THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of William & Ann/Rebecca Muddle’s Family

Plot	Description	Cultivation	A	R	P
497	House & Garden		-	-	25
498	The Slip		-	1	6
499	Nursery Field	Nursery	2	-	10
496	House Meadow	Meadow	1	2	22
495	New Enclosure	Arable	-	2	28
487	Spring Plot	Pasture	-	2	30
486	The Orchard	Orchard	-	1	18

 

William and Ann’s eldest child was Nathaniel Muddle who was born at Barcombe in Sussex on 3 March 1827, and baptised at the Jireh Chapel in Lewes on 27 April 1827. Nathaniel died at Uckfield when only one year old, and he was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 3 April 1828.

 

William and Ann’s second child was Joseph Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex in about 1830. In the census of 6 June 1841 Joseph, at the age of 10, was living with his parents at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield. When he was about 20 years old Joseph married 19-year-old Eliza Funnell at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 19 November 1850. Eliza was the daughter of John and Philadelphia Funnell; she had been born at Laughton in Sussex and baptised at All Saints Church in Laughton on 27 March 1831. In the census of 30 March 1851 Joseph and Eliza were living with Joseph’s parents at Glass Castle and Joseph was now a gardener like his father.

Joseph and Eliza had five children, the first three being born in Uckfield between 1851 and 1858, and in 1858 Joseph was still a gardener. Then by the time of the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Pay Gate House in Framfield with their three children, and Joseph was now a toll collector for the turnpike. Their last two children were born at Framfield in 1863 and 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were still living at Pay Gate House and Joseph was still a toll collector for the turnpike; their two eldest children had now left home and just the three youngest were living with them.

They then moved back to the Ridgewood area of Uckfield and Joseph became a farmer, as the 1874 edition of the Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties, the 1878 edition of the Post Office Directory of Sussex and the 1881 edition of Deacon's Court Guide, Gazetteer & County Blue Book of Sussex all listed Joseph Muddle as a farmer at Ridgewood, Uckfield. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Brands Place in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield and Joseph was a farmer. All their children had now left home and they just had their 15-year-old farm servant John Penticost living with them. The 1890 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex and the 1891 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent, Surrey & Sussex both listed Joseph Muddle as a market gardener at Ridgewood. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were still living at Ridgewood and Joseph was described as a farmer and an employer. John Penticost was still living with them, now as a lodger and gardener, and they also had 13-year-old George Burton as a live-in labourer. It seems that Joseph was probably now both a market gardener and a farmer, with John Penticost working in the market garden and George Burton on the farm. The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Joseph Muddle as a market gardener at Ridgewood.

Joseph was the clerk of Five Ash Down Independent Chapel for many years. He died at Ridgewood during the night of the 24/25 September 1900,[1] at the age of 70, and he was buried in the graveyard of Five Ash Down Independent Chapel on 30 September 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Eliza was living at Brands Place, New Road, Ridgewood, and she was a market gardener working on her own account. George Burton was still living with her, but now as a boarder as he was now working elsewhere as a painter, and in place of him Eliza now had 17-year-old Henry Marshall as a live-in servant. Eight years after Joseph’s death Eliza died at Uckfield, at the age of 78, and she was buried in the graveyard of Five Ash Down Independent Chapel on 26 March 1909.

 

Their children were:

Mercy 1851-1934  Naomi 1854-?  Joseph 1858-1931

David 1863-1949  Thomas 1865-1924

 

Joseph and Eliza’s eldest child was Mercy Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 28 August 1851. In the census of 7 April 1861 Mercy, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Pay Gate House in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Mercy, now aged 19, was a live-in housemaid at 11 Albion Street in Lewes to the family of John Clarke Russell, who was rector of St Thomas à Becket Church.

When she was 26 years old Mercy married 24-year-old Cecil Taylor at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 8 June 1878. They were both then living in Uckfield and Cecil was a painter. Cecil was the son of Henry and Ann Taylor, and he had been born at Maresfield in Sussex on 8 June 1854. Cecil and Mercy had six children born in Uckfield between 1880 and 1890. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at North Row in Uckfield with their then one child and Cecil’s widowed mother Ann Taylor, and Cecil was described as being a journeyman painter and paper hanger. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were continuing to live at North Row, now with all their six children, and Cecil was just described as a painter. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 3 North Row with four of their children, and Cecil was now a plumber and painter.

