Great x3 Aunt Elizabeth Spear (formerly Edworthy; nee Edworthy)

My Great x3 Aunt Elizabeth (1848 - 1917), was a child's maid, charwoman, housewife, mother of eight, step mother of five, and an elder sister of my Great Great Grandfather William Edworthy (1852 - 1911).

Elizabeth was born around December 1848 in Coldridge, Devon, to William Edworthy (about 28), a farm labourer, and Mary Edworthy (nee Harris) (about 25).

On 19th December 1848, Elizabeth was baptised privately in Coldridge, Devon. At the time of Elizabeth's baptism, the Edworthy family lived at Hawkridge Bridge, Coldridge.

Elizabeth was the third of eleven children (four daughters and seven sons):

• Ann  1841 - 1882  (41)
• John  1844 - 1910  (65)
• Elizabeth  1849 - 1917  (about 68)
• William  1852 - 1911  (about 59)
• George  1854 - 1876  (22)
• Samuel  1856 - 1920  (64)
• Ellen  1858 - 1934  (75)
• Lewis  1861 - 1943  (82)
• Frederick  1863 - 1943  (79)
• Frank  1866 - 1929  (63)
• Mary Harris  1869 - 1939  (69)

1851 Census:

By the age of twelve, little Elizabeth was no longer living at home with her family, but living with and working as a child's maid for the Reed family, headed by Henry Reed, a farmer of 300 acres, at Uppcott in Chawleigh. In 1861, Henry and Jane Reed had seven children, aged between 1 and 18 (Henry 18, Mary Ann 16, Richard 11, John 8, Fanny 6, Thomas 4 and Emma 1). It seems likely Elizabeth helped looked after the younger children, though only a child herself.

1861 Census:

Around December 1868, Elizabeth (about 20) gave birth to an illegitimate child, a son she called John, in East Worlington. Elizabeth brought one Sidney Chard of Thelbridge, the father of her child, to the County Magistate Sessions to apply for child maintenance. An order of 1s per week from the day of sessions was granted, with £1 8s cost.

• John Edworthy  1868 -

On 12th November 1870, Elizabeth (about 21), a servant and single mother of one, married William Edworthy (about 26), a farm labourer, in East Worlington. With the bride and groom having the same surname - Edworthy - they may well have been related, perhaps distant cousins. It seems William brought up Elizabeth's son John as his child (John is recorded as William's son on later censuses).

Elizabeth and William had seven more children (three sons and five daughters):

• William Henry  1872 -
• Mary Jane  1873 -
• Emily  1875 -
• Samuel  1878 -
• Eda Ellen  1880 -
• Bessy  1882 -
• Frank  1884 - 1884  (13 days old)

Sadly, young Elizabeth, William and toddler John's address is given on the 1871 Census as the Poor House, West Worlington. 

1871 Census: 

1881 Census:

In 1884, thirty-five-year-old Elizabeth suffered too great losses...

Her husband William passed away, aged thirty-nine, in Crediton. He was buried on 24th February 1884 in Crediton. Now Elizabeth was either gave birth to the couple's youngest child, Frank, either just before or just after her husband's passing. Sadly baby Frank passed away too, at only thirteen days old. He was buried on 7th March 1884, in Crediton.

After their deaths, Elizabeth supported herself and her younger surviving children by working as a charwoman. Her son William also lived with her and brought in money as an agricultural labourer. The 1891 Census also shows Elizabeth had a boarder, Albert Sanders a young gardener. Having a border or two would have brought in a little extra income.

1891 Census:

In Jan/Feb/Mar 1896, twelve years after the death of her first husband William Edworthy, Elizabeth (47), a charwoman, widow and mother of seven surviving children, remarried. She married William Spear (about 47), a shepherd and agricultural labourer and himself a widower, in Crediton.

William had five children from a first marriage; thus Elizabeth gained five step-children:

• Alice  1873 -
• Ellen  1875 -
• Mary Jane  1879 -
• Eliza  1881 -
• John  1884 -

1901 Census: 

1911 Census: 

In Oct/Nov/Dec 1917, Elizabeth passed away, aged about 68.

