THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of John & Rosamond Muddle’s Family

 

John and Rosamond’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 18 November 1804. When he was 26 years old John married 20-year-old Martha Cottingham at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 23 May 1831. Martha was the daughter of John and Philadelphia Cottingham, and she had been baptised at St Margaret’s Church in Buxted on 26 May 1811.

John and Martha had two children. They probably always lived in Framfield Parish even though their first child, a son, was born in Mayfield Parish in late 1837. It seems likely that Martha had gone to one of her relatives who lived at Mayfield to have her first baby as John and Martha were living in Framfield Parish when this child was baptised about seven weeks later. In the census of 6 June 1841 they were living with John’s widowed mother on Blackboys Common in Framfield Parish, and John was working as a farm labourer. Their second child, a daughter, was born in Framfield Parish in late 1843.

In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Cackle Street in Framfield with their two children; John was working as a farm labourer and Martha as a charwoman. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Rose Cottage in Framfield with their daughter; John was a farm labourer and Martha was now a laundress. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Lodge House in Framfield; John was still a farm labourer and they had their daughter’s eldest child, Ada Collins, staying with them. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at the Porter’s Lodge (probably the same place as Lodge House) in Framfield; John, at the age of 76, was still a farm labourer and their granddaughter, Ada Collins, was still living with them.

John died at Framfield at the age of 78, and he was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 4 August 1883. Seven years later Martha died at Waldron, at the age of 79 (not 78 as given on her death certificated and burial record), and she was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Waldron on 26 January 1891.

 

John and Martha’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born at Mayfield on 18 December 1837, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 February 1838. John was his name on his baptism record and what he was always known as, but his birth was registered by his mother, who was presumable illiterate as she just made her mark instead of signing, under the name Gess Putland Muddle; so it has to be assumed that the registrar completely misunderstood what the name was meant to be.

In the census of 6 June 1841 John, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at the home of his grandmother Rosamond Muddle on Blackboys Common in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 John, now aged 13, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents in Cackle Street at Framfield. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, at the age of 23, was a living at Uptons Mill in Framfield with the family of miller George Berry, who was one of John’s 2nd cousins, and for whom he was working as a miller’s grinder. The following year, when he was 24 years old, John married his 2nd cousin, 24-year-old Ellen Berry, at St Anne’s Church in Lewes on 2 August 1862. Ellen was the sister of John’s employer George Berry. She was the daughter of George and Mary Berry; she had been born at Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 6 May 1838. See the section headed ‘John and Ellen Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

John and Martha’s second child was Martha Mahalath Muddle who was born at Framfield in late 1843, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 3 March 1844. In the census of 30 March 1851 Martha, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Cackle Street in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Martha, now aged 17, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at Rose Cottage in Framfield. Later that year Martha, at the age of 17, married 21-year-old farm labourer James Collins at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 25 December 1861. James was the son of James and Sarah Collins, he had been born at Framfield, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 October 1840. James and Martha had seven children born between 1862 and 1881.

They first lived at Framfield where their first two children were born in 1862 and 1864; at their baptisms James was described as being a servant. Then when their third child was born in 1866 they were living in Brighton and James had become a policeman. When their fourth child was born in 1869 they were back in Framfield where James was still a policeman. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at the Police Station in 4 Hotel Cottages at Haywards Heath, which was near the railway station, with their then three youngest children (their eldest child was living with Martha’s parents at Framfield), and James was continuing to be a police constable. Their next two children were born at Crawley in 1874 and 1878 while James was working there as a policeman. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 James was continuing to work as a police constable and they were living in the Police Station at Hartfield with their five youngest children (their eldest child was still living with Martha’s parents at Framfield). Their last child was born at Hartfield later that year.

In the census of 5 April 1891 James, at the age of 50, was still a police constable and they were living at 7 Bonchurch Road in Keymer with four of their children. Martha died at Keymer on 13 June 1896, at the age of 52, and she was buried in St Cosmas & St Damian Churchyard at Keymer on 16 June 1896. By the time of the census of 31 March 1901 James, at the age of 60, had retired from the police force and he was now working as a domestic gardener and living at 3 Bonchurch Road in Keymer with his spinster daughter Anne. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 James and his daughter Anne were living at 3 Parklands Road in Hassocks, Sussex, and James was a police pensioner and jobbing gardener. James died on 13 April 1917, at the age of 76, and he was buried with his wife in St Cosmas & St Damian Churchyard at Keymer. Their grave also contains their spinster daughter Anne and is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

James and Martha’s eldest child was Ada Ellen Grace Collins who was born at Framfield, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 7 December 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ada, at the age of 8, was living with her mother’s parents, John and Martha Muddle, at Lodge House in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ada, now aged 18, was still living with her grandparents in Framfield and she was now working as a general domestic servant.

