Diane's Genealogy Blog

Text in red is from previous blogs and is intended to give a fuller picture

I hope this is OK, as despite being repetition, it brings together details on each ancestor and hopefully creates a more complete picture.

19th August 2023

I have spent some weeks struggling with the Catchesides - the branch related to Grampy's mother Louisa (and thus my great great grandmother), with the usual problems regarding the name. Over the years it has been mis-spelled many ways, but largely Cathersides or Cacherides. I suspect from records I have seen, that it is originally a name from Newcastle and there are many more in that city... (It was probably my 5xgreat grandfather William who married a girl from Suffolk and moved to London in 1760. I have a note to the effect that in 1780 he retained a vote in Newcastle but resided in London). The search engines nowadays do pick up the surname more often than they did, but there are always glaring gaps. So it is with relief, as ever, that I move on to the Cox branch - that of my Grandad's mother Eliza, which has no difficulties in that regard.

Straight away I have made a discovery regarding Albert Charles Cox, one of Eliza's first cousins - the 1921 census shows he wasn't the Albert who died in France in WW1, as I had thought. He can be seen at home with Elizabeth, at 7 Parker Road, South Croydon, with 3 daughters. The death record which fits the fact that this was 1921 and by 1939 Elizabeth was a widow is that of Oct 1927 in Pancras, London, where he probably died in hospital.

As part of my re-investigation of him, I have seen a group photograph of his family at the occasion of daughter Alice's wedding. She (like me) confounded family genealogists by marrying a Mr Smith - and enough said about that! Unfortunately this means that I cannot find her in 1939, as she is not at home with husband and step-daughter and there are hundreds with her name in the appropriate area.

30th July 2023

I have spent today trying to untangle two ancestors with the same name, father and son, whose details I had mixed up and combined. When ancestors name their offspring after themselves they don't spare a thought for we genealogists who follow them, studying their lives 150 years later... I found an obituary in a local paper of Frederick Herbert Matthews, who died in 1942, and I realised I had both father and son by that name with exactly the same details. So I have deleted and backtracked and can now bring you the correct story - well, as far as it goes! In 2019 I said: I see now that he (Senior) married Ellen Kettlety on 18 Sep 1875 in Bradford-on-Avon, her birthplace. He is with the family in 1881 census, and by then they have 2 children. A third was born shortly afterwards; William Henry, aka Henry, and he can be seen in 1891 census with his grandparents, Ellen's parents, with his siblings, but the parents are nowhere to be seen. In 1901 Ellen resurfaces, calling herself married, but still no sign of Frederick, still in Bradford-on-Avon. She was listed as a woollen-weaver and son Henry a gardener, as in 1911 at 10 Kingston Road, Bradford, with Henry and a boarder. This was the address where she died in 1920, leaving her effects to Frederick junior and Florence, presumably her house to Henry. The only records I could find for Frederick senior, which may explain this, were criminal records for larceny on several occasions, each time with a term of imprisonment. The ones I found were too early to account for these gaps in the census, but he may have started young! (The records I was looking at ended in 1892). There was a death in Warminster, Wiltshire under his name in 1911, which may explain why she said "married" in censuses and "widow" at her death. Today I was looking at a newspaper article from Oct 1879, reporting on yet another court-case, this time involving what we would nowadays call Domestic Abuse. He would drink too much and then knock Ellen about and on this occasion was fined and "bound over to keep the peace for 3 months". She obviously put up with this for another 2 years as son William Henry (Harry) was born 31 Oct 1881 - see above. I think I have located Frederick Senior in 1911 census - predictably enough in a pub! As I said above, I suspect he died later that year. So, when the obituary for his son was written in 1942 he was long gone. It stated that "Junior" had died aged 64 after a brief illness, having returned home to Semington after visiting friends in Bradford-upon-Avon. It outlined his career, saying he had joined the Royal Navy in 1897 and fought at the battle of Jutland in 1916, then worked for some years at "Mr Moulton's factory" (they made bicycles) and was a Grand Master in the Freemasons but had never married or had children. He had been a Chief Petty Officer in the navy and was a keen angler. I can see him on the 1939 Register at 2 Southville Gardens, Bradford-on-Avon aged 61 and he died 3 years later.

28th July 2023

I seem to have a German theme running through today...

When I finally found death details for Elizabeth Kate nee Matthews and her husband Albert Goodall, I found that they died on the same day in the same place, at home in Merseyside, on 12 Mar 1941. Looking it up, this was one of many night-time bombing raids in the area and this was presumably why.

Ellen Matthews in 2014 I said: she was born Jan 1843 in Northampton Street to Charles & Jemima nee Ingram. She can be seen in census of 1851 at 1 Arundel Court with parents & sibs. She is next seen at 14 St John Square, Clerkenwell with parents & sibs, working as a purse-maker, aged 18. On 15 Oct 1863 at St Mark's, Myddleton Square, Clerkenwell she married Phillip Carl Schirold, a pocket-book maker so they may have met at work. I am so pleased with the opening up of (some) German records in that I can actually follow her through... They had another marriage ceremony in his home-town of Frankfurt on 2 Dec 1863. As there are no more records for this couple in UK, I assume they stayed in Germany. However, I cannot find death records for them, so maybe they moved on. The rest of the Schirold family are there, always in Frankfurt, and have lovely names: he has one sister Eva, parents Johann Bernard & Anna Maria Ottilia nee Kurtz, grandparents Johan Aloysius & Johanne Eleanore nee Reges, aunts Catharina Elisabetha (married Thomas Hofman), Sabina Christina Johanne and Maria Magdalena Catharina (who unfortunately died aged 18 months in 1802). Sadly his father died when they had only been there a few years, in 1871. 2019 update: I can confirm they remained in Germany after their marriage, as daughter Anna was baptised there on 26 Sept 1864, and unfortunately died there before she was 5 years old, on 18 March 1869. As she was named after Phillipp's mother Anna Maria Ottilia née Kurtz this must have been a great tragedy to all. I have scans of marriage and baptism/death of Anna. Philipp was born 17 Jul 1839 in Frankfurt to Johann Bernhard Schirold and Anna Maria Ottilia nee Kurtz, elder sister Eva born 1831 in Frankfurt and died there aged 48 in 1880. Philipp himself died there on 8 Nov 1882 aged 43. Ellen followed on 3 Jul 1919 aged 76 (can't have been easy to be a Brit in Germany then!) I have seen documents confirming Anna's birth, baptism and death in Frankfurt and also residence there of Philipp and Ellen. As they lost their only child, that branch of my tree died out.

27th July 2023

Another intriguing detail I wouldn't have known without newspaper reports: regarding Doris Laura Matthews. All I had to say in 2014 was she was born 26 Mar 1903 in Bath to Robert & Florence nee Byfield. She can be seen on census return of 1911 at 36 Wells Road, Bath [one of 3 houses in this terrace bombed in WW2 & rebuilt into flats] with mother & sibs (father was elsewhere). As she never married the next we hear of her is her death in Jan 1977 in Bath, aged 73. In 1939 Register she was at 10 Westgate Street, Bath with her parents and 2 evacuees, Doris described as "forewoman, finishing room at corset works". And that was all I knew until her death. However, in Sep 1945 the Bath Chronicle reported on a Yorkshireman Richard Thomas Snell, who moved to 10 Westgate Street later in 1939, in order to work for the Royal Engineers, having joined them in WW1 and served in Egypt and N. Africa. He and Doris were engaged to be married, arranging a wedding for the end of 1945, but he was taken ill in the March and died 7 months later. Incidentally, her father had been with the Royal Engineers in WW1, although I don't know if this was directly related or if it was why they got on so well...

26th July 2023

Dorcas Maria Matthews in 2014 I said: she was born 25 Feb 1867 in Clerkenwell to Charles & Maria nee Benson and christened on 17 Mar 1867 at St Thomas Charterhouse. I had such high hopes of an unusual name like Dorcas, but it seems it was an empty gesture, naming her after her grandmother, as after her childhood it was never used & she was called Maria. She can be seen on census returns of 1871 & 1881 with parents & sibs, first at 14 Greville Street, Holborn, then at no. 6 in the latter as Maria, Flower Maker. She was then trained to put her flowers on hats & can be seen in 1891 census at a draper's shop in Hoxton, employed as Assistant Milliner, living with her employer at 191 Hoxton Street [still a shopping street, but with modern buildings, nowadays 191 is a hair salon]. This is where this file gets confusing. On 8 Jun 1885 at St Thomas's church, Bethnal Green (just half a mile from the shop) she married James Pearceson. This surname is a problem - it may be a mis-spelling of the much more common Pearson, but either way comes up with nothing either for the couple after marriage, or for James before. There is also the question of why she was in the census taken 6 years later, single & under her maiden name. I hesitate to disregard either of these documents, as the census confirms her occupation as milliner (as does the marriage) and the marriage document names her father as Charles, fishmonger. I wonder if she lied to keep working, as in those days you had to leave most jobs once married. This doesn't, of course, explain why they both disappeared off the records, though...

After this, I despaired of ever finding her as the combination of never using her unusual first name, and mis-spelling her married name led me nowhere. However, I think the newspapers have come to my rescue! I have come across a report of an inquest in June 1886 into a suicidal death at Royal Free Hospital in London. The deceased was one James Pearson, a 19-year-old pieman who took his life by consuming a "bottle of phosphor paste... rat poison easily procured at an oilman's for a penny" and died in hospital the next day. Apparently he had married Dorcas on 8 Jun 1885 at St Thomas, Bethnal Green, but the marriage only lasted 6 months, before he took to wandering the streets, homeless. He presented to the Kings Cross police station, declaring having taken the poison, was examined and taken to the Royal Free, where he subsequently died. His brother-in-law Charles Joseph Matthews gave evidence at the inquest, saying he considered him "deranged in his mind" and Dorcas testified that he "had been long out of work, was strange in his manner and used to place a dagger under his pillow" but they had lived apart for 6 months. This explained why she was in 1891 census under her maiden-name. There is a possible subsequent marriage later that year in nearby Haggerston under the name of Mary Matthews, father Charles, to a Benjamin Meek, but who knows... If this was her she died aged 86 (in 1954) and was buried in Chingford.

21st July 2023

Having just spent a week in the area adjacent to Wyke Regis, Dorset, I had intended returning to Cliff's Auntie Beat's husband Ern Samways' tree, as they all hailed from this village. However, when I returned to my desk yesterday to research this, I found that there was a glaring error, namely that his great-grandfather Edward appeared to have been born 36 years after his nearest sibling when their mother was 59 (she died the following year - unsurprisingly!) I think I must have attached the wrong Edward, so will leave this for now... I covered this tree sufficiently in April - see below.

Before I left, I was intending moving on to my father's tree to continue the search for stories in the newspapers, so shall return to that.

2nd July 2023

Charles Robert James Parker (Amelia's brother) had a couple of brushes with fate, reported in the newspapers of the time. I did mention him in 2014, so if you are interested, please look at the 2014 tab above and seek 24th April.  Suffice to say here that in 1890s he was living in Gilpin Grove, Edmonton, working as a cabinet-maker. He presumably travelled to work by train because on 14 Jun 1892 he was one of many victims of a train crash, treated at Barts Hospital, but was not one of the 4 deaths. His train (a "workmen's train") had just left Walthamstow at 6.30 am and was hit by one coming from Enfield, apparently due to a "misunderstanding of signals". Some were treated there, others at the London Hospital in Mile End (one of these was a neighbour of his). 7 years later he was mentioned again, as he was in court regarding his lodger, who on 23 Sep 1899 had been drunk and kicked him and stabbed him with a penknife. After an adjournment the case was dismissed as "malicious intent was not proved". This seems very like the crime shows I watch nowadays, as it hinged on the fact that forensics could not prove his wounds were caused by the knife wielded by the perp! Earlier that evening the accused had hit his own wife, but that was presumably ok.

His son and grandson, both Charles James Robert Parker, did not appear in newspapers.

1st July 2023

Amazing! I didn't know Post Mortem documents were available on Ancestry.co.uk, but have just found that of my Dad's great-aunt Amelia Prangnell nee Parker. She died aged 34, 3 years after marriage, so I had already come to the conclusion it was likely to be childbirth-related, a very dangerous situation for centuries.

In 2014 I said: she was born 26 Mar 1864 at 11 Aylesbury Place, Clerkenwell to James & Ann nee Lathan and christened there at St John's on 27 Sep 1868 aged 4, with sister Mary Ann & lots of others from the same road. She can be seen in census return of 1881 at 161 St John Street, Clerkenwell, one of four servants to a butcher & his family. Literally on the corner of her street, this was very close to the family home. By 1891 she had graduated to the post of Cook & was working at Deacons Tavern, Walbrook, City of London [a coffee house, until recently a "modern" sports bar but now demolished]. On 26 Jan 1895 at St James Pentonville she married Charles Thomas Prangnell (her nephew! Well, not really - he was the son of her brother-in-law of the same name, who married her older sister Eliza, from his first marriage). [building is now converted into apartments] Witnesses were Emily Prangnell & E. Parkinson (my great grandmother), sisters of groom & bride respectively. Unfortunately Amelia died aged 34 in Jul 1898 in the area known as St George Hanover Square - possibly in hospital, probably in childbirth and Charles 8 years later. I can see that she died from an ectopic pregnancy (foetus developing in fallopian tube etc not in the correct place), leading to them finding "much blood in cavity of uterus". Both fallopian tubes and ovaries were removed but "patient never rallied from the shock and died early on Sept 5th". She was subsequently buried in Islington Cemetery.

21st June 2023

Seeking Hennigs on my Dad's maternal tree in newspapers, I have been chasing probable red herrings. My grandmother Florence Augusta Hennig was ostensibly featured many times, arrested for increasingly violent attacks on pubs, people etc due to being drunk and disorderly. It turned out to not be her, but this woman spent more time in London prisons than out... Likewise I don't know if the Frank Hennig who worked for the BBC and was an author was my ancestor, as I can't find a valid link. He is most famous, I understand, for his autobiography of friend & colleague Fred Streeter, a famous gardener.

The search for Frederick Charles Edward Hennig was much more productive, as I said below, his marriage to May Bryant in Isleworth a social highlight. Apparently the church was packed, as both families were well-known in musical circles. May had 5 bridesmaids; her sister, Ethel and 3 of her cousins, best man was Arthur and groomsmen were his brothers. I see that May was registered and baptised as Mary, her mother's name, but it was clearly written as May on her marriage certificate and thus in the newspapers of that time. I see that her father ran a laundry locally, then retired to become a publican in Watford, and died there in 1927. Unfortunately Frederick and May/Mary disappear from the records on marriage, apart from tantalising glimpses of (possibly) her in 1930 escaping from Epsom Mental Hospital and a death in Ealing in 1951. But I can prove neither and have found no sign of Frederick.

19th June 2023

Continuing the study yesterday of my Dad's Hennig cousins:

Spring 1907 was not a good time for his Uncle John and family, as the Middlesex Chronicle reported. On 29 Mar 1907, Good Friday, one of the sons was involved in an RTA. It could have been Arthur, discussed yesterday, or brother Frederick or Herbert, riding a motor-cycle between Sunningdale and Windlesham when he collided with a car coming in the opposite direction (driven by a Mrs Robinson from West London, taking 3 passengers to Bournemouth). He was seriously injured and was taken to the Nursing Home in South Acton and remained there for some time, recovering. During this time his brother Ernest was taken ill with appendicitis and on 3 May underwent an operation to remove it, but unfortunately did not survive. He was only 25 at the time and in the article I learned a lot more about him again. "A young man of a high order of ability. He had already won prizes in the London Chamber of Commerce examinations and only a fortnight ago sat his final exam for London University. He was expected to attain a gold medal. He took a great interest in the Isleworth Chess & Draughts Club, of which he was Hon. Secretary and one of the founders." All the family had celebrated together 18 months previously at the marriage of eldest son Frederick to May Bryant - more probably here at a later date.

18th June 2023

As today is Father's Day and it being time to "go around again" in studying the trees, I thought I'd launch the Matthews tree, my Dad's, and started with his mother's paternal branch, the Hennigs:

Arthur Henry Hennig - (Dad's 1st cousin) In 2013 I said: "he was born 29 Sep 1877 at 1 Bloomsbury Street, Bloomsbury, London [now a bookshop] to John & Henrietta nee Purser and christened there at St George's on 28 Oct 1877. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 3 at 30 Dante Road, Newington [now a modern estate] with parents and brother Herbert. In 1891 I cannot find the family, although we do know they are still in Newington, as his brother Stanley was born there about 3 weeks after the census. By 1901 census they have moved to Isleworth and he can be seen at "Ecclesfield", Castle Road with parents & sibs, listed as a Tin & Metal Plate Worker. In 1911 census this house has been given the number 52 and he is still here with parents & brothers, working as a panel-beater. On 20 Jun 1914 at St Mary's, Osterley he married Minnie Biggs, school teacher. From electoral roll records I can see that they both lived at 60 Thornbury Road, Isleworth from at least 1921, and maybe from their marriage. Just a little way down this road was the school where Minnie may well have worked, as they had no children of their own [A modern Health Centre stands on the site now]. On 1 Feb 1951 Arthur died aged 73 and his death was registered in the Ealing district. He left effects worth £4408 to Charles William Venning, barrister & legal editor. Minnie continued to live in the house until at least 1965, when electoral records cease at present. She died aged 93 in the Richmond area in Jan 1980." 2018 update: "In 1939 Register he can be seen, as expected, at 60 Thornbury Road, Isleworth .He is shown as a 62-year-old panel-beater, working on cars, but the odd thing is that Minnie is still redacted, despite being born over 100 years ago and died nearly 40 years ago, outliving Arthur by 29 years - all reasons for unredacting her. I cannot find a scan etc for his death and burial. By the time Minnie died in 1980 aged 93 she was living in a nursing home called Oketon in Teddington

1921 census finds them, as expected, at 60 Thornbury Road, Arthur a sheet metal worker on motor cars aged 43y9m. He was an employer himself, working at Mersey Street Arches, which is now Latimer Road tube station in Notting Hill. Minnie was on Home Duties, assisted by a 23-year-old domestic servant.

This was the account in 2022 but I have now found a newspaper report of his funeral and it fills in so much! Unfortunately when all you have are the bald facts from documents etc the "person" is often lacking. The Middlesex Chronicle said he was "a well-known personality in Isleworth, where he had resided for over 50 years" and Minnie was a Councillor, Member of Heston & Isleworth Borough Council. After leaving school, Arthur was apprenticed to a "well-known firm of art-metal workers and he later took up sheet metal work as this gave him more scope for his ability and knowledge. He gained honours certificates in maths and metallurgy and was a great authority in alloys. For some years he was a lecturer at the Borough Polytechnic in South London and the City & Guilds Institute of the City of London appointed him as an examiner in metallurgy and sheet metal. He also collaborated with others in writing books on these subjects. He was extremely musical and possessed an excellent baritone voice. He was trained under Italian professors at the Guildhall School of Music and gained the gold medal at the completion of his studies. He was a soloist at St Anne's Church, Kew and for over 14 years was a member of the Royal Choral Society, then a member of the choir at St Mary's Church, Spring Grove, but had to give up singing when he became profoundly deaf. He was a member of the Whitton Lodge of Freemasons from the beginning, retired from business at the outbreak of war but took up work again as his contribution to the war effort and then retired for a second time." Minnie "lived locally for the whole of her life. She was for many years headmistress of Ealing Road School, Brentford" and retired Christmas 1950, just before Arthur's death. She still lived at 60 Thornbury Road until at least 1965, but by 1980 when she died, she was at Oketon Nursing Home in Teddington.

updating with 1921 census

22nd May 2023

Going through the ancestors mentioned in local newspapers:

Agar Lloyd Retallick - it helped a lot to see from 1921 census that he was (at least in his teens) known as Lloyd, so I was able to trace him in 2 newspaper references. In 1923 aged 14 he passed exams in Maths and English at school in Treverbyn and later in life 1940 he and his parents attended the funeral of Martha Minear and sent a floral tribute.

Unfortunately all news records are too late for Albert Retallick, although he died aged 21 and I hoped he would be mentioned.

Alfred Retallick won a prize at a fete in Oct 1914 in Ilsington, and performed in a show at the school in Jan 1915, then in Aug 1923 a report of his marriage to Alice French. He was in court in 1938 regarding a horse he bought from another farmer, lost and was fined £15.

21st May 2023

Pressing on with checking the new records, I have ventured into the next family, the Retallicks.

Unfortunately I have straight away found just what we genealogists dread - reports of court cases involving our ancestors. (Mind you, there is a part of me that loves Crime drama!) But to me the worst part is the disproving of a record I had attached.

Agar Alexander Retallick - see 21 Oct 2022 below.

He was the 3rd cousin once removed who was a Police Sergeant in Blackheath. I had thought his wife died in 1939 but realise she was still around in 1947 when a divorce was granted to her on the grounds of his cruelty. The newspaper article used their full names, so I am confident it was them. Apparently several times over the course of their 11-year marriage he threatened her with gun or knife, but she said she was tough. She finally brought him to court and a decree nisi was issued. She had left him in 1945 and now lived with her parents at the Princess of Wales pub Blackheath. After the divorce I'm not sure if she reverted to her maiden-name of Nichols, and if she moved on after her parents died in the early 1950s. Agar lived in Blackheath for some time, but left the police force (maybe was removed after the court case), working as a security officer for the Foreign Office. When he died aged 89 the event was registered at Bodmin, but 1997 is too recent for much detail.

20th May 2023

I have been checking the local newspapers for news of Wilson Manhire, one of the famous musical ancestors on this tree. I have studied 141 articles mentioning him and built up a picture of his life. He was Oliver's First Cousin.

I think I can do no better than to bring you the article published in July 1942 after his death:

Death of Mr Wilson Manhire, Noted Cornish Composer

The passing of Mr Wilson Manhire of Bugle on 17 July 1942 came as a shock to musicians in mid-Cornwall, although to his immediate friends and relatives his death was not unexpected in view of the grave illness which began last August and the suffering which he has borne so patiently during the past few weeks. Musically, Cornwall is the poorer for his death and few have achieved such a reputation as he had gained for music in almost every branch of the divine art. He was born at Molinnis in 1884 and in his teens he entered the school profession. It was evident from the first, however, that music was his chief forte and it was not long before he became a teacher of music with Bugle as his centre and here hundreds of pupils passed through his hands in the course of a generation, some gaining advanced certificates of the R.C.M.,R.A.M., G.S.M and T.C.M. With regard to his own skill as a performer, he astonished his friends when at 12 years of age he played the "Hallelujah Chorus" with considerable skill. He underwent a course of training at the hands of Mr W.L.Twinning F.R.C.O, formerly of Bodmin but now organist of St Mary's Church, Torquay, and he has always spoken of him with great affection. For some years he was organist at the Primitive Methodist Church at Molinnis. In 1907, 23 years of age, he won the Licentiateship of the Royal Academy of Music for piano playing and in the same year he became a Fellow of Trinity College. In the next year he won the Associateship of the Royal College of Music and in 1909 aged 25 he became Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music. Of his many remarkable successes in examinations held by the best known musical institutions in our land, he looked upon his securing the Gold Medal of Associated Board of R.C.M. and R.A.M. - a test open to all England - as his finest achievements. As a pianist in his prime he had few equals in the West of England. He was a skilled violinist too, and played First Violin on several occasions at the Handel Festivals, held at the Crystal Palace, His services were in wide demand in operatic societies in the county and for a good many years  he was the leader of the orchestra supporting Bugle Choral Society and his skilled leadership in this proved an invaluable aid to this mid-Cornwall venture. In leading musical circles, particularly in London, he will be known best of all for his numerous compositions for piano, violin and orchestra while his songs,  part songs and carols have provided both interest and pleasure to many vocalists and choirs. His knowledge and experience in teaching anre reflected in his many and excellent text books in music, which have always received a good Press. His printed compositions exceed 750 and it is known that publishers have in recent years secured the rights of issuing upwards of 250 works of his which have not as yet appeared in print. Unlike many musicians  who give music a rest when on holiday, Mr Manhire would travel the Continent for weeks at this time of year and there were few Continental orchestras of renown which he had not heard on several occasions when his so-called "vacations" came round year by year.

18th May 2023

Remaining lost 2017 notes:

Richard Williams Manhire was born Feb 1825 at Colevreath, Roche to George & Mary nee Snell and christened there on 28 Mar 1825. He can be seen in 1841 census aged 15 at Pentivale, Roche with parents & sibs. On 5 Jan 1850 at the Ebenezer Chapel, Luxulyan, he married Martha Stephens. Richard was a Tin Miner, as so many others, and when their first baby was born, it was at the Union Workhouse in Bodmin. This usually meant a couple couldn't afford a doctor and there may have been complications. In 1851 census they can be seen at Burney, Roche (near Carbis) with baby son William aged 3 months. He was born at the turn of the year and registered Jan 1851 at the workhouse, but unfortunately died a year later in Roche. He was speedily followed a year later by another William, then 5 more children over the next 10 years. Five out of seven births survived and they can be seen in 1861 with them, at Brea, Illogan, 25 miles from Roche. Unfortunately Ann (b1860) and James (b1862) died in 1870. So in 1871 census they had 4 children  and lived at Roskear Fields, Camborne, a little further west. See Mary below, who left home, married and went to Australia. By 1881 all the children were gone and Richard was trying his hand at Clay Labouring at Retew. By 1891 son David had died aged 30 and his daughter Ella was looking after her grandparents in Wesley Street, Camborne, where Martha died in 1893. There followed, according to a couple of articles in The Cornishman, a time of scandal and chaos. Richard married a young lady Katie Goodman, 50 years his juniorand then abandoned her when she was about to give birth. I can see that baby Florence was registered Jul 1894 and Richard died in 1900 in the Union Workhouse.

Rosalind Manhire was born 28 Sep 1901 in Carbis, eighth of Felix & Annie's twelve offspring. She can be seen there in 1911 census aged 9 with parents & sibs. In Dec 1925 in St Austell in St Austell area she married Archie Vercoe, a farmer and they lived at Goss Moor for many years, farming in an area called White Rose. They were in that area in 1939, although I cannot find any of this branch in 1939 or 1921. They had a daughter Miriam in Oct 1926 - I found this out from Rosalind's death records, but she too is missing in 1939. She married Alfred Brewer in 1949 and had 2 children, but that's all I know. Rosalind died 4 Apr 1982 in Camborne and Archie 1984 in the St Austell area. In 1982 Rosalind lived at 10 Trerice Terrace, St Dennis

17th May 2023

I have reached the point at which I commenced 1921 census last year, so may have little further to report to you. I shall continue to check for new records, but if you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to contact me on diane27@gmail.com - many thanks.

In the mean time, as I explained last week, I lost a chunk of copy on my 2017 page, so will enter it here, for completeness' sake (searches etc):

Maria Manhire (Jessie's great-aunt) was born Jun 1845 in Roche to George and Jane nee Hewitt/Trethewey and christened 6 Aug 1845 at St Erme. She can be seen in census of 1851 aged 6 at Colevreath with parents & sibs, then with them in 1861 aged 15 at Gunbarrow, apparently working as a CCL. By 1871 they had settled at Molinnis and she can be seen with parents, grandfather & brothers. In Oct 1880 in St Austell she married James Hewett. They settled in Molinnis and in 1881 census can be seen there with daughter and her father George, next door to her brother Thomas and Hannah. Jane was followed only a few days after the census by William, registered as such but christened Willie and always called that. Unfortunately Maria had another baby in the July quarter of 1883 who died aged 4 weeks and she did not survive the birth either. He was buried at Treverbyn on 14 Sep 1883 but the record is incomplete, so may have had Maria on it too. James remarried in 1885 to Ann Hore and died in 1924.

Two babies died by the name of Mary Manhire, but one survived, so I can tell her story. She was born Jan 1856 in Roche to Richard & Martha nee Stephens, registered as "Menear". She can be seen in census of 1861 at Brea, Roche with parents & sibs, aged five, By 1871 they were living in Camborne and she was working as "Girl at Mine". They were a hard-working family: her brother William was "Tin Miner Under Surface", father and brothers David (17) and Andrew (13) worked "at surface". On 22 Dec 1877 at St Austell she married Thomas Henry Masters, farmer's son, and on 11 Sep 1878 he went out to Brisbane, Australia to investigate emigrating. Mary stayed behind to look after their young son, another Thomas Henry, until her husband called for her to join him, which she did with little Thomas on 24 May 1881 aboard the Zamora. Once settled in Brisbane, Thomas ran a grocer's shop and Mary gave birth to another 11 children. Unfortunately 4 of these died in infancy. Electoral roll records show them in 1903 at Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin, then in 1919 at Lutwyche Park Road, Windsor, both showing as a grocery, Thomas Junior worked as a carter, maybe doing deliveries for his father . Daughter Edith certainly worked as a shop assistant. By 1937 Thomas Senior had retired and lived at 27 Norman Street, East Brisbane and they both died in 1939 and were buried nearby in Lutwych Cemetery.

Mary Ann Manhire was born May 1817 at Carwallen, Roche to John & Philippa nee Knight and christened in St Austell 2 Jun 1817. She must have been around in 1841 and 1851 censuses but I cannot locate her. She died Jul 1855 in Charlestown, St Austell aged 38 and was buried there 15 Jul 1855.

UPDATING THE ANCESTORS WITH 1921 CENSUS RECORDS

16th May 2023

Lilian Tabitha Manhire was born 27 Nov 1914 in the St Austell area to Samuel & Hannah nee Ham, so can be seen aged 6 in 1921 census at Treviscoe, St Stephens with parents and sibs - see brother Lewis yesterday. In Jan 1935 she married neighbour John T Snell in St Austell and they had 2 daughters. In 1939 Register they can be seen at Hendra Downs, John a china clay millworker, Lilian UDD and a closed file, who must be daughter Sheila. He died aged 71 on 3 Aug 1985 and was buried in Churchtown Cemetery St Stephens, joined 3 years later by Lilian.

Lona Armenia Manhire was a spinster lady who worked as a nurse. She was born in Apr 1886 to Thomas and Hannah nee Yelland (she was sister of Jasper, Wilson etc), who did not go with the family to London, but stayed with her sister Verena in Cornwall, then went to work in Plymouth, as a nurse in the household of a Royal Navy Commander. She died on 4 Dec1956 her address given as 1 Armenia, Molinnis Crossing, Bugle. She left effects worth £1970 to her niece & nephew. 2017 update: 1939 Register at Molinnis Crossing, Bugle with brother Wilson, at that time Teacher of Music. Lona UDD. 1921 census showed her living with John Warne & family, working as his housekeeper. This was her sister Elizabeth's family, and sister Ethel was at that time looking after Wilson at the Crossing.

Louie Edith Manhire was born at 5 Adelaide Street, Camborne to William & Eliza nee Bennetts in Oct 1889, and can be seen on the censuses of 1891, 1901 & 1911 there with the family. In 1911 she is listed as factory hand at a fuse factory, no doubt the Bickford-Smith Company, whose building is still there, apparently (manufacturing fuses for use with explosives in mining, not electric fuses, as I first thought...) In Jul 1914 in Camborne she married James Henry Thomas, who appeared to be one of these Cornishmen constantly crossing the Atlantic, and this may well have been how they met. In 1919 they had a son Donald, born in Camborne, but they are next seen in 1922, living at 1 Martin Bowes Road, Woolwich, London, listed on the electoral roll there. Until 1948, listings name Louie and James, then at the same address from 1948 James and Donald until 1960, when the records stop (James died in 1962 anyway). His probate document shows James died at the same address and left effects worth £892 to son Donald, a labourer. Louie died on 14 Jan 1948 and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on 20 Jan. James followed in 1962. 1921 census showed them at 1 Martin Bowes Road, Eltham, as expected, James a General Labourer employed by a builder, Louie UDD and Donald aged 2. 1939 Register the same, James then a Munitions Worker at Woolwich Arsenal, filling cartridges, Louie UDD, Donald 20 a Machinist/Lathe Hand.

Lucy Manhire was born Apr 1857, 8th of John's 11 with Elizabeth nee Johns and can be seen  on 1861 census at Hillyvreath aged 4. In 1871 census I cannot find her but she would be 14, possibly in service somewhere. In Apr 1877 in the St Austell area she married John Cock, coachman from Parkwoon, Roche and they can be seen there in censuses of 1881-1901 with a selection of their 10 living children (one, Cuthbert, died in infancy). In 1911 they were at West End, Roche and John was now working as a clay miner with his 2 sons Frederick & Samuel. Lucy died there the following year then John in 1924. 2019 update: the stone in Roche Cemetery: Inscription reads: "In loving memory of Lucy, the beloved wife of John Cock, wo died at West End, Roche Jan 14 1912 aged 54 years One of the truest, one of the best, God in his mercy called her to rest. Also Cuthbert Charles, their youngest son, who died Feb 7 1899 aged 4 months." 1921 census showed them at West End, Roche, John having remarried in 1914. So he was shown with wife Elizabeth and daughter Gladys both Home Duties, he a clay labourer at St Dennis.As he died in 1924, by 1939 Register Elizabeth was a 64-year-old widow with Private Means.

Lucy Ann Manhire was born 19 Mar 1883 in St Austell to Samuel and Elizabeth nee Williams, 9th of their 11, and can be seen in censuses of 1881 & 1891 at Goonbarrow, in the former with parents and sibs in the latter housekeeping alone with her father, her mother with sister Julia in Acton, presumably helping with her 3 little children. In Feb 1905 she married Francis Vosper in the Bible Christian Church and they had 3 sons. 1911 census showed them at 6 Lipson Hill Terrace, Plymouth, Francis a seaman in the Royal Navy - his list of trips is huge and lasted until 1919 at least. Having said that, I can't locate him in 1921 so he may still have been at sea then. Lucy can be seen then at 4 Dunbar Road, Portsmouth with her 3 sons and 17-year-old cousin Winifred, studying part-time. By 1939 Register, Francis was on a naval pension, aged 61, working as a hotel Hospitality Porter in Plymouth. Lucy was UDD. She died in Jul 1959 and he the following Feb, both in Plymouth.

15th May 2023

Leonard Manhire2 was born 23 Aug 1903 to Archibald & Rosina nee Barber - see 7th May below - at Shilton, Stenalees and can be seen there in censuses of 1911 & 1921, in the latter a 17-year-old labourer with mother and brothers. In Apr 1928 in st Austell he married Winnie Cornelius and they had a son the following year Leonard Gordon. 1939 Register showed them at Greensplat, St Austell, Leonard still a general labourer and the boy at school aged 11. By the time he died in Aug 1998 aged 95 they were living in Oswestry, Shropshire. Winnie followed in 2000 and he was moved to be buried with her at Oswestry Cemetery (I'm not sure where he had been prior to this). Two other things I know about Leonard were that he was a bandmaster of Greensplat Silver Band, and was featured in a newspaper article in 1930 when his dog fell down a disused mineshaft on the walk home from visiting Rosina, was feared dead, but on returning next morning Leonard organised a bunch of friends and colleagues to lower him down on a wire rope to rescue him none the worse for his adventure.

Leonard Raymond Manhire was son of Leonard1, mentioned yesterday, born 26 Jan 1914 in Redruth. 1921 census showed him aged 7, although his father called him "Raymon Menhere" (and his sister "Gwennie Menhere") at Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill, Camborne, at school. On Christmas Eve 1938 in Plymouth he married Vera Jessmond Weight. I recognised this surname as it was that of the friend his father was arrested with in search of the stolen rabbits - evidently his partner in crime! 1939 #register showed Leonard and Vera living at 6a Lansdowne Place, Plymouth with Vera's parents. Leonard was by then a Steward in the Naval Barracks nearby, his father-in-law a typewriter mechanic. As usual the females were UDD. Daughter Maureen was born in 1940. By 1964 Leonard was living at East Tolgus House, Old Portreath Road, Redruth, which is very close to the old arsenic works, but this doesn't seem to have affected them, as he died in 1992 aged 76 and Vera in 1994 aged 74.

Lewis Cyril Manhire was born 1 Sep 1908 to Samuel & Hannah nee Ham, shown in 1911 census at South End, Treviscoe, St Stephens with parents and sibs, at the age of 2. In Jul 1933 at Hendra Methodist Chapel he married Freda Best (always seemingly spelled Freeda) but I can't see that they had any children. 2019 update: in 1939 Register, they were at 6 Virginia Terrace, St Stephen. At no. 2 Virginia Terrace was a Frederick & Elizabeth Best, but I can't see that they were related to Freeda. Lewis was a Clay Labourer, heavy worker, and Freeda UDD. There was a closed file too, but probably a lodger as I can't see that they had a child. This file is still closed. 1921 census showed Freeda aged 14 at Hendra Lane, St Dennis with parents & sibs. I eventually tracked down Lewis, he and his family transcribed as Manline and eluding all searches! They were at Central Treviscoe, St Stephens, his father a mason, eldest brother Edward 17 a labourer, the other children at school. When he died 28 Oct 1985 he was at home in 2 Pocohontas Crescent, Indian Queens, leaving £40,333

In 2012 I said: Lilian Manhire was the lady who married her first cousin Jasper - oops, I didn't tell their story, so I may as well now. He was born Aug 1870 to Thomas Manhire & Hannah nee Yelland, and Lilian to Richard Manhire & Tahpenes Knight (Clive's great grandparents) in Dec 1880, both in Roche. Of course, Lilian moved to London with her family & grew up in Battersea, but in 1901 she was living with her grandparents in Bugle, St Austell, working as a housemaid. Thus, she was in close proximity to Family & in 1906 married her first cousin. They settled in Bugle & had 3 children, Kenneth, Edgar & Dorothy. In 1920 Jasper died and left £783-worth of effects to Lilian & his brother Wilson (who was a fairly famous musician & author - more at a later date). She remained in Cornwall, as a widow, until she died on 7 Mar 1955 at a lovely-sounding address: Grendor, Tehidy Road, Tywardreath. She left £1575 to her son Kenneth, schoolmaster. 2017 update: Jessie's uncle Jasper was brother of Elizabeth & Woodman, soon also of Verena, Ethel, Wilson & Lona. He can be seen in census of 1871 aged 8 months at Netley with parents & sibs, then in 1881 and 1891 at Molinnis, in the latter listed as CCL. On 24 Oct 1891 he sailed with his brother Woodman on board the SS Orotava to Adelaide, Australia to mine for gold. They remained in Australia for 4 years but gold had been (re)discovered in South Africa in 1886 and they joined the gold-rush to that country, sailing in 1903 aboard SS Wakool from Adelaide to Natal. Both Woodman & Jasper sailed "home" and in Apr 1906 in the St Austell area Jasper married his first cousin Lilian. This used to be frowned upon but Queen Victoria had made it acceptable some 65 years before. Lilian & Jasper had 3 children, despite him returning to Cape Town to work again with Woodman. He did leave him behind and returned to UK, so in 1911 census he can be seen with Lilian and 2 children at Bilberry.  Jasper died 4 Mar 1920 aged 49, leaving £784 to Lilian and their brother Wilson, at that time an assistant schoolmaster. Lilian joined Jasper in the grave in 1955. In 1939 Register Lilian can be found at Kengarthy, Bugle with son Edgar. 1921 census thus just missed Jasper, and Lilian can be seen at Bilberry, a 40-year-old widow with 3 school-age children. She worked from home as a dressmaker.

14th May 2023

Jessie's 1st cousin Kenneth Croydon Manhire was born 11 Feb 1907 in Bodmin to Jasper & Lilian. He can be seen in 1911 census in Bilberry, Bugle aged 4 with parents & brother. On 21 Jul 1928 he graduated with a London University BA in English and worked as a School Teacher. On 10 Aug 1934 he set sail for Quebec on the liner SS Manchester Division. He worked on a 1-year exchange, teaching in Ontario, then returned24 Jun 1935 from Detroit to Plymouth via New York on the SS President Harding. He evidently returned to Bugle for a short while, as I have seen a newspaper clipping showing he was involved in a Sale of Work and a concert on 19 Apr 1938. The following year, however, 1939 Register showed him living at Dovegreagh, Garstang Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, working as a school teacher and lodging witha wholesale fish merchant and family. In Apr 1940 in Fylde he married Ida Fielding from Oldham and they had 2 sons in Blackpool. However, they must have retired to Norfolk as when both Kenneth & Ida died in 1997 it was there, Kenneth in January and Ida in May. 1921 census showed him aged 14 at Bilberry with widowed mother and sibs, Lilian a dressmaker and all the children at school.

Leonard Manhire was born 19 Sep 1886 to William & Eliza nee Bennetts at 5 Adelaide Street, Camborne, he can be seen on 1891 & 1901 censuses with the family there. In 1901 he is listed as a 14-year-old butcher, but that didn't last long (or may even be an error). He is next seen criss-crossing the Atlantic, like many of his family, listed on his journeys as a miner. In 1906 he travelled to USA on the SS St Paul and again in 1909 on SS St Louis, then I have also found him on a return journey in Apr 1911, which explains his absence from the 1911 census (the St Paul again, an American ship). On 4 Jan 1912 in Camborne he married Beatrice Lavinia House, who was the servant of his brother Edward, and they managed to have 3 children: Leonard Raymond, and 2 "attempts" at Gwendoline Mavis (one died aged less than a year). I am surprised, because he was forever off somewhere: I have found trips from Cape Town to Southampton in 1914 on the SS Grantully Castle, West Africa to Plymouth on the Farquah in 1915, West Africa to Liverpool on the Apapa in 1917 and in 1921 Tenerife to Liverpool on the Abinsi. And if I have found these, there must numerous others (including of course the return journeys). Beatrice died in 1955 in Camborne aged 66, and Leo followed in 1974 aged 88. 2017 update: updating this file I found a newspaper clipping from 1915 where he was being questioned  (when attempting to obtain the licence for the Coach & Horses Inn, Breage) about his military service. As he was 29 years old they said he should be serving his country. He stated he had served for a year in Africa and contracted malaria. He did evidently obtain a licence in Camborne, but it may have been in Beatrice's name, as when a fire was reported there, he was said to be "at work" elsewhere. 1921 census showed him just returned from one of his trips (Tenerife), living at Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill, Camborne. Leonard was a 33-year-old "Underground Gold Miner at Ashante Gold Fields, West Africa" Out of Work, and Beatrice Home Duties. Both children at school. In 1939 Register they appear to have completely separate lives, he registered at Lower Tregantle Cottage, St Germans, a 53-year-old General Farm Labourer, with a family of labourers and another lodger. Beatrice was at 41 Wesley Street, Camborne, with several other married ladies and daughter Gwendolyn, who was 21 and a "flower buncher". Beatrice had been at this address a few years before, when she appeared in the newspaper having found her post-operative neighbour (who she had been looking after) had fallen out of bed and died. Leonard too appeared in the paper again, in 1942 when he was fined for "trespassing in search of rabbits" and had his nets confiscated. Beatrice died 28 Jun 1955 aged 66, Leonard 28 Sep 1974 aged 86, buried together in Camborne Cemetery with Gwendoline joining them on 4 Oct 2013 aged 96.

13th May 2023

I probably should explain that I reported in 2017 concerning what I termed the "ladder of Johns" i.e. the 7 generations of John Manhires. Today I have two problems with this: most of them do not appear in my update as they were not around in 1921, and I lost a lot of the 2017 information in an online "accident". I have tracked down a printed copy of my notes, and can bring you the relevant copy here.

So I shall move swiftly on to the chap I called "John Manhire7". He was one of John 6's eleven children, born 20 Sep 1845 in Roche to John and Elizabeth nee Johns and registered in Jan 1896 spelled Mennear. He can be seen in censuses of 1851 & 1861 as sister Hannah below with parents & sibs, in the latter aged 15 a china-clay labourer (CCL). On 26 May 1866 in St Austell Register Office (they were both underage) he married Harriet Best, daughter of fellow clay worker Edward Best. They established a dynasty of their own by having eleven children themselves, although 3 died young. In census of 1871 they can be seen at Higher Colevreath, Roche, John working as an Engine Driver at Clayworks, when they have 2 sons at home (Theodore and Archibald). Theophilus was born 4 months later, then died the following year and daughter Hannah was with her maternal grandparents in St Stephens. According to the dates in the Family Bible, they had a house built in 1872. By 1881 they had 5 children living at home, in Hensbarrow, St Austell (where they had moved in 1880). When they reached 1 Dec 1884 they had lost 2 of their 8 children, so all the survivors were baptised at Treverbyn en masse and all the surviving family can be seen at Bonney, St Austell in 1891, when John was described as "engine fixer", Theodore also a Stationary Engine Driver, Archibald and Theophilus CCLs. John and Theophilus worked together and, according to a newspaper article of Aug 1899, socialised together too - they were reported in court accused of being drunk after hours at the Carthew Inn and fined. Theophilus had just purchased his discharge from the Navy, so they may have been celebrating that, but we will never know... By 1901 they had moved to Stenalees and 5 children were at home (including Theophilus), all 3 boys CCLs. In 1911 John was at home , now Tresaize, Roche, 3 miles away, with Luther & Violet, Harriet away visiting her sister Hannah Liddicoat at Nanpean. John described himself as "steam engine fitter & fixer, clay works". Harriet died Jul 1919 and John retired to Townsend House, Chapel Road, Roche, where he died 19 Dec 1928 aged 83, leaving £813 to daughter Violet now Postle,

A quick summary of his children:

Hannah/Anna born 7 Oct 1866, married Jacob Grigg in 1889, had 5 daughters and died 1937 in the St Austell area.

Theodore born 14 Jun 1868, married Lucinda Martyn at Treverbyn 6 Feb 1892 and had 2 daughters with her but then he buried all three within a year (Apr 1894-5) and as often happens in this kind of circumstances emigrated to America - he had travelled there on a visit, then rushed back when his wife was ill. In 1903 he went to Canada and married Jeanne Kieffer, had a son Jack before moving to Esmeralda, Nevada, where his wife died in Feb 1908. He and son Jack lived in Nevada until he died in 1928 after an illness of 7 years.

Archibald - see below

Theophilus & Theophila born 1871 & 1874 died aged 1 & 3 respectively, then another Theophilus was born 31 May 1877. He attested to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in 1895 aged 18 then the following year was transferred to the Royal Navy. As I mentioned above (in father John's section) in 1899 he purchased his discharge and went home to Stenalees. On 7 Feb 1903 at Teverbyn he married Uneta Willcock and they had 3 children. No doubt hid brothers enthused about America and he went out to investigate on 25 Aug 1906. In 1911 Uneta and the children joined him and he was naturalized, giving home address of 25 Fort Washington Avenue, New York City. In 1914 he was drafted to New Jersey for the duration of war, giving occupation as "Ordering Inspector for Evance Engineering Co."(?Evans). Uneta and the children must have returned to UK as in 1916 son Edwin John died there aged 6 and was buried on 16 Dec in Tywardreath. I cannot find anything more of Theophilus after WW1, although a fellow genealogist stated he died in USA.

Luther Best Manhire born 2 Dec 1880 was at home until 1911 census but left a few weeks later for USA, joining his brothers in Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry in WW1 then he popped home in 1917 to marry Bessie Furze and took her back to the States with him. He went harvesting in Canada in 1923, directory in Casper, Wyoming lists him in 1937, and in WW2 attestation he gave nephew Jack in Goldfield as reference and his own employer as Richard Linstadt, Edgerton. I cannot find a death record for him or for Bessie. Oct 2022 update - see below: However, the story is not as simple as all that. Far from "popping" back to England to marry, he stayed for several years. He was discharged from the army on 19 Sep 1917 due to sickness and married Bessie Furse on 1 Dec that year. His mother Harriet was evidently unwell and died in 1919, buried on 24 Jul in the Roche churchyard. So the census taken on 19 Jun 1921 shows Luther and Bessie living at Tresaize with her (illegitimate) daughter Florence. Luther listed his employer as English China Clay Co.Ltd, for whom he mined. His father John can be seen boarding in Littlejohn, Roche with a probable ex-colleague, he a retired widower. As I said above, Luther was listed Harvesting in Canada in 1923, so was not in the area when John died on 19 Dec 1928 (at Townsend House, possibly a care home). Luther owned/rented land in Wyoming and appeared in the local directory in 1932 and 1937. He died on 15 Oct 1942 of peritonitis at the Memorial Hospital, Kaycee, Wyoming "following a lengthy illness" and was buried in the Highland Cemetery there. He was aged about 63 working as a shepherd for a local farmer. So when he signed up for WW2 6 months before he never saw any service. Although I found his death details, I still cannot locate Bessie, although there was a son of a Bessie Manhire who died in the same area in 1945 but under the surname Hopkins. So she may have remarried and died herself under this name. I have searched, but there are a great many and none fits perfectly.

This goes to show how a simple census can open up an entire section of somebody's life story and bring in other records to pad out their life, and a reasonably recent snapshot brings to life what may previously have been the bare bones of a tale.

Garnet - see below.

Violet Irene born 15 Oct 1887, baptised 20 Mar 1889 at Treverbyn, went on to marry in Jan 1914 George Owen Postle from Wales, in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry with her brothers 1914-9 giving occupation in "civvie street" as brickie.She died Dec 1972 aged 85,

Ianthe Best Manhire born 28 Jul 1889 married in Oct 1906 John Henry Hawke but only survived 9 months from the wedding (probably due to childbirth) as she died Jul 1907 aged 18.

So 1921 census showed John, widowed, at Littlejohns, Roche, boarding with daughter Violet and her little daughter Ianthe Postle, in he household of Thomas Hawkey, CCL. John was a retired engine fitter.

12th May 2023

Researching Gordon Richard Manhire was interesting, to say the least! Previously I had abandoned the search as all I had was towards the end of his life and a big void before, but today I made a discovery - a marriage announcement in a Scottish newspaper leading to much more detail! He was born 29 Jul 1918 in Croydon to Roderick and Edith nee Rhodes. 1921 census showed them at 57 Stratford Road, Thornton Heath, his father a Commercial Traveller, his mother Edith Home Duties, his sister Betty aged 4 and he aged 2. I still cannot find him in 1939 Register but now know that on 9 Aug 1943 in Peterculter, Scotland, he married May Whyte McKilligan Leith. Her excellent middle name was her mother's maiden-name and she was born in 1911 in Boston, Mass, USA to Scottish parents, her father working as a Janitor. They had moved back to Scotland with her when she was 2 (1921 census was no use as it didn't cover Scotland - and of course other records are similarly missing). So after the marriage Gordon and May/Gladys can be seen in the Norwood area, at several addresses. When she became too frail to live on her own, his mother Edith joined them and died there in 1971 at the age of 83. When Gordon retired, he and May moved to Worthing, Sussex and he died there in 1987 aged 69. May lived on there and died there in 2010, aged 99.

Hannah Manhire was born 1844 in St Stephens to John and Elizabeth nee Johns (see Felix and Eli) 2nd of their 11. She can be seen aged 7 in census of 1851 at Higher Colevreath with parents, sibs and 2 lodgers, next door to George & Mary Manhire, her grandparents. In 1861 census they can be seen at Hillyvreath, Roche. In Oct 1866 she married Thomas Dally, farm worker from Gorran and they had 7 children (although 2 of these were known by 2 names each - Hart/Arthur and Lot/Thomas - which confused me no end! In censuses of 1871 & 1881 they can be seen at Boswinger, Gorran. Thomas died aged 41 in Feb 1885 and was buried in St Michael's, Caerhayes on 7 Mar 1885. In 1891 census Hannah can be seen living at Caerhayes with 6 children, still there in 1901 but with just one son left at home - Hart, listed as Horseman, she living "on her own means" i.e. savings/insurance/pension. By 1911 she was 67 and can be seen in the census back at Tregoss, Roche, living with her "sister" Alma & family. She died on 9 Oct 1937 aged 94, living at Brynn, Roche and buried in the council cemetery on 13 Oct.

Hetty Manhire was born 23 Apr 1892 in Shaugh Prior to Joseph & Jane nee Brewer and baptised across the way in Lee Moor Methodist chapel (see Alma1 below) on 19 Jun 1892. She can be seen in census of 1901 aged 8 at 1 Blackalder Cottages with parents & sibs then in 1911 census aged 18, working as Housemaid in the household of a widowed Army Major at 26 Western College Road, Plymouth. In Jul 1939, the year after her mother died, she married Samuel Willcocks, 10 years her junior. There is a death record for Samuel in Plymouth in Jul 1991 aged 89. 2019 update: I have found a record dated 13 Apr 1950, stating she died at 5 Dartmoor Cottages, Wotter, Shaugh Prior, leaving effects worth £150 to Samuel, who registered her death at Plympton. 1921 census showed her working at Bransgore, Hampshire as a servant in the household of a Lieutenant Colonel. Samuel was at home with his parents and sibs at Lee Moor, a 19-year-old clay labourer, as were his father and brothers.

Hilda May Manhire was born 26 Apr 1901 in Camborne to Edward & Adeline nee Nicholas - see Edward below. She missed the 1901 census by 3 weeks but I know her family were staying with her grandparents at Kieve Mill, Trewithian. On 8-15 Aug 1903 she travelled aged 2 with her mother on the SS St Paul to join her father in Michigan. Her brother Gordon was born in Kellogg, but by 1911they were back in UK, running the 3 Cornish Choughs pub in Treswithian, Hilda aged 10. He remained in charge of the Choughs for many years. As I have said, 1939 Register showed them there, Hilda an ATS Section Leader She was the daughter I mentioned who left her money to Edward, enabling him to retire (he was 72), her home address still the Choughs, in 1952. She died in St Thomas' Hospital, London, where I was born a mere 4 years later. 1921 census showed her boarding in Tiverton, a school teacher aged 20.

11th May 2023

Florence Winifred Manhire was born 25 Aug 1899 in Bugle to Samuel and Maud nee Martin, i.e. sister of Cecil, see below. She was baptised on 11 Sep 1899 in Treverbyn and can be seen at Bugle in 1901 census aged 2 with parents & sibs, also at Carbis in 1911 at school. 1921 census showed her in Bugle, working as a servant in the household of a solicitor and his widowed father in Newquay. The following year she married Cuthbert Kitchener White, who had been living across the county at 6 Edgcumbe Terrace, St Blazey with his parents, and they can be seen there in 1939 Register, after his parents had died. There are 2 closed files, but I know of no children. Cuthbert was in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in WW1 and received 2 medals, a builder/mason by profession. When Winifred died 1 Nov 1947, he married widow Elizabeth VA Trethewey nee Marshall. He died Jul 1976 aged 82 and she followed in 1997 aged 87.

Garnet Manhire was born 1 May 1884 in St Stephens to John and Harriet nee Best and was baptised at Treverbyn on 3 Dec 1884. See Archibald below, Garnet was 8th child of 11, so can be seen in 1891 at Bonney with the family. By 1901 census Archibald had gone, so Garnet can be seen at Stenalees, a 16-year-old CCL with parents & sibs. He set off for Canada in Jul 1904 aged 21 as a labourer but returned in the December. In Jul 1909 he married Mabel Best, also from St Stephens and they can be seen in 1911 census at Tresaise, Garnet a "stationary engineman". 1921 census showed them there, he still the same, working in a china clay works, she with Home Duties. By 1939 Register, however, he described himself as "incapacitated" engine driver. I don't know what transpired but he wrote to the local newspaper in 1919 to say he would have no further responsibility for Mabel's debts, so maybe there was trouble and she had gambling problems. She replied in another newspaper a week later that she had no debts relating to her husband. 1930-31 he published 9 letters/ads regarding treatment for his ulcerated legs, so maybe lived on the proceeds but in 1935 the whole thing happened again and in Dec 1942 he had to sell his house contents & furniture due to "declining housekeeping" so there may have still been in difficulties. He died in hospital in Redruth aged 69 in Apr 1954 and she 1963.

Jessie's Auntie Gladys Manhire was born on 15 Nov 1888 in Battersea to Richard & Tahpenes nee Knight. She can be seen in 1891 census at 19 Anhalt Road aged 2 with parents, sibs & a boarder, then 1901 with just parents & sibs, then 1911 aged 22 with 3 brothers & a boarder. In Jan 1913 probably at St Mary's church nearby, she married Emile William Minty, solicitor's clerk. He lived at 11 Rosenau Crescent, quite close by and after marriage Gladys moved in with him and his parents. Emile was the product of a marriage between a joiner from Bath and a confectioner's assistant from Paris, working in Bond Street in London, hence the french name. They had 2 children then in 1918 can be seen in a place of their own at 15 Broxash Road, Battersea, near Clapham Common. However, Emile's mother died in 1921 and by 1929 evidently his father couldn't cope and they moved back to 11 Rosenau Crescent. Here they remained and can be seen in 1939 Register. Emile was listed as "Solicitor's Managing Clerk", Gladys UDD and daughter Evelyn a 25-year-old Shorthand Typist working for Lever Bros Margarine Manufactory, also "ARP for the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea and Lever Bros Casualty Branch". Son Frederick was not there, as he was in the Navy. Gladys died here on 15 Dec 1958, leaving effects worth £432 to Emile and after this he moved in with Evelyn and her husband George in Kingston-upon-Thames and died there in Jul 1969. 1921 census came just after Emile was discharged from the services (he joined RAF in Mar 1917, discharged Apr 1920) and showed them at 15 Broxash Road. Emile was a law clerk employed by a firm in The Strand, Gladys Home Duties and the 2 children at school.
 
10th May 2023

Elizabeth Mary Manhire An Elizabeth Mary was born in Apr 1874, to William & Eliza nee Bennetts, but died on 27 Jun 1875. So in Jan 1878 a new baby was given the name. She was born at 35 Wesley Street, Camborne, appeared in 1881 census with them there aged 3 and moved with the family to 5 Adelaide Street, where she can be seen in the 1891 census, aged 13 & listed as a Tin Miner (?). In 1897 she married local boy Walter John Stoddern (aka Jack). Jack went out to Kellogg, Idaho, to stay with his brother Eddie & work at the Bunker Hill mine. Elizabeth remained at home with their daughter, but by 1911 census Jack was back & working as a coal-carrier at the coal-works. Elizabeth died in 1956 & Jack in 1959, both in Camborne. 2019 update: 1939 Register, where they can be seen at 17 Adelaide Street, with her brother Charles next-door-but-one at number 13. There is a redacted line in their household, no doubt Doreen, who is still alive, as I understand it.
Later: I have just discovered she died in 2014, aged 95. 1921 census showed them in Adelaide Street, Jack a tin miner currently Out of Work, Elizabeth Home Duties, daughter Lilian a 23-year-old factory hand employed by William Bennetts - probably her uncle. There were also in the household baby daughter Doreen and "adopted daughter Roslin" - they had taken on Jack's niece Rosalind when his brother Albert died. Incidentally, I can now see Doreen is the third person in 1939 Register, with the added information that she worked in an explosives factory and that she went on to marry an Ivor Albert Taylor. I see this was in 1944 and she died in 2014. I understand that they had 3 children.

Elsie Manhire was born 16 Dec 1880 at Meleador Downs to David & Ellen nee Lukes and christened 4 Jan 1881 at St Stephens. She can be seen on census of 1881 aged 3 months at Meleador with mother. stepfather & sibs. She started school at St Stephen-in-Brannel on 7 Jun 1886 and the next census found her still there with parents and brother in 1891, aged 11. I cannot find her in 1901 census but in 1911 she can be seen in Newquay, working as a general servant for a retired farmer & family. On 31 Oct 1914 in St Columb Minor she married John Herbert Milford, Newquay fisherman, son of deceased solicitor. In 1911 he can be seen at 2 Kimberley Terrace, Newquay, listed as a housepainter unemployed - evidently why he took up fishing - with his widowed mother. In 1939 he and Elsie can be seen a few streets away at 10 Capel Hill, Newquay, John describing himself as "Caretaker seeking Work" and they still lived there when John died on 7 May 1950 aged 75, leaving effects worth £108 to Elsie. She must have moved the 20 miles back to St Austell area, where her family was, as this was where she died in 1969 aged 89. 1921 census showed Elsie and John at 7 Fore Street, Newquay, John "house painter Out of Work" and Elsie with Home Duties.

Ethel Annie Manhire was Oliver's first cousin, born 26 Jan 1881 at Molinnis, Bugle to Thomas and Hannah nee Yelland and christened on 26 May 1881 aged 4 months at St Austell Primitive Methodist Church at Bugle. She can be seen at Molinnis with parents and sibs in censuses of 1881-1911 but didn't quite make it to 1939. She never married and all I can find are 2 probate documents relating to her death. She died 17 Sep 1935 at Molinnis, leaving effects worth £221 to brother Wilson and land to him and their sister Lona. Wilson had a headstone made for her in Treverbyn cemetery and then joined her there 7 years later. 1921 census showed them, he a music teacher, she Housekeeper, both working at home, Molinnis.

Felix Manhire was born Jul 1864 to John and Elizabeth nee Johns and apparently registered as "Felic Menhire" at St Stephens and appeared on 1871 census as "Felix Mankin" aged 4 (really 6)The family were living at a claypit called America - one of many in the area. In 1881 census they were at a neighbouring pit Whitemoor with 2 lodgers both CCLs (china clay labourers), presumably working with John and now Felix too. In Jul 1889 in the St Austell area he married Annie Bullock and they sailed straight out to New York on the SS Arizona. Son Lot was born in Montana in 1890 and Felix can be seen in the local directory listed as Anaconda Power House Worker, living at 11 Kempland Avenue, Carroll, Butte, Montana. This was the time when the Rothschild family bought up most of the copper mines and the life went out of the area. In 1891 census Annie and Lot can be seen living with her widowed mother Jane at Hill Head, St Stephens. She must have been pregnant as she lost a newborn daughter in the summer of that year. Felix returned in Jul 1893 and next son was born Apr 1864 in Nanpean. So by 1901 census they had 3 sons and can be seen with them at Carbis, Roche, where they remained. In 1911 they had 7 children, Felix working as a Stationary Engine Driver at the Clay Works, as did Lot. Ambrose and Eli were labourers. Electoral roll records show Felix at Carbis until his death aged 65. He apparently died at Goss Moor, although home address was Goonleigh, Carbis (not far away). HE was buried 8 #jul 1930 in Roche cemetery, leaving effects worth £140 to Annie. She then went to live with her daughter in Newquay and died there in Feb 1959 aged 82. NB they had 12 children in all, 5 passing in infancy. 1921 census showed Felix and Annie in Carbis - see Eli yesterday.

9th May 2023

Edward Manhire was Charles' brother - see yesterday -born on 4 Sep 1880 to William & Eliza nee Bennetts at 35 Wesley Street, Camborne, and can be seen in the 1881 census there at the age of 6 months. By 1891, they had moved round to 5 Adelaide Street and he is seen there aged 10. In Oct 1900 he married Adeline nee Nicholas, who had married his elder brother William in 1896 at the age of 17, but he had died in 1899 after losing a son William Lambert Manhire aged 6 months, and she turned to his brother. In 1901 they can be seen living with her parents & 4 siblings - on the family homestead, Kieve Mill, Edward listed as a tin-miner. This must have been a temporary arrangement, though, as he was the brother referred to as E Manhire, who first went out to USA. In 1902 Adeline had a son & named him Edward, only for him to die the next day, and in 1903 Edward is calling for her to join him in Michigan and she travelled with 2-year-old daughter Hilda in Aug 1903. A further child, Gordon, was born in Kellogg in 1908, so they must have joined the others in the mining community. It must have been very bleak and tough, and by 1911 they are back in England, happily settled in Treswithian, Camborne, running the Three Cornish Choughs Pub. He ran this establishment for the next 40 years, until retiring in 1952, possibly funded by a legacy from their unmarried daughter who died in St Thomas' Hospital, London on 28 May 1952, leaving £1674 12s 2d to her father. He died himself in Dec 1968 aged 88 and is buried in Penponds Cemetery. 2017 update: he left on board SS Philadelphia on 27 Sep 1902 (they lost baby Edward in the June). 1939 Register finds them at The Cornish Choughs, Trewithian, Camborne, as expected, Edward Licensed Victualler, Adeline UDD and daughter Hilda ATS Section Leader (she went to USA with them as a child but returned with them too and was the daughter who died in London in 1952, leaving money to her father). Adeline died 11 Oct 1949, at the pub, leaving £435 of her own money and was buried in Penponds Churchyard with the rest of her family (she was one of 12 children). My favourite detail was the wreath "To my dear little wife from Eddie". He died on Christmas Day 1968 and joined his "little Wife" and her family in the plot mentioned above. 2019 update: he left £10,604 on his death (worth £184k in 2019). 1921 census showed him at the pub, "hotel proprietor" with Adeline and 13-year-old son Gordon

Another I have missed was Eli Manhire, Oliver's second cousin (their grandfathers were brothers), son of Felix, brother of Ambrose - see below. He was born on Christmas Day 1896 in Carbis and can be seen there in 1901 and 1911 with parents and sibs, in the latter 14-year-old labourer. On 11 Feb 1916 he enlisted in Royal Marines and served for 3 years. Then in Apr 1921 he married Ella Chapman, so can be seen newly-married in the census, staying with his parents and sibs at Carbis. He was, as were his father and brothers, employed by the Carbis China Clay Brick & Tile Co. Eli & Ella lived in Charles Street to 1925, then Rosevear Road to 1928, then 20 Polkyth Road to 1931 at least. 1939 Register showed them at 63 Tremaine Place, Eli a wood machinist, Ella UDD and Francis Eddy, 22-year-old bricklayer. (All of these addresses are in the St Austell area). Unfortunately they had no children and the next we hear in 1946 when Eli died aged 49. Ella remarried in 1958 and died 1983 aged 83.

Elizabeth Jane Manhire1 was born Apr 1866 in St Austell to Thomas & Hannah née Yelland and christened at home at Goonbarrow, St Austell by the St Columb Bible Christian Circuit. She can be seen aged 4 at Netley with parents & brothers in 1871 census. By 1881 the family had moved around to Molinnis (just half a mile away, beyond Bugle station).When in Sep 1890 she married John Warne, they lived next door to her parents and had their 6 children there. They gave them lovely imaginative names; Claudia Olive, Hedley Ewart, Llewellyn Vernon, Gladys, Evelyn Hyacinth & Silvanus! in 1939 Register both she and John were living on Clann Farm, Lanivet, where John helped with the horses belonging to his son-in-law William Allen & daughter Gladys (4 miles from Molinnis). I have found a death for John, 8 Oct 1952 in the Bodmin area. He left effects worth £381 to Gladys and was living at Little Trehudreth, Blisland. 1921 census showed them at Little Rosemellyn, Roche, John a quarryman, Gladys and Elizabeth Household Duties. One of the boarders was the aforementioned William Allen, who later married Gladys, oddly described as a "Regreater". As he became a farmer, I have no idea what this was supposed to be!

There was another by this name, Elizabeth Jane Manhire2, I suppose. She was born 8 Jul 1911 in Lanner, Gwennap, Redruth to William John and Boadicea nee Martin and can be seen there in 1921 census aged 10 with parents, brother and sister. On 7 Aug 1939 she married William Henry Chapman at Lanner. As 1939 Register was taken in September that year it caught them just after marriage and they can be seen at 44 Tortellins Road, Devonport, he a sailmaker employed at the Royal Naval Dockyard, she UDD of course. She died in Mar 1984 in Plymouth, he 1992.

8th May 2023

I don't seem to have featured Cecil Redvers Manhire, Oliver's second-cousin-once-removed (they had great grandfather George b1786 in common) but he is interesting, so will now. He was born 24 Feb 1900 in St Austell to Samuel and Maud nee Newton, 2nd of 5. He can be seen in census of 1901 in Bugle with parents & sibs, then 1911 at Carbis, aged 11 and at school. On 7 Apr 1919 in Devonport he joined the Navy and served 22 years. In Oct 1926 he took some leave to get married - to Euneta Richards (also from Roche, known as Neta), but they had no children. 1921 census showed him one of very many naval servicemen aboard the battleship HMS Warspite (1915-1945), stationed at Devonport Dockyard. Euneta was at that time working in Canada as a housemaid. By 1939 Register she can be seen in Roche, with a Frances Burridge, who the following year married her brother Austen. I can't find Cecil in the Register, as he was on HMS Dolphin, which was sunk that year, but he seems to have survived. I have seen reports of a motorcycle accident he had in 1928, involving a stay in hospital, but he retired in 1943 with several medals and in 1958 was elected onto the local council. When he died aged 71 on 28 Nov 1971 he was cremated at Penmount. Euneta followed in 1998 aged 95

Charles Manhire was born 18 Dec 1890 and died Jan 1964, both in Camborne. He can be seen at home with his parents William & Eliza & sibs in census returns of 1891 (aged 3 months), 1901 & 1911, all at 5 Adelaide Street. In the latter he is aged 20 & working as a sawyer in a saw-mill. I have no idea why he didn't go to The States with his brothers. 2017 update:  I can now add the 1939 Register to his records; he can be seen at 13 Adelaide Street, 4 houses from where he grew up, he was alone and listed as "Under Steward British Legion Club", which sounds like fun! He may well have remained here until his death, as he died locally, in Camborne Jan 1964 aged 73. 1921 census showed him as expected at Adelaide Street with parents & siblings (also an adopted brother I knew nothing about- obviously 13 wasn't enough children!) Charles was again described as a sawyer. When he died on 17 Feb 1964 he was buried in St Martin & St Meriadoc churchyard.

Jessie's uncle Claude Manhire was born 12 Aug 1879 in Bugle, St Austell, to Richard & Tahpenes Knight and was on the census return of 1881 with the family there aged 1. By 1891 they have upped sticks & moved to London (which is why Clive's family come from there). He is aged 11 in 1891 living in Battersea with parents & sibs, but by 1901 he is found in Hong Kong in the Royal Navy. A couple of years ago, I sent for his service records and have a long list of ships he served on between 1897 and 1919. When he was 18 he signed up for 12 years service and 21 sailings are listed, totally consecutive, so he must have been at sea for 14 years! His character was described as Very Good always, although he was always an Able Seaman, never getting "promotion". On 14 August 1909 he joined the RFR (Royal Fleet Reserve) in Chatham, and was working as a labourer in a flour-mill, living at home, as can be seen on the 1911 census. At the outbreak of war he was called up again & served on 6 more ships until Feb 1919, when he was paid off and left. He was awarded 3 medals: Star, Victory & British War Medal. There is a marriage under this name, in Hackney, to a Grace Jones then nothing until his death in Jan 1941 aged 61 in Surrey. 2017 update: in 1939 he was listed as Postman, she UDD and she had a daughter from her first marriage, also Grace Jones, a 30-year-old Sweet Packer. They lived at 6 Denmark Grove, Islington. I can see from Electoral Roll records that he had lived there from 1919, when demobbed from the Navy. However, when he died just 2 years later in Jan 1941, his death was registered in Surrey Mid-Eastern region, which is the area including Sutton, so maybe he was staying with family or in a hospital etc. I still cannot track down Grace's death, although I can see her at the Islington address above until 1950, with daughter Grace, and then Grace junior was married from Islington in 1957. 2019 update: he did in fact marry Grace Jones nee Underwood on 2 Jan 1916, despite it being wartime and he was serving aboard SS Campania as AB2. He was no doubt given leave as the ship was undergoing modifications in dock between Nov 1915 and Apr 1916 for service as an aircraft carrier. He died in St Ebbas Hospital, Epsom, which was at that time a specialist unit for epilepsy patients (later became a mental hospital under the NHS) and was buried at the Finchley Burial Ground (Islington Borough Council) on 26 Mar 1941. On 1 Oct 1964 Grace was cremated in Islington and her ashes buried with Claude. 1921 census showed them at 6 Denmark Grove, as expected, he a 41-year-old Postman employed by the Post Office. They had 3 children; 2 from her previous marriage at school, one Reginald aged 1y9m. Also his father-in-law George Underwood, a 70-year-old retired stoker.

Dorothy Manhire (Jessie's 1st cousin) was born 20 Aug 1912 in St Austell, probably in Bugle, to Jasper & Lilian. In Jul 1938 she was married to the wonderfully-named Grenville Joseph Bunney, son of a Police Constable in Penryn. They can be seen the following year on the 1939 Register at Tehidy Road, Tywardreath. Grenville was a Mason and Dorothy UDD. I am pretty sure they had no children, Dorothy died in Jan 1983 aged 70 and Grenville in Apr 1997. 1921 census showed her aged 8 at Bilberry, Bugle with mother and 2 brothers, at school. Her mother Lilian was a dressmaker working from Home, her father had died the year before.

Edgar Manhire, one of Dorothy's brothers, was born Oct 1910 at Bilberry, Bugle. He can be seen there in census of 1911 aged 6 months, with parents & brother Kenneth. Then in 1939 with mother (father died 1920), at the cottage called Kengarthy, working as a builder's labourer. In Jan 1970 at St Austell he married Alice Baudet and they disappear from the records. 2019 update: Searching for his wife Alice, I found an Alice Jeanne Baudet nee Derrien from St Helier, Jersey. She was married before, to Louis Joseph Baudet, and had a son with him by the name of Ronald. Both Louis & Ronald are buried in St Peter, Jersey. Also I have found a burial record for her there, under the name of Manhire, the problem being that I had a year of birth for her as 1901 and it seems to be a typo for 1911. This makes more sense, as she was a similar age to Edgar. Edgar was also buried there, he died on 9 Aug 1988. Alice died in 2004, Ronald in 2015. So 1921 census was as Dorothy above.

7th May 2023

Alma Manhire1 (Jessie's second-cousin - their grandparents were siblings) was born 14 Jul 1897 at Shaugh Prior, Devon (registered Plympton) to Joseph & Jane née Brewer and christened at the Methodist Chapel on 14 Nov 1897. She can be seen at Shaugh Prior with her parents & sibs in 1901 census, then mother & brother Joseph in 1911 as her father died a few weeks before that census was taken. These cottages were miners' houses and had been known as Hillside Cottages as they were on the side of the only hill in a wide flat plain, but by 1900 the two terraces had been renamed Blackalder & Saltram Terraces. In Jan 1923 at the Methodist Chapel - which was just across the field in front of the cottages - she married Harold Samuel Nicholson. Harold worked with China Clay, in the Brick Works. In 1939 Register they can be seen at 5 Blackalder Cottages with son Stewart aged 10 and Alma's sister Hetty and her husband Harold Willcock (also a China Clay Labourer). Harold Nicholson had served in the navy in WW1 at the Vivid II (shore-based barracks at Devonport) & then HMS Ajax 1915-19 as Stoker 2nd Class, then 1st Class and he died aged 94 in Oct 1990. As far as I can see they only had one son Stewart and Alma died in Oct 1991 also aged 94. 1921 census showed her a couple of years before marriage, at Shaugh Prior with her widowed mother and 5 boarders. Jane called herself Postmistress and ran the cottages as post office and presumably boarding-house too. All the boarders were in 20s and 30s and were employed by clay works in various ways. Alma looked after the house. Jane died just before the Register, but I have examined the cottages and cannot see that anyone took over the post-office duties. Nowadays of course there are much fewer about, so I wasn't surprised to find the post goes to another village - in fact there seems to be only one postbox, set in a wall.

Alma Manhire 2 was born Jan 1859 in Roche to John & Elizabeth nee Johns. I can see her in censuses of 1861 with parents & sibs at Hillyvreath, Roche and St Stephen-in-Brannel respectively. On 5 Sep 1880 oddly in Kensal Green, London she married Thomas Richards from Madron. They gave an address in Southam Street, but they soon returned to Cornwall. In 1881 census they were just married and shown living with her parents in St Stephens. Tom was a china-clay labourer and may well have worked with her brother Felix (he had worked as a bricklayer in London, an end-product of clay-production). They were not in UK for 1891 census because they travelled across to USA that year and can be seen in Michigan in 1900 census there. Both her parents died in 1897 & 1899 and they went home in 1900, returning to USA with her sister Ellen to work with them as a servant. It may have been the deaths of her brothers Samuel and George which brought them back to England in 1902, and they can be seen back in Roche in 1911 census, Tom back to mining clay (he had mined iron in Michigan). He died aged 56 in 1916 and Alma 1924 aged 65. Tom was buried in an unconsecrated plot in Nanpean Cemetery, Alma in Roche, giving home address as Enniscaven, St Dennis. 1921 census showed them there, and as Tom was still alive, albeit retired, I had to discount the death record I had. I think the burial in 1948 aged 88 may be the one, in which case he was widowed for 26 years, some of which may have been spent in Bodmin Mental Hospital (including 1939 Register).

Ambrose Manhire was born 23 May 1894 in Nanpean to Felix and Annie nee Bullock, 4th of 12 births, although 4 died in infancy. He can be seen in 1901 & 1911 censuses at Carbis, Roche with parents and sibs, in the latter a 16-year-old labourer. In WW1 he was in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and earned 2 medals. He was obviously a forthright character as he appeared in a newspaper in 1912 when he was 18, summoning a neighbour Frederick Wilton for assault when he had been accusing local children of fighting and Frederick attacked him. Frederick was found guilty and fined, but this may have been why Ambrose moved to Swindon after returning from the war, rather than Cornwall. It was here that in 1920 he married Dorothy Wakefield and 1921 census showed them there at 16 Turner Street, with Dorothy's parents and baby Roderick. Ambrose and his father-in-law Albert both worked for a builder in Swindon, Albert as a carpenter, Ambrose as bricklayer. Both wives had Home Duties. They had another son Ashley 10 years later and 1939 Register has a closed line between these two, so suggests another child, Brian fits the bill, born 1924 in Swindon and he may be still alive.

Annie Jane Manhire There had been a baby called Annie born to William and Eliza nee Bennetts in Jul 1883 but unfortunately she died aged 6 months and, as was the custom at this time, the name was recycled and used again in 1888, this time with the addition of a middle name. She was born 28 Aug 1888 at 5 Adelaide Street, Camborne, Cornwall, but she left these shores for USA to marry fellow cornishman Ernest William Cecil White, who paid her passage from Southampton on the "Majestic" 4-10 Jul 1923, to settle in Michigan. They were soon married, but after 10 years she returned to these shores, and Ernest died 4 years later in Utah. She lived in Camborne for the rest of her life and died there in 1978. 2017 update: They settled in Michigan, but looks like they had no luck with children. Only one birth is registered, Janett born Jul 1928 but died 6 months later of a heart condition. The 1930 census showed they had moved to Detroit and Ernest was working as an inspector in the car factory. Evidently Annie was unhappy and returned to England in 1933, then Ernest died 1937, so she can be seen in 1939 Register as a widow, living at 3 Carclew View, Truro, working as Housekeeper to a Marine Engineer. She died 12 Mar 1978 in Camborne aged 89. I know she didn't come home until 1923 so wasn't on the 1921 census, but have studied her again as her story is interesting. And also very similar to that of our next chap:

Archibald Manhire was born 6 Oct 1869 in St Stephen to John and Harriet nee Best, 3rd of their 10 (although 3 died in infancy). He can be seen in 1871 at Higher Colevreath, 1881 Hensbarrow, then Bonney all in the St Austell area, with parents & siblings, in the latter aged 21 a clay labourer. In 1897 in St Austell he married Rosina Barber and 3 years later they emigrated to USA with 3 little children. But although they were away for 1901 census, they soon returned and had 3 more children in Cornwall. In 1911 they were at Shilton, Stenalees, Ambrose an "engine man". 1921 census showed them at the same address with the 5 boys, Archibald an engine driver at a clay works, 4 sons labourers for clay companies and the youngest at school. Unfortunately Archibald met a dramatic end the following year, in a mine accident; a classic collapse of the area he was working on, breaking his spine. He was rescued and transported to hospital but died several days later, aged 52. So in 1939 Register, Rose was alone, a widow with one son remaining Joseph John. She died in 1959 aged 85

6th May 2023

William James Leslie Bevill Knight (known generally as Leslie) was born 6 Feb 1896 in Lanlivery to Woodman & Elizabeth née Ashton. He can be seen in 1901 census at Penpell, Lanlivery with parents, sibs & a servant, then moved with them to Kent, as he is next seen in Hadlow, Tonbridge with parents & sibs in 1911. In 1929 in Eastbourne, Sussex he married Marjorie Grace Bullock, born in the Croydon area, living in Staplehurst. As far as I can see they had just one daughter Shirley, born in 1931. The 1939 Register shows the three of them at a house called Allegheny, Common Lane, Ditchling, nr Chailey, Sussex. In 1939 Leslie was working as a "Miller's Representative". Marjorie was UDD, and Shirley's file is closed, as she may still be alive. I suspect she married John Gillam in Tonbridge, but can't tell without sight of the certificate. I suspect Leslie and Marjorie retired some 30 miles to the east as Leslie died in Hailsham in 1971 (aged 75) and Marjorie in Lewes in 1978 (aged 80). 1921 census showed him at Roughway, Plaxtol with mother and siblings - see Reginald, Hilda, Kate below - assisting mother on the farm.

Yvonne Eugenie Marjorie Knight was born 18 Sep 1900 at Penpell to Woodman & Elizabeth née Ashton. The final child, she appeared to have received all the names left over from the previous 10! She can be seen in census of 1901 (as Marjorie) at Penpell with parents, sibs & a farm labourer/servant then in 1911 (also as Marjorie) in Hadlow, Tonbridge with parents & sibs. On 20 Apr 1921 at St Dunstan's she married Frank Sidney Pritchard, local boy, who can be seen in 1911 census living with his uncle in High Street, Hadlow. Both were clerks at Kenwood & Court's Close Brewery located in this road. Yvonne & Frank settled in Sevenoaks for a few years and had 2 sons there, although the second, Philip, only lived for one day (at the Foye Nursing Home, Pembroke Road) and by the time the third child Christopher was born in 1929 they had moved to Tonbridge. Frank was by then Manager of an Insurance Brokers. Yvonne was UDD, son Guy at school and one closed record - probably Christopher as he died in 2007 and this information has probably not filtered through yet. On 1 Aug 1977 Yvonne died in the Westminster area of London, giving home address of 22 Stack House, Ebury Street. When Frank died 4 years later aged 87 he gave the same home address but his death was registered in Canterbury (just to confuse matters!) 1921 census showed them a few weeks after marriage, Frank an insurance broker & employer, Yvonne school teacher in Sevenoaks. Their address is interesting - called "Wilderness Farm, Seal" I knew of the Wildernesse, as I grew up in Kent, but it requires a little explanation: It is a large estate dating from at least 1327, when this part of the Wealden forest was cleared. It changed hands many times over the centuries and was developed in living memory into a country club, golf club and residential estate.

Zerua Rosina Knight was so mis-spelled! born 18 Nov 1854 at Molinnis, St Austell. She can be seen on the census of 1861 staying with her grandparents & uncles (as Arusena/Frusena), then in 1871 at Molinnis with parents & 4 of her 9 sibs (as Vernah - but then her baby sister Oretta is recorded as Horatio!). She married John Bennetts 31st Jan 1877 at the local church in Treverbyn & they had 12 children in the next 22 years. They can be seen in censuses 1881 at Ruddle Moor (as Serniah) with 4 children, 1891 at Higher Blowing House, St Austell (as Zerwiah - nearly!) with 8 children & her brother Alec, then 1901 & 1911 at Bojea Cottage, St Austell, where she remained for some years. John died in 1925 and Zerua in Oct 1930 (as Zerniah R). Her gravestone reads: "In Loving Memory of John beloved husband of Zeruah Bennetts who died at Bojea on December 25th 1925 (!) aged 71 years... Also Zeruah Roseina wife of the above who died November 2nd 1930 aged 75". 1921 census showed them at Bojea with 3 "children", John a 66-year-old clay labourer and Zerua (as Zeruiah) Home Duties. Son Frank 32 and Roger 27 were also clay labourers (all employed by different companies) and daughter Amelia 21 helping mother At Home.

5th May 2023

Robert Knight4, Oliver's uncle, was born in Apr 1856 to Robert & Lavinia (3rd of 11) and as he never married, he was with his parents all his life, except 1871 census, when he was 15 and possibly in service somewhere (but I can't find him) and in 1911, when he was boarding in Springfield with Charles & Eva Simcock after his parents' deaths. He died aged 75 at Rosevear Road, Bugle and was buried in Treverbyn churchyard 31 Jan 1932. 1921 census showed him still there with the Sincocks, aged 65 and retired.

Sarah Ann Knight was born Jul 1863 at Tresibble, Roche to James & Rose née Common and christened at Roche church on 8 Nov 1863. She can be seen in censuses of 1871 aged 7 at Hallew with parents & brother, then 1881 aged 17 with parents at Rosemelling. On 28 Feb 1885 in Roche she married Woodman Pascoe and they had 8 children. In 1891 census they can be seen at Higher Woon, Roche with 3 children & her parents, then in 1901 & 1911 at Paradise Farm, Bugle. They both died there, Woodman in 1932 and Sarah in 1938, leaving effects worth £55 to Woodman junior, clay labourer. 2019 update: Sarah Ann died 23 Jan 1938 and joined her husband in the grave at Roche, where he had been for 6 years. 1921 census showed them at Woon, Bugle, Roche with 4 children, Woodman a clay miner working in Bunny, one son Harry "unable to work", two Woodman 21 & Silas 19, clay labourers Out of Work.

Susan Knight b Jul 1871 to Christopher & Jane nee Roberts. She married Charles Hancock in Jan 1898 in Roche & they lived next door to her parents. They can be seen there in 1891, then 1901 census returns, at Criggan, Roche, before moving to Parkwoon by 1911. She died in Jan 1934, aged 62, after which he remarried - in Oct 1938 to Victoria Maud Tregaskis. 2017 update: Charles can be seen in 1939 Register with Victoria, her mother and possibly her sister, at Central Corner, Roche. He ran the shop, now a Co-op. After his death there in 1955, effects worth £2114 went to his wife Victoria, who was 30 years younger than him, and she remarried. 1921 census showed them alone at Reeshill, Colevreath, Roche, Charles a farmer, Susan Home Duties. This suggests he only took on the shop at his second marriage (she was a sweet packer aged 16 with her parents in Plymouth in 1921)

Very many twigs on this tree died before 1921, or had emigrated, so were not included.

William Knight 10 was born Jul 1861 at St Stephen-in-Brannel to John & Amy née Rowe and can be seen in census of 1871 aged 9 at Bloomdale, St Stephens. After this I lose him, although it may be him at Housey Farm in 1881, a "Farm Servant Indoor" aged 20. 2019 update:  11 Feb 1811 he married Ann Elizabeth Wass nee Boyce, born in Suffolk,12 years older than William. She was only married to John Wass for 4 years before he died aged 25 of smallpox, then 4 months later Ann lost her little daughter Kezia before she was even 2 years old, probably of the same condition. She married William 9 years later in her home town of Staveleys, Derbyshire and can be seen with him in 1881 census as a farm labourer in Chesterfield, Eckington 1891 & 1901 as horsekeeper at a colliery, along with 2 lodgers. In 1911 he was working for the railway as platelayer and they had moved to Whittington Moor (about 6 miles southwest). They may have remained there for the rest of his life, as his death was registered there in Newbold in 1923, then Ann's death was registered back in Chesterfield. 1921 census showed them at the same address as 1911; 14 Albert Street, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, William a "ganger platelayer" employed by Sheepbridge Coal & Iron Co., Ann Home Duties.

William James Knight was born Oct 1899 in Lanivet to Ernest & Gertrude née Rowse. He can be seen in 1901 & 1911 censuses at Rosewarrick with parents, brother & grandmother in the former. In Dec 1924 he married Annie Wills, whose sister Amy was to marry his brother Ernest in Apr 1926. They had one daughter Maud and can be seen with her in 1939 Register at Woodley, Wadebridge, where William was farmer, and Maud was at school. Annie died in 1976 and William 29 Jul 1978, both aged 78. Maud married Cecil Harris in 1952 & died in 1964 aged 36. 2019 update:  I see from his probate that he died at Higher Woodley, Lanivet, where he had been in 1939 Register. He left £19,365 but it is too recent to state to whom, but was probably his daughter Maud. 1921 census showed him 3 years before marriage in Lanivet with parents and brother - see Ernest Alfred 30th Apr below - aged 21, a general farm worker assisting his father.

4th May 2023

Muriel Ellen Knight was born Jan 1904 in Dulwich, Surrey to Alexander Adolphus & Ellen née Blackwell and christened there on 7 Feb 1904. She can be seen in census of 1911 at 6 Milestone Road, Upper Norwood with parents and cousin Eva Jarrett. [Right by Crystal Palace Park] In Jul 1940 she married a man called Paine. 2019 update:  she married Leslie Leeds Paine in Jul 1940 in Surrey, where I have found him living with his mother in 1939 electoral roll in Wracclesham, Farnham, Surrey. Likewise they (Muriel & Leslie) can be seen in 1953 & 1955 at Barry Cottage, Bat & Ball Lane, Farnham. When he died in 1986 he was buried in St Peter's Cemetery, Wracclesham and Muriel moved 60 miles, across to West Oxfordshire, and died 3 years later. 1921 census showed her aged 7 at 6 Milestone Road with her parents - see Alexander on 26th Apr below.

Paul Knight born October quarter in Lanivet to James & Emmeline nee Cook can be seen in the census returns of 1861, 1871 & 1881 with his parents & sibs on the farm at Higher Rosewarrick, Lanivet. He married local girl Fanny Jane Allen in October 1883 at Lanivet. They settled at Tretoil Farm, having a total of five children and can be seen there in 1901 and 1911. When Paul died here in 1923 he left £100 to his widow Fanny and son George (3rd son inherited as eldest son John had emigrated to USA and 2nd son had died 3 years previously). 1921 census showed him not long before his death, at Bilberry, Bugle with Fanny and George, also daughter Olive. George was a Clay Labourer Out of Work and Olive Home Duties. (Daughter Prudence was at this time in service in Hampstead, London but came home when Paul died in early 1923).

Percy Kingdon Knight - was born 4 Feb 1907 in Roche to John & Louisa née Kingdon, an only child. He can be seen in 1911 census aged 4 at South Moor, Whitstone, North Cornwall with parents & Kingdon grandparents. He never married and 1939 Register shows him aged 32 at the same farm (so he evidently inherited it from his grandparents) with his widowed mother and housekeeper Mary Hatch. I was very pleased to see he was known by his unusual middle name. He still lived there when he died on 25 Nov 1989 and left £141,835. 1921 census showed him aged 14 at West Moor, Whitstone with parents, paternal grandmother (aged 80) and 2 servants. See John Roberts Knight below.

Reginald Woodman Knight was born 12 Dec 1882 in St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth née Ashton. In 1891 census, aged 8, living at Penpell, Lanlivery with parents, sibs, cousin & 2 servants. By 1901 he had left home and was working as a servant/draper's assistant for Joseph Rose, shopkeeper from St Blazey. Joseph's entire family & staff (including cook, draper's assistant and draper's shop manager) all came from St Blazey. By 1911 his parents had moved to Tonbridge in Kent and taken on a very large farm, so he joined his siblings and can be seen in the census that year at Park Farm, Hadlow with parents and 6 siblings. There are records for a Reginald W Knight in the Rifle Brigade of the Royal Engineers, Railway subunit, fighting in WW1 & being awarded the Victory & British War Medal as a Private/Sapper, but I cannot be sure it was him. His father died in 1915 and the family moved to 8 London Road, Tonbridge. In Jul 1923 in Lewisham (then Kent, now London) he married Alice Maud Beresford, daughter of a market porter from London, and they settled in Croydon, Surrey. Daughter Beryl was born there in 1926, but unfortunately died aged 6 in 1932. They moved back to Tonbridge and when Reginald died two years later, it was at his mother's address 8 London Road. His mother died in early 1939, so missed the Register, but Alice was there. If I'm correct, she was living at Keeper's Cottage, Flanes Wood, nr Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, as Housekeeper for Henry Knight (if a relative, not one I know) the local Gamekeeper. Alice was listed as doing Land Work for the War Effort there. She died aged 72 in 1958, also at 8 London Road, and was presumably buried with her husband. 1921 census showed him at Roughway, Plaxtol with mother and siblings - see Hilda, Kate etc below. He did not marry Alice until 3 years later, so she may be the one working as a servant in Willesden (but spelled wrong, so I have doubts, despite the form being completed by her employer).

Renee Gwendoline Knight was his sister, so shared their early years and in censuses of 1901 & 1911 she was with the family, listed as Gwendoline. On 2 Nov 1921 at St Dunstan's, West Peckham, Kent she married widower Henry Heath Hellyer. He already had one son Eric, but they had 5 more children together, Eric passing away just prior to the marriage, aged 13. I have seen electoral roll records from 1928-1935, where they are registered at the business address of 4 St Mary Axe, Aldgate, London. Renee joined the record from 1929 onwards, and it says for both of them "abode Osborne House, Tonbridge", so they evidently didn't live there as such. Henry described himself in 1911 as an "Assurance Superintentent" and in 1939 Register as an Insurance Company Manager (it was Norwich Union in Maidstone, apparently). They can be seen then at Correnden, 36 Dry Hill Park Road, Tonbridge with son John, another boy of similar age, who may have been an evacuee, servant Dorothy Tocker and 2 closed files (probably Derek aged 13 & Anne aged 12, as Audrey was away at school Bedgebury Park in Goudhurst, 15 miles away). Eldest daughter Joan emigrated to USA, son Derek to New Zealand. When Henry died in 1951, at Osborne House, leaving effects worth £19,235 to Renee, Audrey & Anne, as well as a solicitor, Renee straight away set off for America, presumably to stay with Joan & her family. Joan went on to live in Florida and died there in 2001. Renee returned home 27 Nov 1952 and she died at home in Tonbridge 12 Nov 1967 aged 78. 1921 census showed her a few weeks before her marriage with sister Ethel and family, also sister Lizzie - see below - at Dry Hill road, Tonbridge

Richard Knight2 b Oct 1854 in St Stephen-in-Brannel to parents John & Amy nee Rowe, can be seen with the family aged 6 & 16 in the census returns of 1861 & 1871, at Bloomdale, St Stephen, in 1871 he was a blacksmith. Unfortunately I cannot trace him in 1881 or 1891. (He may have been in the services or living somewhere else under a slightly different name - it would help if I knew his middle name, but never mind...) He next surfaces in the records when he was married in Apr 1896 to Emily Yelland, in St Columb, where Emily was working at the time. They settled in Whitemoor, St Stephen, where he set up a grocery & draper shop. They can be seen here in 1901 with a servant, and in 1911 with help from niece Olive Yelland. He died here on 21 Jan 1923, aged 68 & left £1074 12s 11d worth of effects to his widow Emily. She died in 1944 aged 82. 2017 update: I have "tracked" him down on the railways! He was working as a smith with the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway, based in Brighton, Sussex and I believe I found him boarding at Newhaven in 1881 census. I can't find him there in 1891, although I have a document of that year stating he worked at that time for the above railway. He must have returned to Cornwall soon after this, though, as in 1894 he was listed as a Foreman in the Union, the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, in the Truro branch. After marriage, he settled back into Cornish life as owner of a grocery & drapery shop.  The census says he worked from home, so must have lived "over the shop". 1939 Register was after his death (1923) so Emily is shown still at Whitemoor, listed as "General Grocer Retired", with a 34-year-old General Servant to look after her. She died there in 1944 and was buried with Richard at Nanpean Cemetery. 2019 update: grave: Wording says: "In loving memory of Richard, dearly beloved husband of Emily Knight. Died at Whitemoor Jan 21 1923 aged 68 years. Until the Day Break and the Shadows Flee Away. Also Emily, his beloved wife, Died at Whitemoor Mar 31 1944 aged 82 years. Ever Remembered by All" She sent Obituaries to the Western Morning News, and possibly some others. She lived at Whitemoor for another 21 years until she died there, then joined him in the grave above. 1921 census showed them at Whitemoor, Richard a 66-year-old grocer and niece Olive his assistant. Emily 59 had Household Duties.

3rd May 2023

Josiah W Knight was born 29 Jan 1845 in Luxulyan to James & Rebeccca née Roberts and christened there on 29 Jan 1845 by the Bible Christian Church. He can be seen in census of 1851 at Croft, Luxulyan with parents, sibs & a servant, then at Higher Menedew Farm House from 1861-1911, firstly as son of farmer, then when his father died he inherited the farm and lived there with his own family. On 16 Jul 1881 in Lanivet he married Elizabeth Ann Solomon, by license. Witnesses were James Knight (groom's father) and Sampson Downing. Elizabeth's father Samuel had been a yeoman from Lanivet but had died when she was 14. In the census, a few weeks before the wedding, Josiah had been described as the farmer of Higher Menedue, comprising 87 acres, his mother had just died, and his father James was working as a merchant, selling the clay rather than mining it. This was why he was in London when he died 5 years later and left £468 and the farm to Josiah, who can then be seen there in 1891 census with his widowed mother-in-law and 4 servants (2 farm, 2 domestic) and 4 children. He had 8 children in all. In censuses of 1901 & 1911 Josiah can be seen there with 5 children and a servant and Elizabeth died there on 22 Feb 1922, leaving her own effects worth £1387 to sons Vernon, yeoman & Clarence, gentleman. Then Josiah died there in 13 Oct 1925 and left £44, 677 to these two sons. 1921 census showed them there not long before Elizabeth died, with 3 children and a servant. The "children" were 30, 26 and 23, so no doubt ran the farm, as Josiah was by then 76.

Kate Knight was born on 30 Sep 1875 in St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth née Ashton and christened there on 21 Nov 1875 (as Katie). She can be seen in census of 1881 at Bodelva, St Blazey with parents, 2 sisters, 2 servants & her aunt Annie Ashton. In 1891 at Penpell, Lanlivery with parents, sibs, 2 servants & cousin Minnie Ashton, same in 1901 (without cousin), working At Home. Then in 1911 at Park Fam, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent with parents & sibs. 1939 Register shows sisters Kate, Elizabeth, Hilda & Lucretia at 8 London Road, Tonbridge along with 1 closed file and a couple. She died Jan 1968 in Tonbridge, aged 92, I am told living at 50 Lyons Crescent. 2019 update: updates include 1939 Register (no change) and a cremation record. On 26 Jan 1968 she was cremated at Kent & Sussex Crematorium, "Royal Tunbridge Wells" in the name of Kathleen Knight. 1921 census showed her at Roughway, Plaxtol with widowed mother and 4 siblings - see Hilda yesterday.

Louisa Knight2 was born in 1868 April-June quarter, to Christopher and Jane, of Criggan Downs. In 1871 she can be seen aged 3, at home with her parents, sibs & grandfather and the same aged 13 in 1881, daddy a tin-miner. By 1891 she is admitting to 21 and employed as a live-in nurse with the household of Charles Durham, coal factor from Cornwall, in Broadhurst Gardens, Hampstead. She met a husband living in London, the wonderfully-named Frederick James Higbed, and they were married in her hometown of Roche on 13 Nov 1895, then settled in Poole, Dorset, where they both died many years later - in 1948 (Louisa aged 80) & 1952 (Fred 85). Unusually for those times, they had no children. In 1901 census they are at 8 Carlton Grove, Branksome and in 1911 Victoria Road, Parkstone. Both of these places are regions of Poole. The interesting thing about their address in 1911 is the house name is Criggan, so they must have named it themselves after the place she was born - a nice touch. 2017 update: 1939 Register shows her at 69 Victoria Road, Poole (as 1911, the house they named Criggan after where she was born). Louisa & Frederick can be seen alone in the household, UDD & Retired Gardener respectively (they were 70) and still lived there at their deaths, Louisa 13 Apr 1948 just 5 days off her 80th birthday, and Frederick in the General Hospital 26 Feb 1952 aged 85. As they had no children, bequests were made by Louisa to a baptist minister, and a bank and a schoolteacher by Frederick. 1921 census showed them at Victoria Road (they lived there 1910ish to 1950s), Frederick a gardener, Louisa Home Duties and Violet a 22-year-old teacher.

Lucretia Elsie Ashton Knight was born 11 Jan 1885 in Bodelva, St Blazey. Her parents were Woodman Knight & Elizabeth nee Ashton, and moved the family to Tonbridge, Kent by 1911. Lucretia can be seen in censuses with them 1891 & 1901 at Penpell, Lanlivery near Bodmin, Cornwall before they left, then in 1911 she is with her sister Ethel, helping to look after her children aged 5 and 2 (occupation given charmingly as "Mother's Help"). She must join the others at a later date, though, as it is in Tonbridge that she dies in 1962.. 2017 update: It seems she was known in the family as Elsie, as on 1901 census she was listed under this name (aged 16) and in the list of mourners at her mother's funeral in Feb 1939. 7 months later she can be seen on the Register at 8 London Road, Tonbridge with 3 sisters Kate, Elizabeth & Hilda, all 4 keeping house. She died on 9 Aug 1962 at the local cottage hospital, home address given as 50 Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge and left effects worth £1847 to her two remaining single sisters Kate & Elizabeth. 2019 update: she was cremated on 14 Aug 1962 at Kent & Sussex Crematorium, Tonbridge. 1921 census showed her with widowed mother and sibs at Roughway. Plaxtol - see Hilda below and Kate above.

2nd May 2023

Hilda Clarice Knight was born 21 Mar 1887 at Bodelva Farm in St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth née Ashton (see sister Ethel yesterday). She can be seen on census of 1891 aged 4 at Penpell, Lanlivery with parents, sibs & servants, then in 1901 aged 14 at 1 Double Trees, St Blazey with her aunt Annie & cousins. By 1911 her parents had moved to a larger house in Kent, and evidently Hilda went with them - for a while! She can be seen in census of 1911 at Park Farm, Hadlow, Tonbridge, Kent with parents and 6 sibs but on 4 Sep 1915 she set sail on SS Llanstephan Castle from London to Algoa Bay, S. Africa and settled there. She lived there for some years, returning home for visits, stating permanent residence in South Africa, but I'm not sure when she returned to UK to live. She died at 8 London Road, Tonbridge on 13 Dec 1943 aged 56, which was where her mother had died 4 years previously. She left effects worth £430 to her eldest sister Kate.2017 update: I found her on 1939 Register at what had been her parents' house 8 London Road, Tonbridge, Kent with sisters Kate, Elizabeth & Lucretia, also one closed file and another couple. It confirmed her exact date of birth and the fact that she had no occupation other than domestic. She died there 4 years later. 1921 census showed her at Roughway Farm, Plaxtol, Kent with mother and sibs. Elizabeth was employer and farmer - I suspect it was her sons she employed, as they were listed as Assisting Mother, the girls with Home Duties.[Nowadays this is a very prestigious fruit farm with its own website etc] On the subject of South Africa, it does look as though she may only have been out there for 3 years 1915-18, going at her father's death but unable to return as it was Wartime.

James Helman Knight born 15 Oct 1862 at St Blazey to Nicholas & Sophia nee Helman (hence middle name). I think I have tracked him down in 1891 census, working in Holborn, London as a warehouseman. In Oct 1898, though, he was back in the West Country, marrying Mary Minear (a surname which appears in many forms, meaning she may have been distantly related to Richard Manhire, the link relative in this tree, Jessie's grandfather, who married Tahpenes Knight in 1877). In 1901 census they can be seen at Trevissey (possibly Tregonissey - it is virtually illegible), St Austell, living with Mary's father John, retired farmer. James is described as "House Carpenter, employer". By 1911 John Minear had died and they had moved to Bay View, Carclaze, part of St Austell, with niece Marion Richards, who was at school. James was still Carpenter, employer. In 1939 Register they can be seen at 20 Alexander Road, St Austell with an Emily Warne, widowed UDD. James died in 1953 aged 90 . 1921 census showed them at Highfield Avenue, St Austell, visiting Emily and her husband (still alive at this point and a decorator, so possibly a colleague). James was a self-employed carpenter and there was also in this household a 24-year-old school teacher from Sussex, working in Cornwall.

John Hocken Knight was born Jul 1846 in Luxulyan to Joseph & Priscilla née Hocken. He can be seen in census of 1841 at Higher Menadew, Luxulyan with parents, brother & 3 servants, then I suspect he was working as a farm servant in 1851 at Lower Tregunnon Farm, Altarnum. In 1871 he was back home, with his mother, sibs & servant. When Joseph died in 1858 Priscilla had taken on the family business - they were Coal & Manure Merchants, a very lucrative trade in those days . In Oct 1873 in Luxulyan he married Elizabeth Jane Knight, daughter of a merchant, from Higher Menadew (not related, that I can see). By 1881 census he had moved the business to Fore Street, St Blazey, where they were living with mother, son & servant and they can be seen there in 1891 too. His mother died in 1893 and that same year he had an entry in Kelly's Directory, describing him as Manager of Wheal Rashleigh and of Methrose China Clay Companies. By 1901 he was at Priory Mead, Tywardreath with son & servant. In 1911 census they can be seen there too, John describing himself as Coal Merchant Dealer (Employer) and he was still resident in 1914 Kelly's Directory (he was 68 by then so may have retired). He died there on 30 Dec 1927 aged 81, leaving effects worth £13,556 to son Alwyne, then when Elizabeth died 14 Nov 1934 a further £350 was released to him. [Total is worth £740,868 in today's money] 2019 update: He was baptised at Ebenezer Chapel, Luxulyan on 23 Aug 1846 - by John Knight! His burial inscription says "In loving memory of John Hocken devoted husband of Elizabeth Jane Knight of Priory Mead who died December 30th 1927 also Elizabeth Jane wife of the above who died November 14th 1934". 1921 census showed him alone at Tywardreath with a servant. Elizabeth was in Newquay with 7-year-old granddaughter Joan, whose mother had recently died (she was Alwyne's child, brother Gerald was away at school). The building had 15 rooms and looks like it was a guesthouse, right on the seafront.

John Roberts Knight was born Jul 1865 in Roche to Christopher & Jane née Roberts. He can be seen at Criggan Down in censuses 1871-1901 with parents & sibs, helping out on the family farm. His father died in Nov 1905 & left him £270, then on 26 Dec 1905 in Roche church he married Louisa Kingdon, who had been born in Boscastle, North Cornwall, but was living in Roche where her father was a farmer & retired police officer. In 1911 census he can be seen with her family at South Moor, Whitstone, North Cornwall with son (Percy, born in Roche). John is the farmer (employer) and the Kingdons are living on a Police Pension. They all died there; Henry & Mary Kingdon in 1919 & 1923, John 7 Sep 1935 and Louisa in Dec 1948. John left effects worth £3639 to Louisa & Percy and was buried 11 Sep in Whitstone with his in-laws. 1921 census showed them at the same address with his son Percy (at school), mother-in-law Mary (Henry had just died), Louisa (Home Duties) and two servants.

1st May 2023

Ethel Mary Knight was born Jul 1881 at St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth nee Ashton. She can be seen in census of 1891 at Penpell with parents, sibs, cousin & 2 servants. In 1901 she was boarding with a draper/milliner who was probably her employer, at St Nicholas Street, Bodmin, as she was also a Milliner. In Jul 1905 in St Austell area (possibly St Blazey, where her parents still lived) she married Robert John Pearse Heygate, who worked in his father's grocery shop just half a mile across Bodmin, in Castle Street. By the 1911 census her parents had moved away to a farm in Kent and Robert's father John had died, leaving him to run the shop. Ethel and he can be seen there with 2 daughters, Lucretia Knight (Ethel's sister) working as Mother's Help and a servant. However, Robert died aged 37 in 1916 and it seems that Ethel joined her family in Kent. All her girls grew up & married in Tonbridge, Kent. When she died it was 9 Apr 1950 at 36 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge. but she was buried with Robert in Bodmin. She left effects worth £19500 to Frederick Heygate Challis, Company Director, and daughter Muriel Airey. 2017 update: 1939 Register shows her at 1 Dry Hill Road, Tonbridge, Kent with daughter Eugenie O'Donovan & her husband. There are 2 closed files, which may be their children, and also a 19-year-old servant. 2019 update: her husband owned a general store, was at his death called "merchant" and left £11k to Ethel, worth very nearly a million today. She left it invested, it seems, as she left £19,500 when she died, but this was not a good move financially as the depression in the years between took it down to a value of £663k. However, this does not take into account the move to Kent; Tonbridge is a well-to-do area and her heir (nephew/grandson) to whom she left her legacy was a company director. 1921 census showed her at 1 Dry Hill Road with 3 daughters at school and 2 sisters visiting - see Lizzie below.

Fanny Knight1 was born Apr 1847 at Criggan, Roche to James & Rose nee Common and christened at Roche church on Boxing Day 26 Dec 1847. She can be seen in census of 1851 aged 4 at Criggan Downs, Roche with parents & sibs, then in 1851 aged 14 at Tresibble with mother & sibs. By 1871 she was working as a servant to a draper & silk merchant, living with them at 52 Fore Street, Bodmin. On 10 Jan 1874 in Roche she married John Hicks Bosanko, local tailor. Records disagree here - I can see on his marriage record at Roche he is described as bachelor, but there is a previous marriage at St Columb Minor in 1871 to a Melinda Giles, who died a year later, so he should be down as a widower. I have no doubts I have the correct guy, with a unique name like that! (Hicks was his mother's maiden-name by the way). In 1881 census Fanny is at Hallew, Roche with 4 children. Unfortunately John died aged 44 and was buried on 26 Nov 1885 in Roche churchyard. Fanny had 4 young children and was expecting a 4th, Hart, who was born the following July. In the next census she is still at Hallew, with 6 children and a lodger John Hill. Now there seems to have been a little scandal here, as the youngest child was born 22 Sep 1890 and was given the name John Charles Hill Bosanko, christened 19 Dec 1890 with the father's name field blank. She did eventually marry John Hill but not until the child was 3 years old, when his name was changed to John Charles Hill & he was known as Charlie. In 1901 & 1911 censuses they were still at Hallew with 4 children, then 2, at home, John working as a China Clay Labourer and all the boys following his example. John died there aged 67 on 19 Aug 1927. Meanwhile, Fanny died aged 86 in Jan 1933 and was buried on 11 Feb 1933 in the Council Cemetery in Roche. 1921 census shows them at Hallew  - just John Hill and Fanny - he a 60-year-old China Clay Labourer working at Great Beam, Bugle, she Home Duties.

Fanny Knight2 was born 28 Jul 1852 at Goss Moor, St Columb Major to John & Charlotte nee Behenna and christened 17 Oct 1852. She can be seen in census of 1861 at Goss Moor with parents, 2 sisters and uncle Nicholas Behenna. In 1871 she was working as a servant to a merchant/landowner and can be seen with them at 11 Talskiddy, St Columb Major. When she returned in 1881 to Goss Moor, her uncle had died, so she can be seen with her parents, 2 nieces & a servant Sarah Grigg. She lived there for the rest of her life; after her parents died she was alone there with Sarah until she died in Jul 1942. 2017 update: 1939 Register shows her at Mena (now St Dennis), St Austell, alone UDD. She died there 3 years later just at her 90th birthday. 1921 census showed her living at Goss Moor, Fraddon with Sarah and John Old, a 59-year-old farm labourer. He was called Head of household and she and Sarah had Home Duties. Sarah died in 1924, so that was probably when Fanny moved to St Dennis.

Gerald Hocken Knight the famous one in this tree was born 27 Jul 1908 at Glencoe, Par Station, Cornwall to Alwyne & Edith née Harvey. He can be seen there in 1911 census with parents & Adelina Hick "assistant" - I don't know if this lady was assisting in the home or Alwyne's Office. Gerald's mother died when he was 11, so maybe she was always frail and needed help. It certainly was unusual to only have 2 children. He went to school in Truro, and he was Assistant Organist at Truro Cathedral from 1922-26 in his teens. He left in 1926 to go to University, was admitted to Peterhouse, Cambridge, in 1927 won the John Stewart of Rannoch Scholarship in Sacred Music and attained his BA in 1928. He was a student of St Nicholas College School of English Church Music (SECM) in Chislehurst 1930-32, then tutored there, granted a Bachelor of Music degree in 1932 and MA in 1933. From 1931-1936 he was organist at St Augustine of Canterbury, Queens Gate, London and in 1937 was appointed as the Organist and Master of Choristers at Canterbury Cathedral. He was awarded Associateship of the Royal College of Organists in 1929, then Fellowship in 1935. The Kelly's Directory of 1938 shows him as "Gerald Hocken Knight Mus Bac ACDCM (Organist of the Cathedral) at 12 The Precincts, Canterbury". He had with him a live-in Cook-housekeeper Elizabeth Beechener aged 58. In 1942 his father died and left £17488 to his step-mother Ada & Gerald, describing him as "County Musician FRCO" and when Ada died 12 years later, she left £2631 of her share to Gerald "Director of Church Music" and his brother-in-law Rupert "Bank Official". From1954-73 Gerald was Director of the Royal School of Church Music, working out of his alma mater St Nicholas. He died 16 Sep 1979 aged 71 at 18 Warrington Crescent, Maida Vale, London where he had presumably retired. He left effects worth £12340 . He is famous for writing the song Give me Joy in My Heart (Sing Hosanna).This last item I am absolutely thrilled about, as it was my very favourite when I was growing up, as a Christian child in Kent. My life has moved on now, but I am so proud that I married a relative of the composer of this song! 1921 census showed him one of 70 pupils at the Cathedral School, Truro, aged 12.

30th April 2023

Elizabeth Knight 10 was born Jan 1864 to Richard & Mary Ann nee Stick. She can be seen in census of 1871 aged 7 at Bodwannick, Lanivet with parents, sibs & 4 servants (2 farm, 2 domestic). In 1881 census she was at the Ladies' School, Fore Street, Bodmin with her cousin Cheveletia (see 28th Apr). For censuses of 1891 & 1901 she can be seen back at home in Bodwannick with parents, brother Anthony, a servant & in the latter also niece Florrie Jane Stick, aged 9. In 1911 the whole household has moved to Tremeer, Lanivet (including Florrie). Her father died here in 1915 and her mother in 1918. Elizabeth died 17 Oct 1948 at 5 Western Terrace, Bodmin aged 84, leaving effects worth £3781 to Florrie, who was married to Johnny Morris (no, not that one!) 2016 update: She died 17 Oct 1948 in Bodmin and was buried on 19 Oct at Lanivet church. Her home address on the burial record was given as Cadwin, Lanivet, which appeared odd, but she left £3781 in effects, so maybe she owned both properties. I see that in 1939 she was living at 5 Western Terrace, Bodmin, where she died, described as living "on private means" ie her savings/investments with Kate R Udy as her paid domestic. Florrie Jane Morris, her niece, to whom she left her effects, was living in Cadwin at that time. 1921 census showed her living at Tremeer (as 1911 but both parents had died by then) with brother Anthony and niece Florrie. Anthony farmed and the females did the Home Duties.

Ellen Knight1 was born Mar 1852 at Carbis, Roche to Anthony & Ann nee Pinch and christened at Roche church on 7 Jun 1852. She can be seen in censuses of 1861 & 1871 at Woon Common, Roche with parents & sibs, in the latter aged 19 listed as a dressmaker. In 1881 she was at 53 Wolsdon Street, Plymouth, with sister Clara, both working as dressmakers. A few weeks later, on 23 May 1881 she married William John Hill Trethewey, a local copper miner, and they had 2 sons. Oddly, I cannot find them in census of 1891, although the boys are staying with relatives, even the baby, William. The same applies in 1901, but the fact that William died in Madras, India in 1903 suggests an explanation. His death record states that he died of heart failure aged 49 on 1st July and buried there the same day, but no Next of Kin was stated. Ellen may have been there with him, I cannot tell. If so, she did return to England as 1911 census shows her widowed, living at 5 Spring Hill, Tavistock with eldest son Francis, and when she died there many years later a headstone was erected to both her & William in the churchyard where she was buried. 2017 update: 1939 Register, taken a month before her death: She can be seen at 5 Spring Hill, Tavistock (where she had been in 1911), with a housekeeper. 1921 census showed her visiting a village called South Zeal in Devon. I have no idea why, 20 miles away on the other side of Dartmoor.

Ellen Knight2 was born Mar 1853 at Menheniot to Simon & Grace née Bennett. Census records of 1861 when she was aged 8 with parents & sibs at Polpinka. In 1871 she can be seen at Heskyn, St Germans, working as one of 5 servants (including governess) on a farm. At the next census, I suspect she is the inmate of Paddington Workhouse, who was born in Cornwall and had a child Nellie in Mar 1881, although unmarried. She was described as General Domestic Servant. There is a marriage to a William Brewer, but father's name is given as James, although a Simon & Fanny sign as witnesses, so this could be an error (unlikely). 2019 update: Following Ellen & William through subsequent censuses I can see them at Carbis, Roche, William mining China Clay, like most thereabouts. They had 3 children, and they can be seen there too. Also brother Joseph was boarding in 1891 and a Fanny Knight visiting in 1901. By 1911 William had started up his own business from home, delivering coal, assisted by Ellen and son Fred kept the house. William died in 1926 and Ellen followed in 1928, and was buried with him at Roche Council Cemetery on 17 November. 1921 census showed them at Carbis with daughter Bessie and her husband. William was 62, still a coal dealer, the ladies Home Duties and son-in-law Frederick Blight 29, a carpenter at the China Clay Works. Incidentally, I think I have a few more details regarding her escapade in 1881. It seems she named her baby "Nellie Cross Knight", which suggests father's name was Cross. She died aged 6 months, so I know no more.

Ernest Alfred Knight1 was born Apr 1860 in Lanivet to James & Emmeline nee Cook and christened there 14 Mar 1865 with brother William. He can be seen in censuses of 1861-1911 at the family farm Rosewarrick, Lanivet, firstly with parents, sibs & servant, then when his father died in 1894 he inherited the farm, brought his wife there and raised their sons there. He married in Jan 1897 to Gertrude Jane Rowse from Withiel at her local church. Both sons became farmers and when Ernest senior retired, he gave the working of the farm over to them and lived at Meadow Bank, Lanivet until his death 13 Dec 1932 aged 72, when he was buried 16 Dec 1932 in the churchyard, leaving effects worth £2135 to Gertrude & their sons. When she died on 19 Nov 1949 she was still living there. She left effects worth £1744 to her sons and was buried with Ernest. 2017 update: 1939 Register confirms Gertrude at Meadowbank, widow aged 74, domestic occupation, where she died 10 years later. 1921 census showed them at Rosewarrick, Ernest Senior still in charge, employing both sons, now aged 22 and 21, he 61. I don't know when he retired, possibly in 1926 on Ernest Junior's marriage.

Ernest Alfred Knight2, eldest son of the above, was born on 17 Oct 1898 in Lanivet (no doubt at Rosewarrick) and christened on 10 Apr 1899. He can be seen there in censuses of 1901 & 1911 with parents & brother. In Apr 1926 in Bodmin he married Amy Wills and they too had 2 sons. When Amy died aged 78 on 23 Jan 1978 and Ernest on 13 Oct 1986 aged 87 son William had a beautiful headstone made and erected in Lanivet churchyard (the other son, Alfred, died in infancy). 2017 update: 1939 Register shows him at Higher Rosewarrick, farmer with Amy UDD & son William aged 9 at school. So 1921 census was as above. By his death aged 87, he had moved to Bugle, and the farm no doubt went to his son William.

29th April 2023

Edith Annie Knight born on 29 Apr 1873 to Philip and Elizabeth nee Willcocks in Church Town, Lanivet. She can be seen in 1881 census aged 8 at Lanivet with parents & sibs. In census of 1891 she was living in Phillack Market Square, working as a servant to a widowed grocer. In Oct 1897 in Liskeard she married John Edward C Marshall, who was himself a grocer, so she may have met him through her employer. In 1901 census they can be seen in their own grocer's shop in Higher Market Street, East Looe. In 1911 he had taken/inherited a dairy farm and they can be seen at Kirland, Bodmin, running this with 2 servants (one female domestic and one male farmhand). Edith died in Jun 1935 aged 63 and John moved to 2 Lynstone Cottages, Bude, where he died 22 May 1948 aged 80, leaving effects worth £1903 to Henry John Marshall. 1921 census showed them at Lower Bore Street, Bodmin, but has Edith as Annie Edith and her age 31. This is worrying as she was 50. They had 2 sons rather late in life, it seems. 1939 Register  showed John at No 2 Lynstone Cottages, with several Marshalls in the other cottages, probably siblings etc. and that was the address where he died in 1948. Of course, there is the possibility that the final 2 children were really grandchildren...

Eliza Jane Knight was born Apr 1861 in Roche to William & Charlotte, illegitimate and not baptised, in 1871 census she can be seen at Tresibble, her mother listed as boarder. In 1881 her parents are shown as married, also in 1891 census. Later that year Eliza married neighbour Richard Datson, china clay labourer from Lanivet, in Jul 1891 in St Austell and they had 2 children. Censuses of 1901 & 1911 show them at Hallew, Roche with the children (they had moved into his family home, his parents having died shortly before). Eliza died aged 62 and was buried 29 Aug 1922 in Roche Cemetery, where Richard followed on 14 Jul 1933. So 1921 census was well placed to pick them up just before her death and revealed two more children. (These were similar to those of Edith above, as they were supposedly her children, born in her 50s, but I suspect they were grandchildren. Later: 1939 Register for them shows this to be correct.) Richard was a Clay Labourer currently Out of Work, as was son William, and Eliza Home Duties with Eunice William's wife. Frances 3 and Edwin 1 were grandchildren, despite being called daughter & son.

Elizabeth Knight 9 (aka Lizzie) was born 15 Apr 1879 at St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth nee Ashton and christened at Par church on 20 Jul 1879. She can be seen in census of 1881 aged 1 at Bodelva, St Blazey (where the Eden Project now stands) with parents & sibs, 2 servants & aunt Annie Ashton. In 1891 & 1901 she can be seen at Penpell, St Blazey with parents & sibs, 2 servants & cousin Minnie Ashton. By 1911 the family have moved to Kent and can be seen at Park Farm, Hadlow, Tonbridge and they stayed in the area, it seems, for some decades. Her father died there in 1915 & brother John in 1916, her brother Reginald in 1934, her mother in 1939 & sister Hilda in 1943. In 1962 her sister Lucretia died at the local cottage hospital & left £2847 to Lizzie & sister Kate. When Lizzie herself died in Oct 1975 it was at St George's Hospital in London (only a couple of years before I applied for a job there, but didn't get it). 2019 update: 1939 Register. She can be seen on the family farm at 8 London Road, Hadlow. Her mother Elizabeth had just died there in the February of that year (Register was taken on 29th September) and listed at the farm with Elizabeth were her 3 unmarried sisters Kate, Lucretia and Hilda, aged 64, 54 and 52 respectively (Lizzie was 60) and there is a redacted line I cannot assign. The younger siblings were either married or dead, so maybe this was a tenant/lodger like the other household members, Mr & Mrs Waller and their child. There is in 1954 electoral roll record at 26 Sutherland Street, London SW1, but it is a common name and I have nothing to link it. 2023 update: still redacted. 1921 census showed her visiting sister Ethel and her 3 daughters, 3 miles away, with their sister (Renee) Gwendoline, just before her marriage. Gwen was working for Ethel as a "Lady Help".

28th April 2023

Bessie Knight was born 17 Feb 1857 at St Blazey to James & Martha nee Yeoman and can be seen on censuses of 1861 & 1871 at Bodelva, St Blazey (which is now the site of the Eden Project) with parents & half-siblings (she was the only issue of James' second marriage but there were 8 from his first). On 22 Jul 1877 at St Austell Register Office she married Thomas Rowe, local carpenter and they had 3 children. In 1879 Thomas set sail from Liverpool, landing in New York on 8th Sep and in 1880 he can be seen in Michigan, lodging and working with miners. In 1881 census Bessie can be seen at Bodelva with her daughters, living on "maintenance from husband abroad". Unfortunately he seems to have moved on to South Africa and died there the following year, as it shows on his parents' headstone in St Blazey churchyard. In 1891 census Bessie can be seen at Sea View Cottage, Bodelva with her mother, both widows, and 2 daughters, working as a dressmaker. She has a son Oscar too, born 1886 - 5 years after death of his father! In 1901 she can be seen at the same address with just Oscar, then the two of them can be seen in 1911 at Chapel Terrace, St Blazey (just below Sea View, on the hillside). The following year Oscar emigrated to USA and went into the army there. She died aged 70 in early Jan 1928 and was buried on 14 Jan in the Council Cemetery (of course, I didn't see the grave when I visited, as I didn't know to look for Rowes). 2019 update: Regarding the intriguing question of Oscar's parentage, his middle name may be a clue; Garland is a very unusual name. His birth certificate names no father and I have been unable to find one. There was a family called Garland in St Blazey, but Richard had young children of his own... 1921 census showed Bessie at Bodmin Road, Roche, visiting daughter Lotty and family (husband & 13-year-old son). Her other children had emigrated - I know how she felt!

Catherine Lambert Knight was born Jul 1854 at Lanivet to James & Emmeline nee Cook and can be seen aged 6 in 1861 census return at Roswarrick with parents, sibs & servant. In 1871 she was 16 and can be seen lodging in Fore Street, Bodmin with a jeweller & family, working as a draper. In 1881 census she can be seen at 10-12 Alfred Street, Walcot, Bath (an area I am very familiar with, from my Father's tree!) which was a draper's shop, with dozens of other drapers & asistants. On 25 Sep 1884 in Lanivet church she married William Ferguson, local Inland Revenue Officer. As he came from Cumberland in the North and she from Cornwall in the South they settled in the Midlands and 1891 census found them at 8 Malvern Street, Stapenhill, Staffordshire where in 1896 their only daughter Anne Catherine was born. By the time she was 5 they had moved again, this time back to William's homeland, Carlisle, Cumberland and can be seen there in census of 1901 at 25 Cecil street, Rickergate. In 1911 they had moved a couple of streets on & can be seen at 43 Chiswick Street, Carlisle, William listed as "Officer 1st Class, Customs & Excise". Catherine died Oct 1925 aged 71 and I suspect William stayed on in Carlisle & died there aged 90 in 1944. Daughter Anne never married & died there herself aged 82 in 1978. 1921 census showed them at 43 Chiswick Street, Carlisle, where they lived until her death. William was Customs & Excise Officer working for the Civil Service in Carlisle. By 1939 Register he had moved to Edward Street and died there 5 years later.

