THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of David & Sarah Muddle's Family

 

David and Sarah’s eldest child was Sarah Wood/Muddle who was born at Mayfield in Sussex on 14 March 1816, fifteen months before her parents' marriage, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield on 7 April 1816 as Sarah Wood the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Wood. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sarah, at the age of 25, was a live-in servant to the family of William Soames, of independent means, at Marine Parade in Brighton, Sussex. This was the family that Sarah's sister Sophia was to work for as cook from at least 1851 to 1871. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah, at the age of 35, was a live-in housemaid to the family of physician George Jenks at 9 Bedford Square in Brighton.

In the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah, at the age of 45, was a live-in housemaid to the family of John George Young, fundholder and Commissioner for Hove, at 18 Upper Brunswick Place in Hove, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Sarah, still unmarried at the age of 55, was continuing to be a live-in housemaid to the family of John George Young, who was now a Magistrate for Sussex and a Police District Commissioner, at 18 Upper Brunswick Place. Just over a year later Sarah was still a domestic servant at 18 Upper Brunswick Place when she died there on 11 June 1872, at the age of 56 (not 55 as given on her death certificate), from disease of the heart. Her death was registered by her fellow servant Ann Robinson, who had been cook at 18 Upper Brunswick Place from at least 1861. In all the censuses Sarah had been recorded with the surname Muddle but on her death certificate her surname was Wood.

 

David and Sarah’s second child was John Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 9 November 1817. In the census of 6 June 1841 John, at the age of 23, was living with his parents at Buxted Wood.

When he was 27 years old John married 29-year-old Harriett Wickens at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton, Sussex on 24 November 1844. John was then a labourer living at 8 Devonshire Place in Brighton and Harriett was living at Traymore Lodge in Brighton. Harriett was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Wickens; she had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex on 25 February 1815, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Denys in Rotherfield on 2 April 1815. She was the sister of the James Wickens who was to marry John’s sister Anne Muddle in 1847.

John and Harriett lived at Buxted where they had five children, a son and then four daughters, born between 1845 and 1854; only the son survived childhood. In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Pound Green in Buxted with their son, and John was a farm labourer. When their fourth daughter was born in 1854 they were living at the Gate House in Buxted and John was then a husbandman. It seems that they probably moved to Hadlow Down near Buxted as their daughter Sally died there in 1857, at the age of 5. Then Harriett died at Buxted, at the age of 45, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 11 March 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 John was a widower living at Potters Green in Buxted with his 15-year-old son, and working as a farm labourer.

Three years later, when he was 46, John married 32-year-old spinster Sarah Hillman at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 28 July 1864. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas and Jane Hillman; she had been born at Rottingdean in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret in Rottingdean as Sally Hillman on 20 November 1831. John and Sarah lived at Brighton in Sussex, where they had four children born between 1865 and 1873, the youngest dying when only a year old. In 1865 they were living at Barrow Cliff Cottages; in 1868 they were at Eastern Terrace; and then in late 1869 they were at 29 Cavendish Street, and John was a labourer or carter during this time. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 29 Cavendish Street with their then three children; John was working as a farm labourer and they had five lodgers. Their fourth child was born in 1873 while they were still living in Cavendish Street, and died in 1874 when only a year old. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 33 Whichelo Place in Brighton with their three surviving children; John, at the age of 63, was described as being a superannuated labourer, presumably meaning he was receiving a pension, and Sarah as a laundress.

In 1884 they were living at 38 Centurion Road in Brighton when John was granted administration of the estate of his sister Esther, who had died intestate. They then moved from Brighton to the adjacent town of Hove where in the census of 5 April 1891 John and Sarah were living at 69 Cowper Street; John was described as disabled from employment, which was presumably why he had been receiving a pension, and Sarah was described as a jobbing cook in domestic service. In 1894 John was described as being a carter when he was granted probate of the will of his sister Sophia. When their daughter Esther married in 1895 John was described as being a gardener.

John died at the age of 82, his death being registered in Steyning registration district, which includes Hove, during the 2nd quarter of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sarah, at the age of 69, and her illegitimate daughter, Jane Hillman, who was a 49-year-old spinster working as a cook, were occupying one room at 94 Goldstone Road in Hove. The main occupiers of this house were the family of George and Hannah Phillips, and Hannah was a dressmaker working at home on her own account, so Sarah, who was described as being a worker, working at home as a needlewoman, was probably working for Hannah. Sarah died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Steyning registration district during the 4th quarter of 1910.

 

Their children were:

John 1845-1871  Harriett Elizabeth 1848-1849  DAUGHTER 1850-1850

Sally 1851-1857  DAUGHTER 1854-1854  William 1865-1933

Esther 1868-?  Louisa 1870-?  Thomas Henry 1873-1874

 

John and Harriett’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 7 December 1845. In the census of 30 March 1851 John, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Pound Green in Buxted. Then in the census of 7 April 1861, John now aged 15, was living with his widowed father at Potters Green in Buxted, and he was working as a farm labourer.

When he was 25 years old John married 22-year-old Martha Elizabeth Turner at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton, Sussex on 24 December 1870. John was then a labourer living at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton with the family of his father's sister, Harriett Cane, and Martha was living at 5 London Road in Brighton. Martha was the daughter of William and Ann Turner; she had been born at Southover in Lewes, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Anne in Lewes on 3 September 1848.

Three months after their marriage, in the census of 2 April 1871 John and Martha were living at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton with the family of John's aunt, Harriett Cane, and also lodger William Diplock who had been one of the witnesses at their marriage. John was working as a town carter, as was his aunt's husband, George Cane. Later that year John and Martha moved to Hadlow Down near Buxted in Sussex where John died, still aged 25, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 24 September 1871. Their only child was baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down the following month.

Three years after John’s death Martha, at the age of 26, married 28-year-old bachelor William Allfrey at the Parish Church of St Peter in Preston near Brighton on 19 July 1874. William was then a carter living in Preston, and Martha was living at Edenbridge in Kent. William was the illegitimate son of Jane Allfrey; he had been born at Henfield in Sussex on 8 August 1846, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Peter in Henfield on 13 September 1846. William and Martha had six children, the first born in Brighton in 1875 while they were living at 34 Claremont Row, and the other five at Preston between 1877 and 1888 while they were living at 62 Viaduct Road, one of whom died in late 1881 when only a year old.

In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston with their then four children, and William was working as a labourer. Martha's son from her first marriage was staying with her parents in Mayfield, Sussex. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were still living at 62 Viaduct Road, now with their five surviving children, and William was working as a roadman for the corporation. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in four rooms at 12 Roedean Road in Preston with two of their children and Martha's son from her first marriage; William was now a corporation labourer. The two other rooms in the house were occupied by the family of their daughter Louisa with her husband, corporation labourer Joseph Dapson, and their young son.

William died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Steyning registration district, which includes Preston, during the 3rd quarter of 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 Martha and her son Alfred were living with the family of Martha's daughter Louisa Dapson at 20 Roedale Road in Preston. Then 22 years after William's death Martha died at the age of 83, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1931.

 

John and Martha’s only child was John William Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 29 October 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 John, at the age of 9, was going to school and living with his maternal grandparents, William and Ann Turner, at Hadlow Down; his father having died and his mother remarried. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 John, now aged 19, was working as a baker and lodging at 6 Wellington Place in Brighton, Sussex; a house he shared with two other lodgers. In the census of 31 March 1901 John, at the age of 29, was working as a corporation labourer and living with his mother and stepfather at 12 Roedean Road in Preston near Brighton.

From at least the time of his marriage John seems to have been known as William John Muddle. When he was 30 years old William married 26-year-old Mary Ann Heasman, known as Annie, at Cuckfield Register Office in Sussex on 24 May 1902. They were both then living at Queens Road in Haywards Heath, and William was a traction engine driver. William's father was incorrectly named as William John Muddle on the marriage certificate. Mary Ann was the daughter of Richard and Lucy Heasman, she had been born at Brighton and baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 10 October 1875.