When she was about 23 years old Ada married 22-year-old Stephen Frost in Steyning registration district during the 4th quarter of 1885. Stephen was the son of William and Mary Ann Frost; he had been born at Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 6 September 1863. In the census of 5 April 1891 Stephen and Ada were living at Bevendean in Falmer; Stephen was working as a gardener, and they had Ada’s brother George Collins and Stephen’s niece Edith Frost staying with them. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 37 Bonchurch Road in Keymer; James was working as a domestic gardener, and they had Ada’s nephew Thomas Collins and young police constable William Edceler staying with them. In the census of 2 April 1911 Stephen and Ada were living at Mount Ephraim Stables in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Stephen was still working as a domestic gardener.

Ada died at the age of 52, her death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1915. Forty-one years later Stephen died at the age of 93, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district during the 1st quarter of 1957.

 

James and Martha’s second child was Anne Laura Eugenia Collins who was born at Framfield, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 December 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Anne, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at the Police Station in 4 Hotel Cottages at Haywards Heath, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Anne, now aged 16, was living with her parents at the Police Station in Hartfield. In the census of 5 April 1891 Anne, at the age of 26, was working as a dressmaker on her own account and living with her parents at 7 Bonchurch Road in Keymer.

Anne's mother died in 1896 and in the census of 31 March 1901 Anne, at the age of 36, was living with her widowed father at 3 Bonchurch Road in Keymer; she was continuing to work as a dressmaker on her own account at home, and she was presumably acting as housekeeper for her father. In the census of 2 April 1911 Anne, at the age of 46, was living with her widowed father at 3 Parklands Road in Hassocks, Sussex; she was still working as a dressmaker on her own account at home, and she was presumably still acting as housekeeper for her father. Anne's father died in 1917.

Anne never married, she died in Worthing registration district in Sussex on 28 February 1942, at the age of 77 (not 76 as given on her gravestone), and she was buried with her parents in St Cosmas & St Damian Churchyard at Keymer. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

 

James and Martha’s third child was George Harry Collins who was born at Brighton, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 9 September 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at the Police Station in 4 Hotel Cottages at Haywards Heath, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 15, was working as a labourer and living with his parents at the Police Station in Hartfield. In the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age of 25, was working as a gardener and living with his sister Ada Frost and her husband at Bevendean in Falmer.

When he was 28 years old George married 25-year-old Kate Waite in East Grinstead registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1894. Kate was the daughter of Samuel and Ann Waite; she had been born at Copthorne in Sussex and baptised at nearby All Saints Church in Crawley Down on 2 August 1868. George and Kate had at least three children, the first two born at Waldron in Sussex in 1896 and 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Railway Cottage in Kingston-by-Sea in Sussex with their two children, and George was working as a railway signalman. Their third child was born at Shoreham in Sussex in 1903. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at18 High Street in Southover, Lewes, Sussex with their three children and George was now working as a railway porter. They also had a nephew, 7-year-old Leslie Giles staying with them. In this census they stated that they'd had four children, of which three were still living.

Kate died at the age of 60, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1928. The following year George died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1929.

 

George and Kate’s eldest child was Florence Mahalath Collins who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Railway Cottage in Kingston-by-Sea, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Florence, now aged 14, was living with her parents at 18 High Street in Southover, Lewes, Sussex.

 

George and Kate’s second child was George William Collins who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Railway Cottage in Kingston-by-Sea, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 George, now aged 12, was going to school and living with his parents at 18 High Street in Southover, Lewes, Sussex.

 

George and Kate’s third child was Sidney Aubrey L Collins who was born at Shoreham in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Sidney, at the age of 7, was going to school and living with his parents at 18 High Street in Southover, Lewes, Sussex.

 

James and Martha’s fourth child was Alfred Charles Collins who was born at Framfield, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 12 September 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at the Police Station in 4 Hotel Cottages at Haywards Heath. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, now aged 11, was living with his parents at the Police Station in Hartfield, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, at the age of 21, was working as an engine cleaner and lodging with the family of George Marriott at 11 Leverton Street, St Pancras, London.

When he was 26 years old Alfred married 22-year-old Mary Jane Saunders at the Parish Church of St Jude in Peckham, London on 6 October 1895. Alfred was then a farmer living at 70 Meeting House Lane and Mary Jane was living at 30 Gateart Road. Mary Jane was the daughter of Thomas Saunders and had been born at New Cross in London in about 1873. Alfred and Mary Jane had at least one child born in St Pancras registration district during 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 85 Weedington Road in St Pancras with their young son, and Alfred was working as a railway stoker. Later that year Alfred died at the age of 32, his death being registered in St Pancras registration district during the 4th quarter of 1901. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Mary Jane was working as a live-in housekeeper for 68-year-old widow Lucretia Arthur at Wentworth House in Hassocks, Sussex.

