: "Mrs E Parsons, of Shillingford, Bampton, has received the news that her second son, Corpl. Wm. Parsons, of the Devons, was killed in action [during the Battle of Broodseinde] on the 4th October last and has had a very sympathetic letter from Lieut. J W Chandler, deceased's Company officer, saying "his loss will be felt, both as a soldier and a friend." Corpl Parsons, who in peace time was engaged on the G.W.R. at Bristol, leaves a widow and two children. His elder brother, James, is attached to the Royal Engineers and his youngest brother is a prisoner of war in Germany. Another brother, Sergt Sydney Parsons, is reported missing. Much sympathy is evinced towards the mother, who is a widow."
Have been unable to find the record relating to James Parsons serving in the Royal Engineers, but he survived the war; William Parsons is buried at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, outside Passendale, near Zonnebeke in Belgium; records sadly confirm that Sergeant Sydney Parsons of the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment had been killed in action on 23 Apr 1917 [during the Battle of Arras] and is one of 35,942 soldiers with no known grave commemorated on the Arras Memorial; Corporal John Parsons of the Devonshire Regiment, Machine Gun Corps had been captured at Frankreich Serre [Serre-lès-Puisieux] on 16 Nov 1916 and various records show him constantly being sent from one German POW Camp to another, including Laz Mülheim, Dülmen, Minden, Aachen and Cambrai.
In 1921, Emma Parsons (65) was still living in Shillingford, with her youngest son, John Parsons (26) General Labourer for Tiverton Council.
Emma Parsons died at 69 in 1926 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 539.
James Burrows Parsons married Mabel Mary Hayward (b. 1883) at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 21 Oct 1908. They had five children: Robert John Parsons in 1910; Doris Annie Parsons in 1912; Beatrice Mabel Parsons 1916; Rosie Florence Parsons 1920 and Malcolm James Parsons 1922. James Burrows Parsons died on 7 Nov 1956 and Mabel Mary Parsons on 24 Sep 1969. They are buried together at St Bartholomew's Church,Lyng, Somerset.
Thomas Kingdom (b. 1876), son of Isaac Kingdom and Ann Hayward, married Lucy Parsons on 30 Apr 1903 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton. They had three children: Albert Thomas Kingdom in 1904; Ivy Florence Kingdom in 1909 and Sydney John Kingdom in 1913. In 1911 they had lived in Petton, Bampton, where Lucy was a Sweet Shop Keeper. Thomas Kingdom died, at 43, in 1920. Lucy was still in Petton in 1921. There are no further records for Lucy Kingdom, but a death of a Louise Kingdom, aged 44, in 1926.
Frank Cottrell (b. 1887) married Florence Annie Parsons in 1919. In 1921, Frank Cottrell (34) Woodman and Florence Annie Cottrell (30) were living at Lugh Barton Cottage, Skilgate, Somerset and in 1939, at 3 Rocknelle Cottage, Bampton, Tiverton. They don't appear to have had any children. Florence Cottrell died in 1965.
John Parsons married Bessie Grace Bird (b. 8 Jul 1888), daughter of William Bird and Mary Dunn, in Crediton, Devon, in Q3 1922. They had twins: Francis John Charles Parsons and Elsie Betty Emma Parsons born 30 Nov 1922. All four members of the family were at Haddon View, Dulverton, Somerset in 1939. Both John Parsons and Bessie Grace Parsons died in Q3 of 1973.
Richard Wilton (b. 1737), son of Henry Wilton and Martha Douse, married Mary Robinson on 30 Mar 1762 in Sawston, Cambridgeshire. Only two miles from Great Shelford and Stapleford, is Sawston, where there were many Wiltons, going back to the early 1600s - just haven't tied them all together.
Hannah Wilton bap. 7 Jun 1779 (buried 17 Aug 1779)
Mary Wilton, wife of Richard, died and was buried on 10 Apr 1780.
Richard Wilton, Widower, was buried in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, in 1797.
Sawston, Cambridgeshire is notable as one of the very few industrial villages in the county that take advantage of the clean water supply, one of the principle industries being leather. There are two sites in Sawston which support or have formerly supported Tanning facilities and there may have been leather-workers in the parish in the Middle Ages. This very likely explains why Henry Wilton (1768) and his nephew, Henry Wilton (1809) became saddlers and my 3rd great-grandfather, Richard Wilton, a harness maker.