William and Mary Ann had five children born in or near Brighton between 1903 and 1911. When their first child was born in 1903 they were living at 24 Ewhurst Road in Preston near Brighton, and William was working as a general labourer. When their second child was born in 1905 they were living at 20 Newmarket Road in Brighton and William was still a general labourer. When their third child was born in 1907 they were living at 48 Newmarket Road in Brighton and William had become a motor van driver. When their fourth child was born in 1909 they were living at 80 Newmarket Road in Brighton and William was now a labourer for a mineral water company. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 35 Newmarket Road with their four children and William was an unemployed labourer. Living with them was Annie's mother Lucy Heasman, Annie's sister May and Annie's brother William, and they also had 16-year-old George Stevens as a boarder. When their fifth child was born in May 1911 they were living at 75 Newmarket Road in Brighton and William was back to being described as a general labourer.

Mary Ann died at the age of 43 (not 44 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 4th quarter of 1918. When his second daughter married in 1930 William was described as being a labourer, and when his youngest daughter married in 1937 he was described as a carrier's carman. Sixteen years after Mary Ann's death William died when he was about 63 years old (not 64 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1934.

 

William and Mary Ann’s eldest child was Ethel Florence Muddle who was born at 24 Ewhurst Road in Preston near Brighton, Sussex on 13 April 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ethel, at the age of nearly 8, was living with her parents at 35 Newmarket Road in Brighton. Ethel never married; she died at the age of 23, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 4th quarter of 1926.

 

William and Mary Ann’s second child was Lucy Dorothy Muddle, also known as Rose, who was born at 20 Newmarket Road in Brighton, Sussex on 7 April 1905. Her birth was registered as Lucy Dorothy, but she was Rose at her marriage. In the census of 2 April 1911 Lucy, at the age of nearly 6, was living with her parents at 35 Newmarket Road in Brighton.

When she was 25 years old Lucy married 26-year-old Mark Gilbank Anderson at St Martin's Church in Brighton on 25 December 1930. Mark was then a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery at Preston Barracks, and Lucy was living at 14a Shanklin Road in Brighton. Mark was the son of John Thomas and Emily Gilbank Anderson; he had been born at Walkington in Yorkshire and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1904.

Mark and Lucy had three children; the first born in Elham registration district in Kent in 1931 and the other two at Brighton in 1933 and 1936. Mark died at the age of 60, his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1965. Twenty-seven years later Lucy died at the age of 87, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during May 1992.

 

William and Mary Ann’s third child was Hetty Muddle who was born at 48 Newmarket Road in Brighton, Sussex on 9 May 1907. In the census of 2 April 1911 Hetty, at the age of nearly 4, was living with her parents at 35 Newmarket Road in Brighton. Hetty never married, she died at the age of 19, her death being registered in Steyning registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1926.

 

William and Mary Ann’s fourth child was Victor John Muddle who was born at 80 Newmarket Road in Brighton, Sussex on 27 May 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 Victor, at the age of nearly 2, was living with his parents at 35 Newmarket Road in Brighton. Victor never married. He died at the age of 85, his death being registered in Lewes registration district in Sussex during February 1995.

 

William and Mary Ann’s fifth child was Mary May Muddle who was born at 75 Newmarket Road in Brighton, Sussex on 16 May 1911. When she was 26 years old Mary married 40-year-old bachelor Frederick Louis Wood at Brighton Register Office on 4 December 1937. Frederick was then a builder's bricklayer living at 102 Ditchling Rise in Brighton, and Mary was a general domestic maid living at 47 Pembroke Crescent in Hove. Frederick was the son of Henry John and Alice Wood, and he had been born at Hastings in Sussex on 12 September 1896. He had been in the army and is thought to have served in India.

Frederick and Mary first adopted a son and then had four children of their own, who were born in Brighton between 1940 and 1947. While he was still young their adopted son went to live with Mary's sister Rose Anderson. Mary died at Brighton, at the age of 37, her death being registered during the 1st quarter of 1949. After Mary's death Frederick remarried and he died at Brighton on 3 September 1963, at the age of 66.

 

William and Martha’s eldest child (Martha’s second) was Annie Louisa Allfrey, known as Louisa, who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 29 August 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Louisa, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston near Brighton, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Louisa, now aged 15, was working as a nursemaid and still living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road.

When she was 23 years old Louisa married 23-year-old Joseph Dapson in Steyning registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1898. Joseph was the son of Samuel and Fanny Dapson; he had been born at Brighton and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1875.

In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph and Louisa were living in two rooms at 12 Roedean Road in Preston with their young son and Joseph was working as a corporation labourer. The other four rooms in the house were occupied by Louisa's parents and three of their sons. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Joseph and Louisa were living at 20 Roedale Road in Preston with their son and Joseph was working as a roadman for Brighton Corporation. They had Louisa's widowed mother and her brother Alfred living with them. In this census Joseph and Louisa stated that they'd had three children only one of which was still living.

Joseph died at the age of 60, his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 1st quarter of 1941. A few months later Louisa died at the age of 66, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 4th quarter of 1941.

 

William and Martha’s second child (Martha’s third) was Harriet Allfrey who was born at Preston near Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter’s Church in Preston on 25 February 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Harriet, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Harriet, now aged 14, was still living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road.

 

William and Martha’s third child (Martha’s fourth) was William Henry Allfrey who was born at Preston near Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 6 October 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 12, was still living with his parents at 62 Viaduct Road. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 22, was working as a bricklayer’s labourer and living with his parents at 12 Roedean Road in Preston.

 

William and Martha’s fourth child (Martha’s fifth) was Kate Allfrey who was born at Preston near Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 4 July 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Kate, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston. Later that year Kate died when she was still only 1 year old, her death being registered in Steyning registration district, which includes Preston, during the 4th quarter of 1881.

 

William and Martha’s fifth child (Martha’s sixth) was Alfred Ernest Allfrey who was born at Preston near Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Saviour’s Church in Preston on 28 September 1884.[1] In the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, now aged 16, was working as a builder's labourer and living with his parents at 12 Roedean Road in Preston. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred, at the age of 26, was working as a milkman for a dairyman and together with his widowed mother they were living with the family of his married sister Louisa Dapson at 20 Roedale Road in Preston.

 

William and Martha’s sixth child (Martha’s seventh) was Edith Daisy Allfrey who was born at Preston near Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 62 Viaduct Road in Preston.

 

John and Harriett’s second child was Harriet Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 3 February 1848. Harriet died at Buxted when she was only 1 year old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 10 February 1849.

 

John and Harriett’s third child was an unnamed daughter who was born at Buxted in Sussex on the 3 June 1850. She died soon after birth and was never baptised. Her death was registered in Uckfield registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1850. There is no record of her burial, presumably because she was unbaptised.

 

John and Harriett’s fourth child was Sally Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 7 September 1851. Sally died at Hadlow Down near Buxted, at the age of 5, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Mark at Hadlow Down on 9 April 1857.

 

John and Harriett’s fifth child was an unnamed daughter who was born at the Gate House in Buxted, Sussex on the 22 November 1854. She died soon after birth and was never baptised. Her death was registered in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1854. There is no record of her burial, presumably because she was unbaptised.

 

John and Sarah’s eldest child (John’s sixth) was William Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 25 June 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 29 Cavendish Street in Brighton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 15, was working as a greengrocer's assistant and living with his parents at 33 Whichelo Place in Brighton.

When he was 23 years old William married 23-year-old Annie King at St Barnabas' Church in Hove, Sussex on 4 March 1889. William was then a greengrocer living with his parents at 69 Cowper Street in Hove, and Annie was living at 77 Livingstone Road in Hove. Annie was the daughter of David and Mary King, she had been born at Hurstpierpoint in Sussex and baptised as Anne King at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity in Hurstpierpoint on 3 September 1865. William and Annie didn't have any children. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in three rooms at 106 Goldstone Road in Hove and William was still a grocer's assistant. The 1905, 1911 and 1915 editions of Kelly's Directory of Sussex all listed William Muddle as a greengrocer at 3 Lewes Road, Brighton, so he now had his own business.

They were living at 3 Lewes Road in Brighton when Annie died on 30 October 1925, at the age of 60. Annie died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £158 8s 2d, was granted on 8 February 1926 by Lewes Probate Registry to William who was then described as being a fruiterer. William had been living at Brighthaven in Channel View Road, Woodingdean, Brighton, when he died at 250 Elm Grove in Brighton on 2 December 1933, at the age of 68. Probate of William's will, which valued his effects at £2111 6s 9d, was granted on 20 January 1934 by Lewes Probate Registry to spinster Daisy Mary Boniface.

