THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of Samual & Anna Muddle’s Family

 

Samuel and Anna’s eldest child was Margaret Muddle who was born at Lewes in Sussex on 31 October 1842, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 15 January 1843. In the census of 30 March 1851 Margaret, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Margaret, now aged 18, was a live-in kitchen maid for the family of landowner William John Campion at Danny in Hurstpierpoint Parish.

When she was 22 years old Margaret married 25-year-old Edward French at St Nicholas’ Church in Brighton on 26 December 1864. They were both then living at 42 Portland Street in Brighton, which was Margaret’s parent’s home, and Edward was working as a carpenter. Edward was the son of John and Georgiana French; he had been born in Lewes on 13 September 1839 and baptised at St Margaret’s Church in Lewes on 30 July 1843. (It’s considered that Edward’s birth date of 13 September 1838 recorded at his baptism is probably out by one year and should be 13 September 1839, which agrees with all known records giving Edward’s age. Also Edward was recorded with the second name of Frederic at his marriage but this is not on any other record.)

Edward and Margaret had known each other since they were teenagers in the mid-1850s, and Edward served in the Royal Navy before marrying Margaret. In the census of 7 April 1861 he was carpenter's crew on HMS Imperieuse in Hong Kong. He spent three years in Hong Kong and was involved in the Taiping Rebellion in 1860. While in Hong Kong he wrote letters to Margaret and in one he described a skirmish with the locals on 18 April in which they gave the rebels a sound thrashing and took the city of Ling-poo after two hours of hard fighting, and that afterwards the offices couldn't stop the men indulging in looting.

Edward and Margaret had five children; their first was born at Kilburn in London in 1868 and the second at Brynmaur in Wales in 1870. In the census of the 2 April 1871 they were living at 237 Copenhagen Street in Islington, London with their youngest child and Edward was still a carpenter; their elder child was staying with Margaret’s parents. They were still in Islington when their third child was born in 1872. They then moved to Hitchin in Hertfordshire where their next two children were born in 1877 and 1882. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Trevor Road in Hitchin with their then four children, and Edward was now an inspector of railway signals. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin with their four youngest children and Edward was still an inspector of railway signals. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in four rooms at 1 Trevor Road with just their youngest child, and Edward, at the age of 61, was now a retired inspector of railway signals. Living in the other two rooms of the house was their recently married daughter Florence and her husband.

Edward died at Hitchin on 19 June 1906, the age of 66. In the census of 2 April 1911 Margaret and her daughter Jeannie were living at 40 Ickleford Road in Hitchin. Fourteen years after Edward's death Margaret died at Hitchin on 5 July 1920, the age of 77.

 

Edward and Margaret’s eldest child was Frederic Goldsmith French who was born at Kilburn in London on 7 December 1867. In the census of the 2 April 1871 Frederic, at the age of 3, was staying with his maternal grandparents, Samuel and Anna Muddle, at 42 Portland Street in Brighton. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Frederic, now aged 13, was living with his parents at Trevor Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and he was going to school. Frederic then studied for the ministry at Midland Baptist College in Nottingham.

When he was 23 years old Frederic married 26-year-old Florence Goadby in Loughborough registration district in Leicestershire during the 2nd quarter of 1891. Florence was the daughter of Thomas Goadby the Principal of the Baptist College and her birth had been registered in Stepney registration district in London during the 2nd quarter of 1865. After finishing his studies at the college Frederic became the minister at the Baptist Church in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire from 1891 to 1894. He then became the minister of the Baptist Church in the High Road, Lee, London. In 1923 Frederic was described as a minister of religion when he acted as one of the executors of the will of his aunt, Jane Muddle. After Florence's death Frederic married spinster Elsie Ginn.

Frederic had been minister at Lee for nearly 53 years when he died on 29 January 1947, at the age of 79. Frederic's obituary was published in the 1948 Baptist Union Handbook and he wrote a hymn that is in the Reformed Hymnal used by the Independent Baptists of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.

 

Hymn 344 in the Reformed Hymnal used by the Metropolitan Tabernacle.

by Frederic Goldsmith French.

 

Lord of the Reapers hear our lowly pleading

Thine are the fields that stand all harvest-white,

Thine is the love that human souls are needing,

Ere falls the dusk that deepens into night.

 

Oft have we prayerd with longing and beseeching,

Fruit for our toil and glory for Thy Cross,

Yet slow the reaping, slow the task of reaching,

Far distant souls whose distance is their loss.

 

Oft have we asked for some rewarding token,

Only to know our toil was not in vain,

And for a patient love to lead the broken,

Lives of the lost to an eternal gain.

 

Soon o'er our harvest field the twilight stealeth

Low on its margin stands the solumn sun,

Rising to Thee the reaper's prayer appealeth,

Grant us full sheaves before the day is done.

 

So when Thy Morning floods the land with glory,

God will it be to meet and see Thee then!

Learn all the triumphs of Thy love's sweet glory,

Lord of the reapers! Hope of sinful men!

 

 

Edward and Margaret’s second child was Jeannie Louise French who was born at Brynmaur, Brecknockshire (Breconshire), Wales, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Jeannie, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 237 Copenhagen Street in Islington, London. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Jeannie, now aged 11, was living with her parents at Trevor Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Jeannie, at the age of 21, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Jeannie was working as a dressmaker and living at 21, 22, 23 Sun Street in Hitchin, which was living accommodation for seven of the workers at a local drapers, and had a housekeeper and two general servants. Jeannie never married as her fiancé, Joe, died before they could marry.

 

Edward and Margaret’s third child was Georgina Margaret French who was born at Islington in London, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1872. In the census of 3 April 1881 Georgina, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Trevor Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Georgina, now aged 18, was working as a pupil teacher and living with her parents at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin.

 

Edward and Margaret’s fourth child was Florence Anna French who was born at Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Florence, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Trevor Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, now aged 13, was working as a milliner and living with her parents at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin. When she was 23 years old Florence married 27-year-old George Basil Hennessy in Hitching registration district during the 4th quarter of 1900. George had been born at Drumquin, County Omagh, Ireland on 6 June 1873. In the census of 31 March 1901 George and Florence were living in two rooms at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin, and George was working as an engine fitter. The other four rooms of the house were occupied by Florence's parents. George died at Ipswich in Suffolk on 17 July 1950, at the age of 77, and Florence died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Samford registration district in Suffolk during the 1st quarter of 1963.