Great x3 Uncle John Edworthy

My Great x3 Uncle John Edworthy (1845 - 1910), was a carter, farm/agricultural labourer, step-father of one, father of ten, and the elder brother of my Great Great Grandfather William Edworthy (1852 - 1911).

John was born in Oct/Nov/Dec 1844 in Lapford, Devon, to William Edworthy (about 24), a farm labourer, and Mary Edworthy (nee Harris) (about 21).

On 22nd December 1844, John was baptised in Lapford.

John was the second of eleven children (four daughters and seven sons) and the eldest son:

• Ann  1841 - 1882  (41)
• John  1844 - 1910  (65)
• Elizabeth  1849 - 1917  (about 68)
• William  1852 - 1911  (about 59)
• George  1854 - 1876  (22)
• Samuel  1856 - 1920  (64)
• Ellen  1858 - 1934  (75)
• Lewis  1861 - 1943  (82)
• Frederick  1863 - 1943  (79)
• Frank  1866 - 1929  (63)
• Mary Harris  1869 - 1939  (69)

1851 Census:

As a young teen, John left the family home to find work. By 1861, he was living with and working as a carter at the 168 acres Coombe Farm, for farmer Thomas White.

1861 Census:

In Oct/Nov/Dec 1870, John (about 26), a carter and agricultural labourer, married Grace Mitchell (about 20), a young single mother of one, in the district of Crediton, Devon.

Grace had one son, born before her marriage, when she was only seventeen:

• William Mitchell  1867 -

John and Grace had ten more children (five sons and five five daughters):

• John 'Jack'  1871 -
• Sydney  1873 - 1874  (3 months old)
• Lucy Ann  1875 - 
• Ruth  1877 - 
• Alice  1879 - 1902  (22 years old)
• Mary Jane 1881 - 
• Charles 'Charlie' James  1887 - 
• Ernest Mitchell  1889 - 1916  (28 years old) 
• Walter  1892 - 1917  (25 years old) 
• Florence Maud  1894 - 

Sadly John and Grace's second(/third) son Sydney passed away, at only three months old. He was buried in February 1874, in East Worlington, Devon.

Their middle daughter Alice also passed away prematurely, aged twenty-two, in 1902. I do not know the cause; however, their youngest daughter Florence, aged nineteen, in 1913, entered the Devon and Cornwall Sanatorium for Consumptives. Her disease had developed in May 1913, she was admitted to the sanatorium in December 1913, and was discharged three months later in March 1914, 'V.M.I [likely very much improved] able to do light work'. What ailed Florence? Well 'consumptives' were individuals who suffered from a wasting disease, especially pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Did her older sister Alice succumb to the same/or a similar disease? 

Their fourth(/fifth) child and second daughter Ruth would go on to marry her first cousin William Gilbert John Edworthy, son of John's younger's brother William.

1871 Census:

In the 1870's, the young Edworthy family added to their income by having boarders. 

1881 Census:

1891 Census:

1901 Census:

In Jul/Aug/Sep 1910, John passed away, aged sixty-five, in the district of Crediton, Devon.

By 1911, John's widow Grace went to live with their son Charles James, and his wife and young son, in Copplestone, near Crediton.

All of John's surviving adult sons served in the army - three in the First World War. Sadly two were killed in action...

Older son Jack (original service number: 2829. later service number: 3893) enlisted as a private, in the 4th Battalion, Devonshire Regiment, in January 1894 (his age is given as eighteen; however, he would have been twenty-three). His service record gives a brief physical description: as a young man, Jack was 5' 5'', had a fresh complexion, fair/light brown hair and grey eyes. 

He was appointed as a drummer in October 1897. He transferred to the reserves in August 1902 and was discharged in February 1906. He was too old to re-enlist or be conscripted during the First World War. However, he lead the way for his younger brothers to join the army.

In December 1903, Charlie (service number: 7558), aged nineteen, enlisted as a private, in the 1st Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment. His service record gives a brief physical description: as a young man, Charlie was 5' 6 1/2'', had a fresh complexion, brown hair and grey eyes. 

