MORTIMER BRANCH

Welcome!
If you have got this far then you are interested in MORTIMER Genealogy and you may even find that we are connected genetically. I have already placed some documents into the public folder if you can't access them let me know and I'll add you to the list of networks friends. I apologise to those of you who are colour-blind - I have highlighted my direct line in RED.  If you can spot an ancestor of your own then I'd like to hear from you and this is probably best done as a comment on the blogsite. For a full idea of how busy my life is you may also like to follow the links to the ‘Piano’ blogsite. Let me also apologise for not replying to comments promptly. If we are on the high seas we may not have Internet access so please be patient.
<http://pianosailingandtraveling.blogspot.com/2008_09_19_archive.html>
Before you read further I have got as far back as I am able between the start and my 6X Great Grandfather George b 1668 I only have transcribed and searchable evidence from the Hugh Wallis site. I expect in another ten or so years time when more has been uploaded I will have to redo this earliest section.
I begin then with The Earliest MORTIMER who I have yet to find born in the early 1500's
I suspect he had the following children:
Robert b 5th October 1583
Walter b c May 1585
Joan b 17 June 1589
Thomas b 31 October 1590
Gyles b 4th April 1592
Joan b 22 April 1593
Nathanaell b 22 April 1596  This is my 8 X Great Grandfather !
Nathanaell married Wilmot Narles 14th May 1633 and they had the following children Marie (b12Jan 1632), Wilmote ( b 12 May 1633), George (b 1st Jan 1634), John ( b 6th Dec 1635), Nathanaell (b 23 apr 1637)  and lastly Joan (b 8th Mar 1639).
George Married Wilmot 14th May 1667 only had
George Mortimer. He will be my 6 x Great Grandfather!
With the help of Daniel Morgan I have managed to find the baptism of George (14^th April 1668 )  with the evidence that his father was also called George! His subsequent marriage to Ann(a) Soper on the 20^th October 1698 which fits nicely with the birth of their first child in 1699.
     George and Ann have 5 children.  The first born George (I presume) died in infancy, born 28th September 1699 and died 19th November 1699 both at Dunsford , Devon. Next there is a christening for George (second) 26th December 1700 Dunsford. John the third child is born 18th March 1702/3, and brother
Richard
(my 5 Times Great Grandfather) born 3rd January 1705/6 with the youngest  Henry born 14th March 1707/8 –he died 13th June 1711 Dunsford. This Richard is my line.

Richard MORTIMER son of George MORTIMER and Anna.  He marries Anne SYRCOMBE daughter of Richard SYRCOMBE on the 5th May 1731, at Dunsford. Anne SYRCOMBE is one of Daniel MORGAN's forebears so we have linked up and I am his cousin 5th removed! (Having mentioned him twice now I should tell you that Daniel is the on – line Parish Clerk for the Dunsford area and has details posted on Genuki) Richard and Ann have one son and four daughters, but only three are still alive at his death. He dies around 1774 since his will is proved then and he is followed by his wife Ann ( my 5x great grandmother) who leaves a will in 1778

1774. Richard MORTIMER of Dunsford, 20th Nov 1768
He gives his son George the Dunsford Mills and the Marshes adjoining, “being part of court,” charged with 20s per annum to “my three daughters” To Ann wife of said George, £1 1s. To daughters Elizabeth and Ann MORTIMER, £70 each and to daughter Mary, wife of John CONNETT, £20, and one guinea to her husband. Wife Ann to have life interest both in the mill and messuages.  She is residuary legatee and sole executrix Proved 29th July 1774.
     This gives me the names of his children and where they have married their married names. The George who benefits here is my direct line– he gets Dunsford Mill which will be worth looking into further. Interestingly he also has another daughter Susannah who is born in 1745  - too late to benefit from Georges will.
Ann dies later that year. This gives me the children Elizabeth, Ann & Mary, plus George who must have died and his wife Anne.  Next Richards' wife Ann dies a few months later and leave articles to her children and their families. This now tells me who the girls are married to and yes they fit with what I have already researched!
1778. Ann Mortimer of Dunsford, 3rd Feb 1778.
To Eliab (Elizabeth) wife of James CONNETT, £40, and one guinea, instead of a gold ring, six silver teaspoons and all the “chainea” .  To daughter Mary wife of John CONNETT £40 to daughter – in – law Ann MORTIMER £1.1s  To George and Ann CONNETT she gives inter aliis, “my best looking glass and mynew prayer book with all the tea dishes saucers and basons belonging to making of tea, except the spoons”  Her son George being dead, she gives the residue of the lease of Dunsford Mills to her daughter in law Ann MORTIMER, with reversion, for the 99 years, terminable on the death of brother John MORTIMER” to George, John, Elizabeth, and Richard, Children of deceased son George
Proved 3rd July 1778
Note refer to July 29th, 1774, ante.
I still need to find out if this Susannah is a new person wife of John MORTIMER and if John MORTIMER here is Richards brother too : 1766. Admon to the effect of Susannah MORTIMER of Dunsford, granted to John MORTIMER her husband July 15th 1766 1778. Admon    George Mortimer of Dunsford, intestate, granted 2nd Feb 1778, to Ann the widow. Map of Ide available on Genuki.Crediton
Holy Cross Church notes and image are on Genuki
I now have a transcription of the Parish Record for the birth of "George MORTIMER born 14th February 1768 Dunsford "

Also have the 1841 Census for Pynes Farm Ide where he is living with Richard
aged <25> ish. I wonder what the relationship between them is?