 

Edward and Margaret’s fifth child was Miriam Gertrude French who was born at Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Miriam, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Miriam, now aged 18, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at 1 Trevor Road in Hitchin.

 

Samuel and Anna’s second child was Jane Muddle who was born in St Michael’s Parish in Lewes on 20 July 1845, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 19 October 1845. In the census of 30 March 1851 Jane, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Jane, now aged 15, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of upholsterer James Martin at 50½ Old Steine in Brighton.

In the census of 2 April 1871 Jane, at the age of 25, and her sister Sarah were both working as dressmakers and lodging with the family of plumber and painter George Albert Strong at 24 London Road in Brighton. The 1874 edition of the Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties listed Miss Jane Muddle as a dressmaker living at 23 London Road in Brighton, then the 1878 edition of the Post Office Directory of Sussex listed Miss Jane Muddle as a dressmaker living at 9 Rose Hill Terrace in Brighton. In the census of 3 April 1881 Jane, at the age of 35, was living at 9 Rose Hill Terrace in Brighton and working as a dressmaker. She had 15-year-old Helen Holdstock as a live-in servant; seventy-year-old Mary Oldham was boarding with her; and she also had 59-year-old Edward Souper as a lodger.

In the census of 5 April 1891 Jane, at the age of 45, was now a live-in housekeeper for widower Edward Souper, who had been her lodger in 1881, at 10 Ventnor Villas in Hove, and she had two young girls as a cook and a general servant working under her. Later that year Edward Caleb Souper died at Cayon, 10 Ventnor Villas on 26 July 1891, and his will was proved at the Principal Probate Registry by solicitors Harry and Arthur Snow of 25 Lincoln's Inn Fields. It seems likely that Jane inherited 10 Ventnor Villas from him.

When her father died in 1892 Jane was one of the executors of his will and inherited 39 Coleman Street, Brighton from him. When Elizabeth Young (formerly Hodson) in an indenture dated 24 April 1896 acknowledged that the mortgage on 39 to 41 Coleman Street had been fully repaid, Jane was living at 10 Ventnor Villas. Jane's brother Edwin James Muddle had inherited 41 Coleman Street from their father and on 24 August 1896 Jane purchased it from him for £250, and sold 39 Coleman Street to Ellen Cogan the same day. The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Miss Muddle as living at 10 Ventnor Villas in Hove. On 21 February 1901 Jane sold 41 Coleman Street to the School Board for the United School District of Brighton and Preston, who in January and February 1901 also purchased 39 & 40 Coleman Street, which were no longer owned by members of the Muddle family.[2]

In the census of 31 March 1901 Jane, at the age of 55, was a live-in housekeeper to widower James Martin at 27 First Avenue in Hove; there were three other servants, a cook and two housemaids, who would have been under Jane's control. The 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Miss Muddle as living at 10 Ventnor Villas in Hove, and then the 1911 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Miss Muddle as living at 23 Pembroke Crescent in Hove. This seems to suggest that Jane worked as a live-in housekeeper but had her own home at 10 Ventnor Villas and then, possibly in 1910 when she was 65, moved to 23 Pembroke Crescent when she retired. Jane later moved a couple of miles further west along the coast as the 1915 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed her as living at 66 Station Road, Portslade-by-Sea.

Jane never married. She was living at 66 Station Road, Portslade, Sussex, when she died on 21 December 1922 at the age of 77. Probate of Jane’s will, which valued her effects at £3077 12s 4d, was granted on 27 February 1923 by Lewes Probate Office to her nephew Frederic Goldsmith French a minister of religion, and William Henderson an estate agent.

 

Samuel and Anna’s third child was Sarah Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex on 24 January 1848, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 14 May 1848. In the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah, now aged 13, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place, and she was now going to school. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sarah, at the age of 23, and her sister Jane were both working as dressmakers and lodging with the family of plumber and painter George Albert Strong at 24 London Road in Brighton. Sarah was a witness at the wedding of her sister Louisa at Kensal Green in London in 1873. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Sarah, at the age of 33, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at 42 Portland Street in Brighton. In the census of 5 April 1891 Sarah, still unmarried at the age of 43, was living with her widowed farther at 42 Portland Street, and presumably acting as his housekeeper.

Jane’s father died in late 1892, and just over a year later, when she was nearly 46 years old, Sarah married 46-year-old widower Alfred Lassiter at St Peter’s Church in Brighton on 17 January 1894. Alfred was then a greengrocer living at 22 Portland Street in Brighton, and Sarah was living at 11 Temple Street in Brighton. Alfred was the son of Charles and Louisa Lassiter; he had been born at Easebourne near Midhurst in Sussex and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Easebourne on 24 March 1847 and 16 May 1847 (probably a private baptism followed by being received into the church). Alfred and Sarah are not thought to have had any children as Sarah was too old. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred and Sarah were living in three rooms at 29 Brooker Street in Hove, the home of widow Charlotte Dewdney who lived in the other three rooms. Alfred was a fruiterer and greengrocer shopkeeper who was an employer.

 

 

Samuel and Anna’s fourth child was Louisa Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex on 5 January 1851, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 18 May 1851. In the census of 30 March 1851 Louisa, at the age of 2 months, was living with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Louisa, now aged 10, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Blenheim Place, and now going to school. In the census of 2 April 1871 Louisa, at the age of 20, was a live-in assistant glover to glover and perfumer Charles Tarritte at 7 Grosvenor Street, St George Hanover Square, London.

When she was 22 years old Louisa married Thomas Edwards at St Andrew & St Philip Church in Kensal Green, London on 20 October 1873. They were both then living at 8 Golborne Road, North Kensington, London and Thomas was a hosier. They had two children born at Kensington in London in 1879 and 1884. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 258 Cornwall Road in Kensington with their then one child, and Thomas was a silk warehouseman’s assistant. Also living with them was a cousin, 23-year-old Walter Miles, and their domestic servant, 17-year-old Sarah Summerfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 86 Chesterton Road in Kensington with their two children, and Thomas was a silk warehouseman. Living with them was Thomas’ sister, 19-year-old Mariane Edwards; their niece, 12-year-old Ada Johnson; and their general domestic servant, 17-year-old Adeline Lasenby.