George Daniel Tompson (b. 1885 in St George in the East, London), son of Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Baker, married Alice Oldfield (b. 1879 in Whittlesey), daughter of George Oldfield (Licenced Victualler and Blacksmith. Pubs in East Delph were the Anchor, The Three Fishes and the Hare and Hounds, but records don't show which one George Oldfield kept) and Caroline Hemmaway, in the parish of Whittlesey St Andrew, on on 29 Mar 1910.
On 7 March 1908, George Daniel Tompson had sailed from Liverpool, on the Lusitania and arrived in New York, to Ellis Island, on 13 March 1908. The passenger manifest shows the 22 year old bricklayer's intended destination had been Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, there's a line through his name, so it looks as if he was refused entry to the United States. Quite when, how and why he ended up in Toronto, Canada instead remains a mystery, but clearly he set himself up there, then returned for his bride.
House on the right 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada
After their marriage in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire in 1910, in 1911, George, with wife Alice, were back in Canada, where, on 25 Apr 1911, Alice gave birth to a stillborn son at 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
On the 1911 Canadian Census on 1 Jun 1911, living at 133 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, were George Tompson (27), Alice Tompson (32), Richard Oldfield (26), Walter Oldfield (22), Charles Oldfield (19), William Tinkler (26) and Fred Tinkler (26), the last two being boarders. Richard, Walter and Charles Oldfield were all Alice's younger brothers. Richard and Walter were Bricklayers Labourers and Charles a labourer. Alice's three brothers hadn't been in Canada long, as they had been listed on the 1911 United Kingdom census on 2 Apr 1911 in their father's household. Pure speculation, of course, but it would make sense if, having arrived in Toronto around 1908, George Daniel acquired the plot in Earlscourt and built the house at number 133 Morrison Avenue in the intervening years before going back to England to claim his bride once he'd prepared a home for them. The workforce of brickies' labourers turned up a year later and they built the house at 131 Morrison Avenue ready for Dad to move into in 1912. Possibly. Maybe.
George and Alice went on to have at least these children:
Stillborn son b. 25 Apr 1911 at 133 Morrison Avenue
Daniel George Tompson (Dan) b. 23 May 1912 at 133 Morrison Avenue
Richard Tompson (Dick) b. 18 Mar 1916 at 131 Morrison Avenue
Charles Gordon Tompson (Chuck) b. 20 Mar 1919
Walter Tompson (Wally) b. 11 Mar 1921
In 1921, George Daniel Thompson (36) was living at 124 Hatherley Road, Toronto (which, once more, he may have built) with Alice (41), Daniel George (9), Ruth (6), Richard (5), Charles Gordon (2), and Walter, 2 months.
In 1931, George D Thompson (46) still at 124 Hatherley Rd, with Alice (51), Daniel G (19), Ruth (16), Richard (15) and Charles (12) and Walter (10).
George Daniel Tompson was also listed at 124 Hatherley Road, in the Toronto Centennial City Directory in 1934 and their son, Daniel George, was listed in that directory at that time as a teacher at a York Public School.
Alice Tompson (90), wife of George Daniel Tompson, died at Riverdale Hospital on Thursday, 26 Jun 1969. The announcement of her death, in the Toronto Star, lists her as the dear mother of Mrs Ruth Blackman, Richard, Walter and the late Daniel and Charles and that they had nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Alice's brother Richard Oldfield was also mentioned by name. Alice was interred at Westminster Memorial Park.
George Daniel Tompson (88), beloved husband of the late Alice Oldfield, died on 16 Aug 1973. His obituary lists his children Ruth Blackman, Richard, Walter; Charles Gordon and Daniel George both pre-deceased and that he was the "loved brother of Ivy, Nellie and Toots" (his three younger sisters: Ivy Maud Tompson, Ellen Hoile Folville Tompson and Amelia Mary Tompson.)
Dennis Blackman son of George Blackman and Ada Alice Young, married Ruth Thompson (with an H in her name), in Fairbank, York, Ontario, Canada on 29 Oct 1937. Born Dennis Leslie James Blackman in 1911 D Quarter in READING Volume 02C Page 665 and bap. 15 Oct 1911 at St Luke's Church, Reading, Berkshire, he emigrated to Canada with his parents and older sister, Dorothy Margaret Annie Blackman, sailing on the S/S Ausonia from Southampton, arriving in Quebec, Canada on 14 Jul 1913.
