THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of John & Mary Jane Muddle's Family

 

John and Mary Jane’s eldest child was Catherine Mary Muddle, known as Cath, who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 9 December 1882, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 25 February 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Catherine, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Stockyards Farm, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Catherine, now aged 18, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of auctioneer Richard Denyer at 33 Grove Hill Road in Tunbridge Wells.

When she was 21 years old Cath married 24-year-old Amos Bassett, who was an engine driver from Rotherfield, at St John the Evangelist Church in Bodle Street Green on 15 October 1904. Amos was the son of Frederick and Frances Bassett, and he had been born at Mayfield during September 1880. Amos and Cath first lived at Spring Cottage in Five Ashes where they had two children born in 1906 and 1907. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Spring Cottage with their two children and Amos was working as the driver of a portable engine for doing thrashing on farms. They later moved to Sunny Bank in Five Ashes and Amos worked as an engine driver with a council road repair gang.

Amos died in Uckfield registration district in Sussex on 17 January 1959, at the age of 78. Then eight years later Cath died in Tonbridge registration district in Kent on 17 July 1967, at the age of 84.

 

Amos and Cath’s eldest child was Christina Fanny Bassettwho was born at Spring Cottage in Five Ashes, Sussex on 8 March 1906, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green, Sussex on 15 April 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 Christina, at the age of 5, was going to school and living with her parents at Spring Cottage in Five Ashes.

When she was about 21 years old Christina married 26-year-old Henry Allen Crouch in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1927. Henry was the son of James and Elizabeth Crouch and he had been born at Dallington in Sussex on 19 May 1899. Henry and Christina had three children born in 1927, 1930 and 1937. They first lived with Christina's parents at Sunny Bank in Five Ashes, before moving to the Wellbrook area of Mayfield in Sussex.

Henry died in Uckfield registration district during May 1943, at the age of about 44 (not 42 as given on his death certificate), and Christina died in Tunbridge Wells registration district in Kent on 8 October 1986, at the age of 80.

 

Amos and Cath’s second child was Amos Frank Bassett, known as Punch, who had been born on 26 May 1907, was baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 14 July 1907. In the census of 2 April 1911 Amos, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Spring Cottage in Five Ashes..

When he was 24 years old Amos married 26-year-old Muriel Irene Pavey in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1932. Muriel was the daughter of Philip and Rhoda Pavey; she had been born at Jarvis Brook in Sussex and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1905. Amos and Muriel lived at Crowborough in Sussex and had one child, a daughter, born in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during 1938.

Muriel died at the age of 57, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1963. Then twenty years later Amos died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 25 November 1983, at the age of 76.

 

John and Mary Jane’s second child was Joseph Charles Muddle, known as Joe, who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 31 August 1885, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 11 October 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Stockyards Farm, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, now aged 15, was living with his parents at Criers Farm in Five Ashes, and he was working with his father on the farm. Joseph became a wheelwright and blacksmith.

When he was 23 years old Joseph married 25-year-old Minnie Baldock at Hailsham Register Office in Sussex on 7 November 1908. Joseph was then a blacksmith living at Lower Dicker near Hellingly in Sussex, and Minnie was living at Oakhurst Farm in Hellingly, which was where Joseph's uncle Richard Muddle then farmed. Minnie was the daughter of James and Eleanor Baldock; she had been born at Eridge Green in Sussex and her birth registered during the first quarter of 1883. Minnie already had an illegitimate daughter called Ethel Grace Baldock who had been born in 1905.

In the census of 2 April 1911 Joseph and Minnie were living at Muddles Green in Chiddingly, Sussex where Joseph was a blacksmith and an employer. Living with them was Joseph's younger brother, 17-year-old Alfred John Muddle, who was working for Joseph as a blacksmith's striker. Also staying with them as a visitor was Minnie's illegitimate daughter, 5-year-old Ethel Grace Baldock. While he had his blacksmith's shop at Muddles Green Joseph is thought to have manufactured the ironwork at Chiddingly Church.

Joseph and Minnie then moved to Surrey where they had a son born in Epsom registration district in 1915 who died in Farnham registration district in 1917, and then a daughter born in Farnham registration district in 1918. When Minnie's illegitimate daughter married in 1927 Joseph was described as being a steam wagon driver. They later moved to Guildford where Minnie died at the age of 52, her death being registered in North West Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1935.