 

Alfred and Mary’s only known child was Thomas James Collins who was born at St Pancras in London, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Thomas, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 85 Weedington Road in St Pancras.

 

James and Martha’s fifth child was William Sidney Collins who was born at Crawley, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Crawley on 9 August 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at the Police Station in Hartfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 16, was working as a grocer’s porter and living with his parents at 7 Bonchurch Road in Keymer.

When he was about 25 years old William married 20-year-old Annie Barnettin Cuckfield registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1899. Annie was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Barnett; she had been born at West Grinstead in Sussex and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1879. William and Annie had at least two children, the first born at Hove in Sussex in 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 21 Wordsworth Street in Hove with their young daughter, and William was a police constable. Their second child was born at Hove in 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 83 Westbourne Street in Hove and William was still a police constable.

Annie died at the age of 63, her death being registered in Lewes registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1942. Seventeen years later William died at the age of 84, his death being registered in Lewes registration during the 2nd quarter of 1959.

 

William and Annie’s eldest child was Ethel Rose Eugene Collins who was born at Hove in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ethel, at the age of 9 months, was living with her parents at 21 Wordsworth Street in Hove. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ethel, now aged 10, was going to school and living with her parents at 83 Westbourne Street in Hove.

 

William and Annie’s second child was Mabel Lillian Collins who was born at Hove in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Mabel, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 83 Westbourne Street in Hove.

 

James and Martha’s sixth child was Florence Mary Collins who was born at Crawley, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Crawley on 8 December 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Florence, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at the Police Station in Hartfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, now aged 12, was living with her parents at 7 Bonchurch Road in Keymer, and she was going to school.

When she was about 20 years old Florence married 23-year-old Walter Edward Dearle in Cuckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1898. Walter was the son of William and Isabella Dearle; he had been born at Bermondsey in London and baptised at St James' Church in Bermondsey on 11 July 1875. Walter and Florence had at least two children, the first born at Hove in Sussex in 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in St George Square at Maidstone in Kent with their young daughter, and Walter was working as a brewer's cooper. Their second child was born at Maidstone later in 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Hova Villa, 61 Sheals Crescent, Maidstone with their two daughters and Walter was continuing to work as a brewer's cooper.

Walter died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1940. Twenty-one years later Florence died at the age of82, her death being registered in Maidstone registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1961.

 

Walter and Florence’s eldest child was Dorothy Ann Dearle who was born at Hove in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Dorothy, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in St George Square at Maidstone in Kent. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Dorothy, now aged 11, was going to school and living with her parents at Hova Villa, 61 Sheals Crescent, Maidstone.

 

Walter and Florence’s second child was Irene Isabel Dearle who was born at Maidstone in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Irene, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Hova Villa, 61 Sheals Crescent, Maidstone.

 

James and Martha’s seventh child was Arthur Percy Collins who was born at Hartfield, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Hartfield on 23 October 1881. In the census of 5 April 1891 Arthur, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 7 Bonchurch Road in Keymer, and he was going to school.

When he was about 25 years old Arthur married 37-year-old Elizabeth Emily Garner at Hastings during the 4th quarter of 1906. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Ann Garner; she had been born at St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1869. Arthur and Elizabeth had one child born at Hurst Green in Sussex in 1907. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 1 Hillside Villas, Cadborough Road, Rye, Sussex with their son and Arthur was working as an Insurance Agent for the Prudential Insurance Company.

Elizabeth died at the age of 77, her death being registered in Hastings registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1947. Ten years later Arthur died at the age of 76 (not 77 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Hastings registration district during the 4th quarter of 1957.

 

Arthur and Elizabeth's only child was Percival Claude Collins who was born at Hurst Green in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1907. In the census of 2 April 1911 Percival, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 1 Hillside Villas, Cadborough Road, Rye, Sussex.

 

John and Rosamond’s second child was Anne Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 20 December 1809. In 1827 when she was 17 years old Anne had an illegitimate son. Then when she was 21 years old Anne married 25-year-old George Smith, also known as George Reed, who was probably the father of her illegitimate child, at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 2 October 1831. George was the son of widow Sarah Smith from Little Horsted, and he had been baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield with his twin sister Sarah on 10 August 1806. George’s mother, widow Sarah Smith, had then already remarried, to George Read of Framfield, at Little Horsted Church on 6 March 1806, and this George was probably the father of the twins. So both Anne’s husband and her illegitimate son were almost certainly genetically of the Read family. This resulted in considerable confusion over what surname they and their children used, they were baptised as George Smith and George Muddle and their children were all baptised and registered under these surnames, though in the censuses they were normally recorded as Reed and most of them ended up using the Reed name exclusively. Why they used the spelling Reed when the original family used Read is unknown, but possibly the result of illiteracy.

