THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of Isaac & Elizabeth Muddle's Family

 

Isaac and Elizabeth’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 12 August 1764. When he was 25 years old John married 20-year-old Mary Gates at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 7 April 1790. Mary was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Gates; she had been born at Chalvington in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Chalvington on 13 March 1770. John and Mary had probably met when Mary was visiting her father's brother James Gates and his wife Dorothy, who lived at Chillies in High Hurstwood, just a few hundred yards up the road from where John and his parents lived and farmed at Browns Nest and Greystones. See the page headed ‘John & Mary Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

Isaac and Elizabeth’s second child was Isaac Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 23 November 1766. When he was 30 years old Isaac married 27-year-old Ann Berwick at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 28 December 1796. Ann was the daughter of John and Maria Berwick, and she had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 2 February 1769.

Isaac and Ann had four children. They initially lived in Buxted Parish, possibly at High Hurstwood, where their first child was born in 1797. They then had another child, son Isaac, in about 1801 whose baptism has not been found, so it's not known where they were then living. Their last two children were born in 1805 and 1807 while they were living at Isfield in Sussex. They were probably still living in Isfield in 1822 as that was where their son Isaac was living when he married that year. Then in 1826 when their son William died they were living at Streele in Framfield, Sussex.[2]

In the census of 6 June 1841 Isaac and Ann were living at Buxted Wood in Buxted, and Isaac was described as being an agricultural labourer. The following year Isaac died at Buxted, at the age of 76 (not 77 as given on his burial record), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 9 December 1842. Two years later Ann died at Buxted, at the age of 75, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 16 October 1844.

 

Their children were:

John 1797-1871  Isaac 1801-1876  Anne 1805-1871  William 1807-1826

 

Isaac and Ann’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born int Buxted Parish, possibly at High Hurstwood, in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 30 July 1797.

When he was 22 years old John married Sarah Jeffery at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 6 January 1820. They had seven children born at Buxted between 1820 and 1837, while John was working as a farm labourer. In the census of 6 June 1841 they were living at Buxted Wood with their four youngest children, and John was a farm labourer. John was unable to write; he just made his mark when he recorded the death of his grandson in 1846. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 they were still living at Buxted Wood, but now with three of their children, and John was continuing to work as a farm labourer.

Sarah died at Buxted, at the age of 62, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 23 May 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 widower John was lodging with the family of his daughter Elizabeth Frost at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, Sussex and still working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 John, now aged 73, was a pauper in the Union Workhouse at Uckfield, Sussex. John died at Framfield, at the age of 74, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 7 October 1871.

 

John and Sarah’s eldest child was Mary Ann Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 August 1820. In the census of 6 June 1841 Mary Ann, at the age of 20, was a live-in servant to Ann Seymor at Tothees in Buxted.

When she was 23 years old Mary Ann married 23-year-old Henry Stevens at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 28 October 1843. Henry was then a farm labourer living with his parents at Foxhole Farm, and Mary Ann was living with her parents at nearby Buxted Wood. Henry was the son of Samuel and Ann Stevens, and he had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 26 March 1820. Henry and Mary Ann probably didn't have any children. On 9 March 1850 they were the witnesses at the marriage of Mary Ann's sister Sarah at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted. In the census of 30 March 1851 Henry and Mary Ann were living at Streele in Framfield, Sussex and Henry was a farm labourer. The following year Mary Ann died at the age of 31, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1852.

Henry's second marriage, at the age of 33, was to Eliza Stevens in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1853. Eliza was the daughter of William and Mary Ann Stevens; she had been born at Uckfield and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 12 August 1832. Henry and Eliza had nine children. Their first child was born at Uckfield in early 1850 before their marriage and two years before the death of Henry's first wife. Their next five children were born at Buxted between 1854 and 1864. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Etchingwood in Buxted with their then four children, and Henry was a farm labourer. They moved to Framfield in about 1865 and their last three children were born there between 1866 and 1872. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield with their then five youngest children, and Henry was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Pale House Common in Framfield with six of their children, and Henry was still a farm labourer.

They were living at Pale House Common when Eliza died at the age of 57 (not 58 as given on her death certificate and burial record), and was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 20 July 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, at the age of 71 and deaf, was still working as a farm labourer and living at Pale House Common, now with just his two youngest children still living with him, 22-year-old Ada, who would have been keeping house for him, and 19-year-old George. Henry was living at Pale House Common when he died at the age of about 73 (not 71 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 14 January 1893.

 

Henry and Eliza’s eldest child was Charles Stevens who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 8 April 1850, over three years before his parent's marriage, and baptised at the Parish Chuch of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 30 January 1859 at the same time as his brother Henry. In the census of 30 March 1851 Charles, at the age of 11 months, was living with his mother in the home of his maternal grandparents, William and Mary Ann Stevens, at Bird-in-Eye in Framfield, Sussex. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Charles, now aged almost 11, was living with his parents at Etchingwood in Buxted, and he was going to school. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charles, at the age of 20, was a live-in farm servant to farmer Samuel Hazelden at Barnsden in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, at the age of 30, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield.

 

Henry and Eliza’s second child was Mary Ann Stevens who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 23 July 1854. In the census of 7 April 1861 Mary Ann, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Etchingwood in Buxted.

 

Henry and Eliza’s third child was Eliza Stevens who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 19 October 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Eliza, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Etchingwood in Buxted.

 

Henry and Eliza’s fourth child was Henry Stevens who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 30 January 1859. In the census of 7 April 1861 Henry, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Etchingwood in Buxted. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Henry, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, Sussex, and he was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Henry, at the age of 22, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield.

 

Henry and Eliza’s fifth child was William Stevens who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 14 July 1861. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, Sussex, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 19, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield.

 

Henry and Eliza’s sixth child was Fanny Stevens who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 28 February 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Fanny, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, Sussex, and she was going to school.

 

Henry and Eliza’s seventh child was Alfred Stevens who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 4 November 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield.

 

Henry and Eliza’s eighth child was Ada Stevens who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and a baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 28 March 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ada, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ada, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, at the age of 22, was living at Pale House Common with her widowed father and younger brother, for whom she would have been keeping house.

 

Henry and Eliza’s ninth child was George Stevens who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 25 February 1872. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Pale House Common in Framfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, now aged 19, was working as a nurseryman and living at Pale House Common with his widowed father and sister Ada.

 

John and Sarah’s second child was George Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 21 December 1823. In the census of 6 June 1841 George, at the age of 17, was a live-in servant to the family of farmer William Wheatley at Hendall Farm in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish. George died in Hadlow Down in Sussex at the age of 27, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 17 November 1850.

 

John and Sarah’s third child was Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 7 May 1826. In the census of 6 June 1841 Elizabeth, at the age of 15, was a live-in servant to the family of farmer Henry Stepley at the Gate House in Framfield, Sussex.

In the census of 30 March 1851 Elizabeth, now aged 24, was living back home with her parents at Buxted Wood. Later that year when she was 25 years old Elizabeth had an illegitimate son, at the baptism the father's name was recorded as if it was Henry Muddle and they were a married couple, which was wrong, Elizabeth was not then married, and the father is thought to have been Elizabeth's future husband Henry Frost.

Then the following year Elizabeth, at the age of 26, married 35-year-old Henry Frost, who was a farm labourer, at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 12 July 1852. Henry was the son of William and Barbara Frost, and he had been baptised at Chiddingly Church in Sussex on 8 June 1817. (Henry's baptism record incorrectly give his mother as being Catherine.) Henry and Elizabeth had four children after their marriage, born at Framfield between 1853 and 1862, the eldest of who died when only 10 weeks old.

In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield with their then two surviving children, and also living with them were; Elizabeth’s illegitimate son, James Muddle; a 6-year-old nurse child (foster child) called Esther Eade; and Elizabeth’s widowed father, John Muddle. Henry was now working as a farm carter. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Streele Cottage in Framfield with their two youngest children, and Henry was continuing to work as a farm labourer. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living in Totease Road in Buxted: Henry was still working as a farm labourer, and they had their unmarried and out of work daughter, Harriet, living with them, and a one-year-old grandson, George Frost, who was probably the illegitimate son of Harriet. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Framfield Road in Buxted; they had their bachelor son Henry and their grandson George living with them and Henry, at the age of 73, was still working as a farm labourer.

