THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of Henry & Sarah Ann Booker's Family

 

Henry and Sarah Ann’s eldest child (Sarah Ann’s second) was Spencer Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 12 November 1846, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 21 February 1847. In the census of 30 March 1851 Spencer, at the age of 4, was living at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood with his parents and the rest of the family. Then in the censuses of the 7 April 1861 and the 2 April 1871 Spencer was continuing to live with his family at Lime Kiln House, and he was now working as a farm labourer.

When he was 25 years old Spencer married 26-year-old Sophia Curd at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 9 November 1872. Sophia was the daughter of Thomas and Sophia Curd; she had been born at Five Ash Down on 11 August 1845, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 7 December 1845. Spencer and Sophia had six children born at High Hurstwood between 1873 and 1885.

In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living with their then four children in part of Lime Kiln House, next door to Spencer’s mother and uncle, and Spencer was working as a farm labourer. During the 1880s Spencer and his brother William were ringers with the High Hurstwood Hand Bell Ringers, who were led and trained by their cousin Joe Muddle. In the census of 5 April 1891 Spencer and Sophia were living at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood with five of their children, and Spencer was still a farm labourer. Sophia died at High Hurstwood, at the age of 54 (not 53 as given on her burial record), and she was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 31 August 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Spencer was living at Ivyhole with his three youngest children, and continuing to work as a farm labourer.

In 1904 Charles Leeson Prince, who was the trustee of the will of Spencer’s grandfather James Smith, died, and at the Court of the Manor of Framfield held on 9 October 1905 the executors of Charles Leeson Prince appointed Spencer as the new trustee. At this court Spencer was described as being a labourer living at Old Hall (Lime Kiln House) in High Hurstwood. Then at the Court of the Manor of Framfield held on 13 November 1905 Spencer sold the property to Walter Lintott an estate agent of Lewes for £375. According to the terms of his grandfather’s will Spencer would have had to share this money equally with his brother William and his half-sister Elizabeth if they were still alive. Spencer was living at High View House in Uckfield, the council’s old folk’s home, when he died at the age of 85. He was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 16 February 1932.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s eldest child was Rose Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 26 October 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 Rose, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood, and she was going to school.

When she was 22 years old Rose married 28-year-old Thomas Shipton at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 16 April 1896. Thomas had been born at Uckfield and his birth registered as Thomas Timothy Shipton during the 1st quarter of 1867. He was baptised as Thomas Shipton illegitimate son of spinster Caroline Shipton at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 9 October 1868. Though his birth was registered with the second name of Timothy he never seems to have used it.

Thomas and Rose had one child born just before their marriage. Four years later Thomas died at Uckfield, at the age of 33, and he was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 10 November 1900. In the census of the 31 March 1901 Rose and her daughter were living with two of her late husband’s bachelor uncles, Henry and Albert Shipton, at 10 North Row in Uckfield, and Rose was acting as their housekeeper.

The following year Rose at the age of 29, married 34-year-old bachelor James Hargraves in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1902. James was a distant cousin of Rose and had been living next-door to Rose at 9 North Row with his widowed mother. James and Rose had two children; a daughter called Dolly Hargraves who lived in Sackville Road in Hove, and a son.

 

Thomas and Rose’s only child was Florence Rose Booker/Shipton who was born at Uckfield in Sussex. Her birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1896 as Florence Rose Shipton Booker, and she was baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 20 March 1896 as Florence Rose Booker, the illegitimate daughter of Rose Booker. In the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, at the age of 5, was living with her widowed mother at 10 North Row in Uckfield, the home of her later father’s two bachelor uncles, Henry and Albert Shipton.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s second child was Andrew Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 18 July 1876, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 13 August 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Andrew, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Andrew, now aged 14, was living with his parents at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood. In the census of 31 March 1901 Andrew, at the age 24, was a gardener boarding with the family of ostler Amos Hazelden at New Road in Buxted. During the First World War Andrew was in the army and served at Salonica, Gallipoli, and in the Middle East.

When he was 44 years old Andrew married Daisy Matilda Hazelden, who was about 30 years old, at St Mary the Virgin Church in Buxted during November 1920 (3rd calling of banns on 14 November). Daisy was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Hazelden; she had been born at Buxted and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1890. Andrew worked as a coachman at New House in High Hurstwood and at Buxted Park. They were living at 1 Etchingwood in Buxted when Daisy died at the age of 67, and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 24 May 1958. Twenty-four years later Andrew died at Highview House, the council old folks’ home, in Uckfield on 28 January 1982, at the grand old age of 105, and he was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Buxted on 3 February 1982.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s third child was Albert Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 21 August 1878, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood Church on 17 November 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Albert, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Albert, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood, and he was going to school. A letter of reference from B Martin of Park House, Brockley, London SE dated 27 September 1900 stated that A Booker had been in his employment as an under gardener for 13 months and had given entirely satisfactory service. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 22, was boarding with Janet Shellon and her daughter at 4 St Wilfrids Villa in Haywards Heath.