George and Anne had eleven legitimate children. They first lived at Waldron where their first four children were born between 1832 and 1836, and where George was a farm labourer. They then moved to Framfield where their next four children were born between 1838 and 1843. At the baptisms of these children George was described as a farmer, but in the census of 6 June 1841 when George and Ann with their then six children were living at Brook House in Framfield George was described as being a labourer. Their next move was to Hadlow Down where their ninth and tenth children were born in 1846 and 1848 when they were living at Moll's Bank and then Mayfield Flat.

The census of 30 March 1851 found them back at Waldron where they were living at Railwell, which is thought to be the property later called Spring Cottage and now called The Thatch off Warren Lane to the north of Waldron village, with seven of their children. George was back to being a farm labourer, but he may also have been farming some land as five of his children were described as being ‘employed at home’, two of them as farm labourers. Later that year their last child was born at Waldron. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at New Pond in Waldron with five of their children, and George was continuing to work as a farm labourer. About two weeks after the census Anne died at the age of 51, and she was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Waldron on 24 April 1861. Her burial record named her as Ann Reed alias Smith.

In the census of 2 April 1871 as George was a widower living at Tanners in Waldron with two of his sons, and he was still a farm labourer. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George was living with the family of his daughter Elizabeth Smith at Lyons Green in Waldron. George died at Waldron at the age of 79, and he was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Waldron on 15 April 1885.

 

Anne’s illegitimate child was George Smith Muddle/Reed who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 1 July 1827. Going by his name it’s assumed that George’s father was the George Smith, also known as George Reed, that his mother married in 1831 when she was 21 years old. This resulted in George and his children some times being recorded as a Muddle and some times as a Reed and finally completely dropping the name Muddle.

In the census of 6 June 1841 George, at the age of 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his paternal grandparents, George and Sarah Read, at Burnt Oak in Waldron. Then in the census of the 30 March 1851 George, now aged 23, was working as a tailor and living with his widowed paternal grandfather, George Read, at Reeves’ in Waldron. In the census of 7 April 1861 George, at the age of 33, was living with the family of tailor Thomas Covell at Church Street in Heathfield, and he was one of the tailors employed by Thomas Covell.

When he was 35 years old George married 25-year-old Emily Smith at St Leonards Chapel in St Leonards near Hastings in Sussex on 6 September 1862. Emily was the daughter of Edward and Miriam Smith; she had been born at Hellingly in Sussex on 21 March 1837, and baptised at the Barlow Independent Calvinist Chapel in Hellingly on 30 April 1837. At their marriage both George and Emily stated that they were then living in St Mary Magdalene parish in St Leonards, but this was probably a convenience address, as was also the fact that Emily was living at Silver Hill in Salehurst Parish when she gave birth to their first child seven weeks after their marriage.

George and Emily lived at Heathfield where their other seven children were born between 1864 and 1880. When the first of these children was born in 1864 they were living at Church Gate in Heathfield and George was a journeyman tailor. The births of all their children were registered under the name Muddle, but apart from this the family seems to have always used the name Reed. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 2 Church Street in Heathfield with their then five children, and George was still a tailor. In the census of the 3 April 1881 they were living at Church Passage in Heathfield with their five youngest children, and George was continuing to work as a tailor. George was still a tailor when he died at 2 Taddington Road in Eastbourne on 4 July 1883, at the age of 56, from pneumonia, which he had suffered from for eight days.

In the census of 5 April 1891 Emily was living at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne with five of her children; she was now working on her own account as a dressmaker, and she had 20-year-old Frank Cooper as a lodger. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Emily and four of her, now adult, sons were continuing to live at 9 Carlton Road. Emily didn’t now have an occupation, but she did have 25-year-old Minnie Hall as a boarder. Emily died at the age of 70, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1907.

 

George and Emily’s eldest child was Frank Muddle/Reed who was born at Silver Hill in Salehurst Parish on 23 October 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 Frank, at the age of 8 and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at 2 Church Street in Heathfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Frank, now aged 18, was a live-in grocer’s shopman for grocer Thomas French at North Street in Portslade. When Frank registered his father’s death in 1883 he was living at 8 North Street in Portslade.

 

George and Emily’s second child was Emily Amelia Muddle/Reed who was born at Church Gate in Heathfield on 23 October 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Emily, at the age of 6 and now using the name Reed, was living with her parents at 2 Church Street in Heathfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, now aged 16, was a live-in housemaid to the family of widow Julia Southeby at 49 Upperton Gardens in Eastbourne.