Henry died at the age of 74, and he was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 1 July 1891. In the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth was living with her son Henry at New Road in Buxted. Elizabeth was still living at New Road when she died at the age of 83, and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 5 March 1909.

 

Elizabeth’s illegitimate child was James Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 2 November 1851. His father was recorded as being Henry Muddle at his baptism, which was wrong; his father is thought to be his mother's future husband Henry Frost, as was later recorded at James' marriage.

In the census of 7 April 1861 James, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, Sussex and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 James, now aged 19, was staying with the family of his mother's sister, Lucy Jeffery, at 4 Prospect Terrace, Rusthall, Kent; James was an apprentice carpenter and probably an apprentice to Lucy's husband, William Jeffery, who was a builder.

When he was 27 years old and working as a carpenter James married 20-year-old Ellen Stevens at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 13 June 1879. Ellen was the daughter of Samuel and Lucy Stevens, and she had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 12 December 1858. Ellen was a sister of the Harriet Stevens who married James' relative Thomas Muddle, and the Lucy Stevens who married James' relative Albert Muddle. James married using the name Muddle, but thereafter seems to have used the name Frost.

James and Ellen are not thought to have had any children. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at the Old Brick Yard in Framfield Road, Uckfield, Sussex and James was described as being a journeyman carpenter and joiner. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 James was living at New Road in Buxted and he was continuing to work as a carpenter. Ellen was away staying with the family of her sister Lucy Muddle at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex where she was nursing her sister and young baby. James and Ellen were living in New Road, Buxted when James died at the age of 48, and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 24 January 1900.

In the census of 31 March 1901 Ellen was living in New Road, Buxted and she was working as a charwoman. Living with her were; her nephew, 21-year-old George Frost; and her niece, 10-year-old Harriet Muddle, the daughter of her dead sister Lucy, who had probably been living with Ellen since her mother's death in 1892. Ellen was living at 2 Westlea Terrace in Buxted when she died at the age of 66, and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 17 December 1924.

 

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s eldest legitimate child was Fanny Frost who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 4 September 1853. Fanny died when only 10 weeks old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 23 October 1853.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s second legitimate child was Harriet Frost who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 1 March 1857. In the census of 7 April 1861 Harriet, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Harriet, now aged 14, was staying with the family of her mother's sister, Lucy Jeffery, at 4 Prospect Terrace, Rusthall, Kent. In the census of 3 April 1881 Harriet, at the age of 24, was an out of work general domestic servant living with her parents at Totease Road in Buxted, Sussex.

When she was 26 years old Harriet married 26-year-old Peter French in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1883. Peter was the son of Henry and Sophia French; he had been born in Uckfield, Sussex and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1857. In the census of 5 April 1891 Peter and Harriet were living in Alexandra Road in Uckfield, and Peter was working as a corn dealer's carman. Peter and Harriet had two children, both sons, born in Uckfield in 1894 and 1895. In the census of the 31 March 1901 they were living at 16 Alexandra Road in Uckfield with their two sons, and Peter was continuing to work as a corn dealer's carman. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 33 Alexandra Road with their two sons and Peter was now a jobbing domestic gardener working on his own account.

Peter died at the age of 70, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1927. Nineteen years later Harriet died at the age of 89, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1946.

 

Peter and Harriet’s eldest child was Henry Jack French who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 6 May 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 16 Alexandra Road in Uckfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, now aged 17, was working as a carriage builder and living with his parents at 33 Alexandra Road.

 

Peter and Harriet’s second child was Albert Edward French who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 1 September 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 16 Alexandra Road in Uckfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Albert, now aged 15, was working as a general porter at the International Stores and living with his parents at 33 Alexandra Road.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s third legitimate child was Henry Frost who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 6 November 1859. In the census of 7 April 1861 Henry, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Great Streele Cottage in Framfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Henry, now aged 11, was living with his parents at Streele Cottage in Framfield, and he was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Henry, at the age of 21, was a carpenter boarding with the family of gardener Richard Price at No 2 Cottage, Workhouse Lane, Speldhurst, Kent. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, at the age of 31, was living with his parents in Framfield Road, Buxted, Sussex, and he was parish clerk and a gardener. In the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, at the age of 41, was a postman living in New Road in Buxted, and his 75-year-old widowed mother was living with him. Henry's mother died in 1909 and in the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, still unmarried at the age of 51, was a postman boarding with 55-year-old widow Pamela Morling in London Road at Danehill in Sussex. Henry died at 98 Railway Approach in East Grinstead, Sussex, at the age of 84, and he was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 11 May 1945.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s fourth legitimate child was Elizabeth Frost who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 6 April 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 Elizabeth, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Streele Cottage in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Elizabeth, now aged 19, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of innkeeper and farmer Samuel Purseglove at the Buxted Hotel in Buxted, Sussex.

When she was 22 years old Elizabeth married 26-year-old George Ralph at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield, Sussex on 9 July 1884. They were both then living in Uckfield, and George was working as a labourer. George was the son of George and Mary Ralph and he had been born in Uckfield in about 1859. George and Elizabeth had seven known children born in Uckfield between 1884, just before they married, and 1901, though in the 1911 census George stated that he'd had eleven children of whom eight were then still living.

In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Framfield Road in Uckfield with their then three children, and George was working on his own account as a chimney sweep. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road with their five youngest children; George was continuing to work on his own account as a chimney sweep and his eldest son was now working with him.

Elizabeth died at the age of 48, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 George was living at 61 Framfield Road in Uckfield with four of his children, and he was now a marine stores dealer and farmer working on his own account and was an employer. George died at the age of 83, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1942.

 

George and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Annie Frost/Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1884, just before her parents' marriage. Annie was baptised when she was 6 years old, at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 5 October 1890, at the same time as her two younger brothers. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 7, was living with her parents in Framfield Road in Uckfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 17, was a live-in housemaid to widow Isabella Elms at The Mount in Uckfield High Street. In the census of 2 April 1911 Annie, at the age of 27, was living with her widowed father at 61 Framfield Road in Uckfield and described as a domestic.

 

George and Elizabeth’s second known child was William Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1886. William was baptised when he was 4 years old, at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 5 October 1890, at the same time as his elder sister and younger brother. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 4, was living with his parents in Framfield Road in Uckfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, now aged 14, was working with his father as a chimney sweep and living with his parents at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road. In the census of 2 April 1911 William, at the age of 24, was working as a chimney sweep and living with his widowed father at 61 Framfield Road in Uckfield.

 

George and Elizabeth’s third known child was Frederick Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 5 October 1890, at the same time as his elder sister and brother. In the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, at the age of 7 months, was living with his parents in Framfield Road in Uckfield. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road, and he was going to school.

 

George and Elizabeth’s fourth known child was Charles Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1892. Charles was baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 1 January 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Charles, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road, Uckfield, and he was going to school.

 

George and Elizabeth’s fifth known child was Elizabeth Mary Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1894. Elizabeth was baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 3 March 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road, Uckfield, and she was going to school.

 

George and Elizabeth’s sixth known child was Harriett Alice Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1897. Harriett was baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 3 October 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Harriett, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 2 Abyssinia Cottages in Framfield Road, Uckfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Harriett, now aged 13, was living with her widowed father at 61 Framfield Road in Uckfield.

 

George and Elizabeth’s seventh known child was Albert Ralph who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Albert, at the age of 10, was going to school and living with his widowed father at 61 Framfield Road in Uckfield.

 

John and Sarah’s fourth child was Sarah Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 22 June 1828. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sarah, at the age of 13, was living with her parents at Buxted Wood. Then in late 1846, when she was 18 years old, Sarah, who was then described as being a servant, had an illegitimate son, who only lived 4 months, probably fathered by her future husband.

When she was 21 years old Sarah married John Hargraves, who was from Uckfield, at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 9 March 1850. At the time of their marriage John's name was spelt Hardgraves and the family name continued with this spelling until about 1870 when it became Hargraves, which is the spelling use here. John and Sarah had eight children: the first four were born in Buxted Parish between 1851 and 1860, and the other four were born in Uckfield, Sussex between 1863 and 1871.