Cheveletia Annie Knight (one of my favourite names on this tree!) was born May 1866 in Lanivet to James & Emmeline nee Cook and christened 4 Jun 1866 in the Bodmin area (possibly Lanivet, no record states). She can be seen aged 4 in census of 1871 at Rosewarrick, Lanivet with parents & sibs. In 1881 she was 14 at "Ladies School", Fore Street, Bodmin with 9 other pupils & 3 servants. In 1891 she was back at Rosewarrick, living with parents & sibs, helping on the farm, but by 1901 her father had died & brother Ernest was running the farm. Cheveletia can be seen at 33 Clowance Lane Cottages, Devonport as Annie. 1911 census shows her visiting a friend in Devonport, describing herself as a "Housekeeper in Farmhouse". As she never married and had no children, the next we see of her is at her death in 1941 aged 75. She died on 26 Jun 1941 at 21 St Nicholas Street, Bodmin, leaving effects worth £878 to her brother William. In 1939 she can be seen at this address. She lived there alone, in 1939 aged 66, described as Cook Housekeeper Retired. 2019 update: She was buried in Lanivet Church, where she was baptised 75 years before. 1921 census showed her at a house called Waylon, Landulph, Saltash, which I understand was a listed building and burned down in 2021. She was in 1921 employed there as a cook housekeeper.

Clara Knight was Oliver's aunt, born Sep 1864 in Roche to Robert & Lavinia nee Retallick. She can be seen in census return of 1871 at Molinnis, St Austell with parents & sibs, then in 1881 aged 17 at 11 Menacuddle Street, St Austell, working as servant to an 85-year-old lady. In Apr 1885 in St Austell she married Daniel Hancock, a china clay labourer from Ruddle Moor, and they had 6 children. It appears that Clara had not been baptised as a baby, as there is no record until she was 23, and was christened at Treverbyn along with her first child Laura (under the name Knight, so she must have felt her childhood omission). In censuses of 1891 & 1901 they can be seen living on Ruddle Moor with 6 children. By 1911 Daniel had been promoted to Captain of the Clay Mines, his eldest two sons working there as engineer & miner and they lived in Colchester House, Ruddle (a sizeable house with 7 rooms extra to scullery etc), eldest daughter Laura boarding in Folkestone, Kent & working as a milliner. Unfortunately 4 out of the 6 children died in the next few years in their teens & 20s. Clara herself did not die until Oct 1935 aged 71 and Daniel Jan 1940 aged 76. 2016 update: husband Daniel Hancock can be seen in 1939 Register with the 2 Evas at Ruddle. He died the following year and was buried on 30 Mar 1940 in Treverbyn, presumably to join Clara. 1921 census showed them at Ruddle Moor, Daniel China Clay Captain at Ruddle Clay Works, Clara and daughter Minnie 23 Home Duties.

27th April 2023

Alwyn/Alwyne Knight was born 29 Sep 1880 in St Blazey, Cornwall to John Hocken Knight & Elizabeth Knight and christened 21 Nov 1880 at St Mary's, Par. His father worked in St Blazey as a Coal & Manure Agent in Fore Street, and Alwyn can be seen there in censuses of 1881 & 1891 with parents, grandmother Priscilla & a servant. By 1901 they had moved to Priory Mead, Tywardreath (just across the railway lines). On 20 Jun 1905 at St Mewan, Alwyn married Yorkshirewoman Edith Harvey, both his parents signing as witnesses. Alwyn was listed on his marriage cert as Merchant and appears to have been working for/with his father in the Coal business. They had one son Gerald in 1908 and can be seen with him in 1911 census at Glencoe, Eastcliffe Road, Par. Unfortunately Edith died Apr 1920 aged only 39, but in Oct 1924 in St Austell Alwyn married Ada Elizabeth Plucknett, who helped her sister running a local Inn, the Welcome Home, which is still there. Their father can be seen running it in 1901 census, and Alwyn may have been a regular there. It seems that Ada had no children and Alwyn died aged 61 on 29 May 1942 at home, which by then was Wyngarvey, South Park Road, Par (nearby), leaving effects worth £17488 to Ada & Gerald [equivalent to £576k today!] Ada died aged 62 at the same address on 10 Feb 1954, leaving £2630 to Gerald. He was at this point Director of Church Music and went on to become quite famous. I shall deal with him at a later date. 2016 update: 1939 Register added and I found a daughter! I did know of son Gerald but now know he had a sibling, Joan H Knight, born 14 Mar 1914. In 1939 she lived with her parents at Wyngarvey, South Park Road, St Austell, a school teacher and also St John's Ambulance Brigade member, and I now know that in Jul 1944 at St Austell she married Rupert Langsford Garratt, who had been born in 1908 in Flintshire.1921 census showed him just after Edith's death at Wyngarvey with a visitor, a 60-year-old widow. Alwyn a China Clay Merchant and employer. By 1939 he had retired. When he died in 1942 he was buried at St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Blazey Gate and Ada followed in 1954.

Amelia Knight2 was born Jan 1859 at Polpinka, Menheniot to Simon & Grace nee Bennett and christened 24 Aug 1869 aged 10 with sister Charlotte at the church in Menheniot. She can be seen in censuses of 1861 aged 2 and 1871 aged 12 with parents & sibs at Polpinka. I cannot track her down in 1881. She is probably in service somewhere, like her sister Charlotte. Mother is at Criggan, Roche, next door to brother-in-law Christopher, but alone. We have to jump ahead to 2 Oct 1889 when she married William Bennet Kneebone in Bodmin. It appears that William was an attendant at the Bodmin Asylum at the time and Amelia was resident, whether she was staff or inmate I cannot tell! After marriage he seems to have a temporary period as an insurance agent, lodging with a grocer & family in Fore Street, St Blazey and can be seen there in 1891 census while Amelia was visiting in St Columb Minor. By the next census he & Amelia can be seen to have taken over the grocery and are living there; they have no children. William died there in 1908 so by 1911 census Amelia can be seen there alone, running the grocery herself. She died aged 73 in Oct 1932 at St Blazey. She was buried at Rosehill cemetery on 24 Oct 1932. 2019 update: 1881 census: I now see that she was mis-transcribed and I can see her in Bodmin. She was working in Lower Bore Street for John Cardell, JP and Mayor of Bodmin. as a domestic servant. I see that she was a member of staff at the asylum, not an inmate. She worked in the grocery until her death aged 73 in 1932 in St Blazey. She was buried in Rosehill Cemetery. The grocery shop, by the way, is currently looking the worse for wear, the plumbers who occupied it having moved to St Austell in recent years. 2023 update: the building is in even worse condition, and may well fall down! Such a shame - I have seen a photo taken in 1955 and it was a tea shop, looking as if it was thriving. 1921 census showed her alone at the shop, admitting to age 59y6m - really 3 years older than this. (Incidentally 1939 Register has only one closed line for this address, so no help there).

Annie Louise Knight was born 17 Jun 1877 at Bodelva, St Blazey to Woodman & Elizabeth nee Ashton and christened at Par 16 Sep 1877. She can be seen in census of 1881 aged 3, at Bodelva with parents, 2 sisters, 2 servants & aunt Annie Ashton (after whom she was probably named). In 1891 she was at Penpell, Lanlivery with parents, sibs, cousin & 2 servants. 2019 update: In Jul 1899 in Poole, Dorset she married Joseph Bunch, of Canford in Dorset. So I can move on afresh from here. They had two daughters, in Dec 1899 (5 months after their marriage) Doris Irene was born in Branksome, where they lived over the butcher's shop in Poole Road. They can be seen there in 1901 census, and in 1905 had Gladys here. However, in 1911 they had moved 335 miles north to live in Byker, Newcastle, where Joseph had given up butchery and was working as a tarmac labourer. I don't know what went wrong with the shop and forced this change, but I suspect Joseph was ill, as he died in 1924 at the age of only 46 and the family moved back south. Gladys died aged only 22 in 1927 in Poole, Dorset and was buried on 1st June in Broadstone. So in 1939 Annie and Doris can be seen alone in Sheringham Road, Poole, Annie UDD and Doris a "tailoress coats and dresses". Annie died there in 1947 and joined Doris in the cemetery. Gladys lived on for another 20 years and died there (unmarried) in 1980. 1921 census showed them in Newcastle, 3 years before Joseph died.  He was 43, a "foreman roadmaker". The interesting thing is that he was employed by a C S Bunch on the Ryton Housing Scheme, his brother Charles Samuel, public works contractor. This scheme was a huge development of the area, and it seems is still going on, in Gateshead. Annie had Home Duties and daughters Doris 21 and Gladys 16 had jobs - Doris a "Coat Hand" for a dressmaker and Gladys a shop assistant at the Buttercup Dairy.

Arthur Tom Knight was born Jan 1867 at St Stephens-in-Brannel to John & Amy nee Rowe. They had a son Arthur in Apr 1859 but he died aged 4 in Apr 1863 so they added a middle name & reused it. This Arthur can be seen on census of 1871 aged 4 at St Stephens with parents, sibs & cousin, then in 1881 at Nanpean, St Stephens with parents & sister, when he was listed as a Brickwork Labourer. 2016 update: I have now found a marriage in Cinderford, Gloucester on 11 Jul 1886 to Ann Pick. In 1891 the census is missing but they can be seen in 1901 at Iron Works Tump, East Dean, Glos, possibly what is now Foundry Road. In 1911 they were just around the corner in Victoria Street, still with 4 children (Ethel was in service in Hampshire), Arthur always a coal miner/hewer. The address remained Victoria Street through WW1, when son Frederick was in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, then posted to France, injured by gunshot wounds to the right shoulder, in hospital in Chatham, then discharged home in 1919 with 2 medals and a pension, considered to be "30% disabled". 2019 update: I may have found Arthur in 1891 census; he was boarding in Wales, working as a coal miner, (along with a Joseph Knight of a similar age, maybe a cousin I am not aware of), under the name Tom. Arthur & Ann in 1939 Register were still living in Victoria Street, where they had been in WW1, Cinderford, although it appears to be called Bilson Green Road at the time (maybe Victorian things were frowned upon). They didn't last much longer, however, as Ann died the following year 1940 aged 77 and Arthur the year after that 1941 aged 76. 1921 census showed them there, Arthur a "Colliery Inspector Under Ground", Ann a Housewife, daughter Edith 17 a dressmaker.

Augusta Eva Knight (Jessie's greataunt) was born Jan 1866 in Carnsmerry, Roche to Robert & Lavinia but registered as Eva Augusta. She was baptised as an 18-year-old by the Primitive Methodist Circuit of St Austell & St Blazey on 8 May 1884, when they were living at Bugle. She can be seen on census returns of 1871 aged 5 and 1881 aged 15 at Molinnis, St Austell with parents & sibs. On 30 Dec 1886 at St Mary's church, Battersea, London she married Reverend William Gordon, Rector 20 years her senior. He had been curate at Chulmleigh, Devon, then I understand he was rector at Martinhoe, Devon 1882-6, when he married Eva. Witnesses were Richard & Tahpenes Manhire (Jessie's grandparents) with whom Eva was living at the time in Battersea. In 1891 census she was visiting her sister Lavinia Retallick (whose husband was away) with her son William while husband William was at home in Ilfracombe with their daughter & his mother Jane Churchill. Aged 45 he is listed as "Ex-Rector". This was a substantial property and they had a cook and a nurse. In 1901 census the family has moved just across the park, and a Commander of the Royal Navy has Cairnside, they are in Bicclescombe House, William listed as "Retired Rector Church of England" with 2 children & a servant. William died there aged 62 on 26 Feb 1910. leaving effects worth £1928 to Eva. In 1911 census Eva & son William can be seen at Fairview, Grange Road, Croydon, Surrey, and William is a medical student at Guy's Hospital. 2016 update: In 1939 Register, she can be seen back in St Austell. She was by then 74, living with her daughter Eva Janie Daniell, brother-in-law Daniel Hancock and his daughter Minnie. Daniel was a foreman in local clayworks and all the women UDDs. Eva Janie was not a well woman and returned to London, where she died aged 54 on 17 Dec 1941 of heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. Her husband was one of the victims, on 28 Jun 1944, of a Flying Bomb (Doodlebug) landing in Acre Lane, Brixton. The saddest thing is that the building he was visiting was used to assist people who had previously been bombed out of their houses (he was one of 25 deaths on that day in that building). Augusta died 23 Apr 1949 at 36 Brunswick Gardens, Kensington (which looks to me like a private clinic, bearing in mind that the NHS was very much in its infancy, having only just been created the previous year. I don't know the cause, just that she was 83, living at 171 Holland Park Avenue, London W11, a mile away, and left effects worth £1593 to grandson Edward John Churchill Daniell, motor cycle agent). 2019 update: in 1930 she can be seen in Balham with daughter Eva and her husband, before returning to Cornwall in wartime. She returned after the war and can be seen in Kensington by 1948, at 171 Holland Park Avenue, Kensington, where she lived when she died the following year. She died about a mile away, in what I suggested was a private clinic, aged 83.  1921 census showed her in Finchley, visiting an elderly lady, Eva Jane was with 2 children in Paddington.

26th April 2023

Ruth Isabella Smith was born 9 Jan 1900 at 30 Courland Grove and christened at All Saints on 28 Jan 1900. She can be seen on 1901 census aged 1 at 6 Milton Street and 124 Stewarts Road, Battersea in 1911 as above. She never married and it is only through the electoral roll records that I can trace her. She remained at 124 Stewarts Road for some years and then moved with the other people at that address to 62 Huron Road, Balham. When war was declared in 1939, many Londoners were evacuated and those who remained took to sheltering in the Underground stations. On 14 Oct 1940 they were doing so when a bomb dropped with a direct hit, causing huge damage and trapping them underground. By all accounts it was horrendous and 68 were killed and over 70 injured. Ruth (Ernest called her Sis) escaped with her life but she was never the same again. Cliff described her as "not quite the full ticket" after this, but didn't know any more detail. Rescue & rebuilding took until mid-Jan 1941. Electoral roll records show her at Huron Road until 1953, but I can find nothing after this until a death record in Jan 1973 in the Surrey Mid-Eastern registration district. 2019 update: 1939 Register: she was at 124 Stewarts Road with Ruth Loder (née Roffey), her widowed maternal aunt, and Richard & Edith Stanbridge, her cousin, also a closed file, probably one of their children. 1921 census showed her aged 21 at 124 with parents and brother Eric, Home Duties. 1939 Register is still the same.

Despite the name, as I have previously noted, this branch has limited numbers as there are no Thomases, Williams etc, so it is time to move on. Oddly, the next branch has the opposite problem - there are huge numbers of Knights on my mother-in-law's tree! 694, I am told! But don't worry - most didn't live in UK through 1921, so won't be considered here.

Albert Edward Knight was born Apr 1866 in Lanivet, Cornwall to Richard & Mary Ann nee Stick and christened 1 May 1866 at Lanivet Parish Church. They lived in Bodwannick (part of Lanivet), where his father had a 240 acre farm & he can be seen in census of 1871 aged 5 with parents, sibs and 4 servants, two male agricultural & 2 female domestic. He is also there in 1881 but by 1891 he was 25 and can be seen lodging at Woodly Cottage, Bodmin Road, St Austell, working as a Bank Clerk. In Jul 1897 at Islington in London he married Laura Ethel Trenerry from Pillack, Cornwall and they settled in Plymouth, Devon and had 2 children. In 1901 census they can be seen there at 8 Lipson Avenue, Plymouth just before the first child, Eric, was born, and Albert was still working as a Bank Clerk. By the time of 1911 census they had moved to The Parade, Liskeard, Cornwall, had 2 children and Albert was Bank Manager. Albert died here aged 60 on 22 Jan 1927, leaving effects worth £345 to his widow Laura, who must have then moved to 3a Queens Gate, Plymouth as that is where she died 3 years later, leaving effects worth £4547 to son Eric (an engineer who lived in Warwick, who 30 years later left the money to his sister Marjorie Hooper). 1921 census showed him at The Parade, Liskeard with Laura and daughter Marjorie, a Bank Manager working at Barclays, Liskeard. When he died on 22 Jan 1927 he was buried in Liskeard by the Wesleyan Minister and home address was the same.

Alberta Emmeline Knight was born Oct 1871 at Rosewarrick, Lanivet to James & Emmeline nee Cook and christened 19 Mar 1872 in Bodmin. She can be seen at Higher Rosewarrick in censuses of 1881 & 1891 with parents & sibs. On 5 Nov 1898 in St Austell she married William Henry Tremewan, farmer's son from Roche, and they had 3 children. They can be seen with the eldest in census of 1901 at Hill House, Roche, William farming the land, as he had his father's farm before marriage. By 1911 his father had retired (and died the following year) so they can be seen at Colbiggan, where he had grown up. Alberta died Jan 1950 aged 78 and William followed in Jan 1952. 2019 update:1939 Register: As expected, the family can be seen at Mount Pleasant, next to Colbiggan Farm, Roche. The A30 used to go through here but was moved, much of the life went out of this area and Mount Pleasant, which used to be a hamlet, is now merely a couple of farms.In 1939 it was already this way, William was a 77-year-old farmer, Alberta, 68, UDD and son Fred 29, a motor mechanic. Daughter Mary was married (and incidentally had a daughter called Alberta) and elder son Tom had died in 1921 aged 15. 1921 census showed 3 households named Colbiggan, William was farmer, assisted by son Tom, Alberta and daughter Mary Home Duties and 10-year-old Fred at school.

Alexander Adolphus Knight was born 15 Jan 1873 at Molinnis, St Austell to Robert & Lavinia nee Retallick and can be seen in 1881 there with them aged 8. In 1891 he can be seen staying with sister Zerua & family at Higher Blowing House, St Austell, aged 18 working as a draper. Electoral roll records show that he moved to London and can be seen in Peckham 1894 & 1895. On 15 Jun 1899 at St Stephen, Hounslow he married Ellen Blackwell, daughter of a Gentleman, who was living with her elderly aunt in Isleworth. They can be seen in 1901 census at 66 New Clive Road, Dulwich, where Alex was working as a Salesman in Wholesale Straw Goods. Their only daughter Muriel was christened in 1904 and the document has as their address 147 Clive Road - so they evidently moved across the road (as people did) until about 1910. By 1911 they had moved to 6 Milestone Road, Upper Norwood, with daughter Muriel & niece Eva Jarritt, trainee milliner and Alex was working as a Drapery Warehouseman. In 1913 they shuffled a few feet up the road to number 12 and remained there until their deaths. On 2 Sep 1924 Ellen died at St George's Hospital, leaving effects worth £251 to Alexander, who died on 5 Apr 1930, leaving effects worth £40 to daughter Muriel. 2019 update: The family belonged to a Methodist movement called the Bible Christians, which had formed in the Southwest of England in 1815, and babies were baptised by a band of roving ministers called the Circuit. Typically, Alex was baptised in a "Private House" (presumably Molinnis), when suitable for the church, in this case when he was almost 6 years old. He moved to the London area as an adult and they settled in Hounslow for a while; he can be seen in PO Directory of 1900 at Hambledon Cottage, Hanworth Road but they weren't there long as the following year they were in Dulwich, and that was where Muriel was born.They still lived there when they died, Ellen in 1924 and Alex in 1930. 1921 census showed them at no. 12, Alex a warehouseman and the girls keeping house.

25th April 2023

Gladys Smith was born Jan 1898 in Clapham to Henry & Georgina nee Sylvester and christened 4 Feb 1898 at All Saints. She can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 3 at 48 Camellia Street, Vauxhall with parents & sister Ellen, then in 1911 at 5 Downers Cottages, Old Town, Clapham with parents & 2 sisters. 2016 update: in Jul 1929 in Orsett Gladys married Frederick Charles Outten. Fred was 14 years older than Gladys, so it's not altogether surprising that in 1939 Register she is seen to be widowed.The 1939 Register shows them at 32 Hall Avenue, Thurrock. George, an "Alum Attendent" (sic) at Cement Works, Ellen UDD and 2 closed files, probably their children George & Rose (although George should be open, as he died at sea in 1942 in the Navy, commemorated at Chatham). Son Arthur is shown as, although he was only 2 at the time, he has since died. Gladys was described as "invalid" (despite being only 41) and is followed by another closed file, probably daughter Phyllis, who would have been 9 at the time. I think she was an only child, and Frederick may have died shortly after her birth. 2019 update: on marriage to Gladys, Frederick was a widower, I now suspect he had four children. He married Ethel Lobley in 1907, lived in Ilford until she died in 1926, running a business as a fishmonger. He died in 1934, so Gladys was a widow in the Register. The closed Outten was probably their only child Phyllis. Gladys died in 1957 in Romford. 1921 census showed her aged 23 working as a servant in Clapham. See Ellen below for 1939 Register update.

Her father Henry Smith was born 16 Jan 1864 at 9 Spring Grove, Lambeth and was christened on 21 Feb 1864 at St Barnabas, Kennington. He can be seen in censuses already mentioned: 34 Sleaford Street, Battersea with parents & brothers, 45 Charles Street, Vauxhall in 1881 & 1891 (in the former also listed as a Coal Miner - odd) with parents & sibs. On 7 May 1892 at All Saints, South Lambeth he married neighbour Georgina Alice Sylvester and they had 3 daughters. In 1901 census they can be seen with two of these at 48 Camellia Street, Vauxhall and third daughter Daisy appeared later that year. Unfortunately in Oct 1903 Georgina died, (possibly from complications of childbirth, it was very common) in Wandsworth. On 27 Mar 1910 at Holy Trinity, Clapham he married Emily Kate Cutler. She was from Dorset, but was working as a servant in Clapham. As she was mid-thirties when they married, they had no children. In 1911 census they can be seen at 5 Downers Cottages, Old Town, Clapham with two of his daughters. Emily died Apr 1924 in Wandsworth aged 57 and Henry followed in Oct 1933 aged 69. 1921 census was difficult, as his second wife Emily Kate was visiting in Lancashire, daughter Ellen had married and moved to Essex, Gladys and Daisy, as I have said, were living with employers in London. You will appreciate how common the name Henry Smith is - in 1921 census there are 68 in the Wandsworth area alone with his birth date, and none seems to fit!

Ernest's father Herbert Henry Smith was born Oct 1872 at 34 Sleaford Street, Battersea. He can be seen in census returns of 1881 & 1891 at 45 Charles Street, Vauxhall with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as Apprentice Boiler-Maker. On 5 Aug 1894 at All Saints, South Lambeth he married Edith Annie Roffey, witnesses Henry Smith (groom's father or brother) and Ruth Roffey (bride's sister). His occupation is given as "Boilermaker L & SW Railway" (London & Southwestern Railway)". He worked as a rivetter from 1899-1900 at least, at Nine Elms Station, as his pay records show but it was evidently a much longer career than that. The London & Southwestern Railway ran from Waterloo Station in London, through Clapham Junction, out through Kingston & the suburbs to Southampton & the West Country. Which is why in 1901 census we find him at 6 Milton Street, Clapham with 3 children, his father and Edith's mother (both widowed), a Boilermaker. In 1911 census he can be seen at 124 Stewarts Road, Battersea with 4 children, describing himself as "Boiler Rivetter on Railway". Edith died there in Apr 1936 They had 5 children. 1921 census showed them at 124 with Ruth & Eric. He described himself as Boilermaker employed by Projectile Engineering Company of Stewarts Road, currently Out of Work. This was a munitions factory set up in 1890 in the road, which doubled in size in WW1. Apparently "a leading supplier of shells during the Boer War and WW1. In 1960s the site was bought by GKN Sankey Ltd and closed. Now on the site is Carey Gardens. The factory was directly opposite no. 124 so was very convenient! Herbert died early 1932 and was buried on 22 Feb in Lambeth Cemetery.

His son was Herbert Henry Smith Junior, born Apr 1895 at 16 Priory Grove, Lambeth, 8 months after his parents' marriage, and christened at All Saints on 9 Jun 1895. He can be seen on census return of 1901 at 6 Milton Street, Clapham, as mentioned above with parents & sibs, paternal grandfather & maternal grandmother. Likewise in 1911 he was there aged 16 at 124 Stewart's Road, Battersea with parents & sibs, listed as "Labourer/Porter on Railway". He had followed in his father's footsteps and joined the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway and a few weeks later was given an apprenticeship, based at Battersea, earning 1s 4d a week as Apprentice Fitter. On 5 Sep 1914 he signed up for 4 years service in the 23rd London Regiment Territorial Force, describing himself as Assistant Guard, London Electric Railway & giving 124 Stewart's Road as his address. He served in UK until Mar 1915, when he was posted with the Expeditionary Force to France until November. He then served a further 9 months in UK before being discharged as "no longer physically fit for war service" but no details given of the wounds received. The War Badge and the Star Medal were sent to 124 to his mother (next of kin) and he received a pension of 4s 8d per week for 18 months. This must have come in very handy, as on 20 Jul 1919 at St Mary the Less in Lambeth he married Daisy Lilian Wheeler from Vauxhall Walk. Herbert's occupation is given on his marriage as Store Keeper, his new father-in-law Warehouseman, although elsewhere Mr Wheeler is described as a Rag-Picker, which evokes images of Steptoe & Son! The truth probably lies somewhere in between. Electoral roll records showed they lived at 25 Hartington Road, Vauxhall until 1926, when they moved to 98 Prince's Road (now Black Prince Road) I suspect they moved out to Croydon somewhere between 1929 & 1937 at 114 Croham Valley Road, until they died here in 1960 & 1972. It seems they had no children. 2016 update: After marriage he is the HH with Daisy, living at 25 Hartington Road, Kennington at first (medals sent there) then 98 Prince's Road (later part of Black Prince Road) until at least 1926. After this they moved to Croydon, 1939 Register is confusing as Herbert appears at 25 Hartington Road, Vauxhall with a Winifred (who I don't know) and Daisy can be seen working in Poplar. He described himself as Superintendent Stock Exchange. 1921 census showed them not long after marriage, at 25 Hartington Road, Herbert Storekeeper employed by a food preserving company just around the corner in South Lambeth Road, and Daisy a Dyer's Finisher at a laundry in the same road. No. 25 was shared with a family of another warehouseman.

24th April 2023

On now to what is in effect my least favourite branch - the Smiths! No offence to Cliff's father and his family, but they are a real pain for genealogists! There were well over half a million Smith households in England & Wales in 1921 apparently.

Daisy Olive Smith was born 23 Nov 1901 at 3 Brooklands Street, Lambeth to Henry & Georgina nee Sylvester and christened there at All Saints on 20 Dec 1901. She can be seen on census of 1911 aged 9 at 5 Downers Cottages, Old Town, Clapham, Wandsworth with parents & 2 sisters. In Oct 1923 in Lambeth she married William R Burge. I cannot be sure as there are also no fathers' names given, but I suspect he was the William R Burge born 1903 in Wellington, Somerset. If this is so, they moved to that part of the country and had 4 children in Yeovil, Somerset. Then William died there aged 43 in 1947 and Daisy in Jan 1970 aged 68 in Taunton. 2016 update: 1939 register Fortunately it confirmed all my speculation. William was the one I suspected, born 1903 in Wellington, Somerset and they can be seen in 1939 at 52 Fielding Road, Yeovil, Somerset. William is listed as a Bricklayer, Daisy UDD, daughter Ellen aged 15 working in the "Filing View Room at Westland Aircraft" and son William aged 14 Apprentice Joiner & Carpenter. There is one closed file no doubt 3-year-old Robert, 12-year-old Dorothy was with her grandmother widow Elizabeth Burge at another address in Yeovil just around the corner. She is not closed, as she died in 2005 and her file was opened. William died at 52 Fielding Road on 3 Jan 1947 aged just 43, leaving effects worth £52 to Daisy. She died in the Taunton area in Jan 1970. 1921 census showed Daisy at Westmoreland Street, London, working as Counter Hand at Lyons Tea Stall, Victoria Station. 1939 register is still the same.

Ellen Smith was born Jun 1892 (her parents had only married the previous month) in Clapham to Henry & Georgina nee Sylvester, elder sister of Daisy (see above) and christened 8 Jul 1892 at All Saints, South Lambeth. She can be seen in census return of 1901 aged 8 with parents & 2 sisters at 48 Camellia Street, Vauxhall. In 1911 she was found by the census visiting at 70 New Street, Newington, listed as a Domestic Servant. 2019 update: She joined the Infants of Larkhall Lane School on 7 Oct 1895, giving home address of 25 Clifton Street, Larkhall Lane, beside the park, then the Juniors on 29 Mar 1897, when they were living along the other side of the park at 31 Courland Grove. In Jul 1920 in Orsett, Essex she married George Edward Wilks, Essex born & bred, and settled there with him. They had 3 children and in 1939 Register can be seen at 32 Hall Avenue, Aveley with them. Also at this address was widowed invalid Gladys Outten, Ellen's sister and another, closed file. Arthur is the only child unredacted as Rose is no doubt still alive, he died in 1995 (George died in 1942 but it was at sea, so remains hidden). George was listed as "Alum Attendant"/Cement Works Labourer and Ellen UDD. They evidently remained living in the same house for another 20 years at least, as George died in Oldchurch Hospital in 1956 with this home address, and Ellen at home in 1961. She left £544 to son Arthur, an electrician's mate. 1921 census showed them lodging at 3 Maltings Cottages, Aveley, Essex, George a labourer at Thames Paper Mills, Purfleet, Ellen Home Duties. One of the closed records in 1939 Register has been opened - George junior can be seen aged 17, described as a "Law Milk Labourer". I don't know what that means, but he died at sea in 1942, serving in the Royal Navy.

Eric Benjamin Smith  was born 16 Mar 1912 in Battersea to Herbert & Edith née Roffey and was Cliff's uncle, as he was the youngest brother of Ernest. In 1933, when he came of age, he appeared on electoral roll records at 124 Stewarts Road (he may well have been born there) with several ladies; his mother, sister Ruth and possible niece and aunt, also one Florence Mary Berry, who in Apr 1936 he married in Battersea. They lived for a short while at 93 Streathbourne Road, Balham, but by 1939 can be seen at 21 Franciscan Road, Tooting, Wandsworth, which is 3.5 miles from Stewart's Road. Eric is listed as Solicitor's Clerk & Florence UDD. There are two closed files, probably Anthony and Jennifer. There is a note by Eric's name saying Royal Artillery Gunner and I have found a card dated 17 Jul 1941 with "Para" on it. This is tantalising as I cannot find anything more detailed. 1921 census showed him at 124 Stewarts Road, Battersea aged 9, at school. His father Herbert a boilermaker. Florence was in the same road, living at 12 Stewarts Road with her parents and sibs, also aged 9.

Cliff's father, Ernest Sidney Smith was born Mar 1902 at 6 Milton Street, Lambeth [now renamed Minshull Street, I understand, and just an access road to blocks of flats & garages] to Herbert & Edith nee Roffey and christened on 27 Apr 1902 at All Saints, which was situated just around the corner from there, on what is now Lansdowne Way. He can be seen in census return of 1911 aged 8 at 124 Stewarts Road, Battersea with parents & sibs, and they were still there in 1933. On 23 Jun 1919 he attested to the Royal Horse & Field Artillery aged 17, describing himself as a Messenger/Journeyman Clerk, then was transferred to the Reserve. After the war he worked in Lambeth Walk, as a Provisions Checker at grocers Coppins, where he met Ethel May, who also worked there. They married on 15 Apr 1933 at St Anselm's church, moved in with Martha May, Ethel's mother, at 18 Cleaver Square, and had 3 children - a pair of twins Cliff & Muriel (but Muriel was stillborn) and Eric. Because he was still on the Reserve list, Ernest was called up again in 1941 and posted as Bombardier to the Middle East, where on 31 Oct 1942 he was tragically killed - "died of wounds" - and buried at El Alamein War Cemetery, Matruh, Egypt in plot XIII c16. Ethel then brought up the two boys alone. 2016 update: he was absent from the Register in 1939. This could have been because he was at a training camp prior to being fully in the army (wasn't attested until 1941 according to records) or some other function related to the war. Ethel was at home with the children, as son Eric was only a few months old. 1921 census showed Ethel at Princes Square with her mother and sibs - see 4th April. Ernest was still in the Army.

23rd April 2023

Mary Elizabeth Samways was another of Uncle Ernest's sisters, born 16 Dec 1888 in Chickerell to William & Mary Ann née Adams. She can be seen in census of 1891 aged 2 at Chickerell Road with mother & sibs and in 1901 at 2 Pulteney Buildings with parents & sibs, as Martha Matilda, yesterday. In Apr 1909 in Weymouth she married Harold Frank Horsey, who ran a Marine Stores business locally, although from Surrey by birth. They can be seen together in 1911 census at Homeleigh, 25 Mountain Ash Road, Dorchester. Harold did well in WW1, in the Household Cavalry, Cavalry of the Line and Dorset (Queen's Own) Yeomanry - so appropriate to be a cavalry man with that surname! He served in Egypt in 1915 and was demobbed on 27 Mar 1919 with 4 medals, including the Military Medal, as Sergeant. Following him through electoral roll records he can be seen moving around the area. Before marriage he rented a furnished room from his father Fred (as did his brother Sydney) at Ivydene, Spa Road, Melcombe Regis, then as I said, 25 Mountain Ash Road, Dorchester. In 1921 they were at 2 Pulteney Buildings with her stepfather, then 1922-25 at 4 Devonshire Buildings, Melcombe Regis, (also on the Esplanade, so very close by) when they were running their own lodging house. As her stepfather died in 1925, they returned to Pulteney Buildings for a couple of years. In 1929 records show their home "abode" was 43 Cornwall Road, Dorchester while the Stores were where Durngate Street Long-Stay Car Park now is - these two are only a few streets apart. By 1939 Register they had moved home to the next street and Harold, now 55, was employed as a House Painter. They can be seen on the Register at 11 St Helen's Road. It appears that they had no children and both died in the Weymouth area, Mary in 1954 and Harold the following year. 1921 census showed them at 4 Devonshire Buildings, Weymouth with 5 visitors from Liverpool. Harold was a manager employed by a "skin & metal merchants", Mary Home Duties. This terrace of buildings is a listed property on the seafront, still very much in existence and very handsome. I assume the visitors were customers, as they were listed as running it as a guest house. All their abodes were too large for just two people, so they probably had paying guests wherever they lived.

Sophia Selina Helena Samways was born Jan 1860 in Cattistock to William & Mary née Trevett and christened there on 4 Mar 1860. In the census taken the following spring she can be seen aged 1 at Sandhills with parents & sibs, likewise 1871. I cannot track her down in 1881, but on 6 Jul 1884 at St Peter's, Dorchester she married Reuben Howe, baker who in 1881 had been living in Dorchester with his parents. They lived in the area for a while, as Ada was born in 1885 in Dorchester, but then went to Jersey in the Channel Islands and had 2 more children there. I cannot give more detail than that  as I only have access to census records, not BMD, and they weren't there for any census. By 1891 they had returned, and were living with Reuben's parents at Mill street, Fordington, near Dorchester, with the 3 children. In 1901 they had 3 more and their own home at 9 Friary Lane, Dorchester (on the edge of Fordington - less than half a mile along the river from Mill Street) with 6 children. Being a baker had evidently not worked out as Reuben was now earning his living painting houses and by 1911 branched out into bricklaying. Daughter Elsie had died in 1905 but the other 5 children were still at home. Sophia died in Feb 1927 and was buried at St George's Fordington. Reuben joined her in Aug 1931. So 1921 census showed them at 1 Mill Street, Fordington - just Reuben, Sophia and Daisy as the eldest two had married, Ernest died in WW1, Wallis was living nearby with his aunt, Elsie died in 1905 and Reginald was in the Army. Reuben was a house painter, employed by a local builder.

Thomas W Samways born 1 Nov 1881 in Blandford to Henry & Elizabeth née Foot and christened there on 23 Nov 1881. Thus, he missed the census taken in April of that year and is first seen in 1891 aged 9 at 9 Albert Street, Blandford Forum with parents & 2 sisters. His father was a groom and in the next census 1901 he can be seen to have followed his example, working and indeed lodging at Manor House Stables, Child Okeford. His employer was Claud Portman, magistrate and farmer with a family (scottish wife and 4 children) and a staff of 15. By 1911 his mother had died and Tom can be seen staying with sister Agnes & family in Bradford Road, Sherborne, still working as a groom. Frederick Hawkins, Agnes' husband ran his own milk business and Tom's father Henry was also a groom. On 23 Apr 1913 in Sherborne he married Isabella Jessie Guppy, the marriage record listing his occupation as Whip BVFH - apparently stands for Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Fox Hunt. The 1939 Register entry for Thomas & Isabella was at address The Stables, Sherborne Castle, where Thomas was employed as groom, Isabella listed as "wife" and there are 6 closed files. I don't know who these are, as I only know of one daughter Isabel, who I found on the Register in Horsham, Sussex in residence as Domestic Servant to a couple called Stephen, whose son she subsequently married (he wasn't listed on the Register as was 22 and possibly in the services etc). I suppose they may be younger staff members, stableboys etc. Thomas died aged 77 on 16 Jan 1959 in the Weymouth area, then Isabella in 1976 in Sherborne. Incidentally, if you think there's something fishy about the surname Guppy, please be aware of her mother, who on her marriage changed from the name Mullet! I see that now (2023) one of the lines is clear, but as I expected, was an "unemployed ex-groom", so not relevant. 1921 census showed them at The Kennels, Sherborne, where Tom was employed as "Whip/Hunt Servant", Isabella known as Jessie Home Duties, daughter Isabella aged 5 at school, and nephew Jack Hawkins aged 10 the same.

His cousin William Ewart Samways born Jan 1886 to Charles & Elizabeth née Hatt in Windsor, Berkshire. This was the other branch living in Stables, and in 1891 census he can be seen aged 4 in Royal Mews Staff Quarters, Cumberland Lodge, Old Windsor - see 19th April for his father Charley - with parents & 2 sisters. They were still there in 1901, William aged 15 and at school. By 1911 he was 25 and can be seen listed at Portland, on board ship, working as stoker, one of 100 crew on board. His birthplace was given as Toller Porcorum, which is wrong, but as that was where he married the following year, it was probably his home address at the time. On 1 Jan 1912 he married local girl Alice Maude Crabb and they had 5 daughters; Edith, Winifred, Rosalind, Phyllis & Fanny, then Alice died in 1924 aged 36. So in 1939 Register, William is shown as widower, living in Toller Porcorum with sister-in-law Emily Ann Crabb as his paid Housekeeper. He was by then on the permanent staff of Great Western Railways (GWR), which was Heavy Work (for which they received extra food vouchers). In 1914 he had been employed as a Packer for the GWR at Yeovil, but he left the Trade Union in 1920, when he went to live at Sunninghill, Windsor, with his mother Elizabeth, at Bicester Villa, Kennel Ride. At his death in 1957 he was living at 3 The Gardens, Toller Porcorum, so this may have been the family address since marriage (a lot of railway employees live away from home for periods of time, even today). On his death on 17 Mar 1957 he left effects worth £226 to eldest daughter Edith. 2019 update: As I said, after Alice's death her sister came to work as Housekeeper for William in Toller Porcorum. He died there aged 70 in 1957, mother Elizabeth having gone in 1940. 1921 census showed them at Toller, William a platelayer for GWR at Toller Station (closed in 1975 apparently), Alice Home Duties and the 3 girls at school (Phyllis and Fanny weren't yet born). William was in the Royal Field Artillery in WW1, Territorial Force, as a bombardier, and received a medal.

22nd April 2023

John William Samways was born in Apr 1857 in Cattistock, Dorset to William & Mary née Trevett and christened on 31 May 1857. He can be seen in census of 1861 aged 4 at Sandhills, Cattistock with parents & 2 sisters. I cannot locate him in 1881 census. His mother had died, his father remarried and he could be in service or working anywhere. On 8 Apr 1885 in Upwey, Dorchester he married Eliza Churchill, who had been working at the George Hotel, Crewkerne, Somerset as a Cook in the census and they settled in Hampshire. In 1891 census they can be seen at The Cottages, Hobb Lane, Hedge End, Botley with 3 children and a lodger, John working as an "Ag Lab (Cowman)". They had 8 children, but one died in infancy. 1901 is the same & they had 5 children, by 1911 6 children but John described himself as a Fruit Grower/Market Gardener, running his business from home. He is listed in Kelly's Directories of 1911-27 as Market Gardener at this address. Both deaths were registered in the Winchester Registration area. 2019 update:  I have tracked him down in 1881 census now; he was aged 23, working on a dairy farm in Litton Cheney. Eliza grew up in Dorchester and they married in Upwey. Then they settled in Hobb Lane, Hedge End, Botley and remained there until at least 1927 (last electoral roll record I have for them). The fact that both their deaths were registered in the Winchester registration area suggests that they retired there (12 miles to the north). 1921 census is interesting as they were still in Hedge End, John running his fruit farm, but the entry was compiled by Charles, who was John Charles, 4th of 8, and they had a family of three visiting. Three sons and a daughter remained at home; eldest son William 34 helped on the fruit farm, Charles 28 and Frederick 18 were plasterers for a local builder, daughter Ethel 21 had been employed as a Domestic in Southampton but was currently Out of Work.

In 2019 I said: I have wasted a lot of time trying to pad out the story of Martha Samways (daughter of Henry & Mary Ann), but she only appears on two censuses and there are no BMD records for her, so I assume Martha was a middle name she was known by and I cannot identify her by this. However, I did locate her marriage in Apr 1891 in Bridport to George Way Abbott and subsequent records under her married name. She was at the time of her marriage a servant in a household in East Street, Bridport and William was there too with his mother and son, having been widowed the year before. In 1901 census they were living at 3 Lily Terrace, St Michael's Lane, Bridport with William now 15 and their daughter Lizzie 8. George called himself "fishing-net maker", although at the time of his first marriage he had been a plumber. 1911 census lists them with Lizzie and all three were "twine net braiders", he using a machine, the girls by hand. They were just around the corner in Longs Court, just off the high street. By 1921 Martha was a widow, but she still wound cotton, and lived back in St Michael's Lane, with 6 rooms to herself!  Her daughter Lizzie, now widowed herself, was visiting family with her 5-year-old son but I suspect Martha moved in with her at Shipton Gorge and died there leaving her effects to Lizzie in 1939. She just missed the Register by 12 days! (At the farm at the time of the register were Lizzie and William, and also John and Louis Samways, who may well be relatives I know nothing about, and the reason she was there. John was the same age, retired and may be her sibling, Louis may be his son.)

Cliff's cousin Martha Mary Molly Samways, known in the family as Molly was born 31 Jan 1914 in Bridport, Dorset to Uncle Ernest & Aunt Beat née May. In Jul 1940 in Lambeth she married George Alexander Bryan, lighterman's son from Lambeth. I have a photo of Molly in a nurse's uniform, so she may have been working at St Thomas' Hospital there - a very famous teaching hospital, and incidentally where I was born myself - and this may explain why she isn't available on 1939 Register, as they may not have wanted the hospital's details available to all. I can see George living at 20 Vauxhall Walk with his mother & sister, working as a "Charge Hand Constructional Iron Works". They settled in Weymouth, near her parents and had one daughter Andrea in 1942. George died there in 1977 and Molly in 1987. 1921 census showed her aged 7 with parents and brothers in Wyke Regis - see brother Ernest W J below - at 9 Sunnyside Road.

Martha Matilda Samways was born 22 Jul 1886 in Chickerell to William & Mary Ann née Adams, sister of Uncle Ernest, and christened there on 26 Sep 1886. She can be seen on census of 1891 aged 4 at Chickerell Road, next to the Marquis of Granby Inn with mother and sibs. In 1901 she was at Sunnydene, Wyke Regis, working as General Servant to a Retired Surgeon & his family. In 1911 she was back with her mother and family at 2 Pulteney Buildings (now Esplanade), her mother having remarried. On 16 Sep 1913 she married Sydney Victor Rogers at the Baptist Chapel, Bank Buildings, Melcombe Regis. Sydney was an "outfitter's assistant" from Birmingham, his father a piano dealer. They had 3 children, the first Joan in 1914 in Aston, Birmingham, so they must have been with his family (Martha's parents were deceased) but then were back in Weymouth for 1918 & Jack's birth. Mary was born at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire in 1922, when Sydney was on a list of "newly-qualified electors" at 17 Byron Road. Hotels seem to run through this family and they evidently owned one themselves. In 1939 Register they can be seen running the Waverley Hotel, 2-4 South West Terrace, Yeovil, Somerset, with Joan, a closed record and 7 guests. (The Register entry gave me a bit of a giggle, as two of the guests were described as working at a "Biscuit Farm". Evidently an error, but was written twice!) Apart from Hotel Proprietor, Sydney was local ARP Warden and Joan Assistant to parents as well as VAD in the Red Cross (Voluntary Aid Detachment) - voluntary nurses in wartime. Martha died in Jul 1968 aged 82 and Sydney in 1979 aged 88, both in Cranleigh, Surrey, at sheltered housing in Rowland Road. 1921 census showed them at 17 Hatherley Street, Cheltenham with two children. Oddly, although he completed it, Sydney's line is crossed out, but still comes up on the search. He described himself as "Gardener, Outfitter's Assistant", Martha Home Duties and the children at school.

21st April 2023

Next is the Link Ancestor of this tree, Clifford's Uncle Ern. Ernest William Philip Samways was born 8 Apr 1878 in Chickerell to William & Mary Ann née Adams and christened there on 21 Jul 1878. In 1881 census he can be seen aged 2 with his parents & sister Alice at what is now 402 Chickerell Road, Weymouth (probably the house where he was born). In 1891 a little further down the road, next to the Marquis of Granby pub with mother & sibs aged 12. On 8 Sep 1896 he enrolled in the Royal Navy for 12 years and sailed on his first ship HMS Boscawen on 1 Dec 1897 until 14 Jan 1900 as B2C i.e. Boy 2nd Class. Subsequently he was promoted to Boy 1st Class, Ordinary Seaman then Able Seaman. Always over the years he was rated of Very Good character, but did blot his copybook once, when he served 3 days in the cells "for smuggling liquor into the cutter" (that quarter his character was just Fair) on 5 Nov 1898. So, he was on board ship in 1901 census, the HMS Wildfire, registered that evening at Minster, Sheppey, Kent. In Apr 1905 he was transferred to Royal Fleet Reserve and resumed civilian life, but 30 Apr 1910 he re-enrolled until 14 Apr 1915, but by then WW1 had intervened, so he stayed on until demobbed on 25 Mar 1919. During his "time out" he worked for P & O and in 1911 was working as a Quartermaster for them, so at the time of the census on 2 Apr he wasn't at home with mother, stepfather & sibs at 2 Pulteney Buildings, Melcombe Regis but 9 weeks later, on his marriage, he gave this as his address. On 5 June 1911 at Lambeth St Mary he married Beatrice May May, witnesses William John May (bride's brother), John James Price, Beatrice Freeman, Martha Matilda Samways (groom's sister) and Alice May (another of bride's sisters). They had 5 children, the first born in Lambeth, but after this they moved back to Dorset, having the others in the Weymouth area (except Jack, who may have come as somewhat of a surprise when they were in Wales). As I said, he re-enlisted 1915-19, but was then demobbed and can be seen in 1920 Kelly's directory listed in Wyke Regis as an insurance agent then again in 1931 & 1935. 1939 Register found them at 17 Sunnyside Road, Weymouth, with daughter Martha Mary only left at home (she was 25 and manageress of a confectionery). Ern was described as "Prudential agent, retired and ARP Warden", Beat as UDD & ARP Warden. As I noted when I studied Beat herself, after Ern died in Jul 1953 she soon went off to America to stay with her daughter Daphne for almost a year. Daphne had married in 1946 but I cannot see travel for her until 1956, then her mother went out to stay on 14 Nov 1958, returning on 10 Sep 1959. I postulated there may be birth of a child involved, but I cannot find any. 1921 census showed them at 9 Sunnyside Road, Wyke Regis, see son Ern below.

Frank/Froud Samways was born Jul 1893 in Alverstoke to Edward and his 2nd wife Annie née Froud. He grew up as an only child, his youngest (half) sibling being 15 years older than him. I have just discovered that he was christened Froud, which is rather lovely (and Froud Samways is very Tolkienesque!), and of course his mother's maiden name. He was named thus in 1911 census, at Fleet End, with parents. Edward died Jan 1918 aged 88 and Annie followed in 1937. So Froud  can be seen in censuses of 1901 & 1911 at Fleet End, Warsash, near Southampton, in the latter listed as Carpenter's Apprentice. I see that he married in 1920 to Leah Hoskins in Poole, Dorset and they can be seen the following year at "Majorca Pines Road",  Parkstone - which I cannot locate now - he listed as Frank, working as General Labourer at the local Electrical Power Station. By 1939 Register they can be seen at 2 Hilda Road, Poole [nowadays a bungalow 1.4 miles away] and they had a daughter Barbara aged 10 at school. Frank described himself as "Electrical Jointers Mate" and Leah as UDD. Although he was evidently known as Frank, he called his daughter Barbara Wintle Samways - but I suppose it was only a middle name and gave her a choice.

Helena Samways was twin to Barbara (see 19th April below) so her story was exactly the same until Barbara's marriage in 1823. The following year Oct 1924 in Easthampstead she married Edward E Greenough, cattleman, and they settled in Windsor. Unfortunately Helena died in Apr 1929 having their only child Raymond. He survived, at least until he was 20. So 1921 census showed her with mother and twin sister at 1 Bicester Cottages, Sunninghill, Berkshire. Both twins were clerk/bookkepers but Helena employed by Budgens grocers in High Street, Ascot - which is still there, it seems! Unfortunately she did not survive to feature in 1939 Register, but the son she died having can be seen with his father, stepmother and grandmother in Hemel Hempstead.

Jane Samways (Ern's aunt) was born Jan 1860 in Weymouth to Edward & Martha and christened 5 Feb at Holy Trinity. See Alice below for the early years, but in 1881 census she can be seen at Lorton House, Weymouth, working as a Cook/Servant for Rev John Moore Bridge, clergyman, & his family. On 26 Jun 1888 at Alverstoke, Hampshire she married William Valentine Pack, blacksmith and armourer in the Royal Navy and they had 3 sons. I have his record here, involving 17 expeditions on a variety of vessels between 1878 & 1906, and he is very similar to Uncle Ernest in that his behaviour was "exemplary" except on 2 occasions when he was thrown in the cells for misbehaviour - both dated 31st December - 1885 & 1886 - enjoying New Year a little too well? In 1891 census Jane can be seen visiting a fellow Mariner in Alverstoke with little son William. William senior was at sea aboard SS Alexandria. In 1901 they can be seen living at 91 Queens Road, Alverstoke with 3 sons, William John Bartlett Pack, Louis Edward James Pack and Gerald Alfred Alexander Pack - nice names. George Victor S Pack died aged 3 months in Apr 1900. Father William Valentine (yes he was born 14 Feb) was receiving a Royal Navy pension but also working as a dockyard labourer, as he evidently enjoyed physical work. In 1903 William sailed again on 3 final expeditions and the family relocated to Hove, Sussex. He finally left the services in 1906 and in 1911 they can be seen at 26 Stirling Place, Hove with son Gerald & 3 boarders. On 13 Apr 1925 he died aged 67 at the same house, leaving effects worth £367 to Jane. 2019 update: I have found her death in Hove, just missing the Register by dying in Jan 1939 aged 78. Husband William died 14 years earlier. 1921 census showed them at 26 Stirling Place, and by this time the sons had left home (one died in infancy), although they shared the house with a storekeeper from Yorkshire and his family.

20th April 2023

Dorothy Samways was born Feb 1900 in Blandford Forum to Henry & Elizabeth née Foot, brother of Charley, and christened there on 2 Mar 1900. In 1901 census she can be seen at 4 Boundary View with parents & sibs then in 1911 at Bradford Road, Sherborne with sister Agnes & family (also their father). In Jul 1919 in Sherborne she married William Stanley Yeomans, who had been born in Lancashire but brought up in Wales, where he worked on the railways for Great Western, as a cleaner of Cardiff station, since the age of 16. He served in WW1 as private, in 13th battalion Welsh Regiment, transferring to the Royal Army Service Corps in 1917, discharged in 1919 with British War Medal & Victory Medal. As far as I can see they had no children. In 1939 Register they can be seen at 165 Mackintosh Place, Cardiff, where William was a Motor Mechanic and Dorothy UDD. This was where they died, Dorothy in Jan 1972 and William 4 Jan 1974. I see that 1939 Register is just the same (i.e. the redacted lines still closed) but 1921 shows two sons, so this is probably them. They were at the same address; 165 Mackintosh Place, Cardiff, with William's parents and siblings, he an Iron Moulder at a local foundry. The children were William Frederick, 15 months and Richard Stanley newborn. (Both of them have died since, aged 87 & 69)

Edward Richard Samways was Uncle Ernest's brother, born to William & Mary Ann née Adams on 11 Mar 1882 in Chickerell, and christened there at St Mary's on 30 Apr 1882. He can be seen aged 9 in census of 1891 at Chickerell Road [next to the Marquis pub, see below] with mother & sibs. On 28 Aug 1899 he joined the Royal Navy, signing on for 12 years. This meant that he was aboard ship in thee next census, i.e. HMS Camperdown, moored in Portsmouth. He didn't stay very long on each ship and moved on in Aug 1902. He was listed as a "Painter 2nd Class" at this time; he served aboard various ships on 16 trips under this title, then in 1914 was promoted to 1st Class and served 10 as this. In 1911 census he can be seen aboard HMS Prince George moored in Lyme Bay, one of 100 crew members. On 6 Sep 1921 he was discharged to Shore and pensioned off. There is no mention on the records of a health problem, but he died a year later in Weymouth, aged only 40. Charlotte (Lottie), who had been married once before him, went on to marry again and I think she moved back to Surrey, where she had been born, helping to run a Post Office in 1939 and died in 1949. She had 3 daughters from her first marriage and they had a son Edward 6 months after their marriage. I am told there were also 2 daughters, but cannot find a shred of documentary evidence to support this. 1921 helped to pad out this story, as it was getting a bit thin... Edward was still in the navy - for a few more weeks - but Charlotte can be seen in Weymouth, Manageress of the Jersey Hotel - now NatWest bank, I understand. As he died a year later, I don't know what happened when he returned. His home address at death was 135 Abbotsbury Road, Wyke Regis, which is only a few doors down from the Waverley

Arms, which she managed a few years later, and apparently (according to his grandson) he died of "alcohol poisoning".

Elizabeth Samways 1 was born 16 Sep 1885 in Blandford Forum to Henry & Elizabeth née Foot, sister to Agnes, Annie, Charley & Dorothy already studied, and christened on 8 Oct 1885. Thus her early days were at 9 Albert Street then 4 Boundary View, both in Blandford. On 3 Feb 1906 in Blandford she married Walter Jackson, carter on a farm working with his father in Shillingstone 5 miles away. They settled in that village and by 1911 census can be seen living at White Pitt, with 2 daughters and a boarder from London. Phyllis died in 1995 but Lily is probably still alive, so in 1939 Register Walter and Elizabeth can be seen with a closed record, at 32 Bere Marsh, which is about 1.5 miles from White Pit, near Bere Marsh Farm. Walter was listed as Cowman doing ARP war work also, and Elizabeth UDD. They both died within a few months of each other in 1959, Walter on 7 Jan in Dorchester Hospital and Elizabeth 17 May in Shillingstone, both aged 73. They were living in Vale Terrace, Shillingstone at the time, sheltered retirement accommodation. 1921 census shows them at Blandford Road, Shillingstone with daughter Phyllis, and a grandson and niece I cannot track down. Walter was a 36-year-old ploughman employed by a local farmer.Elizabeth with Home Duties and the children at school. (NB the closed record in 1939 is now open and irrelevant).

Elizabeth Hannah Samways was born Dec 1853 in Bradpole, Bridport to William & Mary née Trevett and christened there at Holy Trinity on New Year's Day. In 1861 census she can be seen aged 7 at Sandhills, Cattistock, 10 miles away, where the family had moved in the mid-1850s before her brother John was born. On 17 Sep 1874 in Osmington she married Robert Turner. In 1881 census they can be seen with 3 children at Shilvinghampton, 9 miles to the west. In 1891 census they were at a settlement called Coryates, just under a mile north of Shilvinghampton. The railway came through here and there was I understand a little station Coryates Halt built in 1906, but it only ever was used for milk and did not survive the changes to come. Track was lifted in 1955 and there is now absolutely nothing there. In 1896 Robert's father Isaac Turner died, and his wife Susan went to live with Robert & Elizabeth in a cottage on the Chalmington Estate near where Elizabeth grew up in Cattistock. In 1901 census they can be seen there with 6 children, the two eldest boys working on the farm as shepherd and carter. As Robert himself died in 1910, at the time of the next census we next see Elizabeth has gone full circle and is back at Sandhills, 2 adult children are earning the household income as shepherd and domestic servant, while she cares for her mother-in-law Susan who is paralysed. We must next jump to 1939 Register, and can see Elizabeth still there alone with her daughter Elizabeth, both UDDs. Elizabeth Hannah died in Oct 1941, probably at Sandhills and the younger Elizabeth in 1951. 1921 census showed her a 67-year-old widow with daughter Elizabeth, nephew Frederick and a visitor. Frederick did general farm work and was no doubt son of one of Robert's many brothers.

Ernest William James Samways was born 13 Sep 1912 in Lambeth, son of Uncle Ern, and Clifford's first cousin. The family moved back to Dorset in his infancy (sister Molly was born in Bridport 1914), so he grew up there. In Apr 1931 in Weymouth he married Phyllis Kathleen Sartin (or Kathleen Phyllis in some records) known in the family as Pat. They had 3 children in Weymouth but I cannot find them or their children in 1939 Register. When Ern senior died in 1953 and Daphne emigrated, Ern junior moved to North London/Middlesex and can be seen in electoral roll records from 1955-65 at 14 Lincoln Road, Feltham. His death in Jul 1978 was registered in the Hounslow area, so he could easily have still been there. Pat died in Surrey in 1995, probably staying with one of the children. 2019 update: both his father and his son were also Ernest. He was often therefore known as William J, and ran a business under this name, listed in 1935 as a "Motor Cycle Agent", based at 14 Crescent Street, Weymouth. All the children were born in Weymouth, then they moved back to London in the 1940s. I have tracked them down in the 1939 Register before they went, at 19 William Avenue, Weymouth. At that time, Ernest was working as an "Engineering Process Clerk" and also an ARP warden for the area, Kathleen UDD, daughter Angela was only 4 and the other two children are still redacted. She has two subsequent surnames noted too (very helpful; I can see marriages to Cyril Wray and then Stephen Pickering, although not her death yet). By 1948 they had moved to London and can be seen in electoral roll records at 14 Lincoln Road, Feltham, where they remained for some years. When Ernest died, his death was registered in the Hounslow are, which was only 2 miles away, so it may well have been here. By the time Kathleen died in 1995 she was probably staying with son Ernest in Guildford. 1939 redacted lines are still closed. 1921 census was when he was only 8 so he can be seen at 9 Sunnyside Road, Wyke Regis with parents and siblings. Father Ernest was an Insurance Agent for the Pru, mother Beat Home Duties and all the children at school.

19th April 2023

Barbara Samways was born 10 Apr 1897 at Old Windsor, Berkshire to Charles & Elizabeth née Hatt, twin to Helena. Her father Charles was groom at Cumberland Lodge, Old Windsor and they lived in rooms over the stables there, with lots of other staff & their families. Her brother William was much older than the twins, so by census of 1901 he was 15 and at school, the twins only 3. In 1911 the twins were 13, at school & living with their widowed mother at another part of the Royal Estate, Sunninghill, Ascot; she was living on a pension from the Royal Buckhounds. In Jul 1923 in Windsor Barbara married Henry W Camm and settled nearby. As far as I can see, they only had one child; Joyce born 1926, although in 1939 Register they can be seen at Crispin Cottages, Windsor Road, Easthampstead, Berks with 3 closed files. One is presumably Joyce, as she was 13 then, but if she had 2 siblings I cannot find them. Henry was local ARP and worked at the Prince Consort Workshop on the Windsor Great Park estate, as a carpenter. Joyce married in 1952 and both Henry & Barbara died in 1971, all in Windsor. 2019 update:  born Henry Walter Camm in Sunninghill, Berkshire on 17 May 1895 he too was a twin. In 1901 and 1911 he can be seen in Sunninghill with the family, his father a carpenter/joiner and in the latter Henry was baker's errandboy. He evidently trained as a joiner, like his father. He enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service, completing 8 trips in WW1, then was discharged to the RAF in 1918. Presumably he met Barbara in Sunninghill, as they both lived there in their teens, and married in Jul 1923 in Windsor. They settled in the area, as over the next 48 years they can be seen on electoral roll records at various addresses close by, nowadays near Legoland, around Windsor and Ascot. When Henry died on 16 Jan 1971 it was at 28 Queens Gate Cottages, which may be modern-day almshouses, leaving £700 to Barbara, but she died too a few months later. So 1921 census showed her at 1 Bicester Cottages, Sunninghill with widowed mother and twin Helena, Barbara a clerk/bookkeeper at Ascot & Sunningdale Dairies. Henry's address was somewhat more basic; Gasworks Road, Sunninghill [I understand the site of the former gasworks is still a bone of contention, although development is planned now]. He too lived with parents and siblings, working as a carpenter for a local builder. These two addresses were a couple of miles apart and evidently upon marriage they moved in with her mother. For more details see Helena later. 1939 Register is as above, but if Joyce is there, she is still redacted. I see that she married in 1952 and died in 2018 at the age of 91.

Beatrice Mary Samways (Uncle Ernest's sister) was born Jan 1884 in Chickerell to William & Mary Ann née Adams and christened there on 14 Apr 1884. In census of 1891 she can be seen at Chickerell Road with mother & sibs - next to the Marquis of Granby pub. I cannot find her in 1901 census - she isn't at home with the family. She can't be far though as in Oct 1904 in Weymouth she married Frank Jabez Smith. They had 6 children, although one died. I don't know where Frank was in 1911, as in the census Beatrice can be seen alone at 133 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth with 3 children. I don't know much about him, but if he is the Frank J Smith who joined the navy on 2 Sep 1907 as a carman from Winchester, he was on board HMS Hermes until Oct that year. I have a death record for Beatrice in 1953 but am worried that I cannot locate either her nor Frank in 1939 Register. 2019 update: he attended Stanley Street School in Lewisham (born in Deptford 30 June 1874) and then joined the navy. He was a Freemason in 1900, giving home address as Whale Island, Portsmouth and he was a Petty Officer. I can see he paid funds to at least 1909. Meanwhile, Beatrice was at 133 Abbotsbury Road, where she had six children. Frank served in the navy in WW1 and received a medal. In 1920 he sailed to New York on the SS Adriatic, serving as an Able Seaman, giving home address as 9 Maycroft Road, Weymouth (confirmed by electoral roll 1921 for both of them). Frank didn't wait for the 1939 Register, as he died in Jan 1937 aged 62. So, Beatrice is seen at the same address, listed as widow, with son William, brewer's clerk, his wife Evelyn née Dunkley, who was a shop assistant in a chain store, selling dresses, and their 16-month-old son Anthony. When she died in the July quarter of 1953, Beatrice was 69 and her death was registered in Hayling Island, Hampshire. So 1921 census showed her at 9 Maycroft Road with 3 daughters and 3 sons. Her eldest (and namesake) daughter was 15, working at a sweetshop in St Mary Street - which is still there!, the others at school.

Charley Samways was son of Henry & Elizabeth née Foot, born Jan 1895 in Blandford and christened there on 1 Mar 1895. His name was registered Charley, he was baptised Charlie, but appeared on census returns as Charles (possibly an assumption on the part of the enumerators, although in 1911 it was his sister Agnes completed the form). In 1901 census he can be seen at 4 Boundary View, Blandford with parents & sibs but by 1911 his mother had died and he can be seen with sister Agnes Blanche & her family at Bradford Road, Sherborne, also his father. Like father and brother John, Charley worked as a groom, may have joined the Dorsetshire Regiment and received a medal in 1918, but with no further details and no confirmation I cannot be sure. 2019 update: He too was a groom, one of three in that household. Armed with this information, I have traced him here to Hertfordshire, where he married Florence Sygrove from Harpenden in the April quarter of 1928 at St Albans. Electoral roll records show that he lived at The Kennels, Kinsbourne Green and Florence appeared there with him from 1928. Built in 1866, the kennels were used to house the hounds belonging to Luton Hoo (big local stately home and grounds), used from 1876 for the Herts Hunt until in 1939 this was transferred to Houghton Regis, Essex as a wartime measure and the kennels site used as an Ordnance Depot. In 1950 the kennels buildings were converted into a dairy farm for Luton Hoo estate, and recently into residential property. No. 2 sold last year for a million. So in 1939 Register, Charles and Florence can be seen at The Stables, Houghton Hall, both working as Domestic Servants. Charley died in Oct 1972 in the Luton area aged 77 and Florence died aged 76 in Biggleswade Jan 1973. 1921 census showed him at The Kennels, Kinsbourne Green, near Luton, employed as a groom by Lord Ludlow. 1939 Register is no different.

18th April 2023

2016 Note re this tree. The reason I am spending time on this branch was at Clifford's request some years ago. He was fond of his Auntie Beat and grew up with cousins etc of this family. They may include some "inlaws of inlaws" I usually exclude but I made an exception in this case and drew him up a tree, that is probably still around somewhere...
 
Agnes Blanche Samways was born in Jun 1880 in Blandford Forum, Dorset to Henry & Elizabeth née Foot and was christened there on 14 Jul 1880. She can be seen in census of 1881 aged 10 months at 9 Albert Street, Blandford with parents & sibs, likewise aged 10 in 1891. In 1901 the family had moved to 4 Boundary View, just around the corner, and Agnes was working as a dressmaker [as with a lot of properties in the past, I don't know how they all fitted in what was a tiny 2-up-2-down centre-terrace. There were 4 adults and 4 children in this family, many had more] On 2 Sep 1906 she married local lad Frederick Hawkins at St Giles, Camberwell. His father Noah Hawkins ran the Old Ox Inn in Shillingstone, a village 5 miles from Blandford, from at least 1903. But Frederick was at that time a groom, and in 1901 census was resident at The Stables, Bryanston, on the outskirts of Blandford. After marriage they lived in Blandford for a few years and had a son Jack there in 1910. In 1911 they can be seen to have moved to Bradford Road, Sherborne - 20 miles from Blandford - and Frederick had his own Milk Sales business. Agnes' father and sibs (2 brothers, 1 sister) lived with them, also working as grooms (probably how they met) but soon Frederick followed his own father's example and became a publican. He took on the Mermaid Inn, South Street, Sherborne from at least 1915, when he was listed there in the Post Office Directory and ran it until at least 1927. By 1939 Register they had moved on again to Wincanton, Somerset, 10 miles away, and can be seen at Elliscombe House, which at the time was a stately home, in residence among the staff, working as handyman & cook. Frederick was also ARP warden for the area and also assistant gardener. When Agnes died on 6 Feb 1948 she lived at Quarry Cottage, North Cheriton and left effects worth £466 to Frederick, retired gardener (he was 67), who lived another 21 years until 1969, by which time he had moved back to Sherborne and lived in St Johns Almshouse, which couldn't be a lovelier place to end your days! They were both buried in Sherborne. 1921 census showed them at the Mermaid Inn, South Street with 5 boarders. [In 1927 I see that this address was no longer a pub, and the licence was transferred to another pub on the outskirts of the town.] Their son Jack was staying with his uncle Tom in Wincanton - see 23rd April above.

Alice Samways (Ernest's aunt) was born in Jul 1864 in Weymouth, Dorset to Edward & Martha née Bartlett and christened on 14 Aug 1864 at Weymouth Holy Trinity. In census of 1871 she can be seen aged 6 at Cottage Putton, Chickerell, Dorset with mother & sibs. Her father Edward was visiting at 8 Haslar View, Alverstoke, Hants and by the next census the family had moved there. In 1881 Alice was 16, with parents, brother & niece Jinnie Stevens, Charlotte's daughter. 2019 update: on 19 Dec 1889 in Gillingham, Kent she married John Stanton. At this point he was in the army, a 27-year-old Sergeant in the Royal Engineers, and they lived in married quarters for a while (presumably why they married in Kent). His army records are very detailed (as usual), but I shall forego the personal description and tell you of his career. In 1883 he had been an apprentice carpenter for 5 years in his home town of Crewkerne, Somerset, and enrolled for a period of Short Service with Royal Engineers 40th Company as a Sapper. He was posted to Hong Kong and in 1886 he was promoted twice; in March to 2nd Corporal, then in May to Lance Corporal. In 1887 he returned to Gosport, UK, and a further promotion took him to Corporal. Another promotion 18 months later to Sergeant led to him signing up for an extension to take his service to 12 years. 1891 census shows us that he was living back in Alverstoke, at 5 Marine View, alone with Alice. The following year John extended his service contract to 21 years, and took several exams; Jun 1893 Electrician Skilled, Nov 1893 Certificate of Musketry, May 1895 Electrician Superior and Dec 1898 Lab. Mining Very Superior (odd names, these qualifications!). In 1896 he had been promoted to CSM and in May 1901 to Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS). On 11 Jan 1904 he was discharged with a pension as a QMS. 1901 census record appears to be missing, but by 1911 they had moved 50 miles east along the coast, to Hove, and can be seen at 41 Leighton Road, with John's niece Gladys Stephens. John, by this time 48 years old, was a Chelsea Pensioner and worked as an "instructor at a prep. school" of which there are several very close by. In 1914 he signed up again for WW1 but only served a year (invalided home; he was 52). In 1939 Register they can be seen at the same house, with a baker and wife, also one of John's sisters Mahala, living on "private means". Very shortly afterwards, John died aged 77, leaving £1427 to Alice. Alice lived in the same house for another 21 years, and died there aged 96, leaving £3313 to two of his nieces, one a spinster, one a widow, who may have looked after her in her later years. So 1921 census shows them at Hove, Sussex John in the Army Defence Force but Out of Work, sharing with a carpenter and wife.

Uncle Ernest's sister Alice Louisa Samways was kind to me by always including her middle name. She was born Apr 1880 in Chickerell to William Murray Samways, brickmaker, and christened there at St Mary's on 2 May 1880. A year later they can be seen on 1881 census at Charlestown, Chickerell, Her mother was the lady who married two Samways husbands, so in 1891 census Alice can be seen with mother and sibs, Mary remarried in 1893. I suspect they had relocated further along the same road. On Christmas Day 1899 she married William Michael Burton, who had joined the Royal Navy on 16 Jul 1888 at the age of 15 and by the time of his marriage aged 26 had been on 28 engagements aboard many different ships. He was aboard HMS Majestic from late 1898 to Oct 1899, when he came home to get married, but was out again Mar 1900 to Jan 1902. After this he had a further 16 trips before WW1 broke out. Then he sailed another 7 times before being pensioned off in 1920. In Census of 1901 Alice can be seen at 2 Pulteney Buildings, Melcombe Regis with her mother, who ran a Lodging House, her father being away at sea (as was her husband, of course). In 1911 they were still there, although her stepfather George was now employed on Pleasure Boats, and Alice had managed to have 2 daughters: Alice Maud Mary Burton married in 1924 to a man with the lovely name of Nelson Atkinson, and died in 1973 aged 70, and Doris May Burton, who may have married Raymond Dearling in 1959 and died in Hastings in 1999. William was registered at Vessel 36 (HMS Neptune), Portsmouth, as Acting Chief Petty Officer. The two girls were followed by two boys: William Ernest in 1911 and Francis Ronald in 1914. William married Dorothy Emmett in 1937 and died 1986, both in Weymouth and Francis moved to Bedfordshire, married Leonie Martin in 1945 and died there in 1982. William left the Navy on a pension in Feb 1920, having served with the rank of Chief Petty Officer for 6 years. Alice herself died in Weymouth in Oct 1933, followed in 1938 by William, who lived at the time at 6 Dennis Road, left £165 to son William Ernest, electrical engineer, and was buried at Melcombe Regis Cemetery, no doubt with Alice. 2019 update: She was another who married a serviceman, this time in the Navy. Witnesses to the marriage were Alice's three eldest siblings and one A L Burton (obviously not Alice herself), who I cannot identify. Electoral Roll records show that they lived in Weymouth in 1913-15 and were still there when Alice died in 1933 then William in 1938. I can't find any of them in 1921 census, which is annoying!

Annie Samways was born 7 Oct 1892 in Blandford Forum to Henry & Elizabeth née Foot and was christened there 4 Nov 1892. She can be seen in 1901 census at 12 Primrose Villa, Blandford with grandmother (widowed retired laundress) & Aunt Agnes (dressmaker). In 1911 she was working as a "Mother's Help" to publican of Swan Hotel, Sherborne. On 14 Feb 1920 at Sherborne she married Cecil Marsh, clerk, who had been living in 1911 at 122 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London working for a brewery. It seems they settled in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. They had no children by which I could prove this, but they can be seen on 1939 Register at Boddington Cottage, Tring Road with a mother, who ran a fried fish business, her daughter, who assisted, and son-in-law an RAF wireless & electrical mechanic. Cecil worked as an Air Service Clerk and Annie UDD. Cecil died in 1960 and Annie 1976, both in Aylesbury. 1921 census showed them visiting a colleague of her husband in Chiswick, Cecil employed by the RAF in their Record Office in Ruislip, Annie Home Duties. [There was another couple with the same names which confused me for a while, but they were in Blackburn, Lancs]. It seems he had been in RAF in WW1 and discharged in 1917 due to gunshot wounds to his right hand. According to pension records he was transferred to the "London Region" in 1920, but returned to Bucks by 1939, as above.

17th April 2023

Stanley Gordon Roffey was born May 1880 in Birkenhead, Cheshire to Charles & Ellen nee Wheeler. He can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 11 months, at 285 Claughton Road, Birkenhead with parents, 3 brothers & a servant. In 1891 he was aged 10 at 119 Oxton Road, Birkenhead with parents, brothers & a servant. When next seen, he can be seen boarding at 34 Poets Road, Highbury, London, working as a Shipping Clerk. On 21 Aug 1910 at St Augustine church, Highbury he married neighbour Florence Emma Matthews and they rented "2 rooms (furnished) at the back of 46 Poets Road and breakfast parlour, which they shared with Mrs Lewis (of same address)". But by the census of 1911 they had moved back to Cheshire and can be seen at 46 Hampstead Road, Egremont, very close to his parents. They had 2 children in that area and I think remained there the rest of their lives, as Florence died there in 1937 aged 56 and Stanley in 1968 aged 88. 2019 update: On 21 Aug 1910 in Highbury, where he was living, he married Florence Emma Matthews and the following year they had a son Gordon, in Birkenhead. He was followed by daughter Kathleen in 1913, also in Birkenhead. Stanley was working for the Post Office and over the next few years moved about with the work as a "Wireless Telephone Operator". 1915 he worked in Southend, 1916 in Braintree - both in Essex - then 1920 in Caistor, 1922 Grimsby and 1928 Mablethorpe, all in Lincolnshire. In 1937 Florence died aged 56 and the family were back in Birkenhead. Stanley moved in with his brother Alfred at 19 Clarendon Road and can be seen there in 1939 Register with daughter Kathleen. In 1947 she married Joseph Davey (Joe), who was well known in Wallasey, where they lived. He owned a venue which unfortunately failed, then got involved in another called The Cavern, famously where The Beatles began and the rest of the story is legend. Stanley died in Birkenhead in the July quarter of 1968. 1921 census shows them at 23 Parkside, Stanley employed as a Manager by a Shipping Agent in Liverpool, both children at school. I see too that he was in the Navy in WW1, working in telegraphy, and earned two medals.

Stephen Francis Roffey was born Jan 1866 to William and Martha in Woolwich and can be seen in census of 1871 with parents & sibs at 29 Skinner Street, Gillingham, Kent. In 1881 census he can be seen with them also back in Woolwich, at 2 Star Terrace, Charlton, aged 15 working as a "Telegraph Messenger". In Jan 1890 in Woolwich he married Martha Surtees, who was from Poplar, East London and in 1881 had attended Forest Gate District School, a residential school attached to the Workhouse system. They went on to have 11 children, all born between 1890 & 1915 in Charlton. Unfortunately I cannot find 1891 census but we do know they were in Charlton as 1st child William Stanfield Roffey was born there a few months after his parents' marriage. They lived in Harden's Manorway, where sister Sarah had lived and brother Harold. In 1901 census they can be seen there at number 39 with 6 children, where they remained until 1910. Stephen was listed in 1901 as "Shell Moulder" and in 1911 described himself as "Machinist for Electrical Engineer Company", and his son William also worked there as a "Battery Maker" By 1911 they had moved along to number 67 and can be seen there in 1911 census with 10 children. Stephen died there on 24 Aug 1916 aged 45, leaving effects worth £80 to Martha, and was buried on 29 Aug in Charlton cemetery. Martha continued to live there until she died and she was buried 11 Apr 1946 in Charlton cemetery. 2016 update: he died in 1916, leaving 11 children, the youngest only just over a year old. His widow Martha née Surtees remained at the same address 67 Hardens Manorway and can be seen there in the 1939 Register with sons Alexander & John, also her brother George (OAP). Alexander was a Manganese Miner & John worked on a Paper-Cutting Machine. Next door at number 66 are widowed barmaid Rosina Roffey, Lilian and William, but I'm not sure of their relationships. So I have included him here because, although he died 5 years before the census, he left a household full of family. At 67 Hardens Manorway Martha can be seen with 8 children. The 5 eldest sons were labourers, employed by Siemens in Woolwich, eldest daughter Catherine was a barmaid at the Green Man, Plumstead (now O'Dowd's) a couple of miles away, the 2 youngest children at school. I haven't followed up this generation as they were Cliff's 3rd cousins.

His brother William Richard Roffey was born 6 Jul 1858 to William & Martha at 6 Albert Street, Woolwich and was christened 5 Sep 1858 at St Mary Magdalene church. He can be seen in census of 1861 aged 3 at 6 Albert Street, with parents, sibs & grandparents, then in 1871 at 29 Skinner Street, Gillingham with parents & sibs, listed as a General Labourer. On 8 Apr 1882 in Woolwich he married Lucy Jane Chilton, who had been born in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, but was working as a housemaid in nearby Lee. They settled in Charlton and had 12 children. 1891 census finds them at 36 North Street with 4 children, William listed as "Tin Man" - not as in the Wizard of Oz, more that he worked with the metal! The next census shows him as "Tin Plate Worker", at 106 East Street, Charlton with 8 children. In 1911 he describes his occupation as "making metal projectors", living at 596 Woolwich Road, Charlton. 4 of the 12 children had died by then, but the family remained at this address for decades to come. Lucy died there in the New Year 1925 & was buried at Charlton Cemetery on 5 Jan 1925. William can be seen there still in 1936, and sons Arthur & Henry living in 594 & 596 over the years. William died Oct 1938 & was buried in Charlton Cemetery 11 Nov that year. 2019 update: When Lucy died she was buried in Charlton Cemetery plot E/CON/327, where there were already three of their children who died 1896-1919. When William died in 1938 they chose to put him in plot E/CON/324 nearby with five others 1890-1905, which seems strange but maybe none of the surviving children objected. 1921 census showed them at 596 Woolwich Road (incidentally next to the other pub in Charlton; the Horse & Groom, now converted into a church and the houses gone). Also a couple who worked at a local club. William was a Metal Worker employed by Siemens, Lucy Home Duties. Only two of the children were still at home; (again I haven't studied them as they are too obscure relatives) Henry was 35 an Assistant Foreman, also at Siemens, and Arthur 16, a "Tool Improver" currently Out of Work.

16th April 2023

Sarah Elizabeth Roffey born 27 Jun 1853 in Woolwich to William and Martha nee Johnson and christened 31 Jul 1853 at St Mary Magdalene church. She can be seen in census return of 1861 at 6 Albert Street, Woolwich with parents, sibs and grandparents. In 1971 she was with parents & sibs at 29 Skinner Street, Gillingham, Kent, but evidently returned with them in 1873, as in Oct 1876 she married William Joseph Holmes, who it says on the marriage cert was a fishmonger. She was eldest of 13 children, and she proceeded to have 10 herself! In 1881 census she can be seen at 2 Manorway, Charlton with 3 children, William listed as a "Packing Case Maker". This address was more fully given in 1891 census as 2 Hardens Manorway and they had 8 children, as in 1901, They were at the same address in 1911 but only 5 children remained at home. William died in 1937 & was buried on 9 Nov 1937 at Charlton Cemetery. Sarah followed 11 Mar 1943. 2016 update: husband William Holmes died in 1937 so in 1939 Register she can be seen at 440 Woolwich Road, Charlton. Listed as 86-year-old widowed UDD, she was living with single daughters Eliza (53-year-old Canteen Worker) and Matilda (47, UDD) and a married couple by the name of Stratton. Sarah died 4 years later. 2019 update: In 1892 William bought plot E/CON/325 at Charlton Cemetery as daughter Rebecca died aged 7 and was interred there on 12 Jul 1892. A baby brother Charles Samuel followed almost 5 years later, then a Charles William in Dec 1901. William was interred there on 9 Nov 1937 and Sarah on 11 Mar 1943. Daughter Eliza Louise followed on 9 Jan 1963, the final interment into this plot. So 1921 census showed them at 440 Woolwich Road with 4 grown daughters and a son-in-law. There was a wide variety of occupations in this household: William was a 64-year-old Packing Case Maker, daughter Eliza 34 a "Relief Stamper" at a stationer/printer, Lucy a clerk/bookkeeper for a tailor, Matilda a tennis ball coverer for Slazenger, John Lower 27 (Catherine's husband) an electrical battery-maker employed by Siemens, all of these in Woolwich. Sarah and Catherine had Home Duties.

Sidney Herbert Roffey was born 14 Jul 1884 at 24 Egmont Street, Deptford to Henry & Sarah nee Russell and christened 12 Aug 1885 at All Saints, Hatcham Park. In census return of 1891 he can be seen aged 6 at 24 Egmont Street with parents & 3 brothers, then in 1901 aged 16 at 58 Hatcham Park Road with parents & 2 brothers, boarder & lodger, listed as an Accountant's Clerk. In 1911 he was living at 44 Norfolk House Road, Streatham with brother Percy & his family, their mother and a servant, listed as an Accountant. On 5 Nov 1921 he inherited £52 of effects from their mother (eldest brother George had died, youngest Alfred had emigrated to Australia). There are after this point several options to choose from - he may be the Sidney Herbert Roffey in The London Regiment awarded 3 medals for action in France as a Warrant Officer (in which case he lived in West Wickham, Kent and died in Farnborough Hospital 3 Jan 1961). He married a Lilian and had at least one son called Jack, with whom he lived at Hither Green for some years.  2016 update: he was discharged from the army in 1919 due to wounds, after appearing in the London Gazette in 1917. Sidney died, as I said, in Farnborough Hospital in 1961 (when I lived just down the road and was actually admitted to that hospital in that year for adenoidectomy). His home address was 174 Minard Road, Hither Green, Lewisham and Lilian & Jack remained there until Lilian died there on 9 Mar 1974. 2019 update: 1939 Register, I have found him living in Battersea, working as a barman at the pub known as the Prince of Wales, now reborn as the Lost Angel. In the years just prior to this he had a business address as an accountant 1920-1938 in The Grove, West Wickham then after the war at 174 Minard Road, Hither Green. When he died on 2 Jan 1961 it was in Farnborough Hospital, Orpington. When Lilian died in 1974 she was cremated at Hither Green on 18 Mar and Sidney may have followed when he died on 2 Jan 1961. The marriage was to Mabel Lilian Preston and took place in the Jan quarter of 1919 in the Croydon area, and it seems they settled there for a while, as 1921 census shows them at 15 Tylecroft Road, Norbury with a baby son Arthur. Sidney was a "Company Secretary and Accountant" to a printer/stationers in the City. They had 3 sons in all; Arthur, Jack and Anthony. When he died Sidney left his effects worth almost £3k to Arthur, an insurance agent.

Stanfield Parkinson Roffey (Sarah's brother - see above) (great name!) was born Oct 1873 in Charlton to William and Martha and can be seen in censuses of 1881 & 1891 at 2 Star Terrace with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as a Bargeman aged 17. In 1901 he can be seen there with mother, uncle & brothers, working as a Bricklayer's labourer. In 1911 census he can be seen living at 33 West Street, Charlton with "wife" Emily and her two children. I have traced her to Emily Rose Lawson, who married Samuel Woodgate in early 1897 & had daughter Rose a few weeks later, then son Thomas in 1903 but Samuel died in 1905. This is all well & good, but the only marriage is in Jul 1915 in Woolwich, so they lied on the census form about having been married for 6 years in 1911. Stanfield was listed as working as a Labourer in the Ship-Breaking industry. Electoral roll records show them later that year at 35 Trinity Street, then 1919-1931 at 74 Mount Street, Charlton. In Oct 1931 Stanfield died aged 58 and was buried at Charlton Cemetery. Emily died Jan 1963 in South Middlesex area aged 83 (possibly in hospital), but I cannot find a burial record. 2016 update: They can be seen in electoral roll records at 74 Mount Street, Charlton until his death in 1931, then Emily remained there until 1937 whe she was at 136 Maryon Road, Greenwich, now the beautiful Maryon Park. 1939 Register found her there, with Frederick Avis, labourer. She was described as Office Cleaner. After the war she can be seen in 1945 & 6 at no. 2 Sand Street, Woolwich. In 1947 she moved to 10 Woolwich Road until 1958, and probably died there in 1963. 2019 update: When he died he was interred into the family plot E/CON/328 in Charlton Cemetery with his parents and brother Stephen & nephew Charles, his son. Afterwards (20 years later) they were joined by sister-in-law Julia Roffey, wife of brother Edward. His wife Emily didn't die until 1963, when the cemeteries were closed, so her death was registered in Middlesex and I can't locate burial/cremation. 1921 census shows them at 74 Mount Street, Charlton, as expected. Stanfield was 47, a labourer employed by an engineering company in Deptford, stepson Thomas Woodgate was a 19-year-old basket maker at a Workshop for the Blind in Kent. Oddly, Rose is called "step-granddaughter" here and is only 7 - she should be 23 by now and married. They didn't have grandchildren, as far as I know, and with that surname she would have been Thomas' child (born when he was 12?). I have located her school records, which confirm she was Samuel's daughter and date of birth is 1897 as expected!

15th April 2023

Cliff's greataunt Ruth Roffey was born Oct 1873 in Lambeth to Manlius & Isabella nee Morrison. She can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 7 at 66 Priory Grove, Vauxhall with parents & sister Edith (Cliff's grandmother) and the same in 1891. On Christmas Day 1897 at All Saints church, Lambeth she married Charles John Loder. He was listed as an electrician on his marriage certificate but in 1898 he took employment with London, Brighton & South Coast Railway as a "Holder Up", based in the Locomotive, Carriage & Wagon Department at Battersea for 4 shillings a week. I'm not sure how long he stayed there as in 1901 census they can be seen to have set up their own business together. This was a laundry at 9-10 Milton Street, off Wandsworth Road, Clapham. Ruth was stated on the census return to be Laundry Manageress and Charles Laundry Carman, so she washed (probably with help) and he delivered. Of course, Ruth was brought up with laundry, and her mother & sister washed. By 1911 they had moved around to 124 Stewart's Road, Battersea - known to regular readers as the Storage Facility (as it is now) with 3 remaining children (the eldest had died aged 1 in 1900). They lived at this address for at least 25 years, and it was given as home address when Charles died 13 Jul 1934 at St James Hospital. He left effects worth £310 to Ruth. She lived there for a couple more years, then after the war can be seen at 62 Huron Road, Tooting, with niece Ruth Smith and Ethel & Richard Stanbridge. It was here that Ruth died 23 Oct 1954 aged 81, leaving effects worth £942 to her sister Edith. 2016 update: can be seen in 1939 Register a few years after her husband Charles Loder died, at 124 Stewart's Road, Battersea, with niece Ruth Smith, Edith Ida & Richard Arthur Stanbridge, with whom she moved to Tooting after the War. These turned out to be her daughter Edith and her husband, working as a packer in a dress cleaner and a fitter. And it was daughter Edith not sister Edith to whom she left her effects on death. 1921 census shows them at 124 Stewarts Road with 3 children. Charles was an electrician's assistant, son George a sub-station attendant for the Electric Railway Co. in Stockwell and daughter Edith at school. I see now that in a separate household at the same address were her sister Edith and family - see Edith Annie below.

14th April 2023

Kate Elizabeth Martha Roffey was born 6 Feb 1874 in Woolwich to Edward & Jessie nee Law. She can be seen in censuses of 1881 & 1891 at 100 High Street, Woolwich (next door to the Steam Packet pub/lodging house). In 1891 she is still there with parents, sibs & cousin. On 16 Mar 1901 at Woolwich Register Office she married Frederick William Rengert son of a German Pork Butcher, living in London. I don't know where Frederick was on census night 1901, 2 weeks after the marriage, (I understand his father died at this time in London) but Kate can be seen with her parents, 2 brothers & baby son at the bakery in Woolwich High Street. In 1911 census she is still with her widowed father, now at number 6 High Street with her 5 children, Frederick is with her, working as a "Packer of Electric Wire". Her father died in 1912, when Kate & Frederick probably moved to 24 Speranza Street, Plumstead - they were certainly there by 1919 when electoral rolls pick them up - and remained there for the rest of their lives. Kate died there on 4 Feb 1958 aged 85 and was buried on 11 Feb at Woolwich Cemetery and Frederick died in St Nicholas' Hospital, Plumstead on 9 Oct 1960, leaving effects worth £220 to Stanfield Parkinson Rengert, printing press operator. 2016 update: They had 8 children At 24 Speranza Street, in 1939 Register Frederick & Kate can be seen there with John & Catherine, son Frederick next door at number 22 with his wife Dorothy. Kate and Catherine were described as UDD, Frederick W (senior) "Cable Hand - Lead press" and John "Labourer HE Filling factory". He died in Canterbury, Kent aged 78 in 1990. Frederick & Dorothy, mentioned above, had children, remained at 22 Speranza Street until he died in 1949 and she in 1980. 1921 census shows them at 24 Speranza Street with 8 children, Frederick employed by Johnson & Phillips electrical engineers at Victoria Road, Charlton, on "lead press cable work", son Edward 20 worked as a clerk for a chartered accountant and studied to be one himself at "night school". Daughter Jessy 18 did dressmaking but was currently Out of Work, son Fred 15 worked as Warehouse Boy at Tea Merchants and the other children were at school, except the youngest who was only two.

Mary Ann Roffey3 was born in Oct 1842 in Woolwich to John & Sarah nee Way. She can be seen in census return of 1851 aged 8 at 18 Paradise Place, Woolwich with parents, sibs & nurse then the same aged 18 in 1861 (father was away visiting). In 1871 she can be seen at 98 Queen's Road, Peckham, where she was Housemaid to a wine-importer/cooper. Both parents died in 1878 and 1881 census finds her back at Paradise Place living with her sister Eliza, as her Companion, and 3 boarders. By 1891 their business had been recognised, the house was called Paradise Villa and they were listed as Boarding-house Keeper & Assistant. After Eliza's death, the Boarding House was unsustainable, so in 1901 she can be seen at 27 Raglan Road, Plumstead, working as a nurse [now Foxfield Primary School]. She was there until at least 1906 but by 1911 had moved back to her roots & can be seen - now retired - at 20 Upper Market Street, Woolwich. She died on 27 Aug 1924 and was buried 29 Aug 1924 in Woolwich Cemetery with her parents etc. 2019 update: when she died, she was not interred into the "family plot" but instead was the 4th of 11 burials in plot 20/344 in Woolwich Cemetery (I don't know the others). 1921 census showed her at 5 Priolo Road, Charlton, which is just by the station. She was 78 and lived there with 3 other pensioners.

Percy Harry Roffey was born in Aug 1878 at 38 Edwin Road, Leeds, Yorkshire to Henry & Sarah nee Russell and christened at St Matthias, Burley 22 Sep 1878 with brother George. I hadn't previously noticed this "glitch" in the family life. Percy's baptism record lists Henry as "water-colour painter" so maybe he was taking a sabbatical and took his family along with him. I did note that he had previously been listed as Book-Keeper then on his father's death in 1880 took on the job of Coal-Merchant's Agent, but it seems he had already shaken off the past and was spending 1878 "Up North". It may have been his father's death that brought him back to the London area, as in 1881 census Percy is aged 2 and living at 9 Egmont Street, Deptford, with parents, 2 brothers & 3 aunts. By 1891 they have moved across the road to no. 24. In 1901 census he can be seen at 58 Hatcham Park Road, Deptford with parents, 2 brothers & a boarder, by now he is 22 and listed as a butcher, with elder brother George living opposite. On 19 Apr 1908 in Greenwich he married Ada Frances Barker, from another butchers' family - her father and 2 brothers were butchers. They settled in Wandsworth and had 6 children. They can be seen on 1911 census at 44 Norfolk House Road, Streatham, with 2 children, his mother, brother & a servant. They remained here until 1915, when electoral roll records place him at 23 Angles Road, Streatham, but had moved on again by 1921, when he is shown at 194 Amesbury Avenue, Streatham Hill. The family remained here for many years, Ada was registered at that address in records extending until at least 1939. Percy had a shop at 54 Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam, and was often registered there too. It was certainly where Percy was on 30 Nov 1951 when he died aged 73, leaving effects worth £872 to Ada. When Ada died on 28 Jul 1958 aged 77 this was given as her address, but at the time she was staying with youngest daughter Eunice at 75 Ampthill Road, Maulden, Bedfordshire. She left effects worth £1757 to sons Cecil (in insurance) and Edgar (also a butcher). 2016 update: 1939 Register at 54a Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam, which was the shop, at that time a butcher's; he was listed as Master Butcher & Retail Shop Keeper, Ada worked there as Book-keeeper & Cashier. 2019 update:  In 1936 the address moved from 194 Amesbury Avenue, Streatham (where they had been since 1918 at least) to 54 Upper Mulgrave Road, Cheam, living above the shop. In 1949 they moved into number 224 and that was his home address when he died. Percy died after 2 years there, Ada after 11. In 1953 Ada lived there with her son Edgar and sister Mary Ann Barker. Percy and Ada were both buried in plot CX/32 Sutton Cemetery, Percy on 5 Dec 1951, Ada 6 Aug 1958. So 1921 census showed them at 194 Amesbury Avenue, as expected, Percy described as "Butchers Manager" employed by Gardins of Streatham Hill [very close and has now been a Polish supermarket for some years]. Ada did Home Duties and had 6 children all at school

13th April 2023

George Thomas Roffey was born Apr 1876 in Bermondsey to Henry & Sarah nee Russell. He can be seen in census of 1881 at 9 Egmont Street, Deptford with parents, 3 aunts & brother. In 1891 they have moved across the road - maybe this was bigger, as there were now 6 children - to number 24 Egmont Street, George aged 14, "working in a cork factory". On 26 Aug 1899 at All Saints Hatcham Park he married Emily Maria Napper, a telegrapher living just around the corner. In 1901 he can be seen at 57 Hatcham Park Road, Deptford and his parents on the other side of the road at number 58, George now working as a gas fitter (1903 foreman) By 1911 they had 3 children & can be seen in census return at 15 Sportsbank Street, Catford, Lewisham which is 3.4 miles away. Electoral roll records show that he remained here until his death in Jan 1934, then Emily moved in with daughter Doris Willis (also in Lewisham) for a few years before she followed in 1946. 2016 update: by 1939 Register, his wife Emily was a widow, living in Lewisham with daughter Doris and family. They can be seen at 136 Glenfarg Road, Emily & Doris UDDs, son-in-law Sidney Willis electrical engineer and his young son Kenneth Willis at school. 2019 update: He died in Jan 1934 and was buried in Hither Green Cemetery, plot U/Con/499, 10th interment of 15 buried over one month. When Emily died 12 years later, she went into another plot at the same cemetery with 19 others. 1921 census shows them at 15 Sportsbank Street with all 3 children & Emily's widowed mother Alice Napper. George was a fitter employed by Davey & Roberts Ltd, plumbers & engineers, of London, eldest son George 19 apprentice to Royal Gun & Carriage factory Woolwich, Sidney 18 labourer on the railway, and daughter Doris 14 at school.

Henry Thomas Roffey was born to William & Martha nee Johnson at 6 Albert Street on 16 Aug 1856 and christened 14 Sep 1856 at St Mary Magdalene. He can be seen in census return of 1861 at 6 Albert Street with parents, sibs & grandparents. Then in 1871 he can be seen at 29 Skinner Street, Gillingham, Kent with parents & sibs, aged 14 & listed as "Rivet Boy, Dockyard", as was his brother William Richard. "The men who held both the ship and the shipyard together were the rivet squads.These groups of four men consisted of the riveter, the holder-up, the heater and the boy. Rivet squads were highly respected in the shipyard due to their skill as a team. When the family returned to Woolwich he stayed in the same sort of trade, as in 1881 census he can be seen with them at 2 Star Terrace, Charlton and is described as a "Hammerman", hammering metal, possibly back in the docks. Shortly after this, in the April quarter of 1881 in Woolwich he married Fanny Youlden from Clerkenwell (whose mother, incidentally, had the delicious name of Elizabeth Feline !). They had one daughter Martha and can be seen in 1891 census with her, at 5 Rainton Terrace, Charlton. Henry was listed as "Smith's Hammerman". In 1901 census they can be seen to have moved across the road to number 12 and Martha aged 15 is now a milliner's assistant. In 1911 all is the same, and electoral roll records show that they remained there for the rest of their lives. Martha married in 1921 at the age of 35, but died later that year, possibly in childbirth as it was a late start for her! Fanny died aged 72 in 1924 and Henry remarried in 1929, unusually at the age of 74 to Hannah (or Anna Maria) Smith. 2016 update: married twice, the second time at the age of 74 to a lady 32 years his junior, and can be seen in 1939 Register with her at 12 Rainton Road, Charlton half a mile down the road from sister Sarah above and the address they had inhabited from at least 1901. He was listed as 83-year-old Blacksmith Retired and she UDD aged 55. He died in 1952 aged 95 and she 4 years later. 2019 update: He purchased plot N/263 in Charlton Cemetery and all four family members ended up in it, firstly daughter Martha, interred 30 Dec 1921, then first wife Fanny 27 Aug 1924, then Henry himself 8 May 1952 and finally second wife Anna Maria/Hannah 6 Dec 1956. 1921 census showed Henry and Fanny as expected at 12 Rainton Road, Charlton, Henry 64 employed as a blacksmith by Tilbury Contracting & Dredging Co., who I understand ran a fleet of tugs on various rivers, he working on the Thames in Greenwich. Daughter Martha was married for only a few months when she died, but was in the 1921 census in Plumstead with husband Walter Hender, engineering fitter at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich.

His brother Joseph George Roffey was born Jul 1868 in Charlton and can be seen in censuses of 1871 to 1891 as above. In 1891 he was listed as Iron Foundryman. In 1901 I cannot find him in the census, but he isn't far away, as in July of that year in Woolwich he married Emma Alice Robinson nee Bennett. She was a young widow with a baby son with the great name of Rexford Herbert John Robinson. Emma's husband Herbert had died after just 18 months of marriage, aged 35. She & Joseph went on to have 7 children together. 1911 census and Electoral roll records show them at 33 Burrage Road, Plumstead from 1907, in 1911 census they were with 5 children of their own and Rex, also Emma's sister and a boarder, Joseph working as a General Labourer at the Royal Arsenal nearby. Joseph remained there until his death on 6 Dec 1940 aged 72, and he was buried at Plumstead Cemetery on 13 Dec. I suspect things were not good between Joseph & Emma in later years, as she appears to have left him & is seen living with her children from 1929 onwards at 84 Rectory Place, then in 1940s at 17 Pelliper Road, both in Woolwich. She died 21st Aug 1954 in Dartford, possibly at the Joyce Green Hospital (where I used to work) or in some sort of Home. 2016 update: 1939 Register: He can be seen at the address he always inhabited; 33 Burrage Road, Woolwich, where he probably lived from marriage. The Register shows he was retired (aged 71) and with him was a lady whose record is unclear, but looks like Annie Roffey/Alcock/Claver (maybe married twice later, but I cannot work out in which order) UDD aged 48, so I can't tell whether she was daughter, wife or what. I have searched for a marriage but cannot find one, either before or after he married Emma. Also in the household were 3 others, one widowed and 2 single. The split occurred around 1927-8, as in 1926 electoral roll records show Emma at 33 Burrage Road with Joseph, along with sons Leonard & William (and probably younger ones not yet of age) but by 1929 she had moved in with Rex and his family, taking the "children" with her (Rex & Eveline his wife, Leonard, Arthur & William had votes registered there, also a Charles Bird). By 1933 daughter Hilda had come of age and there were at the same address 2 others, one a Charles Richards, who Hilda subsequently married. 1939 Register showed at this address Emma and son Sydney, an Operator of Drilling Machines, a closed record presumably George. Rex & Eveline (Rex a Cable Machine Operator) and Charles Bird. Electoral rolls after the war show Emma with Hilda & family at 17 Pellipar Road, Woolwich and Rex & Eveline at 4 St Mary Street, Woolwich on their own. Emma was still with Hilda & Charles when she died in 1954. 2019 update: 1939 Register at 84 Rectory Place has the previously redacted file open, that I suggested was George, and sure enough it is. When Emma died in 1954 she was cremated at Honor Oak Crematorium on 27 Aug. So, 1921 census was before the split and shows them together as a family at 33 Burrage Road with 6 children (William was in the Army) and a boarder (irish widower, possibly a workmate as he was a fitter at the Arsenal). Eldest son William was 17, a machinist for the Electric Company, the younger children at school.

12th April 2023

Eliza Roffey was born 5 Mar 1849 in St Mary Street, Woolwich to Thomas & Martha nee Owen and christened at St Mary Magdalen Church on 6 May 1849. She can be seen in census return of 1851 aged 2 at 1 Orchard Street, Woolwich with parents & sibs then in 1861 at 58 St Mary Street. On 7 Nov 1868 at Parish Church, West Hackney she married William Thomas Seth Epsley, witnesses Robert Crowfoot (probably related to her sister Martha's husband) and Mary Ann Morgan (another sister). William was in the Royal Navy and in 1861 census had been an Able Seaman on HMS Renown, anchored off Beirut, Syria, having left England from Chatham in 1857 and remained at sea until 25 Sep 1861. In 1871 census he was Ship's Cook on HMS Rattlesnake, a patrol ship for the Africa Station, in order to suppress the slave trade, Meanwhile Eliza can be seen in 1871 census return at 13 Coleman Street, Woolwich with daughter Eliza, her parents, sister & sister-in-law. The next census provides yet another story! Evidently William got a job on return to these shores, as Coastguard at Scrapsgate, Minster, Isle of Sheppey, Kent and the family can be seen in census return of 1881 living in the coastguard cottages. A bit of background is needed here: The Merchant Shipping Act of 1854 imposed the need for safety at sea and made the coastguard responsible for policing smuggling activity. He & Eliza lived in this cottage with their 3 children, all born in different villages on the Isle of Sheppey. By the time the next child came along in 1885 they had moved back to the Woolwich area, and were living at 2 Griffin Road, Plumstead. By 1891 census they can be seen at 129 Ann Street, Plumstead with 4 children & a lodger. In 1901 they had settled at 45 Whitworth Road, Plumstead with 3 daughters & 3 visitors, in 1911 the same place with 2 daughters & 3 grandchildren. William died here on 24 Jan 1925 aged 78, leaving effects worth £871 to Eliza, then she died 25 May 1927 leaving effects worth £800 to Thomas Charles Crowfoot, gentleman (her nephew) and George Holbeche Harvey Webb, solicitor. 2019 update: When her husband died on 24 Jan 1925 he was buried on 29 Jan in plot Q/243 of Woolwich Cemetery, then she joined him on 30 May 1927, having died on 25th. They had the plot to themselves. 1921 census showed them at 45 Whitworth Road with 2 daughters. William was 82 "Able Seaman Retired", Eliza Home Duties. Eldest daughter Edith 46 was a "Collar Hand" in a "Shirt Store" and youngest daughter Eliza 35 a Teacher at Invicta Road Girls' School Blackheath.

Emily Roffey was born Jan 1845 in Woolwich to John & Sarah nee Way (12th child of 13) and can be seen aged 6 in census of 1851 at 18 Paradise Place, Woolwich with parents & sibs, then in 1861 at St Peters Street, St Albans visiting the Hitchcock family. In 1871 census she can be seen in North Street, Steeple Barton, Oxfordshire, at the grocer's shop, working as Assistant to the grocer/draper & living in, as was the norm at this time. In Jan 1874, back in Woolwich she married Charles Borer, 30 years her senior, and had 2 daughters before he died in Jul 1880. Even more unfortunate was the fact that the second child had died only weeks before at the age of 2 months. So the 1881 census shows Emily and daughter Phoebe at 12 Conduit Road, Plumstead, Emily listed as widowed Coal Agent. This was an occupation, in my experience, often taken on by wives when their husband died, and involved taking orders for coal, in effect a Middleman for a Coal Merchant. She & Phoebe can be seen at the same address in censuses 1881-1911, in the latter with a boarder & a lodger, Phoebe listed as a "Government Telegraphist". Following Emily through electoral roll records, I can see her here until about 1919, when she can be seen at 14 Pelham Terrace, Footscray Road, Eltham, with a William Borer (I cannot find a record of a son, so may be Charles' brother - I know very little of them as Charles died before his details were recorded on the subsequent census). This address was renumbered in about 1927 (when all the separate terraces etc were incorporated into one) to 350 Footscray Road [nowadays a butcher] and she is here until at least 1932. At this point I suspect Emily and Phoebe retired to the West Country together, as they both died in Barnstaple, Devon, Emily in Jan 1937 aged 92 & Phoebe in Jan 1955 aged 78. 2016 update: I suggested she and Phoebe retired to Devon, and have now seen Phoebe in the 1939 Register at 3 Belle Vue Avenue, Lynton so believe the death record for Emily in Jan 1937 in the Barnstaple area was the correct one. 1921 census showed Emily at 21 Sundorne Road, Charlton with a boarder, who kept house for her (she was 76), and Phoebe was visiting in Wales. With regard to the possible brother William Borer, I have found him but he died in 1886, so this may well be his son (it is a common name in the Brighton area, so records are confusing).

Emily Jane Roffey was born Apr 1858 in Woolwich to George & Jane nee Smith and christened at St Mary Magdalene on 28 May 1858. She can be seen in census of 1861 aged 2 at 49 King Street with parents, brother & a servant and in 1871 at 64 Orchard Road, Plumstead. On 21 Aug 1878 at St Mark's church, Tollington Park, Islington she married Alfred Cook. (Her brother Henry had married there in 1874) Alfred was a Pianoforte Maker (as was his father) and they settled at 38 Russell Road, Islington and had 6 children. 1881 shows them at 38 Russell Road with 2 daughters & George, her widowed father, and it was here that he died in 1885. In 1891 they can be seen at 58 Cranbrook Park, Tottenham with 4 children - this move is not at all surprising as this area was world-famous for piano manufacture. By 1901 they can be seen to have moved 2.5 miles to 3 Nassau Road, Tottenham - and this road, although long gone now, was off St Ann's Road, where there still exists a historic piano-building factory. I do not know if Alfred worked here, but he could have. In 1901 he was listed as a "Pianoforte Silker", so he was at that time specialising in putting the fabric panel on the front of the fashionable pianos of the day (although by then probably renovating old ones, as the fashion had passed to inlaid panels and fretwork). By 1911 Emily had been widowed (Alfred died 1904) and can be seen at 601 Green Lanes, Edmonton with 4 of her daughters. This address is mid-way between the previous two. Her son Charles was a Private in the army - the Royal Army Medical Corps in Mauritius & South Africa. Electoral roll records show she remained at Green Lanes until at least 1913, then moved to 20 Ossian Road, Stroud Green, Hornsey with daughters Dora & Eva. She died there in Oct 1926, then her remaining daughters all moved in together in Crouch End, when Amy died in 1934 - she was the only daughter to marry & left £1636 to Dora, which presumably financed the move. Incidentally I am very fond of Amy as she gave her son the most amazing name - Ormonde Downing Godfrey! 2016 update: 1939 census was just after daughter Amy died and left her sisters enough money to move in together, so they can all be seen at 10 Avenue Road, Hornsey (or Highgate) - a lovely old house. Dora was Secretary to Publishers, as was Gladys, Eva "Supervisor Post Office retired" and Olive "Investigation Clerk UAB" (Unemployment Assistance Board). Impressive titles. 1921 census showed her at 20 Ossian Road, Stroud Green, Hornsey (now Finsbury Park) with 4 daughters and niece Muriel Godfrey (Amy's 10-year-old daughter). Emily was widow with Home Duties, 3 daughters were Private Secretaries and one worked for the Post Office. Amy was in a sanatorium in Midhurst, but it seems she did some work as a Shorthand Typist for Bethnal Green Board of Guardians.

11th April 2023

Edith Annie Roffey is the key figure in this tree, Cliff's grandmother. She was born 18 Oct 1871 in Lambeth to Manlius & Isabella nee Morrison, but oddly enough she was christened at St George's, Bloomsbury on 25 Feb 1872. She can be seen in censuses of 1881 & 1891 with parents & her sister at 66 Priory Grove, Kennington, in the latter listed as a laundress (as were her sister & mother). On 5 Aug 1894 at All Saints, S. Lambeth she married Herbert Henry Smith, witnesses Henry Smith (groom's father) & Ruth Roffey (bride's sister). They settled at 30 Courland Grove (very close to her parents) and had 5 children. By 1901 census they can be seen at 6 Milton Street, Clapham with 3 of these, her mother & Herbert's father - this again was very close indeed. In 1911 census they can be seen to have moved to 124 Stewart's Road, Battersea [now a storage facility] and this was where Edith died in Apr 1936 aged 64. 2019 update: Herbert went ahead of her in 1932 and she was placed with him in plot ConE1/310 of Lambeth Cemetery on 11 Apr 1936. This explains why I couldn't find them in 1939 Register. 1921 census showed them at 124 Stewarts Road, Herbert a Boilermaker currently Out of Work, Edith employed by a neighbour as Charwoman at no. 145. [on the other side of the road. Carey Gardens was built on this site in 1975 - retirement housing complex]

Edward Charles Roffey Jr was born 8 May 1875 at 100 High Street, Woolwich to Edward Sr & Jessie nee Law. He can be seen at 100 High Street, Woolwich in censuses of 1881-1901, listed firstly as "Grocer's Cashier", then evidently helping his father in the bakery. However, when his mother died & his father moved, he vanishes for 1911 census. I cannot find a marriage, or travel to account for this, but he does surface in WW1, enlisting on 8 Dec 1915 into the Duke of Cambridge's Own Middlesex Regiment, Labour Corps, gaining 2 medals before being discharged through sickness on 13 Dec 1917. He was awarded a Silver War Badge in 1918 but I cannot track him down after this. 2019 update: I see that in 1917 his army pension was paid to 16 Gloucester Lane, Bristol and in Jul 1938 he died there. 1921 census showed him aged 49, a single lodger born in Woolwich, a dock labourer currently Out if Work, at 16-18 Gloucester Lane, Bristol with 70 others, possibly a hostel.

Edward James Roffey was born 21 Aug 1870 to William & Martha nee Johnson when they were living in Gillingham, Kent and he can be seen there with them in 1871 census at 29 Skinner Street aged 7 months. He can be seen in 1881 & 1891 censuses with them at 2 Star Street, Charlton, in the latter listed as General Labourer. On 15 Jul 1893 at St Paul's church, Charlton he married Julia Green. She was living with her family in York Road, nearby. In 1901 census they can be seen at 27 Ludwick Road, Deptford with 4 children, Edward listed as an Armature Winder, just like his brother Harold (he may have worked in the same place & incidentally the youngest 2 daughters lived in 1940s opposite the house where Harold lived & died, ie 31 Inverine Road) In 1907-9 Edward & Julia copied his parents by having a short sabbatical in another area - in this case Hampshire - and had the last 2 children (of 6) there. In 1911 census they can be seen at 8 Mirfield Street, Charlton (the Greens had lived at no. 16 in 1891). Edward died 13 Apr 1940 and was buried 20 Apr in Greenwich Cemetery, and Julia died 14 Apr 1951 & was buried 21 Apr at Charlton Cemetery. 2016 update: like his brother Joseph, he was caught by the 1939 Register just before he died as he did so on 13 Apr 1940, and also like his brother was estranged from his wife in latter years. In 1939 Register he can be seen at 39 Castile Road, Woolwich, saying he is single, aged 61, living with a father & 2 sons who he may have worked with, listed as a Builder's Labourer. He died the following April and this estrangement may explain why he & Julia were buried in different cemeteries. She can be seen at 21 Gooding House, Valley Grove, Charlton with daughter Constance, who was 22 and worked as a "Telephone Card Machinist" (later married into the surname Sproit). In 1934 electoral roll records showed she lived at 36 Albion Road with both the twins, then 1937-8 at 4 Rye Cottages, Anchor & Hope Lane when Dorothy had gone - she married Albert Chapman in Oct 1935. After the war she & Constance lived at 31 Inverine Road, opposite where Harold had lived - and died - until her death in 1951. This was very close to Anchor & Hope Lane, and off Woolwich Road/Church Street. 1921 census showed Edward boarding at 39 West Street, Charlton, with a wheelwright (he a labourer) and Julia at 2 Oran Place Rotherhithe with the 3 youngest children. She was employed as an Office Cleaner and Charles was Private in the Army. The twins were at school. [Oran Place was later demolished to create the Rotherhithe Tunnel]

Edward William Stanfield George Roffey was born on 21 Aug 1913 in Church Street, Woolwich to Alfred & Hannah nee Atkin. In Jul 1939 he married Gertrude Charlotte Day, a local girl and they settled in Woolwich, having a daughter Sylvia there the following year. They can be traced through Electoral Roll records through the 1920s-60s, Edward at 42 Church Street, where his father lived - and died - until in 1938 the road changed, being incorporated with a couple of other roads and the shop at no. 42 became no. 278, the road now Woolwich Church Street. At this address after Alfred died in 1934 Edward can be seen with Hannah his mother & Jessie his sister. In 1940-45 records were not kept as it was wartime, but when they resume they have moved to 16 Genesta Road, West Woolwich (now Eltham), which is evidently not a shop, so they must have moved from "over the shop". I don't have occupational details for Edward, but assumed he took over the bakery on his father's death as he remained at the shop after this date. Married life started there, but it is natural to want to move away from the premises once a family starts. The later electoral roll records (1961 & 2) included Sylvia at 16 Genesta Road, once she was 21, then she moved nearby at her marriage. They may have remained at this address through to Edward's death on 15 May 1979, as this was registered in Woolwich and he was cremated on 22 May 1979 at Eltham Crematorium (opened 1956). 2016 update: 1939 Register at 278 Woolwich Church Street, Hannah can be seen, listed as widowed UDD, Edward "capstan lathe hand herbert 4" (apparently a piece of engineering machinery) and Ellen a "newspaper clerk". Jessie had married a few weeks before, and Edward a few weeks later, so this is definitely a snapshot! Ellen married the following year and Hannah remarried in 1947. 2019 update: Gertrude was still at 56 Pendle Road, Wandsworth. working as a "National Machine Operator", which was evidently important war work (although not secret), as they had recently married (and she was listed under her married name). Over the next few years they were often apart, so it's no surprise they only had one child! When Edward died on 15 May 1979 he was cremated at Eltham Crematorium on 22 May and Gertrude moved to Wilton Lodge, a care home in Shenley, Radlett, Hertfordshire, she lived there for 28 years and died there on 20 May 2007. So 1921 census showed him aged 7 at 42 Church Street with his parents and sister - see Alfred Stanfield below. Gertrude was 9 Rideout Street, Woolwich (less than half a mile away) with her parents & sister, so it is possible they were at school together!

10th April 2023

Ann Sarah Jane Roffey was born Mar 1856 in Woolwich to Edward & Ann nee Larkin and christened there on 6 Apr 1856 at St Mary Magdalene church. She can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 5 at 82 King Street, Woolwich with parents & another couple. I cannot find the census return of 1871 for this family but I have a note against her father saying he was at Brewer Street, Woolwich. In 1881 census they can be seen at 49 Brewer Street and Ann is listed as Book-keeper in Shirt Factory. On 10 May 1885 at St Mary Magdalene she married Samuel Thomas Finch, 41-year-old widower from Deptford, described as "Writer in H M Dockyard" (not sure how that works...) They settled in Deptford and can be seen in 1891 census at 52 Etta Street with Ann's mother Ann, widow. They are also there in 1901 and 1911 censuses, in the latter Samuel describes himself as "Pensioned 1st Class Dockyard Writer - Retired" (he is 67) [NB it seems this is a clerk in a purser's bureau with rank equal to Able Seaman]. 2019 update: On 3 Jan 1931 at home in 52 Etta Street, Deptford Ann died aged 74, leaving £164 to Samuel, and was buried on 9 Jan in Brockwell Cemetery. Then he died there on 29 Dec 1932 aged 88 and was buried alongside Ann on 3 Jan 1933, leaving effects worth £386 to Harry Samuel Scott, crane driver. As they had no children Harry was no doubt a friend. 1921 census showed them at 52 Etta Street with another family, Samuel a Secretary employed by Temple Engineering of Bromley (although he was by then 77). They were both gone by 1939 so no Register.

Arthur Eldridge Roffey was born Oct 1878 in Charlton to William & Martha nee Johnson and can be seen at 2 Star Terrace with family in censuses of 1881-1901, in the latter aged 22, listed as a Cable Winder. In Apr 1904 in West Ham he married Lucy Louise Neave and they had 4 children. In 1911 census they can be seen at 522 Lower Woolwich Road, New Charlton with 3 of them. Arthur is listed as "Charge Hand (Skilled Labourer) Cable Shop Siemen Bros. Electrical Engineers". Lucy died aged 56 in Stepney in 1937, probably in hospital as Arthur and youngest son George were still living in the Woolwich area. They can be seen at 162 Charlton Lane in 1939 - right by The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic FC, which opened in 1919. Arthur died aged 63 & was buried 24 Sep 1942 in Charlton Cemetery. 2016 update: They were still there (Charlton) in 1939 for the Register, but Lucy had died in 1937, also Arthur the eldest child aged 21 in 1926, son Charles Alphonso had married & moved to Plumstead Common in 1933, daughter Lucy followed in 1934, so only youngest son George was still at home. He was employed "Painting Electrical Apparatus" (at least I think that's what it says). On 10 Jun the following year Arthur remarried, to Florence Spooner née Flegg, widow, and he died after 2 years of marriage, aged 63. Florence retired to Worthing and died there in Jul 1971 aged 88. 1921 census shows him with first wife Lucy and her parents, also 4 children, at 82 Burgess Road, East Ham. Both his in-laws were Post Office employees, Arthur "ironworker, machine and structure repairer" employed by "Western Electric Co. Cable manufacturers". Eldest son Arthur Samuel was 16 and a Junior Clerk working for American Express (he died in 1926), the other children at school.

Charles Roffey was born Mar 1841 in Woolwich to John & Sarah nee Way and can be seen in census aged 3 months at Paradise Hill, Woolwich with parents & sibs. In 1851 & 1861 censuses he is still there with his family, the address now known as 18 Paradise Place. He was listed in the latter as Apprentice Shipwright. In Apr 1867 he married Ellen Elizabeth Wheeler from St Germans, Cornwall at her local church. Her father was also a shipwright (maybe it was he to whom Charles was apprenticed). They must have settled in Birkenhead through his work, as it was a thriving port area, and census of 1871 shows him at 130 Claughton Road with baby son and a servant, listed as Draughtsman. In 1881 they can be seen to have moved up the road to number 285 and now have 4 sons & servant, Charles listed as Naval Architect. In 1891 they are at 119 Oxton Road with 4 sons & servant, Charles a Ship Surveyor, then in 1901 at 17 Balls Road with 2 sons and visitor Annie Eyers. Ellen was in Plumstead at the time of the census, visiting Charles' sister Emily Borer. In 1911 census they can be seen at 48 Falkland Road, Seacombe, Wallasey with son Alfred (Arthur had emigrated by then), Annie Eyers now "Lady Help", and a servant. The Kelly's Directory of 1914 shows Charles at 19 Clarendon Road (the address given by Arthur in his many transatlantic trips) and this was where he died aged 75 on 21 Sep 1916, leaving £1787 to John George Dobson, cotton merchant. Then on Christmas Eve 1930 Ellen died here, leaving £1582 to sons Charles Edward, Consulting Engineer and Alfred Clarence, Ship's Draughtsman. I include him here because he is a central character and his family were still around in 1921 - see Alfred Clarence yesterday. Ellen was there (19 Clarendon Road) with son Alfred and Companion Annie, and died there 9 years later.

Charles Alfred Roffey was born Jul 1876 in Charlton to William & Martha nee Johnson and can be seen in censuses 1881-1901 as Arthur above with family at 2 Star Terrace. In 1891 he was a Boy at Telegraph Works. By 1901 he was an Engineer's Labourer and Oct 1903 in Woolwich he married Lucy Sarah Ann Keys, local girl, living at 22 North Street. They settled at No. 21 North Street (probably opposite) and can be seen there in 1911 census, with Lucy's brother Edward, her brother John still at no. 20, as 1901, but their parents had moved into the Watermen's Almshouses in Penge, Kent. Her father and brothers were all watermen & lightermen on the Thames. Charles and Lucy continued to live at no. 21 and Charles died there aged 49 and was buried 17 Jun 1926 in Charlton cemetery. Lucy lived for a few years at the Horse & Groom, 602 Woolwich Road then in 1937 she moved to 92 Charlton Lane and she was still in the Woolwich area when she died 22 Sep 1967 & was buried 2 Oct in Charlton Cemetery in the same plot as her husband. 1921 census shows them at 21 North Street with Edward Keys, Charles an "Armature Winder" for a local engineering company and Edward a lighterman, Out of Work at that time, Lucy Home Duties. I still cannot locate Lucy on 1939 Register, although she had a vote registered at no. 92.

9th April 2023

Alfred Clarence Roffey was born Jan 1872 in Birkenhead, which was then in Cheshire. He can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 8 at 285 Claughton Road, Birkenhead with parents & brothers, also a 15-year-old servant. In 1891 census he can be seen aged 19 at 119 Oxton Road, Birkenhead with parents & brothers also servant, listed as "Shipbuilding Apprentice". By 1901 census he had completed his apprenticeship & was listed as "Draughtsman & Marine Architect", much like his father. He can be seen at 17 Balls Road with father & brothers & visitor Annie Eyers. In 1911 census he can be seen at "Valleton", 48 Falkland Road, Wallasey and Annie Eyers is called "Lady help". Alfred's occupation is not given. In 1916 the family were living at 19 Clarendon Road, Wallasey (only a few yards away, as this road runs parallel to Falkland Road) when his father Charles died and Alfred was still resident there on 3 Jan 1960 when he died himself, aged 88 in Victoria Central Hospital, leaving £8049 to Midland Bank. 2016 update: 19 Clarendon Road, Wallasey in 1939 Register was no surprise, and he can be seen there with brother Stanley, niece Kathleen & "family retainer" Annie Eyers, now Housekeeper. Alfred described himself as "Ship Draughtsman Retired", Stanley was Shipping Clerk (he was recently widowed) and Kathleen Telephone Operator. 1921 census was as expected, at 19 Clarendon Road, Wallasey, with his mother and Annie (an interesting detail about her is that she was Australian, born in Melbourne), Alfred a Draughtsman employed by Cammell Laird, probably the most famous shipbuilders on Merseyside. By 1939 as I said, he was retired, and now the other lines are cleared I can see nephew Gordon. He was an HP Collector & Agent and also in a Special Constabulary. Mother Ellen died here aged 89 on Christmas Eve 1930.

Alfred Stanfield Roffey was born 27 Oct 1876 in Woolwich (was Kent, now London) to Edward & Jessie nee Law. The census return for 1881 for this family appears to be missing, so the next record is 1891, when they can be seen at 100 High Street [now this end of the street is used for car parking - in 1891 it was coffee-houses & lodging-houses and number 100 was presumably a bakery] with parents, sibs & mother's cousin Penelope Law. In Jan 1911 in Woolwich he married Hannah Plume Atkin (there are some wonderful names in this tree!) and they had 3 children. Hannah ran a sweet-shop and they lived in two rooms "above the shop", while her parents & brothers inhabited three. There is an amusing little struggle in evidence on the return, as Hannah has completed it, calling herself "Head" of household & Alfred "Husband of Head", the enumerator has then corrected this to Head & Wife in the inimitable blue pencil! I imagine she wasn't too pleased! Alfred was a Cable Hand/Labourer in an electrical engineering company. Alfred lived there until his death 15 Feb 1934 aged 57 and he was buried on 20 Feb 1934 at Woolwich Cemetery. In 1938 she moved up the road to 278 Church Street and in Jul 1947 Hannah married Charles Rolfe in Woolwich. In 1958 they moved to 30 Lord Warwick Street, and were there until at least 1963. Hannah died in Dec 1981 aged 98. 2019 update: When Alfred died aged 57 he left effects worth £415 to Hannah and when she died on 6 Oct 1981 she joined Alfred in his plot. She left £25,000. 1921 census shows them at 42 Church Street with 2 small children, Alfred a Cable Hand employed by Siemens Ltd. By 1939 he had died and Hannah can be seen at no. 278 with son Edward and daughter Ellen (see later)

Alison Johnstone Roffey the middle child of James & Emma's seven, born in Oct 1869 in Charlton. In 1871 census she was living at 14 Kingstone Terrace, Charlton with her grandparents, mother and siblings, while father was a Naval Engineer, staying in Portsea, her grandfather listed as "no occupation, house proprietor". By 1881 her grandfather had died, and she was with her parents, widowed grandmother, siblings and a servant (father was Inspector of Machinery in the Royal Navy). But by 1891 they had moved to Hampshire (presumably for James' work) and can be seen at Pallant House, Havant, Hampshire. She married John Edric Blaxland in Havant on 25 Oct 1894 and they settled in Belvedere, Erith. 1896 was rather dramatic, as Alison gave birth to a daughter in February, baptised her 29 days later John described as Captain of the Royal Navy. He may have worked with her father, as he was 21 years older than her. Alison evidently suffered from post natal depression or somesuch, as on 13 March she was admitted to West Malling Asylum, privately. On 28 July she was released, apparently much improved but the baby Kathleen, died on 4 Aug, aged almost 6 months. It was 9 years before she had another child and I cannot track her down in 1901 census, although her father was still at The Pallant and her husband at sea, Captain of HMS Hood. In 1911 they were at No. 1 The Causeway, Petersfield, John a retired Vice Admiral, with 2 children, a cook, housemaid & nurse. John died in 1935 aged 88, but I can't find Alison in 1939 Register. She died 2 years later in Little Chalfont, Bucks, although giving her address as 10 Foster Road, Alverstoke, leaving £3000 to daughter Rebecca and a colleague from the Royal Navy. (By the time Rebecca died in 1993 this was £218k). 1921 census shows them visiting John's brother George, Rector of Ringshall, Suffolk, and his family, John a Retired Admiral. I still cannot locate Alison in 1939 but can see her daughter Rebecca at the address where Alison died in 1941, so she may have been in hospital somewhere.