When her father died in 1892 Louisa inherited 40 Coleman Street, Brighton from him. When Elizabeth Young (formerly Hodson) in an indenture dated 24 April 1896 acknowledged that the mortgage on 39 to 41 Coleman Street had been fully repaid, Louisa was living at 106 Chesterton Road, North Kensington. By 1899 Louisa had sold 40 Coleman Street to James Towner.[3]

In the census of 31 March 1901 Thomas and Louisa were living at 60 St Quintins Avenue in Kensington with their two children; Thomas was now a silk buyer and they had 19-year-old Madeline Carter as their live-in general domestic servant.

 

Thomas and Louisa’s eldest child was Edwin Charles H Edwards who was born at Kensington in London, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Edwin, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 258 Cornwall Road in Kensington. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Edwin, now aged 11, was living with his parents at 86 Chesterton Road in Kensington, and he was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edwin, at the age of 21, was working as a clerk and living with his parents at 60 St Quintins Avenue in Kensington.

 

Thomas and Louisa’s second child was Ethel Louise Edwards who was born at Kensington in London, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ethel, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 86 Chesterton Road in Kensington, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ethel, now aged 16, was living with her parents at 60 St Quintins Avenue in Kensington.

 

Samuel and Anna’s fifth child was Samuel Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex on 27 March 1853, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 19 June 1853. In the census of 7 April 1861 Samuel, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Samuel, now aged 18, was working as an ironmonger’s assistant and living with his parents at 42 Portland Street in Brighton. When he was 23 years old Samuel married 22-year-old Agnes Keet Travis at the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion North Street Chapel in Brighton on 14 April 1876. Samuel was still an ironmonger’s assistant living at 42 Portland Street, and Agnes was living at 25 Clifton Terrace in Brighton. Agnes was the daughter of Peter and Mary Travis; she had been born in Brighton and baptised at St Nicholas’ Church in Brighton on 4 December 1853.

Samuel and Agnes lived in Brighton where they had four children born between 1877 and 1884, two of whom died in infancy in 1880 and 1886. The 1878 edition of the Post Office Directory of Sussex listed Samuel Muddle junior as a fly propietor of Little Preston Street. When Samuel and Anna's second child was born in 1880 they were living at 9 Little Preston Street in Brighton and Samuel was a fly proprietor. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 9 Little Preston Street in Brighton with their then one surviving child, and Samuel was described as being a hackney carriage proprietor. The 1 September 1881 issue of Flint and Company’s London, Manchester & Dublin Mercantile Gazette recorded a bill of sale for £63 from Michael Cohen to Samuel Muddle jun., a fly proprietor of 9 Little Preston Street, Brighton. When their fourth child was born in 1884 they were living at 8 Spring Street in Brighton and Samuel was still a fly proprietor. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 19 Terminus Street in Brighton with their two surviving children, and Samuel was a hackney carriage driver. They had a 77-year-old widower living with them as a boarder. Samuel died at the age of 44, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Agnes and her son Samuel were still living at 19 Terminus Street in Brighton.

Thirty-six years after Samuel’s death Agnes had been living at 28 Southampton Street in Brighton when she died at 250 Elm Grove in Brighton on 26 July 1933, at the age of 79. Agnes died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £24 16s 0d, was granted on 21 August 1933 by London Probate Office to her son Samuel and her daughter Agnes.

 

Samuel and Agnes’ eldest child was Agnes Kate Muddle, known as Kate, who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Kate, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 9 Little Preston Street in Brighton. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Agnes, now aged 13, was living with her parents at 19 Terminus Street in Brighton, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Kate, at the age of 23, was a live-in general domestic servant to spinster sisters, Elizabeth and Caroline Morley, at 105 Freshfield Road in Brighton.

When she was 25 years old Kate married 22-year-old Albert Edward Hall at St Saviour’s Church, Preston, Brighton on 1 March 1903. Albert was then a postman living at 43 Coventry Street in Preston, and Agnes was living at 12 Ditchling Rise in Preston. In 1933 Kate acted as one of the administrators of her mother’s estate.

 

Samuel and Agnes’ second child was Nellie Anna Muddle who was born at 9 Little Preston Street in Brighton, Sussex on 9 April 1880. Nellie died when only a few months old, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1880.

 

Samuel and Agnes’ third child was Samuel Albert Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1881. In the census of 5 April 1891 Samuel, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 19 Terminus Street in Brighton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Samuel, now aged 19, was working as a timekeeper and living with his widowed mother at 19 Terminus Street.

When he was 21 years old Samuel married 23-year-old Mabel Kate Dennett at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 15 August 1903. Samuel was then a timekeeper on the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway living at 32 Chapel Street in Brighton, and Mabel was living at 4 Terminus Place in Brighton. Mabel was the daughter of William and Lucy Dennett; she had been born at Dover in Kent and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1879. The 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Samuel Albert Muddle as living at 1 West Hill Place in Brighton. Samuel and Mabel had three children born in Brighton between 1906 and 1912, the youngest of whom died in 1916 when only 3 years old. When their first child was born in 1906 they were living at 1 West Hill Place in Brighton and Samuel was still a railway timekeeper. Then when their second child was born in 1909 they were living at 28 Southampton Street in Brighton and Samuel was now a railway locomotive inspector.

By 1913 Samuel had become a colonial civil servant working for the railways of the Gold Coast (Ghana), West Africa, coming back to England for a few months about every two years. He continued to travel between England and the Gold Coast for almost the next twenty years, until he retired in 1932.

