Family Findings

As we saw last week, Elizabeth Saunders was born December 1584 at Lydeard St Lawrence and baptised there on 20 December 1584. She was the 6th of 9 children born to Thomas and Ann Saunders. Elizabeth married Henry Wolcott (born 5 December 1578 Lydeard St Lawrence) on 29 January 1606 at Lydeard St Lawrence.

Henry Wolcott and Elizabeth Saunders were married the 29 January

The couple had 7 children, all born at Lydeard St Lawrence:

1. John (born 1607), baptised 1 October 1607; living in England in 1631; died between 1631-1642 (was still alive in 1631 but assume he died before 10 March 1642 when his father Henry referred to his son, Henry Jnr, as his eldest son on an inheritance deed)

2. Henry (born 1611), born 21 January; emigrated with parents; admitted a freeman by the General Court as Boston on 1 April 1634 (shows he was member of the Dorchester Church by this time); moved with the family to Windsor in 1636; married Sarah Newberry on 18 November 1641; was engaged in public life, holding many appointments: was one of 19 prominent men in the colony named in the Charter of Connecticut; an elected member of the House of Deputies 1660; an elected member of the House of Magistrates 1662; had 8 children; importing merchant; died 12 July 1680

3. George (born 1613), emigrated with parents; made a freeman by the General Court of Connecticut on 21 May 1657; settled in Wethersfield; married Elizabeth Treat; had 4 children; died 12 February 1662 at Wethersfield

4. Anna (born 1620), emigrated with sister and younger brother after family had settled; married Matthew Griswald 16 October 1646 at Windsor; had 5 children; died 1700

5. Marih/Mary (born 1622), married Job Drake on 25 June 1646 at Windsor; had 6 children; died 1689

6. Simon (born 1625), remained in England with sisters when parents emigrated; emigrated with sisters after family had settled; admitted as a freeman in 1654; married twice, first to Joanna Cook on 19 March 1657, but she died 27 April 1657; married secondly to Martha Pitkin on 17 October 1661; had 9 children; died 11 September 1687 at Windsor

7. Christopher (born 1628), emigrated with parents and 2 older brothers in 1630; family homestead in Windsor was bequeathed to him from his father; never married; died 7 September 1662

Henry and Elizabeth were presented at the Diocesan Court in July 1609 for the offence of incontinence (Sexual immorality: this modern term has been applied in cases where imprecise wording, such as 'incontinency', or 'living an incontinent life', appears in the original Presentment Bill, or where it is not clear what the actual sexual offence was. It is also used for references to co-habitation and when describing premarital sex. It was a very common presentment throughout the period covered by the Presentment Bills):

"They weare marryed two yeeres agon and shee was delivered of childe within thirtye weekes after."

Henry and Elizabeth were living at Lydeard St Lawrence when the alleged offence was committed, but when the hearing was held in 1609, they were living at Ash Priors. They were reprimanded and the case was dismissed.

On 20 March 1630, Elizabeth, Henry and sons Henry, Christopher and George set sail on the Mary and John from Plymouth, Devon to modern day Massachusetts. They arrived on 30 May 1630 at the modern day Nantaskat, Massachusetts. The ship’s captain refused to sail up the Charles River (the planned route) as there were no charts available and he feared wrecking the ship. The passengers disembarked here and had to transport 150,000 pounds of livestock, provisions and equipment the remaining 20 miles to their destination. They initially settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, which became one of the first towns in Massachusetts. Approximately 6 years later, the family moved to Windsor, Connecticut, the first English settlement there.

Henry and Elizabeth were among 140 passengers, most of whom came from the West Country (Somerset, Dorset and Devon). They were Puritans, seeking a better life away from the persecution of Charles I. Henry has been described as a resolute Puritan, a stout-hearted and God-fearing man. He soon became an important man, being part of the first General Assembly of Connecticut in Hartford 1637. He was also a member of the Connecticut House of Delegates from 1637-1643, and a member of the House of Magistrates from 1643-1655. Henry and Elizabeth’s children, Anna, Marih/Mary and Simon emigrated sometime between 1636-1640 to join their parents in Windsor.

Here under lyeth the body of Henry Wolcot sometimes a magistrate of this jurisdiction who dyed the 30 day of May in the year 1655 aged 77

Here under lyeth the body of Elizabeth Wolcot who dyed the 7th day of July in the year 1655 aged 73

Henry died 30 May 1655 at Windsor, aged 76/77. He was buried in the churchyard of the First Congregational Church in Windsor. His’s will was made 13 May 1655 at Windsor and proved 4 October 1655 at Hartford.

Elizabeth died 5 July 1655 at Windsor, aged 70/73 and was buried there 7 July, in the same tomb as her husband. Elizabeth’s will was made 5 July 1655 (the day she died) and was proved on 4 October 1655 at Hartford.

19th April 2025: The Lifestory of Thomas Saunders (c.1554-1609)

Thomas Saunders, my 11th great grandfather, was born c.1554 in Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset. He married Ann Blake (born c.1552) on 3 August 1573 at Over Stowey, Somerset, where Ann was living at the time.

3 day of august was married Thomas Saunders and Ann Blak[e] the daughter of John Blak[e] …[possibly thatcher]

Following their marriage, Thomas and Ann returned to Lydeard St Lawrence to live. They had at least 9 children, all born at Lydeard St Lawrence:

1. Joan – baptised 23 May 1577; married Thomas Wrentmore (born c.1575) 3 October 1597 Lydeard St Lawrence

2. Agnes – baptised 22 May 1579; had illegitimate child named Hugh, son of Hugh Treble, on 29 September 1601 Lydeard St Lawrence; married Richard Barber 28 January 1608 Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset; May 1609-Jun 1610: Agnes and child summoned before church authorities but records showing any penalties have been lost

1608 Richard Barber was married unto Agnes Saunders the 28 January 1608

3. Lawrence – baptised 11 January 1580

Laurence son of Thomas Saunders … baptised 11 January

Died January 1590 and buried 24 January 1590

Laurence Saunders … buried 24 January

4. Robert – baptised 10 September 1582

5. John – born c.1583

6. Elizabeth – baptised 20 December 1584; married Henry Wolcott (1578-1655) 29 January 1606 Lydeard St Lawrence and had at least 5 children, all born Lydeard St Lawrence:

Henry Wolcott and Elizabeth Saunders were married the 29 January

Emigrated to Massachusetts, USA 1630 on board ‘The Mary & John’ with Henry and sons Christopher and George; died 5 July 1655 Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, USA and buried there 7 July

7. Thomas – baptised 30 October 1586

Thomas the son of Thomas Saunders … baptised the 30 October

8. Christopher – my 10th great grandfather, baptised 24 January 1589; married Edith Pyle on 20 September 1613 Halse, Somerset

The 24 of September … married Chrstopher Saunders unto Edith Pyle … ….

They had at least 1 child, Simon (born 1622) my 9th great grandfather, born 1622 Lydeard St Lawrence. Christopher died March 1624 Lydeard St Lawrence and was buried there 14 March 1624

9. Nicholas – assume his birth is after 1573 when his parents married and before 1609 when his father died. He is mentioned in his father’s will

Thomas died 11 June 1609 at Lydeard St Lawrence and was buried there on 20 June 1609.

Thomas Saunders was buried the twenty day of June

Thomas' will was made 27 May 1609 and proved 2 September 1609.

25th March 2025: The Lifestory of Constance Lavinia Chapman nee Broadbent (1899-2003)

Can you imagine living in 3 different centuries? This was achieved by Constance Lavinia Broadbent, my 3rd cousin 3xremoved. Constance was born 17 October 1899 at Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia, the 3rd of 7 children born to William Henry Charles (1875-1957) and Ethel Lavinia Broadbent, nee Sloman (1881-1974). Her mother, Ethel, had previously had another child, Ivy M Sloman, who was born July 1897 at Glen Innes, and died there aged 8 months, on 13 March 1898. She may or may not have been the illegitimate child of William Broadbent, but I have found no proof either way.

Constance Lavinia’s other siblings were Claude Eric (1901-1986), Horace William (1904-1982), Gordon Stuart (1907-1986), Jean Mildred (1913-1997), Elsie Doreen (1917-1982) and Mervyn Roy (1920-2014).

In 1920 Constance married Victor Everard Chapman (1886-1972) in Glen Innes. Victor was born 2 August 1886 at Uralla, New South Wales. He enlisted in the 1st Machine Gun Company, Australian Imperial Force on 28 December 1915 at Liverpool, New South Wales, service number 236. Victor was discharged on 10 August 1917 due to debility after being hospitalised with nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

The couple had their first child, Allen Richard (1920-2003), on 10 May 1920 at Armidale, New South Wales. He was soon followed by Bessie Lavinia (1922-2013) on 23 June 1922 at Glen Innes. Their youngest child, Nellie Ethel (1924-1994), was born 23 September 1924 at Glen Innes.

Between 1930-1932, Constance, Victor and their children were living at Breeza, Quirindi, Gwydir, New South Wales. Victor worked as a fettler (someone who repairs and maintains railway tracks) and Constance was responsible for home duties.

