Wednesday 24 December 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 52: Elizabeth Buckler (1816-1839) Birmingham, England

Elizabeth Buckler was born in 1816 as the first child of Nehemiah Buckler and Sarah Webster. She died on 26 January 1839 possibly as a result of complications with child birth. When she was 21, she married Edward Mitchell, son of Robert Mitchell and Elizabeth Gostelow (?), on 23 December 1837 in St Bartholomew, Edgbaston, Warwickshire, England.  Her address at the time of her marriage in Constitution Hill, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

Edward Mitchell and Elizabeth Buckler had the following known child:
  • Elizabeth Mitchell was born on 20 January 1839 in 217 New John Street West, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

Wednesday 17 December 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 51: Mary Clive nee Allender, Warwickshire, England

Mary Allender was born in 1787 in Aston, Warwickshire, England. She died on 7 March 1855. When she was 21, she married Daniel Clive, son of George Clive and Lydia Harper, on 9 May 1808 in St Peter and Paul Aston Juxta Birmingham.

Daniel Clive and Mary Allender had the following known children:
  • Lydia Clive was born on 19 December 1808 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.
  • Rebecca Clive was born on 22 July 1810 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.
  • Sabre Clive was born on 29 June 1812 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.
  • Mary Ann Clive was born on 03 July 1814 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.
  • Esther Clive was born on 24 March 1816 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 50: Hannah Hollis nee Thompson - Staffordshire, England

Hannah Thompson was born in February 1816 as the first child of Job Thompson and Mary Hollis. She had five siblings, namely: George, William, George, Mary, and John. 

Hannah Thompson was christened on 28 February 1816 in Rolleston, Staffordshire, England. She lived in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England in 1851 and in St Werburgh,, Derby, Derbyshire, England in 1861.

Thomas Hollis and Hannah Thompson had the following known children:
  • Alice Hollis was born in 1839 in Anslow, Staffordshire, England.
  • Mary Hollis was born in 1841 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • John Hollis was born in 1844 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • Isabel Hollis was born in 1852 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.

Wednesday 3 December 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 49: Peter Pitts (born c 1818) and lived in India

Peter Pitts was born in 1818. When he was 19, he married Elizabeth Merit on 17 March 1837 in Allipore Bengal, India.

Peter Pitts and Elizabeth Merit had the following known children:

  • Louisa Pitts was born in 1838. She died about 1839.
  • Robert Pitts was born in 1839. He died in 1840.
  • Caroline Amelia Pitts was born on 10 April 1841 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India (FamilySearchBeta C75004-6 India-EASy 498979). She died on 11 November 1854 in Peshawar, West Bengal, India (FamilySearchBeta B39237-5 India-EASy 498992). She married Charles William Henry Pitts on 03 April 1854 in Peshawar, West Bengal, India (FamilySearchBeta M75017-1 India- EASy 498992).

Wednesday 26 November 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 48: John Twiss (1817-1866) Birmingham, England

John Twiss was born on 17 December 1817 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England as the first child of John Twiss and Sarah Foxall. He died on 8 January 1866 in Aston Villa Lozells-lane Aston. When he was 20, he married Elizabeth Arnold,daughter of Mary Dell, on 28 October 1838 in St Peter's Church, Harborne, Staffordshire, England.  He was buried on 12 Jan 1866 in All Saints, Hockley, Warwickshire, England.


John Twiss and Elizabeth Arnold had the following known children:
  • Thomas Arnold Twiss was born on 14 September 1839 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He married Elizabeth Beard on 27 October 1861 in St Thomas,, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
  • Emily Clara Twiss was born in April 1841 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Alice Arnold Twiss was born in July 1842 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Walter John Twiss was born in 1846 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He died in 1904 in Aston, Warwickshire, England. He married Ada Sarah Pearman on 7 November 1864 in St Stephen, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Agnes Twiss was born in 1848 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

Wednesday 19 November 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 47: Thomas Clive (1773-1847) Warwickshire, England

Thomas Clive was born on 27 December 1773 in St Thomas Parish, Dudley, Worcestershire, England as the second child of George Clive and Lydia Harper. He had thirteen siblings, namely: Ann, George, Samuel, Lydia, John, Mary, Daniel, Sarah, Susannah, William, Joseph, Benjamin, and Lydia. He died on 12 April 1847 in Legge Street, Aston, Warwickshire, England (From Sharon Clive). 

When he was 20, he married Elizabeth Meeson on 18 February 1794 in St Martin's, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England (From Sharon Clive).  Thomas Clive and Elizabeth Meeson had the following children:

  • Thomas Clive was born on 23 December 1794 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England.
  • Zephania Clive was born on 18 October 1796.
  • John Clive was born on 15 December 1798.
  • Abraham Clive was born on 08 March 1801 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.
  • David Clive was born on 14 March 1804 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.
  • Joseph Clive was born on 17 March 1805 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.
  • Henry Clive was born on 30 Auguest 1807 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.
  • Elizabeth Clive was born on 24 June 1810 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.
  • Emma Clive was born on 26 July 1812 in Kingsbury, Warwickshire, England.

Wednesday 12 November 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 46: Sarah Mason of Warwickshire, England born c1750


Sarah Mason was born around 1750.  This is a guestimate that she was at least 20 when she married William Arnold on 20 November 1770 in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England.

William Arnold and Sarah Mason had the following known children:

  • Francis Arnold was born about 1772.  He married Mary Dell on 5 January 1801 in Birmingham, St Martin, Warwickshire, England.  Francis died on 17 March 1829 in Westminster, London, England.
  • William Arnold was born in 1774 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England.
  • James Arnold was born in 1775 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England.
  • Matthew Arnold was born in 1777 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England.
  • Sarah Mason Arnold was born in 1780 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England. She married Benjamin Burford on 24 November 1803 in Warwick, St Mary, Warwickshire, England.
  • John Arnold was born in 1783 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England.
  • Catherine Arnold was born in 1786 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 45: Isaac Mallin (c1808-?) West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England


Isaac Mallin was born in 1808 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England as the first child of William Mallin.

Isaac Mallin lived in Harborne, Staffordshire, England in 1851 and in 1861. He lived in Kingswinford, Staffordshire, England in 1871 but was back in Harborne, Staffordshire, England by 1881.