 

 

John and Sarah’s second child (John’s seventh) was Esther Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 5 April 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 Esther, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 29 Cavendish Street in Brighton, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Esther, now aged 13, was living with her parents at 33 Whichelo Place in Brighton, and she was still going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Esther, at the age of 23, was a live-in servant to the family of dentist James Crouch at 67 Church Road in Hove, Sussex.

When she was 26 years old Esther married 26-year-old William Allen at the Parish Church of St Peter in Frimley, Surrey on 20 January 1895. They were both then living in Frimley and William was working as a groom. William was the son of John and Alice Allen; he had been born at Easthampstead in Berkshire and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1868.

William and Esther had four children; the first born at Yorktown near Frimley in 1896 and the second at Frimley in 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in two rooms at 4 Mabel Road in Woking, Surrey with their two children, and William was working as a general carter. Their next two children were born at Staines in Middlesex in 1903 and at Addlestone in Surrey in 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living in Carter's Cottages at Row Town in Addlestone with their four children and William was working as an agricultural carter.

Esther died at the age of 56, her death being registered in Chertsey registration district in Surrey during the 2nd quarter of 1924. Thirty-nine years later William died at the age of 94, his death being registered in North Western Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1963.

 

William and Esther’s eldest child was Louisa Nellie Allen who was born at Yorktown near Frimley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Louisa, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 4 Mabel Road in Woking, Surrey. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Louisa, now aged 14, was working as a domestic servant and living with her parents in Carter's Cottages at Row Town in Addlestone, Surrey.

 

William and Esther’s second child was William John Allen who was born at Frimley in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 4 Mabel Road in Woking, Surrey. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 William, now aged 13, was going to school and living with his parents in Carter's Cottages at Row Town in Addlestone, Surrey.

 

William and Esther’s third child was Albert Henry Allen who was born at Staines in Middlesex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Albert, at the age of 8, was going to school and living with his parents in Carter's Cottages at Row Town in Addlestone, Surrey.

 

William and Esther’s fourth child was Arthur Ernest Allen who was born at Addlestone in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911 Arthur, at the age of 5, was going to school and living with his parents in Carter's Cottages at Row Town in Addlestone, Surrey.

 

John and Sarah’s third child (John’s eighth) was Louisa Muddle who was born at 29 Cavendish Street in Brighton, Sussex on 10 December 1869, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 6 March 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Louisa, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 29 Cavendish Street in Brighton. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Louisa, now aged 11, was living with her parents at 33 Whichelo Place in Brighton and she was going to school.

When she was 19 years old Louisa emigrated from England to the USA, she sailed from Liverpool on the SS Alaska arriving at New York on 28 October 1889. The way Louisa was listed on the passenger list seems to indicate that she may have been travelling as one of a group of seven young spinster women.

When she was 21 years old Louisa married 31-year-old John A Maige in Duval County, Florida on 13 April 1891. Duval County is on the Atlantic coast in northern Florida. John had been born in Florida during March 1860. John and Louisa had at least four children born in Florida between 1892 and 1898. The first of these children was born at Jensen Beach in Martin County, which is on the southern Atlantic coast of Florida. In the USA census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 26 June 1900, John and Louisa were living in a house that they rented on Pine Island in Lee County, Florida, with their four children and John was working as a labourer. Pine Island is off the Gulf of Mexico coast of southern Florida.

 

John and Louisa’s eldest child was John Anthony Maige who was born at Jensen Beach in Martin County, Florida on 24 July 1892. In the USA census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 26 June 1900, John, at the age of 7, was living with his parents on Pine Island in Lee County,  Florida.

 

John and Louisa’s second child was William A Maige who was born in Florida during August 1894. In the USA census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 26 June 1900,William, at the age of 5, was living with his parents on Pine Island in Lee County,  Florida.

 

John and Louisa’s third child was Esther C Maige who was born in Florida during October 1896. In the USA census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 26 June 1900, Esther, at the age of 3, was living with her parents on Pine Island in Lee County,  Florida.

 

John and Louisa’s fourth child was George D Maige who was born in Florida during December 1898. In the USA census of 1 June 1900, enumerated on 26 June 1900, George, at the age of 1, was living with his parents on Pine Island in Lee County,  Florida.

 

John and Sarah’s fourth child (John’s ninth) was Thomas Henry Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 4 May 1873. Thomas died when he was only one year old, his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 1st quarter of 1874.

 

David and Sarah’s third child was Sophia Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 20 December 1818. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sophia, at the age of 22, was a live-in servant to the family of jeweller Nathaniel Bainton at Kings Road in Brighton, Sussex.

Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Sophia, at the age of 32, was a live-in cook to the family of retired merchant William Soames at Tramore Lodge in Brighton. This was the family that Sophia's elder sister Sarah had been working for in the 1841 census. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sophia, at the age of 42, was still a live-in cook at Tramore Lodge in Brighton, her employer's family, who would still have been the Soames, were not in residence. Sophia was described as the person-in-charge and she had two other servants there with her, a housemaid and a nursery maid. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Sophia, at the age of 52, was still the live-in cook to the family of William Soames at Tramore Lodge, so she was the cook for this family for at least 20 years, her employer, William Aldwin Soames, died later in 1871.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Sophia, at the age of 62, was living with her widowed brother-in-law, George Cane, and his four children, at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton, where she was acting as their housekeeper. It seems probable that Sophia came to live with, and look after, this family when her sister Harriett, George's wife, died in 1875, leaving George with several young children to look after. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Sophia was still living with her brother-in-law, George Cane, but now at 37 Cheltenham Place with only two of his now adult children, and she was back working as a domestic cook.

Sophia never married. She died on 3 August 1894, at the age of 75, while living at 13 Cheltenham Place in Brighton, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 6 August 1894. Probate of Sophia's will, which valued her effects at £33 7s 7d, was granted on 29 August 1894 by Lewes Probate Registry to her brother John Muddle.

 

David and Sarah’s fourth child was David Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 4 June 1820. In the census of 6 June 1841 David, at the age of 20, was working as a farm labourer and living with the family of brickmaker Richard Markwick at Horney Common in Nutley, Sussex.

When he was 30 years old David married 21-year-old Sarah Simmons at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield, Sussex on 26 October 1850. Sarah was the daughter of Reuben and Lucy Simmons; she had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 9 August 1829. David and Sarah had nine children born between 1851 and 1871 while David continued to work as a farm labourer. They initially lived at Nutley where their first child, a daughter, was born in early 1851, and in the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Fords Green in Nutley with their young daughter. They then had twin daughters born at Nutley in late 1852, but by the time their fourth child was born in 1855 they had moved to Buxted where the rest of their children were born.

In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Redbrook in Buxted with five of their children, and then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Etchingwood in Buxted with five of their children, and their last child was born at Buxted later that year. They then moved to the adjacent parish of Framfield and in the census of 3 April 1881 they where living near the Hare and Hounds Inn in Framfield village with their two youngest sons, and David was still working as a farm labourer. When his daughter Lucy married in 1886 David was described as then being a gardener.

David died at Framfield at the age of 70, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 4 September 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Sarah was living in Framfield village with her 38-year-old unmarried daughter Ann, and her youngest son, Reuben. Both Sarah and Ann were described as living on own means. Sarah died at Framfield at the age of 70, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 22 September 1899.

 

Their children were:

Sophia 1851-1921  Ann 1853-1922  Harriet 1853-1916  David 1855-1936

George William 1858-1918  Ebenezer 1861-1885  Lucy 1864-?

Esther Jane 1867-1942  Reuben 1871-1951

 

David and Sarah’s eldest child was Sophia Muddle who was born at Nutley in Sussex in about January 1851, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 6 April 1851. In the census of 30 March 1851 Sophia, at the age of 2 months, was living with her parents at Fords Green in Nutley. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Sophia, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Redbrook in Buxted, Sussex and she was going to school.

When she was 17 years old Sophia married 21-year-old Joseph Seymour, who was a farm labourer from Maresfield in Sussex, at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 20 June 1868. Joseph, whose surname was often spelt Seamer, was the son of James and Mary Anne Seymour; he had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 11 October 1846.