Joseph's second marriage, at the age of 51, was to 36-year-old widow Florence Lucy Robbins, whose maiden name was Hemsley, in Battle registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1936. Florence was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hemsley and she had been born at Peasmarsh near Rye in Sussex on 4 September 1899. She had married George W Robbins in Battle registration district in Sussex during 1923.

Joseph and Florence didn't have children, but Florence had two daughters from her first marriage. They lived in Sussex at Warnham then Burwash and finally Hailsham, where Joseph died at the age of 76, his death being registered during the 3rd quarter of 1962. Florence, at the age of 64, then married 73-year-old David William Mockett in Hailsham registration district during the 4th quarter of 1963. David was the son of David and Margaret Mockett and he had been born at Selmeston in Sussex on 28 November 1890.

David died at the age of 83, his death being registered in Hailsham registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1974. Twenty years later Florence died at the age of 95, her death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during March 1995.

 

Minnie’s illegitimate child was Ethel Grace Baldock who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex on 16 August 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911, Ethel, at the age of 5, was visiting her mother and stepfather at Muddles Green in Chiddingly, Sussex. Ethel adopted the surname Muddle to become Ethel Grace Baldock Muddle.

When she was 21 years old Ethel married 22-year-old Charles Frederick Burgess at Farnham Register Office in Surrey on 16 April 1927. They were both then living at 4 Stonehouse Cottages in Quarry Lane at Aldershot, and Charles was working as a steam roller driver. Charles was the son of Charles and Caroline Burgess and he had been born at Warbleton in Sussex on 25 September 1904. Charles and Ethel had one child, a son, born in South Western Surrey registration district during 1936.

Ethel died at the age of 74, her death being registered in South Western Surrey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1979. Ten years later Charles died at the age of 84, his death being registered in South Western Surrey registration district during August 1989.

 

Joseph and Minnie’s eldest child was Alfred W C Muddle whose birth was registered in Epsom registration district in Surrey during the 2nd quarter of 1915. Alfred died when only a year old, his death being registered in Farnham registration district in Surrey during the 1st quarter of 1917.

 

Joseph and Minnie’s second child was Iris M Muddle whose birth was registered in Farnham registration district in Surrey during the 3rd quarter of 1918. When she was about 27 years old Iris married 20-year-old Charles T Sayer in Chanctonbury registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1945. Charles was the son of Albert and Alice Sayer and his birth had been registered in Willesden registration district in Middlesex during the 1st quarter of 1925. Charles and Iris' marriage ended in divorce without any children.

Iris, at the age of 30, then married 28-year-old Frederick G Caddy in Chanctonbury registration district during the 4th quarter of 1948. Frederick was the son of Alfred and Dorothy Caddy and his birth had been registered in Steyning registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1920. Frederick and Iris had a daughter born in Chanctonbury registration district in early 1949. Then on the 12 April 1949 they emigrated from England to Western Australia, sailing from Liverpool on the M V Dorsetshire of the Orient Line for Freemantle in Western Australia. After settling in Western Australia Frederick and Iris had a son.

 

John and Mary Jane’s third child was Annie Jane Muddle who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 29 June 1887, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 31 July 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Stockyards Farm. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 13, was living with her parents at Criers Farm in Five Ashes.

Annie went to London to work in domestic service, where she conceived two illegitimate sons, she returned to her parents' home, Pebsham Farm at Bodle Street Green in Sussex to have them in 1907 and 1909, and then left them there for her parents to look after, which resulted in them migrating to Canada with their grandparents in late 1911. Annie was described as a general domestic servant on the birth certificate of her first illegitimate son. In the census of 2 April 1911 Annie was the live-in cook to clergyman George Russell Poole and his wife at the Vicarage in Wartling, Sussex, which was just 3½ miles south of where her parents were living in Bodle Street Green.