Isaac Mallin and Mary Ann Mallin had the following known children:

  • William George Mallin was born about 1832 in Sunderland, Durham, England. He married Mary Ann Fairbairn on 19 May 1861 in St Peter, Harborne, Staffordshire, England.
  • Isaac Mallin was born in 1833 in Southwick, Durham, England.
  • George Mallin was born in 1839 in Southwick, Durham, England.
  • Emily Mallin was born in 1842 in Southwick, Durham, England. She married an unknown spouse in Apr 1885 in Warwickshire, England.
  • Mary Mallin was born in 1845 in Southwick, Durham, England.
  • Thomas Mallin was born in 1847 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England. He married Emma Amelia Reed on 26 Mar 1882 in St Mary Stratford Bow, England.
  • Westley Mallin was born in Oct 1851 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England.

Monday 27 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 44: Martha Indgson born c1768 England - died c1853 Newdale, USA


Martha Indgson was born in 1768 in Shropshire, England.  She died apparently died in 1853 in Newdale, Fremont, Idaho, USA.

Martha married Richard Davies and they had the following child:

Martha Davies who was born in 1811 in Shifnal, Shropshire, England.  She married William Turner on 10 September 1832 in St Martin's Church, Tipton, Staffordshire, England.  She died in December 1880 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.  

Wednesday 15 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 43: Jacob Dell - #missing - Is he on your tree?

The only reason I know about Jacob Dell is that he is shown as one of the beneficiaries in the will of Isaac Dell.

1) Jacob Dell, Brother, All his wearing apparel

Jacob Dell, it is assumed, must have been born about 1744 (give or take 20 years)!  This is a pure guess based on the potential birth year of his brother, Isaac.  I assume Jacob died after Isaac, in 1810, as I would have thought he would have been alive in order to be a beneficiary?

So if you have a Jacob Dell in your family tree that just happens to have a brother, Isaac, that you may have lost trace of, please get in touch.

Tuesday 14 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 42: Ann Millar/Tweedy (c1744-?) Earsdon, Northumberland, England

Ann Millar was born in 1744 (guess at year of birth). When she was 20, she married Robert Tweedy on 10 November 1764 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England.

Robert Tweedy and Ann Millar had the following known children:
  • Robert Tweedy was born on 27 August 1769 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England.
  • Ann Tweedy was born on 4 March 1771 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England (Guess from FamilySearch records for Earsdon).  She married Robert Fairbairn on 15 September 1792 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England.  She died in 1793. 

Wednesday 8 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 41: Henry Pearson (c1848-?) Longford, Ireland & Handsworth, Staffordshire, England

Henry Pearson was born about 1848 in Longford, Ireland. In 1872, when he was 24, he married Mary Bridgens.  They lived in Handsworth, Staffordshire, England according to the 1881, 1901 and 1911 censuses. 

Henry Pearson and Mary Bridgens had the following known children:
  • Albert Pearson was born about 1874 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England. He possibly married Emily Amelia Whitworth in 1898.
  • Phoebe Pearson was born about 1877 in Handsworth, Staffordshire, England. She died June Quarter 1959 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Phillip Pearson was born about 1877 in Handsworth, Staffordshire, England.
  • Eliza Pearson was born on 10 April 1879 in Handsworth, Birmingham, England.
  • Louisa Pearson was born in 1882 in Handsworth, Staffordshire, England.

Saturday 4 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 40: Charles Perry (c1826-?) New Hampshire, USA

Charles Perry was born in Apr 1826 in New Hampshire, USA. 

Charles Perry and Susan M Day (born c.1832) had the following known children:
  • Levi C. Perry was born in 1861 in New Hampshire, USA. When he was 19, he married Clara M Hutchinson on 31 July 1880 in Pittsburg, Coos, New Hampshire.
  • Willie C. Perry was born in 1864 in New Hampshire, USA.  When he was 20, he married Mary Smith on 22 December 1884 in Canaan, Vermont, USA.
  • Norman S. Perry was born in 1867 in New Hampshire, USA.
  • Jennie C Perry was born about 1868 in Pittsburg, Coos, New Hampshire, USA. She married James H Moscher on 27 December 1890 in Pittsburg, Coos, New Hampshire, USA and later married Charles H. Lea on 29 September 1902 in Lancaster, Coos, New Hampshire, USA.

Thursday 2 October 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 39: Joseph Henry Mulliss (c1866-1937) Derbyshire, England

Joseph Henry Mulliss was born in about 1866 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England as the first child of Henry Mulliss. He died in Jun 1937 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. When he was 26, he married Comfort Clive, daughter of Joseph Clive and Matilda Daniels, on 26 March 1892 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.

Joseph Henry Mulliss and Comfort Clive had the following children:
  • Joseph Hy Mulliss was born about 1896 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • Richard Ed Mulliss was born about 1898 in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England.
  • Mary Ann Mulliss was born about  1898 in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England.
  • Esther Mulliss was born about 1900 in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, England.
  • James Mulliss was born in 1902 in Clay Cross.
  • Annie Mulliss was born about 1903 in Clay Cross.
  • Kezia Mulliss was born about 1906 in Clay Cross.
  • Frederick Mulliss was born about 1909 in Clay Cross.
  • Sarah Mulliss - details yet unknown
The family appear to have lived in Derbyshire, England from at least 1898.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 38: Edward Law, Tipton (c1824-?)

Edward Law was born about 1824 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England.  By 1861 he was still living there.  He married Ann (maiden name not yet known).  They had the following known children:
  • John Law was born about 1846 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England. He married Eliza Southall on 26 April 1869 in All Saints, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • William Law was born about 1849 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England.
  • Mary Law was born about 1851 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Ann Law was born about 1852 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England.
  • Thomas Law was born about 1855 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England.
  • Elizabeth Law was born about 1860 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England. She married William Steventon Aston in April 1884 in Staffordshire, England. 

Thursday 18 September 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 37: Mr. H. Tracey James and the Scottish Nation 1905

I had been searching Find My Past newspapers for ancestors when I came across one mentioning Mr. H. Tracey James but even though it doesn't give much information about him I thought I would include it given the timely interest in Scottish independence.  I believe Mr. H. Tracey James is Horace Tracey Barnes James born September quarter 1882, the son of Alfred Ernest James and Charlotte Marian Barnes.

Tamworth Herald - 21 October 1905


A large number of the members of the Birmingham and Midland Scottish Society gathered at the Grand Hotel, Colmore Row last Friday night, on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the session. A feature of the gathering was that on this occasion for the first time in the history of the society, a number of ladies were admitted to the membership.  An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music was enjoyed, the artistes being Miss Elsie Cornish, Miss Eva Dickinson, Mr. Ripley Evans, Mr. H Bannister, Mr. H. Tracey James, Mr. J. A. Beard, and Mr. Alfred Gregory's band.