   Next- evidence of George MORTIMER of Crediton living at Tedburn Saint Mary
with his wife Elizabeth. They have a large family.  John born 24th April 1794 Have found a transcription of his baptism at Tedburn Saint Mary and a brother George born 14th July 1795 however I suspect that he died young (but no death evidence yet) since the next son they have has also been called George which I believe is my line! Next is a daughter Eliza born 15th November 1796 I think she also died young.  Daughter Mary was born 10th October 1798 then came Elizabeth born 14th August 1800, Mary Ann born 10th August 1802, Harriet born 12th June 1804 and Charlotte born 20th May 1806. The next son is also named George to replace the one, which died, and I believe that he is my direct ancestor; he was born on the 3rd August 1808.  I have an image from the Parish Record but he is too young for the GRO certificate.  The last son Richard is born 18th September 1810.
     By Harriet's wedding they must all have moved to Ide since she is married at the Parish Church ?? I need to check.
DEATH: 1851 Ide Devon, see Will, which put him as 84 years old when he died. This is the last Will and Testament of me George MORTIMER of Ide in the County of Deven [sic] yeoman.  I give and devise to my son John MORTIMER all that messuage farm and lands situate in the parishes of Holcombe Burnell   and
Dunsford in the County of Devon called or commonly known by the name of Storidge to hold the same unto my said son John MORTIMER his heirs and assigns for ever.  I also give to my said son John MORTIMER the sum of three hundred pounds.  I give to my son George MORTIMER the sum of one hundred pounds.  I give to my daughter Eliza the wife of Richard LEE the sum of one hundred pounds.  I give to my daughter Harriet Northcott widow the sumof one hundred pounds.  I give to my daughter Charlotte the wife of Thomas Lee the sum of one hundred pounds.  I give to my grandson Richard Lee now living with me the sum of two hundred pounds to be paid by my executor when he attains the age of twenty-four years but without any interest in the meantime and if he die before attaining that age then the said legacy shall sink into my residuary estate. I give to Francis LEE the father of the said Richard LEE the sum of ten pounds.  And I direct that all the said several legacies except the saidlegacy to Richard LEE shall be paid within twelve months from my decease. I give to each of my grandchildren George Mortimer LEE, Francis LEE. Thomas LEE and Charlotte LEE the children of my daughter Mary Ann LEE the sum of nineteen guineas to be paid to them when and as they shall respectively attain the ageof twenty one years and in case any or either of them shall die under the saidage his or her legacy shall sink into my residuary estate.  All my farm and lands called Ford and Wayhouse in Holcombe Burnell aforesaid and all the rest residue and remainder of my messuages lands hereditaments and real and personal estate of what nature and kind I give devise and bequeath unto my sonRichard MORTIMER his heirs executors administrators and assigns for his and their own benefit subject to the payment of my debts and funeral and testamentary expences.  I also give and devise to him all messuages and hereditaments and estates in mortgage to me or vested in me as trustee for any person whomsoever to hold the same to my said son Richard MORTIMER and his heirs upon the trusts and for the purposes to which the same are respectively liable.  And I hereby declare that the provision hereby made for my said children and that issue and what I have already during my life supplied to them shall be deemed and taken in full and in lieu of all and every claim and interest to which they might be respectively entitled under the Bond or Settlement made on my marriage with their mother my late wife. And lastly I appoint my said son the said Richard Mortimer sole executor of this my Will hereby revoking all former Wills by me at any time made.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
George MORTIMER.
Signed sealed published and declared by the said George MORTIMER as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us present together at the same time who in the presence of the said testator and of each other have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses.  William Simpson, T? (J?) E Drake?
Proved at London 6th November 1851 before the Judge by the oath of Richard MORTIMER the son the sole executor to whom admon was granted having been first sworn by Comon duly to administer
Transcribed for me from a downloaded copy by Dave Woolven, HOLCOMBE BURNELL notes and image can be found on Genuki.

My Great Great Grandfather George MORTIMER was born in Tedburn St Mary's parish, Devon in 1808 to George of Crediton and Mary his wife. His marriage, to Elizabeth NEWCOMBE on 1st May 1839, was at the Parish Church of Samford Courtney.  Her father Simon NEWCOMBE was present together with
Georges' Father George both of whom were Yeomen.  Elizabeth must have been about twenty years old.
I next pick them up in the 1841 Census for Dunsford district 1.

They are living at Meadhay and with them Elizabeth's mother Mary NEWCOMBE (50) and various other farm workers.  Their first son (my Great Grandfather)
George Newcombe MORTIMER has just been born  (aged 1 here) Mary Legge Mortimer is born later this year, she is probably named after Georges mother.  Next is Richard born 1844, then Ann Elizabeth born 1846, John 1848, and Emma born  October 1849.

The 1851 Census has George the Yeoman living at Uton Barton with his wife and family, which so far consists of George Newcombe (1840) Mary Legge (1841), Richard, 7  (1844), Elizabeth Ann,5  (1846), John 3,  (1848), and Emma 6 months (Oct 1849). Mary NEWCOMBE is living with them so her husband must be dead…? Needs to be checked. and two servants Maria TUCKER (23), born Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon) and Charlotte WESTCOTTE (17 born Dunsford Devon.) They also had Four agricultural servants, William WORRISH (25 Colebrook Devon), George PARKER (22 Exeter Devon), James MARTIN (18 Crediton, Devon) and Francis SEARLE .
Elizabeth NEWCOMBE Birth Pr Marriage of my Great Great Grandfather George to Elizabeth NEWCOMBE May 1st 1839 

1861 RG9/1473 page 18 (above) tells me that my Great Grandfather George Newcombe MORTIMER is now a farmer of 250 acres employing 6, labourers and 3 boys. Living at Uton Barton, Crediton, Devon, England. He has also increased his family. William Henry is now 8 (), Emma 6,(), Robert Legge 5,(), Louisa 3,().  Mary Newcombe is quite happy still living with them. However they also have Nephews George Richard, 11 (), Samuel Archer,9(), and niece Elizabeth Archer 7,(). They have 5 servants too. They have three farm servants Walter ANSTY  (20) born 1841 Crediton, James BULLEY (20) born 1841     Crediton and John FIELDING (13) born, Crediton 1848 , Other servants are Ann SETTER (17) House maid born
Crediton 1844 and Mary WELLACOTTE (28) the cook, born Kings Nympton 1833.
 In my archives I have the following evidence to support my work.
GRO Cert 1851 Death of George MORTIMER St Thomas Devon 84 years old.
1853 GRO Birth  Samuel Archer MORTIMER, Crediton, Devon.
1855 GRO birth Elizabeth Archer MORTIMER Crediton, Devon.
1861 Census for George & Elizabeth MORTIMER
1864 GRO Marriage for Thomas Mortimer & Mary Legge Mortimer.