They were living at Ylangothlin, New England, New South Wales between 1934-1935, and Yarraford, Glen Innes between 1936-1943. By 1949 the family had moved to 195 Lambeth Street, Glen Innes, where they remained until Victor’s death in 1972. Constance stayed there until 1977, but had moved to 49 Heron Street, Glen Innes, by 1980.

Victor died 29 October 1972 at Glen Innes, aged 86. Constance died 21 February 2003 at Glen Innes, aged 103. They were buried together at Glen Innes General Cemetery.

14th March 2025: The Lifestory of James Sloman

James Sloman, my 3rd great uncle, was born 10 October 1845 and baptised 9 November at Milverton, Somerset. James was the 3rd of 9 children born to James Foster Sloman, a labourer according to James’ baptism record, (1817-1894) and Mary Upham (1818-1901).

James’ siblings were John (1842-1921), William, my 3rd great grandfather (1844-1900), Charlotte Jane (1847-1932), Charles (1848-1906), Emma (1850-1930), Elizabeth (1852-1900), Samuel (1853-1928) and Mary Ann (1858-1932).

The family were living in Preston Bowyer in 1851 with James Foster was working as an agricultural labourer.

By 1861 15-year-old James was living at Croford, near Wiveliscombe, an agricultural servant, working for Robert Wyatt, a farmer of 140 acres.

James married Jane Dyte (1849-1933) on 27 February 1871 at the Parish Church at Milverton.

Their son Tom (1871-1953) was born 2 days later on 1 March 1871. The family were living as lodgers on High Street, Milverton when the 1871 census was taken, with James’ uncle John and his family, James was working as an agricultural labourer.

The family moved several times and had 8 more children followed in the next decade: Emma (born 1872 Milverton), Charles (born 1873 Milverton), James (born 1875 Bedminster, Somerset), Samuel (born 1877 Walmley, Warwickshire), Louisa Jane (born 1878 Walmley), Mary Ann (born 4 March 1879 Heathfield, Sussex) and 2 sons, one unnamed and one named John (both born 29 March 1880 Hallsham, Essex), who sadly both died soon after birth. They were living at Number 25 Hut, on New Railway Works, East Grinstead, Sussex by 1881. James is recorded as being a railway labourer, suggesting the reason they had moved around so much could be James’ occupation. Tom, Emma, Charles and James were all scholars.

Eight more children were born before the next census: Susan (born 1881 East Grinstead), Norah (born 9 January 1883 East Grinstead), Rose Ellen (born 14 March 1884 Husborne, Hampshire), John (born 16 May 1885 Husborne), William George (born 1886 Lymington, Hampshire), Elizabeth (born 1887 Lymington), an unnamed son who was born and died soon after in 1888 Watford, Hertfordshire and Minnie Matilda (born 2 September 1890 Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire). Unfortunately, their son, William George, died 1887 Lymington, and their daughter, Elizabeth, died 1890 Aylesbury. The family were living at 6 California, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. James was working as a plate labourer on the railways, as were his sons, Charles and James.

James and Jane had one more child, Walter, born 25 June 1892 at Aylesbury. The next few years were not good for James. His father, James Foster, died 26 January 1894 at Wellington, Somerset, followed by his daughter, Louisa Jane, on 5 April 1899 at Hunslet, Yorkshire. James’ brother William died 16 November 1900 at Picts Cottages, Milverton and his mother, Mary died early in 1901. At the time of the 1901 census, James was living at 153 Graham Gardens, Hanwell, Brentford, Middlesex. James was working as a ‘navvy labourer’ (a manual labourer who performed the physical work of building and maintaining railways), as were sons Samuel and John. James’ son James worked as a carpenter, while daughter Mary Ann was a laundry washer.

James’ son Charles died 1905 at St George Hanover Square, London, followed a year later by his brother Charles, on 8 February 1906 at Taunton. By 1911 James was living at 13 Clarence Road, Ponders End, Middlesex. The 1911 census shows he had been married to Jane for 40 years and had 18 children (sadly 7 had died by 1911). He worked as a general labourer in public works, as were sons Samuel, John and Walter. Daughter Norah was working at a flashing electric light works and Minnie worked at a exhauster electric light works.

James died in 1914 at Poplar, London, age 68. Jane died in 1933 at Edmonton, Middlesex. The couple had 18 children throughout their marriage, the most children by one couple in my family tree…so far!

6th March 2025: The Lifestory of Kathleen Kershaw nee Vickery

Kathleen Mary Vickery (my 1st cousin 3 x removed) was born 13 June 1912 at 33 Holyoake Street, Wellington, Somerset, and baptised 11 July 1912 at Wellington Parish Church. Kathleen was the eldest child of Walter William Vickery (1881-1969), a miller, and Theodosia Kate Vickery (1880-1953) nee Homer.

Kathleen’s younger brother, Percy, was born in 1919, also in Wellington. The family were still living at 33 Holyoake Street in 1921. As you can see, Walter was 40 years 3 months old and worked as a fuller in woollen manufacturing for the Fox Brothers at Tonedale, Wellington. Theodosia was 41 years old and was undertaking home duties. Kathleen was 9 years old and in education full time while younger brother Percy was 2 years 1 month old. Also living with the family was a boarder, Elizabeth Stephens, a single woman aged 34 years 10 months, who was born in Bradford on Tone. Elizabeth worked as an assistant teacher for Somerset County Education Committee, at Courtland Road Council School in Wellington.

Kathleen began training as a nurse, becoming qualified on 24 November 1933 at London. This was achieved at the Queen’s Hospital for Children, London, by examination where she studied from 1930-1933, and is seen in the 1934 Register of Nurses.

She passed her final examination in 1936, as seen in the article from the Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Kathleen was living at Middlesex Hospital, 2-8 Mortimer Street, Westminster in 1936.

Kathleen travelled to Sydney, Australia soon after, presumably in a nursing role, and returned to Southampton on 18 January 1940 on board the Strathallan, age 27, travelling 1st class as a nursing sister.

Kathleen was working for the Royal Navy as a reserve nursing sister on her return. She was stationed at Royal Hospital, Plymouth, Devon on 29 January 1940, RN Auxiliary Hospital, Barrow Gurney, Somerset on 1 October 1940 and RN Sick Quarters, Cunningham Camp, Little Switzerland, Douglas, Isle of Man on 24 February 1942. This can be seen in the UK, Navy Lists, 1888-1970.

Royal Hospital, Plymouth, Devon on 29 January 1940

RN Auxiliary Hospital, Barrow Gurney, Somerset on 1 October 1940

RN Sick Quarters, Cunningham Camp, Little Switzerland, Douglas, Isle of Man on 24 February 1942

Kathleen married Edward Roy Kershaw (1910-1968) in 1943 at Maidenhead, Berkshire. Edward was a pilot with a chequered history, while his naval career was successful, his personal life was not. He was previously married to Edith Mary Lord (1913-2006), marrying 29 July 1939 at Bagslate, Rochdale, Lancashire. Their son was born in 1940. Edward was charged with desertion on 15 August 1942 at Rochdale, and a decree nisi was granted on 22 March 1943.

By 1944 Kathleen had achieved the rank of Second Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary. She was killed on 3 April 1944 when her air ambulance was hit by severe weather over the sea. They were travelling from White Waltham to Prestwick to collect a seriously ill patient.

Kathleen is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey.

This was reported in several newspapers, including the Birmingham Evening Mail and the Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier.

Birmingham Evening Mail 14 Apr 1944

Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier 25 Nov 1944

28th February 2025: Exciting news.... I've been published!

Many of you will remember my story on the Oake poisonings of the Maunder family in 1900. It has now been published in the March 2025 Issue of The Greenwood Tree, the journal of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

14th February 2025: The lifestory of William Sloman

William Sloman, my great, great, great grandfather, was born January 1844 at Hillfarrance, Somerset, and baptised 14 January at Oake.

He was the 2nd of 9 children born to James Foster (1817-1894) and Mary (1818-1901) Sloman, nee Upham. William’s siblings were: John (1842-1921), James (1845-1914), Charlotte Jane (1847-1932), Charles (1848-1906), Emma (1850-1930), Elizabeth (1852-1920), Samuel (1853-1928) and Mary Ann (1858-1932).

The family lived at Preston Bowyer, a small hamlet between Milverton and Oake, in 1851, where his father James was an agricultural labourer.

By 1861 the family had moved to Swifts Cottages, Milverton. James, John and William were agricultural labourers, and Emma, Elizabeth, Samuel and Charles were scholars.

William married Ann Smith 1 February 1870 at Milverton.

Their eldest child, Emma (1870-1952), was born 28 December 1870 at Milverton.

They were living at Houndsmoor, Milverton in 1871, where William worked as an agricultural labourer.

5 more children were born in the next decade: John, also known as Jack born 15 May 1872, Bessie (1874-1960) born 28 April 1874, Francis, or Frank (1876-1962) born 2 May 1876, William, or Bill (1879-1949) born 15 January 1879 and Sarah Ann, or Annie (1880-1972) born 23 December 1880.