When he was 25 years old Albert married 20-year-old Annie Eliza Pannell at St Mary’s Church in West Chiltington, Sussex on 7 October 1903. Annie was the daughter of Frederick and Emma Pannell, and she had been born at Weydown, Thursley, Surrey on 23 August 1883.

A letter of reference from A M Treacher of Calbourne in Haywards Heath dated 2 July 1904 states that Albert Booker had been in her employment as a gardener for 3 years and 9 months, and had given complete satisfaction in producing flowers and vegetables and doing hot house work. This letter was addressed to Albert at Little Hagland Farm in West Chiltington, which was the home of Annie’s parents. In the 1901 census Annie had been a live-in housemaid to Alice M Treacher for whom this letter of reference shows that Albert was then working as a gardener.

Albert and Annie had three children, all girls, born in Pulborough registration sub-district in Sussex between 1907 and 1919. A letter to Annie from Alice M Treacher dated 13 August 1907, congratulating Annie on the birth of her first child, addresses Annie as ‘Dear Nurse’ indicating that Annie must have been children’s nanny to the Treacher household. Later Albert and Annie lived at Copthorne, which lies between Crawley and East Grinstead, and are known to have been there in the late 1930s. Then Albert got a job as gardener for Major-General Bruce Williams at Chillies in High Hurstwood, and they lived in Chillies Oast House. After this they moved a few yards up the road to Moulden Wood Cottages and Albert was gardener to Mr Raicks who lived in a large house on the other side of the road. Albert and Annie were both very religious and may have been Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In old age Albert and Annie went to live with their eldest daughter at 33 Parklands in Maresfield. Albert died at Parklands on 29 October 1961, at the age of 83, and he was buried in Uckfield Cemetery. Five years later Annie had been living at Parklands when she died in Pouchlands Hospital at Chailey on 23 June 1966, at the age of 82, from cancer of the face, and was buried with her husband in Uckfield Cemetery.

 

Albert and Annie’s eldest child was Doris Elizabeth May Booker who was born in Pulborough registration sub-district in Sussex on 19 July 1907. When she was 25 years old Doris married 32-year-old Fred Leslie Amor, known as Leslie, at Crowborough Register Office on 21 June 1933. Leslie was then a master draper living with Doris’ sister Hilda and her husband at South View in High Hurstwood, and Doris was working in service and living at 11 Pelham Crescent, South Kensington, London. Leslie was the son of retired railway clerk Frederick Amor, and he had been born in Cardiff registration district in Wales where his birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1901.

Leslie and Doris didn’t have any children. During the Second World War they were living in a wooden bungalow at High Hurstwood constructed out of old First World War army huts that was situated between a similar building called Sun Harbour and a house called Upper Nordens. One evening in late July 1944 during the Second World War a German V1 flying bomb, known as a doodlebug, landed near to this bungalow virtually destroying it. Leslie was away at work but Doris was in the bungalow, she survived the devastation but one of her arms was badly injured. Doris was in the Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Wells for some considerable time and her injured arm never worked properly afterwards.

Later they lived for many years at Ashdene Cottages in Rocks Lane at High Hurstwood. Leslie worked as an army chauffeur. Then they moved to 33 Parklands in Maresfield where Leslie died on 13 October 1955, at the age of 54, from cancer of the oesophagus. Doris’ parents came to live with her at Parklands and she looked after them there until their deaths in 1961 and 1966. Later Doris moved to Ridgewood Manor Nursing Home in Uckfield where she died on 2 May 1996 at the age of 88.

 

Albert and Annie’s second child was Hilda Grace Booker who was born in Pulborough registration sub-district in Sussex on 1 November 1910. When she was 21 years old Hilda married 26-year-old Stanley David Muddle at Crowborough Register Office on 30 July 1932. Stanley was then a dairyman living with his parents at Lime Cottages, Pound Green, Buxted, and Hilda was a domestic servant living with her parents at Chillies Oast House in High Hurstwood. Stanley was the son of George Michael and Mary Ann Muddle; he had been born at Buxted on 9 November 1905 and was a member of the 'Framfield Muddles'.