Here is some background on Mary Legge MORTIMER
    Mary Legge MORTIMER was baptised October 13th 1841, Dunsford Devon, England. Her GRO birth Certificate confirms all. GRO has birth Registered 1841 Sept 10, 1942 St Thomas. I also have the Parish Register film Certificate 856 in brackets at the side Meadhay - which fits perfectly!
1861 census Mary is living at home with her family and says she is 18 years old, she is not out working although may be helping out on the farm... This is reconciled with the date of the census.  She married in 1864 to Thomas Mortimer ( he shares the same Grandmother  so a cousin definitely) They married at the Parish Church Crediton Devon. He was a bachelor, of full age and a yeoman from Kenn. His father was John Mortimer who was also a yeoman.  Mary Legge was a spinster of full age living at Uton Barton, her father was present , George, also a yeoman.  The witnesses were George Mortimer, George Newcombe Mortimer and Annie Mortimer (probably Ann Elizabeth  her sister.)
1871 census has her as wife to Thomas MORTIMER (35). They are atBrown's Farm, Kenn. Thomas is a farmer of 328 acres employing 6 men and 2 boys. He was born at Dunsford. Living with them are son George (6) and daughters Mary E (4), Edith (3), and Alice (1). Mary Newcombe is visiting them and is down as grandmother presumably to Thomas! But she is also Mary's grandmother!
     Quite recently I have found descendants of Mary and Thomas namely Beryl Whidden (nee MORTIMER). I hope soon to be able to fill in this branch of the tree with help from that side of the family. After meeting Beryl (January 2009 I now have a picture of Mary and Thomas on their 60^th Wedding Anniversary at Brown’s Farm – with all their children and grandchildren!
1871 Census for George & Elizabeth Mortimer

 The 1871 Census  for Uton Barton Devon has George (says he was born at Crediton) and Elizabeth living with them are their sons George Newcombe (30), and Richard (26),  John (23), William Henry (18) farmers son, Robert Legge (10), George R (Richard?) nephew (20)? Charlotte NORTON a dairy maid aged 18
?Ellen PAPMORE ? A domestic servant aged 18 and James??? 12 a farm servant. All difficult to read from the original.

       On 15th August 1879 my Grandfather James Newcombe MORTIMER was born and Registered at St Thomas Alphington, Dunsford, Devon.
1881 Census Rg11 2146/7 page 8
For George Newcombe MORTIMER & Family. Meadhay, Dunsford, Devon.

By 1881 My Great Grandfather George Newcombe MORTIMER has taken over the farm from his father he is Head of household Farm (Meadhay) of 150 Acres employing 3 labourers and 1 boy. The census lists George and his wife Jane living at Meadhay, Dunsford, with their children Florence( 5), George Pearce (4),
Mabel Jane (3), James Newcombe (1) and Elizabeth Legge (10 weeks).
     They employ three labourers and 1 boy. Indoors, Kathleen BABBAGE is a boarder 20, years old and is the governess, she was born in Cornwall. Sarah J. SERCOMBE is their General domestic servant.  She is 17 years old and was born in Dunsford. Finally there is William EWENS 11, years old born in Dunsford who is a farm servant.
Source Information:
Dwelling Meadhay Census Place       Dunsford, Devon, England Family History Lib 134517
PRO Ref RG11 Piece/Folio          2146/7 Page 8
1891 Census for Alphington, Matford Barton

Here we have my Great Grandfather George Newcombe MORTIMER (49), head of the
house , a farmer and with him Jane (39), his wife, their sons George Pierce (14), James (11),  and daughters, Florence (15),      Mabel Jane (13), Elizabeth (9), Constance Rose (3). With such a  large family and a farm to run it’s no wonder they needed servants. Jane had two, Jessie FANT who was a domestic Cook and Ann DAVEY adomestic housemaid.
At this point  it is worth looking at the actual Census.  The two Mills on either side of the farm. Matford Mill above has the BABBAGE family, which is so coincidental with Kathleen BABBAGE who was a servant in the 1881 Census…..
1891 Census for Brown Farm Kenn.

    Thomas is now 56, and running the farm. With him are his wife  Mary Legge now 47, their sons  George (26), Fred (18), and James (8), and their daughters Edith (22), Alice (20), Bertha (11), . They have a farmer visiting them on the night of the census a John DURRANT (27), and a farm servant Charles NEIL (18).
1901 census for Church Road.

Now at 60 George Newcombe is a retired farmer and not living on the farm. His wife Jane is still only 45, with them are their daughters Mabel (20), who is a shop assistant, Elizabeth Legge (16), an apprentice B/ bookkeeper? And Constance Rose (12) at home.  My mother remembers‘Aunt Connie’ Their son James R which I think should read N for Newcombe !(19) is an engineer. This fits with what my mother told me about her father. All the children were born in Dunsford or Alphington; this is an administrative area for GRO Devon.
GRO Marriage for James Newcombe MORTIMER and O'sythe Martha WATSON.
James Newcombe Mortimer married O'sythe Martha WATSON on 29th September when she was 33 years old and he was 47. He had been married previously to Lilly Sidlaw who had a daughter by her previous marriage.The daughter was called Phyllis and that is all I know of her apart from two watercolours, which she painted and are my only heirlooms.She was still alive in the 1910 census and using her Sidlaw name - I await ideas as to what this can of worms will reveal.
    James and O’sythe were married in 1928 at Faversham Parish Church. At first they were living at 79, Ealing Road, Ealing at the time of Marriage. Their first and only child Pauleen was born 1930 in Liverpool because O'sythe's sister Fanny was a midwife.  They all lived at 7, Dulverton Road, Aikbuth later moving to Ealing, 31 Ransleigh Road South Ealing next door to Pauleens’friend June DODGE.  Then to 31, Brunner Road Perrivale Ealing.  James Newcombe had a stroke they moved to 469, Margate Road Ramsgate.
Then to Kings Avenue Ramsgate where James died.  Final move for my Nan was to 2, Morden Cottages Wilson's Road Ramsgate.
For more on my WATSON branch see the WATSON blog entry.
Pauleen married my father Malcolm John (‘Jim’) CUMMINGS – and so this line of MORTIMER has ended.