Cecil was described as a journeyman painter when he died at North Row on 26 January 1917, at the age of 62, from diabetes mellitus coma. Mercy was living at 2 North Row when she died there on 19 August 1934, at the age of 82, from myocardial degeneration, chronic bronchitis and cancer of the rectum.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s eldest child was Joseph Henry Taylor who was born at North Row in Uckfield, Sussex on 23 October 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Joseph, at the age of 5 months, was living with his parents at North Row in Uckfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, now aged 10, was living with his parents at North Row, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 April 1901 Joseph, at the age of 20, was living with his parents at 3 North Row, and he was now working as a mineral water maker.

When he was about 25 years old Joseph married 31-year-old Rose Eliza Thorne at Uckfield during the 4th quarter of 1905. Rose was the daughter of Thomas George and Eliza Thorne; she had been born at Waldron in Sussex and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 28 December 1873. Joseph and Rose had migrated to Canada by 1910 where they had one child, a son, in 1911. Rose died in 1927 when she was about 53 years old, and Joseph then remarried. Joseph died at Winnipeg, Manitoba on 26 February 1960 at the age of 79.

 

Joseph and Rose’s only child was Cyril Joseph Thorne Taylor who was born in Canada during 1911. Cyril married and had two sons and a daughter, he died in 1996.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s second child was Alice Taylor who was born at North Row in Uckfield, Sussex on 11 July 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at North Row in Uckfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 April 1901 Alice, now aged 18, was working as a domestic kitchen maid and living with her parents at 3 North Row.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s third child was Frederick Charles Taylor who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at North Row in Uckfield, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, now aged 16, was working as a hairdresser and boarding with the family of print compositor Harry Stoner at 36 Kemp Street in Brighton.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s fourth child was Edith Emily Taylor who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at North Row in Uckfield, and she was going to school. Edith died at the age of 14, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1900.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s fifth child was Blanche Taylor who was born at North Row in Uckfield, Sussex on 17 March 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Blanche, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at North Row in Uckfield. Then in the census of 31 April 1901 Blanche, now aged 13, was living with her parents at 3 North Row.

 

Cecil and Mercy’s sixth child was Cecil John Taylor who was born at North Row in Uckfield, Sussex on 8 July 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Cecil, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents at North Row in Uckfield. Then in the census of 31 April 1901 Cecil, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 3 North Row. Cecil was living at 2 North Row when he registered his mother’s death in 1934.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s second child was Naomi Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1854. In the census of 7 April 1861 Naomi, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Pay Gate House in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Naomi, now aged 17, was a live-in general servant to the family of retired draper Frederic Martin at 38 High Street in the Cliffe area of Lewes.

When she was 19 years old Naomi married 26-year-old Henry Carley at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 5 April 1873. They were both then living in Uckfield and Henry was a labourer. Henry was the son of Jesse and Eleanor Carley, and he had been baptised at East Hoathly Parish Church on 14 April 1846. Henry and Naomi were probably childless. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 18 Alexander Road in Uckfield; Henry was now working as a grocer’s warehouseman, and they had Henry’s younger brother, Jesse Carley, staying with them. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at the Crown Inn, Wheeler Street, Blackboys, where Henry was the innkeeper.

Henry died at the age of 51, while still living at the Crown Inn in Blackboys, and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield on 3 August 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Naomi, at the age 47, was an inmate of Uckfield Union Workhouse, and described as being a general domestic servant. Naomi died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1931.

 

 

Joseph and Eliza’s third child was Joseph Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 8 February 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Joseph, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Pay Gate House in Framfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Joseph, now aged 13, was still living with his parents at Pay Gate House. When he was 18 years old Joseph married 23-year-old Lois Wren at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 18 November 1876. They were both then living in Uckfield and Joseph was a labourer. Lois was the daughter of John and Mary Jane Wren; she had been born in Uckfield, probably at Bridge Cottage, on 28 January 1853, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 30 January 1853. Joseph and Lois continued to live in Uckfield where they had nine children born between 1877 and 1892, their second child dying when only eleven months old.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Joseph and Lois and their then two surviving children were lodging with Lois’ widow mother, Mary Jane Wren, at 2 Bridge Cottage in Uckfield High Street. Joseph was working as a brewer’s labourer, a job that he had been in since at least July 1879, when his second child was baptised, and continued in until at least September 1882, when his fourth child was baptised. By September 1884, when his fifth child was baptised, Joseph had changed to being a gardener, which he continued to be until at least 1915, when at the marriage of his daughter Bertha he was described as being a jobbing gardener.