Stanley and Hilda first lived at South View in High Hurstwood for which Stanley had signed a rental agreement with the owner, Martha Hobden, on 30 June 1932. They had one child who was born in Brighton Hospital during 1934. They moved just up the road from South View to Conway Crest for a short time before moving to 4 Parkhurst Cottages in High Hurstwood where they were living when their daughter started school in 1939. Stanley was in the RAF during the Second World War, and then after the war he worked as a house painter in partnership with another man. In about 1954 the family moved from 4 Parkhurst Cottages to 21 St James Road in East Grinstead where Stanley was a milk roundsman for about 20 years.

When Stanley retired they moved to 8 Innings Drive, Pevensey Bay, Sussex. Stanley died there on 4 October 1994, at the age of 88, from an abdominal aneurysm. After Stanley’s death Hilda moved to Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey to be near her daughter. Hilda died in Mayday Hospital in Croydon on 8 October 2001, at the age of 90, from heart failure.

 

 

Albert and Annie’s third child was Marjorie Joyce Booker who was born in Pulborough registration sub-district in Sussex on 30 October 1919. When she was 18 years old Marjorie married 24-year-old Kenneth Bryan Head at Christ Church in Fairwarp on 25 December 1937. Kenneth had been born on 9 May 1913. They always lived at Fairwarp, first at Rock Cottage in Old Forge Lane, and then at 1 Hobbs Cottages. They had three children, the first born in 1938 at Crowborough Hospital; the second in 1940 at 4 Parkhurst Cottages in High Hurstwood when Marjorie was staying with her sister Hilda’s family; and the third in 1948 at Hobbs Cottages in Fairwarp when Marjorie was staying with her mother-in-law.

During the Second World War Kenneth was in the Home Guard, and he then worked as a tree cutter for the Mid-Sussex Timber Company. Later he worked on the construction of Gatwick Airport, and after that as a gardener. Kenneth died in Brighton Hospital on 19 February 1982 at the age of 68, and Marjorie died at her daughter’s home in Ringmer on 28 March 1999 at the age of 79. They were both cremated at Brighton Crematorium.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s fourth child was Thomas Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 2 September 1880, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 12 December 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Thomas, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Thomas, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Thomas, at the age of 20, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his widowed father at Ivyhole.

When he was 40 years old Thomas married 38-year-old widow Eliza Emily Cole, whose maiden name was Frost, at St John’s Church in Crowborough on 29 January 1921. Thomas was then a farm labourer living at Gilridge Farm, where he worked for his brother Ernest, and Eliza was living at Mardens Hill. They had one child, a daughter born in 1922 when they were living at Stone Cottage, Mardens Hill.

Eliza’s previous marriage during the 4th quarter of 1915 in East Grinstead registration district to Walter William Cole, who had died in East Grinstead registration district during October 1918 aged 28, had produced two daughters, born in 1916 and 1919, the second of whom died when just a year old.

Thomas and Eliza were living at Kidders Ash near Burnt Oak when Eliza's daughter Annie was admitted to High Hurstwood School in December 1923. They stayed at Kidders Ash until October 1927 when they moved to 9 Palesgate near Steel Cross in Crowborough. They stayed at 9 Palesgate for only a few months before moving to Brattles at Inchreed Farm near Burnt Oak in the period July to September 1928. Thomas had been a cowman, and died when he was about 94 years old, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1974. Three years later Eliza died in Uckfield registration district on 2 August 1977, at the age of 95.

 

Walter and Eliza’s eldest child is Annie Dorothy Cole who was born on 28 August 1916. Annie had attended St Johns School in Crowborough before she was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 17 December 1923. Annie left High Hurstwood School on 21 October 1927 to go on to Steel Cross School at Crowborough where she was admitted on 31 October 1927. The following year she left Steel Cross School on 10 July 1928 and was readmitted to High Hurstwood School on 17 September 1928. Annie finally left High Hurstwood School on 16 August 1930, just before her fourteenth birthday.

Annie first worked as a domestic servant to the Gubbins family at Chillies Farm in High Hurstwood. Then in about 1932 Annie went to work for Charles and Alice Leeves at the Royal Oak public house in High Hurstwood, where she stayed until 1937 when Alice died and Charles gave up the pub. She then went to work for Alice’s brother Albert Bailey and his wife Eva at the Lewes Road Tavern in Newhaven. After Albert’s death in late 1943 Annie helped Eva continue to run the pub for about a year, before they gave it up and both went to live in a flat in an old converted convent in Newhaven, from where Annie went out to work, Eva having retired. Then in about 1952 they left the flat when Eva went to live with her brother in Crowborough, Annie going to live with one of her relatives.

