THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of Walter & Eliza Muddle's Family

 

Walter and Eliza’s eldest child was Sally Muddle who was born at Poynings in Steyning registration district in Sussex, where her birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sally, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Stonehouse Cottage in High Hurstwood, Sussex. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Sally, now aged 14, was a live-in general domestic servant for the family of farmer John Moren at Little Grange in Lamberhurst, Kent.

When she was 21 years old Sally married 22-year-old labourer Frank Eastland at All Saints Church in Danehill, Sussex on 1 September 1888. Frank was the son of Thomas and Sarah Eastland, he had been born at Newick in Sussex and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1866. He was baptised at St Mary’s Church in Newick on 3 March 1867.

Frank and Sally initially lived at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish where their first child was born in late 1888 soon after their marriage, who died in early 1889 when only 3 months old. In the census of 5 April 1891 Sally was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of teacher William Hosken at College Lane School House in East Grinstead, Sussex. It's not known where Frank was at this time and it seems that Frank and Sally were probably not living together for about four years as there is a gap in their children.

Their next four children were born at Clerkenwell in London between 1893 and 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 11 Lowden Road in Edmonton, London with their three youngest children, and Frank was working as a bricklayer’s labourer. They had Frank’s brother, 29-year-old James Eastland, staying with them, and their eldest surviving child was staying with Sally’s parents.

Frank died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Reigate registration district in Surrey during the 3rd quarter of 1932. Eight years later Sally died at the age of 72, her death being registered in South-East Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1940.

 

Frank and Sally’s eldest child was Ellen Harriet Eastland who was born at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Danehill on 17 December 1888. Ellen died at Chelwood Gate when only 3 months old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of All Saints in Danehill on 9 January 1889.

 

Frank and Sally’s second child was Frank Edward Eastland who was born at Clerkenwell in London, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frank, at the age of 8, was staying with his grandparents, Walter and Eliza Muddle, at Black Heath, Chelwood Gate, Sussex.

 

Frank and Sally’s third child was Lily Keziah Eastland who was born at Clerkenwell in London, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lillie, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 11 Lowden Road in Edmonton, London.

 

Frank and Sally’s fourth child was Thomas Frederick Eastland who was born at Clerkenwell in London, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Thomas, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 11 Lowden Road in Edmonton, London.

 

Frank and Sally’s fifth child was Alice May Eastland who was born at Clerkenwell in London, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alice, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 11 Lowden Road in Edmonton, London.

 

Walter and Eliza’s second child was Fred Muddle who was born at Horsted Keynes in Sussex on 1 August 1868, and baptised at St Giles Church in Horsted Keynes on 1 November 1868, (the family name was incorrectly spelt as Mudwell on this baptism record). In the census of 2 April 1871 Fred, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Stonehouse Cottage in High Hurstwood, Sussex. On 9 October 1876 Fred, at the age of 8, was admitted to Kilndown C of E School near Lamberhurst in Kent; he was then living with his parents at Stone Crouch in Kilndown. He was still at this school when he attained Standard I in 1878.[1] Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Fred, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Little Dunks Farm in Brenchley, Kent. In the census of 5 April 1891 Fred, at the age of 22, was a live-in general servant to farmer John Martin at the Isle of Thorns in Danehill, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Fred, at the age of 32, was working as a general labourer and living with his parents at Black Heath in Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish.

When he was 39 years old Fred married 42-year-old widow Alice Georgina Wilmshurst, whose maiden name was Brooks, at Christ Church in Kilndown near Goudhurst in Kent on 2 November 1907. Fred was then a labourer living at Danehill and Alice was from Kilndown. Alice was the daughter of John & Susannah Brooks, and she had been born at Holloway Road in London on 16 September 1865. Alice had married Harry Wilmshurst in Cranbrook registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1886 and they had at least five children before Harry’s death at the age of 44, his death being registered in Cranbrook registration district during the 1st quarter of 1904.

Fred and Alice had two children; the first was a son born in Kilndown during 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 the were living in the Riseden Quarter of Kilndown with their young son and two of Alice's sons from her first marriage, 11-year-old Frederick John Wilmshurst and 9-year-old Edward Richard Wilmshurst, and Fred was working as a general labourer. When their second child, a daughter, was born in 1913 when they were still living at Riseden Quarter in Kilndown and Fred was still working as a general labourer. They were living at Riseden when their son started school in 1916 and still at Kilndown when he left school in late 1922. They probably moved from Kilndown to Tunbridge Wells in 1927 as this was the year their son Walter transferred from the Goudhurst branch of the Odd Fellows Friendly Society to the Tunbridge Wells Equitable Friendly Society.