By 1881 the family lived at Picts Cottages, Milverton. William was an agricultural labourer and Emma, John and Bessie were scholars.

The couple were to have 4 more children: Louisa Mary (1882-1966) born 5 March 1882, Mary Elizabeth, also known as Polly (1885-1980) born 17 January 1885, Charlie (1887-1972) born 2 April 1887 and Charlotte Ellen, or Nelly (1888-1975) born 20 October 1888.

The family were living at Picts Cottages, Stone Hill, Milverton. William and sons Francis and William all worked as agricultural labourers.

William was killed in a tragic accident with a bull, on 16 November 1900.

William was buried 21 November 1900 at Milverton, aged 57.

11th February 2025: The Lifestory of John Leigh

Last week we looked at the Lifestory of Ellen Leigh nee Chamberlain, my great, great grandmother. This week we’re looking at the lifestory of her husband, John Leigh, my great, great grandfather. John was born 28 June 1866 at Loxbeare, Devon, and baptised there on 12 August. He was the 4th of 13 children of Thomas (1820-1901) and Ellen Emma (1841-1914) Leigh, nee Langham. The remaining 11 children were: Susan Ellen (1860-1948), William (1863-1915), James (1864-1865), Elizabeth Mary (1868-1875), George (1869-1875), Tom (1871-1875), Annie (1873-1897), Harry (1876-1939), Frank (1877-1878), Emma Ada (1879-1961), Albert Edward (1881-1956) and Charles Arthur (1885-1965).

The family lived in Leigh Town, Loxbeare in 1871, Thomas was an agricultural labourer, Susan Ellen, William and John were scholars. Also living with the family was William Langham, Thomas’ widowed, pauper father-in-law.

By 1881 John had moved to Thorne, Rackenford, where he was an indoor farm servant, meaning he worked and lived on the farm but was not a family member.

As we saw last week, John married Ellen Chamberlain on 4 March 1888 at Stoodleigh, Devon. The previous post covers their lives together. Ellen died 9 October 1916. In the 1921 census John can be found at Daws Cottage, Loxbeare, aged 53 years and 11 months and a widower. He lived with his children Emma, Charles and Beatrice and worked as a farm labourer for Frederick Haywood, a farmer in Loxbeare Barton.

Daughter Emma undertook home duties while son Charles was a blacksmith working for Godfrey and Alford, wheelwright and carpenter, at Pantycridge, Loxbeare. Visiting was daughter Beatrice, who worked as a domestic servant for Miss Kelland, farmer, at Church Town, West Anstey, Somerset.

By the 29 September 1939 when the 1939 Register was collected, John was living with his daughter Beatrice and her husband and daughter in Bickley Cottages, Milverton, Somerset. John was working as a farm labourer, as was son in law William John Gardener (1903-1996), Beatrice was undertaking unpaid domestic duties, and her daughter, Lilian Ada, my grandmother (1929-2019), was at school.

John died 15 October 1947 at Whites Cottage, Milverton, aged 81.

9th February 2025 The Lifestory of Ellen Leigh nee Chamberlain

Ellen Chamberlain (my great, great grandmother) was born in April 1863, the youngest child of James and Sarah Chamberlain (previously Brown, was Needs, nee Baker), who married 1848 at Bampton, Devon. Her elder full siblings were Robert (1858-1858), Henry (1848-1848), Sarah (1850-1905), Emma (1854-1911) and James (1859-1884).

Ellen’s mother, Sarah, had been married twice before, firstly to Samuel Needs (1816-1842) in 1840 at Bampton, and secondly to Matthew Brown (1820-1846) in 1843 at Tiverton, Devon. Sarah’s marriage to Samuel Needs produced 3 children: John (1838-1917), William (born 1840) and Elizabeth Jane (1842-1886). After Samuel’s death, Sarah married Matthew Brown and had 2 more children, George (1844-1925) and John (1846-1891).

Following Sarah’s death in 1873, James Chamberlain remarried to Ellen Atkins (1848-1926) in 1878 at Bampton. They had 4 more children, Lucy Ellen (1880-1898), Francis John (1880-1881), Florence Jane (1882-1926) and Mabel Bessie (1884-1951).

Returning to Ellen Chamberlain’s life, she was baptised 5 April 1863 at Bampton. The family lived at Britain Street, Bampton in 1871, where James worked as a quarryman and his son, James, was an agricultural labourer. Ellen was a scholar as was her nephew, Henry, who also lived with them.

Ellen’s mother, Sarah, died November 1873 at Bampton. Ellen’s father, James, remarried in 1878 to Ellen Atkins at Bampton. By 1881 Ellen was living at the Swan Inn, West Street, Bampton and working as a domestic, a general servant, for Robert and Sarah Trickey, the innkeepers.

Ellen married John Leigh (1866-1947) on 4 March 1888 at Stoodleigh, Devon. The couple had 11 children: Emma (1889-1982), Bessie Ann (1890-1982), Mary Ellen, known as Polly (1891-1979), John (1893-1893), Thomas Henry (1899-1899), Francis James (1901-1901), Henrietta (1902-1975), Charles Austin (1904-1983), Beatrice Ada, my great grandmother (1905-2005), Albert Edward (1906-1992) and Louisa (1908-1909).

In 1891 they were living at Hensleigh Cottage, Tiverton, Devon, where John Leigh was employed as an agricultural labourer.

The family had moved to Great Bradley Cottage, Tiverton, by 1901, and John was working as a road maker.

Another move followed and the family are found at Stagstile, Lower Washfield, Devon in 1911. John worked as a farm labourer and daughter Emma was a charwoman. The 1911 census shows us that the couple had been married for 23 years and had had 11 children, 7 of whom were still alive.

Ellen died in 1916 aged only 53.

Ellen Chamberlain was my 2nd great grandmother (my paternal grandmother’s paternal grandmother) while her half-sister, Elizabeth Jane Needs became my 3rd great grandmother (my paternal grandmother’s maternal great grandmother). This means that, unbeknownst to them, my paternal grandmother’s parents were half 1st cousins once removed before they married, making me my own half 1st cousin 4 x removed!

3rd February 2025 The Lifestory of Eliza Brice nee Lazarus

Eliza Lazarus, my 1st cousin 3xremoved, was born 15 September 1873 at West Street, Bampton, Devon. She was the 3rd of 15 children born to John and Sarah Lazarus, nee Chamberlain. The eldest two siblings, John and Thomas, were born 1869 and 1871 at Bampton. John sadly died in February 1872. Eliza also had a half-brother, Henry (or Harry) Chamberlain, the illegitimate son of Sarah Chamberlain, born 1866 at Bampton. Henry may or may not be the child of John Lazarus, although he is included in the number of children born alive section of the 1911 census. The next few years saw the births of more siblings: Frank (1875), James (1876), Jack or John (1878), an unnamed boy (born 1880 Bampton, died 1880 Islington, London) and Clara (1881). The 1881 census sees the family living at Rose Cottage, Bampton, where John is a gamekeeper/water bailiff and Thomas, Eliza, Frank and James are scholars. Over the next decade, five more siblings were born: William (born and died 1883), Mary Ann (1884), Beatrice (1887), Willie (1889) and Fred (1890). The family can be found living at 5 Alpha Terrace, Totnes in 1891, however Eliza was not with them. She was living at 30 St James Street, Westminster, working as a servant (housemaid) for William and Louisa Groom. Two more children were born to John and Sarah, Arthur (1892) and Elizabeth Sarah (1894).

Eliza Lazarus married Thomas John Brice on 23 September 1894 at St Michael’s Church, Bampton.

The birth of their children soon followed: Beatrice Annie (7 Feb 1895), John (14 Dec 1896), Charles Henry (22 Jun 1898), Thomas (18 Jul 1899) and Gwendoline Irene Amy (21 Aug 1900). Eliza and Thomas were living at 27 Brook Street, Bampton in 1891 with their children, where Thomas Brice was working as a fish hawker. Eliza’s parents, John and Sarah Lazarus, were living at the Great House Inn, 23-24 Brook Street, Bampton. The next 10 years saw the birth of 5 more children to Eliza and Thomas Brice: Frederick William (18 Feb 1902), Bertie (19 Feb 1903), Bessie (4 Jul 1904), James (2 Apr 1906) and Gertrude Ellen (28 Jul 1908). Eliza’s mother, Sarah Chamberlain, died 27 Apr 1905 at Bampton and was buried at St Michael’s Church on 3 May.

Eliza was to have 2 more children, Percival George (1917) and Leslie (1919), both born in Ripon, Yorkshire. Her son Frederick died in 1919 at Ripon, aged only 17. The 1921 census shows Eliza and Thomas living at 28a Low Skillgate, Ripon. Thomas worked as a paint and varnish worker for J & R Williamson Ltd, paint and colour works in Low Skillgate, Ripon. Charles Henry was a soldier labourer in the Royal Engineers, under Captain Thompson at Ripon Camp.