8th April 2023

Sarah Elizabeth May was born Apr 1845 in Berkeley Street, Lambeth to John & Mary Ann nee Maxwell and can be seen with them in census return of 1851 at 6 Wellington Street, Chelsea. Both parents died within a couple of years of each other and left 7 children. As Sarah was 16 at the time of the census she can be seen employed as a nursemaid at 13 Kingsland Place, Hackney, and then in 1871 she can be seen working as housemaid to a church minister & family at 4 Woburn Place, Hackney. In 1881 she can be seen aged 36 at Fairholm, Rusper, Sussex (a lovely country area), working as General Servant. By 1891 she has moved back to London & can be seen aged 46, Cook in the household of an upholsterer (one of 5 staff). In 1901 they are at 57 Campden Hill Road, which may be the same place renumbered, who knows. In 1911 she was still in Kensington, employed as a part-time housekeeper at 52 Acklam Road and living off a private pension. She seems to be doing well up to this point, but the death record that best matches is one which occurred at the Tooting Bec Asylum. If this was her she left effects worth £324 to Alice Fanny May, spinster, who I must admit I do not know about & must investigate. I understand that this hospital became a specialised unit for patients with senile dementia from 1924, but she died here on 15 Sep 1921 aged 76. I did investigate, but the Alice Fanny I found was married by then, so was not May... However, 1921 census proved the death was correct - she can be seen at Lewisham Infirmary as a 76-year-old single patient, 3 months before she died. There is a note "formerly in domestic service". This was a sister hospital to the Asylum in which she died, so may well have been transferred in those weeks.

Sybil May was born on 30 Dec 1901 (registered in Jan 1902) in Thame, Oxon to Charles & Georgina, and was in census of 1911 aged 9 at 64 Park Street with parents & sibs. In 1939 Register she can be seen at 12 Kings Road, Thame with mother, sister & nephew, aged 37 working as an Accounts Clerk. I can find no more until her death in Northampton in Apr 1973, aged 72. 2019 update: address at death was Oakbeam Cottage, High Street, Haddenham and she left £3843. See Ena below. Sybil was the eldest child of Georgina and can be seen aged 19 in 1921 with mother and sibs at Thame, a cashier with the International Tea Co. Stores' branch in Thame. They were a grocery chain who became the International Stores well known to me in my youth (1970s & 1980s).

Thomas Joshua May (Cliff's uncle) was born Sep 1884 at 70 Webber Street, Lambeth (close to Pontypool Place above) to John & Martha nee Hodd, and christened 5 Oct 1884 at Walworth All Saints. His grandfather Thomas senior died in 1885 and this may have prompted son John's move to Leicester, as they had worked together in the soap-works. So, by the census of 1891, Thomas Joshua can be seen there aged 6 at 1 Yarm Terrace with parents & sibs. As the new Leicester Station was built there, they returned to London. In 1892 Thomas was with the rest of the family at 90 Tyers Street, Vauxhall. In 1901 census they can be seen at 26 Goda Street, Thomas aged 16 listed as Draper's Porter. Around 1905 he joined the Royal Marines, and in 1911 census can be seen at Eastney Barracks, Portsmouth, listed as a Gunner in the Royal Marines Artillery. In Aug 1912 he was stationed on board HMS Britannia, battle ship from Portsmouth, Gunner in the 3rd battle squadron. In Oct 1913 he joined HMS Dreadnought, one of 6 Gunners & he had "instructional duties". He remained on the Dreadnought until Aug 1915, when he was promoted to Sergeant and posted to HMS Malaya as Mate. They were involved in the Battle of Jutland, hit by 8 shells & many were killed. Tom was lucky & in Aug 1917 was promoted to Lieutenant, given his own small craft the Lanner, an auxiliary small craft used as a patrol boat and on 20 Sep 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for courage in his service there. He also received the routine 3 WW1 medals & was discharged with a pension. Following his movements in electoral roll records he can be seen in 1907 at 26 Goda Street, where he & brother William each rented a 1st floor furnished room from their father "with use of other rooms", and after his discharge from the Royal Marines he can be seen at 18 Princes Square with parents & various siblings until 1929 at least. In Jul 1932 in Lambeth he married Muriel Dorothy Orris-Bird. She had been born in Westminster but brought up in Essex. In Oct 1940 he was called up again as "Temporary Lieutenant" (no doubt temporary because he was by then 56 years old - he has (WK) by his name which may mean "Watchkeeping"). His service continued until 1944, although on 23 Feb 1942 he received a Long-Service Medal, which was sent to Muriel at 83 Bedford Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex. As they had no children, it is difficult to track them when they left London, but at (or before) Muriel's mother's death in 1951, they lived at 45 Endsleigh Gardens, Ilford and remained there until they themselves died there, Tom in Jan 1961 & Muriel in 1975. 2016 update: 1939 Register: he can be seen at 45 Endsleigh Gardens, Ilford. I was surprised to see him at home, to be honest, as he was a Sergeant in the Royal Marines in WW1 and received a long-service medal in 1942. However, he was there with wife Muriel D May née Orris-Bird, a secretary/shorthand typist. He was listed as a Works Manager at Manufacturing Chemist. They remained at this address for some years afterwards, as electoral roll records show them here up to 1964, Thomas died here in 1961 and Muriel in 1974. I said that he and Muriel lived at 45 Endsleigh Gardens, Ilford from 1951 until their deaths, but I can see they were already there in 1939, so maybe from their marriage in 1932. There is a closed file there too, but I cannot guess who that may be. It should be Muriel's mother, but she wouldn't be redacted, as she died in 1951. The medal was sent to Muriel at her brother-in-law's address in Hayes, Middlesex, so maybe she stayed there while Thomas was away. Oddly, 1921 census leads me to an address in Southwark where his name appears but is crossed out. I have a note to look for him in Aylesbury but he is not there either. Although his vote was registered at Princes Road, he was probably in the services somewhere (so not available). Muriel was still with her parents and brother in Ilford, Essex, working as a shorthand typist for a "fancy goods importer". NB the puzzling redacted line in 1939 is still there. Muriel died at Goodmayes Hospital, leaving £1896.

7th April 2023

Rachel Sarah May was born Jan 1858 in Lambeth to Thomas & Sarah nee Burley (penultimate child) & christened at St Mary's 28 Feb 1858. She can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 3 at 5 Harts Place, Anderson's Walk with parents & sibs, as also 1871 with them aged 13 at 2 Garden Terrace, Goding Street. 2019 update: Apparently she was married aged 16 to another teen Henry Joseph Miller and they had two children, Beatrice May Miller in 1887 and Henry (Harry) in 1889. As I cannot locate ythem in 1881 census, there may be more older children who have slipped through the net. She did confuse me by being known as Sarah and there was another Sarah married to a Henry Jasper Miller, both couples in the Lambeth area. Our Henry died there in 1929 and "Sarah" in 1930. As expected, I think I have found 3 more children; Mary Lilian 1874, Julia 1877-82 and Frederick 1880-83, all present in the 1881 census when I located it. They were at 22 Vauxhall Walk then, but by 1891 Mary was servant to an accountant in Brixton and the other two had died. The rest of the family were at 34 Renfrew Road then, and 19 Fairfield Grove in 1901. All these addresses were in Lambeth and Henry was a Messenger working for the Government. By 1911 they were at 37 Hurley Road and daughter Beatrice was a Music Teacher. 1921 census shows them at 29 Bolney Street, Henry 66 had retired from his post and now did casual labouring for a local "cement marking" company. They also had a 5-year-old grandchild with them, Florence Elizabeth Grover, whose mother had died but I cannot track her down. Sarah was interred into a plot in Lambeth Cemetery on 20 Jan 1930, followed by an Eleanor and an Edith Miller a few years later (but I don't know who they are). Henry had been buried in Southwark the year before.

Rebecca Sophia May was born Feb 1861 at 9a Ann's Place, Chelsea to William & Mary Ann nee Hall and was christened 19 May 1861 at Holy Trinity. She can be seen there on census of 1861 aged 1 month with parents & sibs and young uncle & aunts (see her sister Harriet below), then in 1871 aged 10 at 34a Wayland Street, Battersea with parents, sister & aunt. In 1881 she can be seen aged 20 at 27 Benfield Street with parents, sister & cousin, working as a cigar-maker (as was sister Alice, probably at nearby Lambert & Butler factory). On Christmas Day 1882 at St Mary's Battersea she married William Henry Bull, a "lamp & oil man" from Camberwell. They had 6 children, but 3 died in infancy. In census of 1891 she can be seen at 8 Rust Square, Camberwell with 2 children and a family of lodgers. Unfortunately William died in Oct 1892 just before he turned 40, so in census return of 1901 she is a widow, at 73 Chatham Street, Battersea with her parents, 4 children, her sister and her children (see Alice), both sisters cigar makers. In 1911 Rebecca was still with her father, who had been widowed himself, at 33 Mossbury Road, Battersea with 2 children, still working as cigar maker. From at least 1929 to 1939 she can be seen in electoral roll records at 26 Heath Villas, Cargill Road, Wandsworth with daughter Rebecca Emmett and family. I think she went with them when they moved to Walberton, Sussex and died aged 95 in Oct 1956. 2019 update:  I have now seen William's burial record and it is in a familiar place; Camberwell Old Cemetery, one of those I visited in 2016, although I didn't know to look for the surname Bull. He was interred into plot 13015 on 28 Dec 1892 along with one other, then 13 more people were added over the next 12 days. As there were so many, I imagine this was one of the unmarked plots and I wouldn't have seen anything if I had looked. By 1956 when Rebecca died, the London cemeteries were full, so she probably didn't have the option of joining him. She had anyway been living with her daughter Rebecca Emmett for some years and her death was registered in Surrey Mid-East area (Dorking), so she was no doubt buried there. 7 years later her daughter died in Walberton, Arundel, Sussex to which they had probably retired. 1921 census shows her as expected, a widowed 60-year-old charwoman at 26 Cargill Road, Wandsworth, with daughter Rebecca and family. They were still there in 1939 Register, although the children had gone (Hilda & Amy Emmett, both by then married).

Rosina Amy May was born Sep 1889 at 16 Marshall Street, off Borough Road, Southwark to William & Ellen nee Hodd and christened 6 Oct 1889 at St Alphege, Southwark. She can be seen in census return of 1891 aged 18 months at 146 Regent Street, Lambeth with her mother, 2 sisters & visiting uncle & aunt (father died when she was a year old). In 1901 she can be seen aged 11 at 46 Princes Place with mother & 2 sisters [became part of Black Prince Road] and in 1911 at 8 Goda Street, a 21-year-old dressmaker with her mother. On 12 Jan 1918 at Christ Church, North Brixton she married William Henry Freeman. He had been a tiler in 1911 but by 1918 had fought in WW1 as a soldier, so gave that as his occupation. They had two daughters, Olive born in 1919 in Poplar and June in 1928 in Lambeth. Electoral roll records show that they lived at 4 Langton Road, Kennington (a turning off Vassall Road, where Aunt Phoebe lived a couple of decades later) from 1920 to 1927 at least. By 1930 they had moved to Kirkwood Road, Peckham and stayed there until records cease in 1961, first at no. 45 then 55. Rosina died here Oct 1961 aged 72 & William Oct 1963 aged 76. 2019 update: she died on 27 Oct 1961 at Dulwich Hospital aged 72, giving home address of 55 Kirkwood Road (as expected). She was cremated on 3 Nov at Honor Oak Crematorium and her ashes were scattered. William joined her 2 years later, on 29 Nov 1963, having died similarly in Dulwich Hospital on 24 Nov and cremated at Honor Oak, leaving £1025 to a Frank George Rogers. 1921 census shows them at 2 Langton Road, Brixton. This must have been a jolly big property as there were 6 families in 19 rooms! William and Rosina had 3 of their own. William had a fascinating occupation - he was a "journeyman tile and mosaic fixer" employed by W B Simpson, still one of the leading tile manufacturers, they say on their website, this year celebrating 190 years, including the tiling of many of the London Underground stations. By 1939 William was a Foreman there, living at 45 Kirkwood Road, Camberwell and Rosina UDD.

6th April 2023

Julia Hetty Christina May was born Sep 1884 in Lancaster Street, Southwark to William & Ellen nee Hodd and christened 19 Oct 1884 at St Alphege church. Her father died when she was 5 and she can be seen the following year on census return aged 6 at 146 Regent Street, Lambeth with mother & sister, with a visiting uncle & aunt Richard & Ellen Hodd (mother's brother & his wife). In 1901 census she is aged 16 at 46 Princes Road with mother & 2 sisters, working as a "Brace & Belt Machinist". On 26 Dec 1910 at St Philips church, Lambeth she married Bertie Rogers but unfortunately he didn't last long! They can be seen on census return of 1911 at 52 Gladstone Street, Southwark, Bertie listed as a compositor and Julia machinist. He died in Jul 1913 aged 33 and on Christmas Day 1917 at St Catherine's church, Hatcham, Lewisham she married Robert Henry Mortimore and they had one son Robert Stanley Mortimore. They can be seen from electoral roll records to be living in Peabody Buildings, Southwark Street for some years until Robert died in 1955. 2016 update: I have now discovered her two sons by her first husband: Frank born in 1911 and Philip in 1913, just before Bertie died. The 1939 register showed she and Robert, lived there (electoral roll shows them at same address from their marriage in 1917). Robert is described as "Chemists Packer" and Julia as UDD. They were followed by a closed file, probably son Philip, as he was with them in 1934 in electoral roll, now named Philip Roy Mortimore. In 1930-32 (aged 17-19) he was employed as a waiter on board SS Empress of Australia, sailing between Southampton, Quebec and New York, under the name Philip Roy Rogers, but evidently used his step-father's name on his return in electoral rolls. In 1936 he married Lilian B Hathaway, and they can be seen in 1939 Register as Rogers in Eylewood Road, Lambeth. When Julia died 14 Oct 1958 in Dulwich Hospital, her home address was still Peabody Buildings and she left effects worth £224 to Frank, who was a Sales Manager. 1921 census shows them at 16a Peabody Buildings with 3 sons; Frank and Philip stepsons at school, and baby Robert. Robert Senior was a packer employed by Robert Barclay & Son or Farringdon, wholesale medicine warehouse. Julia Home Duties. And I can update the 1939 Register info above as the son's line has been redacted and it was Robert S Mortimore aged 19, a plasterer's apprentice (I don't know why I thought it was Philip, as he was married by then).

Leslie Frank May was born 1 Apr 1905 in Thame to Charles & Georgina nee Edwards. He can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 6 at 64 Park Street, Thame with parents & sibs. The next we see of him is in Oct 1935 at Ploughley, Oxfordshire, when he married Doris May Haskett (so says the marriage record - I can only find births for Doris Hesketh). They had 2 sons in the Ploughley area (which at this time included Thame), Kenneth died aged 17 in 1957 but Raymond went on to marry Lindsey Thatcher and may well still live in the region. Doris died in Apr 1971 & Leslie a year later, also in the Ploughley area, then called Bullingdon. See Ena below - he was the brother who remained with parents and sisters on the death of their father. 2016 update: in 1939 his son Michael was with grandmother Georgina, aunts Sybil & Ena in Oxfordshire, away from the bombing. Leslie & Doris are to be found then at 5 Livingstone Road, Southall, Middlesex, where Leslie worked as an Omnibus Inspector and Doris UDD. It didn't take them long to join the rest of the family, though, as Kenneth was born in Ploughley in 1940. They must have remained there for the rest of their lives, as Doris died in Oxford in 1971 and Leslie in 1972 in Bullingdon nearby. So 1921 census shows him in Thame with mother and sisters.

Phoebe Mary May (Aunt Phoeb) was born Jan 1903 at 26 Goda Street, Lambeth to John & Martha nee Hodd & was christened 20 Sep 1905 at St Mary the Less church aged 2, with two of her sisters. She can be seen aged 8 on 1911 census at 22 Berkeley Street, Lambeth with mother & sibs, her father having died when she was two years old. In Jan 1928 she married Francis Walter Hewitson (Uncle Frank). He had been born at 66 Walnut Tree Walk and was a milkman. For a few years prior to their marriage he lived with his family at 46 Prince's Square, and if this sounds familiar it is where Ethel (Phoebe's sister) lived with her family at that time at no. 18. this may well have been how they met. After their marriage they settled in 49 Holland Street, which was renamed Caldwell Street. When records resume after WW2 they appear at 82 Vassall Road.They had one daughter, Jean, who grew up here and joins them at that address on the final electoral roll records of the early 1960s. In 1963 Frank retired and they all moved to Basingstoke in Hampshire. Unfortunately Frank died there in Jan 1969 aged 71. In later years, widowed sisters Phoebe and Ethel moved into a bungalow in Basingstoke together and it was there that I met them in the late 1970s. Phoebe died there in Nov 2001 aged 98. 2016 update: in 1939 she was at 49 Caldwell Street, Lambeth with husband Frank - Francis Walter Hewitson, a Motor Driver & Fitter - also one Frederick H Beaver, accounts clerk who I don't know, he was probably a lodger. Their daughter Jean must have been evacuated, as she was 8 years old at the time and isn't there. They had moved there on marriage in 1929, when it was called Holland Road, but soon it was renamed. After the war they moved along the road to 82 Vassall Road, then when Frank retired moved to Basingstoke (possibly in 1963) and both died there. 1921 census shows her aged 18 with mother and siblings at 18 Princes Square. See Ethel Grace below. Phoeb was Draper's Assistant, employed by J W Massey of 112 Lambeth Walk.

5th April 2023

Gertrude Olive May born Jan 1909 in Thame to Charles & Georgina & seen in census of 1911 aged 2 at 64 Park Street with parents & sibs. In Jul 1943 in Ploughley, she married Carl I Starup. 2019 update: on 31 Aug 1929 in Flaunden Herts she married Leslie Percival Bonnet. I know these are only banns (called in both Herts and Oxfordshire) but I am informed that she definitely married him. Oddly, it looks as though they divorced, although this was very rare and I cannot find a record. They both remarried in 1943, Gertrude to Carl Starup as I said, and Leslie to Joan Villette Hutt from Royston, Herts, "an artist who made cinema slides". Both Joan and Leslie died in Wales in 1985, another genealogist tells me Gertrude died in Copenhagen, but has no idea where Carl came form or went to.1921 census shows her aged 12 at Thame with her mother, sister Sybil and brother Leslie - see Ena yesterday - at school. I have seen an article in newspaper of Sep 1929 announcing the marriage of Leslie Percival Bonnet to Miss Gertrude Olive May of Thame. I see that they subsequently had a son William the following year. I still cannot find a divorce document, as the only ones I have access to are those of Florida and California, and have no evidence to suggest they went there. Leslie was in the Air Force in WW2 and gained many accolades, so maybe he was much affected by this experience. He went on to have 4 daughters with his second wife. Investigating Gertrude's second husband Carl Starup, the records suggest he was Norwegian and travelled to USA with his mother as a child. Of course, his surname may be a spelling error, so I won't research further. It is clear though that in 1943 the Register was amended with a note "Gertrude Olive Starup nee May" when she was staying as Bell Hotel, Winslow, Bucks.

Harriet Charity May was born 10 Aug 1858 in Chelsea, London to William & Mary Ann nee Hall and christened 25 Mar 1860 at Holy Trinity, Chelsea. She can be seen in census return of 1861 census at 9a Ann Place, Chelsea with parents, sister & young aunt & uncle (Emma & Edward, just after their parents died). In 1871 & 1881 she can be seen at 7 Norman Street, St Luke, Chelsea with her aunts (mother's sisters) Sarah & Rebecca May, who are both unmarried laundresses, training up as a laundress herself. On 24 Sep 1882 at St Jude's Church, Chelsea she married William Frederick Crate from Battersea (where her parents were still living - directly opposite Chelsea on the River Thames). They had 9 children, one died in infancy, and can be seen in census of 1891 at 8 Echo Street, Battersea with 3 daughters and Harriet's aunt Sarah Hall. In 1901 they are at 22 Colestown Street, Battersea with 7 children & 2 other couples (one is aunt Rebecca). William was always described as labourer in crucible works, 2 daughters dressmakers and 2 daughters worked in a biscuit factory. In 1911 they can be seen at 94 Bridge Road West, Battersea. They remained there for some years. In 1935 they moved to 32 Mysore Road, Battersea but not for long, as in 1937 they were at 24 Eccles Road, Battersea. William died in Jan 1940 aged 79 & Harriet 19 Mar 1943 in St James Hospital, Balham aged 84. She was living at 207a Latchmere Road at that time - only yards from where my husband lived when he was born 13 years later (she was his 2nd cousin twice removed)! 2016 update: in 1939 Register she is with her husband William, daughter Daisy & her family, next to possible Hall relatives (her mother's family) at 207a Latchmere Road, Battersea. William is here described as "Warehouseman Retired", son-in-law Frank Bull a Bus Driver & granddaughter Marjorie "Ledger Clerk". 1921 census shows them at 94 Bridge Road West with Daisy & her family. Alfred was 60, a warehouseman at Morgans Crucible Co, Battersea (they made "industrial ceramics" 1800-1972).

Cliff's uncle John May 4 was always called Jack. He was born 28 May 1897 at 26 Goda Street, Lambeth. He can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 3 at 26 Goda Street with parents & sibs, then in 1911 aged 13 at 24 Berkeley Street with parents & 3 sisters. In Jul 1922 in St Saviour Southwark area he married local girl Daisy Elizabeth Mayes.They moved into 3 Oakden Street and lived there for many years. They had two daughters; Joan and Olive. Jack was an engine driver and Union Chairman. It was said of him he was "straight, able, respected by all and able to see both sides of any issue". He was also Chairman of the SE & CR Engineman's Sick Society, which had 5000 members and was "very busy especially at Christmas when the members withdrew funds to buy turkeys". He drove the Golden Arrow on the London to Folkestone route for many years (The Boat Train Link). He retired in 1954, and a few years later he & Daisy moved to Eastbourne, Sussex. He died there in Jan 1981 aged 83 and Daisy in Feb 1984 aged 87. 2016 update: He & Daisy can be seen on 1939 Register at 3 Oakden Street, Lambeth, Jack a Railway Locomotive Driver and Daisy UDD, all as expected. 1921 census has been seen before - he was 24, still single, at 18 Princes Square with his mother and lots of siblings, a Locomotive Foreman at the very famous Stewarts Lane Depot, Battersea. Daisy can be seen with her family in Pimlico. She was a chemist assistant employed by the (again famous) chemist J B Tillott, now world-leaders in gastric/digestive products. As was usual then, she gave up work the following year on marriage.

4th April 2023

Ena Constance May was born 20 Mar 1907 in Thame to Charles & Georgina nee Edwards. She can be seen aged 4 at 64 Park Street with parents & sibs in 1911 census. In Jul 1941 at Ploughley, Oxon she married Eric C Pearce. Ena died Jan 1993 in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire. 2019 update: I have a scan of her baptism now, performed with sisters Gertrude and Phyllis and brother Leslie in 1909. 1939 Register shows her at 12 Kings Road, Thame with her widowed mother, sister Sybil and possible nephew Michael. Ena was transcribed as Eva, listed as "saleslady wools & children's wear". 2 years later she married Eric Pearce but he died 2 years after that, hence no children. She only followed him 50 years later, in 1993, aged 85, when she was living at 8 Old Mill Close, Haddenham, Aylesbury, leaving £78584. I had previously ignored a record from 1929 in Baker Street, London, despite it using her complete name, as all others were in Oxfordshire and nearby, but 1921 census has provided an explanation. In 1914 when father Charles died, Sybil was 13, Phyllis 9, Leslie 9 and Ena 7. The offspring from Charles' previous marriage were all grown up - see Eiley yesterday below - so 1921 census shows Georgina (his second wife) at home in Thame with 3 children; Sybil 19, Leslie 16 and Gertrude 12. As Ena was so young she was, as was common at that time, sent off to school. I can see her on 1921 census return with many other girls, at the Royal Freemasons School for Girls on Wandsworth Common - I suspect she had been there since his death, as pupils were only admitted if they were children of Freemasons aged 6-9. Charles was a Mason, a sailmaker after his service in the Navy, a sweetshop-owner prior to this. So when she was on the electoral roll in 1929 in London, this was because she left school probably a few weeks after the 1921 census, and got a job locally. The address in 1929 housed 37 single girls, so may have been a training facility then - now it is a Sainsbury's. By 1939 as I said, she had returned to Thame, and married a couple of years later.

Ethel Grace May is the main figure in this tree - my husband's grandmother. She was born 18 Oct 1900 at 26 Goda Street, Lambeth (this crossed Regent Street; it was later renamed Doris Street) to John & Martha nee Hodd. She was christened aged almost 5 on 20 Sep 1905 along with her 2 youngest sisters at St Mary the Less, Prince's Road. She can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 5 months at 26 Goda Street, with parents & sibs, then aged 10 in that of 1911 at 24 Berkeley Street with mother & sibs, her father having died in 1905. Along with her sister Beat she grew up in the network of turnings to the west of Kennington Road but soon the family moved across the main road to Princes Square - this was later renamed Cleaver Square - probably due to confusion with Prince's Road aka Black Prince Road, almost opposite. Originally the house was in eldest brother William's name, but gradually more detail is given on the electoral roll records, and by 1929 Martha, Tom, Ethel & Amy are listed there too. Martha died that year, so leaves the records, but her children continue. In 1926 Ethel was working in Lambeth Walk, at Coppins, local grocer's which was later taken over by Sainsbury's, when she met Ernest Sidney Smith from Battersea, who had fought in WW1 for a short while, but was working in Coppins as a Provisions Checker. They fell in love & were married on 15 Apr 1933 at St Anselm's Church, Kennington Cross. They continued living in what was now called Cleaver Square and Clifford and his twin Muriel were born 7 Jul 1934, although sadly Muriel was stillborn. Eric followed 5 years later and they grew up in Cleaver Square. I'm not sure exactly when they moved to 143 Kennington Park Road, but it was before 1956 when Cliff married (also at St Anselm's). In 1941 Ernest was called up into the Army again, and sent to the Middle East as a bombardier. In Sep 1942 Ethel received a card from Cairo with a photograph of Ern & Jackie Pratt on a little leave, they returned to their units and on 31 Oct in El Alamein, Ernest was killed. He was buried at the War Cemetery at El Alamein, Matruh. Ethel had 2 boys of 3 years & 8 years to bring up alone. Cliff married in 1956, and Eric emigrated to Australia. Ethel and her sister Phoebe moved to a bungalow in Basingstoke, Hampshire in their later years, and when I met them it was here, in the late 1970s. Ethel died there in Jan 1983 aged 82. 2015 update: She can be seen at 18 Cleaver Square and as I noted last week has 2 Hidden records with her. These no doubt belong to her boys Clifford (my late father-in-law who died in 2013) and Eric (who died in 2002) They are still redacted until we send up the proof of death. Update: 2023 they are still redacted. 1921 census shows her at the age of 20, living with mother and sibs, a Grocer's Assistant at Coppin Bros 155-9 Lambeth Walk. She remained here for many years and probably only gave up work at marriage, which was the custom at the time. I suspect she moved around the corner to Kennington Park Road at the death of Ernest in 1942.

Ethel Louise May was born 17 Sep 1881 in Linlithgow, Scotland to Charles & Elizabeth, and in 1891 census she can be seen with parents & sibs at Middle Row, Thame aged 9. In 1901 census she can be seen with her father, step-mother & sister Florence at 19 East Street, Thame, aged 19 & listed as schoolteacher. On 3 Dec 1908 at St Paul's church, Ealing she married John Albert Alexander Streaks, an explosives works' manager from Cowley, Oxford. In 1911 census return they can be seen at Ivy Bank, Colnbrook, Middlesex. and are there until 1913 in electoral rolls. After this they cannot be found, and I suspect this is because they moved back to Oxford, as that was where John was when he died aged 42 on 5 Apr 1924. He left effects worth £1505 to two brothers-in-law - he had six sisters - one a Controller of Oxford University Press and the other a chemist's assistant. On 8 Aug 1950 Ethel set off for Montreal, Canada on board the "Empress of France", stating her intention to settle in Canada. However, the following March she returned on the same ship. Evidently Canada was not to her taste or she didn't really mean to emigrate. She remained in this country until she died in Apr 1978 in Epping, Essex - where her sister Eiley lived. 2016 update: 1939 Register found her as a widow, living at 87 Langham Court, Wyke Road, Wimbledon, working as a Salaried Housekeeper, presumably for the person whose Closed Record was listed above her. 2019 update: I see now that in 1939 she was housekeeper to Michael Thompson, student of Aeronautical Engineering, whose parents no doubt paid her wages (he was 23 at the time). When she died, she was in Honey Lane Hospital, Waltham Abbey This was originally an isolation hospital for smallpox and the like. But by 1952 it had become a general hospital, and she died here on 19 May 1978, leaving £9397. 1921 census shows her aged 40, visiting in Braunton, Devon with a golf club green keeper and his family. She is a widow, and I realised the death record I had for her husband John was that of her father-in-law also John (so he left sums to sons-in-law).

3rd April 2023

Beatrice May May (great-aunt Beat) was born 13 Jul 1890 in Leicester to John & Martha nee Hodd, the only child born there. Father John was working as a shoemaker, but it evidently didn't work out as they returned to Lambeth in time for the birth of Alice (see Friday). So census return of 1891 shows Beat aged 8 months, at 1 Yarm Terrace, All Saints Road, Black Friars, Leicester with parents & brothers. Leicester Station was built here. By Aug 1892 they were back in Lambeth (Alice's baptism) & the following year William's school entry document gives the address as 30 Afghan Road, Wandsworth. She can be seen on census return of 1901 at 26 Goda Street, Lambeth with parents & sibs. In 1911 the census shows her at Wingfield, Streatham Common (South side), working as a servant in household of a boot importer. The family were at 22 Berkeley Street, and a few weeks later on 5 Jun 1911 at St Mary's, Lambeth, she married Ernest William Philip Samways from Dorset, who had been in the Royal Navy & was a Quartermaster with the PO company. (He had been a seaman stationed at Sheerness in Kent on the HMS Wildfire in 1901 census). They had 5 children - Daphne married a GI & went home with him to USA, according to family. Molly married George Bryan, a friend of Ernest who drank in the same pub, the White Bear in Kennington (all this was told to me by Cliff in 2006), Ern settled into a desk job, as there are directory entries listing him as an insurance agent in Wyke Regis, Dorset. He died there in 1953 and Beat soon used her freedom to sail off to New York, where her daughter had moved a few years before. Beat sailed out on the Queen Elizabeth 14 Nov 1958 from Southampton to New York, returning on the Bremen on 10 Sep 1959, giving her address as 17 Sunnyside Road, Weymouth. She died in Oct 1974 in Weymouth. 2016 update: in1939 she was registered at 17 Sunnyside Road, Weymouth, Dorset, where she had lived since her marriage in 1911. Her husband Ernest W P Samways was a sailor in the Royal Navy, but was described as an "agent with the Prudential. Retired" in 1939, occupied as an ARP Warden. Daughter Martha Mary was there too, aged 24 - a note added later informed of her married name Bryan (the following year). She was listed as Unemployed but another note added at some point in the future states she was later Manageress of Conf. Business - I think this may be she ran a sweetshop! Ernest died at Sunnyside Road in 1953 and Beat in 1974. 2019 update: Oh, by the way, I found out that her son-in-law "Lefty" was Albert Francis Trull Junior from Massachusetts. 1921 census shows them at 9 Sunnyside Road, Wyke Regis, Ern an insurance agent for The Pru, Beat looking after the 4 children, two at school. Another line in 1939 Register is unredacted, showing son Philip, who was aged 20, apprentice fitter/turner at the Whitehead Torpedo factory in Weymouth. As there were two others, as yet still redacted, involving dittoes in the last column, he may well have had colleagues staying with him.

Eiley Mary Munsey May She can be seen in census of 1901 boarding at 18 Cheneys Road, Cann Hall, Wanstead, Essex, working as a schoolmistress then in 1911 at 108 Durham Road, Manor Park similarly boarding & working as an Elementary School teacher. She died in Oct 1969 in Epping, Essex aged 90. The only other record I have come across is a local newspaper article about a concert at Thame British School, which praises the singing and piano skills of Eiley and her sister Ethel, performing their own compositions. 2016 update: she was born 12 Dec 1879 at Linlithgow, Scotland, while her father was still based there, and can be seen in 1881 census at West Terrace, Queensferry with her mother, the family moved to Oxfordshire when his tenure was up, at the end of Feb 1882, and her subsequent siblings were born there. In 1891 census she can be seen at Middle Row, Thame with parents & sibs. By 1901 census she was 21, had trained as a schoolteacher and can be seen boarding at 18 Cheneys Road, Cann Hall, Wanstead, Essex. In 1911 she was at 108 Durham Road, Manor Park, London, an Elementary School Teacher (meaning a school teaching 5-13s, not a term used in UK any longer). On 2 Aug 1912 she travelled aboard the "Empress of Ireland" from Liverpool to Quebec, Canada, destination "Black Lake". She was described as "Scotch" teacher, travelling as a tourist. Then on 9 Apr 1936 on board HMS Ranpura, she travelled from London to Marseilles. She must have had some kind of problem at some point in her career, though, as when we next meet her in 1939 she is aged 58 living with another schoolmistress and described as "retired (breakdown/pension) schoolmistress". There is also a closed file here, possibly a young servant/nurse. The address is given as Shenmore, Theydon Bois, Essex, probably on The Green, and she may well have lived there for 30 years. 2019 update: on 20 Dec 1969 aged 90 she died at 31 Theydon Park Road, Theydon Bois, Essex, leaving £1884. 1921 census shows her boarding in Wanstead, Essex, working at Cann Hall Infants School, Leytonstone, which closed in 1991 I understand. She was still classed as "Elementary School Teacher" so must have had her breakdown in the late 1920s-early 1930s. 

Ellen Louisa May was born Nov 1882 (birth registered Jan 1883) at 25 Union Street, Lambeth (10 years later renamed Fitzalan Street) to William & Ellen nee Hodd and christened 17 Dec 1882 at St Alphege, Southwark. She can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 8 at 146 Regent Street, Lambeth [very nearby, renamed Ethelread Street] with her mother & two sisters, also her maternal uncle & aunt Richard & Ellen Hodd, who were visiting. In 1901 census she is seen living with mother & two sisters at 46 Princes Road, working as a "shop assistant in laundry". On 15 Feb 1908 at St Mark's church, Kennington she married George Charles Edward Hawkes and they lived in Willesden. 1911 census shows them at 24 Guisborough Road, Willesden with 2 sons, then by 1915 were living in Deptford, at 159 Manor Road. By 1918 they were at 49 St Norbert Road, Deptford & remained there until their deaths. George actually died in the Miller Hospital 17 Sep 1951 aged 72 & left effects worth £188 to Ellen, she died Dec 1968 aged 86. They had no further children. 2016 update: She and husband George Hawkes lived at 49 St Norbert Road, Deptford for the final decades of their lives, so in 1939 they can be seen there with their 2 sons, George W (aged 30, hustings overseer) and Wilfred (29, measuring surveyor). George C was described as Railway Motorman, previously as Fireman on Great Western Railway, he had evidently moved on from steam to motors with the development of the new technology. He died on 17 Sep 1951 at the Miller Hospital, London and left effects worth £188 to Ellen. She lived on at the same address until records cease in 1963 (currently) and her death was registered in the Lewisham area, which probably included Deptford, so she may have died there. 2019 update: When she died in Dec 1968 she was interred into plot C/Con/202 in Brockley Cemetery, joining her husband George, who had died in Sep 1951, and his parents George & Amelia, who had died in 1936 & 1918 respectively. 1921 census shows them at 49 St Norberts Road, as expected, with 2 sons, George a Motorman working for the Metropolitan Railway, based at New Cross. This address still exists and no doubt looks just the same.

Emma May was born Oct 1850 in Lambeth to John & Mary Ann. In 1861 she was staying with elder brother and aged 11 was working as a servant. In 1871 she can be seen visiting in Clayton Street, Lambeth (right by the Oval cricket ground), still listed as domestic servant. 2016 update: she married on 13 Sep 1869 at St Luke's, Chelsea to Robert Aspinell and witnesses were John & Lucy Aspinell, Robert's mother and brother. Robert was a water-filter-maker and they can be seen in 1871 census at 10 Bolingbroke Road, Battersea (on Wandsworth Common) with baby son Robert. 11 more children followed, although one died aged 7 (final child, it turned out). In 1881 census they can be seen at 34 Francis Street, Battersea with 6 of them and Robert's mother & sister, both dressmakers. He was now Foreman filter-maker. In 1890 they moved to 92 Bridge Street, Battersea and can be seen there in census in 1891, Robert died there in March 1899 and was buried in Morden, Surrey on 14 March. By 1901 census Emma had moved around the corner to 37 Octavia Street, Battersea and can be seen there with 7 full-grown children. By 1911 Emma was living at 19 Eckstein Road, Clapham Junction, only a mile away. Son Ernest was a floor polisher at a London Museum - interesting. Electoral roll records show Emma at number 35 Eckstein Road in 1919 until 1930, when she died there and was buried with Robert at Morden on 8 Aug 1931. 1921 census shows her there with Emma, Ellen, Annie and Henry. 2 daughters were dressmakers and widowed son Henry, who was employed by J Lyons at Cadby Hall as "traffic foreman" in their food factory. His first wife Charlotte had died in 1918 and he re-married in 1926, this time to Jessie Brothers, whose family were famous for their Sauce manufacturing company. [Their mother was a Sarah May, it seems - this needs looking into!]

2nd April 2023

OK, new start. This tree is that of my (now late) father-in-law Clifford. First a bit of background for those who don't know me. My husband and I met at University, which means he could have come from anywhere in the world. So this tree never ceases to amaze me - as it did Cliff himself - at the close proximity of his to my mother's family. I spent a lot of my childhood in & around Lambeth, and so did Cliff. Firstly I want to deal with his mother's family, the Mays.

My husband's great-aunt Alice May was born 8 Jun 1892 in Lambeth to John & Martha nee Hodd and christened on 4 Aug 1892 at Emmanuel church. [Here we immediately come across the odd coincidence. If you follow this blog you will know this church as the one immediately behind my grandparents' building, and where they got married. I looked out on its roof for many years of my childhood]. She can be seen in census return of 1901 at 26 Goda Street, Lambeth with parents & sibs. [This is a street only yards from my grandparents' home] In 1911 she was working as a housemaid in the household of a draper, James Medland at 120-124 Lambeth Walk (a single businessman living with 4 assistants, housekeeeper & 2 maids). On 28 Jan 1912 at St James church, Kennington Park Road she married John James Pratt aka Ted because his father was John too (well-known local family name - Pratt Street now Walk was named after them pre-18th Century) and they had 3 children. Witnesses of the marriage were William John May, her brother, and Lily Cooper, who boarded with the Pratts & was a theatrical shoe maker. Ted had joined the army in 1905 at the age of 20 in Woolwich, at which time he was a milkman. He attested to the Royal Horse Artillery with the rank of Gunner, and was posted in the UK, gaining a Good Conduct Stripe in 1907. He evidently put the training to good use as, instead of a milkman, the 1911 census saw him a mechanical engineer. After they married, they settled at 18 Princes Square, Kennington [now Cleaver Square] and daughter Doris Amelia Alice appeared 4 months later, followed by her sister Beatrice Rosina Stella (Beat) 2 years later, then a surprise brother John S (Jackie) 12 years after her. On 5 Aug 1914 Ted was mobilized by the Army at Woolwich, trained in England for a few months, then posted to France on 5 Nov 1914, where he remained until 13 Feb 1917. He was sent home twice, only to be re-posted a few months later. While on Active Service he was wounded twice: in 1917 & 1918, finally discharged 4 Feb 1919 as being "no longer physically fit for war service" after over 13 years service. He had been promoted three times: to Bomber, to Corporal & then to Sergeant. So electoral roll records show Alice alone at no.18 in 1918 then both of them there until about 1930 when they moved to 386 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey for a few years. In 1939 they can be seen to have relocated to Edmonton, Middlesex - 193 & 195 Fore Street. Ted died here in 1960 and Alice 24 Dec 1976 (just after her great-nephew & I first met). 2016 update:  In 1939 the Register showed Ted & Alice at no. 195, listed as Club Steward & Stewardess with son-in-law Edward & their daughter Doris Huggett, Edward described as a shipping clerk & full-time ARP warden, Doris UDD. There is also a closed record underneath Alice, which may be son Jackie, as he was only 13 at the time. 2019 update: son Jackie has been unredacted from the 1939 Register, and I now know the address in Edmonton where Alice lived when she died; 6 Cuckoo Hall Lane. 1921 census shows them at 18 Prince's Square with 2 daughters in 2 rooms, Martha May & family in 4 (see later) and another occupied by an Arthur Kiddell. Ted 36 worked as a general labourer for a builder, Alice 29 Home Duties and both girls (9 & 6) at school.

Alice Sarah May was born 20 Aug 1864 in Chelsea, Middlesex to William & Mary Ann nee Hall and christened at the age of 16 on 22 Oct 1880 in Battersea. She can be seen in census return of 1871 at 34a Wayland Road, Battersea with parents, sister & aunt, then in 1881 at 27 Benfield Street, Battersea with parents, sister & cousin. She was at this stage aged 16 and was working as a Cigar Maker, no doubt at the nearby Lambert & Butler factory (1877-1930). On 16 Mar 1884 at Christ Church Battersea she married Charles Matthias Leverett, who was working as a barman in Camberwell in 1881, but by 1891 had taken up his father's occupation of "Hair Pin Maker", in the census where he & Alice can be seen at 27 Warsill Street, Battersea with 2 children. They must have only just moved there, as the previous year they had been at 30 Lothian Road, Lambeth when they had both children christened at St John the Divine, Kennington. Unfortunately, Charles died in Oct 1896 and in 1901 census Alice can be seen living with her parents at 73 Chatham Street, Battersea, widowed with 2 children, her sister (also a widowed cigar-maker) and her 4 children. Alice & Rebecca both probably worked back at Lambert & Butler's factory nearby, along with the eldest 4 children. On 26 Jul 1908 at St Anne's church, Wandsworth she married Henry Joseph Jones, widower & Poor Law Officer. He was living in Wandsworth, at 54 Barmouth Road. But on his marriage he appears to have a change of occupation, as in 1911 they can be seen at 153 Penwith Road, Battersea with 3 children (2 hers, 1 his) and Henry is keeping a Coffee House. The year before the electoral roll had shown him at no.166, so I think the numbering was undergoing upheaval. From 1915-1939 records show them at 247 Earlsfield Road. Alice died in this area Apr 1945 aged 80. 2016 update: in 1939. She can be seen living with daughter Mary & son-in-law Frank at 24 Arthur Road, New Malden, Surrey, listed as UDD (Retired). Frank was described as "Horse & Carriage Foreman, Railway Parcels (Heavy Work)" and Mary UDD. Alice was shown as widowed; Henry died in 1926 in Battersea. There are 4 possible children, born with mother's maiden name of May between 1912 & 1919, but when Mary died a widow in 1964, she left effects to a Stephen Jones, senior audit clerk. 1921 census has sorted this out for me fortunately, by describing Stephen as "adopted son" and Horace Leverett as "step son". They were living at 247 Earlsfield Road, Wandsworth, as expected. Henry was 62, a clerk for an insurance company, Alice 56 Home Duties, Horace 35 a brass finisher and Stephen aged 6 at school.

Another of my husband's aunts, Amy Constance Elizabeth May was born 2 Aug 1905 in Lambeth to John & Martha nee Hodd and christened at St Mary the Less church, Lambeth on 20 Sep 1905 with two sisters. Sadly her father had died a few weeks before her birth. She can be seen in census return of 1911 at 22 Berkeley Street, Lambeth with mother & sibs aged 5. In Oct 1933 at St Mary the Less church she married William (Bill) C Negus. After marriage, they moved down to Dorset and had a son, Billy junior in 1936. Bill senior was in the Merchant Navy. Billy married Patricia Stainer in 1962 and they emigrated to Canada. Amy must have been in the services during WW2 as we have photos of her in uniform, but I cannot find any records. She died in North Dorset in Nov 1995 aged 90, but I am afraid I never met her. 2016 update: 1939 Register shows them at 9 St Davids Road, Weymouth. Bill listed as window cleaner, Amy as UDD. The closed record was probably Billy junior, and there was a Christopher Fearon, civil servant, probably a lodger or boarder, aged 24. As Cliff said Bill was in the merchant navy, I suspect his father was the S/Sgt C W Negus who was honored in 1919 in South Africa. Bill died in 1989 and Amy in 1995 in Weymouth. 1921 census shows her in Martha's household at 18 Princes Square - see Alice above. She was almost 16, and had worked part-time for a milliner at 153 Lambeth Walk (now a laundrette, it seems), part-time at school. She was Out of Work at that point though (as so many were).

1st April 2023

Thomas Henry Hodd was born Jul 1880 in Southwark, to Thomas & Annie nee Martin. His mother died a few months after his birth (possibly of post-partum complications), so he had no siblings and can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 8 months, with his father, grandparents Richard & Matilda Hodd and family in Sydenham Road North, Croydon. His father died too, 4 years later and in census of 1891 Thomas can be seen boarding in Nuthurst, Sussex with a bricklayer's labourer (maybe a friend of his father who was also a labourer) and another 10-year-old boarder. By 1901 he is 21 and can be seen at 51 Bensham Lane, Croydon, listed as a bricklayer's labourer himself. On 27 Dec 1909 at Holy Saviour Church, Croydon he married Florence Emily Lowry, a laundress living with her sister in Croydon. In 1911 he can be seen at 134 Pawsons Road, Croydon listed as a General Labourer. They do not appear to have had any children. Florence died in Croydon in Jan 1958 & Thomas Jul 1965. 1921 census shows Thomas and Florence at 44 Northbrook Road, Croydon, Thomas a bricklayer's labourer, employed by a local builder in Croydon, Florence Home Duties. In 1939 Register, she is still there, working as a laundress, but Thomas is living just down the road with his employer, acting as ARP as well as Builder's Handyman.

Violet Josephine Hodd was born 23 Nov 1896 in Lambeth to Richard & Ellen nee Webb and christened 3 Jan 1897 at Emmanuel church. She can be seen in census return of 1901 aged 4 at 39 St Albans Street with parents & sibs. 1911 census shows her at 7 St Mary's Square with parents & sibs, listed as an Apprentice Dressmaker aged 14 (the triangular "square" I have mentioned before). On 3 Sep 1921 at St Philip's church, just around the corner from there, on Kennington Road (where my parents were married 30 years later) she married Arthur Mair, witnesses Richard S Hodd, bride's father and Albert, Arthur's brother. Now Arthur has a very interesting story: born in Lambeth, when his father died in 1898 he was aged 7 and he & his 4 year old brother were removed by the Poor Law authorities to a school in Forest Gate, Poplar, as evidently their mother couldn't cope. Their father had previously lived in that area, so as was the way at the time, the children were considered the responsibility of the Poplar Poor Law Area. He attended the school with his brother Albert, but by the census of 1901 they were back in Lambeth with their mother & 2 other brothers. He evidently did well at school, as when we see him in 1911 at 113 Hargwyne Street, Brixton with mother & 3 brothers aged 19 he is a Solicitor's Clerk - not bad for a pauper! Actually all 4 boys had good jobs, so Louisa coped well after all. She completed the 1911 census in a flowing loopy script that seems to indicate that she was well educated herself. On the marriage cert he states he is living at 79 Canterbury Road, Croydon, and that area is certainly where they settled. They had 2 children, Phyllis & Alan, and electoral roll records trace the family to 55 Ashbourne Road, Mitcham 1928-1934, 22 Cranleigh Gardens, Sutton 1935-9 - good properties. The next records are from 1965 & 1966 when Arthur was no doubt retired and lived at a property called Stamford, Seymour Road, Carshalton. Arthur died in Jan 1978 and Violet Oct 1983 both in the Croydon area and both aged 86. 1921 census shows her living at the "square" with her parents just before she married, working as a "Statistical Clerk" for J Lyons of Corner House fame (see cousin Frederick below). Arthur was at 79 Canterbury Road, Croydon with mother and brother, a solicitor;s clerk in the City. As I said above, by 1939 they had moved to Cranleigh Gardens, Sutton and can be seen there in the Register. When I studied this document in 2016 I noted there were 2 closed lines, but now only one. Violet was UDD, Arthur by now Solicitor's Managing Clerk and ARP Warden. The closed file is that of Alan, but Phyllis must have passed on, as hers is now open. It shows she changed her name from Mair to Sharp in 1944, then to Clarke in 1958, by marriage. I see that her first husband was the Reverend Frank Sharp, and died in 1957.

William Robert Hodd was born at St Helens Green, Isle of White in Jan 1889 and in 1891 can be seen at St Helens Green, IOW with parents. William senior is listed as Toll Collector & Watchman: "From 1882 tolls were charged for the use of the present Embankment Road, first by the railway companies and later British Railways. The tollgate was situated across the road from Bembridge Station, and tolls were collected from persons, vehicles and animals using the road". In 1901 census he can be seen with 2 sons, still the Toll Collector, living at Bank Cottages, Bembridge. By 1911 he can be seen at 3 Embankment Road [now 3 The Anchorage] with parents and grandfather Robert Dyer, his father describing his post as "Store & Time Keeper". On 8 May 1915 at Newport, IOW he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, attesting for "Short Service" ie for the duration of war. He was recorded as a "Clerk Skilled" from 3 Harbour Road, Bembridge, his mother Lucy his Next Of Kin, and he had been in the Territorial Force before this. William did very well in the Army; on 18 Jun 1915 he was promoted to 2nd Corporal, 31 Jul 1915 to Corporal, 8 Sep 1916 to Acting Sergeant. He had a few weeks leave 24 Jan 1917 to 2 Mar 1917, to organize his wedding, and on return to his unit was promoted to Company Sergeant Major (described as "A senior management role focussing on the training, welfare & discipline of the company/battery/squadron"). On 26 May 1917 he was admitted to hospital (but I don't know why) and rejoined his until on 10 Jun 1917. On 30 Oct 1917 at Ryde Parish Church he married Frances Harriet Warne. Home was now 12 Monkton Street, Ryde, IOW but he had to return to his unit. He was despatched to UK on 17 Mar 1919 after being given a clean bill of health, and received 2 medals on 4 Jun 1921. They had 2 children, Gwendoline in 1920 & William George in 1921. At some point in the next 20 years they moved to Kent, as Frances died in Jan 1940 in Medway and William himself in Jan 1960 in Chatham, Medway. When Gwendoline married in 1944 it was in Medway, and likewise William George in 1951. 2016 update: 1939 Register finds William Robert with his mother, wife and 3 children at 6 Hollywood Lane, Strood, Kent (oddly this town is where my husband & I lived when first married, 40 years later). William was described as "Employee RNAD Upnor", Frances & Lucy as UDD, William George a Rivetter's Labourer (presumably rivetting ships) and Barbara was aged 15 & at school. There was also a closed file, I suspect this is Gwendoline who, despite being the eldest is the only sibling still alive, but she is 96 years old! I see now that Barbara married a Sharpe (like Violet above) and died in 2005 aged 80. Gwendoline is still redacted but would be 102 by now. 1921 census for William and family shows them just before they moved to Surrey (possibly the following year). They can be seen at The Anchorage, Bembridge, William employed as an Insurance Agent by The Pru, Frances Household Duties, Gwendoline a baby. Brother Gerald was there too - see below.

31st March 2023

Richard Stephen Hodd was one of Cliff's great-uncles, born Oct 1869 in Newington, Southwark to Joseph & Susan nee Brewster and can be seen on census return of 1871 at Royal Terrace, Newington with parents & sibs. On 13 Feb 1877 he started at the St Mary the Less junior school, giving address as 37 Caroline Street, transferred from the infant school at St Phillip's. 1881 census shows him aged 11 at 18 John Street with father & sibs. On 29 Mar 1891 at St Paul's church, Newington he married Ellen Elizabeth Jane Webb, who had been living in Southwark with her family. They can be seen a week later on census return at 146 Regent Street, just married, visiting Richard's sister Ellen (aka Eliza) May & her 3 daughters. Richard is listed as a plumber. They had 4 children, 3 surviving to adulthood, one died aged 17. Through electoral roll records they can be seen at various addresses over the years. In 1890s they lived at Caroline Street - renamed Goda Street - the road he had lived in aged 8. In 1900 they moved to 39 St Albans Road until 1910, so were there for 1901 census with 3 children & Ellen's brother Henry Webb. Just in time for the 1911 census they relocated again, across the main road to 7 St Mary's Square, where they lived until 1939 at least, [Now known as St Mary's Walk - because it never was square - it is triangular!] Richard working as a house painter. Around about 1940 they must have moved out to Sutton, Surrey, as Richard died there in Oct 1943 aged 74 & Ellen too in 6 Nov 1959 aged 88 (leaving effects worth £813 to daughter Laura). 2016 update: in 1939 Register the little house on St Mary's Gardens. Laura was the earner in this household, as Richard was retired and Ellen UDD. He described himself as "Railway Assistant Linesman (Retired)" and I can see from the National Union of Railwaymen Register that he joined the union aged 45, when he commenced working for the Battersea branch of the L&SWR (London & South Western Railway) in this rôle on 29 Sep 1916. 1921 census was mentioned regarding Laura - see below - at 7 St Mary's. Richard was head of the household, still working at this stage, being only 50, an "electrical track linesman" employed by London & Southwestern Railway, at Vauxhall Station.Ellen worked as a "collar examiner" for a dressmaking company in Crosby Row, Borough - which is still there. When he died, as I said, they had retired to Surrey and he was buried in Merton on 15 Oct 1943.

His brother Stephen Richard Hodd was born Apr 1864 in Newington to Joseph & Susan nee Brewster. He can be seen in census return of 1871 aged 7 at Royal Terrace, Newington with parents & sibs, then in 1881 at 17 John Street, Lambeth with father & sibs. In the latter he is 17 and working as what I can only read as "Flarter" - pause for hilarity. On Christmas Day 1888 at All Saints, Newington he married Caroline Buckmaster, local girl, and they had 5 children. Witnesses were siblings John Buckmaster & Elizabeth Hodd. On his marriage certificate he is listed as Optician, which may assist in trying to work out the badly-written word above. As you may recall, his father had been a Mathematical Instrument Maker and I suggested this may have been to do with optics. One of the most famous families in the field of optics was the Dollond family and they ran a shop & workshop in Kennington up to 1852. The business continued under the name of Dollond & Aitchison, now I understand part of the Boots group. In 1891 census he can be seen at 30 Doris Street, Lambeth, where he rented 2 rooms on the 1st floor, with baby son, described as an "Optical Plainer" (sic). In 1901 the same with 5 children, but by 1908 they had moved to no. 40, where they remained until 1929 (Stephen & Caroline, sons Fred & George, also Winifred, Fred's wife). Caroline died there in Oct 1930 aged 66 & Stephen in Jan 1934 aged 73. 1921 census shows Stephen and Caroline with sons Fred & George (see 28th March below) at 40 Doris Road and gives a little more information about his job. He was employed as an "optical plainer" by James Swift & Sons, microscope makers of Tottenham Court Road - not Dollond I'm afraid, but probably equally famous, if not more so!

30th March 2023

Now for the main "trunk" of this tree, Cliff's grandmother Martha Hodd. She was born 13 Feb 1862 to Joseph & Susan nee Brewster at 5 Royal Street, Walworth, then in Surrey. In 1871 census this is called Royal Terrace and was I understand a row of dwellings in Hill Street where she can be seen aged 9 with parents & sibs. In census of 1881 she can be seen at 18 John Street, Lambeth with father & sibs, listed as a Domestic aged 19, having recently lost her mother. On 21 Feb 1882 at All Saints, Newington she married John May and they lived in Lambeth for a few years, having 2 sons William & Thomas. They had 8 children in all. In 1885 John's father died and John took the opportunity to follow his dream (I imagine) and took the family to Leicester, where they lived in a street full of shoemakers and John worked as one. This only lasted a few years though, as the new Leicester Station was built on the site of their house and they returned to London, so Beat was the only child born in Leicester. They were back in London by 1892 for Alice's birth, and can be seen in electoral roll records of 1894-1905 living at 26 Goda Street, Martha's brother Richard opposite until 1900. After John died, Martha moved to 24 Berkeley Street, later renamed Sowerby Street, with 5 children, and this was where Amy was born. Martha moved to 18 Prince's Square around about 1913-15, initially in the name of William John, her eldest son. But when the boys went off to war, properties appeared more often in female names and hers remained on electoral rolls at 18 Cleaver Square (the new name for Prince's Square) in 1937 with Ethel & Ernest and died in Jul that year. 2019 update: When John died in 1905 she moved around a bit; in 1910 4 Albert Buildings, Lollard Street, in 1915 at 2 Wickham Street (right behind Vauxhall Street School) but by 1918 she had settled in 18 Princes Square and remained there until she died 20 years later. Built in 1788, the terraces face onto a square with gardens, named Prince's Square after Joseph Prince, then in 1937 renamed Cleaver Square after Mary Cleaver, who had owned the land in the 18th Century. These buildings are all still standing and are listed, so will continue to do so. Clifford was born there and his mother Ethel brought up the boys there until they moved around to Kennington Park Road after Ernest was killed. 1921 census shows her at 18 Prince's Square, a 60-year-old widowed Housewife with 5 of her children (details will be given when I cover the Mays) and a 15-year-old boarder.

Her sister Mary Ann Priscilla Hodd was born Oct 1857 in Newington to Joseph & Susan nee Brewster. As I have noted before, the whole family is missing from 1861 census, but we know they are in Royal Street Newington on Martha's birth, and they can be seen on census of 1871 at Royal Terrace, at this time Mary Ann is 13 & listed as Domestic Servant. On Christmas Day 1876 at Emmanuel church, Lambeth she married local lad Henry John Freeman, a slater and over the next 20 years can be traced by baptism records as they moved around the area. She herself wasn't baptised until aged 25 a joint ceremony with her sisters Susan & Elizabeth, but made sure her own 7 children were baptised as babies. In 1879 (baptism of Ada & Mary Ann at Emmanuel) they lived at 61 Princes Square [the last house in Cleaver Square now] then at time of 1881 census next door at 60. When her own baptism occurred in 1882 (also at Emmanuel) she lived at 17 John Street, then the following year when Arthur was baptised at 23 Caroline Street. In 1886 when Caroline was baptised at St Philip's, Kennington Road, they had moved across the main road to 95 Brook Street. In 1888 when William was baptised, they were all the way round the area in Southwark - 75 Webber Street and the ceremony was at Walworth All Saints. They soon returned to the Kennington area though, as the final two baptisms were at Emmanuel. Census and baptism of daughter Beatrice in 1891 both showed home address of 93 Regent Street, oddly the census listing Henry as "Oil Dealer", when all other documents state Slater. In 1896 youngest daughter Ivy was baptised, giving address as 38 Lollard Street, which was East Street renamed but by 1901 they had moved on again, to south of the Oval, 49 Holland Street, where they can also be seen in 1911 census. Henry died there in 1919 aged 61 but Mary Ann stayed on at the same address for some years. The address may strike a chord - it did with me - Aunt Phoeb & Uncle Frank lived there after their marriage in 1928, now I know why - it was her aunt's house (Mary Ann was her mother Martha's sister). Mary Ann can be seen there in electoral roll records to 1928 at least and may have been there until her death in 1944. 2019 update: in 1939 Register as widow "Margery" Freeman, date of birth 3 Sep 1957, UDD. I can see that in plot 48/33262 in West Norwood Cemetery there are 4 occupants. On 27 Apr 1912 Henry was interred, followed by Mary Ann on 28 Feb 1944, Charles on 20 Dec 1957 and Ada 2 Aug 1961. 1921 census shows her at 49 Holland Street with daughter Ivy, niece Ellen and a boarder. Ellen was probably her brother-in-law Arthur's daughter and is noteworthy as I found her occupation interesting. She was 22, single, and worked in Holborn for a printing and engraving company as a "bank note and bond examiner". Ivy was 25 and a blouse machinist for a "blouse and robe manufacturer" in Brixton. Mary Ann just Home Duties.

Matilda Hodd1 was born Apr 1886 in Lambeth to Joseph & Martha and christened aged 3 with her brother Ernest 28 Jul 1889 at St John's Croydon - although I still don't know why Croydon, as they lived in Lambeth. She can be seen in census of 1891 at 22 Tyers Street with parents & sibs, aged 4. In 1901 she can be seen at Savoy Mansions, London working as a general servant. [This is a famous address, as the building was built in 1886 - Matilda's birth year - as the examination hall for the Royal College of Surgeons and behind it was the building taken over by the newly-formed BBC in 1923 as its broadcasting studios]. By 1911 she had moved on & can be seen living back with her mother at 124 Tyers Street, working as a cook. On 1 Mar 1916 at St Mary the Less church Lambeth she married James George Golder, a carman & ropemaker from Croydon, witnesses her sister Lily and his father William. James had joined up to the Royal Fusiliers in 1914 in order to fight in WW1 but had been discharged after only a couple of months as "not likely to become an efficient soldier" (he was constantly in trouble for those weeks, evidently could not take orders and was reported to have "bad character"). They settled at 49 Sydney Road, Sutton, Surrey (his parents lived at no. 73) and had 3 children. This address is also familiar as Matilda's brothers lived there too. James died here aged 49 in Jan 1939 and their son, also called James a Sergeant in the RAF, was posted to France & was killed in 1944, aged just 24, buried at Dreux near Chartres. I cannot trace Matilda further but I am told she died in the Croydon area on 5 Feb 1966. 2016 update: The 1939 Register tracks her down to 156 Canterbury Road, Croydon (just off the Purley Way). She is listed as UDD but with her are listed Sarah (daughter "mechanical engineering something" who later married into surname Chessell) and 2 closed files. If these are the other two children, I am surprised James is redacted, as he died only 5 years later. After this, I can see from electoral roll records and Phone Book entries that Matilda lived at this address until she died on 5 Feb 1966, then Sarah & her husband John until they did in 1987 & 1988. 2019 update: in the 1939 Register, now one of the redacted lines has been opened and had produced a surprise - a son Richard I knew nothing about! He slotted in between James and Sarah, went on to marry an Eileen Deeley and as far as I can see is still living in Croydon. (The other redacted line is a little odd, as it is 1st in the household of Matilda & Thomas Brewer, so maybe is one of his parents). James died just before the Register, aged 49 and Matilda on 5 Feb 1966 aged 79. 1921 census shows Matilda and James at 49 Sydney Road with 2 namesake babies, James a carman and Matilda a Cook, both evidently self-employed.

Matilda Hodd2 was born Jan 1869 in Croydon to Richard & Matilda nee Saunders. She can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 2 with parents & sibs at 44 Labour Road, Croydon. In 1881 census she can be seen living with her sister at 14 Grange Road, Croydon, aged 13. She married Sidney Tretheway Saville ostensibly in the Jul-Sep quarter of 1891 but they can be seen at 183 Gloucester Road, Croydon with baby daughter Florence aged 9 months in April of that year in the census. Either they are lying or I have a marriage record that has been mis-read - this does happen but rarely. Anyway, the tragic thing is that baby Florence died in Oct 1891 aged one year. They had 10 children in all, of which 3 died in infancy. Sidney was listed in the census as "Shunter on the Railway". I see from his employment record that he "entered service" with the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway in Jan 1890 as Head Shunter at Norwood Junction at £1 a week, gained promotions on 21 Feb 1891, 21 Feb 1892 & 25 Jun 1892 and resigned on 24 Mar 1893. (He had had another abortive career-attempt aged 14, when he joined the SS Saltram from Bridport, Dorset as an Ordinary Seaman. It evidently was not to his taste as he resigned after only 24 days and returned to London). In 1901 census they can be seen at 15 Hampton Road, Croydon with 5 children & Matilda's mother and he is a bricklayer's labourer, the same in 1911 with 6 children and her mother. Matilda died in Croydon Apr 1928 aged 59. Sidney married Elizabeth Rosam the following year and died in Croydon Jan 1955 aged 88. 2016 update: Up to 1893 they lived at 183 Gloucester Road, Croydon and Sydney worked as a shunter on the railways. By Nelly's baptism the following August they were at 9 Windmill Road, less than a mile away, then settled at 15 Hampton Road for some years from 1900 until Matilda died there in Apr 1928. The following year Sydney married widow Elizabeth Rosam née Stewart, so it is her and her daughters who can be seen with him in 1939 Register, at 15 Hampton Road. Sydney called himself Scaffolder in 1897 & 1900, then builder's Labourer in 1905 until 1939 (although by then 72). He died there in Jan 1955, Elizabeth having preceded him in 1953. 1921 census fits in a few years after her mother's death, so shows Matilda with Sydney & 5 children at 15 Hampton Road. Sydney was a labourer for a local builder with son Harry, and daughter Lucy was in service.

29th March 2023

Gerald Richard Hodd was born Jul 1899 in Bembridge, Isle of Wight to William & Lucy nee Dyer. He can be seen in census return of 1901 aged almost 2, with parents & brother. Their father was toll collector and they lived in Bank Cottages, right by the station so he could collect money from the passing traffic. In 1911 they are still there, bur Lucy's 80-year-old father Robert Dyer has been widowed and is living with them. In Apr 1916 Gerald joined the Post Office and was assigned a job as Assistant Postman in Ryde, 5 miles away. However, war intervened and on 27 Aug 1917 he enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry & was discharged 20 Jan 1919 with a Silver War Badge to his credit (discharged as "services no longer required"). I cannot see in the Post Office records that he returned to his job with them, but cannot find anything else, although it will say on his marriage certificate if I were to buy it. In Oct 1922 on Isle of Wight (it doesn't say where) he married local girl Ivy F Sealey and they had one daughter Joan Iris the following year. Ivy died aged 65 in 1963 so when Gerald died 4 Apr 1966 he left his effects worth £404 to Joan, who was by then married to John James Denton. He was living at 3 The Anchorage, Steyne Road, Bembridge. 2016 update: 1939 Register finds them at 1 Waysend, Dennett Road, Bembridge, IOW, only half a mile from where he grew up, when his father was toll collector. He described himself as "Butcher's Assistant". WW Woodford & Sons is still there on the High Street, close to the toll booth, so maybe that was where he worked. It was also noted that he was the Enumerator for the National Register. 1921 helped answer the question of what he did after WW1: he can be seen staying with his brother William in Bembridge working as a butcher's assistant for WW Woodford, as I guessed. He was 21 and this was the year before he married. William was an agent for "The Pru" and they had a baby daughter and a boarder. This was where he lived at the time of his death, and it does look as though William moved out at the time of his marriage in 1922 - see later. [The address in 1939 - Dennett Road is directly opposite the butchers shop in High Street so may have been convenient when he worked there full-time]

Henry William Hodd was born 31 Aug 1894 at 27 Goda Street, Lambeth to Richard & Ellen nee Webb and christened 23 Sep 1894 at Emmanuel church. On 1 Nov 1897 he was admitted to St Mary the Less School, then 31 Oct 1898 moved to Walnut Tree School, presumably because they moved to that catchment area. He can be seen in census of 1901 aged 7 at 39 St Albans Street, Lambeth with parents & sister, then in 1911 at St Mary's Square, Kennington Road with parents & 3 sisters, in the latter listed as a Junior Clerk aged 16. On 15 Nov 1915 he enlisted into the 24th Royal Fusileers as a private, saw service in France and was awarded the 3 WW1 medals in 1918. On 9 Mar 1918 at St Paul's, Westminster Bridge Road, Southwark he married Ellen Reed (who had been baptised there 25 years before), witnesses Richard & Violet Hodd, his father & sister. 1918-20 Henry lived with Ellen's parents at 19, Block T, Peabody Square, Southwark. In 1927 George Reed died and by 1932 Henry & Ellen had a flat of their own, 15, Block A, Peabody Square, where they lived until at least 1939. In 1945 they can be seen at 5 Brighton Road, Reigate, Surrey, now a Care Home. Ellen died Oct 1966 in Southeast Surrey and Henry Jan 1974 in Sutton. 2016 update:  In 1939 Register he and Ellen can be seen running a pub in Islington, the Myddleton Arms, Canonbury Road, he as Licensed Victualler, she as Barmaid, with a 25 year old barman and another closed file. I didn't know he was a publican, but now I see that 5 Brighton Road is The Garland. Records then jump to 1969, when he had been widowed and gone to live with his sister Laura at 20 Elgin Road, Sutton (presumably in 1966 at Ellen's death, as Laura was alone at this address in 1964). As Ellen died in this area, maybe she went to Laura's for her final illness, and Henry stayed, he died there himself in 1974. I must say, I was very pleased to find pubs on this tree; I am very fond of them myself, not least because they tend to retain their history, and also because Henry's 1st-cousin-once-removed Clifford was very keen on them too! And their products! 2019 updater: He retired in 1962 (aged 68) and went to live with sister Laura in Sutton. I see now that he died there on 26 Feb 1974, leaving £986, presumably to her. 1921 census gives a snapshot of him with Ellen in Peabody Square - I have seen a photo of this in 2019 and it is all still there - beautiful buildings! In 1921 he was a Clerk (as he had been before the war), working for the Morning Post newspaper.

Job James Hodd was born Apr 1866 in Addington, Croydon, Surrey to Richard & Matilda nee Saunders and christened there 24 Jun 1866 at St Mary's, known after childhood as James. He can be seen in census of 1871 at 44 Labour Road, Croydon aged 5 with parents & sibs, then in 1881 at Sydenham Road North. In Jul 1888 in Croydon he married Eliza Jane Killick. In 1891 census he can be seen lodging at 176 St James Road, Croydon, working as a railway porter (there are lots of railway lines around there). Looking into the records, however, he was not with them very long. He joined in June 1884 at 18, working at Croydon East Station as a goods porter and also a shunter, for which he was paid 18 shillings a week. He gained promotion in 1888 to £1 per week, then again in 1889 to £1 2s a week. However something occurred in 1890 which led to a cut to 19s "at his own request". As he was dismissed in 1893 "for stealing corn" we can guess that it was a similar story in 1890 and he took a cut rather than dismissal. A repeat offence in 1893 led to the sack. However, he can be seen in census of 1901 still in work, lodging at 40 Leslie Road, Croydon, working as a carman. This may have been a shop as they were living with a grocer/provision dealer, Eliza was housekeeper and James carman/delivery driver. [In 1916 bombs dropped on this road, among others, and I believe the shop was destroyed, as the current building is modern, unlike the rest of the road]. By 1911 they had relocated to Hammersmith and James was working there as a Furniture Carman, living at 70 Overstone Road. In 1930 electoral roll records they can be seen to have moved just up the road, to 69 Overstone Road. In WW1 he had joined the East Surrey Regiment, then transferred to the Middlesex Regiment (known as the Duke of Cambridgeshire's Own) and gained two medals. 1934-9 electoral roll records show them living at 56 Tabor Road, Hammersmith (2 turnings west of Overstone Road), where James died aged 76 in Jan 1943 and Eliza in Oct 1947. 2016 update:  in 1939 Register at 56 Tabor Road, Hammersmith. He described himself as Furniture Packer, Eliza as UDD. 1921 census shows him and Eliza at 69 Overstone Road, Hammersmith James a "packer furniture removals" employed by Army & Navy Co-op Society. Eliza Home Duties.

Laura Esther Hodd was born 5 Jul 1899 at 39 St Albans Street, Lambeth to Richard & Ellen nee Webb, and christened on 6 Aug at Emmanuel church. She can be seen at that address on census return of 1901, aged 2, with parents & sibs, and 7 Jul 1902 she started at Walnut Tree Walk infants school. They remained at St Albans Street until 1910, but by 1911 census they can be seen to have moved to 7 St Mary's Place and remained there until 1939 at least. They relocated to Sutton, Surrey and as her father Richard died there in 1943 it must have been around 1940-2. In 1959 her mother died there - at 20 Elgin Road, High Street, Sutton - in electoral roll record of 1964 Laura can be seen at that address and she died there Jan 1980. She never married or had any children. 2016 update: in 1939 Register as expected at 7 St Mary's Gardens (name was changed, as somebody noticed it isn't a square!) with her parents. She described herself as "Book keeping Clerk & Burroughs Operator". This latter was the computer of the day, a high-tech adding machine. Burroughs Corporation was an American company, second only to IBM. They moved to Surrey in the early 1940s, her father died there 1943 then mother in 1959. in the late 1960s Henry came to live with her, after the death of his wife Ellen. He & Ellen had no doubt been staying with Laura for Ellen's final illness, but she didn't register as voter at this address. From 1969 Laura & Henry were on electoral roll records here, as the Surrey records extend to 1970. Henry died there in 1974 and Laura in 1980. 2019 update: I now know she died on 21 Mar 1980 at 6 Woodstock Road, Carshalton and was buried in the Family Plot in Church Road Cemetery, Merton to join sister Florence and their parents on 18 Apr 1980. She must have moved to Carshalton in her final decade, as electoral roll records place her still at Elgin Road in 1970 with brother Henry. She probably moved in 1974 when he died. 1921 census shows her at 21 St Mary's Place, with her parents, sister Violet and 2 boarders. She was 21, a Ledger Clerk working for Pascall's confectionery in Blackfriars - see Richard later for details of the household.

28th March 2023

Ernest William Hodd was born Jan 1889 in Lambeth to Joseph & Martha and can be seen in census return of 1891 at 22 Tyers Street with parents & sibs. He was christened 21 Mar 1894 at St Mary the Less, just around the corner, aged 5 with his sister Lily. 1901 census finds him with the family at 31 Vauxhall Street, Lambeth. In Jul 1910 at St George Hanover Square he married Lydia Jane Hockington. 1911 census shows them at 8 Carpenter Street, Westminster. On 26 Jan 1915 he enlisted in the Army, the 4th East Surrey Regiment to fight in WW1. He was awarded 2 medals and discharged 14 Jun 1919 as a corporal. Although I cannot find a record, Lydia must have died as on 31 Jul 1921 at St Andrew's church, Lambeth he married Rose Annie Harris, nee Clark, who had just lost her husband. This church was in Coin Street, and electoral roll records tell me they lived there at number 33 until 1936. Ernest & Rose had one daughter Agnes in 1922. In 1938 they moved to 108 Stamford Street, nearby. Ernest died there in Jan 1941 and Agnes married Thomas Thatcher. Electoral Roll records show Rose & Agnes at 108 Stamford Street, initially with Thomas, but in 1949 he can be seen in Luxborough Lodge, the workhouse by any other name... where I believe he died in 1963 aged 80. I cannot find a death for Agnes, so she may still be alive and 92 years old. Rose died in 1971 aged 88. 2016 update: 1939 Register: Ernest described himself as "Tiler's Labourer" and Rose as "Wife". When Ernest died 2 years later, Rose continued at this address (108 Stamford Street, Lambeth, now very near Waterloo Station) with Agnes, then until records cease in 1965, so I suspect she still lived there at her death in 1971. 1921 census was taken just before his second marriage and finds him at 17 Hudsons Terrace, St Geo Han Sq with 10-year-old daughter "mother dead" attending school. He was a boiler/fireman employed by Peter Mumford & Sons - not the band, a flour mill in Lambeth, which was where Rose can be seen at 33 Coin Street, with 2 children, an office cleaner working for the Railway company at London Bridge. [Incidentally this address was historically stables, became a french restaurant reinforced with steel and called RSJ, now an asian one called Sticky Mango]

Florence Louise Hodd was born 30 Oct 1892 in Lambeth to Stephen & Caroline nee Buckmaster and christened at St Mary the Less church, Prince's Road on 23 Nov 1892. On 6 Jul 1896 aged 3 she was admitted to St Mary the Less School. In census return of 1901 she can be seen aged 8 at 30 Doris Street with parents & brothers. In 1911 they can be seen at number 40 and Florence is working as a "Restaurant Service Maid", which sounds to me like a waitress. This may have been how she met her future husband, who knows? On 19 Nov 1916 at St Mary the Less she married Leonard Smithers - and here we have another of those odd coincidences. He had grown up on Clayton Buildings - where my maternal grandparents lived, I spent my early childhood years as did lot of my ancestors & family. And here is an inlaw of my husband's family growing up alongside them! The electoral roll records show how they moved around in the decades to come, but always in the same street. Florence's parents remained at no. 40, and Florence & Leonard lived there with them until 1926, when they can be seen to have moved across the road to no. 43. In 1931 they moved to no. 21 and remained there until Leonard's death in 1939. Daughter Florence Frances lived with them until her marriage in 1942, after which she moved to 33 Burton Road, Brixton. In 1950 Florence Louisa joined her and moved with the family to Leicester in 1958. She died there aged 69 in Jan 1961. 2016 update: 1939 Register, as expected, at 21 Doris Street, Lambeth with her family. Leonard was shown as Warehouseman NAAFI (Heavy Worker), Florence as UDD, the 3 children are shown, but there is also a closed record. Leonard died a few weeks after the register was taken, and Florence moved in with her daughter in Brixton, then to Leicester for the rest of her life. As expected, 1921 census shows her at 40 Doris Street with husband and 2 children, Leonard working at the Royal Doulton pottery, but at the time of the census Out of Work. Florence did Household Duties and their namesake children were still babies - Ernest didn't come along for 6 more years. I see that her parents and 2 brothers (Fred & George) made up another household at no. 40 - see later.

One of these, Frederick William Hodd was born 18 Nov 1895 in Lambeth to Stephen & Caroline nee Buckmaster and christened at St Mary the Less aged 10 with his brothers Ernest & George. In census return of 1901 he can be seen at 30 Doris Street with parents & sibs, then in 1911 aged 15 at 40 Doris Street, working as a Van Guard. He lived with his parents until their deaths, then continued at that address with his own family. In Oct 1924 in Depwade, Norfolk he married local girl Winifred Louisa Burgess, who had been housemaid (one of 9 staff) in Cromer, Norfolk. She joined him at no. 40 and had their son Alfred there. Electoral roll records of 1953 until they end in 1963 show just Winifred and Alfred. Winifred died aged 81 in Lambeth in 1974 and Alfred in Greenwich aged 62 in 1989. As far as I can see he never married. 2016 update: He was still there at 40 Doris Street in 1939. In 1911 he was a Van Guard, in 1939 a Window Cleaner & ARP volunteer. Winifred was UDD in 1939 and there is a closed record, probably their son Alfred, who was 12. 2019 update: I see his death was registered across the river in Chelsea in Jan 1952 (mistranscribed Hood - very common I'm afraid!) He was buried on 6 Mar 1952, the 4th of 8 burials in plot 33/31005 in Camberwell Old Cemetery (buried over 11 days). Winifred died on 16 May 1974 in Lambeth and was cremated at the crematorium in Tooting on 24 May. 1921 census was as above, at no. 40 with parents and brother George. He was by now 25 and, like so many others, "out of work at present". He had previously been employed by J. Lyons, but as what it does not say. By 1924, when he married, he gave his occupation as "Caterer's Porter".

The other brother George Henry Hodd was born 6 Oct 1900 at 30 Doris Street to Stephen & Caroline nee Buckmaster and was christened aged 6 on 15 Oct 1906 at St Mary the Less with younger brothers Frederick & Ernest. He can be seen with parents & sibs in census returns of 1901 at 30 Doris Street and 1911 at no. 40. Electoral roll records show that he remained at this address with his parents until their deaths in 1930 & 1932. 2016 update: George was witness at his brother's marriage in 1924 then married Winifred's younger sister Annie in Apr 1931 in Norwich. In 1939 Register George & Annie can be seen at "57 Heath Road, Dagenham", George a Foreman Window Cleaner - I wonder if Frederick worked under him at any point. It would be hard then, as they lived 15 miles apart, but maybe before George married & moved to Essex. 1921 census was as above, with parents and Frederick. George was 20, had worked for the GPO but was "out of work at present". Again he was a porter by his marriage in 1931. He lived at 57 Heath Road until at least 1965, then he died in 1984 and Annie in 1987, in Billericay.

27th March 2023

The Hodds were Cliff's grandmother's family.

Albert Victor Hodd (the 7th child of 9 born to Cliff's greatuncle Joe) was born 30 May 1897 at 31 Vauxhall Street, Lambeth to Joseph and Martha and christened at St Mary the Less church, Princes Street. He can be seen there in census return of 1901 aged 3 with parents & sib, as also in 1911 at 124 Tyers street. On 3 Jul 1900 aged 3 he was admitted to Vauxhall Street Infants School, then on 28 Aug 1905 he was transferred to the Boys School. On 23 Dec 1922 at the Parish Church in Spittlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire he married Edith Ellen Duggan from Grantham, who had been staying with her aunt & uncle in Pimlico, London while at school. They settled nearby (Pimlico) after marriage & had two children. Electoral roll records show they moved around the area, but stayed within a couple of streets until they died there, Edith in 1974 & Albert in 1979. 2016 update: On 8 Jan 1918 he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps, at the age of 20 years, 7 months for "the duration". He was short, only 5ft 1½in tall, with a tattoo on his right forearm, listed as a photo printer, next of kin his sister Matilda address 49 Sydney Street, Sutton, Surrey. On 1 Apr 1918 the RFC was merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to form the RAF and he was transferred to this as Private 2nd Class and on 6 April they remustered. On 18 Jun 1918 he trained as a driver and on 2nd July was shipped out to France, 28 Jul 1919 returning home to UK. On 6 Sep 1919 he passed a medical with grade B1 (not A because his eyesight was poor enough to require spectacles). He was transferred to RAF Reserves and discharged to 49 Sydney Street, the three medals following on 2 years later.  After marriage he moved around Westminster, certainly 1928-34 in blocks off Regency Street. In 1935 they moved to the next turning, Esher Street, Schomberg House. In 1939 Register they can be seen there, Albert a photo printer, Edith a cook. Baby Jean is not at home as she was evacuated to Grantham, likewise Victor, at school in Brook House, Cuckfield, Sussex. 2019 update: Edith died at 157 Hyde Tower, Regency Street, London on 14 Jul 1974, leaving £469, presumably to Albert, who died at the very end of 1978. I suspect he was cremated at Manor Park on 29 Dec 1978 and his death was registered in the New Year in the Westminster registration area. 1921 census was taken the year before his marriage, when he may well have been still in the RAF somewhere. Edith 18 was boarding at 2 Riverhall Street, Vauxhall, working as an assistant cook at the Luncheon Club, Warwick Road, Earls Court.

Elizabeth Hodd was born Apr 1860 at 10 Bandy Mount, Addington, Surrey to Richard & Matilda nee Saunders and christened 27 May 1860. She can be seen there in census return of 1861 aged 11 months with parents & sibs & same in 1871 at 44 Luton Road, Addington. In 1881 census she can be seen with parents & sibs at Sydenham Road North, Croydon. On 4 Jun 1882 at St James the Great church, Bethnal Green she married Alfred Percival, a porter/warehouseman from Deptford.They settled at 33 Great Guildford Street, Southwark and had 3 children there. They can be seen with them there in censuses of 1891, 1901 & 1911, in the former with Matilda, Elizabeth's mother, who paid her way by taking in washing. (She then moved in with her youngest daughter, who had lots of children). On 6 Mar 1922 Alfred died aged 67, leaving effects worth £152 to Elizabeth. They were living at 6 Old College, Dulwich at the time, and Elizabeth remained at that address for some years, probably to her death in Jan 1938. 2019 update: From the late 1880s they lived at 33 Great Guildford Street, Southwark, part of a warehouse building he rented from Truman Hanbury & Co, the brewers. In 1922 Alfred died, the tax was totted up and Elizabeth moved out to Dulwich. As Alfred died in the Dulwich property, it looks as though they had already moved, probably in 1920 on his retirement (he was a porter/warehouseman, so maybe Truman were his employers). He was buried in plot 37/27188 in Camberwell Old Cemetery on 13 Mar 1922 and Elizabeth joined him in the plot on 10 Jan 1938. 1921 census shows Alfred and Elizabeth at 164 Burbage Road, Camberwell a year before his death. He described himself as "Retired Packer Civil Service, Almsman Old College Dulwich" and Edith remained in Dulwich for some years, possibly until her death.

Elizabeth M Hodd (one of Cliff's greataunts) was born Jul 1867 in Newington to Joseph & Susan nee Brewster and can be seen there in Royal Terrace aged 4 with parents & sibs in census of 1871. In census of 1881 her mother had just died & so Elizabeth can be seen with father & sibs at 18 John Street, Lambeth aged 14. By 1891 census she was working as a servant at 86 Akerman Road, Brixton, then in 1901 at 16 Rodenhurst Road, Clapham. In 1911 census she is still there with the same family but renumbering has changed the address to no. 98. In Apr 1916 her sister Susan died, and a few weeks later Elizabeth married her widower George Alfred Dodge, 12 years her senior. George had no children with Susan (the child living with them, May Dodge, was his niece) and I cannot see that he did with Elizabeth either. Elizabeth married him at St Catherine's church Hatcham, moved into his home at 23 Burlington Road, Fulham and can be seen there in electoral roll records until 1921. At some point within the next 8 years they moved to the Croydon area, and George died there aged 72 in 1929. Elizabeth died 23 Oct 1952 aged 85 at 180 Kingston Road, Merton, Surrey. 2016 update: I can see from his first marriage certificate that they were next-door neighbours. George was an engine-driver as was his father, but by 1939 she was widowed and living at 27 High Path, Merton, describing herself as "Retired. Old Age Pensioner". As I said in 2014, she died in Merton, at 180 Kingston Road [a listed building, built 1797 now divided into flats, maybe a nursing home at the time?] 2019 update: when she died on 23 Oct 1952 and buried on 29 Oct in plot K/387 in Garth Road Cemetery. Six other people were put in that plot over the next few weeks, but I can't find George at all. She left effects worth £123 to Ada Bennett, who I see now is her niece, sister Mary Ann's daughter. 1921 census shows them at no. 23, as expected. George was a crane engine driver for Fulham Borough Council, Elizabeth had Home Duties.

26th March 2023

Henry John Brewster 1 born 1 Dec 1868 in New Wortley, Yorkshire for some reason, to Thomas and Emma nee Reseigh, 3 years before Emma (see yesterday). The birth was registered at Kirkstall in the January quarter of 1869. This family generally christened the babies in a bunch, and this happened on 5 May 1881 at St George the Martyr, Southwark, when he was 12, with his 3 younger sisters. As far as censuses go, he was at 61 Webber Row in 1871 aged 2, 15 Angel Place in 1881 aged 12, then in 1891 he can be seen at 55 Friar Street with brother Thomas and his family, working as a File Cutter. On 15 Apr the following year, at St Saviour, Southwark he married Susan Pittman, the daughter of another hatter. they were neighbours, he lived at 26 Hatfield Street, she at 36, and the marriage was witnessed by groom's father and bride's mother. By 1901 they can be seen at 70 Coldbath Street, ostensibly Greenwich, but more like Lewisham, with a son Henry. He had been born in Kennington, so they must have settled near family originally, By 1911 census they had 3 sons and can be seen in the census literally around the corner. Henry junior was 14 years old and working as a telegraph messenger for the Post Office, his father a metal grinder working on cars. In 1939 Register they had again moved a short distance, to Renbold Place. They had by then retired but sons Albert and Frank still lived at home and worked as "Kitchen Hands at the ABC", presumably a café/restaurant nearby. Susan died aged 69 in Jun 1941 and Henry in Jan 1946 aged 77. They were buried in Greenwich Cemetery. 1921 census, as I have said, shows them at 15 Renbold Street with 3 sons, aged 24, 19 & 12, Henry Senior a Metal Polisher employed by Merryweather & Son in Greenwich. This answered a question of mine - in a directory of 1918 I saw a Henry John Brewster & Co, machine tool engineers in the City and Ilford. Unless this had failed by 1921 it was not him, as he was only employed as a polisher. Having said that, the products of Merryweather were fascinating - they were famous for manufacture of steam engines, especially for the (then new) public fire-engines service (and still have the Royal Warrant), the grills of which Henry no doubt polished!

Joseph William Henry Brewster seems to have slipped through the cracks. He was born 1 Nov 1888 at 9 Hatfield Place, Southwark, to Joseph and Isabella, eldest brother of Alfred - see 24th Mar below. He was baptised on 21 Nov 1888 at Christchurch, Southwark, then can be seen aged 2 in 1891 census at 10 Mitre street with parents and sister. However, he cannot be located in 1901 census, despite trying all combinations of his names, as only his 2 sisters were at home with their parents. The next census 1911 lists him but he is crossed off. This is the household I mentioned where 13 were crammed into 2 rooms - and I have just noticed there were also another man and 2 visitors there (a mother and baby), making up another household! So it's not surprising there wasn't room for Joseph and his sister Jessie, both listed but crossed out - maybe their father put them on the list but they had to sleep elsewhere because of the visitors. In Jan 1914 he married Mary Meade, local girl, and was recorded at 17 Colwyn Street when in 1916 he attested to the Rifle Brigade, was sent to France, took part in various battles, was wounded and returned to UK in 1919 with medals. In 1921 census he was at the same address, living with Mary, 2 sons and 2 brothers. He described himself as Machinist employed by an upholstery company in Oxford Street. They were evidently on  a list for new council property for some time and in 1937 moved into Arrowsmith House, Tyers Street, on the Vauxhall Gardens Estate, very plush for the time with electricity, water etc plumbed in, and still there to this day. 1939 Register found them there with 2 sons, Alfred having moved out as I said, to the Midlands. Joseph and family remained there through WW2 and died there, he in Oct 1962 and Mary in Aug 1963

The Burley branch only has Amelia and William on it, as they were mostly girls. Everybody else died before 1921, so took no part in the census.

Amelia Burley was born on 9 Apr 1865 in Southwark to Sarah's brother John (actually William John), thus making her - I am reliably informed - one of Clifford's 1st cousins twice removed. She never married and can be traced through censuses of 1871-1911, living with her parents in the Newington & Camberwell areas, working as a Cigarette Maker then looking after her father when mother died. Finally she can be seen in 1939 Register at 2 Nutcroft Road, Camberwell, aged 74 with Charles Skinner senior & junior and their wives. She died there in Jan 1940. 1921 census at first eluded me, as it had been transcribed as "Busley", but she was at 819 Old Kent Road, working as a Kitchen Hand for Lyons Tea Shop, Ludgate Hill. Also at that address were a family called Soutter and a widow Alice Frost. Amelia remained at this address until 1938, when she retired to Nutcroft Road.

William Burley was born in 1837 in Lambeth - I have not seen the birth registration because it was only introduced that year and was not mandatory. I have just found the christening record - William, James, Elizabeth and Martha were all "done" on 7 Jan 1849, aged 12,11,8 and 6 respectively, at St Mary-the-Less church in Broad Street. In 1841 census and 1851 census he can be seen with the family in Broad Street, as described elsewhere, in the latter an engineer. On 19 Jan 1862 he married Charlotte Dupuis, daughter of a local policeman. In 1861 they can be seen at Park Street, Charlotte working as a mantle-maker, her two brothers working in the pottery. Her father was invalided out of the police due to an accident, and was awarded a pension. However he ended his days at a Lunatic Asylum, which suggests it was a head injury or what we now recognise as PTSD. He was already an inmate at the time of the wedding, but appears on the record, so did give her away. After their marriage, William & Charlotte moved down to Portsea, where he worked as a Millwright, and they had 4 children there. In 1874 they returned to the south-east and had 3 more in Greenwich. In 1881 census they can be seen at 13 Strickland Street, Deptford with 5 children and a lodger. In 1891 they had moved a short distance to 83 Pelton Road, Greenwich with 3 children and a boarder. Also in the house was another family Dupuis - I think daughter Charlotte married a relative of her mother, Cornelius, also a potter like her brothers. William & Charlotte remained at this address into the next census, but by then all the children had left.1911 told a disturbing story. William was living at 128 Westwood Road, Earlsdon, Coventry with son Lewis and his family, but Charlotte can be found in Plumstead Workhouse. She may have been there for medical reasons (people often had to resort to this before the NHS formed in 1948), hopefully not related to her father's final years, as on the form she states she doesn't know how long she has been married. She died there in 1913 and William in Coventry in Jan 1928. In 1921 census William was staying with son Lewis and family in Coventry. William was 84 widower, also there were Lewis's wife Elizabeth, 3 children, one of whom had also a wife and child. Lewis was a tool-maker, as was his son also called Lewis.

25th March 2023

Emma Brewster was born on 17 Oct 1871 in Southwark to Thomas Henry and Emma née Reseigh and christened on 5 May 1881 at St Paul's, Westminster Bridge Road with several siblings. In 1881 census she can be seen at 15 Angel Place, Southwark. This is a very interesting alley running alongside the site of Marshalsea Prison, made famous by Charles Dickens in Little Dorrit, and still exists as a path today but the prison was closed in 1842, so 40 years before the time we are talking about and in 1891 our family can be seen to have moved around to 135 Scovell Road and again worked at the hat factories. On 1 Oct 1893 in Southwark she married Augustus Cornelius Kibble, gas fitter, they settled in nearby Webber Street and can be seen in 1901 census with 4 of their eventual 7 children at number 52. In 1901 all 7 children are there at 12 Brunswick Street, just around the corner from Webber Street, now called King James Street. In 1939 Register they had moved 6 miles west to Hammersmith, and can be seen at 22 Westwick Gardens. In this house at that time were 4 couples. Augustus described himself as "Press Tool Maker" and Emma UDD. They were both 68 years old. Augustus died in 1948 and Emma in 1955, aged 77 and 84 respectively. 1921 census shows them at 8 Paris Gardens, Stamford Street, Waterloo; Augustus and Emma with the 5 youngest children, Emma & Ellen having married. Augustus was a self-employed press tool maker, the youngest son Edward Charles 13 still at school, but the others were all employed, Martha as dressmaker, the other 3 assisting their father. 

Frank Brewster was born 10 Jan 1909 to Henry & Susan nee Pittman, younger brother of Albert yesterday, in the Greenwich area. See Albert for details, although in 1921 census Frank was the youngest and still at school, being only 12. He was a Kitchen Hand in 1939 with Albert. I cannot see that he married and died in Dec 1962, buried at Hither Green Cemetery on 28 Dec.

Emma's sister Helen Brewster was born 12 Sep 1873 in Southwark and was christened with Emma and 2 other siblings on 5 May 1881. She can be seen in census records of 1881 & 1891 with parents & siblings at Angel Place and Scovell Road - see sister Emma above. On 24 May 1896 at St Crispin's, Bermondsey she married Francis George Haxton. Francis was a General Labourer, and they can be seen in 1901 census at 444 Pages Walk, Guinness Trust Buildings with 3 children. Unfortunately both Francis and his 4-year-old son Thomas died in the Oct quarter of 1901 in Dartford. As I can see no connection with that town I would guess that they died of one of the epidemics so rife at the time. There were epidemics of cholera and smallpox going around, the former blamed on troops returning from the crimea. I worked in a hospital in Dartford in the 1970s, which had formerly been used as an isolation unit for these cases, so it may well have been there they died. Helen moved back to the Webber Street area and can be seen in 1911 census at 139 Mitre Street with two daughters and a boarder. She stated she was widowed and worked as a "helmit (sic) trimmer" for a hatter, working from home. In 1911 her eldest daughter Eleanor Rose was in hospital in Gloucestershire, presumably convalescing in the country. This didn't ultimately work, however, as she died on 3 Jan 1914 aged 15. Her death was registered in Lambeth and she was buried in Southwark on 10 Jan). By 1939 Helen was 66 years old and can be seen in the Register living at 73 Cliffview Road, Lewisham with daughter Florence and family. Helen described herself as "office cleaner retired" so that's what she must have done in the previous decades to keep herself and her daughters. She died in Jan 1947 aged 73 in Surrey Mid-Eastern (Croydon) area. 1921 census shows her living at 10 Mitre Street, an office cleaner for a Mr Batchelor of Scotland Yard, the girls a dressmaker and an embroiderer. When she died in 1947 she was buried  in Camberwell New Cemetery. Incidentally, I have now seen her marriage certificate and witnesses were Thomas and Martha Brewster, her siblings.

Henry Brewster was born in Kennington on 23 Nov 1896 to Henry & Susan nee Pittman, elder brother of Albert and Frank. He can be seen with them in 1901 census at 70 Cold Bath Street, Greenwich, at 4 years old. Then in 1911 at 8 Orchard Hill, when he was a 14-year-old telegraph messenger employed by the GPO. By 1921 he had progressed to Letter Sorter at Mount Pleasant and lived at 15 Penbold Place with parents and brothers. In Oct 1933 he married Rose Perry and 6 years later in the Register they can be seen at 333 Lee High Road, Lewisham. I don't think they had any children, as they married in their mid-30s. They moved out to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, and he died there in Oct 1954 followed by Rose 9 years later. They are in the same grave in St Edmundsbury Cemetery.

24th March 2023

William Henry Wooldridge was born Jan 1886 in Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman and christened there at St Andrew's 14 Mar 1886. He can be seen in census return of 1891 aged 6 at Ham Street with parents & sibs, then in 1901 at 1 Evelyn Cottages listed as a Market Gardener's Labourer. In Jul 1909 in the Kingston area he married Alice Mabel Hubbard from Battersea and in 1911 census they can be seen at 1 Lock Cottage, New Road, Ham, William listed as a Cowman. At that time they declared they had no children but by 1920 they had 3. William Henry died on 1 Mar 1966 and was buried in Kingston Cemetery. Alice joined him in 1975. 2015 update: He was married on 30 Jul 1909 in the church he was christened in; St Andrew's, Ham, and his bride Alice Mabel was staying at 2 Wiggins Cottages in Ham (electoral roll records show her alone at 264 Kings Road, Kingston in 1905-6). After the wedding they settled in Kingston and had 3 children there. In 1939 they appear in Richmond, Surrey with son William J M (see below) and possibly the two girls, but they are closed, so were still alive in 1991. 2018: Alice is now unredacted - see her record below 12th Mar. 1921 census shows them with his father and 3 children at 1 Evelyn Terrace, Ham. William was a carter, working for a market gardener, Mabel Home Duties and eldest son "John" i.e. William John - see below - was at school. Father Charles was retired.

William John M Wooldridge, mentioned above, was born 10 Aug 1914 in Kingston, Surrey to William Henry and Alice née Hubbard. In Apr 1942 in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire he married local girl Gladys A Walker. The only possibilities I can find for children are Janet b1944 and Terence b1948, both in Edmonton, North London. The family evidently did return South, as William died in Oct 2003 back in Kingston, Surrey, possibly at the home of one of his sisters Alice & Emily, who lived and died there. 2018 update: in1939 Register at 46 Ham Street with parents & sisters. William is listed as "Groundsman, Heavy Worker". 1921 census - see above - age 6.

After the Wooldridges is the end of my parents' trees, so time to move on to that of my late father-in-law.

Albert Victor Brewster has not been mentioned before. This applies to many on this branch, as I only studied the direct ancestors. Many were far too early for 1921 census, so I need to address that now. He was born on 9 Dec 1901 in Southwark to Henry John and Susan nee Pittman. Another problem with this branch was that many of the babies died in infancy or were female and married into other surnames. He can be seen on census return of 1911, having just missed the previous one, aged 9 with parents and brothers at 8 Orchard Hill, Greenwich, then in 1921 same at 15 Renbold Place, Greenwich. He was listed as "Unemployed labourer, previously employed by Port of London Authority". He was also listed in the Army at that time, having attested on 24 Jun 1919 in Whitehall, serving in the Queen's Royal Regiment as a Private. Apparently he was previously a barman, and in 1939 Register both he and his brother Frank were Kitchen Hands working for the ABC. They can be seen on the Register at the same address as 1911, Renbold Place, with their parents, by now pensioners. I had followed a guy by the same name but he married in 1930 still living in Southwark, so I have discounted him. This one died aged 82 in 1984 in Eltham and was cremated there.

Alfred Edward Brewster was born 22 Mar 1903 in Lambeth to Joseph & Isabella nee Meyers and can be seen in 1911 aged 8 at 70 Broadwall, Stamford Street, Waterloo with parents and 9 siblings. This house apparently had 2 rooms - how did they all fit in? - and Joseph stated 4 of his 10 children had died. Oddly, two of the older ones were crossed out, so maybe they didn't actually live there - some people misunderstood. By 1921 both the parents were dead, so Alfred and his younger brother Henry Charles were living with brother Joseph and his family not far away, at 17 Colwyn Street, off Hercules Road by Waterloo Station. On 16 Dec 1933 at St Mary's Lambeth he married Ellen Maud Lucas and they moved into 115 Akerman Road, near The Oval. Then they lived at 4 Frederick Crescent, nearby, for a few years. In 1939 it was a surprise to see Alfred and Ellen had evacuated from London to Solihull in the Midlands. His father Joseph had been born there but he had died in 1912, so there may have been relatives I don't know about. Unfortunately there are with Alfred and Ellen several redacted lines - possibly up to four. The only other one showing is Elsie Lucas, sister of Ellen, UDD like her sister. Alfred described himself as "Glaze Tiler & Artificial Marble Fixer", possibly working for Royal Doulton locally - it doesn't say  on 1939 records. 7 years later Alfred died, only 43 years old, and Ellen returned to London, dying there in 1970 aged 63.

23rd March 2023

Violet May Wooldridge was my great-aunt, born on 5 Jul 1913 to Henry & Carrie nee Woodford. She will have been christened, no doubt at Emmanuel church, but unfortunately I only have access to records up to 1906 at present. In Jul 1935 she married Edward C Harris (Eddie) from West Ham and they lived in Clayton Buildings. I can see electoral roll records for 1945-49 at number 17, then 1950-55 at number 16. They were unable to have children of their own, so they adopted a son Peter. At some point in the 1960s (I think) they moved out of London to the developing estates of leafy Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Auntie Vi was unwell for many years, as she was seriously diabetic, and towards the end of her life went blind. She died in Oct 1976 aged 63. Uncle Eddie remarried, but we lost touch with him and I think he must have since died. 2016 update: She can be seen in 1939 to be living alone at 16 Clayton Buildings and working as a Fountain Pen Polisher! 2018 update: I have found her baptism; as I said it was at Emmanuel church, although I can only find in 1939 a possible Uncle Eddie in Railton Road nearby, acting as an ARP stretcherbearer with his family. What worries me is that the record says "single" (although I wouldn't put it past him...). 1921 census - see Carrie 23rd Feb below. Vi was at school aged 7. Uncle Eddie was at that time with his parents and siblings (and another family boarding) at 24 Dartnell Road, Camberwell [now a lake, I understand, in Burgess Park, due to WW2 bombs!]

Walter Charles Wooldridge 2 was born 1 Apr 1881 in Hammersmith and christened at St Luke's on 8 May 1881. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 2 days at 2 Keith Place & 1891 aged 10 at 26 Station Road. In 1901 census he can be seen boarding at 11 Mardale Street, Hammersmith, working as a cheesemonger. In Oct 1904 he married Caroline Emily Lines and, as his parents did, had one son & one daughter. Their son Walter was born in 1905 in Hammersmith, but by the time daughter Grace was born they had moved to Kent. In 1911 census they can be seen with both children at 18 Stanley Road, Cheriton, Folkestone, Kent. Walter is employed at a local laundry, as a laundry assistant, as is their lodger. Walter & Caroline must have moved to Cuckfield, Sussex, as they died there, Walter in 1947 aged 64 & Caroline in 1968 aged 87. 2018 update: They lived in the same area and were in the same school year, but the sexes were separated in those days, so went to different schools. Walter attended the local school; as they lived in Victoria Street, he attended Victoria School, formally named St Stephen's Parochial School from 29 Oct 1888 to 20 Jun 1894. Caroline's story was not quite so fortunate. Her mother Elizabeth couldn't cope with her three daughters, as it seems her husband Thomas Lines was a serial housebreaker (allegedly - he was acquitted several times - and I have difficulty tracking him down, as no doubt did she!) So on 22 Nov 1888 she packed off her three daughters Hester, Caroline and Ellen to an industrial school, where they remained for eight years, until they were "released" into service, Caroline on 4 May 1896. In the next census she can be seen as a servant near home in Shepherd's Bush, in the household of a Laundry Proprietor. Walter at this point was working in a shop as a cheesemonger, but soon joined the laundry "profession". As I said, by the time Grace was born in 1909 they had moved to Kent and by 1911 he can be seen in Elham, Folkestone, working as a Laundry Assistant. In 1939 Register they can be seen at 16 St Francis Road, Folkestone, he a Laundryman, Caroline UDD, and two other couples, one of whom was a Head Waiter. I think that they moved to Cuckfield/Brighton when Walter retired in 1946, but unfortunately he died the following year. His death and Caroline's were registered in Cuckfield, their son Walter3's in Brighton, 14 miles away (see below). 1921 census shows both he and WCW3 at 18 Stanley Road, see Grace 18th Mar below. He worked for a local laundry and Caroline Home Duties. Both daughters were at school (Grace and Georgina - Winifred had died in infancy). I did not know of Georgina previously, so can now fill in her details - born 14 Jul 1911 in Elham, where in 1936 she married John Bristow and died in Haywards Heath in 1999. (There was one by his name - JB - who was a military deserter locally in 1922, but I cannot be sure it was him).

His son Walter Charles Wooldridge 3 was born 3 Dec 1905 in Hammersmith at 20 Colvin Street and was christened there at St John the Evangelist church on 20 Dec 1905. He can be seen aged 5 in 1911 census at 18 Stanley Road, Elham and it seems that he moved with his parents to the Brighton area. In Jan 1933 in Greenwich he married Florence Rubie Cottrell and they had one daughter Gillian in 1945. Walter died aged 55 on 2 Aug 1961 at 74 Old Shoreham Road, Brighton - I'm not sure why as he lived at 2 Hollingbury Place - leaving £3023 to Florence. Florence died aged 97 in Apr 2002, still in Brighton. 2018 update: In 1939 Register he can be seen with wife Florence and her family at 303 Woolwich Road, Greenwich. Her father Alfred Cottrell was a retired "explosives & fuse worker", Florence and her mother UDD, her sister Constance a Shorthand Typist & Book-keeper also ARP First Aid Post, her brother Frederick Carpenter & Joiner. Walter worked as a Grocery Salesman. This area is nowadays part of Charlton, close to the southern approach to the Blackwall Tunnel. According to electoral roll records, Walter had lived at "42 Guildford Road, Greenwich" prior to marriage, but I cannot locate this. After the war they moved out to their own home in Bexleyheath and had daughter Gillian (her birth was registered in the Dartford registration area). There seems to be a gap in records from 1948 in Bexleyheath until his death in 1961 in Brighton. They must have moved there in between, maybe to keep his mother company after his father died. He then died in Brighton, followed by his mother in 1968, but Florence lived on for another 34 years after this and died there aged 97 in 2002. For 1921 census see above. He was a Grocer's Assistant employed by the local Co-op.

22nd March 2023

Mary Elizabeth Wooldridge was born Mar 1847 in Hayes, Middlesex to Charles & Elizabeth nee Woods and christened there on 18 Apr 1847. She can be seen on census return of 1851 aged 3 in Ealing with parents & sibs, but not in 1861 (she is probably in service somewhere - as I have said before, people were notoriously vague/incorrect in the info they provided about their staff). In 1871 she is back with parents & sibs, now living at 4 Askew Road, Hammersmith. On 22 Sep 1872 at St Stephen's, Shepherds Bush she married Thomas Lunn, house painter from Chelsea. In 1881 census they can be seen at 3 Wilton Road, Hammersmith (a turning off Askew Road) with 5 children. By 1891 census this road has become Askew Crescent and they can be seen at number 69 in 1891 and 1901. I have told before that her father stayed with them in the final years of his life, so he was there on census of 1891. But as he died in 1899 in 1901 the family is just Mary, Thomas & 3 children. I have a newspaper article dated 30 Jul 1891 announcing the results of some music exams. So, she was a pianist! Thomas died aged 52 in Oct 1903 and Mary moved to 25 Dymock Street, Fulham, where she can be seen on electoral roll records 1906-10. Around 1906 daughter Amy moved with her family up to Yorkshire and her brother Harry & his family followed, sister Ethel too and she met & married a Yorkshire lad! Mary must have joined them as that was where she was in September 1927 when she died aged 63. 2018 update: in 1913 she was unwell and was admitted to the Workhouse. Firstly to the infirmary of City Road Workhouse, Holborn on an "invalid diet", then in September transferred to her local one in Hammersmith, listed as "aged and infirm", assessed there for a few days and discharged "to the care of her daughter". This may explain why she ended up in Yorkshire, she moved in with Amy or Ethel, both of whom lived in the area in which she died in 1927. 2 Herries Road, the address on her burial record was that given when somebody died in the Sheffield Union Workhouse Infirmary. 1921 census was very interesting, especially when we know what happened next. She appears twice, but one record is crossed out - with her son Henry and his family, her entry states "At present in hospital" - and she is listed as "inmate" in the Union Workhouse, Sheffield. We know that when she died 6 years later she lived there, so maybe she was there for years!

Percival Joseph Wooldridge Snr was born 12 Jul 1889 at Petersham Road, Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman and christened there at St Pater's on 25 Aug 1889. He can be seen there on census return of 1891 aged 1 with parents & sibs and 1901 with them at 1 Evelyn Cottages, Ham Street. On 8 Apr 1909 in Richmond he married Amy Sarah Ann Gregory. Son Frederick arrived on 13 Apr, so that was close! They lived with his parents so the 1911 census finds them all at the cottage above, Percival listed as a Nurseryman. On 15 Jan 1915 in Hounslow he enrolled in the Royal Fusiliers, giving his home address as 3 Wiggins Cottages, Ham Street. He gained promotion to Corporal on 10 Apr 1917 & was discharged 6 Oct 1917, having been posted to France with the British Expeditionary Force on two occasions. He returned with 4 medals, but not unscathed, as he had gunshot wounds to the leg. It appears that they had 6 children, although two of these only appeared on his army records and I cannot verify them. The others appeared on the same gravestone. Percival died on 14 Dec 1927 in Kingston aged 38 and was buried at St Andrew's churchyard, Richmond. Later Amy followed in 1969, Percy junior having joined his father in 1936. George, Evelyn & Frederick came along later. 2018 update: Junior died in India in 1936, before joining his father in the grave in Kingston. He died 13 Jul 1936 at Ranikhet, Bengal and was buried on 17 Jul. I have also found the death record - he was in the army himself, in the 1st East Surrey Regiment, and died by drowning! Presumably his remains are not in the grave with his family, because he was buried on 17 Jul in Bengal. 1921 shows both, as the household contains PJSnr with his wife and 5 children, also mother-in-law Amy Gregory at 3 Wiggins Cottages, Ham - see Frederick 17th Mar below.

Percy John Wooldridge was born Jan 1899 in Esher, Surrey to George & Alice nee Batchelor. He can be seen in census of 1901 aged 2 & 1911 aged 12 at 8 Park Road, Esher with parents & brothers. On 9 Jun 1924 in Hampreston, Wimborne, Dorset he married Ethel Maria White. They had 3 children in Chertsey, Surrey & on 10 Jan 1943 Percy died aged 43 in St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, Paddington (a very famous London hospital - in case you don't know - where Royal Babies are born!). Ethel remarried in 1946 and 2 (possibly all 3) of the children emigrated to Adelaide, Australia. 2015 update: He was born on 16 Jan 1899 at 8 Park Road, Esher to George & Alice née Batchelor and christened at St Georges, Esher. He lived there with his parents & half-brother Charles until his marriage, on 9 Jun 1924. This took place in Hampreston, Wimborne, Dorset, the home-town of his wife Ethel Marion White, a farmer's daughter. They moved into a house called Bedboro, Dudley Road, Walton-on-Thames, then in 1930 moved to Grove Cottage, Molesey Road, Walton-on-Thames. They were only there for a few years as they can be seen on electoral roll records registered at another house called Bedboro, this time in Kennel Lane, Fetcham (they must have taken the name with them) and then in 1937 at Ayone, Rydens Avenue, Walton-on-Thames. It was while still living at Ayone in 1943 that Percy was admitted to St Mary's hospital, Paddington with heart trouble and subsequently died on 10 Jan. There was a postmortem and his death was deemed to have been caused by mitral stenosis and aortic incompetence (faulty heart-valves) probably stemming from Rheumatic Fever he had when younger. Son Richard and daughter Betty emigrated to Australia, but I think daughter Edna married a Cornishman and moved to his home. Ethel remarried in Oct 1946 in Southampton to Richard Charles Winter from Hampshire, then I suspect travelled to Australia to be with family as there is a grave for an Ethel Winter in NSW dated 1957. 2018 update: 1939 Register found him at Ayone, Ryders Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, as expected. He was listed as "Traveller Cigar Manufacturer" (i.e. a rep) and Ethel UDD. Next was a closed file, probably son Richard (who was 14, still redacted as he died abroad), daughter Betty aged 13 (she also died abroad but Findmypast have "noticed" her death) shown as a schoolchild. Edna is the other redacted file; she was only 4 in the Register, and also died abroad. The other new record I have is Percy's WW1 record. On 13 Feb 1918 he joined the Royal Flying Corps and when they became the Royal Air Force he went with them on 1 Apr 1918 (it states he was 5ft 7¼in tall, with a 30in chest and a scar on the right of his chin) On 30 Apr 1920 he joined the RAF Reserve and was "deemed discharged". As I said before, he died from a heart condition aged 43. 1921 census shows him with his parents - see George Richard 17th Mar below - at 8 Park Road aged 22.

Phoebe Wooldridge was born Jul 1858 in Chipstead, Surrey to Henry & Mary Anne nee Harding and christened there at St Margaret's on 25 Jul 1858. She can be seen aged 2 in census return of 1861 at Muglock Cottage, Chipstead with parents & 2 sisters, then with them in 1871 aged 12 at Stoat's Nest, Kingswood. On 20 Dec 1879 at St Margaret's she married Joseph Sams, Ag Lab from Mundon, Essex, who had been living with his uncle in Chipstead and they settled there. they had 9 children in all but one died aged 4 months. In 1891 census return they can be seen at 18 Lancer's Green with 5 children, but by 1901 disaster has struck. Phoebe can be seen in Mogador Road, Kingswood with 8 children, but Joseph is in the Workhouse, alone! The eldest 3 boys found employment as shepherd, "stockman on farm" & "cowman on farm" and by 1911 all seems well again. There are now 3 sons fully employed and 3 daughters at home. Joseph died Oct 1912 and it seems that Phoebe moved to Banstead, as she died there in 1924 and this was where the 3 daughters were married in 1924, 1927 & 1928. 2015 update: Joseph died in Redhill Infirmary (admitted from the workhouse, no doubt) and was buried on 18 Oct 1912 at St Andrew's, Kingswood. Phoebe joined him there 12 years later, when her home address was listed as Middle House, Dorking Road, Epsom, which is also a Workhouse! [in 1950s it was Epsom District hospital] 1921 census shows her widowed, living at 13 Oatlands Road with daughter Phoebe Ethel 26, who had an illegitimate 3-year-old and worked as a Domestic for a local butcher.

21st March 2023

Maria Eliza Wooldridge was born Jul 1867 at Victoria Wharf, Nine Elms, Battersea to George & Louisa nee Catchesides & christened at St George the Martyr church nearby on 8 Sep 1867. She can be seen on census returns of 1871 & 1881 with the family at Downeys Dock Road & Currie Street (see 18th March for her brother Grampy). In Jul 1889 in Lambeth she married Alfred George Gates, who had been born in Dover, Kent but brought up in Lambeth & worked as a servant/labourer to a greengrocer in Camberwell in the 1880s. In 1891 census they are at 70 Milkwood Street, Herne Hill with one daughter Emma (who unfortunately died the following year aged 2) and Alfred is working as a carman. By 1901 they had moved just up the road to 18 Hardess Street with 4 children and Alfred was working as a bricklayer's labourer. In 1911 census they can be seen at 19 Bowyer Street, Camberwell, Alfred still a builder's labourer, they have 6 children at home - out of 12 births, 5 have died (the youngest child at this point Ernest was born in 1910 in York Road, the maternity department of St Thomas' Hospital, called the Lambeth Lying-In Hospital - and that was where I was born 46 years later!) Alfred died Jul 1914 aged 54. In 1919 Maria can be seen at 60 Sultan Street - the next turning to Bowyer Street - and in 1930 she is still there with her son Robert & his family, but by 1938 & 1939 she is listed with daughter Lilian at 16 Huddersfield House, Sumner Road Estate, Peckham. 2015 update: Alfred's death in 1914 was followed by his burial in Camberwell Old Cemetery. [although records exist, no entry is found on Find A Grave, so his may be one of the graves damaged by V1 flying bombs in WW2]. 2018 update: She was married in 1919 to widowed neighbour James Parsons - at first she moved in with James at no. 61, then returned to 60 where son Alfred and Rosie still lived. I don't know what happened as she called herself Gates sometimes and Parsons at others. Maria died in Jul 1951 in the Lambeth area.1921 census was helpful in showing her with James and family at 61 Sultan Street, not long after their marriage. Also at no. 60 was a builder's labourer & family and a widow & son. Her son Alfred Gates, as I say, was at no.60 and he had with him 2 daughters and Rosie 18. Incidentally no. 61 was on the opposite side of the road, not next door, to no.60, and there was also another couple of households at 61; a plumber Edwin Kelly, wife and baby son and Edward Bevis, labourer & family. It doesn't however explain why she appeared as Gates on occasion, then James vanished. He was Out of Work in 1921, but then so many were. There is also a record that could be hers in 1939 Register, where she is blind, living with a group of blind people being cared for by a "Minister of Religion and Author" in Worthing. Who knows... This is one of those cases where the more you find the more questions are raised.

Mark Henry Wooldridge was born 28 Feb 1912 at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. He can be seen on electoral rolls of 1933-5 at that address with parents & sibs. In Oct 1935 in Twickenham he married Gladys Maud Peacock and can be seen in electoral roll records of 1936-8 at 17a First Cross Road, Twickenham with Arthur Peacock, her father. In 1946-57 Mark, Gladys & Arthur lived at 91 Hall Farm Drive, Twickenham [a couple of streets from the famous international rugby ground]. In 1957 Laura & Arthur were both living here with Mark & Gladys when a double wedding took place of daughters Margaret & Barbara. After this Arthur & Laura can be seen at 6 Constance Road, Twickenham and it seems that Mark & Gladys moved to Bournemouth, then in Dorset. Mark died there on 15 Jan 1971 aged 61 & Gladys married James Dodds in Oct 1979 in Bournemouth. Gladys died in 1991 at Whitton, Twickenham, so she may have returned to the area when her parents died. 2018 update: 1939 Register, where he can be seen at 91 Hall Farm Drive, Twickenham. He was a Railway Porter, Gladys UDD. Arthur Peacock a Head Gardener (Heavy Work) but Laura is redacted, along with a probable sibling of Gladys, as also her daughter Margaret. Son Anthony is shown, aged 2. As I said in 2013, they lived there until at least 1957, then Mark & Gladys retired to the seaside, Bournemouth, where Mark died in 1974 and Gladys remarried. 1921 census shows him aged 9 at 201, as expected, with parents and siblings.

Mary Agnes Wooldridge was born Nov 1864 at Victoria Wharf, Nine Elms, Battersea to George & Louisa nee Catchesides and christened 11 Dec 1864 at St George the Martyr church. She can be seen at this address on census return of 1871 with parents & sibs (including Grampy - see 18th March - she was 5 years older than him). She is also there in census of 1881 at 44 Currie Street with the family, aged 16 & listed as a Lace Worker. Around this time she met Charles Augustus Carder Horry, a lighterman who worked on the Thames nearby. He is not to be found in census of 1871 & 1881 so may have been on the water. He had married in 1874, at the age of 18, Jemima Rhodes from Dartford, Kent (20 miles down the river), settled in Battersea and in 1880 had a daughter Ellen, christened at the same church as the Wooldridges. However, something went wrong with the marriage and Charles started having children with Mary Agnes. This may be related to the birth of a boy named after him in Lambeth & almost immediate death in Dartford (Jemima's birthplace & possibly her parents' home) at the beginning of 1882. Mary Agnes' first child Sidney (named after Charles' father) was born in September of that year and christened in the January. Charles & Mary Agnes lived at 8 Albert House, East Street at the time. This road ran parallel to Union Street (where the rest of the family moved to around the same time) and was renamed Lollard Street in the 1890s. Clayton Buildings, I have mentioned many times here, was in a cul-de-sac off this road, called Little East Place then changed with its "parent" to Lollard Place. So I was probably within feet of the site of their house many times in my childhood & never knew it! In 1884 they had another son called Charles, but he died in infancy and the following year they had a daughter Louisa. In Jan 1887 a son Douglas was born, while they were living at 25 Caroline Street (very close by). He is worthy of mention as he grew up to run his own working barge (can be seen on census of 1911 moored in the Creek at Stanford-le-Hope, Essex) but died aged only 37. In 1889 they had another daughter Margaret, who died in infancy while they were living in Vauxhall, then in 1890 they moved away from the area to Canning Town, West Ham (10 miles down river on the other bank). In 1891 another boy called Charles was born and Mary Agnes can be seen in census of that year at 77 Lansdown Road, West Ham with 3 children. Charles senior was away at that time again. Between 1893 & 1900 they had 4 more children and in 1901 census can be seen at 26 Melbourne Road, East Ham with 6 children. In 1902 & 1905 they had the another two daughters and their final child was named after Charles' mother & sister, Margaretta, but she died aged only 24. Meanwhile Jemima had been living in the Tooting area of Wandsworth with her daughter Ellen. On 8 Jun 1910 she died, in the Wandsworth Workhouse, aged 50. Finally Charles was free to marry and did so in October of that year, in East Ham. Thus in census return of 1911 they can be seen at 45 St Albans Avenue, East Ham with 5 children, Charles listed as a "marriner" (sic) and married for 1 year with no children from this marriage (ironic really, considering they had produced 12!) Electoral Roll records show them in 1918-24 at 203 Eardley Road, Streatham. Charles died aged 70 in the Croydon area. There are records concerning the Watermen & Lightermen of the Thames, showing contracts of "binding" what were in effect apprentices. Charles was Master for some years, and took on several young trainees, the most interesting of which were his sons Sidney & Henry in 1899 & 1908 respectively. I suspect Mary Agnes died in Oct 1941 in the Bromley registration area. 2018 update: She married a lighterman (but had to wait 28 years until his first wife died), who passed on in 1927, so she was a widow in the 1939 Register. She evidently came across some luck in her final years, as she qualified for an Almshouse under the Free Lightermen and Watermen scheme, and they are still standing and absolutely beautiful! [I shall pause here for a while to tell you their history. They are 3 rows of cottages arranged around a formal garden, built in 1840 "for the benefit of Aged and Decayed Members of the Watermen's and Lightermen's Company and their Widows" (Victorians did not mince their words!) The Company was a Guild of the City of London, established in the 16th Century to regulate the carrying of passengers and goods on the River Thames. By the 1800s most guilds had become unrelated to their origins and were merely businessmen's clubs, but this one was still attached. However, the writing was on the wall; the newly-built London docks, bridges and the advent of steam power were causing this occupation to die out. In 1838 they decided to build almshouses for their infirm members, and one of their number was the influential John Dudin Brown, who donated 2 acres of his land in Penge, which was an up-and-coming new suburb. Fortunately for us, there was already a style authorised for these properties, and the Penge ones were built in Neo-Tudor brick style with an impressive gate-tower. The residents moved out in 1973 to bungalows in Hastings and the almshouses are now privately-owned dwellings.] Anyway, in 1939 Mary Agnes was listed as UDD, but she only lasted another 2 years, dying in Oct 1941 aged 77, her death registered in the Bromley area of Kent, 1921 census shows them, as expected at 203 Eardley Road with the 3 youngest children. Charles described himself as "Master of Sailing Barge employed by Associated Portland Cement" at that time and son Thomas his Mate. Daughter Edith 18 a Draper's Assistant and Margaretta 15 a Junior Clerk at the local Sub Post Office. 203 is nowadays a computer shop.

20th March 2023

John Wooldridge 5 was born Jan 1874 in Petersham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman and christened there at St Peter's 22 Feb 1874. He can be seen on census return of 1881 with parents & sibs aged 7 at Tome Row, Ham, then in 1891 at Ham Street, listed as a gardener. On 12 Feb 1899 at Holy Trinity, Twickenham he married Emma Elizabeth Williams and settled 2 houses from her parents, at 2 Rose Place, Staines Road, in 1901 listed as a nursery gardener, with 2 children. By 1911 this is 201 Staines Road (his father-in-law still 2 houses away, now widowed) and they have 8 children. They had 11 children in all, all born in Twickenham and all but one living to a ripe old age. John died at 201 Staines Road on 4 Mar 1950 aged 76 and left £365 to Harold Rayment Gardiner, baptist minister (not sure why). Emma died Apr 1955 aged 78. 2018 update: For 1939 Register see Arthur, Gladys & Herbert (his children). John was listed as "Ganger Borough Council", although he will have retired that year. 1921 census, of course, showed him and Emma at 201 Staines Road,  Twickenham, with their brood of 8. John was a labourer working for the local council.

John William Wooldridge2 was born 17 Dec 1908 in Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. He can be seen in census return of 1911 aged 2 at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham with parents & sibs. In Apr 1935 in Twickenham he married Eileen Louise Mary Turner and they settled on the other side of Twickenham, at 48 Beaconsfield Road. By 1938 they can be seen on electoral roll records at 96 Fifth Cross Road, where they remained until records cease in 1963. This is literally "round the corner" from his parents. John died 15 Apr 1982 in Hounslow and Eileen in Jan 2002 in the Richmond area. 2018 update: I have now found a baptism, at Holy Trinity, Twickenham on 17 Jan 1909. 1939 Register was, as expected, at 96 Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham. John was described as "Permanent Way labourer", Eileen UDD and there was a surprise (to me anyway) in that they had a 6-month-old baby Peter. Also another family. [I have looked Peter up and he lived at the above until he married in 1966. He died in 2015 in Berkshire, aged 76.] Again 1921 census was the same household at 201 Staines Road, he being the 12-year-old son at school.