In the census of 5 April 1891, Joseph, Lois and their then seven surviving children were living in one of the cottages, consisting of four rooms, at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and Joseph was described as being a domestic gardener. It’s possible that Joseph was working as gardener for General George Calvert Clarke at Church House, Church Street, Uckfield, as a local newspaper cutting about the Uckfield Autumn Show, from the period 1880 to 1900, that was reprinted in Hindsight Vol 7 records that ‘J Muddle had staged General Clarke’s collection [of plants] admirably’.

Lois died at the High Street in Uckfield (this would almost certainly have been at White Rails) on 25 January 1898, at the age of 44 (3 days before her 45th birthday), from phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis), and she was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 28 January 1898. The terrace of stone-built cottages called White Rails was demolished later in 1898 and this most probably would have been when the family moved to Framfield Road in Uckfield. In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph and six of his children were living at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace in Framfield Road, and Joseph was working on his own account as a domestic jobbing gardener.

Three years after Lois’ death Joseph married 46-year-old spinster Mary Maria Fieldwick at St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin Church in Fletching on 29 August 1901. Mary was the daughter of Samuel and Frances Fieldwick (or Feldwick); she had been born at Fletching and baptised at St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin Church in Fletching on 6 April 1856. In 1885 when she was 28 years old Mary had an illegitimate son born at Fletching, who was brought-up by Mary’s parents, while Mary worked as a live-in domestic servant. There were no children from Joseph and Mary’s marriage.

In A County Directory of the Principal Gardens in Great Britain and Ireland of 1917 it was recorded that J Muddle was gardener at Ridgewood House. Joseph was living at 101 Framfield Road in Uckfield when he died at the age 73; he was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 20 March 1931. Three years later Mary was living at High View House, the council’s old-folks home, in Uckfield, when she died at the age of 78; she was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 10 May 1934.

 

Joseph and Lois’ eldest child was Ruth Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 5 December 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ruth, at the age of 3, was living with her parents who were lodging with her maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Wren, at 2 Bridge Cottage in Uckfield High Street. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ruth, now aged 13, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ruth, at the age of 23, was living with her widowed father and five of her siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield, where together with her sister Ellen she was probably acting as housekeeper for the family. Ruth never married. She died at Uckfield, at the age of 37, and she was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 11 November 1914.

 

 

Joseph and Lois’ second child was Arthur Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 4 July 1879. Arthur died at Uckfield when only eleven months old, and he was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 16 April 1880.

 

Joseph and Lois’ third child was Ellen Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 11 July 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ellen, at the age of 11 months, was living with her parents who were lodging with her maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Wren, at 2 Bridge Cottage in Uckfield High Street. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ellen, now aged 10, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ellen, at the age of 20, was living with her widowed father and five of her siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield, where together with her sister Ruth she was probably acting as housekeeper for the family.

When she was 23 years old Ellen married 24-year-old John William Mason at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 22 August 1903. John was from Brighton and worked as a conductor. He was the son of Henry James and Sarah Mason; he had been born in Brighton and his birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1879. John and Ellen had at least one child born at Brighton in 1913.

 

John and Ellen’s only known child was Edith B Mason whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district during the 1st quarter of 1913.

 

Joseph and Lois’ fourth child was Annie Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 24 September 1882. (Annie’s name on her baptism record looks like Anna, but could be Annie; her birth was registered as Annie.) In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 8, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 18, was a live-in housemaid at a girl’s school run by schoolmistress Jane Blunt at St John’s Lodge, 17 & 18 Dane Road, St Leonards, Sussex. In March 1903 when she was 20 years old Annie had an illegitimate son who was born in Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Marylebone, London. When Annie registered this birth the following month she was a domestic cook living at 237 Marylebone Road in Marylebone.

 

Annie’s illegitimate son was Arthur Horace Muddle who was born in Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Marylebone Road, Marylebone, London on 29 March 1903. Arthur died at the age of 5, his death being registered in Steyning registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1909.

 

Joseph and Lois’ fifth child was William Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 7 September 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 6, was living with his parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, now aged 16, was working as an upholsterer’s porter and living with his widowed father and five of his siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield.

When he was 23 years old and working as a general labourer William fathered an illegitimate son born to 23-year-old Jane Elizabeth Trower at Henfield in Sussex in 1908. Jane was the daughter of Abraham and Jane Trower; she had been born at Brighton and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1885.