Daniel George Tompson married Dorothy Adeline Bryant on 30 Apr 1938. Daniel George Tompson, Head of Science Dept., York Memorial Collegiate, died suddenly on Friday, 19 Nov 1965 at Humber Memorial Hospital. His obituary mentions two sons, his parents, 1 sister and 2 brothers. Daniel is buried at Westminster Memorial Park. Dorothy died in 2009, at 96.
Charles Gordon Tompson married Irene Mary McQueston (b. 1919), daughter of John McQueston and Annie Holmes, in Toronto on 18 Dec 1940. Sergeant Charles Gordon Tompson (25), B/69674. Mentioned in Despatches. "C" Sqn., 3rd Armd. Recce. [Reconnaissance] Regt., of the Governor General's Horse Guards, R.C.A.C., was killed in Italy on 18 Dec 1944. He is buried atVillanova Canadian War Cemetery, Villanova di Bagnacavallo, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Plot VI, C, 3. Second World War Book of Remembrance. From his obituary: "Sgt. Charles Gordon Tompson, 25, of the Governor General's Horse Guards, Reconnaissance Unit, was killed in Italy on Dec 18, according to word received [from his wife] the former Irene McQuestion, 522, Delaware Ave. Born in Toronto, Sgt. Tompson attended York Memorial Collegiate. Before enlisting in October 1939, Sgt. Tompson was employed by Timmins and Timmins brokerage firm, a member of the GGHG Reserve Sgt. Tompson trained at Camp Borden and arrived overseas in October 1941. He went to Italy in May of the next year. He saw action at both the Hitler and Gothic Lines. Sgt. Tompson was the son of Mr and Mrs George Tompson, 124 Hatherly Road. Surviving besides his wife and parents are two brothers and one sister; Lieut. Richard, who was wounded at Normandy and had just returned to Canada [as a stretcher case]; Flt. Lt. Walter, stationed at Ceylon, India [now Sri Lanka] and Mrs Ruth Blackman of Toronto. A brother-in-law [Ruth's husband], Sgt. Major Dennis Blackman is stationed in England with GGHG."
It appears that Richard Tompson married his brother Charles' widow, the former Miss Irene Mary McQueston, but [as yet], I've been unable to find a record of the actual marriage. Richard Tompson died peacefully on Sunday, 13 Oct 1996 in his 81st year. Irene Mary Tompson died, at 80, in 1999.
LACWalter Tompson married Gladys Marion Tulloch (b. 22 Sep 1924), daughter of Walter Edgar Tulloch and Mildred Ann Hermiston, in Blind River, Algoma, Ontario, Canada, on 17 Feb 1942. Gladys Marian Tompson died, aged 90, on Sunday May 3, 2015 and Walter Tompson died on Sunday February 5, 2017, at the age of 95. (Links include bios.)
Charles Hockley (b. 27 Apr 1876), son of William Hockley and Charlotte Cock, like generations of the family grew up at Halfway House, married Annie Crow, daughter of James Crow and Ann Newcombe, who had lived virtually next door at Philpot End, in Great Dunmow, on 29 Mar 1902.
Charles and Annie Hockley had four children:
William Charles Hockley b. 7 Sep 1903 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 869, bap. 18 Oct 1903, in Great Dunmow
James Hockley b. 24 Oct 1909 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 842, bap. 28 Nov 1909 in Great Dunmow
Annie Hockley b. 14 Jan 1912 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 1696, bap. 25 Feb 1912 in Great Dunmow
Charles Francis Hockley b. 25 Mar 1915 J Quarter in DUNMOW 04A Page 1630, bap. 2 May 1915 in Great Dunmow
At Halfway House in 1911 were Charles Hockley (35) Farm Labourer, Annie Hockley (33), William Charles Hockley (7) and James Hockley (1).
None of the baptism records say where, but they do all confirm the family's residence at Halfway House. On the last baptism for Charles Francis in 1915, his father's occupation is given as Army Service Corps Serving in France.