Joseph and Sophia didn't have any children as it was only a few months after their marriage, while they were living at Uckfield in Sussex, that Joseph died at the age of 22, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 10 February 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sophia, at the age of 20, was working as a housemaid and visiting her uncle and aunt, William and Alice Muddle at West House Stables in St Georges Road, Brighton, Sussex, her sister Ann was then working as a kitchen maid in West House.

The following year when she was 21 years old Sophia married 20-year-old Thomas Dabson at the Parish Church of Holy Cross in Uckfield on 12 October 1872. Thomas was than a miller living at Ringmer in Sussex, and Sophia was living in Uckfield. Thomas was the son of John and Catherine Dabson; he had been born at Ringmer and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ringmer on 5 September 1852.

Thomas and Sophia had four children born at Ringmer between 1873 and 1887. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living on the Broyle Road in Ringmer with their then two children, and Thomas was working as a miller's grinder. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Huggetts Furnace Cottage in Hadlow Down, Sussex with their three youngest children. Thomas was working as a farm labourer for miller and farmer Eli Dadswell who lived at Huggetts Mill, and they had 21-year-old miller's grinder, Luther Booker, as a boarder, who would also have been working for Eli Dadswell. It's possible that Thomas was no longer working as a miller's grinder because of ill health because soon after this census, while still living at Huggetts Furnace Cottage, he died at the age of 38, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin at Ringmer on 2 June 1891.

After Thomas' death Sophia returned to Ringmer and in the census of 31 March 1901 she was once again living on the Broyle Road, she had her son James living with her and she also had 6-year-old Florence Purdy as a nurse child (foster child). Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Sophia and her 30-year-old bachelor son John were living in Church Hill Cottages in Ringmer. Sophia died at the age of 70, her death being registered in Bromley registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1921.

 

Thomas and Sophia’s eldest child was Emma Dabson who was born at Ringmer in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ringmer on 5 October 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 Emma, at the age of 7, was living with her parents on the Broyle Road in Ringmer.

 

Thomas and Sophia’s second child was John Dabson who was born at Ringmer in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ringmer on 7 November 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 John, at the age of 6 months, was living with his parents on the Broyle Road in Ringmer. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 John, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Huggetts Furnace Cottage in Hadlow Down, Sussex, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 John, at the age of 20, was boarding with the family of gardener George Bishop at 2 Darbys Cottage in Wadhurst, Sussex, and working as a groom at a grocer's shop. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 John, at the age of 30, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother in Church Hill Cottages in Ringmer.

 

Thomas and Sophia’s third child was James Dabson who was born at Ringmer in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ringmer on 2 December 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 James, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Huggetts Furnace Cottage in Hadlow Down, Sussex, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 James, now aged 17, was working as a milkman on a farm and living with his widowed mother on the Broyle Road in Ringmer.

 

Thomas and Sophia’s fourth child was Kate Dabson who was born at Ringmer in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ringmer on 27 February 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Kate, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Huggetts Furnace Cottage in Hadlow Down, Sussex, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Kate, now aged 14, was a live-in domestic servant to lodging house keeper Louisa Dancy at 42 Temple Street in Brighton, Sussex.

 

David and Sarah’s second child, one of twins, was Ann Muddle who was born at Nutley in Sussex in late 1852, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 2 January 1853. In the census of 7 April 1861 Ann, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Redbrook in Buxted, Sussex, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Ann, now aged 18, was a live-in kitchen maid to widow Eliza Willett at West House in St Georges Road, Brighton, Sussex. Living in the West House Stables were Ann's uncle and aunt, William and Alice Muddle; William was Eliza Willett's gardener and they had Ann's sister Sophia Seymour visiting them.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Ann, at the age of 28, was a live-in general domestic servant for retired governess Charity Kingswood at Wellington Cottage in Buxted. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ann, at the age of 38, was living with her widowed mother in Framfield village, Sussex, and she was described as living on her own means. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ann, at the age of 48, was a charwoman occupying one room as a lodger in the home of widow Ann Brooker in Framfield village. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ann, at the age of 58, was occupying two rooms in the Old Workhouse at Framfield and living on private means.

Ann never married. She was living at Sandy Lane in Framfield when she died at the age of 69, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 24 April 1922.

 

David and Sarah’s third child, one of twins, was Harriet Muddle who was born at Nutley in Sussex in late 1852, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 2 January 1853. In the census of 7 April 1861 Harriet, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Redbrook in Buxted, Sussex and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Harriet, now aged 18, was living with her parents at Etchingwood in Buxted.

When she was 23 years old Harriet married 29-year-old Stephen Smith at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 1 April 1876. Stephen was the son of Stephen and Anne Smith; he had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 2 May 1847.

Stephen and Harriet had six children born in Buxted Parish between 1877 and 1888, and they were living at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish when the second was baptised in 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living in Hogg House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near Buxted School with their then three children, and Stephen was working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall with their six children, and Stephen was working as a cowman. Their eldest child died in 1893 at the age of 16. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Five Ash Down, probably at Hendall Wood Cottage, with their four youngest children, and Stephen was working as a farm stockman. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Hendall Wood Cottage, also known as 59 Five Ash Down, with three of their now adult children and Stephen was a cowman on a farm who was disengaged due to bad health.

Only a few weeks later they were still living at Hendall Wood Cottage in Five Ash Down when Stephen died at the age of 64, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 24 May 1911. Five years later Harriet was living at 59 Five Ash Down when she died at the age of 63, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 31 January 1916.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s eldest child was Louisa Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 25 February 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Louisa, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in Hogg House Lane near Buxted School. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Louisa, now aged 14, was living with her parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish. Two years later Louisa died at the age of 16, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1893.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s second child was William Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 24 March 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 3, was living with his parents in Hogg House Lane near Buxted School. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 13, was working as a farm carter boy and living with his parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish. In the census of 31 March 1901 William was working as a farm carter and boarding with the family of gardener Amos Richards at Maynards Gate in Rotherfield, Sussex.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s third child was Jane Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 12 September 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Jane, at the age of 7 months, was living with her parents in Hogg House Lane near Buxted School. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Jane, now aged 10, was living with her parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Jane, at the age of 20, was working as a general domestic servant and living with her parents at Five Ash Down. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Jane, at the age of 30, was working as a general servant in a farm house and living with her parents in Hendall Wood Cottage at Five Ash Down.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s fourth child was Henry Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 11 February 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, at the age of 8, was living with his parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, now aged 18, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Five Ash Down. In the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, at the age of 28, was working as a cowman on a farm and living with his parents in Hendall Wood Cottage at Five Ash Down.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s fifth child was Ann Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 30 August 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ann, at the age of 5, was living with her parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ann, now aged 15, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down, and she was helping her mother at home. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ann, at the age of 25, was living with her parents in Hendall Wood Cottage at Five Ash Down.

 

Stephen and Harriet’s sixth child was Stephen Smith who was born in Buxted Parish in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 9 December 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Stephen, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in a cottage at the top of Five Ash Down near Hendall in Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Stephen, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Five Ash Down, and he was going to school.

 

David and Sarah’s fourth child was David Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 18 November 1855. In the census of 7 April 1861 David, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Redbrook in Buxted. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 David, now aged 15, was a live-in farm servant of farmer John Osborne at Milkhurst Toll in Heathfield, Sussex.

When he was 21 years old David married 19-year-old Lydia Creasey at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield, Sussex on 5 May 1877. David was then described as being a blacksmith living at Hastings in Sussex. Lydia was the daughter of John and Mary Creasey; she had been born at Ashburnham in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Peter in Ashburnham on 25 October 1857.

After their marriage David and Lydia lived at Catsfield where they had seven children born between 1878 and 1896. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at The Green in Catsfield with their then one child, and David was a blacksmith. The Eastern Sussex District Blue Book for 1885-6 listed David Muddle as living at Catsfield. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were still living at The Green in Catsfield, with their now five children, and David was still a blacksmith. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Church Road at Catsfield with their five youngest children. David was still a blacksmith, but he was described as being a worker so the blacksmith's business was not his. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Spring Cottage in Church Road at Catsfield with their four unmarried daughters and 6-year-old granddaughter Constance Cheshire; David was still a blacksmith and they had 35-year-old house painter Albert Kennard as a boarder. David was still described as a worker so even though the following memories if Gilbert Sargent state that he took over the running of the forge in Catsfield it seems that he was never the owner.