They were living at 303 Upper Grosvenor Road in Tunbridge Wells, Kent when Fred died there at the age of 66 (not 67 as given on his death certificate). He was buried in grave C16/316 of the consecrated section of Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery on 7 June 1935 after a funeral service at St Luke's Church in Tunbridge Wells. Fifteen years later Alice was living at The Stone House, Victoria Road, Sevenoaks, Kent when she died there on 3 January 1951, at the age of 85. She was buried with her husband in grave C16/316 of the consecrated section of Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery on 8 January 1951.

 

Fred and Alice’s eldest child was Walter Cedric Muddle who was born at Kilndown near Goudhurst in Kent on 23 August 1908, and baptised at Christ Church in Kilndown on 18 October 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Walter, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in the Riseden Quarter of Kilndown.

Walter started attending Riseden Infants' School on 18 November 1912 when he was 4 years old, and less than a month later on 9 December the school log book recorded that Walter Muddle had measles. Then six months after that the school log book recorded that Walter Muddle and Victor Crowther were absent because their brothers, who attend the mixed school, had measles; in Walter's case this would be a reference to his elder half-brothers from his mother's first marriage. The following year on 6 March 1914 the school log book records that several children have had bilious attacks during the week, and then four days later that four more children were ill and unable to attend. This was followed the following day, 11 March 1914, with five others, including Walter Muddle, being added to the sick list. After 3½ years at the Infants' School the log book on 31 March 1916 recorded that W Muddle was one of eleven children going to the Upper School on Monday. It's assumed that the Upper School was a reference to Kilndown C of E School but it was not until six months later, on 3 October 1916, that Walter, at the age of 8, he was admitted to Kilndown C of E School. He left this school six years later, on 8 December 1922, when he was 14 years old.[2]

Walter than started work as a stableboy for Captain A W J Cecil at Finchcocks in Kilndown. He recalled his memories of this many years later in a letter to Finchcocks when it had became a music museum, and this was published in Finchcocks Past and Present by Katrina & Richard Burnett, who have given permission for it to be reproduced:

I was about to leave school and Captain Cecil got to hear of this and he said to my dad 'Your boy is leaving school shortly Fred isn't he?' So he said 'yes sir'. He said 'would he like a job in the stables do you think? Randall wants a boy … bring him down one evening and we'll have a talk.'

So a few evenings later Dad and I went down to Finchcocks and Mr Jackson the butler showed us into the big hall where the Captain was sitting and there was a thundering great fire in there and he said 'evening Fred, evening Walter' … He rang the bell again and he said 'by the way Jackson bring Fred a beer and a glass of lemonade for Walter.' So he did that and made us feel quite at home and he told me what the job was, It was helping Randall in the stable and then at a later date start riding and driving.

'I've no doubt you could learn to drive a car when you get a little older', and he made the motion of winding the engine up. He said 'You could do that couldn't you?' and I said 'Yes sir' and that was how I came to start at Finchcocks.

 

On the 14 October 1924 Walter, at the age of 16, was working as a groom when he became a member of the Goudhurst branch of the Loyal Men of Kent Lodge, No. 3963, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellow's Manchester Unity Friendly Society. On his application form Walter stated that he was in good health and had been vaccinated. During the second part of 1924 Walter made 13 payments of either 9d or 10d and continued to make payments until 4 July 1927 when he transferred to the Tunbridge Wells Equitable Friendly Society, this presumably being when his parents and their two children moved from Kilndown to Tunbridge Wells.

When he was 26 years old Walter married 23-year-old Daisy Beatrice Mary Simmons at St Stephen's Church in Tonbridge, Kent on 27 July 1935. Walter was then an engineer living at 13 Weare Road in High Brooms, Southborough, Kent, and Daisy was living at 181 Vale Road in Tonbridge. Daisy was the daughter of George and Ellen Simmons, and she had been born at Tonbridge in Kent on 27 March 1912. Walter and Daisy had three children, the first two born at Tonbridge in 1937 and 1941 and the third born in Paddington registration district in London in 1945. Walter died at the age of 86, his death being registered in Kingston-upon-Thames registration district in Surrey during May 1995. Five years later Daisy died at the age of 88, her death being registered in East Surrey registration district during December 2000.