Son Thomas was an out of work labourer whilst Bertie was a tinner working with his father. Eliza and daughter Bessie both worked at home undertaking home duties. Son James was an errand boy for a baker on Queen’s Street, Ripon while Gertrude Ellen was at school full time. Also living with the family was Vera Mary Brice, their 5-year-old granddaughter. Eliza’s father, John, was living at 14 Brook Street, Bampton, with his new wife Emma, and working as a water bailiff for the Exe Board of Conservators Exeter, despite being 75 years old! The couple had 1 visitor and 2 boarders living with them. Strangely enough, one of the boarders was Tom Vickery, my father’s paternal grandfather, who was working as a clerk for W Stone, corn merchant and seedsman at Bampton. This was quite a find as we previously did not know where Tom was in 1921, so finding him living with my father’s maternal family was a shock! Eliza’s husband, Thomas, died on 4 April 1927 at 17 Kingston Road, Exmouth, followed the next year by her father, John, on 5 March 1928 at Bampton. As reported in local newspapers, John had 7 sons who served in the First World War, as he did. They all survived.

Eliza was living at 12 Exeter Road, Exmouth when the 1939 Register was taken, working as a caretaker for a bank. Her son, Charles Henry, died 17 August 1954 at Weston Super Mare. Eliza died 16 March 1956 aged 82, at her home 39 New Street, Exmouth.

As can be seen in the “Looking in on Exmouth” article, Eliza had a hard life but was extremely proud of her family’s military contributions. Her father and 7 brothers all served in the First World War, and 21 family members served in the Second World War. Although some were injured, they all returned home.

16th December 2024 The Lifestory of Lewis and Mary Hannah Warren, nee Norman

Two of my Great, Great Grandparents were Lewis and Mary Hannah Warren (nee Norman). Lewis was born 26 June 1861 at Silverton, Devon. He was the 3rd of 9 children born to Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Warren (nee Maunder). The 1871 census saw Lewis living at Ford Hays, Silverton and was a scholar. By April 1881 he was living at Parsonage Street, Bradninch, working as a paper mill labourer and lodging with the Melhuish family. Later that year, Lewis married Mary Hannah Norman. Mary Hannah was born 2 November 1855 at Cullompton, Devon, the youngest of two children born to James and Elizabeth Norman (nee Mitchell). Her name was registered as Hannah Norman, but she was said to prefer the name Mary, and so went by that name. Mary Hannah’s father, James, had previously been married to Ann Haycraft, with whom he had two daughters. Ann died in 1848, and James married Mary Hannah’s mother, Elizabeth Mitchell, in 1852. Elizabeth died in 1858, a year after her eldest child, Joseph, had died. James married again later in 1858, to Sarah Plumpton Mills, with whom he had five more children. The 1861 census shows Mary Hannah living at Newlands, Cullompton.

Following their marriage in 1881, Lewis and Mary Hannah lived at Holcombe Rogus and had four children in the next decade: Mary Ann Elizabeth (30 June 1882), Lewis Thomas (28 February 1885), George Henry (3 April 1888) and Emily Amelia Maria (8 March 1890). The 1891 census sees the family living at Rull, Holcombe Rogus, where Lewis worked as an agricultural labourer, and Mary and Lewis were scholars. The next decade saw the birth of 6 more children: Eliza Jane Norman (July 1891), John William (22 July 1894), Ernest Albert Edward (27 May 1895), Florence Maud (July 1896), William Frederick (14 January 1898) and Edwin Henry (July 1899).

The 1901 census shows the family living at 88 Rull. Lewis was an agricultural horse waggoner on a farm and George Henry was a French polisher. The couple’s youngest child, Arthur James, was born January 1903. The family were living at 27 Rull when the 1911 census was taken. Lewis was a carter on a farm, Ernest was an errand boy for a butcher, William had just finished school and was looking for work, while Edwin and Arthur were at school.

Lewis died 4 April 1912 aged 50 at Holcombe Rogus, followed by his son, Edwin, the following year, aged only 13. Mary Hannah had moved to Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus by 1921. She is recorded as being a widow, aged 65 years and 7 months, and undertaking home duties. Mary Hannah died 3 October 1936 at 21 South Street, Holcombe Rogus, aged 80.

The couple’s eldest child, Mary Ann Elizabeth (who went by the name Marion), my Great Grandmother, married my Great Grandfather, Edward William Greenslade, on 23 November 1901 at Wellington, Somerset.

The couple had 11 children, the youngest, Brenda Joan (born 5 February 1927), would become my grandmother, after marrying Griffith Hugh Poole on 10 April 1950 at Wellington.

8th December 2024 The Lifestory of Elizabeth Farmer, was Daley, nee Wyatt

Elizabeth Wyatt, my 3rd great grandmother, was born 11th November 1847 and baptised 5th December at West Buckland, Somerset, to parents James (born 1809) and Charlotte (born 1816) Wyatt (nee Babb). She was the 6th of 9 children born to the couple. The 1851 census shows the family living at Hockholler, West Buckland, where James and his son James (born 1837) were both farm labourers, sons Amos (born 1839) and John (born 1841) were plough boys, daughters Charlotte (born 1843) and Sarah (born 1845) were scholars (at school), and Elizabeth and Joseph (born 1850) were at home with Charlotte. The next 10 years saw the birth of Mary Ann (in 1852) and William (in 1854), and the death of Joseph in 1853, aged just 3 years old.

By 1861 Elizabeth was working as a servant at Higher Ruggin, West Buckland, with the Richards family. Elizabeth must have moved to Charlton, Kent sometime in the next few years, possibly in service of another family, although records of this have not been found.

She married Daniel Daley at the Parish Church of Charlton on 24th November 1866. Daniel was a gunner (regiment number 1379) in the Royal Horse Artillery, originally born in Ireland in 1828, and becoming a career soldier serving in Crimea and India, before marrying Elizabeth. Daniel was discharged by own request from D Battery, C Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery on 14th February 1867, after serving 21 years in the army, including 6 years in India, and awarded a pension of 1 shilling a day.

The couple moved back to West Buckland, where their son, Frederick Daniel was born on 25th April 1867, followed by another son, William John on 8th October 1869. The 1871 census shows the couple living with their sons at Piccadilly, West Buckland, where Daniel is a pensioner gunner RHA. (Royal Horse Artillery). Their daughter, Charlotte Jane, was born in October 1871.

Daniel died 27th August 1872 at West Buckland, aged only 43 and was buried at West Buckland Parish Church on 29th August 1872.

Elizabeth married John Farmer (born 1849 at Huish Champflower) in 1876 at West Buckland, where the births of their first son, Francis John, was born in 1877. The family then moved to Trull where Henry James was born on 7th March 1878 and Thomas George was born on 11th November 1880. The 1881 census show the family living together at Trull, where Frederick, William and Charlotte Daley’s surnames are recorded as Farmer. John and Frederick worked as agricultural labourers, while William, Charlotte and Francis were scholars. More children soon followed: Albert Charles (born and died in 1882), John (on 4th May 1883), Albert (on 18th January 1885) and Elizabeth Florence Annie (on 25th April 1887), known as Florence or Florrie.

The 1891 census sees Elizabeth and John living at Stoford Cottages, Bradford on Tone. John and son Henry worked as farm labourers, and Thomas, John and Albert were at school (scholars). Sadly, the couple’s eldest son, Francis John Farmer, died on 1st July 1894, aged 20 years and 7 months. He was buried on 3rd July at St Mary Major, Exeter, Devon.

Elizabeth died 18th November 1896 (aged 49) at Galmington and was buried 21st November at St George’s Churchyard, Wilton. She was later joined by her husband, John, on 21st September 1922 (aged 73). John had requested to be buried alongside his first wife, Elizabeth, despite remarrying in 1902 to Sophia Mockridge.

21st November 2024: Tabulam Flood 1863

This story concerns three members of the Sloman family who emigrated to Australia from Milverton, Somerset. John Sloman (1792-1864) and Amy Sloman nee Pring (1793-1833) had six children: James Foster (1817-1894), Mary (1819-1889), Elizabeth (1821-1880), John (1823-1906), Samuel (1827-1904) and William (1830-1863). Elizabeth, John, and William all emigrated in the mid-1800s.

John Sloman was the first to emigrate. Born October 1823 and baptised 10th October in Milverton, Somerset, John married Sarah Musgrave Collard (of Nether Stowey) on 30th April 1846 at Enmore, Somerset, where he was living at the time. Their son, Charles, was born September 1847 at Enmore. John, Sarah, and Charles emigrated to New South Wales, Australia, on the ‘Canton’ arriving on 12th June 1848.

Four more children were born in quick succession: Mary Musgrave (born 1849 at Armidale), John Thomas (born 23rd June 1853 at Armidale), William Henry (born 2nd February 1855 at Armidale) and Elizabeth (born 1858 at Wellingrove). Land records show John purchased land at Tetherfield in 1859.

Elizabeth Sloman was born on 18th March 1821 at Milverton and baptised there on 23rd April. Following the births of her three younger siblings and the death of her mother, Elizabeth married William May (a sojourner in Milverton) on 23rd February 1845 at Milverton. The birth of two children, Jane (in April 1845) and Emma (on 5th June 1847) soon followed. The family emigrated to New South Wales onboard the ‘Emperor’ arriving 4th November 1848.