When she was 44 years old Annie married 45-year-old Alfred George Onslow at Lewes Register Office on 16 October 1960. Alfred had been born in West Ham registration district, Essex on 4 April 1915. They lived at Hove where Alfred worked as a barman and warehouseman. Alfred died on 15 July 1989, at the age of 74. Then 22 years later Annie was living at 38 Summerdale Road in Hove when she died in the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on 13 May 2011, at the age of 94. She died from a heart attack the day after an operation on her leg, which had been fractured when she had a fall.

 

 

Walter and Eliza’s second child was Hetty Emily Cole who was born in April 1919 and died in April 1920, when just on one year old.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s only child (Eliza’s third) was Sybil Joyce Booker who was born on 12 March 1922, and baptised at St John’s Church in Crowborough on 14 May 1922. When she was five years old Sybil was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 26 April 1927, she left on 21 October 1927 to go to Steel Cross School at Crowborough where she was admitted on 31 October 1927. The following year she left Steel Cross School on 10 July 1928 and was readmitted to High Hurstwood School on 17 September 1928. Sybil finally left High Hurstwood School sometime after 1930 to go to Hadlow Down School.

Sybil was in the Land Army during the Second World War. She lived at Crowborough where she worked as a cook at a several places including Dr Adams, Col Gibbs, The Boy’s School, and finally Crowborough Hospital. Sybil suffered from diabetes, which resulted in a heart attack from which she died on 25 April 1982, at the age of 60. She was cremated at Downs Crematorium in Brighton and her ashes buried in Crowborough Cemetery.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s fifth child was Ernest James Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 20 August 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ernest, now aged 18, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his widowed father at Ivyhole.

When he was 26 years old Ernest married 20-year-old Daisy Hobden at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 17 October 1908. They were both then living at High Hurstwood and Ernest was working as a dairyman. Daisy was the daughter of farmer John George Hobden and his wife Martha; she had been born at Warbleton and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1888. Ernest and Daisy had three children born at Crowborough between 1910 and 1913 when Ernest was a dairy farmer. Ernest was farming at Gilridge in Crowborough when his brother Thomas, who was working for him, married in 1921. They then lived at Horsham before they moved to Daisy’s parent’s home, Old Hall Farm in High Hurstwood, in early 1923; moving on to Nutley in early 1924 where they only stayed for a few months.

By July 1924 they were living at Shorn Brook in the Steel Cross area of Crowborough, and it was probably about this time that Daisy ran off with the baker from the Boarshead area of Crowborough, abandoning her husband and children. This resulted in Ernest having to bring up the children by himself. Daisy ended up in London where she finally left the baker. She did quite well for herself, owning property, including three flats, which her children used. She died at the age of 74, her death being registered in Battersea registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1962. Ernest later lived at White Lodge in Rotherfield. He died in October 1972, at the age of 90, and he was buried in St Denys Churchyard at Rotherfield.

 

Ernest and Daisy’s eldest child was Joan Booker who was born at Crowborough in Sussex on 28 June 1910, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 27 August 1910. When she was twelve years old Joan was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 18 April 1923, having previously been at school in Horsham. She left High Hurstwood School on 21 March 1924 to go on to Nutley School where she stayed for only a few months, as she was admitted to Steel Cross School at Crowborough on 7 July 1924, where she stayed until leaving on 21 August 1925 at the age of 15.

When she was 30 years old Joan married 28-year-old Arthur Lewis Street in Christchurch registration district in Dorset during the 3rd quarter of 1940. Arthur had been born on 26 June 1912. They had one child, a daughter, born in Christchurch registration district during 1943. Arthur died in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset on 24 December 1989, at the age of 77. Seven years later Joan died in Poole registration district in Dorset on 25 August 1996, at the age of 87, and she was cremated on 4 September 1996.

 

Ernest and Daisy’s second child was Rupert Langton Booker who was born at Crowborough in Sussex on 26 October 1911, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 26 December 1911. When he was eleven years old Rupert was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 18 April 1923, having previously been at a school in Horsham. He left High Hurstwood School on 21 March 1924 to go on to Nutley School where he stayed for only a few months, as he was admitted to Steel Cross School at Crowborough on 7 July 1924, where he stayed until leaving on 21 December 1925 at the age of 14.