When she was 27 years old Annie married 47-year-old Thomas Musgrove Moger at Islington Register Office in London during the 12 February 1915. They were both then living at 1 Anatola Road, Islington and Thomas was a meat market porter. Thomas was the son of Alfred and Susan Moger; he had been born at Hammersmith in London and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1867. Thomas and Annie had eight sons; the first three born in Islington registration district in 1915, 1916 and 1918, the second of whom died soon after birth in late 1916. Their other five children were born in Pancras registration district in London between 1921 and 1931, the first of whom died in infancy in early 1922. They always lived in London where Thomas worked as a porter at Smithfield Meat Market.

Thomas, who was 20 years older than Annie, died in Pancras registration district on 5 November 1946, at the age of 79. Twenty-two years later Annie had been living in basement flat when after a brief illness she died in Whittington Hospital at Archway in Pancras registration district on 8 December 1968, at the age of 81 (not 82 as given on her death certificate).

 

Annie’s first illegitimate son was Alfred Henry Muddle, known as Henry, who was born at Bodle Street Green in Sussex on 29 August 1907. (Henry gave his father’s name as being Arthur Baker on his marriage certificate in 1946, but no father's name was given on his birth certificate.) Henry and his younger brother Fred were both baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green on 4 January 1910. Henry was bought up by his grandparents, John and Mary Jane Muddle, and in the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, at the age of 3, was living with his grandparents at Bodle Street Green.

Then later in 1911, when he was 4 years old, Henry emigrated from England to Canada. With his brother Fred, aunt Kate Muddle, and grandmother Mary Jane Muddle, Henry sailed on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 15 December 1911 bound for St John, New Brunswick. After a voyage of 8 days they arrived at St John on 23 December. They then travelled on to Wainwright in Alberta where they joined Henry's grandfather, who had migrated earlier in the year. Henry lived with his grandparents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, to the north-east of Wainwright. He went to a school called Mayfield, which had been named by his grandfather after the parish where they had lived in Sussex. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Henry, now aged 13, was going to school and living with his grandparents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, Alberta.

 

 

At the age of 16 Henry went to work for Mr McLeod at a country store and post office at Heath in Alberta, which is a very small town 14 miles south-east of Wainwright, and he worked there for 6 years. After that he was a grain buyer for an elevator at Heath. During his late teens Henry purchased a half-share in a dance hall at Heath, which he operated along with a friend, Reg Wiley, who was the brother of Henry's future wife. They let a travelling preacher use the building for gospel services, and shortly thereafter, it was exclusively used for Christian ministry. In 1929 two students from the Prairie Bible Institute came to Heath, and Henry gave them permission to use the dance hall for their meetings. This started Henry's active involvement in the Christian faith, and the Prairie Bible Institute.

When he was about 24 years old Henry married 21-year-old Jean Wiley in the summer of 1931. Jean had been born on 19 September 1909. They lived at Heath and just a year after their marriage, on 4 July 1932, Henry lost his wife and their baby daughter in childbirth. Jean was 22 years old when she died. Later that year, the fall of 1932, Henry did his first term of training at the Prairie Bible School in Three Hills, Alberta. He then returned to Heath and his corn-buying job, until in the fall of 1936 he left Heath and moved to Three Hills, to continue his training at the Prairie Bible School. Henry worked part-time in the Institute office while he was training. He graduated in the spring of 1941, and was then made Superintendent of the Alberta Canadian Sunday School Mission, a post he held for the next 8 years.

When he was 39 years old Henry married 33-year-old Honor Gwendoline Langley at the Prairie Bible Institute Tabernacle in Three Hills on 11 September 1946. Honor was a first generation Canadian, born at Calgary on 2 August 1913 to English parents, and she was a graduate nurse. Henry and Honor had five children born between 1947 and 1955. In the spring of 1949 the family moved to Kitchener, Ontario, where Henry was director of the Canadian Sunday School Mission for 15 months. They then returned to Three Hills, where Henry became secretary/treasurer of the Prairie Bible Institute, and was also its president for two years. He then continued working for the Institute in administration and finance, during which he did legal work for them. During this time Henry also served a small country pastorate 9 miles east of Huxley, Alberta, for 13 years. Huxley is 17 miles north of Three Hills.

Henry retired when he was about 76, but even then carried on as a notary public until 1993. He was now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s dementia, and he died from this condition on 15 August 1994, at the age of 86. Henry was buried in Three Hills Cemetery on 18 August 1994, after a funeral service at Maxwell Memorial Tabernacle. Honor died at Three Hills on 15 November 1998, at the age of 85.