In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Rock Cottage in Buxted Parish (thought to be near what is now The Hermitage at High Hurstwood) with their young baby, and also John's widowed grandfather, George Hardgraves, who was a pauper, and a lodger, Mary Ann Turner, who was acting as nurse to Sarah and her young baby. John was working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Buxted Rocks (thought to be the same place as the Rock Cottage they were living at in 1851) with four of their children, and John was still a farm labourer. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living in Uckfield with seven of their children, and John was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at North Row in Uckfield with their two youngest children, and John was now working as a general labourer. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at North Row with just their son James living with them, and John was back working as a farm labourer.

John died at the age of 66, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sarah, at the age of 72, was working as a domestic nurse and living at 9 North Row with her unmarried son James and two of her grandchildren, who were the children of her son William, who then lived next-door at 8 North Row. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Sarah, at the age of 82, was now retired and living at 8 North Row with her 40-year-old spinster daughter Emily and her granddaughter Edith, who was the daughter of her son William. Twenty-one years after John's death Sarah died at the age of 86, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1914.

 

Sarah’s illegitimate child was John Hagrave Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 30 August 1846. No father was recorded at John's baptism, but his father is thought to be his mother's future husband, as John second name seems to be a misspelling of his surname, Hardgraves. John only lived for 4 months; he died at Buxted Wood in Buxted, his grandparent's home, on 26 November 1846 from bronchitis and pneumonia, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 30 November 1846.

 

John and Sarah’s eldest child was George Hargraves who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1851. In the census of 30 March 1851 George, at the age of 1 month, was living with his parents at Rock Cottage in Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 George, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Buxted Rocks. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 20, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Uckfield, Sussex.

 

John and Sarah’s second child was Mary Anne Hargraves who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 17 July 1853. In the census of 7 April 1861 Mary Anne, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Buxted Rocks. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Mary Ann, now aged 17, was a live-in domestic servant to publican John Early at the Beer House at 21, 22 Edward Street in Brighton, Sussex.

When she was about 26 years old Mary Ann married Charles Courtney in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 67 Park Crescent Road in Brighton; Charles was working as a porter and they had Mary Ann's 15-year-old sister Jane living with them.

 

John and Sarah’s third child was John Hargraves who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 6 April 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Buxted Rocks. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 John, now aged 15, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Uckfield, Sussex.

 

John and Sarah’s fourth child was William Hargraves who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 3 February 1861. In the census of 7 April 1861 William, at the age of 3 months, was living with his parents at Buxted Rocks. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 William, now aged 10, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Uckfield, Sussex.

When he was 28 years old William married 24-year-old Fanny Taylor at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 7 December 1889. They had five children born at Uckfield between 1890 and 1898. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Alexandra Road in Uckfield with their then one child, and William was working as a labourer. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 8 North Row in Uckfield with three of their children, their other two children were living next-door with William's mother. William was working as an excavator; he had been described as a well sinker at the baptisms of his children. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 7 North Row with two of their sons and William was a general labourer. Their daughter Edith was living next-door with William's mother.

William died at the age of 60, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1921. Twenty-two years later Fanny died at the age of 77, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1943.

 

William and Fanny’s eldest child was William Ernest Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 7 September 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents in Alexandra Road in Uckfield. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 8 North Row in Uckfield. In the census of 2 April 1911 William, at the age of 20, was working as a bricklayer's labourer and living with his parents at 7 North Row in Uckfield.

 

William and Fanny’s second child was Bertram Charles Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 3 July 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Bertram, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 8 North Row in Uckfield.

 

William and Fanny’s third child was Elsie Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 4 February 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Elsie, at the age of 7, was living with her grandmother, Sarah Hargraves, at 9 North Row in Uckfield, next-door to her parents at 8 North Row.

 

William and Fanny’s fourth child was George Ephraim Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 5 January 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 5, was living with his grandmother, Sarah Hargraves, at 9 North Row in Uckfield, next-door to her parents at 8 North Row. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 George, at the age of 15, was working as a butcher's assistant and living with his parents at 7 North Row in Uckfield.

 

William and Fanny’s fifth child was Edith Maud Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 3 April 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 8 North Row in Uckfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, now aged 13, was living with her grandmother, Sarah Hargraves at 8 North Row in Uckfield.

 

John and Sarah’s fifth child was Ann Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 16 August 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ann, at the age of 7, was living with her parents in Uckfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ann, now aged 17, was living with her parents at North Row in Uckfield, and she was an out of work domestic servant.

 

John and Sarah’s sixth child was Jane Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 4 May 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Jane, at the age of 5, was living with her parents in Uckfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 June, at the age of 15, was living with her married sister Mary Ann Courtney and her husband at 67 Park Crescent Road in Brighton.

 

John and Sarah’s seventh child was James Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 20 August 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 James, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in Uckfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 James, now aged 12, was working as a general labourer and lodging with the family of farm labourer Thomas Sweetman at North Row in Uckfield; his parents were then living in another house at North Row. In the census of 5 April 1891 James, at the age of 22, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at North Row. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 James, at the age of 32, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at 9 North Row in Uckfield.

The following year James, at the age of 34, married 29-year-old widow Rose Shipton in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1902. Rose’s maiden name was Booker; she had been living next-door to James at 10 North Row and already had two children. Rose was the daughter of Spencer and Sophia Booker; she had been born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity in High Hurstwood on 26 October 1873. She married Thomas Shipton in 1896 and had one child before Thomas died in 1900. Rose then had another child in early 1902 that was probably fathered by he future husband James Hargraves.

After their marriage James and Rose had three children born at Uckfield in 1904, 1906 and 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 13 North Row with their two youngest children and Rose's two children; James was a general labourer and their other child was living with Rose's uncle, Henry Shipton, at 9 North Row.

Rose died at the age of 43, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1916. Seventeen years later James died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1933.

 

James and Rose’s eldest child (Rose’s third) was James Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1904. In the census of 2 April 1911 James, at the age of 7, was living with his mother’s uncle, Henry Shipton, at 9 North Row in Uckfield.

 

James and Rose’s second child (Rose’s fourth) was John Patrick Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 John, at the age of 5, was going to school and living with his parents at 13 North Row in Uckfield.

 

James and Rose’s third child (Rose’s fifth) was Mabel Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Mabel, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 13 North Row in Uckfield.

 

John and Sarah’s eighth child was Emily Hargraves who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 16 April 1871. In the census of 2 April 1871 Emily, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents in Uckfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, now aged 10, was living with her parents at North Row in Uckfield, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Emily, at the age of 20, was a live-in cook to the family of timber merchant Albert Turner at The Limes in Nutley. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Emily, at the age of 30, was a live-in parlour maid at the Agricultural College in Uckfield. In the census of 2 April 1911 Emily, still unmarried at the age of 40, was working as a general domestic servant and living with her widowed mother at 8 North Row in Uckfield. Emily never married, she died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Battle registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1955.

 

John and Sarah’s fifth child was John Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 June 1830. In the census of 6 June 1841 John, at the age of 10, was living with his parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 John, now aged 20, was working as a farm labourer and still living with his parents at Buxted Wood. Where John was for the next quarter century is unknown but he was a miner when, at the age of 46, he sailed steerage from Liverpool on the SS City of Berlin and arrived at New York on 23 January 1877.[3]

 

 

John and Sarah’s sixth child was Harriett Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 3 March 1833. In the census of 6 June 1841 Harriett, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Buxted Wood. Then two years later Harriett died at Buxted, at the age of 10, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 25 June 1843.

 

John and Sarah’s seventh child was Lucy Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 26 February 1837. In the census of 6 June 1841 Lucy, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Lucy, now aged 14, was still living with her parents at Buxted Wood.

When she was 22 years old Lucy married 24-year-old William Jeffery at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield, Sussex on 7 May 1859. William was then a carpenter living at Framfield in Sussex, and Lucy a servant living in Uckfield. William was the son of Richard and Delia Jeffery, and he had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 17 May 1835.

William and Lucy had seven children born between 1860 and 1875. Their first child, a daughter, was born at Uckfield in 1860, and in the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Ringles Cross near Uckfield with their young daughter, and William was continuing to work as a carpenter. They then moved to Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent where their next five children were born between 1862 and 1870. When the first of these children was baptised in 1862 they were living in Workhouse Lane at Rusthall, and while they were living at Rusthall William graduated from being a carpenter to being a builder between 1865 and 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall with their then six children; they also had two of the children of Lucy's sister, Elizabeth Frost, staying with them; and William was a builder. Their seventh child was born at Tunbridge Wells in 1874, and when this child was baptised at the start of 1875 they were living at Hervey Town in Tunbridge Wells. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living back in Rusthall, at 6 Prospect Place, with their seven children, and William was now a master builder.

