(This is a bookmark more to myself than anything)
I am taking a break from researching my great x4 grandparents, though I will return to such in the future, for researching people so far back, notably before censuses, and relying on less records and less reliable records, can be like sludging through mud.
Instead I am turning my attention to going across, rather than up, my family tree. I will be looking into the lives of my great etc uncles and aunts. I wonder what I will discover.
Yours Jane x
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Monday, 8 April 2019
Great x4 Grandmother Ann Harris (nee Rogers)
My Great x4 Grandmother Ann (1792 - after 1841) was a housewife and mother of three.
Ann was born around 1792 in Coldridge, Devon, to William Rogers (about 39) and Ann Rogers (nee Down).
Ann was baptised on 23rd September 1792, in Coldridge.
Ann was the youngest of five children (three daughters and two sons):
On 9th May 1819, Ann (about 27) married John Harris (about 25), an agricultural labourer, in their native Coldridge. On the same day as they married, their son William was also baptised. Might Ann have named her son after her father?
Ann and John had three children (one son and two daughters):
In 1825, when Ann was about thirty-three, her father William passed away, aged about seventy-one. William was buried on 24th August 1825, in Coldridge.
At some point, Ann and her family moved from Coldridge about four miles east to Lapford, where they can be found living at Cleave Cottage on the 1841 census.
1841 Census:
Ann's two daughters soon married brothers. On 12th June 1841, his eldest daughter Ann married elder brother George Edworthy, who, the 1841 census shows, lived with the Harris family at Cleave Cottage before their marriage; then, a few years later, on 26th September 1843, his youngest daughter Mary married younger brother William Edworthy. A few years earlier, Mary had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann (likely after her mother and sister), and whose father may well have been William. The 1841 census shows the baby (not yet named at one week old) was part of the family, and seemingly accepted by grandparents Ann and John.
In the 1851 Census, Ann's husband John is shown still living at Cleave Cottage with their married daughter Ann, her husband George Edworthy (George now listed as the head of the household), and their three young daughters. John is still listed as married, but where was Ann? Ann may have passed away in the 1840's, and the census be incorrect on the married front, and John should have been recorded as a widower. Unfortunately Ann Harris is a common name; several Ann Harriss passed away in that general area in the 1840's, and it is impossible to work out which is our, but it is likely one is, as our Ann disappears from records after this time.
Ann was born around 1792 in Coldridge, Devon, to William Rogers (about 39) and Ann Rogers (nee Down).
Ann was baptised on 23rd September 1792, in Coldridge.
Ann was the youngest of five children (three daughters and two sons):
- Grace 1779 -
- William 1781 -
- Thomas 1785 -
- Mary 1788 -
- Ann 1792 -
On 9th May 1819, Ann (about 27) married John Harris (about 25), an agricultural labourer, in their native Coldridge. On the same day as they married, their son William was also baptised. Might Ann have named her son after her father?
Ann and John had three children (one son and two daughters):
- William 1819 -
- Ann 1822 -
- Mary 1824 -
In 1825, when Ann was about thirty-three, her father William passed away, aged about seventy-one. William was buried on 24th August 1825, in Coldridge.
At some point, Ann and her family moved from Coldridge about four miles east to Lapford, where they can be found living at Cleave Cottage on the 1841 census.
1841 Census:
Ann's two daughters soon married brothers. On 12th June 1841, his eldest daughter Ann married elder brother George Edworthy, who, the 1841 census shows, lived with the Harris family at Cleave Cottage before their marriage; then, a few years later, on 26th September 1843, his youngest daughter Mary married younger brother William Edworthy. A few years earlier, Mary had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann (likely after her mother and sister), and whose father may well have been William. The 1841 census shows the baby (not yet named at one week old) was part of the family, and seemingly accepted by grandparents Ann and John.
In the 1851 Census, Ann's husband John is shown still living at Cleave Cottage with their married daughter Ann, her husband George Edworthy (George now listed as the head of the household), and their three young daughters. John is still listed as married, but where was Ann? Ann may have passed away in the 1840's, and the census be incorrect on the married front, and John should have been recorded as a widower. Unfortunately Ann Harris is a common name; several Ann Harriss passed away in that general area in the 1840's, and it is impossible to work out which is our, but it is likely one is, as our Ann disappears from records after this time.
Great x4 Grandfather John Harris
My Great x4 Grandfather John (1794 - after 1851) was an agricultural labourer and father of three.