When he was 24 years old Rupert married 27-year-old Jessie Hardie Souness in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1936. Jessie was Scottish and had been born on 16 October 1908. They had one child, a daughter, born in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during 1936. Rupert was a driver when his daughter married in 1955, and he served a term in prison, it's though for fraud. Jessie died in Tonbridge registration district on 26 September 1969, at the age of 60. Fifteen years later Rupert died in Uckfield registration district at the age of 73, his death being registered during November 1984.

 

Ernest and Daisy’s third child was Hilary Ernest Booker who was born at Crowborough in Sussex on 26 January 1913, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 4 May 1913. When he was ten years old Hilary was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 18 April 1923, having previously been at a school in Horsham. He left High Hurstwood School on 21 March 1924 to go on to Nutley School where he stayed for only a few months, as he was admitted to Steel Cross School at Crowborough on 7 July 1924, where he stayed until leaving on 13 April 1927 at the age of 14.

When he was 41 years old Hilary married 40-year-old widow Annie Caroline R Tapp, whose maiden name was Jenner, in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1954. Annie had been born in Tonbridge registration district on 9 April 1914; then in 1939 she had married Clifford G Tapp, who died in late 1940, and then had a daughter, Roseanne M Tapp, in 1941. Hilary and Annie didn't have any children except Annie's daughter from her previous marriage. They lived at Jarvis Brook. Hilary died in Uckfield registration district on 8 March 1996, at the age of 83. Then nine years later Annie died at the age of 91, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during December 2005.

 

Spencer and Sophia’s sixth child was Sarah Ann Booker, known as Annie, who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1885. But Annie was not baptised until she was about 16 years old, at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 13 May 1901. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Ivyhole in High Hurstwood, and she was going to school. Annie was in a High Hurstwood School group photo of circa 1895. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 15, was living with her widowed father at Ivyhole.

When she was 22 years old Annie married 19-year-old Albert Stenning Akehurst at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 24 April 1907. They were both then living at High Hurstwood, and Albert was working as a groom and gardener. Albert was the son of George and Kate Akehurst; he had been born at Henfield in Sussex and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1888. Albert and Annie had two children, both sons, born at High Hurstwood in 1907 and 1914. Albert was still a gardener when their second son was baptised in 1915. They were living at Old Hall Cottage in High Hurstwood when their son Stanley started school in 1919, and they are known to have also lived at Church Cottage in High Hurstwood.

It was probably in 1926, when their son Stanley transferred to Poundgate School, that they moved to Bartons Cottage at the top of Chillies Lane. They were continuing to live at Bartons Cottage and Albert was still a gardener when their two sons married in 1935 and 1938. They were living at Bartons Bungalow in Chillies Lane when Annie died on 24 June 1958, at the age 73. She was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 30 June 1958. Albert was living at 11 Stone Cross Road in Crowborough when he died on 29 August 1973, at the age of 85. He was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 3 September 1973.

 

Albert and Annie’s eldest child was Charles Warwick Akehurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 19 September 1907, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 1 December 1907. When he was 27 years old Charles married 24-year-old Alice Mary Wells at All Saints Church in Crowborough on 26 June 1935. Charles was then a gardener living at Bartons Cottage in Chillies Lane, High Hurstwood, and Alice was living at Kingswood in St Johns Road, Crowborough. Alice had been born in Uckfield registration district on 23 June 1911. Charles and Alice had two children; the first born in Nottingham in 1943 where Alice had probably been evacuated for the birth because of the war, and the second was born in Uckfield registration district in 1947. They lived in the St Johns area of Crowborough, which is in Uckfield registration district. When their daughter married in 1964 Charles was still working as a gardener. Alice died in Uckfield registration district on 28 November 1986, at the age of 75. The following year Charles died in Tunbridge Wells registration district at the age of 80, his death being registered during December 1987.

 

 

Albert and Annie’s second child was Stanley Ernest Akehurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 5 December 1914, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 4 July 1915. When he was five years old Stanley was admitted to High Hurstwood School on 8 December 1919. He left High Hurstwood School on 19 February 1926 to go on to Poundgate School.

When he was 23 years old Stanley married 25-year-old Ann Pauline Thompson at All Saints Church in Crowborough on 22 October 1938. Stanley was then a milk roundsman living at Chillies Lane in High Hurstwood, and Ann was living at Beacon Road in Crowborough, but had originally come from Ireland where she had been born on 27 June 1913. They had three children born in Uckfield registration district in 1939, 1943 and 1949. They were living at Temple Grove School in Heron's Ghyll and Stanley was a carpenter when their second child was baptised in 1944.