The couple had six children in Australia: Frances Mary (born 11th January 1850 at Dundee), Elizabeth Butler (born 31st March 1852 at Tenterfield), Eli James (born 23rd August 1854 at Armidale), Matilda (born 2nd October 1857 at Tenterfield), William John (born 28th October 1859 at Tenterfield) and James Thomas (born 2nd August 1862 at Tenterfield).

William Sloman was born 26th March 1830 and baptised on 11th April at Milverton. His mother died in 1833, and William spent the next 13 years working as a farm labourer at Preston Bowyer, living first with his father and then the Webber family. William emigrated to New South Wales, arriving on 4th September 1856 on the vessel ‘Lloyds’.

The Farmer's Journal and Gardener's Chronicle (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) (1863). Disastrous Floods at Tabulam. The Farmer's Journal and Gardener's Chronicle. 14 March. p.7, col.3. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1121167033/ : accessed 18 November 2024.

The three siblings and their families lived close to each other in the same town, with John and William Sloman, alongside Elizabeth’s husband William May, working together as draymen. The men and their teams were camped along with seven drays (two-wheeled carts) at Tabulam (between Tenterfield and Grafton), on Saturday 1st March 1863, waiting for the water level in the Clarence River to drop following recent floods. However, the afternoon saw a sudden influx of water from a flash flood. Most of the draymen survived by swimming to the shore, but three were unable to swim, and were swept away and drowned. They were William May, Eli May (son of William, age 8 but recorded as 14 in some accounts) and William Sloman (incorrectly recorded as John in some articles). John Foy, senior constable at Tabulam, and family were living in the jailhouse or police station at the time. He saved his family but returned to save goods and furnishings but was unable to escape the water and drowned. All 7 drays were swept away and most of the goods and property destroyed. The entire tragedy occurred in front of many of the families who were unable to save the drowned men. The bodies of the three draymen (father, son, and brother in-law), and John Foy, were seen floating near each other past Yulgilbar at about 3pm on Sunday and pulled from the water. The article from The Farmer's Journal and Gardener's Chronicle reports the tragedy.

This write-up from 1928, 65 years after the tragedy, summarises the events of that fateful day, and shows how this event was still public knowledge so many years later.

Casino and Kyogle Courier and North Coast Advertiser (Casino, New South Wales, Australia) (1928). Drowning of the Teamsters. Casino and Kyogle Courier and North Coast Advertiser. 7 March. p.4, col.2. https://www.newspapers.com/image/931558920/ : accessed 18 November 2024.

Those who died were commemorated on a plaque on a rock at the site later by the descendants of the May family.

The lives of the surviving families, however, continued. John Sloman, father to William Sloman and Elizabeth May nee Sloman passed away the following year, on 23rd July 1864 at Halse, Somerset. Elizabeth May, left to raise her remaining seven children, remarried in 1865, to Patrick McCarthy at Tenterfield. Their only child, Charles McCarthy, was born the following year. Elizabeth died on 21st December 1880 at Tenterfield, aged only 59. Her death registration incorrectly records her father as William, instead of John.

John Sloman, having lost his brother, brother-in-law, and nephew, continued working as a drayman. His son, Frederick James, was born a month after the flooding. His father died the following year. The attached photo shows John with his 4 sons.

John lost more family members in the subsequent years. His sister, Elizabeth McCarthy, was May, nee Sloman, died in 1880, his son Charles died 30th June 1884, his sister Mary died in 1889 followed by his brother James in 1894. John’s wife, Sarah, died on 9th December 1899 aged 82. John was married again in 1902, when he was 79 years old, to Sarah Jane Rice nee Kneipp (born 1878), and their son, Albert Edward, was born in 1904, when John was 81 years old! John died 25th October 1906 at Glen Innes, aged 83.

11th November 2024: Continuing the story from last week……….

Annie Laura Maunder:

Following the death of her parents and 3 of her surviving siblings, Annie was living at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital, East Reach, Taunton in 1901. She was a patient, age 12, and a schoolgirl. By the 1911 census, she was living at Westfield, Compass Hill, Taunton, and working as a servant, age 21, single, undertaking general servant (domestic) duties.

By 1921 the family was living at March Bay Cottages, Thurlbear, Taunton. James Henry (recorded as Henry) was 33 years 1 month old, working as a farm labourer for Clifford Taylor, farmer, at Greenway Farm, Thurlbear. Annie was 32 years 8 months old, undertaking home duties at home, while daughters Hilda and Beatrice were 8 years 6 months old 6 years 8 months old respectively, both in education full time. The couple’s youngest daughter, Nellie, was born in Taunton in 1923.

The 1939 Register shows the family now lived at 2 New Inn Cottages, Bishops Hull, Taunton. James Henry (recorded as Henry this time), has his date of birth recorded as 24th May 1888, and worked as a cowman. Annie, born 2nd November 1889, was undertaking unpaid domestic duties. The Register also has 3 other entries for this address, 1 is redacted (born under 100 years ago and not confirmed dead yet) and 2 others are children, not belonging to the couple.

Annie married James Henry Spiller (a herdsman) on 31st July 1911 at the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. Their first daughter, Hilda Mary Spiller, was born 6 months later on the 4th January 1913 at Taunton, soon followed by Beatrice Emma Spiller on 3rd November 1914. Sadly, 1916 saw the birth and death of daughter Ivy May Spiller at Taunton.

Annie’s husband James died in 1952 at Taunton, Annie herself died there in 1973.

James Walter Maunder:

As with his sister Annie, James was a patient in Taunton and Somerset Hospital, East Reach, Taunton, aged 10 and a schoolboy in 1901. By 1911, James was living at 21 Buckwell, Wellington, nephew to the head of household, age 19, working as a labourer at a mattress factory (likely Relyon).

James enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) on 17th August 1914 as a private. His regiment number was 7226.

On 8th November 1917 he married Eleanor Alice Gatter at Christchurch Parish Church, Woking, Surrey.

The 1921 census sees the couple living at Queen Head Cottage, North Lane, Aldershot, Farnham, Surrey. James was 28 years 6 months old, working as a civilian nursing orderly employed by the Government at Connaught Hospital, while Eleanor was 26 years 10 months old and was busy with home duties at home. They were living at The Anchor Inn, Farnham, Surrey between 1927-1929. The 1939 Register shows them living at 1 Roberts Road, Aldershot, Surrey, where James (who was born 21st November 1891), worked as a military sanitary orderly and Eleanor (born 8th August 1894) undertook household duties.

James died in 1942 at Aldershot, Surrey, aged only 50.

Mary Jane Maunder:

The youngest of the surviving siblings, Mary Jane Maunder was just 14 months old when her parents and 3 of her older siblings died. It appears she was adopted by Fred and Annie Bowley, as she is found living with them in the 1901 census, at Abbotsfield Stables, Wiveliscombe, where Fred was working as a domestic coachman. They had moved to West Bagborough by 1911. Fred was still working as a domestic coachman while Mary Jane was at school.

Mary Jane then seemed to turn to crime:

· 23 July 1917 – charged with stealing bicycle in Bristol and placed on probation. On returning from Bristol, placed under care of Mrs Gillis and obtained work at South Street factory, where she remained for 5 months. She did her work well but was untruthful.

· 3 July 1918 – stole tweed skirt and other articles worth £3 15s from Ann Talbot of Paul Street – pleaded guilty

· 18 October 1918– stole three £1 Treasury notes and a knitted jersey belonging to Winifred Oakley Haynes, a nurse at King’s College Sanitorium, where Mary Jane had previously worked – she pleaded guilty, saying she’d spent the money in going to London

· 13 November 1918 – Report published in local newspapers detailing ‘A Young Woman’s Alleged Thefts’. This report stated Mary Jane’s crimes, saying she had been received by the Somerset police from the custody of the Hampshire police, where she had been arrested on another charge

Mary Jane wrote a statement to the court apologising for the bother she had caused her foster parents. She refused to go into a home saying she would rather be sent to prison. She was placed in the care of Miss Elliott, a rescue worker, at 6 Portman Terrace.

1920 may have been the turning point in Mary Jane’s life, this was when she married William Henry Dennis at Taunton. William was previously in the Royal Navy. He enlisted 14th March 1913 as a Boy, aged 15, and first served on the Ganges. His Service Number was J23512. He was invalided out of the Royal Navy on 31 December 1919, leaving fully on 3 March 1920. The last Ship he served on was the Vivid I. William had served throughout the war, including taking part in the Battle of Jutland. William and Mary Ann’s son, Norman John Dennis, was born 13th November 1920 at Taunton. William died on 22 March 1921, aged only 23, at Taunton.

Mary Jane and her son Norman were living at 10 Thomas Street, Rowbarton, Taunton in 1921, living with her in-laws. Mary Jane is their daughter in law, aged 21 years 8 months, and working in needlework on her own account at home. Norman is their grandson aged 7 months. His father is recorded as being dead.