John Harris was born around 1794 in Coldridge, Devon.
There were two John Harris baptised in Coldridge around 1794. Unfortunately it is impossible to work out which is ours, meaning we know little about John's early life.
On 9th May 1819, John (about 25), an agricultural labourer, married Ann Rogers (about 27), in his native Coldridge. On the same day as they married, their son William was also baptised.
John and Ann had three children (one son and two daughters):
At some point the family moved from Coldridge about four miles east to Lapford, where they can be found living at Cleave Cottage on the 1841 census.
1841 Census:
John's two daughters soon married two brothers. On 12th June 1841, his eldest daughter Ann married elder brother George Edworthy, who, the 1841 census shows, lived with the Harris family at Cleave Cottage before their marriage; then, a few years later, on 26th September 1843, his youngest daughter Mary married younger brother William Edworthy. A few years early, Mary had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann (likely after her mother and sister), and whose father may well have been William. The 1841 census shows the baby (not yet named at one week old) was part of the family, and seemingly accepted by grandparents John and Ann.
In the 1851 Census, John is shown still living at Cleave Cottage with his married daughter Ann, her husband George Edworthy (George now listed as the head of the household), and their three young daughters. John is still listed as married, but where is his wife Ann? She may have passed away in the 1840's, and the census is incorrect on the married front, and he should have been recorded as widower. Unfortunately Ann Harris is a common name; several Ann Harriss passed away in that general area in the 1840's, and it is impossible to work out which ours, without ordering a massive pile of documents, but it is likely one was our Ann, as she disappears from records after this time.
1851 Census:
Like his wife before him, John simply disappears from record. It seems likely he passed away, in his sixties, sometime in the 1850's, as there are records of several John Harriss passing away in the general area from that time, and one was likely our John.
John Harris was born around 1794 in Coldridge, Devon.
There were two John Harris baptised in Coldridge around 1794. Unfortunately it is impossible to work out which is ours, meaning we know little about John's early life.
On 9th May 1819, John (about 25), an agricultural labourer, married Ann Rogers (about 27), in his native Coldridge. On the same day as they married, their son William was also baptised.
John and Ann had three children (one son and two daughters):
- William 1819 -
- Ann 1822 -
- Mary 1824 -
At some point the family moved from Coldridge about four miles east to Lapford, where they can be found living at Cleave Cottage on the 1841 census.
1841 Census:
John's two daughters soon married two brothers. On 12th June 1841, his eldest daughter Ann married elder brother George Edworthy, who, the 1841 census shows, lived with the Harris family at Cleave Cottage before their marriage; then, a few years later, on 26th September 1843, his youngest daughter Mary married younger brother William Edworthy. A few years early, Mary had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann (likely after her mother and sister), and whose father may well have been William. The 1841 census shows the baby (not yet named at one week old) was part of the family, and seemingly accepted by grandparents John and Ann.
In the 1851 Census, John is shown still living at Cleave Cottage with his married daughter Ann, her husband George Edworthy (George now listed as the head of the household), and their three young daughters. John is still listed as married, but where is his wife Ann? She may have passed away in the 1840's, and the census is incorrect on the married front, and he should have been recorded as widower. Unfortunately Ann Harris is a common name; several Ann Harriss passed away in that general area in the 1840's, and it is impossible to work out which ours, without ordering a massive pile of documents, but it is likely one was our Ann, as she disappears from records after this time.
1851 Census:
Like his wife before him, John simply disappears from record. It seems likely he passed away, in his sixties, sometime in the 1850's, as there are records of several John Harriss passing away in the general area from that time, and one was likely our John.
Great x4 Grandmother Elizabeth 'Betty' Edworthy (nee Ford)
My Great x4 Grandmother Elizabeth 'Betty' (1783 - 1866) was a housewife and mother of seven.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Ford was born around 1783 in Chawleigh, Devon, to John Ford and Anne Ford (nee Lake).
Elizabeth was baptised 'Betty' on 5th November 1783 in Morchard Bishop, which is about five miles south-east of Chawleigh, where later censuses say she was born. Elizabeth's parents had only married in the April, implying her mother Anne was about three months pregnant when she married.
Elizabeth was the eldest of four children (two daughters and two sons):
All four children were baptised in Morchard Bishop, though later censuses imply they were all born in nearby Chawleigh.