William died at the age of 55, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Lucy was working as a needlewoman and living at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road, Rusthall, with the family of her eldest son, William, and three of her unmarried children. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Lucy was continuing to live at Vermont Villa, she now had two of her unmarried children, her eldest daughter and youngest son, and a boarder living with her. Nineteen years after William's death Lucy died at the age of 72, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 4th quarter of 1909.

 

William and Lucy’s eldest child was Delia Ann Jeffery, known as Annie, who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 14 October 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Annie, at the age of 7 months, was living with her parents at Ringles Cross near Uckfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Annie, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and she was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Annie, at the age of 20, was living with her parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 30, was working as a shirt needlewoman and living with her widowed mother at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road, Rusthall. In the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, at the age of 40, was continuing to live with her mother at Vermont Villa. Annie's mother died in 1909 and in the census of 2 April 1911 Annie, at the age of 50, was living with her bother Harry and his wife at 1 Vermont Road in Rusthall and she was working as a dressmaker on her own account at home. Annie never married; she died at the age of 52, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1912.

 

 

William and Lucy’s second child was William Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Paul in Rusthall on 5 October 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 18, was living with his parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall, and he was working as a carpenter, probably for his father who was a master builder.

When he was 23 years old William married 24-year-old Marion Matilda Richards at Marylebone Presbyterian Church, Upper George Street, Marylebone, London on 22 April 1886. William was then a builder living at Vermont Villa in Rusthall and Marion was living at Berry Place in Marylebone. Marion was the daughter of James and Mary Ann Richards; she had been born at Hythe in Kent and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1862. William and Marion had four children born at Rusthall between 1888 and 1895. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road at Rusthall with their then two children, and William was a carpenter, builder and an employer. They also had William's widowed mother; his sister Annie; and his brothers Harry and Albert living with them. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at The Pines in Horsell near Woking in Surrey with their four children, and William was now working as a foreman of wood joiners. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at South View, Cambridge Road, Aldershot, Surrey with their four children and William was now a jobbing carpenter and joiner.

William died at the age of 70, his death being registered in Farnham registration district in Surrey during the 2nd quarter of 1933. Fourteen years later Marion died at the age of 85, her death being registered in North Western Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1947.

 

William and Marion’s eldest child was Daisy Marion Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Daisy, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road at Rusthall. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Daisy, now aged 13, was living with her parents at The Pines in Horsell near Woking in Surrey, and she was going to school. In the census of 2 April 1911 Daisy, at the age of 23, was working for a butcher as a cashier and book keeper and living with her parents at South View, Cambridge Road, Aldershot, Surrey.

 

William and Marion’s second child was Eva Jean Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Eva, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road at Rusthall. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Eva, now aged 11, was living with her parents at The Pines in Horsell near Woking in Surrey, and she was going to school. In the census of 2 April 1911 Eva, at the age of 21, was working as a draper's assistant and living with her parents at South View, Cambridge Road, Aldershot, Surrey.

 

William and Marion’s third child was Charles William Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Charles, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at The Pines in Horsell near Woking in Surrey, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Charles, now aged 18, was working as a platen printer in a printing works and living with his parents at South View, Cambridge Road, Aldershot, Surrey.

 

William and Marion’s fourth child was Christopher James Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Christopher, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at The Pines in Horsell near Woking in Surrey, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Christopher, now aged 15, was working as a coal merchant's clerk and living with his parents at South View, Cambridge Road, Aldershot, Surrey.

 

William and Lucy’s third child was Emily Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Paul in Rusthall on 7 January 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 Emily, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, now aged 16, was living with her parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall, and she was still going to school.

 

William and Lucy’s fourth child was Richard George Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and privately baptised by the Parish Church of St Paul in Rusthall on 17 May 1868. He was baptised with just the name George but his birth registered as Richard George, and he was always known as George Richard Jeffery. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 12, was living with his parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall, and he was going to school.

When he was 32 years old George married 30-year-old Edith Alice Briggs in Sevenoaks registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1900. Edith was the daughter of William and Mary Briggs; she had been born at Nutfield in Surrey and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1870. In the census of 31 March 1901 George and Edith were living at 7 Victoria Road in Staplehurst, Kent, and George was a grocer's assistant. George died at the age of 37, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during 2nd quarter of 1905.

Less than a year after George's death Edith, at the age of 36, married 34-year-old George Faulkner in Sevenoaks registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1906. George was the son of Charles and Eliza Faulkner; he had been born at Hever in Kent and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1872. In the census of 2 April 1911 George and Edith were living at Orchard Bungalow, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Kent with Edith's son from her first marriage, and George was working as a domestic gardener. George died at the age of 45, his death being registered in Sevenoaks registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1917. Twenty-nine years later Edith died at the age of 76, her death being registered in South Eastern Surrey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1946.

 

George and Edith’s only child was William George Jeffery who was born at Staplehurst in Kent and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 William, at the age if 9, was living with his mother and stepfather at Orchard Bungalow, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Kent.

 

William and Lucy’s fifth child was Harry Jeffery who was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Paul in Rusthall on 16 May 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Harry, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 12, was living with his parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Harry, at the age of 22, was working as a grocer's assistant and living with his widowed mother at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road at Rusthall.

When he was 40 years old Harry married 23-year-old Rose Lilian Barlow in Brentford registration district in Middlesex during the 1st quarter of 1910. Rose was the daughter of Charles and Sarah Barlow; she had been born at Fulham in London and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1886. In the census of 2 April 1911 Harry and Rose were living at 1 Vermont Road in Rusthall and Harry was a grocer's assistant. They had Harry's eldest sister, Annie Jeffery, living with them and they had a young German man as a boarder. Harry and Rose had one child, a daughter, born in Tonbridge registration district in Kent in 1914.

Harry died at the age of 67, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1936. Then four years later Rose married Frank E King in Tonbridge registration district during the 4th quarter of 1940. Frank died at the age of 77, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1951. Ten years later Rose died at the age of 74, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1961.

 

Harry and Rose’s only child was Marjorie R Jeffery whose birth was registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1914.

 

William and Lucy’s sixth child was Ernest John Jefferywho was born at Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Paul in Rusthall on 30 April 1871. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ernest, at the age of 7 months, was living with his parents at 4 Prospect Terrace in Rusthall. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ernest, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, at the age of 20, was a live-in grocer's assistant to grocer Arthur Waller at the Grocer's Shop at 1 Princes Crescent in Brighton.

When he was 29 years old Ernest married 36-year-old Ruth Pratt in South Stoneham registration district in Hampshire during the 3rd quarter of 1900. Ruth was the daughter of Job and Sarah Pratt; she had been born at Tunbridge Wells and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1865. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ernest and Ruth were living at the Drummond Stores in Northcote Road at Portswood near Southampton in Hampshire where Ernest was the grocer's manager. They had one child, a son, born at Southampton in late 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 2 The Hawthorns in Erskin Park Road, Rusthall, Kent with their son and Ernest was a grocer's shop assistant.

Ernest died at the age of 46, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1917. Forty-three years later Ruth died at the age of 96 (not 98 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1960.

 

Ernest and Ruth’s only child was Ernest John Jeffery who was born at Southampton in Hampshire and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ernest, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 2 The Hawthorns in Erskin Park Road, Rusthall, Kent.

 

William and Lucy’s seventh child was Albert Charles Jeffery who was born at Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Tunbridge Wells on 31 January 1875. Albert’s baptism record incorrectly gives his mother’s name as Annie. In the census of 3 April 1881 Albert, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at 6 Prospect Place in Rusthall near Tunbridge Well in Kent, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Albert, now aged 16, was living with his widowed mother at Vermont Villa in Vermont Road at Rusthall, and he was working as a carpenter’s apprentice, probably for his elder brother William, who was a carpenter and builder. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 26, was working as a carpenter and continuing to live with his mother at Vermont Villa.

 

Isaac and Ann’s second child was Isaac Muddle who was born in about 1801 but as no baptism has been found it's not known in what parish he was born. When he was 22 years old Isaac, who was then living at Isfield, married 24-year-old Mary Simmonds, who was from Maresfield, at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield, Sussex on 29 July 1822. Mary was the daughter of William and Mima Simmons, and she had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 9 September 1797. See the page headed ‘Isaac & Mary/Amelia Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

 

Isaac and Ann’s third child was Anne Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 26 May 1805. When she was 21 years old Anne married 21-year-old William King at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 31 March 1827. William was the son of William and Hannah King; he had been born at Isfield and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 2 March 1806.