Then when he was 30 years old William married 29-year-old Blanche Mildred Ford at St Philip's Church in Aldrington near Hove in Sussex on 3 April 1915. William was then working as a gardener and living at 14 Mount Zion Place in Brighton, and Blanche was living at 112 Montgomery Street in Aldrington. Blanche was the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ford; she had been born at Isfield in Sussex on 15 April 1885. William and Blanche didn't have any children, as William died at the age of 31, only about a year after their marriage. William's death was registered in Steyning registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1916.

Four years later Blanche, at the age of 34, married 24-year-old Charles Walter Digby in Marylebone registration district in London during the 1st quarter of 1920. Charles was the son of James and Fanny Digby; he had been born at Blickling in Norfolk and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1895. There were no children from this marriage. Charles died at the age of 66, his death being registered in Horsham registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1962. Fourteen years later Blanche died at the age 90, her death being registered in Horsham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1976.

 

William and Jane’s illegitimate son was William George Muddle who was born at Harwood in Henfield, Sussex, the home of his mother's parents, on 25 April 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 William, at the age of nearly 3, was living with his maternal grandparents, Abraham and Jane Trower, and three of their adault children at Harwood.

When he was 28 years old William married 25-year-old Ivy Edith Chowne in Chanctonbury registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1936. Ivy had been born in Steyning registration district in Sussex on 6 August 1910. William and Ivy had three children, all of whom died soon after birth. The first two were twin boys born in 1942 and the third was a girl born in 1945, all were born in Worthing registration district. They then adopted a son who had been born in about 1944. William was described as being a metal worker when his son married in 1966.

William died at the age of 84, his death being registered in Worthing registration district during May 1992. Three years later Ivy died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Worthing registration district during January 1995.

 

Joseph and Lois’ sixth child was Kate Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 6 June 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Kate, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Kate, now aged 14, was a live-in housemaid to widower James Wilkinson and his son at Vernon Place, New Town, Uckfield. The other servant in the house was cook Mary Muddle who was not related to Kate, being a member of the ‘Buxted Muddle Family’. When she was 26 years old Kate married 25-year-old William Chambers Braines in Brighton registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1912. William was the son of William and Mary Ann Braines; he had been born at Brighton and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1887 William and Kate lived in Brighton where they had five children born between 1913 and 1926, one of whom died soon after birth. Kate was cook to Lord Bottomley.

 

William and Kate eldest child was William Chambers Braines who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1913.

 

William and Kate second child was Albert Chambers Braines who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1915.

 

William and Kate third child was an unnamed son who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth and death were both registered during the 1st quarter of 1916.

 

William and Kate fourth child was Lois Kate Braines who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1917.

 

William and Kate fourth child was Pamela W Braines who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1926.

 

Joseph and Lois’ seventh child was Agnes Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 5 August 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Agnes, at the age of 2, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Agnes, now aged 12, was living with her widowed father and five of her siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield, and she was going to school. When she was about 29 years old Agnes married Harold W Skinner in Brighton registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1917.

 

 

Joseph and Lois’ eighth child was Edith Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 6 April 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in one of the cottages at White Rails in Uckfield High Street. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, now aged 11, was living with her widowed father and five of her siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield, and she was going to school. When she was 25 years old Edith married 24-year-old Charles Herbert West in Brighton registration district during the 4th quarter of 1915. Charles was the son of George and Mary Jane West; he had been born at Brighton and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1891. Charles and Edith had at least one child born in Brighton in 1919.

 

Charles and Edith’s only known child was Raymond C West whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1919.

 

Joseph and Lois’ ninth child was Bertha Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 3 April 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Bertha, at the age of 9, was living with her widowed father and five of her siblings at 12 Bird in Eye Terrace, Framfield Road, Uckfield, and she was going to school. When she was 23 years old Bertha married 26-year-old Percy Tinson at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 2 June 1915. Percy was then a painter who lived at Ash in Surrey. He was the son of William and Elizabeth Tinson; he had been born at Seale near Farnham in Surrey and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1889. Percy and Bertha had at least two children born in the Farnham/Farnborough area of Surrey in 1918 and 1919.

 

Percy and Bertha’s eldest child was Sylvia E Tinson whose birth was registered in Farnham registration district in Surrey during the 2nd quarter of 1918.