In delivering his presidential address Professor Muirhead remarked that such a society did not stand merely for the promotion of social enjoyment, important as they all held that to be. They stood also for an ideal – the ideal of nationality. It was an ideal which in these days was somewhat under a cloud. They were told that the days of nationalities had passed, and there was something else taking their place – a thing called Imperialism. He confessed he was as good an Imperialist, or as he should prefer to call it, as good a Greater Briton, as anyone; but his idea of an Empire was one that should aim at preserving and not at destroying nations and national traditions and languages – (hear, hear). Therefore, they should keep to their national ideals, and keep alive the national feeling, if they could, in order to supplement the deficiencies of the ideal of any one people or nation; and because that society stood for a definite national ideal he thought they all owed it allegiance. The very vitality of the Scottish nation was a conspicuous refutation of the modern theories of what the world was moving to. He valued the Scottish ideal, the chief factors of which were a certain simplicity of life, individual frugality, a directness of speech, and mental outlook on things, and a certain loyalty to kindred, friends, institutions, and traditions. These were national assets, and so long as civilisation was civilisation, such an ideal of life as they cherished would have its value – (applause).

At another period of the evening the company bade “goodbye” to the hon. Treasurer, Mr. Harkness, who is leaving this country to take up position in Egypt.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 36: James Rutherford of Birmingham, Warwickshire, England

James Rutherford was born in 1849 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. At some point, yet to be discovered, James married Emma Bache. They had the following known children (all born in Birmingham):
  1. Clara Rutherford was born in 1872. 
  2. Walter Rutherford was born in 1875. 
  3. Albert Rutherford was born in 1876. 
  4. Marion Rutherford was born in 1878. 
  5. Emma Rutherford was born in 1878. 
  6. Amelia Rutherford was born in 1879. 
  7. Louisa Alice Rutherford was born in June quarter 1883 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. She died on 9th May 1946 in Hall Green, Warwickshire, England. She married Robert Mitchell in 1908. 
  8. Frederick Rutherford was born. 
  9. Harry Rutherford was born in 1889. 
  10. Gertrude Rutherford was born in 1890. 
  11. Elsie Rutherford was born in 1890.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 35: John Wallis (1870-1913), Birmingham, Warwickshire, England



John Wallis was born about 1870 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England to Benjamin Wallis and Frances (maiden name as yet unknown). He died in 1913 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 

When he was 21, he married Mary Ann Chambers, daughter of Benjamin Chambers and Emma (maiden name as yet unknown), on 26 Dec 1891 in Birmingham, St Paul's Church, Warwickshire, England.

John Wallis lived in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England in 1881. By 1891 he was living in Stoke Newington, Stoke Newington, London, England. But by 1901 he was back in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England and was still there at the time of the 1911 census on 2 April.

John Wallis and Mary Ann Chambers had the following known children, all born in Birmingham:

  1. William Henry Wallis was born in September 1892. He married Elsie Ada Mitchell on 29 December 1910 in All Saints, Hockley, Warwickshire, England. 
  2. Alfred John Wallis was born in 1895. He probably died in August 1967 in Selly Oak, Worcestershire, England. 
  3. Florence Wallis was born in 1897. 
  4. Violet Wallis was born in 1901. 
  5. Leonard Wallis was born in 1904. 
  6. Gertrude Wallis was born in 1907. 
  7. Thomas Wallis was born in 1909. 
  8. I believe there may have been another child who died before 1911.


Wednesday 20 August 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 34: George William Radford (1901-c1965) Birmingham, Warwickshire, England

George William Radford was born on 3rd March 1901 in Aston Manor, Aston, Warwickshire, England as the first child of George Radford and Louisa. He was baptized on 22 Mar 1901 in Aston, St Peter and St Paul, Warwickshire, England.

When he was 28, he married Elizabeth Rose Griffiths, on 27th July 1929 in Ashted, St James the Less, Warwickshire, England.

George William Radford and Elizabeth Rose Griffiths had the following known child:

    Nora Maud Radford was born on 13th April 1934 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. She married Donald William Bundy in March quarter 1955 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.


Wednesday 13 August 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 33: Mary Ann Pearson died 3rd April 1924 - Erdington


A mother to all our hearts most dear,
Long shall we bathe thy memory with a tear
Farewell, no longer on earth to dwell,
Fondest of mothers, farewell, farewell.
My rest is in Heaven, no rest had I here;
Then why should you murmur, my children so dear,
Then dry up those tears, the worst that could come
But shortened my journey and hastened me home.

In Loving Memory

OF

MARY ANN PEARSON

DIED APRIL 3RD, 1924

Aged 72 years

Interred in family grave at Erdington Parish Church

Wednesday 6 August 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 32: Elizabeth Caulfield (1870-1938) Birmingham, England

Elizabeth Caulfield was born in 1870 in West Derby, Lancashire, England to Henry Caulfield. On 25 October 1891, she married Stephen James, son of George James and Martha Turner.

Stephen James and Elizabeth Caulfield had the following known children, all born in Birmingham, England:
  • Sydney James was born about 1892.
  • Ada Daisy James was born on 29 January 1894.
  • Stephen James was born about 1896.
  • Walter James James was born in September 1899.
  • Ernest James was born in 1905.
  • Leah James was born on 12 May 1906.
  • Albert Edward James was born on 13 October 1907.
  • Ellen Rose James was born in 1912.


Elizabeth died on 21 November 1938 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.   

Sunday 3 August 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 31: Elizabeth Adderley (b.c.1862) Worcestershire/Staffordshire/Warwickshire, England

Elizabeth Adderley was born in 1862 in Oldbury, Worcestershire, England as the first child of Eliza (family name not yet known). It is believed that when she was 17, she married Robert Scott, son of Robert Scott, on 21 December 1879 in Bordesley, Holy Trinity, Warwickshire, England.

Robert Scott and Elizabeth Adderley had the following known children:
  • Robert H J Scott was born in 1880 in Oldbury, Worcestershire, England.
  • Arthur S Scott was born in 1882 in Oldbury, Worcestershire, England.
  • Clara A Scott was born in 1884 in Spon Lane, Staffordshire, England.
  • Wilfred Scott was born in 1886 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • James A Scott was born in 1888 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Beatrice Scott was born in 1890 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Sarah May Scott was born on 22 January 1892 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England and married Albert Sidney Hazell in June Quarter 1919 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Josephine Scott was born in 1895 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Walter Scott was born in 1899 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Samuel Edward Scott was born on 12 Janury 1901. He died on 15 February 1971.
  • Florence Scott was born in 1903 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. She married William H Harvey in September Quarter 1924 in Birmingham North, West Midlands.