Mary Jane remarried in 1922 to Robert John Hughes at Taunton. He had previously served in the army. He initially enlisted in the Royal Devonshire Regiment but was claimed by his brother (who was killed during the war) into his regiment, the Lancashire Fusiliers, 2 months before the outbreak of war. Robert served in the Dardanelles and was wounded in the right arm.

The couple had 9 children together during the next 12 years. Robert John Hughes junior was born 13th June 1922 at Taunton. The following year the couple had 2 children, only 8 months apart. Trevor Gordon Ivor Hughes was born 17th April 1923 and Millicent Audrey Pamela Hughes arrived 8th December 1923, both at Taunton. They were followed soon after by Gerald David Hughes, born 13th July 1925 and Kenneth T J Hughes on 16th January 1927 at Taunton. Christopher M I Hughes was born in 1928. Mary Jane gave birth to twins on 1st January 1931, Jeffrey Carol Stuart Hughes and Jervis N M Hughes, at Wellington. Three years later Tennison Frederick Bowley Hughes was born in 1934 at Bridgwater.

The family had returned to Taunton before the 1939 Register occurred. They were living at 109 Roman Road, Taunton. Robert Hughes (born 24th June 1896) was a gardener, Mary Jane Hughes (born 19th October 1899) was had responsibility for unpaid household duties. Living with the family was Annie Bowley (born 6th October 1873), Mary Jane’s adopted mother, who was not working. Robert Hughes junior (born 13th June 1922) was also working as a gardener and Audrey P H Hughes (born 8th December 1923) was working as a collar factory hand, and Gerald D Hughes (born 13 July 1925) was a page boy at a surgery. The remaining children were all at school. Mary Jane and Robert’s youngest, possibly unexpected child was daughter Valerie Romana Hughes, born 1944 at Taunton.

Mary Jane died in 1954 at Taunton, aged only 54 years old. She was followed by her husband Robert who died on 13th May 1966 at Trinity Hospital, Taunton.

As we can see, the three surviving children of the Oake poisoning led very different lives. Annie Laura married in 1911 age 21 and had 4 children, and lived to the age of 83, whereas James Walter joined the military, married in 1917 age 25 and had no children, and died age 50. Mary Jane was the only one of the three who was adopted, yet she became a criminal in her teen years. She married twice, firstly in 1920 age 20, having 1 child, then again in 1922 age 22, having 10 children. Mary Jane lived to just 54 years old.

10th November 2024 Oake Poisoning

Eli Walter (known as Walter) Maunder (born 1870 at Norton Fitzwarren to William James Maunder and Louisa Maunder nee Palfrey) and Emma Maunder nee Sweetland (born 1870 at West Buckland, Somerset to John Sweetland and Elizabeth Sweetland nee Marks) were a normal, Somerset couple, living at Lowton Farm, Oake, Somerset. They had 7 children, although one died soon after birth. They married on 11th April 1889 at West Buckland Parish Church, where Walter is working as a labourer and Emma is a domestic servant.

Their eldest daughter, Annie Laura Maunder, was born 2nd November 1889 at West Buckland. The family were living at Piccadilly in the 1891 census, where Walter was working as an agricultural labourer. Walter and Emma’s son, James Walter Maunder, was born 21st November 1891 at West Buckland. The couple had a female child in 1893, who sadly died soon after birth, and is recorded only as Female Maunder. August 1894 saw the birth of John Maunder at Oake, followed by Thomas Maunder in June 1896, also at Oake. The two youngest children, Lily Louisa Maunder and Mary Jane Maunder were born at Oake in 1898 and 19th October 1899 respectively.

However, December 1900 saw tragedy hit the family, as was recorded in local newspapers:

To summarise, Lily Louisa Maunder died 13th December 1900 at Lowton Farm. Thomas Maunder and Walter Maunder died on 18th December 1900, Thomas at Milverton and Walter at Taunton Hospital. John Maunder died 20th December 1900 at Milverton, followed by Emma on 21st December.

The burials of Walter (age 31), John (age 8), Thomas (age 4) and Lily Maunder (age 2) occurred on 23rd December 1900 at St Bartholomew’s Church, Oake, by order of the coroner. Emma Maunder (age 29) was buried in the same grave as her husband and children on 24th December, at St Bartholomew’s Church, Oake, again by order of the coroner.

Next week we will look at the lives of the surviving three children.

31st October 2024 The Lifestory of John Ash

John Ash, my 3rd great grandfather, was born in October 1815 at West Bagborough, Somerset, to parents John Ash (1785-1865) and Mary Ash nee Webber (1783-1883). He was the 3rd of 8 children born to the couple. His 2 elder siblings were Ann (born 1811) and Mary (born 1813), both also born in West Bagborough. John was baptised 22nd October 1815 at West Bagborough Parish Church. His father, John, is recorded as a labourer.

The next 22 years saw the birth of John’s younger siblings, William (born 1818), Elizabeth (born 1824), Amos (born 1825), Eliza (born 1836) and Louisa (born 1837), again all born in West Bagborough. The family were living at Stockham, West Bagborough at the time of the 1841 census, where both John and his father John were working as agricultural labourers.

John married Mary Ann Greenslade on 10th October 1844 at the Parish Church, Lydeard St Lawrence. Both John and Mary Ann were illiterate, they both signed their names on the marriage register with an X.

The next few years saw the birth of their first child, Sarah (born 1848 Bedminster). The 1851 census shows the couple living at 24 Browns Row, Bedminster. John is working as an agricultural labourer. There were also 5 lodgers living at the house at this time.

The next 10 years saw the birth of 5 more children, Mary Ann (born 30th October 1851 Bedminster), Anna Maria (born 1853 Bedminster), George Major (born 1855 Wiveliscombe), Amos (born 1857 Wiveliscombe) and Sabrina (born 1859 Wiveliscombe). Before the birth of George, the family moved to Wiveliscombe. They are still living there, at Croford, in the 1861 census. John is working as an agricultural labourer and 12-year-old Sarah is working as a general labourer.

Another 4 children were born in quick succession, Ellen (born 1861 Wiveliscombe), James (born 1863 Wiveliscombe), John (born 1865 Wiveliscombe) and Elizabeth (born 1866 Wiveliscombe). The 1871 census shows the family still living at Croford, with John and his son Amos both working as labourers, daughters Mary Ann and Anna Maria working as domestic servants, and Ellen, James, John and Elizabeth attending school.

John died on 20th January 1881 in unfortunate circumstances. He committed suicide and was found by his wife, Mary Ann. An inquest took place and a verdict of ‘temporary insanity’ was returned. This was all recorded in a surprisingly detailed account in local newspapers.

John was buried the following day, 21st January 1881 at St Andrew’s Church, Wiveliscombe.

As we have seen in previous articles, some liberties appear to have been taken when it comes to age. Here we see John’s age recorded as 71 at his inquest, but 69 at his burial. However, using his dates of birth and death, John would have been 65 years old when he died.

19th October 2024 The Lifestory of Albert Charles Daley

This is the life story of Albert Charles Daley, my great, great uncle. This photo shows Albert (always referred to as ‘Uncle’ by my grandparents, parents and my generations and ‘Bert’ by older generations) and me in early 1981, taken at Rendy Farm, Oake. He was 83 at the time and had led a long life, as can be illustrated through genealogical research.

Albert was born 7th August 1897 at Bradford on Tone, Somerset, to parents William Daley and Emma Daley nee Sloman. He was baptised at St Giles Church, Bradford on Tone on 5th September 1897, where his father William is recorded as being a labourer.

Albert was the 5th of 6 children born to William and Emma. Unfortunately, the first 2 children, William John and Frederick Stanley, born 1891 and 1892 respectively at Llangeinor, Glamorganshire, Wales, both died soon after birth. Florence Ellen was born 25th September 1893 at Llangeinor before the family moved back to Bradford on Tone, Somerset, where Francis George was born 20th December 1895. The last child born to the family was Winifred May, born 19th April 1900, also at Bradford.

Albert’s early life was spent in Bradford, living at Higher Stoford, Bradford with his family in the 1901 census,

and Middle Stoford, Bradford in the 1911 census, where Albert was 13 years old, had left school and was working as an errand boy for a draper.

Albert was only just 17 years old at the beginning of World War 1 and therefore too young to enlist (the minimum age was 18 for the Army, and 19 to serve abroad). However, that did not stop Albert from lying about his age and enlisting early, claiming he was born in 1895. He enlisted on 3rd September 1914 as a private in the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry regiment no. 72136. As with 70% of those who served, Albert’s Service Record was destroyed by fire during the Second World War, but his military service can be seen using other documents. Albert served in the trenches at Ypres before moving onto the Somme. It was here that Albert was seriously injured and his friend, Frank Pavey, was killed.

Due to his injuries, Albert was transferred back to England for treatment. When the hospital ship docked, all those injured were asked where they came from so they could be sent to a hospital near home. The call went out for anyone living in West England to board the train, so Albert boarded. This train took him to the military hospital at Southport, Merseyside. However, Albert should have said he was from the South West to be nearer home. He spent a year recovering in hospital, where the doctors initially thought he would need both legs amputated.