 

 

Annie’s second illegitimate son was Frederick Charles Muddle, known as Fred, who was born at Bodle Street Green in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1909. Fred and his elder brother Henry were both baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green on 4 January 1910. Fred was bought up by his grandparents, John and Mary Jane Muddle, and in the census of 2 April 1911 Fred, at the age of 2, was living with his grandparents at Bodle Street Green.

Later in 1911, while still only 2 years old, Fred emigrated from England to Canada. With his brother Henry, aunt Kate Muddle, and grandmother Mary Jane Muddle, Fred sailed on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 15 December 1911 bound for St John, New Brunswick. After a voyage of 8 days they arrived at St John on 23 December. They then travelled on to Wainwright in Alberta where they joined Henry's grandfather, who had migrated earlier in the year. Fred lived with his grandparents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, to the north-east of Wainwright. He went to a school called Mayfield, which had been named by his grandfather after the parish where they had lived in Sussex. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Fred, now aged 12, was going to school and living with his grandparents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, Alberta.

Fred left school at the age of 14 and then worked at home for a year, before leaving home and working at a number of different places until settling to work for about 12 years for Arthur Harden. He then worked for a year in a Vancouver shipyard, before serving for three years in the army during the Second World War. After his discharge from the army Fred worked in a garage for Lew Tory, and then at the army camp in Wainwright for three years. He then went back to farming, buying the Lloyd Haynes place, which he farmed for ten years. Fred later lived in Wainwright with a woman called Maud and her two children.

 

Thomas and Annie’s eldest child (Annie's third) was Thomas Albert Moger, known as George, who was born in Islington registration district in London on 15 March 1915. When he was 26 years old George married 20-year-old Audrey Elaine Batty at the Parish Church of St Alphage in Burnt Oak, Edgware, London on 27 April 1941. They were both then living at 17 Watling Avenue, Burnt Oak, Edgware, London and Thomas was a Tool Designer. Audrey was the daughter of Aubrey Ernest and Florence Elizabeth Batty and she had been born at 8 Imperial Road, Wood Green, London on 3 May 1920. Thomas and Aubrey had two children born in Brentford registration district in Middlesex in 1942 and 1945. George worked as an engineer at Hovers and they lived at Ruislip in Middlesex. George died at the age of 87, his death being registered in Hillingdon registration district in Middlesex during December 2002. Audrey died in 2008.

 

 

Thomas and Annie’s second child (Annie's fourth) was Thomas Moger whose birth was registered in Islington registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1916. Thomas died soon after birth his death being registered in Islington registration district during the 4th quarter of 1916.

 

Thomas and Annie’s third child (Annie's fifth) was John Alfred Moger who was born in Islington registration district in London on 3 April 1918. During the Second World War John served in the RAF as a motor transport driver. When he was 46 years old John married 26-year-old Leonore Langley in Marylebone registration district in London on 19 October 1964. Leonore was the daughter of Harold and Elsie Langley and she had been born in Hendon registration district in Middlesex on 2 November 1937. John and Leonore had two children born in Barnet registration district in Middlesex in 1966 and 1968. John had his own transport business. Leonore died in Hillingdon registration district in Middlesex on 22 February 1982, at the age of 44, and eleven years later John died in Barnet registration district in London on 20 March 1993, at the age of 74.

 

Thomas and Annie’s fourth child (Annie's sixth) was Robert E Moger whose birth was registered in Pancras registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1921. Robert died in infancy, his death being registered in Pancras registration district during the 1st quarter of 1922.

 

Thomas and Annie’s fifth child (Annie's seventh) was William Frederick Moger who was born in Pancras registration district in London on 5 July 1923. When he was 28 years old William married 26-year-old Peggy Madeleine Cassidy in Hendon registration district in Middlesex on 20 March 1948. Peggy was the daughter of Philip and Eva Cassidy and she had been born in West Derby registration district in Lancashire on 30 November 1925. William and Peggy had two children born in Barnet registration district in Middlesex in 1962 and 1965. William worked as a capstan setter, and they lived at East Finchley in London. William died at the age of 73, his death being registered in Barnet registration district in Middlesex during April 1997.