William and Anne had eight children; the first was born at Maresfield in 1827, though they were residing at Framfield when this child was baptised on 15 July 1827; the second at Buxted in 1829, and the other six at Fletching between 1832 and 1848. They were living at Daleham in Fletching when their third child was baptised in 1832, and at Spring Farm in Fletching when their fifth to eighth children were baptised between 1838 and 1848. In the census of 6 June 1841 they were living at Spring Farm with their then five youngest children, and William was a farm labourer. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Spring Farm with three of their daughters and William was still a farm labourer. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living in Splaines Green Cottages near Spring Farm in Fletching with just their son William now living with them, and William was now working as a gardener.

Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Anne was lodging with her married daughter Ann Crowhurst and her husband Edward at Black Ven in Fletching, and she was described as being the wife of W King a lunatic. William was in the Lunatic Asylum at Haywards Heath. Later that year Anne died at Fletching, at the age of 66, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin at Fletching on 18 July 1871. Just over a year later William died in the Lunatic Asylum at Haywards Heath, at the age of 66, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin at Fletching on 13 August 1872.

 

William and Anne’s eldest child was Harriet King who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield, Sussex on 15 July 1827. In the census of 6 June 1841 Harriet, at the age of 13, was a live-in servant to the family of agricultural labourer William Cooper at Clapwater in Fletching. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Harriet, now aged 23, was a live-in kitchen maid to the family of Mary Ingram at Ades in Chailey, Sussex.

When she was 26 years old Harriet married Charles Anscombe at the Parish Church of St Peter in Chailey, Sussex on 13 April 1854. Charles was then a groom living in Brighton and Harriet was living in Chailey. Harriet received a wedding gift of a set of copper saucepans from her employer, who it's thought was still Mary Ingram. Charles was the son of George and Sarah Anscombe, and he had been born at Newick in Sussex in about 1828.

Charles and Harriet had six children born between 1855 and 1866, the second of whom died in 1860 when only 4 years old. They were living at Pippingford in Maresfield where Charles was working as a coachman when their first child was born in early 1855, but they had moved to Fletching village by the time their third child was born in mid-1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living in Fletching village with their then two surviving children; Charles was a carrier and they had Harriet's sister Hannah King visiting them. They were still living in Fletching village when their last child was born in 1866. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Splaines Green in Fletching with their four youngest children and Charles was now described as a master carrier. Harriet died at Splaines Green in Fletching on 17 December 1872, at the age of 45, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 22 December 1872.

The 1874 edition of the Post Office Directory listed Charles Anscombe as a wood dealer of Fletching. Then five years after Harriet's death Charles was living in Lewes when he married widow Eliza Ansell at Lewes on 8 September 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Charles and Eliza were living at Broadwater in Worthing, Sussex where Charles was working as a coachman. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Cranworth Road, Broadwater and Charles was now a jobbing gardener. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 18 Cranworth Road in Worthing; Charles was working on his own account as a freelet salesman and they had his widowed sister-in-law, Frances Anscombe living with them.. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Charles and Eliza were living at 18 Cranworth Road in Worthing and Charles was now a retired coachman. Living with them were Eliza's 49-year-old spinster daughter, Jemima Ansell, from her first marriage, and her 73-year-old spinster sister, Jemima Ansell.

Charles died at 18 Cranworth Road in Worthing on 15 February 1912, at the age of 83, and was buried in Broadwater Cemetery in Worthing on 19 February 1912. Then six months later Eliza died at Worthing, at the age of 84, and she was buried in Broadwater Cemetery on 26 August 1912.

 

Charles and Harriet’s eldest child was Fanny Anscombe who was born at Pippingford in Maresfield, Sussex on 12 January 1855. In the census of 7 April 1861 Fanny, at the age of 6, was going to school and living with her parents in Fletching village in Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Fanny, now aged 16, was a live-in kitchen maid to the family of William Noble at Forest Lodge in Maresfield, Sussex. In the census of 3 April 1881 Fanny, at the age of 26, was a live-in housemaid to the family of magistrate and farmer Thomas Brown at Old Lodge in Hartfield, Sussex. Fanny married in 1882 but didn't have any children. She died at Heather View in Fairwarp, Sussex on 19 April 1915 at the age of 60.

 

Charles and Harriet’s second child was Harriet Anscombe whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1856. Harriet died when only 4 years old, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1860.

 

Charles and Harriet’s third child was Alice Anscombe who was born in Fletching village, Sussex on 12 June 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Fanny, at the age of 2, was living with her parents in Fletching village. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Splaines Green in Fletching. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, at the age of 22, was working as a live-in parlour maid at 13 Wilbury Road in Hove, Sussex. Alice married in 1889 and had two children, one of whom died in infancy. She died at Duddleswell in Maresfield, Sussex on 20 June 1907, at the age of 49.

 

Charles and Harriet’s fourth child was William Anscombe who was born in Fletching village, Sussex on 12 August 1861. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 9, was going to school and living with his parents at Splaines Green in Fletching. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 19, was a live-in footman to the family of retired army captain Thomas Sandeman at 8 Queens Garden, Hove, Sussex. William married in 1889 and had four children. He worked as a valet and in 1898 he was a butler at 89 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, London when he caught some intruders, the resultant court case being reported in The Times. He died at his daughter's home in Fort Beaufort, South Africa on 6 January 1939, at the age of 77.

 

Charles and Harriet’s fifth child was Charles Anscombe who was born in Fletching village, Sussex on 18 September 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charles, at the age of 7, was going to school and living with his parents at Splaines Green in Fletching. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, now aged 17, was working as a labourer and lodging with the family of William Strange at Railway Cottages in Shoreham, Sussex. Charles married in 1886 and had six children. He died at Barnham near Bognor Regis, Sussex at the age of 78, his death being registered during the 4th quarter of 1941.

 

Charles and Harriet’s sixth child was George Anscombe who was born in Fletching village, Sussex on 12 August 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 4, was going to school and living with his parents at Splaines Green in Fletching. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 14, was an apprentice harness maker boarding with widow Eliza Smith at Birch Grove in West Hoathly, Sussex. George married in 1886 and had ten children; he married a second time in 1915. He was a harness maker and worked in London and Kent. He died at Dover in Kent on 16 November 1918, at the age of 52.

 

William and Anne’s second child was Hannah King who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 September 1829. In the census of 6 June 1841 Hannah, at the age of 11, was living with her parents at Spring Farm in Fletching, Sussex. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Hannah, now aged 21, was a live-in general servant to the family of grocer and draper John Turner in Uckfield High Street, Sussex. In the census of 7 April 1861 Hannah, at the age of 31, was a visitor in the home of her sister Harriet Anscombe in Fletching village, and she was described as formerly being a cook. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Hannah, still unmarried at the age of 41, was a live-in cook to Henry Hatherly and his wife at 17 Sillwood Place in Brighton, Sussex. Hannah never married; she died at the age of 50, her death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1880.

 

William and Anne’s third child was William King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 8 April 1832. In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Spring Farm in Fletching. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 William, now aged 19, was a farm labourer lodging at Searls House in Fletching where the only other occupant was housekeeper Sophia Warnett. In the census of 7 April 1861 William, at the age of 29, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Splaines Green Cottages in Fletching. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 39, was living alone at Splaines Green Cottage in Fletching, and continuing to work as a farm labourer. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 49, was working as a farm labourer and boarding with the family of farmer William Stevenson at Knab Farm House in Fletching. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 59, was living with his nephew and niece, William and Fanny Markwick, at Spring Gardens in Fairwarp and still working as a farm labourer. William never married. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 69, was an inmate of Uckfield Union Workhouse in Uckfield, Sussex. The following year William died in Uckfield Union Workhouse at the age of 70 (not 71 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in Fletching Cemetery by St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin Church on 17 May 1902.

 

William and Anne’s fourth child was Ann King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 24 May 1835. In the census of 6 June 1841 Ann, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Spring Farm in Fletching. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Ann, now aged 16, was a live-in house servant to the family of grocer Henry Harland in Fletching village.