Charlie originally served for a period of three years. He served at 'Home' (eg England) from December 1903 - February 1905. Then in India for two years, from February 1905 - February 1907. In February 1907, he transferred to the reserves. With the outbreak of war, seven years later, in August 1914, Charlie found himself immediately called up, and promoted to Lance Corporal. However, he did not leave 'Home' for France until August 1916, when he was promoted again to Lance Sergeant. He was again promoted, in December 1916, to Sergeant. He served in France for two and half years, from August 1918 to February 1919 (with two furloughs - on in June/July 1918 and another in September 1918). He transferred again to the reserves in 1919; and was finally discharged from the army in 1920.

Next brother, seventeen-year-old Ernest (service number: 4890), a farm labourer, enlisted as a private in the 4th Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment. Ernest originally signed up for a term of six years; however, he (or someone else?) purchased his discharge after only three months. Ernest's service record gives a brief physical description: as a young man, Ernest was 5'4 3/4'', had a fresh complexion, dark brown hair and brown eyes. He either re-enlisted or was conscripted during the First World War. He was killed on 1st July 1916, aged twenty-eight.

Younger brother Walter was a private in the 9th Battalion, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was killed on 6th December 1817, aged twenty-five.

The younger Edworthy brothers (my first cousins three times removed on my father's side) are remembered on the Bow War Memorial, alongside my Great x3 Uncle Harry Sandford (from my mother's side of the family). (https://www.devonheritage.org/Places/Bow/BowWarMemorial.htm)

Bow War Memorial honouring my Cousins Ernest and Walter Edworthy and Uncle Harry Sandford

Grace outlived her husband by twenty years. In Apr/May/Jun 1930, Grace passed away, aged eighty-three, in the district of Crediton.

Great x3 Uncle Ernest Vernon

My Great x3 Uncle Ernest (1878 - 1903) was a farm servant, wagoner and carter for a corn dealer and forage merchant, father of four, and the younger brother of my Great Great Grandfather Isaac 'Harry' Harwood Vernon (1869 - 1934).

Ernest was born around July 1878, in the district of Crediton, Devon, to William Vernon (about 49), an agricultural labourer, and Martha Vernon (nee Dyment) (about 45), a housewife.

Ernest was the youngest of twelve children (five daughters and seven sons):

• Susan  1854 - 1930  (75 years old)
• Thomas  1857 - 1916  (about 59 years old)
• William 'Robert' Robert  1859 - 1939  (about 80 years old)
• Sarah Ann  1860 - 1901  (about 40 years old)
• Silas  1862 - 1933  (71 years old)
• Mary 'Jane' Jane  1864 - 1930  (66 years old)
• Arthur 'John' John  1865 - After 1881  (At least 16 years old)
• Isaac 'Harry' Harwood  1869 - 1934  (65 years old)
• Martha  1871 - 
• Louisa  1872 - 1874  (16 months old)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 -
• Ernest  1878 - 1903  (25 years old)

1881 Census:

1891 Census:

In Apr/May/Jun 1899, Ernest (20), a carter for a corn and forage dealer, married Elizabeth Morrish (25), in Exeter.

Ernest and Elizabeth had four children (three sons and one daughter):

• Ernest 'Reggie' Reginald 1900 -
• Albert 'John' John  1901 -
• Charles Percy  1902 - 1903  (14 months)
• Dorothy Jane  1904 -

1901 Census:

At the turn of the 20th century, the young family could be found living at 3 Mary Arches Street, Exeter. Ernest' older brother Sam also lived on Mary Arches Street - only three doors down at no. 6. Sam was the sibling closest in age to Ernest. The brothers may well have been close.

By July 1903, Ernest, Elizabeth and their three infant sons had moved to 11 Artizan's Dwellings, Rack Street. Ernest and Elizabeth must have been working hard to save up, for it was reported that, rather than renting, they owned their new home. Alas only a few days after moving in, a tragedy struck...

On 10th July 1903, Ernest was sent from Exeter to fetch a delivery of vetches for his boss - Mr Horwill, a corn dealer and forage merchant - from farmer John Osmond at Woodrow Farm, Brampford Speke. Going the nearest way, he had to pass the level crossing at Stafford Bridge, about 200 yards off the Stoke Canon road. Ernest arrived safely at the farm, but not finding Mr Osmond at home, had left the waggon there, and walked back to the crossing.