In the book A Sussex Life, The Memories of Gilbert Sargent, Countryman edited by Dave Arthur, Gilbert, who lived in Catsfield as a boy at the beginning of the 20th century, recalls the following details about David and his family:

David first worked as an assistant to the village blacksmith Mr Hyland, and then when Hyland gave up the forge David took over. As well as being the blacksmith David was also the local milkman. He grazed a couple of cows on a bit of land owned by the Earl of Chichester, across the road from Hermon Cottage where Gilbert lived, that he shared with the local butcher Isaac Smith who kept sheep there. David’s two eldest daughter’s Lydia and Mary delivered the milk round the village in a big churn and dished it out on the doorsteps with a measuring ladle. David’s hobby was bringing up puppies for the East Sussex Hunt. He was considered quite an authority on hounds and got several prizes for his dogs at the Puppy Shows. David also invented a distemper pill for puppies called Muddle’s Distemper Pill, and sold it to hunts all over the country. David was deaf as a post and he had a good friend called Dickie Goodman who was also deaf. They would be seen talking in the street, cupping their hands to their ears and shouting at each other. David was said to have had a sort of aristocratic way about him, and claimed to be a descendent of Sir Christopher Wren.

Lydia died at the age of 54, her death being registered in Battle registration district, which includes Catsfield, during the 2nd quarter of 1912. David was still living at Spring Cottage in Catsfield when his daughters married in 1918 and 1919. Twenty-four years after Lydia's death David died at the age of 81, his death being registered in Battle registration district during the 4th quarter of 1936.

 

David and Lydia’s eldest child was Lydia Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 7 July 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Lydia, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at The Green in Catsfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Lydia, now aged 12, was still living with her parents at The Green in Catsfield, and she was now going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lydia, at the age of 22, was a live-in under kitchen maid for the family of Alexander Mackay at 19 Albion Street in Paddington, London.

When she was 40 years old Lydia married 37-year-old Samuel Beaman at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 29 March 1919 by a licence issued by the Vicar General's Office on 27 March 1919.[2] Samuel was then a soldier whose home address was Lower Tean near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, and Lydia was living at Spring Cottage in Catsfield. Samuel was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Beaman, he had been born at Upper Tean near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1881.

Samuel and Lydia didn't have any children. Samuel died at the age of 67, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1949. Seven years later Lydia died at the age of 77, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1956.

 

David and Lydia’s second child was Mary Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1881. In the census of 5 April 1891 Mary, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at The Green in Catsfield and she was going to school.

When she was 22 years old Mary married 28-year-old Frederick Harry Cheshire at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 16 February 1904. Frederick was then a salesman from Chelsea in London. He was the son of Harry and Emma Cheshire; he had been born at Chislehurst in Kent and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1875. His baptism was at the Church of the Annunciation in Chislehurst on 24 September 1876.

Frederick and Mary had five children; the first two born at Chelsea in London in 1905 and 1906, and the third at Paddington in London in 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 20 Star Street in Paddington with their then two youngest children and Frederick was working as a jobbing gardener. Their eldest child was then staying with Mary's parents in Catsfield. Their last two children were born at Paddington in 1918 and 1921.

Frederick died at the age of 89, his death being registered in Paddington registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1965. Two years later Mary died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Kingston upon Thames registration district in Surrey during the 1st quarter of 1967.

 

Frederick and Mary’s eldest child was Constance Mary B Cheshire, known as Connie, who was born at Chelsea in London and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911 Constance, at the age of 6, was staying with her maternal grandparents, David and Lydia Muddle, at Church Road in Catsfield, Sussex.

 

Frederick and Mary’s second child was Phyllis May Cheshire who was born at Chelsea in London and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 Phyllis, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 20 Star Street in Paddington, London.

 

Frederick and Mary’s third child was Frederick Ernest D Cheshire who was born at Paddington in London and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 Frederick, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 20 Star Street in Paddington.

 

Frederick and Mary’s fourth child was William H Cheshire who was born at Paddington in London and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1918.

 

Frederick and Mary’s fifth child was Cyril J Cheshire, known as Jack, who was born at Paddington in London and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1921.

 

David and Lydia’s third child was Edith Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at The Green in Catsfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, now aged 16, was living with her parents in Church Road at Catsfield. In the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, at the age of 26, had no occupation and was living with her parents at Spring Cottage in Church Road at Catsfield. Edith never married. She died at the age of 81, her death being registered in Hastings registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1965.

 

David and Lydia’s fourth child was David Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 David, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at The Green in Catsfield. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 David, now aged 14, was living with his parents in Church Road at Catsfield.

When he was 23 years old David married 34-year-old Ellen Catherine Dunnaway at Parish Church of St Mary in Portsea, Hampshire on 28 March 1910. David was then a grocer living at Bognor in Sussex and Ellen was living at 47 Clive Road in Portsea. Ellen was the daughter of John and Catherine Dunnaway; she had been born at Brixham in Devon and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1876. In the census of 2 April 1911 David was working as a grocer's assistant and living at 32 West Street in Bognor. Ana at the time of this census Ellen was away visiting the family of her sister Alice Smith at 128 Mariners Road in Southsea, Hampshire, where her widowed mother and brother Archibald were also living. David changed the family name to Muddell sometime before their only child's birth in late 1916; this child dying soon after birth.

They were living at 26 Gerald Road in Worthing, Sussex when David died in Worthing Hospital on 7 May 1943, at the age of 56, and was buried in Section 11 Row 8 Grave 54 of Durrington Cemetery in Worthing on 12 May 1943. Probate of David's will, which valued his effects at £599 10s 10d, was granted on 20 October 1943 by Llandudno Probate Registry to his widow Ellen. Five years later Ellen died in Worthing registration district, at the age of 72 (not 69 as given on her death certificate), and was buried with her husband in Section 11 Row 8 Grave 54 of Durrington Cemetery in Worthing on 9 September 1948.

 

David and Ellen’s only child was David J Muddell whose birth was registered in Christchurch registration district in Hampshire during the 4th quarter of 1916. David died soon after birth, his death being registered in Christchurch registration district in Hampshire during the 4th quarter of 1916.

 

David and Lydia’s fifth child was Florence Sarah Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1889. She was baptised at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 2 March 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at The Green in Catsfield. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, now aged 11, was living with her parents in Church Road at Catsfield. In the census of 2 April 1911 Florence, at the age of 21, was working as an assistant teacher and living with her parents at Spring Cottage in Church Road at Catsfield. The 1911 and 1915 editions of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Miss Muddle as an assistant mistress at Ashburnham Public Elementary School, which was about 2 miles from Catsfield.

When she was 29 years old Florence married 24-year-old Andrew Frederick Lord at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 28 December 1918, by a licence issued by the Vicar General's Office on 27 December 1918.[3] Andrew was then a soldier whose home address was 2 Tarristock Villas, Abby Street, Farnham, Surrey, and Florence was living at Spring Cottage in Catsfield. Andrew was the son of Frederick Andrew and Adelaide Annie Lord, he had been born at Aldershot in Hampshire and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1894.

Andrew and Florence had two children born in Battle registration district in Sussex in 1921 and 1925. Florence died at the age of 63, her death being registered in Battle registration district during the 4th quarter of 1952. Just over a year later Andrew died at the age of 59, his death being registered in Battle registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1954.

 

Andrew and Florence’s eldest child was Phyllis L A Lord whose birth was registered in Battle registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1921.

 

Andrew and Florence’s second child was Betty V Lord whose birth was registered in Battle registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1925.

 

David and Lydia’s sixth child was Phyllis Beatrice Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 30 July 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Phyllis, at the age of 7, was living with her parents in Church Road at Catsfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Phyllis, now aged 17, was working as an assistant at the local post office and living with her parents at Spring Cottage in Church Road at Catsfield. Phyllis never married. She died when she was about 25 years old, her death being registered in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1918.

 

David and Lydia’s seventh child was Lilian Ethel Muddle who was born at Catsfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Laurence in Catsfield on 27 December 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lilian, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in Church Road at Catsfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Lilian, now aged 14, was going to school and living with her parents at Spring Cottage in Church Road at Catsfield. Lilian never married. She died at the age of 83, her death being registered in Hastings registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1980.