Despite about 60% of soldiers’ Service Records being irretrievably damaged or lost completely as a result of enemy bombing in 1940 during the Second World War, Charles Hockley's record survives. Charles Hockley, Service number T4/041670 of Halfway House, Great Dunmow, Essex, had volunteered, age 38 years and 8 months, for 3 years service on 18 Jan 1915, at which time he was 5 ft 4¼ with a 37" chest. The record confirms the dates of birth of his four children, which it says were verified by certificates, but he'd incorrectly remembered the date of his wedding anniversary.
Charles was attached to the 452nd Horse Transport Company (he'd have been used to working with horses on the farm). See: Army Service Corps Horse Transport Companies. According to the list, pre-war, this was the 46th (North Midland) Division and his record does show him with the 46th Division Train - "the ‘workhorse’ of the Division in terms of carrying stores and supplies". Charles' embarked in Southampton on 18 Feb 1915, arriving in Le Havre the following day. It is recorded that the Division spent the first months in the Ypres Salient. Charles was in France until he was discharged on 22 Mar 1919. He received a British War Medal and a Victory Medal.
In 1939, at Halfway House Cottages, Great Dunmow, were Charles Hockley, Labourer Stockman; Annie Hockley; James Hockley, Farm Labourer and Charles Francis Hockley, Heavy Tractor Driver (Agricultural Contract Work).
Charles Hockley died, aged 76, in 1953.
Annie Hockley died, aged 77, in 1955.
William Charles Hockley of Church Cottage, Tilty, had married Jessica Emma Trott, daughter of Robert William Trott, on 11 Feb 1928 in Tilty, Essex. In 1939, William C Hockley, Gardener, and Jessie E Hockley were living at The Fields, Stansted Mountfitchet. William Charles Hockley died, aged 86, in Bishops Stortford, in 1989. Jessie Emma Hockley died, aged 92, in Harlow, in 1998.
James Hockley, of Halfway House Cottage, Ongar Road, Great Dunmow, died on 2 Oct 1979. He does not appear to ever marry.
Annie C Hockley (she didn't have a second name, but the birth date agrees), married Fred Hardy in Great Dunmow in 1937. In 1939, Fred Hardy, Horseman on farm and Annie Hardy were living at Tolliday Cottages, Stebbing, Great Dunmow. Fred Hardy died, aged 80, in 1985 and Anny Hardy, aged 77 in 1989.
Charles Francis Hockley died on 5 Sep 2012. He'll have been 97.
In 1881, Arthur S Day (27) was employed as a Grocer's Assistant in High Street, Chipping-Ongar, Essex with wife Mary Ann (27), Arthur (1) and Daisy (0), and Elizabeth E North (11), niece, staying with them as a visitor.
In 1891, Arthur Day (37) was a Fruiterer's Assistant, still in High Street, Chipping Ongar, with wife Mary Ann Day, son Arthur Day (11), Daisy Day (10), Cecil Day (4) and James Keys (68), Shoemaker, boarder.
In 1901, in High Street, Chipping Ongar, were Arthur Day (46), Mary Ann Day (45) and Cecil Day (14). Arthur's occupation was given as Photographer. Back in 1871, aged 15, Arthur Stephen Day was listed as a Photographic Artist, so he has gone full circle, presumably now able to make his living from something he loved. (Arthur and Daisy had both married in 1900, in Wandsworth.)
In 1911, Arthur Day (57), wife is listed as Marion Day (57) and staying with them were their grandsons: Archibald Wilton Napoleon Heckman (10) and Cecil Arthur Heckman (7) - Daisy's children.
In 1921, Arthur Day (67) was still in the High Street, Chipping Ongar, working for himself as a Photographer, with Mary Ann Day (67).
John Sweney (b. 12 Dec 1867) son of John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey married Alice Taylor (18) daughter of Frederick Taylor, Plumber, Deceased, at Saint Matthew, Salmon Lane, Limehouse Fields, Tower Hamlets, on 29 Mar 1886. Witnesses were George Taylor and Annie Taylor.
John and Alice had seven children:
Frederic Sweney (sic) b. 1887 J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 435. Died aged 17 in 1904 J Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 37
John Sweney b. 1889 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 554. Died age 1 in 1890 D Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page
Alice Sweney b. 1891 J Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 506
Emma Sweney b. 1893 S Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 522
John Sweney b. 1896 S Quarter in FULHAM Vol 01A Page 272
Thomas Sweney b. 1899 S Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 6
Rose Sweney b. 1903 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 35
TAYLOR is the mother's maiden name on the births of all of their children.