Ernest soon came across Mr Osmond, and spoke to him about the vetches he had to sent to collect. As they conversed, Ernest continued to walk along the railway line, towards a nearby gate. Mr Osmond, who was not on the line, realised a train was coming that way and shouted out to Ernest to warn him. Ernest either heard the warning, or at least heard Mr Osmond speak to him, for he replied - his last words - 'All right, Master'. But Ernest, if he did hear the warning, either believed the oncoming train to be on the other line, or that he had more time to cross the line that he and the train were both on to get to the nearby gate. For a second later, Mr Osmond saw Ernest's straw hat fly into the air, as the train struck the poor young father. Ernest was killed instantly, struck in the head - his arms were also badly injured. If there was any mercy, it was that he didn't suffer long. He was just twenty-five years old.

From the Western Times of 11th July 1903:

From the Western Times of 13th July 1903:

Ernest's brother, Sam, cycled from Exeter to Brampford Speke to identify his baby brother's body. Four days later, on 14th July 1903, Ernest was buried in St Mary Major, Exeter. Another older brother, Harry, would name his next born son Ernest after his late brother.

Suddenly without their breadwinner, though grieving, pregnant and with three/four very young children to care for, Elizabeth worked as a charwoman to support her family. 

Alas only three months after Ernest was killed, Elizabeth suffered another lost. Their youngest son, Charles, passed away, aged only fourteen months, in October 1903. He was buried on 29th October 1903, in St Mary Major, Exeter.

Elizabeth must have fallen pregnant with her and Ernest's youngest child - daughter Elizabeth - just before he passed, for Dorothy was born around March 1904, about eight months after her father's passing. Elizabeth may have not even known she was pregnant when Ernest was killed (What with there being no pregnancy tests and all. She may have missed a period - but that's no guarantee of pregnancy. She may have just known - some women say their body feels different - but did Ernest know? He never met his little girl, but did he know he/she were on their way?)

On 31st May 1909, nearly six years after Ernest's passing, Elizabeth (36) remarried, and young Reggie, John and Dorothy gained a step-father in London-born general/fish dealer, Thomas Griffin (29); followed by two younger step-siblings - twins Violet May and Hilda Maud Griffin - in 1910. The older siblings kept their father's surname of Vernon. The Griffin/Vernon family could be found living on (the often photographed) Stepcote Hill (no. 26) in Exeter, around 1911. 

Alas delving further into newspaper and prison records showed Thomas in a less than wholesome light. We won't hold the fact he had one leg against him, though it was a surprise to discover. Though the greater surprise was the lengthening list of crimes to his name: stealing eggs, stealing a wheel, stealing rabbit skins, stealing money, arson (setting fire to a stack of hay), leaving his horse unattended, driving his steam wagon without a number plate, and - most tragically in relation to the Vernon family - barely two years into his marriage, adultery and child neglect.

From Thomas' 1905 Prison Record:

By 1912, Elizabeth and Thomas were living apart. What contrasting figures: she 'hard-working', he 'lazy'. Thomas was constantly in and out of prison - in fact the last time he was arrested, he had been 'stood outside the workhouse gates, his arm around a woman's waist'. His old excuse for his every crime: he struggled to find work because he only had one leg. He was cohabiting with a woman not his wife and had an illegitimate child. Every penny Elizabeth had earned, Thomas wasted. I can't blame her for not wanting him back. She said she would maintain her older children, she only asked for financial support for the twins, her children by Thomas. Though he threatened, she took him repeatedly to court. Meanwhile she worked her socks off: she ran their fried fish shop, let lodgings, went out and found additional work as a charwoman (like she did after Ernest passed). She was respected as 'a hard-working woman, who did the best for her children'.

From the Western Times of 5th January 1912:

From the Western Times of 4th June 1912:

By 1913, once more out of prison, Thomas promised the court to pay Elizabeth 5s a week. When proved in court one month later, he had so far done as promised, 'the police were satisfied that the defendant meant to look after his family in the future' and the case was dismissed. I can only pray they were right to be satisfied and that Thomas kept his promise. Certainly I can't find any later records for Elizabeth taking him to court again, which I suppose is promising.