 

David and Sarah’s fifth child was George William Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 29 June 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Redbrook in Buxted. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 George, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Etchingwood in Buxted. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 22, was working as a cowman and lodging with the family of cowman Richard Peat at 3 Bennett Street in Greenwich, Kent (now part of London).

When he was 26 years old George married 25-year-old Dinah Dundass, also known as Diana or Hannah, at Christ Church in Greenwich on 22 February 1885. They were both then living at 1 Pleasant Place in Woodland Street, Greenwich, which was the home of Dinah's parents, and George was now described as being a labourer. Dinah was the daughter of George and Mary Ann Dundass; her birth had been registered, under the name Diana, in Greenwich registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1859, and her name was recorded as Hannah at her marriage.

George and Dinah are not thought to have had any children. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Crescent Farm Cottage in Main Road, Foots Cray, Kent, which is about 5 miles south of Greenwich, and George was working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in four rooms at 12 Orlop Street in Greenwich, and George was a general labourer.

Dinah died at the age of 53 (not 55 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Greenwich registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1912. Six years later George died at the age of 60, his death being registered in Greenwich registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1918.

 

 

David and Sarah’s sixth child was Ebenezer Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 17 November 1861. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ebenezer, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Etchingwood in Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ebenezer, now aged 19, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Framfield village, Sussex. Ebenezer died at Framfield, at the age of 23, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket at Framfield on 18 January 1885.

 

David and Sarah’s seventh child was Lucy Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1864. She was baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 20 May 1866, when about two years old. In the census of 2 April 1871 Lucy, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Etchingwood in Buxted. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Lucy, now aged 16, was a live-in housemaid for the family of solicitor William Sale at 2 Lewes Crescent in Brighton, Sussex.

When she was 22 years old Lucy married 22-year-old Edwin Chandler at St Peter's Church in Bayswater, London on 18 August 1886. At the time of her marriage Lucy was living at 5 Dartmoor Street in Bayswater, and Edwin was a groom living at 47 Portobello Road in Bayswater. Edwin was the illegitimate son of Rose Chandler; he had been born at Ludgershall in Wiltshire and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1864.

Edwin and Lucy had three children born in London; the first at Bayswater in 1887 and the second at Paddington in 1889. When their first child was baptised in November 1887 they were living at 6 Pelham Road in Bayswater and when their second child was baptised in February 1890 they were living at 13 Hasborough Street in Paddington. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edwin was living at 5 Lombard Road in Battersea, London and working as a cabman. He had his 51-year-old spinster mother, Rose Chandler, who was a domestic cook, living with him and his wife Lucy was a patient in St Johns House Nursing Home at 18 Queen Anne Terrace in Battersea. As the majority of the nurses at the Nursing Home were also midwives it seem likely that Lucy was there to give birth, but as there was no resultant birth registered it would have had to have been a still birth.

Edwin and Lucy's third child was born at Battersea in London in early 1894 and when this child was baptised in October 1896 they were living at Stratford House in Trott Street, Battersea. The eldest child of Lucy's brother Reuben was baptised at the same church on the same day, and Edwin and Lucy had been the two witnesses at the marriage of Reuben at Battersea in March 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edwin and Lucy were living in three rooms at 47 Trott Street in Battersea with their three children, and Edwin was working as a cabdriver and groom. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 72 Chiswick Lane in Chiswick, Middlesex with just their eldest child, daughter Alice, and Edwin was now a motor cab driver.

Lucy died at the age of 75, her death being registered in Brentford registration district in Middlesex during the 2nd quarter of 1940. Twelve years later Edwin died at the age of 88, his death being registered in Ealing registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1952.

 

Edwin and Lucy’s eldest child was Alice Victoria Chandler who was born at Bayswater in London and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1887. She was baptised at St Peter's Church in Bayswater on 6 November 1887. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alice, at the age of 13, was living with her parents at 47 Trott Street in Battersea, London. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Alice, now aged 23, was living with her parents at 72 Chiswick Lane in Chiswick, Middlesex.

 

Edwin and Lucy’s second child was Edwin Chandler who was born at Paddington in London and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1889. He was baptised at St Paul's Church in Paddington on 2 February 1890. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edwin, at the age of 12, was living with his parents at 47 Trott Street in Battersea, London. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Edwin, now aged 22, was working as a carman for a general stores and living with his wife and young daughter at 46 Surrey Lane in Battersea.

 

Edwin and Lucy’s third child was Arthur Chandler who was born at Battersea in London on 1 February 1894. He was baptised at St Mary's Church in Battersea on 2 October 1896 at the same time as his cousin Robert Muddle. In the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 47 Trott Street in Battersea. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Arthur, now aged 17, was working as a keeper and boarding with Assistant Superintendent Edward Ockenden and his wife Ellen in the Keeper's Lodge at the Zoological Society in Marylebone, London.

 

David and Sarah’s eighth child was Esther Jane Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 10 February 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Esther, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Etchingwood in Buxted. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Esther, now aged 14, was living with her father's widowed brother Richard Muddle and two of his sons in the left-hand cottage of a terrace of three cottages at Coopers Green, where she was working as their housekeeper. Richard remarried in late 1892 and in the census of 5 April 1891 Esther, at the age of 24, was a live-in housemaid to the family of clergyman Alfred Legge at 37 Sloane Gardens in Chelsea, London. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Esther, at the age of 34, was a live-in maid to the family of retired medical man Charles Tomes at 9 Park Crescent in Marylebone, London. In the census of 2 April 1911 Esther, at the age of 44, was a live-in housemaid to the family of USA citizen Frederick Ward Pearson at Coombe House in Coombe Lane at Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. This was a large house of 30 rooms with ten other live-in servants.

In 1917, when she was 50 years old, Esther went to Australia. She sailed on the same ticket as eight other single women, of which Esther was by far the oldest, on the Olympic of the White Star Line from Liverpool on 12 May 1917, and after a voyage of 9 days they arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 21 May 1917. On the passenger list all nine of these women were recorded as being in transit to Government House, Tasmania.[4] After five years in Australia Esther returned to England, sailing 3rd class on the Demosthenes of the Aberdeen Line from Fremantle, Western Australia and arriving at London on 3 May 1922. On the passenger list she stated that she had been resident in Australia and would now be resident in England, and gave her intended address in England as 40 Cornwall Road, Chiswick, London.[5]

Esther never married. She had been living at 5 Rural Way in Streatham, London SW16, when she died at the Metropolitan Nursing Home in Walton, Surrey on 12 August 1942, at the age of 75. Probate of Esther's will, which valued her effects at £421, was granted on 7 September 1942 by Llandudno Probate Registry to her brother Reuben.

 

 

David and Sarah’s ninth child was Reuben Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 August 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 Reuben, at the age of 9, was living with his parents in Framfield village, Sussex, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Reuben, now aged 19, was working as a bricklayer's labourer and living with his widowed mother in Framfield village.

When he was 24 years old Reuben married 24-year-old Maria Mary Everest at the Parish Church of St Mary in Battersea, London on 7 March 1896. They were both then living at 2 Wellington Road in Battersea and Reuben was working as a bricklayer. Maria was the daughter of William and Maria Everest, and she had been born at West Malling in Kent on 31 August 1871.

Reuben and Maria had two children; the first, a son, was born five months after their marriage and baptised in October 1896 while were living at 72 Orbel Street in Battersea. Their second child, another son, was born in late 1899 while they were living at 66 Chatham Street in Battersea and died soon after birth. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 66 Chatham Street with their surviving son, and Reuben was continuing to work as a bricklayer. They occupied four rooms of the house and another two were occupied by the family of bricklayer's labourer Charles Gould. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 48 Seely Road in Tooting, London with their son and Reuben was still a bricklayer. They were still living at 48 Seely Road when their son enlisted in the army on 22 January 1916, and when this son married in 1925 Reuben was described as being a foreman bricklayer.

In 1942 Reuben was described as being a retired bricklayer when he acted as the executor of the will of his spinster sister Esther. Reuben died at the age of 79, his death being registered in North-East Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1951. Nineteen years later Maria died at the age of 98, her death being registered in Merton registration district in Surrey during the 2nd quarter of 1970.

 

Reuben and Maria’s eldest child was Robert Muddle who was born at Battersea in London on 7 August 1896 and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary in Battersea on 2 October 1896, at the same time as his cousin Arthur Chandler. In the census of 31 March 1901 Robert, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 66 Chatham Street in Battersea. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Robert, now aged 14, was working as an office boy to an editor at a publisher, and living with his parents at 48 Seely Road in Tooting, London.