52 Ancestors: Week 30: Isaac Povey (c.1820 to 1869) Staffordshire, England

Isaac Povey was born about 1820 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England as the first child of William Povey.

When he was 24, he married Keziah Bromley,daughter of Thomas Bromley and Mary Ann Clive, on 8 July 1844 in St Mary, Parish of Handsworth , Handsworth, Staffordshire, England.

At this time he was a Jobbing Smith but by 1851 he was employed as a Blacksmith. By 1864 was employed as a Brassfounder/Iron Forger (Journeyman).

Isaac Povey and Keziah Bromley had the following children:
  • John Povey was born in 1845 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • Sarah Povey was born on 9 April 1847 in Oak Road, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • William Povey was born about 1850 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England.
  • Isaac Povey was born about 1852 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England.
  • Samuel Povey was born in 1857 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England.
  • Mary Ann Povey was born on 29 August 1858 in Bearwood Hill, Smethwick, Staffordshire, England.
  • Selina Povey was born on 8 March 1864 in Bearwood Hill, Smethwick, Staffordshire, England. She died on 25 October 1903 in Workhouse Infirmary, Selly Oak, Worcestershire, England.


Isaac died on 7 February 1869 in Bearwood Hill, Smethwick, Staffordshire, England. His cause of death was Phthiris (??) (Certified). At some points his wife is referred to as Maria. It still needs to be established if he had two wives or if people just struggled with Kezia's name.

Wednesday 9 July 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 29: Thomas Rushton b.1793 in St Andrews, Worcestershire, England.

Thomas Rushton was born about 1793 in St Andrews, Worcestershire, England. 

Thomas Rushton was employed as a Labourer Street Sweeper in 1851 in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. He lived in Worcester St Clement, Worcestershire, England in 1851 (Age: 58; Relation to Head of House: Head). He was counted in the census in 1861 in Church Walk, St Clement, Worcester, Worcestershire, England. 

Thomas Rushton and Sarah had the following child:
  • Sarah Rushton was born in 1831 in Bransford, Worcestershire, England. She married Moses Mottram on 12 November 1854 in Worcester St Martin, Worcestershire, England. She married Thomas Edwards on 05 September 1865 in St Clement, Worcester, Worcestershire, England.


52 Ancestors: Week 28: Joseph Copson b.c. 1771 in Polesworth

Joseph Copson was born in 1771 in Polesworth, Warwickshire, England. When he was 22, he married Ann Clive,daughter of George Clive and Lydia Harper, on 12 Sep 1793 in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England. When he was 35, he married Elizabeth Holmes on 02 Feb 1806 in St Martins, Sutton?

Joseph Copson and Ann Clive had the following children:

  • Joseph Copson was born on 29 Mar 1794.
  • Mary Copson was born on 10 Sep 1796.
  • Ann Copson was born on 17 Jan 1801.
  • Lydia Copson was born on 26 Feb 1803.

Joseph Copson and Elizabeth Holmes had no children.

Again, another very quick post so as not to create extra work.

52 Ancestors: Week 27: Ann Millar b.c. 1744

Ann Millar was born in 1744 (guess at year of birth). When she was 20, she married Robert Tweedy on 10 November 1764 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England.

Robert Tweedy and Ann Millar had the following children:
  • Robert Tweedy was born on 27 August 1769 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England.
  • Ann Tweedy was born on 04 March 1771 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England (Guess from FamilySearch records for Earsdon). She married Robert Fairbairn on 15 September 1792 in Earsdon, Northumberland, England. She died in 1793.

52 Ancestors: Week 26: Charles B Conner b.1863 in Oakville, Halton, Ontario, Canada

Charles B Conner was born in Sep 1863 in Oakville, Halton, Ontario, Canada as the first child of John Conner and Hannah. When he was 26, he married an unknown spouse on 18 Sep 1889 in Wentworth, Ontario, Canada.

Charles B Conner lived in Ontario, Canada between 1891 and 1911.

Charles B Conner and Bessie Hennesy had the following children:

  • Charles Thomas Conner was born on 26 Jul 1890 in Wentworth, Ontario, Canada.
  • Margaret Annie Conners was born in Aug 1892 in Ontario, Canada.
  • Clarence Walter Conner was born on 05 May 1894 in Wentworth, Ontario, Canada.
  • Allen B Connars was born in Dec 1895 in Ontario, Canada.

Charles B Conner and [unknown spouse] had no known children.

Again, trying to play catch up hence the brief post.

52 Ancestors: Week 25: William George Breed, b.1853 Luton, Bedfordshire, lived in Birmingham/Aston

William George Breed was born about 1853 in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.

William George Breed and Caroline had the following children:
  • William H Breed was born about 1880 in Aston Manor, Aston, Warwickshire, England.
  • Charles Breed was born about 1881 in Aston Manor, Aston, Warwickshire, England. He married Martha James on 05 Oct 1902 in Birmingham, Immanuel, Warwickshire, England.
  • Hayelelell Breed was born about 1887 in Aston, Warwickshire, England.
  • Alice M Breed was born about 1889 in Aston, Warwickshire, England.
  • Ada F Breed was born about 1893 in Aston, Warwickshire, England.
  • Ernest G Breed was born about 1896 in Aston, Warwickshire, England.
  • Christopher Breed was born about 1897 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
Trying to play catch up on my 52 ancestors hence the brief post.

Sunday 8 June 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 24: Catherine Maria Guillon, the 14 year old bride in India in 1844

Catherine Maria Guillon was born on 4 January 1830 in Bellary, Madras, India as possibly the first child of Alexander or Archibald Guillon. She was baptized on 12 February 1830. It would appear that when she was just 14 (probably not uncommon in India at that time), she married Richard Seddon, son of Giles Seddon, on 9 October 1844 in Bellary, Madras, India.

Richard Seddon and Catherine Maria Guillon had the following known children:
  1. Richard John Seddon was born on 09 Nov 1851 in Madras, India. He died in 1890.
  2. Giles Seddon was born on 12 May 1856 in Madras, India.
  3. Alexander Seddon was born on 26 Sep 1857 in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
  4. Agnas Ellen Seddon was born on 26 Dec 1860 in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. She died on 18 Jul 1862 in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.
  5. Ruth Seddon was born on 13 Aug 1862 in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. She died on 15 Jun 1864 in Madras, India.
  6. Allan Jehoshaphat Seddon was born on 20 Sep 1864 in Madras, India.
  7. Samuel Arthur Seddon was born on 30 Jan 1868 in Mooltan, West Bengal, India. He died on 01 Jul 1939 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. He married Sybil Rosamund Pitts on 23 Sep 1891.
  8. Judith Seddon was born on 16 Sep 1869 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
  9. Lucy Seddon was born on 17 Jan 1871 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. She died in 1871 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
  10. Esther Seddon was born on 20 May 1874 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
This is a work in progress and much of the information needs to be checked and double checked.