When she was about 25 years old Emily married Thomas Jeffkins in Eastbourne registration district during the 4th quarter of 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in two rooms at 6 Beech Terrace in Eastbourne, and Thomas was working as an insurance agent. They had two children born at Eastbourne in 1891 and 1892. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Emily was living at 12 Beach Road in Eastbourne with her two children. Thomas was not there, but Emily was described as being married and living on her own means; one room in the house was occupied by 46-year-old spinster Eliza Asquith.

Emily died at the age of 57 (not 58 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1922. Twenty-one years later Thomas died at the age of 82, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 1st quarter of 1943.

 

Thomas and Emily’s eldest child was Maud Jeffkins who was born at Eastbourne in about 1891. In the census of 31 March 1901 Maud, at the age of 9, was living with her mother at 12 Beach Road in Eastbourne.

 

Thomas and Emily’s second child was Frederick Jeffkins who was born at Eastbourne in about 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, at the age of 8, was living with his mother at 12 Beach Road in Eastbourne.

 

George and Emily’s third child was William Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 4 and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at 2 Church Street in Heathfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 14, was a live-in farm servant to farmer Charles Brett at Fords Farm in Vines Cross. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 24, was working as a laundryman and living with his widowed mother at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne. Then in the census of the 31 March 1901 William, still unmarried at the age of 34, was continuing to work as a laundryman and live with his mother at 9 Carlton Road.

 

George and Emily’s fourth child was George Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 3 and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at 2 Church Street in Heathfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 13, was living with his parents at Church Passage in Heathfield, and he was going to school.

 

George and Emily’s fifth child was Charles Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charles, at the age of 1 and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at 2 Church Street in Heathfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, now aged 11, was living with his parents at Church Passage in Heathfield, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charles, at the age of 21, was working as a laundryman and living with his widowed mother at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne. Then in the census of the 31 March 1901 Charles, still unmarried at the age of 31, was continuing to work as a laundryman and live with his mother at 9 Carlton Road.

 

George and Emily’s sixth child was Jane Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Jane, at the age of 6 and now using the name Reed, was living with her parents at Church Passage in Heathfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Jane, now aged 16, was living with her widowed mother at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne.

When she was 23 years old Jane married 24-year-old Walter Sharp in Eastbourne registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1898. Walter was the son of Charles and Sophia Sharp; he had been born at Hove in Sussex and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1874. Walter and Jane had three children, the first was born at Eastbourne in 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 156 Seaside in Eastbourne with their young daughter. Walter was a hairdresser who was an employer and working at home; one of his employees was possibly Jane's brother Frederick who was then working as a hairdresser. Their daughter died later in 1901 at the age of 1. Their next two children were born at Eastbourne in 1901 and 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Eastbourne House, Station Road, Shalford, Surrey, with their two surviving children and Walter was working on his own account as a hairdresser.

 

Walter and Jane’s eldest child was Doris Winifred Sharp who was born at Eastbourne, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Doris, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 156 Seaside in Eastbourne. Doris died soon after the census, at the age of 1, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1901.

 

Walter and Jane’s second child was Charles Walter Sharp who was born at Eastbourne, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Charles, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Eastbourne House, Station Road, Shalford, Surrey.

 

Walter and Jane’s third child was Ethel Victoria Sharp who was born at Eastbourne, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ethel, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Eastbourne House, Station Road, Shalford, Surrey.

 

George and Emily’s seventh child was Harry Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Harry, at the age of 4 and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at Church Passage in Heathfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Harry, now aged 14, was working as an errand boy and living with his widowed mother at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne. In the census of the 31 March 1901 Harry, at the age of 23, was working as a baker and continuing to live with his mother at 9 Carlton Road.

 

George and Emily’s eighth child was Frederick Muddle/Reed who was born at Heathfield, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Frederick, at the age of 4 months and now using the name Reed, was living with his parents at Church Passage in Heathfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, now aged 10, was living with his widowed mother at 9 Carlton Road in Eastbourne, and he was going to school. In the census of the 31 March 1901 Frederick, at the age of 20, was continuing to live with his mother at 9 Carlton Road, and he was now working as a hairdresser, possibly for his brother-in-law, Walter Sharp, who had a hairdressing business in Eastbourne.

 

George and Anne’s first legitimate child was Sarah Ann Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 15 January 1832. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sarah, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Brook House in Framfield, Sussex.

 

George and Anne’s second legitimate child was Mary Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron baptised at Waldron Church on 20 October 1833. In the census of 6 June 1841 Mary, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Brook House in Framfield, Sussex.