When she was 25 years old Ann married 24-year-old Edward Crowhurst at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 29 May 1860. Edward was then a farmer from Nutley. He was the son of Richard and Jane Crowhurst and he had been born at Fletching in about 1836. Edward and Ann are not thought to have had any children. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Hole Farm in Nutley and Edward was a farm labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Black Ven in Fletching, and Edward was now an under gamekeeper. Lodging with them were Ann's mother, Anne King, and 23-year-old bricklayer's labourer Stephen Divall. Ann's mother died later that year.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Edward and Ann were living at Hill End Cottage in Nutley, and Edward was now a general labourer. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 1 Park Cottages in New Road in the parish of St John in Lewes, Sussex and Edward was now a carman. They had their nephew and niece, William and Lizzie Crowhurst, living with them and as 15-year-old William was a carman's mate he was presumably working with Edward. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edward and Ann were continuing to live at 1 Park Cottages, but Edward was now back to being a general labourer.

Edward died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1901. Nine years later Ann died at the age of 74, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1910.

 

William and Anne’s fifth child was Mary King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 15 April 1838. In the census of 6 June 1841 Mary, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Spring Farm in Fletching. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Mary, now aged 13, was living with her parents at Spring Farm and described as being 'at home', meaning that she would have been helping her mother with the housework.

When she was 20 years old Mary married 26-year-old labourer Charles Frost at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 27 October 1858. Charles was the son of David and Mary Frost; he had been born at Framfield in Sussex and baptised the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 28 October 1832. Charles and Mary had five children born between 1859 and 1870. Their first two children were born at Fletching in 1859 and 1861 and in the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Roots House in Fletching with their two children, and Charles was a carpenter's labourer. They then moved to Isfield in Sussex where their other three children were born in 1863, 1867 and 1870, and at the baptism of the first of these children Charles was described as being a cowman and then as a labourer at the other two baptisms. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield with their five children, and Charles was described as being a farm labourer. Their youngest child, daughter Mary Ann, died in 1873, at the age of 3. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living in York Street in the parish of All Saints in Lewes, Sussex with three of their children, and Charles was working as a general labourer. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 2 York Street in Lewes with just their eldest son, and Charles was continuing to work as a general labourer.

Mary died at the age of 55, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1894. Five years later Charles died at the age of 66, his death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1899.

 

Charles and Mary’s eldest child was George Frost who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 3 April 1859. In the census of 7 April 1861 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Roots House in Fletching. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 George, now aged 12, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield, Sussex. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 22, was working as a railway porter and living with his parents in York Street in the parish of All Saints in Lewes, Sussex. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, still unmarried at the age of 32, was a railway goods guard and living with his parents at 2 York Street in Lewes.

 

Charles and Mary’s second child was Fred Frost who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 3 March 1861. In the census of 7 April 1861 Fred, at the age of 3 months, was living with his parents at Roots House in Fletching. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Fred, now aged 10, was going to school and living with his parents at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield, Sussex. In the census of 3 April 1881 Fred, at the age of 20, was working as a general labourer and living with his parents in York Street in the parish of All Saints in Lewes, Sussex.

 

Charles and Mary’s third child was Ellen Louisa Frost who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 28 June 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ellen, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ellen, now aged 17, was a live-in housemaid to the family of Emily Shawe at 29 Selborne Road in Hove, Sussex. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ellen, at the age of 27, was a live-in kitchen maid to the family of Catherine Haing at Chilgrove near Chichester in Sussex.

 

Charles and Mary’s fourth child was Emma Elizabeth Frost who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 13 October 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Emma, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Emma, now aged 13, was working as a domestic nursemaid and living with her parents in York Street in the parish of All Saints in Lewes, Sussex.

 

Charles and Mary’s fifth child was Mary Ann Frost who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 20 March 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Mary Ann, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Buckham Hill Cottage in Isfield. Mary Ann died at Isfield when only 3 years old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret of Antioch at Isfield on 14 September 1873.

 

William and Anne’s sixth child was George King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 14 February 1841. In the census of 6 June 1841 George, at the age of 4 months, was living with his parents at Spring Farm in Fletching. George died at Spring Farm when he was only 5 years old, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin at Fletching on 1 February 1846.

 

William and Anne’s seventh child was Ellen King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 11 February 1844. In the census of 30 March 1851 Ellen, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Spring Farm in Fletching, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Ellen, now aged 17, was a live-in general servant to the family of chemist John Stead in Lewes High Street, Sussex.

When she was 26 years old Ellen married 23-year-old Thomas Miller at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 1 March 1870. Thomas was then a gardener living at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and Ellen was living at Fletching. Thomas was the son of Samuel and Eliza Miller; he had been born at Arlington in Sussex and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1846. In the census of 2 April 1871 Thomas and Ellen were living in the parish of West Dean, and Thomas was a journeyman gardener. Thomas and Ellen had five children born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean between 1871 and 1878 while Thomas continued to work as a gardener. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at West Dean with their five children and Thomas was a domestic gardener.

They then moved to Chichester and in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Frankling Place in the parish of St Paul, Chichester with their three youngest children, and Thomas was continuing to work as a domestic gardener. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester with their four youngest, now adult, children, and Thomas was now a non-domestic gardener working on his own account. Presumably Thomas had a small market garden that was common in the area. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were still living at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester but now with just their two youngest children still at home. Thomas now described himself as a domestic gardener, and a bellringer and organ blower at Chichester Cathedral.

Ellen died when she was 71 years old, her death being registered in Chichester registration district during the 1st quarter of 1915. Three years later Thomas died at the age of 71, his death being registered in Chichester registration district during the 1st quarter of 1918.

 

Thomas and Ellen’s eldest child was Thomas William Miller, known as William, who was born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in West Dean on 4 June 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at West Dean near Chichester, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 19, was working as a domestic gardener and lodging with Charles and Harriet Weakford at Walberton, which is about 7 miles east of Chichester.

 

Thomas and Ellen’s second child was George Charles Miller who was born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in West Dean on 4 May 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at West Dean near Chichester, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, now aged 18, was working as a gardener and lodging with Mary Ann Roberts at Yew Tree Cottage in Slindon, which is about 7 miles east of Chichester. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 28, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester.

 

Thomas and Ellen’s third child was Hubert King Miller who was born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in West Dean on 22 January 1875. (Hubert's name was incorrectly recorded as Reuben at his baptism.) In the census of 3 April 1881 Hubert, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at West Dean near Chichester, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Hubert, now aged 16, was working as a draper's apprentice and living with his parents at Franklin Place in Chichester. In the census of 31 March 1901 Hubert, at the age of 26, was working as a draper's manager, and living with his parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester.

 

Thomas and Ellen’s fourth child was Ellen King Miller who was born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in West Dean on 12 March 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ellen, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at West Dean near Chichester, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ellen, now aged 15, was working as a dressmaker's apprentice and living with her parents at Franklin Place in Chichester. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ellen, at the age of 25, was working as a dressmaker's assistant, and living with her parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ellen, still unmarried at the age of 35, was continuing to work as a dressmaker's assistant and live with her parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester.

 

Thomas and Ellen’s fifth child was Edward Francis Miller, known as Francis, who was born at Chilgrove in the parish of West Dean near Chichester in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in West Dean on 17 February 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Francis, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at West Dean near Chichester. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Frances, now aged 13, was living with his parents at Franklin Place in Chichester, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Francis, at the age of 23, was working as a draper's assistant, and living with his parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Francis, still unmarried at the age of 33, was continuing to work as a draper's shop assistant and live with his parents at 20 Franklin Place in Chichester.

 

William and Anne’s eighth child was Emma Elizabeth King who was born at Fletching in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin in Fletching on 16 January 1848. In the census of 30 March 1851 Emma, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Spring Farm in Fletching. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Emma, now aged 13, was a live-in general servant to the family of carpenter William Bates in Newick village, Sussex.

When she was 22 years old Emma married 23-year-old Alfred Poste at the Parish Church of St Michael in Newhaven, Sussex on 16 April 1870. Alfred was the son of George and Eliza Poste; he had been born at Barcombe in Sussex and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1846. Alfred and Emma had eight children born at Isfield in Sussex between 1870 and 1887, the fifth dying soon after birth in 1877. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living in Isfield village, next-door to Alfred's parents, with their then one child, and Alfred was a bricklayer's labourer. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living in Isfield village with their then five children, and Alfred was now a master bricklayer. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Isfield village with four of their children, and Alfred was continuing to work as a bricklayer. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Isfield village with three of their sons, and Alfred was still working as a bricklayer. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Side View in Isfield with just their youngest child, son Henry, still living with them, and Alfred now described himself as a bricklayer's labourer.