 

Fred and Alice’s second child was Marjorie Edith Muddle who was born at Riseden Quarter in Kilndown near Goudhurst, Kent on 27 October 1913, and baptised at Christ Church in Kilndown on 21 December 1913. When she was 19 years old Marjorie married William G R Smith in Kingston registration district in Surrey during the 4th quarter of 1932. They had one child, a daughter, born in Tonbridge registration district in Kent in 1933. It’s not known if William died or if William and Marjorie were divorced, but Marjorie, at the age of 24, married 33-year-old Frank Salter at Sevenoaks Registry Office in Kent on 1 January 1938. Frank had been born on 6 October 1904. Frank and Marjorie had two children, the first born at Sevenoaks in 1937 before they were married, and the second in Tonbridge registration district in 1946. Frank died at the age of 58, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1963. Marjorie died when she was about 86 years old, her death being registered in West Surrey registration district during November 1999.

 

Walter and Eliza’s third child was Eliza Muddle who was born at Fletching in Sussex (from census records), and baptised at St James the Less Church in Nutley, Sussex on 31 July 1870, at which time they were living at Nutley. In the census of 2 April 1871 Eliza, at the age of 10 months, was living with her parents at Stonehouse Cottage in High Hurstwood, Sussex. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Eliza, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Little Dunks Farm in Brenchley, Kent, and she was going to school.

When she was about 17 years old Eliza married 22-year-old labourer Alfred Todman at All Saints Church in Danehill, Sussex on 8 April 1887. Alfred was the son of Edward and Susan Todman, he had been born at Forest Row in Sussex and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Forest Row on 28 May 1865. Alfred and Eliza had twelve children born between 1887 and 1911. Their first child was born at Chelwood Common in Danehill Parish in late 1887, and then the next one was born at Barcombe in Sussex in early 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in the Keepers Cottage at Barcombe with their then two children, and Alfred was working as a farm labourer. They had three more children at Barcombe born between 1892 and 1897. They then moved to Horley in Surrey where their other seven children were born between 1898 and 1911. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Petridge Wood in Horley with their then seven children, and Alfred was working as a stockman on a farm.

Alfred and Eliza’s daughters Fanny and Emily emigrated from England to Western Australia in 1912 and then their son James went in 1913. In 1914 Alfred and Emily with the remaining nine of their children emigrated from England to Western Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia. The passenger list described Alfred’s occupation as being agricultural.[3] Alfred died on 23 February 1934, at the age of 68, and two years later Eliza died on 6 February 1936, at the age of 65.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s eldest child was Eliza Todman who was born at Chelwood Common in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Eliza, at the age of 3, was living with her parents in the Keepers Cottage at Barcombe. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Eliza, now aged 13, was living with her parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey, and she was going to school. When she was 26 years old Eliza emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s second child was Fanny Todman who was born at Barcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Newick, Sussex on 18 January 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 Fanny, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents in the Keepers Cottage at Barcombe. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Fanny, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey, and she was going to school. When she was 21 years old Fanny, with her sister Emily, emigrated from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Ophir of the Orient Line from London on 10 May 1912 bound for Fremantle in Western Australia. The passenger list describes Fanny as being a domestic.[4]

 

 

Alfred and Eliza’s third child was Emily Kate Todman who was born at Barcombe in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Emily, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey, and she was going to school. When she was 19 years old Emily, with her sister Fanny, emigrated from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Ophir of the Orient Line from London on 10 May 1912 bound for Fremantle in Western Australia. The passenger list describes Emily as being a domestic.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s fourth child was James Henry Todman who was born at Barcombe in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 James, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey, and he was going to school. When he was 18 years old James emigrated from England to Australia. He sailed 3rd class on the Osterley of the Orient Line from London on 31 January 1913 bound for Fremantle in Western Australia. The passenger list describes James as being a farm labourer.[5]

 

 

Alfred and Eliza’s fifth child was Lucy Helen Todman who was born at Barcombe in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lucy, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey. When she was 17 years old Lucy emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s sixth child was Walter Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Walter, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey. When he was 15 years old Walter emigrated with his parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s seventh child was Edith Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents at Petridge Wood, Horley, Surrey. When she was 13 years old Edith emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s eighth child was Frederick Thomas Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1903. When he was 11 years old Frederick emigrated with his parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s ninth child was Arthur Reginald Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1904. When he was 9 years old Arthur emigrated with his parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s tenth child was Charles Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1907. When he was 7 years old Charles emigrated with his parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s eleventh child was Alice Ethel Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1909. When she was 5 years old Alice emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Alfred and Eliza’s twelfth child was Ivy E Todman who was born at Horley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1911. When she was 3 years old Ivy emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the Essex of the Federal & Shire Line from Liverpool on 18 September 1914 bound for Albany in Western Australia.

 

Walter and Eliza’s fourth child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 7 June 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Thomas, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Little Dunks Farm in Brenchley, Kent, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Thomas, now aged 17, was working as a butcher’s assistant and living with his parents in a cottage at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex.

