Great x3 Half Aunt Eliza Susan Chapman (nee Heard)

My Great x3 Aunt Eliza (1827 - 1900) was a servant, housewife, mother of eleven, and an older half sister of my Great Great Grandfather Ezekiel Herd Easterbrook (1839 - 1920).

The spelling Eliza's maiden name varies on records between Herd and Heard.

Eliza was born around 1827 to William Herd (?), a sawyer and carpenter, and Dinah Herd (nee Bennett) (about 21), a housewife and former servant.

Eliza was named for her maternal half aunts Eliza and Susan Turner, who both passed away whilst Dinah was pregnant.

Eliza was baptised on 26th February 1827, in Jacobstowe. 

She was William and Dinah's only child.

Around 1835, Eliza's father William moved to America, leaving behind his wife and daughter.

By 1838, Eliza's mother was in a relationship with widower and thatcher Walter Easterbrook.

Dinah and Walter would never marry, but lived together for many years, with Dinah appearing on censuses as servant, housekeeper, visitor and nurse.

From this relationship, Eliza, aged about twelve, gained one younger half brother:

• Ezekiel Herd Easterbrook  1839 - 1920  (80 years old)

By the time of the 1841 Census, Eliza, about fourteen, was not living with her mother and younger half brother in Exbourne.

It seems most likely that Eliza was a live-in servant for the Drake family at New Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

1841 Census:

On 16th November 1846, Eliza (about 20), married Walter Chapman (about 28), a labourer, in Stoke Damerel (about 40 miles south-west of Eliza's native Jacobstowe).

Eliza and Walter's signatures (1846)

Both Eliza and Walter signed their names on their marriage certificate, implying both could write.

At the time of their marriage, Eliza was living at 10 Back of Cornwall Street.

Eliza and Walter would live their long married live in Stoke Damerel.

Eliza and Walter had eleven children (7 daughters and 4 sons):

• Selina  1847 
• Eliza  1849
• John  1850
• Mary Jane  1852 - 1853  (6 months old)
• William Albert or Alfred?  1854
• Walter James  1857
• Emmeline 'Emma'  1859
• Ellen Augusta  1861
• Edwin Albert  1864
• Selina Jane  1866
• Alma Mary  1869

1851 Census:

Sadly, Eliza and Walter's fourth child Mary Jane passed away, aged six months, in 1953. She was buried on 26th April 1853, in Devonport.

1861 Census:

Sadly, Eliza and Walter's eldest child Selina passed away, aged seventeen, in Oct/Nov 1864, She was buried on 6th November 1864, in Stoke Damerel.

1871 Census:

1881 Census:

1891 Census:

In Jan/Feb/Mar 1900, Eliza passed away, aged seventy-two, in the district of Plymouth.

Wedding photograph of Eliza and Charles's granddaughter Olive Hannaford to William Knight (both sat centre), 1919.

Olive's mother (Eliza and Charles's daughter) Emma is stood second from the right in a dark hat and dress.

Eliza and Walter's second youngest daughter Selina Jane married shipwright Charles Lillicrap. 

Their eldest son (Eliza's grandson) was Sir Charles Swift Lillicrap, KCB MBE, who designed warships during both world wars. 

His eldest son Charles Albert Lillicrap was a doctor and mayor of Lincoln. Both of Sir Charles's sons - Dr Charles and Edward were councillors - Dr Charles was an independent, but had conservative associations, whilst Edward was a conservative councillor. 

Sir Charles, his wife Harriet, and their children Ethel, Charles (stood centre - later doctor and mayor) and Edward. At their home, 1920's

Being from a family with a mainly liberal working class Devonian background, finding out I am (even if distantly) related to men, who designed warships for our biggest ever wars and stood for a right wing party - it's something to process.