Lloyd Philip Wooldridge was born 14 Feb 1897 at 9 Little Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London to Philip & Mabel nee Stroud and christened on 4 Jul 1897 at All Souls, Marylebone. A snippet of information on the address at which he was born was interesting - when Lord Nelson & Lady Hamilton's daughter Horatia was born in 1801, she was looked after by a nurse at this address (being illegitimate of course). Lloyd can be seen in census return of 1901 aged 4 with parents, baby sister Hilda & 2 boarders at 173 Bravington Road, Paddington. In 1911 he and Hilda can be seen boarding with maternal uncle Frederick Stroud, a brewer's farrier, at 11 Rangemoor Road, Tottenham, as the census says "mother away". Hilda & then mother Mabel emigrated to USA. Lloyd remained in Tottenham and in Oct 1928 he married local girl Doris Emily Chessum and they had one son. Electoral roll records for 1935-9, show them at 58 Shelbourne Road, Tottenham. 2015 update: after WW2 he can be seen with wife Doris at 21 Cottimore Avenue, Chertsey, and this will have been the area in which he died in 1977. I cannot find military records for WW1 for him. 2018 update: 1939 Register shows him listed at 7 Manor Road, Tottenham with his in-laws. If Doris is there she must be the closed file above Lloyd. It seems from electoral roll records that they lived from 1935-39 at 58 Shelbourne Road, then stayed for a while as above, then by 1941 were at 21 Cottimore Avenue, Chertsey, where they remained and died in 1977 (Lloyd) and 1981 (Doris). 1921 census shows him at the age of 24, in Tottenham with his widowed mother 52, who worked doing housework for a local lady, while Lloyd was a Motor Fitter, at the time of the census Out of Work.

Louisa Margaret Wooldridge (my grandmother) was born 4 Jul 1905 at 27 Clayton Buildings, Lollard Place, Lambeth to Henry & Catherine nee Woodford and christened at Emmanuel Church on 18 Jun 1905. The church was directly behind the buildings, and number 27 was on the 3rd floor and probably looked onto the roof, so couldn't be closer! She can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 5 at this address with her parents & Uncle Charlie. She remained at this address for some years. On 29 May 1929 at Emmanuel church she married Henry Thomas Gamble. Her story was that they grew up on the same buildings (the Gambles lived at number 14) but her family looked down on the Gambles and when they came out to play she had to come in... I can't see any reason for this snobbishness as Isaac Gamble had his own cab business and Grampy was from humble origins in Nine Elms, but there may be more personal reasons - I'd love to know what! Anyway, this ban only piqued their interest in each other and the families eventually came round. Grampy & Uncle Bill (bride's father & groom's brother) were witnesses at the marriage. They had 4 children, my mother Kathleen the eldest surviving child, born at Kings College Hospital while they lived at Camberwell Grove, and I understand they moved back to the buildings on the birth of her brother John in 1935. Carrie had died in 1934, so Nan was at number 30, fairly nearby to keep an eye on Grampy, who still lived at number 27 with Uncle Charlie. In 1945 they can be seen to have moved to number 10 and they remained there for the next 25 years. Unfortunately they had a bad car-crash which hospitalised both and crippled Nan, so they had to leave Clayton buildings (which had no lifts). They were relocated to 1 Evenlode House, Thamesmead, on a huge council development in Abbey Wood, 13 miles down the Thames, which was warden-assisted and they lived there for the rest of their lives. Nan had trained as a court dressmaker but, as was the custom at the time, had left work on marriage. However, she used her skills and all through my childhood (late 1950s & 1960s) I remember the Back Room at number 10 being full of the paraphernalia associated with a thriving dressmaking business. My mum had followed her into the trade and they were always in the middle of at least one wedding order. The room had been a bedroom when the children were younger but then became a workroom. There were always satin bridesmaids' dresses hanging up. chiffon everywhere and pins & threads on the floor! Grandad was originally a lorry-driver, then later in maintenance at Lamson Engineering. Grandad died on 3 Jun 1987 and Nan lived on alone until she died in Dec 1995. 2018 update: The 1939 Register: She had taken the children to the countryside and was in the High Wycombe area, 11 Abercrombie (now Avenue), Chepping Wycombe. Nan was listed as UDD, Mum at school (she was 7) . After the war, they returned to Clayton Buildings. 1921 census was covered right at the bottom of this page, showing her aged 16, training as a dressmaker with Maison Ross of Grafton Street.

Mabel Esther Wooldridge was born 26 Jan 1906 at 2 Rose Place, Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams and christened there at Holy Trinity on 25 Apr 1906. She can be seen on census return of 1911 at 201 Staines Road with parents & sibs. On Christmas Eve 1934 at the Register Office in Kingston-upon-Thames she married Joseph Henry Victor Wells, they settled nearby & had 3 children. The electoral roll shows them in 1964 & 1965 at 20a Ewell Road, Kingston. Joseph died there in Apr 1971 aged 68 and Mabel in May 1991 aged 91. 2018 update: married in 1934, so can be seen with her husband and 2 sons at 33 St James Road, Kingston-upon-Thames. (they shared this house with another family) Joseph was a "Public Works Contractor's Labourer - Heavy Work" and Mabel UDD. Son Roy "child" (he was 2) and baby David is redacted as he is probably still alive. Jean was not born until 1946. 1921 census was interesting as she wasn't one of the many at 201; I have tracked her down, in service to a boot & shoe rep and his family in Kew.

19th March 2023

Herbert Ernest Wooldridge was born 8 Jul 1910 in Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. He can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 8 months at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham with parents & sibs. He lived there until in Oct 1949 in the S Middlesex area he married Bertha M Gower and they went to live in an intriguing place, Pope's Villa, Cross Deep, Twickenham. Alexander Pope the famous poet etc had built a lovely mansion here, but after his death it changed hands many times and was demolished in 1808 (much to the annoyance of locals, historians & literati alike). Subsequently another was built on the site in 1842 by tea merchant Thomas Young & during WW1 the WRAC used it. In 1919 the Sisters of Mercy took up residence and ran it as St Catherine's school. I cannot find any evidence that Herbert and/or Bertha was a teacher, but that is not to say this isn't the case. There were 38 adults listed there in the Electoral Roll of 1951, so they may be teaching staff. Bertha died in Jan 1959 and Herbert moved with his sister Florence to 183 Staines Road (see below). He died on 14 Dec 1991 aged 81.2015 update: As he was only 4 when WW1 broke out, I had to look to WW2, but there is very little online from this time. I did find his attestation sheet though, to the Royal Artillery, dated 13 Mar 1946, with an added stamp stating that in 1955 he was discharged as at the Age Limit (he was 45). As he was at the Pope's School in 1951 he was evidently not on active service all this time. 2018 census: 1939 Register shows him at home with his family before he "joined up", at 201 Staines Road (see Arthur, Gladys etc), although he was originally entered as Ernest H; this was later amended, but it has led to some confused transcriptions. He described himself as Railway Porter and wartime Stretcher-bearer.. I have just found his baptism, at Holy Trinity Twickenham in 1910 and I think Bertha was a widow, she can be seen with her first husband in the Register in Dunstable. However, dates of birth are confusing, so I may be wrong. 1921 census shows him in the large household at 201 Staines Road aged 10. Nothing new.

James John Wooldridge was born ar 2 Rose Place, Staines Road, Twickenham on 1 Aug 1899 to John & Emma nee Williams and christened at Holy Trinity, Twickenham on 3 Sep 1899. He can be seen there in census of 1901 aged almost 2 with parents & sibs and in 1911 he is at 201 Staines Road with them, aged 11. Electoral Roll records show he remained at this address until he got married in Jul 1933 in Staines, Middlesex to Elizabeth Alma Bolton, who had been born in Staines, but lived in Feltham, working as a servant in the household of a Railway Clerk. James & Elizabeth lived at 27 Chestnut Road, Twickenham (a turning off Staines Road) for a year or so after their marriage but by 1836 had moved to Garfield Street (about a mile away), firstly number 7, then number 18 (1946), then number 6 (1949-1963). Elizabeth died 30 Aug 1959 and James 24 Mar 1963. He left £524 to his brother John and sister-in-law Florence Beatrice Bolton. 2018 update: He was evidently a railway porter, employed from 10 Apr 1916 at Richmond, but was unable to get any further with driving in 1917, so joined up and was released for Amy Service. Returning in April 1920, he wasn't there for long before being "dismissed for stealing milk". Perhaps he had seen a larger world...In 1939 Register they were, as expected, in Garfield Road, Twickenham, at number 18, having moved from number 7 a year or so before. James was listed as General Labourer, Elizabeth UDD and her sister Dorothy was with them, working as a Domestic Servant (she was 8 years younger and still single). James and Elizabeth died in Twickenham in 1963 and 1959 respectively and were buried at Twickenham Cemetery, Whitton. So 1921 census was again in the large household at 201, James employed as a railway porter by LSW Railway (London & southwest) - he rejoined them in Apr 1920 but was dismissed as I said above in Jul 1921 (census just caught him as it was taken 19 June). Incidentally, the LSR became part of Southern Railways the following year.

Jessie Mabel Wooldridge was born 22 Apr 1880 at Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman. She can be seen on census return of 1881 at Tome Row, Ham with parents & sibs, then in 1891 at Ham Street with them. In 1901 she is also with them at 1 Evelyn Cottages, listed as a worker in a beer factory. In Oct 1902 she married George Carter and had a daughter the following year (apparently also another child who died before 1911). The 1911 census shows them at 22 Warwick Road, Twickenham with one daughter. Jessie died Jul 1970 aged 90 and George in 1973 aged 92. 2018 update: 1939 Register found them in Kent, at Mayfield, Vigo Road, Malling, George listed as Stockbrokers Manager, Jessie as Teacher Elementary School, with 2 other ladies of similar ages (50-60). They evidently did not stay in Kent, maybe were only there "for the duration". As a teacher, Jessie might have been evacuated with some pupils. They were both soon of retirement age and must have moved back to Surrey as they died there in 1970 and 1973. 1921 census shows them at 39 New Road, Hanworth, George a labourer employed by the LSWR - he may have worked with her nephew James above - Jessie House Wife and daughter Mabel "Nursery Work" - although I am not sure if this involved children or plants! They had adopted a son Norman Bailey, who can be seen in 1921 census aged 1y 10m - he was the informant on Jessie's death in 1970.

John Wooldridge 4 was born 6 Apr 1853 in Ham, Surrey to William & Hannah nee Freeland and christened there at St Andrew's church on 10 April. He can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 8 at Queen's Bench, Ham with parents & sibs. I cannot find him in 1871 but no matter. On 23 Sep 1877 at St Peter's Church, Hammersmith he married Fanny Cousins, who was born in Essex, but had been working as a servant in Leicester. In 1881 they can be seen at 2 Cambridge Terrace, Camberwell with 1 daughter Elizabeth, John listed as a "shopman - grocer", in 1891 at 228 Crystal Palace Road, Camberwell, with 4 children. As I said previously, John ran it as a corner shop and lived over the shop, letting out 2 rooms to a lodger. In 1901 the Wallis family can be seen at 228, the shop a "grocery & sub Post Office". John & family are next door at 226 and he just "grocer". Daughter Nellie is a telephonist & son John an "insurance collector". In 1911 he has moved to 1 Avenue Parade, Twickenham Road, Isleworth and is evidently running a grocery there helped by his wife Fanny, with daughter Gertrude looking after the house. Fanny died in Oct 1916, aged 56, but by the time John died in Apr 1936 aged 83, he had returned to Surrey. 2015 update: I have now tracked him down in 1871, living at 3 Hill Place, Richmond with his employer & family, working as an Assistant Grocer, along with 2 other assistants & a servant. This made total sense, and he had his own grocery business by the time he was married 6 years later. 2020 update: First wife Fanny died in 1912 and he re-married on 18 Aug 1915. Mary Ann Weston had married Charles Hunt, pork butcher, in 1873, had 5 children and was widowed by 1905. John moved in with her at Ivydene and lived there until she died there on 29 Feb 1928 aged 75. John followed in Apr 1936 aged 83. Unfortunately, he and both wives had died before 1939 Register, so all I can find is 1921 census, which shows him with Mary Ann at Ivydene, Whitton Road, Hounslow. He described himself as "Grocery Salesman employed by Buckle & Barker of Chiswick, Out of Work" (he was 68).

18th March 2023

Gertrude Florrie Wooldridge was born Feb 1888 in Camberwell to John & Fanny nee Cousins & christened at St Saviour, Denmark Hill on 18 Mar 1888. She can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 3 at 228 Crystal Palace Road, Camberwell with parents & sibs - the corner shop. The census of 1901 records her visiting 48 Woodlands Terrace, Charlton, but in 1911 she is back with parents & sibs, who have now moved to 1 Avenue Parade, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, another grocers shop, presumably. Later that year, on 18th September in St John the Baptist church, Isleworth she married Henry Brackstone Francis, witnesses John William Wooldridge, her brother and Mary Francis. Henry worked on the railways, as did his father, and I have a copy of the accident report from a fall he had in 1905 at Highgate Road Station, (closed 1915) when he was aged 23. He & Gertrude appear to have had no children. In 1922 electoral roll records show them sharing 33 Thorney Hedge Road, Old Brentford with another couple. I have a work-sheet dated Jan 1930 which shows him working at Lancing station, Sussex on the Brighton line, as a labourer and "trolley driver". On 1 Apr 1958 Henry died at St Mary's Hospital, Eastbourne, Sussex aged 75 (home address was 47 Ringwood Road - it is likely they retired there as so many did - and still do). Gertrude died 6 years later at Hellingly Hospital, Hailsham aka East Sussex Mental Asylum. She left £1052 to her nephew Sydney John Wooldridge, local government officer. 2018 update:1939 Register was a surprise here! There was a big gap between 1922 and 1958 in the records but I didn't expect them to shoot off up north! In 1922 in Old Brentford they weren't far west of London, and both died in that direction a couple of decades later. However, the chap in the Directory is undoubtedly him, at 3 Jackson Terrace, Carnforth, Lancs, working as a Railway Train Driver, and Gertrude UDD. They lived with widow Alice Wilkes and her two sons. This is of interest, not only because it is a lovely part of the country, on the edge of the beautiful Lake District, but also because Carnforth Station became world famous only a few years later, by being the setting for the film Brief Encounter. Henry must have worked there for a while, then returned south. As I postulated in 2013, he died in Eastbourne, so no doubt retired there. 1921 census was as expected, at 33 Thorneyhedge Road, with a boarder Mabelle Cory, single clerk working for a company of "Insurance Brokers at Lloyds". Henry was an "Electric Railway Driver"  working for Central London Railway at the Wood Lane Depot and Gertrude Home Duties. 

Gladys Mary Wooldridge was born 6 Sep 1913 in Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. Electoral Roll records show her between 1935 & 1946 living at home at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham. In Oct 1951 in the South Middlesex area she married Benjamin Thomas Rake from Woolwich, who had been living at 45 Gould Road, Twickenham with his mother & sister. At his marriage, mother & sister moved across Twickenham to 21 Baronsfield Road, and the couple lived at 45 Gould Road for a while.1966 finds them at 130 Parkdale Road, Plumstead, but by 1978 they were at 23h Burnt Ash Road, Lee, Lewisham, where they lived when Ben died aged 65 the following year. Gladys died aged 77 in Feb 1991, still in the Lewisham area. 2018 update: 1939 Register, where she can be seen at home with her family at 201 Staines Road (see Arthur below) listed as a machine hand in a printer's. The other new record is her probate document, showing that she died at Flat H, 23 Burnt Ash Road, Lee on 11 Feb 1991, and as she left £115,000 this must include freehold of this flat, located above the Wetherspoons pub Edmund Halley, where they lived from 1978, and both died. She was cremated on 21 Feb 1991 at Hither Green. 1921 census shows her aged 7 in the big household at 201 Staines Road.

Grace Hilda Wooldridge was born 4 Feb 1909 at Cheriton, Folkestone, Kent to Walter & Caroline nee Lines. In Jan 1935 at St Mary the Virgin church, Elham, Folkestone she married William Irving O'Flynn and they settled in Elham & had a daughter Mary straight away. They may have had some trouble having children because it was 11 years before they had another, a son Paul. The electoral roll in 1964-5 places them at 79 Sydney Road, Raynes Park with daughter Mary Amblett. William died at this time aged 55 at Wimbledon Hospital, and Grace is not seen again in the records until her death aged 77 in Feb 1987 in Alton, Hampshire, to where she must have retired. 2018 update: 1939 Register in Folkestone, Kent with her parents and another couple. There are two closed files on this entry, one will be daughter Mary, who was only 4 but one may be William. 1921 census shows her aged 12 at 18 Stanley Road with parents and 2 siblings. Her father was Laundry Man working at Fosters Imperial Steam Laundry in Cheriton, her mother Household Duties. Her brother Walter was 15 and working as Grocer's Assistant at the local Co-op. Grace and her sister Georgina were at school.

Henry John Wooldridge, my great grandfather, always known in the family (at least in his mature years) as Grampy was born 21 Sep 1869 at Victoria Wharf, Downey's Dock Road, Nine Elms, Battersea to George & Louisa nee Catchesides and christened at St George the Martyr church, Battersea Park Road on 31 Oct 1869. He can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 2 at Victoria Wharf with parents & sibs. This are is just beside the iconic Battersea Power Station, although that was not there at the time as it was built 1930s-50s. Victoria Wharf was very small, amongst a lot of other wharves and was closed and built on in the early 1900s. The 1881 census shows the family living at 44 Currie Street. Anyway, by the 1891 census the family had moved again, this time a few miles down the river, to Lambeth and can be seen at 98 Union Street; this road was renamed Fitzalan Street and was well known to us (was renamed in 1893, just after they moved again). This move was to Clayton Buildings, just a stones-throw away. Unfortunately, George died Nov 1893 & Louisa went into Forest Lodge Workhouse until she died in 1915. She may have needed special medical care the family could not provide, as it was unusual if they weren't destitute. Henry stayed on in Clayton Buildings, boarding at number 11 with brother William & working as a printer's cutter. A couple of weeks after the census on 14 Apr 1901 at St Philip's church (just up the road) he married Catherine Selina Woodford (Carrie), a laundress living with her parents at number 30. (As his father was deceased, his brother William "gave him away"). They settled into a house in Tracey Street, close by, but when my grandmother was born in 1905, they had moved into number 27 Clayton Buildings, and this is where they lived until Grampy died in 1954. The 1911 census shows them there with her and Uncle Charlie. I have only recently discovered that they had three daughters, the eldest born at Tracey Street but died aged almost 3 on New Year's Day 1906. My great-aunt Violet Wooldridge was born in 1913 and for over a century we thought there were just two sisters. Carrie senior died aged 56 in Jan 1934 and, as I said Grampy on 1 Jul 1954 aged 84 of "coma, cardiac failure & chronic bronchitis". I have no idea where he was buried, 2018 update: 1939 register: he was living with Uncle Charlie, Charles James Woodford, Carrie's younger brother at 27 Clayton Buildings. Grampy worked as a warehouseman for a printer, Charlie an erector/fitter for a pneumatic tube company Lamson & Co, as did his nephew, my granddad. Carrie had died at No 27, so did Grampy 20 years later (and I think Uncle Charlie did too, 8 years after that). 1921 census - see Carrie on 23 Feb below. He worked as a printer's cutter for Cockayne in Walworth Road.

17th March 2023

Florence Martha E Wooldridge was born 27 Mar 1907 in Staines Road, Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. She can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 4 with parents & sibs and Electoral Rolls show her in the same road until records end in 1962, mostly at number 201. When brother Herbert was widowed she moved in with him at number 183. She died unmarried on 21 June 1996 in Hounslow, aged 89. 1921 census showed her at home with parents and sibs at no.201. As I said, she moved to no. 183 when Herbert's wife died, and looked after him there. I still cannot locate her in 1939.

Frederick Alfred J Wooldridge was born 13 Apr 1909 in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey to Percy & Amy nee Gregory, possibly in 1 Evelyn Terrace, Ham, where he can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 2 with his parents. In Apr 1939 in NE Surrey area he married Margaret Fannie Flatman from Brentford. They settled in Richmond & had one daughter there, Susan in 1946. Electoral Roll shows them in 1965 living at 11 Langham Gardens, Richmond. Margaret died in Kensington in 1982 (possibly in hospital) and Frederick on 11 Sep 1989. He was buried in the family plot in St Andrew's Churchyard, Richmond with parents & sibs. 2018 update: 1939 Register was taken just after he and his wife Margaret were married and settled at 11 Langham Gardens, Richmond, where they remained all their lives. 1921 census shows him aged 12 with parents and sibs at 3 Wiggins Cottages, Wiggins Lane, Ham - a lovely property still very much in evidence. Her father Percival 31 was a Rifle Range Supervisor - unusual - at Ham, mother Amy Home Duties and there were 5 children, 4 (including Frederick) at school. Also with them was grandmother Amy Gregory, who was a Domestic at Latchmere Hospital.

George Richard Wooldridge was born 8 Jun 1863 in Esher, Surrey to Charles & Ann nee Lewis and christened there on 5 Jul 1863 at St George's. He can be seen aged 7 in census return of 1871 at High Street, Esher with parents & brothers, then in 1881 aged 17 at Park Road with mother & brothers (father had died in 1873) & he was a tailor. In Oct 1888 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire he married Annie Rice, a servant in the household of a widowed farmer in Northamptonshire. They settled in Esher and had one son, but Annie died of pulmonary embolism 7 days after his birth and was buried on 16 Dec 1890 at St George's. His mother Ann & his brother Athur moved in with him, also Annie's sister Mary Rice, to help with the baby, and can be seen on census of 1891 at Mole Cottages, Esher. On 4 Apr 1895 in Kingston he married Alice Batchelor from Worcester, cook in the household of an elderly lady in Kingston. They had two more sons and the census returns of 1901 & 1911 show them with 3 sons & a couple of boarders at 8 Park Road. George died in Jan 1941 aged 77 and Alice in Oct 1951 aged 85 in Northern Surrey. 2018 update: in 1937 they moved from no. 8 to no. 19 Park Road, Esher and can be seen there in 1939 Register. George was listed as Tailor and Alice as UDD, and they lived with another couple of ladies of similar age to them (early 60s), one single, one widowed. George died 2 years later Alice 10 years after that. Middle son Lewis was Killed In Action in 1916 in France aged 21. 1921 census shows them still at no. 8, George a self-employed tailor, Alice with Home Duties, and son Percy 22 was a cashier/clerk for an assurance company in London. When George died in 1941 aged 77 he was buried on 17 Feb in Esher St George, giving home address of 19 Park Road.

16th March 2023

I knew there was a story relating to Ellen's son Harry Dudley! I have read several reports of the autopsy in several newspapers of the day. At the inquest into his death accounts were heard from his father and colleagues and friends.

He had attended Sir Walter St John's School (aka Sinjun's) Battersea and St Paul's School, Hammersmith, then Dublin University and University College Hospital London, qualifying in 1914. Unfortunately WW1 started, so he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, rising to Acting Major at a large hospital in Cairo, then was discharged in 1917 as Medically Unfit (due to a heart condition?) and worked 1917-20 as Assistant Medical Officer at Caterham Mental Hospital. This was no doubt where he met Margaret, as that was given as address by both at their marriage in Feb 1921. From 1 Aug 1921 he did locum work at the City of Westminster Infirmary as his army pension was small and the property he thought he inherited in Feb 1920 turned out to be just furniture, not property at all. By this time he had developed a gambling habit and run up debts with a firm of bookies. He also had bad health, constantly suffering from asthma and medicated himself. As the treatment then involved morphine and other opiates, this was not considered a good idea - as he proved! On Saturday 11 Sep 1921 he had spent the day at Alexander Palace horse races (Ally Pally had a racecourse until 1970) and felt unwell, so asked a colleague Dr McQuaid to cover for him while he slept in his bedroom at Westminster Infirmary. He was due to work the next day, so the porter called him and, getting no reply, went to fetch him and found him on the bed, having been dead for several hours. A syringe and drugs were found beside the bed; morphine and several others. Asked about his worries, Dr Mc said he had been worried about his debts but was no longer, as his wife had taken them in hand. This agreed with what his father had said - that he had pulled himself together since his marriage. There was no suicide letter or message, so the verdict was Misadventure, reckoning he overdosed himself by accident. The funeral took place on 15 Sep 1921 at East Sheen.

Emily Elizabeth Wooldridge was born 9 Dec 1900 at 2 Rose Place, Staines Road, Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams and was christened there on 13 Jan 1901. She can be seen there on census return s of 1901 & 1911 with parents & sibs. In Apr 1926 at Twickenham she married Thomas H Bennett and they moved into the house 2 doors from her family - 205 Staines Road, Twickenham. They had one son there in 1929 & remained at that address until at least 1963 (when my records stop). At some point in the decade that followed they moved to Basildon, Essex, Thomas died there aged 74 in 1976 & Emily on 21 Jun 1996 aged 95. 2018 update: In 1939 Register she and Thomas can be seen still at 205 Staines Road, with son James aged 10 at school. Thomas was described as "Ganger Public Works" and received extra rations for being a Heavy Worker.. Emily was UDD. They probably relocated to Basildon when Thomas retired in 1967, as he died there in 1976 and Emily in 1996. 1921 census shows her aged 20, employed as a housemaid, one of 3 servants to a trio of brothers in Richmond.

Emily Jane Wooldridge was born Apr 1876 in Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman. She can be seen aged 4 on census return of 1881 at Tome Row, Ham with parents & sibs, but in 1891 she has left home & is probably in service somewhere. In Apr 1899 at St Andrew's church, Ham she married Arthur James Barber and they settled in Acton. On census return of 1901 they can be seen at 17 Mill Hill Grove, Acton, then in 1911 at number 16 with one daughter & a boarder (daughter Emily born at number 16 in 1904). Arthur died Jan 1916, probably in Acton, then Emily moved to Hammersmith - she is on the Electoral Roll in 1936-9 at 110 Galloway Road, Hammersmith with her daughter Emily Florence Lucy Giles, wife (?widow) of Corporal George S Giles of the Rifle Brigade. Emily senior died in Hammersmith Apr 1944.

2018 update: she was interred in Acton Cemetery - her husband Arthur can be seen to have been put there 18 years earlier. The other occupant of the plot was Corporal George Giles, their son-in-law, who married daughter (Ethel) Emily in 1930 and died 3 years later. "Class B" plots evidently had multiple burials, but only those in the family, so to speak. 1939 Register shows Emily widowed, living at 110 Galloway Road, Hammersmith, as expected, with daughter Emily and widowed lodger Thomas Muse, motor fitter. Emily Junior was a Ledger Clerk and Senior a UDD. 1921 census finds Emily Jane with her daughter at 27 Mill Hill Grove, Acton, Emily Senior a 45-year-old widow, working for a local clothes manufacturing company, "examining woollen coats", Junior a 16-year-old Clerk working for the Treasure Cot Company in Victoria. Emily Jane lived at several houses in this road in the first 20-odd years of her marriage. It is a turning off Acton High Street.

Fanny Wooldridge was born Jan 1856 in Ham to Henry & Mary Ann nee Harding and christened at St Mary Magdalen, Richmond. She can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 5 at Muglock Cottage, Chipstead with parents & 2 sisters. In 1871 she is at Ham Common with parents & sisters. On Christmas Day 1874 at St Margaret's, Chipstead she married William George Page, and one of the witnesses was her sister Phoebe. William was a general labourer & they moved around over the years, following work. In 1881 census they can be seen at Buckland Lane, Kingswood with 3 children, in 1891 they have moved to Dean Farm, Merstham, Reigate & have 6 children, William a farm carter. By 1901 census they have settled at 6 Oatlands Road, Burgh Heath, Banstead. They stayed there some years, William working as a farm labourer. Fanny died Oct 1939 aged 83 and William followed soon after, in Jan 1940 aged 85, both in the Surrey Mid-Eastern area. 2018 update: In 1939 Register, just before she died, she can be seen, as expected, at 12 Oatlands Road, Banstead, with William (Labourer Retired) and also daughter Emily and her husband Sidney Lifford, a "Private Gardener". It seems, from electoral roll records, that they lived at no. 6 until 1935, then moved to no.12 in 1935. Fanny died a few weeks later, then William followed her a few months after that. The grave in All Saints Churchyard, Banstead, holds Fanny and William, also 5 sons. It seems that William George was one of those who liked to be called George, as in 1921 census he completed the form as this. He was a "road repairer" for Epsom Council and Fanny Home Duties. Son George Ernest lived at home aged 39, an invalid (he had been discharged unfit by the Army in 1916 and died in 1923. He was one of the sons in the grave mentioned above), and daughter Emily, a "Daily Domestic" aged 25 - she married in 1924.

15th March 2023

Eleanor (Ellen) Mary Wooldridge was born 3 Aug 1884 at 149 Starch Green Road, Shepherds Bush to Walter & Mary Ann nee Lunn and christened there at St Luke's on 31 Aug 1884. She can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 6 at 26 Station Road, Hammersmith with parents, brother & lodger, then in 1901 she is at the District Infirmary, Fulham as a patient (occupation listed as laundress). In Jul 1905 at shepherds Bush she married Aleck Sawyer. They lived at Shepherds Bush for a while and had 2 children there, but the second, son Alick died of TB aged 5 months. By the 1911 census she can be seen at 37 Becklow Road, Fulham with daughter Nellie aged 4. (Aleck is listed at home but also on board the sloop "Alert" where his occupation was Leading Seaman in the Royal Navy and they were at sea off the East Indies, under Commander Hugh Somerville. Sometimes duplications like this did happen, and as 1911 census was the first one completed by householders themselves, Ellen may have misunderstood). So Aleck was evidently already in the Navy when WW1 started and he obtained 3 medals & promotion to Petty Officer, serving in Europe. When Ellen died in Jan 1926 aged 41, he married again, to Elizabeth Amy Laughton, then when she died in 1939 to Ruby Florence Abbott. He died on 9 Mar 1951 and left effects worth £2428 to Ruby. She moved to Great Yarmouth and died in 1988 aged 84.1921 census shows them at 2 Cleveland Road, Acton - the form was completed by Aleck and shows an amusing squabble regarding the spelling of his name. He submitted "Aleck" and the enumerator crossed out the k, only to be re-corrected. Likewise he wrote "Heat" instead of "Head" and "Fireman" instead of "Stoker" as profession. The enumerator was obviously very pedantic, as his entry of the address "2 Cleveland Road" for where Ellen performed her Home Duties was vehemently crossed out too. Interestingly, the company he worked for as fireman/stoker was A Sanderson & Sons of Uxbridge, who famously made William Morris designed wallpapers. This was their peak, as they received a Royal Warrant in 1924. However, stoking the factory boilers was not part of the company's prestige! Of the 3 daughters currently at home, only Nellie 14 was at school; Ivy and Mary were still only babies. Ellen was buried on 15 Jan 1926 in Acton Cemetery. I see from his naval records that Aleck was already in the Navy aged 15 in 1899, then signed on in 1902 for 12 years. Because of WW1 he was only demobbed in 1918. He lived at 1 Cleveland Avenue from then until Ellen died in 1926.

Ellen Amelia Wooldridge (my great greataunt) was not discussed before because her records faded out. This was not surprising as she was registered as Helen and baptised as Ellen, then transcribed as 76 years old in the census when it should be read as 16 and she was only 9 anyway - it's a conspiracy! Nothing makes any sense I'm afraid... so, moving on. I think I may have sorted her out; she was christened at St George the Martyr on 5 Jul 1862 (under Helen, as I said) then can be seen in 1871 at Victoria Wharf with parents and sibs (and her father got all the ages wrong). In 1881 at age 19 she was living with employer, as servant to a coffeehouse keeper in Battersea Park Road. It does appear that on 31 May 1887 at St Mary's Battersea she married Thomas Dudley, decorator from Worcestershire - but here's the doubt as she gave her name as Ellen Fane. Of course I have explained before that in those days most ordinary people were illiterate, so would not have noticed this. Son Harry came along in 1890 and they can be seen with him in census of the next year at 20 Brynmawr Road, Battersea, with a servant, The census of 1901 shows them at 1 Ethelburga Street, Battersea, Thomas decorator, Ellen schoolmistress and Harry 11 at school. In 1911 they lived at 2 Bowood Road, Clapham but now Harry was a medical student at University College Hospital, London. So by 1921 he had qualified and married, they were living at the same address. Thomas was 60, working as a painter still with Battersea Borough Council. He died in 1925, so 1939 Register shows Ellen alone in Southwark (with 2 other families) and she died there in Jul 1942 aged 81. Unfortunately there is probably a story attached to son Harry, as at the time of his marriage Feb 1921, both he and Margaret gave home address as Mental Hospital Caterham, and he only survived for a few months before dying in Westminster Infirmary in September. 
Later: There is definitely a story here. I shall study it and get back to you tomorrow.

14th March 2023

Edith Catherine Wooldridge was born 28 Jan 1900 at 11 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth and christened at the Emmanuel Church aged 2 on 4 Sep 1902. On 2 Nov 1903 aged nearly 4 she started at Walnut Tree Walk School, just a couple of streets away. In 1911 census she was still living there with mother & 2 remaining sisters. This was a bad time for this family, as 6 out of the 9 children died in infancy, and her father died in 1905. After this there are two possibilities: either she died aged 23 in Oct 1923 or she married Ernest Albert Doran - I cannot tell which is her without buying the marriage/death certs. 1921 census has helped to solve this, as it shows her aged 21 and single, with her widowed mother at 11 Clayton Buildings. When Ellen completed the form she stated that both she and her daughter were employed by Mr G Buslena of 79 Cooks Road, just the other side of Kennington Park, she as a "laundry worker", Edith as "collar machinist". When she died 2 years later, Edith was buried in plot ConH3/1948 in Lambeth Cemetery with 5 others on that day. There were already 13 in that plot from 1888. Ellen then emigrated to Canada and died there.

Eliza Caroline Wooldridge was born Dec 1872 at 26 Arden Street, Battersea to George & Louisa nee Catchesides (my great great grandparents) and christened at St George the Martyr church on 12 Jan 1873. She can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 8 at 44 Currie Street with parents, sibs, nephew Albert & another family. In 1891 she is with the family at 98 Union Street, Lambeth. On 9 Jul 1893 at All Saints, Newington, Southwark, she married William Jones. In 1901 she can be seen at the District Workhouse with 5-week-old baby Louisa - a lot of new mothers had to have their babies in the Workhouse just for the medical care. In 1911 she is at 45 Crown Street, Camberwell with 6 children (3 have died), listed as a laundress, William a "General Labourer Out Of Work". They settled at 51 Tilson Road, Camberwell - they can be seen there together until William died in 1922. Eliza continued at the same address until her death 4 years later. 1921 census shows Eliza and William at 51 Tilson Road, as expected. They had 3 of their own children still at home and also a 12-year-old and a 4-year-old visiting. William was a bricklayer's labourer, Eliza Home Duties, the eldest son Alfred 16 a laundry van guard, and the children all at school. William died the following year, buried on 4 Apr at Nunhead Cemetery, and Eliza on 22 June 1926 at Camberwell Old Cemetery.

Elizabeth Caroline Wooldridge was born 6 Jun 1871 at Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman and christened at St Andrew's, Ham on 6 Jul 1871. In census return of 1881 she can be seen aged 10 at Tome Row with parents & sibs. On 31 Aug 1890 at St Andrew's she married Joseph Henry Slade and on census return of 1891 is with him at 1 Canbury Passage, Kingston. They had 3 daughters, all at Ham, but the eldest died aged 14. In 1901 they were all together at Ham Street, next door to the brewery. Joseph was listed as brickie's labourer. In 1911 they are at 2 St Mary's Place, Petersham Road, Ham with 2 remaining daughters. Joseph died Sep 1930 aged 62 and was buried 20 Sep at St Andrew's. Elizabeth died in Apr 1950 aged 78. 1921 census shows them at 2 St Mary's Place, with daughter Edith, Joseph a house painter for a local builder and Edith employed as a domestic in Richmond. By 1939 Joseph had died and Elizabeth was in Richmond with Edith and her husband Sidney, aged 68.

Elizabeth Fanny Wooldridge was born Jul 1879 in Camberwell to John & Fanny nee Cousins, probably at 2 Cambridge Terrace, where she can be seen in 1881 census with her parents. In 1891 she is at 228 Crystal Palace Road, Camberwell with parents, sibs & a lodger aged 11. It is a corner shop. In 1901 they are still there, but living in 226 and jointly running the shop with the family living over 228. On 30 Jun 1902 at Christ Church, Turnham Green she married Alfred George Musk, a boot salesman from further up Crystal Palace Road. Among the 5 witnesses were her 3 siblings. They lived at Ondine Road, Peckham when the first child was born in Jan 1903. By 1906 when the second child was born & died they were living in Lewisham & can be seen on census return of 1911 there at 332 Brockley Road, Lewisham with 2 children & a servant. They had 7 children in all (6 survived). Elizabeth died aged 56 on 26 Nov 1935 at 159 Croydon Road, Anerley, leaving effects worth £151 to Albert, who was still living at that address when he died aged 87 in Orpington Hospital (very close to where I grew up!) on 25 May 1964 (at the time I lived there) and left £33,652 to son Ronald & an accountant. 2015 update: Her husband Albert George Musk was born & grew up in Diss, Norfolk, and in 1901 census can be seen lodging in Camberwell, (just around the corner from Crystal Palace Road where she lived with her family), working as a shop assistant, presumably in a shoe shop. On their wedding, as I said, they moved to Ondine Road, Peckham, but soon settled at 332 Brockley Road. On 18 Jun 1917 he joined the Grenadier Guards and was posted abroad but on 16th Nov 1918 he was wounded & sent home. He was awarded a Silver Medal, and the Victory & British war medals. By 1921 another address was added to his electoral roll; 332 Brockley Road had a note attached saying "abode 159 Croydon Road", so I assumed he rented the Brockley Road property out. From 1929 another address appeared; 30 Catford Hill, likewise. At Elizabeth's death he was described as "shoe retailer", so I thought maybe these were shops. So this guy owned at least three shoe shops! 2018 update: in 1939 he can be seen at 159 Croydon Road, Penge with 3 children, listed as Shoe Retail Employer. Son Ronald evidently was training in the same industry and he also worked in wartime for the Auxiliary Fire Service. Daughter Muriel was an Insurance Clerk and son Clifford a "Laboratory Assistant (Electrical)". This was the address when Elizabeth died in 1935, and was still his address when Albert died (albeit in Orpington Hospital) So 1921 census shows them at 159 Croydon Road, as above, boot and shoe dealer, an employer working at 332 Brockley Road, confirming that was his shoe shop. Eldest daughter Dorothy was 18, a shorthand typist, 2 of the younger sibs were at school, 3 more at home.

13th March 2023

Charles Wooldridge 2 was born 6 Nov 1840 to William & Hannah nee Freeland in Merrow, Surrey and christened there at St John's on 20 Dec 1840. I cannot find him on 1841 census - in fact the whole family is missing. He can be seen on census return of 1851 aged 10 at Ham Common with parents & sibs. In 1861 he is 20 and working as a potman at The Red Cow, Richmond. On 5 Oct 1868 at St Andrew's, Ham he married Charlotte Newman and they had daughter Florence 3 months later - the first of 9 children. In the census of 1871 they can be seen in Ham with Florence & a lodger, Charles working as a carter. In 1881 they are at Tom's Row, Ham, with 5 children, Charles is a gardener's labourer, Charlotte a laundress. In 1891 again they are in Ham Street, Charles a carter, son John now a gardener. In 1901 they have moved to 1 Evelyn Cottages (see Alfred yesterday) & by 1911 around the corner with son Percy. Charlotte died in Jan 1914 aged 66 and Charles aged 87 in Feb 1928. He was buried in St Andrew's churchyard on 8 Mar 1828. 1921 census is as discussed below under Alice, with William, Mabel and family at 1 Evelyn Terrace, Ham.

Charles Wooldridge 3 was born at 2 Rose Place, Staines Road, Twickenham in Jul 1902 to John & Emma nee Williams and christened there at Holy Trinity on 3 Aug 1902. He can be seen there aged 8 with parents & sibs on 1911 census return. In Apr 1928 at Brentford he married Caroline May Bennett from Feltham and they had a son (but he unfortunately died aged 2 months) and a daughter. Charles died aged 30 the following year. 2018 update: By 1939 Register Caroline had lost husband and son, and can be seen at 2 St George's Place, Twickenham with 8-year-old daughter Pamela (at school) and a lodger (coal merchant). She was listed as "Shop Assistant (Newsagent)". This is now known as Bell Lane, just off the main shopping street, so she probably worked there. 1921 census shows him aged 18 at 201 Staines Road with his parents and sibs, described as a pawnbroker's assistant. This was a Mr Garland, who had a shop in Hampton Road, just around the corner (possibly now Meet and Deep newsagents). Charles was buried in Twickenham Cemetery on 8 Nov 1932, having died on 2 Nov aged just 30.

Charles George Wooldridge was born 5 Dec 1890 at Esher to George & Annie nee Rice, but his mother died 7 days later. He was christened on 1 Mar 1890 at St George's, Esher & when the 1890 census was taken a month later he & his family were at Mole Cottages with his Uncle Arthur & wife. His father married again when he was 4 and in 1901 census he can be seen with them, Uncle Arthur & 2 half-brothers back at 8 Park Road. In 1911 they are still there and he is a General Labourer. On 7 Apr 1928 at St Mary's, Walton-on-Thames he married Beatrice Jessie May Summers (May). She died aged 58 on 22 Jul 1949 at Kingston Hospital, home address 80 Walton Road, East Molesey, leaving her effects worth £164 to Charles, now described as a "general handyman". He died Jan 1960 aged 69 and was buried at St Peter's, West Molesey. 2015 update: WW1 records, show that he was in the 6th East Surrey Regiment as a Private, posted to India 1914 - 1917, where he then transferred to 21st Rifle Brigade as Rifleman until March 1919, when demobbed & returned home. He was awarded the Victory, British & Star medals for "service in the Asiatic Theatre of War". 2018 update: In 1930 they were listed in electoral roll records at Langham, Kenley and it says in brackets "garage". I don't know if this meant they were living in a garage. Charles had been General Labourer in civilian life and rifleman in the services, so I suppose it could mean this. 1931 listing stated they were living in Kenley Park House and by 1939 he had his own business as a gardener. They were shown on the Register at 80 Walton Road, Esher, which was the address given when Beatrice died 10 years later. Both he and his wife died in hospital; Beatrice (May) in Kingston Hospital, Charles in Richmond 1949 and 1960 respectively. 1921 census was rather different; he can be seen in a "Military Camp, Home Park, Hampton Court" with the 6th Battalion East Surrey Regiment with 71 others, a corporal.

Dennis Vincent George Wooldridge - see Alfred below - was born 17 Feb 1920 in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey to Alfred & May nee Smith. In Oct 1948 in North Surrey (probably Kingston) he married Doreen Gladys Saunders and they had 2 boys. He died in Dec 1985 & was buried at St Peters, West Molesey, aged 65. Doreen died Jul 2001 aged 74. 2018 update:  his mother died when he was less than a year old, he went to live with his maternal grandparents. They can be seen in 1939 Register at Avenue Cottage, Ham, George Smith a Builder's Watchman, Elizabeth UDD and Dennis a Shop Assistant at the Household Stores. In 1940 he "joined up", was transferred into "The Buffs" and was posted to Bath, although I have no idea what happened then. He must have returned to Surrey after the war, as he married Doreen in 1948. Electoral roll records show how they wandered about West Molesey in the years after this, registered at several addresses in West Molesey over the next decade or so, all council housing. As I said, they had 2 sons and Dennis died and was buried in 1985 at St Peter's church. 1921 census shows him aged only 16m, living with his grandparents and lots of uncles, at Avenue Cottage, Ham - as 1939 - his grandfather also an employee of Ham River Grit Co, like Alfred. Several uncles were farmhands or gardeners locally.

Dorothy Irene Wooldridge was born 14 Mar 1904 at 2 Rose Place, Staines Road, Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams and christened there on 10 Apr 1904. She can be seen on census return of 1911 at 201 Staines Road aged 7 with parents & sibs. She did not marry, so the next we hear of her is her death on 30 May 1993 in Hounslow aged 89. 2018 update: she can be seen in 1939 Register with her uncle Alfred, see below. In 1964 she was living in Evelyn Road, round the corner, but when she died in 1993 it was in Hounslow, so may well have been in hospital. 1921 census shows her aged 18, working as domestic servant in household of a civil servant in Kew. I don't know how long she worked for, as electoral roll records show her living at Staines Road 1930-34 and retired to Evelyn Road in the 1960s.

12th March 2023

Alfred Newman Vincent Wooldridge was born Oct 1891 in Ham, Surrey to Charles & Charlotte nee Newman and christened there 8 Nov 1891. He can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 9 at 1 Evelyn Cottages, Ham Street with parents & sibs, then in 1911 the same place, then called Evelyn Terrace (and now Evelyn Road), listed as nurseryman, and for some reason as Bert! In Jan 1913 at Kingston, Surrey he married May F Smith. It seems that they settled in the Kingston area & only had one child Dennis Vincent George Wooldridge. Unfortunately May died aged 28 in Jan 1921, when he was just a year old. Alfred does not appear to have married again and died aged 69 Sep 1965 in Surrey, buried on 5 Oct at St Andrews, Ham. 2015 update: he was in the 2nd battalion Royal Fusiliers from 24 Oct 1915 to 12 Jul 1916, the latter part of this period in France. On 12 Jul 1916 he joined with the 4th battalion and marched into the Somme. He was there until 3 Apr 1917 when he transferred to 20th, and again transferred on 17 Aug 1918 to 13th until 27 Aug 1918. He survived all this, was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal, returned home and had a son. All the more poignant then that May died just a few years later. She was buried in the churchyard of St Andrew's church, Ham, Surrey on 8 Jan 1921 while living at 20 Lock Road and that is why Alfred was buried in the same plot in 1960, to join her. 2018 update: 1939 Register shows Alfred aged 48, still in Ham, Surrey, living at 1 Yarrell's Cottages with his niece Dorothy (35) keeping house for him. He was by then listed as General Labourer, earning extra rations by being on the Heavy Worker list. This address was declared unfit for human habitation and demolished in 1969, as part of a clearance scheme. There was a very annoying red herring - a chap called Alfred Wooldridge who married a Kate Smith and lived in Guildford. We know from May's burial details that home address in the January was 20 Lock Road, Ham, so I was able to do an address search and found him living there alone. He was working for Ham River Grit Co.. researching which I found fascinating! Apparently at the time he was working there a canal was being constructed through the floodplain known as Ham Lands, and the gravel pits used to extract gravel and grit, then backfilled or flooded to create wildlife havens. I have read a report in the local paper in 1923 of a worker there who drowned because he fell in and could not swim. I hope that Alfred could - or was one who responded to this by learning! [I can see from Streetview that there is a footpath from his house down to the river even now, at Teddington Lock, which is exceedingly beautiful] Yarrell's Cottages, where he was in 1939, was nearby, on Ham Riverside Land.

Alice Elizabeth Wooldridge was born 27 May 1917 in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey to William & Mabel née Hubbard. In Oct 1939 she married Thomas Kent in the Surrey Northeast region, probably Kingston or Richmond, where their only child John was born two years later. Thomas was also from Kingston, and died there in 1990 aged 76. Alice followed on 27 Aug 2007 aged 90. 2018 update: 1939 Register was taken on 29 September, which was just before her marriage. So, she can be seen at 46 Ham Street, literally around the corner from Evelyn Road, where she had grown up, with her parents and sibs. She was a 22-year-old packer in a curtain-rod factory. A few weeks later she married Thomas Kent, greengrocer who lived half a mile away. As I said before, she and Thomas settled in the area and died there in 2007 and 1990 respectively. 1921 census shows her aged 3 at 1 Evelyn Terrace with parents, 2 sibs and grandfather Charles Wooldridge. Her father was a carter, grandfather farm labourer retired, brother John at school.

Arthur Edward Wooldridge was born Jan 1868 in Esher, Surrey to Charles & Ann nee Lewis and christened at St George's on 16 Feb 1868. He can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 3 with parents & brothers, then in 1881 aged 13 with mother & brothers (his father having died in 1873) at Park Road, Esher. In 1891 he is at Mole Cottages, Esher with brother, mother & nephew, listed as a groom. In 1901 they have moved back to Park Road, at number 8, still with brother George & family. 1911 sees Arthur "visiting" at 5 Heather Cottages, Esher, evidently working there alone as a house painter. On 11 Jun 1916 at St Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey he married Annie Catherine Chandler. They were both working as servants, he still in Esher (gave the Park Road address), she in Bermondsey at Worthing Buildings, Webb Street but she had previously been working as a cook in Esher, which was no doubt where they met. They had no children, as they married quite late in life. Arthur died in Jul 1934 aged 66 & Annie in Oct 1963 aged 91 in St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey (although she still lived on in Esher & left £1184 to the Midland Bank). 2015 update: I did find some electoral roll records for 1929-34 - his latter years - all at 5 Park Road, and brother George & family were still at number 8. 2018 update: Annie can be seen in 1939 Register, working as a cook for mining engineer Algernon Moreing and his wife at Woodside, Esher, along with a housemaid. She is still listed at 2 Dawes Court on the electoral roll, and died there in 1963. I do think number 2 would have been behind the shop that is now Siam Food Gallery. 1921 census shows him with Annie, as Katherine, at 2 Holme Cottages, Esher, describing himself as "Plate man" at Sandown Park Race Course. I know what a plateman/layer does on the railways, but didn't know they had them at race tracks. 

Arthur Frank Wooldridge was born 9 Oct 1916 in Twickenham to John & Emma nee Williams. In Oct 1939 he married Irene Gladys Taylor in the Brentford area. It seems they had one daughter. Arthur died on 2 Mar 1983 aged 66 in Isleworth and Irene moved to Kingston, married Percy Russell there in 1988 and died there 28 Apr 1997 aged 77. 2015 update: He can be seen living with parents & 2 siblings in 1938 at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham, then from 1946-1952 at 39 Crane Road - probably from marriage in 1939. In 1953 they moved to 42 Fourth Cross Road (all these addresses in Twickenham). 2018 update: 1939 Register again caught him at home a matter of weeks before his marriage (like his cousin Alice above). He can be seen at 201 Staines Road, Twickenham with parents and sibs, listed as a Butcher's shop Assistant and Stretcher-bearer (as was his brother Herbert). Irene was nearby at 61 Upper Grotto Road (1 mile away) with her family, listed as "packer in razorblade factory". 1921 census shows him aged 4 at 201 with parents and sibs. His father was a council labourer, the two eldest boys employed as railway porter and pawnbroker's assistant, eldest girl helped mother with Home Duties, and the youngest 5 children (including Arthur) were at school. How they all fitted into that house is beyond me - it is in effect a 2-up-2-down centre terrace with 4 rooms declared on the form.

11th March 2023

William Woodford 8 was born Jul 1869 in Willoughby, Nottinghamshire to Eli & Jemima nee Line, a rare thing in those days an only child. He can be seen on census returns of 1871 & 1881 in Old Dalby with parents and in the latter also grandfather. On 28 Dec 1895 in Hucknell Torkard (as it was then called) he married Georgina Alexander nee Bird, a widow with a 2-year-old daughter, who had been living in Wiltshire. Hucknell Torkard was on the railway line from Linby & they lived there for a while, having a son there, Bertram. By the 1901 census they were at 72 Merchant Street, Bulwell with 2 children. There were 4 stations in this part of Nottingham, Bulwell Common opening in 1899, so maybe he was based there. He was listed as a railway signaller. They must have moved on shortly though, as they had another son Douglas in 1902 while at Carlton-in-the-Willows, where William no doubt worked at nearby Netherfield railway station. In 1910 his father Eli died and they moved in with his mother at Old Dalby, which was/is famous for the Railway Test Track, where they test innovations in railway rolling stock, so he may well have worked there. On the census return only the 2 boys are home, Lucy was in service in Nottingham. Bertram was 14 working as a Grocer's Assistant in the Universal Tea Stores. Bertram joined the army & was killed in France in 1918, Douglas married & settled in Old Dalby. Georgina died there on 3 Sep 1953 aged 86 & William in 1955 aged 85 & joined her in the grave. 2018 update:  in 1939 they can be seen then in Back Lane, William listed as "railway signalman retired" (he was 70) and Georgina UDD. 1921 census shows William and Georgina with son Douglas - see 23rd Feb below - at The Green, Old Dalby (as 1911). William was railway signalman at Old Dalby station, Douglas farm labourer.

William Woodford 9 was born Apr 1878 in Willoughby, Nottinghamshire to Thomas & Mary nee Henson. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 2 in Willoughby with parents & 2 sisters, then in 1891 aged 12 in Tuckwoods Row, Willoughby with parents & sibs. In 1901 he is 22, working as a farm labourer & boarding in Widmerpool with the farm bailiff. In Jul 1906 in Nottingham he married Amelia Sharpe (from Keyworth but who had been working as a housemaid in Nottingham, in the household of a doctor). They settled in Stanton-on-the-Wolds & had one son Harold. In 1911 they were in Stanton with him, but in 1938 he married and moved to Bingham. William died in Apr 1956 in Nottingham, aged 78 and Amelia on 3 May 1965 aged 87, by which time she lived back at her birthplace of Keyworth. She died in Nottingham General Hospital & left effects worth £195 to son Harold, a lorry driver. 2018 update: he was baptised on 22 Dec 1878 at St Mary's Willoughby and married in the July quarter of 1906 in Nottingham. 1939 Register finds them at 19 Main Street, Keyworth (now offices). As this was in the Bingham registration area, I suspect his death was not the one in Nottingham in 1956, but the following year in Bingham. Amelia was living at the same address when she died. 1921 census shows them at Widmerpool with son Harold aged 11 at school. William was employed as a horseman by Mr Pickard,  local farmer (Laurel Farm is still there, nowadays a holiday let).

William Adam Woodford was born Jan 1873 in Willoughby, Nottinghamshire to Elizabeth Adams and registered as William Henry Adams. When she married Edwin Woodford on 27 May 1874, they changed his name to William Adam Woodford. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 8 in Langer with parents, sister & grandmother, then in 1891 in Derby Road, Stapleford with parents & 3 sisters, listed as "waggon repairer". In 1901 details are the same but another sister has joined them. In 1911 they are at 35 Birley Street, Stapleford with just the youngest 2 sisters still at home. I had hoped 1921 census would close the gap and answer the questions of where he was in 1939 and what he did/where he went in the meantime. But the only one I can find raises more questions. I won't bring it to you, as he was always a wagon repairer and suddenly worked on bleaching lace, was married with a daughter and I can't find an associated death record.

Similarly William Charles Woodford - the only entries I could find were both married with children, and according to his military records he was not.

William Reginald Woodford was born Jan 1889 in Bredicot, Worcestershire to Arthur & Esther nee Jackson and can be seen with them & 3 sibs at School House, Bredicot in census of 1891. As I discussed on 5th May, his sister, brother & mother all died in 1893-6, so in 1901 he is aged 12 at School Street, Shelton with his widowed father & remaining sister. In 1911 he can be seen at Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, working as a Grocer's Assistant in the household of his employer, in which the domestic servant is one Agnes Mosley. In Mar 1914 in Chesterfield (her home town) he married said Agnes and they settled down in Chapel-en-le-Frith. They had 2 boys there and when William died there at 20 Horderns Road on 18 Jul 1965 aged 76 he left £309 to eldest son William Ronald, who was then an Electricity Board Service Assistant. 2018 update: 1939 Register finds the family at the address where he died, 20 Horderns Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, the house at that time called "Lynwood". William Reginald was still Grocer's Assistant, Agnes UDD, son William Ronald (18) a Clerk in Electrical Company Accounts Dept, and son Kenneth (17) a Railway Clerk. He died here in 1965, a 76-year-old widower, buried the same day and left £309 to his son William Ronald, who had married in 1957 to Irene Lupton and died aged 48 on 28 Apr 1970. 1921 census shows them at the Market Street address (as 1911), William Reginald still a Grocer's Assistant, Agnes Home Duties and William Ronald a newborn. Also in the household was Agnes' sister May Mosley, a domestic servant helping out. I can also see he was in the Machine Gun Corps in WW1 and received a medal.

His son William Ronald Woodford was born 31 May 1921 at Chapel-en-le-Frith to William Reginald (see above) & Agnes nee Morley. In Jul 1957 at Chapel-en-le-Frith he married Irene H Lupton. They appear to have had no children and William Ronald died in Jun 1970 aged 49. Irene may have gone on to marry Fred S Middleton in Oct 1975 at High Peak, Derbyshire. See above for 1921 and 1939.

10th March 2023

Thomas William Woodford was born Jan 1865 in Widmerpool to John & Hannah nee Adams. In census return of 1871 he can be seen aged 3 with parents & brother at Lab House, Langer, then in 1881 at Crabtree Lodge, Colton Bassett where he is a ploughboy. In Apr 1890 in Melton Mowbray (very likely in Harby) he married Elizabeth Ann Kemp and they settled in Harby & had 7 children. In 1891 he is an ironstone labourer living at Step Lane, Harby. In 1901 he was working on the building of the railway, as a plate-layer and they lived in Station Road with 3 children. In 1911 he has changed job again & is now a wagoner on a farm in Lincolnshire and there are 6 children with them. As the youngest 3 were born there, I take it they moved in 1904. 2015 update: deaths 1941 for Thomas in Basford, then in 1943 in Bingham for Elizabeth. 2018 update: marriage was in Harby, as I suspected. In 1939 Register he can be seen at "13 Council Houses", in Sutton Bonington, right where the railway used to run. This makes sense, as he was listed as a Farm Labourer, but trained as a railway platelayer. 1921 census he was at Burleigh Farm Cottage - see Aubrey Cecil below - with 4 children.

Walter Woodford was born on 20 May 1892 at 17 Stonebridge Street, Leicester to John & Ellen nee Smithhurst. He can be seen in census return of 1901 at Old Mill Lane, Leicester with father, step-mother & sibs, then still with them in 1911 at 62 Sanvey Gate, a labourer at an iron foundry. On 1 Jul 1914 he joined the army, the Durham Light Infantry. He was a bit of a rascal though, as he was in trouble several times, for overstaying passes & refusing to obey orders/salute etc. He forfeited several days pay on more than one occasion. In Jan 1920 in Leicester (his father still lived there) he married Frances Teasdale and on 2 June 1920 he was discharged to Frances' parents' home in Haxby, Yorkshire with a 40% disability pension - he had lost his right thumb. They settled in Yorkshire & had 3 children there. They both died in York, Walter aged 89 in Jan 1982 and Frances in Apr 1996 aged 102! 2018 update: the snapshot of the 1939 Register found him at Front Street, Haxby, listed as Postman, with Frances UDD and her mother, pensioner. There were also 3 closed files, no doubt the children Pattie, Nina and George. 1921 census shows them before the appearance of their children, staying in Haxby with Frances' parents (although her father clearly wrote Francis!) Walter worked as a postman, employed by York General Post Office.

Walter Norman Woodford was born on 19 Nov 1915 in Nether Broughton to Harry & Sarah nee Jenkinson. In Jul 1945 in Acle, Norfolk he married Joyce Smithies. They do not appear to have had any children. Walter died aged 63 on 29 Jul 1979 at Nether Broughton & was buried there. Joyce seems to have died in Lincoln aged 80 in 2002 but she was buried in the same grave. See Harry below 2nd March. In 1921 census he can be seen aged 5 with parents and sister Lucy at Nether Broughton, father Harry a grazier. In 1939 Register the same, Walter 15 a "public school's conductor", the redacted lines still so.

William Woodford 1 was born Oct 1895 in Harby, Leicestershire (although his birth was registered in Leicester city) to Thomas & Elizabeth nee Kemp. He can be seen aged 5 on census return of 1901 with parents & sibs at Station Road, Harby but in 1911 he is aged 15 at Greystones, 47 Westbourne Grove, Scarborough, Yorkshire. I cannot find much about this place, but can see from the census that it was a private boarding school with 18 pupils, 3 teachers and 5 staff (cook etc). 2015 update: he married Dorothy May Rose in Willesden, Middlesex. They evidently settled in Leicester, as both children were born there. William died aged 61 on 7 Jun 1956 at home, 371 London Road, Leicester, a house called touchingly after his old school, Greystones and he left £10,285 to Rose, who died in 1974. 2018 update: In 1939 Register he can be seen at the address where he died 17 years later, 371 London Road, Leicester. He was running a "Transport Construction Company" - maybe an offshoot of his timber company mentioned at his marriage - and Dorothy UDD. There is a closed file, presumably Pauline, still alive, but son Gerald must have passed on as his file is open. He can be seen as a schoolboy (aged 7), and Pauline was at school too (aged 12). When Dorothy died in 1974 she was living at 21 Stoneygate Court and left £26,533. 1921 census was a disaster - I thought I had located him in London Road, Leicester, as in 1939, but when I looked closely at the page, he was a visitor in the home of his family and I don't recognise any of the names. His parents (Thomas & Elizabeth not John & Mary) were in Woodthorpe, with his siblings. Dorothy was also not at home with her parents, so maybe they were together somewhere. They married in London 2 years later, so could be anywhere.

9th March 2023

Sarah Woodford was born Apr 1865 in Old Dalby to William & Alice nee Shillcock. They did have a previous baby by that name born Jul 1853 but she died the following year, so they used the name again. She can be seen on census return of 1871 at Deepdale Hill, Old Dalby with parents & sister (brother Josiah was away working in Melton Mowbray). In 1881 she is aged 17 and seen at 27 Cumberland Street, Leicester, visiting Josiah, now married with two small children. Her occupation is listed then as Machinist, but she evidently didn't like the factory life and by the next census she can be seen at 38 Ropewell Street/Rope Walk, Nottingham, working as cook in the household of a widow & her daughter. In Jul 1893 in Old Dalby she married William Howett, whose family ran Bull Farm, Mansfield. They settled in Mansfield & had 5 children there. In the 1901 census they can be seen with 3 of these nearby at 15 Pheasant Hill. In 1911 they have taken over the farm, as William's father Jeremiah is 78 and widowed, William is listed as Farmer, employer, daughter Alice Jane is dairy worker & son John is working on the farm (the 3 youngest at school). Also with them is Sarah's sister Annie Woodford, a "Domestic out of work". William died aged 81 in Oct 1949 in Mansfield. 2015 update: she died in 1934 i.e. before William at Hillside, 3 New Station Road, Bolsover, although her home address was given as Deepdale Farm, Sutton Scarsdale near Chesterfield (nice touch, naming the farm after her childhood home) and she left effects worth £321 to William there. I suspect she was staying with one of the children, possibly the eldest, Alice.  2018 1939 Register: Husband William was at Deepdale Farm, Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire, farming with the assistance of son John, horseman, grandson John Ball, cowman, and widowed daughter Alice Ball, UDD. 1921 census shows the family already there with 4 children, all working at home, William a farmer, the 3 boys his assistants and Sarah and Lizzie on Home Duties. There was also a 61 year old servant. Alice had married and moved out.

I seem to have missed out the one I subsequently called Sarah Woodford5, born Jan 1877 in Leicester to Josiah and Ann Maria nee Holmes. She can be seen with them in 1881 census aged 4 at 27 Cumberland Street, Leicester and 1891 aged 14 at 22 Abbey Gate, in the latter a Hosiery Winder, then in 1901 Frog Island. In Oct 1908 in Leicester she married George Marvell and had a son in Jun 1911 - no doubt why she is not on the 1911 census. 1921 census shows these three at 30 Lancashire Street, Leicester, George a boot repairer and Ronald aged 10 at school. Unfortunately Sarah died the following year aged 43 and George remarried in 1926 (still at the same address.

Sarah Ann Woodford was born Dec 1864 in Old Dalby to David & Elizabeth nee Brown & christened there on 3 Jan 1865. She can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 6 in Church Lane with parents & sibs. In 1881 census she is at 3 Noel Street, Radford, Nottingham with her employer's family, working as a servant to a lace manufacturer. In Jan 1891 at Old Dalby she married Cornelius Hindley, widower with 5 children, 13 years her senior, and moved in with him at 65 Matthias Road, Sneinton, Nottingham. They can be seen in the census of that year with 4 of the children. Cornelius was a house painter & his eldest son Frederick his apprentice at that time. In 1901 they can be seen at 9 Stansfield Terrace, Nottingham with 4 children and a visitor sister Florrie Woodford & baby. In 1911 they can be seen at 26 Connaught Street, Radford. Cornelius died Apr 1924 & Sarah Ann in Jan 1933, both in Nottingham. 2015 update:  In the 1880s she was a servant in Radford and Cornelius lived in Nottingham nearby, running a Painting & Decorating business. One of his children Arthur Cornelius was somewhat out of control (Cornelius admitted that himself) and was brought up in front of the local magistrates on several occasions. I first found reports of him in the Nottingham Evening Post dated 12 Jun 1889 when he was accused, aged 12, of stealing 6 shillings from his older brother Frederick (apparently he went up to Frederick, saying their mother - who had given the money to her eldest to take to the savings bank - had changed her mind & needed it for the rent, then ran off with it). Apparently the magistrates agreed he should go to reform school as Cornelius stated he could "do nothing with him", but decided to let him go if they promised to control him. His mother Emily had to testify, but she must have been unwell, as she died 6 months later. The following year he was brought to court again, this time for stealing a woollen gown from a local tobacconist/pawnbroker and also for stealing sixpence from his father. He was sent to gaol for 21 days and ordered to a reformatory for 5 years. So in 1891 census he can be seen as an Inmate on a "Training ship" moored off Purfleet, in "Training for the Sea". It didn't help him because 3 years later he had graduated to breaking & entering. He & another 18-year-old were found guilty of breaking into a house & stealing some clothing, and sentenced to 6 months hard labour. He did pick up on the training later, though, as on 27 Oct 1906 he landed in Savanna, Georgia, having sailed from Buenos Aires on SS Archuarden, listed as a Seaman. He passed the medical and was admitted to USA. I suspect he may have died in 1942 (spelled Hindle so I can't be sure). So when Sarah Ann joined the family in 1891 he was on the reformatory ship - one can only imagine how she felt about this; she was only 12 years older than him. I also have a further scrap about Cornelius: He continued his Painting & Decorating business right up to his death in 1924 aged 73, from 64 Birkin Avenue, Nottingham, and this was presumably the address at which he died. 1921 census shows them at 64 Birkin Avenue, Nottingham, Cornelius 70 a painter, Sarah, 56 Home Duties. The 3 children still at home; Georgina, Claude and Winifred were all working in the tobacco industry for John Player & Co, local company by this time part of Imperial Tobacco, one of the largest in the world. Cornelius and family were at this address already by 1916, according to directory records.

8th March 2023

Martha Ellen Woodford was born Oct 1889 in Leicester (probably at 17 Stonebridge Street, Evington) to John & Ellen nee Smithhurst & can be seen with them there aged 1 on census return of 1891. In 1901 she can be seen at 10 Old Mill Lane, Leicester with father, step-mother & sibs. In 1911 she is still at home with them at 62 Sanvey Gate, listed as "Hosiery Hand (Turner)" - many of the traditionally home-based hand-worked methods of making hosiery eg turning a heel etc were now being done in factories - possibly working with her father John4. I cannot tell which factory, as there were at this time 100 in Leicester alone! In Apr 1914 in Leicester she married local boy Richard William Parr but it seems that they had no children. Martha died aged 61 in Jan 1951 & Richard in Jul 1958 aged 66. 2018 update: 1939 Register has helped a lot with her and husband Richard Parr's dates of birth and the usual snapshot of pre-war years, it also furnished me with evidence of a child! The family can be seen at 66 Navigation Street, Leicester (this was swept away in 1960s-70s when the Burleys Flyover was built), comprising Richard, who worked in an Iron Foundry as a labourer and was in the Auxiliary Fire Service, Martha a yarn-wrapper and wool-spinner, and also son Walter Richard Parr, hosiery warehouse assistant, born 1925, so in 1949 had just left school and possibly joined his mother in the hosiery factory. I have followed him through, and he married Dorothy Slater in 1946 and died in Loughborough area in Feb 1991 aged 65. 1921 census showed her and Richard at Navigation Street, Leicester. The address is given as Albert Cottages - it seems that between the wars, this street was made up of cottages - of course what is left of it is today a rather run-down industrial estate. Both were working in local factories, Richard for a boot & shoe manufacturer as a "Clicker" and Martha for wool spinners as a "Wrapper" (the same job she had in 1939). Martha was buried in Gilroes Cemetery on 16 Jan 1951 and Richard joined her there on 26 Jul 1958

Mary Elizabeth Woodford was born Jan 1879 in Colston Bassett to John & Hannah nee Adams. She can be seen on census of 1881 aged 2 at Crabtree Lodge, Colston Bassett with parents & sibs, then in 1891 aged 12 with parents & cousin Silas at Baguleys Square, Harby. In Jul 1898 she married William Bennett, who was a butcher at the time & they settled in Harby. They can be seen there in the 1901 at 2 Exchange Row, with 2 sons, William listed as Farm Labourer, and same in 1911 with 5 children. By 1921 census they had moved to 36 Coventry Road, Hinckley and can be seen there with 5 children (they had 8 in all) and a son-in-law. William was 47 and ran his own business at home as a Fishmonger - it is now a pub (changed its name in 2015 from Sportsman to White Bear) - 2 daughters and son-in-law worked as Hosiery Hands, one son was at school, one a baby. By 1939 Register they were at 38 Trinity Lane, just up the road, William working as a gardener in the employ of a local gentleman and a shop assistant, Mary Elizabeth UDD. The two youngest boys were still at home; Leslie 26 a dyer and Ronald 20 hosiery machinist, also Leslie was in the Fire Brigade. [Incidentally, there is to this day a barber shop opposite under the name of Christopher Bennett - may be a relative?] William died on 22 May 1961 and Mary Elizabeth on 29 Jan 1966 in hospital in Nottingham.

Reuben John Woodford2 was born Jul 1879 at 39 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth (this block, if you don't already know, is a place of great significance to me as my grandparents' home and where I spent much of my childhood) to Reuben & Louisa nee Small. He can be seen there in 1881 census with parents & sibs. In 1891 & 1901 censuses he can be seen with them at no. 30, in the latter listed as carpenter. On 27 Oct 1907 at St Mary-the-Less, Prince's Road, Lambeth, he married Florence Ethel Wells. In 1911 they can be seen at 2 Wood Street (this was the turning right next to the church), with 2 children. I have followed them through the next couple of decades via the electoral roll, and can see that in 1915 they lived at 17a Loughborough Street, Kennington, then by 1918 had moved to 12 Longville Road, Southwark. They remained here until 1939, when Flo died, brother Herbert & family joining them for the last 4 years. As Reuben died in Oct 1943 in Surrey, he may well have spent his final few years with daughter Flo Pearson. 2018 update: The 1939 Register snapshot this presented was temporary, as Flo had just died and Reub can be seen with some of the family at 12 Longville Road, Southwark, before he moved to Carshalton and died in 1943. The 1939 Register shows them there with son Herbert & his wife Kathleen, also daughter Ada and son George, Reub listed as Carpenter (retired). As I noted before, he moved in with daughter Flo for the final 4 years of his life, and died at Carshalton Hospital. I have found his attestation to the Royal Flying Corps dated 10 May 1917, but he didn't see action, being transferred to the RAF on 1 Apr 1918, then the Reserve on 14 Nov 1919, deemed discharged 30 Apr 1920. He was absent from London in 1918, however, and was excused from voting, at which time he was Air Mechanic 2nd class. 1921 census shows them, as expected, at 12 Longville Road, with 5 children - see Ada Rose below - all the children at school. He died on 7 Dec 1943 and as I surmised, was living with his daughter Flo at 31 St Benets Grove, Carshalton. What is odd to me is that my husband & his family lived there for a time, and his mother worked at the very same hospital Reuben died in. Not at the same time, I hasten to add, probably at least 15 years later, but this is odd because it is my tree. Florence Pearson was informant and the cause was heart disease & arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) but there was also quiescent TB of the lungs mentioned.

The final Reuben John Woodford was his son, the one I knew as "Uncle Reub", but was really my Nan's cousin. He lived next door to my grandparents and designed & made me a huge & wonderful dolls' house! He was born Jan 1908 at 2 Wood Street, Lambeth & could be seen there on census of 1911 aged 3 with parents & sister Flo. As you can see from the above, he followed in his father's footsteps & became a carpenter. As we know from his father's segment, the family lived at 17a Loughborough Street, then 12 Longville Road, Southwark. On 27 July 1935 in Southwark he married Lilian Bailey & for a couple of years lived at 63 Dante Road, Southwark before moving to no. 20 Clayton Buildings in 1938. He lived there for many years & died there on 3 May 1963. The electoral roll records only go up to 1965 at the moment, but "Aunt Lil" would have been relocated when Clayton Buildings were demolished in the 1970s. She must have stayed local, though, as when she died on 8 Feb 2000 aged 85 it was in Kennington. 2018 update: He can be seen in 1939 Register at 20 Clayton Buildings, the same address I knew them to inhabit in my childhood, and where he died in 1963 (I do remember his funeral, although I did not attend, being only 7. His death was hard for me, as he had built me the most wonderful dolls house...) As his daughter Pat's record is still redacted, she must still be alive (or was until recently). Reub was at that time 31 year old "packer & warehouseman" and "ARP at place of employment", Lil UDD (25 years old), Pat would have been 3. When he died in 1963 he left £822 17s to Lil. 1921 census was the same as above, as he was one of the children, aged 13 at the time.

7th March 2023

Louisa Minnie Woodford (My Nan's cousin) was born on 12 Dec 1898 at 26 Bolwell Street, Lambeth to Herbert & Emily nee Smart and christened at St Mary the Less with sister Emily on 1 Feb 1899 and they can be seen there on censuses of 1901 & 1911. In Oct 1925 in Camberwell she married Charles James Fowler-Wallis. He & his family had lived in Camberwell for some years, although he had been born in Dalston & they had recently moved to 94 Red Post Hill, Dulwich. I can see from Electoral Roll records that from 1938 to 1963 Charles & Louisa lived at 21 Dennetts Road, Deptford. I cannot be sure that they were still living at 21 Dennetts Road when Louisa died in Oct 1969 aged 70, as her death was registered in the Greenwich area, but it may be, as this is close. When Charles died aged 96 it was in 1996 in Hillingdon. 2018 update: she had in 1939 just moved to 21 Dennetts Road, Deptford, where they can be seen, Charles an "Assistant Motor-fitter, heavy worker" and Louisa "Dress Machinist Power" (factory dressmaker). 1921 census shows her with her parents at 118 Beresford Street, Newington - see Herbert below. Charles was at 8 Little Marlborough Place, Camberwell with his parents and sibs, a Motor Engineer, but he too was Out of Work. I can confirm that when she died in 1969 home address was still 21 Dennetts Road, she left £1189 and was buried in Lambeth Cemetery.

Lucy Gertrude Woodford was not covered previously as records faded out. I now think she was one of those who after childhood are known by their middle name, thus causing confusion for such as me. She was born in the October quarter of 1885 in Willoughby, Notts, registered in Loughborough, to Thomas and Mary née Henson. She can be seen in 1895 census aged 5 as Lucy at Tuckwoods Row, Willoughby with parents & brother, then as Gertrude in 1901 and 1911 as servant, first to a draper in Willoughby then a farmer in Widmerpool. In Jan 1920 in Basford she married Caleb Stubbs and 5 months later daughter Evelyn came along, followed at 2 year intervals by 2 brothers and a possible 4th child. Caleb and "Gertrude" can be seen in electoral roll records of at least 1926-31 at 64 Chandos Street, Carlton, Notts then in 1939 Register they can be seen at 25 Garnet Street, Carlton, literally around the corner. Caleb was a General Labourer and ARP First Aider, "Gertrude" UDD, the 3 older children worked with Cotton (Cleaner, "Doffer" & Packer respectively) and there is one closed file, hence the suggestion of a possible youngest child. With them was the link who made this possible; Hilda Woodford, Lucy's sister, who by then was registered Blind. It seems that Caleb died only 4 years later and Lucy lived on for another 20, died in 1963, then Hilda the following year in Nottingham. 1921 census was early in their married life and shows them boarding at 64 Chandos Street, Netherfield, with baby Evelyn just a year old. Caleb was described as "Colliery Labourer Out of Work" and "Gertrude" Home Duties. Sister Hilda was at that time employed as a domestic servant at a very famous place, the Trip to Jerusalem pub in Nottingham (apparently the oldest pub in England, dating from 1189).

Lucy Mary Woodford was born in Apr 1908 in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire to Harry & Sarah nee Jenkinson. Lucy can be seen on 1911 census at Cotgrave with her parents but by 1914 they had moved back to Nether Broughton, as her brother Harry was born & died there. In Oct 1931 she was married there to Hubert Vernon Harvey, who lived locally, and settled there with him. They had 2 children but on 20 Nov 1952 aged just 44 she died & left effects worth £10,025 to Hubert. In Apr 1955 again at Nether Broughton he married Elsie Brodie & died in Oct 1974 in Nottingham aged 71. 2018 update: Now I can add the 1939 Register, so add a further chapter. They can be seen in Nether Broughton, Hubert a Foreman at Ironworks, Lucy UDD. They had 3 children at this time, 2 have redacted files as presumably Freda & Patricia are still alive, but Neville shows up as he has died. 1921 census shows her aged 13, living with her parents and brother at Nether Broughton - see father Harry 2nd Mar below. As I said, both children were at school.

Marian Amy Woodford (generally known as Amy) was born Jan 1873 in Lutterworth to Andrew & Ellen nee Miles. She can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 8 at Woodmarket, Lutterworth with parents, grandfather, sibs & lodger. In 1891 & 1901 she is with her mother & various family members at Regent Street in the latter she is listed as manageress in a hosiery factory with her brother Harry (George Henry). In Apr 1903 she married Thomas H Childs in a joint ceremony with her brother John Edwin (see below).Thomas had grown up in the Rose & Crown, Market Street, Lutterworth & now lived with his mother, who was a widow & retired publican. He was working as an engineer's clerk on the death of his mother in 1909 and inherited a half share of £1080. In census of 1911 he can be seen running a grocer's shop, from which he also sold beer, at 40 James Street, Rugby. In Kelly's Directory of 1912 & 1916 he is listed here as beer retailer. Both Marian and Thomas died in the same quarter; Jan 1943 in Rugby (although their deaths were not recorded on the same page, so did not occur together). 2018 update: In 1939 Register they can be seen, Thomas a "Retired Elect. Eng. Clerk" and Marion UDD, at 44 South Street, Rugby, which was where they lived when they died 4 years later. Thomas' probate says he was at 66 Percival Road, Rugby at time of death, and didn't leave to Marian, which suggests she died first. 1921 census shows them at 44 South Street, Rugby, Thomas an Order Clerk for an Electrical Engineer, Amy  Home Duties, and nephew Edwin Morley a telegraphist and counter clerk for GPO. Amy died on 11 Mar 1943 at the Emergency Hospital, Rugby and left £1912 to Edwin, then 19 days later Thomas "passed peacefully" at 66 Percival Road - Edwin had moved out and maybe that was his home - and left £904 to him.

6th March 2023

Josiah Woodford was born May 1855 in Old Dalby to William & Alice nee Shillcock & christened there on 24 Jun 1855. He can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 5 in Old Dalby with his parents, then in 1871 aged 15 at Pall Mall, Melton Mowbray, boarding with William Tidd & family & working as a shoemaker. In Oct 1875 in Leicester he married (Ann) Maria Holmes and in 1881 they were living close to her family at 27 Cumberland Street, Leicester, with 2 children (unfortunately son Josiah died aged 3 later that year), Maria's sisters & Josiah's sister. By 1891 Maria's sisters had formalized their arrangement & were now boarders at 22 Abbey Gate, Josiah listed as a Shoe Rivetter. In 1901 (see son Albert, dealt with on 21st Feb below) they had moved a short distance to Frog Island, and can be seen now with 3 children & 2 different boarders, Josiah running his own business from home, repairing boots & shoes. In Jul 1905 aged 50, Maria died & in census of 1911 Josiah was back at Abbey Gate with son Albert, who was at that time a toy maker, Josiah still working from home making boots. He died in June 1938 in Leicester.2018 update: Josiah lived at 33 Abbey Gate in 1911, through to 1938, when he died there. From 1930, I now see, there was an Ann with him. I hadn't noticed that of course he was widowed by then and now suspect it was his sister, who probably came to live with him in their final years. She may well be the death there in Mar 1938, a few weeks before his. I also see that in 1920 between numbers 31 and 33 there were factory/workshops and in 1931 arches and workshops. 1921 census confirmed this, showing Josiah and his sister Anne at 33 Abbey Gate, he a boot and shoe repairer, working from home.

My great great-aunt Lily Rose Woodford was born in 1882 in Lambeth to Reuben & Louisa nee Small, although I cannot find a birth registration or a christening for her. She can be seen on censuses of 1891 & 1901 at 30 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth with parents & sibs, on the latter listed as a "brace machinist" (sister Louisa may have worked with her, as she was a "tie machinist"). On 1 Jun 1902 at Southwark Christ Church she married George Seear & they had 2 children. On 24 Sep 1905 when son George was christened, the address was given as 19 Falmouth Road, Newington, George senior working as a carman. On the census of 1911 they can be seen at 3 St Pauls Road, Kennington, with the 2 children, George working as a brewer's labourer. I can see from Electoral Rolls that they lived 1935-45 at 7 Manor Place, Southwark. In Oct 1944 Lily Rose died aged 63 and he married again in 1945 - to another Lily, this time Lily Sparrow - and they lived at 168 Penton Place, Southwark until they both died in 1953. 2018 update: 1939 Register gave me her exact date of birth 20 May 1881 and confirmed her whereabouts in the decade before her death. She can be seen at 7 Manor Place, Southwark with husband George Seear and two other households, George a Builder's Painter. As I said in 2013, she died in Oct 1944, George remarried and moved to Penton Place, where he died in 1953. 1921 census shows them at 7 Manor Place, Newington, at that address earlier than I thought - and with a 3rd child I didn't know about! Georgina Rose, apparently born in Jan 1913 at 87 New Street, Kennington. (Studying her now I can see she lived with sister Lily Louisa in Battersea in 1935, then married Barney William Pope.) In 1921 George was a stoker, employed by Thomas Cook Ltd, Lily an office cleaner for the same, at Ludgate Circus, daughter Lily 18 a Shop Assistant for the Civil Service Supply Association and son George aged 15 an Errand Boy.

Louisa Margaret Woodford 2 was born in Jan 1885 on Clayton Buildings (they had moved to Lambeth about 1878) & can be seen on census returns of 1891 aged 6 & 1901 aged 16, in the latter listed as "tie machinist" (see Lily on Friday). On 16 Apr 1905 at St Mary The Less, Lambeth she married neighbour Charles Arthur Whitehouse. The Whitehouses had lived on the buildings with the Woodfords (& several other branches of this tree) since the 1890s and she & Charles had grown up together there (as did my grandparents a generation later). The witnesses at the marriage were Reuben John Woodford (my 2xgreat grandfather) and Amy Whitehouse (no, not Winehouse!) the groom's sister. Their address was given as 26 Bolwell Street, off Lambeth Walk, actually the home of her brother Herbert. They lived at 28 Clayton Buildings for several years & can be seen there on census of 1911 with 2 children. Their first child was born around the time of their marriage, but died aged 3 months & they again used the same name for their 3rd child. By 1918 they lived at 66 Ossary Road, Camberwell until 1935 when they moved to 10 Patmos Road, Lambeth - a lovely road next to St John the Divine church. I have seen records up to 1964, when they were still living there, but as Charles died in 1966 aged 80, living at 24 Elmstead Avenue, Chislehurst, I assume they moved there not long before. Louisa died in Jul 1972 in Dartford aged 87, but if she were still living at Chislehurst she may well have gone into hospital in Dartford - maybe even the one I worked in only 5 years later! Incidentally, Charles' parents lived at No. 13 Clayton Buildings until they died, Arthur in 1910 aged 46 & Rachel in 1923 aged 57. 2018 update: I knew they were living in Camberwell in 1935 and Patmos Road, Lambeth in 1949, but the war years were of course missing from electoral roll records. The Register shows how they "discovered" Chislehurst, where they retired to, and died, in later years. They must have moved there (or been evacuated) "for the duration" with son Charles, and he remained after they returned to Lambeth. Having said that, Charles Senior is listed as ARP Bermondsey (as well as Builder's Foreman, his permanent job), so maybe they lived in both places; they are only 12 miles apart. Louisa was of course UDD and Charles Junior Clerk LCC (London County Council) and ARP Chislehurst. After returning to Lambeth for a couple of decades, they returned to Chislehurst, probably on Charles' retirement and died there in 1966 and 1972. As expected, 1921 census shows them at 66 Ossary Road, Charles a Carpenter & Joiner, working for local builder in Avondale Square, Old Kent Road, Louisa Home Duties and all 3 children at school.

5th March 2023

John Edwin Woodford was born Apr 1875 in Lutterworth, Leicestershire to Andrew & Ellen nee Miles. He can be seen on census of 1881 at Woodmarket, Lutterworth with his grandfather, parents & sibs, then in 1891 aged 15 at 57 Charnwood Street, St Mary's, Leicester with brother Alfred & family (see 21st Feb below) listed as a tin-plate worker, as was Alfred. In 1901 he is in Regent Street, Lutterworth with mother & sibs, John working as a printer journeyman (listed as Edwin - lots of this family used their middle-names - initially very confusing for me!) In Apr 1903 in Lutterworth he married local girl Sarah Smith at a joint ceremony with sister (Marion) Amy & in 1911 can be seen living at the Regent Street house with son Frederick. John died on 27 Mar 1941 at 7 High Street, Lutterworth, aged 65 & left effects worth £668 to Sarah. 2018 update: 1939 Register - see Frederick John below -The stationer/printing business was listed in Kelly's Directory of 1916 & 1925, previously belonging to F W Botterill, churchwarden of Lutterworth and author of a famous guidebook "An Illustrated Hand Book of Lutterworth" published 1884. It's possible that on his mother's death in 1914, Edwin inherited enough money to buy the business from him. He died there on 27 Mar 1941, leaving £668 to Sarah, and probably the business to Frederick. 1921 shows him at the shop in High Street, Lutterworth, printer & stationer, with Sarah on Home Duties and Frederick aged 10 at school.

John Williamson Woodford was born in the January quarter of 1855 at Old Dalby and christened there on 16 May 1855. On his baptism record his mother was named as Mary Woodford but no father was given. This would mean he was illegitimate and his middle name would generally give away the father. However, in this instance it was the maiden name of his grandmother, who would be the one to bring him up. He can be seen on 1861 census return aged 6 in Old Dalby with grandmother Sarah, 4 aunts and a cousin, then in 1871 aged 15 with grandparents & family. By 1881 his grandfather had died & he moved in with his mother, who by then had married and had 4 other children; 2 still at home, 2 girls in service. John was a railway labourer. At the time of the census in 1891 his step-father had died, his mother gone to live with one of her daughters, so he was boarding in Tibshelf, Derbyshire & working as a brickie's labourer, but a few weeks later he married Annie Elizabeth Harwood, 13 years his junior in Basford, Nottingham & they settled nearby - their son John G H Woodford was born at Newstead, Nottingham 9 months later & 5 others followed, born around the Nottingham area. By 1901 they were living with 6 children at Hunter's Hill Cottages, Lowndham (near Epperstone, Annie's birthplace, but now in the grounds of a Borstal Prison - sorry, Young Offenders Institute!) where John was a cowman. In 1911 they were living at New Row, Woodborough, Nottingham. He died in Oct 1925 aged 70 & Annie in Oct 1940 aged 72, both in the Basford registration area, which could be Woodborough. 1921 census shows them still there, John, admitting to 59, Cowman for local farmer Mr Limb, for whom son Ernest 24 also worked, as a gardener. Son John George 29 was a market gardener for Mr Bish, another local farmer and daughter Irene 20 was a hosiery hand in one of the many local companies making hosiery. Incidentally, there was a Private John W S Woodford in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in WW1, who earned medals but returned them in 1921. As he worked with cows maybe it was him.

Joseph Woodford 6 was born to John6 & Ann nee Dilkes in Jul 1864 in Ragdale & christened on 20 Oct 1864 in Thrussington ("Home" for this branch) - however I cannot see that his birth was ever registered, which was naughty as it was mandatory by then. He can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 6 in Ragdale Village with his parents, then in 1881 aged 16 working as a labourer on his uncle Samuel Dilkes' farm at Footherley Lane, Shenstone, along with his parents (see John 6 on 11th July). In Jul 1883 he married Emma Tunnicliffe in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and they had two daughters. In 1891 census they can be seen in St Alkmund, Derby with 2 daughters & Emma's brother John, Joseph working as a Railway Goods Loader. The younger daughter Maud died aged 5 in 1895, so the 1901 census shows them living ay 159 Nottingham Road, Derby with one daughter Elizabeth & John (see Elizabeth Ann 27th Feb below). They are still there in 1911, Joseph a Railway Goods Checker with the Midland Railway. Emma died in Oct 1936 in Derby aged 73 & Joseph on 7 Mar 1953 at 28 Sudbury Street, where he was living by then (apparently called Minerva House) and left effects worth £468 to daughter Elizabeth. 2018 update:Although wife Emma died in 1936, Joseph was around for the 1939 Register, living with daughter Elizabeth and family at 28 Sudbury Road, Derby (see 27th Feb below). Electoral roll records show he lived at 159 Nottingham Road, Derby until 1931, then he probably moved to Sudbury Street on Emma's death in 1936. In 1939 he was described as " Foreman Railway Bond store Retired". A bond store is where items are stored without duty having to be paid on them, and the Great Northern Railway had one in Derby, where he no doubt worked. As I stated, he died at 28 Sudbury Street. 1921 census shows Joseph and Emma at 159, as expected. He described himself as "bondedstore foreman" employed by Midland Railway and Emma had Home Duties.

4th March 2023

Jane Marriott Woodford was born Jul 1859 in Bingham to Joseph & Elizabeth nee Marriott & christened there on 14 Aug 1859. She can be seen on census return of 1861 at Fairfield Street, Bingham with parents & sibs, but by the 1871 census they have moved to Lambeth. Whether this was related to the same journey taken by her uncle John & the remnants of his family at the same time I am not sure, but they ended up in the same area. In census return of 1871 she can be seen with parents & sibs at 6 China Place, off China Walk, itself off Lambeth Walk (there are a lot of "china" themed street-names around there, due to the proximity to the Royal Doulton Works). On 4 Aug 1879 at St Mary, Lambeth she married Arthur John Mellish, a local boy, a carman. They can be seen on census return of 1881 at 6 Millers Lane, Lambeth with son Arthur (who unfortunately died later that year) and several other families. In 1891 they were at 99 Thomas Street, Lambeth with 3 daughters, then in 1901 at 11 Anderson's Walk with 5 children. All these streets are in the Vauxhall area of Lambeth, within a stones throw of each other. They are all gone now, as the whole are has been redeveloped several times. In 1911 they lived at 43 Esher Street, again nearby, with 6 children. Jessie, one of their daughters, had her own household, and she was deaf. No. 44 - possibly next door - was run as a Hotel. The electoral roll gave their address in 1921 & 1923 as 37 Esher Street, but it may just be re-numbering. Arthur died in 1925 & Jane in 1926, both in Lambeth. 1921 census shows them at no. 43, Arthur a driver for Doulton - strange I should have mentioned them above - I had no idea he worked for the pottery! Jane had Home Duties. Of their 8 children, only the youngest John remained - he was 20 and also worked for a very famous local employer - Surrey Cricket Clun at The Oval! He was Attendant in the Dressing Room, and remained with his parents until they died, then signed up for 9 years as a cook on board ship, travelling to Mexico, Netherlands and USA. All the time he retained a vote in UK, registered with sister Jessie and her husband Henry, at the same address. He was awarded a medal for service in WW2 but I lose track of him then.

Jessie Woodford was born on 10 Mar 1907 in Brandon Lane, Hough, Grantham, Lincolnshire to Thomas & Elizabeth nee Kemp. (Her grandson Richard Woodford has these certs & has given me the details), her mother could not write (as lots in those days) so "made her mark". She can be seen in census return of 1911 in Brandon aged 4 with parents & sibs. She found employment as a servant in Leicester, but in 1928 gave birth to an illegitimate daughter, followed in 1931 by a son, then on 21 Feb 1936 she died in Loughborough. Again her mother signed the death certificate with her mark, and the children went into care. 1921 census shows her before all the trouble started, aged 14 with parents and sibs at Burleigh Farm Cottage - see brother Aubrey on 23rd Feb below. I know nothing about her death at the age of 28 and suspect the children changed their names.

John Woodford 4 was the son of John 3 - see 5th Jul 2013. He was born in Apr 1860 in Old Dalby to John & Hannah nee Adams. He can be seen aged 10m in 1861 census and 1871 aged 10 as detailed below. In Jul 1880 in Leicester he married Ellen Smithhurst and they had 5 children. I think they may have met at work - he was a mattress maker, she a mattress-cover maker. In 1881 census return they can be seen at 1 Court House, Wellington Street, Leicester. In 1891 they lived at 17 Stonebridge Street, Evington with 4 children. The following year Ellen had another child Walter in May but died 6 months later (I cannot tell if these facts are related without buying the death certificate). In Jul 1896 John married Eliza Crofts, 10 years his junior, and in 1901 they can be seen at 10 Old Mill Lane, Leicester with his children. By this time he is an engineer in a spinning mill with his son Ernest (see below). On census return of 1911 both John & Eliza are conscious of their age-gap as they both lie about their ages - he is 51 & admits to 46, she 41 says she is 44! John is engineer in a hosiery factory, probably where daughter Martha also worked. Eliza died aged 48 in 1918. 2015 update: was the father of Ernest, who ran the grocer shop & was in the army in WW1, given as Next of Kin on his papers, living at 66 Navigation Street, Leicester. Now, I have looked up this address and found it was a pub called the Marquis of Hastings, and there was another pub by that name in Leicester at that time, in Sanvey Gate - the address of the family a few years before. This may be additional info regarding what he did after the death of Eliza, his second wife, but I still cannot pin down his death record with full certainty. I suspect it is the one from 1935 in Billesdon, Leicestershire aged 75, as this was where his daughter-in-law Florence (Ernest's wife) died the previous year. 2023 update: He was buried at Gilroes Cemetery on 20 Nov 1935. so this death is no doubt correct. And I can see him in 1921 census at 12 Little Lane, Leicester with son Ernest, John working as a boiler stoker for a hosiery company, Ernest a "counterman" at Lipton's grocery.

3rd March 2023

Harry Hall Woodford was born 30 Sep 1883 in Old Dalby and can be seen in 1891 census with parents & sibs in Old Dalby, his father a tram driver. In 1901 he was 18 and can be seen working as a footman, one of 11 staff at The Lodge, Blackwater Road, Eastbourne. In Jan 1905 at South Stoneham, Hampshire he married Mabel Rose Butler from Peckham and they had two daughters. In 1911 census they can be seen with one of these at 11 Berwick Road, Easton, Bristol; Lily, born 1906, and Grace 1918, both births registered in Southampton. The age gap here was probably explained by his involvement in WW1. Medal cards indicate he was in the Hampshire Regiment. 1939 Register shows the family were still together, but had moved 5 miles to 2 St Ladoc Road, Keynsham near Bristol. Harry was listed as "Railway Inspector and in Railway APR Service", Mabel as UDD and both daughters "Female Railway Clerk". I see that Grace went on to marry but Lily remained single.Mabel died in this house in 1952, leaving effects worth £266 to Harry. When he died in 1955 his address was still this house, but he actually died in the Royal United Hospital, Bath, where his sister Thirza lived, and his death was registered there. He left £2818 to solicitors, but daughter Lily continued living at this address until she died in 1960, Grace had moved to Stroud on her marriage in 1943. 1921 census shows them in Weston-Super-Mare, at Ambercy Road, Harry working as a clerk for Great Western Railway and Mabel Home Duties. Lily was apprenticed to a house furnisher, training as an upholsteress (which evidently did not work, as she joined her father and sister on the railways, as I said above.) Grace was only two, so was at home. They had a family called Shaw visiting.

Herbert Arthur Woodford was born in Jul 1872 in Whitechapel to Reuben & Louisa nee Small (see 23rd Feb below for his sister Carrie, my great grandmother). In 1881 census he can be seen aged 8 with parents & sibs at 39 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth then in 1891 at no. 30, aged 18 a print machine minder. On Christmas Day 1894 at St Philip's Lambeth he married Emily Clara Smart, a tailoress. They had 2 daughters and can be seen on census return of 1901 at 26 Bolwell Street, Lambeth, then in 1911 at 171 Warham Street, Kennington, Herbert listed as Printer's Pressman at a Stationers Printers. The Electoral Roll records show them at Warham Street 1909-1914 then 1918-1923 at 114 Beresford Street, Southwark. On 28 Nov 1940 they were living in Wickford, Essex when Herbert died aged 68, leaving effects worth £488 to Emily. After this, she must have moved back to London to be with her family, as between 1945 & 1957 (when she died aged 83) she is shown living with daughter Louisa & family at 21 Dennetts Road, Deptford & this is where she died on 20 Mar 1957, leaving £31 to Louisa. 2018 update: although electoral roll records show him living with great grandad Reuben in 1939, he was by the September at Woodspring, London Road, Billericay (Findmypast map shows this where the Downham Arms pub now stands, tracing the route the enumerator went it looks like the other side of the road, but all properties there are much newer than 80 years, I would say). As I said before, Emily moved to Deptford with daughter Louisa and family, dying there in 1957. 1921 census shows them, as expected, at 114 Beresford Street. Herbert 48 described himself as "printer's pressman", employed by Amalgamated Press at Lavington Street and Emily Home Duties. Daughter Louisa was 22, a blouse machinist but like so many at that time Out of Work. She continued to do dressmaking, though, and married in 1925 in Camberwell.

I seem to have omitted James Edward Woodford completely here. He was born on 16 Nov 1869 at Kibworth Beauchamp, Market Harborough to Job and Charlotte nee Lucas, and can be seen there with parents and sibs in 1871 and 1881. In 1890 he attested to the Royal Artillery in Leicester, as a driver (he was a horseshoe fitter in civvy street). He was posted to India Feb 1891 so was not in UK for 1891 census, returning in 1896 as invalid. On 19 Jun 1899 in Thrapston he married Emma Wills, gardener's daughter, and their daughter was born on 27 October that year. 2 weeks later (12 Nov) he was posted to South Africa but returned home the following May, based in UK until discharged in 1915 on health grounds, due to asthma and emphysema aggravated by service. So 1901 census shows him at Weir Road, KB, running his own business as blacksmith, with 2 daughters and next door to his widowed mother Charlotte and sister Fanny. By 1911 he had given up the smithy and worked as a farm labourer, living in the small village of Tur Langton, 2 miles east of KB. By then they had 5 children, but by 1921 census the eldest Constance had married, and they can be seen at 1 Ross Walk, Leicester, 10 miles away. He stated he was employed by the Capewell Horse Nail Co. as an engineer [An American company making machinery but you can see why he would be there with his background!] Florence was 20 and he described her as a "cigar bundler" and Gladys 15 an "office worker", both in local factories. The 2 younger children were still at school and Emma did Household Duties. He survived just long enough to make the 1939 Register, "caught" a few months before death, living at 144 Birstall Street, a blacksmith again. He died in December of that year and was buried on 23rd at Gilroes Cemetery, later joined by Emma and Constance.

2nd March 2023

Gertrude Woodford was born on 26 Aug 1893 at Stapleford, Nottinghamshire to Edwin & Elizabeth nee Adams. In census return of 1901 she can be seen at Derby Road with parents & sibs (see 26th Feb below for her father Edwin) and in 1911 at 35 Birley Street in which she was listed aged 17 as a Lace Mender. The only other record I could find was a death in Jul 1979 in Nottingham, aged 85, under the name of Woodford, so she evidently didn't marry. 2018 update: 1939 Register, which I mentioned under her father Edwin below, where she was living with her mother, next door to her sister and listed as "Lace Curtain Mender". 1921 census shows her at 35 Birley Street with parents, sister Ada & her family, employed as a lace-mender by Whiteley's. See 21st February Ada. She still lived there when she died on 27 Sep 1979, leaving £12643.

Gertrude Mabel Woodford was born Apr 1882 in Leicester to John & Ellen nee Smithhurst. She can be seen in census return of 1891 aged 8 at 17 Stonebridge Street, Evington with parents & sibs. In 1901 she was living at Manor House Convent, Holywell, Oxford aged 17, listed as one of 26 laundrymaids. In researching this establishment I have found it was a home for unmarried mothers, so the occupation may well have been a front. I have found no evidence of a child, but this means nothing as Gertrude herself is conspicuous by her absence in 1911, so I cannot tell where in the country to look, or under what name. I do have a death record for Gertrude back in Leicester in Jul 1953 aged 71. 1921 only helps here if I support the theory that she had several illegitimate children and lived on the Isle of Wight. She can be seen there in 1921 and 1939 at 3 South View, Newport, in the former with parents, dead by the latter. If so, her children were Arthur and Kate born 1912 and 1914. If she returned to Leicester to die, it may be because her sister Martha had just done so.

Harriett Woodford was born Nov 1840 in Old Dalby to James & Ann nee Adams & christened there on 13 Dec 1840. She can be seen on census return of 1841 & 1851 with parents & sibs. In 1861 she is there with her widowed father, as his housekeeper & also in 1871 a dressmaker. In Jan 1873 in Leicester she married William Corner & they can be seen in 1881 in Old Dalby with 4 sons. I cannot find her in 1891, although 2 of the children are with their grandfather Joseph Corner. William died in 1899 & in the next census she is living in Burton Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire (daughter Emily Harriett working as a servant nearby and son Alfred married & settled there). In about 1904 son Alfred moved away to Sussex & Harriett moved back to Willoughby, Notts. In Jul 1905 she married Samuel Harding and they can be seen there on census return of 1911. Harriett died there in Apr 1921 aged 80 & Samuel in 1937 aged 97. 2015 update: 1891 census, Harriet with John, Alfred, Annie & George, Walter and Emily Harriet being with their grandfather Joseph Corner. As to where William was, I soon found out. On 25 Sep 1882 (just before baby Emily Harriet was born) he was admitted to the Leicester Lunatic Asylum! That must have been a terrible time for the family, and we can see that in the census taken 9 years later the family is scattered. I can't tell what was wrong with William, I can only say that he was admitted in 1882 and died there 17 years later. Harriet evidently thought she could manage four out of her six children, so sent two away to help William's father on his farm. As I said in 2013, William died in 1899 she moved to Cheshunt, Herts and spent a few years there with son Alfred and daughter Emily (son George lodged in Harrow then emigrated to Canada) until in 1904 Alfred moved away and she returned to Nottinghamshire. The following year she married Samuel Harding and they lived there until they died in 1921 and 1937 accordingly. So 1921 census was just as she died and unfortunately I cannot find her or Samuel, although he may be the boarder with a possible relative widow Mary Harding in Market Harborough (although she listed him as Single).

Harry Woodford was born in Dec 1871 in Old Dalby to Job & Lucy nee Goodacre and christened there on 13 Jan 1872. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 9 with parents, then in 1891 at a house called Craig Le in Llandudno, North Wales [now part of the grounds of an extremely new & modern church] working as a footman. Likewise in 1901 in a household at 23 London Road, Southborough, Kent [now parkland Pennington Grounds]. In Oct 1904 at Old Dalby he married Sarah Elizabeth Jenkinson & settled in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire. They can be seen there on 1911 census with daughter Lucy. The next child was born - and died aged 6 - in the Melton Mowbray area, so they must have moved back to his home town or nearby. A third child Walter was also born there, Lucy was married there in 1931 and Sarah died there in 1940. When Harry died it was in Nottingham, but he may have been in hospital there. Later update: Harry junior died aged 5 & was buried in Nether Broughton churchyard in 1919, then his parents followed; Sarah Elizabeth died 13 Sep 1940 aged 70 then Harry senior on 7 Jan 1951 aged 78, as I said possibly in hospital in Nottingham, but joined his wife in the grave in Nether Broughton next to their son. 2018 update: 1939 Register:They can be seen in Nether Broughton with son Norman (Walter), a 24-year-old "Public School's Conductor", Harry a Grazier, Sarah UDD. There are three closed files following, but as they are closed I cannot tell who they are (although I do know they are in this household). Incidentally, I did have a bit of a giggle over Ancestry's version of the transcription of Norman's occupation: in their copy he is listed as "Public Electric Conductor", which sounds like a remarkably dangerous job to me! I hope it paid well!  I have checked the scan of the Register but the redacted lines are still blacked out. 1921 census doesn't help with this, as it lists only Lucy and Walter Norman, as Harry junior had gone the previous year. Harry was a Grazier based At Home, Sarah UDD and both children at school.

I'm sorry the above was so vague, the sites are having a bad day. Hoping for better tomorrow.

1st March 2023

Frances Burbage Woodford was born in Nov 1828 in Old Dalby to William & Ann nee Burbage & christened there on 7 Dec 1828. She can be seen on census return of 1841 there with parents & sibs. In 1851 she was living at 33 Lower Road, Leamington Priors, Warwickshire working as a servant in the household of an Estate Agent. On 9 Feb 1852 in Old Dalby she married William Keays (from Broughton who had been working as farm servant in Old Dalby). In 1861 they can be seen in Upper Broughton with 4 children, William is a groom, Frances a Lace Worker. In 1871 they are in Broughton Sulney, Frances and 4 children at home and William nearby at the home of an elderly lady, working as a gardener. In 1881 they are together in Upper Broughton with 2 children and a grandson Arthur aged 1. (Although I cannot establish whose child he is without buying the birth cert, I have found that he was born in Jul 1880 was "feeble-minded" and died in Apr 1907 aged 26, living all his life with his grandparents). On the 1891 census return William & Frances are living in Willoughby Road, Upper Broughton with Arthur, a lodger & 2 visitors, in 1901 Bottom Green, Broughton with Arthur & alone in 1911 when Arthur had died (NB it is only a small village & these addresses may well be the same place). William died here in on 19 Jul 1916 aged 87 & Frances on 22 Nov 1921 aged 94. So in 1921 census she was a 93-year-old widow living with her daughter Mary Ann (who I suspect to be Arthur's mother) and her husband Thomas Sharpe, also daughter Fanny and hers Sam Dixon. Head of the household was Thomas, farm labourer, Sam was "electric crane driver at iron foundry" and the women Home Duties. Frances died there 5 months later.

I seem to have omitted Francis Pateman Woodford completely - possibly because he was "second cousin 5 times removed"! But I have a 1921 census to report on, so will correct this error. He was born on 10 Dec 1859 in Kibworth Beauchamp to Job and Charlotte nee Lucas and can be seen there with them in censuses of 1861 & 1871, in the former recorded as "daughter", which may have amused him! In 1881 aged 21 he was lodging with a pork-pie maker in Leicester, training as a baker. In Apr 1888 in Northampton he married Sarah Ann Chesher and settled in her home town. 1891 census showed him working as a wholesale confectioner on St James Road, He evidently wanted to gain experience in several aspects of sales, as they soon moved (1901) a mile across town to 2 Leslie Road, Kingsthorpe, where he worked as a "shoeroom foreman". By 1911 he had his own business, as an Egg Dealer, 30 miles away in Leicester itself, at 59 Twycross Street. This may not have been successful(it is after all a small house in a back street) because by 1921 census he was back in the shoe trade, this time a warehouseman employed by Stead & Simpson in Leicester, living at 115 Devana Road. All this time Sarah had no occupation, but no children either. They lived at no.115 1916-25 but by 1939 had moved on again. He can be seen on the Register at 8 Cranmer Street, listed as a retired confectioner aged 80, Sarah 88, incapacitated. She died in Jan 1940 and he in December at the City General Hospital, was cremated and his ashes scattered in the Garden of Remembrance there.

Frederick John Woodford was born on 27 Oct 1910 in Lutterworth to John & Sarah née Smith and christened there on New Year's Day. He can be seen on 1911 census aged 5 months at Regent Street, Lutterworth with his parents.1939 Register, shows he was still with his parents, at High Street, Lutterworth (just around the corner from Regent Street) possibly working with his father, as they were both in printing; John a "Master Printer" and Frederick "Printer Compositor, Platen Hand", Sarah UDD. In Jul 1945 in Lutterworth he married Ellen E Lewin and they had one son Andrew in 1949. Frederick died in 1997, Ellen in 2006 and Andrew was last seen in electoral roll records of 2016 in Coventry Road, Lutterworth, close to where he grew up. In 1921 census he was 10, living in High Street, Lutterworth with his parents, where his father ran a printing and stationery business from home. [Placed between two butchers shops!]

George Henry Woodford (known as Harry) was born Apr 1879 in Lutterworth to Andrew & Ellen nee Miles and can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 2 in Wood Market, Lutterworth with grandfather (who was deaf), parents, sibs & cousin William lodging. In 1891 they were at Regent Street & still in 1901, when he is manager of a Hosiery Factory with his sister Amy. In Jan 1906 at Wigston Magna he married Mabel Maud Gardiner Lewin & settled there with her. They were living there at 38 Gladstone Street at the time of the 1911 census. On 6 Aug 1928 the home address was 13 Leicester Street, Wigston Magna when George died aged 49 in Leicester Royal Infirmary. He left effects worth £450 to Mabel. When she died in 1971 aged 88 she was living in Yorkshire. 2018 update: Mabel was around in 1939 for the Register. She can be seen at 14 Lower Hastings Street, Leicester with her widowed mother and brother Walter. He is listed as a "Hosiery Despatch Clerk" and the females UDD. As I said, by the time Mabel died in 1971 she had retired to Bulmer, Yorkshire. 1921 census shows Harry and Mabel at Wigston Magna, still at 38 Gladstone Street, he a hosiery warehouseman, employed by A E Hill Ltd, Bell Street, Wigston Magna, just around the corner

.28th February 2023

Ernest Alfred Woodford was born on 13 Dec 1886 in Leicester to John & Ellen nee Smithurst and can be seen in 1891 census return with parents & sibs at 17 Stonebridge Street, Evington, Leicestershire. In 1901 he can be seen aged 14 at 10 Old Mill Lane, Leicester with father, step-mother & sibs, working as Errand Boy at the Spinning Mills. In 1911 he can be seen with them at 62 Sanvey Gate, Leicester, working as an Insurance Agent. In Jul 1921 at Leicester he married Florence May Hopkins and they had one daughter as Florence died in 1934 aged 35. 2015 update: On 28 Oct 1916 he was called up and enlisted at Blackpool into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He had been settled as a grocer at 66 Navigation Street, Lecicester with his father & step-mother [this area is now factories]. He was relegated to the Reserves until, on 23 Jul 1917, he was called up again, trained and on 11 Sep left Southampton for Le Havre with the British Expeditionary Force. On 30 Nov 1919 (with the 35th General Hospital Unit) he was examined by the medical board in Calais and sent back to UK for Home Service 5 Dec 1919 to 3 Jan 1920, when he was demobbed at Woking and returned home. By this time home was 12 Little Lane & he was a Lance Corporal. He received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. After the war he set up his own shop at 16 Thornton Lane, Leicester with a carter business registered next door at number 14 but by 1973 he had retired to 40 Houghton Street, Leicester and died there in Oct 1975. 2018 update: in1939 Register at 78 Checketts Road, Leicester., widower Ernest described himself as "Grocer's Assistant", there was next a closed file then daughter Dorothy "Shoe Stockroom Hand". I was surprised to see another daughter, Sylvia, who I didn't know about. She was nine years old here, but I see she died the following year aged only ten. At the same address was a widow Mary Jane Ludlam, the lady he married in 1943. She had a 10-year-old too, son Ernest. Researching her, I see that she was born Mary Jane Twigg on 4 Sep 1890 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire and married Ernest Henry Ludlam in Sep 1928, having only the one child as her husband died just 5 years later. She married "our" Ernest when she was 52, so had no further children, and she died in 1955 aged 64. As I stated before, he died aged 88 in 1975. So the only mystery left is who the closed file was in 1939, and I won't know that until it is opened. 2023: it has now been unredacted, and shows daughter Marjorie, shoe machinist, born in 1922. She married Joseph Cank in 1945 but must have died only recently. So 1921 census shows Ernest living with his father John, just before his first marriage, at 12 Little Lane, Leicester. He described himself as Grocer's Counterman, working for Lipton's at Gallowtree Gate, Leicester

Ettie Maud Woodford was born in Jul 1875 in Old Dalby to Arthur & Esther nee Jackson but by 1881 census they had moved to Trysull, Staffordshire and then in 1891 Bredicot, Worcestershire, in 1901 Shelton, Bedfordshire with widowed father & her brother. In Jul 1903 at St Neots, Huntingdon she married Bertie Charles Tysoe and in 1911 census can be seen with him & her retired father at Tunstead Milton, Whaley Bridge. Unfortunately, on 27 Apr 1917 Private Tysoe was killed serving with the East Surrey Regiment and is buried at Kensal Green Cemetery. Ettie died aged 82 in Jan 1958 in Warminster, Wiltshire. 2018 update:1939 Register has come to the rescue, placing her then at a cottage called Beverleigh, in Claverham Road in the Long Ashton area in Somerset. Looking at the map, I see that this is now considered Yatton, near Bristol. What is even more interesting is that she appears to have a married daughter with her, Cicely Ettie Tysoe. This has opened up a whole new chapter. She was born on 22 Apr 1914 in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, before her father attested to the Army, as I understand it, in Nov 1915. After his death, it seems Ettie moved to the West Country, as Cicely grew up and met local boy Robert George Hugh Stacey. They married in Sep 1938 and can be seen with Ettie a year later at Long Ashton, where his parents had lived and he had been born. Cicely was a saleswoman in drapery, he worked in a factory as "Timekeeping Clerk and Canteen Manager". Ettie died in March 1958, her death registered in the Warminster area and she was buried on 17 Mar in Westbury Cemetery,

Florence Woodford2 was born in Apr 1877 in Old Dalby to David & Elizabeth nee Brown. She can be seen on census returns of 1881 & 1891 with parents & sibs. In Feb 1901 she had an illegitimate daughter who she called Florrie, and can be seen with her in census return of 1901, visiting her sister Sarah at 9 Stansfield Terrace, Nottingham. Unfortunately the only thing I could find after this was a possible death for the baby 3 months later. For some reason I haven't updated you with what I later discovered. In Oct1909 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch she married Walter Darwent, a quarry labourer, 6 years her junior, and they had 4 children. It seems they lived in Shaw Lane, Market Bosworth for many years, and died there. 1921 census shows them there, Walter a brickyard labourer working in a colliery, Florence Home Duties and 3 daughters at school. 1939 Register similar, and by then daughter Dora was a chemistry supplies packer. The eldest two were married by then, and youngest Joyce is still redacted (although I understand she died in 1999). Florence died aged 92 in Mar 1970 and Walter followed the following year aged 86.

Florence Ada Woodford was born in May 1910 in Lambeth to Reuben & Florence nee Wells & can be seen with them & her brother in census return of 1911 at 2 Wood Street, Lambeth (no doubt where she was born) aged 11 months. In Jul 1934 in Southwark she married Henry George Pearson & they had 2 daughters while they were living firstly in Lambeth in the 1930s then they moved to Surrey in the 1940s. Henry died in 1975 in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey as did Florence in Oct 1978. 2018 update: Electoral roll records tell me that in 1931-3 she lived at 12 Dante Road, Southwark with her parents & sibs, then on her marriage in 1934 she moved with Henry to Lambeth, where Joan was born. Henry had been living in Blackfriars Road prior to marriage, and Florence in Dante Road. By 1938 they had relocated to Carshalton and can be seen in 1939 Register here, 31 St Benet's Grove. Henry was a "Foundry Furnaceman dealing with non-ferrous metals - Heavy Work" and Florence UDD. There is also a closed file, presumably Joan and she is still alive (aged 83). Sandra was born there in 1944, then Henry and Florence must have retired to Kingston-upon-Thames, as they died there in 1975 and 1978 respectively, aged 64 and 68. 1921 census shows her at 12 Longville Road, Newington with parents and 4 siblings, all the children at school (see sister Ada below).
 
27th February 2023

Elizabeth Ann Woodford1 was born on 4 Jun 1888 in Derby to Joseph & Emma nee Tunnicliffe. She can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 2 at 159 Nottingham Road, Derby with parents, sister & uncle, then the same in 1901 aged 12 & also in 1911 with parents & grandfather. In 1911 she was a dressmaker working from home. In Oct 1916 in Derby she married William H Baker and they had one son William in Oct 1920. Elizabeth died in Derby in Jan 1983 aged 94, but William Baker was a common name in Derby, so I cannot tell which death belongs to her husband or son. 2018 update: I have seen her school admission record, dating from 1 Mar 1897 aged 11 to 23 May 1901. Her name was amended from Tunnicliffe, so evidently her uncle John or grandfather Joseph admitted her. I already knew her exact date of birth but the 1939 Register gave me her husband's and son's too. They married in Oct 1916 at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, Mansfield Street, Derby, 1 mile away from her home on Nottingham Road. William was a shopkeeper in hardware, as he was still in 1939. They can be seen at 28 Sudbury Street, Derby with son William and her father Joseph Woodford. William Senior was in the ARP Service, Junior an Engineering Draughtsman and Joseph a Retired Foreman in Railway stores, Elizabeth UDD. In 1953 Joseph died here and left £468 to Elizabeth, then in 1958 William died aged 65. Elizabeth retired to Littleover and died there at 14 Uplands Avenue on 27 Jan 1983 aged 94, leaving £25k no doubt to son William. 1921 census fits in just after son William's birth. They can be seen at 156 Mansfield Road, Derby, William employed as an ironmonger's assistant at the Co-op and Elizabeth Home Duties. I see that when Elizabeth died, she couldn't have left her effects to son as he had died in WW2 40 years earlier. As my grandmother said, that's the problem with living into your nineties; even the younger generation have gone before you. Incidentally, son William was generally known as Eric, due to having the same first name as his father.

Emma Woodford was born in Jul 1845 in Old Dalby to James and Ann nee Adams and christened there on 31 Aug 1845. She can be seen on census return of 1851 aged 5 with parents & sibs, then in 1851 aged 15 working as a servant in a household at 17 Oxford Street, Leicester. In Jul 1867 in Old Dalby she married Samuel Moore, 18 years her senior & settled in Barkby. In 1871 they can be seen in census return with one son James Woodford Moore, Samuel working as a labourer (previously he had been a servant like Emma) in Brookside, Barkby but by 1881 she has 4 children & is widowed, Samuel having died aged 52 in 1879. She can be seen in 1891 in School Lane, Barkby, which is a move of only a few yards across a little wooden footbridge in the village, working as a charwoman with 3 children. In 1901 she was still there with James & his family. 1911 same. 1921 census shows her aged 71, a widow at Main Street, Barkby, alone, Home Duties. [There is a Caroline Woodford, 92-year-old widow next door but I cannot match her up as I don't know who her husband was.]

26th February 2023

Today's 1921 records have already been covered, but please bear with me

Edmund Charles Woodford was born in Jan 1870 in Old Dalby to Joseph & Ruth nee Brewin. He can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 1, with widowed father & sibs (his mother had died on 8 Feb a few weeks before) in Old Dalby. He can also be seen there aged 11 in 1881 with father & 2 brothers. By 1891 his father has also died and Edmund can be seen at 2 Union Street, Torquay, a butcher's assistant living at the home of his employer. In Jan 1896 in Babbacombe he married local girl Emma Jane Tucker & they settled there. They had 3 children (see below for Algernon) and they can be seen on census returns of 1901 & 1911 at 5 Redden Hill - now Reddenhill Road. By 1923 he is listed as Farmer & Assistant Oversee in Woodland, Devon at Quarry Farm, Woodland is not many miles from the Torbay area, but when he died on 15 May 1929 aged 59 he was living at 59 Salisbury Street, Blandford, Dorset. He left effects worth £1170 to Emma. When she died in 1964 she was living in Salisbury in Wiltshire aged 92. 2018 update:  As he died in 1929, Emma was a widow in the1939 Register, living at a house called The Quinton, Middle Street, Salisbury with a friend/relative called Beatrice Farrell, both UDDs. When Edmund died, they were living in Blandford, Dorset and he was buried there, so when Emma died in Salisbury she was taken to Blandford Forum Cemetery and buried with him. [We went to Blandford Forum 15 years later on our honeymoon, but didn't visit the cemetery.] 1921 census shows - as I said below - Edmund at Woodland with 2 children and sister-in-law Ellen Tucker.

Edmund Reuben Woodford was the elder son mentioned below, born on 16 May 1906 to Edmund & Clara nee Kitson and christened on 3 Jun 1906 at St Mark's, Kennington. As I said, he was there at 40 Sturgeon Road in 1911 aged 4 & at 47 Camberwell Station Road with his parents. In Jul 1933 in Lambeth he married Winifred Owen from Fulham and they lived at 37 Glenburnie Road, Wandsworth until at least 1965. Edmund & Winifred must have retired to Eastbourne, Sussex (as so many did/do) as he died there in Oct 1987 & she in Oct 1988. 2018 update: he lived at home with his parents until 1933, when he married Winifred Owen and moved to Wandsworth. So in 1939 Register they can be seen there, at 37 Glenburnie Road, Wandsworth. Edmund was described as "Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Middlesex County Council Architects Dept ARP, Permanent Staff Office" and Winifred's mother Patricia Owen lived with them. Edmund and Winifred retired to Eastbourne, probably in 1971 when he was 65. They died there in 1987 & 1988 respectively. Oddly they had different home addresses; Edmund's was a bungalow, so maybe he was infirm, Win's was four good properties 5-11 Lewes Road But her probate was £103k, which would have been for just one of these properties. 1921 census - see brother Charles below

Edwin Woodford was born 3 Feb 1849 in Old Dalby to Hannah, single mum. He was christened there on 24 Mar 1850 & can be seen on census return of 1851 with mother & grandparents, Hannah listed as "servant Out of Place" ie unemployed. Brought up by his grandparents, by 1861 we see him living with them while his mother has married & started her own family. His life was filled with upheaval at this time, as the couple who brought him up (grandparents) both died, in 1861 & 1870. But on 27 May 1874 at the Parish Church, Willoughby he married Elizabeth Adams. They had already had a son William Henry Adams the previous year, and now renamed him William Adam Woodford and followed him with 4 daughters. On the marriage register, incidentally, Edwin named William (his grandfather) as his father, so maybe he never knew he was illegitimate. On the 1881 census, he can be seen with 2 Elizabeths; one wife, one mother-in-law and 2 children, listed as a platelayer (on the railway) in Langer, Nottinghamshire. In 1891 they lived at in Derby Road, Stapleford with 4 children & he was a farm labourer, similarly there in 1901 with 5 children, a builder's carter. By 1911 he can be seen at 35 Birley Street, Stapleford with 3 children, listed as farm labourer. They both lived here until they died, Edwin on 7 Dec 1937, aged 88, leaving £569 to Elizabeth, then she on 23 Jan 1945 aged 93, leaving £758 to daughter Alice Mills & son-in-law Ernest Turland, upholsterer. 2018 update: Elizabeth can be seen at 35 Birley Street, Stapleford, Notts. I told of this when dealing with Ada - see below - as Elizabeth and her daughter Gertrude lived next door to Ernest, Ada and their daughter Gwendoline. Elizabeth being 88 was UDD (housewife) and Gertrude 46 "lace curtain mender". As expected, 1921 census shows Edwin, Elizabeth & Gertrude along with Ada & her family, at no.35 - see below

25th February 2023

Edith Ellen Woodford1 was born in Apr 1867 in Lutterworth to Andrew & Ellen nee Miles. She can be seen with parents & sibs on 1871 census in Bakehouse Lane, Lutterworth, then she goes to live with her aunt & uncle & we see her in 1881 aged 14 at 22 Walnut Street, Leicester. Then in 1891 at 3A West Street, Leicester. In Jan 1899 in Leicester she married Charles Fox, a widower 33 years older than her, farmer & former publican and they had some children (this is where it gets confusing). On census return of 1901 they are living in Regent Street, Lutterworth with one daughter 1 year old called May. By the time of the 1911 census things had gone very wrong and they can be seen in the Union Workhouse, Woodmarket, Lutterworth. The record shows one daughter Kathleen Mary/May & one son Henry, she has given birth to 2 children, both have survived. Anyway, Charles died, finally admitting to 85, in Oct 1915 in Leicester, and Edith also 85 in 1953 also in Leicester. 2018 update: her marriage took place at St Matthew's and Edith's brother and sister were witnesses. Both fathers were deceased, so I suspect her eldest brother Alfred "gave her away". Edith pops up again in 1939 Register at 3 Park Road, Rugby, a "Retired Domestic Help", living with George Gill, a "Retired builders clerk" and his wife Nora. She died 14 years later back in Leicester, 20 miles away. 1921 census shows her, a widow aged 54, boarding in Rugby (8 miles south of Lutterworth) with a family called York, a charwoman. Son Harry was a farmworker at Ulverscroft Priory, (20 miles north of Lutterworth). Daughter May was confusing, as I don't know what name she went under.