It's not known how Thomas came to be in Argentina or if that was where he married Harriet, but as no record of this marriage has been found in England it seems likely that it took place overseas. There doesn't seem to have been any children from this marriage though there may have been some born overseas. Thomas and Harriet sailed 3rd class on the Darro of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company from Buenos Aires and arrived at Falmouth on 26 July 1917. On the passenger list Thomas gave his occupation builder and stated that they had been living in Argentina and now intended to live in England where their address would be Chelwood Gate in Sussex, which was where Thomas' parents were living.[6] It seems likely that they came to England because Harriet was ill, because they had only been in England for three months, Thomas was working as a builder's labourer, and they were living at 17 Princess Street in Southwark, London when Harriet died there on 29 October 1917, at the age of 52, from a malignant growth in her abdomen and heart failure.

Four months after Harriet’s death Thomas sailed 2nd class on the Hirano Maru of the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line from Birkenhead, Liverpool on 6 March 1918 bound for Singapore. On the passenger list Thomas was described as a 44-year-old pile driver who had been residing in England and whose intended future permanent residence was to be the Straits Settlements.[7] Thomas was lucky that he was not on the next sailing of the Hirano Maru from Liverpool because this was sunk by a German torpedo off southern Ireland on 4 October 1918 with the loss of most of those onboard. Thomas was in the Federated Malay State for nearly two years before sailing 1st class on the Tydeus of the Ocean Steamship Company from Penang and arriving at Liverpool on 21 February 1920. On the passenger list Thomas gave his occupation as engineer and his intended address in England as 17 Princess Street in Southwark.[8]

 

 

Five years after his return to England Thomas was a 50-year-old widower when he married 35-year-old widow Alice Mary Isaacs, whose maiden name was Whitlock, at St Margaret’s Church in Barking, Essex on 24 January 1925. They were both then living at 48 St John’s Road in Barking and Thomas was working as a labourer. The marriage record incorrectly gives Thomas’ father as Thomas Muddle deceased. Alice was the daughter of Henry George and Alice Whitlock, and her birth had been registered in Cardiff registration district in Wales during the 2nd quarter of 1889.

Thomas and Alice had four children, all born in Romford registration district in Essex. The first three were triplets, who were born soon after their marriage, and who all died as babies; the fourth, a daughter, was born the following year.

Alice died a few weeks after the birth of their fourth child, at the age of 37, her death being registered in Romford registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1926. Thomas probably then returned to Danehill in Sussex with his young daughter. Thomas died at Danehill, at the age of 80, and he was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 22 January 1955. When his daughter married at Danehill in 1960 Thomas was described as having been an engineer.

 

Thomas and Alice’s eldest child, one of triplets, was Eliza B Muddle whose birth was registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1925. Eliza died while still a baby, her death being registered in Romford registration district during the 4th quarter of 1925.

 

Thomas and Alice’s second child, one of triplets, was May I Muddle whose birth was registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1925. May died while still a baby, her death was registered in Romford registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1925.

 

Thomas and Alice’s third child, one of triplets, was Thomas W Muddle whose birth was registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1925. Thomas died while still a baby, his death being registered in Romford registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1925.

 

Thomas and Alice’s fourth child was Rosie Alice Muddle whose birth was registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1926. Rosie was living with her father at New Villas in Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex and working as a housemaid when, at the age of 34, she married 22-year-old Raymond William Coppard at All Saints Church in Danehill on 20 August 1960. Raymond was then a painter living at 47 Charlesfield Road in Horley, Surrey.

 

Walter and Eliza’s fifth child was Walter Muddle who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 7 May 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Walter, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Little Dunks Farm in Brenchley, Kent, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Walter, now aged 15, was working as a houseboy and living with his parents in a cottage at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex. In the census of 31 March 1901 Walter, at the age of 25, was working as a bricklayer’s labourer and living with his parents at Black Heath in Chelwood Gate.

When he was 31 years old Walter married 27-year-old Emily Scott, who was from Fairwarp in Sussex, at All Saints Church in Danehill on 15 June 1907. Emily was the daughter of Alfred and Hannah Scott, she had been born at Fairwarp and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1879. Walter and Emily first lived at High Hurstwood in Sussex where their only child was born in 1908, at which time Walter was working as a labourer.

Emily died at the age of 43, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1923. Walter was still described as being a labourer when his son married in 1932. He had been living at Danehill when he died in Cuckfield registration district at the age of 82, and was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 22 May 1958.