WATSON BRANCH

The WATSON Family History research to date

Michael WATSON of Ushaw Moor (1694-1773) (My 5x Great Grandfather) Married Elizabeth of Ushaw Moor and has three children:- William (26 December 1762) John (3rd June 1765 and Michael Watson of Hamstels (24 April 1736)

-  he was a labourer -My 4x Great Grandfather.  He married Elizabeth Logan  on the 19,  JAN 1762

Children:- Michael  (24 April 1768 died 6^th June 1773) Sarah (17 July 1774 – 26 March 1781 died Hamsteels)  George

( 25 August 1776 – 3^rd August 1777 died Hamsteels) Elizabeth  (15 July 1778)

Michael  (17 July 1774) – (My 3x Great Grandfather) I am unable to verify his death yet as it is not available on line

MARRIAGE: " Michael Watson & Mary Wilkinson both of this parish were married in this church by banns this 20th day of August 1796 by me John Ashbridge, Curate. In the presence of us Jane Archer, Thomas Pallister (signed by both)

Auckland St Andrews

See Genuki Uk for details of this  parish.

Michael and Mary had the following children:-

Elisabeth 25 January 1797

John 28 September 1798

Jane and Michael (twins) 21 September 1808 Jane died three months later 1^st December 1808.

On the 17th June 1832 Michael married Cicely Margaret Kipling probably at St Cuthbert’s Church, Forcett , Yorkshire.

The Ancient Parish of FORCETT

See Genuki Uk for details of this  parish.

Michael WATSON (My 2x Great Grandfather)

First son William born <1834> no trace found yet, and Joseph (<1838>) except for census in 1841. Mary (1835),

Thomas Wilkinson (1839), James (1841), Cecily Margaret (1843), Michael (1844), Anne Elizabeth (1845), Marmaduke (1846), Henry (1847), Jane Hannah (1849), Osythe Martha (1850), Procter George (1851) lastly:

Robert Cummings WATSON (1852).

Occupation: Pigots Directory has him as Master of Gosforth School in 1834.According to a Ward's Durham & Northumberland Directory of 1850, Michael WATSON was secretary of the Schoolmasters Association in Newcastle. He may be the same Michael WATSON who was master of Gosforth Parish School, according to the same Directory. Also listed at the same school was a Miss Eliza LOWES WATSON - perhaps she may have been a sister to Michael?? It will be worth viewing the prs 1841:Michael was an enumerator for the Census. I have the printout showing his certification on the 9th day of June 1841,it has been co signed by the registrar and the Superintendent Registrar. (Michael has the best handwriting.) Page 1 for the South Gosforth schedule has him top of the list together with Cecily Margaret his wife of 8 years ,their son William (7) daughter Mary (6) John (5), Joseph (3) and Thomas Wilkinson (2).  They are living at Gosforth School House, and Michael is a schoolmaster. During my research I had help from Michael Hoy:-

  “Hi my names Michael Hoy from Gosforth and at present researching Gosforths’ history, and came across the 1842 Childrens’ Employment Commission, and in it dated may 10th 1842 is a report from Michael Watson Schoolmaster at Gosforth. The schools in the area at this time were far and few between, so this is more than likely to be the man you are looking for?” (Thank-You so much Michael!)

The same Richard Welford was the Chairman of South Gosforth Local Board which was formed on 20th September 1872, the book sites Michael Watsons’ son as clerk to this same Board!

1851: Census of Gosforth has him living at school House South Gosforth, with Cecily his wife, William their son (17), Mary (16) John Kipling (15), Joseph (13) Thomas Wilkinson (11), James (9) Anne Elizabeth Marmaduke (4) Henry (3) Jane Hannah (2) Osythe Martha (1) and Procter George (3 months).

He has also signed as an enumerator for the 1851 census on the 4th of April.

1861:RG9: RG9/3834: Michael Watson, Head Superintendent of Cemetery Cecily Margaret (49), wife born Yorkshire Hutton.Joseph (23), son, Ann E (15), Marmaduke (14), Apprentice joiner, Henry (13), Apprentice Engineer, Jane H (12), scholar, O'sythe Martha (11), Scholar, Robert C (8), scholar, Frances B, (7), scholar.

DEATH: Cutting from the Newcastle Daily Journal, Tuesday 3rd August,

"Aged 61, Mr. Michael Watson Superintendent. Interment on Thursday at 3 o'clock. Friends please accept this invitation."

The Memorial Inscription reads

The Burial Place of Michael and Cecily Margaret Watson.

Cecily Margaret their daughter died June 27th 1858, aged 15 years.

Proctor George, their son died September 13th 1851, aged 9 months.

The first named Cecily Margaret Watson died June 15th 1862, aged 50 years.

O’sythe Martha their daughter died August 28th 1868, aged 19 years.

In life beloved, in death lamented.

"The above MICHAEL WATSON died August 2nd 1869,
aged 61 years. (He was Supt of Jesmond Cemetery.)

   Respected by all who knew him.

William their eldest son died December 4th 1871, aged 38 years."

Also Robert Watson, who died Dec 28th 1918, aged 68
years.

Also Michael Watson died November 17 1957, aged 80 years.

During 2006 I went to a College Reunion at Stoke Rochford Hall, Grantham, Lincolnshire. The weather was superb and we continued North to Lincoln to visit Pam Baille at Lincoln Record Office to pick up some Parish Register printouts for my Cummings Research. We then went further North and Camped just outside Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. We made daily trips into the Library and various places like the Parish Churches and Cemetery where Michael was Superintendent. The biggest find was his gravestone with all the family engraved on it! We had to clear the ivy, which was growing on it, and I have been trying to restore the image I took using Photo shop.

The weather was so good we continued up to Hadrians’ Wall and did some walking then drove home via Kendal where we visited Steve & Elaine Wilkinson and Sheffield where we visited Lucy & Paul.
Robert Cummings Watson  (My Great Grandfather) was born on the 14th July 1852 How amazing is this name!!! I sent for his birth certificate 12th August 2006.
1861 RG9 3834 Census shows Robert (8), is living at home with his parents and siblings.  There is only Francis Barbara younger than him by a year. He probably lives here until he grows up, since he is still here in the 1871 census with his elder brother James and his family.

1871 census [RG10/ 5108] for the Old Cemetery Lodge Jesmond,

This has James (29) and his wife Frances E (30), with their two daughters Cecily? (10) and O’sythe Martha (3). With them is living brother Robert (19), who is unmarried and an apprentice plumber.