Ann died at the age of 64, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1977. Twelve years later Stanley died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Cheltenham registration district in Gloucestershire during June 1990.

 

Henry and Sarah Ann’s second child (Sarah Ann’s third) was William Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 22 July 1849. In the census of 30 March 1851 William, at the age of 1, was living at Lime Kiln House in High Hurstwood, with his parents and the rest of the family. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 William, now aged 11, was still living with his family at Lime Kiln House, and he was now a farm labourer.

When he was 21 years old William married 21-year-old Hannah Wood at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 28 May 1870. Hannah was the daughter of Edward and Mary Wood; she had been born at Fletching in Sussex and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1849. She was baptised at St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin Church in Fletching on 10 June 1849. In the census of 2 April 1871 William and Hannah were living in one of the cottages near the shoe shop in High Hurstwood that was owned by William’s uncle, Richard John Booker, and William was working as a farm labourer.

William and Hannah had eight children born at High Hurstwood between 1872 and 1886, two of whom died in infancy in 1875 and 1877 and another at the age of 13 in 1887. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were still living near the shoe shop in High Hurstwood, with their then four surviving children, and William was still a farm labourer. During the 1880s William and his brother Spencer were ringers with the High Hurstwood Hand Bell Ringers, who were led and trained by their cousin, Joe Muddle.

In the census of 5 April 1891 William and Hannah were living at Walshes in Crowborough with their five surviving children, and William was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Brook Road at Jarvis Brook with their three youngest children, and William was now a builder's labourer. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living in Western Road at Jarvis Brook with their three youngest sons and William was a pimp maker (kindling wood maker) at home on his own account. Two of their sons, Hercules and Joseph, were killed during the First World War.

They were living at Coal Wharf Cottage in Jarvis Brook when William died at the age of 70, and was buried in St Denys Churchyard at Rotherfield on 26 August 1919. Three years later Hannah was living at High View House in Uckfield, the council’s old folks’ home, when she died at the age of 74, and was buried in St Denys Churchyard at Rotherfield on 8 February 1923.

 

William and Hannah’s eldest child was James Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 25 February 1872. James died at High Hurstwood when he was only 3 years old, and he was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 6 January 1875.

 

William and Hannah’s second child was George Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 9 March 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 8, was living with his parents in High Hurstwood and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George, now aged 18, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Walshes in Crowborough.

When he was 25 years old George married 17-year-old Fanny Flora Barton, known as Florence, at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 29 January 1898. George was then a farm labourer living at Brattles Cottage in Jarvis Brook, and Florence was also living at Jarvis Brook. Florence had been born at Rotherfield and her birth registered under the name Fanny Flora Barton during the 1st quarter of 1881. She was almost certainly illegitimate and on the birth registrations of her children she gave her maiden name as Tasker. In the 1891 census she was living in Crowborough with Henry and Jemima Tasker as their niece Flora Barton. Both George and Florence were members of the Salvation Army and are thought to have possibly been wearing their Salvation Army uniforms when they married.

In the census of 31 March 1901 George and Florence were living at Maynards Gate Farm in Jarvis Brook, and George was continuing to work as a farm labourer. They had eleven children born between 1902 and 1924. They were still living at Maynards Gate when their first two children were born in 1902 and 1904, then when their next three children were born between 1906 and 1911 they were living at High Steep in Jarvis Brook. When their sixth child was born in 1914 they were living at Inchreed Cottage in Jarvis Brook, and when their eighth child was born in 1918 they were at Sparr's Cottage in Jarvis Brook. They were still at Sparr's Cottage, Inchreed when, on 30 June 1919, on an army document of his brother Joseph, George was recorded a relative of his brother. George and Florence's other three children were born between 1920 and 1924 when they were at Inchreed Cottage. Sparr's Cottage and Inchreed Cottage were probably two names for the same house. George continued to work as a farm labourer during this time, and was still a farm labourer when his daughter Dorothy married in 1941.

George died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1948. Florence died at the age of 76, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1957.

 

George and Florence’s eldest child was Florence Margery Booker who was born at Maynards Gate in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 9 July 1902, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 10 August 1902. When she was 25 years old Florence married 22-year-old Albert Alfred Pursglove at Uckfield Register Office on 16 July 1927. Albert had been at Portslade in Sussex on 4 August 1904. Albert and Florence had six children born in Uckfield registration district between 1928 and 1944. Albert died at Hellingly on 17 February 1966, at the age of 61, from viral pneumonia. Thirty-two years later Florence died at Crowborough Hospital on 23 June 1998, at the age of 95, following a stroke.