Samuel sailed 2nd class on the Dakar of the African Steamship Company from Liverpool on 2 July 1913 bound for Cape Coast in the Gold Coast. The passenger list described him as in government service and his last permanent residence to be England.[4] After a year in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 2nd class on the Mendi of the African Steamship Company from Monrovia, Liberia and was landed at Plymouth by the Mendi on its way to arrive at Liverpool on 15 August 1914. The passenger list described him as a timekeeper working for the Crown Agents and his last permanent residence to be the Gold Coast.[5] After 4½ months in England Samuel sailed 2nd class on the Abosso of the African Steamship Company from Liverpool on 30 December 1914 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast. The passenger list described him as in the colonial service and his last permanent residence to be a British Possession, meaning the Gold Coast.[6] After about 17 months in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 2nd class on the Karina of the African Steamship Company from Sekondi in the Gold Coast and arrived at Liverpool on 27 May 1916. The passenger list described him as a civil servant who would be staying at 100 Osborne Road in Brighton and his last permanent residence to be the Gold Coast.[7] After just over two months in England Samuel sailed 2nd class on the Abosso of the African Steamship Company from Liverpool on 9 August 1916 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast. The passenger list described him as a timekeeper and his last permanent residence to be a British Possession.[8]

After about a year in the Gold Coast Samuel must have returned to England, possibly not on a passenger ship as this was during the First World War, because he sailed 2nd class on the Mandingo of the British & African Steam Navigation Company from Liverpool on 14 November 1917 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast. The passenger list again described him as a timekeeper.[9] After about 17 months in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 1st class on the Akabo of the Elder Dempster Line from Sekondi in the Gold Coast and arrived at Liverpool on 1 May 1919. The passenger list described him as a government officer who would be staying at 100 Osborne Road in Brighton.[10]

Samuel presumably returned to the Gold Coast later in 1919 for the normal period of a year to eighteen months as he was listed as a 1st class passenger on the Appam of the British & African Steamship Navigation Company sailing from Sekondi in the Gold Coast and arriving at Liverpool on 23 February 1921, with his intended address in England given as 167a Tranmere Road, Earlsfield, London, but his name was crossed out so he never actually sailed.[11] He had probably returned home earlier by other means as his wife Mabel died at 28 Southampton Street in Brighton on 17 January 1921, at the age of 41 (not 40 as given on her death certificate) from bronchial asthma and heart failure. Mabel's death was registered by her spinster sister Flora Mary Dennett of 13 Lancaster Villas in Brighton, who had been in attendance at her death, and who on the death certificate gave Samuel's occupation as Clerk, West African Railway Office.

It seems that by at least 1920 Samuel and Mabel had separated because Samuel was not returning to Brighton in 1921 were Mabel and his two sons lived, but instead to 167a Tranmere Road in Earlsfield in London. Less than two months after Mabel's death Samuel, at the age of 39, married 44-year-old widow Nellie Boon, whose maiden name was Footer, at St Andrew's Church in Earlsfield, Wandsworth, London on 12 March 1921 by licence. They were both then living at 167a Tranmere Road in Earlsfield and Samuel gave his profession as Railway Official, Gold Coast Colony. Nellie was the daughter of Edgar and Ruth Footer, and she had been born at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk on 7 August 1876.

It seems that while Samuel was in England he must have arranged for his two sons to be sent to Canada on one of the child migration schemes. He was still living at 167a Tranmere Road in Earlsfield when he sailed 1st class on the Ekari of the African Steam Navigation Company from Liverpool on 29 June 1921 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast.[12] His sons sailed to Canada a month later, on 30 July 1921. After 17 months in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 1st class on the Zaria of the British & African Steam Navigation Company from Sekondi and arrived at Liverpool on 7 October 1922. His address in England was to be 16 Kingsway, Mortlake, London.[13] While he was in England it seems that Samuel and Nellie moved from London to Brighton, because after nearly five months in England Samuel was living at 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton when he sailed 1st class on the Akabo of the British & African Steam Navigation Company from Liverpool on 28 February 1923 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast.[14]

After 13 months in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 1st class on the Adda of the African Steamship Company from Sekondi and arrived at Liverpool on 29 March 1924. His address in England was to be 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton.[15] After four months in England Samuel was still living at 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton when he sailed 1st class on the Adda of the African Steamship Company from Liverpool on 6 August 1924 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast.[16] Samuel had 17 months in the Gold Coast before he sailed 1st class on the Abinsi of the African Steamship Company from Sekondi and was landed at Plymouth by the Abinsi on its way to arrive at Liverpool on 21 November 1925. His address in England was to be 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton.[17] After 4½ months in England Samuel was still living at 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton when he sailed 1st class on the Appam of the British & African Steam Navigation Company from Liverpool on 14 April 1926 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast.[18] After another period of 17 months in the Gold Coast Samuel sailed 1st class on the Abinsi of the Elder Dempster Line from Sekondi and was landed at Plymouth by the Abinsi on its way to arrive at Liverpool on 23 July 1927. His address in England was to be 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton.[19]

Samuel had five months in England and was still living at 18 Goldsmith Road in Brighton when both he and his wife Nellie sailed 1st class on the Adda of the Elder Dempster Line from Liverpool on 21 December 1927 bound for Sekondi in the Gold Coast.[20] They had 15 months in the Gold Coast before they sailed 1st class on the Wangoni of the Woermann Line from Takoradi (the new name for Sekondi) and arrived at Southampton on 8 March 1929. Their address in England was to be 18 Goldsmith Road in Hove (presumably Goldsmith Road had been reclassified as being in Hove rather than Brighton). On the passenger list for this voyage Samuel's name was incorrectly given as Douglas R Muddle.[21]

After the normal period in England Samuel must have then returned to the Gold Coast without Nellie as he sailed 1st class from Takoradi on the Usambara of the Hamburg - Africa Line and arrived at Southampton on 7 November 1930. His address in England was to be 18 Goldsmith Road in Hove.[22] After Samuel had been in England for five months he and Nellie were living at 18 Madeira Place in Brighton when they sailed 1st class on the Apapa of the Elder Dempster Line from Liverpool on 8 April 1931 bound for Takoradi in the Gold Coast.[23] They had just over a year in the Gold Coast, this being Samuel's last time working in the colony; he and Nellie sailed 1st class on the Accra of the British & African Steam Navigation Company from Takoradi and were landed at Plymouth by the Accra on its way to arrive at Liverpool on 14 May 1932. Their address in England was to be Alexandra House, 18 Madeira Place, Brighton.[24] On all the later passenger lists Samuel's occupation was given as either Government Official or Civil Servant.