Robert, at the age of 19, was working as a plumber and still living with his parents at 48 Seely Road, Tooting when, on 22 January 1916, he enlisted at London in the Royal Engineers. He was then described at 5ft 9ins tall, weighed 122lbs and had a 34ins chest with 2ins expansion. Robert had enlisted voluntarily under the Derby Scheme, which was a means of getting men to voluntarily register with the obligation that they would only be called upon for service when necessary.[6] When he was finally called-up Robert became Private 4041 in the Royal Sussex Regiment, later becoming Private G/18136 and then finally Private G/15842 in the 7th Battalion of the regiment. He served in France where he was wounded, which resulted in his discharged on 9 January 1918 as unfit for further service. For his war service Robert was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal, and he also received the Silver War Badge that was awarded to those military personnel who were discharged as a result of sickness or wounds contracted or received during the war.[7]

When he was nearly 29 years old Robert married 22-year-old Ellen Kate Rogers at Christ Church in Battersea, London on 3 August 1925. Robert was then a hatter living at 5 Rural Way, Streatham Road, Streatham, London and Ellen was living at 27 Mossbury Road in Battersea. Ellen was the daughter of Thomas George and Mary Rogers; she had been born at Battersea on 26 September 1902 and baptised as Helen Kate Rogers at St Peter's Church in Battersea on 17 November 1902. Robert and Ellen had one child, a daughter, born in Croydon registration district in Surrey during 1928. When this daughter married in 1962 Robert was described as a retired builder. Robert died at the age of 89, his death being registered in Merton registration district in Surrey during April 1986. Then later that year Ellen died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Sutton registration district in London during December 1986.

 

Reuben and Maria’s second child was William Charles Muddle who was born at 66 Chatham Road in Battersea, London on 8 November 1899. William died soon after birth, his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district, which included Battersea, during the 4th quarter of 1899.

 

David and Sarah’s fifth child was Henry Muddle who was baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield, Sussex on 9 December 1821. Henry died when only 5 months old, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted, Sussex on 27 January 1822.

 

David and Sarah’s sixth child was Anne Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 13 April 1823. In the census of 6 June 1841 Anne, at the age of 18, was one of four live-in female servants at the girls' school in Gloucester Place, Brighton, Sussex run by schoolmistress Elizabeth Blaber.

When she was 24 years old Anne married 27-year-old James Wickens at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 4 April 1847. James was then a labourer living at Withyham in Sussex, and Anne was living at 82 London Road in Brighton. James was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wickens; he had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex on 31 August 1819, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Denys in Rotherfield on 17 October 1819. He was the brother of the Harriett Wickens who had married Anne's brother John in 1844.

In the census of 30 March 1851 James and Anne were living in part of Perrymans Farm at Herons Ghyll in Buxted Parish and James was working as a farm labourer, probably at Perrymans Farm. Then when the first of their two children, a daughter, was born in 1857 they were living in Rotherfield Parish and James was a farmer. In the census of 7 April 1861 James was a farmer living near the Black Nest area of Crowborough in Rotherfield Parish, and he had Anne's widowed mother visiting him. Anne and her daughter were visiting her brother William Muddle and his wife Alice at 11 Montague Street in Brighton. James and Anne's second child, a son, was born in Rotherfield Parish in 1862 while James was still a farmer. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 James and Anne and their two children were living at Putland in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, Sussex, and James was working as a farm labourer. In the census of 3 April 1881 James and Anne were living in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield where James was now a farmer of 5 acres.

James died at Maresfield, at the age of 66 (not 65 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 30 October 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Anne was living at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish; she was described as living on her own means and had the family of her daughter Anne Coleman living with her. Nine years after her husband's death Anne died at Maresfield, at the age of 71 (not 72 as given on her death certificate nor 75 as given on her burial record), and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 20 July 1894.

 

James and Anne’s eldest child was Anne Wickens who was born at Rotherfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 8 February 1857. In the census 7 April 1861 Anne, at the age of 4, was with her mother visiting her uncle and aunt, William and Alice Muddle, at 11 Montague Street in Brighton, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Anne, now aged 14, was living with her parents at Putland in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield, Sussex.

When she was 18 years old Anne married 20-year-old Philip Coleman in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1875. Philip was the son of Philip and Frances Coleman; he had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 21 October 1855.

Philip and Anne lived in Maresfield Parish where they had ten children, nine of whom are known and were born between 1876 and 1901. Five of these children died young, one in 1890 at the age of 5, two in 1899 at the ages of 19 and 17, one in 1900 at the age of 12, and one in 1910 at the age of 9.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Philip and Anne were living at Fairwarp in Maresfield Parish with their then three children, and Philip was working as a general labourer. Philip continued to be recorded as a labourer at the baptisms of his children until 1889. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Philip and Anne and their now five surviving children were living with Anne's widowed mother at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, and Philip was now a carpenter. In the census of 31 March 1901 Philip and Ann were living in a cottage in the Fairwarp area of Maresfield Parish with their three youngest children, and Philip was a carpenter and joiner. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living in a cottage at Fairwarp that was near Putlands Farm with two of their sons; Philip was a carpenter and builder and also a farmer working on his own account at home and his two sons were working on his farm. It was in this census that Philip and Anne stated that they'd had ten children of whom four were then still living.

Philip died at the age of 77, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1933.

 

Philip and Anne’s eldest known child was Alice Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 1 July 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Fairwarp in Maresfield Parish. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, now aged 14, was going to school and living with her parents at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, which was the home of her maternal grandmother, Anne Wickens.

 

Philip and Anne’s second known child was Annie Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 2 June 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Annie, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Fairwarp in Maresfield Parish. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, now aged 12, was going to school and living with her parents at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, which was the home of her maternal grandmother, Anne Wickens.

 

Philip and Anne’s third known child was Charles Philip Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 6 June 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Fairwarp in Maresfield Parish. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Charles, now aged 11, was going to school and living with his parents at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, which was the home of his maternal grandmother, Anne Wickens. Charles died at the age of 19, his death being registered in Liverpool registration district in Lancashire during the 2nd quarter of 1899.

 

Philip and Anne’s fourth known child was Ada Grace Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 15 October 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, at the age of 8, was going to school and living with her parents at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, which was the home of her maternal grandmother, Anne Wickens. Ada died at the age of 17, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1899.

 

Philip and Anne’s fifth known child was Bertha Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1885. Bertha was baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 6 January 1889, at the same time as her younger sister Florence. Bertha died at Maresfield when she was 5 years old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Bartholomew at Maresfield on 3 May 1890.

 

Philip and Anne’s sixth known child was Florence Louisa Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1887. Florence was baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 6 January 1889, at the same time as her elder sister Bertha. In the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, at the age of 3, was going to school and living with her parents at Putlands Farm in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield Parish, which was the home of her maternal grandmother, Anne Wickens. Florence died at the age of 12, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1900.

 

Philip and Anne’s seventh known child was Cecil Frank Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Maresfield on 4 September 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Cecil, at the age of 8, was living with his parents in a cottage in the Fairwarp area of Maresfield Parish. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Cecil, now aged 18, was living with his parents in a cottage at Fairwarp that was near Putlands Farm and he was working on his father's farm.

 

Philip and Anne’s eighth known child was Herbert Reginald Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Herbert, at the age of 4, was living with his parents in a cottage in the Fairwarp area of Maresfield Parish. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Herbert, now aged 14, was living with his parents in a cottage at Fairwarp that was near Putlands Farm and he was working on his father's farm.

 

Philip and Anne’s ninth known child was Gertrude Violet Coleman who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 Gertrude, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents in a cottage in the Fairwarp area of Maresfield Parish. Gertrude died at the age of 9, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1910.

 

James and Anne’s second child was James Wickens who was born at Rotherfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 27 April 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 James, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Putland in the Duddleswell area of Maresfield, Sussex. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 James, now aged 19, was working as a gardener and boarding with the family of domestic gardener Richard Price in a cottage in Workhouse Lane at Speldhurst in Kent.

 

David and Sarah’s seventh child was Charles Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 24 October 1824. Charles died when only 9 months old, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 15 March 1825.