 Susannah or Hannah as she called herself is about to meet and marry Robert Cummings Watson.
He probably drops in to the pub for a drink on his way home from work.. The Cradle Well Inn must be close because they are both in the same enumeration district for the census. I pulled the map to have a look while up in Newcastle
and saw how close it was.  He must have moved in with his other brother Henry soon after the ’61 census because it is here that he is living when he marries Hannah a year later. They marry on the 30th January 1872. In the Registry
office Newcastle -Upon-Tyne. He is now a fully-fledged Plumber of 23 years and she being 21 is a spinster. She has been living at Newgate Street and says her father is Robert Cameron a joiner. (This fits with the Census) Their witnesses are Francis Barrafs, George Forster and Samuel Carr.

1871 census [RG10/ 5097]. For All Saints, Newcastle. Shows Henry (23) is living at 15, Napier Street with his wife Helen (21) and sister Frances Barbara (17) who is a visitor. Henry is an engraver and Frances is a sewing machinist.

 

1881 Census [RG11/5070] for 20, Brandling Village, Jesmond Newcastle - Upon -Tyne 

Living at number 20, Brandling Village we have Robert Watson the plumber (28), and his wife Hannah (29), together with their three sons Robert (6), a scholar, Michael (4), and Marmaduke (2), Robert says he was born in Gosforth Northumberland and Hannah in Cockermouth Cumberland. However this does not fit with what I have found out about her family in Tanfield,

1891 Census [RG12/4219] for 53, Brandling South Front, Jesmond, Newcastle - Upon -Tyne 

Robert is still a plumber but the family have moved to 53, Brandling South Front, ten years on and there are more additions: Michael is now 14, Marmaduke 12, Cecily Margaret only 9, Frances 6, and Hannah 1,

1901 [RG13/4781] Census for Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle - Upon -Tyne. 

Refer to Census sheet RG13/4781 page 90.

Another ten years on and Robert is still working aged 50. Cecily has moved out but Frances now 16 has become a dressmaker, Hannah is still only 11 and the latest addition is my Grandmother Osythe Martha who is five years old. Osythe Martha Watson born 1895 Gosforth, Bykker.

Robert died 28^th December 1918 aged 68 years.

Osythe Martha (my Grandmother)

Osythe Martha Watson born 1895 Gosforth Bykker. She is the third lady with this name alive in the same family!

By 1901 census she is 5 years old living at 8, Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. She trained and became a nurse, probably doing her training at Newcastle General Hospital. She nursed at Brooke hospital, Black Heath, London, during the 1914 - 1918 War. She also went to Gibraltar during this War as a nurse.  In 2009 we visited Gibraltar (aboard 'Piano') and I spent an afternoon at the Army Archives. I searched all the nursing records but found no trace of my grandmother.  This may mean that she was not nursing at the Army Hospital but a private one. There were no records to search.

In 1928 she married James Newcombe Mortimer at Faversham 29th September when she was 33 years old and he was 47. He had been married previously to "Phyllis". (It was Phyllis who painted the two watercolors now with my mother in Sandwich)

First and only child Pauleen was born 1930 in Liverpool. O’sythe had gone to stay with her sister and her husband while she had the baby. All three sisters Frances, Hannah and ‘Sythe were trained nurses. James and O’sythe lived at 7, Dulverton Road, Aikbuth. Later moved to Ealing, 31, Ransleigh Road South Ealing next door to her friend June Dodge.
Then to 31, Brunner Road, Perrivale, Ealing. O'sythe did private nursing at Sturry (Near Canterbury) and at Folkestone.  James Newcombe had a stroke they moved to 469, Margate Road, Ramsgate.  Then to Kings Avenue Ramsgate where James died.  Her final move was to 2, Morden Cottages, Wilson’s Road, Ramsgate

RIGDEN BRANCH

Welcome!
If you have got this far then you are interested in RIGDEN Genealogy and you may even find that we are connected genetically. I apologise to those of you who are colour-blind - I have highlighted my direct line in RED together with thereferences to the folders on the Network where you can look at the originals of various certificates. If you can spot an ancestor of your own then I'd like to hear from you and this is probably best done as a comment on the blogsite. For a full idea of how busy my life is you may also like to follow the links to the ‘Piano’ blogsite. Let me also apologise
for not replying to comments promptly. If we are on the high seas we may not have Internet access so please be patient.
< http://pianosailingandtraveling.blogspot.co.uk>
Before you read further my present quest is to find the next generation back. Most research is on ‘simmer’ while we sell the house and prepare for our great adventure. I have managed to get back as far as my 5X Great Grandfather
John RIGDEN and his wife Rebecca as yet I have no confirmation but I suspect they may have married about 1747 and Johns’ birth would have been 20 years prior to this around 1720. There is no trace in Dover St Mary’s nor Saints Peter & Paul Charlton which bordered Dover Town Parishes.Next triedFolkestone butno luck there either with BTs St Martins Cheriton. Need to check St Martins pre 1760 for birth of son John /or this Johns Marriage. However they certainly had 5 children all baptised at St Mary The Virgin Dover.
George 19^th July 1747
Ann 21^st October 1750
John 29^th April 1753
and
William 30^th March 1760.
I found the marriage at St Martins Folkestone : John RIGDEN &  Silvester LOWES July 13th 1778 question could be 1776 or other so unclear this would make him 25 ish when he married.  (Record office ref:Dcb/BT/64/143) John and Sylvester's first child was William who was born on the 15th of April and christened on the 24th of April 1780 at St Mary the Virgin, Dover.
  The next child my 3x Great Grandfather John RIGDEN, was born on the 14th of August, 1875 and christened on the 27th of September at St Mary The Virgin, Dover.  The family must have moved to Sandwich since the story now moves to St Peter the Apostle. John grows up and becomes a cabinetmaker probably following his fathers’ profession. He meets and marries Elizabeth FORREST of St Clements whose father is a butcher (and this has implications later on)
Canterbury Marriage Licences 1781-1809 vol 34 (on Ancestry.com CD) says John RIGDEN
of St Peters Sandwich cabinetmaker Bachelor and Elizabeth FORREST of St Clements Sandwich Father Augustine FORREST (butcher), at St Clements 20th (22nd in Parish Register) May 1808
Married to Elizabeth FORREST on 22nd May 1808. St Clements Sandwich. She was a spinster and a minor but had the consent of her father who was a witness, as was George TEMPLE.  She was probably 20 when she married and this would fit with her birth year and entry. The vicar was William BUNCE (who I reckon is around 50 years old by now)
IGI Batch number 9017837 M 1808 cert 256.
Incidentally Elizabeth’s parents Mary Valder married Augustine FORREST on 20th Oct 1785 at St Clements Church, Sandwich where he was also a churchwarden. Augustine FORREST was a butcher. There are Banns (number 134) St Clement’s, which are for Augustine and Mary VALDER in 1785. They were married on August 8th 1785. I suspect his wife, Mary must have died, since he was called a widow and remarried a widow Mary Hickman of St John Thanet at St John Thanet on 18 Oct 1808.??? This is yet to be researched Augustine died in 1840 at St Bartholomew's
Hospital Sandwich; aged 82 years certificate number 793. His death was registered at St Clement’s Church by BROCKMAN.
Elizabeth FORREST was born 20th October 1788 to Augustine & Mary FORREST. Descended from the FORREST's and WARMAN’s whose tombs can be seen close to St Mary's Church.  One of the FORREST's is described on the stone as a riding officer of St Margaret's at Cliffe (an 18th Century customs officer). One of the WARMAN’s was the town Beadle. 
HO 107 1631 Fol 130-143 Sandwich St Peter,  