In 1933 Samuel was described as being a retired colonial civil servant when he acted as one of the administrators of his mother's estate. Samuel died at the age of 73, his death being registered in Hove registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1954. Fifteen years later Nellie died at the age of 93, her death being registered in Cuckfield registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1970.

 

Samuel and Mabel’s eldest child was Samuel William Travis Muddle who was born at 1 West Hill Place in Brighton, Sussex on 3 August 1906. In early 1921 Samuel's mother died and his father had been living and working in the Gold Coast, West Africa since 1913, only returning to England for visits about every two years. So Samuel, aged 14, and his brother Lionel, aged 12, were effectively orphans and it seems that they were sent to Canada as part of one of the child migration schemes. Samuel and his brother sailed 3rd class on the Megantic of the White Star - Dominion Line from Liverpool on 30 July 1921 bound for Quebec. They were part of the Barn's Party that consisted of 56 teenage boys, the occupation of all of them being given a farming.[25] On the 14 June 1930 Samuel crossed over into the USA at Niagara Falls for a 10 day stay. The boarder crossing documents describe him as being 5ft 3ins tall with a medium complexion, brown hair and blue eyes.[26]

 

 

Samuel and Mabel’s second child was Lionel Richard Muddle who was born at 28 Southampton Street in Brighton, Sussex on 9 March 1909. In early 1921 Lionel's mother died and his father had been living and working in the Gold Coast, West Africa since 1913, only returning to England for visits about every two years. So Lionel, aged 12, and his brother Samuel, aged 14, were effectively orphans and it seems that they were sent to Canada as part of one of the child migration schemes. Lionel and his brother sailed 3rd class on the Megantic of the White Star - Dominion Line from Liverpool on 30 July 1921 bound for Quebec. They were part of the Barn's Party that consisted of 56 teenage boys, the occupation of all of them being given a farming.

Lionel was a farm worker and truck driver living on Rural Route 2 at Milton in Ontario, which is 25 miles southwest of Toronto, before he joined the Canadian army during the Second World War. He was still single and Private B/5 in the Defence and Employment Platoon of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps when he died at sea off Italy on 5 July 1943, at the age of 34. Lionel has no known grave but is commemorated on panel 15 of the Cassino Memorial in Italy.

 

 

Samuel and Mabel’s third child was Agnes K Muddle whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1912. Agnes died at the age of 3, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1916.

 

Samuel and Agnes’ fourth child was Nelson Muddle who was born at 8 Spring Street in Brighton on 21 October 1884. Nelson died when he was only one year old, his death being registered in Brighton registration district during the 1st quarter of 1886.

 

Samuel and Anna’s sixth child was Edwin James Muddle who was born at Brighton in Sussex on 5 June 1856, and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in Lewes on 20 July 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Edwin, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 4 Blenheim Place in Brighton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Edwin, now aged 14, was living with his parents at 42 Portland Street in Brighton, and he was still going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Edwin, at the age of 24, was working as an ironmonger and still living with his parents at 42 Portland Street in Brighton.

When he was 25 years old Edwin married 25-year-old Sarah Hudson Hunter at the Queen’s Square Baptist Chapel in Brighton on 19 April 1882. Edwin was still an ironmonger living at 42 Portland Street, and Sarah was living at 3 West Street in Brighton. Sarah was the daughter of hotel keeper William Danby Hunter and his wife Sarah; she had been born at Ramsgate in Kent and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1856. Edwin and Sarah had five children, the first four born in Brighton between 1883 and 1888 and the last in Hove in 1890.

The 1890 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex and the 1891 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent, Surrey & Sussex both listed Edwin James Muddle as an ironmonger of 57 Western Road, Hove. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edwin and Sarah were living at 57a Western Road in Hove with their five children, and Edwin was an ironmonger and fly proprietor, and an employer. They had 15-year-old Harriet Spyer as a live-in general domestic servant.

When his father died in 1892 Edwin, an ironmonger, was one of the executors of his will, and he inherited 41 Coleman Street, Brighton from him. When Elizabeth Young (formerly Hodson) in an indenture dated 24 April 1896 acknowledged that the mortgage on 39 to 41 Coleman Street had been fully repaid, Edwin was an ironmonger of 86 Western Road, Brighton. Then on 24 August 1896 Edwin sold 41 Coleman Street to his sister Jane for £250.[27]

During the 1890s Edwin and Sarah sent all four of their sons, as they each reached the age of eleven, to Varndean Boys’ Grammar School in Brighton. The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Edwin James Muddle as living at 10 Loma Road in Hove and to be an ironmonger at 86 Western Road, Hove. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove with their five children, Edwin now described himself as an ‘ironmonger (furnishing)’ and he was an employer. Also living with them was their general domestic servant, 20-year-old Nancy Newland. The 1904 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Edwin James Muddle as an ironmonger at 69 Cromwell Road, Hove and at 86 & 87 Western Road, Hove, so it looks as if his business was expanding. They were still living at 69 Cromwell Road when their son Edwin married in 1907, but by 1908 Edwin and Sarah and the ironmonger’s business had moved to Burgess Hill in Sussex. Edwin was still running his ironmonger’s business at Burgess Hill in 1934.

They later moved to Bognor Regis in Sussex. Sarah died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1941. Edwin died at the age of 88, his death being registered in Chichester registration district during the 1st quarter of 1945.

 

Edwin and Sarah’s eldest child was Edwin James Muddle whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edwin, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 57a Western Road in Hove. In 1894 when he was 11 years old Edwin started attending Varndean Boys' Grammar School in Brighton. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Edwin, now aged 17, was working as an electrician and living with his parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove. Edwin loved horses and it's known that in 1904 he was in the Sussex Imperial Yeomanry.[28] When Edwin enlisted at the start of the First World War it was recorded on his Attestation Papers that he had previously served 3 years in the Sussex Imperial Yeomanry.