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

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  1855 - 1930  (75 years old)
• Thomas  1857 - 1916  (about 59 years old)
• William 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  1865 - after 1881  (at least 16 years old)
• Isaac 'Harry' Harwood  1869 - 1934  (65 years old)
• Martha  1871 - 1947  (76 years old)
• Louisa  1872 - 1874 (16 months)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 - 1918  (43 years old)
• Ernest  1878 - 1903 (25 years)

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 Samuel 'Sam' Reuben Vernon

My Great x3 Uncle Sam (1875 - 1918) was a coachman, carman grocer, commercial traveller, father of four, and a younger brother of my Great Great Grandfather Isaac 'Harry' Harwood Vernon (1869 - 1934).

Sam was born in Jul/Aug/Sep 1875, in the district of Okehampton, Devon, to William Vernon (46), an agricultural labourer, and Martha Vernon (nee Dyment) (about 42), a housewife.

Sam was the eleventh of twelve children (five daughters and seven sons:

• Susan  1855 - 1930  (75 years old)
• Thomas  1857 - 1916  (about 59 years old)
• William 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  1865 - after 1881  (at least 16 years old)
• Isaac 'Harry' Harwood  1869 - 1934  (65 years old)
• Martha  1871 - 1947  (76 years old)
• Louisa  1872 - 1874 (16 months)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 - 1918  (43 years old)
• Ernest  1878 - 1903 (25 years)

Unlike most of his older siblings, who could not write - not even their own name -; Sam - as proved later by his marriage certificate - could sign his name. Young Sam likely benefitted the 'Sandon Act' of 1876, which 'imposed a legal duty on parents to ensure that their children were educated', and the Elementary Education Act of 1880, which 'required school boards to enforce compulsory attendance from 5 to 10 years'. Sam himself would have just turned - or just have been about to turn - five years old, when this second important act came in.

1881 Census:

As a teenager, Sam went to live with and work as a farm servant for the Luxton family at Barton House in Brushford.

1891 Census:

At some point as a young man, Sam made the move from the Devon countryside into the city of Exeter. On 7th October 1897, Sam (22), by then a coachman, married Kate Charlotte Cox (26), a mantle maker, in St Mary Arches, Exeter. 

I ponder which form of 'mantle', Kate made. At the time, her father was a stone mason, so she may have been assisting him in carving stone mantlepieces? Or, as she was recorded as a dressmaker come the 1911 Census, she may have been cutting and sewing ladies' mantles (a cloak or cape-like piece of apparel). If I had to put money on it, I would guess the latter - a more traditional occupation for a woman.

At the time of their marriage, both bride and groom resided at 6 Mary Arches Street, which was the Cox family home. Sam's younger brother Ernest also lived on Mary Arches Street - only three doors down at No. 3. Ernest was the sibling closest in age to Sam. The brothers may well have been close.

Sam's signature, 1897

Sam and Kate had four children:

• Henry James William  1898 -
• Emma Ruby Vera  1904 - 1907  (2 years old)
• Vera Ruby Emma  1908 -
• Cecelia Eunice Olive  1909 -

1901 Census:

In the summer of 1903, tragedy struck Sam and his family. On 10th July, Sam's baby brother Ernest, aged only twenty-five. was killed - struck by a train at Stafford level crossing, a few miles from Exeter. Bless him - Sam himself had to cycle to the site to identify Ernest's body. 

Four years later, in 1907, Sam mourned again, when his second child and only daughter Emma passed away, aged only two. Sam and Kate would name their next born child, another daughter, after Emma, though they reordered the names.

1911 Census:

In Jul/Aug/Sep 1918, Sam passed away, aged 43, in Exeter. Sam was buried on 26th September 1918, in Exeter Cemetery. He left behind a widow, in Kate, and three children, Henry (about 20), Vera (about 10) and Cecilia (about 9).

Electoral Registers show Kate and her children remained living at 6 Mary Arches Street until at least the late 1920's (if not beyond). 

However, by the time of the 1939 Census, Kate, by then in her late sixties, lived with her married youngest daughter Cecilia and her family at 76 Buddle Lane, in St Thomas, Exeter.