Emma died at the age of 66, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district, which includes Isfield, during the 3rd quarter of 1914. About six months later Alfred died at the age of 68, his death being registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1915.

 

Alfred and Emma’s eldest child was Alice Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 13 November 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, at the age of 7 months, was living with her parents in Isfield village. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, now aged 10, was living with her parents in Isfield village, and she was going to school.

 

Alfred and Emma’s second child was Ernest Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 8 April 1872. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ernest, at the age of 9, was living with his parents in Isfield village, and he was going to school.

 

Alfred and Emma’s third child was George William Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 26 April 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 7, was living with his parents in Isfield village, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, now aged 17, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Isfield village. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 27, was working as a sand quarryman and living with his parents in Isfield village.

 

Alfred and Emma’s fourth child was Annie Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 17 October 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Annie, at the age of 5, was living with her parents in Isfield village.

 

Alfred and Emma’s fifth child was Alfred Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 14 February 1877. Alfred died soon after birth and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret of Antioch at Isfield on 20 February 1877.

 

Alfred and Emma’s sixth child was Horace Edwin Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 3 November 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Horace, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in Isfield village. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Horace, now aged 12, was living with his parents in Isfield village, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Horace, at the age of 22, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his parents in Isfield village.

 

Alfred and Emma’s seventh child was Ethel Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 15 July 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ethel, at the age of 7, was living with her parents in Isfield village, and she was going to school.

 

Alfred and Emma’s eighth child was Henry Vernon Poste who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 14 August 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, at the age of 3, was living with his parents in Isfield village. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, now aged 13, was working as a bricklayer's labourer and living with his parents in Isfield village. In the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, at the age of 23, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his parents at Side View in Isfield.

 

Isaac and Ann’s fourth child was William Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 18 October 1807. William died at Dengate in Rotherfield, Sussex, at the age of 18, and an inquest into his death was held by coroner George Gwynne at Dengate on 18 May 1826.[4] William was buried in the Churchyard of St Denys at Rotherfield on 21 May 1826.

 

Isaac and Elizabeth’s third child was David Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 14 May 1769.

When he was 24 years old David married 20-year-old Sarah Dray at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, on 12 May 1793. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Dray, and she had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 26 July 1772. David and Sarah lived at Buxted where they had five children born between 1794 and 1810. When he was about 34 years old David was recorded in the Sussex Militia List of 1803 as being a labourer of Buxted and willing to serve.

When Sarah's mother died in July 1813 Sarah inherited an eighth share of the residue of her father's personal estate, which was probably a significant amount as when her father died in 1806 his personal estate was valued at about £1000 and only the interest and about £100 for legacies and expenses should have been used up.[5] This inheritance wouldn't have been much benefit to Sarah as she died just five months later, but it was probably of great help to her husband and their five children.

It was three years after the birth of her last child that Sarah died at Buxted, at the age of 41, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 19 December 1813. Sarah died intestate and administration of her goods, chattels and credits, which were valued at under £100, was granted to her husband David, who was described as being a yeoman of Buxted, by the Deanery of South Malling on 10 August 1814. David together with James Gates yeoman of Lewes and William Allwood ironmonger of Lewes was bound in the penalty of £200 to administer Sarah's estate well and faithfully. James Gates was an uncle of the Mary Gates who had married David's brother John.[6]

Sarah's death left David with five children to raise, aged between 3 and 19, so at least the elder ones were now young adults. Twenty-two years after his wife's death David died at Mayfield in Sussex, at the age of 66, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 6 December 1835.

 

David and Sarah’s eldest child was David Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 5 January 1794.

In 1816, when he was working as a labourer and living in Buxted, David, at the age of 22, was named as the reputed father of an illegitimate daughter born to Sarah Wood at Mayfield in Sussex on 14 March 1816. This resulted in the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of Mayfield applying on 19 April 1816 to the local Justices of the Peace, Ewan Law and John Woodward, for a maintenance order against David. This they granted and ordered that David was to pay £2 towards the cost of Sarah Wood's lying-in and the cost of maintaining her child up to the time of this order. David was to then pay 2s 6d per week for the maintenance of the child as long as it was chargeable to the Parish of Mayfield. Also Sarah was to pay 6d per week if she did not nurse and take care of the child herself.[7]

This daughter was baptised at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield on 7 April 1816 as the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Wood. It seems that David didn't make the weekly maintenance payments because on 10 January 1817 when £4 was due to the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of Mayfield they made a complaint to the local Justices of the Peace, Ewan Law and John Woodward, who issued an order for David to be arrested.[8]

What then happened is not known but six months later, when he was 23 years old, David married 23-year-old Sarah Wood at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 9 June 1817. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Wood; she had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 5 January 1794, the same day that her future husband was also baptised there. See the page headed ‘David & Sarah Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

David and Sarah’s second child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 23 December 1798. In the census of 6 June 1841 Thomas, at the age of 42, was a live-in servant to farmer James Norman at Hole Farm in Buxted. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Thomas, at the age of 52, was a farm labourer lodging with the family of farm labourer Richard Herriott at Marchants in Streat, Sussex. Thomas never married. He died in Uckfield Union Workhouse at the age of 70, and was he buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 24 March 1869.

 

David and Sarah’s third child was Esther Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex in about 1802, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 26 May 1805.

When she was about 18 years old Esther married 20-year-old Samuel Langford at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield, Sussex on 29 November 1820. Samuel was the son of John and Elizabeth Langford; he had been born at Chiddingly in Sussex on 28 May 1800, and baptised at the Parish Church in Chiddingly on 6 July 1800. Samuel and Elizabeth had at least on child, a daughter, born at Mayfield in about 1822. Samuel had died by the time of the census of 6 June 1841 as Esther was then living at Stroods in Hadlow Down, Sussex with her daughter Sarah and Sarah's illegitimate daughter, and both Esther and Sarah were described as being of independent means.

The following year Esther, now aged about 40, married 37-year-old widower Charles Evans in Lewes registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1842. Charles was the son of Edmund and Lucy Evans; he had been born at Framfield in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 21 April 1805. Charles and Esther are not thought to have had any children. In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Gill Hope in Hadlow Down, and Charles was a farmer of 3 acres. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 they were continuing to live at Gill Hope where Charles was now farming 5 acres. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were still at Gill Hope and Charles was continuing to farm 5 acres. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were still at Gill Hope, now called Hopes, and Charles was still a farmer of 5 acres.

Esther died when she was about 86 years old (not 84 as given on her death certificate and burial record), and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 9 March 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charles was living at Crow Pitts, probably another name for Gill Hope, in Hadlow Down; he was still a farmer and he had 62-year-old widow Eliza Cox living with him as his housekeeper. Charles died at the age of 88, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 29 April 1893.

 

Samuel and Esther’s only known child was Sarah Elizabeth Langford who was born at Mayfield in Sussex in about 1822. When she was about 18 years old Sarah had an illegitimate daughter born at Hadlow Down in Sussex in 1841. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sarah, at the age of 18, and her young daughter were living with her mother at Stroods in Hadlow Down, and both Sarah and her mother were described as being of independent means.

When she was about 24 years old Sarah married Jacob Harmer, who was about 21, in Lewes registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1846. Jacob was the son of William and Mary Harmer; he had been born at Ripe in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Ripe on 10 July 1825. Jacob and Sarah had three children born at Ripe between 1847 and 1855. In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living in Green Lane in Ripe with their then one child; Jacob was working as a farm labourer and they had Jacob's widowed mother, Mary Harmer, and his younger brother, Alfred Harmer, living with them. The year after the birth of their youngest child they were living in Ripe Lane at Ripe when Jacob died at the age of 31 (not 34 as given on his burial record), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St John the Baptist at Ripe on 29 May 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah was working as a charwoman and with her three youngest children she was living at 9 Cat Lane in Alfriston, Sussex.