When he was 23 years old Edwin married 23-year-old Florence Williamson at the Church of All Saints in Hove on 24 April 1907. Edwin was then an ironmonger, probably working for his father, and living with his parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove, and Florence was living at Sherwood, Wilbury Villas, Hove. Florence was the daughter of James and Betsy Williamson; she had been born at Eastry in Kent on 22 March 1884 and then moved with her parents to Brighton in 1886/7. Florence's father, James Williamson, who was a chemist, was one of the principle innovators in the early days of motion pictures, both as a developer of equipment and producer of films at his Brighton studios from 1894 to 1910. The people who appeared in these films, which were usually 1 to 2 minutes long and were about two hundred in number, were mostly family members and friends, and as Edwin had first met Florence and become a friend of the family while he was going to Brighton Grammar School at the same time as Florence's brothers, it's quite possible that Edwin appeared in some of these films; it's known that Florence was in at least one film.

Edwin and Florence had two children, the first born in 1908 when they were living at 1 Keymer Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex, at which time Edwin was an ironmonger, so he was probably then still working for his father who had an ironmonger’s business. But by early 1910 they had moved to London and Edwin was working as a journalist for The Bioscope, the leading trade magazine of the infant British cinematograph industry. It seems that Edwin also had a business letting out apartments as the 1910 edition of the Post Office London Directory listed Edwin James Muddle of 18 Sterndale Road, West Kensington as a letter of apartments. Edwin and Florence’s second child was born in May 1911 when they were living at 4 Warwick Mansions, Lower Richmond Road, Putney. It’s probable that Edwin left The Bioscope in mid-1911 because from 28 September 1911 ‘small ads’ begin to appear in the magazine in which Edwin is offering his services as technical adviser to picture theatre companies, and as a technical journalist and cinematographic press agent. He gave his address as 16 Cecil Court, Charing Cross Road, which had been the address of The Bioscope before it moved in December 1910. Then on 25 July 1912 a very prominent half-page ad appears in The Bioscope in which Edwin is trying to raise £250 to start a new monthly magazine. This was the last reference to Edwin in The Bioscope and at this time the family were living in a flat near Putney Bridge. It was soon after this that Edwin and Florence’s marriage broke up and they separated but never divorced. Edwin had in fact run off and deserted his family.[29]

After deserting his family Edwin changed his surname to Hudson (his mother’s middle name) and he became Edwin James Muddle Hudson. Just after the start of the First World War Edwin was living at 1 Burnham Avenue in Bognor Regis, Sussex when he enlisted as Private 1343 in the West Kent (Queens Own) Yeomanry at Maidstone, Kent on 9 September 1914 for a term of 4 years. Edwin was then 31 years old, 5ft 8ins tall with a 36ins fully expanded chest, good vision and good physical development. He gave his next of kin as his wife Mrs E J M Hudson of 1 Burnham Avenue, Bognor Regis, though it seems unlikely that Edwin and Florence were still living together. Edwin was appointed a Lance Corporal on 15 November 1914 and then promoted to Corporal on 2 February 1915. He was appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on 26 June 1915 and then promoted to Sergeant on 27 December 1915. During January 1916 Edwin took and passed the First Class Instructor Machine Gun Coarse at Bisley, Surrey. On 5 February 1917 Edwin transferred to the Machine Gun Corps (Cavalry) as Sergeant 52814 at their Training Centre. Edwin had served 2 years and 254 days in England when on 20 May 1917 he embarked for Mesopotamia where he is thought to have served under Allenby in Palestine. Edwin had served 313 days in Mesopotamia when he was discharged on 29 March 1918, having served a total of 3 years and 202 days, so that he could be appointed to a commission in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers.[30] For his service during the First World War Edwin was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[31] It's thought that Edwin went to India to join the 9th Bengal Lancers, which as well as being a cavalry regiment (Edwin's love of horses) was offering a commission to those who had been sergeants. Unfortunately, once he got out there the regiment had been motorised (so no horses) and the commission was not granted. The 1919 Indian Army List has an entry for E J M Hudson, 2nd Lieutenant 108 Bombay Infantry that indicates that Edwin had to settle for a commission in the infantry rather than the cavalry. There is a note on Edwin's British Army Service Papers that seems to be recording Edwin's death in India on 18 October 1920, he would have then been 37 years old.

After Edwin deserted his family Florence and her two sons started to use the name Hunter instead of Muddle, and went to live with Florence’s parents, James and Betsy Williamson, at 24 Heathside, Golders Green, and then from about 1915 at ‘The Gables’, Theobald Street, Borehamwood. Florence lived and worked in London during the week but came home to ‘The Gables’ at weekends. James paid for his two grandsons to go to boarding school in St Albans. In later life Florence lived at 17 Royal Crescent, Holland Park, London W11, until she moved to a nursing home at Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire just before she died at the age of 81, her death being registered in Amersham registration district, which includes Beaconsfield, during the 2nd quarter of 1965.

 

Edwin and Florence’s eldest child was Robert Stuart Muddle who was born at Burgess Hill in Sussex on 10 May 1908. Robert went to boarding school in St Albans leaving in 1927. Robert, together with his mother and brother, had been using the name Hunter instead of Muddle from about the time his parents separated in 1912/3, and he confirmed this change of name by deed pole on the 24 January 1933, at which time he was living at 11 Arundel Gardens, Notting Hill, London. Later that year Robert married 23-year-old Constance Muriel Bartram, known as Muriel, at Finchley Parish Church on 17 June 1933. Muriel had been born on 20 March 1910; the daughter of Wilfred and Carrie Bartram, and Robert had been to boarding school with Muriel’s brothers. Robert and Muriel had three children born between 1934 and 1942. In 1942 they were living at Hildenborough in Kent, but soon after moved to Chalfont St Giles in Buckinghamshire, then in about 1947 they moved to Chorleywood in Hertfordshire.

Robert was commissioned into the 21st London Regiment (First Surrey Rifles), a Territorial Army regiment, on 7 May 1927. During the Second World War he served in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and rose to the rank of Lt-Colonel.

After leaving school Robert worked for Rootes Motors for a while before buying a small car delivery business, Car Collection Company Limited, in 1929 with a loan from Florence. At that point he gave up chess (he had played for England as a schoolboy and in correspondence chess as an adult) to concentrate on the business, at which he was successful (employing 300 at its peak). In 1973 he insisted on firing a shop-steward who had been rude to one of his managers and the union destroyed the business. He took out what money he could and retired.