 

George and Anne’s third legitimate child was Richard Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron baptised at Waldron Church on 26 April 1835. In the census of 6 June 1841 Richard, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Brook House in Framfield, Sussex. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Richard, now aged 16, was living with his parent at Railwell in Waldron, and he was employed at home as a farm labourer. In the census of 7 April 1861 Richard, at the age of 26, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at New Pond in Waldron.

 

George and Anne’s fourth legitimate child was William Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron baptised at Waldron Church on 18 December 1836. In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Brook House in Framfield, Sussex.

 

George and Anne’s fifth legitimate child was Alfred Smith who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 1 July 1838. In the census of 6 June 1841 Alfred, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Brook House in Framfield. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Alfred, now aged 12, was living with his parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex, and he was employed at home as a farm labourer. In the census of 7 April 1861 Alfred, at the age of 22, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at New Pond in Waldron.

 

George and Anne’s sixth legitimate child was Ruth Smith who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 5 April 1840. In the census of 6 June 1841 Ruth, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Brook House in Framfield. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Ruth, now aged 11, was living with her parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex, and she was employed at home.

 

George and Anne’s seventh legitimate child was Anne Smith who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 3 April 1842. In the census of 30 March 1851 Anne, at the age of 9, was living with her parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex, and she was employed at home. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Anne, now aged 19, was living with her parents at New Pond in Waldron.

 

George and Anne’s eighth legitimate child was Albert Smith who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 3 December 1843. In the census of 30 March 1851 Albert, at the age of 7, was living with his parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex, and he was employed at home. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Albert, now aged 17, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at New Pond in Waldron. In the census of 2 April 1871 Albert, at the age of 27, was continuing to work as a farm labourer and he was living with his widowed father at Tanners in Waldron.

 

George and Anne’s ninth legitimate child was Elizabeth Smith who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down on 7 June 1846. In the census of 30 March 1851 Elizabeth, at the age of 4, was living with her parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex. When she was 24 years old Elizabeth married 22-year-old Edmund Smith in Cranbrook registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1870. Edmund was the son of higler Henry Smith and his wife Mary Ann, and he had been baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 6 February 1848.

In the census of 2 April 1871 Edmund and Elizabeth were living at Back Road Moor, Hawkhurst, Kent, and Edmund was a blacksmith. They then moved to Waldron where they had three children born between 1871 and 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Lyons Green in Waldron with their three children, Edmund was a journeyman blacksmith and they had Elizabeth’s widowed father living with them. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were continuing to live at Lyons Green; their two eldest children were still living with them, the son was a blacksmith and presumably working for Edmund who now had his own blacksmith’s business. They had 32-year-old farm labourer Frederick Piper as a boarder.

Elizabeth died at the age of 50, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district, which includes Waldron, during the 2nd quarter of 1896. Three years later Edmund married his late wife’s spinster sister Emily Smith, also known as Emily Reed, in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1899. See section below on Emily Smith.

 

Edmund and Elizabeth’s eldest child was William Edmund Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and who was baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 29 October 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 19, was continuing to live with his parents at Lyons Green, he was working as a blacksmith, presumably in his father’s blacksmith’s business.

 

Edmund and Elizabeth’s second child was Anne Elizabeth Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and who was baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 13 June 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Anna, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Lyons Green in Waldron, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Anna, now aged 15, was continuing to live with his parents at Lyons Green.

 

Edmund and Elizabeth’s third child was George Henry Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and who was baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 28 July 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron.

 

George and Anne’s tenth legitimate child was Emily Smith who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down on 2 April 1848. In the census of 30 March 1851 Emily, at the age of 3, was living with her parent at Railwell in Waldron, Sussex. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Emily, now aged 13, was a live-in house servant to the family of miller William Kenward at Cross-in-Hand, Heathfield, Sussex. From at least the time of the 1861 census Emily used the surname Reed. In the census of 2 April 1871 Emily, at the age of 23, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of widow Hannah Willey at 21 Brunswick Road, Hove, Sussex. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, at the age of 33, was a live-in lady’s maid to blind widow Louisa Coslobad at 6 Montpelier Terrace in Brighton.

When she was 51 years old Emily married 51-year-old widower Edmund Smith, who had been the husband of her sister Elizabeth, in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Lyons Green in Waldron; Edmund was still a blacksmith and they had 17-year-old blacksmith’s apprentice Henry Ralph living with them.

 

George and Anne’s eleventh legitimate child was John Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 29 June 1851. John was also known as John Reed. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, at the age of 9, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at New Pond in Waldron. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 John, now aged 19, was continuing to work as a farm labourer and he was living with his widowed father at Tanners in Waldron. In the census of 3 April 1881 John, at the age of 29, was working as a farm labourer and boarding with farm labourer Robert Hendly and his wife Mary at 2 Cross Ways in Waldron.