52 Ancestors: Week 23: John Bunce Lea - from Kidderminster to Quebec

John Bunce Lea was born about 1844 in Lower Mitton, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England as the third child of James Bunce Lea and Ann Davis. He had three siblings, namely: Charles Bunce, Sarah Ann, and Elizabeth. When he was 26, he married Harriot Caroline Barnet Batkin, daughter of William Batkin, on 26 April 1870 in St Stephens Claines Worcester.

John Bunce Lea lived in Worcestershire, England according to the 1851 and 1861 censuses. He arrived in Quebec and Montreal, Quebec on 13 Jul 1870 and was still living there according to the 1881 and 1891 Canadian censuses.

John Bunce Lea and Harriot Caroline Barnet Batkin had the following known children:
  1. Frederick W Lea was born in 1863 in England.
  2. Emma E. Lea was born in 1867 in England.
  3. John E. J. Lea was born in 1869 in England.
  4. Louisa Lea was born in 1869 in England.
  5. James Lea was born in 1870 in England.
  6. Charles H. Lea was born in 1871 in Quebec, Quebec. He married twice it would seem. The first time to Emma Perry on 20 February 1894 in Guildhall, Essex, Vermont, USA. And the second time to Jennie C Perry on 29 September 1902 in Lancaster, Coos, New Hampshire, USA. He died before 1930.
  7. Florence Isabella Lea was born in around June 1871 in Quebec, Quebec. She married George Emery Cilley on 03 October 1893 in Colebrook, Coos County, New Hampshire, USA.
  8. Alberta A Lea was born around Marche 1873 in Canada.
  9. Ada A. Lea was born in 1874 in Quebec, Quebec.
  10. Laura A Lea was born on 10 December 1875 in Quebec, Quebec. She married Benjamin Pierce Bullock on 28 December 1904 in Lancaster, Coos, New Hampshire, USA.  She died in Caledonia, Vermont, USA. 
  11. William B. Lea was born in 1879 in Quebec, Quebec.
  12. Walter Alexander Lea was born on 24 April 1885 in Quebec, Quebec. He died in Los Angeles, California, USA.

52 Ancestors: Week 22: William Steventon Aston (1856-1924)

William Steventon Aston was born on 25 November 1856 as, possibly, the first child of William Aston and Sarah and was baptized on 19 July1857 in Saint Thomas' Church, Dudley, Worcester, England.  He died on 24 March 1924 in Staffordshire, England. 

When he was 27, he married Elizabeth Law, daughter of Edward Law and Ann Unknown, in 1884 in Staffordshire, England.

He lived in Tipton, Staffordshire, England throughout the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses.

William Steventon Aston and Elizabeth Law had the following known children:

Elizabeth Lilian Aston was born on 23 Jul 1890. She died on 07 Apr 1977 at Park Lane West, Tipton, Staffordshire, England. She married Frederick Richard John Jeffery in March quarter 1922 in Dudley, Worcestershire, England.

Daisy Winifred Aston was born on 10 Jun 1895 in Tipton, Staffordshire, England and it looks as though she died at the ripe old age of 100!  Now I wonder what stories she could have told me.

Wednesday 4 June 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 21: Samuel Fairbairn (1849..) did he go to New Zealand?

James Fairbairn/Fairburn was born on 24 Aug 1825 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England as the first child of Robert Fairbairn and Mary Parish. He had three known siblings, namely: Eleanor, Robert, and Mary Ann. He died on 14 Jan 1891 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England. 

When he was 20, he had married Hannah Bowater (daughter of Samuel Bowater) on 24 Aug 1845 in St Mary, Handsworth. 

James Fairbairn and Hannah Bowater had the following known children: 

James Fairbairn was born in 1848 
Samuel Fairbairn was born in 1849 
Joseph Fairbairn was born in 1854 
Mary Fairbairn was born in 1856 

According to an Ancestry tree a Samuel Fairbairn, son of James Fairbairn and Hannah Bowater, arrived in New Zealand in 1874 on board the Strathnaver and in 1881 married Martha Dean. He is shown as having died in 1896 in Kumara, Westland, New Zealand. However, I have not been able to find any evidence yet - there are no records linked to the Ancestry Tree. I can find Samuel in the census up to 1871 at home with the rest of the family but I can't find him in 1881 so maybe he did make a trip to New Zealand. This is yet another work in progress.

UPDATE (@ 13:29):

Just had a quick search on google for strathnaver list 1874 new zealand family search and found the following.
Family Search - New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973

'My' Samuel was a blacksmith from Smethwick in Staffordshire.

Just gone back to the page and you can see a copy of the original document. I hadn't realised you could do that on Family Search now. Samuel is shown as 25 in 1874 making his birth the same as 'my' Samuel - 1849. 

The citation is 
"New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FSTL-P2V : accessed 04 Jun 2014), Saml Fairbairn, 31 Aug 1874; citing Strathnaver Ship, Arrival Port Wellington, National Archives, Wellington; FHL microfilm 004412287.

Wednesday 21 May 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 20: Emma Elizabeth Clive (1848-1891) Aston, Birmingham, England

Emma Elizabeth Clive was born April quarter 1848 in Aston New Town, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England as the first child of Zephaniah Clive and Mary Ann Jones.  She had three known siblings, namely: John Arthur, Mary Ann, and William Henry. 


I can't find any reference yet for the family in the 1861 census but given the variety of ways to spell/transcribe their name(s) this is not surprising. By the time of the 1871 census she is shown as a 22 year old dressmaker.  She is described on this census as deaf & dumb from birth.  The requirement for particulars such as these to be given on the census began in 1851, however, the 1851 census entry for Emma does not have a note in this column. Emma was only two years old but you would have thought that if she was deaf they would have realised it by that age. It will be interesting to see what is included in the 1861 census.  Again the column is empty on the 1881 census.

Whether Emma was or wasn't deaf and dumb or the extent to which she was she still made a name for herself. Well, she appeared several times in trade directories anyway.