 

Percy and Bertha’s second child was Eric P Tinson whose birth was registered in Farnborough registration district in Surrey during the 3rd quarter of 1919.

 

Mary Maria Fieldwick’s illegitimate son was Frederick William Fieldwick who was born at Splains Green in Fletching, Sussex on 19 January 1885, and baptised at St Andrew & St Mary the Virgin Church in Fletching on 1 March 1885. Frederick lived with his mother’s parents, Samuel and Frances Fieldwick, while his mother worked in service. In the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, at the age of 6, was living with his grandparents, Samuel and Frances Fieldwick, at Splains Green in Fletching, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, now aged 16, was working as a farm labourer and living with his grandparents in the Old Workhouse in Fletching.

When he was 21 years old Frederick married 23-year-old Emma Louisa Olive Turner, known as Olive, in Uckfield registration district on 6 August 1906. Olive was the daughter of William and Emma Turner, and she had been born at Fletching on 9 January 1883. Frederick and Olive had one child, a daughter, born at Danehill in 1909.

Seven years after their marriage Frederick, without his wife and daughter, emigrated from England to Canada. He sailed 3rd class on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 22 August 1913 bound for Quebec. The departure passenger list described him as a 28-year-old labourer.[2] After a voyage of 7 days Frederick arrived at Quebec on 29 August. The arrival passenger list recorded that Frederick had been working in farming for 12 years and that he intended to be a farmer in Canada and his destination was Toronto.[3]

For about two years before his emigration Frederick had been a member of the Haywards Heath Brotherhood Brass and Reed Band. The Haywards Heath Brotherhood was an interdenominational men's society and part of an international organisation that had arranged for Frederick to be met by a member in Toronto who would be his friend there. On his leaving the band they presented Frederick with a silver albert and pendent and the newspaper report of this also recorded that Frederick hoped to do well enough in Canada to have his wife and daughter join him there, but unfortunately this was not to be.

Just over a year after arriving in Canada, and soon after the start of the First World War, Frederick, at the age of 29, enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force on 18 September 1914. On his attestation papers he was described as being 5ft 9¾ins tall with a 37in expanded chest, fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.[4] Two years later Frederick was Corporal 27188 in the 15th Battalion Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) when he died of his wounds on 28 September 1916, at the age of 31. He was buried in plot 5, row D, grave 23 of Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension in France. Olive was then living at 9 Gower Road in Haywards Heath.

Five years after Frederick’s death, when she was 39 years old, Olive married 31-year-old Ernest Rasell at Haywards Heath on 14 January 1922. Ernest was the son of John and Kate Rasell; he had been born at Haywards Heath and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1890. Just under two years after their marriage Ernest died on 7 December 1923, at the age of 33.

 

Frederick and Olive’s only child was Emma Kathleen Louise Fieldwick who was born at Danehill in Sussex on 29 January 1909.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s fourth child was David Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 David, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Pay Gate House in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 David, now aged 17, was a live-in grocer’s assistant to grocer John Martin at the Grocer’s Shop, 3 Church Road, Seaford, Sussex. When he was 24 years old David married 21-year-old Lizzie Beal at St Leonard’s Church in Seaford on 8 November 1887. Lizzie was the daughter of Alfred and Caroline Beal; she had been born at Seaford and her birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1866. David and Lizzie lived Seaford where they had three children born between 1889 and 1894.

In the census of 5 April 1891 David and Lizzie and their then two children were living in South Street in Seaford. They also had Lizzie's widowed mother, Caroline Beal, living with them, and David was still working as a grocer's assistant. When their third child was baptised in 1894, David was described as being a greengrocer. The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed David Muddle of the High Street, Seaford as a fruiterer and dairyman, so he now had his own business. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Seaford High Street with their three children and Lizzie's mother; David was a fruiterer and dairyman who was an employer working at his home address, and they had 13-year-old Annie Eager as a live-in general domestic servant. The 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed David Muddle of the High Street, Seaford as a fruiterer and dairyman, and also as a member of the Urban District Council whose elected period would expire in April 1908. When his daughter married in 1910 David was described as being a fruitier, and when his son Albert first married in 1911 he was described as being a seedsman. The 1911 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed David Muddle of 14 High Street, Seaford as a fruiterer and dairyman, and also as a member of the Urban District Council whose elected period would expire in April 1914. Then the 1915 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed David Muddle of 14 High Street, Seaford as a fruiterer and dairyman, but he was no longer a member of the Urban District Council. This edition of the directory also listed Mrs L Muddle as having a fancy repository at 18 High Street, Seaford. At his son Albert's second marriage in 1922 David was described as being a master greengrocer.