On 3rd October 1810, Elizabeth (about 26) married William Edworthy (about 24), a husbandman and agricultural labourer, in William's native West Worlington.
Elizabeth and William had seven children (two daughters and five sons):
Alas the 1841 Census shows Elizabeth and William living in the poorhouse in West Worlington. All of their children, including their youngest aged only thirteen, were out working as servants, apprentices and labourers on different local farms.
1841 Census:
Though they were no longer in the workhouse, age was still unkind to Elizabeth and William. In their mid sixties, in the 1851 Census, Elizabeth is recorded as deaf; whilst William seemingly struggled to find work as a farm labourer, and is recorded as a pauper.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1860, Elizabeth's husband William passed away, aged about seventy-four in the district of Crediton. Elizabeth, widowed and elderly, was supported by her adult son Samuel.
1861 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1866, Elizabeth passed away, aged about eighty-two, in the district of South Molton.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Ford was born around 1783 in Chawleigh, Devon, to John Ford and Anne Ford (nee Lake).
Elizabeth was baptised 'Betty' on 5th November 1783 in Morchard Bishop, which is about five miles south-east of Chawleigh, where later censuses say she was born. Elizabeth's parents had only married in the April, implying her mother Anne was about three months pregnant when she married.
Elizabeth was the eldest of four children (two daughters and two sons):
- Betty 1783 -
- John 1784 -
- William 1785 -
- Anne 1793 -
All four children were baptised in Morchard Bishop, though later censuses imply they were all born in nearby Chawleigh.
On 3rd October 1810, Elizabeth (about 26) married William Edworthy (about 24), a husbandman and agricultural labourer, in William's native West Worlington.
Elizabeth and William had seven children (two daughters and five sons):
- Mary 1811 -
- John 1814 -
- George 1817 -
- William 1820 -
- Anne 1822 -
- James 1824 -
- Samuel 1828 -
Alas the 1841 Census shows Elizabeth and William living in the poorhouse in West Worlington. All of their children, including their youngest aged only thirteen, were out working as servants, apprentices and labourers on different local farms.
1841 Census:
Though they were no longer in the workhouse, age was still unkind to Elizabeth and William. In their mid sixties, in the 1851 Census, Elizabeth is recorded as deaf; whilst William seemingly struggled to find work as a farm labourer, and is recorded as a pauper.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1860, Elizabeth's husband William passed away, aged about seventy-four in the district of Crediton. Elizabeth, widowed and elderly, was supported by her adult son Samuel.
1861 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1866, Elizabeth passed away, aged about eighty-two, in the district of South Molton.
Great x4 Grandfather William Edworthy
My Great x4 Grandfather William (1785 - 1860) was a husbandman, agricultural labourer, and father of seven.
William Edworthy was born around 1785 in West Worlington, Devon, to John Edworthy (about 40), a husbandman, and Joan Edworthy (nee Lockyear) (about 38).
William was baptised on New Years Day 1786 in West Worlington.
William was the seventh of ten children (six daughters and four sons):
In 1808, when William was about twenty-two, his mother Joan passed away, aged about sixty. Joan was buried on 29th May 1808, in West Worlington.
In 1810, when William was about twenty-four, his younger brother John passed away, aged about only twenty. John was buried on 1st May 1810, in West Worlington. William would name his first son John, perhaps after his deceased brother and father.
On 3rd October 1810, William (about 24), a husbandman and agricultural labourer, married Elizabeth 'Betty' Ford (about 26), in his native West Worlington.
William and Elizabeth had seven children (two daughters and five sons):
In 1820, when William was about thirty-four, his father John passed away, aged about seventy-five. John was buried on 13th June 1820, in West Worlington.
Alas the 1841 Census shows William and Elizabeth living in the poorhouse in West Worlington. All of their children, including their youngest aged only thirteen, were out working as servants, apprentices and labourers on different local farms.
1841 Census:
Though they were no longer in the workhouse, age was still unkind to William and Elizabeth. In their mid sixties, in the 1851 Census, Elizabeth is recorded as deaf; whilst William seemingly struggled to find work as a farm labourer, and is recorded as a pauper.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1860, William passed away, aged about seventy-four, in the district of Crediton.
William Edworthy was born around 1785 in West Worlington, Devon, to John Edworthy (about 40), a husbandman, and Joan Edworthy (nee Lockyear) (about 38).
William was baptised on New Years Day 1786 in West Worlington.