John and Elizabeth had their first son on August the 17th 1808.Augustine was christened on the 11th of September 1808.  He was named after her father Augustine. I suspect that Augustine died on the 16th of January 1818; I have yet to check this. I found the above entry while at Deal Library, who have the film of the Parish Register. I remember the day well, the 17th of July 2004, there was torrential rain outside and the Librarians were running about like headless chickens because the rain was coming into the library.  John and Elizabeth had their second son my Great Great Grandfather 
John RIGDEN  who was named after his father John on the 16th of January 1811; he was christened at St Clements Church. During 1811-1830 he grew up…..meeting and marrying Eliza Frances LANGLEY about 1835 since their first daughter Eliza was born 1836. No records of her baptism found yet. 1838 their first son John Henry was born and christened on the first of July 1838 by H. PREMBLE, the vicar. 1839  Piggots Directory has him living in Market Street, St Peter, Sandwich, as a Butcher. He would be 28 by now. This is the year that Alfred William is born 28th November. He is not christened until January of the following year.  John is still a butcher at this point, I suggest here that on Augustine's death (1840) the butchery passed to his daughter Elizabeth, which maybe why John her husband became a butcher! The next milestone is the Census of 1841.
  The following was found by Ken and Pauline Holmes, who are distant relatives of my partner Malcolm. “As we had not found Alfred William RIGDEN, or his parents, we looked elsewhere. A street atlas of Kent showed that there was both a Market Street and a St Peter's district in Sandwich, so we looked there and found:


PRO Ref.         Borough    Parish       Place           Name         Age        Trade      Born in Kent?
HO/107/494/16/? Sandwich St Peter    Galliard St.   John Rigden         25         Butcher            Y
HO/107/494/16/? Sandwich  St Peter   Galliard St.   Eliza Rigden        30                                  Y
HO/107/494/16/? Sandwich  St Peter    Galliard St.   John Rigden         3                                  Y
HO/107/494/16/? Sandwich  St Peter    Galliard St.   Alfred William RIGDEN      1                   Y


? indicates illegibility.
Market Street, St Peter's Street, King Street and Galliard Street are all close together in the centre of Sandwich.  As we seemed to have found Alfred we stopped searching at this point. The 1841 census was taken on 6 June 1841 so Alfred would not have had his second birthday when the census included him.”
1841 census places them (John, Eliza, John and Alfred) at Galliard Street. John is still the butcher.
1842 brings Augustine Longley – easily confirmed birth by sending for certificate! Birth April 23rd 1942, Galliard Street, Sandwich (St Peter's). March 2005 found birth in old PR for St Peters while it was being repaired, untidy but true! States he was born 23rd April 1842 son of John and Eliza Frances, John was a butcher.  Living at Galliard Street and the Rector was H (Horace) PEMBLE. Also same year as Sarah Ann who I have found little for yet. The fourth child born to John and Eliza Frances, is named Augustine after his grandfathers' wife's father and Longley after his mother’s father James LONGLEY.
My Great Grandfather John RIGDEN has now given up being a butcher and become a postman.
1851 (HO 107) folio 130-143 Has him living in High Street aged 40 with his wife Eliza (45), his son John (13) Alfred (11), and Augustine (9) a scholar. 
1861 RG9/540. has him living in High Street working as a Postman (51). His wife Eliza Frances now 55 years old.
1871 John appears in the Guildhall records as being buried at Boatman's Hill aged 60.

Alfred William RIGDEN and Family

Alfred William RIGDEN born 28th November 1839 to John and Eliza Frances RIGDEN (nee Langley) While living at Market Street St Peter.  Found in Parish records after much searching certificate number 950 says he was baptised January 12th 1840 by Horace Pemble, this was copied out from the old book which they had been using while the church was being repaired and is much neater and more easily read. Alfred William married Sarah Ann Hancock on the 29th of July 1861. Also mentioned in the 1835 Register and Freeman's Rolls. Found at the Guildhall Sandwich. 1863 Eliza Ann their first child was born -  I haven’t found any Parish register entry for her yet... 1865 Edith Susan was born and the certificate states that Alfred was a painter living in High Street Sandwich.
1867 Walter RIGDEN my great Grandfather was born. And Alfred now states he is a Plumber! Great Aunt Jim (Edith Susan) her birth Certificate says she was born on the second of January 1865 to Alfred William and Sarah Ann RIGDEN (nee Hancock) March 2005 eventually found Parish records for St Peters while it was being repaired, the certificate actually states that this is the case! 28th October certificate number 1534 Horace Gilder Rector ? 1881 census has her aged 16, living at home with Father Alfred William RIGDEN and Mother Ann,(? or was she born to Sarah Anne who has died April 20th 1875 just before the census?)brother Walter and sister Louisa. If her age was correct in 1881 then she was born about 1865 ish. Found in the 1901 Census as living in Kew Surrey V;se ???? I need to transcribe it   Known as 'Aunt Jim' her married name was Mrs Wilf (William) Reynolds.  They lived in Orchard Leigh, Shere, Surrey,( where this picture was taken) which is now a major road so nothing to be seen! After Wilf died she came to live at 50 High Street with Eliza ( Aunt Lie).
1868 Alfred Hancock was born but died as an infant. He was christened by C.E.B. WATSON the curate and was buried in the family grave at St Clement’s Church by A.M. CHICHESTER ( the vicar) on April 25th  1869.
1870 Ellen Longley was born but she too died an infant after 3 months.  She was also buried in the family grave with her brother on May the 15th 1870 by C.E.B. Watson.
      Uncle Chump says Alfred William had a workshop in the Chain.  There still survives one of his manhole covers in High Street.