 

Thomas and Annie’s sixth child (Annie's eighth) is Donald Arthur Moger who was born in Pancras registration district in London on 6 June 1925. When he was 26 years old Donald married 23-year-old Joyce Brims in Westminster registration district in London on 12 April 1952. Joyce was the daughter of Sidney and Louisa Brims and she had been born in Marylebone registration district in London on 14 August 1928. Donald and Joyce had one child born in Westminster registration district in 1960. Donald did an engineering apprenticeship at Rolls Royce, and then worked as an engineer for the Post Office on letter sorting and franking equipment at Mount Pleasant Sorting Office in London. Donald and Joyce live at Pluckley near Ashford in Kent.

 

Thomas and Annie’s seventh child (Annie's ninth) is David Ernest Leonard Moger who was born in Pancras registration district in London on 14 August 1927. When he was 33 years old David married 39-year-old Gladys May Redmond at Islington Register Office in London on 28 January 1961. Gladys had been born in Islington registration district on 22 October 1921 and had originally married Samuel Wilkinson in 1940. She lived with David Moger for several years before they married and had changed her surname to Moger by the time they had their only child, who was born in Islington registration district in 1955. David worked as a capstan setter, and they lived at Welwyn Garden City. Gladys died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Hatfield registration district in Hertfordshire during July 2000.

 

Thomas and Annie’s eighth child (Annie's tenth) is Herbert Edward Moger who was born in Pancras registration district in London on 13 March 1931. When he was 23 years old Herbert married 22-year-old Jean M Busby in Islington registration district in London on 3 July 1954. Jean had been born in Islington registration district on 25 November 1931. They had one child born in Islington registration district in 1959 before their marriage ended in divorce. Herbert had a furriers business in London before he was made bankrupt by his divorce. He now lives in Cyprus with his partner, who is a native of Cyprus. Jean, at the age of 64, married an old friend, 66-year-old Roy A Beardon, in Mid-Eastern Surrey registration district during June 1996 and lives in Surrey. Roy's birth had been registered in Willesden registration district in Oxfordshire during the 3rd quarter of 1929.

 

John and Mary Jane’s fourth child was Christina Kate Muddle who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 14 April 1889, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 26 May 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Christina, at the age of nearly 2, was living with her parents at Stockyards Farm. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Christina, now aged 11, was living with her parents at Criers Farm in Five Ashes. Christina moved with her parents to Summertree Farm in Bodle Street Green, Sussex where she died, at the age of 14, from TB, and was buried in the Churchyard of St John the Evangelist at Bodle Street Green on 1 June 1903.

 

John and Mary Jane’s fifth child was Fanny Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 18 June 1891, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 16 August 1891. In the census of 31 March 1901 Fanny, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Criers Farm in Five Ashes. Then by 1903 she had moved with her parents to Summertree Farm in Bodle Street Green, Sussex.

When she was 17 years old Fanny married 27-year-old Arthur Wood at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green on 17 October 1908. Arthur was the son of William and Mary Wood, he had been born at Warbleton in Sussex and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1881. Arthur and Fanny first lived at Bodle Street Green where Arthur worked as a farm labourer. Their first child, a son, was baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green on 26 February 1911. Then two weeks later Arthur, Fanny and their young son emigrated from England to Canada; they sailed 3rd class on the Lake Manitoba of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 15 March 1911,[5] and after a voyage of 12 days they arrived at St John, New Brunswick on 27 March 1911. On the passenger list Arthur stated that he had been working as a farm labourer in England and intended to do the same in Canada, and that their intended destination was Wainwright.[6] In the Canadian census of 1 June 1911, enumerated on 4 and 5 June, they were at their farm north-east of Wainwright, Alberta, were Arthur was now a farmer.

Arthur and Fanny's farm was (11-46-6 W4) at Gilt Edge, Battle River, which was about 10 miles to the north-east of Wainwright and next to the one Fanny's parents took later that year. After arriving in Canada they had six more children, three of whom died young. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 they were living on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River with five of their children.