William was the seventh of ten children (six daughters and four sons):
- Mary 1773 -
- Richard 1775 -
- Catharine 1776 -
- Ann 1778 -
- Elizabeth 1781 -
- Frances 1783 -
- William 1785 -
- Joanna 1788 -
- John 1789 - 1810 (20 years old)
- George 1792 -
In 1808, when William was about twenty-two, his mother Joan passed away, aged about sixty. Joan was buried on 29th May 1808, in West Worlington.
In 1810, when William was about twenty-four, his younger brother John passed away, aged about only twenty. John was buried on 1st May 1810, in West Worlington. William would name his first son John, perhaps after his deceased brother and father.
On 3rd October 1810, William (about 24), a husbandman and agricultural labourer, married Elizabeth 'Betty' Ford (about 26), in his native West Worlington.
William and Elizabeth had seven children (two daughters and five sons):
- Mary 1811 -
- John 1814 -
- George 1817 -
- William 1820 -
- Anne 1822 -
- James 1824 -
- Samuel 1828 -
In 1820, when William was about thirty-four, his father John passed away, aged about seventy-five. John was buried on 13th June 1820, in West Worlington.
Alas the 1841 Census shows William and Elizabeth living in the poorhouse in West Worlington. All of their children, including their youngest aged only thirteen, were out working as servants, apprentices and labourers on different local farms.
1841 Census:
Though they were no longer in the workhouse, age was still unkind to William and Elizabeth. In their mid sixties, in the 1851 Census, Elizabeth is recorded as deaf; whilst William seemingly struggled to find work as a farm labourer, and is recorded as a pauper.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1860, William passed away, aged about seventy-four, in the district of Crediton.
Great x4 Grandmother Susannah 'Susan' Edwards (nee Passmore)
My Great x4 Grandmother Susan (1818 - 1853) was a hand loom weaver (serge), housewife, and mother of seven.
Susannah 'Susan' Passmore was born around 1818 in Morchard Bishop, Devon, to Philip Passmore (about 35) an agricultural labourer, and Anne Passmore (nee Leach) (about 37).
The spelling of Susan's maiden name varies on different records. It appears as Pasmore, Passmore, Pasmoor, Passmoor etc.
Susan was baptised on 22nd March 1818 in Morchard Bishop. The family's residence at the time of her birth is listed as Rolston (otherwise Rollstone Barn) in or near Morchard Bishop.
Susan was the eighth of nine children (five sons and four daughters):
On 16th January 1837, Susan (about 19), a hand loom weaver (serge), married William Edwards (about 23), a stonemason, in St Thomas, Exeter. On their record of marriage, whilst William signed his name, Susan left only her mark, implying she could not write.
It is interesting that though both Susan and William were natives of Morchard Bishop, they went to Exeter to get married, before returning to Morchard Bishop to live. I wonder why they didn't marry in the local church. Perhaps there were familial objections? Certainly it appears no relation stood as witness at the wedding, which is normally the case. Perhaps the following had something to do with it...
The year before the wedding, Susan had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann Ellen (known as Ellen). Ellen was baptised on 17th July 1836 - six months before Susan and William were married. Was William the father? Certainly on all later records he is listed as the father of Ellen.
Including Ellen, William and Susan had seven children (four girls and three boys):
Though their marriage certificate states Susan and William to be of the Exeter parish, they very soon returned to Morchard Bishop, as shown by the records of baptism of their children, as well as censuses.
1841 Census:
Both the 1841 and 1851 Censuses list Susan and her family as living on Church Street in Morchard Bishop.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1853, Susan passed away, aged only about thirty-six, in the district of Crediton. She left behind a widower in William and six children - the oldest seventeen, the youngest only four. Sadly, less than five years later, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1858, William too passed away, leaving the children orphans.
Susannah 'Susan' Passmore was born around 1818 in Morchard Bishop, Devon, to Philip Passmore (about 35) an agricultural labourer, and Anne Passmore (nee Leach) (about 37).
The spelling of Susan's maiden name varies on different records. It appears as Pasmore, Passmore, Pasmoor, Passmoor etc.
Susan was baptised on 22nd March 1818 in Morchard Bishop. The family's residence at the time of her birth is listed as Rolston (otherwise Rollstone Barn) in or near Morchard Bishop.