Edith Ellen Woodford2 was born on 6 Nov 1893 in Peckham to John & Elizabeth nee Gellard. She can be seen with them, her brother & a visitor at 39 Canal Bank, Peckham on census return of 1901, then all of a sudden it all becomes horribly familiar. Both parents died within a year of each other and on the 1911 census return she is in an orphanage the other end of the country! In this instance she can be seen in the West Riding Industrial Home in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Her little brother had already died aged 2. Their elder sister Annie had already moved away but she also died not long after. 2 further babies had been born & died soon after in 1888 & 1891. I cannot trace her from this point until her death in 1974 in St Albans. She probably went into service, as she was listed in the home as "housemaid/laundry work" but I cannot trace her. 2018 update: 1939 Register found her aged 46 at 2 Summerhill Cottages, Battle, Sussex, and Findmypast attached a map locating this as Ticehurst. This makes total sense as all her neighbours worked at the "Mental Establishment", as did she, as a "Trained Mental Nurse", and just along the road was Ticehurst House, now aka the Priory Hospital. I can also see that in 1933 she had been at Peckham House Lunatic Asylum, Peckham Road but whether as inmate or staff I cannot tell. As to her death in St Albans, she was 80, so it may mean she worked there (or should I say here) and then retired. Hill End Asylum was well-known and was in St Albans, so maybe she worked there... 1921 census shows her in Camberwell, visiting the Coombs family, stating she was a Mental Nurse working at the Claybury Mental Hospital, Woodford (open 1893-1997, now a housing estate)

Edith Mary Woodford was born in Jan 1879 to Joseph & Georgiana nee Bakewell in Woodhouse Eaves. She can be seen in 1881 census at the Beer House, Church Hill, Woodhouse Eaves with parents & 3 sisters, then in 1891 at Brand Hill with parents & niece Constance, then in 1901 in Main Street with her parents. In Jan 1902 she married George Savoury from Wiltshire & they had 4 children. In 1911 census they can be seen also in Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves. All the children married locally in the 1920s & 1930s. George died in 1958 & Edith in 1966, also locally. 2018 update: by 1939 Register another 3 sons had joined them. The address was given as 53 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves, probably the same house as 1911, but not the same numbering today, as the Methodist Church is right next door and is not on the register. George was listed as "County Council Roadman" and sons Sydney and Cyril worked for the local Golf Club, as "Pro Assistant" and "Greens Groundsman" - unusual! Another son was at number 49, Frank, "Public Work Contractor", wife Annie and 2 of his eventual 3 daughters. He was memorable in that he was over 100 when he died in 2014. 1921 census shows them at the same address as 1939, with 7 children and her father-in-law 70-year-old widowed ex-gardener now invalid. George aka Vivian was 47, a timber carter working for a local timber man, the two eldest daughters were silk winders, eldest son a gardener and 3 children at school. Edith had Household Duties and cared for the youngest child, 2-year-old Sydney (Cyril wasn't born until the following year).

Great great-uncle Edmund Woodford was born in Jul 1874 in Whitechapel (see below for sister Carrie) to Reuben & Louisa nee Small. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 6 at 39 Clayton Buildings with parents & sibs, then 1891 and 1901 at number 30, listed as a carpenter. On 6 Aug 1905 at St Mary, Lambeth he married neighbour Clara Kitson. Her family were at number 37 in 1893 and 19 in 1901, although they came from Manchester. The newly married couple lived at 41 Lambeth Walk for a while, then 24 Lothian Road, Lambeth then moved to Southwark. They had 2 sons born 10 years apart in 1906 & 1916. They lived at 40 Sturgeon Road, Southwark from 1910 to 1913 and can be seen there on census return of 1911, their elder son aged 4 & Edmund listed as carpenter. From 1918 they lived at 49 Camberwell Station Road. [Camberwell Station opened in 1862 but closed to passengers in 1916, then completely in 1964]. In 1924 they either moved next door or the numbering was changed, as from 1924 to 1939 they are listed at no. 47. In 1945 they were at 37 Leander Road, Brixton, where they stayed for the rest of their lives. Charles, the younger son, lived at no. 53, Edmund died at no. 37 on 10 May 1951, leaving £2783 to Clara & son Edmund When Clara herself died in 1955 she was staying at Birdhurst Road, Croydon, and left £2698 to both her sons. 2018 update: in 1939 they were at 37 Camberwell Station Road, as I said.The station was already closed to passengers in 1939. In the household were Edmund, Clara & Charles, son Edmund having married 6 years before. Ed Senior was described as"Carpenter LPTB" London Passenger Transport Board - handy for work! As I said the other day, Charles was Architectural Draughtsman and Met Special Constable. In 1945 they moved to Brixton and Charles was a few houses away, Edmund Senior died there in 1951. 1921 census shows them there too, at no. 49 Edmund working as a carpenter on the new County Hall - see son Charles below - Clara Home Duties.

24th February 2023

Douglas Edward Woodford was born on 17 Jun 1902 to William & Georgina nee Bird in Carlton-in-the-Willows, Notts & registered in Basford. He can be seen in census return of 1911 aged 9 at The Green, Old Dalby with parents & brother. In Apr 1951 he married Violet Elizabeth Goodman there & they lived there, as far as I can see, all their lives, but had no children. He died in Jul 1982 & Violet in 1994 & were buried in the cemetery. 2018 update: married in 1951, so he and Violet can be seen apart in 1939 Register. She was 24 and can be seen living with her widowed mother and single sister at White Cottages, Main Road, Melton, listed as in Domestic Service. The other new document I can see is his probate dated 1982, when he died at The Lilacs, Old Dalby (This house is just around the corner from White Cottages, but I have checked and Douglas wasn't already there in 1939). He was buried in the cemetery just across the road from the house. Despite an Edward Douglas Woodford, who provided many red herrings, I see he was with his parents in 1921 census at The Green, Old Dalby, aged 19. He worked for a local farmer J Howkins as a labourer. I understand he was still at the same address in 1927, but unfortunately I still haven't found him in 1939.

Edith Elizabeth Woodford was born in Jul 1887 at Old Dalby to William & Elizabeth nee Wells. She can be seen there on census returns of 1891 aged 3 with mother, sibs & servant and 1901 aged 13 with parents, grandfather & sister. In Jul 1910 at Old Dalby she married coal-merchant Harry Brooks from Upper Broughton & they can be seen in 1911 visiting her family (brother, mother & grandmother) there. When she died on 28 Apr 1939 in Nottingham, they were living at The Cedars, Hose, Leicestershire & she left effects worth £850 to her husband. When he died on 30 Jun 1960 at the General Hospital, Nottingham he was living at Ivy Cottage, The Green, Old Dalby & left effects worth £2220 to Samuel Maurice Brooks, his brother. 2018 update: she didn't wait for the 1939 Register, taken on 29 Sep, as she died 28 Apr that year. Harry can be seen, still at The Cedars, Hose, but he had with him a Housekeeper, widow Ethel Mavis Pears, who he married the following year. She died in 1957, 3 years before Harry, which would be why he left his effects to his brother. Harry was cremated at Wilford Hill Crematorium. 1921 census shows him with Edith and her mother at The Lodge, Old Dalby, working as a self-employed Coal Merchant at the station (open to passengers 1880-1966). Both women had Home Duties.

23rd February 2023

Aubrey Cecil D Woodford was born on 20 Nov 1909 to Thomas & Elizabeth nee Kemp in Brandon, Lincolnshire. He can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 2 in Brandon Lane, Grantham with parents & sibs. In Jul 1933 in Lichfield, Staffordshire he married Florence Cope and they had 2 children, John Roy in 1934 & Sophia J in 1938, both in Basford. Florence died there in 1989 & Aubrey in 1990. 2018 update: they were already at this address by 1939, so probably were there all their married lives, 38 Leslie Avenue, Beeston. Aubrey was "Gardener & Chauffeur" and Florence UDD, they had two children, John Roy Dunsmore Woodford and Sophia J Woodford, although she had a closed file in 1939 so is probably still alive. John apparently died in 2000. Aubrey died here on 29 Jun 1990, leaving £115000, which was no doubt the value of the house. 1921 census listed him (as Cecil) aged 11 at Burleigh Farm Cottage, Nanpantan, Loughborough, with parents and siblings. Father Thomas and two older brothers farmed the land, sister Jessie 14 was in full-time education and Cecil part-time. [The farm is now a listed building and is residential]

His eldest sister Beatrice Annie Woodford was always called Annie. She was born 25 Sep 1892 in Harby, Leics and can be seen in census of 1901 aged "7" in Stathern Road, Harby with parents & sibs, then also with them aged 19 in Brandon Lane, Grantham. In Jul 1915 in Melton Mowbray she married Arthur J Richardson. This story reads like a soap, so don't blame me... On marriage, Beatrice was 23, Arthur 49. Looking into him, I found he was a widower who had been married when he was 22 to a much older lady (57), called Fanny Hunt who had a son Emanuel only 7 years younger than Arthur. It turns out he was illegitimate, born when Fanny was 43 and living with her father. Anyway, Arthur and Beatrice had two children together, Elsie and Willie. If the details given about Elsie are correct, she was born before her parents were married too (I find that does "run in families"), worked as a "Domestic, Daily Help" and Willie was a labourer in a cement works. Arthur died in 1942 aged 76. Beatrice lived on until 1978, when she died in Melton aged 87. 1921 census shows her at 5 Malt Shovel Road, Harby with Arthur "general iron stone worker at quarries", eldest daughter Elsie at school, the other two at home with Annie.

Catherine Emma Woodford was born in Feb 1871 in Old Dalby to Job & Lucy nee Goodacre, no doubt in Church Lane, as that is where the census caught them a few weeks later. She was christened on 12 Mar 1871. By 1881 census she was staying with her great-uncle Robert Goodacre & his daughter Elizabeth (schoolmistress aged 30) in Old Dalby. She can be seen in 1891 census aged 20 at 48 Alexander Road, Southport, Lancashire working as a cook, as she is in 1901 at Grove Hill, Southborogh, Kent. In 1911 she is back home, looking after her widowed father in Nether Broughton (he died there in the October). In Apr 1913 at Old Dalby she married Charles Tyers, and lived with him until he died in 1958 then she followed in 1968 aged 97. I see that he had 2 children by his first marriage, one of whom Horace Wilfred Tyers 18 was with them in 1921 census, working with his father at the ironstone quarry at Wartnaby, unfortunately both entries say "Out of Work". Catherine had Home Duties. By 1939 Register Charles was retired and Horace just down the road, a general farm labourer, married and working locally. Both Catherine and Charles were buried in the same plot at Welford Road Cemetery in Leicester.

Catherine Selina Woodford was my great grandmother, always known as Carrie. She was born on 14 Apr 1877 at 4 Haydon Square, Whitechapel to Reuben & Louisa nee Small. This area was cleared for the development of the railway, and when Charles Booth made his report on the area there were virtually no houses left, just warehouses. It was investigated in the Jack the Ripper murders and found to be a good place to hide. As the census return of 1881 show, Reuben and his family were re-located to Clayton Buildings, Lambeth and here the trees merge. (He was the last remaining child of John & Louisa, who lost their babies & moved to London). Carrie can be seen aged 4 at no. 39 with her parents & 3 brothers. In 1891 & 1901 she can be seen at no. 30 with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as laundress. On 14 Apr 1901 she married Henry John Wooldridge at St Philips, Lambeth. The census in 1911 found them at no. 27 Clayton Buildings with one daughter - my Nan Louisa - and Carrie's youngest brother Charlie. They had 2 daughters. Carrie died in Jan 1934, so my mother (born in 1932) doesn't remember her, but Henry - or "Grampy" as everyone called him - died in 1954. 2015 update: New info was the existence of a baby with her own name, who was born to her in Feb 1903, christened 22 Mar 1903 at Emmanuel church, while they were living at 3 Tracey Street, then died on 1 Jan 1906. The odd thing was we, neither my mother nor her mother it seems, didn't know of this until recently - seems strange that my Nan never knew she had an older sister who survived until she was 3 years old, and even overlapped with her for 6 months of this. By the time my grandmother was baptised in June 1905 they had moved to 27 Clayton Buildings, where Carrie and Henry lived for the rest of their lives). 2018 update:  in1939 Register her husband, Grampy, Henry John Wooldridge was living with Uncle Charlie, Charles James Woodford, Carrie's younger brother (see later) at 27 Clayton Buildings. Grampy worked as a warehouseman for a printer, Charlie an erector/fitter for a pneumatic tube company Lamson & Co, as did his nephew, my granddad. Carrie had died at No 27, so did Grampy 20 years later (and I think Uncle Charlie did too, 8 years after that). 1921 census shows them at no. 27 with 2 daughters and Uncle Charlie, Grampy a printer's cutter employed by Cockayne & Co, Walworth Road - see right down at the bottom of this page when I studied this record a year ago.

Charles Albert Woodford was born 28 Aug 1916 in Camberwell to Edmund & Clara née Kitson and was one of my Nan's cousins. He spent his early years there, first at 49 Camberwell Station Road [now part of the bus garage], then in 1926 number 47, where he remained until in Jan 1940 in Lambeth he married Lily Rose Huntley and moved to 53 Leander Road, Tulse Hill. Charles lived at number 53 whilst his parents were down the road at number 37. Charles can be seen on electoral roll records until 1953, so may have moved out of the area then. Both he & Lily died 50 or so years later in Sutton, Surrey, Lily in 2000 and Charles in 2003. I cannot see that they had any children, which would have helped trace them in this large gap. 2018 update: I can now see a scan of his christening at St Mark's, Kennington and the expected address in 1939 Register, 47 Camberwell station Road, with his parents. This was just before his marriage the following January, and he was listed as "Architectural Draughtsman and Metropolitan Special Constable". Impressive. 1921 census was taken when he was 4, so he can be seen at 49 Station Road, Camberwell with parents and brother Edmund. Father Edmund was employed as a carpenter by Holland Hannen & Cubitts Ltd, building the "New" (at the time) County Hall. This was the building behind the London Eye (nowadays), at the back of which was the Lambeth Lying-in Hospital where I was born some 35 years later. County Hall was completed in 1922 and functioned as the HQ of LCC (London County Council) later GLC (Greater London Council) and was sold off in the 1990s, now housing the London Aquarium, and several other attractions including a Premier Inn. Brother Edmund was 15, also a carpenter but I can't see if he worked with his father. Charles was due to start school the following year.

For Charles James Woodford see Grampy above.

Clara Woodford was born in Sep 1866 at 2 Albert Cottages, Ashmore Place, Kennington [near the Oval cricket ground, where now is Ashmole Primary School] to Josiah & Milicent nee Adkins. She was christened on 11 Aug 1869 with baby sister Eliza & they can all be seen on census return of 1871 at 16 Richmond Street. Unfortunately Josiah & Milicent both died shortly after this, within a month of each other, of smallpox & typhoid respectively (London was not a healthy place at this time), leaving the girls alone, so we next see them in 1881 in an orphanage in Bristol. The New Orphan Houses in Ashley Down in Bristol were founded by George Muller 1836-44, funded by donations and by all accounts extremely well-run. The orphans were provided with a uniform, food & an education & before they left (boys 14, girls 17) were found employment locally. So in 1891 Clara is 24, admitting to 22 (probably nobody knew how old she was), living at 27 Ashley Road, Clifton, a general servant. In 1901 she is 34 admitting to 27, living at 8 Aberdeen Road, again as a general servant in a family household. In Apr 1904 in Bristol she married Albert Wright, a window-cleaner, and settled in one room in 50 Banner Road, off Ashley Road, shared with a family. All of these places are within a couple of miles of the Orphanage. Albert died in Jul 1927 aged 63 & Clara in Oct 1942 aged 76. 2018 update: I can see her in 1939 Register, widowed, living at 119 City Road, Bristol and she died here 3 years later, aged 76. 1921 census shows her and Albert at 8 Princes Row, Bristol, again in one room in a house shared with other families; 8 was shred with a family and 8a with another. They may be converted stables, I understand. Albert was a self-employed window-cleaner and Clara Home Duties.

22nd February 2023

Algernon Edmund Dalby Woodford had such a lovely name - and he used most of it at all times it seems - that I had high hopes of him. However, he appears not to have made much of a mark on history. He was born on 14 Oct 1900 in Babbacombe, Devon to Edmund & Emma Jane nee Tucker, and can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 6 months with parents & brother at Redden Hill, Babbacombe and the same in 1911 aged 10, when his father had a butcher's shop & worked from home. I can find nothing more until Jul 1982 when he died in Weymouth, Dorset aged 81 1921 census shows him at Quarry Farm, in a village called Woodland near Newton Abbot, with his father, who he helped run the farm, sister Irene (aged 13 at school) and aunt Ellen Tucker, a nurse working at St Raphael's Convalescent Home, Torquay. His mother Emma was at that time a patient in the cottage hospital in the next village Ashburton, so maybe her sister came to take care of her. She evidently did a good job, as Emma survived for another 40 years! [They had in 1918 lost their eldest son in WW1, so maybe there were effects of this]

Alice Woodford was born in Jan 1876 at Langer, Nottinghamshire to Edwin & Elizabeth nee Adams. She can be seen on census returns with parents & sibs in 1881 aged 5 at Langer, then 1891 & 1901 at Derby Road, Stapleford, in the latter listed as a Lever Lace Mender (a lot of lace-related occupations in Nottingham, as I said). However, I cannot find her in 1911: she is not at home and may be mis-spelled or using another name somewhere else. Anyway, she reappeared in Jul 1913, when she got married in Nottingham to John Straw. A Miss Alice Woodford had a Beer Retailing business at 42 Latimer Street, Nottingham and round about this time became Mrs Alice Straw, so I'm reasonably certain this is her, and in Kelly's Directory of 1941 is listed at 52 Northumberland Street. 2018 update: her husband's army records. He enlisted at the age of 18 on 6 May 1904, was sent for training in 1904 and 1906. On 4 Jun 1908 he was discharged to the Sherwood Foresters Special Reserve as temporarily unfit, then served in UK until 10 Nov 1914 (with another temporary lapse in Jul 1912). Meanwhile Alice was running the Beer Shop at 42 Latimer Street, Nottingham. She had son Joseph in 1911 (which may explain her absence in the census), but whether he was John's child we shall never know. They married on 12 Jul 1913 and James was born 19 Sep, but that was as usual. John was posted on 11 Nov 1914 with the Expeditionary Force, returning to UK 20 Aug 1915, serving here for almost a year before going out to France again. During this time he was promoted to Acting Corporal for a short while and was Wounded in Action. While he was in France his promotion was ratified and he returned in May 1917 as a Lance-Corporal. 14 Nov 1917 he returned home to 31 Maltwell Lane, Nottingham, with a pension, excused further action through chronic bronchitis. On 24 Aug 1918 he was discharged with medals and a King's Certificate. He died in 1937, so didn't make the Register in 1939. Instead, I have found Alice at the address I knew for the beer shop in 1941: 52 Northumberland Street, Nottingham with son John and others. She was a widowed shopkeeper and son John a general labourer. There is also another file but that is closed so doesn't help. Her Off License was on the corner of Northumberland Street & Hutchinson Street. I think she was the one who died in Jan 1964 in Nottingham, aged 88. I see she registered Joseph as Woodford as she was not married at the time, but he was known as Joseph Woodford Straw in his army records. For some reason she gave her maiden-name as Gollicker on births of all her children - there is certainly no sign of a brief marriage to any name like that. 1921 census shows her at 3 Knotted Alley, Narrow Marsh, with 4 children - including a daughter Annie I knew nothing about! Unfortunately I cannot find more about her as oddly Annie Straw is a very common name locally. Alice's husband John seems to be missing, and may be the one who returned from Cape Town the following year. He died on 5 Dec 1937, buried in Wilford Cemetery on 9th. She was buried on 9 Jan 1964 at Radford All Souls, giving home address of 9 Garden Street, Nottingham - I'm not sure what kind of residence it was then but the entire road has recently been rebuilt.

Arthur Woodford was born on 12 Dec 1883 in Leicester, probably Abbey Gate - see below brother Albert - registered in Leicester Jan 1884. In 1891 census he can be seen there with the family at 22 Abbey Gate, aged 7.In 1901 he had moved with them round to Frog Island and was training up as a Blackmith's Assistant. By 1911 he can be seen further along in his training, living at King Street, Southwell, Notts, with his employer Edward Foster and his family. In Jul 1914 in Lincoln he married Coal Merchant's daughter Mary Elizabeth Parker and they had three children. I love their names; Albert (after his brother) Jack and Jill! They evidently settled in an area on the Lincolnshire/Rutland border as in 1916 he was listed in Kelly's Directory in the village of Pilkington. Albert's birth was registered in Lincoln in 1915, Jack and Jill in Leicester. The 1939 Register shows them at the Blacksmith's Shop, Stonesby, Melton, Arthur and Albert both Master Blacksmiths, Mary UDD and Jack & Jill at school. All the children married and settled, the boys locally, Jill joined her husband in Surrey. Arthur died Jan 1966 in Stamford, Lincs and Mary joined him 11 years later. 1921 census shows them at 197 Main Street, Thurmaston (nowadays a hotel), with son Albert aged 7 at school. Arthur was a smith, employed at a local smithy,and Mary Home Duties. As I said above, he had his own smithy by 1939

Arthur Ernest Woodford - see his father Alfred Miles Woodford below. He was an only child and he married Alice Page in Jul 1915 in Rugby but they had no children. As I said before, he trained as an electrical fitter, but when he inherited some money from his parents in 1930s he was a shopkeeper. He died on 27 Jan 1961 at Naseby Cottage, Guilsborough Road, West Haddon, Northants and Alice 10 years later in 1971. 2018 update: 1939 Register in Rugby, where Arthur's parents had both died in the decade preceding this. Arthur and Alice can be seen at 43 Southfield Road, Arthur listed as "Fitter (Electrical Genr)" and Alice UDD. They must have retired to West Haddon, Northants as they both died there.

21st February 2023

Ada Woodford was born in Apr 1886 to Edwin & Elizabeth nee Adams in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. She can be seen on census returns of 1891 & 1901 at Derby Road, Stapleford with family & sibs, in the latter listed as Lace Drawer. In 1991 she is living at 35 Birley Street, Stapleford, a Lace Jennier. Both of these occupations are classic Nottinghamshire trades, as Nottingham is famous for its lace, and at this time would have been made in workshops on looms. In Jul 1911 she married Ernest Henry Turland, born in Stapleford & living in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. They had 2 children Gwendoline & Kenneth & were still living at 35 Birley Street when Ernest died in 1957, then Ada in 1961. She left effects worth £2826 to Gwendoline & Kenneth. 2018 update: 1939 Register found her as expected at the address in Stapleford, Notts she was at in 1911 (census) and 1957 (husband's death). It did, of course, also furnish me with exact dates of birth and daughter Gwendoline's married name. But what surprised me most of all was that next door were her sister Gertrude and widowed mother Elizabeth née Adams! Elizabeth was widowed, but I can see that Gertrude was still single, a "lace curtain mender". The other information I have now is that both Ernest and Ada were cremated, in Nottinghamshire. 1921 followed this theme in that she can be seen as expected at 35 Birley Street with her parents and Ernest, but also there is an additional daughter I didn't know about; Dorothy May Turland, apparently 6y 9m in the census, so born Sep 1914 in Stapleford. Unfortunately that doesn't tally with birth records and she is probably one of the redacted lines on the 1939 Register, so no help there. In 1921 Ernest was engineer/labourer employed by Premier Gas Engine Co of Sandiacre Nottingham. Sister Gertrude was a lace mender for Whiteleys [probably originally Whiteley Mill, now a hotel in that road], both the girls at school, son Kenneth a baby. Her father Edwin was a 71-year-old "Road Man" for the local council. Ada helped her mother Elizabeth with Home Duties.

Ada Rose Woodford was born on 16 Mar 1913 in Lambeth to Reuben & Florence née Wells, who I never met but my grandmother called them Uncle Reub (her uncle) & Aunt Flo. She (Ada) was christened on 6 Apr 1913 at St Mary-the-Less, Lambeth. She can be seen on 1939 Register at 12 Longville Road, Southwark with her widowed father and her brother George, Reub Senior a Retired Carpenter and George a "Warehouseman, Iron & Steel"; Ada worked in printing as a Bookfolder. Electoral roll records show that for a few years prior to this, her sister Florence also lived with them along with her husband George Pearson, also Reub Junior prior to his marriage. Ada died aged 54 in Sutton, Surrey. She was 8 in 1921 so was in the census with her parents and siblings at 12 Longville Road, her father a carpenter, at that time employed by a local estate agent, all the children at school.

Albert Woodford was born on 15 Jun 1891 at 22 Abbey Gate, Leicester to Josiah & (Ann) Maria nee Holmes. He can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 9 at 22-24 Frog Island, Leicester, which is close to his birthplace [now unfortunately a run-down industrialized area] with parents, sibs & 2 boarders. In 1911 they have moved back to Abbey Gate & he can be seen at no. 33 with his widowed father, listed as a toy maker. In Oct 1915 he married Nena Trotter and it seems they had one son Donald who died in infancy. I don't know when Albert changed his occupation or whether it was related to the loss of a child, but he gave up toy-making & turned to Dentistry. In 1945-1960 they lived at 87 Jermyn Street, where he was listed as Dental Mechanic (nowadays called Dental Technician), "an artisan who crafted false teeth". It was a lucrative trade, and when he died on 11 Dec 1960 at Leicester General Hospital, he left effects worth £1555 to Nena. When she died in 1964, she was still living there and left £3699 to John Seimes cattle transporter & Donald Law wages clerk. 2018 update: 1939 Register showed he was at no. 1 Argyle Street, and the photograph of that street in 1969 is amazingly similar! The Register also explained who the Donald Law was who inherited from Nena on her death - he was their son-in-law. 1921 census shows him & Nena at 6 Allan Street, Leicester, just before they had Donald. They were both employed in the Boot & Shoe industry, Albert as a "metal turner" employed by British United Shoe Machinery Co Ltd (at the time the largest provider of machinery to the shoe trade) and Nena worked as Stock Room Hand for William Mason Ltd, a shoe shop, both in Leicester.

Alfred Miles Woodford was born in Apr 1861 in Lutterworth, Leicestershire to Andrew & Ellen nee Miles. He can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 10 in Bakehouse Lane (now called Church Gate), Lutterworth with parents & 2 sisters. In 1881 he is aged 20, lodging in Leicester while working as a gas fitter. In Jun 1885 at Leicester he married local girl Priscilla Dakin and they had one son. In 1891 he is living at 57 Charnwood Street with son Arthur, sister-in-law Mary Dakin, niece Alice & brother John Woodford. He was listed at this address in Kelly's Directory of that year as "gas fitter, bill hanger & tin-plate worker." He was still a gas-fitter in 1901 living at 212 Syston Street [now an industrial estate], with son Arthur, but in 1911 they have moved to 18 Charlotte Street, Rugby, both Alfred & Arthur working at the electrical works, Alfred as an inspector. Priscilla died on 20 Jun 1929 by which time they were living at 34 Holbrook Avenue, and she left effects worth £431 to Alfred, described as a retired commercial clerk. When he died on 9 Feb 1932 at the same address, effects worth £802 passed to Arthur, shopkeeper. 1921 census showed Alfred and Priscilla with son Arthur and his wife Alice, living at 9 Holbrook Avenue. Both men worked at BTH British Thomson Houston, engineering company in Rugby, Alfred 60 a "Receiving Clerk in Electrical Labs" and Arthur 32 a Fitter. Both the women Home Duties.

20th February 2023

Thomas Charles Henry Taylor (Tommy) was born Jan 1880 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King and can be seen on 1881 census aged 1 with parents, sibs & grandfather at the butchers shop in Oxford Street, Lambourn and in 1891 at Newbury Street as previously described. In 1901 he was living with Vic's father, his brother-in-law Ted Cox and family at 13 Richmond Street, Lambeth, and working as a Brewer's Drayman. On 11 June 1905 at St Paul Lorrimore Square he married (Sarah) Ellen Cramm, known as Nell, a local waiter's daughter. They lived in Lambeth for a few years, then in Battersea and can be seen in 1911 census at 21 Abyssinia Road, Clapham. They had 9 children but lost two in infancy and two in war action. By the time war broke out in 1939 they were living in Lambourn. Daughter Win had married in Battersea in 1938 so that was probably when they moved. When daughter May married in 1939 they were in Berkshire.Vic tells me Tom died in Oct 1960 in Newbury Hospital aged 80. He doesn't mention Nell, but I have found a death record for her in the area, aged, 85 in Oct 1967. 1921 shows him at Butcher's Shop in Newbury Street, Lambourn with wife and 3 children. By 1939 they were still there but the shop was being renovated and he was working as a Postman. Also with them were 2 sons as well as 2 closed files, probably daughters, and Annie, Gert and Jill.

Hinton Taylor was born in Apr 1877 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King, registered as Thomas Charles Hinton Taylor. He can be seen in census of 1881 aged 4 at Oxford Street, Lambourn with parents, sibs & grandfather, at the butchers' shop. He is listed as Charles H and his little brother as Thomas. In 1891 census he is 14, at his father's butchers shop in Newbury Street with parents & sibs. In Apr 1901 in Richmond he married Rose Hannah Reed, who had been born in Mile End, London, but was working as a servant to an elderly widow in Richmond. I can't track him down in 1901, as I'm not sure what combination of names he was using. After the marriage, they settled in Tooting, Wandsworth for a few years and had 2 sons there. Christening and Electoral roll records show them at 4 Kellino Street, Tooting 1902-1906 at least, but Hinton was a trained butcher and he was working as a painter. By 1911 census he had found work as a butcher in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex (near Southend) and the family can be seen at 30 Rayleigh Avenue - they had 2 sons & a boarder. On 28 Sep 1914 he joined the Army Service Corps, to work in the army as a butcher, to 'A' Company, giving home address as 36 Godstone Road, St Margarets, Twickenham. By then he had a daughter as well as two sons - another with a variety of names Kathleen Gwen or Gwendoline Margaret, known as Gwen (probably Kathleen Gwendoline Margaret Taylor but never using the whole name, just like him). He was posted in England 28 Sep 1914 to 29 Apr 2015 then to France with the Expeditionary Force 30 Apr 1915 to 22 Jan 1916. He was one of the lucky ones who returned (probably because he was working in the kitchens, away from gunfire etc) and was posted in England again until 1 Aug 1916, when he was sent home as his "services were no longer required". I understand it was normal for butchers to sign up for 3 years service followed by 9 in the reserves, although in his case he was fully discharged after not quite 2 years. I have seen the result of his medical, and see that he was discharged on medical grounds. Electoral roll records show they remained at this address until at least 1938. 2018 update: in 1939 Register the family can be seen at Dashwood, St Neots Road, Hardwicke, Cambs. Hinton died only 3 years later and his death was registered 60 miles away in Brentford, Rose 22 years after this in that same area. 1921 census shows Hinton and Rose with William 18 and Gwen 6 at 36 Godstone Road, Twickenham, Hinton working as a house-painter and William as a "roundsman" for a local baker. As I said, electoral roll records show that they lived there until 1938.
 

William James Taylor (aka Jim) was born 27 Feb 1903 at 184 Lambeth Road to William Henry and Dewey née Cox and was christened 13 Apr 1903 at St Mary's, Lambeth with cousin Sydney Cox. He can be seen in census of 1911 aged 8 at Newbury Street, Lambourn with grandfather, father, uncles & 2 sisters, his mother having died when he was 5. From 1920 he lived with Ted Cox & family and worked in London. In 1924 at Frascati's, Oxford Street as Junior in the restaurant, then in 1925 as Commis Chef at the Waldorf Hotel Grill Room with Vic. In 1930 he was working on the Isle of Wight as waiter, and that is the last Vic mentions of him in his book. Other genealogist relatives have said he died in 1971 or 1973 in Hammersmith. 1921 census shows him staying with his uncle Ted Cox and family - see Harriet Annie below - in Kennington. He was working as a cook at Frascati's restaurant in Oxford Street.

19th February 2023

Harriet Annie Taylor - known as Annie - (the main stem of this branch) was born Jun 1870 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King and can be seen in census of 1871 10 months later at Wantage Street, Lambourn with grandparents & parents. In 1881 census she can be seen aged 10 at Oxford Street, Lambourn in the butchers shop run by her father & grandfather. In 1891 she was working as a domestic servant in Baydon Road, Lambourn, one of 11 staff at a racing stable. She worked for James Chandler, trainer of racehorses. She left her job there to, as Vic puts it in his book "come to London as a young girl to be in service and until she married she worked for a family in Queen's Gate, near the Royal Albert Hall".On 21 May 1893 she married my great great uncle Edward Dance Cox, who ran an Off-Licence in Lambeth, attached to Jenner's Brewery. They had 9 children, but by the time the question was asked in 1911 Annie had to say that of these 4 had died. In 1901 census she can be seen at 13 Richmond Street, Lambeth with 2 children, Ted's father George, and 3 of her sibs Henry, Thomas & Kate. By 1911 they had moved to 84 Kennington Road and there were 5 children, Ted's brother George and niece Lil Cox. The following year Annie had her final child Gertrude & they moved next door to no. 86 and remained there until 1930, when the terrace was demolished and new flats built. They were relocated in the new estate at 52 Wedgewood House, China Walk. Jenner's Brewery was taken over and they retired Ted in 1939 with no pension (he was 70) and they moved back to Lambourn. However, he was very unhappy and died in 1942. Annie lived there (Bockhampton Road) until Vic returned from fighting in WW2, and they spent some years there together. When the owners needed the house for their son, Vic had to go to court and plead homelessnes, when they were relocated to Deacon's Cottage, Newbury Street, which is still there, not far from the Butcher's shop. This was a very large house, as it was 3 cottages knocked into one and had 6 bedrooms. They lived here for some while, but felt happier when the council moved them into a new development nearby, and the new address was 9 Woodbury which backed onto Newbury Road. Annie soon became frail and had to move downstairs, but she had plenty of care, as 3 of her children lived there with her & she died peacefully in May 1963 aged almost 93. So 1921 census shows them at No 86 Kennington Road; Ted Brewery Tap Manager, Annie Home Duties, 4 children, his brother George Cox with his daughter Lilian, Annie's sister Mary Kate Taylor, nephew James Taylor and widowed aunt Annie Nunn (who I do not know). The Coxes I covered below.

John Taylor (Jack) was born 15 Jun 1882 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King, thus shared the early years with brother Jim. In 1901 census he can be seen aged 18 in Hungerford Road, Lambourn, with parents, brothers Fred & Sid, also Win & Harry Cox (Vic's sibs, who had joined them from London). John was working as Racing Stableman, possibly at the stables on Baydon Road where Annie had lived, but Lambourn was - and still is - famed for its many racing stables. In Jan 1908 in Lambourn he married Emily Victoria Chapman from London and they had 6 children. 1911 census shows them in Mill Lane with the first 2, Jack working as a carpenter for a builder. The only other thing I know about Jack is that he died aged 71 in Lambourn 14 Apr 1954. Emily followed in 1981 at the age of 93. 1921 census showed him at Mill Lane, Lambourn - see below for Alice and sibs - working as a carpenter for local builder. By 1939 he was still at that address, carpenter and millwright, with wife Emily and daughter Doris.

Mary Kate Taylor was born 28 Sep 1886 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King, so shared the early years with Jim & Jack mentioned earlier at the butcher's shop in Lambourn. For some reason in 1901 Vic's siblings Win & Harry Cox were swapped for Kate, Tommy & Harry Taylor and can be seen at 13 Richmond Street, Kennington, Lambeth with Uncle Ted Cox. In Oct 1932 in Islington she married Albert Percy Claxton, known as Percy. I have been studying him and it made very interesting reading. He was born in 1892 in Barton Regis, Bristol to a Professor of Music and grew up in a lovely little village called Pucklechurch (I have been there many years ago). When he left school he worked as a Cardboard Box Maker, and this may have been why he moved to Lambeth, as there was a cardboard box factory there. On 10 Dec 1915 he attested to the Army as a Private, giving his home address as 163 Westminster Bridge Road [near Waterloo Station] and occupation as Barman. He was posted to France on 15 June 1916 but first married local widow Louisa Frances Favell née Shepard - very odd as she was 78 years old at the time! On 30 Nov 1917 he encountered a Gas Shell and was badly afflicted so that he was sent home on 22 Dec 1917, and attached to a Labour Corps unit in Aldershot. However, on 15 Nov 1918 a medical board discharged him with a pension, 2 medals and a Siver War Badge. He had been before a Special Neurasthenia Board on 12 Oct and they evidently upheld this diagnosis [today we would say he suffered from PTSD along with the poisoning effects of the gas - and he was never the same again]. Demobbed back to 15 Stangate Buildings, Upper Marsh, Lambeth [near St Thomas' Hospital now] he can be seen on electoral roll records at that address with Frances. This didn't seem to tally with what Vic said in his book, that Percy made violins and gave him violin lessons over at his house in Highbury. Looking through the records, I have a feeling Percy ran two homes. The name Albert Percy Claxton is unusual, I'm sure you'll agree, and he appeared between 1925 & 1930 at 15 Stangate Buildings with Frances (Favells next door seem to confirm this is her) but also at 99 Calabria Road, Islington with Kate (which tallied with the marriage venue in 1932 and is in Highbury). I don't wish to be mean, but maybe having an elderly wife was becoming a little awkward. Vic doesn't mention that Percy was a widower, or either marriage at all, so the family may not have known. Anyway, in Jan 1932 at 15 Stangate Buildings, aged 93, Louisa died, and later that year Percy & Kate were married in the Highbury area. The next I know is from Vic's book about the time of WW2: "Uncle Percy had brought Auntie Kate down to stay with us [in Lambourn] as they were now living in Perivale in their own house, but within the bombing area [of central London]. So of course Auntie Kate, being our mother's sister, and suffering with crippling rheumatoid arthritis, was glad to come somewhere peaceful, her childhood village. Uncle Percy would go back to look after their house and carry on work. He was now running his own small car, so that made it a bit easier." Percy gave Vic a lift to his barracks in Guldford, where he remained for a while. On gaining a period of leave before shipping to Iceland with his unit, he visited home and again mentioned that Kate was still staying and in need of carrying up & downstairs. After the war Percy & Kate sold their house and moved to Lambourn. They bought a plot of land & a mobile home and had it connected up to electricity and lived there for some 15 years. They had always been friendly with Kate's niece Gwen, who lived at Feltham, near Heathrow and in 1965 they were told they needed to go into nursing homes, only single-sex facilities being available, so they chose to move in with Gwen. They sold their land & bungalow and used the money to build a "Granny-annexe" onto Gwen's house, with their own facilities. Gwen looked after them until 12 Sep 1972, when Kate had a stroke & died in Ashford Hospital, Middlesex. Percy bought a plot of land in Upper Lambourn cemetery and she was cremated locally, then her ashes interred in the plot, Percy joining her 2 years later. I have mentioned her in 1921 - see Harriet Annie above - she was in the very crowded household at 86 Kennington Road, employed as Housekeeper at Riding House Street, Westminster. By 1929 she was in Islington , where she married Percy in 1932. 2018 update: 1939 Register. I did say before that she was crippled with rheumatoid arthritis, and her father Tom was living in Newbury Street next to the Lamb. I have found her next door, in the cottage attached to the pub. The cottage used to be a mill called Tadpole Mill and a stream runs alongside it. I can see it was useful for Kate, as it was on a level with the road. Meanwhile, Percy can be seen with Vic at 14 Rockfield Avenue, Ealing, along with William Dickie, husband of Winnie who helped look after Kate in the cottage, who was a wholesale drapery salesman and Percy was a "travelling insurance agent" but "totally disabled" - I can't see how that would work without the technology of today!

(Maurice) Sidney Taylor was born Oct 1887 in Lambourn to Thomas & Mary Alice née King (I just discovered the first name, as it was certainly never used!) so shared the early years with Mary Kate, Jim & Jack, at Newbury Road, then Hungerford Road, Lambourn. In 1911 he is still at the butcher's shop, now run by eldest brother Harry, working for him as a butcher. In Apr 1916 in Lambeth he married Maud Larcombe, who had been working as a servant very close to his home in Lambourn. They had 3 children and settled in Lambeth, close to family, for a while. I can see by electoral roll records that they lived for at least the period 1924-29 at 63 Monkton Street, Lambeth (maybe earlier, as both the boys were born in Lambeth). They moved out to Sydenham, possibly in 1930, when electoral roll records for them in London stop. Vic says in his book that although he saw them a lot in his early childhood ("Auntie Maud was a bit on the plump side and inclined to be jolly"), when they moved away they didn't tell the family and lost touch. Maud died there aged 49 in Jan 1942 but I cannot find a record for Sid. 1921 census helps a little, showing him as Sidney with wife and 3 children at 86 Kennington Road, another household in 2 rooms apart from the Coxes in 6. He was a labourer employed by Watneys brewery in Pimlico. I still cannot find a death for him, but I don't know what name to search under.

18th February 2023

As I said in my blog of 2015: So, time to move on. I have some Taylors to polish off. This branch links to the Coxes, my grandfather's mother's family. Her brother married a Taylor, and regular readers will remember Vic Cox's book (now sadly out of print) detailing his family life - those were his parents.

Alice Louisa Taylor was born 27 May 1908 in Lambourn, Berkshire and can be seen there in 1911 census, aged 2 at Mill Lane with parents & brother. In Sep 1931 in Lambourn she married Philip Ford from Bradfield, also Berkshire (22 miles away), son of a farrier/blacksmith (who fought in WW1 & was awarded meritorious medals). As far as I can see, they may have had one child Carol, born in Poole. Philip died in 1984 aged 76 and Alice in 1995 aged 87. 2018 update: In 1939 they can be seen with no children at Riverside Cottage, Hungerford [nowadays a fishing cottage available to rent]. Philip was listed as "shoeing and general smith, acetylene welder". Daughter Carol is still a possibility, although Poole, where her birth was registered, is 70 miles away, not in Berkshire at all. 1921 census shows her at Mill Lane, Lambourn with parents and siblings. Father John was a carpenter employed by a local builder, mother Emily Home Duties and the eldest 4 children were at school. From electoral roll records I can see that she and Philip lived at Riverside Cottage for many years; probably from marriage in 1931 and she was still there when she died in 1995.

Cissie Alice Taylor was born 19 Jun 1905 in Lambeth, London to William & Dewey née Cox and was christened there 6 Aug 1905 at St Paul's church, Lorrimore Square. She can be seen in census of 1911 staying with her grandmother & uncles - her father and his 3 children had moved to Lambourn to his in-laws when his wife died in 1908, and he had a butcher's shop - in Newbury Street, Lambourn. When their father died in 1920, Cis and her sister Florence (known in the family for some reason as Dot) went to live with their aunt Harriet (mother of Vic, the author) for a while, then with aunt (Mary) Kate Taylor & her family in Highbury. It was here that she met Welshman Brinley Islwyn Rees and married him in Jan 1929 at St Pancras (he had been in the navy in WW1). They settled nearby and electoral roll records show them in 1930 at 6 Cantelowes Road, Pancras, in 1931 44 Russell Square, Holborn with brother (William) James Taylor, in 1932 48 St John's Road, Islington, in 1933-4 29 Highgate Road, Pancras [now modern buildings] Then in 1935 they were lodging over a newsagent at 16 Fortress Road, Pancras with a fellow Welshman Mr Evans [now a cyber café] In 1938 & 9 they can be seen at 21 Lupton Street. As far as I can see, they only had one daughter, with the lovely name of Velma Ceredwin Elmid Rees. Brinley died aged 61 in Cheltenham, Gloucester where he was probably staying with Velma and/or her husband Hilary's family. After his death Cissie moved to Surrey - in 1964 she can be seen at 1 Old Ford House, Beddington. She retired down to Cornwall in her later years, and died there in Apr 1999 aged 93 at St Germans. In 2002 Velma still lived in Cornwall (latest records I could find). Vic had already "told me" (in his book) what was the case in the 1920s: "When Uncle Henry died in 1920 it was thought better for Dot and Cis to come to us, as Grandma was over 70 by this time.After settling down and living with us for a while,it was arranged for Cis to go and stay with Auntie Kate and Percy at Highbury." So 1921 census shows Cis and Florence (Dot) at Newbury Street, Lambourn with widowed grandmother Mary Alice (nee King) and uncle Frederick. Mary had Home Duties (with help from the girls, no doubt) and Frederick was a butcher, running the family business butchers shop there. with his brother Tom (also at the same address with wife and 3 children).

Florence Lilian Taylor aka Dot was with Cis in Lambourn - see above

as was Frederick Taylor, their uncle

Frederick John William Taylor was brother of Alice above, although 13 years younger, so appeared in the same 1921 household as a baby. I haven't dealt with him before as there are multiples of his name, including one with the same parents' names. So I was lucky to catch him as above.  I think that in 1946 he emigrated to Africa (giving home address as Mill Lane, Lambourn) and died there in 1974.

The same applies to his sister Gladys Emily Taylor, on the same sheet. She was 6 years younger than Alice, so appeared in 1921 aged 7. I see that in 1939 she travelled to USA and worked as a children's nurse, but lose track of her after that. She may have died in Swindon in 1992 (record has exact middle name) but equally she may have married etc.

17th February 2023

Mary Ann Small was born 10 Jan 1849 in St Giles (2 years after my gg grandmother, her sister) and christened at Holy Trinity, Kingsway, Holborn. In 1851 she was with parents and sisters at 8 Bennetts Court, Marylebone. The writing is bad and I spent ages looking for her as her age was transcribed as 8, when she was 2! In 1861 census she can be seen aged 12 at 5 St Anne's Court, Westminster (Devil's Acre). In 1871 she was at 3 Lawrence Street, St Giles with my gg grandparents, her sister Louisa & family, and was married from here a few weeks later to Richard Catling from Bethnal Green who was at that time working nearby at the Crown & Anchor, as potman. Richard & Mary Ann settled in this area, known as St George in the East, now part of Soho, and had 9 children. Unfortunately this was a very bad area and 6 of them died in infancy. In 1881 census they can be seen there at 11 Mayfields Buildings with one daughter, having lost 5 other children aged between 0 and 5, Richard & Mary Ann lived there until 1888, then  In 1891 census they can be seen at 18 Bett Street, where they remained for nearly 20 years. In Oct 1898 Richard died there aged 48, and in 1901 census Mary Ann is there widowed with the 3 children (Harriet a bookfolder, Arthur a drapers assistant). Mary Ann continued at this address until 1909, but by 1911 census had moved - again into the next road - and can be seen at 127a St George Street. This was an interesting address, as it was no doubt "above the shop" for daughter Harriet, who worked at a "wholesale & manufacturing stationers". 2018 update: Her fiancé Richard was witness at Louisa & Reuben's marriage the year before he married her. I suspect the death in West Ham in Jan 1932 is hers. Incidentally, her son Arthur Catling was a sergeant in the metropolitan police force in Hackney. 1921 census shows her at the same address as 1911; 127a, with daughter Harriet and 2 boarders, also daughter Ada and her family (husband, 4 children, brother-in-law and mother-in-law) in a separate household at the same address. 127 was a newsagents/stationers, as I said above, and I see it was run by J & B Dodsworth & Co. Apparently the company went into "voluntary liquidation" in 1932, possibly at Mary Ann's death. Harriet then moved to Camberwell and can be seen with my great greatuncle Edmund Woodford, her cousin, in Camberwell in 1939. By 1946 she had moved to Lambeth, where she died. Mary Ann died on 6 Mar 1932 and was buried at Manor Park Cemetery in plot B/16 on 9 March.

Robert Mayes Small was born Oct 1859 in the St George Hanover Square area to Henry & Mary Ann née Edwards and the first we see of him he is aged 11 at 42 Kings Street, St Giles with parents & sibs. In 1881 census he can be seen at 10 White Lion Street, Chelsea with parents, aged 21 & working as a Stableman. By 1891 he is at 4 Chester Cottages, Belgravia, with mother, working as a Builder's labourer. In Oct 1892 at St George's he married Annie Maria Lambourne, who had been born in Buckinghamshire but was living with her brother in Southwark and working as a servant. They settled in the area and had 5 children, although one, Robert, died in infancy, and when the next arrived within the year he was named John Robert, and called Robert. Electoral roll records show they moved around a very small area for the next few years, firstly in 1900 the address was 3 Susannah Place, although in 1901 census this included a fairly illegible road name something like Scarnl Row, an alley off Elizabeth Street, Pimlico, [now unfortunately under Victoria Coach Station] which was probably in Susannah Place, and they had 3 children. In 1908 the address was 4a Robert Row, then in 1910 they were at 3 Robert Place. I think in those days people took rooms where they could, and landlords moved them about, as these were all alleys/courts very close by. By 1911 census the roads had been renamed and Robert & family can be seen at 19 Commercial Road with 3 children. The address was the same in 1915, and then in Jan 1919 Annie died there. I'm not sure where Robert lived for the next few years, as there are multiples of his name (without the unusual middle name) in various areas, but on 18 Jun 1927 he was admitted to Christchurch Workhouse, Southwark and on 20th discharged by transfer to hospital. It doesn't state which one but he died the following spring in the Chelsea registration area. I suspect his son John Robert lived there and he may have been with him. Again 1921 census helped out - he can be seen in the void mentioned above, with an attempt at the middle name, unfortunately transcribed as "Mary" at 3 Ross Street, St George's Hanover Square. This road no longer exists but appears to have been off Ebury Bridge Road in Pimlico. Robert was 62, a widowed roadsweeper, with daughter Mary Jane a 23-year-old charwoman at the Royal Court Hotel and son John Robert 18 a porter, employed locally. Mary Jane married a few weeks later and moved to Page Street, Westminster. John can be seen with her in 1939, after the death of their father in 1928.

Sidney Alfred Small was born 2 Jul 1886 in the area called St George Hanover Square to the middle Henry George Small and Louisa née Judd. He is first seen in records in 1891 census, aged 4 living at 53 Monson Road, Deptford with parents & sibs. He evidently went to school at the end of the road, Monson Infants school, until on 12 Feb 1894 aged 7 he was transferred to Cold Blow Lane Temporary School - on the same site - then on 14 Dec 1896 to Ivydale School, Nunhead. At this point Henry gave their address as 59 Linden Grove, nearby. However, the next few years were not good. As I mentioned when dealing with Henry , the family were admitted & discharged from several workhouses over the next decade or so. In the first record I can see, the 4 children were admitted to the Greenwich Workhouse, Woolwich Road on 14 Oct 1896 because their "mother was in Casual Ward", admitted by the Master because they were Destitute. They were discharged the next day - I'm not sure what was going on, but one naturally suspects alcohol to play a part. Maybe this is unfair, but this situation repeats throughout the records. They were admitted again "by police" on 27 Oct 1896 (ie 2 weeks later) to Lewisham Union Workhouse, High Street, then on 6 Nov 1896 discharged "to Anerley Schools". On 24 Nov they were again admitted to Greenwich, this time with the note "deserted by father, mother in prison" but again discharged the next day "to Sutton". The Anerley Schools were Industrial Schools, part of the Workhouse system, and they should have been at least secure there. Maybe they kept running away... The whole family was admitted on 1 Jan 1898, then "discharged to Sutton" 2 days later, followed by another trip in June that year for Louisa & the children. In June 1898 Sidney was admitted to the National School of St Barnabas, giving the address 3 Susannah Place. On 4 Sep 1915 in Guildford he married Ada Chessell and settled there. He was a driver and gunner for the RFA in WW1 but discharged in 1918 due to lung problems. 1921 census shows them at Farley Green, Surrey, Sidney a builder's labourer. They were still there in 1939, but Sidney was by then a gardener and he died on 3 Mar 1956 at Royal Surrey County Hospital, giving the same home address. He left effects worth £1550 to Ada and she died there also on 30 Jul 1975 (aged 85) leaving £16591.

16th February 2023

Henry George Small 2 was born 26 May 1853 in the St Georges Hanover Square area, probably Little Chester Street. As I said yesterday, the 1861 census for this family is missing, so straight on to 1871, where he can be seen with parents & brothers, aged 17 at 42 King Street, St Giles, working as a porter. On 12 Jul 1879 at St Saviour, Upper Chelsea he married Louisa Mary Judd, daughter of a coachman, his occupation described as "Umbrella Finisher". 1881 census shows that they didn't move far from his parents; they can be seen at 29 D'Oyley Street, off Sloane Street. By 1901 they had moved again & can be seen in the census at 11 Chadwick Street, Westminster. Things are not looking good - although only 2 children are at home, Henry has had to take work as a General Labourer. Then Louisa died very shortly after the census was taken, so in 1911 census Henry is shown widowed, at 2 St Andrews Terrace, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Westminster. Looking into what he did next, I uncovered a huge network of paperwork showing workhouse visits, starting in 1898, when Henry & Louisa had been admitted along with their 4 children (the eldest Harry was away in the army), the reason given was "destitution". Louisa & the children returned home, but Henry had to return in March, leaving at the end of May. Later records show a similar story in 1908-20 when Henry was in & out of the workhouses at City Road, Holborn (previously called St Lukes) and St Pancras workhouse. Notes suggest the reason was that he was unable to work through illness, as he is listed as "not able-bodied" and is given a "diet for the infirm". In 1921 records shift to Camberwell , he is listed as "caretaker" but discharged because of "paralysis" to Cane Hill Asylum in Coulsdon, Surrey. He must have been discharged into the care of one of his children, as he died in Dec 1941 in Chelsea aged 88. 2018 update: on leaving the asylum he went to live with Daisy and her family at Bessborough Place, just off Vauxhall Bridge Road. His death was registered in the Chelsea area, just up the road. He was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery. 1921 census listed him as a patient (among many pages of such) in Tooting Bec Mental Hospital. 1939 Register sees him at Bessborough Place with Daisy, as I said..

James Frederick Small 2 was born Oct 1856 and in 1871 he can be seen aged 14 at 42 Kings Street, as above. On 4 Oct 1879 at St George's Bloomsbury he married local girl Julia Jane Rogers, carpenter's daughter. In 1881 census they can be seen at 24 Cook's Road, Walworth with baby son (who later died aged 4 - only 3 out of 5 survived). James was at that time working as a Collar Cutter, which I understand was part of shirt manufacture, so maybe he worked at a local workshop/factory. However, it evidently was not to his taste as he soon joined his brother Robert on the buses. In 1891 census he can be seen at 19 Aspland Grove, Hackney and he is working as a conductor. This meant in those days standing on the back of a jolting horse-drawn vehicle, taking fares & helping passengers on & off. By 1901 census (taken in March of that year) he has trained up and now describes himself as Bus driver, living at 102 St Paul Road, Walworth, Southwark with 1 daughter. In October of that year another daughter, Ann was born, but died 3 months later. Unfortunately Julia was by now 44 years old, and she died on 9 Jul 1902and left effects worth £5 to James. On 8 Apr 1905 at St Cuthbert, Kensington he married Sarah Elizabeth Turley, whose father was a butler, and they settled in Croydon. Unfortunately the father Joseph died very shortly afterwards and in 1911 census James & Sarah can be seen at 125 Boston Road, West Croydon, and Sarah's widowed mother Elizabeth Turley is living with them. James died aged 86 in Sep 1943 in Uxbridge, which I was a little puzzled about, then I saw that Sarah died in Uxbridge too, and I could see her in the last couple of years of her life in a nursing home, Elmfield, Fairfield Road, Uxbridge, one of 22 residents. She died aged 93 in Sep 1964. So again 1921 census shone a light into a dark area, illuminating their life in Eastbourne, about which I knew nothing. It seems they ran a house of several apartments, renting out 2 rooms to each of 3 households - still there, a lovely place, by the pier, very near the seafront. They were still there in 1939, but James was by then in his 80s. Sarah presumably carried on until she couldn't manage and by 1943 they were back in London.

Louisa Annie Small (sister of Ernest & Daisy) was born 28 Nov 1883 to Henry George & Louisa née Judd, probably at 29 D'Oyley Street, Chelsea and christened on 21 Dec 1884 at Holy Trinity. She can be seen in census of 1891 aged 7 at 53 Monson Road, Deptford with parents & sibs, then was admitted to the Greenwich Workhouse, in Woolwich Road 3 miles away. I have just had sight of the workhouse admission record and all becomes clear - or not! I assume it reads "Deserted by father, Mother in Prison". A little more digging came up with a previous admission of the children with their mother into the Workhouse at Lewisham, stating that they were admitted by the Police. Evidently Henry had abandoned them at this point - 27 Oct 1896 - and Louisa was subsequently imprisoned. The Lewisham Workhouse had passed the children on to Greenwich, as they belonged to the parish. I cannot find any discharge records, but a year later they were re-admitted on 1 Jan 1898 to Greenwich again, this time the entire family (except son Harry in the army), giving home address as 3 Armada Street. As Henry is there, I assume he returned (voluntarily or not) and as I said in his segment, he had to return to the workhouse alone in March of that year, and many times in the decades hat followed. By this time Louisa Annie was 15, and soon left home. She can be seen in the next census (1901) working as a barmaid at The Buck's Head, 55 St John's Road, Battersea (now a betting office). On 3 Jun 1906 at St Luke's church, Chelsea she married Stephen Charles Russell, farmer's son from Sussex. Stephen was listed as labourer on his marriage certificate, and can be seen in 1911 working at a scrap-iron works, living at 2 St Andrews Terrace, Vauxhall Bridge Road. In the same house was Henry with Daisy & Ernest, by then in their 20s & Ernest was working as a coal porter for a coal merchant, Henry was labourer & road sweeper for Bow Council. They must have moved back to Sussex after this, as when Stephen died there in 1929 he was living at Cornford's Cottages, Punnetts Town, Heathfield. 1921 census shows them there, with a family called Lavender next door - daughter Dorothy subsequently married into this family. Stephen was a bricklayer's labourer employed by a local builder, Louisa Home Duties and the two boys were 9 and 7, at school. There was also a boarder the same age as William. In 1939 Register the family was still in the area, but Louisa had remarried. Her new husband was George Thomson, a saddlers harness maker from Scotland. William was still with her, now 26 and an Ag Lab. She died in the Surrey Mid-eastern region, i.e. Woking, Guildford etc in Oct 1943. There are lots of deaths for George Thomsons in Sussex, Scotland and all points between.

15th February 2023

Next I would like to study the family of another great grandparent, Louisa Small:

Alice Elizabeth Small (her elder sister) was born at Little Wild Street, Bloomsbury, London (then Middlesex) on 29 Sep 1844 to James Frederick & Margaret née Miles (11 weeks after their marriage) and was christened there at St George's on 10 Nov 1844. She was in 1851 census with parents and sisters at 18 Bennetts Court. 2018 update:  marriage to John Daly in Marylebone and one of the witnesses was her sister Louisa. John Daly was a bricklayer but the next time we hear of her he has left her. She was admitted to Westminster Union Workhouse 12 May 1868, with what they described as "Bad Breast" and had a child she named Margaret Mary (after her mother) 5 days later, with the note "husband absent". She readmitted "herself & child" on 26 May and 16 June, but I cannot track either of them down after this. I have since found that the baby died in September of that year, but John evidently did not leave her permanently. as she had 2 further children - in 1872 and 1880 - but then John died in 1881 at Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum. [Incidentally, I think I may have found how they met. In 1861 he was a widower with a servant by her name, in  the Berwick Street area] Electoral roll records show her at 4 Thurlow Park Road, Lambeth 1919-1928, so it wasn't a surprise to find her at that address in 1921 census. She can be seen there aged 71, along with two other families and a visitor, listed with Home Duties. She didn't survive until 1939, so was not on the Register.

Daisy Ethel Small was the 4th child of Louisa's cousin Henry, born 4 Jul 1888 at New Cross (registered Greenwich). She spent a very disrupted childhood, in and out of workhouses and Poor Law schools with her siblings, as her parents were not able to look after the children. In one record it states "mother in prison", while Daisy was at South Metropolitan District School in Sutton, Surrey! Her father was in and out of the workhouse through her early years, but by the time she was 12 things must have taken an upturn - possibly due to her brothers bringing in wages. She was baptised in the Roman Catholic church at that age, and they lived at 11 Chadwick Street. Brother Harry went into the army and in 1901 census they could be seen at Chadwick Street, with several other households, but evidently settled. Her mother Louisa died a few weeks later. By the time of the next census, they had moved half a mile, to Vauxhall Bridge Road, where Henry can be seen working as a road sweeper for the council and Ernest was a coal porter. Daisy herself got married shortly after this, to Frederick Ernest Bowers. He was a Hawker (Salesman), who had also spent a lot of time in workhouses and industrial schools, so maybe that was how they met. In 1939 Register Daisy can be seen at 31 Bessborough Place, Westminster with 4 "children" - Frederick 24 a builder's labourer, Lilian 20 Shop Assistant, Rose 19 Chemist's Assistant and Henry 16 Delivery Boy. Also one closed file, could be a younger child I don't know of, but all I can see around the redaction is "office". Henry Small - her father - is with them, still evidently an "umbrella finisher". Although Daisy is listed as a widow, I suspect this was an assumption on the part of the enumerator, as Frederick can be seen in Alton, Hampshire, hop-picking, with his brother Joe. I cannot find a death record for him, but Daisy died in Kensington, London in the July quarter of 1973. 1921 census shows them at 31 Bessborough Place with 4 children and her widowed father. Frederick was a carman and Henry a night watchman. In 1934 Frederick's army pension document (at his death) gave this same address, as did 1939 Register (see above)and electoral roll from 1919. By 1959 it seems she had moved a few doors along - she was at 27 while daughter Lilian was still at 31 - so maybe, being 71 years old she needed a ground-floor room.

Ernest Stanley Small was Daisy's brother, born 5 Sep 1890 in Deptford. As with Daisy, he spent a lot of his childhood in and out of workhouses and industrial schools and can also be seen at home in 1901 and 1911 censuses, in the latter listed as a coal porter. On 26 Apr 1914 at St Saviour's Battersea Park, he married Amy Louise Smith and they can be seen together in 1939 Register. The house they lived in is fascinating, as it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and built 1929-35, in a stylish chequerboard pattern. It still stands today as in 1970 it was listed. These flats were little, but classy. Ernest was working then as a Road Sweeper and an agent of the ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Decontamination Service. He died in Jan 1953 aged 62 and Amy 3 years later. 1921 census slips into the void between marriage and this, and for a long time I couldn't find them anywhere. But I have tracked them down at a place called Punnett's Town, nr Hailsham, East Sussex - and there is a second child! Henry George Small was born to them in Jan 1921, and appeared on the census aged 5m. Agnes was 6 and at school, Ernest had to describe himself as "general labourer out of work" and they were soon back in London (by 1925). They moved into Peabody Buildings, in Wild Street, Covent Garden, and I understand employment was good in that area. They lived in several different Peabody flats over the years and were still there when he died in 1953, probably still a roadsweeper.

 Henry George Small 3 aka Harry was born 11 Aug 1881 at 29 D'Oyley Street, Chelsea to HGS 2 and Louisa Mary née Judd and christened 30 Oct 1881 at Holy Trinity Chelsea. As he missed the census of 1881, the first record is when he started school at Cold Blow Lane School, Lewisham. He can be seen in census of 1891 at 53 Monson Road with parents & sibs. On 26 Oct 1894 aged 13 he left school to become a "Newspaper Boy" - I don't know if this meant he worked for a newspaper or he just delivered them! In census of 1901 he can be seen at the Dorchester Cavalry Barracks, listed as a Gunner in the Royal Horse Artillery. and in 1911 he can be seen in Ipswich, posted to the Royal Artillery Barracks there and listed as Acting Bombardier. Following electoral roll records, his home address in 1909-11 was 64 Keppel Street, Chelsea. On 22 Dec 1912 at St Saviour, Battersea he married Emma Oake, daughter of a local bookie, who was working as a servant in Chiswick. Harry was described as a Brass Finisher. Electoral roll records show that after his marriage he lived at several addresses in Green Street, Chelsea 1912-15, then 1921-35 at 3 Kinnerton Place North [this has recently gone up for sale for £2m - and it has just one bedroom!] They had 2 sons, both born in Wandsworth, where Emma's father lived. 2018 update: He died in 1937, so was not on the 1939 Register. Emma can be seen on that at 36 Treswell Road, Dagenham. This fits in with the (unexpected for me then) fact that Harry's death was registered in the Romford area. They were on electoral roll records until 1935 in Westminster, but must have moved to Essex shortly afterwards. Son Albert can be seen in 1939 Register aged 17 working as an assembler in a Motor Works - probably Ford. Emma was UDD (housewife). She is shown as a widow and his probate document shows he moved to Essex with her and died there in 1937. 1921 census shows them at 69 Parkside Street, Battersea [gone now], Harry a clerk employed by a Kenyan mining company in Bishopsgate (this is why he did so well!), Emma Home Duties and the boys at school.

14th February 2023

On to the Hattons. This is a small file for 1921 updates, as most of my ancestors were before this era.

Emma Jane Hatton was born in Old Dalby to Herbert & Ann née Biddles. She can be seen in censuses of 1891 in Old Dalby (from the positioning of the census, probably in Debdale Hill) aged 2, then in 1901 the family have relocated to Ragdale Old Hall [demolished 1958], only 3.5 miles away, and farmed the land adjacent to the hall and were still there in 1911. In Apr 1918 she married Walter Edmund Pickard, who had been born in Long Clawson (where the Stilton cheese still comes from) and lived most of his life in Thrussington, the next village to Old Dalby. Emma & Walter married in the Melton Mowbray Registration Area, which could mean Thrussington Church, but more likely Ragdale. As it appears they did not have any children, the next we hear is Walter's death on 19 Jul 1938 at Leicester Royal Infirmary, giving his address as Thrussington, and leaving £2234 to Emma and two farmers I don't know - probably friends. Emma followed, but many years later - she died in Jan 1975 in the Leicestershire Central registration area. 2018 update: baptised on 17 Jun 1888 at Old Dalby. I have also picked up more information at the other end of her life. I wasn't sure where in Leicestershire she died, but now have this on her probate document. She died aged 86 at 19 Shirley Drive, Syston, Leics on 9 Feb 1975, leaving £14,857 but the records don't say to whom by then. Oddly, I seem to have missed out telling you the 1939 Register for this branch.Walter died the previous year, so she appears as widow, with daughter Mary, Emma UDD and Mary 19-year-old Drapers Shop Assistant, living at The Green, Thrussington. It also tells us that Mary went on to become Webster at marriage. 1921 census shows them at what is described as "Thrussington, near Leicester" - nobody gives any more detail than this on the forms - although filed as "Ratcliffe=on-the-Wreake, Barrow-upon-Soar". Walter is shown as Farmer, Emma Home Duties, Mary a year old.

Frances Mary Hatton was born to Francis and Charlotte nee Lovett in Jul 1882 in Nether Broughton. She can be seen in census of 1891 with the family (her mother, step-father, half-sibs etc) at the Old Manor House, Long Clawson. Then in 1901 she can be seen at 13 Eldon Place, Bradford, working as a draper's assistant in a large drapery business, along with 23 other assistants, 3 cashiers & 5 domestic staff as well as her employer's family [Eldon Place is a listed building, now part of Bradford Regional College] She was evidently trained as a milliner, as that is what appeared on her marriage certificate, when on 24 Mar 1907 in Bedford she married Arthur Ernest Pears, commercial clerk from Melton Mowbray. They lived in Bedford for some years and had 2 sons there, but were back in Nottinghamshire when they died in 1952, Arthur 19 Feb and Frances 16 Sep, leaving effects worth £4500 to their sons, by then a local government officer & a solicitor. 1921 census shows them living at 38 South Road, West Bridgford, Notts, Arthur an employer with his own hosiery business in Ashforth Street, Nottingham [there were a lot of factories in that area doing this, demolished in recent years.] Frances had Home Duties and two sons at school. By 1939 Arthur was manager of the hosiery company, Frances UDD and son Frank (aged 30) a Solicitor and part-time stretcher bearer. Reginald was married and living in Basford.

Herbert William Hatton was born Jan 1853 in Old Dalby to William & Jane née Woodford. Thus he can be seen in censuses 1861-81 in Dalby then Nether Broughton. In Jan 1888 he married Ann Biddles, whose parents ran the Six Hills Hotel at Willoughby [nowadays a rather run-down mock-tudor rambling place - it is difficult to see what exists from 150 years ago], then worked as a servant in Thorpe-in-the-Glebe, 6 miles to the west. They settled in Dalby - I suspect he inherited/leased the same grazing land his father worked some decades before - and raised 4 children there. In 1897 they moved to Ragdale and had the final child (Mabel) there. Thus he can be seen in 1891 census in Dalby-on-the-wolds working as grazier/farmer with 2 children, then in 1901 in part of Old Hall, Ragdale with 5 children. They were still there in 1911, but Herbert died there aged 76 on 12 Jan 1929, leaving effects worth £7394 to widow Ann & eldest daughter Emma. Ann lived in the Melton Mowbray area until she died in Apr 1950 aged 87. 1921 census shows him with wife and 2 youngest daughters (*) at Old Hall, Herbert a farmer, employing a farm servant, one Owen Lloyd, who unsurprisingly was Welsh. These daughters helped with Home Duties. Eldest daughter Emma was married - see above - the two eldest boys died in their 20s. By 1939 Register Herbert had died, so Ann can be seen alone, listed at The Elms, Ragdale, where she still was in 1950 when she died.

Laura Annie Hatton was one of the daughters mentioned above (*) so was with her parents as above in 1921. I said in 2015 she was the last of the children of Herbert & Ann born in Dalby, so can only be seen with them in censuses of 1901 & 1911 in Ragdale. In Jan 1933 she married Ebenezer Cross, dairy farmer's son from Upper Broughton (one of 16 children!). It seems they had no children, which is not surprising as they married later than most, Ebenezer dying in Oct 1956 aged 74, Laura on 28 Sep 1862 aged 66. Laura left effects worth £3895 to Thomas Herbert Cross (who may be a nephew as Ebenezer's brother Thomas had died by then).She can be seen with Ebenezer in the Register at The Lodge, Hillcrest, Bingham, he a Dairy Farmer, and 2 closed files. I discovered in 2018 that these were two children I didn't know she had, both in her fifties! Ruth born 1933 and Thomas 1936, died 2017 and 2015. So the "nephew" was a son.

Mabel Elizabeth Hatton  was the other daughter (*) who went on to marry George Boulter in 1923 and in 1939 can be seen with him at Main Street, Hoby, again a Dairy Farm, and 2 closed files. These may be children, but all I could find was a Francis George/George Francis whose mother had the right maiden-name. Mabel died aged 81 in Oct 1979, in the Melton Mowbray area and George aged 84 in 1982 in Leicester.

12th February 2023

Thomas Caffyn Gamble (great greatuncle) was born on 10 Sep 1859 in Mortlake to James & Harriet nee Hawkins and christened there on 30 Oct. (I like to spell his name with a "y" as his christening record is spelled this way, and there was a famous local cricketer at his peak at this time called William Caffyn, although a lot of Thomas' records are spelled Caffin). He can be seen on the census return of 1861 aged 1.5 at Back Street with parents & brothers (see Maria below). In 1871 he is lodging with a ?colleague of his father, Richard day, carrier. In 1881 he is working at 43 Wimpole Street as groom to a stockbroker - a very prestigious address indeed [nowadays the home of several Harley Street private consultants]. In Jul 1884 he married Lucy Woods in Islington and we know from the birthplace of the first 2 children that he worked in Knightsbridge in 1885 & 1888. In 1891 & 1901 census they can be seen at 7 Colestown Street, Battersea, Richard employed as a horse cab-driver, and they had 2 further children here. In 1903 Lucy died and in Jan 1910 Thomas married Agnes Daley in Wandsworth, subsequently having a daughter later that year, who died in infancy. In 1911 they can be seen at 17 Warriner Gardens, Battersea. Agnes died here in 1919 aged 56 & Thomas in 1939 in S E Surrey. When Agnes died they were living at 11 Victoria Terrace, Queens Road, Battersea, but then Thomas moved on. As he didn't live until the 1939 Register, 1921 census was the last picture of him, and he can be seen at 19 Sharsted Street, Newington with a housekeeper Christina MacTaggart and another family called Robinson. I just noticed a visitor on the sheet completed by Mr Robinson, called Louisa Ayress. This is such an unusual name she must be related to sister Maria's family (although I don't know of her).

Victoria Louisa Gamble was born on 22 Jun 1897 to Edward & Mary Ann nee Pitt in Lambeth & christened on 14 Jul 1897 at St James, Kennington Park Road, along with her cousins, twins Victoria & George Ayress. She can be seen in census return of 1901 aged 3 at 1 Richmond Corrages, Walnut Tree Walk and she started at Walnut Tree Walk School on 2 Jul 1900 from there. In 1911 she is at 7 Walton Terrace with father & sibs (see brother Richard below). Although I have searched for her many times, I have never quite sorted her story out, so was hoping to solve they mystery with 1921 census. However, she is seen visiting friends, which doesn't help a lot. All I can glean from this is her occupation at the time; she was a Grill Hand in a restaurant in High Holborn [I see that this was called The Lounge Bar until recently, but has just been renovated for resale/rental]. Also visiting with her was a colleague Gladys Gabbitas, Kitchen Hand at the same venue. I understand from another genealogist that Victoria died in 1977 but I cannot find a record to this effect. Another possibility was that she married James Burnell in 1954 in Harrow and died under this name in 1968.

William Alfred J Gamble (known as Billy in the family was my Mum's cousin, born on 9 Oct 1919 in Lambeth. As a small child he lived in the Brixton area with his parents, the electoral roll shows them at 121 Denmark Road, SE5 1924-27, which was evidently a shop at one time (the ER in 1924 notes workshops & railway arches used for storage).From 1945-56 they lived at 11 Montem Road, Forest Hill, but in Apr 1956 Billy married Beatrice J A Smitten in Finsbury. She was always called Betty in the family and came from Solihull, Birmingham. They had 4 children & Billy died in Jan 1982 at Forest Hill. Betty only died fairly recently 24 Apr 2011 in Scotland. 2018 update: he lived at home with parents and brother in 1939, both messengers. 1921 census shows him as a baby living with parents at 22 Camberwell Grove, next door to grandparents at 24.

His father William Isaac George Gamble (Uncle Bill) was my Grandad's eldest brother, born 5 Oct 1894 in 12 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth & christened at Emmanuel church on 28 Oct. He started school on 2 Feb 1903, attending Walnut Tree Walk School. He can be seen at 14 Clayton Buildings on census returns of 1901 & 1911 with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as District Messenger. On 21 Aug 1918 St Mary Lambeth he married Margaret French, known in the family as Aunt Mag. At first they lived next door to Isaac in 22 Camberwell Grove, but soon moved to "live over the shop". They had 3 children, but unfortunately the 3rd child Iris only lived to the age of 4. Her death was registered in Camberwell, so perhaps they lived part of the time in each place. I cannot find any more on them until Uncle Bill Died in Oct 1959 in Lambeth & Aunt Mag in Jan 1982 in Forest Hill  2018 update: I now know that in 1939 Bill & Mag were at Forsyth Road and he was a Taxi Driver, Aunt Mag an Office Cleaner, the boys Messengers. I had been very concerned that she and her son died at the same place, same time but I see now that Aunt Mag probably went to stay with Billy & Betty so they could care for her and Billy aged 62 succumbed too. I can't see a serious epidemic, but flu' is with us every winter and this was the January quarter. 1921 census catches them at 22 Camberwell Grove, next door to parents and sibs. Bill described himself as a taxi driver employed by George Williams of Vaughan Road (just down the road, by Kings College Hospital). Mag had Household Duties.

11th February 2023

Marion Edith Kitty Gamble 2015: she was born Jul 1902, a few weeks after her parents' marriage - Joseph & Marion née Quinney - in Lyndhurst, Hants - see Joseph Francis below. She can be seen aged 8 on 1911 census with parents & 4 sisters at Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst. In Jan 1926 she married local lad Frederick Baden Harry Lovell. I cannot see that they had any children and they died in Somerset in 1965 & 67. 2018 update: christening and 1939 Register. The former was on 5 Oct 1902 in Lyndhurst, Hants and the latter furnished me with an exact date of birth of 5 Aug 1902 and an address in 1939 of (what is now) 25 Wellands Road, Westhill, Lyndhurst. She can be seen there with husband Frederick, a Builder's Foreman and wartime Special Policeman, and two brothers Robert and Joseph Gamble, both builders. I knew about one of them, but had missed Joseph the youngest, so this was useful. Next door was home to Frederick's mother, sister, brother and sister-in-law. His mother had been widowed in 1918 and she died in 1954. Frederick followed in 1965 and Marion in 1967. 1921 census shows her at Pikes Avenue Lyndhurst with parents and sibs - see below - working as a waitress. The writing is hard to decipher, but it looks like she was employed by Misselbrook & Weston, a grocery shop which was quite large, so may have had a staff canteen and she worked there. She married 5 years later.

Mary Ann Hatton Gamble (my 2xgreat greataunt) was born in Aug 1832 in Mortlake to James & Mary Ann Hatton and christened there on 30 Sep 1832. She can be seen on census returns of 1841 aged 8 at High Street Mortlake with parents & brothers, 1851 at Churchfields aged 18 School Teacher, then 1861 at School House with parents & boarders. On 17 Feb 1862 she married James Pearce born 1842 at St Giles Camberwell, and the witnesses were Jonathan Pearce & Ann Edmonds. These are often the Best Man & Chief Bridesmaid, and I suspect Jonathan was a cousin of James. James gave his occupation as Bailiff but on 1871 census they are at High Street Mortlake too & he is listed as a Cow-keeper from Coombe, Devon. In census of 1881 she can be seen at Wandsworth Lane, Putney with a 4-year-old son Ernest and running a Coffee-House. Now, when I was working on this family before , I found another marriage to a J Pearce born 1842 & thought they had Renewed their Vows in 1885. But as soon as I started this week a new record appeared in front of me (courtesy of Ancestry) - that rarest of things in times past - a Divorce! I have a wonderful scan of the hand-scribed document, filed in 1883 and citing one Jonathan Pearce as co-respondent! Apparently she had committed adultery with him on or before Sep 1876 (hence Ernest) and left James on 29 Sep 1877, presumably with 3-month child in tow, to move in with Jonathan. Three addresses are quoted where she may have committed adultery, so there could have been a private investigator involved too. They married in Apr 1885 at Wandsworth (the decree absolute came through in Feb 1885) & can be seen on census return of 1891 at 2 Fields Mews, York Road, Wandsworth with son Ernest & a boarder. Jonathan, who was a tailor, was noted as being "partly blind" - common amongst his trade! In subsequent censuses what I suspect is the same property is called 415 York Road, and Ernest gradually becomes head of household. Jonathan by 1911 is listed as Stall Keeper (presumably in the market) as his eyesight deteriorated, and Ernest a wood-turner & tool-grinder the main bread-winner, Mary Ann is Housekeeper. James died in 1915 in Mortlake, Jonathan 1916 in Wandsworth & Mary Ann in 1921 in Wandsworth aged 89. 1921 census was taken a few weeks before she died and she can be seen at York Road, Battersea with Ernest, as she had been for several decades, but now an 89-year-old retired widow.

Richard Ernest Gamble was born on 27 Apr 1890 in Lambeth to Edward & Mary Ann nee Pitt, and christened on 3 Dec at St Peter's, Vauxhall. He can be seen on the census return of 1891 aged 11 months at 7 Oswald Place with parents & sibs, but they moved to Lollard Street within a couple of years, as he started at Walnut Tree Walk School on 23 Apr 1894 just before his 4th birthday, giving the address as 12 Clayton Buildings. In 1901 he is living at 1 Richmond Cottages, Walnut Tree Walk but by 1911 his mother has died & he is with father & sibs at 8 Walton Terrace, Vauxhall, listed as District Messenger Boy. In Apr 1914 he married Ethel Maud Chilvers and they had a son, but unfortunately Ethel died when the baby was only just over a year old. On 29 Sep 1918 Richard married Edith Maud Blows at St Stephen's (where his father had married for a second time only 6 months before) and they lived at 7 Walton Terrace (no doubt opposite his father) for at least 8 years, and had 2 daughters before Richard died in 1930 aged 40 (at Romford - I'm not sure if they moved or if he was in hospital there). 2018 update: In 1914, when he was 24 he rented a room, ground floor, furnished, from his father at the same address, 8 Walton Terrace, Vauxhall (now Walton Close, this backs onto Luscombe Way, where Maria lived - see yesterday). He died aged 40 in Apr 1930, but in the Register Edith can be seen at 218 Derinton Road, Wandsworth, widowed working for the London Auxiliary Fire Service and with 2 closed files, no doubt daughters Evelyn & Iris, who were 17 and 12 at the time. In 1957 Iris and Ethel still lived in the same house when she (Iris) was married and got a flat in Croydon Road, Caterham, Surrey. This is no doubt where Edith was staying when she died in 1991, aged 94. 1921 census shows him at 7 Walton Terrace, with his mother-in-law Mary Ann Blows, his wife Edith and 3 of her siblings, also 3 children. (I knew of two of these but Charles was a surprise, born in 1919 to Richard and his new wife). Richard was working as a clerk for District Messenger Co. with his brothers James and Edward. His son Richard was at school, Charles and Evelyn babies.

10th February 2023

Lilian Alice Gamble was born on 19 Apr 1888 in Lownedes Square, Knightsbridge, a very up-market address, as her father was working as a groom for a stockbroker. He was Thomas Caffyn Gamble & her mother was Lucy nee Woods. Soon though they had their own place at 7 Colestown Street, Battersea & by the 1891 & 1901 censuses she can be seen there with parents & sibs. In 1911 census she is in service at 28 Egerton Crescent, another very salubrious address, a listed building, also in Kensington. On 22 Apr 1917 she married Frederick George Prior at Holy Trinity, Brompton Road. As far as I can see from electoral roll records (patchy) they lived from 1922 to 1953 at 2 Heysham Road, Tottenham next door to the telephone exchange. In 1960 Lilian was alone in Fulham and she died in Jul 1972 in Hackney, possibly at 32c Sutton Dwellings (the Hackney address on the electoral roll of 1963). 2018 update: 1939 Register, as expected, was at 2 Heysham Road. Finding Frederick's exact date of birth from the Register points me to his death being the one in Islington in Mar 1973 aged 89. I have found electoral roll records for both, living at Metropolitan Benefit Society's Cottages, Balls Pond Road, Islington, 1957-60 at 7b and 1961-64 at 3a. It might seem rather a come-down to spend your retirement years in charity almshouses, but they are beautiful! However, when Frederick died, Lilian had to move and can be seen at 32c Sutton Dwellings, another charity accommodation, where she died in Jul 1972. 1921 census confirms this, as it shows them living at 8 Holmdale Road, Tottenham. Frederick described as "umbrella and walking stick mounter in gold and silver" employed by Gloyn Smith & Co Ltd, but currently Out of Work. By 1939 he was a porter, so losing the work in precious metals indicates the start of the slide, economically. In 1921 they shared the house with a family called Ridge. I see that at the time of his marriage he was a Soldier (it was during WW1) and I see he was a Private in the Labour Corps when he left 2 years later and earned 2 medals.

Lucy Maud Gamble was her sister, born on 16 Sep 1885 in Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge. She can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 5 at 7 Colestown Street, Battersea and again in 1901 aged 15 & listed as Draper's Assistant. In 1911 she can be seen with their parents at 17 Warriner Place, Battersea. Their mother Lucy had died in 1903 & Thomas had married again. Lucy Maud is still Draper's Assistant. 2018 update: in 1939 I can be sure the record I found was the correct one as she was a "Shop Assistant Drapers" and it gave her correct date of birth. She was at 23 Court Road, Uxbridge living with a "Sorter, Post Office" and his wife, also with a widow, but they were all of similar ages (mid 50s). I can see from electoral roll records that they were already there in 1931 but the house was called "Petitor" and the numbering only took place in 1937. No records exist for the war years, but she reappears in 1948 at 17 Burlington Road, Tottenham. 1949-1952 she can be seen at 74 Lordsmead Road, Tottenham but then I cannot find her until her death aged 91 in Derby. What she was doing there I have no idea, and 1921 census doesn't help here, as it shows her living with her sister Amy and family in Battersea, working for a draper in Shepherd's Bush, some 5 miles away. When she moved to Uxbridge her journey to work would have been even longer, so I think she may have moved branches/companies - there are still lots of drapers in that area.

Maria Gamble was born on 25 Mar 1861 in Barnes, Richmond to James & Harriet nee Hawkins, the 6th of Isaac's older siblings. She can be seen on census return of 1861, taken when she was 13 days old, as yet un-named, with parents & brothers at Back Lane, Barnes. She was registered by her mother on 29 April with the single name of Maria, in the Mortlake registration area. On the 1871 census return, she is 10, living at Laurel Cottage, Mortlake with parents & sibs, listed as Domestic Servant. In 1881 she is at Lowood Lodge with parents & Isaac. On 29 May 1882 she married Henry James Ayress at Lambeth Register Office (their families were neighbours) and gave birth to a son 10 weeks later. They lived at 1 Chester Street at that time, and she had 2 children there, before moving on to 15 Regency Place & 19 Goldens Place for the next 2 (these are both "courts" off Chester Street). Now, they cannot be found in 1891 census, but when you pop out a child every couple of years you are easily traceable! The 5th child was born a few months prior to the census and they were living at the time at 35 Glasshouse Street, Vauxhall. If that address sounds familiar it is because that is where Isaac & his widowed mother were living. They had one more child there, then moved back round to Chester Street again for the following 5 children. In the 1901 census they are at 4 Regency Place with 6 children (3 died in infancy & the 10th was born 2 weeks after census). Henry died in 1908 aged 46 at St Thomas's Hospital leaving Maria with 8 surviving children. In 1911 census I cannot find her, or 3 of the children. Henry the eldest is married & living in Southwark and one of his brothers is with him. Daughter Lucy is just married & living in Stockwell. the 2 youngest girls are in the Orphans' Home, Austral Street, Southwark. Of course, Maria's mother is by then in the Workhouse. In 1918-21 Maria pops up on the electoral roll at 19 Sharsted Street with son James and may have been there since 1913 (James gave this address as home in his papers for enlistment to the Navy). I am told she died on 2 Jun 1942 at 9 Dore Gardens, Merton, Surrey (which looks like a very nice council estate) of stroke & respiratory failure. 2018 update: Her baptism record has surfaced, taking place on 12 May 1861 at St Mary's, Barnes - she had no name on the census taken on 8 Apr, but at her christening was given one, 5 weeks later. In 1911 census I can tell you I found her, aged 50, a widowed charwoman, living alone at 9 Luscombe Street, South Lambeth. She stated that of her 14 children, 7 had died. Previously I tracked her down to 1918-1921 at 19 Sharsted Street, but by 1928 when Kit was there she had moved on.  1921 census shows her at 19 Sharsted Street, with Edward Levick, painter and paperhanger, Maria a Charwoman aged 61. 1939 Register shows her at the address where she died 3 years later; at 9 Dore Gardens, Merton, Surrey, UDD and Francis Budd, a wharf labourer aged 37.

9th February 2023

John Augustine Gamble was born 10 Jan 1885 at 36 Distillery Road, Brentford to Henry & Esther née Walker. He can be seen in census of 1891 aged 6 at 11 Brook Road, Ealing with parents & brother (they had moved there the previous year) with 2 lodgers. The 1901 census shows him aged 17 at 5 Albany Road, Old Brentford, boarding & working as a "pit worker in a skin factory". I can't find out what a "pit worker" did there, but he used the term "skinner" when attesting to the army a couple of years later. This was 28 May 1903 when, aged 18, he went along to the army recruitment office in Kew and joined up to the Royal Fusiliers. He passed all the medicals etc (I know the colours of his skin, eyes & hair and where he had scars due to boils - no doubt an occupational hazard of his workplace) and was posted to Woolwich barracks. In 1905 he did Infantry Training at Kilworth, Leicestershire, followed by Transport Duties at Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. In Apr 1906, at Portobello Barracks in Dublin he signed up to a further period of service, making 9 years (he had already served 3). However, in 1912 he was transferred to the Reserve and then released from service in 1913. WW1 soon started, though, and he was re-mobilised on 5 Aug 1914 and posted 22 Oct 1915 (possibly to Africa - the document is very damaged). I cannot see why, but he was "discharged from the remainder of his period of engagement" on 27 May 1916, with a Good Conduct Medal and a Punishment Sheet completely blank bar one word against his conduct: "Exemplary". He also had a Sobriety Certificate issued, stating he had "never been under the infuence of liquor during the whole of his army service". 2018 update: Again the 1939 Register has come to the rescue, providing a snapshot of him aged 54 with a wife Mary Ann 9 years younger than him. I have found the marriage, in Apr 1916 in West Ham to dressmaker Mary Ann Phillips, local daughter of dock labourer Frank Phillips. I think they had just one child, Nellie, in 1917, but I cannot locate her after this except a possible death in Derbyshire 63 years later. In 1939 just John and Mary Ann can be seen at 1a Parker Street, West Ham, Essex, John working as a "Permanent Way Rail Labourer", i.e track-layer, and Mary Ann a "Bulb Examiner, J R Manufactory" - I can not track this company down, so I don't know if they were electric bulbs or garden ones! Electoral roll records in 1964 and 1965 show they were still in the same road, but had moved to number 23 due to bomb damage Nowadays the entire "odd" side after number 5 is taken up with Drew Primary School, but this is a new building. In the latter half of the 20th century there was a terrace of houses continuing along this side too near the docks and now there is also the London City Airport. When John died aged 89 on 22 Jul 1974 he was in Plaistow Hospital, giving home address as 10 Castleton House, Pier Street, London E14 (they probably moved there when new). This area was the Isle of Dogs, now Canary Wharf. He was buried at St Patrick's RC Cemetery, Leytonstone and Mary Ann moved to Rayleigh, Essex, where in 1984 she died at 13 Creswick Avenue, a bungalow. 1921 census slots into this story by showing them 5 years after marriage in the area of London then called Silvertown, [now adays part of the borough of Newham, largely offices], where Mary Ann had been born. John was still a railway plate layer, working at the Victoria Dock, and Nellie was at school. I have now traced her as far as I can - she was baptized at Victoria Docks, where John worked, in 1917, then married Herbert Millhouse from Mile End in 1939 and they moved out to Essex. She was last seen in Rayleigh in 2009 aged 92 but I assume she is gone now as she would be 106! As I said above, Mary Ann moved out to Rayleigh when John died in 1974 and lived there for at least another 35 years.

Joseph Francis Gamble was Edith's brother, the other child of James, who deserted his family & went to Australia. He was born in the Sep quarter of 1881 in Mortlake, thus just missing the 1881 census, and as I have said they are missing in 1891. He can be seen in 1901 aged 19 at 226 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth with mother, widowed sister & 2 nieces, listed as a plumber. In Apr 1902 he married Marion Ada Quinney at Christchurch, Hampshire. They can be seen in census return of 1911 at Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst in the New Forest, with 5 daughters. He was a Plumber & Decorator, with his own business & they had 9 children in all. He died aged 60 on 8 Jun 1942 at Teme Willows, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire and for a while it puzzled me why he was far from home but the probate of his will was dealt with at home in Winchester. But I think he was either staying with daughter Mabel or she had arranged a care home (there are/were a great many of these here) but the puzzle remains how he managed to leave effects worth £34,372 - which was a great deal of money then, apparently almost half a million today - to daughter Edith, son James & William Arthur Roberts, chartered accountant (evidently a good friend!) 2015 update: I was able to find more details about either end of his life. I found his baptism on 6 Nov 1881 at St Mary's, Mortlake, stating exact birth date of 2 Jul 1881 in Barnes. In 2013 I expressed wonder at the place of his death and also the amount he left, as he was only listed as "plumber & decorator". I can see now that he was owner of the company J F Gamble & Sons (New Forest) Ltd, a fairly small family firm of builders/contractors, but with a Registered Office in Lyndhurst and Branch Offices in Bourton & Wells. When Joseph died in 1942 there was a large funeral at Lyndhurst Parish Church, then burial in the cemetery. I have a newspaper cutting listing the attendees, including lots of family members, representatives of his colleagues & employees, and also someone from Fenwick Cottage Hospitals (which explained the address of his last residence - it was as I suggested, a nursing home organized by his family). The Company was set up 28 Oct 1937 but has since been dissolved. 2018 update: 1939 Register gives a snapshot a few years before he died. Joseph and Marion can be seen at "Awelon", Marine Drive West, Barton-on-Sea, with a "Trained Hospital Nurse" to look after them (he wasn't old but he was infirm). As I said in 2015, he died in a nursing home at Tenbury Wells 135 miles away. Marion remained in Hampshire and died there in Jan 1974 aged 91. 1921 census shows him with 6 daughters and 3 sons, at Pikes Hill Avenue, Lyndhurst. Joseph was a 39-year-olself-employed builder, Marion Home Duties, and the children ranged in age between 18 and 1 (and final child, Joseph, arrived exactly a month later). The eldest, Marion 18, was a waitress at a restaurant in Lyndhurst High Street, Next oldest Florence 17 was (rare for the time) a paperhanger working for her father, and 14-year-old Mabel helped at home. The others were at school.Between then and the Register, they must have moved to retire by the sea (although, as I said, he died in a nursing home in Worcestershire).

Kate Eveline Gamble (always Aunt Kit in the family) was born on 29 Feb 1896 (I think it's a shame she never reached her 21st birthday she was looking forward to in 1980 when she was 84!) and christened on 2 Jul 1896 at Emmanuel church. She was grandad's eldest sister, 4 years older than Em. She can be seen on census returns of 1901 aged 5 and 1911 aged 15 at 14 Clayton Buildings, with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as a flower-maker (ie in a workshop making artificial flowers, all the rage at the time). In Jul 1923 at Camberwell she married Theodore Richard Burrows (Ted) and they had 2 daughters. In 1927 & 1928 they lived in Camden, then in 1929 moved to 19 Sharsted Street, Lambeth where Isaac joined them, but Ted died in 1938 & Kit moved alone to 94 Lucas Road (which my mother thinks was a pre-fab), then in the 1940s to 150 Loughborough Road, Stockwell, shortly to be joined by daughter Kitty & her family. She died in Jul 1972 in North Surrey aged 76 (or 19 as she said). 2018 update: 1939 Register "caught" her just after her husband Ted died, in the prefab, now under grass at Kennington Park, but in the Register she can be seen hop-picking with her aunt Ellen Moss at Alton in Hampshire. The Register was taken in September, so they were probably coming to the end of their "holiday" and she returned to her prefab. Just in case you don't know what they were, after the war these were an emergency means of rehoming those who had lost their homes by bombing. Factory-made panels were bolted together to form a little house, ruggedly made but only temporary, although many lasted for years! The council removed them in 1980s and where the turnings including, Lucas Road, stood was grassed over to extend Kennington Park. As I said, Kit moved on to an address in Stockwell in 1940s, and died in Surrey in 1972. 1921 census showed her still at home with her parents at 24 Camberwell Grove, an artificial flower maker - see mother Eliza Cox 16th Jan below. Kit said she worked for a "Miss Monkqua" of Alfred Place, Bloomsbury, London. This may be a misspelling of "Monique" but I can find nothing. It is still a trendy part of town, inhabited by upmarket shops, bars etc but I can still find no sign of Miss Monique or anything related to flowers. I wish I had asked Aunt Kit, but didn't know any of this then.

8th February 2023

James Henry Gamble was my great-uncle Jim, one of Isaac's sons, born on 21 Apr 1902 at 14 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth and christened at Emmanuel church on 4 Sep. He can be seen there with parents & sibs in 1911 census return aged 8. In the 1920s he worked with Vic at the Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych for some years, but he lost track of him when he left. 1925-29 he lived at 6 Portland Place North, off Clapham Road near the Oval cricket ground, then in Jul 1929 he married Ethel Elizabeth Moss at St John the Divine, Kennington. Brother & sister married sister & brother, as Ethel was sister of Alfred "Mick" Moss, who had married Aunt Em (see 6th Feb below) some 6 years previously. They had 2 children, Joan & Peter. Unfortunately the only memory I have of them is that Ethel in particular was slightly eccentric in that they had Christmas decorations up all year round - a great thrill to a small child, visiting them in the early 1960s. They moved out of London to the "countryside" (as most of us did) and lived in Hemel Hempstead (not far from where I live now) until Jim died in 1978 and Ethel in 1990. 2018 update: in 1939 they were at 29 Westcott Road, Jim is listed as "Bench Fitter, Sanitary", which I take to mean he was working for Royal Doulton, big local employer, constructing toilets etc. I can't remember ever discussing his work, as he was always quite elderly to me (he was 54 when I was born), which is a shame. I was amused to see (and Jim no doubt would be too), that his father's name has been transcribed on Ancestry as "Jesse" instead of Isaac (bad handwriting!) My mother claimed that Jim left home in about 1924 because he didn't get on with his father, who was a difficult chap to live with. As you can see, this was just after his mother died and maybe prompted him to leave. The only other thing I remember of him when he lived in Hemel Hempstead, after retiring there in the late 1960s, was that he had a "bubble car", fascinating to children, like me! 1921 census, as discussed before, picked him up aged 19 in Camberwell, living with his parents and working for his cabbie father, employed washing his vehicle(s). (see 16th Jan below Eliza Jane Cox, his mother).

James Thomas Gamble was born in Jun 1892 to Edward & Mary Ann nee Pitt in Lambeth and christened at Emmanuel church on 14 Jul 1892. He can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 8 at 1 Richmond Cottages, Walnut Tree Walk (they had no doubt lived there since his birth & he started at Walnut Tree Walk School aged 3 on 6 May 1895). On 1911 census he was at 7 Walton Terrace near Vauxhall Park with father & sibs, listed as District Messenger Boy. On 23 May 1915 he married Annie Elizabeth Dorington at St Paul's, Lorrimor Square when his occupation was listed as "motor driver". A James Thomas Gamble was in France with the army from 1915-1919. I cannot be sure this was him, but it would explain the gap between his first 2 children! He received 3 medals. They had 5 children I can trace. They are registered (electoral roll) at 19 Wheatsheaf Lane, Kennington (with her parents at no 16) until 1927. 2018 update: 1939 Register entry shows the family at 149 Frizlands Lane, Dagenham. Annie was listed as widowed Office Cleaner aged 46 (James had died aged 40), Elizabeth "Husherette Cinema" aged 23 and there were 3 closed files, evidently Renee, Grace and Reginald still alive, so redacted. Elizabeth married Sidney Bradford in Romford in 1941, Annie married Arthur Slade in Southend in 1955 and died aged 85 in Redbridge in 1977 . 1921 census confirms the electoral roll above, showing the family at 19 Wheatsheaf Lane, Vauxhall, James a Motor Car Cleaner, employed by a taxi-cab owner in Brixton (a mile away). Annie Household Duties and the two girls were tots.

Jessie Hatton Gamble was born in Apr 1879 at Brentford to David & Jane nee Gard & christened on 25 May at St Laurence's church, New Brentford. She can be seen on census returns of 1881 & 1891 at Park Road, Ealing with parents & sisters, then in 1901 at 14 Hamilton Road, Brentford with mother & sister Clara, listed as a milliner. On 7 Sep 1904 at the same church she married Charles Henry Biscoe, a bank clerk & can be seen with him in 1911 at 39 Beatrice Avenue, Norbury along with sister Clara . In May 1926 Charles sailed to New York, listed as Bank Department Manager, giving address 37 Birdhurst Avenue, South Croydon and when Jessie died on 27 Nov 1930 (aged 51) it was at this same address & she left effects worth £119 to Charles, now Bank Manager. On 21 Apr 1934 he sailed to New York again, this time on the Aquitania as part of a group described as "Amateur Fencing Team". At 1940 he was still at the same address, but when he died in 1952 he was at Hailsham, Sussex.

1921 census shows them at 37 Birdhurst Rise, Charles Assistant Bank Manager at "London Merchant Bank Ltd" of Lombard Street. I had discounted a daughter Gwendolyn but see in this document she was there with them, aged 6 and at school. They also had a 19-year-old servant. Looking into Gwendoline, I see that she trained as a nurse and went out to India as a missionary, nursing. Then at the age of 36 married American Malcolm McLeod and died in 1999.

7th February 2023

Frances Annie Gamble was born on 14 Sep 1870 in Hounslow to David & Jane nee Gard and christened on 21 Oct 1870 at St George's, Old Brentford. She can be seen in census returns of 1871 & 1881 in Park Road, Ealing, then 1891 Boston Park Road. On the latter she is listed as "2nd class clerk in Civil Service". In 1901 she is with mother, sister & a boarder in 14 Hamilton Road, Brentford. On 19 May 1903 at St Laurence, New Brentford (the parish that replaced St George's) she married Colin Spencer Lyddon Pring, son of a wool merchant. On the census of 1911 they can be seen with their 2 daughters Marjorie & Doris, her mother & a servant. at 121 Norbury Crescent, Melfort Road, Norbury. Frances died in Jan 1941 aged 70. (For interesting details on her elder daughter Marjorie please see 2013 tab).2018 update: 1939 Register for them: they can all be seen at 66 St Augustine Avenue, Croydon If this is familiar, it is because it was the house where her sister Clara died in 1932. Frances and Colin must have moved here after 1911, as at that point they were living in Norbury, maybe in 1929 when her mother died. In 1939 Frances is shown as head of the household, widowed, living on "Private means", Marjorie is "Science Teacher home on leave from Malaya". Doris is "Kindergarten Teacher. ARP Work. Ambulance Attendant". So 1921 census helps again. The "snapshot" captured them in Croydon, at an address unfamiliar to me; 37 Friends Road [maybe their end of this road was bombed in WW2, as numbers only start at 43 these days]. Colin was Head of household, an accountant employed by Henry Head & Co Ltd, insurance brokers of Bishopsgate, Frances Home Duties, her two daughters at school. Both mothers were there too - widows Jane Gamble and Ellen Pring - and a 21-year-old domestic servant.

Henry Charles Gamble was born in 1872-73. I can't be sure when because I cannot find him until the age of 18 on census return of 1891, when he was working as a servant in Kew to a family called Pring - no doubt related to those discussed above. In 1901 & 1911 he can be seen with his uncle Isaac & family (my ggfather) at 14 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth. He is a horsekeeper/groom in 1901 & 1911 a cabman, like his uncle. Ike had his own taxi cab & they probably worked together. [For the history of cabmen please see 2013 tab] So Isaac & Harry went with the flow & moved from horses to motorised cabs between 1901 & 1911. On 28 Feb 1915 Harry married Sarah Ann Cox (Tal) and they moved to 277 Kennington Road, a stone's throw from uncle Ike & family. They lived there until Tal died in 1931, when he moved to 28 Thompson Avenue, Camberwell [now gone, replaced by modern tower blocks] until he died there himself in Oct 1938. 1921 census was difficult because, like me, he didn't know his age and said he was  55, rather than 49 (his wife was 56). They shared the house with 2 other households - it was big as there were apparently 9 rooms (it sold last year for £1.9m).

My grandfather. Henry Thomas Gamble was born on 29 Apr 1904 in Lambeth at 14 Clayton Buildings, where he can be seen on 1911 census aged 6 with parents & sibs. He was christened on 1 Sep 1904 at Emmanuel Church, just behind the buildings. On 18 May 1929 he married my grandmother Louisa Margaret Wooldridge. She always told the story of their childhood that they lived in flats on the same block but her family didn't approve of his & forbade her from seeing him. So, of course, they did... Their first child was stillborn, so when my mother was born, it was in King's College Hospital, in case the same should happen again (this was repeated a generation later and I was born in St Thomas's Hospital for the same reason).They had 4 children in all, at first in Camberwell Grove, then at 30 Clayton Buildings, then at 10 Clayton Buildings where they lived until 1967, when following a car accident which crippled my Nan, they moved to Thamesmead, Abbey Wood, in a sheltered warden-assisted flat. Grandad was a lorry-driver on Mum's birth certificate in 1932, working for a fruiterer. He must have trained as an engineer later, as he worked for Lamson Engineering (?1937 - this may be why they returned from Camberwell) for many years, installing the pneumatic cash system for transporting cash about shops, offices etc before the days of electronic tills. One thing I remember vividly is that he always had an Austin Seven car (had several through the years) he called Nellybelle - after the jeep in Roy Rogers I now understand. He died on 3 Jun 1987 at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup from complications of arteriosclerosis. Nan lived on until 1995 on her own. 2015 update: when they were first married, my grandparents lived in Camberwell Grove, and I saw through electoral roll records that this was at number 116, with quite a lot of others. This last fact explains why they moved out when the family started arriving, as they probably only rented the one room. My Mother was born a short distance away at Kings College Hospital, as they had lost the first child. I hadn't realised he had survived long enough to be registered, but have found documentation showing he was called John Henry Gamble, born in the January quarter of 1931, but died shortly after. [The whole terrace was destroyed in WW2 bombing in 1944 (numbers 100-138) and now modern flats are on the site.] In 1934 they moved back to Kennington, spending 1934 & 1935 at 38 Hutton Close [now called Beaufoy Close as it is opposite where the Beaufoy Institute is - this lovely listed building was at risk, but has been saved, I understand, by being converted to a Buddhist Centre]. By 1936 they can be seen back at Clayton Buildings, where they had grown up, firstly at number 30 then at number 10, where they were when I spent much of my childhood there. 2018 update: Nobody knew anything about him, to be honest, as he was a taciturn and private man. I have always wondered why he never served in either World War. Born in 1904 he was too young for WW1 but in 1939 he can be seen alone at 30 Clayton Buildings, where the family had moved in 1935 on the birth of my Uncle John - see 21st Apr 2015 and 12th Apr 2013 - but Nan had taken the children into the countryside, evacuating to High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. He is shown with a Date of Birth in 1901, but as he couldn't read or write he wouldn't have noticed this. His job description was "pneumatic tube fitter" and I have explained this before. He worked for Lamson Engineering along with his uncle by marriage Charles Wooldridge, who lived at number 27, who did the same job at that time. Now, reading around I see that he was of conscription age at that time, as he was 35 in 1939 (even if the 1901 "mistake" was deliberate, conscription age was up to 41). The fact that he did not join the family in High Wycombe was always explained by his having to work. I personally wonder if the tubes they made became modified to take torpedoes, but I cannot find evidence for this (and never could). Nan can be seen lodging with George & Emma Woods at 11 Abercrombie Avenue, Chepping Wycombe. Nan UDD, Mum at school (7 years old) and also Walter Woods and Emma Dix, widowed parents of Mr & Mrs Woods. There are 3 closed records; my Uncle John has not been unredacted as he died abroad, Uncle Brian is still alive and the other is probably a child of the Woods, who I do not know. 1921 census finds him at 24 Camberwell Grove with parents and sibs. I have dealt with this household already - see 19th Jan below.

So the history of his father Isaac slots in just before this. In 2013 I said: His father Isaac Gamble was born in Oct 1868 at Kew, Surrey. In 1871 census he can be seen aged 2 at Laurel Cottage, Mortlake with parents & sibs, and again in 1881 at Lowood Lodge, Upper Richmond Road aged 12. These are quite up-market addresses and his father seems to do well with his carrier/cabman business, but it was when he died that the family moved to Lambeth. In 1891 Isaac is living at 35 Glasshouse Street, Vauxhall with his mother, listed as a Master Cabman, so he obviously had his own cab at this point - possibly his father's, probably still horse-drawn. There were quite a lot of cabbies in his street, and the road was situated near to Vauxhall gardens. The pub on the corner mow called the Black Dog was known as the Lavender, as there are lavender plots still in the gardens, so maybe keeping horses was particularly suitable. On 10 Jul 1892 at St Mary Newington he married Eliza Jane Cox (Lizzie). They had 5 children, and my grandfather was the youngest. In 1901 census and 1911 they were at 14 Clayton Buildings, as discussed under Henry Charles on Wednesday. They did move around a bit - 1893-5 they were at 12 Clayton Buildings, then 1898-1900 at 2 Richmond Cottages, 1901 to at least 1915 14 Clayton buildings. In 1918 they were at 24 Camberwell Grove with William, and this was where Lizzie died in 1923, and still in 1925. In 1929 on my grandparents' marriage the address was given as 118 Camberwell Grove, but then Isaac spent 1931-3 at Sharsted Street, Lambeth. I understand from my mother that he spent the final years of his life living alone in a caravan on the Pilgrim's Way, and finally died there, so his death was registered in Apr 1951 at Maidstone, Kent (this had puzzled me for some while). Again, for 1921 census see Eliza below 16th Jan.

6th February 2023

Edward William Gamble was son of Edward Isaac discussed yesterday and Mary Ann nee Pitt. He was born in Dec 1885 in Lambeth and christened on 10 Jan 1886 at St Philip's (where my parents were married. He can be seen on census return of 1891 aged 5 at 7 Oswald Place with father & sibs, then in 1901 at 1 Richmond Cottages, listed as District Messenger Boy. In Apr 1911 he is working as a clerk & boarding at 17 Beresford Street, Southwark - an interesting point here is his description of what kind of company he works for says "district messenger theatre company ltd" which is intriguing... That September he married at St Mary's neighbour Caroline Amy Josiah (known as Amy - whose father was also a taxi-driver). They had 2 sons & Edward died aged 79 in Jan 1965, Amy followed in 1969. 2018 update:  confirmation that he was at 34 Fontarabia Road, Battersea in 1939 Register. He was listed as "Counter Clerk Dist Mess Co", which I imagine is like a Post Office. Son Reginald (27) was there, working as a Cashier at Covent Garden Market along with his wife Olive (22) telephonist. Caroline was not there with them as she can be seen at 10 Station Road, Hungerford with other members of her family. She can be seen there keeping house with her sister Edith for her brother-in-law Percy Barrett, who was a Gardener and recently also in Berkshire Police Special Reserve and a First Aider (with Edith), also her son Herbert (25), Articled Clerk to a blind Solicitor and her father Edward Josiah, retired Taxi Driver. Her mother was staying in Wokingham with Caroline's sister Florence Wright, whose husband was in the RAF Reserve. What an interesting couple of households! One other detail that I have seen today is that Edward died on 4 Feb 1965 at St John's Hospital, Battersea and left £5887 to son Reginald, who was called "salesman"; he may have left Covent Garden Market by then. So as expected 1921 census showed them at 34 Fontarabia Road, Battersea, where they lived 1918-69. Edward was employed by the District Messenger Company of 100 St Martins Lane, EC1 (old buildings but currently a food takeaway) as a clerk, and the two boys were 9 and 7 and at school. I also see that when Caroline died (at home) in 1969 she left £15k, probably to the boys.

2013: The next family-member was the lady we all knew of as Aunt Em, my Granddad's sister Emily Sarah Gamble. She was born on 23 Aug 1900 at 14 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth, and christened on 23 Sep at Emmanuel Church, just behind the buildings in Distin Street. She can be seen in censuses of 1901 and 1911 aged 7 months & 10 respectively, with parents & sibs. In Apr 1923 she married Alfred Henry Moss, always known in the family as Mick. They had one daughter Vera and lived at 67 Warham Street, near the Oval cricket ground in the 1920s & 30s. When Mick died in 1946 they were living in Croydon - he died at the St Helier Hospital, where my mother-in-law worked about 10 years later. Aunt Em died in Nov 1990 in Eastbourne, where they had retired to with Vera & Chuck her husband .2015 update: she and Uncle Mick moved about London. Electoral Roll records show them at 67 Warham Street, Kennington Oval until 1939, although when Mick died in 1946 in St Helier Hospital he gave home address as 32 Faversham Road, Morden (so they must have moved to Surrey shortly before this). The years between were Wartime, and it was difficult to follow anyone at that time. Em can be seen again in 1948 at 11 Lohmann House, Kennington Oval, with daughter Vera, and she lived there until 1961, even after Vera married in 1954. In 1962 she moved in with them at 3 Crawthew Grove, Dulwich and can be seen there with them when records cease in 1964. At some point between then & 1986 she retired with them to Eastbourne, where she died in Nov 1990 aged 90. 2018 update: the 1939 Register confirmed nicely that this was the date they moved out to Morden, Surrey from The Oval, Lambeth. That was one of the functions of the Register, to catch everyone just as they started moving around, redistributing families at the start of the war, including evacuations. At 32 Faversham Road, Morden can be seen Alfred (Mick), Em and Vera, Mick was a Motor Mechanic and gave his wartime services to the London County Council Ambulance Staff. Em was listed as UDD (unpaid domestic duties in case you have forgotten) and Vera at school (13 years old). As I said before, Mick died at St Helier Hospital, Carshalton in 1946 and Em moved back to the Oval.  Being able to examine the 1921 census in detail helped again, as she was not the one I originally thought. This "snapshot" caught her 2 years before she married, at the age of 20 and I had found a record of a student, training to be a teacher in Stockwell. However, I now see that one was born in Leeds and another was born in Kennington (mistranscribed as Kensington, as they often were!) She was a Telephone Operator at the Imperial London Hotel - still there, the Chesterfield in Mayfair. As I said, she married Mick in June 1923 and moved with him to the Oval. The other new record was her probate document from 1990 when she died in Eastbourne. She left £115k, so must have earned a tidy sum in Mayfair; motor mechanics didn't make much!

Florence Mary Gamble was sister of Edward above born 30 Apr 1894 at 12 Clayton Buildings, Lambeth to Edward & Mary Ann née Pitt and christened 7 Jun 1894 at Emmanuel church, just behind the Buildings, in Distin Street. She can be seen in census of 1901 at 1 Richmond Cottages, Walnut Tree Walk (very close by) aged 6 with parents & siblings. She had started school on 3 May 1894 at Walnut Tree Walk School, aged 3. In 1911 census she can be seen at 8 Walton Terrace, South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall with father & siblings, aged 16 working as a book-folder. In Jul 1916 in Lambeth she married Walter Clarke and they had 3 daughters in Lambeth. 2018 update: in 1939 They were living at 8 Edwin Road, Hendon, Walter working as a General Labourer, Florence UDD, daughters Florence a "Power Sewing Machinist", Louisa and Kathleen "Laundry Packer & Porter". They all sound very practical and useful occupations. Edwin Road is now classed as Edgware, and looking at Google Streetview it looks as if it may have been a council estate. All three daughters married the following year in Hendon. There were vast numbers of marriages that quarter, evidently rushing to marry in case parties didn't survive the Blitz. As far as I can see, everybody here did. Walter died in Hendon in 1946 aged 55 and Florence moved to Camberwell, possibly to care for her father, who died there in 1951 and she followed in 1956. 1921 census "caught" them just before the birth of third daughter Kathleen, living at 12 Wyvil Road, which was a council estate near the Oval, and has recently been demolished for a tower block. In 1921 Walter was employed as a labourer for a timber merchant and the girls were pre-school.

5th February 2023

Clara Jane Gamble was born in Oct 1867 to David & Jane nee Gard in Ramsgate, Kent (I suppose they could have been on holiday, because they lived in Ealing). She can be seen on the census return of 1871 aged 3 with parents & sister, at Park Road, Ealing, Middlesex, and then aged 13 at 2 St Margaret's Villas with parents & 2 sisters. By 1891 she is aged 23, still living with parents & sisters but at 42 Boston Park Road & listed as a "Stationer's Shop Woman" [Boston Park Road leads out onto The Great West Road, which would be a shopping street in those days - still is, but Boston Park Road sits under the shadow of the elevated M4 motorway & I suspect no. 42 was demolished to build it]. In Apr 1898 she married William Henry Spurlock Quick (what a wonderful name! His middle names came from his parents Henry Quick & Susannah Spurlock) in Tiverton, Devon (his home). In 1901 census they can be found at 9 Palatine Avenue, Withington, Lancashire with a housemaid. William was a hosiery rep & by 1911 he can be seen in a very nice house in Buxton, Derbyshire with a servant & listed as "Wholesale Merchant of hosiery - employer". I couldn't find Clara for ages & had almost given up on her when I found her staying with her sister Jessie in Croydon (transcribed as Clara Jane Spurlock Duick). This also explains why when she died in Oct 1932 it was in Croydon. 1921 census shows William and Clara at "Senlacs", Buxton with a maid, William working as a "woollen hosiery merchant (wholesale)"  hilariously transcribed as "wooden hosiery..." painful! So it seems Clara did spend some time at home with her husband. This house is nowadays no. 6 Robertson Road. Clara died Oct 1932 in Croydon, and William in 1940 in Bristol. I should be able to find him in 1939 Register, but no record fits.

Edith Caroline Gamble (my grandad's cousin) was born on 23 Sep 1878 in Barnes, Surrey to James & Sarah nee Gates and christened on 3 Nov 1878 at Mortlake. She can be seen aged 2 on the census return of 1881 at 1 Frederic Terrace, Railway Street, Barnes with parents & boarders. In 1891 the whole family is missing. In Oct 1895 Edith married Franz Joseph Walenta, an American born in Austria, 19 years her senior, in Christchurch, Hampshire & settled there. Unfortunately they were only married for 5 years before he died in 1900, but they did have 2 daughters. On the census of 1901 they can be seen in Bournemouth, with her mother Sarah & brother Joseph, at 226 The Albany Temperance Hotel, Old Christchurch Street, Sarah is an upholsteress & James a plumber. That July Edith married Alfred Ernest Clayden and they had 4 children. In 1911 census they can be seen at "Cricklewood", 122 Wolverton Road, Boscombe with 5 of the children.. Alfred died 7 Mar 1950 at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Boscombe & left effects worth £6738 to Edith. She died on 28 Feb 1958 at Poole General Hospital & left effects worth £13,470 to Henry Rees Evans, solicitor (not sure who he is) & son Colin. 2018 update: 1939 Register shows Alfred & Edith living at 122 Wolverton Road, Bournemouth with Edith's daughter Frances, mother "Rebecca" Gamble and aunt Elizabeth Myers née Gates, both widows in their 80s. Alfred was listed as "Wholesale Newsagent", Edith UDD, Frances "Mother's Help" and the two widows OAP. This was the address in 1911, so they were evidently there for some years. Mother Rebecca died there 4 months later, in Jan 1940. So 1921 census sits comfortably between these two records, at the same address with 5 children and her mother. The special feature of this census is of course the employment details. Alfred ran his own wholesale newsagent business, seemingly from a shop/office in Bournemouth, but the writing is bad, so I can only guess at the address "5/7 Northerdle Road". Edith performed Home Duties, as did her daughter Eleonora Walenta 24 (daughter from her first marriage). The other daughter Frances Walenta 21 did "Art Needlework" for a draper. The other children were those of Edith and Alfred: Ernest 19, Florence 17 and Colin Clayden 5. Ernest was salesman for a jeweller and Florence assisted a milliner. Colin was at school. Her mother Sarah Rebecca was an upholstress "ill at present" - in fact she died a few months later.

Edward Isaac Gamble (Grandad's uncle) was born in Mar 1866 in Mortlake & christened there on 25 Mar. He can be seen on census return of 1871 at Laurel Cottage, Mortlake, with parents & sibs. 1881 he is not at home, but aged 15 he could be anywhere. On 8 Feb 1885 at St Mary, Newington he married Mary Ann Pitt. They had 6 children before she died aged 35 in Jul 1901. In census return of 1891 he can be seen at 7 Oswald Place, Lambeth (near Vauxhall) with 3 children, listed as a cabman (as was his brother Isaac, my ggfather) then in 1901 at 1 Richmond Cottages, Walnut Tree Walk with 6 children (where Vic's family lived - of course, Edward's brother Isaac had married Eliza Cox, Vic's auntie, by then & they were living in Clayton Buildings, just a few streets away). Mary Ann died shortly after this and on census of 1911 he is at 8 Walton Terrace, South Lambeth (back near Vauxhall) with 4 children & 3 boarders. On 6 Jan 1918 Edward must have surprised his family (to say the least!) by marrying Fanny Cooper at St Stephen's, as he was 51 & she 28! But oddly enough she died 10 years before him in 1941 aged 51, whereas he lived until the age of 85 & died in Oct 1951 in Camberwell, where he had lived with Fanny since their marriage. 2018 update: 1939 Register found them at 5 Belmont Buildings, Picton Street, Camberwell with 2 children. It seems that Edward had 6 with his first wife and 3 with his second. Also Fanny had one of her own. He is listed on the Register as Taxi Driver and sons Edward (19) and Donald (17) "Textile Warehousemen", Edward a "Heavy Worker". He was buried in 1951 in Nunhead Cemetery.. 1921 census surprised my with another "stepson", Frank Cooper - I don't know for sure, but it looked as if they had 2 sons before marriage then 3 more children after. Edward was employed by taxi owner Mr Griswood of Dulwich Road, to drive his taxi. Home address was 5 Belmont Buildings, as 1939.

4th February 2023

As I usually say at this point, now I have finished the Dance-ing on to the Gamble-ing

For Newbies, this is my grandfather's tree, as he was a Gamble and it was my mother's maiden-name.

Alice Gamble was a classic case of everything falling into place due to the information on the 1921 census! In 2013 I said: she was born on 16 May 1870 to Henry & Esther nee Walker at Mortlake, Surrey and christened there on 3 Jul. She can be seen on census return of 1841 aged 11 months, at 6 Industry Place, Mortlake with her parents. (The child who would have been her sister Hester died 2 years before at the age of 4). Now in 1881 the family are at 11 Brook Road, Brentford, but Alice is not there. There is an Alice Gamble at a paupers' school in Hanwell (where Charlie Chaplin went for a short time incidentally), but the age is given as 13 when she was not yet 11. I am not certain this is she, but it would fit, as in 1891 she is seen at the London Lock Hospital in Harrow Road, Paddington, showing further decline, as this is a STD hospital. However, two months after the census was taken, she married William Stevens at St George the Martyr church, Southwark and settled in Acton. They can be seen on census of 1901 at 50 Osborne Road, Alice working in a laundry & William a "hawker of fruit" ie likely a market stall-holder, and in 1911 at 19 Holland Terrace, when he is described as "Dealer - general" which smacks rather of Delboy! She states on the census return that she has had 2 children, both of which died (which again fits with the condition she very likely had in 1891 leading to a hospital admission.) I cannot pin down these children, or follow what happened to the family, as Stevens is a very common name and there were many in the vicinity. I had in my notes several versions of her, as there were various death records which fitted. In the censuses of 1901 and 1911 she worked with laundry and William was a salesman, which helped a lot with identifying her in 1921. I was able t search on this along with her birth in Mortlake and living with a William Stevens. They can be seen at 56 Osborne Road, Acton (3 doors from their home in 1901), Alice Head of Household, working for a Mr Pratt at a local laundry, while William was bedridden. He died in Mar 1924 and was buried in Acton Cemetery on 2 April, Alice following in 1928. (The other new facts were that before her marriage she was in training for domestic service, and the dates of birth and death for her children were 1893 and 1894 - stillborn)

Amy Ethel Gamble 2013: was born on 8 Apr 1891 at 7 Colestown Street, Battersea to Thomas Caffyn Gamble and his first wife Lucy nee Woods and christened at St Stephens on 18 Jun 1891 (when the church was only a few years old - built in 1887). She can be seen on 1901 census at the same address with parents & sibs. In the census of 1911 she is boarding at 19a Gambetta Street (across Wandsworth), listed as an embroidress. In Jul 1915 she married Frederick Lewis Lockyer and they had a son & a daughter. On 28 Sep 1955 Frederick died at Bolingbroke Hospital, while living at 54 Gayville Road, Wandsworth. Amy died in Oct 1977 also in Wandsworth. 2018 update: she can be seen in 1939 Register at the same address as electoral roll record put them, 27 Elsley Road, Battersea, with husband Frederick and daughter Joyce aged 13. there is also a closed file, presumably son Frederick, who is evidently still alive, unlike Joyce. I am struggling to see what Frederick Senior's occupation was; it looks like "Naval Ability Cap Cutter" (and that is what Findmypast have transcribed it as, I see, although Google has no ideas about that term). They must have remained at this address for a few more years, but by 1945 were evidently at 54 Gayville Road, when Frederick died in 1955, and up until 1965 at least, and maybe even 1977 when Amy died. 1921 census shows them still at 19a, Frederick still described as a "naval military cap cutter", employed by R Z Bloomfield Ltd, cap manufacturers of Queens Road, Battersea. I see that this company was an "army contractor and outfitter" who made uniforms at a factory there in Battersea from 1889 and penthouse offices and roof gardens were added a century later. They also made uniform for railway guards, porters etc. This whole area has been redeveloped and I don't know what became of the factory. He was still working there in 1939 presumably, as the job description remained. Incidentally, the record for Frederick Junior has now been unredacted and he was a Sorter for the Post Office.

3rd February 2023

Robert Dance was another brother, born in 1857 between John3 and Charles, so again shared the early years. In 1881 census he was a "Mill Bill Maker" with father, just married (on Christmas Day 1880) to Elizabeth Saunders. By 1891 they had an 7-year-old son Thomas and had moved out of his family home. Robert was employed as a Club Steward and lived a 11 St Marks Road, Kennington Park (just across the road from The Oval - I wonder if he worked at the Kennington Club there...). Elizabeth was evidently unwell, as she had no more children and died in 1904. In 1901 census they had moved back to Newington, 45 Alberts Street, Thomas worked in a tobacco factory and Robert had set up a business as a house painter [there was another Robert Dance, in the area but he was a red herring - a greengrocer married to a Mary]. Electoral Roll records show he was at St Mark's Road 1891-5 then Alberta Street 1897-1903 but after Elizabeth died, on 10 Sep 1905 in St Agnes Newington he married Kate Louisa Keats from Dorset (I knew she wasn't local as her father was a shepherd! Not many of those in Newington!), giving address as 10 Kennington Park Gardens, next to St Agnes. They had 2 sons and a daughter and moved round to Stockwell by 1909, seen in 1911 census with 3 sons at 19 Clarence Street, Camberwell and in 1921 15 Westmacott Street. [All these addresses have been built over in recent years, so are not available for comparison] 1921 census shows Robert aged 64, employed as a decorator by a builder & decorator of Stannary Street, Kennington, Kate 42 working as a school cleaner and Thomas 37 as a "smith's hammerman" for a coach builder. Robert died only a matter of weeks later and Kate remarried in 1928.

When I studied Walter Dance before, I wasn't aware that he was really Charles Walter Dance, brother of Ann, Bertha, Henry and Hiram. So see below for 1861 and 1871. As with Hiram, I couldn't find him in 1881 census, but his future wife was with her parents at home in Cobham, listed as dressmaker. She was Sarah Ann Woolven; on 27 May 1890 at St Andrews Cobham they married and exactly 9 months later daughter Bertha arrived, followed by two further daughters. In 1891 census he was gamekeeper at Keeper's Cottage, Effingham, Surrey with daughter Bertha aged 1 month and sister Bertha, domestic servant. By 1901 he had moved his family back to Vernham Dean to be near his parents, still gamekeeper. They remained there for some years, until 1921 census showed he was no longer employed as he was 67 and by now blind. He died in Apr 1931, and Sarah 1933.