Life on the farm was extremely hard, with brutally cold winters, long distances to town or neighbours, and sandy soil which produced poor crops. In the end Arthur left Fanny and the children after the children had become young adults. In about 1938 Fanny and the children moved to Kelowna in British Columbia, which is about 400 miles south-west of Wainwright, where they managed a gas and motor service station. They lived in the back of the station. Eldest son, Steve was the mechanic and fixed the cars, and younger son, Hugh did the books. Fanny now started to use the name Frances.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s eldest child was Donald Arthur Wood who was born at Bodle Street Green in Sussex during September 1910, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist in Bodle Street Green on 26 February 1911. Soon after his baptism Donald emigrated with his parents from England to Canada. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1911, enumerated on 4 and 5 June, Donald, at the age of 8 months was living with his parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, near Wainwright, Alberta. Then in the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Donald, now aged 10, was going to school and living with his parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River. Donald grew up on the farm and changed his name to Steve. After his father left he moved with his mother and siblings to Kelowna in British Columbia where he was the mechanic fixing the cars in the gas and motor service station they managed. Steve stayed in Kelowa, married Letha Lundeen and had two children, both sons.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s second known child was Cecil Frank Wood, known as Frank, who was born in Alberta in about 1914. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Frank, at the age of 7, was going to school and living with his parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, near Wainwright, Alberta. Frank grew up on the farm and after his father left he moved with his mother and siblings to Kelowna in British Columbia.

During the Second World War Frank joined the Canadian army and while in England, as Francis C Wood and aged about 28, he married 19-year-ol Doreen M Burdett in Nuneaton registration district in Warwickshire during the 3rd quarter of 1942. Doreen was the daughter of Richard and Lilian Burdett and her birth had been registered in Foleshill registration district in Warwickshire during the 4th quarter of 1922. Frank and Doreen settled in North Vancouver, British Columbia and had one child, a daughter. Frank worked as a policeman for the railroad.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s third known child was Iris Wood who was born in Alberta in about 1915. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Iris, at the age of 6, was living with her parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, near Wainwright, Alberta. Iris died young.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s fourth known child was Hubert John Wood, known as Hugh. who was born in Alberta in about 1917. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Hugh, at the age of 4, was living with his parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, near Wainwright, Alberta.. Hugh grew up on the farm and after his father left he moved with his mother and siblings to Kelowna in British Columbia where he did the books for the gas and motor service station they managed.

During the Second World War Hugh joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and while in England attached to the Royal Air Force, at the age of about 27, he married 21-year-old Kathleen C Hall, who was from Feltham in Middlesex, in Staines registration district in Middlesex during the 3rd quarter of 1944. Kathleen's birth had been registered in Staines registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1923. Hugh and Kathleen settled at Abbotsford in British Columbia where they had four children. Hugh became a school teacher and then school principal.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s fifth known child was Roland Wood who was born in Alberta in about 1920. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Roland, at the age of 6 months, was living with his parents on their farm at Gilt Edge, Battle River, near Wainwright, Alberta. Roland died young.

 

Arthur and Fanny’s sixth known child was Dorothy Wood who was born in Alberta in about 1923. Dorothy grew up on the farm and after her father left she moved with her mother and siblings to Kelowna in British Columbia. Dorothy married Donald Wood; they lived in Kelowna but didn't have any children.

 

John and Mary Jane’s sixth child was Alfred John Muddle, known as Alf,who was born at Stockyards Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 26 June 1893, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 30 July 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alf, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Criers Farm in Five Ashes. Then by 1903 he had moved with his parents to Summertree Farm in Bodle Street Green, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alf, now aged 17, was working as a blacksmith's striker and living at Muddles Green in Chiddingly, Sussex with the family of his brother Joseph, who was a blacksmith and Alfred's employer.

Alf did about two years of a blacksmith’s apprenticeship before, at the age of 18, he emigrated from England to Canada about four months after his parents. He sailed 3rd class on the Corsican of the Allan Line from Liverpool on 5 April 1912,[7] and after a voyage of 9 days he arrived at either Halifax or St John, New Brunswick on 14 April 1912. On the passenger list Alfred stated that his destination was Wainwright; that he had been a blacksmith in England and intended to be a blacksmith in Canada.[8] He then travelled on join his parents in Wainwright, Alberta. He took a homestead (N.W. 1/4 36-5 W4) there, but lived with the rest of the family on his parents homestead (N.W. 1/4 10-46-6 W4) at Gilt Edge, Battle River, which was about 10 miles to the north-east of Wainwright. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 Alf, at the age of 27, was living with his parent at their farm at Gilt Edge and farming his own farm. Alf used his blacksmith skills to do a lot of repair work for neighbours in a workshop fitted out with a forge and anvil.