 

David and Sarah’s eighth child was Caroline Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 4 June 1826. In the census of 6 June 1841 Caroline, at the age of 15, was a live-in servant to the family of Thomas Wallis a draper and grocer in Framfield village, Sussex. Caroline never married. She died at Buxted, at the age of 24, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 30 December 1850.

 

David and Sarah’s ninth child was Esther Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 January 1828. In the census of 6 June 1841 Esther, at the age of 13, was living with her parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Esther, now aged 23, was living with her widowed mother at Redbrook in Buxted.

In the census of 7 April 1861 Esther, at the age of 33, was a milliner and dressmaker living alone, probably as a lodger, in the High Street of Lewes in Sussex, in a house that was also occupied by William and Ann Roberts and their young daughter. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Esther was working as a needlewoman and lodging with the family of compositor Frederick Short at 29 Lewes Street in Brighton, Sussex. In the census of 3 April 1881 Esther was working as a needlewoman and boarding with the family of sail maker William Martin at 46 Mighell Street in Brighton.

Esther never married. She had been living at 63 William Street in Brighton when she died at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton (the home of the family of her late sister Harriet Cane) on 16 February 1884, at the age of 56. She was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 21 February 1884. Esther died intestate and administration of her personal estate, which was valued at £105 2s 10d, was granted on 13 March 1884 by Lewes Probate Registry to her brother John Muddle.

 

David and Sarah’s tenth child was Richard Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 22 February 1829. In the census of 6 June 1841 Richard, at the age of 12, was living with his parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Richard, now aged 22, was a farm labourer living with his widowed mother at Redbrook in Buxted. Later that year, while he was still 22 years old, Richard married 21-year-old Mary Ann Townshend at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 22 December 1851. Mary Ann was the daughter of John and Sarah Townshend; she had been born at Buxted and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 6 June 1830. See the page headed ‘Richard & Mary/Catherine Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

 

David and Sarah’s eleventh child was Harriett Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 25 March 1832. In the census of 6 June 1841 Harriett, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Harriett, now aged 19, was a live-in house servant to widow Harriet Webb at 11 Lansdowne Place in Hove, Sussex.

When she was 22 years old Harriett married 32-year-old George Cane at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton, Sussex on 31 December 1854. George was then a labourer living at 7 Circus Street in Brighton, and Harriett was living in Hove. George was the son of Edward and Millie Cane; he had been born at Arlington in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Pancras in Arlington on 5 May 1822.

George and Harriett had eight children born between 1856 and 1872 while they were living at Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Their third child died in infancy during 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at 23 Cheltenham Place with their then two surviving children, and George was working as a labourer. They had their nephew 17-year-old William Cane living with them and also 25-year-old John Macford as a lodger. Later that year their second born child died at the age of 4. By the time their fourth child was baptised on 6 April 1862 they were living at 22 Cheltenham Place and George was a carter. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 22 Cheltenham Place with three of their children, and George was a town carter. They had Harriett's nephew, John Muddle, who was also a town carter, and his wife Martha living with them, and also lodger William Diplock. Their then youngest child died in early 1872, at the age of 1. Their last child was born in late 1872, and when she was baptised in April 1873 they were still living at Cheltenham Place.

Harriett died at Brighton, at the age of 43 (not 44 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered during the 3rd quarter of 1875. It was probably after Harriett's death that her sister Sophia, who had never married and had been working in Brighton as a domestic cook for many years, came to live with, and look after, George and his children, the youngest of whom was then only 3 years old. In the census of 3 April 1881 George was living at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton with his four youngest surviving children and also his unmarried sister-in-law Sophia Muddle, who was his housekeeper. George was still working as a town carter. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 George was a general carter living at 37 Cheltenham Place with two of his now adult children and his sister-in-law Sophia Muddle, who was now back working as a domestic cook. George's sister-in-law, Sophia, died in 1894, and George died at Brighton, at the age of about 75 (not 76 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered during the 1st quarter of 1897.

 

George and Harriett’s eldest child was Harriett Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 17 February 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Harriett, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 23 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Harriett, now aged 15, was a live-in nursemaid to the family of schoolmaster George King at 41 Upper Brunswick Place in Hove, Sussex.

 

George and Harriett’s second child was Sophia Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 23 August 1857. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sophia, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 23 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Then later that year Sophia died at Brighton when she was only 4 years old, her death being registered during the 3rd quarter of 1861.

 

George and Harriett’s third child was Lucy Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 7 August 1859. Lucy died at Brighton when she was only few months old, her death being registered during the 1st quarter of 1860.

 

George and Harriett’s fourth child was John Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 6 April 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 John, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 John, now aged 19, was working as a stationer's clerk and living with his widowed father at 22 Cheltenham Place. In the census of 5 April 1891 John, still unmarried at the age of 29, was living with his father at 37 Cheltenham Place, and he was still a stationer's clerk.

 

George and Harriett’s fifth child was Henry Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 24 December 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 Henry, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Henry, now aged 15, was working as a solicitor's general clerk and living with his widowed father at 22 Cheltenham Place.

 

class=MsoNormal>George and Harriett’s sixth child was Louisa Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 15 March 1868. In the census of 3 April 1881 Louisa, at the age of 13, was living with her widowed father at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton.

 

George and Harriett’s seventh child was Caroline Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 14 August 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Caroline, at the age of 10 months, was living with her parents at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Caroline died at Brighton when she was only 1 year old, her death being registered during the 1st quarter of 1872.

 

George and Harriett’s eighth child was Alice Cane who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1872. Alice was baptised at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 13 April 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, at the age of 8, was going to school and living with her widowed father at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, now aged 18, was working as a domestic nurse and living with her father at 37 Cheltenham Place.

 

David and Sarah’s twelfth child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 25 November 1832. Thomas died when only 9 months old, and was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 27 February 1833.

 

 

David and Sarah’s thirteenth child was William Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 24 August 1834. In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Buxted Wood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 William, now aged 16, was a farm labourer living with his widowed mother at Redbrook in Buxted.

When he was 25 years old William married 22-year-old Alice Lade at the Parish Church of St Nicholas in Brighton, Sussex on 22 October 1859. William was then a labourer living at 22 Cheltenham Place in Brighton, which was the home of his married sister Harriet Cane, and Alice was from Mayfield in Sussex. Alice was the daughter of John and Sarah Lade; she had been born at Mayfield and baptised at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield on 17 December 1837.

William and Alice didn't have any children. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at 11 Montague Street in Brighton and William was a gas labourer. They had 23-year-old carpenter George Head as a lodger and William's sister Anne Wickens and her daughter were visiting them. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 William and Alice were living at West House Stables in St Georges Road, Brighton, and William was gardener for Eliza Willett, who lived in West House. They had William's widowed niece, Sophia Seymour, visiting them and Sophia's sister Ann Muddle was then a live-in kitchen maid for Eliza Willett in West House.

The 1874 edition of the Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties and the 1878 edition of the Post Office Directory of Sussex both listed William Muddle as living at 16 Sudeley Street, Kemp Town, Brighton. In the census of 3 April 1881 William and Alice were living at 16 Sudeley Street in the Kemp Town area of Brighton; William was working as a gardener and they had 27-year-old classical tutor Jan Domingo Sauvignon Y Lozaye De Puente Real as a lodger. Later that year William died at the age of 47, his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 4th quarter of 1881.

In the census of 5 April 1891 Alice was a live-in housekeeper for 72-year-old widow and farmer Ansley Pursglove and her 94-year-old uncle James Cole, at New Road in Buxted. The following year Alice, at the age of 55, married 61-year-old widower Henry Jeffery, who was a surveyor, at St Mary the Virgin Church in Buxted on 3 November 1892. Henry was the son of William and Martha Jeffery; he had been born at Tunbridge Wells in Kent and baptised at the Tunbridge Wells Chapel of Frant Parish on 16 February 1831. In the census of 31 March 1901 Henry and Alice were living with Henry's widowed sister, Emma Hornes, at Portland Cottage in Broadwater Down near Tunbridge Wells, and Henry was described as being a retired builder.

Henry died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Ticehurst registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alice was continuing to live at Portland Cottage, Frant Road, Broadwater Down; she was living on private means and had her niece, 39-year-old Martha Lade, living with her. Alice died at the age of 80, her death being registered in Ticehurst registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1918.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 7 February 2016