Susan was the eighth of nine children (five sons and four daughters):
- Philip 1805 -
- Jane 1807 -
- Elizabeth 1809 -
- Benjamin 1810 -
- Eleanor 1812 -
- John 1814 -
- George 1816 -
- Susannah 'Susan' 1818 -
- William 1820 -
On 16th January 1837, Susan (about 19), a hand loom weaver (serge), married William Edwards (about 23), a stonemason, in St Thomas, Exeter. On their record of marriage, whilst William signed his name, Susan left only her mark, implying she could not write.
It is interesting that though both Susan and William were natives of Morchard Bishop, they went to Exeter to get married, before returning to Morchard Bishop to live. I wonder why they didn't marry in the local church. Perhaps there were familial objections? Certainly it appears no relation stood as witness at the wedding, which is normally the case. Perhaps the following had something to do with it...
The year before the wedding, Susan had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann Ellen (known as Ellen). Ellen was baptised on 17th July 1836 - six months before Susan and William were married. Was William the father? Certainly on all later records he is listed as the father of Ellen.
Including Ellen, William and Susan had seven children (four girls and three boys):
- Ann Ellen 1836 -
- Mary 1837 -
- Richard 1839 -
- Henry 1841 - 1843 or 1849 (died as a young boy)
- George 1843 -
- Louisa 1845 -
- Eliza 1849 -
Though their marriage certificate states Susan and William to be of the Exeter parish, they very soon returned to Morchard Bishop, as shown by the records of baptism of their children, as well as censuses.
1841 Census:
Both the 1841 and 1851 Censuses list Susan and her family as living on Church Street in Morchard Bishop.
 |
| Photograph of Church Street in Morchard Bishop, c 1955. Though taken some century after the Edwards family lived on the street, I like to think the thatched cottages probably hadn't changed much, even after that length of time. |
1851 Census:
In Jan/Feb/Mar 1853, Susan passed away, aged only about thirty-six, in the district of Crediton. She left behind a widower in William and six children - the oldest seventeen, the youngest only four. Sadly, less than five years later, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1858, William too passed away, leaving the children orphans.
Great x4 Grandfather William Edwards
My Great x4 Grandfather William (1813 - 1859) was a mason and father of seven.
William Edwards was born around 1812 or 1813 in Morchard Bishop, Devon to Richard Edwards, a mason, and Mary Edwards (nee ?).
Unfortunately there seem to have been two couples called Richard and Mary Edwards living and having children in Morchard Bishop at the beginning of the 1800's. Both Richards worked as masons. I have found it difficult, if not impossible, to tell which pair is the parents to our William, as both couples have a son called William born around 1812/1813. Either way William would have been one of several children, and William and his brothers followed into the family trade of masonry. Those children not his siblings may well have been cousins.
A first William was baptised on 15th November 1812 and a second on 21st September 1813, both in Morchard Bishop, both to a mason called Richard Edwards and his wife Mary. Normally siblings having the same name implies the eldest child has died before the younger, but in this case I cannot find a record of burial for the older William, implying they were probably not brothers: records imply both William Edwards survived into adulthood, lived in Morchard Bishop and worked as masons. Notably they even married sisters - Eleanor and Susannah 'Susan' Passmore - so they very likely knew each other.
A mason for all his adult life, William likely trained as an apprentice to his father in his youth. In November 1831, when William was about eighteen, his father Richard, aged about fifty-seven, may have passed away in Morchard Bishop. A Richard Edwards, born around 1776, was buried on 10th November 1831, in Morchard Bishop. It seems William may have remained close to and supported his widowed mother Mary, for she can be found on the 1841 Census, a decade after her husband's possible passing, living with William and his young family.
On 16th January 1837, William (about 23), a mason, married Susannah 'Susan' Passmore (about 19), a hand loom weaver (serge), in St Thomas, Exeter. On their record of marriage, whilst Susan left only her mark, implying she was illiterate, William was able to sign his name. His signature appears very neat.
It is interesting that though both William and Susan were natives of Morchard Bishop, they went to Exeter to get married, before returning to Morchard Bishop to live. I wonder why they didn't marry in the local church. Perhaps there were familial objections? Certainly it appears no relation stood as witness at the wedding, which is normally the case. Perhaps the following had something to do with it...
The year before the wedding, Susan had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann Ellen (known as Ellen). Ellen was baptised on 17th July 1836 - six months before William and Susan were married. Was William the father? Certainly on all later records he is listed as the father of Ellen.