David died at the age of 85 (not 84 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1949. Eight years later Lizzie died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1957.

 

David and Lizzie’s eldest child was Albert Richard Muddle who was born at Seaford in Sussex on 3 February 1889, and baptised at St Leonard’s Church in Seaford on 31 March 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Albert, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in South Street in Seaford. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, now age 12, was living with his parents in Seaford High Street.

When he was 22 years old Albert married Mabel Hilda Russell, who was about 24 years old, at St Michael the Archangel Church in Litlington, Sussex on 11 October 1911. Albert was then a seedsman living in Seaford and Mabel was living at Litlington. Mabel was the daughter of gardener and florist Richard John Frederick Russell and his wife Fanny; she had been born at Litlington and baptised at St Michael the Archangel Church in Litlington on 30 November 1887. The Russell family were market gardeners, fruit growers and nurserymen, and during the 19th century they had the well known pleasure gardens at Litlington. Albert's occupation of seedsman had probably been the reason for him knowing Mabel as a result of business dealings with the Russell family. Four years after their marriage Albert and Mabel had a son, but Mabel died at the same time. She was 28 years old and her death was registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 4th quarter of 1915.

Then seven years after Mabel’s death Albert, at the age of 33, married 23-year-old Gladys Mabel Medlen at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Steine Road in Seaford on 27 September 1922. Albert was then a master stationer living at 14 High Street in Seaford, and Gladys was an estate agent’s clerk living at Glenfield in East Blatchington. Gladys was the daughter of Edward and Caroline Medlen’ and she had been born at Hackney in London on 24 January 1899. Albert and Gladys didn’t have any children. They were living at 5 South Street in Seaford when Albert died in Guy’s Hospital, Southwark, Surrey, on 2 March 1928 at the age of 39. Administration of Albert’s will, which valued his effects at £3309 16s 3d, was granted on 4 July 1928 by London Probate Registry to his widow, Gladys, and father, David. Forty-eight years later Gladys died at the age of 77, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1976.

 

Albert and Mabel’s only child was Frederick Edgar Russell Muddle who was born in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 20 October 1915. Frederick’s birth was registered as Edgar Frederick Russell Muddle but he seems to have always been known as Frederick Edgar Russell Muddle. When he was 22 years old Frederick married 24-year-old Enid Sylvia Streeter at St Leonard’s Church in the parish of Sutton-cum-Seaford at Seaford in Sussex on 14 September 1938. Frederick was then a fruiterer living at 14 High Street in Seaford, and Enid was living at 43 Chichester Road in East Blatchington. Enid had been born on 1 November 1913. Frederick and Enid had one child born in Bedford registration district in Bedfordshire during 1944. Frederick died at the age of 74, his death being registered in Lewes registration district in Sussex during May 1990. Enid lived in Seaford with her son’s family. She died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during October 2004.

 

David and Lizzie’s second child was Winifred Muddle who was born at Seaford in Sussex on 26 July 1890, and baptised at St Leonard’s Church in Seaford on 28 September 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Winifred, at the age of 8 months, was living with her parents in South Street in Seaford. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Winifred, now age 10, was living with her parents in Seaford High Street. When she was 20 years old Winifred married 26-year-old Herbert James Boden at St Leonard’s Church in Seaford on 5 September 1910. Winifred was then living at 14 High Street in Seaford and Herbert, who was an organist, was living at Croydon House in Seaford. Herbert was the son of Frank Horace and Louise Boden; he had been born at Battersea in London and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1884.

 

David and Lizzie’s third child was William David Reginald Muddle, known as Reginald, who was born at Seaford in Sussex on 13 October 1894, and baptised at St Leonard’s Church in Seaford on 30 December 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Reginald, at the age of 6, was living with his parents in Seaford High Street. In 1906 when he was 11 years old Reginald started attending Varndean Boys’ Grammar School in Brighton. Reginald died at the age of 18, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1913. (Reginald’s death was first registered under the name Reginald R Muddle and then correctly as William D R Muddle.)

 

Joseph and Eliza’s fifth child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 Thomas, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Pay Gate House in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Thomas, now aged 15, was a live-in grocer’s assistant to grocer Jesse Jenner at 36 Mill Street in Milton near Sittingbourne in Kent.