1939 Census:

Kate outlived Sam by over forty years. She passed away, aged ninety-one, in Oct/Nov/Dec 1962, in Exeter.

Great x3 Aunt Martha Morrish (nee Vernon)

My Great x3 Aunt Martha (1870 - 1947) was a domestic servant, housewife, mother of seven, and younger sister of my Great Great Grandfather Isaac 'Harry' Harwood Vernon (1869 - 1934).

Martha was born on Boxing Day (26th Dec) 1870 in the district of Okehampton, Devon, to William Vernon (about 42), an agricultural labourer, and Martha Vernon (nee Dyment) (about 38), a housewife.

Martha was named for her mother.

Martha was the ninth of twelve children (five daughters and seven sons):

• Susan  1855 - 1930  (75 years old)
• Thomas  1857 - 1916  (about 59 years old)
• William 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  1865 - after 1881  (at least 16 years old)
• Isaac 'Harry' Harwood  1869 - 1934  (65 years old)
• Martha  1871 - 1947  (76 years old)
• Louisa  1872 - 1874 (16 months)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 - 1918  (43 years old)
• Ernest  1878 - 1903 (25 years)

1871 Census:

1881 Census:

As a young woman, Martha lived with and worked as a domestic servant for the Brooks family, headed by farmer William Brooks, at Lower Rewe, Brushford.

1891 Census:

In Jan/Feb/Mar 1897, Martha (27 or 28), a domestic servant, married James Henry Morrish (about 25), a farm labourer in the district of Crediton, Devon. 

At the time, Martha may have been a few months pregnant with their eldest son, William, as he was born in September 1897, approximately 6 - 9 months after his parents' marriage. Either that or Martha fell pregnant pretty much straight away after getting marriage.

James and Martha had seven children (five sons and two daughters):

• William James Henry  1897 - 
• Frank John  1901 -
• ? John  1903 - 1903  (0 - 6 months old)
• Alice Eva Jane  1904 - 
• Herbert Dunscombe  1907 - 
• Elsie Gladys  1912 - 
• Sidney George  1915 - 

The 1911 Census confirms that by that year, Martha and James had had five children born alive, but sadly one had passed away in infancy. Birth and death records suggest this child was most likely a son called John, who was both born and passed away in Jul/Aug/Sep 1903, in Crediton.

1901 Census:

1911 Census:

Martha's eldest son William served in the First World War. On 22nd Sep 1915, just turned eighteen-year-old William enlisted as a Second Cook's Mate in the Royal Navy. William was promoted to Cook in 1919. William served on many ships, including: Vivid I, Active, Stock Force, Suffock Coast and Revenge. His character was consistently given as 'very good' and his ability as 'satisfactory'. Though he originally signed up to serve a period of twelve years, he appears to have been discharged in December 1919. 

William's Service Record also supplies us with a brief physical description of him as a young man. He was 5' 3 1/2'', had red hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion. First reading this information, its novelty brought a smile to my face: this is the first person with ginger hair I have knowingly come across in my family. The red hair gene may well have come from his father's - the Morrish - side of the family, rather than my Vernon side, but who can say? Still, I can say my Cousin William had red hair.

By the mid 1930's, Martha and her husband James, both in their sixties, were living at Ratcliffe Cottage, at Raddon, Thorverton. James unfortunately suffered a long illness in his latter years, from which he eventually passed, but he 'bore it with great fortitude' and 'was a general favourite'. On Monday 18th May 1936, James passed away, aged sixty-four, at Raddon, Thorverton. His funeral, which took place on Saturday 23rd May 1936, at Thorverton, was reported in the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 29th May 1936:

A year later and James was still very much in Martha and their children's hearts. From the Western Times of 29th May 1937:

Martha and James' youngest two children, Elsie and Sidney, each married in the late 1930's. Newspaper announcements from the time give their widowed mother's address as 5 Jericho Street, Thorverton.

1939 Census:

In Jan/Feb/Mar 1947, having outlived a husband by a decade, Martha passed away, aged seventy-six, in the district of Tiverton.