When he was 34 years old John married 21-year-old Harriett Homewood at the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels in Little Horsted, Sussex on 30 January 1886. They said that they were both then living in Little Horsted, and John gave his occupation as labourer. Harriett was the daughter of William and Ansley Holmwood/Homewood; she had been born at Framfield in Sussex and baptised at the Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 7 August 1864. After their marriage John and Harriett lived at Waldron where they had six children born between 1886 and 1896, one of whom died in infancy. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Lyons Green in Waldron with their then three children, and John was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Lyons Green with their five surviving children, and John was still a farm labourer.

 

John and Harriett’s eldest child was John William Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex; his birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1886 and he was baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 2 January 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 John, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 John, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and continuing to live with his parents at Lyons Green.

 

John and Harriett’s second child was Minnie Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 4 March 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Minnie, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Lyons Green in Waldron. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Minnie, now aged 13, was continuing to live with her parents at Lyons Green.

 

John and Harriett’s third child was Charlie Smith who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 19 October 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charlie, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Charlie, now aged 10, was continuing to live with his parents at Lyons Green.

 

John and Harriett’s fourth child was Annie Smith who was born at Lyons Green in Waldron, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 3 April 1892. Annie died at Lyons Green when only 4 months old and she was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Waldron on 20 April 1892.

 

John and Harriett’s fifth child was George Henry Smith who was born at Lyons Green in Waldron, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 2 July 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron.

 

John and Harriett’s sixth child was Albert Smith who was born at Lyons Green in Waldron, Sussex, and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 6 September 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Lyons Green in Waldron.

 

John and Rosamond’s third child was Mary Ann Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 15 December 1811. In the census of 30 March 1851 Mary Ann, still unmarried at the age of 39, was a laundress living at 38 Eceleston Place, St George’s Hanover Square, London. Then later that year Mary Ann married 24-year-old Henry Bolton at St Jude’s Church, Upper Chelsea, London, on 1 September 1851. They were both then living at 40 George Street and Henry was a coal porter. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 1 Crumps Yard in Chelsea and Henry was still working as a coal porter. Mary Ann died at the age of 65, her death being registered in Chelsea registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1877.

 

John and Rosamond’s fourth child was James Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 23 November 1813. In the census of 6 June 1841 James, at the age of 27, was working as a journeyman miller and living at the Mill House in the High Hurstwood area of Buxted Parish with miller John Duvall and his wife. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 James, now aged 37, was a live-in miller’s servant to master miller George Holman in Ripe Village.

James was living at Cuckfield when the 11 August 1857 edition of The Sussex Advertiser reported that at the County Court on 6 August 1857 James Muddle was found to owe E W Beach 18s 8d and was to be committed to prison for 20 days if the debt was not paid within one month.

When he was about 45 years old James married spinster Eliza Bassett Piper, who was about 30, at Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield on 13 November 1858. They were both then living at Cuckfield and James was working as a miller. Eliza was the illegitimate daughter of Lucy Piper, and she had been baptised at St Dunstan’s Church in Mayfield on 28 December 1828. James and Eliza didn’t have any children.

In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Court Cottage in Portslade; James was working as a miller and they had James’ nephew Samuel Smith staying with them. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 3 Shoreham Road in Portslade; James was now a grocer and Eliza was a postmistress. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 5 Eastern Terrace, Station Road, Portslade; James had gone back to being a miller, and they had a lodger.

James died at the age of 73, his death being registered in Steyning registration district, which includes Portslade, during the 2nd quarter of 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Eliza was still living at 5 Eastern Terrace; she was described as living on her own means, and she had taken in a boarder. Then two years later Eliza, at the age of 64, married 69-year-old widower George Eldridge Lusted at All Souls Church in Eastbourne on 3 April 1893. They were then both living in All Souls Parish and George was a builder. Eliza died at the age of 68, her death being registered in Tunbridge registration district during the 1st quarter of 1897. A few months later George died at the age of 73, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1897.

 

John and Rosamond’s fifth child was Rosamond Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 24 March 1816. When she was 24 years old Rosamond married 20-year-old Reuben Smith at Chiddingly Church in Sussex on 4 August 1840. They were both then living in Chiddingly and Reuben was a labourer. Reuben was the son of John and Barbara Smith; he had been born at Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 7 May 1820.