 

He also had a workshop between the Barbican and the Bell Hotel, which was a warehouse in 1906 and a yard at what is now Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant, he converted it from a coal yard to a builders yard. Uncle Chump remembers playing on the sand heaps. He also built shops backing from it onto Strand Street. In old days Coal was collected at the Barns (now Barnsend old peoples housing) they were then sent for export down through Fisher Street to the Quay.
1871 Alfred became a member of the Lord Warden, Walmer, Lodge of the Freemasons and soon became a churchwarden at St Clement's Church.  He was also active in the Cinque Ports Volunteers, becoming a sergeant gunner. Crack shot winning a silver cup and a special badge dated 1874 for the performance of his gun team.
   1875 Mary Louise was born and I suspect sometime soon after Sarah Ann his wife died. (26th Aril 1875) aged 43 years and buried by A.C. HILTON.
1876 The Banns were read for Alfred William and Ann Jane KERMODE on February 13th, 20th and 27th, page 89-certificate number 177. They married in March 1876 and probably in the Isle of Man.  She was supposed to have been in service in the area.  I have only one picture of her, it shows her to be a severe old maid but was born in 1852 so was only 26 when they married. In 1880 Alfred became a counsellor as this newspaper clipping shows.

He got the most number of votes and –interestingly was accompanied by C. WATSON -the curate! Alfred William was such a fine figure that he was provided with a uniform and carried a mace before the judge in the 1880 disenfranchisement hearings. He was accompanied by 2 trumpeters who heralded the judge's approach in his coach. On December
19th 1908 Ann Jane died at 73 years of age. Certificate number 510 and the vicar was A.M. CHICHESTER again.
In 1909 he had already met Charlotte COLEGATE and married her that year in Elham     [ PRO :2a/2277].  Charlotte was known as Aunt Lottie. Her brother Dick had a music hall act in London.  Next is a Bill to Mr Hicks of Mill Wall Place for repairing a dripping tap with a washer, cost 1s 3d on January 14th 1911.

Charlotte survived Alfred William who died in 1918. She seems to have taken her share and moved away although she is known to have visited Sandwich at least once afterwards.  Alfred was actually 77 when he died and is buried at St Clement's Church with his first wife Sarah Ann and two infant children who died young, Alfred Hancock, and Ellen Longley. I recently cleared it of weeds and later took my partner Malcolm down to clean the iron work with a wire brush
in preparation to painting it with Hammerite to deter the rust.

In loving memory of Sarah Ann wife of Alfred W. RIGDEN who died Apr 20th 1875 / Lord, remember me when thou comest into Thy Kingdom / Also of Alfred W. Rigden who died Jany 22nd 1918. / Also of Alfred Hancock and Ellen Longley children of the above who died in their infancy .( On tablet now in garden of Remembrance) In / loving memory of / Stella A.L.TWYMAN / nee Rigden / 1903-1995.

 
Here is more background on :