Once discharged from hospital, Albert found he was not fit to return to the front with the Somerset Light Infantry. Keen to still serve his country, he joined the Army Veterinary Corps, regiment no. SE34830, where he served until the end of the war. He was discharged 14th February 1919, having been awarded an army disability pension, along with the Silver War Badge (for those injured) and the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal (known as ‘Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred,’ nicknames for the 3 main campaign medals).

After his discharge, Albert returned home to Bradford on Tone. On 19th June 1921, at the taking of the census, Albert was living at Gardeners Hall Cottages, Bradford on Tone, with parents William John (a general agricultural worker working for Mr Marke, a farmer of Gerberton Farm, West Buckland) and Emma (home duties), and older brother Francis George, a packer for Great Western Railway (Francis also fought in the First World War with Somerset Light Infantry, was wounded twice then captured by the Germans in 1918 and held as a Prisoner of War until the end of the war). Albert was working as a gardener for Colonel Woodhouse at Heatherton Park, also in Bradford.

The family soon moved to Rendy Farm, Oake, where Albert worked on the farm. Albert is found at the wedding of his brother Francis to Lena Vickery on 21st February 1924 at Wellington, Somerset.

The 1939 Register, taken as the Second World War broke out, shows the family still living at Rendy Farm. Albert is recorded as a farm worker, heavy worker, as is his father William. Emma works in the dairy assisting her husband and is unpaid.

Francis works as a concrete worker, heavy worker while wife Lena is an unpaid domestic, caring for children Norman George (born 30th August 1926) and Albert John (born 1st June 1930) who were both at school. Albert John is redacted from this snippet as he was born less than 100 years ago and has only recently passed away.

Francis passed away at Rendy Farm on 24th March 1946, aged only 50 (incorrectly recorded as 53 on his death certificate and as 52 on his gravestone). Life continued at Rendy Farm. Albert is mentioned in local newspapers following a fire at the farm on 25th March 1949, which resulted in the destruction of a straw rick.

Albert’s mother Emma died 19th October 1952 at Holmoor Hospital, Taunton, aged 81 (incorrectly recorded as 82 on her death certificate and gravestone).

Albert’s father William died 17th August 1960 at Trinity Hospital, Taunton, aged 90. This left Albert still living at Rendy Farm, with his nephew Norman, wife Lilian and their 2 children.

Albert with his father William, Albert with his nephew Norman.

nephew Norman and Great Niece.

Albert passed away 2nd April 1983 at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, aged 85. He was buried at St Bartholemew’s Church, Oake, in a plot with his parents William and Emma (William had bought 2 family plots at the church many years before). The other grave currently holds Francis and Lena Daley, Norman and his wife Lilian Daley, and their daughter in law Susan Daley.

12th October 2024 The Lifestory of Tom Vickery

Newspaper articles can provide a wealth of genealogical information. This case details the life of Tom Vickery and includes many newspaper articles throughout his life.

Tom Vickery was born on 2 January 1870 at Burgage, Wellington, Somerset, to William Vickery (age 36) and Lydia Morle Vickery nee Alway (age 23), the eldest of 7 children. He was baptised 26 January 1870 at Wellington. Tom and his family were living at Burgage, Wellington on 2 April 1871 when the census was taken. His father, William (born 1833 at Sandford Arundel, Somerset) worked as a labourer whilst his mother, Lydia (born 1846 at Wellington, Somerset) worked as a wool loom weaver. Over the next 10 years Tom’s parents had 5 more children: Eliza Ann (1872), Frederick John (1873), Ellen (1877), Sarah Jane (1878) and Walter William (1881). The gap in births between Frederick John and Ellen may be due to a miscarriage or stillbirth, although we will likely never know. The family were still living at Burgage by 3 April 1881 when the next census was taken; William was working as an agricultural labourer while Tom, Eliza, Frederick and Ellen were at school. 1883 saw the birth of another brother, Charles. Unfortunately, Tom’s mother Lydia passed away in 1887, aged only 41.

Tom joined the army on 12 May 1887, being promoted to Corporal on 24 July 1890. He is found living at North Camp, Aldershot, Hampshire in the 1891 census (taken 5 April) as a 22-year-old Corporal in the 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. Tom was posted to Gibraltar on 10 November 1891 and married Emma Sarah Marriott on 19 April 1893 at King’s Chapel, Gibraltar. He extended his service on 25 October 1893 to complete 12 years in the army and was soon posted to East India on 19 December 1893.

Tom and Emma’s first child, Thomas William, was born 2 July 1894 at Sabatha, India, soon followed by Lydia on 15 November 1896 and Hilda on 4 April 1898 at Rawal Pindi, India. Lydia sadly passed away on 4 June 1898 and was buried the following day. 2 years later another daughter, Bertha was born, on 21 March 1900. She was to be the last of Tom and Emma’s children born in India as the family move back to England on 29 March 1902 and settle in Taunton, Somerset. Tom was promoted to Sergeant in the 3rd Battalion on 23 April 1902. 4 more children arrived in quick succession: Lena (22 January 1903), Henry George (15 October 1905), Edward Francis (20 April 1907) and Walter John (22 September 1908). By this time Tom had been promoted again to Colour Sergeant on 1 October 1903. By 2 July 1907 Tom had been allowed to continue in the service beyond 21 years on 2 July 1907. He was promoted once again on 29 May 1908 to Adjutant (a military appointment given to an officer who assists the commanding officer with unit administration) to the 5th Battalion. After giving three months’ notice, Tom left the army on 12 May 1909, after serving for 22 years and 1 day. Upon leaving the military, the family lived at Mansfield Road, Taunton.

Tom Vickery public notice 1911[1]

The family soon moved again, this time to Prospect House, Bampton, Devon, where their daughter Mary arrived on 3 February 1910. The 1911 census taken on 2 April, shows the family living at Prospect House, Bampton, where Tom is recorded as an Army Pensioner. Son Thomas was working as an errand boy, while Hilda, Bertha, Lena, Henry George and Edward were at school. On 11 July 1911 Tom posted in local newspapers with the following notice.

The reason for this notice is unknown.

However, Tom and Emma then had another child, Constance, born 2 November 1913. At the beginning of the First World War Tom began working as a drill instructor to D Company, 6th Territorial Force Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. Tom’s eldest son, Thomas William, had followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the army on 1 November 1915, enlisting as a private in 10th Battalion Royal West Surreys (Queen’s Regiment). He was quickly promoted. He visited home in December 1916, after being recommended for the Military Medal.

Thomas William Vickery visit home 1916[2]

Thomas William Vickery died of wounds 1917[3]

Thomas was transferred to the Royal Field Artillery and back to the front line in France, where he was injured at the Battle of Arras, and subsequently died of wounds on 25 April 1917, aged 23.

Thomas William Vickery death Commonwealth War Graves[4]

Thomas William Vickery’s Military Medal given to parents Tom and Emma Vickery[5]

Tom and Emma Vickery received Thomas’ Military Medal in February 1918.

Following the end of the First World War, Tom received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of services in connection to the war:

Tom Vickery awarded Meritorious Service Medal[6]

Marriage of Hilda Vickery and George Lee 1922[7]

The next census was taken 19 June 1921. Although we have been unable to locate Tom (may have been overseas?), we see his wife Emma living at 22 Mitchell Street, Wellington with children Edward Francis, Walter John, Mary and Constance, who were all attending school full time. Tom and Emma’s daughter, Hilda, married George Lee on 13 September 1922:

The 1939 Register was taken on 29 September 1939 as a result of the National Registration Act 1939, introduced as an emergency measure at the start of the Second World War. The information gathered aided the production of identity cards which everyone had to carry. It also provided information for rationing, as those involved in heavy work required more food each day to complete their jobs. Tom can be found living at 1 St Hilary Villas, St Austell, Cornwall, where his occupation is recorded as pensioner army retired, and Warrant Officer for Somerset Light Infantry. His wife Emma can be found at 22 Mitchell Street, Wellington, undertaking unpaid domestic duties and living with her daughter Mary, and Mary’s husband, Clifford, and their son, Christopher. Clifford was working as a master builder, heavy worker, Mary is doing unpaid domestic duties, and Christopher is under school age.

Tom died on 26 February 1957 at 49 Sycamore Road, Erdington, Birmingham, the home of daughter Bertha and her husband Bertram Moreby. Tom’s funeral took place at Wellington Cemetery, Wellington, Somerset on 2 March 1957. The following is his obituary and details those attending his funeral.

Tom’s wife, Emma, died 3 years later on 2 December 1960 at her home of 22 Mitchell Street, Wellington.

Tom Vickery obituary[8]

[1] The Tiverton Gazette, East Devon Herald etc. (1911). Public Notices. The Tiverton Gazette, East Devon Herald etc. 11 July. p.4. col.4. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/130945695 : accessed 30 August 2023.