From the Western Times of 28th January 1913:

From the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 28th January 1913:

Elizabeth outlived Ernest by three and half decades. She passed away, aged sixty-five, on 12th January 1939, in Exeter, mourned by her children.

From the Express and Echo of 12th January 1940:

Great x3 Uncle William Robert Vernon

My Great x3 Uncle Robert (1859 - 1939) was a farm servant and labourer, father of six, and an elder brother of my Great Great Grandfather Isaac 'Harry' Harwood Vernon (1869 - 1934).

Robert was born around 1859, in Ashreigney, Devon, to William Vernon (about 30), an agricultural labourer, and Martha Vernon (nee Dyment) (about 26), a housewife.

Robert's birth doesn't seem to have been registered by his parents; nor can I find record of any baptism. According to censuses, he seems to have gone by his middle name of Robert.

Robert was the third of twelve children (five daughters and seven sons):

• Susan  1854 - 1930  (75 years old)
• Thomas  1857 - 1916  (about 59 years old)
• William 'Robert' Robert  1859 - 1939  (about 80 years old)
• Sarah Ann  1860 -
• Silas  1862 -
• Mary 'Jane' Jane  1864 -
• Arthur John  1865 -
• Isaac 'Harry' Harwood  1869 - 1934  (65 years old)
• Martha  1871 -
• Louisa  1872 - 1874  (16 months old)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 -
• Ernest  1878 - 1903  (25 years old)

1861 Census:

Before the age of twelve, Robert had left his family home to live with and work as an indoor farm servant for the Harris family, headed by farmer William Harris, at Higher Coldharbour, still in his hometown of Ashreigney.

1871 Census:

By the time of the 1881 Census, Robert was back living with his parents and younger siblings. The family had moved from Ashriegney to Zeal Monachorum. Robert must have made a good impression upon the Harris family, for different members of it would later employ his children.

1881 Census:

On 24th September 1883, Robert (about 24), a agricultural labourer, married Elizabeth Ann Westacott (about 22), in Nymet Rowland, Devon. Robert and Elizabeth Ann left only their marks, implying they could not write - not even their own names. Robert's younger brother Silas acted as a witness. Elizabeth Ann was between six and eight months pregnant with their eldest child, when they married.

Robert and Elizabeth Ann had six children (four daughters and two sons):

• Emma  1883 -
• Bessie  1886 -
• Elizabeth Ann 'Annie'  1888 -
• Robert 'William' William  1891 -
• Eva  1893 - 1919  (25 years old)
• John  1895 - 1916  (about 20 years old)

In the mid 1880's, Robert and his young family move from Zeal Monachorum (where Emma in born in 1883) to Coldridge (where the rest of the children are born, 1886 onwards). By the 1891 Census, Robert's widowed mother-in-law was living with the family in their cottage.

1891 Census:

1901 Census:

In Apr/May/Jun 1903, when Robert was about forty-three, his mother Martha passes away, aged about sixty-nine, in the district of Crediton. Alas a short time later, on 10th July 1903, Robert's youngest brother Ernest, aged twenty-five, was tragically killed by a train at Stafford level crossing, a few miles from Exeter.

In the 1900s, Robert and Elizabeth, now in their forties, appear to take in their granddaughters, Minnie (born 1903) and Florence (born 1909), likely the illegitimate daughters of one or other of their own elder daughters.

1911 Census:

Florence's school record of 1913, when she was yet to turn four, lists her parent or guardian as Robert Vernon - likely her grandfather. She joins the school in the January, but leaves in the October. The reason for leaving is recorded as 'going to Crediton', as her 'mother [is] going into the workhouse'. Robert's eldest daughter Emma, a domestic servant, is already listed as a resident of Crediton workhouse on the 1911 Census, so she may well have been the mother of Florence and Minnie.

Both of Robert's two sons, William and John, served in the First World War.

In 1913, Robert and Elizabeth's youngest son, John (Service Number K17328), joined the Royal Navy as a stoker, for serve for a period of thirteen years. Though his service record gives his date of birth as 23rd August 1894, thus making him nineteen when enlisting, the 1901 and 1911 Censuses imply he was born around 1896; and a likely record of birth puts his birth around Oct/Nov/Dec 1895, meaning he was probably seventeen when he signed up. The country was not yet at war, but it seems John was eager to serve, as he likely lied about his age. 