After Robert’s business folded in 1973 they moved to a small cottage at Amersham in Buckinghamshire. Muriel died in High Wycombe Hospital in Buckinghamshire at the age of 86, her death being registered during September 1996. Eight years later Robert died at the age of 96, his death being registered in Watford registration district in Hertfordshire during September 2004.

 

Edwin and Florence’s second child was Oliver Colin Muddle who was born at 4 Warwick Mansions, Lower Richmond Road, Putney, on the 17 May 1911. Oliver went to boarding school in St Albans leaving in 1925. Oliver, together with his mother and brother, had been using the name Hunter instead of Muddle from about the time his parents separated in 1912/3.

Oliver never wanted to be anything other than an actor, but his family prevented it, insisting that he got a ‘proper’ job. He worked first for the Williamsons, but he was put in the sound studio, which required engineering skills he did not have. He also worked for his brother for a while. Meanwhile he spent all his spare time and his holidays in amateur productions or acting classes. He first went semi-professional about 1937 with Macclesfield rep, but hardly had time to do anything before he was called up in 1940.

After the war Oliver eventually joined the Old Vic Company and toured Australia and New Zealand in 1948. The cast were lead by Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, and in 1952 they went on the 'Two Cleopatras' tour to New York, playing in the Siegfeld Theatre. Oliver's one appearance in the movies was for 8 seconds as the front half of a sedan chair in the 1953 Larry Olivier film The Beggar's Opera directed by Peter Brook. After this the roles dried up and Oliver eventually gave up acting. He began working nights at Wall's Ice Cream factory in North Acton and in due course he was invited to work days full-time in the accounts office. He retired in 1979. Oliver never married. He had been living at Ormrod Court, Kensington Park Road, London; sheltered accommodation owned by the Notting Hill Trust, when he died in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London on 24 June 2006, at the age of 95.

 

Edwin and Sarah’s second child was Frederick Charles Muddle whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex 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 57a Western Road in Hove. In 1896 when he was 11 years old Frederick started attending Varndean Boys’ Grammar School in Brighton. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, now aged 16, was working as an apprentice organ builder and living with his parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove.

When he was 22 years old Frederick married 22-year-old Lucy Edwards Allen at the Baptist Church, Holland Road, Hove, on 17 August 1907. Frederick was then a journeyman organ builder living at 22 Lorna Road in Hove, and Lucy was living at 56 Metbourne Gardens in Aldrington near Hove. Lucy was the daughter of George and Lucy Allen; she had been born at Horsham in Sussex and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1884. Frederick and Lucy had four children born in Steyning registration district in Sussex between in 1908 and 1914. They were living at 22 Lorna Road in Hove when their first child was born in 1908, and then at 16 Compton Road in Preston near Brighton when their second and third children were born in 1910 and 1912.

Lucy died at the age of 59, her death being registered in Worthing registration district during the 1st quarter of 1943. Four years later Frederick was general manager at Morgan and Smiths Organ Builders when died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Lewes registration district during the 1st quarter of 1947.

 

Frederick and Lucy’s eldest child was Arthur Kenneth Muddle who was born at 22 Lorna Road in Hove, Sussex on 13 September 1908. When he was 38 years old Arthur married 33-year-old Alice Dorothy Styring in Hove registration district during the 4th quarter of 1946. Alice had been born in Bristol on 17 June 1913. Arthur and Alice didn’t have any children. Arthur died at the age of 68, his death being registered in Worthing registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1977. Three years later Alice died at the age of 66, her death being registered in Worthing registration district during the 1st quarter of 1980.

 

Frederick and Lucy’s second child was Christopher Muddle who was born at 16 Compton Road in Preston near Brighton, Sussex on 11 September 1910. When he was about 30 years old Christopher married 27-year-old Vyvienne Irene Tucker at St Paul's Church in Wolborough near Newton Abbot in Devon on 17 August 1940. Christopher was then an aircraft worker. Vyvienne had been born in Newton Abbot registration district on 29 September 1912, and had served a dressmaking apprenticeship to become a qualified dressmaker.

Christopher and Vyvienne had two children born in Brighton registration district in 1942 and 1946. After the Second World War Christopher worked as an organ builder, taking over from his father as general manager at Morgan and Smiths Organ Builders when his father died in early 1947. In 1948 Christopher went to South Africa to work as an organ builder for about 18 months. He sailed home cabin class on the Athlone Castle of the Union Castle Line from Cape Town and arrived at Southampton on 14 October 1949. On the passenger list Christopher gave his occupation as organ builder and his intended address in England as 23 Devon Square, Newton Abbott.[32] On returning to England Christopher continued working as an organ builder and in the mid-1950s the family moved to Tunbridge Wells in Kent where Christopher eventually worked as a precision engineer for Muffetts Engineering Company.

They were living at 22 Waterdown Road in Tunbridge Wells when Vyvienne died at Tunbridge Wells on 18 October 1989, at the age of 77. She was cremated at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells on 25 October 1989. In about 1992 Christopher moved to Maghull near Liverpool to be near his daughter and her family. Christopher was living at Maghull when he died on 20 December 2000, at the age of 90, and his funeral was held on 27 December 2000.

 

Frederick and Lucy’s third child was Lucy Constance Muddle who was born at 16 Compton Road in Preston near Brighton, Sussex on 30 May 1912. When she was 32 years old Lucy married 55-year-old widower Charles John Frederick Hankins, known as Jack, at All Saints Church in Brighton 16 December 1944. Jack was then a Post Office engineer and Lucy was a clerk. Jack's birth had been registered in St Pancras registration district in London during the 2nd quarter of 1889. Jack and Lucy didn't have any children, but Jack had three children from his first marriage; his only son dying in the Second World War.

Jack and Lucy lived at 8 Neville Crescent in Lewes, Sussex. Jack died in Brighton registration district on 5 September 1950, at the age of 61. In about 1954 Lucy moved to 14 The Meadows in Lewes and sometime after this move she started working for Rugby Portland Cement in Lewes where she stayed until retirement. Lucy taught piano and was for many years the organist at the Christian Science Church in Brighton; she was also keen on embroidery. Lucy was still living at 14 The Meadows when she died in Brighton registration district on 22 April 2004, at the age of 91.