William Dance was twin of George3 - see below. By 1891 he had left home, also a gamekeeper, now living alone in Dorset; Eadypit Cottage, East Lulworth. The following April he married Charlotte Spaul, who had been born in Norfolk, but was staying in Chelsea, probably with family. They married in Chelsea, then settled in Bidborough, Kent, where they had a daughter Gertrude. They can be seen there in 1911 census and then in 1921 with Gertrude and her husband Gregory Ennis, also a niece of Charlotte. By this time William was merely a farm labourer, Gregory working in a paper factory in Snodland (I used to pass this on my way to work in 1970s). Charlotte died in 1923 at "Brooklyn", Lemsford Lane, Larkfield, Maidstone, so 1939 Register shows him a widower, still at that address, a "farm labourer retired" along with his sister-in-law Jane ("ladies maid retired") and niece Teresa  looking after him. He died there on 29 Mar 1951 aged 90, leaving £1026 to Gertrude.

2nd February 2023

"John Dance 3" was son of John 2 and Hannah nee Gibbs, born Jan 1855 in Newington, brother of Hannah I dealt with the day before yesterday. He was with family in 1861 and 1871 censuses, in the latter employed as a Cook's Assistant. I have seen a Criminal Record under his name in the correct area, for "stealing fixtures" so this may have lost him this job. On Christmas Day 1878 (the family liked this day, as sister Hannah also married then, 2 years later - see below) at Christchurch, Brixton he married Clara Ann Finch and they had two children named after themselves. In 1881 census they can be seen at 10 Victoria Terrace, Camberwell with baby daughter and a visitor, John had returned to the profession taught him by his father; that of "Mill Bill Maker" apparently a Mill Bill is a "chisel-ended tool used for dressing or sharpening the grinding surface of a millstone" . By 1891 they were at 28 Hackford Road, Kennington with 2 children, then in 1901 27 South Island Place (where sister and parents lived - see below), where they were still in 1921, alongside another family. (Son John and daughter Clara were both married and lived very close by). Clara died in 1925 and John followed in 1931.

Mary Dance was another sister, born 5 years after Hannah, so shared the early years. She had several jobs over the years, as she married very late.  In 1891 she was 26 and called a "Plush Coverer", in 1901 a "Barmaid at dining rooms" and in 1911 a "Tea Packer at Tea Stores"On 16 Oct 1920 at St Andrew's Stockwell, she married widower Richard Henry Farrell. She was 54, he 45 - I suspect they waited for her mother's death to marry, as this happened shortly before. (And Richard's first wife died in 1919). So they had no children. 1921 census showed them at No 7 Block I,  Peabody Buildings, Whitechapel, Richard working as a Stevedore for a shipping company - he had learned these skills in the Royal Navy, In 1939 Register they can be seen at No. 1 Block F, Peabody Buildings likewise. He was 63 but still working as a stevedore it seems. Mary died in Feb 1949 in Hospital aged 82 and Richard followed in 1957  aged 81

Mary Jane Dance was born 28 Sep 1875 in Linkenholt, Hampshire to Charles Dance and Sarah nee Walters, second of their eight children, and can be seen with them there in 1881 census. On 18 Apr 1888 she, with four sisters, was admitted to Linkenholt National School. She was 13, and her sisters ranged from Florence, aged 11 to Agnes aged 5. Brother Albert was admitted in the July, when he turned three. (Two other brothers died in infancy). Mary Jane attended until 4 Oct 1889 (i.e. a year and a half), when she left to go into service. She can be seen working as domestic servant at the Manor House, Tidcombe in 1891 census. I can see that in Oct 1900 at Hartley Wintney she married William Stent, they settled in Odiham and had 5 children, although two died in infancy. She died aged 74 in Aldershot. 1921 census shows the family at Stapeley Cottages, Odiham, where they had been since marriage, I believe. William was a carman and daughter Mary 19-year-old domestic, both employed by the Saunders family who owned the farm, as was son Albert (18) also a carter. In 1939 they were largely the same, just the daughter was married (to Police Sergeant Robert Crowhurst and settled in Ealing) and son Harry a chauffeur for the Saunders. William died in 1943 and Mary Jane in 1950.

1st February 2023

Henry Dance was born in Oct 1863 in Linkenholt to Thomas and Elizabeth, thus brother of Ann, Bertha & George3 and seen in 1871 census with them there. In 1881 he was a 17-year-old shepherd lodging with a shepherd in Linkenholt, along with 3 other young shepherds. In 1883 he attested to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry at Aldershot and served with them for 8 years in several places, including Malta and Egypt. He was transferred to the reserves in April 1891, discharged in 1895. Meanwhile in April 1892 he married Elizabeth Ann Curtis and had two children. They settled in Bentley, Hampshire and in 1901 census he was a police constable. By 1911 he had retired from the police and worked for the Pru as an insurance agent. 1921 census shows Henry, Elizabeth and daughter Dorothy at Rose Cottage, Boundstone, Farnham and he was working as a labourer but was (as so many were) Out of Work. Dorothy was 22 and employed as a domestic in Rowledge, just up the road. She married a Frederick Smith in 1924, who was a Royal Page to the King and 1939 Register shows them living in the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace! Unfortunately I cannot find Henry or Elizabeth in 1939, but they must have stayed in the area as they both died nearby, Henry in 1944 and Elizabeth 1945.

Hiram Dance was his brother, born 4 years after, so with a similar childhood. In 1881 census he was a 14-year-old ploughboy boarding in Linkenholt. Despite such a very rare name, I cannot find him in 1891 (although his future wife was at home with her family in Andover, her father a dairyman). In 1901 Hiram was at home with his own family in Vernham Dean, working as a gamekeeper possibly with his father. In Apr 1903 in Andover he married Agnes Sarah Jones and they had 6 children. 1911 census found them with the first three at Willis Cottage, Fosbury, Hungerford, Hiram a gamekeeper still, but Out of Work. So when next seen in 1921 it isn't a surprise to find they have moved and he has a new job. They moved to Longstock, Stockbridge, Hants and took the license of a pub in the village, previously called the Horse & Jockey but by 1855 called The Cossack (so nothing to do with naming it after a cossack dance...). Hiram had it from 1920, I understand, but when he left I don't know.  It has since closed and been converted into a residential house. Hiram also worked as a firewood dealer and was helped by his son Gordon. By 1939 he was 72 and back to being a gamekeeper at Shalbourne, Marlborough, Wilts, 18 miles to the north. All the children had left home but a Leonard can be seen, possibly a grandson, aged 3. Agnes died aged 73 in 1946 and Hiram 89 in 1956.

31st January 2023

I apologise for the hiatus. Family came to stay and I am assured that it is OK to neglect the ancestors in order to spend time with living family members lol.

On with the Dance troupe.

"George Dance 3" was born on 13 Jan 1861 in Linkenholt to Thomas and Elizabeth, so was brother of Ann and Bertha already dealt with, and one of twins.In 1861 census he can be seen there with parents, brother Charles and twin William (sister Ann was visiting - see below). In 1871 and 1881 he was with parents and sibs at Linkenholt then Vernham Dean, in the latter an Ag Lab, like his father. On 10 Aug 1884 in Lancing, Sussex he married Mary Elizabeth Gent and they had 3 daughters, although the youngest died  in infancy. There were 13 years between their marriage and the arrival of children, and 1891 was in the middle of this, showing him in Ockham, Surrey, working as a gamekeeper and boarding with another gamekeeper and his wife. I can't find Mary; there is one by her name, but with husband home and lots of children, so is not her. By 1901 they had settled at Downside Cottages, Cobham, where he was employed as a gamekeeper and they had all their daughters there. 1911  census was the same but baby Violet had died. They called their daughters after flowers - Rose, Daisy and Violet - how cute! On 10 May 1918 George died in Royal County Hospital, Guildford, so Mary, Rose and Daisy were without him in 1921 census. Mary was by then 58, and she and Rose 25 did Home Duties, still at Downside, where Daisy 23 was employed by C.N. Combe Esq (presumably the landowner) as a Landgirl on the farm. They gave the address as 5 The Island, Downside still the same in 1932 when Mary died aged 69 and left her effects to Rose. The girls remained there until they died, unmarried, Daisy in 1969 and Rose in 1981. 1939 Register showed them together there, Rose a "Jobbing Gardener" and Daisy making her living with Knitting and Needlework.

Hannah Dance was born 21 January 1861 in Newington, Southwark to John and Hannah nee Gibbs and can be seen there with parents and 3 brothers in the census of that year, aged 3 months, her father a blacksmith. In 1871 they were at another address close by, but John had taken a job at a steel mill, making bill bands. On Christmas Day 1880 she married Arthur William Matthews (not related to my Dad's tree) at Christchurch , Brixton, and they lived in Vassal Road, Kennington, where Arthur was a wheelwright (just opposite the Church) in the 1881 census. They had 2 sons and settled at 29 South Island Place, just around the corner, behind the church, next door to her parents (at no. 27 by 1881), and remained there for several decades. Her parents came to live with her as they aged and died in 1901 & 1920, so by 1921 census she and Arthur had moved a mile away to Stockwell Green. Arthur just missed the Register as he died in 1938 but Hannah can be seen aged 77, an inpatient at Dulwich Hospital and she died 3 years later, maybe at the hospital, buried in a mass unconsecrated grave in Lambeth Cemetery.

25th January 2023

Bertha Mary Dance was born 21 January 1871 in Linkenholt to Thomas and Elizabeth, Ann's sister - see yesterday. Thus her early years were the same until in 1891 she can be seen at Keepers Cottage, Lee Woods, Effingham with her elder brother Charles and family, working as a domestic servant, although whether to Charles is unclear. He was a gamekeeper - see later - with a baby daughter. In 1901 she can be seen aged 30 at Auckland Villa, Haddocks Hill, Bexhill, Cook to an elderly lady. In 1911 her mother was 82 and she was living with her at Littledown, Vernham Dean, evidently caring for her (occupation was given as Housekeeper, then crossed out - I'm not sure why.) 1921 census shows her visiting a shop in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, which may have been a shoeshop, but now sells vitamins. In Jul 1937 in Hitchin she married Horace Beck and they can be seen in 1939 Register at "New Shop, Huntingdon". Horace was a "Grocer and Provision Dealer" and I was amused to see him in 1901 literally just down the road from me here, a grocer's assistant at Baker Street, Hertford (married to a Margaret and with a baby - I see his first wife died in 1937 and he speedily married Bertha. In 1921 he can be seen in St Neots, working as a commercial traveller.) Bertha died in Jan 1959 in St Neots and Horace followed 2 years later.

Charles Dance was born Jan 1859 to John and Hannah nee Giles in Newington and can be seen there at 2 Lawson Road with parents and brothers in 1861 census. This road has gone, but was in Southwark, then Surrey. By 1871 he was 12 at school, and the family were at 31 Standon Street, very close by (also now gone). He can be seen in 1881 census at the Ivy House pub in Poplar, where he was working as a barman. On 13 Apr 1882 he married Emma Laddams in Camberwell and they had 5 children. I cannot find Charles in 1891 but Emma can be seen in Scarborough with 3 sons, although why they were up north I cannot tell. They did remain there for some years and 3 of the children were born there. In 1901 census he was a Carting Agent employing two sons in the business. This evidently did well as by 1911 he was of "Private Means" and they had moved back to London (Stockwell). As Emma died in 1915 he can be seen there in 1921 census a widower with 2 daughters, calling himself 59 (although really 62). When he died in Oct 1928 he was buried in Lambeth Cemetery in Tooting, and joined Emma. The girls were still at the same address in 1939 Register. [There were several records concerning a Charles Thomas Dance, with a criminal record in the right area, going in and out of prison for horse-stealing etc. and several fines through  the 1870s, but I have no firm evidence to say this is our man. However it may explain where he was in 1891 census]

Clara Louisa Dance was sister of Albert and Agnes I dealt with yesterday, so again early years are the same. In 1898 at Hartley Wintney she married William Skarrett

In 1901 they were at  Lower Froyle, Hampshire, staying with his parents and daughter Emma. William was  an Ag Lab and his father Alfred a General Dealer. Mother Emma died in 1917 and Alfred died in 1921, so by 1921 census they can be seen at London Road, Holybourne with 4 children, William and Clara both working on the farm (as labourer and messenger). As William was 14 years older than Clara, he had retired (in Alton) by the 1939 Register and she still working as a kitchen maid aged 60. He died there in 1943 and she followed in 1967 aged 88.

Edith Ann Dance another sister had the same 1891 record, then in 1901 can be seen in Clapham, cook in the household of a retired importer, with several other servants, housekeeper and a nurse. In 1911 she may be the niece staying with her uncle John, but age and place of birth aren't right. On 27 Dec 1913 at Hartley Wintney she married James Cane, engine driver, one of 11 siblings at home with parents in Odiham in 1911. I thought I had found them in 1921 census, James aka Percy Cains, but I have since discovered he died in 1920, a sapper in the Royal Engineers, and his pension went to Edith. She may have married early 1921 - there is a possible marriage to a William Fulford in Hartley Wintney, but I cannot find follow-up documents for 1921 census or deaths I can be sure of.

24th January 2023

I seem to have completely missed out most of the Dances in the past.

 Agnes Selina Dance was born on 29 Oct 1883 in Linkenholt, Hampshire to Charles and Sarah nee Walters and can be seen there in 1891 census aged 7 , with her widowed mother Sarah, a laundress, 4 siblings and a lodger. In 1901 she was working in Essex as a kitchenmaid, one of 7 servants at Sion House, Birchanger and may be still there in 1911, although I cannot find her. As she married the next year, she may already be in the Isle of Wight, where she married William Overton Coombes in the April quarter. They had one daughter Jessie and in 1921 census were living in William's garage on Regent Street, Shanklin, IOW with her (aged 3) and 5 visitors and a boarder Thomas Hartlipp, who worked for William in the garage. William called himself and Thomas "driver mechanics" and Home Duties. By 1939 Register they lived at Wilaglyn, 8 Littlestairs Road, Shanklin and he was a Coach Proprietor. Also in the household were Edwin Abbott, transport clerk & sugar rep. and his wife, also daughter Jessie, now 21, who married the following year. Agnes died there aged 77 on 15 Dec 1960, leaving £4300 to a bank, and William survived for another 19 years, dying aged 95 in Jul 1979.

Her brother was  Albert Charles Dance, born 19 Jul 1885 in Linkenholt, and joined her at Linkenholt National school on 23 Jul 1888, I have no leaving date for him. He married Beatrice Laurence in Apr 1910 then they had a son 4 months later, followed by two more children. Albert was in the Machine Gun Corps in WW1 and a bricklayer. He died in the New Forest area on 10 Jan 1968. He did have a 1911 census record, as he can be seen aged 25 with wife Beatrice and baby son at Pennington Common, Lymington, working as a labourer. 1921 census shows them at Middle Common, Pennington with 3 children, Albert working as bricklayer/labourer for a building contractor, Beatrice, now known as Maud, Home Duties and the 3 children at school. 1939 Register  shows them at Luckman, Lymington, Albert still bricklayer, Beatrice UDD. Florence was 27, working as a domestic, soon to become Mrs Rogers. Beatrice died 10 years after Albert, on 15 Feb 1978.

Ann Maria Dance was born 9 Jun 1857 in Linkenholt to Thomas and Elizabeth Dance. She can be seen in 1861 census, visiting William & Ann Bowley (parents of my 3g grandmother) aged 4 in Vernham Dean. In 1871 she can be seen at Linkenholt with her parents and sibs, surrounded by other relatives. In Oct 1878 she married Thomas Oliver Franklin in Hungerford and they had 10 children. In 1881 census Thomas was an Ag Lab and they had 2 baby daughters, living in Vernham Dean. By 1891 they had 6 children and had moved to Collingbourn Kingston in Wiltshire. Thomas was "portable engine driver", as was the case in 1901 and 1911 (although by then only one daughter was at home). By 1921 census they were in Aldershot with 2 children and 4 boarders, Thomas a Lorry Driver, as was youngest son Leonard. By 1939 Register Thomas was 82 and retired, still in Aldershot, Anna Incapacitated and she died 2 years later. Thomas followed a couple of months after that.

23rd January 2023

Sidney George Cox was Vic's brother, born on 11 Nov 1902 in Kennington, London to Edward & Harriet (Annie) nee Taylor, and christened at St Mary's, Lambeth on 12 Apr 1903. He can be seen on census return of 1911 at 84 Kennington Road, with parents & sibs, aged 8. On 8 Dec 1935 at St Mary's, Lambeth he married May Lilian Fitzgerald (Vic tells us in his book that Sid was out of work for some time after the company he worked for in the City closed down, and spent a lot of time with his Dad in the Off Licence he ran. The Fitzgeralds lived opposite & he became friendly with them. Charlie, May's twin brother, married their sister Gert in 1937). Vic said: (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox. Plowright Press) "It was in December 1935 when my brother Sid got married to May Fitzgerald. It was quite a nice wedding. They were married in what I always call our church, which was St Mary's Old Lambeth. They had a nice reception and managed to secure a flat in Southwark, quite near May's home". He also tells of a visit he paid to them in 1940, when they lived in Clapham, and of a trip to the milliner's where May worked part-time, including the fact that the Queen Mother used to buy their hats when she was Duchess of York, and of a holiday in Brighton they spent together. In 1954 the company Sid worked for moved fom Walthamstow to Stevenage, so they relocated to Hertfordshire (very close to where I am now). They took May's sister Cis with them, so both she & May had to give their jobs up in London. May decided she would stay at home and enjoy the house and garden at the back... Cis found herself a job at the Nivea factory in Welwyn Garden City. In March 1971 Sid was admitted to hospital in Potter's Bar, where he died on 2 May aged 68. "The funeral was at Luton crematorium, afterwards his ashes were interred in the same grave as our sister Win in Upper Lambourn cemetery. One thing about May, since sh'd been in Stevenage, she'd made quite a few friends. (In about 1984) my sister-in-law May and her sister Cis had given up their house and moved into a residential home in another part of Stevenage. Cis was very frail and May was getting rather forgetful, so it suited them... In the spring (1989) we received news that...May at Stevenage had been taken into hospital. She was 80 and it was only a short while later she died. The funeral was at Luton crematorium". (Vic and his nephew Jimmy tried to attend, but the car broke down and they didn't make it in time). 1921 census showed him aged 18 at home in 86 Kennington Road with lots of family, listed as working in the Civil Service Stores in the china & glass Dept. This was a co-operative, enabling civil servants to purchase with discount, and became a private company in 1927. Electoral roll records show he moved with Ted & family from Kennington Road to Wedgewood House in 1931 but after marriage he got a flat in Southwark Bridge Road and worked as a packer.

Victor Allerton Cox was my first cousin twice removed, and the author I often quote. He was born on 2 Sep 1909 at 84 Kennington Road, Lambeth to Ted & Annie nee Taylor, the 6th of their 7 children. In 1912 on the birth of Gert, they moved next door to No. 86 and in 1914 Vic started school at Walnut Tree Walk, At Christmas 1923 Vic left school & started work at a light engineering works in Kennington Road, a job called "Odd Boy". I think he quite enjoyed it but in 1926 he moved onto better things, a job as commis waiter at the Waldorf Hotel Grill Room with my great-uncle Jim Gamble for a while (he was Vic's cousin). At the start of WW2 he received call-up papers and he enlisted at Guildford into the Queen's Royal Regiment.He spent time in Caerphilly Wales, Iceland, Algiers & Tunisia Africa then obtained a position as Storesman in Didcot, Oxfordshire. In 1953 they moved into Deacon's Cottage, Lambourn very close to many family members, then in 1956 he took a 4-bedroomed house in Woodbury. He retired in 1974 and wrote his book in 2000. Unfortunately I never got to speak to him, in person or by email, as I only discovered his book in 2008 when he had already been dead 5 years. He died on 13 Jun 2003 at Savernake Hospital, Marlborough, Wiltshire. 1921 census was as Sidney above, aged 11 he was at school. 1939 Register picked him up working as a hotel waiter and living in Ealing with a couple of travelling salesmen.. But as I noted above, he joined up the following year and travelled the world.

Victor Frank Cox was born in Mar 1898 in Bracton Road, Rotherhithe to Charles & Ada nee Snuggs and christened at St Barnabas on 17 Apr 1898. He can be seen there in 1901 & 1911 census returns with parents & sibs (also in 1911 with grandmother) aged 3 & 13 respectively. In Jul 1926 he married a local lady by one of my favourite names Parthenia Elizabeth Stevens (as was her mother). He died aged 64 in Oct 1962 in Thanet, Kent as did she in 1973 aged 75. 2015 update: Previously a warehouseman working for R, H & S Roagers, New Union St, London, in WW1 (1916) he enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles (transferred from the Royal London Rifles) and was demobbed from the army in 1919 with 2 medals, transferred to Class Z (Reserves) as he was no longer fit for service due to gunshot wounds to the back but was refused a pension as this was considered healed. He had served less than 3 years, but had seen action in India, South Africa & France and spent 2 months in hospital in Dorchester in 1918. There was one strange item; he was punished for breaking into a hospital ward whilst on guard duty in 1919 (this may be why his pension was refused, although the only reason that springs to mind for doing so was if he was addicted to painkilling drugs - just conjecture here). The lady he married in 1926 Perthenia Stevens can be seen in census of 1911 at 36 Fawcett Road, Greenwich with parents & 2 brothers, her father a coal porter in a Gas Company. It appears that Victor & Parthenia had no children and, as I said above they both died in Thanet, Victor in 1962 & Parthenia in 1973. 1921 census shows him with his father and sister at 49 Bracton Road, Rotherhithe. He was a labourer employed at Lavender Wharf, working with barrels of oil. He did not receive a pension after discharge from the Army in 1919. in 1939 Register he can be seen living at 95 Bolina Road, Deptford, near his brother Charles. Son Derek moved to Sutton after marriage. Victor was listed in 1939 as a Retort Stoker at S M Gas Co., so evidently recovered well from his injuries. He was also a Fire Watcher at the company, a very valuable occupation in wartime. Following his electoral roll addresses, he can be seen in 1945 at 53 Bolina Road, so didn't move away immediately after the bomb fell. I can see from a book of bomb damage in London, that a high-intensity bomb fell right on the railway arches and all the property at the north end of the road was destroyed, then some badly damaged. In the listing of 1945 the numbers on the odd side start at 45 and only go up to 79, so were obviously renumbered (so 53 may be the same as 95 in 1939). 1955 electoral roll records show that by then they had moved out to Crayford.

William Cox 3, born Jul 1855 in Oxted. He can be seen in censuses of 1861 & 1871 in Oxted Village with parents & sibs, in the latter a 15-year-old Smith. In 1881 he can be seen living alone at Newlands, Crockham Hill, Westerham, Kent, a blacksmith in his own right, employing 1 boy. In Jan 1884 he married Mary Elizabeth Deadman, she moved into the Forge with him and they had 3 children. Son Gordon was apprenticed to the coachbuilder next door, and daughter Ethel trained as a teacher. 2020 update:  I can now see him in 1939 Register, at the same address as previous records; Hammer Field, Westerham, Kent, with son Gordon (master builder) and his wife, also daughters Ruth and Ethel, retired school teachers. His death was Apr 1947, in Tonbridge, Kent, aged 91. Gordon died the following year in Guys Hospital London.  I see also that William and son Gordon had in 1945 been in trouble for not sealing a cesspit on their land. One can only imagine the "inconvenience" this caused in the village. In court Gordon stated he was going to replace the whole thing when workers came back from War Service. (The Women's Institute were also in trouble for failing to dispose safely of their waste into the existing facilities). 1921 census shows him at Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, with  both daughters teaching in (fairly) local schools. William described himself as "builder and smith, employer" and Mary Home Duties.

Winifred Alice Cox, Vic's eldest sister, born to Ted & Annie nee Taylor on 29 Mar 1894 (10 months after her parents' wedding) & christened on 13 May 1894 at St Matthew, Newington (see 4th Mar, her cousin Lil was christened there the year before). Her admission paper to Walnut Tree Walk school is dated 1898, when she was 4. She can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 7 at Hungerford Road, Lambourn, staying with her grandparents & uncles, with brother Harry. In 1911 she is back with parents & bros at 84 Kennington Road, aged 17. On 21 Feb 1920 at St Mary's she married Albert William Bowsher (who had recently arrived from Canada) & produced a daughter on 21 Apr. They only had the one child though, as Bert died aged 39. He was a fireman & I have no idea if this was related to his early death (and Vic doesn't say). Unfortunately the daughter Jean also died young & suddenly at the same age. Win lived with Vic & Lil in the early 1960s in Woodbury but in 1965 was admitted to Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading with cancer & died there. The registration index says 1970, but Vic says 1965 in his book & she was buried in Upper Lambourn Cemetery. 1921 census shows her at The Lamb, Lambourn, lodging with the publican, a Rose Cox, 74 year old widow (I can't find her on my tree, so she may not be related), with baby Jean. Albert was described as "helping his father with farm work" at Bockhampton Farm (Henry Bowsher).

22nd January 2023

Louisa Elizabeth Cox was born in Jun 1872 in Croydon to Charles & Sarah nee Challis and christened there on 30 Jun at St Peter's church. She can be seen on census returns of 1881 & 1891 at 7 Parker Road, in the latter listed as a dressmaker aged 18. On 22 Feb 1898 she was married at St Peter's to (John) George Chapman and in the census of 1901 they are at 31 West Street, Croydon with 2 daughters, then in 1911 at 18 Laud Street, Croydon with 5 children. (They had six in all but in 1911 Gwendoline was with her grandparents Charles & Sarah Cox). Louisa's granddaughter has said that George was so unreliable and had (& lost) so many jobs that she had to do dressmaking to make ends meet, travelling all over Surrey & Sussex & further afield to do so, right up to her death. George died on 14 Nov 1940 aged 72 and was apparently the first person to be cremated at Croydon Crematorium. Louisa had a stroke in 1955 and died on 6 Oct aged 83. 2018 update: the 1939 Register, showed just Louisa and George, at 19 Sheldon Street, Croydon, he listed as "flour warehouseman retired". He was 67 and died the following year. 1921 census shows Louisa and John staying with a decorator and his family in Bognor, Sussex. JG was listed as "Sack Manager" at a flour mill (but how long that job lasted we don't know)

Maria Mary Cox was her sister, born on 27 Oct 1879 in Croydon (no doubt at 7 Parker Road) and christened on 28 Dec 1879 at St Peter's. She can be seen in censuses of 1881, 1891 & 1901, then in 1911 at 2 Aberdeen Road, Croydon, with parents & sibs, generally called Minnie, listed as a dressmaker. She never married, and died aged 76 in Oct 1955 in Croydon. 2018 update:, she lived her entire adult life at 2 Aberdeen Road, Croydon, so it wasn't a surprise to find her there in 1939 Register. She was listed as "dressmaker & domestic", but it seemed she also worked for the Blood Transfusion Service - obviously a very worthwhile cause, especially in wartime. 1921 census was mentioned below - see Edith Fanny - showing her as head of household at 2 Aberdeen Road, Croydon with mother and sister, described as "Dressmaker employer" working at home.

Sarah Ann Cox (known in the family as Tal) was Vic's auntie and my great great-aunt. she was born in Feb 1858 in Newington (possibly Swan Street) to George & Dewey nee Dance and christened on 14 Mar 1858 at Holy Trinity, Newington with her brother George. She can be seen on census return of 1871 at 8 Swan Street, with parents & sibs, then in 1881 she is living with employers at Ravenstone, Camberwell where she is a General Servant aged 20. At some point in the 1880s she married William J Cavanagh from Bléré, Indre-et-Loire, France, probably in his home town (I don't have access to French records). In census return of 1891 they are living near her family at 24 Abbey Street, Bermondsey, with a "parochial nurse & a labourer" possibly lodgers. In 1901 they are at 6 Horrends Cottages, Lambeth (near Vic's family), but by the 1911 census she had been widowed & was alone at 18 Pratt Street, just around the corner. I do know that she married my great great-uncle Henry Charles Gamble on 28 Feb 1915 at St Mary Newington. She was 15 years older than him, but they were a lovely fun-loving couple apparently, as Vic tells many stories in his book (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox. Plowright Press) about their antics, as they liked a drink... "They often came to visit, bringing their gramophone, and had a great time". Tal died aged 73 on 31 Oct 1931 and Harry followed her in 1938 aged 66. 1921 census was difficult to track down as they lied about their date of birth but I knew where they lived - at 277 Kennington Road - they claimed to be 55 and 56, rather than 48 and 63!

21st January 2023

Jemima Cox was born Mar 1832 to Barnard & Eliza nee Spanswick at Inkpen, Berkshire & christened there on 29 Apr 1832. The 1841 census page for this family is pretty much illegible, but she is there aged 9 in Hungerford, with parents & sibs, then again in 1851 at Farley Green. In 1861 she is seen with sister Esther as cook in the household of landowner John Bennet, in Haydon Lane, Wimbledon. On 23 Sep 1862 she married Edward Saunders Stroud in St Mary's Battersea, where her sister Eliza was later buried. Edward was listed as a builder on the marriage certificate, but his mother ran the White Horse Inn at Sunbury, and by 1871 he & Jemima have their own pub & brewery, the Red Lion in Hanworth Road, Twickenham, also 3 sons & a servant. In 1881 they are running the Unicorn Hotel, Deddington, Oxford again seen with 3 children & a servant, and still brewing too. In 1891 Edward's mother was 74 and evidently frail, as Jemima was living with her as companion, along with daughter Elsie and 2 young nieces, at 5 Apsley Villas, Twickenham Green. I cannot find Edward anywhere but by 1901 he is back with Jemima, living in Bridge Street, Walton-on-Thames, where he is a brewery storekeeper. I think he died in 1917 in Chertsey, Surrey, but the transcribers do terrible things with his name.... I cannot find a death for Jemima for the same reason (especially as after her marriage she invariably called herself Jane). 2015 update: Edward died aged 80 in Jan 1917 in Chertsey Union Infirmary (although whether resident in the union workhouse at the time I cannot say) and was buried at St Mary's, Walton-on-Thames. Jemima evidently moved to Alresford, Hampshire after this, because that was where she died in Jan 1924 aged 91. She was buried on 25 Jan 1924 with Edward in St Mary's, Walton. 1921 census showed her shortly before this, an 89-year-old widow with daughter Elsie and family in Alresford. Son-in-law George Turner ran a cycle shop and his children worked for him there.

John Thomas Cox (poor man! - but then the euphemism arose much later) was born May 1837 in Inkpen, Berkshire to Barnard & Eliza née Spanswick and christened there on 4 Jun 1837. He can be seen in censuses of 1841 & 1861 at Farley Green with parents & sibs. In 1861 he was at Farley Common with father, 4 brothers, 2 cousins & some visitors, listed as a blacksmith. On 27 Jul 1868 at St Mary's church, Farleigh he married Jane Annie Gardiner, publican's daughter from Bisley, Gloucestershire and they had 10 children, all of whom survived (although 2nd son Arthur was variously described as "imbecile"/"simple-minded" from birth - the latter description his father's own). In 1871 census John can be seen at Village Green, Farley with 2 sons, cousin Thomas Challis, also a blacksmith, and a servant. I have described how his brother James moved to Cudham, Kent, and in 1881 census John can be seen there too, but he has set up in Fairchilde's Cottages across town. In about 1884 John took his family back to Surrey but it is very odd that in 1891 census their home is called Fairchild's Cottages, Chelsham - maybe they followed a landowner as he developed the area - and they have 8 children at home. They can be seen there in 2 further censuses and died there, John in Jan 1922 and Jane in 1925. 1921 census shows them there, with son Alfred the only other one remaining, this time described as "Cripple from birth" aged 46. John was 84, retired blacksmith.

Lilian Ada Cox was born in Feb 1890 in Rotherhithe, London to Charles & Ada nee Snuggs & christened at St Barnabas on 11 Mar 1890. She can be seen on census returns of 1891, 1901 & 1911 at 49 Bracton Road, Rotherhithe aged 1, 11 & 21 respectively & in the latter listed as "mantle machinist". On 16 Mar 1918 at St Katharine's, Rotherhithe she married Harry Wood, who had enlisted in the Coldstream Guards and been sent to France in 1915 - evidently he had come home on leave & they were married. They moved into a house on the same street as her parents, 32 Bracton Road. Unfortunately he was sent straight to Belgium, where he was killed on 13 April 1918. He is commemorated on Panel 1 of the Ploegsteert Memorial. Lilian died on 18 Dec 1936 aged 46 in Bermondsey. 2020 update: she was buried in Nunhead Cemetery, with her father Charles John Cox, who had died a year before, in plot 27/38978. [Her sister-in-law Helene nee Jager was the other in the same plot, buried Mar 1947.] 1921 census shows her at 49 Bracton Road with her father and brother Victor - see Charles John below - looking after them by UDD.

Lilian Annie Cox, Vic's cousin and niece of my great grandmother Lizzie. She was born on 28 Sep 1893 at 68 Sayer Street, Lambeth to George & Bessie nee King and christened on 25 Oct 1893 at St Matthew, Newington. She can be seen on 1901 census aged 7 with parents & brother at 42 Walnut Tree Walk, and her admission papers to Walnut Tree Walk school are dated 1899. By 1911 she can be seen living with her uncle Ted & family and her father. In 1920 she was listed as a "bookfolder". On 19 Nov 1922 she married Sydney Reading at Holy Trinity Church, Woolwich, given away by her uncle Ted, as previously mentioned, because her father George couldn't bear to lose his last remaining child. Syd had been a soldier in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry but by then had left the army & was working as a bus driver. Vic said in his book: (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox Plowright Press) "Uncle George's daughter Lil and her husband Syd Reading still occupied the big room in the top part of the house, doing their bit of cooking on a stove on the landing. Their son Arthur was born in 1924".....In 1930 the council demolished the estate and built new blocks, so the family had to move. By then "Syd and Lil Reading had been living upstairs with us with their two children Arthur & Joyce, had obtained No. 39 (Wedgewood House) next door.. with two bedrooms upstairs." The children were evacuated to the West Country during WW2 but Syd & Lil remained in London then joined the family in Lambourn. Syd died in Oct 1953 in London, but Lil went on to 91, eventually dying on Christmas Day 1984 in Orpington Hospital (a mile or so from where I grew up!) So 1921 census was a year before she married, and finds her at no.86 with her family. She was listed as "Bookfolder" employed by Moore of Shoe Lane, off Fleet Street, one of the numerous printing presses in London.

20th January 2023

George William Cox 2 (2013) was Vic's uncle and my great grandmother's brother. He was born in Oct 1854 and christened at Holy Trinity, Newington on 14 Mar 1858 along with baby sister Sarah. As stated previously, I cannot track down the 1861 census for this family, but in 1871 aged 17 he is there with parents & sibs at Swan Street, listed as an undertaker. He evidently didn't take to this, as in 1881 he is also a blacksmith, like his father & grandfather. In Apr 1880 at St Olave's, Southwark he married Elizabeth "Bessie" King and they had 5 children. They lived with his sister Emily & her family, at 5 Golden Place, then when she re-married & moved to West Ham, George & family moved to 42 Walnut Tree Walk, Lambeth (1901 census). Bessie died on 19 Nov 1910 so as Vic put it in his book (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox Plowright Press) "Uncle George was living in St Albans Street when his wife died, so he & Lil decided to live with us. Lil's two brothers, George the eldest was married, Arch was a butler in service in St Albans I think with very well known people. Her older sister Dewey had died aged 27 in 1908" So in 1911 census they are at 84 Kennington Road. Unfortunately, his 2 sons George & Archibald were killed in WW1. As son Albert had died in infancy, only one child Lilian was left. In 1922 Lil wanted to get married, but George "refused to (give her away)" so Ted had to.."he liked Syd but having lost his wife & all his other children, he wouldn't give his remaining child to anyone". George himself died in 1939, just before Ted was made redundant, and this was one of the reasons the family made the move back to Lambourn. 2020 update: he died on 3 Sep 1939 (didn't quite wait for 1939 Register on 29th) and was buried on 14th Sep at the Lambeth Cemetery in plot ConV3/287, third interment of 19 over 3 months. 1921 census shows him staying with his brother Edward - see 18th Jan below - at 86 Kennington Road, working for the same brewery as him; Jennings, as a cask washer. He was 65 years old, so not far off retirement. Bessie died in 1910 and he must have felt he was a burden on his family, so I have seen he was admitted to the Lambeth Workhouse on several occasions in 1913-15. Electoral roll records show he lived with family at no. 86 from 1919 to 1931, then moved with them to 52 Wedgewood House, just around the corner, in about 1935, and probably until his death in 1939.

Gertrude Louise Taylor Cox was born on 21 Jun 1912 in Kennington, Vic's sister & closest relative, as they were close in age and somewhat younger than the others. In 1937, as Vic says: "After the coronation, in June my sister Gert married Charlie Fitzgerald at our church St Mary's Old Lambeth. I was best man. It was a very nice wedding, with a nice reception afterwards." (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox Plowright Press) and they settled in Brixton. Unfortunately their flat was damaged in Blitz bombing in 1940, so in 1942 they moved to Lambourn, where Gert worked as a Dinner Lady at the Infants School. They had one daughter Jill (my 2nd cousin who helped Vic write his memoirs) in 1938 but unfortunately Charlie was killed in August 1943 fighting in Sicily. Gert died on 28 Nov 1996 at St Catherine Nursing Home, Newbury, Berks and her ashes interred at Upper Lambourn New Year 1997. 2018 update: in 1939 Gertrude Cox was with her mother in 1939 in Hungerford. 1921 census caught her aged 8 in the same household as above, as Edward was her father.

Henry Thomas Cox was born 23 Dec 1899 at Kennington, Lambeth to Edward & Harriet nee Taylor, one of Vic's older brothers. He was always known in the family as "Lal", a mystery I never got to the bottom of (and neither did Vic) as my granddad, Henry Thomas Gamble was also called Lal. In the 1901 census he can be seen at Hungerford Road, Lambourn aged 2 with his grandparents & 3 uncles. In 1911 census he is back at 85 Kennington Road, Lambeth with parents & sibs aged 12. I have his school admission aged 3 at Walnut Tree Walk School, Lambeth, which is evidently why he returned to London. In 1914 he started work for Faulkners, Blackfriars Road, tobacco factory. On 11 Sep 1914 he joined the Cadet Corps, from which he was put in the Army Reserve & then posted to France in Oct 1917. In Sep 1918 he suffered gunshot wounds to hands & shoulders & was returned to England. He received 2 medals (British War Medal & Victory Medal). On 8 Sep 1929 in Kew, Surrey he married Doris (Dolly) See and they had a son, Peter In 1939 they were relocated to Liverpool, due to a merger of Faulkners with Ogdens. In Jun 1959 Lal died of cancer aged 60 (not a healthy trade to be in!) and was cremated in Liverpool. Dolly lived on there to the age of 81. In Vic's book (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox Plowright Press) he said "My brother Sid, May & myself went to Liverpool to attend the funeral. We met quite a few members from the firm & they all mentioned how popular Lal was. We travelled up by train to Lime Street and it was Lal's son Peter & my cousin Cecil from Kew who were both waiting to meet us...After Lal died she carried on in the same house on her own" 2018 update: I can now add his baptism at St Philip's, Lambeth - where my parents got married 53 years later. The 1939 Register was interesting here, as he had just been relocated by the merger of the company he worked for with another and he had to move from London to Liverpool. He can be seen lodging in Thornes Road, Liverpool, one of four tobacco dryers and 2 telephonists lodging with a widowed housekeeper (who was an ARP warden). Dolly can be seen with his uncle & aunt at Millbrook, Hungerford, John & Emily Taylor with cousin Doris and a closed file, presumably Peter. They evidently went on to join Henry in Liverpool as that was where Peter was married and his parents died. 2020 update: he was in the Cadet Corps from 1914, aged 16, then the Army Reserve two years later, training reserve number 2145 (no records) then he joined the Essex Regiment service number42254, 18 Jan 1918. According to his medical report, he was treated by a field ambulance on three occasions for otorrhoea (ear infection) in Mar 1918. On 3 Sep 1918 he suffered a Gun Shot Wounds of his hand and shoulder, was admitted to a hospital ship then sent home until 4 November, when he was posted again, then 6 Dec again. I can't find a discharge/demob date, but they were generally in 1919/20. As I have noted before, he returned to his old job in the tobacco industry, moved with the company to Liverpool, where he died, unsurprisingly of lung cancer, aged 60. He was another of the household in 1921 census shown above, being Gert's brother.

James Henry Cox (2015) was born 30 Jul 1895 at 21 Eyot Gardens, Hammersmith to George & Julia née Finch and was christened there at St Peter's 22 Sep 1895. He can be seen in census of 1901 aged 5 at 1 Grosvenor Road, Twickenham with parents & sister, then at 141 Sheen Road, Richmond in 1911 with parents, sister & 2 boarders, listed as "Clerk to Argentine Company". I have just found a marriage: On 20 Jul 1920 at St John the Divine, Richmond he married local widow Gladys Lilian Mable Franckeiss née Plastow, daughter of Joseph Plastow, ironmonger's porter (deceased). She had married Gunner Herbert Cecil Franckeiss in Sep 1918 and he was killed in Belgium 4 months later in Jan 1919 and buried in the cemetery at Mons. I cannot see that James & Gladys had any children. Gladys died aged 65 on 24 Jan 1962 at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, giving home address as Marrions, Lewes Road, East Grinstead and leaving effects worth £1447 to James, who was by now a chartered accountant. He must have moved to Lewes, East Sussex as that was where he died aged 79 in Jan 1975. 2018 update: in 1939, The address was "The Hood", Cuckfield, He was a Chartered Accountant...the Register confirmed they didn't have children and they lived in Cuckfield, possibly from their marriage. Both James' parents & his wife died there, or rather Uckfield Hospital 14 miles away, then James went into a nursing home in Lewes when he became infirm and died there in 1975 aged 79. It is still there, a specialist dementia care centre. 1921 census showed him when he had been married for almost a year, with his in-laws at 41 Jocelyn Road, Richmond-upon-Thames. He was an Audit Clerk, employed by Gane Jackson & Co, Chartered Accountants. I see that this company have undergone various incarnations through several mergers etc but it seems they are still around 100 years later.

19th January 2023

Edward John Cox was the son of Charles John (see yesterday) and Ada nee Snuggs, born 27 Apr 1885 at 1 Westlake Road, Rotherhithe (very close to Bracton Road) and christened at St Katharine's on 23 Jun 1885. He can be seen on census records of 1891, 1901 & 1911 at 49 Bracton Road, with parents & sibs. In 1901 he was listed as an Auctioneer's Clerk, then in 1911 a clerk at a Wholesale Draper's. On 10 Apr 1915 he married Gertrude Ellen Cole. They had 3 daughters, and when Edward died in Brighton on 17 Aug 1962 he left his effects to son-in-law Norman Jasper Gardner, who was married to their eldest daughter Helen, then Gertrude went to Wales to live with 2nd daughter Ursula & her husband & died there in 1969. 2018 update: shown on the 1939 Register to be living at 7 Lower Road, Sutton, running a Draper's shop with his wife Gertrude. Daughters Helen, Milinery Assistant, and Stella, shorthand typist, were also at home, aged 21 and 17 respectively. Looking up this address on Google Streetview, I can see that up until 2015 this was still a shop and has only recently been sold and renovated into what is now a home. 2020 update: Edward John Cox was the one who was diagnosed with a heart condition at his enlistment medical. They called it "soft myocardia" and evidently didn't consider it severe enough to reject him. He attested to the ASC on 8 Dec 1915 and he was put in the Army Reserves from the following day then "mobilized" 6 Sep 1916. He evidently excelled in this role as he was promoted to Corporal on 28 Nov 1917 and to Sergeant on 11 May 1918, as which he was transferred to Z Company on 1 Mar 1919. After demob he had another daughter and evidently ran a draper's shop in Sutton with his wife until they retired to Brighton. When he died he was 77 years old. 1921 census shows him at 31 Chalsey Road, Brockley, employed as a clerk by hosiery manufacturer T. H. Downing & Co. Ltd of 3a Wood Street. Also at that address were his wife (Ellen) Gertrude and 2 year old daughter Helen.

Eliza Jane Cox is the central character in this branch, as she was my great-grandmother, generally known as Lizzie. She was born in Jan 1863 at Swan Street in Newington to George & Dewey nee Dance. She can be seen with them on census of 1871 at Swan Street, then in 1881 at age 19 at 162 Broadwall, Southwark, working as servant to a coal dealer & his family. In 1891 she is seen living back home with her widowed father & her brother, at 9 Chapel Place, Leather Market, Bermondsey, listed as a "domestic". On 10 July 1892 she married my great-grandfather, Master Cabman Isaac Gamble at St Paul's Church, Newington. She lied about her age on the marriage certificate, stating she was 27 (rather than 29) as her groom was only 23, and on census return of 1901 she said she was 32, when in reality 37. They were listed at 14 Clayton Buildings (2 flats along from my Nan's in later decades, where I spent much of my childhood) with 3 children & nephew Henry. Likewise in 1911 with Henry, 5 children & a family of boarders. This family seemed to have 2-year rental contracts, and moved around the area quite a lot. 1893-5 they were at 12 Clayton Buildings (next door to what would be my Nan's - see above), then 1896-7 at 2 Cumberland Mews (oddly enough just round the corner from Cleaver Square where my husband's Dad grew up), then 1898-1900 at 2 Richmond Cottages, Walnut Tree Walk (where Vic lived - see later), next door to Isaac's brother Edward. 1901 to at least 1915 they were settled at 14 Clayton Buildings, then 1918 until at least 1925 at 24 Camberwell Grove, where Lizzie died in Jan 1923. After this, Isaac lived at 19 Sharsted Street (also near Cleaver Square). 2020 update: Now I can see that she was buried in plot 102/27618 4th of 15 interments over the first 2 weeks of Feb 1923. 1921 census shows her at 24 Camberwell Grove, Southwark with Isaac and 3 "children". He was a taxi driver and employed the two sons to wash his cab. Aunt Kit was 25 and made flowers for a lady in central London, Lizzie Home Duties, admitting to 53 but really 58.

Emily Augusta Cox was born on 27 Apr 1851 at 15 Matthew Street, Shoreditch to George & Dewey nee Dance and christened on 11 Jul 1851 at St Giles Cripplegate, London. For some reason the census returns for 1861 & 1871 are missing for this family, but we do know they were at Swan Street, Newington by birth records of her sibs. In Jul 1877 she married Richard James Lloyd at St Saviours, Southwark and they had 5 children & lived at 5 Goldens Place, Lambeth with her brother George & his family. Unfortunately Richard died in 1889 at the age of just 36 and she is noted as widow on census returns of 1891. However on 12 Nov 1893 she married Thomas William Hughes at Emmanuel Church, Lambeth (situated just behind Clayton Buildings, where my grandparents lived). They can be seen together with children from both first marriages in 1901 census at 23 Barnwood Road, West Ham, then 1911 at 14 Barnwood Road. Thomas died in 1930 & Emily on 19 Jan 1933 and both are, I understand, buried in West Ham (although I cannot locate records). 1921 census shows her with Thomas at no. 9 Barnswood Road, West Ham, both OAPs. 

George Henry Cox was born 5 Aug 1866 in Croydon to James & Ellen née Gibson and christened there 4 Nov 1866 at St John the Baptist. He was an only child and can be seen with his parents in censuses of 1871 & 1881 at Leaves Green Cottages, Cudham, Kent where his father was blacksmith. [Cottages which were originally built as the Cudham workhouse, but even by 1871 had become privately owned]. George evidently learned this trade too as he can be seen listed as such on census of 1901 at 1 Grosvenor Road, Twickenham with 2 children [now modern housing]. In 1911 the family has moved to 141 Sheen Road, Richmond with 2 children & 2 boarders. In Oct 1891 in Brentford he married Julia Faith Finch and had 3 children (although the eldest died aged 2). 2018 update: 1939 was right at the end of his life as he died 2 years later, and he can be seen still at 141 Sheen Road, Richmond, listed as "farrier retired" aged 73, with Julia, dressmaker.. Investigating why his death was registered in Uckfield, which is 65 miles away, I looked at the children and discovered both daughters had died but son James lived in the right area, so both George and Julia probably moved in with him and he registered their deaths when they died in 1941 and 1950 respectively (and James' wife Gladys in 1962). Going back to fill in 1921 census I see him at 141 Sheen Road, Richmond with Julia, daughter Doris and a boarder. George was a farrier employed by a horseshoe maker from Hammersmith. Julia had her own dressmaking business, and Doris a milliner aged 27.

18th January 2023

Charles Albert Cox (2013) was born to Charles & Ada nee Snuggs on 31 Jan 1884 in Newington (then Surrey, now London) and christened on 13 Apr 1884 in St Saviour's, Denmark Park, Southwark (likewise). He can be seen in census records of 1891 aged 7 & 1901 aged 17 with parents & sibs at 49 Bracton Road, Rotherhithe. [This area is now under a large swathe of railway lines & Bermondsey Trading Estate.] On 4 Jul 1906 he enlisted in the 1st Surrey Voluntary Rifle Corps in Camberwell, a kind of Territorial Army group, and on 1st Apr 1908 this merged with a lot of other similar bands to form the 21st Battalion County of London as part of the 6th London Brigade. He started as a Private but re-enlisted in subsequent years as Lance Corporal, then Sergeant. He left just before the First World War started, on 5th Apr 1912. On 15 Jul 1911 at St Katharine's Rotherhithe, he married Helene Jager and had a son Albert in 1913. 2018 update:  they can be seen in 1939 at 60 Bolina Road, Deptford (*) with Albert. The Register gives me their exact dates of birth and states Charles worked in engineering for a leather belt manufacturer, a heavy worker (and thus was given more rations) and Albert Edward Frederick - to give him his full title - aged 26 was working as a journalist/typist. He was very keen on his full name, As Albert later lived in Greenwich I believe Charles died there in Dec 1967. * looking into Bolina Road, I can see that it is now "light industrial units", after a high-explosive bomb landed here in 1940. This would be worrying if I didn't know they survived. But they must have moved away to Surrey not long after this, and that is why Helene's death-place was some miles from home, 8 years later. 1921 census shows them visiting a family in Hastings, Charles a Millband Fitter employed by W. H. Willcox & Co Ltd, Southwark Road, which was 2.5 miles from home, or more likely a couple if railway stops. I see from adverts of the time that Willcox made many kinds of parts for engineering and factory equipment, including leather belts for machinery, so he may have used his previous training working on these. Helene presumably kept house and Albert was 8 and at school.

Charles John Cox was the father of Charles Albert, and was born in May 1861 at Swan Street, Newington to George and Dewey Dance. He was christened at Holy Trinity Church, very close to home. [Apparently this church was damaged in WW2 & subsequently fire, so was rebuilt as the Henry Wood Hall]. He can be seen in censuses of 1871 & 1881 with parents & sibs at 8 Swan Street [now a big factory] and then 117 Long Lane, Bermondsey [now modern flats & a pizza takeaway on the site]. On 2 Nov 1882 he married Ada Louisa Snuggs at St Mary Magdalene Church, St Olave, Southwark and moved to Bracton Road, Rotherhithe, where he lived until his death in Dec 1935. Ada died in 1919. He was buried in Nunhead Cemetery 12 Dec 1935, in the same plot as Helene (above) and Lilian. 1921 census shows him at 49 Bracton Road, widowed warehouseman, employed by Bartlett & Digby, at 66 Blsckfriars Road. I cannot find any info about them, but he said they were a tin and iron plate works. As son Charles was visiting, he is not shown on the return, but may well have lived there too. Other son Victor was still single aged 23 and can be seen there, a labourer for an oil company, and widowed daughter Lilian to keep house.

Edith Fanny Cox was born 1 Sep 1875 at 7 Parker Road, Croydon to Charles & Sarah née Challis and was christened 31 Oct 1875 at St Peter's. She can be seen in censuses of 1881, 1891 and 1901 at 7 Parker Road, with parents & sibs (also grandparents in the former), listed as a dressmaker in the latter. In 1911 they had moved to 2 Aberdeen Road, Croydon. I had a lot of detail about a marriage and her husband's life, but when researching the 1939 Register found that she hadn't married at all.

2018 update: In 1939 she was still living with her sister Maria at the parental home, 2 Aberdeen Road, and never married, both working as dressmakers & domestics I have now been able easily to find her death record in 1964 under her maiden name. 1921 census confirms this and shows her with sister and mother at 2 Aberdeen Road. Both Maria and Edith were self-employed dressmakers working from home, and their mother Sarah a 74-year-old widow.

Edward Dance Cox was Vic's father & the brother of my great-grandmother Eliza Cox. He was born on 30 Oct 1869 at 8 Swan Street, Newington to George & Dewey nee Dance and christened at St Alphege, Southwark at the age of 6 . He can be seen there in 1871 census, and then in 1881 at 117 Long Lane, Bermondsey with parents & brother. In 1891 he was at 9 Chapel Place, Bermondsey, with father & sister, listed as a Brewer's Cellarman. On 21 May 1893 at St Mary's Newington he married Harriet Annie Taylor, described by Vic in his book thus: "My mother Harriet, generally known by her second name Annie, was born in Berkshire, in the village of Lambourn... where her father was a butcher. She had come to London as a young girl to be in service, and until she married she worked for a family in Queen's Gate near the Royal Albert Hall." (Vic: Lambeth to Lambourn by Victor Cox Plowright Press). In census returns of 1901 they are at 13 Richmond Street with 2 children, his father & 3 Taylor siblings. Ted is listed as Brewery Tap Manager, and in 1911 as Manager Off Licence. Vic described this: "the off licence which Dad managed for quite a number of years.. The Tap belonged to Jenner's Brewery and was situated alongside the main gates of the brewery in Southwark Bridge Road." The 1911 census shows the family at 84 Kennington Road, Lambeth with Ted's brother George, 5 children & niece Lil. They had 7 children in all. In 1939 Jenner's Brewery was taken over by Charrington's and the off-licence closed down. Ted was dismissed with no pension and was very unhappy. Vic managed to arrange for his parents to move back to Lambourn at the time many children were being evacuated to the country. However, Ted was never really happy on the farm, and fell ill & died on 3 Sep 1942. Annie stayed on there until she died (in her sleep) in May 1963 aged 92. 2016 update: 1939 Register He had just retired due to forced redundancy as Jenner's Brewery closed, so he can be seen at Beales Farm, Lambourn, Berkshire, with his widowed daughter Win Bowsher and her family. I think it was the farm of her brother-in-law, Ted's date of birth was wrong - it states 30th Oct 1864 instead of 1869 (maybe it was assumed he was 65 as was retired). All of Ted's siblings had died prior to the Register, including my great grandmother Eliza. 1921 census showed him head of a very large household comprising wife, 3 sons and a daughter, niece, nephew, daughter-in-law and aunt., all in 6 rooms. He was Brewery Tap Manager employed by R & H Jennings  of Southwark Bridge Road

17th January 2023

After wasting a lot of time on the Catchesides branch where many died before the census and others were so misspelled, it was a relief to move on to the Cox branch - my grandfather;s maternal tree.

Alice Emily Cox was born Dec 1882 at 7 Parker Road, Croydon & can be seen there in census returns of 1891 & 1901. In the latter she is listed as a school teacher & in Apr 1908 she married Head Teacher Philip Frank Turner Smith, a widower 18 years older than her with a young daughter. The three of them can be seen at 3 Avenue Road, Wallington in 1911. They must have moved to Lancashire on retirement, as the deaths of both were registered there at a place called Amounderness. Alice died on 6 Apr 1961 and Philip 23 May 1961, both at 6 Lawrence Road, Penwortham, Lancs. Unusually, they both left separate effects to their daughter Doris (Mrs Falla, widow): Philip £628 and Alice £4451. 1939 was awkward, as it showed Philip, a retired teacher, and Doris a teacher, as expected at 6 Laurence Road, Preston, but no sign of Alice. [She may be the one charring in Burnley or UDD in Surrey, but of course the name Smith is a problem...] 1921 census shows them (Philip, Alice and Doris) at 10 Princess Road, South Norwood, Surrey, all teachers employed by different schools - Philip at Stanford Road School, Norbury, Alice at St Michael's LCC Pimlico and Doris at St Ann's RC school, Vauxhall.

Archibald Charles Cox was born in March 1885 in Lambeth to George & Bessie nee King and christened on 5 Apr 1885 at St Mary's along with his 2-year-old brother George. He can be seen on the census return of 1891 with parents & sibs at 5 Goldens Place, Lambeth. Then I only pick him up again at his death, as he died aged 33 on 4 Mar 1919 of broncho-pneumonia, a private in the Royal Army Service Corps in France, and is buried at Etaples military cemetery. The notification gives his father's address in Kennington and mentions a wife Winifred living in Cinderford, Gloucs. 2015 update: On 1 Dec 1917 at Holy Trinity, Drybrook, Gloucestershire he married Winifred Colwell, a housemaid & daughter of a local Woodman. As I said, Archibald died in the Royal Army Service Corps on 4 Mar 1919 and was buried at Etaples military cemetery in France. In 1932 at the same church Winifred married Herbert Fidler, engine driver on the Great Western Railway. Herbert died in 1973, Winifred in 1978 aged 86. 2018 update: They can be seen in 1939 Register in Swansea, Wales, much to my surprise. They lived at 149 Manor Road, Herbert working on the railways - as GWR (Great Western Railways) engineman. Prior to the war (1935 electoral roll) they had been living in Newbury, Berkshire, where Herbert came from, and they must have returned there after the war, as he died there in 1973 and Winifred returned to her birthplace, the Forest of Dean, when she died in 1978. So, 1921 census missed Archibald but caught Winifred, a 29-year-old widow, who had returned to her parents when her husband went off to war and subsequently died, and can be seen with them at  Upper Bilson Road, Cinderford. Winifred helped her mother with home duties, her father a labourer and her brothers a coal miner and an insurance agent.

16th January 2023

William George Matthews, my grandfather, who I summarised in 2021: He was born 9 Apr 1882 at Percival Street, Clerkenwell (all redeveloped now) and baptized at St Philip's, Granville Square (demolished in 1938). His father died in 1886, when he was four) and he was sent off to school, so 1891 census caught him at Hanwell School. This was a charitable institution most famous nowadays for being where Charlie Chaplin was sent under very similar circumstances. William's mother remarried in 1886 and was at the 1891 census in the very place of MY birth, the Lambeth Lying-in Hospital, York Road, Lambeth, with her new son. Incidentally, William's father George died in Holborn Infirmary, at that time a newly built (1879) part of the Union Workhouse, became in 1930 the Archway Hospital, and is now part of the Whittington Hospital. His mother soon found her feet and by the next census he can be seen with her and her new family in the Pentonville area. working as a Jewellery Polisher in a factory. This was always a bad area and has been redeveloped a couple of times since then, to offices nowadays. In 1902 he married Flo at St John's Highbury Vale, giving home address as 30 Mountgrove Road, Islington (Happy 119th Anniversary tomorrow!) When son Will was born, they lived at 60 Bride St, Barnsbury then they moved south of the river and spent a few years at 1 Crewys Road, off Hollydale Road, Peckham. They were still there in 1908 but by 1910 had moved to 39a Clayton Road - regular readers will remember this as the playground where my Dad was born! They lived there 1910-1923 then in 1924 moved to 135 Peckham Rye and set up the family jewellery repair business there. 1939 Register showed him newly-widowed, he and the two sons, working together. I lived there 1956-59, but grandfather had died there in 1952. When 1921 census comes out I shall expect to find him in the playground above, but my father as yet unborn.. 1921 census shows him at 39a Clayton Road, as I said, with 3 children and a visitor. He described himself as Working Jeweller, and gave his work address as 2a Hardcastle Street, where I guess he had a workshop. On the night of 19 Nov 1944 at V2 bomb hit this road and destroyed it. There were apparently 9 deaths, but none of my family, as I think the business was now sited at Peckham Rye.

All I know of the other William George is his birth (Jan 1907 at Knaphill, Surrey to Albert & Phoebe née Dickinson) and appearance at 1 Francis Cottage, Knaphill, Woking in 1911 at the age of 4 with parents & 2 sisters. I had hoped to confirm his marriage to Alice Maud, with a subsequent death in 1935. Unfortunately there are many marriages, none which fits perfectly, and 1939 Register is obviously no help here. I cannot locate either of them, which means nothing...I have confirmed these by finding his probate document, leaving his effects to his widow Alice Maud. And now 1921 census shows him aged 14, with his brother John and family, boarding with a nurseryman and family at 15 Temple Bar, Woking. William was at that time working as a golf caddy at Worplesdon Golf Links, a couple of miles away.

William Horace Matthews was my uncle, my father's eldest brother, born 3 Sep 1903 at 6 Bride Street, Barnesbury, Islington to William George & Florence nee Hennig. He was christened at 18 Oct 1903 at St Silas, Pentonville. In 1911 census he can be seen at 39a Clayton Road, Peckham aged 7 with parents & grandmother Catherine Miles. In Oct 1925 in Camberwell he married Maud Lilian Purdue. At first they lived at 135 Peckham Rye with his parents and had their 2 sons there, but I was told there was a big family row between the Williams and Will & family moved out. In 1935 he took on a shop in West Wickham, Kent, established a retail jewellery business and they lived in the flat above it for some years. [Apparently his son Roy still owns the shop, but as he is 84 years of age he is no doubt retired! It does appear to be a well-respected business and is involved in much local charity fundraising]. The elder son Geoffrey, according to family lore, travelled abroad & was killed in a car accident as a young adult. Although I cannot confirm this with any document, he has no English records, so I feel this is probably true. Younger son Roy married Sylvia Dabbs in 1954 and they had 2 children, lived in Orpington near us, and my sister & I used to play with them on a regular basis. Will & Maud lived in Keston, not far away, but we rarely saw them. Will died 24 Mar 1963 at 38 Croydon Road, Keston and left effects worth £5661 to National Provincial Bank Ltd. Maud continued to lived at 38 Croydon Road, maybe until her death in 1996. 2016 update: William H Matthews was in 1939 living in Beckenham. He had a jeweller's shop at 24 High Street, nowadays a charity shop. In the 1939 Register he is listed with wife Maud UDD (living upstairs I imagine) and he is described as "Jeweller Dealer & Maker. Craftsman in precious metals. Also Metropolitan Police War Reserve, Beckenham area". 1921 census was taken when he was 17, and living at 39a with parents and siblings, a "learner" working for his father at Hardcastle Street - see grandfather above. Uncle Will died on 24 Mar 1967, when they lived at 38 Croydon Road, Keston. I do remember this, as I was 11, but I thought of him as an old man, when he was only 60 (kids, eh?) and his wife (Maud) Lilian Matthews nee Purdue died in 1996, aged 90. I can't find burials for either in the list, but they were both no doubt cremated.

Winifred Jessamine Matthews was born 14 Apr 1898 in Walcot, Bath to Robert & Florence nee Byfield and with that excellent middle name was easy to trace! She can be seen aged 2 in census return of 1901 at 18 Bridewell Lane with her parents [now an alley in the shopping centre] then in 1911 at 36 Wells Road with mother & sibs (father is staying in a lodging house). In Jul 1923 at St Paul's church, Bath she married John Thomas Drummond. They appear to have had no children but lived to a good age. John died in Apr 1992 aged 93 and Winifred in Jan 1994 aged 94, both in Bath. 2016 update: her story was added to in 1939 in a surprising way. Born, married & dying in Bath, I wasn't expecting to find her in London! She and husband John T Drummond can be found at 115 Warwick Avenue, Paddington. John is working as fishmonger & poulterer and Winifred as Chambermaid. There is a closed file, but I doubt if that is a child, as Win has a job. Looking into John's history, I see that he was born in Marylebone and served in the Royal Navy in WW1 (1917-19), as an Ordinary Seaman. He worked as a carman before the war, then it was presumably his choice to take up a new career as fishmonger on demob. Winifred worked in a Voluntary Police Canteen and John was "ARP warden for his firm", so they were busy people! Tracing them through electoral roll records I can see John with his parents in 1920-23 at 6 Fisherton Street, Paddington then on marriage 143 Blomfield Terrace, with Winifred (a beautiful area right on the Regents Canal). In 1936 they moved to 115 Warwick Avenue until records cease in 1965. I cannot see later movement, but as he died in Bath in 1992 it may be that they retired there. 1921 census showed her boarding at Finch Street, Lambeth, employed as a "Veg Maid" at a restaurant The Bath Club, Piccadilly. Maybe that was where she met John... it was one of very few gentlemen's clubs to admit women, was bombed during WW2 but survived until 1981.

15th January 2023

Violet May Matthews was born 6 May 1917 in Bath to Silas & Lily nee Nicholls. In Apr 1936 in Bath she married Sidney J Miller, local lad, and they had 5 children. Violet died aged 73 in Bath in Jul 1990. 2016 update: 1939 Register - she had been married for 3 years at that time, and I can see her then at 9a Snow Hill with her baby son Frank, a closed record (he died in 2009, but evidently Findmypast don't know this yet). Husband Sidney was either away or working in the Services and thus Secret, as these were left off completely.  Violet and Sidney had 5 children, all in Bath. 2019 update: she married Sidney James Miller in 1936, they had 5 children then he died 2 May 1968 aged 55. He was buried in plot 42R388 at Haycombe and she joined him on 6 Aug 1990, aged 73. 1921 census finds her aged 4 at 6 Weymouth Square, Bath with parents and 4 siblings, and Sidney aged 8 was at 13 Wood Street with his (1.4 miles away)

Vivian John Matthews was born 6 Jan 1907 in Foxham, Wiltshire to George & Ellen née Newman and can be seen in 1911 census at Foxham Lock with parents & sibs. They are still there in 1939 Register, George now retired and Ellen performing Household Duties, Vivian listed as a Lorry Driver for a Miller. In Apr 1942 in Pontypridd, Wales he married local girl Ada Olwen Rowlands. I don't know why he was in Wales, or anything about her family, but they must have settled in Foxham as their two boys were born there, Terence in 1944 and Dennis in 1947. Both of them stayed in the area and married there. Vivian died there in Jun 1982 and Ada in 1994. They both reside in the same grave at St John the Baptist, Foxham. 1921 census shows him aged 14 at Foxham with parents and brother - see George Albert below - and Ada aged 5 staying with her uncle David Davies at Mountain Ash, Glamorganshire.

Walter James Matthews was born Jan 1869 in Bath to Edwin & Mary Ann nee Griffiths. Although he & his mother were missing in 1871 census he can be seen in 1881 at home with parents & sibs at 2 Abbey Churchyard. In 1891 he can be seen boarding at 12 West Cliff Grove, Holdenhurst, Hampshire, listed as a Shop Assistant at a Boot Shop. Later that year he married Kate Amelia Silcox in Christchurch, Hants and they had 3 children in Truro, Bournemouth & Gloucester. The 1911 census caught them in Gloucester, at 3 Eastgate Street, with 3 children & a servant, where Walter had his own Boot Shop [nowadays a modern building inhabited by Alliance & Leicester/Santander bank]. By 1911 they had settled in Exeter, Devon and can be seen at 56 Old Tiverton Road with 2 children, Walter working as an Inspector with the Public Bengal Boot Company. He must have missed the retail trade as in 1914-22 he can be seen running his own shop at 116 Sidwell Street, Exeter [in 2012 an indian restaurant]. Oriel Stores was an interesting combination: as well as a cycle shop it sold records & gramophones. It seems this was due to the belief that the mechanisms of these were similar. Certainly the repair of both used similar methods. He didn't have long living the dream unfortunately, as he died - in the shop - on 13 Nov 1921, aged 52. He was buried at the Higher Cemetery, Heavitree on 17 Nov 1921. As son Edgar, who had been trained in retail but evidently didn't want the business, daughter Laura had married and son Harold had emigrated, the business and effects worth £743 passed to Kate. The business was run in her name until she died in 1927 aged 56, when the shop was moved to no. 50 [now a charity shop] under new ownership. 1921 census caught him just before he died, at the shop with Kate and son Harold. Walter called himself "Cycle Dealer, working from Home". [Incidentally, I see that the shop has closed and is undergoing rebirth once again].

"William Matthews 1" was born Oct 1882 in Lansdown, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Coombes. He can be seen on census of 1891 aged 8 with parents & sibs at 5 James Buildings, Walcot, but in census of 1901 he is at 3 Prospect Place, Camden Road - "Cripples Home", crippled since birth, one of 11 resident patients, and he is still there in 1911, one of 10 "boarders" at the "Home for Incurably Crippled boys", [now Ivythorne Villa, a 5-bedroom detached house]. He doesn't appear to have married and the only death record I can find that matches up is in Oct 1942 aged 60, in which case he has a middle name of Wilson not seen elsewhere. 2019 update: died aged 60 in 1942 and was buried on 29 Nov in plot 41S317, occupied the previous year by a Thomas Griffiths (who I don't know). 1921 census shows him at Frome Road House, Odd Down, Bath, the institution later known as Public Assistance Institution, where he could still be seen in 1939. This was originally the Workhouse, built in 1836 and William was probably there for 20 years, until he died there. He has no occupation etc, his date of birth is wrong, so he may have been unable to communicate.

William Ewart Matthews was born Nov 1900 in Worcester, to William & Elizabeth nee Emery, no doubt at 1 Skinner Street, as he can be seen with his parents at that address, aged 4 months in 1901 census return and that of 1911 aged 10. In Apr 1924 in Pershore, Worcestershire he married Dorothy May Francis and they had 4 children (at least) in Pershore and Birmingham. Dorothy died aged 70 in 1970 in Birmingham, but there are several death records which could be William. 2016 update:  and that they had several children in the area. William in 1925, Bernard in 1926 & Geoffrey in 1933 were all born in Birmingham, Sylvia in 1928 in Pershore (they were probably staying with Dorothy's family). In 1939 Register they were all at 285 Pool Farm Road, Birmingham. In the household are William and Dorothy, baker and UDD respectively, William A T, grocer's assistant, a closed file for Bernard (although he died in 1979), Sylvia and Geoffrey. The 3 youngest were at school, but all the family remained there for some years, shown by the electoral roll records, available now up to 1955 in the Midlands. Sylvia left home in about 1950 - possibly she married a Mr Sarsfield but I can't find the record - so is missing from the house from that point, but in 1948 William A T had married Hazel Slack and she can be seen with the others until 1955. William Ewart died in Jul 1956 and I think Dorothy stayed there until she died in 1970. 1921 census shows him staying with his brother - see Thomas William below - in Worcester, at the hair salon, working as assistant hairdresser and house painter. He states he is employed at 33 Lowesmoor, which is still a Barber shop even a century later! Dorothy was with her parents in Pershore, working as a servant to a Mrs Huxley in Birmingham (25 miles away from William).

14th January 2023

Silas William James Matthews was born Jul 1895 in Walcot, Bath to William & Nellie nee Handford. He can be seen in census return of 1901 aged 5 with parents & cousin Rose, at Hat & Feather Yard, Walcot. [Hat & Feather was a pub with yard behind, site of which became the car park]. In 1911 census he is at 3 Cornwell Terrace, St Swithin's Yard - very close to 1901 - aged 16 with his parents, working as a jeweller's porter. On 2 Feb 1912 he joined the Army Reserves, signing up as William James Matthews, aged 17½ (really only 16½), where he served at home (ie in UK) for 3 years. In Feb 1915 he was posted to France and the following June he was given leave, due to a back wound and appendicitis. He overstayed his leave, was late back & was punished (his story involved something to do with a tattoo, but the document is hard to read). In March 1919 he was demobbed, awarded 3 medals and sent home to 5 Skrines Place, Walcot. In Oct 1920 at Bath Register Office he married Edith May Gifford and they had 8 children. The first were twins Doris & Iris, born early in 1921 & died soon after, and the 7th child also died in infancy. Some time in 1922-5 they moved from Twerton to Walcot, as the 5th child (and subsequents) was born there. Edith died Oct 1960 & Silas Jul 1961, both in Bath. 2016 update: On the 1780 plan Skrine's Place this can be seen just above Walcot Burial Ground - this is still there but Walcot Gate, a fairly modern development of retirement apartments, is now on the site of the courts. In 1939 Register they can be seen there with 4 closed files (probably Dorothy, Alex, Betty & Ruby), Silas (known as William) working as a "seedsman assistant".2019: The twins were buried on 16 Mar 1921 at Lyncombe & Widcombe/St James cemetery, which opened in 1861 and interred 24,724 before closing. There was much bomb-damage in WW2 and not all of the cemetery has been mapped and identified. The baby twins were placed in a plot already holding a baby Kate Wiltshire and several others. 1921 census was taken on 19th June, so a few weeks after their interment, and the next child, Nellie, didn't come along until a year later. So Silas, known as William, was alone with Edith at 20 Oak Street, Bath. [I did expect "Skrines Place" to be the address (as in 1919 and 1939), but I have a note by my records stating this was a local name, and may have been an informal term. However, as it is described as off Hat & Feather Yard, which is over a mile away, I doubt this. The Hat & Feather area was notorious for prostitution and a special penitentiary for women was sited there for obvious reasons, maybe they were ashamed of the address]. He described himself as Porter and Warehouseman, employed by Ward & Co Seed Merchants (which doesn't help as I can't find info about the warehouse he worked in). Later: I have discovered that the address 6 Skrines Place was next door to his mother when she remarried, and was inhabited by a builder Alfred Grant and family in 1921 census.

Stanley Matthews wasn't the world-famous footballer, unfortunately - I would love that! He was born 2 Apr 1909 in Holborn to Henry & Annie née Hudson. He can be seen in 1911 census at 6 Rheidol Terrace, Islington, aged 2 with parents, 2 sisters & 2 boarders. In Jan 1932 he married Frances May Self in Romford. When I found them in the 1939 Register there was a son Victor listed with them, but it was a shock to see his record open to view, as this means he has already died. They were at 114 Turner Road, Edgware; Stanley a "building plasterer", Frances UDD and Victor aged almost 2. Unfortunately Victor did indeed die young, aged 11 in Jun 1949 at the house above, and was buried in the local churchyard at St Lawrence's, Little Stanmore. When Stanley died on 29 Jul 1966 at Middlesex Hospital, he gave the same address as home, leaving £6064 to Frances and she died 3 years later in SW Surrey, where she had probably retired. We have already come across him in 1921 census - see sister Frances Annie and father Henry Francis below - at 59 Morley Road, Barking. He was 12 years old, at school (as were 4 of the 5 siblings).

Having Thomas Albert Matthews' exact date of birth from his death record enabled me to easily find him in the 1939 Register at 22 Otago Terrace, Bath with his mother & family. In Oct 1951 in Bath he married Beatrice Margaret E Bolt, who was born on New Years Eve 1928 in Newton Abbot, Devon and can be seen there, at 69 Fore Street, in 1939 Register with her parents. It seems they had one son, Trevor, in 1960, Beatrice died in Jan 1970 and Thomas in Feb 1987, both in Bath. 2019 update: he died on 7 Feb 1987 when he lived at 15 The Brow, Twerton and he was cremated on 11 Feb 1987 at Haycombe Crematorium, leaving £8935, presumably to son Trevor as Beatrice had died in 1970 (also cremated at Haycombe, on 16 Mar). 1921 census shows him as a newborn, at 22 Otago Crescent, Bath with parents, Mary Ann Jones (step grandmother) and sister Rosina (see below).

Thomas William Matthews was born Jan 1892 in Huntspill, Somerset to William & Elizabeth nee Emery and christened at Highbridge Somerset on 31 Jan. When he was 3 in 1895 brother Alfred was born in Canford, Dorset, but by the following year brother Arthur (& subsequent sibs) was born in Worcester, where the family settled. Thomas can be seen there in census returns of 1901 & 1911 at 1 Skinner Street with parents & sibs, in the latter aged 19 listed as a hairdresser & employer. Kelly's Directory shows his hairdressing salon at 10 St John, Worcester in 1912 - 1924. 2016 update: On 10 Dec 1915 at the age of 23 years and 11 months he attested to the Army Service Corps for the Duration, home address 73 Foley Road, St John's, Worcester, occupation hairdresser, Next of Kin mother Elizabeth of same address. 73 Foley Road was half a mile from the salon. His service history shows that on 11 Jan 1917 he was shipped from Southampton to Le Havre & thence to Rouen, where he was in Action "in the field". 6-20 Jan 1918 he had leave/furlough in UK, but returned and on 10 Feb 1918 was admitted to the General Hospital in Rouen because of injuries, particularly to his right hip, reported as "dangerously ill". He remained in hospital for some time, but the next few pages are very faded & illegible. Next document is a letter from Elizabeth asking about him, written on 10 April 1918, as she hadn't had a letter from him in 5 weeks, and investigation showed he was a Prisoner of War in Germany! Elizabeth died in October of that year of influenza & bronchopneumonia (as did many others) so his sister Bessie became Next of Kin. The war ended 11 days later and two very interesting documents follow. Evidently POWs were entitled to 2 months leave and then should return to their base unless a form and accompanying letter were submitted. In this case the form was completed and I have seen the letter he wrote himself requesting to go straight back to his business in Worcester, which he presumably did. Medals were sent home: he was entitled to Victory, British & 15 Star medals as a Sergeant. In Jul 1922 in Worcester he married May Eveline Lipscombe, who worked as a sewing machinist at a drapery company, from the area of Worcester called Arboretum. Her father decorated china for a porcelain manufacturer, which was what the area was/is famous for. As far as I can see they had no children, and by the 1939 Register they were living at 83 Foley Road (a family called Gwilliam had no. 73), Thomas Assistant Hairdresser and ARP Warden, May Housewife. I have no more info now until their deaths: Thomas in Jul 1958 aged 66 and May in Apr 1973 aged 82. Oh, as a P.S. I have found his school record from when he moved from infant school to junior school on 2 Nov 1898. The school was St John's and the address Skinner Street. 1921 census shows him at 73 Foley Road, Worcester, as expected, with his brother William and sister Bessie, also a visitor and a boarder. Thomas described himself as Hairdresser, working at 10 St John's, Worcester, and his brother was a hairdresser's assistant and also a house painter.

13th January 2023

Rosina Kathleen Matthews was born 10 Nov 1912 in Walcot, Bath to Robert & Henrietta née Jones, one of twins but unfortunately her twin Florence died at birth or soon after. She grew up in Bath, probably in Otago Terrace, and in Oct 1933 in Bath married Harold Vallance, house-painter's son who had likewise grown up in Bath. They settled there and 1939 Register shows them at 2 Mile End, Bath, Harold working as a general labourer, Rosina as UDD, with 3 closed files for the children. Unfortunately Harold died in 1941, when the youngest child was only two. Rosina managed somehow though and it was only when they had grown up and gone that she re-married; in Oct 1970 she married Dennis R May in Bath. All I know about him is if he is the one who died in Bath in 2011 he was born in 1924 and his middle name was Roy. However, it may not be him, as there were a few. Rosina died in Bath in Jul 1994. 1921 census shows her with parents and sibs - see Robert Albert below - at Otago Terrace. She was 8 and had a baby brother Thomas.

Sarah Ann Matthews was born Jan 1854 in Walcot to James & Jane nee Rackett and christened at St Saviour's 26 Feb 1854 with her sister (Alice) Kate. She can be seen in census return of 1861 aged 7 with parents & sibs at 3 Midsummer Buildings, Walcot, but by 1871 she also is in service in London, at 8 Oakley Cottages, Vauxhall, servant to a Thames Lighterman and family. In 1881 she has graduated to Cook in the household of a "landed proprietor" and his family in 25 Argyll Road, Kensington. In Jul 1885 at St Swithin's in Bath she married Charles Frankham, a gardener who had also grown up in Walcot, and they settled into a cottage in School Lane, Batheaston (a village to the Northeast of the city of Bath) and remained there until she died in 1923, as far as I can tell. Charles ran a market garden business from home, as did a few in that area. Censuses of 1891, 1901 & 1911 show them there & they had no children. Charles still lived in the village when he died in 1928 at Rock View Cottage, which may or may not be in School Lane. He left effects worth £103 to James Albert Smart, carpet fitter. 1921 census was just before her death and showed her alone with Charles at Rock View, he a gardener, she Home Duties.

Sarah Emily Matthews was born Apr 1859 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Williams. She can be seen in census return of 1861 aged 2 with parents & sibs at Elder Bank Cottages, Walcot, but when 1871 comes around she is the only one not at home. As she was 12, she could be with relatives or in service somewhere, or if she died I haven't been able to track down a death record. There is a census record from 1881 that could be her, of a girl born the same year in Bath, working as a housemaid to a military Captain & his family (one of 5 staff) in Paddington, London, but no strong link... And once in London it is very hard to follow up leads. 2019 update: was baptised on 4 Aug 1861 aged 2 with siblings and in 1891 they can be seen at 71 Avon Street, Bath and in 1901 at "4 Newborn Street" (as far as I can see, this address never existed and may have been a mishearing of "New Bond Street"), Joseph a fish dealer and Sarah "shellfish shopkeeper". By 1911 they were in the next street to Avon, son William now also a fishmonger, Westgate Buildings. Where they lived is now a Tesco Express with apartments above, no doubt they also lived over the shop. By 1939 they were at 18 Tennyson Road, a mile to the west, Joseph had retired, William married and living elsewhere, Sarah UDD. She was then 80, admitting to 68, but died 3 years later and Joseph followed 5 years after that. Par for the course, she can be seen in 1921 census, saying she is 50 but really 62 The address is 4 St John's Place [this road had several ancestors in it - but I wonder if they knew they were related then]. They had by then moved from Over the fishmongers to their own place, and son William had married and moved out.

Sidney Albert Matthews was born 26 Sep 1919 in Bath to Silas & Lily nee Nicholls. He joined the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in 1941 and was sent to the Netherlands East Indies. On 4 Jan 1945 in Singapore he died aged 25 while in Action and, although location of remains was unknown, his death was commemorated on a stone at Kranji Cemetery. He left effects worth £255 to his mother Lily, who had been widowed 15 months previously. 2019 update: he can be seen in 1939 register at 8 Weymouth Square, Bath and Sidney was described as "Coal Lorry Driver". As I told you, he died in Singapore in the Ordnance Corps in 1945. 1921 census shows him at 6 Weymouth Square, Bath with parents and sisters, aged 1y9m - see Silas James

Silas Matthews junior, as I called him in 2014 - was born Oct 1856 in Walcot and can be seen in census return of 1861 at Elder Bank Cottages with parents & sibs - and step-sister Martha. In 1871 he is at 13 Wellington Place with parents & sibs, listed as Baker's Boy, aged 14. In Jul 1876 at Bath Register Office he married Sarah Coombes and they had 7 children, although one died aged 4. They lived at 19 Lampards Buildings then can be seen in censuses of 1891-1911 at 5 James Buildings. Firstly he is a brewer, then a labourer, then a house painter - evidently another who could turn his hand to a lot of things. He died aged 67 in Jul 1923 & Sarah in Oct 1926 aged 69. He was buried in Locksbrook Cemetery as were his father and his son, the two other Silases. But before he went he was "caught" by 1921 census, still at the same address (James Buildings, which was said to be on "Yarks Hill, Walcot, although I cannot locate it), a painter, working privately from home.

Silas James Matthews was the son of the above, born Jul 1877 in the Lansdown area of Bath. He can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 3 at 19 Lampards Buildings with parents & sibs, then in 1891 & 1901 at 5 James Buildings with parents & brothers, in the latter listed as Butcher's Porter. In Oct 1901 at the Register Office he married Lily Louise Nicholls & they had 11 children (well, I do have my doubts; a couple of these may be duplicates). In 1911 census return he can be seen at 2 Whiteway Road, Twerton with 4 daughters, listed as House Painter. This is the same time at which his father was also a House Painter, so maybe they worked together. On 2 Sep 1915 he signed up to the army for the Duration of War, in the Labour Corps as a Driver. He gave his Next of Kin as wife Lily at 35 The Close, Twerton-on-Avon. He was transferred in 1916 to the Berkshire Regiment and posted to Dunkirk, where he received an injury leading to a disability. This pay was to be forwarded to his mother, who was in Workhouse accommodation in Weymouth Street, Walcot, and he was demobbed on 21 Feb 1919 home to Twerton. Later that year he & Lily had twins, their final children. One twin died aged just over a year and the other was Killed In Action in Singapore in WW2 aged 25. Silas died in Oct 1943 aged 66, and Lily in 1949 in Peasedown. 2016 update: in 1939 He can be seen at 6 Weymouth Square, Bath (the address he was demobbed to in 1919). This is a road which can be seen on 1780 map but was swept away in the rebuilding craze of the 1960s to be replaced by the ugly concrete blocks of Snow Hill. In the household at no. 6 was Silas, described as "house painter, now incapacitated" (disabled at Dunkirk in 1917), Lily UDD, Elizabeth L (probably Lily, no occupation) and 2 closed records.. 1921 census shows him at 6 Weymouth Square, Walcot with wife Lily and 5 children (Maggie, Ada, Dolly, Violet and Sidney), He was a brewers labourer, giving his employer as Henry Pointing, who had a brewery in Walcot at that time, although I understand it was sold in 1926 to the company who owned the County Brewery and became part of their empire, run from the Globe Inn, 82 High Street Weston. [This is nowadays a fully domestic street but the doorway of number 82 has a plaque noting it used to be the Globe Inn]

12th January 2023

Olive Ida Matthews was born 18 Mar 1899 in Southampton to Albert & Phoebe nee Dickinson. She can be seen with parents & sibs in 1901 census return at 15 Norman Road, Shirley then in 1911 at No. 1 Francis Cottage, Knaphill, Woking. Oct 1922 in Willesden she married local boy Edward Vaughan & they settled there. I have found 2 children and possibly a third. Electoral roll records show them in 1947 at 16 Dudley Court, Curzon Crescent, Harlesden. Edward died aged 70 in 1971 & Olive in Jan 1976 aged 77. 2016 update: in 1939 registerThey can be seen at 16 Dudley Court, Curzon Crescent, Willesden. Edward described as "G(reat) W(estern) Rlwy Carter. Heavy Worker" and Olive as UDD. They have with them 4 closed files, possibly children. however I can still only find births of two children; May b1923 and Edward b1931. Fortunately it confirmed the address I had for them in 1947 and I worked forwards through the electoral roll records to find the story. It seems they were at this address until in 1960 when 4 of them are registered - Edward senior, Olive, Edward W junior and his wife Phyllis. In 1961 Edward & Olive left the house to the younger couple and moved to another in the same road - 6 Carisbrook Court - where they can be seen for a couple of years before records cease. As Willesden is in Brent & Harrow, their deaths in 1971 in Brent (Ed) and 1976 in Harrow (Olive) are consistent with their having stayed in the area the rest of their lives. 2019 update: I can see now that the 1939 Register entry has three redacted lines and as I found a third child Kenneth born in 1935 this all makes sense. This was one of the few Register pages which was typewritten, rather than hand-written, and is typed on a clunky old machine with line spacing slightly larger than the form was designed for, so sometimes it doesn't match up, but was probably cutting edge technology at the time! I can also see that they both were cremated at Kensal Green Crematorium, Edward on 1 Dec 1971 and Olive 10 Feb 1976. 1921 census shows her aged 22 at 6 Stuart Road, W. Kilburn, Willesden with widowed father, sister Dorothy and her husband Ernest, also sister Daisy. Olive is described as Daily Help, employed by Mr Teluse, Golden Bells, Paddington. [This sounds like a pub/hotel but I cannot find it on Google etc. There is a Bell Lane there but no sign of a hostelry]. Edward can be seen at 112 Ashmore Road, Paddington, lodging with his sister and family, working as a Carman with the GWR.

Olive Rosina Matthews was born Apr 1912 in Bath, possibly Wells Road, to Robert & Florence nee Byfield. In Jul 1933 at Bath Abbey (St Peter & St Paul's) she married William Alfred Coffin Stainer and they had 3 children. Unfortunately she died on 28 Jan 1947 aged 35 in Tytherington, Gloucestershire in the Bristol area, where William died aged 69 in 1973. 2016 update: I have found her in 1939 at 9 Lower Bristol Road, Bath with 3 closed files, presumably her children. David was only an infant at the time, Phyllis 5 and Ronald 4. Looking at the road currently, it can be seen that only 1-3 & 5-7 still stand (both pubs at one time) and where number 9 stood, there is a little piece of grass: classic bombsite. I see from the very useful bathblitz.org site that this was indeed the case and there is much damage registered there, a lot of it on the railway line. One account in 1942 is very similar to my other bomb story in that the shelter took a direct hit and many residents were killed. However, it seems that this entire family survived as they cannot be seen on the casualty list. Their house may have been damaged beyond repair, though, as in January 1947 they moved to Tytherington, Gloucestershire. William left his job with Stothert & Pitt Ltd, engineering works & crane manufacturers and took on the license of the Swan Inn. His full name was William Alfred Coffin Stainer, son of Charles Clarence Coffin Stainer & Kate Britten. In WW2 he was in the Royal Engineers (which was why he wasn't at home in 1939). When a CSM he was mentioned in dispatches " for gallantry and distinguished services" in Italy then ran the local British Legion for some while. When he and Olive had only been at Tytherington for 2 months, Olive died, aged only 35, leaving him with three children aged 8-13 and a pub to run! Unsurprisingly he remarried fairly soon after her death, to widow Doreen Brazill née Hyett. 2019 update: there are a couple of interesting points here. Although she was born and married in Bath, electoral roll of 1935 finds them in Newbury, Berkshire, living in High Street, before returning to Bath for 1939 Register (this may not have been a good plan, as Bath was on the receiving end of a lot of "attention" in WW2) and David was only 5 months old. In the end, he survived until 2014 and has only recently had his record revealed. I see now that Olive was buried with family in St James' Cemetery on 5 Apr 1947 and her husband in Gloucs in June 1973. 1921 census showed her aged 9, at 10 St John's Place, Bath with parents, sister & brother. William was 16 and can be seen living with his parents, sisters and cousin at 7 Union Terrace, Twerton, Bath, working as an Engine Cleaner for the railways, and his mother office cleaner for same.

Robert Albert Matthews (Albert) was born Oct 1995 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Coombes. He can be seen on census return of 1891 & 1901 aged 6 & 16 respectively at 5 James Buildings, Walcot with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as "Trace Boy for Tram Company". Apparently these were lads charged with holding extra horses for trams when they needed more power to go up hills, so this was a sort of groom. In 1911 census he was boarding with his future in-laws at Dafford Villa, Larkhall, Bath and Mr Jones has given his occupation as Butcher. I don't know if he was trying his hand at a different aspect of "animal care", or if it were a joke (people did joke with the census-takers, often to no avail). In Oct 1912 in Bath he married Henrietta Jones and they had 6 children, including 2 sets of twins (although unfortunately one of the first set died in infancy). On 8 Jun 1915 he joined the Army Service Corps (giving his occupation as groom) and on 23 Aug 1915 he was posted to France. Fortunately he survived, returned and was awarded 3 medals, but died in Jan 1930 in Bath aged 44. 2016 update: Although he was gone by 1939, his widow Henrietta was still alive and can be seen on the Register at 22 Otago Terrace, Bath next door to Nellie et al. At number 22 were Henrietta (lying about her age by 6 years!), widow Mary Ann Jones (possibly her sister-in-law), two sons Thomas & Douglas, both apprentices, and 2 closed files probably Charles & Leonard. Her death record for death in Jan 1930 gives date of birth 9 Jun 1883 - she always got the day right but the year moved about from 1883 to 1891. 1921 census showed them already at number 22, along with 2 children and Mary Ann Jones, who it turns out was her Step-mother, married to Thomas in 1902 after mother Henrietta died in 1898. Albert described himself as Butcher, employed by Eastman Ltd, Cleveland Place, Walcot. (This shows the above wasn't a joke, but a career change)

Robert Edward Matthews was born 1 Mar 1877 in Lansdown, Bath to Robert & Eliza nee Cottle. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 4 at 24 Lampards Buildings with parents & sister, also 3 other families. In 1891 census he is not at home with parents & sisters, he is at Sutcliffe Industrial School for boys in Bath. This was a reform school, so he must have got into serious trouble. It was established in Jan 1848 and in typical Victorian fashion was called the "Sutcliffe Industrial School for the Reception and Reformation of Juvenile Offenders and of Youths in Imminent Danger of Becoming Criminal" - says it all really! [Sutcliffe House is now renovated into apartments & offices] In Oct 1897 in Bath Abbey (St Peter & St Paul's) he married Florence Beatrice Byfield and they had 5 children but one died in infancy. In census of 1901 they can be seen at 18 Bridewell Lane, Walcot with daughter Winifred (Henry had died), sharing the house with James & Rosina Matthews & family, a servant & 3 lodgers, Robert (known by then as Edward) working as a carpenter. [Bridewell Lane is nowadays a footpath between shops in town but I have a record that states that in 1819 number 18 was an Eating House]. By 1911 the picture is confused, as although Florence is at home in 36 Wells Road, Bath with 3 children, Robert is not there. The nearest match I can find is of a lodger at 19 Kingsmead Terrace, a general labourer, who says he is single. Robert died on 28 Jun 1913 in Bath aged 37, so I don't know what the story could be there. Later: Looking at articles in the Bath Chronicle newspaper, I have built up a little more of a picture of him. First I found a record of his having ended up in the Royal United Hospital at the age of 6 with a fractured thigh. Going on the evidence of his later exploits, I would imagine this was due to a fall from a tree. Ten years later, when he had attended the reform school and evidently not been cured of delinquency, he was summoned with 4 others for damage to an Ornamental May tree at a nursery. He was apprended breaking off boughs and handing them to his partners-in-crime, who denied all. He was fined 2s 6d or 4 days imprisonment. He still did not learn from this however, as a very similar case is reported, in 1909 when he was 31, telling of him and a friend stealing and damaging plants at another nursery (in order to sell them, presumably) and being caught by the police carrying bundles of roses. They were remanded in custody & bailed for £5 each until a follow-up trial at Weston (I do not know the result of this but it may explain where he was in 1911). The other article about him was not criminal, but may go some way to explaining the stress in this household. It is a harrowing account of young Henry's death. It was what we would nowadays call a cot-death, but his body was covered in what they suspected were bruises, so an inquest was held. No foul play was proved and nobody was to blame, but these things always leave a taint, especially when a parent has a criminal record... 2016 update: I found on his daughter Olive's funeral notice in the Chronicle that he was known as Teddy Matthews - although almost always on the wrong side of the law, he seems to have been liked as a local rogue, probably because his misdemeanours were fairly mild, eg stealing plants etc, and the local sympathy for the "cot death" of his little son in 1900. This can be taken together with his Army Records to piece his life together properly. It seems that on 6 May 1896 he attested to the Somerset Light Infantry aged 19 years and 11 months (home address 3 Highbourn Grove, Bath), stating he was a miner. I don't know about that but that may have been what he did when he left the Industrial School. His father had died, his mother remarried by then, and she died the following year. He worked from May 1896 to Nov 1898 at the regimental depot and he resigned after 6 years service. Meanwhile he met & married Florence - it seems they married on Christmas Day 1897 at the Abbey.  in May 1915 he joined the army again, this time under the name of Edward James Matthews (maybe trying to put his past behind him). I wouldn't believe I had the right man if he hadn't declared previous service, as you must, in Somerset Light Infantry for 6 years. He declared his marriage, 3 surviving children and home address of 15 Cheltenham Street, Bath. I have seen a reference from his employer H Sheppard & Son, builder & decorator, 11 & 33 Belvedere (still going, now at 6 Margarets Buildings) in which it states he was employed for 2 years, a good worker who left voluntarily. He was taken on as a Sapper, working as a carpenter (which was his occupation with Sheppard's) after passing a proficiency exam so he could be paid at the rate of a Skilled Engineer. On 14 Aug 1915 he was transferred to the Reserves, but on 18 Jan 1916 he enlisted for the British Expeditionary Force (brave man!) and was posted to Germany. In Aug 1917 & Sep 1918 he had leave to return to UK, then on 6 Feb 1919 was transferred to "Class Z" Army Reserve and demobilised home. This was to an interesting address; 10 St John's Place, Sawclose, Bath - in the heart of the historic theatreland, next door to Beau Nash's House. In 1921 he received his British War Medal and Victory Medal at this address. So the death record I had before (1913) was evidently incorrect and he and Florence had many more years together until she died aged 75 on 13 Feb 1955 in Bath and he followed on 28 Jun 1963 aged 89. Oh, the only misdemeanor recorded in his army records was on 21 Nov 1915, when he had only been with them 6 months, when he overstayed his pass by 23 hours, was admonished and had to forfeit 2 days pay. He never strayed again. As I explained, in 1921 he was known as Edward James Matthews, so I can see him with Florence and 3 children at 10 St John's Place - see Olive above. He described himself as Journeyman Carpenter employed by Chancellor & Sons, building contractors, at Lower Bristol Road, a mile to the west of his home.

10th January 2023

Madeline Matthews was born Oct 1908 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Lily nee Nicholls and can be seen aged 2 with parents & sibs in 1911 census at 2 Whiteway Road, Twerton, Bath. In Jan 1929 at St Swithin's she married Edwin George Lomax, a carpenter also from Bath. They had 9 children, all in the Bath area. On 4 Jun 1953 Edwin sailed on SS Mooltan from London to Adelaide and on 7 May 1954 on RMS Orontes Madeline followed with the youngest 6 children... Edwin died in South Australia in 1964 aged 61. 2016 update: They settled at 152 Englishcombe Lane - half a mile up the road from her parents - and had 9 children in 19 years. Edwin served in the Somerset Light Infantry, which is why I cannot find him in the 1939 Register. On 4 Jun 1953 Edwin sailed on the SS Mooltan to Adelaide, Australia then when he had settled things there, he sent for the others. Madeline and 6 children sailed on SS Orontes on 7 May 1954 - Audrey, the eldest, was 23 and married, the two eldest boys followed on the following April, as they no doubt had commitments in UK they had to complete. They lived next door to their parents, at 150 Englishcombe Lane, Frederick a carpenter like his father, Ronald a railway fireman. They travelled out on 21 Apr 1955 on SS Arcadia. They all probably married and remain in Australia. Edwin died 5 Apr 1964 in South Australia. 2019 update: I have now found Madeline & eldest child Audrey in 1939 Register, at 9 Claremont Buildings, Bath with 4 closed files, presumably Frederick, Ronald, Sylvia & Barbara, all babies. 1921 census was when she was 12, so she can be seen at 6 Weymouth Square, Walcot with parents and siblings, at school.

Margaret Edith Matthews was born 20 May 1907 in Bath to Herbert & Minnie nee Candy. She can be seen with parents & brothers on census return of 1911 aged 3 at 35 Crystal Palace Park Road, as her father was busy with the Empire Exhibition. On 21 Sep 1935 at St Luke's Church, Bath (just along the road from the house) she married Colin Melville Medlicott from Aston, Birmingham. As her father always made the local paper, I know what she & the bridesmaids wore, what hymns were sung and how the reception went. Suffice to say the reception was held at the house, with a company of caterers providing for 150 guests, and it was a great success. They appear to have had no children, so I have to follow them in electoral roll registers. 1937-46 records show them at 16 Lyndhurst Avenue, Mill Hill, London but 1955 & 1956 at Dundas, Monkton Combe near Bath, a lovely spot on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Margaret died in Jan 1981 aged 73 at Shipston-on-Stour, Gloucestershire and Colin aged 83 in 1987 in Warwickshire. 2016 update: in 1939 I can add to the information already known by stating that Colin was a "District Manager (Commercial Vehicles)", Margaret UDD and they also had a 25 year old servant/help Lena Coulson (who later became Moore) 2019 update: as often is the case, I have found new records from either end of her life; baptism on 16 Jun 1907 at Bath Abbey and her death, 18 Mar 1981 aged 73, at home , (which they evidently named Dundas after their previous home in Bath), Campden Hill, Ilmington, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire. She left £18,611 but when Colin died at the same address 6 years later he left £234,184, the difference no doubt being largely the house. 1921 census found her with parents, siblings and staff at Westfield House - see Herbert William below. She was 14, still at school but probably in her final year. I am told there was an obituary published for her in the Daily Telegraph on 20 Mar 1981 but I cannot access it.

Mary Ann Matthews 2 was born 11 Feb 1858 at 27 Lampards Buildings, Walcot, Bath to Henry & Sarah nee Alexander. She can be seen there in census return of 1861 aged 3 with her parents, that rare thing in those days, an only child. In 1871 census she and her parents have moved to 1 Woolcott's Buildings, Walcot. On 5 Oct 1879 at St Thomas a Becket, Widcombe, Bath she married Charles Frederick Williams, coachman/fly proprietor (ie owned his own horse-drawn taxi). In 1881 census they can be seen at Hooper's Hotel, 4 Newark Street with baby daughter & the Hooper family. [now the whole area is covered with a huge shopping mall.] The next census finds them at 14 Prospect Buildings, Walcot, with 2 daughters (a son died aged 1 in 1887). By 1901 they have moved out to 10 Stanley Road, across the river & can be seen with 2 daughters and 3 boarders. Charles died the following year aged 45 and Mary Ann can be seen in 1911 census visiting daughter Ellen & family at 141 Lower Bristol Road, Bath, not far away from Stanley Road. She died in Apr 1937 in Brentford, Middx/London. This initially caused me some concern, but I have had it confirmed by her relative Eira Baden. 2019 update:I have scans of baptism and marriage... her father-in-law William Williams had run the Old Fox Inn, local pub, until his death 6 months before the wedding, when he had been living at Lisbon Cottage, Holloway, Bath. This was where Mary Ann was living. Maybe she nursed both fathers. They probably knew each other from working in the same trade. [This pub was called the Young Fox Inn, Bridge Place, Holloway, Bath in 1965.]. 1921 census fills in the gap. She was at that time staying with her daughter Margaret Ewens at 21 Myrtle Gardens, Hanwell, Middlesex. Also there were her granddaughters Mary and Christine Baden, daughters of her other daughter Ellen. Margaret worked as a book-keeper for the Great Western Railway, at their hotel in Paddington. Mary Ann was by then 63 and kept house (and no doubt looked after the girls, aged 10 and 4 - their parents lived in Wales, their father a signalman on the railway.) So this was why when she died she was in Brentford, but was buried in St James Cemetery Bath on 24 May 1937, joining husband Charles in the plot.

9th January 2023

2016: Leonard Harry Matthews was born 9 Dec 1914 to Henry & Dorothy née Giddings. In the tragedy in 1942, it was he who identified sister Violet's body at the house (18 Third Avenue), and I have now found him living there in 1939 with his grandmother Elizabeth Giddings - not a surprise as his grandfather had recently died (1934) giving that address as home - and two closed files. Leonard was a Mason & Bricklayer, his grandmother UDD. He married in 1941 but in 1939 his wife-to-be was at 69 Bloomfield Rise, Bath with her parents. Her father was described as "incapacitated" and mother a "shopkeeper, general store, sweets, tobacco, grocer". Beatrice was "Shop assistant Café" (evidently working in the town, not at this address) 18 Third Avenue was only about a mile away "as the crow flies". He and Beatrice married in Jul 1941, settled in Bath, had 2 children, Royston in 1944 & Heather in 1947, then Beatrice died there in 1989 and Leonard in 1995. 2019 update: Leonard is still redacted, despite dying in 1995. Beatrice died 6 Jun 1989 and was cremated 13 Jun, Leonard in Jul 1995, cremated 20 Jul, both at Haycombe Crematorium. Royston, her son, is probably still living in the area, electoral roll records place him in Batheaston in 2002-3, daughter Heather married twice and died in Trowbridge, Wiltshire in 2014. 1921 census now shows he was already there at number 18 by then, living with his father and grandparents, (see Henry below) his mother probably in hospital as she died some months later.

Lily Louise Matthews (2016) was born Apr 1902 at Twerton, Bath to Silas & Lily Louise Nicholls, 6 months after their Register Office marriage, the eldest of 11 children. This must have been quite a houseful and so in 1911 census she can be seen living with her aunt & uncle Elizabeth & Samuel Challinger, in Peasedown St John, a village just outside Bath. I suspect that she is the Elizabeth Lily Matthews living with her parents in 1939 at 6 Weymouth Square [now Snow Hill], listed as UDD, along with 2 closed files. According to an article written on her father's death in 1943, they lived in a house in the area of Bath called Holloway until it was destroyed by Enemy Action in 1942, when they moved to 3 Lampard Buildings in Walcot. Her mother died in 1949 in Peasedown, but there are no marriage or death records that exactly match Lily. 2019 update: was a little difficult as I never quite got to the bottom of her exact name. It appears she was baptised on 14 Apr 1902 at St John, Peasedown as Elizabeth Louise, her father Silas James recorded as James. Her birth was registered as Lily Louise, but as that was her mother's name also it isn't surprising she was known as something else in the family. But in 1911 she was living with her aunt Elizabeth, so was called Lily there, however in 1939 when with her parents she was Elizabeth L. She died (still single), in Bath and was cremated on 11 Oct 1979 at Haycombe, under the name Elizabeth Louisa. 1921 census was thus revealed when I searched for her under this name. She can be seen still with the Challengers at the same address (known as Lizzie as her aunt was Elizabeth too).

"Louisa Matthews2" was born May 1849 in Walcot to James & Jane nee Rackett and christened at St Saviour's on 24 Jun 1849. She can be seen on census returns of 1851 & 1861 at Midsummer Buildings with parents & sibs. In Jan 1868 at Bath Register Office she married George Burgess, baker and they had 11 children (only one died in infancy but 2 girls died as young adults). In census return of 1871 they can be seen at 6 Lambridge Buildings, with 2 children, living over the bakery. By 1881 they are still there but now there are 7 children and Louisa's sister Alice (Kate) is with them as Housekeeper. In 1891 the household is the same and they have 10 children By 1901 they have moved to their own home (ie not above the shop), Holly Mount, Claremont Road, but George didn't get to enjoy much retirement, if any, as he died there aged 66 in 1904.. The 1911 census shows Louisa still at Holly Mount, listed as "retired baker", still with sister Kate & youngest daughter Georgina, also sister-in-law Annie Burgess & family are visiting. Kate died in 1923, Louisa in 1931. (Incidentally daughter Christina married Alexander Moody & emigrated to New Zealand, returning to UK after his death with 2 daughters. So 1921 caught her in her final decade, still at Holly Mount, with sister Alice, daughter Christine now widowed and the two granddaughters (at school). She was of Independent means, so evidently kept all these ladies on her pension.

Lucy Matthews was born 2 May 1905 to Albert Edward & Emma née Burrows at 32 Devonshire Street, Marylebone (Emma was very precise on the 1911 census form for her family) and can be seen aged 6 at 18 Colin Road with parents & sibs. See Kathleen below - in 1921 Lucy was 16 and had left school and helped with housework at home. 2019 update: After their parents died, she and Kathleen lived together and can be seen in 1939 Register at 14 Lawrence Crescent, Wembley. As I said in 2016, she remained with them for decades and finally died in Jul 1986 in the Hendon area.

8th January 2023

I mentioned the next ancestor yesterday.

John Arthur Matthews, (2016) son of the famous architect Herbert Matthews (who created the Exhibition at Crystal Palace, if you remember) was born late 1910, registered Jan 1911 and can be seen in the census of April that year at 35 Crystal Palace Road, Sydenham with parents & sibs. By 1939 Register, the family was somewhat scattered as father had become rather attached to London, I couldn't find his mother, but think she was in (the house split into apartments) Westfield House, Bloomfield Road. Brother Herbert had just died and sister Margaret married...There is a death in Bristol for John Arthur in 1979, giving date of birth 1 Oct 1910, which fits perfectly, but he leaves his effects to someone else... In 1921 census, as he was only 10 he was at home with the family at Westfield House. I can see too that the Bristol marriage was wrong as father was "Harry deceased"), Unfortunately he was known as Arthur, which was a very popular name at that time - there were seven alone with that name in the area of Bristol I was looking at, and many marriages. Also many John Arthurs and Arthur Johns in other areas.

2014: All I knew of Kathleen Matthews was that she was born Jan 1908 to Albert & Emma née Burrows at 9 Victoria Mews, Kilburn and in 1911 census was the youngest child at 18 Colin Road, Willesden. In Jul 1933 in Willesden she married Londoner James Hutchinson and in 1939 they can be seen at 14 Lawrence Crescent, Wembley. James was working as a bricklayer and Kathleen UDD, with 2 closed files accounting for the 2 children, Doreen born 1936 and James 1938, and with them there was 34 year old Lucy Matthews, Kathleen's sister, living with them and working as a Drilling-machine Operator. Electoral roll records show the household was the same in 1948 at least, so they may have remained until James died there in 1976, and even until 2004 when Kathleen died in the "new" London Borough of Brent. 1921 census shows her aged 13 with parents and sibs at 20 Colin Road, attending Park Road School.

Laura Emily Matthews was born 21 Jan 1895 in Bournemouth, Hampshire to Walter & Kate nee Silcox. She can be seen on census return of 1901 at 5 Eastgate Street, Gloucester with parents, 2 brothers & a servant. In 1911 they are at 56 Old Tiverton Road, Exeter, Devon. In Jan 1921 in Exeter she married Frederick Richard Pomroy, local lad who had been in the Royal Army Medical Corps Territorial Force from 1914 to 1919. As he was a tailor I suppose his role was to sew up the wounded, but I cannot see that he ever saw any action. From 1951 to 1968 at least he ran a "Gent's Outfitter" shop at 86 Queen Street, Exeter. It seems they had no children and they both died in 1969, Frederick in January and Laura in April. 2016 update: in 1939 She and husband Frederick were living at 41 Okehampton Street (now Road), Exeter and he had a Gents' Outfitter shop (as in 1948-68). I wonder if the shop was always at 86 Queen Street, as this address was less than a mile away, and he ran it all his life. [It is currently a newsagent's, since at least 2001, with a beauty salon upstairs.]  1921 census shows them at 68 Magdalen Street, Exeter and he was a Hosier's Assistant working for Messrs Farr Ltd, hosiers, at 98 Queen Street. No. 86 is now a curtain shop, and a few years ago was a perfume shop. It was built in 1944, so he may have taken it on then, and number 98 has gone (now a modern precinct)

Leah Matthews was born 29 Jul 1876 at 5 Allen Street, Clerkenwell to Charles & Maria nee Benson and christened on 27 Aug 1876 at Charterhouse St Thomas. She can be seen on the census return of 1881 at 6 Greville Street, Holborn with parents & sibs, aged 4. In 1891 she is aged 14, in service at 179 Thomas Street, Lambeth. On Christmas Day 1899 at St Bartholomew's church, St Pancras she married Frederick Thomas Maffey, harness maker. I think they probably grew up together as they were christened at the same church a few weeks apart. They had 2 daughters and can be seen in 1901 census at 20 Mount Pleasant with her mother Maria & the girls, Frederick listed as a saddler. Unfortunately he died 5 years later in Apr 1906 - in Portsmouth for some reason - and Maria in 1904 the address 15 Wynyatt Street. The 1911 census I had for Leah went with a marriage to a James Flynn/Flint, however I have examined it closely now & find a few discrepancies. He is named on the marriage as bachelor but has 6 children prior to their marriage, and it states they had been married 6 years when it wasn't even two. So I have gone back to the drawing board. Unfortunately as yet I have been unable to trace either Leah, mother or daughter - or even a son I have just discovered called Ernest. In 1911 daughter Rosa can be seen as an "inmate" at the Church of England Home for Waifs & Strays in Beckenham, Kent, which does not bode well... 2016 update: Today I found a document to explain one thing; on 24 Jul 1894, aged 17, Frederick had signed up to the Royal Marine Light Infantry, Portsmouth Division and evidently he was in Portsmouth in Apr 1906 when he died aged 28. He had just "done" 6 months in Maidstone prison for breaking into a counting-house in Tunbridge Wells - maybe they thought another period in the navy would help rehabilitate him (this is taken from the Habitual Criminals Register, although the only other offence I can find in his name is driving a horse-vehicle without lights in Southampton a few weeks before his marriage!)...  on 23 Jan 1905 the girls were admitted to the Holborn City Road Workhouse, then again on 3 Apr 1905. There was also another daughter Florence, I suspect born 1902 and died 1906, and the son Ernest I mentioned last time, born 1904. This may have explained Frederick's crime, as they were evidently very poor, but I cannot find out how/why he died. And I cannot find a marriage to fit the date on the 1911 census, when they said they had been married 6 years. Be that as it may, this census shows them at 62 Bestwick Street, St Luke's - definitely the catchment area of that particular Workhouse - and James is listed as cheesemonger's assistant and 7 children are with them, 3 are theirs, 4 his. Her children are elsewhere - as I noted in 2014, Rosa can be seen as an Inmate of the "Church of England Home for Waifs & Strays", Beckenham. I cannot locate Lily, however, I do think she joined the WRAF on 26 Feb 1919 and maybe married wharf labourer William Innocent in Rochford, Essex in Jul 1929. If so, she settled with him there and can be seen there in 1939. The main reason I am reconsidering this line of enquiry is that I have found Leah Flint with exactly the same date of birth, widowed, disabled pensioner with one closed record - somebody looking after her, maybe Rosa, who then went on to marry in 1940 or Ernest, although I cannot find anything about him after infancy. I think James died in 1914, so she didn't have him for long. Leah died in Jul 1953. Later: I have just discovered Leah in the Workhouse before her first marriage, admitted 5 Mar 1895 with illegitimate daughter Leah, home address given as 114 Victoria Buildings, Farringdon. Her occupation is listed as "printer" but I suspect she meant she was servant to one, she certainly was a servant 3 years before to a fancy metal worker and a clerk. This may have been the beginning of her difficulties. 2019 update: She had her first child in the workhouse because she was illegitimate, then followed her first marriage with Rosa and Ernest. After Frederick died in 1906 she remarried, this time to James Flint, who had at least 4 children already. After her second marriage Leah produced Ivy, Jessie and Amy. Electoral roll records place her at 14 Gee Street in the Old Street part of Finsbury 1920-31. As I said in 2016, James died in 1937, so in 1939 Register, Leah was alone, a disabled pensioner, and died in 1953. 1921 census shows Leah, calling herself Widow. [I had his death listed as 1937, but see I have no records for him after 1913.] There are possible death records in Islington in 1914 and The Somme in 1916. Leah described herself as "employer, working for Carter Crisps Potato Farmers" (Carter's became Smiths in 1929). Daughter Leah 22 was a waitress at Pearce & Plenty Eating House in the Strand and Ivy 15 Errand Girl working for number 13 (either next door or across the road. All gone now). Jessie, Amy and Laura were 13, 11 and 8 respectively, at school.

7th January 2023

Herbert William Matthews 

I am very proud of this ancestor and his involvement in the great Empire Exhibition at Crystal Palace and forerunner of the Commonwealth Games, then sympathetic development of the Spa Hotel in Bath. .In case you didn't read my account in 2014 I shall recreate it here: he was born in Apr 1874 in Marylebone, London to William & Eliza nee Robins. He can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 7 with parents, grandmother & servant at 42 Hindon Street, St Georges Hanover Square. In 1891 census he is at High View, Freshford, Somerset with parents & grandmother, aged 17, an Architect's Articled Pupil. In Jul 1897 he married farmer's daughter Minnie Candy who in 1891 was at a private girls school in Bath. They had 3 children, the eldest I dealt with yesterday. In 1901 census he can be seen with son, niece & nurse at Fairfield, Lyncombe, listed as Architect & Surveyor (employer). He was also on the Bath Council, member for Kingsmead Ward in municipal elections of 1900 & 1903 at least. He was a great supporter of sympathetic renovation that Bath so desperately needed. In 1911 census they can be seen living at 35 Crystal Palace Park Road, Sydenham, London. Although some branches of this family lived in London (and in fact Herbert himself was born there) I must admit I was puzzled by this move, as he was so well entrenched in society & politics of Bath. However, when I found that he was appointed to be the Business Manager of the Exhibition of Empire held here at Crystal Palace Park in 1911, this explained it all. Herbert was architect, designer and business manager. The exhibition was held to celebrate the occasion of the coronation of George V and "dramatised the history of London, England & the Empire", starting on 8 June 1911, including music composed by English composers Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst among others. Herbert had designed and organized exhibits that were full-scale versions of dwellings from countries around the Empire, including some from his home town of Bath. He took a party of eminent citizens from Bath, laid on a private train for them, and treated them to a tour with organized refreshment breaks, special shows and talks. As part of the Festival, an Inter-Empire Sports Championship was held, where teams from Australasia, South Africa & UK competed, regarded as the forerunner of the British Empire Games held from 1930 - and now known as the Commonwealth Games. The Festival ran until October, and was closed by the King. As the company had no funds left, Herbert no doubt returned to Bath straight away. His next project was the creation in Aug 1912 of another company, called the Radium Development Syndicate Ltd, which took over the running of baths, mineral waters, the Pump Room etc. They had a registered office in London, and Herbert had his own office at 25 Knightsbridge, their aim to promote mineral waters including radium & radioactive components. Marie Curie was at the forefront of developments at this time and may well have visited Bath as she spent a lot of time in the westcountry. Herbert next became a director of Grand Pump Room Hotel Co. Ltd and redesigned the famous spa hotel in Bath to his own specifications.In 1932 he was awarded the contract to create the "largest hotel in Britain", in Blackpool. When his son died, Herbert senior decided to divide up the family home, Westfield House, Bloomfield , His mother died in 1941 and left some money to him. 2016 update: he was the one who split up the family home and had it converted to apartments. His wife Minnie died there in 1945, so I suggested she stayed on, possibly in part of the house, but as he was a famous architect in Bath and London, I think he died in London in 1954. Thus it was no surprise to find him in 1939 at 1 Manchester Square, Marylebone, with a housekeeper. 2019: I see that in the October quarter of 1945 in Marylebone he married Constance Arline. They were only together for 9 years, though, as Herbert died on 4 Mar 1954 and was buried in the plot on 8 Mar. Constance continued to live in London, and died there on 15 Aug 1970 aged 84, buried with the others here in Bath on 26 Aug and leaving £42,583 (although I don't know whether to Margaret & John, Herbert's remaining children, or not). I can see from his death record that Herbert did have two addresses; 3 Dunraven Street, Park Lane, London W1, where he died, and Westfield House, Bath. I see that when he died it was on 3 Mar 1954 in Westminster and he was buried 3 days later in the plot already occupied by his son at St James' in Bath. Apparently in 1970 they were joined by Constance. 1921 census fits in here between the Exhibition and the Games, and finds Herbert in Bath with the family - see yesterday. Herbert described himself as "Architect & Surveyor, also Director & General Manager Graham White & Co Ltd, at London Aerodrome, Hendon". This was a surprise to me but probably shouldn't be, as he had fingers in lots of different pies. They were evidently an aircraft designing and manufacturing company until 1924, and flying school. [The hangar was listed and was moved to a museum in the 1990s]. Also with him were Minnie (no occupation), son HGW (see yesterday), daughter Margaret 14 and son Arthur 10 at school, and 3 members of staff; a companion, a chauffeur and a cook/general servant. Another snippet of information was that when he died, he left effects worth £12252 to son Arthur (worth £430k now). Arthur probably invested it as he left £13394 when he died 25 years later.

Hilda Annie Matthews was born 15 Jan 1897 in Kilburn, London to Albert & Phoebe nee Dickinson and christened there at St Mary's on 7 Feb 1897. She can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 4 with parents & sibs at 15 Norman Road, Shirley, Hampshire. In 1911 she can be seen aged 14, working as a servant at The Oaks Lodging House, Frimley Road, York Town, Camberley, Surrey. On 7 May 1918 at Paddington Register Office she married William Allen Rayner, railway porter. It seems they only had one child, Allen in 1928. Hilda died in Apr 1952 aged 55 in Windsor and William in Oct 1994 in Swindon aged 97. 2016 update: Her husband had been a Corporal in 9th Essex Regiment Royal Engineers in WW1, and was awarded the British War Medal & Victory Medal. After marriage they can be seen in Electoral roll records at 16 Alfred Road, Paddington until 1921. By 1925 they have moved to 6 Stuart Road, Kilburn (with 3 other couples) and Allen was born here. They were still there in 1929 but moved not long after this to Wiltshire. So 1939 register finds them at 1 St Philip's Road, Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. This record was one of the most invaluable ones, as not only did it confirm the move to Wiltshire but also that there were three more children! I have just learned of Dorothy Margaret Rayner (who married and became Simpkins in 1969), who was a "gramophone motor assembler" in 1939, Hilda O I Rayner born 1922 (a closed record in 1939, but I know was "at school", through use of dittoes on the register) and Ronald E Rayner born 1932, likewise. Although I wished to find Hilda's death was in Swindon, the only record I can find is 1952 in Windsor. I know there is no link with this area and it was 55 miles away, but maybe it was a specialist hospital etc. William did die in Swindon in 1994, as did Dorothy and Allen. 2019: The 1939 Register has been updated to show John William aged 13, at school, who must have died in recent years to clear his redaction. I assume that Hilda & William decided to evacuate the whole family, to avoid being separated in wartime, as a lot of families did if they could. Wiltshire was much safer than London, so they were wise. And they remained there for many years, William dying at 1 St Philips Road in 1994. 1921 census shows them at 16 Alfred Road, where William worked for the Railway in the Goods Dept Paddington Station. Dorothy was a baby, and Hilda didn't arrive until the following January.

Horace George Matthews (my great-uncle, who Dad referred to as "Uncle Horrie") was born 13 Oct 1885 at 24 Rosoman Street Clerkenwell and christened at St James's. 1891 census is missing for this family but we know they were living at 26 Richmond Street, Clerkenwell as it says so on step-brother's baptism a few months later. I cannot find this place now, as is the case with 5 Warren Street, Amwell, Clerkenwell, where they were in 1901, although he can be seen there on census return with mother, step-father & family, listed as Errand Boy. In 1911 census he is at Brompton Sanatorium, Chobham Road, Frimley, working as a Porter. [This was one of the first purpose-built TB hospitals, made redundant by medical treatment in the 1950s but continued as a hospital until 1985]. On 25 Jun 1914 at St Helen's, Kensington he married Elizabeth Munns, by which time he was a grocer's assistant. I don't remember anything my father told me about his Uncle Horrie unfortunately, so all I can say now is that he died in Oct 1969 in the Battle, nr Hastings, Sussex area. 2016 update: in 1939 Register he can be seen at 62 Stanbury Road, Peckham with his wife Elizabeth. Looking for this house, I saw on Google Streetview that numbers up to 54 were old terraced properties, then an abrupt stop and a modern block of flats in a fairly spacious site, typical evidence of bomb damage. I see from the site that I was correct - a V1 bomb landed in the road behind in 1944 and due to damage some properties in Stanbury Road had to go. I was interested to see he was described as a "Churchkeeper/caretaker" as I knew he was a hospital porter then a grocery assistant before marriage, then later a Post Office employee. Reading around, I suggest he worked at St Mary Magdalene church, only a couple of streets away, which was also destroyed by a bomb, this time in 1940 - so only a few months after the Register. Elizabeth died in 1941 and is buried in Camberwell New Cemetery. I had a shock when I went to look for her grave, as she was listed as Civilian War Dead at 62 Stanbury Road! This was The Blitz and bombs were everywhere. According to the Bomb Sight site, there was a High-Explosive bomb in Stanbury Road at some point between Oct 1940 & June 1941, so this could have been on the night of 19th April. Horace died in Battle, near Hastings, Sussex aged 84 at the end of 1969 and he joined Elizabeth in the cemetery in the New Year. [Part of the 2019 update was a walk around the area - if interested please see the blog of 5th Aug 2019]. 1921 census shows them at 12 Gordon Road, Peckham, Horrie a Machinery Packer for Vickers Ltd, but stating he was Out of Work at that time. Vickers were in the process of reinventing themselves and I don't know if he remained with them; or maybe that was when he joined the Post Office (I have him on one of their listings in 1926).

6th January 2023

2014: Herbert Edward Matthews was born 9 Aug 1907 in Bath to Robert & Florence nee Byfield. He can be seen in census return of 1911 aged 3 at 36 Wells Road, Bath with mother & sibs. In Apr 1936 he married Kathleen Mary Crook in her home town of Devizes, but they must have returned to Bath at some point, as they both died there, Herbert on 6 Jul 1985 aged 77 and Kathleen in Nov 1993 aged 80. 2016 update: we find him newly-married in 1939, as I postulated in 2014, back in Bath. They can be seen at 1 Richmond Cottages, Richmond Place, Bath, Herbert working as School Porter and Kathleen UDD. It is difficult to pinpoint the cottage exactly, as nowadays the road is numbered 1-57 along one side and the other holds the Rectory and St Stephens CofE Junior School, where he may have worked. There is also a closed record, probably a servant or lodger etc, as son Peter wasn't born until 1944. 1921 census shows him aged 13 at 10 St John Place, Bath with parents and two youngest sisters. I wondered why I hadn't covered his father Edward, but see from my notes that he was Robert, so see later. I did cover one of these sisters - on Christmas Eve - see Doris below.

Herbert Frank Matthews was born 15 Feb 1899 at Foxham, Wiltshire to George & Ellen nee Newman and christened on 15 Aug 1899 at Melksham church. He can be seen with parents & sibs in 1901 census at West Street, Great Somerford and in 1911 at 3 Foxham Lock, Bremhill. In Apr 1934 in the Chippenham area (possibly Foxham) he married Nora Amy Barnes. Herbert died in the Chippenham area in Jan 1978 aged 79 & Nora also in Jul 1990 aged 83. 2016 update: he hadn't been married long in 1939 but I couldn't find them together. Nora can be found in the Chippenham area with her family; widowed mother, 2 brothers & elderly lady who may be her grandmother, at Greenways Cottage, listed as UDD. In 1921 census he can be seen at 2 Langley Road, Chippenham, working as a general servant in the household of a vet. He hadn't long been demobbed from the RAF - I'm not sure he saw any action as he attested in May 1917, was transferred to RAF on it's formation 1918 then moved into the Reserve the following year. In 1917 he had been a motor driver and in 1939 signed up for 4 years of WW2, describing himself as chauffeur in civilian life, and in 1946, as a sergeant, was awarded a long-service medal and Good Conduct badge. I can't find Nora in 1939 or after.