When he was 24 years old Thomas married 21-year-old Alice Eleanor Clapham at the Congregationalist's London Road Chapel in Brighton on 7 April 1890. They were both then living at 13 Old Shoreham Road in Brighton and Thomas was a grocer. Alice was the daughter of Thomas Robert and Caroline Clapham; she had been born at Brighton and her birth registered as Eleanor Alice during the 4th quarter of 1868. In the census of 5 April 1891 Thomas and Alice were living at New Cottage in Danehill, Sussex, and Thomas was still a grocer's assistant. They had one child, a daughter, born at Danehill in 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at London Road in Danehill with their daughter, and Thomas was described as being a grocer's and draper's assistant. When their only child was baptised in 1910 Thomas was a grocer and draper at Danehill. The 1911 and 1915 editions of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Thomas Muddle as the Sup-Postmaster at Danehill.

Thomas had plans, dated December 1922, for a proposed new Shop and Post Office in Danehill drawn up by Charles Huckell, and submitted these to Uckfield Rural District Council where they were recorded as plan number 2674.[5]

Thomas was still Sub-Postmaster at Danehill when he died there on 2 August 1924 at the age of 58; he was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 6 August 1924.[6] Probate of Thomas’ will, which valued his effects at £1101 2s 11d, was granted on 29 December 1924 by London Probate Registry to schoolmaster William Samuel Robert Clapham who was presumably a relative of Alice.

A few months after Thomas’ death Alice died on 24 December 1924 at the East Sussex County Asylum at Hellingly at the age of 56, and she was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Danehill on 27 December 1924. Alice died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £460 5s 0d, was granted on 10 February 1925 by Lewes Probate Registry to her daughter Ada.

 

Thomas and Alice’s only child was Ada Marion Muddle who was born at Danehill in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ada, at the age of 8, was living with her parents in London Road at Danehill. Ada was not baptised until she was about seventeen years old, at All Saints Church in Danehill on 24 February 1910. In 1924, when Ada was 31, both her parents died and Ada was granted administration of her mother’s estate. When she was 34 years old Ada married 25-year-old Henry William Stephen White at St Swithun’s Church in East Grinstead, Sussex on 23 July 1927. Ada was then living at East View in Danehill, and Henry was a gardener living at 3 Halsford Crape in East Grinstead. Henry was the son of Reuben White, and his birth had been registered in Lewes registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1902.

 

William and Ann’s third child was Mary Ann Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex in 1834 or early 1835. Mary Ann died at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield when she was only 1 year old, and she was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 14 February 1836.

 

William and Ann’s fourth child was Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 15 May 1839. Elizabeth died at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield when she was only 9 weeks old, and she was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 25 July 1839.

 

William and Ann’s fifth child was Mercy Muddle who was born at Glass Castle in the Ridgewood area of Uckfield in Sussex, and privately baptised by Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 24 July 1843. Mercy died when only a few weeks old, her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1843.

 

William and Rebecca’s only child (William’s sixth) was Mary Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 6 July 1862. In the census of 2 April 1871 Mary, at the age of 8, was living with her widowed mother who was a live-in servant to the family of James Hillman at Church Style in Framfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Mary, now aged 18, was a live-in parlour maid to the family of retired Royal Navy Captain and Sussex Justice of the Peace Thomas G Drake at Belvedere House, Upper Bognor Road, South Bersted, Sussex. In the census of 5 April 1891 Mary, at the age of 28, was a live-in housemaid to the family of Indian Army Major John H Lloyd at Sudley House, Sudley Road, South Bersted.

When she was 30 years old Mary married 30-year-old William Laurence Dixon at St Luke’s Church, Southsea, Hampshire on 25 December 1892. William was then a carpenter living at 125 Londesborough Road in Southsea, and Mary was living at Framfield. William was the son of Thomas and Arminell Dixon; he had been born at Middleton near Chichester and his birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1862. William and Mary had at least two children born at Southsea in 1897 and 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 125 Londesborough Road with their two children, and William was working as a carpenter and joiner. Mary died at the age of 70, her death being registered in Portsmouth registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1933.

 

William and Mary’s eldest child was Lawrence Albert Dixon who was born at Southsea in Hampshire, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lawrence, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 125 Londesborough Road in Southsea.

 

William and Mary’s second child was William Thomas Dixon who was born at Southsea in Hampshire, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 125 Londesborough Road in Southsea.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2010

Last updated 13 June 2010