By 1881 Emma and her family had moved from Whitehead Road and were living at 416 Victoria Road. Her mother had died by this time as her father is listed as a widower and shown as a night porter. Emma is still listed as a dressmaker and her sister, Mary Ann, is an assistant dressmaker. Brother William, the youngest, now aged 20 is shown as a tool maker. Some time between the 1881 census and just before 1884 the family had moved to number 86. From 1884 on-wards Emma Elizabeth appears in several trade directories as a dressmaker of 86 Victoria Road, Aston Park.

She died about February 1891 aged just 42 and she was buried on 26 February at St Peter and St Paul in Aston, Birmingham. She must have been working right up to her death as she still appeared in an 1892 trade directory. It would have taken time to gather the names of the subscribers together and therefore there will be rare occasions where the person appears after they have passed.

The majority of this information was gathered in very few minutes just reviewing Ancestry hints. I suspect that someone on Ancestry is researching this family right now as I assume that is why they appeared in my recent hints list.

Update:

Yesterday I received another Ancestry hint.  It was for the burial of Emma's mother, Mary Ann Clive (nee Jones).  All the details tied up.  Mary Ann was living at Victoria Street when she died and was buried on 6 November 1889.  She was 70 years old.

I also received a hint for John Arthur's birth in the indexes.  It looks like he was a twin as underneath his details is a Mary Ann Clive.  Both are shown as born in Aston with the same reference XVI 246.  On the 1871 census John is shown as 20 and Mary Ann is shown as 15 years old.  On the 1881 census Mary Ann is 26 and 36 on the 1891 which is consistent with the 1871 census.  Therefore, the only conclusion, without further research at this moment, is that John's twin Mary Ann (born in 1851) died sometime before 1855.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 19: Ernest Angel James (b.1875)

Ernest Angel James was born on 8 September 1875 in Kings Norton, Worcestershire, England as the first child of John Mitchell James and Sarah Ann Hooper. 

He had eight siblings, namely: Beatrice, Ross, Oliver, Ethel, Eva, Thomas Wilfred Mitchell, Augus William, and Thomas. 

When he was 26, he married Caroline Madeline Bucknell on 6 August 1902 in All Saints, Kings Heath, Birmingham.  They went on to have at least three children. His father was a boot maker and seller and Ernest went from being a boot maker's assistant to a boot shop manager. He lived at 375 Ladypool Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham from at least 1901 to at least 1939.







Thursday 1 May 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 18: Michael Madden (1804-1885) Ireland

Michael Madden was born in 1804. He died on 02 Jun 1885 in Union Hospital, Tralee, Ireland.

Michael Madden was employed as a Harbour Master on 30 Jul 1868.
Eliza Madden (1840-1887, Finuge, Kerry, Ireland) was born to Michael Madden and,his wife, Catherine.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 17: Herbert Henry Fairbairn (1880-1890)

Herbert Henry Fairbairn. 

What was his story? I've always wondered. 

He was born, the illegitimate child, of Maria Fairbairn in June quarter 1880. 

And he was buried in Smethwick Cemetery on 27 July 1890. 

He was just 10 years old. 

His mother had recently married Thomas Boot on 6 April 1890 at Old Church, Smethwick. She went on to have three more children: Frederick (1882), Thomas Henry (1891) and Nora (1893).

What was his story?

Wednesday 16 April 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 16: Catherine Burns and brother Bernard Burns - Ireland to Canada

On 15 May 1920, Catherine Burns, the sister of Bernard Burns, of Belfast completed Form 30A - Canadian Ocean Arrivals.  On the form she stated she was a 26 year old machine operator of Belfast, Ireland.  She was coming to Canada for work, had 40 shillings in her possession and her passage had been paid for by C Turnbull Co.  Her next of kin was listed as her brother, Bernard of 8 Murphy Street, Belfast.

On 23 September (?) 1922, Bernard Burns completed Form 30A - Canadian Ocean Arrivals.  On the form his present occupation was listed as general jobber but his intended occupation was that of tanner.  He was going to Canada with the intention of settling permanently and had £5 in his possession.  His passage was paid by his sister, Catherine Burns of 76 Queen Street North, Kitchener, Ont.  Bernard's next of kin, in his country of origin, was given as his brother, Hugh Burns of 8 Murphy Street, Belfast.

CB Source - Ancestry
BB Source - Ancestry

Friday 11 April 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 15: James Swan

James Swan was born about 1819 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. James lived in St Pancras, Middlesex, England in 1851 but by 1861 he was back living in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

I believe James had the following children:
  • William Albert Swann was born in 1841 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.
  • Alfred Swann was born in 1843 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Eliza Swan was born in 1845/1849 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Mary Swan was born in 1850/1852 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Jane Swan was born about 1850/1852 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Edward Swan was born about 1854 in London, England. 
  • Ellen Swan was born about 1856 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Elizabeth Swan was born about 1858 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
  • Phoebe Swan was born about 1860 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. 
My research question is to find out if this family is related to the famous silversmith,James Josiah Swann (1837- 1922).

52 Ancestors: Week 14: Alfred Smallwood (1815-1893 Birmingham)

Alfred Smallwood was born in 1815 in Aston, Birmingham, England to Joseph and Mary Smallwood. He died on 20 September 1893 in Staffordshire, England. He was a Brass Founder.


When he was about 44, he married Sarah Dell Arnold (daughter of Francis Arnold and Mary Dell) on 28 March 1859 in Aston, St Peter and St Paul, Warwickshire, England.

Alfred Smallwood and Sarah Dell Arnold had the following children:
  • Alfred Smallwood born 1843
  • Elizabeth B Smallwood born 1846
  • Frank Smallwood was born 1861
  • Emily Arnold Smallwood was born about 1864

Thursday 27 March 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 13: Charles William Henry Pitts (1835 location unknown - 1879 Allahabad, India)

Charles William Henry Pitts was born in about 1835.  According to his two marriage certificates, his father was John Pitts.  

On 3 April 1854, when Charles was about 19, he married Caroline Amelia Pitts (the daughter of Peter Pitts and Elizabeth Merit) in Peshawar, Bengal, India. 

When he was about 24, he married Ella Jane Kelly on 10 January 1859 in Allahabad, Bengal, India.  

He died on 5 May 1879 in Allahabad, Bengal, India and was listed as a Bootmaker according to India Deaths and Burials.  He was buried on 6 May 1879.

I believe that Charles William Henry Pitts and Ella Jane Kelly had the following children:
  • Alfred Charles Herbert Pitts was born in 1862.
  • William Spencer Pitts 1865-1887
  • Susan Maud Pitts 1866-1866
  • Richard Stanley Pitts 1869-1943
  • Frances Eveline Pitts 1872-1895 (Twins)
  • Francis Charles Pitts was born in 1872 (Twins)
  • Sybil Rosamund Pitts 1875-1910
  • Lilian Catherine Pitts was born in 1878.
If anyone has a John Pitts in their family tree with a son Charles William Henry Pitts, please get in touch.