Reuben and Rosamond had eight children; the first was born at Framfield in late 1840. Then in the census of 6 June 1841 they were living at Teelings Common in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield with their young daughter, and Reuben was working as a farm labourer. Next-door to them at Glass Castle were living the family of Rosamond's 1st cousin William Muddle. Reuben and Rosamond's other seven children were born at Uckfield between 1842 and 1856. There are no baptisms of these children at Uckfield Parish Church so it's thought that Reuben and Rosamond were probably non-conformists. In the census of 30 March 1851 they were living at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield with their then six children; Reuben was continuing to work as a farm labourer and they had 31-year-old farm labourer Thomas Skinner as a lodger. The family of Rosamond's 1st cousin William Muddle were still living next-door at Glass Castle.

In mid March and early April 1860 two of their daughters died. A few days later Rosamond died at the age of 44 (not 46 as given on her burial record), and she was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 15 April 1860. Then about six weeks after Rosamond’s death Reuben died at the age of 40, and he was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 2 June 1860.

Of Reuben and Rosamond's surviving children, Samuel went to live with Rosamond's brother James Muddle and his wife Eliza at Portslade, John and Elizabeth went to live with Reuben's sister Pliner and her husband John Goldsmith in Uckfield, and Sarah, Esther and Hannah became live-in domestic servants.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s eldest child was Mary Ann Smith who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 1 November 1840. In the census of 6 June 1841 Mary Ann, at the age of 8 months, was living with her parents Teelings Common in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Mary Ann, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield, and she was going to school. Mary Ann died at the age of 19 and she was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 10 April 1860.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s second child was John Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1842. In the census of 30 March 1851 John, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. John was orphaned when both his parents died in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, now aged 18, and his sister Elizabeth were living with their uncle and aunt, John and Pliner Goldsmith, at Union Point Cottage in Uckfield, and John was working as a farm labourer.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s third child was Sarah Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex in about 1844. In the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield, and she was going to school. Sarah was orphaned when both her parents died in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah, now aged 16, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of farmer Walter Rooksby at Upper Lodge Farm House in Ringmer, Sussex.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s fourth child was Esther Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1846. In the census of 30 March 1851 Esther, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. Esther was orphaned when both her parents died in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Esther, now aged 14, was a live-in house servant to the family of miller William Kenward at the Mill House in Uckfield.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s fifth child was Hannah Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1848. In the census of 30 March 1851 Hannah, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. Hannah was orphaned when both her parents died in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Hannah, now aged 12, was a live-in house servant to the family of draper and grocer Ebenezer Wallis in Framfield village.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s sixth child was Ruth Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1851. In the census of 30 March 1851 Ruth, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. Ruth died at the age of 9 and was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 20 March 1860.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s seventh child was Samuel Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 12 October 1853. Samuel was orphaned when both his parents died in 1860. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Samuel, at the age of 7, was going to school and living with his uncle and aunt, James and Eliza Muddle, at Court Cottage in Portslade, Sussex.

 

Reuben and Rosamond’s eighth child was Elizabeth Smith who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1856. Elizabeth was orphaned when both her parents died in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Elizabeth, at the age of 4, and her brother John were living with their uncle and aunt, John and Pliner Goldsmith, at Union Point Cottage in Uckfield, and Elizabeth was going to school.

 

John and Rosamond’s sixth child was David Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 10 August 1818. When he was 22 years old David married 20-year-old Susanna Eade, known as Susan, at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 30 January 1841. Susanna was the daughter of farm labourer James Eade and his wife Jane, and she had been baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 5 November 1820. See the section headed ‘David & Susan Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

John and Rosamond’s seventh child was William Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 July 1821. In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 20, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at Blackboys Common in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 William, now aged 29, was continuing to work as a farm labourer and was now lodging with the family of his married brother David at Muddles Cottage near Blackboys Inn.

William was still working as a farm labourer when, at the age of 33, he married 23-year-old domestic servant Mary Potten at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 8 November 1854. Mary was the daughter of Neri and Hannah Potten, and she had been baptised at All Saints Church in Heathfield on 3 April 1831. William and Mary didn’t have any children. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Pennys in Framfield and William was working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Summers Brook in Waldron where William was continuing to work as a farm labourer. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living with Mary’s widowed father, farmer Neri Potten, at Barnett Wood in Framfield; William was still a farm labourer, and Mary was housekeeper for her father. The following year William died at Framfield, at the age of 61, and he was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 22 June 1882.

Five years after William’s death Mary was living at Bernett Wood when, at the age of 56, she married 55-year-old widower Henry Edward Reed at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 17 September 1887. Henry was a farm labourer from Mayfield; he was the son of John and Mary Reed, and he had been baptised at St Dunstan’s Church in Mayfield on 12 February 1832. In the census of 5 April 1891 Henry and Mary were living at Bernett Wood in Framfield, and Henry was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Henry died at the age of 62 (not 63 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1894. Two and a half years later Mary died at the age of 65, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1897.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2016

Last updated 25 January 2016