 

Frederick and Lucy’s fourth child was Frederick James Muddle who was born in Steyning registration district in Sussex on 23 November 1913. When he was 70 years old Frederick married 58-year-old Margaret Joyce Dorrington in Hove registration district during July 1984. Margaret had been born on 4 February 1926. Six years after their marriage Frederick died at the age of 76, his death being registered in Hove registration district during August 1990. In about 2000 Margaret was living at 14 Woods House, Sackville Road, Hove. Twelve years after Frederick’s death Margaret died at the age of 76, her death being registered in Brighton registration district during January 2003.

 

Edwin and Sarah’s third child was Arthur Muddle whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Arthur, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 57a Western Road in Hove. In 1897 when he was 11 years old Arthur started attending Varndean Boys’ Grammar School in Brighton. In the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, now aged 15, was working as an apprentice ironmonger and living with his parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove. Arthur died at the age of 22, his death being registered in Fulham registration district in London during the 3rd quarter of 1908.

 

Edwin and Sarah’s fourth child was Robert Ernest Muddle whose birth was registered in Brighton registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Robert, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 57a Western Road in Hove. Then in 1899 when he was 11 years old Robert started attending Varndean Boys’ Grammar School in Brighton. In the census of 31 March 1901 Robert, now aged 13, was living with his parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove.

When he was 25 years old Robert married 23-year-old Dorothy Louisa Phillips at the Baptist Tabernacle, Low Road, Hunslet, Leeds, Yorkshire on 1 October 1913. Robert was then a commercial traveller living at 30a Clarendon Street in Cambridge, and Dorothy was living at 10 Nursery Mount in Hunslet. Dorothy was the daughter of the Rev Alfred Phillips and his wife Louisa, and her birth had been registered at Wantage during the 3rd quarter of 1890. The Rev Alfred Phillips was the Baptist Minister at the Baptist Church, Mill Street, Wantage from 1888 to 1891 then at Leamington Spa and Hunslet before returning to Wantage from 1916 to 1927.

Robert and Dorothy had two children. They were living at Leanwood, 105 Blinco Grove, Cambridge and Robert was still a commercial traveller when their first child was born in June 1916. They were still living at Leanwood when Robert enlisted in the army at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk as Private 204532 in the 5th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment; this was probably sometime after the start of First World War conscription in August 1916. Their second child was born at Glenlyn, Newbury Street, Wantage, which was the home of Dorothy’s parents, in February 1918. Robert was then a private in the 13th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, who had been a commercial traveller in carpets, and his home address was given as 105 Blinco Grove, Cambridge.

Robert was Private 204532 in the 13th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment when he was killed in action in France on 9 April 1918, at the age of 30. Robert has no known grave, but he is commemorated on panel 6 of the Ploegsteert Memorial at Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium and also on the War Memorial in St John’s Church, Hills Road, Cambridge and the War Memorial at the entrance to the Baptist Church, Mill Street, Wantage. Robert was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[33] Probate of Robert’s will, which valued his effects at £297 0s 9d, was granted to Dorothy on 20 December 1919 by London Probate Registry. Dorothy’s brother 2nd Lt William David Phillips of the 15th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment was also killed in the First World War and commemorated on the War Memorial at the Baptist Church, Mill Street, Wantage.

Dorothy probably never went back to 105 Blinco Grove but continued to live with her parents after Robert’s death as Cleggs Wantage Almanack and Directory of 1924 lists Mrs D L Muddle as a furrier of Glenlyn, Newbury Street. Dorothy later moved to Kent as she had been living at The Danes, Mickleburgh Hill, Herne Bay, Kent, when she died at 31 Longmead Drive, Sidcup, Kent, on 15 November 1940, at the age of 50. Probate of Dorothy’s will, which valued her effects at £723 12s 3d, was granted on 12 June 1941 by Llandudno Probate Registry to her eldest brother, commercial traveller Alfred Penryn Phillips.

 

Robert and Dorothy’s eldest child was Stanley Ernest Muddle who was born at 105 Blinco Grove, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire on 22 June 1916. When he was 21 years old Stanley married 28-year-old Gladys Mary Bluck at Lewisham Register Office in London on 11 September 1937. Stanley was then a printer’s compositor living at 123 Tressillian Road in Brockley and Gladys was living at 15 Winchester Road in Bexley Heath. Gladys had been born in Southwark registration district in London on 6 February 1909. Stanley had changed his name to Muddell by the time he married.

Stanley and Gladys had three children; the first two were twins born in Dartford registration district in Kent during 1939, and the third was born in Bridge registration district in Kent during 1942. They were living at 31 Longmead Drive, Sidcup, Kent, when by deed poll on 13 May 1948 Stanley, for himself his wife his children and remoter issue, renounced and abandoned his surname of Muddell for that of Martin.[34] Stanley died at the age of 74, his death being registered in Manchester registration district during September 1990. Ten years later Gladys died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Basford registration district in Derbyshire during January 2000.

 

Robert and Dorothy’s second child was Doris Margery Muddle who was born at Glenlyn, Newbury Street, Wantage, Berkshire on 19 February 1918. When she was 29 years old Doris sailed tourist class on the Orbita of the Pacific Steamship Navigation Line from Liverpool on 19 September 1947 bound for Mombasa. On the passenger list Doris described herself as a mothercraft nurse, that her last address in England was Rodney Stoke near Cheddar, Somerset, and that her future permanent residence would be in East Africa.[35] It’s thought that it was Doris who was referred to as ‘remoter issue’ when her brother changed the family surname to Martin by deed poll on 13 May 1948.

 

Edwin and Sarah’s fifth child was Gertrude May Muddle, known as May, who was born at Hove in Sussex on 1 May 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 May, at the age of 11 months, was living with her parents at 57a Western Road in Hove. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 May, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 69 Cromwell Road in Hove. May lived at Bognor Regis in Sussex and never married. She died at the age of 96, her death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during December 1986.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2010

Last updated 25 August 2010