52 Ancestors: Week 12: Abbotts Bromley (c1829-?), West Browmich

A short post to help me catch up as I am very behind on the 52 Ancestor posts.  

I love his unusual name but it does not help when trying to research him.

Abbotts Bromley was born in 1829 in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England as the fifth child of Thomas Bromley and Mary Ann Clive. He had six siblings, namely: John, George, Keziah, William, Joshua, and Sarah.

Abbotts Bromley was counted in the census in 1851 in Oak Road, West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England and was employed as a Puddler of Iron.

52 Ancestors: Week 11: Benjamin Hanson (1790-1883), Langley Green

Benjamin Hanson was born about 1790 in Langley, Worcestershire, England. He died on 03 April 1883. When he was 20, he married Hannah Darby on 21 May 1810 in All Saints, West Bromwich, Staffordshire.

Benjamin Hanson was a Blacksmith and I believe he lived all his life in Langley Green, Worcestershire.

I understand from someone I corresponded with years ago that a gentleman did a talk at a local or family history society and during that talk they showed a copy of Benjamin's will.  This is very interesting as I haven't been able to find a will for him in the official records.

Yet another mystery I need to resolve.

I also find it fascinating that he lived till he was 93 years old.  Not bad at all.

Friday 14 March 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 10: Charles Sharpe, Oldbury Butcher

Another @FindMyPast newspaper discovery.

Gloucester Citizen

Wednesday 20 September 1893

Charles Sharpe, an Oldbury butcher, was on Tuesday fined £10 and costs for having in his shop for sale some beef which was unfit for food. 


-----~-----


Birmingham Daily Post

Wednesday 20 September 1893

BAD-MEAT PROSECUTION AT OLDBURY

Yesterday, at Oldbury Police Court -before Messrs. J. F. Wilson and H. Heaton -Charles Sharpe, butcher, of Talbot Street, Oldbury, was charged with exposing for sale on premises in Freeth Street, a fore-quarter of beef which was diseased, unsound, and unwholesome, and therefore unfit for human food. Mr. W. F. Vernon appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Local Board.  Mr G H Robbins (sanitary inspector) deposed to visiting the defendant's shop on the 12th of May.  He found a quantity of meat exposed for sale, including a fore quarter of beef, which he considered bad.  The meat was dark in colour, and the membrane from inside of the ribs  had been removed.  This was the usual practice, when an animals had suffered from tuberculosis, in order to destroy the traces of disease.  The carcass was in a state of putrefaction.  Dr. Cunningham (medical officer) gave a certificate to the effect that the animal has suffered from tuberculosis and that the meat was unfit for human food.  Mr Vernon asked the Bench to inflict a heavy penalty, as a defendant must have known the meat was bad. - Defendant denied this and said the case had ruined his business.  The bench considered it a very bad case, and fined defendant £10. and costs, in all £13. 14s. 6d., or in default fourteen days imprisonment, with hard labour.



Tuesday 4 March 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 9: Thomas James, leather merchant (c1822 (Manchester) - 1884 (Alcester))

Another lovely find from my one month Find My Past subscription.  Back in 1997, when I spent a lot of time at Birmingham Archives, I found the following will for Thomas James.

This is the last will and testament of me Thomas James of Birmingham in the County of Warwick thereby direct all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be paid and satisfied by my  executrix hereinafter named soon as convenient maybe after my deceased.  I thereby give, devise and bequeath all my household furniture, linen, books ??? and also all and every sum and sums of money which may be in my house, about my person or at my place of business.  Also all stock and book debts owing to me the time my decease and all and everything of my effects whatsoever and wheresoever both real and personal to my dear wife Julia James to and for her sole use.  I benefit absolutely and I nominate, constitute & approve my said wife to be my executrix to this my last will and thereby revoking all my former or other wills heretofore made by me.   I declare this to be my last will and testament.  In witness thereof I the said James Thomas have to this my last will and testament set my hand on this the twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eighty two.

Signed Jany 21st 1882 in the presence of us   Thomas James
present at the same time who have hereunto 
subscribed our names witnesses in the         George Rowland
presence of the testator.                     Charles James


Proved at Birmingham 10th October 1884 by oath of Julia James widow

27 Pershore Road, Birmingham - Leather Merchant died 9th September 1884 at Alcester £1363:11:1
Wright & Marshall Solicitors, Birmingham


I knew that Thomas had been born c1822 in Manchester but I hadn't thought about how old he might have been when he died or the circumstances surrounding his death.   Well that all changed when I decided to search for 'Thomas James' and the word 'leather' on Find My Past and found the following news article which adds more meat to the bones (and as usually happens it has left me with even more questions that before).


Birmingham Daily Post 
Wednesday 10 September 1884

SUDDEN DEATH OF A BIRMINGHAM MERCHANT 

Yesterday, about noon, Mr. Thomas James, leather merchant, of 27 Pershore Street. Birmingham, died very suddenly at the Alcester Railway Station. The deceased gentleman, together with Mrs James had been on a visit to Alcester for some days past, staying at the Lord Alcester private hotel. Yesterday morning Mr. and Mrs. James walked to Great Alne, and returned by train to Alcester, immediately on alighting Mr. James was seized with illness. He was taken to the waiting room, and a medical man was sent for, but before his arrival he expired. It seemed deceased had been a great sufferer from heart disease, and had been attended by Mr. Badger, surgeon, Bromsgrove Street. The deceased was 62 years of age. The body was removed to the Lord Nelson Inn to await the decision of the coroner as to the holding of an inquest.

Wednesday 19 February 2014

52 Ancestors: Week 8: Sarah Ann Mottram nee Lea (1840-1894)

Sarah Ann Lea was born on 9 April 1840 in West Bromwich to James Bunce Lea and Ann Davis.  In 1863 she married Peter William Mottram at St Martins, Worcester.  They went on to have two known children.  James George Mottram (1865 -1866) and Elizabeth Ann Mottram (1874-1940) who was known by my Grandad as Granny Woods.

You may have noticed from my posts that I love newspapers and with the Mottram name being rare in Worcester it's a nice name to search.  A while back I came across these newspaper reports.
_________________________________________________________

Worcestershire Chronicle

Saturday 10 March 1894

SUDDEN DEATH IN WORCESTER.