 

 

George and Florence’s second child was Annie Grace Booker who was born at Maynards Gate in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 20 June 1904, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 14 August 1904. When she was 21 years old Annie married 33-year-old William David Godley at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 15 August 1925. William was then a farm labourer living at Inchreed Farm in Rotherfield Parish, and Annie was living at 24 St James Road in Tunbridge Wells.

 

George and Florence’s third child was Mary Jane Booker who was born at High Steep in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 29 November 1906, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 30 December 1906.

 

George and Florence’s fourth child was William George Harry Booker who was born at High Steep in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 4 April 1909, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 2 May 1909. When he was 27 years old William married 29-year-old widow Harriet Rosina Rolfe, whose maiden name was Fryer, at St Michael and All Angels Church in Jarvis Brook on 30 May 1936. William was then a labourer living at 24 Palesgate in Crowborough, and Harriet was living at 2 Palesgate. Harriet’s birth had been registered in Chelsea registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1906. William and Harriet had three children born between 1937 and 1947 while they were living at 5 Palesgate and William was working as a labourer. They were still living at 5 Palesgate when their daughter married in 1961, and William was then a driver.

 

 

George and Florence’s fifth child was James Gordon Booker who was born at High Steep in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 6 June 1911, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 9 July 1911. When he was 23 years old James married 22-year-old Winifred Alice Riches Colbran at All Saints Church in Crowborough on 26 December 1934. James was then a market gardener living at 24 Pales Gate in Crowborough, and Winifred was living at 2 Fair View in Crowborough. Winifred’s birth had been registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1912. James and Winifred had two children, who were twins born in 1935, when they were living at Blackboys and James was working as a market gardener.

 

George and Florence’s sixth child was Arthur Mons Booker who was born at Inchreed Cottage in Jarvis Brook, Sussex, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 25 October 1914.

 

George and Florence’s seventh child was William Booker whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1917.

 

George and Florence’s eighth child was Benjamin Alfred Booker who was born at Spars Cottage in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 14 September 1918, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 20 January 1919.

 

George and Florence’s ninth child was Frederick Joseph Booker who was born at Inchreed Cottage in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 11 May 1920, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 18 July 1920. When he was about 26 years old Frederick married 25-year-old Violet Kathleen Louisa Hamilton in Exeter registration district in Devon during the 2nd quarter of 1946. Violet's birth had been registered in Exeter registration district during the 4th quarter of 1920. Frederick and Violet had three children, all daughters, born in Uckfield registration district in 1947, 1951 and 1954. Frederick was working as a bricklayer when his daughter Gwenda married in 1975. Violet died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during January 1999.

 

George and Florence’s tenth child was Reginald Cyril Booker who was born at Inchreed Cottage in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 10 July 1922, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 27 August 1922.

 

George and Florence’s eleventh child was Dorothy Lilian Booker who was born at Inchreed Cottage in Jarvis Brook, Sussex on 22 September 1924, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 31 October 1924. When she was 17 years old Dorothy married 32-year-old Sylvan Harry Hutchen at All Saints Church in Crowborough on 1 December 1941. Sylvan was then in the RCOC and living at Windlesham in Crowborough, and Dorothy was living at 24 Palesgate in Crowborough.

 

William and Hannah’s third child was Jane Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 14 June 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Jane, at the age of 6, was living with her parents in High Hurstwood, and she was going to school. Jane died at the age of 13, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1887.

 

William and Hannah’s fourth child was Mary Ann Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 22 December 1875, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 12 March 1876. Mary Ann died at High Hurstwood when only 18 months old, and she was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 22 July 1877.

 

William and Hannah’s fifth child was Hercules Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 2 January 1879, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 9 March 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Hercules, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Hercules, now aged 12, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Walshes in Crowborough. In the census of 31 March 1901 Hercules, at the age of 22, was working as a carter on a farm and boarding with the family of farmer Alfred Marchant at Sand Hill Farm in Rotherfield Parish. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Hercules, at the age of 32, was working as a coal porter and living with his parents in Western Road at Jarvis Brook.