John served on only two ships: the HMS Vivid II from 27th January to 16th June 1913; then on the HMS Indefatigable from 17th June 1913 to 31st May 1916. Sadly on 31st May 1916, John was killed in action, aged about twenty. His character was given as 'good' or 'very good' and his ability improved from 'satisfactory' to 'superior'. His name appears on both the Coldridge and Eggesford War Memorials.

John's elder brother William (Service Number 228429) enlisted as private in the army reserve in December 1915, aged twenty-four. Though briefly in the 330th Road Construction Company of the Royal Engineers, he was soon transferred to Class W Army Reserve. He was 'Home' from 1st February to 10th March 1917; then went to France on 11th March 1917.

John's service record gives a physical description of him as a young man: he was 5'5'', had dark brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion. I wonder if he resembled his father. William's service record doesn't give much of a physical description, beyond stating he was only 5'2'' - he was shorter than me (5'3'')!

On 1st October 1917, when Robert was about fifty-eight, his father William passed away, aged eighty-eight, at home in Chawleigh, his eldest child - Robert's eldest sister - Susan at his side. The cause of death was senile decay.

Then in Apr/May/Jun 1919, Robert and Elizabeth's youngest daughter Eva, a servant, also passed away aged only twenty-five, in the district of Crediton.

All four of Robert and Elizabeth's daughters worked as domestic servants on farms, whilst their two sons worked as horsemen on farms, before going into the forces. 

Around September 1939, Robert himself passed away, aged about eighty. Though his death was recorded in Oct/Nov/Dec 1939; Elizabeth is listed as a widow in the 1939 Census, which was taken at the end of September 1939, meaning Robert must have passed away around the start of the Second World War. Elizabeth would outlive her husband by eight years, passing away, aged about eighty-six, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1947.

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):

• 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):

• 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 Martha Brealey (nee Hill)

My Great x4 Grandmother Martha (1805 - 1837) was a housewife and mother of three.

Martha Hill was born around 1805 in Coldridge, Devon, to George Hill (about 34), a husbandman and labourer, and Elizabeth Hill (nee Steer) (about 28).

Martha was baptised on the 12th May 1805 in Coldridge.

Martha was the fifth of eleven children (five sons and six daughters):

• John  1797 -
• Mary  1799 -
• Betsy  1802 -
• William  1803 - before 1812 (0 - 9 years old)
• Martha  1805 -
• Harriet  1811 -
• William  1812 -
• Thomas  1814 - 1823  (9 years old)
• Susannah  1816 - 1817  (19 weeks old)
• James  1818 - 1824  (7 years old)
• Susannah  1819 -

Martha lost four of her siblings young. Her older brother William passed away either before Martha was born or when she was very young.

In 1817, when Martha was about twelve years old, her younger sister Susannah passed away at only nineteen weeks old.

Two years later, in 1819, when Martha was fourteen years old, her father George passed away, aged about forty-eight, leaving behind a widow and ten children.

Another two years later, when Martha was sixteen, her mother Elizabeth remarried. On Christmas Day 1821, Elizabeth (44) married Philip Osborn, in Coldridge.

Around 1822, when Martha was about seventeen, she and her family moved about five miles south west from Coldridge to North Tawton.

In 1823, when Martha was eighteen, her younger brother Thomas passed away, aged only nine years old.

In 1824, when Martha was nineteen, her younger brother James passed away, aged only seven years old.

On 27th June 1830, Martha (25) married Richard (22), a carpenter, in his native North Tawton. Martha was about three months pregnant when they married.

Both were able to sign their name on their record of marriage.

Martha Hill's Signature, 1830

Martha and Richard had three sons:

• George  1830 -
• Robert  1833 -
• Richard  1835 -

In 1837, Martha passed away, aged thirty-two, in North Tawton. She was buried on 2nd December 1837 in North Tawton.

She left behind a widower in Richard and three infant sons - George (6), Robert (4) and Richard (2).