 

Walter and Emily’s only child was William Thomas Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 19 July 1908, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 16 August 1908. When he was 24 years old William married 24-year-old Ivy Kate Thomas at St Laurence’s Church in Hawkhurst, Kent, on 10 September 1932. They were both then living at Avards Cottage, The Horns, Hawkhurst, and William was working as a labourer. Ivy was the daughter of Frederick James Thomas and she had been born on 30 June 1908. There were no children from this marriage, which ended in divorce. Ivy never remarried. She died at the age of 63, her death being registered in Sheppey registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1971.

When he was 41 years old William’s second marriage was to 40-year-old Laura Catherine Noakes in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1950. Laura had been born on 10 March 1910. William and Laura had two children born in 1953 and 1956 while they were living at 5 Providence Cottages in School Lane in the St Johns area of Crowborough, Sussex, and William was working as a gardener.

William died at the age of 73, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1981. Twelve years later Laura died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1994.

 

Walter and Eliza’s sixth child was Joseph Muddle who was born at Lamberhurst in Kent, and whose birth was registered in Ticehurst registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Joseph, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Little Dunks Farm in Brenchley, Kent. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, now aged 12, was working as a garden boy and living with his parents in a cottage at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex. In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, at the age of 22, was working as a general labourer and living with his parents at Black Heath in Chelwood Gate.

When he was 41 years old Joseph married 31-year-old Alice Botting in Cuckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1919. Alice was the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Botting; she had been born at Balcombe in Sussex and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1888 under the name Alice Botting Tester as she was born about 6 months before her parents’ marriage, which was at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 5 August 1888, and Tester was her mother’s maiden name. Alice was baptised after her parents’ marriage, at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 28 October 1888.

Joseph and Alice had three children; the first two were born at Haywards Heath in Sussex in 1920 and 1921, when they were living at 7 Victoria Road, and Joseph was a labourer; and the third was born at Chelwood Gate in Sussex in 1927, at which time Joseph was a woodcutter. Alice’s father was also a woodcutter and both families are remembered by relatives as being quite poor.

They were living at Forest Cottage in Danehill when Alice died at the age of 59; she was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 10 July 1947. Joseph was still described as being a woodcutter when his daughter Edith married in 1949. He was still living at Forest Cottage in Danehill when he died in Lewes registration district at the age of 75; he was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 21 November 1953.

 

Joseph and Alice’s eldest child is Marjorie Muddle who was born at Haywards Heath in Sussex on 28 January 1920, and baptised at St Wilfrid’s Church in Haywards Heath on 4 April 1920. When she was 25 years old Marjorie married Charles H Goldsmith in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1945. They lived at Pulborough in Sussex. Marjorie died at the age of 69, her death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during March 1989. Her funeral was at Worthing.

 

Joseph and Alice’s second child is Joseph Thomas Muddle who was born at Haywards Heath in Sussex on 28 February 1921, and baptised at St Wilfrid’s Church in Haywards Heath on 8 May 1921. When he was 39 years old Joseph married Margaret W Newman in Chanctonbury registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1961, and they had three children born between 1961 and 1979. Joseph died at the age of 66, his death being registered in Worthing registration district in Sussex during October 1987.

 

Joseph and Alice’s third child is Edith May Muddle, known as Edie, who was born at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Danehill on 21 August 1927. When she was 22 years old Edith married 26-year-old Algie James Osborne at All Saints Church in Danehill on 30 July 1949. Edith was then a domestic servant living with her widowed father at Forest Cottage in Danehill, and Algie was a painter and decorator living at Croft Cottage in Nutley, Sussex. Algie had been born on 11 March 1923. Algie died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Tunbridge Wells registration district in Kent during December 1998.

 

Walter and Eliza’s seventh child was Emily Muddle who was born at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Danehill on 25 October 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Emily, at the age of 6, was living with her parents in a cottage at Chelwood Gate. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Emily, now aged 15, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of poultry farmer Edward Abbott at Birch Grove in West Hoathly, Sussex.

When she was 52 years old Emily married 29-year-old Edward Vernon Jones at St Saviour’s Church in Pimlico, London on 15 October 1938 by licence. They were both then living at 620 Tachbrook Street in London W1, and Edward was working as a chauffeur.

 

Walter and Eliza’s eighth child was Philadelphia Muddle who was born at Chelwood Gate in Danehill Parish, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Danehill on 25 November 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Philadelphia, at the age of 2, was living with her parents in a cottage at Chelwood Gate. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Philadelphia, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Black Heath in Chelwood Gate.

When she was 37 years old Philadelphia married 29-year-old George Christie at Christ Church in the parish of St Margaret Westminster, London on 6 January 1926 by licence. Philadelphia was then living at 1 Buckingham Street, London W1, and George was an engineer from Edinbane on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2010

Last updated 26 August 2010