John Henry Rigden & Family

John Henry was the brother of Alfred William. I found a John Henry son of John and Eliza Frances RIGDEN of Market Street, born 5th of June 1838. His father, John, was a butcher, which confirms all!  After marrying Jane who was born in Ash they moved to Woolwich, which is where their first two children Ada and Anna were born. By 1871 they had moved again to 2, Keppel Street , Stoke Damerel, Devon, since this is where their third daughter Valentina was born according to the 1881 census.
In the 1881 Census [RG11 2214/66 p46] John RIGDON (42) a shipwright is dwelling at 2, Keppel Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon,  (change in Spelling or Census typo?) living with his wife Jane (43) Ada (17) their daughter
who is a school teacher, she was born in Woolwich, Anna (15) also born Woolwich is a dressmaker and Valentina (10) who was born in Devonport, Devon, is a scholar.
The 1891 census [RG12/1747 Folio 73 p 9 schedule 82] has John and his family living at 2, Keppel Street, Stoke Damerel, Devon, only able to find him when I put a sounds like tab on RIGDEN and sure enough the name REGDEN came up.  I suppose this is understandable since the West Country have a different dialect to us Kentish folk! Anyway John is now 52, and a Shipwright employee so he is probably working at the docks in Plymouth? (Yet to confirm.) His wife is an unemployed schoolmistress and so too is Anne who is now 25 years old. The youngest daughter Valentina however, is employed... as a Schoolmistress! By the 1901 Census RG13/2114 p 32 John RIGDEN (62) is now a retired shipwright living with wife June 62 years old and their youngest daughter Valentina, (28) who is working
at home. The RIGDEN line dies out here. And background on the other brother:
Augustine Longley Rigden & Family 
Augustine Longley RIGDEN was the fourth and last child of John and Eliza Frances RIGDEN, born on April 23rd 1842, he was named Augustine after his grandfathers' wife's father and LONGLEY after his mothers, father James LONGLEY.
In March 2005 I found his birth in an old Parish Register for St Peters while it was being repaired, untidy but true!
This was confirmed by sending for certificate from the GRO, The birth certificate states that he was born 23rd April 1842 son of John and Eliza Frances, John was a butcher living at Galliard Street and the Rector was H (Horace)
Pemble. Not too much is known about his early life but with three elder siblings he was probably kept busy.  He followed his father into the family business and became a carpenter / joiner.  He must have met Georgina KYLE (I’m guessing here) at church, or maybe a pub. The Banns were read on January the 12, 19 and 26th, 1868 to be married to Georgina KYLE of this Parish Banns no 107. Banns read in St Mary's Church 1868 by A.M.CHICHESTER who was around in St Mary's in 1872! Their first son Ernest A (Augustine?) was born in December 1868, next came John S (Sydney) called Jack, born 1871. Although I knew he existed I could find no evidence from Parish Registers or any other source until 2006 when another researcher happened to find his marriage using Ancestry.com. I was then able to send for the marriage certificate and prove that he was the same person and then follow up the search with a birth certificate.  Found! At Deal March 2006 but no camera so will have to wait for picture.
Born June 29th 1870, baptised August 28th 1870 certificate number 1590 John Sydney son of Augustine Longley. Anyway Uncle Bardy knew of him and showed me his (Jacks) photograph album that is how I have a picture of him.
He must have played at William BOYERs’ workshop in the Chain and probably learnt all there was to know about photography from him. Most pictures taken around Sandwich have him in them, since the old cameras took so long to expose the image there was sufficient time for him to whip round and be in the shot! Next born is Georgina 1872.
Then Frederick Edward 1875, and Sarah Louisa 16th Nov 1876, Gertrude May 30th September 1878.
In the 1881 census living with their 6 children in the Chain St Clements, Sandwich .He is a carpenter who helps his brother Alfred William with work. Also with them, their son Ernest A RIGDEN (12), John S,(10) scholar, Georgina (8) scholar, Frederick (6) scholar, Sarah L. (4) scholar and Gertrude Mary (2).
1891 census RG12/734 p21 has new edition of Henrietta Selina, born 1884, certificate 332, they are still at the Chain and A.M. CHICHESTER is still the vicar but Ernest, John S. & Georgina have left home. I have, however, found a birth which would fit for Georgina if she married and stayed in Sandwich, but it has the surname RIGDEN so I wonder what happened? 
     Now back to my RIGDEN line
In 1867 my Great Grandfather Walter RIGDEN was born and I have the GRO entry for Walter. The Parish Register entry was illusive – it turned out that while restoration had been going on in St Peters they had used another! So I now have certificate number 1575, which shows him to have been christened on the 29th of September 1867 by Henry MAUGHAM the curate. Walter also joins the family trade and begins work helping his father as a plumber For the 1881 census his father must have answered the enumerator since when asked occupation Alfred William must have said “Master Plumber 1 man and 1 boy”.
     By 1891 Walter is 23 years old and a ‘House Decorator’. The family have developed
into an all round business. Walter met Mary BAKER sometime prior to 1894, since this was when the banns were read for their marriage. (On May 5th, 12th and 19th by George  S ?nners and A. M. CHICHESTER. ) A certificate was sent to Worth so the banns must have been read in Mary’s church too.  The Teddy Bear  is still around. Aunty Marys’ family have it.
They were married on 3rd, June 1895, in Worth Parish Church. It was witnessed by Mary’s father Ebenezer BAKER and either her brother or her uncle since they were both alive and called George! Walter was a painter aged 29 at the time, Mary did not work. It is difficult to surmise whether Alfred William was present or not since he has not been written as deceased in the fathers place on the certificate so he may have been there.  The quandary lies in his profession; he has called himself a plumber all these years and now calls himself a ‘Painter’! Mary’s father Ebeneeza BAKER was a Market Gardener in Worth and the family farm is still there. They lived in ‘Prospect House’ and possibly brought produce into the Town on Market Day  -then on a Wednesday.
 I emailed this photo to Uncle Chump and Bardy to chew over and here is their reply

“A little late with this but not much to offer anyway. That is Charlotte (Aunt Lotte) sitting but that is the only thing that is certain. Walter RIGDEN there looks-say 50 which puts it roughly about the time of AWR`s demise then such guesswork makes Lotte in her 40`s but then they looked old when young in those days if you get what I mean.”
The next page has a postcard from Walters’ wife Mary to her sister Louisa who appears to be coming to stay with them.

Their first daughter Dorothy Mary was born 17th March 1896, she was my Aunt Pat. She was christened at St Clement's Church on the 23rd May 1896, Whitsun eve by A.M. CHICHESTER. Certificate number 602.
She worked at Minster as a Master Tailor / seamstress. She walked to work every day (7-10 miles). She was married briefly as Mrs LONG.She lived in Church Street St Clements, while working for Lady Broshane as a tailor. Sometime around 1910 she placed a new weather vane on St Peters Church as recorded by the local Newspaper.
She also lived in Upper Deal during her retirement and still did real patchwork using scraps of fabric and using an embroidery stitch to join them.
This is Aunt Pat having a jar over at the Blazing Donkey, Nr Eastry. It was taken sometime around 1978. Next came my paternal grandmother Kathleen Edith RIGDEN, born on the 25th September 1898, and finally my Aunt Stella Amelia Louise born 2^nd August, 1903. She was probably named after Amelia BAKER, Mary’s mother. All three ‘gels’ were born at 45, High Street This is Nan @ Sandwich (‘Kath’) with her two sisters; they must have been about 16 years old?
Walter inherited the family business when his father died but Uncle Chump and Uncle Bardy reckon that it went downhill fast (what reasons ??) Grave inscription says born 1869, Died 1955.
This is Nan @ Sandwich with me on her knee when I was 2 or 3 years old. (Much more to write of Nan’s life.) Kathleen married Edwin Gordon CUMMINGS. This was after the war when he was probably working down at port Richborough. Married Kath on 19th March 1924, Solemnized in the Parish of St Clement in the County Of Kent.  He was a bachelor aged 25, and had been living at 13, New Street, Sandwich.  She was a spinster aged 25 years, and had been living at Strand Street Sandwich.  The witnesses were Walter RIGDEN and A. POWELL.
They then had three children June, Edwin and Malcolm John CUMMINGS. This is my father. 
Edwin Gordon worked for the East Kent Bus Company. Soon after the last child was born he left home. All traces of him were expunged and I only have 2 pictures of him and a few certificates.


He returned to Sandwich soon after Mum and dad were married and I was a little girl although I don't remember, he came to the Garden gate when we lived at "Estonore" Stonar, Ramsgate Road Sandwich, Kent. He wanted to see his Grandchildren. When he died, dad (Malcolm James) went to Ashford to make arrangements for the burial. He came back with very little as memories, a few Driving licenses and a book by M.E.Cumming - Bruce called The Bruce's and the Cummings this is what originally set me on the Family History trail. For the CUMMINGS Blog ready to read
Sue Cummings
April 2009