[2] The Western Times (1916). Bampton. The Western Times. 22 December. p.9. col.1. https://www.newspapers.com/image/816838785/ : accessed 23 December 2023.

[3] Devon and Exeter Gazette (1917). Bampton. Devon and Exeter Gazette. 11 May. p.7. col.2. https://www.newspapers.com/image/791479222/ : accessed 23 December 2023.

[4] Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Casualty details. VICKERY, Thomas William. Death: 24 April 1917. Service no.810244. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/41550/thomas-william-vickery/ : accessed 12 October 2024.

[5] The Western Times (1918). Bampton. The Western Times. 1 March. p.9. col.1. https://www.newspapers.com/image/817430198/ : accessed 23 December 2023.

[6] The Western Times (1919). Bampton. The Western Times. 14 March. p.9. col.1. https://www.newspapers.com/image/816841656/ : accessed 14 September 2024.

[7] Taunton Courier, Bristol and Exeter Journal and Western Advertiser (1922). Marriage of Mr G Lee and Miss H Vickery. Taunton Courier, Bristol and Exeter Journal and Western Advertiser. 20 September. p.7. col.3. https://www.newspapers.com/image/815124994/ : accessed 20 June 2024.

[8] Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier (1957). Wellington Funeral of Army Veteran. Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. 9 March. p.5. col.5. https://www.newspapers.com/image/812429343/ : accessed 10 October 2024.

5th October 2024 The Lifestory of Ann Alway nee Hutchings

Ann Hutchings was born 3 August 1876 at Clayhidon, Devon. She was the 3rd of 11 children born to parents George (1848-1910) and Harriet Emma Hutchings (1852-1948) nee Melhuish. The 1881 England and Wales Census (taken on the night of 3rd April) sees the family living at Holms Hill in Clayhidon, with Ann being recorded as a scholar (at school). By the 5th April 1891, and following the birth of 4 more siblings, the family had moved to Marken, also in Clayhidon, where 14-year-old Ann’s occupation is not recorded. Another brother soon followed in 1892. Ann married Samuel Alway on 29th January 1894, aged just 17, and gave birth to their 1st child, Daisy May, on 6th April 1894 (less than 10 weeks later), at Florey Hole Cottage, Clayhidon. Ann’s parents went on to have 2 more children after this time.

Ann and Samuel soon added to the family with 3 sons (one sadly died aged 4 in 1900), and saw the family moving to Wales, as can be seen on the 1901 census (taken the night of 31st March) when they lived at 11 Pleasant View, Llantrisant and Ystradyfodwg, Glamorgan. Samuel was working in a colliery whilst Ann cared for the children at home. Ann’s 16-year-old brother, Arthur, also lived with them and worked as a tram conductor. A move back to Wellington saw the birth of 2 more sons, before another move to Pontypridd, Glamorgan and the birth of son Arthur in 1909.

Ann’s father, George, passed away in 1910 in Wellington. This saw Ann and the children moving back to Somerset permanently. She was living with her brother, Ernest, and family, and her 5 surviving sons, at White Barn, Fore Street, Wellington when the next census occurred on 2nd April 1911. 2 daughters and a son arrived before Samuel enlisted in the Royal Artillery in August 1915. The family were now living at 32 Tone Hill in Wellington. 2 more sons arrived before the end of the First World War. Sadly, their son, Clifford Frederick (born 1903) died 3rd December 1918 at an army hospital in Aylesford, Kent, of a sickness caught during his service as a bandsman in the 3rd Wiltshire Regiment (aged only 15). Another son was born in 1920. The 1921 census (taken 19 June) saw the family still living at 32 Tone Hill, where Samuel worked as a mason’s labourer for Mr W Follett, a builder, in Wellington and Ann was undertaking home duties. Their eldest daughter, Daisy May, married Sam Poole on 24 June 1922 at Nynehead, followed by the birth of Ann and Samuel’s final child, Reginald, occurred on 29th December 1922.

Ann’s husband, Samuel, passed away in 1932 at Wellington, aged 55 years. They had been married for 38 years. 1939 saw the introduction of the National Registration Act, a census-like survey taken of the civilian population of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 29 September 1939 in preparation for the Second World War. It’s purpose was to coordinate the war effort at home by issuing identity cards, organizing rationing, and tracking movements. Ann was recorded as a widow, undertaking unpaid domestic duties, living at 16 Church Fields, Wellington.

1945 saw the birth of Ann’s first great grandchild, Garfield, at Taunton, Somerset, and the inclusion of the family in local newspapers, including the Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier.[1]

Within the next 25 years, Ann experienced the loss of her mother, a brother and 2 sisters. On 10 April 1965 Ann experienced her first flight, aged 89 years, as can be shown here in the Western Daily Press[2] and the Evening Post.[3]

Ann lost 2 brothers, 2 sons and a daughter in the next 11 years. She eventually moved to The Court Old People’s Home in Wellington. Ann passed away 3 July 1981 at Cheddon Road Hospital, Taunton, at the age of 104, just one month short of her 105th birthday. Her obituary was printed in local newspapers, including the Evening Post[4].

[1] Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier (1945). Five Generations Living – Wellington Family’s Record. Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. 29 September. p.2, col.6. https://www.newspapers.com/image/812399620/ : accessed 2 October 2024.

[2] Western Daily Press (1965). Granny flies away – at 89. Western Daily Press. 10 April. p.5, col.6. https://www.newspapers.com/image/911013720/ : accessed 2 October 2024.

[3] Evening Post (1965). First Flight at 89. Evening Post. 10 April. p.31, col.7. https://www.newspapers.com/image/876148841/ : accessed 2 October 2024.

[4] Obituaries (1981). Evening Post. 10 July. Alway, Ann. p.13, col.5. https://www.newspapers.com/image/876801729/ : accessed 2 October 2024.

23rd September 2024 The Gardener Family

The Gardener family. William John Gardener was born 24 September 1903 at Oakford, Devon. He married Beatrice Ada Leigh (born 24 June 1905 at Tiverton, Devon) in 1927 at South Molton, Devon. They had 1 child, Lilian Ada Gardener, born 21 May 1929 at South Molton. Lilian married Norman George Daley (born 30 August 1926 at Wellington, Somerset) on 27 May 1950 at Milverton, Somerset. Norman and Lilian had 2 children during their marriage. William Gardener passed away in February 1996 at Williton, Somerset, followed 9 years later by Beatrice, on 3 February 2005 at Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Norman Daley died on 8 June 2008 at Oake, Somerset. Lilian died 11 years later, on 26 September 2019 at Oakhill, Somerset.

Would you like a written family history? We can offer this for as many or as few people as you like, or you could take advantage of one of our package deals.

16th September 2024 Rendy Farm, Oake House History

This is Rendy Farm in Oake, Somerset, the home of my great great grandfather and passed down to my grandfather. Rendy Farm is a 16-acre site compromised of a freehold detached house (built c.1650), various orchards, ponds, gardens, and fields. The house itself is made from rendered stone. The original kitchen facing the orchard used to include a large inglenook fireplace with a bread oven next to it built into the end wall. This was blocked up pre-1950s. The original wooden porch was replaced by a concrete porch and all sash windows were replaced with more modern ones in the mid-1960s. My father recalls seeing blocked up windows which, according to my grandfather, were blocked up sometime after the window tax was brought in in 1696. There was also a second staircase, originally for servants, off the old dairy (originally the kitchen). The dairy itself contained a trough with a hand pump, and a flagstone containing a well underneath.

However, this house was not the original house on the Rendy site. Part of the original dwelling still stood in the mid-1980s and is dated back to at least 1573, when the owner occupier was John Quick. He must have been quite wealthy as he bought a manor in West Monkton. The original building could be found behind the current house and was used as storage for coal and logs and a cider press from the late 1800s.

The house was originally one large house but was sectioned into two dwellings in the early 1900s, then returned to one house in the 1990s. This change was implemented by Somerset County Council after they bought the property in 1912 for £4105.

Do you have an old family property you would like to know more about? Maybe you're curious about a local manor house and want to know its origins and original occupants? We can provide this along with many other genealogical services.

6th September 2024 5 Generations

This photo, taken in 2003, contains 5 generations of the same family! The oldest person here was born in 1905 and the youngest in 2003! Imagine the lives these people have lived. Would you like to know where your ancestors lived, what jobs they did? Maybe your great grandfather was a farmer, or he may have been a career soldier. You may even have a celebrity in your family's history.

3rd September 2024 1950 Wedding

Do you have photos of your grandparents wedding? How about their parents' weddings? Would you like to know where and when they took place? This wedding took place in Milverton, Somerset, on 27 May 1950 between Norman George Daley (1926-2008) and Lilian Ada Daley nee Gardener (1929-2019). Researching your family history can answer these questions and many more.

15th August 2024 Great, Great Grandparents

Who were your great grandparents? Where did they live and what jobs did they do? How many children did they have? The couple pictured here are William John Daley (1869-1960) and Emma Daley nee Sloman (1870-1952). William spent the majority of his life as an agricultural labourer or farmer, while Emma took care of the home and raising their children. They spent most of their lives in Somerset.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse