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 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  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  1870 - 1947  (76 years old)
• Louisa  1872 - 1874  (16 months old)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 - 1918  (43 years old)
• Ernest  1878 - 1903  (25 years old)

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 able 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  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  1870 - 1947  (76 years old)
• Louisa  1972 - 1974  (16 months old)
• Samuel 'Sam' Reuben  1875 -
• Ernest  1878 - 1903  (25 years old)

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.

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.