Including Ellen, William and Susan had seven children (four girls and three boys):
Though their marriage certificate states William and Susan to be of the Exeter parish, they very soon returned to Morchard Bishop, as shown by the records of baptism of their children, as well as censuses.
1841 Census:
It seems William's mother Mary passed away in old age in the 1840s or 1850s, in Morchard Bishop. Also in the 1840s, William's son Henry passed away as a young boy.
Both the 1841 and 1851 Censuses list William and his family as living on Church Street in Morchard Bishop.
1851 Census:
In Jan/Mar/Apr 1853, when William was about thirty-nine, his wife Susan passed away, aged about thirty-six, in the district of Crediton.
Less than five years later, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1858, William himself passed away, aged about forty-five, also in the district of Crediton.
His six surviving children - the oldest twenty-two, the youngest only nine - were left orphans.
William Edwards was born around 1812 or 1813 in Morchard Bishop, Devon to Richard Edwards, a mason, and Mary Edwards (nee ?).
Unfortunately there seem to have been two couples called Richard and Mary Edwards living and having children in Morchard Bishop at the beginning of the 1800's. Both Richards worked as masons. I have found it difficult, if not impossible, to tell which pair is the parents to our William, as both couples have a son called William born around 1812/1813. Either way William would have been one of several children, and William and his brothers followed into the family trade of masonry. Those children not his siblings may well have been cousins.
A first William was baptised on 15th November 1812 and a second on 21st September 1813, both in Morchard Bishop, both to a mason called Richard Edwards and his wife Mary. Normally siblings having the same name implies the eldest child has died before the younger, but in this case I cannot find a record of burial for the older William, implying they were probably not brothers: records imply both William Edwards survived into adulthood, lived in Morchard Bishop and worked as masons. Notably they even married sisters - Eleanor and Susannah 'Susan' Passmore - so they very likely knew each other.
A mason for all his adult life, William likely trained as an apprentice to his father in his youth. In November 1831, when William was about eighteen, his father Richard, aged about fifty-seven, may have passed away in Morchard Bishop. A Richard Edwards, born around 1776, was buried on 10th November 1831, in Morchard Bishop. It seems William may have remained close to and supported his widowed mother Mary, for she can be found on the 1841 Census, a decade after her husband's possible passing, living with William and his young family.
On 16th January 1837, William (about 23), a mason, married Susannah 'Susan' Passmore (about 19), a hand loom weaver (serge), in St Thomas, Exeter. On their record of marriage, whilst Susan left only her mark, implying she was illiterate, William was able to sign his name. His signature appears very neat.
 |
| William Edwards' Signature, 1837 |
It is interesting that though both William and Susan were natives of Morchard Bishop, they went to Exeter to get married, before returning to Morchard Bishop to live. I wonder why they didn't marry in the local church. Perhaps there were familial objections? Certainly it appears no relation stood as witness at the wedding, which is normally the case. Perhaps the following had something to do with it...
The year before the wedding, Susan had given birth to an illegitimate daughter, whom she called Ann Ellen (known as Ellen). Ellen was baptised on 17th July 1836 - six months before William and Susan were married. Was William the father? Certainly on all later records he is listed as the father of Ellen.
Including Ellen, William and Susan had seven children (four girls and three boys):
- Ann Ellen 1836 -
- Mary 1837 -
- Richard 1839 -
- Henry 1841 - 1843 or 1849 (died as a young boy)
- George 1843 -
- Louisa 1845 -
- Eliza 1849 -
Though their marriage certificate states William and Susan to be of the Exeter parish, they very soon returned to Morchard Bishop, as shown by the records of baptism of their children, as well as censuses.
1841 Census:
It seems William's mother Mary passed away in old age in the 1840s or 1850s, in Morchard Bishop. Also in the 1840s, William's son Henry passed away as a young boy.
Both the 1841 and 1851 Censuses list William and his family as living on Church Street in Morchard Bishop.
 |
| Photograph of Church Street in Morchard Bishop, c 1955. Though taken some century after the Edwards family lived on the street, I like to think the thatched cottages probably hadn't changed much, even after that length of time. |
1851 Census:
In Jan/Mar/Apr 1853, when William was about thirty-nine, his wife Susan passed away, aged about thirty-six, in the district of Crediton.
Less than five years later, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1858, William himself passed away, aged about forty-five, also in the district of Crediton.
His six surviving children - the oldest twenty-two, the youngest only nine - were left orphans.
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