When someone in your tree is famous, you can find so much more information on them. This applied to Herbert George William Matthews, because of his father. As I said in 2014: he was born 26 May 1898 in Walcot, Bath to Herbert William and Minnie nee Candy. He can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 2 with parents, cousin & nurse at Fairfields, Lyncombe, Bath. This house was later the home of Emperor Haile Selassi when in exile. By the time of 1911 census the family was living at 35 Crystal Palace Park Road, Sydenham and he can be seen there aged 12 with parents, sibs and Companion. They soon returned to Bath and Herbert attended Bath College. When WW1 started he signed up to fight in the 2nd Warwickshire Yeomanry. In 1916 he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a 2nd lieutenant. To do so he had to "get his wings" and he passed the test on a Maurice Farman Biplane. Later he joined the R N S (Royal Naval School?) and was one of the first 25 officers trained at Weymouth for special duty in "hydrophone boats" (an early form of sonar used to detect submarines etc). After demobilisation he went to Malaya, planting rubber and was appointed by the Rubber Research Institute of Malaya as manager of their experimental station. On 11 Aug 1926 in Church of the Ascension, Bath he married Florence Vera Dauncey. Their families were old friends, and they grew up together, although the Daunceys were originally from Wales. Apparently the bride, known locally as Vera, was a keen member of the Bath Operatic Society and there were 200 guests at the wedding, as they were a popular couple. One of the bridesmaids was Margaret "Mollie" Matthews, Herbert's sister. They spent their honeymoon in Brittany but only a few weeks later Herbert sailed off to Singapore on the SS Karmala on business. It all seemed very positive but the next piece of news is the granting in 1934 of a divorce to Vera, on the grounds of adultery by Herbert. She can be seen on shipping records sailing on 20 Apr 1934 to Singapore on board SS Sibajak, presumably to deliver it in person. Apparently he followed her home, although if it were to make up it didn't work. I don't know what happened next but he was "invalided" and died on 12 Jul 1937 at the age of 39. He was buried at St James's Cemetery and left effects worth £958 to his mother Minnie. I understand that his father decided to split up the family home at this point and plans were passed to convert it into flats/apartments. The family must have stayed on after this in part of the house, at least for a while, as his mother died there 8 years later. 2019 update: plot no. PB22 of Lyncombe & Widcombe cemetery was used when he died  aged 39 on 12 July 1937. His address was given as Westfield House, Bloomfield Road, which you may remember was the Bath address of Herbert William, the famous architect, who was his father. He (HGW) was buried on 15 Jul 1937, and I see now that the same plot was used for his parents. 1921 census showed the family at Westfield House, his father architect and surveyor (see tomorrow), also mother Minnie, brother Arthur, sister Margaret and 3 staff. HGW described himself as an Auctioneer, employed by Powell & Powell Furniture Removals & Stores, Irongate Wharf Paddington.

5th January 2023

Henry Matthews 2 (aka Harry) was born at the end of 1891 at 5 James Buildings, Walcot, Bath, birth registered Jan quarter of 1892, to Silas & Sarah nee Coombes and can be seen there in censuses of 1901 & 1911 with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as Butcher's Errand Boy. On 14 Oct 1914 in Bath he married Dorothy May Giddings, local girl, working in her father's bakery, and they had 4 children. Unfortunately Dorothy did not survive the 4th birth and died in Jan 1922 aged 27. In Jan 1929 at Holy Trinity church, Bath he married Caroline May Spurrell, also local, daughter of a chimney sweep, and whose brother was a butcher, so maybe worked with Harry. They had one daughter Iris. Unfortunately his daughters Evelyn and Violet died in the Blitz in Bath. Harry died Jan 1966 in Trowbridge, Wiltshire and Caroline must have been lonely, as in 1974 at the age of 73 she married widower Gerald Frederick Durbin in Bath. She died in Apr 1977 in Redruth, Cornwall and he in 1983 back in Bath. 2016 update: They can be seen at 6 Albert Buildings, Bath, Harry a General Labourer and Caroline UDD. It gives me full dates of birth for both, which I didn't have, and confirms that she later married into the surname Durbin. 4 closed lines follow and, although impossible to see most of the information, the blocking segment hasn't quite covered the added name Vinson above the eldest. This was the married name of Eileen, the eldest of their 4 children together, so the others must be Sylvia, Iris and Norman. Albert Buildings was on the site in Bath which housed the Gas Works and industrial units of Stothert & Pitt known as Western Riverside. The buildings were provided for workers at the industrial units in the Victoria Engineering Works surrounding them, so presumably that was where Harry was employed. Now there is a large complex of modern apartment buildings there, and the road is called Victoria Bridge Road. So 1921 census gives a snapshot of the family just before Dorothy died. She was probably in a hospital/clinic of some kind as she died in childbirth 6 months later. The rest of them were scattered (temporarily): Harry was staying with his in-laws (Elizabeth and Stanley) at 18 Third Avenue, Bath along with his son Leonard. Violet was staying with her Uncle Silas at 6 Weymouth Square, Walcot and Evelyn (see below) with her paternal grandmother. The "children" must have moved back to Third Avenue after Stanley died (1936), as they were with Elizabeth in 1939 and their father had moved in with his second wife.

Henry Francis Matthews In 2014 I said he was born Jul 1880 in Clerkenwell - probably at 6 Greville Street, Holborn (just off Hatton Garden, where my father had so many customers) - to Charles & Maria nee Benson, and can be seen there in 1881 census with parents & sibs. In 1891 he was still with them at 2 Cambridge Buildings, Westminster in 1891 census. On 22 Oct 1900 at St Bartholomew-the-great church he married Annie Matilda Hudson, witnesses Arthur & Ada Mathews, his brother & sister-in-law and Henry is a silversmith [this church is featured in the film Four Weddings & a Funeral, where Hugh Grant's character stands up "Duckface"] In 1901 census return they can be seen at 7 Northampton Street, Clerkenwell with baby son Henry aged 3 months. Unfortunately little Henry died a few months later, but they did have 3 further children, who survived. Henry senior is listed as a Pipe-Mounter, which was a development of his silversmith skills. Pipes were very common for smoking tobacco, and in UK the stem was joined to the bowl with a ferrule of hallmarked silver.  In 1911 census his job description was a "briar pipe mounter", although by then they had moved round to 6 Rheidol Terrace in Islington and had 3 children at home and 2 boarders. 2016 update: he was in Islington with a young family when we left him in 1911. 1939 Register finds them again 28 years later in Barking, where they can be seen at 1 Denham Way with 13-year-old schoolboy Robert Stubbs (I don't know who he is) and a closed file, possibly daughter Catherine Florence. I have since filled the time gap with information from his army record - as usual so much information. On 19 Feb 1912 he attested to the 1st battalion, Honourable Artillery Company, giving home address as 3 Keith Road, Barking and describing himself as Silver-mounter for London Pipe Company...In 1920 when he joined the Territorials, he gave home address as 59 Morley Road, Barking, and Next Of Kin Mrs Annie Matilda Matthews, to whom medals were sent. See 2016 blog for details of postings, medals etc and he told of two additional children I knew nothing about! Alice Marie born 1911 and Albert 1914 in Islington and Romford respectively and this so nicely demonstrates the move out of central London to Essex. Henry died in Jul 1965 aged 85 and Annie in Oct 1977 at the ripe old age of 97. I can now add that 1921 census (see Frances Annie below) shows them at 59 Morley Road, Barking (as above in 1920), he was a silvermounter working for Harry Sturman at 158 Fulham Road, Chelsea, Annie Home Duties, Frances 16 numberer at a printer's, and 4 children at school.

Henry James Matthews in 2014 I said he was born Oct 1851 at 17 Ballance Street, Bath to John & Eliza nee Baker and in census return of 1861 can be seen aged 10 with parents & sister at no. 28. The following year his mother died and his father married again & by the next census he can be seen at Tydrow Cottages, Margam, Glamorgan, Wales with father, step-mother & half-brother, listed as a Furnaceman. On 22 Dec 1877 at Swansea Register Office he married Ann Davies and they had 6 children. In 1881 they are living at Llanrhidian, Glamorgan with baby daughter Elizabeth (always known as Eliza), working as a tin worker. In 1891 they are still there, by now with 6 children, and Ann's mother Eliza. This entire household has by 1901 moved to Beach Road, Penclawdd, Llanrhidian (next door to the Post Office). By 1911 Ann's mother had gone, and they were still at Penclawdd, just along the road at 2 Sea View, with 2 children. Henry was working as a boiler stoker at one of the collieries sprinkled across the region. I do not have a death record for Ann, but thanks to my relative Wyn Matthews have access to Henry's death certificate. He died on 23 Mar 1947 aged 95 at the house above, 2 Sea View, of cardiac failure, acute bronchitis & old age, the informant son William. 2016 update: By 1939 he was 88 and retired, still living at Sea View (was there in 1911 and died there in 1947), widower described as "Steel worker retired". In the household can be seen a Daniel Griffiths "incapacitated" and Eliza Griffiths - these are his daughter and son-in-law and I now see they were also there in 1911. Next door is a widow Ann E Griffiths but I'm not sure if she was related. As I noted in 2014, Henry died here on 23 Mar 1947 aged 95. So 1921 census gives a snapshot of the household, between these dates, at 2 Sea View, Henry a Labourer at Gowerton Steel Works. He described himself as Out of Work but has he was 68 could be considered to be retired. Ann had Home Duties, aided by daughter Eliza. Her husband Daniel Griffith worked with brother David, both Coal Miners employed by Western Gas & Coal Co. They too were Out of Work, but being 39 and 29 respectively this may have been only temporary. There was a disaster at this colliery in 1905, an explosion, but I cannot see it mentioned in 1911 census for either of them. Daniel died in 1941 not long after he was described as above, but it may not have been related.

3rd January 2023

Harry Charles Matthews senior in 2014 I said he was born Jul 1859 at 9 Lucklom Buildings, Walcot, Bath to Edwin & Mary Ann nee Griffiths and christened on 31 Jul 1859 at St Saviour, Larkhall. He can be seen there in census returns of 1861 & 1871 aged 1 & 11 respectively, with parents & sibs. In 1881 he can be seen at 2 Abbey Churchyard with parents & sibs, listed as a painter. In Jul 1889 at St James, Bath he married Elizabeth Sarah Ash and they had 2 children. In census return of 1891 they can be seen at 7 Alexander Road, Bath with their daughter, Harry listed as House Decorator, in 1901 at 6 Lyncombe Place with 2 children and his brother-in-law Albert Ash, plumber. In 1911 they were at 32 Claverton Street, Widcombe with 2 children. [Claverton Street is now a wide dual carriageway]. Harry died in Bath Jul 1934 aged 75 and Elizabeth followed less than a year later aged 70, leaving £3397 to two law clerks. 2019 update: In directories of Bath he can be seen listed in 1895 at 3 Pierrepoint Street as decorator with lodgings (hence calling himself "indoor porter" in 1901 census), in 1902 at 6 Lyncombe Place, decorator and 1911 32 Claverton Street a Carpet Layer...and regarding his burial: painter & decorator, who died aged 75, living at Avalon, Midford Road, South Stoke, Bath. This is very much the southern outskirts of Bath, Midford Road runs south-east to Midford, and the village of South Stoke is just off it. St James church is surrounded by graves and some are very old. Records date from 1800 and there are 1008 to date, with 189 memorials. Apparently it is still open, but only to those living locally. Although his wife Elizabeth died the following year there does not appear to be a record of her joining him. 1921 census shows Harry and Elizabeth at 5 Newark Street with daughter Elizabeth. He was only 61 but was Incapacitated and had no occupation. Daughter Elizabeth, a trained nurse, worked privately from home, so may well have been his full-time carer. [This address was badly bomber in WW2 and is now under the shopping precinct, but there are apparently drawings dated 1960 in the archives, which I cannot access].

Harry Charles Junior appeared in directory with this address as well as 70 Walcot Street, as a grocer. Looking at that address, it has always been a shop, so was no doubt his business address. In 1921 he should be at one of these addresses but is not. The grocer's shop in Walcot Street is inhabited by a family called Lockyer, and Harry can be seen visiting in Weston-Super-Mare, but he gives his mother as his employer and Newark Street his workplace as a grocer's assistant. So evidently his parents considered it his shop (they saying they were of no occupation). In 2019 I said: He was born 19 Mar 1893 in Walcot, christened there on 21 May and in 1922 in Bath he married Rhoda Rawlings, who in 1911 was a parlourmaid at 18 Belmont (a very salubrious address in those days) However, it seems she died in 1920, as by 1939 Register he was a widower. This Harry was a grocer, in Kelly's Directory at 5 Newark Street and 70 Walcot Street in 1919 and 1923. In 1939 he was living with James Knowles, a decorator, who may have known his father, and Irene Knowles, probably this man's daughter. There is a note on the Register, to say that Irene became Matthews, written in 1944, then Toogood, written in 1952. I see that she married Harry in 1943, then he died 3 years later. She married Robert Toogood in 1952 and died 1966. The address in 1939 468 Gloucester Road, Bristol, was where Harry died.

Harry Francis Matthews I said in 2014: he was born Apr 1893 in Huntspill, Bridgwater, Somerset to William & Elizabeth nee Emery.He can be seen on census returns of 1901 & 1911 aged 7 & 17 respectively at 1 Skinner Street, Worcester with parents & sibs. in the latter listed as a Fishmonger's Assistant. In Jan 1915 in Leek, Staffordshire he married Prudence Susannah King Mackins, a tailoress from Kent, who was boarding in Leek. They do not appear to have had any children. Harry died aged 79 in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire in Oct 1872 and Prudence Jan 1974 in Winchester, Hampshire aged 85. 2016 update: By 1939 Register they had settled in Stoke-on-Trent, where it seems Prudence ran a pub. They can be seen at 41 Trafalgar Street, Harry described as Railway Signalman and St Johns Ambulance. The rest of the area is modern housing, so I can't tell what was there in 1939. As I said in 2014 Harry died in Stoke in 1972 and Prudence in 1974. 2019 update: By 1932 she had a shop, although I can't find out what she sold at that time, at 16 Talbot Street, Leek, Staffordshire. It seems that they moved to Stoke quite soon before 1939, as Prudence is in Leek still in 1936, with her shop. Looking at a map of the area at that time, it is obvious why they went there, as all around them were a multitude of railway lines, all gone now, as are the collieries and steel works they worked with. She ran her pub from home, but all I can find about this was that it was listed as a Beer House, not a pub as such with a name. I had thought it may have been the Trafalgar and gave the road its name, but it was the battle it was named after. The area just to the west was known as Etruria, and you may be familiar with the name from my Canal Blog, as Josiah Wedgewood and his potteries took over the area with the associated canals. When Harry died on 10 Dec 1972 and Prudence on 28 Jan 1974 they were living at 14 Cavour Street, Etruria. Nowadays numbers start at 64, as the road has been realigned. 1921 census shows Harry and Prudence at "Bungalow, Burton Street, Leek", and as they are alone, I have removed the two possible children from their file. Harry described himself as "Lampman, Signal Dept, North Staffordshire Railway Company at Leek Brook Station.[This closed in 1956, but Harry had already moved to Stoke by then], Prudence a silk worker at Compton Mill [only just demolished and redeveloped]. So she only took to beer-selling after this - maybe the move to Stoke?

2nd January 2023

George Albert Matthews in 2014 I said: he was born Apr 1866 in Walcot, Bath to Edwin & Mary Ann nee Griffiths, twin to William Francis Matthews. They can be seen aged 4 in census return of 1871 at 9 Lucklom Buildings, Walcot with father & sibs. Their mother died in 1877 and in 1881 census George is at 2 Abbey Churchyard, Bath with father, step-mother, listed as Errand Boy. (William was living with his aunt, working as gardener). On 26 Apr 1886 at Bremhill, Wiltshire he maried Ellen Matilda Newman. They had 9 children, and were lucky enough not to lose any in infancy. Census return of 1891 shows them at Foxham, Chippenham, Wiltshire with 3 children, George an Ag Lab (agricultural labourer). In 1901 census they can be seen at West Street, Great Somerford, but they were not there for long. Birth records of their children show the family's movements and they only had one child here: Florence (although listed in 1901 census as "infant son aged 7 days"!) The other 7 children were born at Foxham, and 1911 census finds the family back there, living at Foxham Lock with 6 children. Ellen died aged 78 in Jan 1946 & George followed later that year aged 83. 2016 update: In 1939 he can be seen at 3 The Lock, Foxham, retired (he was 65), with Ellen (household duties) and just the youngest son Vivian, Lorry Driver for a miller. 1921 census shows the family at the Lock, George 57 described himself as a "Timber faller, employed anywhere", Ellen 55 Domestic Duties, son Arthur 23 farm labourer employed at Chalcot Hill, son Vivian 14 still at school.

George Charles Matthews in 2016 I said: he was born 18 Oct 1902 in Worcester to William & Elizabeth née Emery. He can be seen aged 8 on census return of 1911 at 1 Skinner Street, Worcester with parents, grandmother & sibs. On 9 Aug 1930 in Worcester he married Winfred Maud Biddle but it seems they had no children. 1939 Register shows them at 6 Blanquette Street, Worcester, George an "Iron Moulder. Heavy Work" and Winifred UDD. George died there aged 65 in 1967 and Winifred in 1994 aged 90. 2019 update: I have seen the school admissions records for him; 10 Sep 1907 he was admitted to St John's Infants School, Worcester (the home address was 1 Skinner Street, which is in the area known as St John's) In the summer of 1910 he moved on to the Boys' School but on 1 Apr 1912 he had to leave, as his father died, and entered an orphanage. I'm not sure how long this was for, but the family was in chaos, as the father William died not long after they lost the baby Elizabeth. Mother Elizabeth presumably had to resort to an orphanage as she couldn't cope. Oddly, his brother William (2 years older) remained at the local school until 1913. By 1921 he was boarding at 25 Ryders Green Road, West Bromwich [nowadays Tennants, medical supplies courier] with the Gower family. Mrs Gower came from Dudley, so may have been a relative/friend. George worked for Parkes Rolling Mills as a roller's assistant, making steel bars - very similar to his work in 1939.

Gertrude Annie Matthews 2014: was born 23 Dec 1889 in Foxham, Wiltshire to George & Ellen nee Newman and christened 23 Feb 1890 at Melksham church. She can be seen in census of 1891 aged 1 at Foxham with parents, brother & sister, then in 1901 at West Street, Great Somerford aged 11. By 1911 she has found employment & can be seen at 1 Union Street, Chippenham as servant in household of a corn merchant. In Jul 1912 in Calne, Wiltshire she married Frederick Fenner. They had 5 children, all boys, and remained in Chippenham for some decades. Gertrude died there aged 82 in Jan 1972, but although Fenner is not a common name, there are many in that area and as I don't know Frederick's date of birth I cannot find which death of that name is his. None is in Chippenham/Calne so he could have died anywhere. 2016 update: He was a local Coal Merchant, as were his father and brothers, and they had 5 sons of their own. The 1939 Register shows them living at 12 St Mary's Place, Chippenham, Gertrude UDD, Frederick Senior Coal Hauler and ARP Warden and son Frederick Junior "Fitter. Air Steam Locomotive Brake Assembler". I understand this to mean he fitted air-brakes on steam trains, fascinating! [no 12, now called The Olde Forge, looks straight onto the side of the church].  Frederick Senior died in Bath in Apr 1970 (probably in hospital) and Gertrude in Chippenham in Jan 1972. 2019 update: I see from the scan that her marriage was on 1 Sep 1912 at St Paul's, Bremhill, Wilts. No baptism scan for her, I'm afraid, but there is for her husband Fred. At her death, she was cremated at Haycombe Cemetery on 6 Mar 1972. 1921 census shows them at Cocklebury, Chippenham with 3 sons, Frederick working as a carrier for his father Albert, coal merchant. The 3 boys around at this time Albert, Frederick and Herbert were all at school.

Harold Leslie Matthews was born 19 Mar 1898 in Gloucester to Walter & Kate nee Silcox. He can be seen there on census return of 1901 aged 3 at 5 Eastgate Street with parents & sibs and servant. In 1911 he can be seen with parents & sister at 56 Old Tiverton Road, Exeter. His brother Edgar was at this stage in Dorchester, learning the retail trade by working as a grocer's assistant. Harold joined the Railways & records show that he joined Great Western Railways on 6 Oct 1919, working at Exeter Station as an engine cleaner, gaining promotion on 5 Feb 1920 to Fireman based at Newport, then Bristol, then Barnstaple. Their father ran a cycle shop in Sidwell Street, Exeter (see later) and when he died in 1921 left it to their mother Kate. On 15 Sep 1922 Harold left the railways "to enter business with his brother". I don't know what happened and whether this business was anything to do with the shop, but it was evidently not what he expected, as the next we hear is that on 25 Aug 1923 Harold left Exeter on board the SS Bendigo, sailing to Freemantle, Australia. He gave his UK address as 12 Toronto Road, Exeter (only 300 yards from the shop) and his intention to settle in Australia as a farmer. It seems that he may have married a Mary A Smith in 1927 in New South Wales. For more, see Jan 2019 here. 1921 census caught him just before his father died, aged 23 with his parents at 116 Sidwell Street, Exeter (the cycle shop), employed as a fireman on the railways. His siblings Laura and Edgar had recently married and both lived nearby.

1st January 2023 - Happy New Year!

Frederick Herbert Matthews in 2014 I said: he was born Nov 1850 at Lucklom Buildings, Walcot, Bath to Edwin & Mary Ann nee Griffiths and christened 28 Aug 1853 at St Saviour with his sister Kate. He can be seen in census returns of 1851, 1861 & 1871 all at 9 Lucklom Buildings, in the latter listed as a Mason. 2019 update: I see now that he married Ellen Kettlety on 18 Sep 1875 in Bradford-on-Avon, her birthplace. He is with the family in 1881 census, and by then they have 2 children. A third was born shortly afterwards; William Henry, aka Henry, and he can be seen in 1891 census with his grandparents, Ellen's parents, with his siblings, but the parents are nowhere to be seen. In 1901 Ellen resurfaces, calling herself married, but still no sign of Frederick, still in Bradford-on-Avon. She was listed as a woollen-weaver and son Henry a gardener, as in 1911 at 10 Kingston Road, Bradford, with Henry and a boarder. This was the address where she died in 1920, leaving her effects to Frederick junior and Florence, presumably her house to Henry. The only records I could find for Frederick senior, which may explain this, were criminal records for larceny on several occasions, each time with a term of imprisonment. The ones I found were too early to account for these gaps in the census, but he may have started young! (The records I was looking at ended in 1892). There was a death in Warminster, Wiltshire under his name in 1911, which may explain why she said "married" in censuses and "widow" at her death. 1921 census fitted in with this story, as Frederick was still absent, Ellen died the previous year, but his sons Frederick and Harry can be seen boarding in Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon, both rubber workers. I do also see they stated both parents were dead. (Looking at his war records, Frederick's war medals were returned in 1923, so maybe he was "lost". Lewes Gaol was mentioned with a date in 1898)

Frederick William Matthews - in 2016 I called him "Frederick1" as I didn't yet know his middle name. I said then: he was born in Sep 1886 in Foxham, Wiltshire to George & Ellen née Newman and christened on 26 Oct 1886 in Melksham. He can be seen in 1891 census in Foxham with parents & sibs, but I cannot track him down in 1901, when he would have been 13. He reappears in 1911 census however, living at 2 Oxford Road (aka Langley Road), Langley Burrell, Chippenham, with his employer, a vet, working as a groom/gardener. The 1939 Register provides another snapshot and he can be seen working as a chauffeur, living a few doors down from the Rectory, who I suspect were his employers. He was listed as chauffeur and with him were Mabel Ellen Matthews, UDD, ostensibly his wife, and another closed file, possibly a child. I then located his attestation document to the army on 29 Aug 1916, giving his Next of Kin as Mrs Ellen Matthews, c/o Mrs Porter, Startley, nr Chippenham. He had apparently married her 10 days before at Broad Somerford and with this information I was able to track down the marriage record to Ellen Porter, in the Malmesbury registration area. He was discharged on 19 Sep 1919, his pay and Victory Medal going to 65 West Street, Great Somerford. Apparently he was slightly disabled. I have searched for children and found six; they would range in age from 7 to 19 in 1939, so may have been living elsewhere, I can't imagine anywhere safer than a Wiltshire village in wartime, but there is definitely only one closed record at that address. Frederick died in Chippenham in Dec 1965 and Mabel in 1981. 2019 update: I have located him in 1901 census, at Foxham with his widowed grandmother Ann Newman, helping her out on the farm, along with his brother Alfred, aged 6. The search for a marriage document has produced banns (which are not worth a lot, as the ceremony may have never taken place) but in this case I have seen transcription of the ceremony, on 19th Aug 1916, stating he was a 29 year old chauffeur from Chippenham, and she a domestic servant aged 24 from Great Somerford. Fathers are named as George Matthews and Andrew Porter, both labourers. I have also discovered his middle name was William. Again it was difficult to trace the children in 1939 and beyond, because I have no idea where they were evacuated or if they stayed there. Frederick died in 1965 in Chippenham aged 79. Filling in with 1921 census, I see him at 17 Hollow Street, Great Somerfield, Chippenham, with Mabel and baby daughter Marjorie. (Mabel confused matters by being known by her middle name in later years, not uncommon!) He was at this stage a "private motor driver" for Harding's Farm, Draycott - 5 miles away. Mabel did Home Duties, presumably bringing up Marjorie (and all the others that followed).

George Matthews - in 2014 I said he was born 17 Dec 1897 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Coombes (registered Jan 1898). He can be seen in census returns of 1901 aged 3 and 1911 aged 13 at 5 James Buildings with parents & sibs. In Apr 1919 in Bath he married Rosina Violet Champion. George died Apr 1972 in Bath and Rosina lived on until she died on 13 Jun 2002 aged 103 at Royal United Hosital, Bath - of old age! 2016 update: The 1939 Register has added a bit more. In 1939 he can be seen at "Mount Rosa", Mount Road, Bath with wife Rosina. Also with them in the property were Thomas Griffiths, aged 57, a single disabled ex-serviceman, previously a "colliery onsetter" (apparently one who pushes full mine waggons on to the cage at the shaft bottom and takes the empties out) and a closed file, possibly a child. I cannot locate any birth records, however, for any children. 2019: I was concerned about an apparent daughter Phyllis with George & his wife in 1939 Register, but I have confirmed (now her file is open) she was his niece (the Register did not give relationship status). A nice touch was that George called his house on Mount Road "Mount Rosa" after Rosina, his wife. George was a "scrap iron and metal sorter", very useful in wartime, and Phyllis worked in a sweet shop, Rosina kept house. 1921 census gives more info, showing them at 11 Somerset Street, Bath. This (if it is now called Somerset Place) was one of those lovely curving terraces Bath is so famous for, each house on several levels with many bedrooms. In 1921 number 11 was home to George and Rosina and two households of Thomas Champion (6 people) and Alfred Champion. Thomas was the master and Alfred was at sea (his wife A competed the form) . Funnily enough for us today, there was a bit of a power struggle in evidence on the returns of Rosina and Mrs A Champion - as they completed the forms they put themselves down as Head of the household. But the census-taker corrected these. George was listed as aged 23, previously in the Army but currently Out of Work. Rosina had previously worked as a Domestic for a Doctor in Gay Street, Bath, a mile away, but was also currently Out of Work. As I said, 18 years later he was a scrap-metal sorter in another part of Bath. In the 1920s, George may have gone to Ireland with the Army (but it is a common name, so I can't be sure it is him).

31st December 2022

Frances Annie Matthews in 2014 I said she was born 26 Dec 1904 at 26 Wynyatt Street, Islington [gone now], and christened at St James Clerkenwell. She can be seen in census retun of 1911 aged 7 at 6 Rheidol Terrace, Islington with parents, sibs & 2 boarders. After this, unfortunately, I cannot track her. She may in Apr 1938 have married Robert W Warner, then may have died in Dec 1953. But without buying the marriage certificate, I can't be sure. Subsequently 1939 Register only confused the issue, but I hoped 1921 census may help. However, she was only sixteen, so it didn't much. She can be seen with her parents and sibs at 59 Morley Road, Barking, working as a "Numberer" at 45 Mitchell Street, St Lukes, Islington, for printer De Gruchy & Co. (see later for her father Henry etc). I have doubts about her marriage to Robert Warner (her date of birth, wrong initial on son's death and 1939 Reg details) despite it taking place in Islington, her workplace. I have found another marriage: to William John Delmage on 3 Sep 1927 at St Margaret, Barking. I cannot find a 1939 Register for a Frances Delmage, but the one for William has several closed files, so she may be there, redacted. He was a lorry driver, so the address in Barking may be digs, and the fact that he died in 1961 in Lancashire irrelevant. Frances married John Mallabar in Jul 1961 in Ilford, and died under that name in Braintree in 2001 aged 96. (You would think she was very kind to me in choosing unusual surnames, but there are several alternatives for both his birth and death).

Frederick Matthews2 was born 25 Jan 1901 at 20 Suffolk Place, Marylebone to Albert & Emma and christened at Christ Church on 6 Mar 1901. He was Florence Minnie's brother, so the censuses were the same (see yesterday). On Christmas Day 1921 at St Michael & All Angels church, Harrow Road, Willesden he married Mary Ellen Drinkwater, local girl. They had 3 children (possibly 4 - see later) and in 1945 were living at 65 Fernhead Road, Kilburn. [now a restaurant - Frederick was a fishmonger, like his father] when he was caught in the street by a bomb dropped on London (of which there were thousands at this time). He later died of his injuries in hospital. He was only 44. [Incidentally, Harrow Road is where the church is where he got married, and Fernhead Road is nearby]. He was buried in the special plot for Civilian War Dead in Paddington Old Cemetery, Willesden Road. When Mary Ellen died on 27 Jan 1963 aged 62 she was living at 17 The Greenway, Rayners Lane, Pinner but died at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood (a specialist cancer hospital), leaving effects worth £333 to Mrs Marjorie Beber, who may be a daughter - I can find a marriage in 1962 of Marjorie Matthews to Hermann Beber, but no birth with maiden-name Drinkwater. Maybe she was a niece etc I haven't yet come across. 2016 update: I can now add more due to new records being made available. On 20 Jan 1918 (his 17th birthday) he signed on with the Royal Navy for 12 years (5ft 2in tall, brown hair, grey eyes, fresh complexion, scar left arm, tattoo right arm) and served on HMS Powerful from 20 Dec 1918 to 16 Mar 1919, as Boy 2nd Class, then Boy 1st Class, then Ordinary Seaman. On 17 Mar 1919 he was transferred to Acting Stoker 1st Class and his record ends, probably due to the end of the War. I reported on how he died as a Civilian War Casualty in 1945 but now 1939 Register provides another glimpse of him 6 years before. He and Mary Ellen can be seen at 50 Golborne Road, Kensington, living above the shop with another family and running a fried fish & chip shop [now an art gallery] The children must have been evacuated away from London, although little Frederick was only 5, as they were not listed. Frederick senior was described as "Fried fishmonger (Manager)" and Mary Ellen as UDD. 1921 census. 1921 census shows Mary Ellen in Willesden with her parents and sisters, working as an ironer at Holly Lodge Laundry, Willesden. Frederick can be seen at 20 Colin Road with his family, working as Fish Fryer at Belton Road, just around the corner.

30th December 2022

While working on Florence May Matthews yesterday, I had many conflicting records pointing to marriages and deaths. I have found on one of the death records mention of her parents' names as George and Ellen Matthews, so believe that to be the correct one. She was buried (a single woman) on Christmas Eve 1958 at Foxham Chapelry Bremhill, aged 57. (I was worried by the marriage to Sidney Webb as he was 20 years older than her...) I have now found her probate document and see she died in Royal United Hospital, Bath, leaving effects to George Tiley, male nurse, and his wife Elsie, possibly colleagues of hers or friends she made in hospital. Home address was given as The Green, Christian Malford, Chippenham - all lovely cottages close to where she was born.

Florence Minnie Matthews in 2014 I said: she was born 27 Feb 1903 at 5 William Street, Marylebone to Albert & Emma and christened there at Christ Church on 15 Apr 1903. (See 11th Jan for her father Albert, showing how they moved about London). In 1911 census she can be seen at 18 Colin Road, Willesden with parents & sibs. In Oct 1924 in Willesden she married Alfred W Watts. Son Arthur was born in 1926, but I cannot see further children. Florence died in Apr 1948 aged 43 and Alfred possibly 1960 aged 58 (although if so, in Harrow). 2016 update: they had 4 children, all in Willesden. In 1939 Register they can be seen at 20 Colin Road with just the eldest, Alfred William junior, the other children presumably evacuated into the country somewhere. Alfred senior was a Building Materials Lorry Driver - which would become increasingly important in the next decade - and Florence a "Biscuit Weigher" - I love this description! This was a very famous area for biscuits - McVities had made them at nearby Harlesden for decades and in 1947 merged with Macfarlane Lang to produce United Biscuits, still there today and world famous. Alfred junior was described as a Machine Hand, so may have worked there too. Florence died aged 43 in Apr 1948 and I have been unable to trace Alfred senior. Junior died in 2001 in Hillingdon, but no death record matches Senior's date of birth. 1921 census finds her at home in Colin Road with parents and sibs, a few years before her marriage.

They are already at number 20, so it wasn't as simple as moving in next door when she married. But then electoral rolls show her there with her husband (and family) from 1929 to 1939.

Florence Sarah Matthews in 2014 I reported (from her granddaughter, largely) that she was born 6 Dec 1905 at 2 Berkeley Cottages, Walcot, Bath (registered Jan 1906) to Silas & Lily nee Nicholls. She can be seen in census of 1911 at 2 Whiteway Road, Twerton, Bath aged 3 (should read 5 but was corrected to 3 for some reason) with her parents & 3 sisters. In Jul 1933 in Bradford on Avon Methodist church she married Bertram Stanley Niblett. Apparently she worked in a children's home in Bath before her marriage, and later as Housekeeper for Mrs Moulton & Mrs Wood in Bradford on Avon. Bert was a local boy, trained as a gardener working at The Lynchetts Nursery (now a hotel) as gardener/handyman before moving on to CS Bowyer Ltd, builders & undertakers, where he worked as a Stone Mason for 39 years before retiring. He was a Sergeant-Major in the Salvation Army, then a local Methodist preacher for 40 years! Interesting chap, as he supported the local history group and gave many a lecture on the subject, then in 1980, in his late 70s, wrote a book on the subject & was published in 1981. He died aged 83 in Aug 1988, with a funeral at the United Reform Church then cremation at Haycombe, Bath - which was incidentally in Whiteway Road, where Florrie had lived as a child. She helped out at the Lynchetts Nursey well into her 80s and was known locally as "Granny Florrie", she was fit & active & was still living in her own home when she turned 100 years old, in Calne, Wiltshire. I am assured that she did in fact receive a telegram from the Queen and was very pleased to do so. She died the following year, in Jul 2007 aged 101. 2016 update: I can now add a further snapshot of Florrie and Bert in 1939, when they had been married for six years. They were living in a lovely old stone property called St Olaves, 19 Woolley Street, Bradford-on-Avon, with Bert's family next door at number 20. Bert was a gardener and Florrie a housewife, and they had a closed record with them, possibly a servant. I have searched for her in 1921 census, but the closest appears to be a boarder in Bath, crossed out. There are no details but I do know she worked there in a children's home, and she is not at home with her parents in Walcot (there were 5 siblings there too).

Florence Valentine Matthews was born Feb 1895 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Coombes. She can be seen in census return of 1901 at 5 James Buildings, Bath with parents & sibs. In 1911 census she can be seen at 13 Cleveland Place West, London Road, working as nurserymaid in the household of a Butcher Dealer (with a housemaid & 2 boarders) [the butcher's shop is now a fish & chippy]. In Apr 1920 at Bath Register Office she married Herbert William Sidney Tucker, a local lad who can be seen on 1911 census in Bodmin Barracks in Cornwall, as a private in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Son Edward arrived shortly after the marriage (hence Reg Office) but they appear to have had no further children. Florence died Oct 1945 aged 50 and Herbert in 1993 aged 70, both still in Bath. 2016 update: The 1939 Register has confirmed my guess that her date of birth was 14 Feb 1895, and she can be seen then with husband Herbert Tucker and son Edward at 2 Hedgemead Cottages, Bath. There were 4 cottages & a terrace of 4 houses, which were demolished in 1964. Fortunately, Florence did not have to see this. She died in Dec 1945 and her death was reported in the Bath Chronicle on 5 Jan 1946. She was interred at Locksbrook St Swithin's cemetery. As expected, 1921 census showed her in Bath, the address 9 James Buildings, Walcot, but with a surprising second son Victor, who was already 5 when they married. His baptism gives mother's maiden-name as Barnard, so it seems Herbert was married before, although I can't locate a marriage. Victor was working in the dining room of an army technical school in 1939. Oddly, Herbert described himself in 1921 as a labourer in a car manufacture company and in 1939 as a hairdresser and Air Raid Warden.

Later: I think I have located the first wife: Lilian Barnard, who married Herbert in 1914 then died in 1919. There may possibly be two more children; a Cecil 1917 and a Lilian 1919 (which may have been why she died).

29th December 2022

Ellen Beatrice Matthews was born Jul 1875 in Walcot, Bath to Edwin Barnard junior & Emma nee Faulkner. She can be seen aged 5 with parents & sibs in census return of 1881 at 4 Weymouth Buildings, then 1891 aged 15 at Prospect House, then 1901 at 18 Seymour Road as Nellie. In Jul 1903 at St Swithin's church, Walcot she married Charles Smallwood. He had been born & raised in Birmingham, but the family lived in Worcestershire prior to his marriage. He did have a brother born in Bath in 1882 so his family probably lived there then. His father was a jeweller and although he trained as an accounts clerk, he is listed in 1911 as Manager of a Jewellery manufacture & repair business (like my father's). They had their first child in Bristol in 1905, then another in Birmingham in 1908. He evidently hadn't stopped moving around the country, as they can be seen in census return of 1911 at 4 Ellora Road, Streatham, London with 2 children. They soon moved to Bradford, West Yorkshire, as the youngest child died there in 1914 aged 6. However, they evidently settled there, as both Ellen (Jul 1945) & Charles died there, and also subsequently their son Ronald (1960). 1921 confirmed this last stage of their life, as they can be seen at 32 St Andrews Place, Bradford with four children. Also this has thrown up a mistake I made earlier this month re her sister Daisy May (see 22nd Dec below), she wasn't a servant in London, she was with her sister Mrs Goodman in Bradford, working for jewellers Goldsmiths Co Ltd, where Charles was branch manager. (This error was due to Charles getting her age wrong - he said she was 25 when she was really 32!) He employed her as a polisher. The children were 16, 9, 6 and 4 and mostly at school.

Ethel Kathleen Matthews was born in 1874 in Walcot, Bath to Jonathan & Mary Ann nee Crocker and can be seen in census returns of 1881 & 1891 at 2 Turners Buildings (near Lampards Buildings) with parents & sister (brother William died when she was 2), in the latter working as Domestic Servant aged 17. Both her parents died in 1893, so in 1901 census she can be seen aged 26, at 16 Somerset Place, Walcot, working as kitchenmaid, one of 4 staff (others were cook & 2 housemaids). I don't know what happened, but when we see her next, in 1911 census, she is an inmate in the Union Workhouse at Odd Down, near Bath, occupation listed as housemaid, but (in the column only fairly recently revealed) designated an Imbecile. This was not necessarily a derogatory term in those days and in this scenario merely gives an insight into her reason for admission. The definition from that time is one of a person with reduced mental age, unable to take care of themselves. [It is now St Martins Hospital] When she subsequently died on 21 Jul 1921 it was at the Lunatic Asylum in Wells, Somerset aged 46 and a post-mortem was performed. This found "organic brain disease for many years". Sad. 1921 finds her, as expected, at the Lunatic Asylum as a patient, a few weeks before she died

Evelyn May Matthews in 2016 I said she "was born in Apr 1920 to Henry & Dorothy née Giddings. Her mother died when she was two years old and her father remarried, so she grew up with a mixture of siblings and half-siblings. In 1939 I should have been able to pick her up in Bath, aged 19, with some of them. I can locate her father with new wife and four children, no doubt their own, but as Evelyn and Violet lived together a few years later, I expect to find them together at this point. I cannot find Evelyn, Violet or Phyllis, children of Henry's first marriage, which suggests they are together somewhere, mis-spelled. Brother Leonard was also missing - so maybe he is with them too. In Jul 1941 she married Eric Reynaert in Bath. He was from Dover, Kent, son of a Sergeant in the Royal Garrison Artillery, who served in Malta (1911) and France (1914) among other places. The entire family went to Singapore with the army in 1925 but returned to England and settled in Kent. On marriage, Evelyn and Eric settled at 18 Third Avenue with her sister Violet. On the evening of 25 Apr 1942 these three went to the Scala Cinema nearby, and there was an Air Raid. Violet went home, but Eric and Evelyn hurried with several others at the cinema into the Air Raid shelter across the road. A lot of bombs fell that night on Bath and unfortunately the shelter received a direct hit and all inside were killed. [There are memorial gardens at the site now]. Unfortunately too, Violet was found by her brother at home 18 Third Avenue, he identified her remains but she was dead. As the house is still standing (evidently made of strong stuff) I would guess that she was hit on her way home - it isn't far. The remains of all three were buried at Haycombe Cemetery, classed as Civilian War Dead, and headstones erected.
Memorial Gardens were erected at the site of the shelter and memorial plaques included them." 2019 update: Looking for family members in 1939 I have tracked down Leonard & Violet, as expected, at 18 Third Avenue, with Elizabeth Giddings, their grandmother. Looking into this, I see that she too was killed in the air-raid in 1942, along with Eric, Violet and Evelyn, aged 68. I can also now see her name on the memorial plaque in the gardens. 1921 census shows her at 3 Brook Place, Bath with her grandmother Elizabeth and uncle Edwin. She was listed as 4 years old but I think she was only just over a year old, with her grandmother as her mother was dying.

Florence May Matthews was born on 25 Mar 1901 in Great Somerford, Wiltshire to George and Ellen née Newman. She appeared with them a week later on census return at West Street, Great Somerford - although they don't seem to have noticed she was a girl, as she was described as "son"! By 1911 they knew, though, and she is listed at 3 Foxham Lock, nr Chippenham with parents & sibs. I have been there on holiday and it is a lovely place. The investigation for 1939 Register was interesting  I found her a few miles from where I am sitting, in Hertfordshire, at Fanshaws, Brickendon, next to the Stratton Park School. She was in service, working as a servant in the household of the Barclay family, stockbrokers. I can see from the Register that Florence was one of 14 staff members, with only 4 family members at home, and have read that the family moved out once the war started, leaving Fanshaws as a reception centre for evacuees, then a bomb disposal detachment of the Royal Engineers. In Apr 1962 in Chippenham she married Sidney Webb but I cannot track them further. 1921 census fills in the gap between these, as she was again one of many servants, this time employed by Charles Gunther, CEO of Oxo and apparently inventor of the stock cube! The mansion house was known as Tongswood, and is now a prep school, where there is a blue plaque stating: Charles Gunther (1863-1931) breeder of prime beef cattle for export to Argentina, originator of the Oxo cube and High Sherriff of Kent. Lived at Tongswood from 1902 to 1931.

28th December 2022

Elizabeth Matthews 3 (2014): she was born at the end of 1862 in Walcot, Bath to Silas & Sarah nee Williams, birth registered in Jan 1863. She can be seen on census return of 1871 aged 8 at 13 Wellington Place, Walcot with parents & brothers. [This was an alley off Belvedere, used to contain 25 dwellings, in 1968 directory had 3 unoccupied buildings, now an alley beside an indian restaurant]. 2016 update: I have now found what I am confident is the correct marriage. It was elusive, as was well out of the area. On 26 Apr 1884 at Christ Church, Sparkbrook, Warwickshire (registration area Aston, Birmingham) she married David Matthew Haskins, rulemaker. Witnesses were Daniel & Elizabeth Haskins, groom's parents. (father of bride noted as Silas Matthews, deceased stonemason). Even knowing this, I cannot find her in 1881 census, except a servant in Aston of the correct age but wrong birthplace (however, I have said before that employers could be wrong about details of their staff). She can be seen in 1891 census at 192 Camp Hill, Birmingham with 2 sons. By 1901 these two eldest boys were working as railway messenger & office boy and there were 3 further children, living at 48 Kyotts Lake Road [now warehouses]. In 1911 they were at 117 Byron Road, Small Heath, Birmingham [now modern housing, but in those days houses owned by Great Western Railway Company, from whom they rented one] with 3 of their eventual 6 children. Unfortunately Elizabeth didn't make it to the 1939 Register, as she died just before it was compiled, but I have found David. In the 1920s and 1930s electoral roll records Elizabeth & David can be seen living at 86 Green Lane, Small Heath with an Emma Louisa Roberts, and shortly after Elizabeth died he married Emma - he was aged 78, which I find shocking, especially to find she was 28 years younger than him... but these things do happen. I can't find her after his death in 1937, but she may have remarried and moved away. So 1921 census helps fill in the gap by providing a snapshot of the family in Birmingham just before Emma joined them. David can be seen with Elizabeth, Reginald and Herbert at 86 Green Lane. David described himself as Wooden Rulemaker, employed by Rabone & Sons at Whitmore Street. [This company merged in 1963 with Chesterman & Co to form Rabone Chesterman, finally purchased in 1989 by Stanley Tools]. Reginald was the youngest son, a 16-year-old brass dresser working on electrical light fittings at Garrison Lane for Simplex. Herbert was the eldest son, here a 36-year-old "progress clerk" working for Calthorpe Motor Co.There was also a daughter-in-law ?Eudoria and their 3 children (at school). I think she must be Herbert's second wife as his first (Bertha) was shown on his military papers dated 1915 as "deceased". I have now found the marriage to "Eudoxie Darnet" in 1919. As she was born in France, and it may be a second marriage fro her too, I cannot find any more documents for her.

Elizabeth Kate Matthews was born Nov 1890 at 7 Alexander Buildings, Bath to Harry & Elizabeth nee Ash. She can be seen there with them in census return of 1891 aged 5 months. In 1901 she is with parents & brother at 6 Lyncombe Place [gone now], then 1911 aged 10 at 32 Claverton Street nearby [unfortunately a wide dual-carriageway nowadays - the A36], Elizabeth listed as a cashier at a draper's. I did subsequently find a marriage to Albert Goodall in Axbridge in 1923, then 1921 census showed her shortly before this with her parents in Bath. She was a trainee private nurse, but by 1939 Register had retired to Avalon, Combe Down [3 bed detached, in 2020 sold for £330k] and called herself Householder, with one other (redacted), possibly Albert. She and Albert died on the same day in 1941, at 31 The Mayfields, New Ferry, Wirral. There was severe bombing in the area on that night, so they may well have been caught in that, despite living in Bath, or had moved there to escape the war. [This area on Google Streetview is all post-war build]. They appear together on the register of Civilian War Dead for Bebington, Cheshire.

27th December 2022

Eliza Edith Matthews in 2014 I said. She was born Jul 1879 to Robert & Eliza Jane nee Cottle, and can be seen on census of 1881 aged 1 at 24 Lampards Buildings, Walcot with parents & sibs, as Edith (mother also called Eliza). Then still there in 1891 but now as Eliza. So, as her father died the following year and her mother remarried, then died, I have no idea where she went - and what name she went there under! When studying the school admission records I found an Eliza Matthews transferred from Gilly Lane school in Bath to Netherwood School, Camden, parents Richard and Eliza. This is very possible, and home address was in Kilburn, where we know several twigs on this branch lived. I do have doubts though, as 1891 census shows her in Walcot (although this could be the Easter Holidays) and her date of birth is wrong (but by exactly a year, so may be a "typo"). By 1901 I think she may be employed as a cook back in Walcot, and then there are several options for marriage in Bath or London, as Edith or Eliza. However, as her father had died by then, there is no name to cross-reference with. My preference in 1921 census is an Eliza Chadley, born in Bath in the correct year, married to a Harry Chadley, with a daughter Ethel born in 1902 in Kilburn, living in Bath in 1921, in Ballance Street, an address very familiar to us. Of course, Eliza had given up her career on marriage but Ethel was by then a cook herself. However, I cannot find a marriage record for Eliza and Harry, and it is probably a second marriage for both, so very complicated. Fellow genealogists favour a first marriage for her to Edgar Howell but I can't find a marriage to Harry with that surname either. If all of this is correct, she can be seen in 1939 Register still at Ballance Street working with Harry in their own laundry business. Son Herbert worked as a "dental mechanic" and daughter Grace a shop assistant selling sweets in the marketplace - an interesting combination! Eliza died 8 Jun 1966, buried in Lansdown Cemetery on 13th, and Harry followed on the same day a year later.

Eliza Emily Matthews, (2014) my great-aunt, was born 29 Mar 1879 in Clerkenwell to George & Emily nee Parker and was christened 22 May 1881 at St Philip's, Clerkenwell. She was aged 2 but christened at the same time as her cousin Joseph Holdgate... After that I used to have a big gap until she was an adult, but I have just had one of those breakthroughs! I found both her, and possibly my grandfather William too, at the Central London District School in Hanwell. Weirdly enough, I had only this morning watched a TV programme featuring this school, and part of it was recorded there! It was a kind of extension to the workhouse system in London, taking in young destitutes and caring for them, training them up for future employment and removing the burden from their parents, who were generally destitute themselves, due to a variety of circumstances. Charlie Chaplin famously attended in 1896, only 5 years later, and I cannot tell if Eliza & William were still there at that time. [it is now a Community Centre and gym to cater for the local population in a similar way]. Their circumstances were quite traumatic - in 1886 their father died when Eliza was only 7 and William only 4 (uncle Horace was a babe in arms, which is why he wasn't included in this, presumably). Their mother subsequently remarried and they could return. In the 1901 census they are back in the family environment, Eliza is at 5 Warren Street, Amwell, Clerkenwell [all gone now], with her mother, step-father, both her brothers and 4 step-siblings, working as a shoe-trimmer. This was evidently not to her liking though, as by the next census she can be seen at the Prince Albert pub, 119 Albert Road, Peckham, working as a Domestic Servant in the household of the publican, along with a barmaid, nursemaid & baby of the owner. Since then the pub has had a checkered career - it changed its name to the Consort - when the road name was changed to match [and is still Consort Road], then The Shergar, Then The Frog, then a shop, and last summer it re-opened as a restaurant The Peckham Bazaar. There are several marriages that could be hers, the one I favour is Apr 1938 in Camberwell to Charles E Neighbour - my doubt being that she would be 59, late for a first marriage, but there is a death to match, in Jan 1964 aged 85 in Camberwell and several electoral roll records at 131 Gloucester Road, Camberwell (but I cannot be sure without buying the certificate). 2016 update, concerning 1939 Register: she was still alive, living in 131 Gloucester Road, Peckham with her husband Charles Edward Neighbour, described as "house painter, incapacitated". They had no children, as they were 59 and 63 on marriage the previous year. Charles died in 1946 aged 71, so was probably retired from house painting (There was a Private C Neighbour wounded in 1902 in South Africa, but I have no way of knowing if this was him). Tracing him back in time, I can see that he lived at that address from at least 1918, when I can see at the same address his widowed and now re-married mother Sarah Firman and Eliza! His father had died when he was 5, as did Eliza's at 7 - maybe they met at Hanwell. So 1921 census was very interesting here as it confirmed the above. At 131 Gloucester Road was Charles Neighbour, painter & decorator, his mother widow Sarah Firman and boarder Eliza E Matthews, shop assistant employed by a W Turner at 79 Carter Lane (this is for sale again, having been a barber's for many years, a listed building many centuries old). Oddly, Charles is shown as married, but there is no sign of his wife. There is a marriage in the area in 1907, but he says he is single (not widowed) in 1911 census. There are electoral roll records showing Charles at this address for many years, but they don't start until 1918. Anyway, he died and was buried at Camberwell New Cemetery on 14 Mar 1946 and she joined him on 10 Feb 1964 (the same cemetery but not the same plot).

26th December 2022

Edgar Charles Matthews - in 2014 I said he "was born Jul 1892 in Truro, Cornwall to Walter & Kate nee Silcox. His parents moved around a lot while having their 3 children, having Edgar in Cornwall, Laura in 1895 in Bournemouth & Harold in Gloucester in 1898. The 1901 census return shows them still in Gloucester, at 5 Eastgate Street with a servant. Walter was a Boot Shop Manager - maybe he had to go to different branches & manage them... In 1911 Edgar has left home (he is 18) and can be seen boarding at 11 Alexander Road, Dorchester, working as a Shop Assistant at a grocery.. .Unfortunately Edgar died aged 57 at 34 Harbour Road, Hamworthy, Dorset on 1 Feb 1951 & was buried on 6 Feb. He left effects worth £522 to son Edward Walter Matthews, carpenter 2016: in 1939  in Poole, Dorset with Dora and 3 closed files at 34 Harbour Road, (where Edgar died 12 years later). So they had the children in Exeter, then moved to Poole... evidently Findmypast have found Edward's death in 1974 and opened his file. The other two lines may be daughter Dora and son Terence. The 1939 Register described Edgar as "Iron Machinist, planing, slotting & drilling", Dora as UDD and Edward as "Carpenter, shed making". In 1921 census Edgar and Dora can be seen at 116 Sidwell Street, Exeter. I knew they would be there, as that was where they married in the previous October and their first baby was born there in Nov 1921. (Verney Place was one of many courts and terraces built behind the shops in Sidwell Street, and were most insanitary around this time). His father Walter was at that time running a cycle shop at 116, and employed Edgar, developing his metalworking skills in repairing the bicycles he bought and sold. Walter lived "over the shop" at 116 with his wife and son Harold. This was an eventful year for this family; In the January Edgar's sister Laura married and moved to Bristol, then the census was in June. Edgar's son Edward was born on 8 November, then his father died 5 days later. Walter left his money (£743) to his wife Kate, who in turn passed it on to daughter Laura in 1927, by which time there was £2595 and Kate lived at another shop in Sidwell Street. As brother Harold was a fireman on the railways he never was involved in the family businesses, and had already emigrated to Australia by then anyway, Laura and her husband ran a gentleman's outfitter in another part of Exeter, so probably sank the funds into that. As I said, Edgar and Dora moved to Poole, and by the time he died in 1951 Sidwell Street was reborn, as bombs dropped there in 1942 devastating the road and forcing rebuilding after the war.

Eliza Matthews 1 (my great greataunt)was born to Charles & Jemima nee Ingram & the birth was registered in Jan quarter of 1847 at Lansdown, Bath. Anyway, Eliza can be seen in census return of 1861 aged 4 at 1 Arundel Court, Walcot with parents & sibs. I have told the complete story elsewhere, but suffice to say here that she went with her family to London. Census of 1861 shows them at 14 St John Street, Clerkenwell & she is listed as a 13-year-old purse-maker. In 1871 she is with them still at 5 Allen Street, aged 23 and being trained by her mother as a dressmaker. The following year, on 19 Aug 1872 at St Mark's, Myddleton Square she married accountant Richard Buffett Callen. Witnesses were Charles & Sarah Elizabeth Matthews (her father & aunt). However Richard died 3 years later aged 34 & is buried at Hebron Bedminster Burial Ground, Bristol. The following year she married Walter Blunt at the Parish Church, Old St Pancras on 27 Sep 1876, witnesses Edward Blunt (groom's father ) & Jemima Matthews (her mother). Walter was described as a "fancy leather worker", as was his father & grandfather. In 1881 they can be seen at 11 Bingfield Street, Islington. Walter & his grandfather Edmond were employed by father Edward, making pocket-books (i.e. wallets) for some years. In 1891 Walter & Eliza have moved to 176 Junction Street, Islington, next door to where Edward is now Licensed Victualler (Publican), running the Boston Arms (had been since at least 1878 & prior to that running the Whittington Stone at Highgate Hill) while Walter is Fancy Leather Goods Manufacturer, an employer. I think it was on Walter's marriage that Edward took up his dream - he left the family business to his son & started running a pub. Incidentally, if you are interested in pubs (as I am!) you may be curious about the Boston Arms. It was built in 1869 as a hotel and Edward added a bath-house in 1884 alongside. When public bath-houses became unnecessary, it was turned into a Music Room/Venue, the main room catering for 600 and is still going strong. At the time of the 1891 census mentioned above, Edward was there with 2 sons, 2 daughters and a staff of 14: 4 barmen & 4 barmaids, 2 potmen, cook, housemaid, billiard marker & a page! 1901 census shows Walter & Eliza at 17 West View, Highgate Hill with a servant, Walter still running the fancy leather-goods business. Edward died in 1908 aged 95 (in a pub of course!) The 1911 census shows Walter & Eliza at 41 Archway Road, Highgate [right on the A1 with a famous view]. Walter died 1921 aged 76 at Highgate, and Eliza likewise in Apr 1926 aged 79. I had wondered why she married twice and both husbands were in mental asylums, until I discovered she was a psychiatric nurse and met them in the course of her work. At the time of the 1921 census she was 75, had been widowed a few weeks before, and lived alone at 9 Chesterfield Gardens, Harringay. These are very nice properties, even now. She died 6 years later and was buried in Highgate Cemetery.

24th December 2022

In 2014 I said: Doris Laura Matthews was born 26 Mar 1903 in Bath to Robert & Florence nee Byfield. She can be seen on census return of 1911 at 36 Wells Road, Bath [one of 3 houses in this terrace bombed in WW2 & rebuilt into flats] with mother & sibs (father was elsewhere). As she never married the next we hear of her is her death in Jan 1977 in Bath, aged 73. Update 2016: in 1939 Register this household comprised Doris Matthews, a "Forewoman in the Finishing Room of Corset Works", Edward Matthews, 60-year-old Carpenter & ARP Warden,  Florence B Matthews UDD (housewife) - her parents - and here we have the other side of the wartime story, two evacuees. John E Drummond aged 12 and John F Henley 13, both at school. Now I see her in 1921 census at 10 St John's Place, Bath with parents and siblings Herbert and Olive. Doris was 18 and helped her mother with Home Duties. The siblings were at school and her father was a carpenter in a building firm. Her parents died in 1955 and 1963 and when she died in 1977 she was cremated and her ashes interred into the same plot in the Abbey cemetery.

Dorothy Lilian Matthews In 2018 I said She was born 13 Nov 1913 in Bath to Silas and Lucy née Nicholls. In Oct 1933 in Bath she married Frank Stephen Holloway and had one son Sidney the following year. In the 1939 Register she can be seen at 9a Snow Hill with her sister Violet Miller and son Sidney aged 5, both sisters UDD. Dorothy died in Norwich in 2004, according to my notes, but as that was a long way from home I'm not sure about that either. I can see her now in 1921 census, aged 8,  at 6 Weymouth Square, Walcot, Bath with parents and 4 siblings, all at school. As far as the doubts about East Anglia are concerned, it seems that she lived with Frank, an Essex boy, in Thurrock until his death, then moved further east to Thetford, Norfolk and died there.

Dorothy Marguerite Matthews In 2014 I said she was born 24 Jan 1895 in Lambeth to Albert (John) & Phoebe nee Dickinson and christened on 20 Feb 1895 at Holy Trinity, Lambeth [church was bomb-damaged & subsequently demolished]. She can be seen aged 6 in census return of 1901 at 15 Norman Road, Shirley, Southampton with parents & sibs (if you recall, they moved about a lot). In 1911 she can be seen at Bartropps, The Heath, Weybridge, Surrey, working as a "Between-Maid" (a tweeny") in the household of Philip Pilditch, 1st baronet, later Sir Philip, architect & Conservative MP... On Christmas Day 1920 at St John the Evangelist church, Kilburn she married labourer Ernest Robert Savine... Dorothy gave birth 6 months later to a boy they called Ernest, but he died shortly afterwards and I cannot see that they had further children. In fact, following them through the electoral roll records, they appeared to live at completely different addresses. In the 1920s Ernest can be seen at 110 Cambridge Road, Kilburn while Dorothy is at 17 then 21 Winchester Avenue (only a mile away, granted). Dorothy stayed at that address until she died there in 1972, but Ernest had returned to Islington by the time of his death in 1970. 2016 I have found her in 1939 Register at 21 Winchester Avenue, Willesden with one other whose file is closed, I have no idea who this could be as their only child died in infancy. It couldn't be husband Ernest, as he was born over 100 years ago, and he appears to be living as a single man (!) with other workers at an address in Islington - he was described in the Register as "Builder's Labourer, Heavy Work and ARP Reserve", so maybe he was a contractor, working 5 miles from home. Having said that, the electoral roll records give different addresses for them for the rest of their lives. I suspect that they married because of the imminent arrival of little Ernest, only to find they couldn't stay together after his death. Dorothy died in Brent in 1972 and Ernest in Islington in 1970. I see now that the "other" in 1939 has been unredacted and is a second child born Sep 22, named Robert Ernest!  I have subsequently found his birth registration and baptism, confirming the names and address of his parents; 110 Cambridge Road, Kilburn. However, as I said yesterday, Dorothy and Ernest can be seen in 1921 with her father and sisters at 6 Stuart Road, Kilburn, so at the time of the census they hadn't yet moved into Cambridge Road [Stuart Road is a turning off Cambridge Road, so is very close indeed] As I told above, they had separate addresses from 1923 onwards, and it was Dorothy who oved with baby Robert to Winchester Avenue, which is 1.5 miles away.

22nd December 2022

Arthur William Matthews in 2014 I said he was born Apr 1880 in Walcot, Bath to Edwin & Emma nee Faulkner. He can be seen aged 4 in census return of 1881 at 4 Weymouth Buildings with parents & sibs then in 1891 with them at Prospect House. In 1901 he can be seen at 18 Seymour Road, Walcot with parents & sisters Nellie & Daisy, listed as a Carpenter. This is likely to be an error (is is just a ditto for his father's occupation) as he is always a tailor in other documents. On 18 Sep 1910 in Bath he married Hester Isabella Offer (known as Isabella or Bella) and they settled at 12 Kensington Gardens, off Snow Hill, Bath. They can be seen there in census of the following year with his cousin Edwin Faulkner, a baker. On 12 Dec 1915 Arthur enlisted in the army, and was mobilised in the Devon Regiment, Labour Corps on 29 Jun 1916. On 3 Feb 1917 he was sent to France and discharged 28 Mar 1919. (Army info was that he was 5ft 5ins tall, fair and partly deaf in the right ear). I cannot see that they had any children so next we hear is of their deaths. Arthur died on 1 Oct 1938 at 13 Kensington Gardens, leaving £486 to Hester, then she died there on 3 May 1951 & left £2502 to John Rawlinson, civil servant. I was hoping 1921 census would fill the space for him after discharge in 1919, so was pleased to find him and Hester at number 12, along with Edith Patrick,16-year-old schoolgirl boarder. He worked as a "tailor's presser" for Clothing Manufacturer W & R Cook Ltd of Twerton and Hester performed the Home Duties. In 1939, after his death, Hester and Edith continued in Kensington Gardens, Edith by then a teacher.

Bessie Harriet Matthews was born Jan 1898 in Worcester to William & Elizabeth nee Emery. She can be seen in census returns of 1901 & 1911 with parents & sibs at 1 Skinner Street, Worcester (see above). She died on 2 Jul 1944 at 25 Hall Street, Kidderminster [now apparently part of the Ring Road] aged 46, a spinster, leaving £98 in effects to Mrs Rhoda Beatrice Gardner (there are Gardners in this tree, but I cannot yet find a link). I have found her in 1921 census at 73 Foley Road, Worcester with brothers Thomas and William, a George Matthews (18-year-old coal miner), who may be a relative but Thomas doesn't say, and an elderly boarder. Bessie looked after all the men with Home Duties. The two brothers were hairdressers.

Charles Joseph Matthews was born Jun 1865 in Clerkenwell and christened 2 Jul 1865 at St Thomas Charterhouse. He can be seen aged 6 at 14 Greville Street in 1871 census with parents & sibs, likewise in 1881 census at no. 6 aged 15, listed as a clerk. On 8 Mar 1890 at St John the Evangelist church Walworth he married widow Mary Jane Buttery nee Bradley. She had given birth to 4 children in her first marriage, but two had died in infancy, so the 1891 census shows them living at 141a Battersea Park Road, at that time a wine shop (formerly & later - including now - the Pavilion pub), with the proprietor & his family, along with Charles' two step-daughters Lydia & Charlotte (then known as Matthews).. He is listed as a "Law Writer", which I understand was a clerk/scribe who wrote out law documents in the years before electronic machines made this easy. I cannot track down the family in 1901 but Mary Jane died in Oct 1904 in Camberwell, so they were probably somewhere in that area. In 1911 Charles can be seen at 17 Queens Road, Southwark, boarding with a widow and her son, listed as a Law Clerk at (what looks like) "Bess Ltd". He states that of two children, only one is still living. His son Henry can be seen with his step-sister Lydia & family in Walworth, so the other child died (but I cannot find any records with so little info). I found him in 1921 census at 24 Westbourne Park Crescent, Paddington with Mary and a Mrs Ada Manning. He was running a Furniture Store for John Barker & Co Ltd of Kensington High Street. They were well known and respected, became part of House of Frazer until they closed in 2006. Charles died in Paddington and was buried on 27 Jan 1930 in Manor Park Cemetery in a plot with 11 others.

Constance Lilian Matthews was my Auntie Con, born 20 Nov 1917 at 39a Clayton Road to William & Florence nee Hennig. In Apr 1937 at Camberwell she married Norman Leslie Longman - always known in the family as Les - and brought him home to 135 Peckham Rye to live with her parents. This continued until after the war, when they moved to their own place, and electoral roll records show them from 1946 at 141 Commercial Way, Peckham.. In 1962 electoral rolls show their daughter Kay & her hiusband in residence here too, but records cease at this point at the moment. I do know that they all moved to Cliftonville near Margate in Kent, and that was where Con died in Feb 2006. (Les had died in 1969 in Greenwich, no doubt in hospital there). 1921 census shows her aged 3y7m at 39a with parents and sibs

Daisy C Matthews was born Oct 1901 in Southampton, Hampshire - her parents moved around a lot - to Albert & Phoebe nee Dickinson. She can be seen on census return of 1911 aged 9 with her parents & sibs at 1 Francis Cottages, Knaphill. The next sign of her is after her mother's death she can be seen with her father in electoral roll records of 1927-39 at 38 Bengeworth Road, Lambeth [now industrial land beside the railway owned by EDF energy company]. In Oct 1940 in Lambeth she married Ernest Dorrien Sussex, but as this was a marriage fairly late in life, they do not appear to have had children and in Apr 1950 in Southwark Daisy died aged 49. Ernest died in Wandsworth in 1989 aged 73. 1921 census shows her at 6 Stuart Road, W. Kilburn with her widowed father and two sisters (one married). Incidentally, I suspect she died in childbirth and one Charles Edward Sussex was buried with her, possibly a son.

Daisy May Matthews (2014) was born Apr 1889 in Walcot, Bath to Edwin & Emma nee Faulkner and can be seen in 1891 census return aged 2 at Prospect House with parents & sibs. Likewise she can be seen with them in 1901 at 18 Seymour Road, then in 1911 with sister Alice & family at 39 Third Avenue, listed as a Confectioner's Assistant. In 1921 census she can be seen at 2k Montague Mansions, London W1, working as a "Temporary General Servant". 2018: I now favour the burial in Blockley, Gloucestershire under the married name of Garrett, 55 miles from Bath, where I think she was in 1939, working in a jeweller's shop and living with the manageress of a café. I believe she married William J Garrett in Chard, Somerset, and lived there with him until they both died in 1967.

21st December 2022

I heard from the hosts of this website and my previous one (www.hertfordhistorysmith.co.uk) that they have moved them to this new site. I had a look and found that almost all of the pictures had gone! So I have spent the last month re-formatting the "old site" and trying to get around the lack of photos there. This was especially harmful on the page Canal Blog. I am so sorry but there appears to be no way around this.

Meanwhile I can now continue with this one, where I am checking my entire list of ancestors and providing the 1921 census where appropriate.

Arthur Matthews in 2014 I said he "was born Jun 1872 in Clerkenwell, Middlesex to Charles & Maria nee Benson and christened on 7 Jul 1872 at St Thomas Charterhouse church, Finsbury. He can be seen in census return of 1881 at 5 Greville Street, St Andrew, Holborn with parents & sibs then in 1891 at 2 Cambridge Buildings, Westminster with parents & sibs, listed as a grocer (you may recall father & brother were fishmongers). On 29 Nov 1896 at the Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Clerkenwell he married neighbour Ada Blanche Ellen Bryant, witnesses Charles Matthews (who could be his father or his brother) and William James Bryant (bride's brother). In 1899 they lived in 8 Corporation Row, Clerkenwell, when the first child was born Ada & Arthur was a potman/barman (possibly at the Sekforde Arms which is still there today 150 yards from home) and they can be seen there with her in census of 1901. In 1902 the next child Florence was born at 6 Penton Place, Arthur listed as a painter, then in 1904 at 241 Myddleton Street the third child Clara was born, Arthur again a potman. [None of these addresses exist now, sadly]. Now started a period of familiarity with the local workhouse & its infirmary. On 5 Oct 1905 baby Clara was re-admitted (previously discharged 12 Aug) to the infirmary. Arthur was admitted to the workhouse 5 Mar 1906 with a note on his record "wife+3", discharged the next day, but Clara was admitted to St Luke's workhouse on 15 Mar & transferred 22 Mar to the infirmary. Ada gave birth to William there on 27 Mar 1906 then transferred to the "CRW Lying In" (ie maternity hospital) and round about that time little Clara died. What a traumatic month! By the time of 1911 census Ada was settled at 115 Fairbridge Road, Upper Holloway, Islington while working at the Islington Union (Workhouse) Infirmary as a "Scrubber", but Arthur has vanished. The next glimpse of Ada is in 1926-8 when electoral rolls show her, still without Arthur) at number 102 Fairbridge Road, sharing a house with 2 other couples. Ada died in Hendon in 1958 but there is no sign of Arthur after the problems in 1906. I suspect he died in Lancashire in 1918 - but that is merely because it is the only death record with his correct age, and that is unreliable in death records, for obvious reasons". Now, 1921 census has been most useful here. It has confirmed my concerns, by showing Ada (with all her middle names) at 102 Fairbridge Road, Old Ford, London, calling herself "Deserted Wife", working as "cleaner at Holborn & Finsbury Hospital". I don't know what happened to Arthur, apart from an attestation document (to the Canadian Services) I have dated 1918, giving his address as one in Philadelphia, stating he was single, giving as Next Of Kin a friend Mary Duffy, living nearby. I cannot confirm this as I suspect he died in 1926 in London.

Arthur Charles Matthews has a similar story in that his wife can be seen in Coventry and I suspect he was in the Army. The story from 1921 though is completely different. It shows him boarding in Leeds, working as a "Boot Operative/Repairer Out of Work for Turpin & Co". [They have only just gone into liquidation a few weeks ago.] I cannot locate him in 1939, so he may have returned to the Services.

24th November 2022

Alice Kate Matthews (as an adult known as Kate) 2014: "was born in the April quarter of 1852 in Walcot, Bath to James & Jane nee Rackett and christened on 26 Feb 1854 at St Saviour's church, Larkhall, Bath at the age of 2 along with her sister Sarah. She can be seen on census return of 1861 at 3 Lower Midsummer Buildings, Walcot aged 9 with parents & sibs [now blocks of flats]. In 1871 the census says 13 Midsummer Buildings (maybe they re-numbered when the road lost its "Upper" & "Lower") and she is listed with an occupation of "Domestic Duties". In 1881 she can be seen at 6 Lambridge Buildings, Walcot with sister Louisa & her family (she had 11 children in all!), employed as a Housekeeper, a post she retained through 1891 and in 1901 she was still there as Housekeeper to one of the daughters Alice Burgess (who worked from home as a book-keeper), when the rest of the family had moved to Hollymount, Claremont Road. Alice was evidently a capable & organized person, as she ran the household for years but did not herself marry, and when her father died in 1889 she was the sole executrix of his estate. The census of 1911 shows that she had moved to be with the rest of the Burgess family at Holly Mount, as Alice Burgess had married (and by 1911 had in fact produced 3 children of her own). Louisa had been widowed in 1904 and this was probably what drew Alice back to the family. Alice was not now employed, but listed as having "private means" and when she died on 9 Jun 1923 she left £1130 to her niece Edith Burgess, a nurse." 2019: "the sister who stayed on at Holly Mount, Belgrave Road to help take care of the 11 children of Louisa and George Burgess, when the rest of her family moved away. It isn't a surprise then that at her death she was buried in the Burgess plot in Locksbrook. They evidently attended St Saviour's as this was in that section of the cemetery.The plot concerned held Kate's nephew baby Victor Thomas, who died in infancy in 1879 and niece Bessie Kate who died unmarried in 1910, aged 33 (possibly named after our Kate). When Kate died aged 71 on 30 Apr 1923 she joined them, interred on 3 May, and 19 years later was joined in 1944 by 75-year-old Edith Ann, another niece who lived by then in Weston-super-mare but died in St Martin's Hospital, Bath. Kate's sister Louisa was buried in a separate plot with husband George and another of the children Nellie. George had died in 1904, Nellie in 1906 and Louisa joined them in 1931." 1921 census therefore just fits in this story. Alice can be seen at Holly Grove with sister Louisa, niece Christina and two great-nieces, Joyce and Phyllis, listed as "Independent". Christina was a widow from Australia, who looked after everyone and her two little girls were at school.

Alice Maria Matthews - in 2014 I said: "she was born Apr 1870 in Walcot, Bath (probably at 1 Clarence Street) to Edwin & Emma nee Faulkner. She can be seen there in 1871 census aged 1 with mother, grandparents, uncle & sister. In 1881 she can be seen at 4 Weymouth Buildings with parents & sister, then 1891 at Prospect House with parents & sibs, listed as a dressmaker. In Jul 1897 at St Swithin's, Walcot she married William John Francis, a gas-meter maker and fitter. Son Reginald was born a year later and they can be seen in 1901 census return occupying 3 rooms of 7 Cork Terrace, Weston, Bath. William's 5 sisters had their own household in this house, also in 3 rooms - they were all in their 20s and four were working. In 1911 Alice & William can be seen at 39 Third Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath with son Reginald, now 12, Alice's widowed mother & sister Daisy (a confectioner's assistant). William had been in the army before they were married (1891 census shows him in barracks at Farnborough, Hants) and soon wartime came. On 25 Jul 1914 Reginald enlisted & then 10 Oct 1914 William followed. He enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry and served until demobbed on 15 Feb 1919. Reginald, however, was discovered to have a heart condition, which was exacerbated by active service, so he was given a medical discharge on 27 Jul 1917 & sent home to "light work" and registered as a Chelsea Pensioner. Light duties obviously did him good, as he lived until he was 91! Unfortunately there are a lot of deaths with the names Alice & William Francis, and no way of telling which ones are theirs." 2019 update: her story" petered out in 2014 as I couldn't confirm a death record. I have found one including her middle name - which always helps - and it seems that the "temporary address" to which son Reginald was sent home from the army became permanent i.e they didn't return from Yorkshire. This is confirmed by the recently-released 1939 Register, where the 3 of them can be seen in a household in Bradford, Yorkshire. So Alice died there a few weeks later aged 69 and I suspect William returned to the West Country and died there in 1950 aged 78. Reginald, as I said in 2014, went on to live to the age of 91 in Yorkshire, although I can't see that he ever married." 1921 census shows William, Alice and Reginald at 37 Little Horton Lane, Bradford. William 51y7m had his own business working with Sheet Metal at 87 Duncan Street, just around the corner on an industrial estate. Reginald 22y11m was employed to assist him there, but at the time of the census (probably since demobbed 4 years before) he was "unable to do so due to ill health". Alice 52y3m was on Home Duties. The 1939 Register I mentioned above was just a few yards away, down the adjoining sidestreet, and Reginald was working as a Rep. They had a young lady with them who kept house and no doubt looked after Alice in her final days.

23rd November 2022

Alfred John Matthews - his records got in a bit of a tangle. As I said in 2014: "he was born Jan 1895 in Canford, Dorset (near Bournemouth, Hampshire) to William & Elizabeth nee Emery and christened on 2 Jun 1895 at Branksome St Aldhelm church, Dorset, when the home address was given as Bourne Valley, Kinson (not far away). The following year they moved to Worcester and in census return of 1901 he can be seen at 1 Skinner Street with parents & sibs. They were still there in 1911, Alfred listed as "Boot Factory Operative". There are several marriages listed for Alfred J Matthews in the Worcestershire area, but I believe the most likely is in Jan 1919 to Gladys Payne in Worcester itself. If this is so, they settled in Bristol & had 3 children there, but I cannot be sure as on the marriage records there are no fathers' names etc cited." Looking at his army records in WW1 I suspect this may be incorrect. I see that he joined the RFA in 1915, giving year of birth as 1894 and Next of Kin his mother Elizabeth at 35 Whittaker Street, Padiham near Burnley, Lancs. He was demobbed in 1919, an invalid and his medal sent to Padiham. By 1921 when he requested a letter from the RFA to be used as a reference, he gave his address as 1 Thorn Street, Sabden nr Blackburn, Lancs. Fortunately, when I searched in 1921 census for this address, it showed him, boarding with a widow and family. He says he is working as a print labourer for F Steiner & Co at Sabden printworks, which must be the job he required the reference for 3 months prior to the census. (This company printed fabrics, which I understand can nowadays be seen in Victoria & Albert Museum). Thus I now believe all the records showing an Alfred J Matthews relate to one Alfred Jarvis Matthews, who married Gladys and had 3 children, "My" Alfred did not marry or have children, as far as I can see. Unfortunately there are many alternative death records all over the place, but I do favour the one in July 1956, merely because it's the same county, Lancashire, as he settled after the death of his parents in 1920s.

Later: I have updated him on my tree. In July 1922, a year after the census, he married Winifred Milicent Norcross, registered in Burnley but may be in Sabden, where they can be seen in electoral roll records at 15 Pendle Street until in 1931 he acquired the licence of the Old Bulls Head pub. They lived there until at least 1939, when Alfred 46 was Manager, Winifred 46 UDD, and their son Joseph Kenneth 16 an apprentice to a coach painter. Life wasn't always straightforward though as he was in court in 1934, found guilty of selling after hours and fined. I can't find any more records on any of them until their deaths unfortunately.

21st November 2022

Albert William Matthews - see yesterday, son of Albert Edward. He can be seen in 1921 census with his father and sibs, a 26 year old bus conductor working from Willesden Bus Garage for the London General Omnibus Co.. in 1933 becoming part of London Transport. For some reason I was unsure about the 1939 Register, but it seems perfect now. He remained in Willesden, the 1921 census picking him up with his parents at 18 Colin Road, as above. He married the following year and lived next door at number 20 for a while. His parents had both died by 1934, and he must have moved on with his wife and 3 children, as by 1939 they were at 13a Deacon Road and Albert was a greengrocer. They remained at this address (only a few yards from Colin Road) until records cease in 1965, maybe until death 20 years after this.

20th November 2022

Ada Emma Matthews - in 2016 I said: "she was born 30 Sep 1896 at 13 Ranston Street, Marylebone to Albert & Emma. She can be seen on census return of 1901 aged 4 at 20 Suffolk Place, Marylebone with parents & brothers. It seemed they jumped around the place for a few years, as when admitted to Stephen Street infants school in 1903 her address was 62 Devon Street, then in 1906 when admitted to Netherwood School, Camden she lived at 19 Gresby Road - neither of these addresses exist today and the schools are gone too. By 1911 census they had moved on again, this time out of central London, and Ada can be seen at 18 Colin Road, Willesden with parents & sibs, aged 14 & listed as a Packer in a Laundry. On 4 Feb 1916 she had a bit of an adventure: she travelled to Hounslow and was arrested for using bad language to a group of soldiers in a pub. She had apparently met another woman there and it was her they were unhappy with, telling her to go back to Trafalgar Square! No more details were given in court the next day, but she was fined 5s and said she regretted going to Hounslow and wouldn't visit there again! It seems that several girls who worked in a laundry were arrested for insulting soldiers on this occasion. In October of that year in Willesden she married Gordon W Adams, but this didn't stop her shenanigans - I suspect she may have been a Suffragette and had a bit of a reputation. There is a death record with the correct age in Wood Green in Apr 1958, but another Ada Adams is in Wood Green in the 1939 Register with a Bertram Adams, so this may be her instead. I cannot find them for sure, as there is a Gordon Adams in the Navy popping backwards & forwards across the Atlantic, and one of the comments in the article above stated she had not spent any time with her husband since they were married, except on holidays. I had hoped that 1921 census would clear up her story, especially if the record was correct that said Gordon emigrated to Montreal in 1920. I cannot find either of them in 1921 census, but may have her at a later date (1939), working as Housekeeper to an Arthur Spooner in Wandsworth and later marrying him. She has (in 1939 Register) a son with her called Ronald Adams, born in 1922, but this doesn't help as I cannot find a birth for him with her maiden-name. But as he may well have been born abroad, this is another brick wall...

Her father Albert Edward Matthews - in 2014 I said: "he was born 17 Jul 1874 at 5 Allen Street, off Goswell Road, Clerkenwell [now called Dallington Street since 1937 and inhabited by office buildings] to Charles & Maria nee Benson and christened at St Thomas Charterhouse church, Goswell Road [closed 1906, demolished 1909. In census return of 1881 he can be seen aged 6 with parents & sibs at 6 Greville Street, Clerkenwell, a fishmonger's as Charles ran his business from home [now a modern parade of shops & flats]. In 1891 they were at 2 Cambridge Buildings, Upper Gardner Street, Westminster [now Thorndike Street & redeveloped] and Albert had followed his father into fishmongery. In Jan 1894 in Marylebone he married Emma Burrows and they were living at 17 Exeter Street, Marylebone when their first child Albert William arrived some months later. They had 7 children, although one died in infancy, all born at different addresses over the years. When Ada was born in 1897 they lived at 13 Ranston Steet, Marylebone, and were still there when Charles was born in Aug 1898. He then died aged 1 and they moved to 20 Suffolk Place, Marylebone, where they had son Frederick in January and can be seen on census in March. In 1903 & 1905 they had Florence & Lucy at 6 William Street and 32 Devonshire Street respectively. By 1908 when they had their last child Kathleen they had moved out to 9 Victoria Mews, Kilburn. They moved to Willesden after this, the 1911 census shows them at 18 Colin Road, Willesden with 6 children, then Electoral Roll records place them next door at no. 20 in 1923-5. Emma died there in 1929 & Albert 1934." 1921 census was not unexpected, but was full of detail. They were at 20 Colin Road, Willesden as expected, Albert a "fish curer" and 48y old, Emma had no occupation. With them were their two sons and three daughters - see Ada above and Charles died in infancy - Albert 26, Frederick 20, Florence 18, Lucy 16 and Kathleen 13 - see later. As I said above, both parents died here. I can see from Google Streetview that there was a block at the side of the house that used to be garages, now integrated into the house itself, and a courtyard and warehouses alongside. No doubt this was where the fish curing was done. Presumably Albert worked at this until his death aged 59. One of his sons, Frederick, fried fish nearby - see later.

Albert George Matthews - in 2014 I said: "my Uncle Bert, born 12 Sep 1914 at 39a Clayton Road, Camberwell to William & Florence nee Hennig. In Oct 1939 in Camberwell he married Nellie M Butler. They had one son - Bob - but Nellie died Jul 1949 aged 34. All I know of Bob was that he sailed away to a foreign country & the family lost touch. In Jan 1955 Bert married widow Olive M A Tobitt nee Hilderly, who had an 11-year-old son Malcolm from her first marriage. Her first husband, a postman, was also an Albert George & was Killed In Action aged 30 on 8 Mar 1945 in the Western Europe Campaign & is buried in Germany. Bert had been living at 135 Peckham Rye since the family moved there in 1924, but during the years he was married to Nellie he can be seen on electoral roll records at 27 Gowlett Road - literally "round the corner" from The Rye. At her death he returned to his father, and remained there for many decades. Aunt Olive was from Norwood, and can be seen in electoral roll records with her parents at 12 Woodcote Place in 1937-1954 (Albert Tobitt was away in the army for much of their marriage as it was wartime). When she married Uncle Bert she moved into 135 Peckham Rye with him. The brothers and their father ran their jewellery repair business from the ground floor & basement of the house, while we lived on one floor and Uncle Bert & Aunt Olive lived in the rest. I came along when they had been married for a year and we all lived there together until my parents & I moved out of London in 1959. When my Dad died in 1986 the house was sold, Uncle Bert & Aunt Olive retired & moved away to Worthing, Sussex, he died in 1995 & she died and was buried in Bexleyheath in 2007." 2016update: "New info now is the 1939 Register, where he can be seen still at home (135 Peckham Rye) with his father & my Dad, as he married first wife Nellie in October of that year, and also the names of the parents of Olive, his second wife: William Charles Hilderly & Annie Tamar Mersh. (They were still alive in my early childhood but I never met them)." I covered this household in 1921 census on 16th November under his mother Flo - see below - when he was 6 and at school.

Albert John Matthews - in 2014 I said: "The other Albert in this tree was Albert John Matthews born Jul 1864 in Walcot, Bath to John & Hannah nee Daniel. He can be seen in census return of 1871 aged 7 at Tydrow Cottages, Margam, Glamorgan, Wales, with parents, half-brother Henry & a boarder John Daniel aged 15 who may be a relative of his mother. His father was a general labourer & evidently travelled about a lot - a habit he continued through his own life, as we shall see. In 1881 census they have returned to Bath and can be seen at 1 Woolcot's Court, Lansdown, Walcot with his father & brother Thomas (mother is elsewhere). 17 year old Albert was listed as a Printer's Compositor, but evidently this attempt at a career didn't last, as it seems he was really a Jack-of-all-trades. In Apr 1883 at Bath Register Office he married Phoebe Sophia Dickinson. From this point he used his middle name of John - I don't know if this was his way of showing his independence as he was under-age to marry at 19 - hence the Register Office wedding. They had 7 children, and their birthplaces show their itinerant lifestyle: births in Lyncombe, near Bath, Plymouth in Devon, Lambeth & Kilburn in London, Southampton in Hampshire and Knaphill in Surrey over 17 years. Census returns of 1891 show them in Lyncombe, Somerset - still then a village before it became part of the city of Bath - with baby daughter Phoebe, "John" a general labourer. Waterloo Buildings was a riverside property where there is now a tarmac road running along the bank opposite to Bath Spa station. The 1901 census shows them at Shirley, Southampton. In between census "snapshots" they had been to Plymouth & London and had children in each place. When Dorothy was born in 1895 they lived (ironically) in a road where St Thomas's Hospital now stands, in Lambeth (near where I myself was born). In 1897 they lived at Edward Terrace, West End Lane, Kilburn, at a number which I understand was on the south side, now redeveloped. By 1899 they had moved to Shirley, Southampton when daughter Olive was born and 1901 census shows them still there at 15 Norman Road with 5 children "John" is a Stage Carpenter (i.e. one who builds sets, props etc in a theatre - interesting). By 1907 they had moved back to the Southeast and were living in Knaphill, Woking, Surrey. William was born here and 1911 census shows them at no. 1 Francis Cottages with 3 children & "John" is working as a House Painter. In Jul 1918 Phoebe died aged 55 in Willesden. Daughter Dorothy was married in Kilburn in 1920, but this may not be too relevant. He & youngest daughter Daisy may be seen on electoral roll records of 1927-39 if he has reverted to the name of Albert, but I cannot find a death - as you can see I don't know where to look or under what name."  Fortunately, 1921 census search came into its own,, as I was able to search for John (and Albert) born in Bath, living in Willesden, as he had 2 years before, at his wife's death and found him at 6 Stuart Road, West Kilburn with 3 daughters; Olive & Daisy single and Dorothy married, along with her husband Ernest Savine. Albert 58y4m describes himself as "Painter Out of Work, employed by Mr Cole, Oxford Mews, Paddington. Dorothy and Olive work as "Daily Helps" and Daisy a Factory Hand., Ernest a warehouseman in Paddington. However this doesn't help me find his death, as he may revert to Albert, as I said, and his children all married and moved away. I tend towards his death in 1930 in the Romford area, as I cannot find him in 1939 Register.

19th November 2022

Maude Clara Hennig - in 2014 I said "she was born 16 Sep 1878 at 33 Dante Road, Newington, London to August & Hellen nee Hill and christened at St Philip's. She can be seen in census returns of 1881 - 1901 with parents & sibs at 101 Avondale Square, Camberwell, in the latter listed as a dressmaker. On 6 Jul 1907 at St Philip's she married Arthur Block from Bermondsey. Witnesses were her sister Mabel and his brother Henry. Census of 1911 showed them at 56 Ribblesdale Road, Streatham with one son and Arthur was a "Stock Jobber's Clerk". It seems they only had the one child and electoral roll records show them there until 1929, when they moved to a house originally named "Stella Montis", then numbered 39 Marlpit Lane, Coulsdon, Surrey. Records cease there after Arthur died in 1945, but Maude may well have retired to Worthing, as that was where she died  in 1980 aged 102(!) Son Reginald lived in Reigate after his marriage and he died in Worthing too. (Incidentally his wife then went off to Los Angeles aged 79 and died there in 1995 aged 83!)" 2018 update: "In 1939 they confused me by not being at home when the register was taken. I did find them though, staying with son Reginald at Wray Croft, Wray Lane, Reigate. It wasn't because they needed to get out of London as these addresses are only 6 miles apart. Arthur was listed as a Stockbroker, and Reginald a "Member of Stock Exchange and St Johns Ambulance", the two wives UDD. There were 2 redacted files, presumably the children Margaret and Richard." 1921 census showed them at 56 Ribblesdale Road, Streatham, as expected, with Arthur 44y1m an "authorised clerk & member of the Stock Exchange working for Messrs G L Jacobs at 3 Tokenhouse Buildings, London EC". (This is still in existence and is worth looking into if you are interested), Maude 42y9m Home Duties and son Reginald 11y10m at school.

Sidney Walter Hennig - in 2014 I said: "he was born 23 Apr 1891 at Newington to John & Henrietta nee Purser. He just missed the 1891 census by 18 days, but can be seen in 1901 & 1911 at 52 Castle Road, Isleworth, in the latter listed as "Clerk in tobacco business" In Oct 1914 he married Maud Marion Marfleet (love the alliteration!) in the Brentford area, probably in Twickenham where Maud lived & worked as a telegrapher for Great Western Railway. Sidney was in the Army Ordnance Corps, providing supplies for troops on the front line in WW1, saw action in France in 1915, where he earned 3 medals before being posted to "Z Reserve" in 1919, which meant returning to civilian life, but could be recalled if necessary. They lived in Twickenham for a few years, with addresses 52 College Road, 51 Hartington Road & 61 Isleworth Road given in electoral roll records. In 1923 they settle at 61 Worple Avenue, Isleworth and had a daughter Patricia, with whom they lived at this address for 12 years. In 1935 they all moved to 55 Woodstone Avenue, Epsom and Maud & Patricia can be seen there until 1945 (Sidney may have been stationed abroad in the army, although I cannot find any records to confirm this). Maud died in Oct 1970 in Surrey and Sidney in Jan 1973 in Hereford. Patricia married Frederick Phippard in 1956, but then I lose track of her."  1921 census showed them in Twickenham, with Maud's parents and family. Electoral roll records give their address as Hartington Road at this point, but on the evening of the census it seems they were staying with his in-laws. Sidney was 30y2m a Clerk working for British American Tobacco, still in existence, in fact (2019) the world's largest tobacco company, Maud 28y9m and daughter Muriel 6y8m. This address was 1.8 miles from their home, across Twickenham, close to College Road, where they had lived in 1919.

William Walter Hennig - in 2014 I said: " he was born 1 Oct 1889 at 101 Avondale Square, Camberwell to August & Hellen nee Hill and christened at St Philip's on 8 Dec 1889. He can be seen with parents & sibs at that address in census returns of 1891, 1901 & 1911, in the latter listed as "Clerk in Stock Exchange". I also know he started school aged 3 on 9 May 1893 at Rolls Road Infant School, then graduated to the Junior School on 29 Mar 1897. In Jul 1915 in Epping, Essex he married Winifred Beatrice Knowles. Electoral Roll records show that they lived at 7 Ribblesdale Road, Streatham 1921-26 at the same time as his sister Maude lived in the same road at no. 56 (see above). William died in St Bartholomew's Hospital on 14 Jan 1925 aged 35, leaving effects worth £642 to Winifred, who remained at 7 Ribblesdale Road with their 2 sons. Electoral rolls show by 1938 they have moved to 7 Francis Road, Eastcote (these records are patchy, so I cannot guess when they moved there). Son Frank can be seen living with her until 1949, but by 1961 he is at 162 Littlehampton Road, Worthing, and died there in 1977 aged 56. Winifred died in Jan 1973 in the Brighton area. In 2015 I discovered that he went to Australia with his brother Ernest in 1914 but soon returned to enlist and then marry Winifred. 2018 update: "I can't find a scan of his marriage, but it was in wartime. He was enrolled in the Lancashire Fusiliers and obtained three medals, but managed to pop out to get married in Chigwell, Essex on 17 Jul 1915. After discharge from the services he didn't return to office work, but found work as a labourer. In fact he was admitted to hospital in Greenwich on 23 Aug 1920 with a hernia, necessitating a 35 day stay (nowadays a daycase). His records stated he was working for the Portland Cement Co. He may well have had another underlying condition though, as he died 5 years later aged only 35, as I said before, in St Bartholomew's Hospital, where his cousin my Dad died some 60 years later. He was buried on 19 Jan 1925 in Camberwell Old Cemetery with other family members, but when I visited a couple of years ago I could find no trace of the plot, as it was all so overgrown." 1921 census found them, as expected, at 7 Ribblesdale Road, Streatham with little son Robert aged 4. William was 31y9m stock exchange clerk, working for Francis & Praid, stockbrokers in the City. I cannot find any details of this company, but it does show that his labouring days were limited. Winifred was 31y11m on Home Duties. I do know she had another son a few weeks later, who was only 3 when his father died.

On to my Dad's paternal branch, the Matthewses

Ada Annie Matthews - in 2014 I said: "she was born in Apr 1868 in Walcot, Bath, then Somerset, to Edwin & Emma nee Faulkner. She can be seen on census return of 1871 at 1 Clarence Street, Walcot with her mother, Faulkner grandparents & uncle, also sister Alice. In 1881 the family can be seen together at 4 Weymouth Buildings, Walcot. [It is probably important at this stage to point out that Bath received a lot of attention in WW2, much of the old streets were bombed & many buildings damaged or lost. No.1 Clarence Street (see above) is marked by its roofline on the side of No. 3 (I took the photo myself in 2009) and Weymouth Buildings were lost completely. That area is nowadays very pretty and the site has been rebuilt as Weymouth Court, right on the river.In 1891 census she can be seen with parents & sibs at Prospect House, Walcot.In Oct 1892 in the Melton Mowbray area, Leicestershire, probably Scalford, as that is where they settled, she married William Seagrave. He had been in the Grenadier Guards in 1881 but lodging in Scalford in 1891 & working as an ironstone labourer at one of the local quarries. This is an area I am familiar with through my mother's tree, so it is odd to me to find a "twig" on my father's tree in the "wrong part of the country". In 1901 census they can be seen at New Street, Scalford with 4 children & 1911 still there with all 5 children & a boarder called John Thomas Matthews (who seems to be unrelated to her, a local ironstone labourer who may work with William). Again we have been spoiled with Electoral Roll records, as these only apply to London and a few other places at the moment,however the range is increasing. So the next we hear of them is at their deaths, Ada in Jan 1942 and William in Jan 1948, both in Scalford." 1921 census shows them at New Street, Scalford, where they had probably lived since marriage, and continued for another 20, until death. William was 59y9m Iron Stone worker at Eastwell Quarry but currently Out of Work. His employer Staveley began operation in 1860s when he was a tot, was nationalized 100 years later and has now been sold and demolished. Ada was a 53-year-old Housewife and son John 25y11m platelayer for GNR (Great Northern Railways, still around).

18th November 2022

My great-uncle Julius Redmond Hennig - in 2014 I said: "he was born Mar 1871 in "Kennington Lane, Lambeth" (probably 12 Loughborough Street, where the family lived at the time) and christened on 3 Sep 1871 at St Peter's church, West Dulwich. He can be seen there in census return of 1871 aged 1 month with parents & 4 brothers. In 1881 he can be seen aged 10 at Chattern Hill, Ashford, Middlesex staying with his "half-grandparents" Edward & Sarah Purser. In 1891 census he can be seen at The George and 13 Cantons, 38 Church Street, St Anne, Soho, Paddington, working as a barman (renamed the Spice of Life in 1974) and in 1901 boarding at 22 Riversdale Road, Islington, working as a "cellarman/publican". On 11 Oct 1902 at St Paul's, Hampstead (merged the following year with St Mary's, Primrose Hill Road, bombed in 1940, closed 1956, demolished 1958) he married Helena Gardner Bradley, with whom he had a 5-month-old daughter (see yesterday). Witnesses include his nephew Arthur and Julius is described as "Dining Room Proprietor". Helena was servant/Parlourmaid in Hampstead, but as I told yesterday, they moved to Derbyshire to work as servants to a cotton merchant. In 1911 census they can be seen in the household of the Paterson family at 3 The Quadrant, Buxton as manservant & gen. servant. They must have returned to London, as when Helena died in Jul 1915 it was in Hammersmith, then the electoral roll records show Julius 1918-30 at 33 Haydn Park Road, Hammersmith then in 1938 87 Addison Gardens, where he died in October of that year." So in 1921 Julius had been widowed for 6 years and can be seen, as I surmised, back in London; at 33 Haydn Park Road - oops, it is spelled "Hadyn". He described himself as Insurance Agent for Pearl Assurance Co. in the Shepherds Bush district. He shared number 33 with a widow and family.

Another great-uncle Louis Alfred Hennig - in 2014 I said: "he was born 29 Jun 1855 in the St-Martins-in-the-Fields area of London to Frederick & Maria nee Cox and christened in this famous church on 8 Aug 1858. He can be seen on census return of 1861 aged 5 with parents & 3 brothers, also Catherine Noonan & her family, at 32a Villiers Street. In 1871 he was at 12 Loughborough Road, Lambeth with parents & 4 brothers, aged 16 & listed as Compositor Apprentice (his step-uncles John & James were compositors). In 1881 he can be seen aged 25 at 30 Dante Road, Newington, lodging with brother John, now a fully-fledged Printer Compositor himself. On 8 Feb 1885 at St Mary Newington he married Maria Jane Carver. They had no children. The 1891 census is missing, but electoral roll records show that in 1890-2 he rented two rooms on the top floor of number 30 Dante Road for 7 shillings a week from brother John. By 1895 they had moved to 19 Harper Street [about half a mile away, but now also redeveloped]. The 1901 census finds them a little further on, at 55 Douglas Buildings, Marshalsea Road, Southwark [the area famous for being the site of the Marshalsea Debtors' Prison, brought under the public eye by Charles Dickens - his father was imprisoned there & forced him to leave school early, so he set his novel Little Dorrit within its walls.] By 1911 census they have moved out to 18 Mosslea Road, Penge where they lived until Louis died in Oct 1926 & Maria in Jan 1931, both aged 79." 2018 update: I now know where they are buried. In Nunhead Cemetery, just behind the house in Peckham where I spent my forst 3 years, Uncle Louis is in plot 45, but was buried with 17 other people over a period of a month, he being the first, so I imagine this is a public plot with no stone. Maria followed 5 years later and the situation is similar in that 11 were interred into her plot. this is the problem with London burials. If the information is available at all, it doesn't mean there is anything to see. Much of the London cemeteries have been built on. Nunhead is one of the famous London cemeteries called the Magnificent Seven, so will no doubt be there for many years to come." 1921 census caught him at 18 Mosslea Road, Penge, a printer compositor working for Field Press Ltd of Chancery Lane. I see from Companies records that they were in existence until 2008 then went into liquidation. Maria's occupation was blank, but then she was almost 70 and shared the house with three siblings in their 30s, one of whom did the Home Duties.

Mabel Elizabeth Ellen Hennig - in 2014 I said: "she was born 29 Sep 1880 at 101 Avondale Square, Camberwell to August & Hellen nee Hill and christened at local church St Philip the Apostle on 12 Dec 1880. She can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 6 months at 101 with parents & sister and also there 1891 & 1901, in the latter listed as a dressmaker. On 22 May 1909, also at St Philip, she married clerk Sidney Benson, witnesses were her sisters and a brother-in-law. Census return of 1911 shows them at 20 Leander Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, living directly opposite her sister Grace, Sidney listed as a Commercial Clerk working for a General Export Merchant. The story at this point gets rather confusing, as Mabel's probate document at her death on 8 Oct 1928 states that she was a widow, living at 91 Avondale Square. This was a few houses from that of her parents, who had died 1921 & 1927, leaving much money to Mabel & sister Maude. In 1930, when Mabel's probate was read, her £106 effects went to HM Treasury, as if she had no living relatives, yet 30 years later in 1959 when her husband Sidney died, his home address was 143 Hangleton Road, Hove, where her sister Edith lived. He died at Hove Hospital and left £9308 to Edith. On 20th December, when I told her story, I said there was a 47 year gap. It seems she spent it living with her brother-in-law and maybe she bought the pale green bungalow (143) with the proceeds at his death!" 2018 update: "one of those most pleasurable cases where a new bit of information clears up an old puzzle.1939 Register has sorted that by showing her still alive, living with husband Sidney Benson at "Meelands", Hynesbury Road, Christchurch, Hants, where Sidney, a "shipchartering and coal shipping manager" had retired to "owing to ill-health" (he was 54). Mabel died there in 1956 then he died in 1959 in Hove, living in the green bungalow, but died in Hove Hospital. This closed in 1996 and is now Tennyson Court." 1921 census showed them as two of seven "visitors" staying at a boarding house in Margate. Sidney was described as "Chartering Clerk" for Blandy Brothers of Mark Lane. City of London. Home was evidently still 20 Leander Road, Thornton Heath, as that was where Mabel said she did her Home Duties

17th November 2022

Helena Hennig - in 2013 I said: "she was born 23 May 1902 in Wimbledon to Julius & Helena nee Bradley. Her situation was odd, to say the least. Both parents were working as servants and they married when she was 5 months old, but 1911 census showed that they carried on with their lives and I cannot find her. She was aged 8 and I thought she would be with grandparents etc but she is not. Her father was working as manservant and mother as general domestic servant in the household of a cotton merchant in Derbyshire. They had quite a busy life - I may well tell the story at a later date - but they claimed on the census form that they had no children. I picked her up again, thanks to electoral roll records, in 1951, living at 90a Philbeach Gardens, Earls Court, sharing with a Marjorie Fiennes, then again in 1959 at 6 Eccleston Square, Victoria with 6 other single women. However, the records go quiet again and she only turns up again on 11 May 2003, when she died aged almost 101 at Conquest Hospital, Hastings of bronchopneumonia, her home address Yvonne Robertson House, Bexhill (sheltered retirement accommodation)." Searches on 1921 census had the same problem as previous searches in that her name was not only unpopular but also easily mis-spelled/transcribed. The most likely one I came across was in Newington,  Southwark, listed as an "inmate" (possibly a workhouse, possibly the Bedlam Hospital). There are two problems with this record; her name was Albertina Helena and her age 71. This could have been misread and said 21 (her true age). So it may be completely wrong, but I cannot locate anything else. Her mother of course had the same name but was "Mrs" and did lead to confusion, but was gone by 1921, so I had hopes... By then her father Julius was in Derbyshire, more later.

Herbert Augustus Hennig - brother of Arthur, who I dealt with on Tuesday - see below. In 2013 I said: "he was born late Dec 1879 in Newington to John & Henrietta nee Purser and christened there on 18 Jan 1880. He can be seen in census return of 1881 aged 1 at 30 Dante Road, Newington with parents & brother Arthur. We know 1891 is missing, so he is next seen in 1901 aged 21 at "Ecclesfield", Castle Road, Isleworth with parents & sibs, listed as an Engineer. Then in 1911 he is still there at home with his parents & brothers, listed as Engineer's Buyer. On 28 Jun 1913 at St John the Evangelist, Hammersmith he married Mabel Sophia Golding. In electoral roll records they can be seen to be moving about, but it appears they had no children. In 1915 they can be seen at 33 Meadville Road, Ealing, then 1920-22 "Boscombe", 103 Thornbury Road, Isleworth. 1936-8 sees them at 17 Florence Road, Ealing. Then they lived 1939-40 at 10 St James Avenue, Ewell, Surrey. Herbert died aged 61 in Jul 1941, registered in the Brentford area. After this I lose track of Mabel (unless she lived in Fulham under her maiden name, which I doubt) until her own death in 1981 in Eastbourne aged 92." 2015 update: " I have now tracked her down and she lived for some years at 263 Chiswick Village before retiring to Eastbourne in her latter years. I had hoped to find them in 1939 Register, but this name is so often mis-spelled I wasn't surprised to draw a blank. Electoral Roll record of that year puts them at Epsom, at 10 St James Avenue." 2018: " I outlined some addresses in 2013 but can now see they ventured into Berkshire in 1935, electoral rolls find them in Maidenhead. 1939 Register however shows that at the outbreak of war they were back in London, listed at 10 St James Avenue, Epsom. He described himself as "Manager of Motor Spare Parts business, trained as a Motor & General Engineer and now out of work". He died 2 years later aged 61.I can now also add details of Mabel's death; she died aged 92 on 16 Dec 1981 at Avalon Nursing Home, 5 Nevill Avenue, Eastbourne, leaving £25000." As I knew their exact address from electoral roll records I was able to find them straight away - this was good, as he had been transcribed as Herbert Augustine Herring and the house name as "Bosemill"! Herbert is shown as 41y7m Managing Director of Westminster Accessories Ltd of Belgravia ("Wholesale Motor Factors") and Mabel Home Duties aged 31y10m.

His father John Frederick William Hennig - in 2014 I said: "he was born 1 Jul 1848 at 17 Hermes Street, Pentonville, London to Frederick & Maria nee Cox and christened at St Mary, Islington on 8 Apr 1849. He can be seen on census return of 1851 aged 2 at 2 Hungerford Arcade, St Martin-in-the-fields with parents & brother, then in 1861 at 32a Villiers Street with parents & sibs, also Catherine Noonan & her children. By 1871 they are at 12 Loughborough Street, Lambeth, where he is listed as copper-mould maker (as is his brother August & their father) and Catherine junior is his step-mother. On 19 Dec 1874 at St Matthew's, Ashford, Middlesex (bride's hometown) he married Henrietta Lydia Purser. In 1881 census he can be seen with 2 sons at 30 Dante Road, Lambeth. His occupation on this document has always intrigued me. The original is damaged & I always thought it said "plutonium art" but it has been repaired by the Archive, a better scan is now available & I see it says "platinium and art metal worker". I still cannot find them on 1891 census but electoral roll records show they were still in Dante Road until at least 1894, then in 1898-9 at 6 Kennington Park Road, Lambeth. By 1901 census they have moved to "Ecclesfield" 52 Castle Road, Isleworth and lived here for the rest of their lives. In 1901 census there are 6 children and John is listed as "brazier & coppersmith", in 1911 three sons remain and he is "Sub-manager General Metal Works". In 1914 he retired aged 65 and on his son Arthur's marriage certificate was listed as a "Gentleman". Electoral roll records show he lived at 52 Castle Road until his death on 24 Mar 1922 aged 73, when he left £1146 to son Arthur. Henrietta continued living there until she died on 2 Jun 1946 (she actually died in hospital at 30 Twickenham Road, Isleworth - West Middlesex Hospital, an acute hospital developed from the Brentford Union Infirmary, now gone). She left effects worth £142 to Arthur, a retired sheet-metal-worker." So the 1921 census caught him just before he died, living with Henrietta at 52 Castle Road. He described himself as "72y11m working in a platinum laboratory making architectural apparatus in copper & brass, copper jelly & cake moulds" Retired. Henrietta was 69y5m on Home Duties. There was also a 73 year old widow Ellen Skull, who looks as though she may be an ex-colleague's wife.

16th November 2022

August Rudolph Hennig - in 2013 I said: "my grandmother's half-brother was born not in August but 13 May 1850 at 1 New North Street, Holborn to Frederick William and Maria nee Cox and christened there at St George the Martyr, Queen Square. He can be seen in census return of 1851 aged 11 months at 2 Hungerford Arcade, St Martins-in-the-Fields with parents & brother [this was built over in about 1862 to construct Charing Cross Station]. In 1861 I cannot find the family, all I know of this time was that his mother died in the Strand area in 1865. By 1871 census all has changed - he can be seen aged 20 at 12 Loughborough Street, Lambeth with father, step-mother, brothers & step-brothers. He is a journeyman copper-mould maker, as is his brother John and their father. On 29 Mar 1876 at St Martins-in-the-Fields, a very famous church in London, he married Hellen Emma Hill. They had 8 children, but one died in infancy and one at 8 years of age. Early in their marriage they seemed to live with his brother John in Dante Road, Newington, then in 1880 moved to 101 Avondale Square, Camberwell [off Old Kent Road. August worked as a cutler, then cutlery dealer. They can be seen at this address throughout the censuses of 1881-1911 and after this they can still be seen there on electoral roll records until they died there, Hellen on 12 Mar 1921 & August on 31 Dec 1926, leaving £10,840 to their eldest two daughters, who were both married." In 2018: he (August) was buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery on 6 Jan 1927, joining wife Hellen who had been interred there on 18 Mar 1921 with son Frank, who died in 1910 and followed in 1925 by son William. When I visited this cemetery I had no luck in finding this plot as it was all impossibly overgrown. (this was 2016)Their daughter Edith Kate Hennig did not marry and I have seen a sad little entry into St Philip's register in 1910. On 22 Feb she and her brother Frank were confirmed, he aged 17 she 15, and they celebrated their first communion. In a matter of weeks Frank had turned 18 and died. There is a faint note in the register to this effect. He is one of the sons who are in the burial plot at the Old Cemetery mentioned above.1939 Register shows her in Hove, Sussex, as I reported in 2015. I have seen the full thing now, but she appears to be alone with no occupation, at 143 Hangleton Road, as expected. The family were reasonably well off as August left a goodly share to their daughters when he died, so she probably didn't have to work. When she died she was living in Flat 15, 14 Kings Gardens, Hove, right on the seafront. These flats are 2 bedroom and go for half a million now. She was 90 and left £47,718." Locating him on 1921 census was easy, as he is the only one in the country with that name. He can be seen at 101, newly-widowed, along with daughter Edith. He described himself as "Shop Keeper/Cutler Retired" and was 71. Edith kept house for him and was 27y5m. It was after his death 5 years later that she moved to Hove and spent the rest of her life there.

Grandma Florence Augusta Hennig - in 2013 I said: "she was born on 8 Jun 1879 at 12 Loughborough Street, Lambeth to Frederick & Catherine nee Noonan [this site is now inhabited by blocks of flats near Tesco, Vauxhall] and christened at St Peter's, West Dulwich, as all her full sibs were, on 20 Jul 1879S he was only 6 months old when her father died. I cannot find this family in census of 1881 but by 1891 she and her mother can be seen living at 15 Chatterton Road, Islington (her mother oddly giving the name Hennig, widow, even though she had been remarried for 5 years and her husband John Miles was away visiting elsewhere). In 1901 her mother was working as a cook in Chelsea, and again I cannot find Flo. But we soon catch up with her as on 23 Nov 1902 at St John's, Highbury Vale she married William George Matthews. Witnesses were Julius Redmond Hennig (her brother) and Eliza Emily Matthews (groom's sister). Over the next 20 years, Flo had four children, my father being the youngest. In 1911 census she can be seen at 30a Clayton Road, Peckham with William listed as a jeweller's polisher, son William aged 7 & Catherine Miles, her mother, aged 71.[This site is now a children's playground and I do remember as a young teenager passing this place & my father saying "There's the playground where I was born" much to our consternation! It wasn't quite what he meant, but I blame my imagination for the picture it conjured up in my head!] By 1926 they had moved to 135 Peckham Rye (this is where I lived for the first 3 years of my life). Flo died there in Apr 1939 aged 60 and my grandfather continued living there until he died on 25 Apr 1952. In the later years his sons Albert (Uncle Bert) and Walter (my Dad) ran the family business from the house, which was equipped with a workshop.

1921 census shows the family at 30a Clayton Road and comprises William (49y2m working jeweller), Flo (42y Home Duties), son Will (17y9m jewellery learner, employed by his father), Bert (6y9m at school) and Con (3y7m) and a 14 year old visitor. The return states the jewellers worked at 2a Hardcastle Street, as they presumably didn't have space for a workshop at home. This was no doubt why they moved to Peckham Rye a few years later, and used the basement as a workshop.

Grace Nellie Hennig - in 2013 I said: "she was born 17 Dec 1883 at 101 Avondale Square, Peckham to August & Hellen nee Hill and christened at St Luke's, South Kensington (unusual as not the local church where sibs went and older than most at 4 months). On 24 Jun 1889 aged 5 she was admitted to Rolls Road Infant School, then 19 Oct 1891 to the Junior School. As I have mentioned before, the school was in the next road and all her sibs attended. She can be seen in census return of 1891 aged 7 at 101 Avondale Square with parents & sibs and also there in 1901 aged 17, a dressmaker. On 17 Aug 1907 at St Philip the Apostle, the local church, she married Albert Edward Preston, a clerk from Bermondsey and they moved to Croydon and had a son Kenneth there a year later, then a daughter Elise in 1917. The census of 1911 finds Grace & Albert at 19 Leander Road, Thornton Heath with Kenneth, Albert listed as Clerk in Stock Exchange." In 2019: "I told in 2013 how she married Albert Preston, a clerk, and they settled in Surrey with their 2 children. Albert was quite a career-man; I have seen several transatlantic trips he took with his company between 1905 and 1930, some of them 1st Class. In 1927 he took Grace with him, travelling on the Caronia, a Cunard liner. On his 1930 trip to Madeira he gave home address of Woodfield Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, which was probably the home of his son Kenneth. By 1939 they were resident at Tepestede, Garden Walk, Coulsdon, a really lovely big house worth over a million today.1939 Register shows them there, Albert listed as Stock Broker and ARP Paymaster Sub Lieutenant RNR (Royal Naval Reserves), Grace Household Duties and a 21-year-old Domestic Servant. Son Kenneth and daughter Elise were both married and living in Southend. When Albert died in the Bromley area in 1956, probably in hospital there, Grace moved to Essex to be cared for by the children, and died there in 1968. Ken followed in 1978, then Elise in 1992." So 1921 census finds them in Thornton Heath, as 1911, Albert 37y10m working as a Stockbroker for A A Bendon & Co, who I unfortunately cannot trace. Grace 37y6m did Home Duties Kenneth 12y7m at school and Elise 4y3m at home.

15th November 2022

Marian Parker - I said in 2016: "born 18 Jan 1888 in Clerkenwell and christened at St Paul's there on 12 Feb. She can be seen in 1891 census aged 3 at 11 York Road, St Lukes with parents & 2 brothers. On 8 Nov 1897 she was admitted to Hammond Square School, giving the address in Harman Street. She left there on 21 Sep 1901 and as we know the family moved to Edmonton. She can be seen there at 57 Raynham Avenue with father & 2 brothers in 1911 census, working as a Cartridge Case Maker. On 7 Apr 1912 at St James, Upper Edmonton she married Herbert William Hill. Unfortunately, he died aged 36 only 12 years later, although they did manage to have two sons in that time. Herbert was a fitter's mate, son of a printer (deceased by the time of their marriage). In 1939 Register, Marian was at Wakefield Street, Edmonton, the road running parallel to Raynham Street, so very close to her mother. She was a widow working as a school cleaner, more than likely at Raynham Primary School, on the avenue, and her boys probably attended. She managed admirably, as their father had died when they were 12 and 10 years old. She never remarried and died in Enfield at the age of 80 in Jul 1968. Son George lived a mile away, across Edmonton, until records cease."  In 2019: "I have discovered a lot about her husband, He was born in London on 17 Nov 1882 and was baptised on 18 Feb 1883 at St Luke's, West Kilburn. Incidentally, his father had the wonderful name of Joseph Remington Hill and was born in Great Dalby, Leics, which as you know if you are a regular here, is where my maternal grandmother's ancestors originate. Small world! On 26 Aug 1910 Herbert attested to the 19th City of London Regiment, Territorial Force, stating he was a driver, lived at 11 Argyle Street and was 27 years old. He gave his father as Next of Kin,address 78 Highgate Hill, Holloway. He had a medical and was passed fit for service. He served "at home" for the next 5 years (i.e. UK) so in 1911 census can be seen working in a hotel in Argyle Street as a porter. On 7 Aug 1912 in Edmonton he married Marian and had 2 sons before he was sent to France to fight with the Expeditionary Force in 1915. He came home for 5 months, then was sent off again 6 Feb 1916, when he was transferred from 1st to the 3rd battalion. On 15 Sep 1916 he was declared missing and was found to be a Prisoner Of War! On 9 Dec 1916 he was returned to UK in an Exchange of Prisoners programme, but was no longer fit for service. He was issued a £15 "bounty" and discharged, having served 6½ years and earned the 1914-15 Star medal. His health was evidently compromised but I don't know any details. Just that he died in 1924 aged 41 in Edmonton." So by 1921 Marian was looking after him at 26 Wakefield Street, Edmonton, he listed as an "electrical lighting contractor Out of Work", also 7 year old son George and a daughter I didn't know of, 2 year old Lilian (she had the very appropriate middle name of "Peace"!), brother John and widowed mother-in-law. This was the same address as 1939 Register - see above.

Mary Ann Parker - In 2014 I said: "she was born 24 Jan 1860 in Clerkenwell to James & Ann and christened there 27 Sep 1868 at St John's church with sister Amelia. She can be seen in census returns of 1861 & 1871 with parents & sibs at 11 Aylesbury Place, Clerkenwell aged 1 & 11 respectively. On 15 May 1880 at St Bartholomews, Moor Lane she married Joseph Holgate, a brickie/scaffolder from Lambeth, and they had 10 children, although two died in infancy. In 1881 census return they can be seen at 4 Caledonia Crescent, Islington with baby son. Over the next few years christenings and school admission documents trace them at several addresses: In 1884-7 they lived at 21 Chapel Street, Islington then were at 23 Southampton Street for a while - next door to or opposite her brother Charles.They followed the rest of the family out to Edmonton, as daughter Amelia was born in Clerkenwell in 1889 but is seen aged 2 in 1891 census in Edmonton, then died there aged 4. 1891 census shows them at 6 Linton Cottages - this is the turning directly behind Gilpin Grove - with 5 children and Joseph's mother Susan. They lived at this address until at least 1898, but by 1901 census they had moved half a mile down the railway track to 47 Shrubbery Road, with 7 children. In 1911 they were at 69 Raynham Avenue, also close to Gilpin Grove (although her parents died a couple of years before the census). Electoral roll records show in 1926 Mary Ann & Joseph were at 13 Edinburgh Road with son Sidney - you may remember her sisters lodged at no. 6 when their parents died & were there in 1911. In 1926 May Ann's daughter Mary Ann was there with her family [this road is also close by - just the other side of the North Circular]. Sidney married & moved elsewhere in Edmonton the following year (about a mile to the north). Joseph died here in 1935 and Mary Ann in 1938." 2019 update: "she was buried on 17 Apr 1938 at Waltham Forest Cemetery, presumably because Joseph had been 3 years before (although I cannot find a record)." So again 1921 census shows the family in Edmonton, and gives a snapshot of that decade. They can be seen at 13 Edinburgh Road, Edmonton, as expected, with sons Sidney 21 and Henry 18, Joseph an Out of Work scaffolder. Both the boys were in work though: Sidney a stoker for a fruit broker in Covent Garden and Henry a General Labourer working locally (Angel Road Edmonton).

Moving on to the next branch of Dad's tree may be tricky, as it's the Hennigs - his Mum's family - and not all were in UK. However, a quick glimpse looks promising, so we shall see.

Arthur Henry Hennig - In 2013 I said: "he was born 29 Sep 1877 at 1 Bloomsbury Street, Bloomsbury, London [now a bookshop] to John & Henrietta nee Purser and christened there at St George's on 28 Oct 1877. He can be seen on census return of 1881 aged 3 at 30 Dante Road, Newington [now a modern estate] with parents and brother Herbert. In 1891 I cannot find the family, although we do know they are still in Newington, as his brother Stanley was born there about 3 weeks after the census. By 1901 census they have moved to Isleworth and he can be seen at "Ecclesfield", Castle Road with parents & sibs, listed as a Tin & Metal Plate Worker. In 1911 census this house has been given the number 52 and he is still here with parents & brothers, working as a panel-beater. On 20 Jun 1914 at St Mary's, Osterley he married Minnie Biggs, school teacher. From electoral roll records I can see that they both lived at 60 Thornbury Road, Isleworth from at least 1921, and maybe from their marriage. Just a little way down this road was the school where Minnie may well have worked, as they had no children of their own [A modern Health Centre stands on the site now]. On 1 Feb 1951 Arthur died aged 73 and his death was registered in the Ealing district. He left effects worth £4408 to Charles William Venning, barrister & legal editor. Minnie continued to live in the house until at least 1965, when electoral records cease at present. She died aged 93 in the Richmond area in Jan 1980." 2018 update: "In 1939 Register he can be seen, as expected, at 60 Thornbury Road, Isleworth .He is shown as a 62-year-old panel-beater, working on cars, but the odd thing is that Minnie is still redacted, despite being born over 100 years ago and died nearly 40 years ago, outliving Arthur by 29 years - all reasons for unredacting her. I cannot find a scan etc for his death and burial. By the time Minnie died in 1980 aged 93 she was living in a nursing home called Oketon in Teddington

1921 census finds them, as expected, at 60 Thornbury Road, Arthur a sheet metal worker on motor cars aged 43y9m. He was an employer himself, working at Mersey Street Arches, which is now Latimer Road tube station in Notting Hill. Minnie was on Home Duties, assisted by a 23-year-old domestic servant.

14th November 2022

Emma Amelia Parker - see brother Charles below

George William Parker Junior - I don't seem to have dealt with him in the past, which is odd. He was born on 28 Jul 1885 in Clerkenwell to George William Senior and Elizabeth nee Bazzoni, baptized 23 Jan 1886 at Holy Redeemer church Exmouth Market, Islington. On 18 Nov 1887 he was registered to attend Heathfield School, Lambeth, giving address of 31 Conroy Street, then in 1891 census the family were at 11 York Road, Finsbury, his father cabinet maker, his mother "artificial florist". In 1901 the census showed the family in Hoxton, and he was 15, training as a printer. In Oct 1910 in Wandsworth (where she was brought up) he married Winifred Ada Page and 3 months later they had a daughter, Winifred Aileen. The following year they can be seen on 1911 census at 41 Leverson Street, Streatham, George now working for LBSC Railway (London, Brighton & South Coast) as a labourer. I see by 1921 census that the death record I had for Winifred was wrong (was in her maiden name) and she must have died soon after having her namesake daughter, as he re-married in 1912. His new bride was Annie Mary Elizabeth Cripps, born in Ireland. 1921 census shows them at 68 Forston Street, Hoxton with 4 children, all born there. George was working as a heating & ventilation engineer's fitter. I must admit to being puzzled by George's 1939 Register, as he states he is "widowed", and Annie didn't pass on until 1959, the year after him. He is living at Endymion Road, Lambeth, a catering manager, and she a cardboard box maker in Stoke Newington with son George (the others were married). George died in Metropolitan Hospital, Hackney on18 Jun 1958, leaving effects worth £364 to Annie. She then died on 5th Dec 1959 at the German Hospital, leaving £294 to son George.

(Oh I forgot to say George was a gunner in WW1 with Royal Garrison Artillery, serving in France and earning 3 medals)

His brother, John Henry Parker Junior - In 2016 I said " was the youngest son of George & Elizabeth above, born Apr 1896 in the period they spent in St Luke's, Islington. I cannot find a baptism, or a school admission document, but he was of this age in the unhealthy years, and can be seen aged 5 in 1901 census in Hoxton with parents & sibs, then in 1911 in Edmonton aged 14, an Apprentice Scale-Maker."  In 1921 census I can see him with his in-laws at a place I had never heard of, called Oaks Sapey Common, Clifton-on-Teme, Worcester. He had married Edith Phyllis Hooper on 21 Jul 1919 at Upper Sapey and had their first child a year later. They went on to have four in all. On the census return, his father-in-law was 52, a mason, his brothers-in-law all farm labourers, as was he. They remained in the area and I think John took on the farm when his father-in-law died. He can be seen in 1939 Register as Head of the household, with his 3 sons working there for him. Edith died in the area in 1958 (aged 60) and John in 1973 (aged 78)

13th November 2022

On with The Parker family. Incidentally this is my father's tree and his paternal grandmother was a Parker.

Edith Parker, sister of CJR2, mentioned yesterday. In 2014 I said: "Charles & Mary/Maria... had a daughter named Edith in October 1895 but she died at birth or shortly afterwards so, as was the norm at the time, when the next child was also a girl they recycled the name and called her Edith. She was born 17 Jun 1897 at 20 Gilpin Grove, Edmonton and christened at St James' church on 27 Jul 1897. She can be seen on census return of 1901 at no. 6 with parents & sibs, also another family. In 1911 census, her parents had both died, and she can be seen at 6 Edinburgh Road, Edmonton, with her sister Emma, both boarding."  In 2016: "I have now found out what happened to her. She died at home aged 25 in Jul 1922." I included her in 1921 census description yesterday, a year before she died.