In 1891, at 79, St Ann's Road, Mile End Old Town we find John Sweney (24) Slater; Alice Sweney (24); Frederick Sweney (4) and Alice Sweney (3 mts).
At the West Ham Police Court today, John Sweeney, 36, a tiler, of 3 Shaftesbury Avenue, Plaistow, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on his wife Alice. Mr F Stern prosecuted. The wife, who attended for the first time, said her husband came home in the small hours of the morning of March 22 and was the worse for liquor. He threw on the table 3s 6d, saying that that was all the had got left out of half a sovereign, and she would have none of it. He threw a tumbler at her, then a pair of boots and a chair, but these articles missed her. He went on to punch her about the body and hit her across the arm with a chair. He told her to "Sling her hook" and threatened to finish her. She screamed, but though other people were in the house, no one went to her help. She became dazed, and the last thing she remembered was seeing him lifting a mahogany table over his head. When she recovered she found herself half-way through the window (on the ground floor), and when she moved she fell on the pavement. At the station she was seen by the divisional surgeon. He had been convicted before for assaulting her. Prisoner, who alleged that his wife was addicted to drink and neglected the house, was remanded.
At the West Ham Police Court on Saturday, John Sweeney, 36, a tiler, of 3 Shaftesbury Avenue, Plaistow, was charged with assaulting his wife, Alice, by kicking her, striking her with some blunt instrument, and throwing her through a window. PC Butcher 711K, was on duty in High Street, Plaistow, early on Saturday morning, when he heard screams proceeding from Shaftesbury Avenue. On the way to the house he saw a woman, bleeding, and calling for help. From what she said to him, he went into No. 3, Shaftesbury Avenue, and saw the furniture all broken up, and prisoner sitting in the room. The officer made him put on his things, and go to the station, as his wife accused him of assaulting her. When at the station he said to his wife, "Don't charge me this time, Alice, and I will never chastise you again." The woman replied that she had forgiven him too many times. She was too ill to appear that morning, and a remand was asked.
John Sweeney, who had been received into custody on 23 Mar 1901, appeared again at West Ham Police Court on 19 Apr 1901, charged with Maliciously wounding Alice Sweeney. He pleaded guilty to Common Assault and was handed a 3 Calendar Month sentence in Pentonville Prison.
At the time of the 1901 Census on 31 March 1901, therefore, John Sweeney (36) Prisoner, Married, Slater from Plaistow was clearly on remand and indeed was listed at His Majesty's Prison in Holloway, Islington.
Nevertheless, at 3 Shaftesbury Avenue, [Plaistow], West Ham there was an entry which appears to say "family removed", but this is crossed through and the following people are said to be present: James [John] Sweney (35) House tiler (Slater); Alice Sweney (35), Fred Sweney (14) Tiler's labourer; Alice Sweney (10), Ethel [Emma] Sweney (8), James [John] Sweney (5) - birthplace Fulham - and Tom Sweney (2). Obviously, John (who was not called James) couldn't be in two places at once - and somehow I trust the prison to know who they had under their roof - and I cannot speculate why Alice may have been trying to show that her husband was still at home, but along with the other errors, one does have to wonder who was 'on the sauce'.
In 1911, John Sweeney (41) Slater from Limehouse was living at 33 Heckfield Place, Fulham, with Alice Sweeney (41), John Sweeney (14), Thomas Sweeney (12) and Rose Sweeney (7). This census confirms that the couple had seven children, of whom five were then still living and two had died.
In 1921, John Sweney (54) Slater was at 107, Lawrence Avenue, East Ham with Alice Sweney (54), Rose Sweney (18) and Thomas Sweney (24) Slater.
Alice Sweeney died, aged 65, in 1931 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 233.
In 1939, at 107a Lawrence Avenue, Manor Park, Newham, East Ham, listed as Charles J Sweeney, Slater Tiler (Retired) - this is clearly John and even quotes his birthdate of 12 Dec 1867 - with a John J Watson (assume Lodger).
John Sweeney died, aged 77, in 1944 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 248. Interestingly, at FindMyPast this same record, with the same references, has been transcribed twice: once as Charles Sweeney and once more as John Sweeney, so I am convinced this is our man.