Alf married Charlotte Ann Woodward, known as Lottie, who had been born on 4 May 1891. They didn't have any children. They continued to farm at Wainwright until 1948, when they sold out and moved to Victoria in British Columbia. The Canadian Voters Lists of 1949 to 1968 list Alf and Lottie as living at 344 Vincent Avenue in Victoria and Alf to be retired. In 1958 they travelled to England on a two months visit, they sailed tourist class on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Montreal and arrived at Liverpool on 12 August 1958. On the passenger list Alfred was described as retired and Lottie as a housewife, and their address in England was to be Blands Farm, Woton Road, Isleworth.[9] After their two months in England they sailed tourist class on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 17 October 1958 bound for Montreal.[10]

Lottie died at Victoria on the 2 March 1972, at the age of 80 (not 85 as given on her death certificate). Then in the Canadian Voters Lists of 1972 and 1974 just Alf was listed as living at 344 Vincent Avenue in Victoria. Two years after Lottie's death Alfred died at Victoria on the 2 December 1974, at the age of 81 (not 80 as given on his death certificate).

 

 

John and Mary Jane’s seventh child was Kate Lilian Muddle who was born at Criers Farm in Five Ashes in Mayfield Parish, Sussex on 16 March 1897, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 25 April 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Kate, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Criers Farm. Then by 1903 she had moved with her parents to Summertree Farm in Bodle Street Green, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1911 Kate, now aged 14, was going to school and living with her parents in a cottage at Bodle Street Green.

Later in 1911, when she was 14 years old, Kate emigrated with her mother and two of her nephews from England to Canada. They sailed on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 15 December 1911 bound for St John, New Brunswick. The departure passenger list describes Kate as being a domestic. After a voyage of 8 days they arrived at St John on 23 December and the arrival passenger list also records Kate as being a domestic. They then travelled on to Wainwright in Alberta to join Kate's father, who had migrated earlier in the year. Kate lived with her parents on their farm north-east of Wainwright. She worked in Wainwright and the surrounding district, including one summer herding cattle on horseback for Verney Graham.

When she was 20 years old Kate married 35-year-old David Morrison Ross at Wainwright on 4 April 1917. David was the son of Alexander Aird Ross and his wife Ellen Morrison Ross, and he had been born at Carleton in Ontairo on 27 February 1882. He had homesteaded in the Bonnyville district, about 100 miles north of Wainwright, with his brothers, Harry, Ruben and Jess. David and Kate had ten children born between 1919 and 1945. They lived at Wainwright for about two years before moving to their farm at Dirleton, which is 8 miles due east of Bonnyville, and consisted of a school, a post office, which Kate as post mistress run from her house, and farms. In the Canadian census of 1 June 1921 David and Kate were living on their farm (16-61-4-W4) at Boucher, Battle River, Alberta with their then two children and David's brothers, Alex, Harry and Ruben. David and his three brothers were all farmers on their own farms.

David died at his farm on 12 June 1946, at the age of 64, from a heart attack, and he was buried in St John's Church Cemetery, which is just north of Bonnyville. After David's death Kate moved to Fort Kent, Alberta, for about two years before moving to Calgary, Alberta. In the 1965 Canadian voters list Kate, her son John and her brother-in-law Harry Ross are listed as living at 2640 16th Avenue S.E. in Calgary. In the 1968 and 1972 Canadian voters lists Kate and her son John are listed as living at 1203 25th Street, Calgary, then in the 1974 list just Kate was listed at that address. She lived in Calgary until she had to go into a home at Westlock, Alberta. Kate died at Westlock on 25 March 1990, at the age of 93. Her funeral service was at St John's United Church in Bonnyville, Alberta, on 28 March 1990, after which she was buried with her husband in St John's Church Cemetery.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2014

Last updated 11 January 2014