Eliza Ann Parker, my great greataunt. In 2014 I said: she "was born 19 Mar 1847 to James & Ann nee Lathan in Holland Street, Southwark and can be seen aged 4 in census return of 1851 at 19 Aylesbury Place, Clerkenwell with parents & brothers (they must have moved there in 1850, as brother William had also been born in Southwark in 1849). Eliza was christened aged 5 at St John's church, Clerkenwell on 28 Nov 1852 with brother Charles, then an infant. In census of 1861 she can be seen at 11 Sekforde Street, Clerkenwell (literally around the corner from home), working as a nursemaid to a Silver-Watchcase Maker & his family (including 7 children, so she was kept busy!). I cannot be sure which record is hers in 1871 census - the closest fit is as Mary Ann, servant to a family in Islington. On 8 Aug 1874 at St Bartholomew's church, Moor Lane she married widowed engineer Charles Thomas Prangnell (father of the one by the same name who later married her younger sister Amelia) witnesses John & Amelia Parker, her sibs. This church has an interesting story - it was originally in the City, rebuilt after the Great Fire by Christopher Wren, known as St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange. In 1840 it was resited in Moor Lane, a large part of the original building was included in the new church and the whole process was repeated in 1902. Eliza moved in with Charles & his son at 27 Easton Street, Clerkenwell and they had 4 children of their own. Electoral roll records show that here he rented two 2nd-floor rooms from widow Mrs Browning who lived at No. 6. They can be seen there in 1881 census return and son James lived at 14 Hastings Street when he started school in 1885, although in 1891 the whole family is missing... by the next census Eliza is a widow and can be seen at 36 Affleck Street, Clerkenwell with 2 sons & a boarding nurse. By 1911 she is at no. 12 Affleck Street with the same two sons & in 30 Aug 1915 when her son James joined the Army Service Corps, the address was 39 Affleck Street. I don't know if they did hop about like that (people did in those days with fewer chattels to move) or if the street numbering kept changing (which we know did happen hereabouts). Affleck Street was in the Pentonville area, but the Parker family had long moved on to Edmonton. Eliza died Jan 1926 in the Shoreditch registration district. This may have been a hospital or one of her children - the Prangnells ended up spead all over London." 1921 census showed her at Finsbury, Holborn, staying with son James at number 39. She was 75, performing Home Duties, and James a 41 year old general labourer.

My great grandmother Emily Ann Parker - in 2014 I said: "She was born Jan 1855 in Clerkenwell to James & Ann nee Lathan. I cannot find a christening for her or 2 other of her sibs. She can be seen in census return of 1861 aged 6 at 11 Aylesbury Place, Clerkenwell with parents & sibs. In 1871 she was at Highbury Hill, Islington, working as a housemaid in the household of a barrister & family. She married my great grandfather George Henry Matthews in 1878 and had 3 children. In 1881 census return they can be seen at 2 Princes Street, Clerkenwell, but without little Eliza. The same address is given at the baptism of William in 1882, but by that of Horace in 1885 they had moved to 24 Rosomon Street, Clerkenwell and on 3 Jul 1886 George died in Holborn Infirmary. This threw the family into chaos. The authorities at the hospital found places at the Industrial School in Hanwell for Eliza & William, but Horace vanished for a while. Emily married a possible colleague of her late husband: on 29 Aug 1888 at St Peter's, Clerkenwell; Henry John Parkinson, described as a "stick-mounter" (walking sticks were decorated with silver, gold, bone or ivory and I have mentioned how working with precious metals was passed down this family. Henry's father Joseph Parkinson worked with polished brass.) They ostensibly had 4 children together... At the time of the 1891 census I think Emily was in the General Lying-in Hospital, York Road, Lambeth - where I was born - with a newborn son, who sadly died a few months later. She did have 3 more sons, one later that same year, but denied any children had died when questioned in 1911. (But we do know some people can block out traumatic events). The addresses given on the children's baptism records showed their location over the next few years: in 1882 they were at 2 Princes Street, then 1885 at 24 Rosomon Street, 1891 at 26 Richmond Street and from 1894 at 5 Warren Street. All of these addresses were in Clerkenwell, and none survives I am afraid. 1901 Census sees them at 5 Warren Street, with a collection of children, some from each parent, as the Matthews children had been "rescued" from the Industrial School. In 1911 they can be seen at 41 Rodney Street, Clerkenwell, [now a park and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School] with 3 sons & a visitor. At some point after this they moved in with daughter Alice when she married and settled in Hoxton and went with them when they moved out to a new house in the suburb of Plumstead. Henry died in Jul 1923 in Woolwich and Emily in Jan 1940.They didn't have much luck with their sons in the two World Wars, unfortunately. Joe died of wounds in 1939, Harry was deafened in WW1 (died in 1964 in Edmonton) and Walter/Wallace died in the trenches at Ypres in 1916 - not killed by enemy action, he froze to death."  1921 census shows she completed a sheet of her own, living alone at 82 Bevenden Street, Shoreditch, a widow 66y7m of age, with no occupation. However, when I looked at the next record, it had the same address and showed daughter Alice with husband and 4 children. He John Pilott was a "wood board printer" and she a "Forewoman tin box maker" locally.

12th November 2022

Albert Edward Parker - in 2019 I said: he "was born in 1887 to Emily's brother Charles and his wife Mary Ann, and can be seen with them aged 4 in 1891 census at 5 Leicester Terrace, Lawrence Road, Edmonton, the family having recently moved there from Holborn. In 1901 there were more children in the house, so they had moved round to 6 Gilpin Grove and Albert was working as an Errand Boy. On Christmas Eve 1905 at St James church, Upper Edmonton he married Jane Elizabeth Howard and they moved into 44 Gilpin Grove. The Bell at Edmonton was famously a place mentioned in the John Gilpin story, so several features in this area are named after him. As you can see, Albert was at that time working as a warehouseman. They had a son Henry here in 1907 then moved to Deptford, where they had daughter Dorothy in 1910. They can be seen the following year in the census at 338 Evelyn Street, Deptford with 2 young children and Albert's brother William aged 15. As there was significant bomb damage here in WW2 I suspect all was lost. The census records show the reason for moving south of the River; Albert had joined the Metropolitan Police. The police station was a short walk behind the house, in Amersham Vale, and has now been converted into a museum/gallery, so no doubt Albert would recognise his workplace should he return today. I'm not sure how long he worked there, as by 1921 they had moved back to Edmonton. Daughter Rose was born there then, and by 1939 Register they seem well established. They were living in Fore Street, near their home of 1901, and working as pillars of the community. Albert was listed as Town Hall Keeper (it makes sense, a lot of police officers move onto caretaker roles). Jane is described as "cleaning staff supervisor", so I suspect it was the Town Hall she cleaned. The Town Hall in Edmonton was in Fore Street, built in 1884, extended in 1903 and demolished 1989. There was also a closed file, probably Dorothy as I cannot find her elsewhere, and Rose, listed as "unfit for work". She married in 1948 but cannot have been very unfit as she lasted until 2003. Henry was married and living in Southgate, not far away. Examining the editorial roll records, I can see Albert had been at the same address since at least 1925, maybe before 1921 but I have no baptism for Rose to confirm. He died in Edmonton on 1 Nov 1955 aged 68." 1921 census helps here, as he can be seen at 10 Denton Road, Edmonton with 3 children and a couple boarding. Albert was by now a stores-keeper for a local builders merchants. The boarders were a drayman, working for a brewery, his wife and baby. This was evidently the "in-between" time after he had left the police and before  becoming Town Hall caretaker.

Charles James Robert Parker 2 - In 2016 I said: "he was born 12 Dec 1884 in Clerkenwell to Charles & Mary/Maria and christened 5 Apr 1885 at St Philip's, when they lived at 23 Southampton Street, Clerkenwell, so he may well have been born at that address. This is an interesting address, as the writer & historian Thomas Carlyle stayed in that very house in 1824-5 and wrote a detailed description of it. I won't include it here as it is long, but he seemed to very much like it. All this area was demolished for redevelopment in 1938 (coincidentally the year of this Charles' death). The family moved about in Edmonton for the next few years. In 1891 census he can be seen at 3 Leicester Terrace, Lawrence Road, aged 6 with parents & sibs, then with them also in 1901 at 6 Gilpin Grove, aged 17 & listed as "Errand Lad" (his younger brother Albert was 14 & an "Errand Boy"). In Dec 1902 he signed up for service in the Royal Navy and can be seen in census return of 1911 aboard ship in "Australia & S Africa" (deliberately vague in case the info got into the wrong hands, I should imagine), listed as a Private RMLI (Royal Marine Light Infantry). Soon WW1 was declared & he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for service aboard HMS Cornwallis, possibly in the Dardanelles. He was transferred to the HMS Cardiff - a brand new destroyer - in 1917 and received a Silver War Badge for service there (this ship escorted the German fleet to British waters at the end of the War). He received the usual three medals (Star, Victory & British War Medal) but also the Silver War Badge, then in 1926 also the RN Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, given for 15 years exemplary service. This last was on board the "Effingham" and was given on discharge. He returned to Edmonton & electoral roll records show him at 18 Wakefield Street 1925-7, after which he appears at 36 Chalfont Road with Minnie Edith Parker, who he had married 11 Mar 1922 in St James' Hackney and had a third generation of Charles James Robert Parker in 1924. They remained at this address until his death aged 53 in Jan 1938. In 2016: As far as the trunk of Charles James Robert Parkers goes, I cannot add more to them until 1939 Register shows CJR Junior aged 15 at 6 St Mary's Road, Clacton, Essex presumably evacuated to the seaside. He was still at school at this point. I can see from electoral roll records that the family lived at 36 Chalfont Road, Edmonton until CJR Senior died in 1938 (ie just before the Register), when there is a gap until 1949 when married CJR Junior can be seen with wife Patricia at 1 Junction Road, Edmonton until 1960. I have discovered the names of the boy and girl I mentioned, not another generation of CJRs as I guessed, but in 1947 daughter Marion (who died aged 36 in Wales in 1983) and in 1951 son Laurence (who may have married a Carole P Burke in Jul 1975 in Bexley). They evidently moved at some point to Milton Keynes, as that was where Charles died, maybe on his retirement in 1989." 1921 census fits in just before his marriage, and he can be seen at 23 Kimberley Road, Edmonton, with his sister Emma, her husband and two young children, also sister Edith (an invalid who died the following year). Charles was a "machine moulder" at the Ediswan Lamp Works in Ponders End (merger of Edison and Swan), his brother in law Sidney Mills a machine hand and tractor driver and Emma a ballet teacher, currently Out of Work (presumably bringing up two small children and nursing a sick relative was quite enough!)

10th November 2022

Sarah Ann Ingram - In 2016 I said: she" was born Dec 1853 in Twerton near Bath to William and his second wife Ann née Brown and can be seen aged 7 with parents & sibs in 1861 census at Devonport District Prison, where her father was governor. In 1871 she had branched out on her own and can be seen in the census boarding at 9 Little Silver, St David's, Exeter as a Pupil Teacher. She evidently found employment in Norfolk, as the Inspection Report of Scottow School dated 24 Feb 1874 mentions her by name (unfortunately): "The present teacher took the school after it had been closed for a time. Some work appears to have been done with the upper Classes, but the School has passed on the whole only a poor examination. Great care must be taken with the Order and Discipline and the Infants and Lower Classes require much more attention in all subjects. The Arithmetic of the First Class is weak. A better supply of Reading Books for infants is needed. Better results will be expected next year, especially in writing and arithmetic." Scottow School was a one-roomed school built in 1859 along with a detached teacher's house, then a second wing was added at the rear. Both were enlarged in 1903 and the school functioned for over 60 years until closed in 1966, She was only in Norfolk for another couple of years, though, as the York Herald reported on 6 Jan 1876 "that Sarah Ann Ingram of Downham Market be appointed certified assistant mistress of the Lincoln Street Girls' School [Hull] at a salary of £55 per year to commence from the date of entering upon her duties and on the same conditions as the other assistant teachers appointed by the Board." Lincoln Street was one of Hull's earliest Board Schools, built in 1873, so still fairly new. On 6 Apr 1877 the Herald again: "Miss Sarah Ann Ingram of Hull should be appointed certified assistant mistress of the Sir Henry Cooper Girls' School at a salary of £55 per year." This school wasn't named after the famous boxer, but the first chairman of the Hull School Board in 1871. The new schools in Bean Street were named this in 1876, moved into new buildings in 1967 and closed in 2012. In 1881 census she was living in Main Street in the village of Carlton, Leicestershire, a 27-year-old "certified Teacher of Elementary School" with a companion. Carlton Elementary School opened in 1847 for 49 children but I don't know any more. There are no schools in the village now. I cannot track her down in census of 1891. Her mother died in 1899 (father had gone in 1872) and of 8 children there were just her & Emily left. I told how Emily was living with their mother when she passed, and must have inherited enough to retire. The same applied to Sarah Ann, as when she reappeared in 1901 census she was listed as "Retired School Mistress" but was only 47. She can be seen in Patrington, Yorkshire, visiting, but when I look at the current map on the road she is recorded at there is a very large school, so this may be why. In 1911 she had moved to Patrington, and can be seen there at 2 Sunny Bank, Withernsea, living on private means in a quite well-to-do area. She lived with a boarder, also of private means. As she lived into her 80s, I can pick her up again in 1939 Register, by which time she had moved back into Hull and can be seen at 134 Willerby Road, with a widower called Herbert A Ingram, master printer. I do not know of a Herbert and see he was born in Leeds, which feeds a suspicion he may be her guilty secret, and explains where she was in 1891 (when he was 11 months old). There is also a closed record, which may be a young servant. She died there in Jan 1940 aged 86." 1921 census shows her at 2 Sunny Bank, Patrington, as 1911, retired and with 2 boarders. (I'm sorry about all the detail above but I thought she was interesting.)

9th November 2022

Viole Glanville Retallick - In 2013 I said: he "was born in Roche on 10 Mar 1900, son of Charles & Margaret nee Rodda. When he was 4 he was listed with his paents on board the SS Campania, sailing on 17 Dec 1904 to New York, where they were to return to Arizona (I told the story on 3rd August 2012). I'm not sure if Viole ever went, or if he was, as I previously suggested, sent home to live with his grandparents when his mother died the following year. Either way, by 1911 he can be seen living at Polsue Farm, St Ewe with his mother's parents. He trained as an ironmonger's apprentice, but on 11 Dec 1918 he enlisted in the 4th battalion Wiltshire Regiment, at Truro, as a private. He did basic training in Durrington Down, Wiltshire 13-26 Apr 1918, then was transferred to Dublin, Ireland. He served a total of 325 days, before being demobbed on 1 Mar 1919. (I have a wealth of medical notes about his skin conditions - army records are a wonderful source!) In Jul 1930 he married Hilda Lugg (who was one of 12 children, unlike Viole, an only child) in Helston. She died in Feb 1961 & was buried at Veryan, and a few weeks later on 11 May Viole joined her." In 2017: 1939 Register shows both Viole and Hilda at Trenisson, Portloe, Truro, farming. There are two closed files, probably children. I have since seen his probate document, leaving effects worth £7338 to his two children Charles Freeman Retallick, farmer, and Margaret Hilda Beard, wife of Henry Marshall Beard. Also this gives his address at time of death as Trenisson, Portloe."  1921 census was difficult, due to his odd name, but I have found him, staying in Portloe with his uncle Reginald Williams (I can't identify him, so is probably a relative of his mother). Viole was 21, "assisting on the farm". His future wife Hilda was also nearby, working as a Post Office Assistant and living with her family. Trenisson was their address for the rest of their lives, so presumably he took on the farm from his uncle. His parents were still in the States and died there.

William Drew Retallick - in 2013 I said: "When he was born on 9 Nov 1892, in Livrean, his older brother Martin Drew Retallick had just died aged 23, so his parents gave him the same middle name. He was christened at Treverbyn on 14 Feb 1893 and the census of 1901 shows him with parents & sibs at Bugle, also in 1911 aged 18 listed as China Clay Labourer. With his brothers Elison and Frederick he was due to sail to America on 26 May 1915, but for some reason their names were crossed out on this list & they sailed on the SS St Louis on 7 Jun instead, from Liverpool to New York. All 3 brothers joined the military in the WW1 draft, William in Macomb, Michigan, but returned to the UK once the war was over. In Oct 1921 he married Millicent Blamey in the St Austell area and had a son Maurice in 1922. I cannot find any more until Millicent died in 1954 and William in 1968." In 2017:  "the brothers returned to Cornwall after WW1 and Drew married Millicent Blamey Oct 1921 and son Maurice followed the following June. In 1939 Register he (Maurice) is shown as "Incapacitated", but evidently this was not too serious, as he married and lived to the age of 69. In the same road can be seen Drew's brothers Arthur (Reginald, see below) and Frederick and their households. He was listed as China Clay Merchant (his brother ran the mine) and Millicent as UDD. I don't think they had any other children." 1921 census fits in just before his marriage, and shows him in Fore Street, Bugle with his parents & sister, listed as 28y7m clay labourer employed by his father at Bugle.

Woodman Retallick - see Ernest below, where I described the 1921 census return, with Woodman, and Emmeline his wife, at Stenalees along with 5 sons and a daughter

Moving on round to my Dad's tree, next comes

Edith Sabina Ingram - in 2016 I said: "born Oct 1871 to George & Emma née Addiscott in Salford, Lancashire. She can be seen in censuses of 1881 aged 9 at 17 Embridge Street, Salford with her parents, George listed as a Police Inspector, then still with them in 1891 aged 19 at 13 Grosvenor Street, Broughton. By then George has left the police (I shall look into this when I deal with him) and describes himself as a "commercial clerk". Edith is a Confectioner's Assistant. I suspect she worked for a tobacconist/confectioner at 2 Upper Gordon Street, Pendleton, 3 miles away, and next we see them living at no. 3, George is tobacconist/shopkeeper & Edith his assistant. In Jan 1902 at St Anne's in Sale, she married Robert Farrar Woodruff, a "stock auditor at Manchester Merchants' Office" and can be seen with him in 1911 census at his home "Lynton", 31 Old Hall Road, Sale. It's worth spending a minute or two on him, because he is unusual - for my trees anyway! He was born in May 1833 in Hulme, Lancs i.e. 38 years older than Edith! and was christened 23 Jun 1833 at Manchester Cathedral. His father was book-keeper at a cotton works and evidently impressed on his son how important business is. He became clerk in a shipping company warehouse, and made the traumatic (in those days) trip to Australia in 1856. In Jan 1857 he married for the first time to Eleanor Danson and they had 2 daughters. Robert took the job of Poor-Rate Collector, but in 1868 was appointed Assistant Overseer of Salford, a prestigious role and entitling him to join the St John's Lodge of the Freemasons, giving the address of Great Clowes Street, Broughton. He lived in Broughton for a while, then Didsbury, with wife, 2 daughters & a servant, then in the early 1880s turned up living in Australia, at "Foden Villa", Military Road, St Leonards, NSW - Foden was his mother's maiden name - advertising himself as "auctioneer, valuator, house & land agent of Miller Street Victoria". Unfortunately, Eleanor died in 1885 in NSW, although both the girls married and settled locally. Robert ran his business there for some years, but eventually decided to move back to UK. In 1901 census he can be seen living alone in Sale, then met and married Edith. He died on 20 Aug 1920 in Sale (at Lynton, see above) leaving £100 to Edith, and was buried on 24 Aug in Sale Cemetery. Edith continued to live at Lynton, and electoral roll records showed that after Robert's death she was joined by her father George until his death in 1932. So in 1939 Register, Edith is seen alone, still at the same house, a 71-year-old Householder with one closed file, probably a servant. On 29 Mar 1961 she died in Bucklow, Cheshire and was cremated on 4 Apr at Altrincham Crematorium." I was expecting 1921 census to fit comfortably here, with Edith and George at 31 Old Hall Road. She is definitely there, but her return shows her alone in the household, a 49-year-old widowed housekeeper. I cannot locate George at all. He was a 75 year old widower, so could be staying with another friend/relative.

8th November 2022

Thomas Retallick 1 - in 2017 I said: he "was born Jul 1858 in St Wenn to Richard & Hannah and can be seen in censuses of 1861-1881 with parents, sibs & uncle, in the latter as Ag Lab. In 1891 he can be seen at Princepark, Rosenannon, St Wenn (next to the vicarage), working as a gardener, servant to Joseph & Catherine Hicks. By 1901 he was back with his parents, but still working as a gardener, in St Wenn Village. Looking for these landmarks was frustrating as there doesn't appear to be a vicarage in Rosenannon or a Methodist Chapel in St Wenn nowadays to help me out. In the latter he was with his parents, sister Mary and nephew. On 19 Oct 1905 at St Stephen by Launceston church he married Jane Chubb from Devon and they had a son Roy the following year. They only had the one child, presumably because they were mid-40s on marriage. In 1911 they can be seen at Hill House, Roche with Roy, Thomas' father Richard (listed as "boarder", but he died later that year so they were no doubt caring for him) as well as 2 visitors, one of whom was Jane's mother. Richard, Thomas and Jane all died before 1939 Register, so Roy is shown then alone at Hill House, keeping the farm going. Thomas died on 28 Jul 1933 at Hill House, leaving £147 to Jane, then she followed in 1937." 1921 census Thomas, Jane and Roy still at Hill House, farming. Thomas was 62y10m, Jane 59y11m and Roy 14y11m

Thomas Henry Retallick - in 2017 I said: he "was born Dec 1860 in Luxulyan to William & Ann née Courtney and can be seen with them in 1861 census aged 4 months at Trescoll Cottage. Unfortunately he died aged 3 "of fever" and was buried 24 Feb 1864. They went on to have fifteen further children, and they re-used the name, as was the way at the time, firstly in 1865, not long after the first one died, but he perished in infancy too, then for their final child. So this Thomas Henry was born 2 Mar 1880 in Luxulyan to the same parents and christened 17 Apr 1881. Of their fifteen, seven died, including Augusta Courtney aged 24 in 1891 when Thomas was 10 years old (see 7th May below). He can be seen in censuses of 1881-1901 with the family at Innisvath, in the latter a Clay Labourer. In Oct 1904 he married Amelia Matilda Morris (aka Minnie) and they had one daughter Hazel (who travelled out to New York in 1929 to marry a Henry Bray immediately in Manhattan. She was a shop assistant). Thomas can be seen in 1911 census to have moved to Higher Bore Street, Bodmin and had changed his job. He now worked for the Council as an Asylum Attendant. I would think this was related to his sister Augusta, as this was where she worked too. The Asylum was just down the road. On 10 Dec 1915 he enlisted in the Army (described as Asylum Attendant aged 35 yrs 7m) for a short service or the duration of war, but on 8 Aug 1918 he attested to the Royal Regiment of Artillery for further service. I don't know what happened to him then until we pick them up again in 1939 Register. They were still at the same address, but Thomas was a "Mental Nurse Retired" and Minnie UDD. He still made himself useful, though, as he was still only 59, listed as "Auxiliary Fire Service Telephonist". Minnie died there in 1967 and Thomas in Jan 1970, aged 84 & 89 respectively." Fortunately 1921 census provides a glimpse into the gap I mentioned. Still at Higher Bore Street, Thomas was an Asylum Attendant aged 41, Amelia 38 Household Duties, and Hazel was 16, in full-time education.

Victoria Regina Retallick - in 2013 I said: she "was born in Apr 1859 at Ennisvath, Luxulyan and christened there on 5 May. She can be seen on the census returns of 1861 at Trevellion, Luxulyan with uncle John Courtney & family and 1871 at 1 Chapel Row, Falmouth with her grandmother & uncle Thomas Courtney & his daughter. This was the Jacob's Ladder pub, which is still there. Her grandmother was housekeeper for Uncle Thomas's household until her death in 1885. Meanwhile Victoria herself worked as a general servant for Thomas Trethewey, flour dealer, and can be seen with him & his family in the census of 1881 at Gilley Mills, Roche. In Apr 1882 she married Richard Mewton, but he died 3 years later & she married John George Stockman, who had just lost his wife aged 33 and one of his 4 children (at 13). She moved in with them at Canna, Luxulyan (Canna was a mine at Higher Menadew and they can be seen there in census returns of 1891 along with baby Herbert. Victoria had 7 children with John, and in 1901 5 of these are with them at Lockengate. One of his earlier children had emigrated, one married and the 2 others died, so in 1911 the census shows Victoria & John have 5 of their children with them and hire out a room to 2 of the boys - they have a separate census return form. John died in Apr 1930 & Victoria in Jan 1938."  2020 update: "One thing I have found which is new is that J G was admitted to the Insane Asylum on 28 Dec 1908 and discharged 26 Apr 1909 "recovered". I don't know anything about the condition, he had been a clay labourer and Sunday-school teacher when she married him 22 years before. Their son John Courtney Stockman was interesting. He fought in WW1 and earned 3 medals but was accidentally shot dead by a friend when culling rabbits in 1921 and J G had to testify in court (J C was 27). JG died in 1930, his death registered in the Bodmin area so was probably in Luxulyan. Victoria died in 1938 in the St Austell area." 1921 census shows John and Victoria at Lockingate with 2 sons and 2 daughters, also 2 grandchildren. John was 72y2m OAP, Victoria 63y2m Home Duties, sons Stanley and (Edwin) Percy Clay Labourers Out of Work and daughter Winifred 17y7m employed by "Madam Hawke" knitting factory in Newquay - see Louisa3 below. Also in the household that night were another daughter (Charlotte) Inez Giles and her 2 children, visiting. I had thought son John would be there, as his accident occurred the following month. However, it seems he was 27 and married, so appears separately. He was also a Clay worker Out of Work.

7th November 2022

Olive May Retallick - in 2017 I said: she "was born 12 Jun 1897 in Luxulyan to John & Mary née Toms. She can be seen in 1901 census aged 3 at Trenower, Roche with parents & sibs, then in 1911 at Stenalees. In Jul 1921 in St Austell, she married Joseph Henry Snell, who was in 1911 an errand boy but by 1939 Register was employed as a Stevedore at Fowey Docks. They can be seen at 14 Polvillion Road, Fowey and Joseph also worked as "ARP Warden, Rescue & Decontamination", which sounds useful but dangerous! They had two daughters, who on the Register are still closed files, so they may still be alive. Olive died aged 70 on 24 Jan 1968 in St Austell and was buried in Fowey Cemetery, Joseph joining her in Jan 1972 aged 76." I couldn't find her at first in 1921 census, as she wasn't with any members of her family. I have now tracked her down - just weeks before her marriage, working in Fowey as a domestic servant, at 19 Esplanade, called The Town House. These are very classy houses on a tightly-packed hillside residential street, even nowadays. After marriage they settled in Polvillion Road, Fowey, in 1920s at number 36 then later moved to number 14, which was still their home when they died in 1968 and 1972.

Percival Donald Retallick - see his father Hart below. He was one of the family still at home in 1921, then he married in 1943, Unfortunately I cannot track him down in 1939, so he may be out of the country. Tracing his electoral roll records, I can see he lived at Wisteria with his family until 1927, then by 1931 had moved around the corner to a turning off this road, where there are bungalows. He remained at that address after marriage and died there in 1986. Annie, his wife was servant before her marriage, and I can see her in 1939 in Teignmouth, where she grew up (although born in Worcester). She died just before him in Kingsteignton.

Ralph Clifton Retallick - in 2017 I said: he "was born Oct 1905 at Stenalees, St Austell to Woodman & Emmeline née Collins and christened on 16 Aug 1905 at Beam, Bugle by the Bodmin Bible Christian Circuit. He can be seen in 1911 census aged 5 with parents and his 4 brothers (2 sisters had died in infancy). Unfortunately, Ralph himself didn't make it to the next record, the 1939 Register, as he died in Oct 1937 aged 32. He was buried in Roche churchyard and later joined by his parents."  1921 census shows him still at Stenalees with his family, aged 16, employed as a clay labourer by Lovering & Co at Blue Barrow - part of the ECC Co. on merger - with his brother Frank - see Ernest below. As I said, he was only 32 when he died. I have searched local newspapers but cannot find anything to point to an accident.

Brother Raymond was there with him in 1921 census and was still there in 1939 Register. Then he married in 1948, still remaining at Stenalees until his own death in 1972, then his wife's in 1995, by which time she had moved to St Stephen's, a bungalow as she was 74.

Reginald Arthur Retallick - see Agar Alex below. The father of the family mistranscribed as Mitchell after using his middle name Arthur. Son Gordon was listed as Reginald here, so see him below under Gordon. Arthur & Henrietta remained at Jubilee Terrace until he died in 1957, then in 1968 when Henrietta died she was at 6 Berrycoombe Road.

5th November 2022

Myrtle Avanda Retallick - see her sister Augusta below. In 2017 I said: "Myrtle Avanda Retallick was born 26 Feb 1901 at Mount Pleasant, Roche to Frederick & Annie née Lobb and christened at home on 17 Mar 1902 by the Bodmin Bible Christian Circuit. On 8 May 1905 she was admitted to Lockingate Infant School, giving address of Savath. The 1939 Register shows her at home with her parents at Innisvath and husband-to-be Nugent is there with them. He was by then a Dairy Farmer, Heavy Worker (in 1911 census his father had called himself a "rabbit-trapper" by occupation!). I don't know if they had any children - I can't see any in birth records. Myrtle died on 9 Mar 1986 and was buried at Innis Chapel. Nugent (apparently known as Charlie, for some reason) was 6 years younger than her, and die was d on Christmas Day 1992. He was then buried with her at Innis. Originally, I couldn't find her in 1921 census, but have now found her via her father and can see that she was mistranscribed as "Myetle Avandas".

Norman Kenneth Retallick - In 2017 I said he "was born 4 May 1904 at Kingsteignton, Devon to Hart & Jane née Millar. He can be seen aged 6 in 1911 census at Wisteria House, Kingsteignton with parents and sibs, also his auntie Ellen Millar as Housekeeper. Oddly, he married Olive Binding from Taunton twice - once in Jul 1932 in Clutton, Somerset and then in Apr 1936 in Taunton. I'm not sure why, maybe they were renewing their vows, but you don't normally do that after only 4 years, do you? Again this was quite recent, so I cannot see any children. (The GRO birth Register search only extends to 1912). They certainly had no children in 1939 Register, where they can be seen at 63 Cedar Grove, Yeovil, Somerset. Norman was an Aircraft Fitter (an occupation I worked with a lot for some years!) and Olive UDD. She died in June 1987 aged 87 and Norman on 10 Sep 1989 at a 13 Park Lodge, Yeovil, a care home, leaving £100k." 2020 update: "I have filled in a few more details of what he did between age 6 and his marriages. On 8 Dec 1922 aged 18 he attested in Newton Abbott to the Territorial Force of the Royal Artillery for 4 years. He gave his occupation then as Motor Mechanic, so evidently learned the application of these skills to larger machinery in the services (by 1939 was an Aircraft Fitter if you remember). Next Of Kin at this point was his father, H Retallick of Wisteria, Kingsteignton, and Norman was discharged when his 4 years were up on 7 Dec 1926 as a Gunner. He evidently settled at 23 Woolaton Terrace, Kingsteignton until marriage, when he may well have moved to Yeovil (60 miles northeast)."  I think the address he lived at was the same place until he was married - Wisteria House, 23 Wollaton Terrace, Kingsteignton. Hus father didn't help me by addressing his sheet as "Wisteria, Kingsteignton" and he was transcribed as Harry, Norman was Kenneth and Cedric was Roy (their middle names). For details see Hart below.

Olive Millicent Retallick was also part of this family. She was the married daughter seen at the bottom of the page Hart completed, along with her husband Jonathan Buse and son Roy. Jonathan was a bricklayer employed by Frederick Brooking, a builder, in Kingsbridge (25 miles to the south) and Olive presumably took care of little Roy, who was 4. To build the story around her; In 2017 I said: she "was born Jan 1893 in Cockfield, Durham (reg. Teesdale) to Hart & Jane née Millar, sister of Norman. She can be seen in 1901 census at Fore Street, Kingsteignton with parents, sister & aunt Ellen. Her father was stationary engine-driver and mother ran a confectionary/bakery from home, assisted by boarder Edwin Godfrey. By 1911 they had moved to Wisteria House, away from the high street, and Jane had given up the bakery." 2020 update: "I lost track of her after 1911 but I see now that in Jan 1916 in Paddington, London she married Jonathan Ellery Buse (Ellery was his mother's maiden-name). A few years earlier he had been to Australia for a trip and obviously loved it so they went there for their honeymoon. I know this as son Roy George (or George Roy) was born there 9 months later. If they truly intended to stay, it wasn't long before they returned, Feb 1920. Jonathan's mother may have been ill, as she died in 1922, also the boy attended school in England. In Jul 1929 he had finished junior school and they set off again to Freemantle on the SS Bendigo, intending to stay in Australia. Jonathan was a bricklayer, so could presumably find work wherever they went but in Jan 1931 Olivia and George returned to England. This time Jonathan's father was ill and he died in the March. The family evidently settled back in Cornwall as in 1939 Register they were at Sandy Nook, Wadebridge, Jonathan a Mason, George a plumber, Olive UDD.The following year George married Dorothy Masters in Bodmin and died there aged 60 in 1977. Jonathan died at Wadebridge, still at Sandy Nook, on New Year's Day 1956 and was buried at St Menefreda's Churchyard. Olive followed 12 years later, address given as Penlee, Fernleigh Road, This address is gone now, but may have changed its name. It may have been a nursing home.

4th November 2022

Luke Retallick - see 2nd Oct below - In 2012 I said: he "was born in December 1849 at Livrean to Luke and Mary Ann nee Pascoe, and lived with them and brother William until he married in 1874. He worked as a China Clay Labourer, as did most people in the area, but after his marriage, Luke turned to working as a Packer on the railway, then an Agricultural Labourer in order to support his growing family. There were 14 children born, but only 7 survived childhood. By 1901 they can be seen living at Bugle, Luke listed as a Clay Merchant, Employer, working from home, with a servant. In 1911 they are living in Fair View, Bugle (a large house with 10 rooms, excluding bathroom - there are several terraced tenements on the site today) with 5 children, and when he died in 1929 he left effects worth £7400 to sons Reginald & Elison, clay merchants. In 1935 Ellen died, and she joined him in the cemetery with a handsome stone." In 2017: "I can add today that on 14 Aug 1871 he went out to America to visit brother William and his two children. I see that William & Isabella had been in England, visiting her family in the April, so Luke probably made arrangements then for a return trip. He married 3 years later and produced the dynasty I mentioned above." 1921 census, as I outlined for his daughter Lilian, shows him at Fore Street, Bugle, aged 71 with wife, son William and daughter Lilian. It seems he was still working as a clay agent. He was evidently a man of means; I have seen his will, where he outlined various properties he owned, with associated land, which he was leaving to his children and grandchildren. Also shares in West Gunheath China Clay Co., who were bought up by ECC in 1941 and subsequently Imerys in 1999. As far as I can see they are still going, the largest clay company in the world (as of July 2022)

Margery Honor Retallick - see 21st October below, where I mentioned her in the family mistranscribed as Mitchell. In 2017 I said: she "was born Apr 1913 at St Austell to Reginald & Henrietta née Carter. In Mar 1937 in St Austell she married farmer William Joseph Wherry and they had two children. 1939 Register shows them before they started their family, at Higher Penquite, St Austell, which I hadn't heard of but turns out to be 9 miles south east of Bugle, at Golant. Margery died aged 70 in Dec 1983 and William aged 79 on 11 Sep 1990 at Roselea, Indian Queens, St Columb Major, leaving "not exceeding £115k". As I said, 1921 census shows her with her parents and siblings at Fore Street, Bugle, youngest child aged 8 at school (as Honor).

Marina Retallick - in 2017 I said: she "was born Jul 1862 at Trescoll, Luxulyan to William & Ann née Courtney and christened on 29 Mar 1863 in Luxulyan... In 1871 she was aged 8 at Gillys with parents & sibs and in 1881 aged 18 in household of Richard Vercoe (maybe a relative of Luke Junior's wife Ellen, although I cannot find a link), Silk Mercer & Draper, in Fore Street, Bodmin, working as a general servant, her sister Alma also. In Dec 1890 in Bodmin she married Robert Bray, a carpenter apprenticed to his father, who interestingly was also an attendant at the Bodmin Mental Asylum (although he was retired by the time Lavinia was there). They had 5 children over nine years and can be seen with them in 1891-1911 in St Leonards, Bodmin, at Town End. By 1939 Register, there were only 3 remaining in the household and Robert was long retired, so they had downsized by moving across the road into a much smaller cottage, number 22. Mabel remained with them, looking after her parents (in their late 70s) and taking in dressmaking. Marina died aged 87 & was buried on 29 Mar 1950 in Bodmin Old Cemetery, followed two years later by Robert, leaving £980 to daughters Mabel & Lucy." 1921 census showed them still at St Leonards, with 2 daughters Mabel & Lucy. Robert was 58y4m, a carpenter employed by C F Ham, builder of Pool Street, Bodmin. Marina 58y7m Home Duties, Mabel 29y11m dressmaker and Lucy 27y7m working for Webster & Son, tailors in Fore Street, Bodmin.

Mary Retallick 1 - in 2012 I said: "she & her family travelled about England quite a bit. She was born to Charles & Mary nee Hodgson in Apr 1898 in Darlington, Durham, & her parents had moved there from Marrick, Yorkshire, where her mother originated, in the years just prior to her birth, as her 2 siblings were both from Yorks. Unfortunately her mother died at or just after her birth & the rest of the family moved in with Charles's parents in Devon. Her grandfather died there in 1913, grandmother in 1918 & her hather on 1944. Mary never married & remained in Newton Abbot until she died there in 1970. In 2017: "She can be seen in census of 1901 aged 2 at Hannaford Estate, Widdecombe-on-the-Moor, Devon with grandparents, father, sibs & servant, then in 1911 with same at Higher Putsham, Buckland. She never married and presumably nursed her grandparents, father & brother at home. I have told of 1939 Register - see "Charles 1" & "John 12" 11 Sandygate, Newton Abbot. She died aged 72 alone in Newton Abbot (possibly the same house) in Apr 1970. 1921 census again provides a snapshot of the family and I have already dealt with her father Charles (Engine Driver) and brother John (the one described as "feeble-minded") - see 25th October below. She performed Home Duties, at the time 23.

2nd November 2022

Lilian Maud Retallick - In 2017 I said: she"was born Dec 1888 at Levrean Bridge, St Austell to Luke & Ellen née Vercoe and christened on 22 Apr 1889 at Treverbyn (brother Frederick had been buried aged one year on 9 Apr). She can be seen in censuses of 1891 at Livrean, 1901 & 1911 in Bugle, with parents & sibs. In Oct 1935 in Devonport, Devon she married Francis P Couch, a State-Registered Mental Nurse, and can be seen with him on 1939 Register at 33 Forest Avenue, Plymouth. As she was 47 at marriage it is no surprise that they had no children. She died there aged 57 in Oct 1945 and Francis followed 12 years later. At that time he still lived at the house above, but died at Freedom Fields Hospital, Plymouth, leaving effects worth £1293 to his brother Harry, house decorator." 1921 census fits in there, showing her at Fore Street, St Austell with her parents and brother William. She was 32y9m, still single and helping mother with Home Duties. Both father and brother worked in the China Clay industry - more later. She didn't marry until 1935, when both parents had died. I don't know if this was because they objected or that she met her husband in the process, he being a nurse. This is of great interest to me, as in 1921 census Francis can be seen at Bethlem Hospital, Lambeth, which was just up the road from my grandparents' flat and soon to become the Imperial War Museum. Francis had previously been an insurance agent but evidently wanted to help the mentally ill, which this hospital specialised in. It seems he studied there 1918-22, then returned to the West Country and registered as a Mental Nurse in 1923, giving home address in St Tudy, where he was born. I was confused several times by entries for his father, also Francis Parkyn Crouch, but he was a carpenter/wheelwright, had several children and remained in Cornwall all his life.

Louisa Retallick - In 2017 I said: she "was born Oct 1875 in Roche to Allivyan & Mary née Liddicoat after a previous incarnation of the same name was buried on 4 Nov 1870 aged 1 year 8 months. She can be seen on censuses of 1881 & 1891 at Rosemelling Moor, Roche with parents & sister (Liddicoats next door). In Oct 1897 at Roche church she married Joseph Hosking, CCL from St Columb and moved in next door to her parents, where they can be seen in 1901 census. They had no children and by 1911 were living at Penstraze Villa, Victoria, Roche with Joseph's uncle, a retired tinner, and a servant. In 1939 Register they were at West End, Roche, Joseph now retired (he was 70) and he died in 1946 aged 77, Louisa following on 3 May 1960 aged 84 at Providence House, Carthew, leaving £427 to a solicitor." 2020 update: I cannot locate her marriage; I thought it was in Roche but wasn't. One of the other villages around maybe, as it was registered in the St Austell district. When Joseph died in 1946 he was buried in the Parish Council Cemetery in Roche, and Louisa followed him 14 years later. The memorial inscription reads:In loving memory of Joseph beloved husband of Louisa Hosking, died 18 Oct 1946 aged 77 years. Also of the above named Louisa Hosking, died 3 May 1960 aged 84 years." 1921 census shows them at Clayton, Higher Tresaize, Roche (which may be the same area as in 1939, with a name change). Joseph was aged 51y4m, still working in 1921 as a Clay labourer at Great Wheal Prosper China Clay Works, and Louisa 45y9m Home Duties.

"Louisa Retallick3" - In 2017 I said: she "was born 14 Mar 1870 at Gillys, Luxulyan to William & Ann née Courtney and christened at Luxulyan on 31 Jul 1870
She can be seen in censuses of 1871 at Gillys, 1881 & 1891 at Innisvath with parents & sibs. I have seen her admission document to Lockingate Infant School dated 3 Jul 1882. In Apr 1893 at the same church she married Richard Hicks, CCL, and settled with him at Netley (after the first child Lily was born in Luxulyan), which is I understand, the southern end of Bugle. They had 8 children, but two girls died in infancy. By 1939 Register they had moved half a mile up the road and can be seen at 3 New Street, Bugle with son Percy (also a CCL) & his wife. I must admit I was surprised to see them there, as I had her dying in 1937, and he was listed as "Dick Hicks", so led me astray for a while. I now see she died in Sep 1949 aged 79, and now I know to look for Dick Hicks, I found he died at New Street (above) on 14 May 1951, leaving effects worth £785 to son Leonard Courtney Hicks, transport manager." 1921 census shows her at New Street, Bugle (as 1939) with husband and 4 children, also family of one daughter. Richard is listed as 28y10m old, Road Stone Quarryman, working for Cornwall County Council at Tresaize, Percy 21 was a Clay Labourer employed by ECC Co. but currently Out of Work. Evelyn 19y11m was a Wool Hand in a Knitting Factory in Newquay, employed by a Madam Hawke. This name crops up many times, associated with this family, variously spelled Hawke, Hawken and Hawkey, but the mention of Newquay leads me to suspect this is the mother (?) of William, who I mentioned yesterday, marrying Louisa's niece Joyce. Son Owen 14y11m was a Felspar Quarryman at Tresaize and his sister Lillie 27 performed Home Duties with Louisa. Her husband Charles Sobey was with them, described as a "Sentinel Waggon Driver", and baby daughter Muriel aged 4m.

1st November 2022

John Courtney Retallick - see Agar on 21st October and Gordon 29th October below

John Robert Smith Retallick - In 2012 I said: he "was one of the rare Retallicks not born & bred in Cornwall. He was born 3 Apr 1895 in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire to Adam & Sarah nee Smith. He can be seen aged 5 with them and 2 brothers in 1901 at 4 Marton, then in 1911 at 20 Quebec Street, Ulverston aged 16. From 1910-1913 he was an apprentice at TF Tyson, stone mason and in 1913 lived at 16 Upper Brook Street, Ulverston, when he was called up to serve in WW1. In 1915 he served in France in the Westmoreland & Cumberland Yeomanry & gained 3 medals for this. In Apr 1928 he married Edith Emily Jessop, settled in Lancaster and had 3 children. In 1972-84 he lived at 35 Toll Bar Crescent, Lancaster. Edith died in 1974 and John in 1987, both in Lancaster." In 2017: "1939 Register shows him at 3 Beaumont Terrace, Lancaster with Edith & Muriel. He was listed as Stone Mason, as expected, Edith UDD & Muriel at school. There are 2 files still closed, probably relating to Robert & Ronald, as Muriel died in 2008 and I cannot see that they have yet. Also in the household were Charles & Susan Jessop (Edith's parents) and son Frank. Charles was a dentist and Frank a Silk Sizer. John died 10 Jan 1987, while living at The Chestnuts, Bolton-le-Sands, leaving £53,959."  2020 update: "new information being his service number 2094, enlistment date 1 Feb 1913 and discharge 5 Oct 2016, with 3 medals and a silver war badge... I discovered today that JRS married twice! I hadn't noticed that when he was discharged from the army in 1917, he went home to Ulverston to recover from "sickness" then the following year he was married there to Ethel Lane, daughter of an ironworks labourer who died when she was 12, listed in 1911 aged 15 as a papermill hand. They had one son John George but Ethel died in 1926 aged only 30. JRS remarried two years later and the rest you know." Now I can add one more "snapshot" to the album! He can be seen in 1921 census at 17 Casson Street, Ulverston with first wife Ethel and little son John George. John was 26y2m old, a mason employed by William Gardner & Co of Ulverston, Ethel 25y2m performing Home Duties and John George was 3y5m. Ethel died 5 years later, I would guess from some childbirth issue, as that was often the case for married ladies aged 30.

Joyce Elaine Retallick - daughter of John Courtney above, a "new" discovery, see Agar below. She was born 17 May 1916 in Stenalees to John and Mary nee Toms, so was 5y1m old when she appeared on 1921 census with them at Stenalees, attending school. In Oct 1928 at St Peter's Church, Treverbyn, she married William Harold Hawkey of Newquay, where they remained, as far as I can see, until he died in 1999 and she in 2010. In 1939 the Register shows them at 84 Lower Road, Newquay, William a "Garage & Coach Proprietor" and Joyce UDD.

Lilian Retallick In 2012 I said: "She was born to Christopher & Mary nee Lutey in Jan 1890 & travelled with them to Australia on the SS Jumna. After the death of her 3 siblings they returned & she can be seen with them on the 1911 census, living at the Chippie in Millom with little brother Harry & 2 servants. In Oct 1916 she married local lad James Henry Edwards in Bootle, Cumberland & had 4 children there. Unfortunately she died aged 47 - at 75 Wellington Street, Millom literally around the corner from the chippie - when her youngest was only 8 years old. James may have married Mary Campbell in Bootle in 1939, but as usual without buying the certificate I cannot be sure." In 2017: "Lilian Retallick was born Jan 1890 in Withiel to Christopher & Mary née Lutey and can be seen there in 1891 census aged 1 at Bridgemans House with grandmother, parents, uncles & cousin. 7 weeks later they set sail for Australia, arriving in Brisbane on 20 Jul 1891 and remaining there for some years. I cannot track down the return journey, but the family were back on English soil for the birth of her brother Harry in 1903. 1911 census shows them settled in Millom, at 46/48 Queen Street, the fish & chip shop, and Lilian can be seen aged 21 with parents, brother & two servants. In Oct 1916 in the Bootle area (probably Millom) she married James Henry Edwards from Whitehaven, Cumbria. He was originally an iron miner and set off in 1923 to investigate America while Lilian brought a third daughter into the world. In 1929 she had a fourth child, this time a boy and almost immediately set off to Michigan, where James had a job as an "auto worker at auto factory". The following year 1930 census found them at 504 Begole Street, Flint, Michigan.However, I suspect Lilian was unhappy there, or unwell, as she returned to Millom in the 1930s and died there on 26 Jun 1937 at 75 Wellington Street, leaving £654 to brothers Wilfred & Thomas Kantenwein (don't know them)." I can see her in 1921 census with James and two daughters, at 75 Wellington Street, Millom, James listed as a "fish dealer shop keeper". This is next door to the Chippie, so may have provided the fish to fry. Lilian (Lillie) on Home Duties and the two girls 3 and 1 year old.

31st October 2022

James John Retallick In 2012 I said: he "was born in 1858 in Roche, to John & Mary Jane, elder brother of Elfrida, Charles & Hart. He can be seen in 1861 with parents & sister at Chellbrooke, Roche, then by 1871 they have moved to Exeter Road, Bickington, Devon, where his father is listed as mining at an umber works & he too mines, aged 13. In 1881 he can be seen boarding in King Street, Dalton-in-Furness, Lancs a mining engine driver. If this sounds familiar it is because 10 years later in the 1891 census his 1st cousin Adam Francis Retallick is boarding in the same town, doing the same job (see entry for 29th July). But by then James has returned to Devon, to help his father on the farm at Lower Hannaford, Widecombe-in-the-moor. He was married there in Oct 1898 to Jane Cock, also from Cornwall, and they had 3 children. They settled in Station Road, Bovey Tracey, and are seen there in 1901 & 1911 censuses. James was listed as "Agent to a Coal Merchant (Delivery)" and in 1911 had a servant. When he died on 7 Apr 1925 at Westerbrook Farm, Ilsington, he left effects worth £305 to his widow Jane, but son Alfred was running the farm in 1930 (Kelly's Directory) until his death in 1960." In 2017: "1939 Register shows his widow Jane at Eleric House (could be Electric going by Frederick's job), Gestridge Road, Newton Abbot with son Frederick and his wife Vera. Frederick worked as "District Rep Electricity Supply" and there was also a closed file, probably their daughter Iris, who was 6 years old. Jane died there in 1954 aged 84." 2020 update: "I have now located his baptism; he was baptised at the Zoar Chapel by the Luxulyan Bible Christians on 1 Dec 1857. The other new records are directory entries from 1902, Coal Agent at Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, then 1914-1923 where he was farming at Westerbrook Farm, where he died."  1921 census finds them at Westerbrook, Ilsington - see 22nd October below, where I covered him in fair detail.

"John Retallick12" - see his father Charles 25th October below. John was the one described as "feeble-minded". There was a lot of concern around this time regarding mental incapacities of children, and Winston Churchill was involved in it. The Education Act was published in 1921 in order to define them, so it was central to public consciousness at the time of the census. The definition published that year was "Feeble-minded children are defined in the Mental Deficiency Act as persons ' in whose cases there exists mental defectiveness which, though not amounting to imbecility, is yet so pronounced that they appear to be permanently incapable, by reason of such defectiveness, of receiving proper benefit from the instruction in ordinary schools." (prior to this they had at times been considered dangerous). At 28, John was obviously beyond school age, but he was evidently not expected to earn himself a living. I'm not sure what happened to him but he may have been taken care of by his unmarried sister Mary and/or his father Charles, who left over £1000 to Mary but John died almost immediately after.

30th October 2022

Gordon Edmund Luke Retallick - was known on 1921 census as "Baby" so see 27th October below under Elison.

Gordon Reginald Retallick - in 2012 I said: he "was born on 11 May 1906 in St Austell, son of Reginald & Henrietta nee Carter, brother to Agar, with whom he can be seen in 1911 census at Jubilee Terrace, Bugle. In Jul 1932 at Bodmin, he married Dorothy Myrtle P Stevens, with whom he had one daughter Pamela. He died in Jan 1980 in Bodmin, as did Dorothy in 1990." In 2017: "1939 Register was taken when they had been married 7 years and Pamela was 3 years old. They can be seen at 18a Lower Bore Street, Bodmin and he was working as a Male Mental Nurse, possibly in the prison. According to the 1950 Nursing Register, he qualified in 1931 and now lived at 9 Vivian Road, Westheath, Bodmin. this is just around the corner from Bodmin Hospital Treatment Centre, where he no doubt worked, as this has a strong mental health link, or did until recently, as it is about to close, due to a "requires improvement" decision during last year's inspection. He died in Jan 1980 and was buried in Bodmin, joined in 1990 by Dorothy." For 1921 census details see Agar Alex 21st October below as he was one of the family erroneously transcribed as Mitchell. The other detail not included was that in 1957 his father left him £1900, and he was again listed as a "male nurse". [Further to mention of Bodmin Hospital closure, it did, but some services have been retained due to the impracticability of removing them. As in lots of NHS facilities nowadays, it is a shadow of its former self but, among other things, provides vaccination clinics etc.]

Guy Wallace Retallick - see Constance Beryl on 26th October below - did not live until 1921 but his wife and daughters were there. Louie remarried in 1924, so appears in 1939 Register as Mrs Johns.

Harry Retallick - see Christopher 25th October below. In 1921 he was with his parents at/next door to the Chippie in Millom. I have had to amend the details re his father's marriages. Another genealogist pointed out that Christopher married twice, both times to Marys, and only the first two children belonged to Mary nee Richards Lutey, who died in Australia. He married Mary Woon from Roche in Queensland and had a further three children with her (including Harry). Incidentally, Harry went on to marry a Mary too, just to further confuse... In 2017 I said: he " was born 4 Feb 1903 in Millom, Cumberland to "Christopher 5" & Mary née Lutey and grew up in the Fish & Chip shop. He can be seen there in 1911 census with parents, sister & 2 servants. In Jul 1927, when his father died and left him a portion of £2470 he was an ironmonger and his premises was listed in 1936 as 14 Station Road, Portslade-on-sea, Sussex [now a chicken takeaway] and remained until at least 1954. In Jul 1930 in Bootle, Lancs he married Mary Amelia Leila Olds (known as Leila as her mother was Mary Amelia too) and they had 5 children. They originally lived in Penzance, Cornwall but soon moved to Sussex, where 1939 Register showed Harry & Leila with Eileen, 21 months old, but I don't know where Ian & Michael were, as they would have been 7 and 2 respectively. They had both been born in Penzance, and appeared to stay in the area, marrying local girls and raising families of their own, and the same applied to Geoffrey and Evelyn who followed. They retired in 1968, when Harry reached 65, to a bungalow at 43 Downsway, Southwick, where Leila died 17 Dec 1975 aged 68 and Harry followed on 7 Dec 1986 aged 83. He left £108, 909, presumably including the bungalow."

Hart Retallick - in 2012 I said he "was born in Oct 1866 in Roche, but the family moved to Devon very soon after, and he can be seen in Exeter Road, Bickington, Devon with parents, sibs and grandmother, in 1871 at Adelaide Cottage, then in 1881 next door at Princess Cottage. In 1891 they have moved to Lower Hannaford, Widecombe-in-the-moor and Hart is helping on his father's farm, before marrying Jane Millar from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, who had been working as a servant nearby. They had a total of 7 children, although one died in infancy, and settled in Fore Street Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, Devon, in a house between a school and a "reading room" ie library. Hart was evidently an engineer, as he was in 1901 listed as "stationary engine driver" and in 1911 as a "machinist fitter in the Potteries", Jane ran her own bakery/confectionery business, and her sister Ellen lived with them as housekeeper. She died in 1945 and Hart in 1956, at 82 Chudleigh Road, Kingsteignton, leaving £1584 in effects to their eldest son Percival." In 2017 I said: "Using the search method on the GRO site, I have confirmed all eight births of their children, the first Olive in Teesdale, then the other seven in Newton Abbot, Devon. So evidently Jane had her firstborn at her parents' home although the family were already in Devon the year before for the census. In 1939 Register the family can be seen at 82 Chudleigh Road, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, (which is the address at which they both died) Hart listed as Engine Fitter, Jane UDD, Percival Petrol Salesman, Roy (Cedric) "Balar Salesman" (I don't know what this was/is and Google can only suggest a kind of Indian jewellery) and Eunice Incapacitated. I have found Olive, living in Newton Abbot with her future in-laws and I have found Jane's funeral in the local paper 6 years later. Hart died there on 5 Feb 1956." Again 1921 census fills a gap and the family can be seen at a large property called Wisteria in Kingsteignton (Chudleigh Road, so probably where they stayed). Hart was difficult to find originally, as he had been mistranscribed as Harry, but Jane is clear enough and they can be seen as 55 and 54, he an engine fitter for Watts, Blake & Bearne Ltd (see his brother Charles 24th October below) at Preston Clay Works, Jane Home Duties. Also there were 3 sons and 2 daughters; 19 year old Percival, general labourer for a local timber merchant, 17 year old Kenneth, horseman for the same, Roy aged 8 at school, and daughter Eunice 11 likewise. Also in the household were daughter Olive and her husband (bricklayer George Buse) and their son Roy (aged 4 born in Australia) and an adopted 5 year old son Lenny MacAlastair.

29th October 2022

Francis Arthur Retallick - see yesterday, as Frank was Ernest's brother and I covered him then.

Frederick Guy Retallick - see Augusta on 24th October below. Frederick was her father and I covered him then.

Frederick Maunder Retallick - I said in 2012: "he was born 9 Sep 1890 at Levrean and christened on 21 Oct at Treverbyn. He can be seen with the family at Bugle in censuses of 1891. 1901 & 1911, when he is listed as a China Clay Labourer, like so many were. On 7 Jun 1915 he arrived in New York from Liverpool on the St Louis and on 21 Feb 1918 signed up to the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, to take part in WW1. However, it was very soon over & he was back in England to marry Ann Whitwam in her home town of Golcar near Wakefield, Yorkshire on 20 Dec 1919 at the United Methodist Church. It appears they settled in Cornwall & only had one child, Frank. Frederick died on 17 Feb 1953 at St Austell, leaving effects worth £1121 to Ann. She died in Truro in 1971."  In 2017: 1939 Register shows him at Fairview Terrace, Bugle with wife Ann and 3 school children, one his son Frank, one a Richard Green and one who I cannot place,as the file is still closed, but it looks like a female who married in 1943 (little red additions but no detail visible). I have searched, but cannot find a daughter." 2020 update:" his wartime schedule:21 Feb 1918 enlisted 1st battalion WOR8 Mar 1918 transferred to Machine Gun Depot Toronto4 Aug 1918 travelled Halifax NS to Liverpool (arrived 15 Aug)9 Nov 1918 to France16 May 1919 back to England23 May 1919 discharged19 Jun 1919 medical on demobHe may have been stationed in Yorkshire, met and married Ann there, Canadian documents only state "England". After marriage in Yorkshire, they may well have returned to Cornwall to resume his job in the China Clay industry. Son Frank was born there in 1926." Fortunately, 1921 census answers this query, as he can be seen at Fair View Terrace, Bugle (as FM aged 30y9m) with wife Ann (29y11m) and a visitor I now see is her younger sister Nora (24y6m). Frederick worked as a Foreman for West Gunheath Clay Co. at the Cocksbarrow mine and the ladies Home Duties.

Gordon Courtney Retallick - see 21st October below. He was born 25 Aug 1900 in Roche to John and Mary, can be seen on 1901 and 1911 censuses with them and various siblings, at Stenalees. It isn't a surprise to find him still there in 1921 likewise. Unfortunately, he set off for Canada not long afterwards, then died there aged 23. Outward journey was on the "Metagama" of the Canadian Pacific Railway on 20 Apr 1922, arriving some weeks later in Quebec. He died on 18 Sep 1923 of encephalitis and was buried at Windsor, Essex,Ontario. His job was described as "automobile checker".

28th October 2022

Ernest Retallick - in 2012: he "was born in Jan 1908 in Roche, to Woodman & Emmeline nee Collins. In 1911 he can be seen aged 3 at Stenalees with parents & brothers. In 1930 he travelled to New York on board the Majestic and can be seen on the census a day or so later rooming with a Henry Collins (may be a relative of his mother) in Gayland Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, listed as a Clayworker at Quarries. I cannot see him on 1940 census, but this is not complete yet anyway. However, the only record I can see is a death in Apr 1974 in St Austell." in 2020 I said: "He must have returned to UK around 1933 as I have found him, marrying Phyllis M Kent in St Austell in Apr 1935 then in 1939 Register at 16 Grove Road, St Austell (the address where he died 35 years later). Ernest is listed as Chinaclay Kilnsman (Heavy Work) and Phyllis UDD. There is also a closed file, which I think is daughter Jennifer, who was 4. Ernest died in 1974 and I have located the gravestone ... where Phyllis joined him 22 years later. Incidentally, Ernest, Phyllis and daughter Eryl died at 16 Grove Road over a 43 year period. Jennifer married and may well be still alive, albeit in her mid-80s." 1921 census found him at Stenalees with his parents and 5 siblings, a few years before he set off for America. I shall be returning to this record several times I think. It shows his parents Woodman 47y2m, a tin dresser, and Emmeline 42y2m, on Home Duties, with their sons Frank 20y10m, Ralph 16 and Raymond 15, who worked as clay labourers. Ernest was 13y6m and attended school full-time, along with his brother Hugh 11y2m and sister Verna 6y6m.

Eulalia Ellen Retallick - in 2012 I said: "she was born in the October Quarter of 1854 in Broad Lane, Roche & christened there on Christmas Day. She can be seen at Broad Lane with parents and sister Annie in censuses of 1861 & 1871, then from 1881 she is employed as a housemaid in several classy establishments:
in London and Brighton. In 1911 she is listed in Peckham, London (coincidentally, where I grew up!) with her sister & family, as a shopkeeper and this is where she died in 1933. [Blakes Road - there are now modern flats on the site & it is where Damilola Taylor was killed.....]. 2020 update: As she never married, the only document is electoral roll of 1912, showing she was the only one at 16 Blakes Road, Peckham with a vote.. So rather than lodging with her sister and family, as I thought, it looks as though she owned the property and rented it out to the Kents. Looking more closely at the 1911 census, she was a shopkeeper who worked on her "own account" at home, so 16 Blakes Road was a shop. Neighbours either side were greengrocer and shoe-repairer, both working from home, but I can't find old pictures. As I said, the road is now full of modern flats. She died there aged 78 and was buried 30 Jun 1933 in Nunhead Cemetery." 1921 census was elusive, as I had found Anna Maria - see 24th October below - at 18 Blakes Road still, but I have just learned a valuable lesson in that Eulalia had completed a separate sheet, so did not appear on that of her sister. By then she was 66 and retired from the shop. Actually, looking at the neighbours' occupations, it seems that most had ceased to be shops - number 8 was a shop, number 10 a Grocer, number 12 a Hairdresser and 14 a Greengrocer, number 22 was a "Ladies Tailor" but others just households. As I said before, the area was rebuilt at some point but I cannot find a date for this.

Ewart Balthazar Walter Retallick - 2012: "Ewart Balthazar Walter Retallick was born in Jul 1898 in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire to Adam & Sarah nee Smith, and can be seen there at 4 Marton in the 1901 census aged 2 with parents, brother & grandmother Agnes Smith. In 1911 he is aged 12 at 20 Quebec Street, Ulverston with parents & brothers and gives the address of 16 Upper Brook Street, Ulverston on his WW1 pension record in 1916, occupation Clerk. He was in the King's Own Regiment, the Royal Lancashire, and was awarded 2 medals. There is a record of him in 1923 arriving in Liverpool on board the Oroya, from Valparaiso, Chile, where he is listed as an accountant. The only death record I can find with this name is in Jan 1969 in Havering, London." 2017: "I have now seen the trip out from Liverpool to Antofagasta, Chile, departing on 22 Dec 1921. He was again listed as accountant, and gave his home address as 79 Reginald Terrace, Leeds.He had his own business at 30 Cheapside, Preston (1921 Directory) [now Nando's].1939 Register shows him as one of four "households" at 233 Hyde Park Road, Leeds, working as a Local Government Officer, still single". 2020: "He joined the King's Own Royal Lancashire Regiment on 7 Aug 1916, service number 33504, aged 18, served in UK then France (5 months), received Gun Shot Wounds to the left arm and was discharged on 6 Sep 1918 with pension and medals, including silver war badge."  1921 census fits in between WW1 and his trip to Chile. Unfortunately I cannot track him down at home with his family or anywhere within commuting distance of his business. So I must assume he was elsewhere at the time of the census, or  the subject of an error. In December of that year he left for Chile but 1921 census address search in Reginald Terrace has nobody with a name remotely like his - and I did search the neighbours too!
27th October 2022

Elison Gordon Retallick - in 2012 I said: he "was born on 3 Apr 1896 at Livrean, St Austell, to Luke & Ellen nee Vercoe, and lived at Fair View, Bugle with them & sibs in 1901 & 1911 censuses. He then travelled from Liverpool to New York, landing on 7 Jun 1915, with brothers Frederick & Drew (William), all clay agents, on board the St Louis (the same ship Arthur Stanley Manhire sailed out on 8 years previously. Elison was drafted into the army in WW1 at Macomb, New Baltimore, Michigan, but returned to Cornwall in 1919 on SS Adriatic. In Jan 1921 he married local girl Louisa Doris Sweet at St Austell, they had 3 children & Elison died on 1 Jan 1966 in a caravan park in the New Forest (they lived there, I think) aged 70 and left £1675 to Louisa. She died 4 years later, in Herefordshire." Updated in 2017: "1939 Register found him at Fairview House, Bugle, working as Merchandise Manager & Clerk of China Clay Works. Louisa was UDD and also in the house were her parents and 18-year-old son Gordon, an apprenticed Carpenter, maybe to his grandfather, who was a carpenter and two closed files, no doubt Phyllis and Elison Junior." The 1921 census showed the same group of people and Elison & Louisa were not long married, with baby Gordon only 2 weeks old. (Lilian's mother and father died in 1946 and 1950 respectively.) If it was the same house in 1921 and 1939 the name changed from Whitethorn to Fairview, or of course it may be a different property just very close by. In 1921 there were Edmund (Carpenter Joiner) and Lilian Sweet (HD), their son Stanley 16y11m (apprentice builder) along with Elison, Louisa and "Baby". Elison was book-keeper for Luke Retallick and Sons, Bugle - his father's company and Louisa Home Duties. Evidently son Gordon didn't yet have a name, and I cannot locate a baptism record so don't know when he acquired one. He was registered as Gordon E L in the Jul-Sep quarter of 1921, the middle names being those of his grandfathers. In 1939 he gave his exact date of birth as 5 June.

Elizabeth Ann Retallick - 2017: "She was christened on 24 Nov 1842 in Bodmin and can be seen in census of 1851 aged 9 at Broad Lane, Roche with parents, sister & 3 lodgers. In 1851 she was 18 and can be seen at 87 Union Street, Plymouth, Devon, house servant to a Linen & Wool Draper (her sister Catherine was dressmaker there too). On 25 Jan 1866 in Roche she married Edwin Knight, tin mine agent. Over then next few decades they can be seen at various addresses in Roche with their 2 children until 1911, when Catherine, now widowed, can be seen visiting. Edwin died a few weeks later and was no doubt buried in Roche, Elizabeth joining him there 14 years later." 1921 census shows her living at Woon with son Edwin and his wife, when she was 78y7m widow and her son a labourer employed by ECC.

Emily Ann Retallick - 2012: she "was born on 6 Jan 1883 in Roche to Allivyan & Mary nee Liddicoat, and christened there on 13 March. In 1891 she is at Rosemellyn Moor, Roche with parents & 3 sisters, next door to Liddicoat grandparents & still there in 1901. In Apr 1903 she married Joseph Sandercock & in 1911 can be seen at Curyan Road, Nanpean with son Reginald. He was the only survivor of 4 boys, the other 3 all died in infancy. Joseph died in 1934 & Emily in 1973 in St Austell." Update in 2017: "Trying to track down the children who died, using the new (to me) search facility on the GRO site led me to nothing. Emily stated she had lost 3 children before 1911, and others researching this tree suggested 3 boys Horace, John & Robert. But they were all registered in Stratton, near Bude, all with different mother's maiden names. This leads me to conclude the children she referred to were miscarriages/stillbirths, unregistered because they didn't breathe. Sad, but no help to me. Reginald was registered in St Austell Jul 1904, married a girl from Truro & settled there. There was a daughter Thora born in 1913, she married a clayworks carpenter William Endean and they can be seen in St Austell in 1939 Register. Emily Ann evidently used her experience with childbirth, as in the Register she is described as a widowed Midwife, living at Chytane Farm, St Austell. She died Jul 1973 aged 90." 2020 update:  "I didn't say anything about her husband Joseph Sandercock. He was born in the Luxulyan area, address on baptism given as Rosevean to John & Elizabeth Jane, baptised in Treverbyn on 16 Jun 1878 and grew up in Luxulyan, in a house called Minorca, attending Lockingate Infant School. They married in Apr 1903 in the St Austell area. He died on 21 Mar 1934, was buried in St Stephen in Brannel churchyard, where the inscription says: In memory of Joseph Sandercock beloved husband of Emily died 21st Mar 1934 aged 56 years. Also Emily died 18th Aug 1973" So in 2021 she can be seen at home in St Stephen-in-Brannel with her two remaining children. See 23rd October below, as she and her husband Joseph were the mason and family with whom Allivyan was boarding. Both Joseph 44y9m and son Reginald 17y1m worked for ECC. Daughter Thora was 8 and at school.

26th October 2022

Constance Beryl Retallick - in 2017 I said she "was born Sep 1910 in Bugle to Guy & Louie May née Tonkin and can be seen in 1911 census with them there, aged 7 months. 1939 Register shows her living in Fore Street, Bugle with her mother, who was now remarried and Constance was a Shop Assistant. In Apr 1940 she married Leslie Rosevear, local bus conductor, but died 3 years later, with no children. In Jan 1945 Leslie remarried." Then in 2020 updated:  "I have a few details to add...I see that her father died in 1916 when she was 5, and her mother remarried in 1924, when she was 13. I mentioned her husband was a bus conductor, but not that he worked on National Buses. He may well have been involved in evacuating children out to the West Country.After Constance died (probably of childbirth problems) he married Frances Chapman in 1945 St Austell. She was still alive in 2010 (latest records), still living in the area, but as her 1939 file is clear (not redacted) she must have died since. Leslie died in 1966." 1921 census shows her aged 10 with mother and sister in Fore Street, Bugle (as they were still in 1939 Register). In 1921 her mother was 36y9m, a widow who kept house (Home Duties) and the girls were both at school; Con was 10y10m and Eleanor 8y11m.

Cyrus Retallick - see 20th October below.

Daniel Retallick - see same, although he was in the Army, so did not appear on 1921 census

Donald Retallick - see 21st October below. As I said, the entire family was elusive due to mis-transcription. He was 11y8m and at school.

Edgar Retallick - see 20th October below

Eleanor Ruth Retallick - see her sister Constance above

25th October 2022

Catherine Retallick - in 2012 I said: she" was born in Jan 1840 in Roche to John & Charlotte nee Edyvean. She can be seen in census records of 1841 and 1851 in Broad Lane, Roche with parents & lodgers. 1861 sees her living at 87 Union Street, Plymouth a servant in the household of a linen & wool draper [now a rather run-down takeaway, unfortunately]. On 8 Dec 1864 she married John Borlace Hawke, and in 1871 they are living in Rock Cottage, In 1881 they are at Trebilcock Farm [now a substantial modern bungalow], then in 1889 John died and in 1891 Catherine is at Parkwoon, with 2 children and a lodger, listed as a Sewing Woman. By 1901 she is living in London, as a cook to a retired doctor (with 2 housemaids), admitting to 54 but really 61. She managed to retire back to Cornwall before she died in 1906." In 2017 I updated this:I " have since discovered she did (as I suggested) return to Cornwall in her later years, and can be seen in 1911 census staying with her sister Elizabeth (who married Edwin Knight), then retiring to Plymouth, where she died 14 Dec 1922 aged 82, leaving £28 to daughter Emily, now Mewton. Another interesting detail was on her marriage certificate, one of the witnesses was Edwin Knight, her brother-in-law." So again 1921 census fills a gap, and I can report where she was the year before she died; with her daughter Emily and her husband Thomas Mewton at 14 Craybourne Avenue, Plymouth. Catherine was by then 81y4m, with "no occupation", Thomas 45y6m and working for the Admiralty as an electrical fitter in the docks at Devonport, Emily 45y4m Home Duties.

Charles Retallick - in 2012 I said: he "was born in the July quarter of 1863 in Roche to John & Mary Jane and christened there on 8 Dec 1863. He lived with his parents, brother & sister in Exeter Road, Bickington, Devon, in 1871 at Adelaide Cottage, then in 1881 next door at Princess Cottage, listed as an Iron Miner. in Oct 1889 he married Yorkshire lass Mary Hodgson in her home village of Marrick and in 1891 census they can be seen there at Hill Top House with a baby daughter. However, Mary died in Apr 1898 having their 3rd child, and Charles moved back to Devon. He can be seen in the census of 1901 on Hannaford Estate, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, with his parents, 3 children & servant, helping his father run the family farm. In 1911 the same are at Higher Putsham, Buckland-in-the-Moor, near Ashburton, Devon. He died in the area on 5 Apr 1945 and left £963 effects to his daughter Mary. 2017 update: "new record was 1939 Register, showing him widowed, living at 11 Sandygate, Newton Abbot, Devon, retired, with his two youngest children. Son John (who was last seen in 1911 assisting on his grandfather's farm) listed as "invalid, incapacitated" - but I cannot find details of his accident/condition - and daughter Mary UDD. Son John died 5 years later, aged 53." 1921 census shows he was already at Sandygate by then (possibly dating from 1913, the death of his father), aged 57y9m, a widowed "stationary engine driver" for a local clay company Watts, Blake, Bearne & Co Ltd. This company was set up in 1914, so relates to this time. [It is still going, although has very few employees nowadays (4 I understand!) but runs a popular football club with youth teams]. Son John and daughter Mary are there with  him, John 28y4m not working and with a little more information regarding his incapacity mentioned above - he is called in 1921 "feeble-minded" so it was evidently a psychiatric matter - Mary 23y1m performing Home Duties.

"Christopher Retallick 5" 2012: - he was not part of this dynasty, brother to Allivyan & Charles, born Apr 1865 at Brixham, Devon (were his parents on holiday?) to John & Mary Ann nee Matthews. As I have said before, this family left Cornwall for Cumberland, then returned, where the parents died and the sons went off gold-mining and this son went too, for a while. In Apr 1889 he married Mary Richards Lutey in Penzance (she was from Roche - how they met would be intriguing). Now, in 1891 they were living in Cornwall, with his mother, brother, daughter & nephew and Christopher was listed as a Gold Miner. On reading around, I see that although gold was/is found in Cornwall, it was never commercially viable, so wasn't surprised to see them travelling off to Australia a few weeks later on board the SS Jumna. Conditions must have been pretty basic, and I don't know any details but they returned in 1902, having lost 3 of their 4 children. There was another son, Harry, born in 1903, but their 2 children ended up with 13 years between them... In 1911 they can be seen on the census return, settled once more in Millom, Cumberland, living in a fish & chip shop - well alongside, presumably - at 46/48 Queen Street. The building is still there, it has been a shop for some years, although changed hands several times. In 2005 a newsagent business went bust and in 2009 it was sold...the family probably lived in number 46 with 48 the shop. I thought I had finished the adventures with this Christopher until Google gave me a glimpse of a document in the National Archives:1904: File re County Court case brought by Grace Penaluna, of No. 110 Wellington Street, Millom, against Christopher Retallick, fried fish and chip dealer, of No. 46 Queen Street, Millom, defendant, by which she claims one week's wages for wrongful dismissal [endorsed: 'for complainant'].Naughty boy! Anyway, Mary died in Apr 1926 and a year later Christopher followed. His probate gave effects worth £2470 4s to son Harry, ironmonger and daughter Lilian, by now Mrs James Henry Edwards." So 2021 census should provide information on him in his final decade. It shows him still at the chippie 46 Queen Street with wife and son. However there is a note on it saying that the fish and chip shop has closed and he is Out of Work.  Mary's line is blank but son Harry was 18y4m, a shop assistant employed by Dixon Bros, just around the corner. There was also in the house a domestic servant, who may be a relative, as her surname was Knight, born in Bugle. Unfortunately Christopher spelled her name Elvyn, and I cannot trace her.[Incidentally, the house/shop on Google Maps is still derelict as of June 2022]

24th October 2022

Anna Maria Retallick - in 2017 I said: "Anna Maria Retallick was born early 1853 in Broad Lane, Roche (registered in the Jan quarter) to William & Ann née Roberts and christened there 29 May 1853. She can be seen in census of 1861 & 1871 in Broad Lane with parents, sister & boarder, in the latter described as 18-year-old Domestic. I cannot find her in 1881 bur suspect she was in service in London. On 17 Apr 1887 at Holy Trinity, Newington she married Grocer's Warehouseman James Kent from Shoreham and they settled in Southwark nearby.They had a daughter Eulalia Ellen (named after her sister) who died in 1890 aged 2, and William in 1892. In 1891 census Anna can be seen in Roche, visiting her mother, who had been widowed in 1889. In 1901 she was at home in 203 Rotherhithe New Road, London with son William and in 1911 at 16 Blakes Road, Peckham with sister (Eulalia) Ellen - 2 miles away but now modern blocks. Electoral roll records show Anna in 1921-28 at 24 Crawthew Grove, Camberwell and she died there Oct 1930 aged 77. Son William can be seen in 1939 Register at 35 Euston Road, Croydon."  In the census Anna and James can be seen at 16 Blakes Road,as 1911, but James calls himself "lodger" and his sister-in-law Sarah "visitor" (she married his brother Henry but had been born and raised in Cornwall, so may have been an old friend of Anna). James described himself as a "general worker", employed by lift manufacturer Waygood-Otis in Falmouth Road, Elephant-and-castle, 2 miles to the north. Anna and Sarah both performed Home Duties. As he was 66 years old, I would assume his move later that year was due to retirement. Anna died there in 1930 and he in 1935

Augusta Ruth Retallick - in 2017: she "was born 18 Sep 1899 in Roche to Frederick & Annie née Lobb and can be seen in census of 1901 aged 1 at Griglands, Roche with parents & sister. On 8 May 1905 she was admitted to Lockingate Infants School, giving home address as Savath and in 1911 census they were at Innisvath, Bugle with her grandparents. In Apr 1922 in the St Austell area she married Stanley Gilbert Marks and they had (I think) three children; Frederick, Edgerton & Pauline. 1939 Register shows Augusta as UDD at Gracca, Charles Street, St Austell with Fred, assistant in fruit shop & Pauline at school. The only issues I have with this record are that her husband is called Garth and Edgerton is missing. This may be explained by the fact that Edgerton's middle name was Stanley but he used his full name when he died aged 25 in 1950, as did his father on his death in 1967. Anyway, Augusta herself died aged 86 in 1986 in the Truro area." So, 1921 census was taken just before her marriage (I don't know the precise date for this, but it was registered in the April quarter. As census was taken on 19th June, the marriage was evidently in the last 10 days of that month. Augusta  can be seen at Savath, Bugle with her parents and sister Myrtle. Frederick was a 44 year old CCL, working for Messrs William Varcoe & Sons at Luxulyan, his wife Annie (43) Home Duties. Augusta also, aged 21, but Myrtle, 20, did dressmaking at home.

Austell Glendower Retallick - in 2017 "(excellent name!), one of Oliver's second-cousins, was one of the Ulverston branch, born there 10 Apr 1904 to Adam & Sarah née Smith. He can be seen in 1911 census at 20 Quebec Street, Ulverston aged 7 with parents & brothers. In Oct 1928 in Ulverston he married Freda Jenkinson and in 1939 Register they can be seen at The Studio, Lake Road, Ambleside in the Lake District - a place we know well from our holidays! Austell is listed as "Gas & Water Foreman Fitter" and Freda as UDD. There are 7 closed files, which will be the 7 children they had at the time, Pamela was one of those "afterthoughts" born 9 years after Robin, and 8 years after the Register. Several have died in recent years, too recently to have been opened yet. Austell died in Oct 1997 at Grange-over-Sands aged 93 and Freda also at Grange, just after her hundredth birthday in 2007." So 1921 census "found" him at home with his parents and brothers, aged 17. See Adam Francis Junior below on 20th October.

Bathsheba Retallick - as she was 82, the census caught her at the other end of her life, 7 months before her death, She had by then been widowed twice and was living with daughter Louisa and her husband John White, a Clay Worker. Bathsheba was "assisting (Louisa) with Home Duties".

23rd October 2022

Allivyan Retallick - In 2012 I said: "I have two ancestors called Allivyan Retallick on this tree. One was born Oct 1840 and grew up at Savath/Ennisvath. It is such a strange name that on the 1841 census he was listed as baby aged 7 months called Lavinia Evelyn - the enumerator obviously struggling to get hold of the name, and probably asking several times! But after this it settles down. In 1861 he is listed as a tin stream labourer. On 31 Oct 1865 he married Mary Liddicoat at Roche parish church & they settled next door to her parents, on Rosemellyn Moor. They remained there for 3 more decades, bringing 4 daughters into the world, one of whom died in infancy, and finally retiring to Fore Street, Bugle, where Mary died in 1917 and Allivyan in 1925.
As he only had daughters, this chap could not pass on his lovely name to a son, but another John Retallick did this for him. He & wife Mary Ann nee Matthews called their 8th child Allivyan Retallick born Oct 1872, then after they lost their 9th & final child Harry in infancy, moved Up North to Arlecdon, Cumberland, where Allivyan can be seen with the family in 1881 census aged 9. They must have returned fairly soon, though, as both parents died in Cornwall in 1890 & 1895. Allivyan can be seen in Withiel aged 18, tin miner, with brother Christopher & family, also mother. In 1893 he married Alice Kate Cock, a neighbour's servant, and had a daughter Miriam in 1894. In 1895, on his mother's death, they set off for USA, & can be seen in 1899 at 107 Beattie, Helena, Montana. In 1900 & 1910 they are at Meagher, Montana, in 1900 a gold miner, although by 1910 he has given up mining & is a farmer with 4 daughters. I cannot find them in 1920, but 1930 is quite intriguing, as the farm is now full of "inmates", Allivyan is called farm manager, and the place is called Meagher County Poor Farm, evidently something like a workhouse. I also found a gravestone where he & Kate are buried, in Gig Harbor, Pierce, Washington."

1921 update, then, only applies to the first one, as it didn't apply to USA. He can be seen, a retired widower, boarding with a mason and family, at Currian Road, Nanpean, 3 miles southwest of Roche.

Alma Retallick - In 2017 I said she "was born Jan 1864 at Trescoll, Luxulyan, 4th of the 15 births to William & Ann née Courtney and christened 24 Feb 1864. She can be seen in census of 1871 at Gillys, Luxulyan with parents & sibs, 1881 aged 17 as general servant to a Silk Mercer & Draper and his family in Fore Street, Bodmin. I cannot find her in 1891 but I know she must still be in the Bodmin area as a few weeks later she got married in Luxulyan to John Webster, local mason and they had 3 children, all baptised in the local Bible Christian Chapel. They can be seen in Bodmin in censuses of 1901 & 1911 at Higher Bore Street & Robartes Road, a turning off Lower Bore Street. John died in 1937 aged 73, so 1939 Register shows Alma widowed, living as UDD at 70 Higher Bore Street with daughter Minnie, who is described as PDD - Paid Domestic Duties, ie a servant or cleaner. Alma died Jul 1953 aged 89 and Minnie married." 1921 census "dipped into" this era, showing John and Alma at Lower Bore Street with daughter Minnie, John working as a mason, based at home. [Son Francis lived with his wife and daughter at Rhind Street, half a mile to the east, and son William with his, at Warleggan 8 miles further east. There's something very "Poldark" about many of the names around this area! Apparently this was one of the most remote areas and a road to the hamlet was only built in 1953. William worked as an engine driver at Glynn Valley, back in Bodmin itself.]

22nd October 2022

Alfred James Victor Retallick - I didn't deal with this chap, Oliver's 4th cousin - until 2020, when I said: he "was born on 5 Jan 1901 at Bovey Tracey, Devon to James & Janie nee Cock and registered at Newton Abbot. He can be seen in censuses of 1901 and 1911 with them in Bovey Tracey, then in Jul 1923 married Thirza Alice French there. 1939 Register shows them at a property called Westerbrook, near Bagtor, where there is still a hay/straw dealer called H&M Retallick. There are two closed files in 1939 Register, although I only know of one daughter Thirza, so maybe the other was staff/visitor. Alfred died on 21 June 1960 at Westerbrook Farm, leaving effects worth £1872 to his widow. She died on 3 Mar 1980 at Langworthy Brook Cottages, just down the road, and left £4568, probably to her daughter."  In 1921 he was already at Ilsington, having moved the 3 miles across country with his family in 1914 after the death of his grandfather, when his father James inherited the farm. The census shows James farming, his wife Janie Home Duties, with 3 sons, a daughter and a boarder. Alfred was 20y6m, described as "assisting father as horse man", daughter Ruby 19y6m Home Duties, son Frederick 14y9m also assisting father on farm. Son Harold was only 9 and at school, boarder John Kreast, 39 year old single man, labourer working for Mrs Easterbrook locally. I have an Easterbrook on this tree but my branch had only daughters on it, so the surname had in effect died out. Still, she may be a relative. I had not known of Harold, so this was a step forward. Electoral Roll records show Westerbrook inhabited by James & Jane, Alfred & Thirza , also Frederick until James' death in 1925, then Frederick left in 1931 and married. By 1939 Register, mother Jane was living with her son Frederick and family, and may have done so until her death in 1954.

21st October 2022

Agar Alexander Retallick - in 2012 I said: "he was born on 18 May 1908 in Bugle, St Austell, Cornwall, to Reginald & Henrietta nee Carter. He was on the census return of 1911 living with his parents & 2 sibs in Jubilee Terrace, Bugle. He is next seen in 1932 living at the Police Station in Amersham Vale, Deptford, London. I am not sure if he was in the Metropolitan Police - I must do some further work on this, as I would so love him to be! The building is still there, the Old Police station,,, is now an Art Centre, with a shiny new police building next to it. In Jan 1934 he married Kathleen Gladys Nichols in Camberwell and they settle into 12 Tressillian Road, Deptford. Their daughter Yvonne was born here in 1936, but unfortunately Kathleen died in 1939 & they had no further children. In 1937 they had moved to a house in Greenwich: 66 Foyle Road and lived here until 1942. By 1945 he had moved to 369 Blackheath Road [this is no longer a valid address, as numbers now only go up to 114 as there are many blocks of flats]. Now, I picked him back up in his subsequent role as Travelling Security Officer, on board some illustrious liners (including the Queen Mary & Mauritania) between Southampton & New York, giving his address in England as Foreign Office, London and in US as British Embassy, Washington. It seems he stayed in USA for 18 months in 1955-6 then again for 3 months in 1959. No further sign until he died in 1997 - in Bodmin of all places (so further investigation needs to be done with modern records)."  In 2017: "I have discovered 2 more siblings for him, one who died in infancy, one who survived many decades. New record is 1939 Register, which finds them, as expected, at 66 Foyle Road, Greenwich. Agar is calling himself Alexander and a Police Sergeant, Kathleen UDD, also there is a closed file, no doubt Yvonne. Electoral roll records show him at Blackheath Police Station & Section House after Kathleen's death, extending now into the mid-50s when he started working on the transatlantic liners. Unfortunately I had hoped to find details of his police career but I can find nothing, as the records appear to have vanished from the Ancestry site (if that was where I used to find them); they are held at The National Archive but they charge to access. A 3rd-cousin-once-removed of Oliver (Jessie's father) is not close enough, so moving on." The 1921 census would provide insight into his childhood home, but I couldn't find the entire family up until now. Ultimately I used his very unusual first name along with that of his mother Henrietta and found them on Fore Street, Bugle, transcribed as Mitchell! Honestly, you couldn't make it up! This wasn't helped by the fact that a lot of them used their middle names, including father Reginald, known as Arthur, a China Clay Foreman for Messrs Parbyn &  Peters at Cockburrow mine, St Austell and son Reginald aka Gordon, who was a 15-year-old errand boy at the Carbis Brickworks. Ada was called Irene, aged 14, Agar aged 13, Donald aged 11y8m and Honor (Margery) aged 8 were all at school full time.

Agar Lloyd Retallick only appeared previously in 2017: "he was born 1 Nov 1908 at Stenalees to John Courtney Retallick & Mary née Toms and christened at Treverbyn on 6 Dec 1908. He can be seen in census of 1911 aged 2 at Stenalees with parents & sibs, then in 1939 Register with parents at 1 Wesley Terrace, Stenalees. [This was another of those settlements related to the Clay works, and although there is a Wesley Close nowadays, it is in a fairly modern estate]. By the time he died on 9 Mar 1976 aged 67 he was living at 32 Fernhill Road, Newquay, to which he had probably retired. His probate gives this address and says he left £10,787 but not to whom, which is particularly frustrating here as I have no idea, as I cannot locate a marriage etc. He was buried in Treverbyn churchyard, and I photographed his stone in 2012." Then a note in 2020:  his gravestone leads me to believe he didn't marry or have a family, as it names his parents and he was 67 years old. Interestingly his burial record states as abode "Newquay ex Stenalees", which is a lot more helpful than most. The 1921 census finds him aged 12y6m, at school, with parents John 48y9m and Mary 42y4m, brother Gordon 20y10m and sister Joyce aged 5. John was a Clay Labourer for Pochin & Co at Caudle Down, Mary Home Duties, but oddly Gordon's line appears to be empty. All the younger children were at school. I haven't dealt with Gordon, it seems, as I knew nothing about him. I have discovered a few details now, but will get to him later in the alphabet, likewise Joyce, who I didn't know existed until now.

20th October 2022

Willie Manhire - as he was son of Nicholas, see 17th October below. He was the middle son, aged 19 in the census, working for R Hooper at H D Pochin & Co at Remfry, St Enoder. Apparently this company was one of the largest industrial chemists in the country, but had purchased several clay works in Cornwall, including this one. (They were acquired in 1932 by English China Clays ECC, a company we know well here). Remfry was a pit at St Enoder, 5 miles away from home, but I understand in those days there was a tramway especially built for the china clay, and he may have used that to get to work. The other two brothers worked at pits in St Dennis itself.

Now onto the Retallicks. Oliver's maternal grandmother was Lavinia Retallick, a local family I have traced back as far as 1525. [NB please remember it is pronounced to rhyme with metallic i.e. re-TAL-ick]

Adam Francis Retallick Senior - I said of him in 2012: he "was born Oct 1837 in Ennisvath, Luxulyan, Cornwall to Francis & Catherine nee Beswetherick and was christened there on 19 November. He appeared on the census returns with parents & sibs (his sister was Lavinia, Clive's great great grandmother, who married Robert Knight, and whose daughter married Richard Manhire - here the branches link) listed as a tin stream miner. On 9 Oct 1864 he married Ann Retallick, a distant relative and one of the witnesses was a John Retallick, another distant relative - her brother-in-law (her sister also married a Retallick but they are all only related several generations back - it's just that families didn't move about the country much in those days). In 1871 they are at Savath, living with his mother, his father having died in 1864, with 3 children. He remained there for the rest of his life, and died there in 1918, Ann in 1929. Adam left effects worth £91 to son Cyrus. In 2020 my update showed his marriage certificate and I said "Bride and groom were 3rd cousins twice removed, I think. He appears on electoral roll lists as "leaseholder of house & land" 1885 & 1897. Although his death was recorded at occurring on 11 Oct 1918 I cannot locate a burial record. It was wartime though..." I can update further now as, although Adam did not survive for the 1921 census, Ann can be seen at Savath, Bugle aged 78y5m, with her daughter Clara Bright (51y11m), both of them widows performing Home Duties. Son Cyrus 49y7m was there, a labourer working for Livrean Clay Co. as was grandson Leslie Bright 17y11m.

Adam Francis Retallick Junior was his son, in 2012 I said: he "was eldest son of the above, born Jan 1865 at Savath & christened at Lanivet on 29 Jun 1865. He is with the family at Savath in 1871 & 1881 for the census, but in 1891 he is seen boardng with his future wife Sarah Elizabeth Smith in Dalton-in-Furness, Lancashire and her mother, listed as driver of a stationary engine at an iron mine. They married Jul 1892 at Ulverston and in 1901 are at 4 Marton, Dalton-in-Furness with mother-in-law and 3 sons. By 1911 they have 4 sons and are living at 20 Quebec Street, Ulverston & Adam is listed as a "fruit hawker and unemployed engine driver". Sarah died there in 1924 and Adam in Apr 1945. In 2017: In the 1939 Register, he can be seen lodging at 1 Braddyll Terace, Ulverston, Lancs with the Young family and another lodger Joshua Woodburn. I have seen a local newspaper report of an incident at this address at the end of that year. Adam (75) was woken by shouting in the next room, went into Joshua's (89) bedroom to find him sleepwalking at the window. With the help of others in the house Joshua was put back to bed, but the following night he did the same again at 5.30 am but this time fell out of the window into the garden. A doctor was called but he died 12 hours later. Adam had 4 sons and gave them wonderful names." 2020 update was not informative as there were no scans available and oddly he died in wartime like his father (albeit a different war!) Those sons' names were Edgar Retallick, John Robert Smith Retallick, Ewart Balthazar Walter Retallick and Austell Glendower Retallick. The 1921 census return was a pleasure to read, as Adam completed it himself and  his writing was lovely! He was 56y6m old, a "Winding Engine Driver for Shirebrook Colliery" but with a note "Out of Work", Sarah was 53y2m old born in Ulverston "Home Duties", Sons Edgar 28y6m and Austell 17y2m both born in Lancashire too and employed by Ulverston Urban District Council, Edgar as a Market Inspector based at Market House, Ulverson and Austell a Gas & Water Fitter at the Gas Works there.

19th October 2022

William John Manhire - I only came across him last year, when I said he "was born Feb 1871 in Roche to Samuel and Elizabeth Ann nee Williams and can be seen 2 months later in the 1871 census at Paradise, Roche with his parents and 2 sisters. In 1881 census they can be seen at Caudle Down, St Austell, with the addition of 2 brothers. 1891 & 1901 censuses appear to have gone astray, but in Oct 1905 in Redruth he did me a great favour by marrying someone with a very unusual name; Boadicea Martin. She had been born in Redruth on 26 Mar 1875 to John and Jane and can be seen in 1881 with them at Carnmarth, near Lanner, her father and eldest brother tin miners. Likewise in 1891, but Boadicea was by then 16 and a dressmaker. By 1891 their father had died, so son William was head of household, mother Jane and 4-year-old niece living with Boadicea. In Oct 1905 she and William John married in the Redruth area, so may have been Lanner, as they settled there. In 1911 census they can be seen at Lanner Square, next to a bakery/shop, and are still there in 1939. Jane, her widowed mother, lived with them until she died in 1916, and Boadicea & William had 4 children. In the 1939 Register she can still be seen there, as I say, after his death in 1937, with her eldest and youngest children, Samuel a stonemason and Lilian a shop assistant, possibly working next door. In 1946 she (Lilian) married Alfred Phillips, related to the baker next door, and despite being 18 years older than her, survived her by 2 years." As usual, 1921 census plugs a gap and shows them at Lanner with 3 children Samuel, Elizabeth and Lillian, aged 12, 10 and almost 2, William a Tin Miner Out of Work and Boadicea performing Home Duties. William Reginald, the second child, had died in infancy. I shouldn't think William was Out of Work for long, as he was still a Freemason, but was evidently more a manager towards the end of his life. Incidentally, I have found a newspaper article written for his funeral in 1937, which possibly answers the question of what he was doing at the time of the censuses in 1891 and 1901. He may well have been in South Africa or USA at this time, and inaccessible to me. He reappeared in England to marry Boadicea in 1905 and have children 1909-19.

William Richard Manhire in 2012 I said: "He was born on 18 May 1852 in Roche to Richard Williams Manhire and Martha nee Stephens. There had been a William born to them in 1850, who died in Jan 1852, so when the next baby was a boy, as was the custom at that time, the name was used again and this William was christened on 23 Jul in Roche church. He can be seen on census returns of 1861 in Brea, Illogen aged 8, and in Roskear Fields, Camborne 1871 aged 18 listed in both cases as a Tin Mine Labourer, in the latter it specified "under surface" (his 2 younger brothers were "at surface"). He married Eliza Bennetts on 22 Nov 2873 at Redruth Reg Office, and settled at 35 Wesley Street, Camborne, then moved round to 5 Adelaide Street. they had 14 children, but 2 died in infancy. Eliza died on 17 Mar 1925 aged 70 and William on 5 Oct 1928 aged 76, both in Adelaide Street, and both are buried in Camborne." I picked him up again in 2017: "One thing I didn't mention was his career. Originally he worked down tin mines, as a "labourer under surface" up until 1891. I saw from 1901 census that he was trying his hand as a butcher, and now have seen in a newspaper of 1893 that he had badly diseased legs, and they wanted to amputate one. Now, this would be disastrous for a miner, who was active or standing all day long. Apparently he found an ointment cure which meant he didn't have to have the operation and he took to the road selling this and also Insurance, so on 1911 census he described himself as Insurance Agent. When he died on 5 Oct 1928 he was 76, so if he had both his legs intact maybe there was something to his claims after all." I previously couldn't find him in 1921 census, but it turns out he was transcribed as "Macshirie", his wife as Elsie rather than Eliza. Now I can access by address I can see their return and it is perfectly legible to me! Eliza is down as performing Home Duties as expected and William's occupation column is blank, he being probably retired at 69. Daughters Annie (31y9m) and Emily (26y3m) were still at home, working there for a Tube Factory run by Bennetts & Co. I cannot find any information re this firm, but it is probably no coincidence that this was their mother's maiden-name. Their brother Charles 29y6m was also there, a sawyer employed by Harvey & Co (I think it says), as well as a child Nathan Stodden aged 9, apparently adopted due to both his parents having died. Evidently 14 children was not enough for William and Eliza! In the years that followed (i.e. the 1920s) both parents died and all the remaining children married, so 1939 Register is not informative. I cannot locate Nathan, but then in 1921 he had been transcribed as a boy called Matilda!

18th October 2022

Reu Manhire. In 2017 I said of him: "Reu Elwood Manhire was born 18 Apr 1873 in St Enoder (registered St Columb Major as Reu, not short for Reuben, as far as I can see) to Nicholas & Mary Ann née Matthews. He can be seen in census of 1881 aged 7 at Greensplat with father, 2 sisters & his aunt Ellen, then in 1891 at Cannacarrow with father, stepmother & sibs, working as CCL. On 18 Mar 1893 he landed in New York aboard SS New York, which had sailed from Southampton, along with colleague John Bray, listed as Labourers intending to be "Protracted Sojourners" in Michigan. In 1900 census he can be seen at Precinct 7, Gilpin, Colorado, living with cousins William & Charles in a boarding house, all working as Gold Miners (2nd cousins, actually, their grandfathers were brothers). It's unusual, but the following year they were in a census in Canada, on 19 Apr 1901 at Kootenay, Slocan Riding, working as silver miners, boarding with many others. On 2 Jul 1907 in Denver he married widow Bessie Bertha Victoria Pellar Uren (bit of a mouthful!) from Tennessee. She had lost her first husband a few months earlier & had 3 teenage children. By the time of the 1910 census they had all left home and Reu & Bessie can be seen at Central City Ward 4, Gilpin, Colorado with baby Reu Junior. All appeared to be good with family life, but on 8 Feb 1913 in Butte, Montana Bessie and 3-year-old Reu junior were playing together, cowboy Reu had a rusty old gun they thought was empty, he "shot" the indian, his mother, and they discovered it was not! She died instantly and was buried nearby. Reu was not a bad boy at all, as he grew up to run a choir, but he was evidently put into care. He can be seen in censuses of 1920 & 1930 as ward of a Mr & Mrs Firstbrook, firstly in Boulder, Colorado then Santa Clara, California. He married a lady called Ruth and died aged 80 in Salem, Oregon. Reu Senior was drafted into the army in Boulder, to serve in WW1 and was killed in 1918. Bessie's remains were brought to Colorado and interred with him at Pioneer Springs Cemetery".

This is one of the most interesting, albeit harrowing, stories of all, so I thought it worth repeating. Evidently 1921 census did not affect them, but I thought him worth a mention as I have recently seen a couple of obituaries written at the time of Reu's death (1918) in local newspapers. I had thought he was Killed In Action in the army but he died in the influenza pandemic that followed.

Richard Manhire (Jessie's granddad). In 2017 I said: "he was born Mar 1852 in Roche to George & Jane née Trethewey and christened there on 27 Jun 1852 (registered as Menear, christened as Manhire). He can be seen in 1861 census aged 9 at Gunbarrow with parents, sibs & grandfather, then in 1871 at Molinnis with parents & sibs, working as a carpenter. On 23 Jul 1877 at Treverbyn he married Tahpenes Knight, who was living with her grandmother Betsey Knight at Bilberry farm in 1871, as servant. Betsey died in Hallew the year after Tahpenes' marriage and they lost a baby Lilian. They followed her with two healthy babies but in 1881 census can be seen to have moved to London. In 1881-4 they were at 42 Oakley Crescent, Chelsea, with baby Lilian, another family and 2 lodgers. Son Claude was with his grandparents, still in Cornwall, at that point (there was no doubt no room for him in that crowded house!). In 1891 census they can be seen at 19 Anhalt Road, a familiar address to us! They lived here with 5 children, a boarder and 5 other families, Richard working as a carpenter & Joiner, and can be seen at the same address in census of 1901 with 4 children and another couple. Tahpenes died there on 28 Jul 1910 of a stroke (on 11 Jul) brought on by chronic Bright's Disease (kidney nephritis) and associated heart failure. Richard moved about after her death and can be seen in 1911 census , one of 4 carpenters lodging with a confectioner in Theale, Berkshire [I wonder if this was connected in any way with the fact that his youngest son's wife later had a confectionery shop in Battersea (Jessie's parents). At this point Oliver was a 15-year-old Law Clerk still at 19 Anhalt Road with his siblings]. Richard died on 26 Jun 1930 at the Mayday Hospital, Thornton Heath, with home address given as 57 Stratford Road, effects worth £291 going to son Roderick, described as an "agent". 1921 census found him lodging at Molinnis with Woodman and Jeanie Hore and their son James, Richard working  as a carpenter/joiner for Henry Allen of Roche Road, Bugle.

Roderick Manhire, Jessie's uncle "was born Jan 1885 at 19 Anhalt Road, Battersea (2nd attempt with the name, a Roderick was born & died a year previously) to Richard & Tahpenes. He can be seen on censuses of 1891-1911 at 19 Anhalt Road with parents & sibs, in 1901 commercial clerk & 1911 Law Clerk for Solicitor. Between 1907 & 1912 he rented a top-floor room, furnished, at 19 Anhalt Road from his father, then in Jul 1912 in Croydon he married Edith Annie Rhodes, local girl (although the Croydon she grew up in was very different to today: her father was a horsekeeper, her mother caretaker & her eldest brother a stable boy. She went into service as Domestic in the household of a timber-merchant). They had a Roderick who died soon after birth in 1914, then Betty Joan & Gordon Richard born in 1916 & 1918 respectively. The 1939 Register shows them at 80 Norbury Hill, Thornton Heath. Roderick was working as a "commercial traveller in wire netting & enamelware", Edith UDD, also there were daughter Betty & her husband Horace Lewis, shorthand typist & insurance broker for Lloyds respectively. Roderick died there on 8 May 1949 aged 64, leaving effects worth £4144 to Edith."  The new census shows them at 57 Stratford Road, Thornton Heath with two children Betty and Gordon, aged 4y9m and 2y10m respectively. Roderick (36y3m) was a Commercial Traveller (rep) employed by Grey McCann, hardware manufacturer of SW1 and Edith (32y9m) Home Duties

17th October 2022

Mabel's sister Maud Manhire shared the same early years, born 2 years earlier, but in 1901 census she was still in the family home of Blackalder Cottages while Mabel was in service. As I said of her in 2017: "She can be seen there then with parents & sibs, working as a dressmaker & aged 21. In Apr 1903 (probably at the chapel across the way) she married William Henry Roberts, clay labourer from Lutton, Cornwood and moved in with him. They had two children: Eva, who died aged two in 1906 and William, born in 1908. In 1911 census they can be seen with him at Berry Cottages, Lutton.1939 Register shows them at 9 Shade Cottages, Plympton St Mary, William Clay Labourer & Maud UDD. When Maud died on 3 Aug 1963 she was 83 and was at Freedom Fields Hospital, Plymouth. She left effects worth £392 to William, then he died in 1968 (no probate confirmation as there is a hole in the records 1966-73) in the Totnes area, so probably staying/living with son William." Again 1921 census provides a snapshot in the years between 1911 and 1939, showing them at Berry cottages, Lutton with son William (daughter Eva had died) aged 13y6m at school full time. William Senior was a Clay Labourer employed by English China Clays (ECC) at Lee Moor, Maud Home Duties. 

Of Nicholas Manhire in 2017 I said: he was born Apr 1848 in Roche to John & Elizabeth née Johns snd christened there 9 Sep 1850. He can be seen in censuses of 1851 & 1861 with parents & sibs at Higher Colvreath & Hillyvreath respectively (addresses I have mentioned several times). In Jul 1868 in St Austell he married Mary Ann Matthews, tin miner's daughter, and they had several children together. 1871 census showed them at St Enoder in a house called a "Clay Work Portable House" - a prefab before the days when they were common? Or maybe a sort of caravan, provided by the clayworks for the workers. They had just one daughter Effie at that point but Hetty was born 6 months later, then Reuben & Annie. In Oct 1877 Mabel was born, but she didn't thrive and Mary Ann took her to Boston, Massachusetts. Maybe she knew of a doctor there who she thought could save her baby, I don't know. What I do know is that they couldn't save her and she died aged 10 months of "marasmus", a form of malnutrition, at 176 Bolton Street, Boston. Mary Ann must have stayed on, as she gave birth to a still born child in 1880 in Boston and died shortly afterwards of "ante partem haem & partial placenta previa", birth-related conditions. I can't see that Nicholas travelled there at all and at the next census he can be seen alone at Greensplat, St Austell with 3 children and his sister Ellen looking after them. In Jan 1882 in St Austell he married farmer's daughter Mary Jane Barratt and in 1891 census can be seen with her at Carrancarrow, St Austell with 6 children, one of these was Lot. Unfortunately the tragedies continued. Willie died aged 11 and the child Mary Jane gave birth to in 1889 didn't even survive to get a name, just "Female Manhire" in late 1889, followed a year later by Mary Jane herself, on 3 Dec 1900 at age 48. She was buried 5 Dec at Treverbyn. The following January Nicholas married for a third time, this time to a lady much younger (both his previous wives were 4 years younger than him, Bessie was 27 years younger). She was 26 and had a young baby. Whether Reginald was Nicholas' child I cannot say, as he was registered at the end of 1900 with his mother's surname Sloman. The census taken a few weeks after the marriage, showed them at Carrancarrow with 3 sons and soon two more followed. By 1911 Nicholas had given up mining and can be seen at St Dennis, farming. Despite being much younger, Bessie died before him, leaving £165 to son Willie - why not her own son Reginald I don't know, but Willie left soon after for Canada. Nicholas died aged 82 and was buried 17 Mar 1932 at St Mewan. So the 1921 census here gave a picture of the family in the last decade of the lives of he and his third wife Bessie. They can be seen at Enniscaven, St Dennis with 3 sons Reginald, Willie and George, aged 20, 19 and 16 respectively.. Nicholas described himself as Pensioner, Bessie performing Domestic Duties as usual, both At Home. The boys were all Clay Labourers but worked for different employers at different sites. (The youngest son confused me for a while, as I hadn't heard of George before, but when I looked at the date of birth I found he was Samuel, now being known by his middle name)

16th October 2022

Mabel Manhire

In 2017 I said: she "was born Oct 1882 in Dean Prior, Devon to Joseph & Jane née Brewer and can be seen in 1891 census aged 8 at Hillside Cottages, Shaugh Priors with parents & sibs. In 1901 aged 18 she can be seen at 10 Melrose Terrace, Plymouth, working as a housemaid, but in Oct 1904 at Shaugh Prior she married Richard Henry Sercombe, CCL from Cornwood, not quite 3 miles from Lee Moor, and she joined him there. In 1911 census they can be seen at Broomage Cottages, Cornwood with 3 children (they had 5 in all, I think). They are next seen in 1939 Register at 20 Dartmoor Cottages, Plympton St Mary - I can't find this, as Plympton covered a wide area. Richard was a Clay Labourer, Mabel UDD and all the children had left home. Mabel died in 1956 & Richard in 1973."

Now I can fill the gap. 1921 census shows them already at Dartmoor Cottages, Richard describing himself as "Engine Driver in China Clay Trade, employed by Dartmoor China Clay Ltd. at Wotter Shaugh". He was 39y1m, Mabel 38y8m and working on Home Duties. They must have lived at Sparkwell for the first 13 years of their marriage, as the first three children were born there, then Alma and Francis were born at Shaugh. By 1921 William was 15y9m and working at the same place as his father as a labourer, Mabel Junior helping her mother with the Home Duties. Stanley, almost 13, and Alma 6, were at school, Francis 1y9m at home. I have looked these places up on a map: they are all in the Plympton area of Devon, Wotter and Shaugh Prior 5 miles north of Plympton itself, Sparkwell 3.5 miles East. Cornwood (where they were in 1911) a little further East. They all look to be very nice villages now, but were possibly less so then, when mining was the centre of everything. I knew Mabel was buried in 1956 at Lee Moor but I have now seen a photograph of Richard's grave, where he was interred in 1973, the wording "..beloved husband of Mabel, died 25th April 1973 aged 90 years. Reunited."

Marion Manhire was Jessie's auntie. I said in 2017: "born 26 Nov 1882 in Chelsea to Richard & Tahphenes née Knight and can be seen in censuses of 1891 & 1901 at 19 Anhalt Road, Battersea with parents & sibs, in the latter listed as an 18 year old dressmaker. On 18 Jul 1903 at St Mary le Park Chapel of Ease, Battersea (demolished 1966) she married local boy Hugh Henry Dickson (attended Battersea Park Junior School 1882-9). One of the witnesses was her brother Claude (see 1st Jul 2012 & 13th Mar 2017). They took over the house at Anhalt Road, and as her mother had died in 1910, the 1911 census showed Hugh & Marion with son Cecil (aged 6) on their own - Richard was working away. Hugh was at that time working as a commercial clerk with Army & Navy Co-op. They only had the one child and in 1939 Register they can be seen at 20b Albert Bridge Road, Hugh a clerk, Marion UDD. (Cecil was a married school-teacher living in Maldon in Essex). Hugh died there in 1943 but Marion continued living in the same house until she died in 1956. However, on 12 Sep 1956 when she died she was at Bolingbroke Hospital. She was 73 years old and left effects worth £267 to Cecil." Again there is a gap which the new census should fill. Again they can be seen at the same address as 1939, i.e.20b Albert Bridge Road, Battersea, and of most interest to me was the fact that Oliver (Jessie's father, whose tree this is) was staying with them. Actually I did know this, due to an electoral roll record of 1920, but the census gives much more detail. Hugh was 46y1m, a book-keeper for Unic Motors Ltd, Car Manufacturer, his office at 18 Brewer's Street, Buckingham Palace Road. Marion was 38y6m, working for John Barker & Co Ltd (General Stores) in the Sports Coat Department as Head Assistant, in Kensington High Street - very up-market! Cecil was 15y11m, at school, and Oliver a Platen Printing Machine Minder for Howard & Jones Ltd, General Printers, 26 Bury Street, St Mary Axe, nowadays St James's - also very up-market!

15th October 2022

It's been a long while since I ventured here, but I have still been working on my trees! Since March I have continued to update my records from the Ancestry site, proceeding through the trees of my parents and in-laws, while awaiting the inclusion of 1921 census records into my FindMyPast subscription. At last it has been, so "onwards and upwards" as they say.

I have recently been trawling through the Knight ancestors of my late mother-in-law Jessie nee Manhire; those of you who read my blogs regularly will know these are quite easy to trace but there are hundreds of them! So when I moved on to her direct paternal branch, the Manhires at first it was a relief as they are fairly rare in the big picture but the name is unfamiliar to a lot of transcribers so it can be spelled in dozens of different ways. Sometimes this means they are impossible to find and leave a great hole behind! I have got about half way through the Manhires now, some very frustrating for this reason but some fascinating. I shall pick up now from

Luther Best Manhire

In 2017 I said "He was born 2 Dec 1880, was at home until 1911 census, but left a few weeks later for USA, joining his brothers in Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry in WW1 then he popped home in 1917 to marry Bessie Furze in St Austell and took her back to the States with him. He went harvesting in Canada in 1923, directory in Casper Wyoming lists him in 1937, and in WW2 attestation he gave nephew Jack in Goldfield as reference and his own employer as Richard Linstadt, Edgerton, Wyoming. I cannot find a death record for him or for Bessie." However, the story is not as simple as all that. Far from "popping" back to England to marry, he stayed for several years. He was discharged from the army on 19 Sep 1917 due to sickness and married Bessie Furse on 1 Dec that year. His mother Harriet was evidently unwell and died in 1919, buried on 24 Jul in the Roche churchyard. So the census taken on 19 Jun 1921 shows Luther and Bessie living at Tresaize with her (illegitimate) daughter Florence. Luther listed his employer as English China Clay Co.Ltd, for whom he mined. His father John can be seen boarding in Littlejohn, Roche with a probable ex-colleague, he a retired widower. As I said above, Luther was listed Harvesting in Canada in 1923, so was not in the area when John died on 19 Dec 1928 (at Townsend House, possibly a care home). Luther owned/rented land in Wyoming and appeared in the local directory in 1932 and 1937. He died on 15 Oct 1942 of peritonitis at the Memorial Hospital, Kaycee, Wyoming "following a lengthy illness" and was buried in the Highland Cemetery there. He was aged about 63 working as a shepherd for a local farmer. So when he signed up for WW2 6 months before he never saw any service. Although I found his death details, I still cannot locate Bessie, although there was a son of a Bessie Manhire who died in the dame area in 1945 but under the surname Hopkins. So she may have remarried and died herself under this name. I have searched, but there are a great many and none fits perfectly.

This goes to show how a simple census can open up an entire section of somebody's life story and bring in other records to pad out their life, and a reasonably recent snapshot brings to life what may previously have been the bare bones of a tale.

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4th March 2022

"John Retallick 15" was born in St Columb Major to John and Dorothy and baptised 31 Aug 1617. This case is very like the others in that I only have date of baptism to go on, so when he married at what seems to be the age of 15, it may be several more years (and the same applies to his bride, born in the same year). He married a lady called Mary, but nowhere was her maiden name used, in 1632 and they had four children before Mary died in 1647 aged 30 and was buried in St Columb churchard on 17 Nov. John died aged 65 and was buried in the churchyard with her on 15 Mar 1683.

His father "John Retallick 16" was born to John and Mary Jane in St Columb Major, second of seven and baptised there on 26 Aug 1574. He married Dorothy Randall on 2 Oct 1604 at St Columb and had 5 children.She died in 1617 aged 36, probably having son John, and her husband joined her on 22 Feb 1628.

Here we reach the limit of records, even from the OPC database of Cornwall. It is estimated that "John Retallick 17" was born in 1550, married Mary Jane (again maiden name unknown) and had six children, 3 of whom survived infancy. Mary Jane died in 1608 and John in 1622.

The only other fact is his parents' names of Mark Retallick and Maureen, both born around 1525 and Mark's father Robert Retallick, born 1490. Fellow genealogists have posted these, largely due to information from DNA, I understand, which I for one do not trust. So I shall leave this here.

3rd March 2022

The father of "James Retallick 3" was "James Retallick 5", born Jan 1762 in St Wenn to "William 9" and Elizabeth nee Retallack, baptised on 13 Feb. See my blog entry of 22 May 2017. Again he was one of 11 children and again the eldest, Grace, died in childhood. James was the third child and on 26 May 1786 in St Wenn married Hester Blake, witnessed by Samuel Blake (bride's brother) and William Poyse. They had 8 children, but one died in infancy and Hester herself died aged 49 in 1812, buried in St Wenn churchyard on 11 April. James followed 28 years later and joined her in the churchyard on 9 Apr 1840.

His father "William Retallick 9" I dealt with on 14 Jul 2017 and 26 Jun 2020, and have nothing new to add, apart from their burials in St Wenn churchyard, Elizabeth on 4 Jul 1807 and William 29 Apr 1808.

His father was the "Richard Retallick 6" that I mentioned yesterday, Oliver's 4xg grandfather. I dealt with him in blog entries of 13 Jan 2013 and 16 Jun 2020.

From this point I am influenced by the research of a fellow genealogist,  but attempting to confirm by records I have access to. I immediately came across problems, as one of these sites only dates from 1700 and the next guy was born in 1694. And the next 5 generations, unfortunately for me, were all named John - a habit lasting centuries which has caused many a Family Historian to tear their hair out! I have already got twelve John Retallicks in this tree, so will number these new ones 13-17. "John Retallick 13" was the son of John and Catherine, born in St Columb Major (St Wenn) in  June 1674, baptised there 11 July. There are three marriages possible here. The first was in Ladock on 27 Dec 1689 to Elinor Alleyn and they had four children; Mary, Henry and two Johns (one died aged 2 weeks). He would have been only 15, but I suppose it did happen. Also, as birth registration had not been introduced, his date of birth was only by date of baptism, and not every child was baptised as an infant. So he could have been several years older.

The second option worries me as it is in Manaccan, an area not familiar to me, but of course it was the custom to marry in the home area of the bride. It took place on 23 Sep 1697 and was to Mary Fearchild and 9 months later she gave birth to Fearchild Retallick, baptised in Manaccan.

The third marriage was 31 Dec 1700 in St Wenn to Mary Tippet, and they had 3 children; Mary, Richard and James. I favour this one, as Richard was "mine". As the children's ages all coincide with those of Elinor, they are unlikely to have both occurred. She died in Dec 1741 and was buried in the churchyard there along with John, who died in 1707.

"John Retallick 14" was born in St Columb Major 1638 to John and Mary and baptised there on 24 March, he was 3rd of their 4 children. On 20 Nov 1669 in St Wenn he married Catherine Martyn and they had 10 children (nine girls and a boy). I don't know if there was some fault in this family/environment but seven of these died in infancy, which does seem a high proportion. Catherine died aged 45 in 1683 and John followed a year later, both buried in St Columb Major cemetery.

2nd March 2022

Looking through the known details relating to this branch, I can see that I have taken it back 5 generations from Arthur, to "Richard 6", who was Oliver's 4xg grandfather (Oliver being the father of my mother-in-law, whose tree this is) but with little detail. I have recently come across a fellow genealogist who has done a lot of work on this branch and provided another 6 generations, going back to 1525! Of course, I never take others' research at face value, so shall check every piece of evidence.

Working backwards, as ever, I shall firstly bring you all I know of Arthur's father James Hutchings Retallick. His father James had married Elizabeth Hutchings in 1821 and named their first-born James Hutchings Retallick. He was born in Feb 1823, baptised 25 May 1823, in St Wenn, but sadly died aged 13 months at the end of March 1824. He was buried in St Wenn churchyard on 2 April and as was the custom at the time, they intended using the name again next time. Unfortunately, the next child was female, so they called her Susannah Hutchings Retallick and moved on. "Our" James followed in 1825, baptised on 4 Sep. The home address was Killicknogue, St Wenn and unfortunately of the 11 children of this marriage 3 died in childhood (probably about normal). In 1841 census he can be seen there aged 15 with parents and 5 sibs also 3 servants. On New Year's Eve 1849 in Lanivet he married Sarah Sobye and witnesses were Charles Sobye (bride's brother) and Sarah Retallick (I cannot locate her). They had 11 children too, but only lost one in infancy. 1851 census shows them at Cadwin, Lanivet with baby daughter Elizabeth aged 5 months and five servants (one house, 4 farm). 1861 & 1871 censuses - see below as Arthur was there. By 1881 he had left and his father can be seen farming at Lower Woodley still (254 acres employing 4 labourers), with 3 children and 3 servants. Son James farmed "next door" at Higher Woodley. In 1891 when James was 65 the situation was the same except Elizabeth Sobye (Sarah's sister) was with them ("living on her own means"), all James' children had left home and there were still 3 servants. Things had changed by 1901 census - the address was now Woodside, James and Sarah were in their 70s and retired, looked after by two granddaughters. Sarah died there in 1910 and James in 1911, leaving £1387 to sons James and John.

Going back another generation brings us to the chap I called "James 3" Retallick, born in June 1793 at St Wenn to James and Hester Blake, baptised there on 21 July 1793 and married 18 Jun 1822 to Elizabeth Hutchings. They had 11 children, as I noted above and census of 1841 was the same. 1851-1881 James snr was farming at Tremoor, Lanivet, in 1851 300 acres, employing 4 labourers. The household contained 5 children and 5 servants. In 1861 it had extended to 328 acres, 3 men and 4 boys. In the household were two sons and 6 servants; 3 domestic, a carter, a ploughman and a boarder Ann Hutchings (possibly a younger sister of Elizabeth or a niece). In 1871 they farmed 287 acres with 3 labourers and 4 lads, also 2 general domestics and son Thomas. By 1881 James was an 87-year-old widower and had retired from farming, leaving this to son Thomas, by this time also widowed, and his son William, 200 acres, 4 labourers and a boy, along with 2 domestic servants.  James died in June 1884 and was buried alongside Elizabeth in St Wenn's churchyard.

1st March 2022

As I said yesterday, I shall bring to you the story of Arthur Hutchings Retallick, born 25 May 1852 in Lanivet to James Hutchings Retallick and Sarah nee Sobye. He was baptised on 30 Jun 1852, possibly at home; Lower Woodley, Lanivet, which his father farmed. In 1861 census he can be seen there aged 9 with parents, sibs and 5 staff, including John Retallick a 15-year-old servant, possibly a cousin. The farm was "230 acres, employing 3 men and 4 boys". In 1871 the address was the same "240 acres, employing 5 men and 3 boys", Arthur and his brother James were described as "employers on farm" and the household included 4 staff; 1 domestic servant and 3 farm. On 11 Dec 1879 at Michaelstone he married Annie Guy Hawken, daughter of local farmer Nathaniel Hawken, and in 1881 census they can be seen at Pendewey, Bodmin, farming 110 acres, employing 1 man & 3 boys, and the household consisted of Arthur, Annie, 4-month-old son William and 3 staff (1 domestic and 3 farm). As Nathaniel died in 1887 by the next census Arthur and Annie can be seen farming at Michaelstone with 3 children and 3 staff, also Richard Retallick, his brother, visiting. By 1901 census he had attained his dream by running his own hotel, described as "farmer and licensed victualler" at Railway Hotel, Minster with 4 children and one domestic servant. I can see that in 1895 he had applied for a few days license at Melorne Hotel, Camborne Station, and it evidently was a great success.

The farm had met with disaster in 1881, the account of which was somewhat familiar... In the night, they were awoken to find the place on fire and this time straw was the fuel. Local militia and neighbours rallied round but they lost ten bullocks and four horses, two of which were mares in foal, 30 bushels of corn and a rick of straw, all uninsured. There was a meeting of locals and a whip-round to help pay for the losses. At the time the fire was blamed on some gypsies, who had been seen "hanging about the place in the evening, the worse for  liquor" and smoking pipes. But I can't be the only one to see the similarities with the later fire.

He had another disaster 2 years later - in 1883 he fell from his horse due to an unlighted trench made for the laying of drains, and dislocated his arm. He was evidently a man not to be trifled with, as he sued the authorities.

He died aged 57 on 30 Mar 1910 at the hotel and was buried on 2 Apr 1910 in Lanivet. This was not a good time for the family as several family members appear on the same page of burials. His mother Sarah died later the same year and was buried 30 Dec, the day before his nephew John aged only 21. Then his father James Hutchings Retallick followed in the February. Although his parents were both in their 80s it was evidently too much for Annie, and she set off for Quebec with 2 daughters, Maude and Annie, also son Arthur. Then 2 years later her son James joined her and attested to the army. He fought in WW1, then again in WW2 and was killed. Meanwhile Annie settled in Calgary with Maude and family. She died 29 Jan 1927 and was buried there. 

28th February 2022

1903 Miss Margaret Retallick, 4th daughter of Mr C Retallick of Trelanvean Barton married Fred W Roberts of Porslade Brighton. The bridesmaids were Ada Retallick (her sister) and Alice Ethel Tremayne (her cousin) from Exeter. Her brother P Retallick was best man. Among the gifts listed were a dog from another brother Mr T Retallick, cutlery from sister Ada, an umbrella from brother Mr P Retallick and a sugar-sifter from Mr T Retallick junior. As ever, the only Margaret I have on my tree was born and bred in Australia, and didn't have siblings with these names.

1904 Horse Show M Retallick from Tiverton won prizes for 2 Hunters and a Hackney

1905 J Retallick stood in the Truro Municipal Election on behalf of the "Western Ward" but unfortunately came last!

1906 Arthur Retallick was one of the miners who found the body of colleague  John Rowe in the West Kitty Mines, St Agnes. Apparently there was some left-over explosives lying around and he hit a piece of gelignite. A full-scale enquiry led to changes in the lax techniques which had led to this disaster. The only Arthur Retallick in my tree wasn't a miner, but grew up as a farmer then took on the North Cornwall Railway Hotel at Camelford Station

1907 said Arthur suffered a major setback as his Hotel burned down in the night, while the family slept. Fortunately they were awakened by the barking of their two dogs and escaped. Apparently he stored a lot of spirits in the cellar and this fuelled an inferno, so they lost the entire building. This was not helped by the fact that there was no Fire Station in the area, so engines would have to come from 16, 14 or 11 miles, by which time the place was burned out. Those affected were Mr & Mrs Arthur Retallick, their daughter Irene and sons Percy & James, Rex Nicholson, visitor, B Hawken (Annie's brother) and a servant girl. They were fortunately having a new hotel built, so just had to wait for this. The building and contents were "partly covered", so this no doubt helped. I can see that when Arthur died 3 years later he was running the Melorne Hotel, Minster - just outside Camborne. This is still in existence, looking good. As I haven't told the story of this family I shall do so, when I have completed this.

1909 in Feock the funeral took place of the Hon Mrs Anne Dorothea Davies Gilbert and among the mourners were W Retallick of Trevellon and R Retallick of Feock

27th February 2022

As I said yesterday, I have searched the new newspaper references to Retallicks and will bring you my thoughts on these:

1882 the death was announced of Mary Ann Violet, daughter of Mr W B Retallick, at the age of 9 months

1885 William Benjamin Retallick, a workman at Messrs Carne's brewery, was called as a witness in an investigation into a stolen watch. He said he was offered said watch at the Kings Arms Hotel, but refused.

I have examined my tree and cannot see that this man was related to us. The brewery mentioned was W & EC Carne, Falmouth Brewery Co., probably formed in Falmouth in 1863, acquired by Devenish & Co Ltd in 1921, closed in 1926. The brewery was demolished in 1935 when the Odeon Cinema was built on the site.

1886 Tregaminion Farm, St Keverne, occupied by "Charles Retallack", burned down. The owner was insured and Mr R probably moved on. I cannot find him on my tree.

1890 & 1891 mentions of a P C Retallick, nothing to do with me!

1892 Workhouse staff lists: C Retallick was named for Helston Board of Guardians and J Retallick of Truro