During the First World War Hercules was a 35-year-old labourer and living with his parents in Western Road when he enlisted as Private G/962 in the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) at Tonbridge Wells on 3 September 1914. He was then described as 5ft 3¾ins tall, had a 36ins fully expanded chest, good physical development, a fresh complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. He was posted to the 6th Battalion on 6 September 1914 and embarked for France on 1 June 1915. Hercules had been in France four months and was still Private 962 in the 6th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) when he was killed in action on 9 October 1915, at the age of 36.[1] He was buried in row M, grave 9, of the Sailly-Labourse Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. Hercules was awarded three campaign medals, the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1914-15 Star.[2]

 

William and Hannah’s sixth child was Elizabeth Mary Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 27 September 1880, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 12 December 1880. Elizabeth was baptised with just the name Elizabeth, but she had added the second name of Mary by the time she married. In the census of 3 April 1881 Elizabeth, at the age of 6 months, was living with her parents in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Elizabeth, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Walshes in Crowborough, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth, at the age of 20, was living with her parents in Brook Road at Jarvis Brook.

When she was 22 years old Elizabeth married 28-year-old John Warren Webb at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 20 June 1903. They were both then living at Jarvis Brook and John was working as a driver.

 

William and Hannah’s seventh child was Benjamin Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 6 January 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Benjamin, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Walshes in Crowborough, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Benjamin, now aged 18, was working as a builder's labourer and living with his parents in Brook Road at Jarvis Brook. In the census of 2 April 1911 Benjamin, at the age of 28, was working as a stoker on a traction engine and living with his parents in Western Road at Jarvis Brook. Benjamin was still living with his parents in Western Road at Jarvis Brook when he was recorded, on 8 August 1919, on an army document of his brother Joseph, as a relative of his brother.

When he was 38 years old Benjamin married 22-year-old Minnie Matilda Puttick at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 4 December 1920. Benjamin was then a labourer living in Western Road at Jarvis Brook, and Minnie was living at Derridge Cottages in Rotherfield Parish. Minnie had been born at Portslade in Sussex and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1898.

Benjamin had died by 1945 as Minnie was a 47-year-old widow when she married 46-year-old bachelor Arthur Ebenezer David Simmance at St Michael and All Angels Church in Jarvis Brook on 13 February 1945. They were both then living at Claylands Cottage, High Street, Jarvis Brook, and Arthur was a cowman. Arthur was the son of Arthur and Dorothy Simmance; he had been born at Peckham in London and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1899.

 

William and Hannah’s eighth child was Joseph Booker who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Walshes in Crowborough. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, now aged 14, was working as a builder's labourer and living with his parents in Brook Road at Jarvis Brook. In the census of 2 April 1911 Joseph, at the age of 24, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Western Road at Jarvis Brook.

During the First World War Joseph, at the age of 29, was still a farm labourer and living with his parents in Western Road when he enlisted as Private G/9224 in the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) at Eastbourne on 27 July 1915. He was then described as 5ft 4½ins tall, weighed 130lbs, had a 36½ins fully expanded chest and good physical development. He was posted to the 9th Battalion on 31 July 1915 and then transferred to the 1st (Reserve) Garrison Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment on 12 April 1916 as Private 28121. From 24 to 26 July 1916 Joseph was absent without leave having overstayed his pass by two days while on active service and was punished with 7 days Field Punishment No 2. This punishment normally consisted of being kept in irons and made to do hard labour.

On 17 May 1917 Joseph was transferred back to the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) as Private G/9224, initially to the 3rd Battalion, and then on 14 June 1917 he was sent to France to serve with the 1st Battalion, transferring to the 11th Battalion on 3 July 1917. He was wounded on 19 September 1917 and returned to England two days later, having been in France for 99 days. While he was at the Regimental Depot at Maidstone he was given at furlough from 16 to 26 November 1917, which he spent at his parents' home in Western Road, Jarvis Brook. He was in England for 172 days, returning to France on 12 March 1918 where he was wounded again, receiving a bullet wound in the left arm on 28 March 1918. He returned to England on Hospital Ship Viper on 4 April 1918, having been in France this time for just 23 days. He was in the Kitchener Hospital in Brighton for 13 days before going to the Regimental Depot at Maidstone. He was given furlough from 20 to 29 April 1918, which he spent at his parents' home in Western Road, Jarvis Brook. He was in England this time for 135 days.

He returned to France on 17 August 1918 and was serving with the 7th Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) when he was killed in action on 22 September 1918, at the age of 32. He was buried in plot II, row B, grave 24, of the Unicorn Cemetery, Vend'huile, Aisne, France.[3]

On 9 March 1920 Joseph's personal effects, his pipe, note book, letters and identity disc were returned to his widowed mother, she also received the two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal, that Joseph was awarded.[4]

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2011

Last updated 16 November 2011