An inquiry was held by the City Coroner (Mr. W. B. Hulme) at the Guildhall on Tuesday afternoon in the circumstances attending the death of Sarah Ann Mottram, who died rather suddenly at her house in Bridge place, Lowesmoor, on Sunday afternoon. Mr. S. W. Coombs attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, due to intemperate habits, Peter William Mottram, Lowesmoor, gave evidence as to finding the deceased, who was a charwoman, 54 years of age, dead on her bed at five o'clock on Sunday evening - as already stated. She was, he admitted, addicted to drink. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
_________________________________________________________

Worcester Journal

Saturday 10 March 1894

SUDDEN DEATH.— On Tuesday Mr. W. B. Hulme, Coroner, enquired into the circumstances attending the death of Sarah Ann Mottram, the wife of a labourer, living at Bridge-place, Lowesmoor, who died suddenly on Sunday. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased had been of intemperate habits for some time past. On Sunday her husband saw her lying on the bed smoking, and shortly afterwards he found her dead. Dr. Coombs stated that several of the organs of the body were diseased, and death had taken place from affection of the heart. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes."
_________________________________________________________

Unfortunately, it would seen that it was not the first time Sarah Ann Mottram had been mentioned in a newspaper.  Given the rarity of the Mottram name in Worcester and the fact that this Sarah Ann is in the same locality as my Sarah Ann.  My Sarah Ann's occupation on the 1881 census...laundress.
_________________________________________________________

Worcestershire Chronicle

Saturday 08 January 1876

CITY POLICE.

SATURDAY. 

Before J. Wood, J. Coucher, and R. E. Barnett, Esqrs. 

ALLEGED ILLEGAL PAWNING.—-Sarah Ann Mottram, laundress, Lansdowne-terrace, was charged with stealing one blanket, one sheet, two pillow slips, and one table cloth, and with illegally pawning these articles. Mary Lee, Lansdowne-terrace, was the prosecutrix, and as she did not wish to press the charge prisoner was discharged.
_________________________________________________________

I need to understand who Mary Lee might be as Sarah Ann's maiden name was Lea.



Tuesday 18 February 2014

Researching for other people: Southall, Gittus

What follows is some research that I did back in April 2003.  I had helped someone across the pond with their research simply because their ancestors had lived next door to my ancestors years ago.  The journey through their family tree, rather strangely, lead me to finding that some of their ancestors had the same surnames as mine.  I never found a connection between the two though.

I am posting because I am trying to get over Mytreeitus (self diagnosis after listening to Ron Tanner's Rootstech 2014 speech).  Ron explained that when people keep research to themselves (for whatever reason) it runs the risk of work being duplicated.  There is little point in these will transcriptions being hidden away in my files as there may well be someone else out there researching the people mentioned in them.  Also, I don't believe that this information is available online yet.

The transcripts that follow were taken from Birmingham Library Archive transcripts in 2003.

=======================================================
Clara Southall

This is the last will and testament of me Clara Southall of 13 Wattis Road, Bearwood in the County of Stafford Widow. I appoint George Gittus of 143 Gillott Road, Edgbaston in the City of Birmingham Builder and my son Arthur Southall of Winson Green Road in the said City of Birmingham Gas Meter Inspector Executors and Trustees of this my will. I devise and bequeth all my estate both real and personal unto the said George Gittus and Arthur Southall upon trust to convert the same into money and after payment of my debts funeral and testamentary expenses to divide the proceeds equally between the survivors of my children the said Arthur Southall, Mrs Eliza Ann Roche, George Henry Southall, Agnes May Southall and Thomas Southall and the issue of such children as may have died in my life time such issue to take equally among them per stirpes the share or shares which their parents or respective parents would have taken if living at my decease. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 30 day of September one thousand nine hundred and twenty one.

Clara Southall

Signed by the said Clara Southall in the presence of us present at the same time who in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

C W Holcroft Solicitor )77 Colmore Row Birmingham
A T Morrison )

Proved at Birmingham 28 March 1929

The Will Index showed the effects as
Effects £3751 6s 7d
Resworn £4551 6s 7d
====================================================

Clara's husband's will follows:

George Henry Southall

This is the last will and testament of me George Henry Southall of no 119 Aberdeen Street Birmingham in the County of Warwick Grocer. First I direct the payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and subject there to I give devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate and effects of which I may be possessed of at the time of my decease or over which I may have a disposing power and wheresoever situate unto my dear wife Clara Southall and I hereby appoint my said wife sole executrix of this my will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and name this first day of December One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety One.
George Henry Southall
Signed and acknowledge by the said testator George Henry Southall as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Joshua Howell - Solicitor Birmingham
Sidney Stuart Memzies - Clerk to Mr Joshua Howell

On the 7 day of September 1921 probate of this will was granted at Birmingham to Clara Southall widow the sole executrix.

Will Index showed the effects as
Effects £1596 16s

Trade directories show that George Henry Southall was at Aberdeen Street 119 and later 44 from 1884 to 1921.
=====================================================

George Gittus

This is the last will and testament of me George Gittus of 143 Gillott Road in the City of Birmingham retired Builder. First I direct the payment of all my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses including estate duty on my real & personal property by my executors hereinafternamed I appoint my sons William George Gittus and Arthur Archibald Gittus (herein after called "My Trustees") Executors and Trustees of this my will I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate upon my trustees upon trust to pay the income thereof to my wife Elizabeth Isobel Gittus during her life and after her decease in trust to sell the same by public auction or private contract and after payment of all expenses to divide the proceeds equally between my two sons the said William George Gittus and Arthur Archibald Gittus and in case only one of them shall be living at the time of my said wifes death then my remaining son shall take the whole of my estate absolutely. And I declare that my trustees shall be at liberty to let or devise my real and personal property from year to year or for any form of years at such rent and subject to such covenants and conditions as they shall think fit to accept surrenders of leases and tenancies and expend money in repairs and improvements and general to manage the property according to their absolute discretion and I further declare that the powers of appointing new trustees confirmed by statute shall for the purposes of this my will be vested in my said wife during her life. In witness whereof I have to this my last will set my hand this seventh day of January One Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty One.

George Gittus

Signed by the testator George Gittus as and for his last will and testament in the presence us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have here unto subscribed our names as witnesses.

William Thomas Gaunt no occupation 12 Laxey Road Edgbaston

Sidney Edwin Edmonds toolmaker 12 Laxey Road Edgbaston

On the 27 July 1929 probate of this will was granted at Birmingham
=====================================================

Here is a link to part of the family tree I put together for this family group.