Six years after Jacob’s death Sarah, at the age of about 40, married 36-year-old William Kennard in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1862. William was the son of James and Mary Kennard; he had been born at West Firle in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Peter in West Firle on 2 April 1826. William and Sarah had one child born at Alfriston later in 1862. Then eight years after their marriage William died at Alfriston, at the age of 44, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Peter at West Firle on 20 April 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sarah and her two youngest children were living in Alfriston High Street, and both Sarah and her 15-year-old daughter were working as seamstresses. The following year Sarah died at Alfriston, at the age of 50, and she was buried the Churchyard of St Andrew at Alfriston on 10 July 1872.

 

Sarah’s illegitimate daughter was Mahala Langford who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 10 January 1841. In the census of 6 June 1841 Mahala, at the age of 6 months, was living with her mother and maternal grandmother at Stroods in Hadlow Down.

 

Jacob and Sarah’s eldest child (Sarah’s second) was William Harmer who was born at Ripe in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Ripe on 21 March 1847. In the census of 30 March 1851 William at the age of 4, was living with his parents in Green Lane in Ripe. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 William, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at 9 Cat Street in Alfriston, Sussex.

 

Jacob and Sarah’s second child (Sarah’s third) was Sampson Joseph Harmer who was born at Ripe in Sussex on 26 September 1852, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Ripe on 25 November 1855 at the same time as his younger sister. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sampson, at the age of 8, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at 9 Cat Street in Alfriston, Sussex.

 

 

Jacob and Sarah’s third child (Sarah’s fourth) was Dinah Harmer who was born at Ripe in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Ripe on 25 November 1855 at the same time as her elder brother Sampson. In the census of 7 April 1861 Dinah, at the age of 5, was living with her widowed mother at 9 Cat Street in Alfriston, Sussex, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Dinah, now aged 15, was living with her mother, who had been widowed for a second time, in Alfriston High Street, and they were both working as seamstresses.

 

William and Sarah’s only child (Sarah’s fifth) was Henry William Kennard who was born at Alfriston in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Andrew in Alfriston on 7 September 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 Henry, at the age of 8, was living with his widowed mother in Alfriston High Street, and he was going to school.

 

David and Sarah’s fourth child was William Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 December 1807. William was deaf from birth and never married. In the censuses of 6 June 1841 and 30 March 1851 William was working as a farm labourer and lodging with the family of farm labourer William Moon at Toll Farm in Buxted. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 William was continuing to work as a farm labourer but was now lodging with the family of John Akehurst at Bourner Cottage in Framfield, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1871 William was still a farm labourer and now lodging with widow Ruth Jarvis at Barnell Woods in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 73, was an almsman and living at New Road in Buxted as a lodger with Sarah Charity Muddle, who was the daughter of his brother Richard. William died at the age of 77 (not 78 as given on his burial record), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 6 October 1885.

 

David and Sarah’s fifth child was Richard Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 18 November 1810.

Richard was a farm labourer, and when he was 29 years old he married 26-year-old Philadelphia Eastwood at All Saints Church in Lewes, Sussex on 16 November 1839. Philadelphia was the daughter of carpenter John Eastwood and his wife Hannah; she had been born at Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield on 26 September 1813 with the name Philly. Philadelphia already had an illegitimate son who had been born in 1835. At the time of their marriage Richard was living at East Street in Lewes, and Philadelphia was a servant living at Dolphin Lane in Lewes.

After their marriage they lived at Hadlow Down in Sussex where their only child, a daughter, was born in 1840. In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Hadlow Down with their daughter and Philadelphia's illegitimate son, and they had a lodger, 54-year-old widower and farm labourer Thomas Edwards. Richard was also still working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 they were still living at Hadlow Down, their children had left home, but they still had Thomas Edwards as a lodger, and Richard was still a farm labourer. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Old Shoe in Hadlow Down; Richard was continuing to work as a farm labourer and they had their granddaughter Sarah Ann Muddle staying with them.

Richard died at Hadlow Down, at the age of 69, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 6 March 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Philadelphia was living at Hadlow Down, and she had her granddaughter Kate Muddle living with her. Philadelphia died in St Mary's Parish in Buxted, at the age of 76, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 15 March 1890.

 

Philadelphia’s illegitimate child was George Owen Eastwood who was born at Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield on 22 February 1835. In the census of 30 March 1851 George, at the age of 16, was working as a farm labourer and living with his mother and stepfather at Hadlow Down. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 George, now aged 26, was a police constable lodging at the Police Station in Brixton Road, Brixton, Surrey.

When he was about 30 years old George married Maria Stallard, who was about 25, in Lambeth registration district in London during the 1st quarter of 1865. Maria was the daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Stallard, and she had been born at Hildenborough near Tunbridge Wells in Kent in about 1840. George and Maria had six children born between 1866 and 1876. Their first child was born at Brixton in 1866; the second at Mile End New Town in London in 1868; and the third at Spitalfields in London in 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 13A Hereford Street in Bethnal Green, London with their then three children, and George was now a police sergeant. Their fourth child was born at Pimlico in London later in 1871; and their fifth and sixth children were born at Westminster in London in 1874 and 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent with their six children, and George was now an Inspector in the Metropolitan Police.

By the time of the census of 5 April 1891 George had retired from the police and they were living at 100 High Street in Bromley with five of their children, and they had 13-year-old Catherine Mason as a live-in general domestic servant. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were continuing to live at 100 High Street in Bromley, now with just two of their daughters still at home, and George was now an inspector of diseased animals.

George died at his home, 100 High Street in Bromley, on 21 July 1910, at the age of 75. Probate of George's Will was granted to his wife Maria by the London Probate Registry on 27 August 1910 when his effects were valued at £85 16s. In the census of 2 April 1911 Maria and her two spinster daughters were still living at 100 High Street in Bromley. Twenty-one years after her husband's death Maria died at 7 College Slip in Bromley, Kent on 19 May 1931, at the age of 90. Probate of Maria's Will was granted to her daughters Annie Eastwood and Agnes Herberta Eastwood by the London Probate Registry on 28 October 1931 when her effects were valued at £210.

 

George and Maria’s eldest child was Maria Ellen Eastwood who was born at Brixton in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Maria, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 13A Hereford Street in Bethnal Green, London. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Maria, now aged 14, was working as a pupil teacher and living with her parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent. In the census of 5 April 1891 Maria, at the age of 24, was working as a commercial clerk and living with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley.

 

George and Maria’s second child was Charlotte Eastwood who was born at Mile End New Town in London, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charlotte, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 13A Hereford Street in Bethnal Green, London. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charlotte, now aged 12, was living with her parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charlotte, at the age of 22, was living with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley.

 

George and Maria’s third child was Annie Eastwood who was born at Spitalfields in London, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Annie, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 13A Hereford Street in Bethnal Green, London. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Annie, now aged 11, was living with her parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 21, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, at the age of 31, was an employer working at home as a dressmaker and continuing to live with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley. Annie's father died in 1910 and in the census of 2 April 1911 Annie, still unmarried at the age of 41, was an employer working at home as a dressmaker and living with her widowed mother at 100 High Street in Bromley.

 

George and Maria’s fourth child was George Herbert Eastwood who was born at Pimlico in London, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 9, was living with his parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, now aged 19, was working as an assurance clerk and living with his parents at 100 High Street in Bromley.

 

George and Maria’s fifth child was Arthur Charles Eastwood who was born at Westminster in London, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Arthur, at the age of 7, was living with his parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent, and he was going to school. This census recorded that Arthur had been an epileptic from birth.

 

George and Maria’s sixth child was Agnes Herberta Eastwood who was born at Westminster in London, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Agnes, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in the Police Station in Market Square, Bromley, Kent, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Agnes, now aged 14, was living with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley, and she was still going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Agnes, at the age of 24, was working as a milliner's assistant and continuing to live with her parents at 100 High Street in Bromley. Agnes' father died in 1910 and in the census of 2 April 1911 Agnes, still unmarried at the age of 34, was living with her widowed mother and sister Annie at 100 High Street in Bromley.

 

Richard and Philadelphia’s only child (Philadelphia’s second) was Sarah Charity Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 3 May 1840. In the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah, at the age of 10, was living with her parents at Hadlow Down, and she was going to school.

When she was 18 years old Sarah married her 21-year-old second cousin Charles Muddle at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 28 August 1858. Charles was the son of the late William and Mary Muddle, who had lived at High Hurstwood in Sussex. See the page headed ‘Charles & Sarah Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 1 May 2016