THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of Elijah & Mary Muddle’s Family

 

Elijah and Mary’s eldest child was George Weaver/Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex in about 1817, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 25 June 1820, at the age of three, at the same time as his younger brother. If he was 3 years old when he was baptised George would have been born about a year before his parents’ marriage.

George was in civil custody and described as 5ft 6¼in in height when in Sussex on 9 February 1839 he enlisted in the 43rd Regiment of Foot as Private 1526. He was stated to then be 19 years old, but if he was 3 years old when he was baptised he would have been more like 21. He was paid a bounty of £2 10s when he enlisted.

In May 1839 the birth of a child called Charles Muddle was registered by his mother, who gave her name as Mary Muddle née Noah, and the father as George Muddle. It seems very unlikely that George and Mary were married, as no record of a marriage has been found, and there seem to be no further records of Mary and her son Charles under the name Muddle, they probably reverted to using another name such as Mary’s maiden name.

After four days of marching George actually joined his regiment at their headquarters in Dover on 18 June 1839, and between then and 30 June he spent 10 days in hospital. Then during 1840 George was at the Regimental Depot in Cork, Ireland and transferred to service companies in Naas and Armagh. Later that year the Regiment sailed to Amherstburg on the shores of Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada where they remained until June 1841 when they moved on to Toronto. In January 1843 they moved to Montreal where they stayed until March 1844. During the next 12 months the Regiment moved between the towns of Montreal and Quebec twice, and during this time George spent a month in prison. In mid-1845 the Regiment moved from Quebec to Halifax, Nova Scotia, from where in early 1846 they returned to England. By April 1846 they were in Dover and George had a months' furlough from the 15 June to 15 July. At the beginning of 1847 the Regiment was in Portsmouth and George went absent without leave twice from Gosport during January and February. In 1848 the Regiment moved to Kilkerry in Ireland and it was while they were there that George was sent to prison on 1 July 1849 until he was discharged with ignominy on 26 July 1849.[2]

After his discharge from the army George was soon in trouble again; at the Lent Session of the Kent Assizes held at Maidstone on 17 March 1851 before The Right Honourable John Lord Campbell, Chief Justice, and The Right Honourable Sir James Parke, Knight; George Muddle, labourer of Tonbridge, appeared charged with stealing at Tonbridge on 30 January 1851 a pair of boots, valued at 5 shillings, the property of Robert Samuel Newington. Later the same day George had been found in procession of the boots and he was committed for trial by Justice of the Peace W H Yaldwyn Esq. on 3 February 1851. At his trial George pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six weeks hard labour in the House of Correction; his indictment records state that he was unable to read or write.[3] In the census of 30 March 1851 George, at the age of 33, was a prisoner in Kent County Gaol at Maidstone, and described as being a bricklayer’s labourer and to be unmarried.

 

 

Then in the census of 7 April 1861 George was working as a farm labourer and living at Isfield with what were recorded as his wife Mary Ann and three children, William, Alfred and Matilda who had been born at Chiddingfold in Surrey between 1844 and 1848. But as George was either in Canada or Ireland during the time these children were born they cannot be his children, and there is also no record of his marriage to Mary Ann, so he is almost certainly just living with what is probably an already married woman and her three children, who are simply given the Muddle name in the census for convenience. No further records of the so called wife and children living with George in 1861 have been found under the name Muddle.

It's thought that George then travelled to the USA and that he is the George W Muddle who married Emily Cook in Wayne County, Michigan on 22 October 1864. This was probably in Detroit, which is partly in Wayne County. It seems that this George and Emily then travelled to England where they are the couple who had two children; the first born in Brighton on 18 September 1866 and the second in Hackney, London on 25 January 1869, where the father was given as George Muddle railway labourer's foreman in 1866 and railway labourer in 1869, and the mother was given a as Emily Muddle formerly Hook. The mother registered both births and gave their address in 1866 as 19 Upper Russell Street, Brighton, Sussex, and in 1869 as 5 Eagle Terrace, Hackney, London. No further records of Emily and her two children have been found under the name Muddle.

On 12 August 1869 a George Weaver was born at Bisley in Surrey, his birth was registered by his mother who gave her name as Mary Weaver formerly Cook and the father as George Weaver farm labourer. Four months later this son died in Uckfield Union Workhouse on Christmas Day and was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield. It seems that at the time this child was thought to be the son of George Muddle but was later proved not to be according to a note on his burial record. So was Mary Weaver formerly Cook possibly the Mary Ann that George had been living with in 1861, who was trying to make out that George was the father and also used his wife Emily's maiden name of Cook? Bisley is only 15 miles north of Chiddingfold where her earlier children had been born.

It's difficult to know if the above interpretation of events after 1861 is correct and that they do actually relate to this George Muddle, but it does seem that George had a complicated life and that George and the others involved were probably very economical with the truth on official records.

 

George Muddle and Mary Noah’s only child was Charles Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex on 3 May 1839. Charles probably adopted his mother’s maiden name or possibly a later married name as there seems to be no further record of him as a Muddle.

 

George and Emily Muddle’s eldest child (George's second) was Emily Eliza Muddle who was born at 19 Upper Russell Street, Brighton, Sussex on 18 September 1866, and baptised at the Church of St Nicholas in Brighton on 7 October 1866.

 

George and Emily Muddle’s second child (George's third) was Louisa Mary Muddle who was born at 5 Eagle Terrace, Hackney, London on 25 January 1869.

 

George Weaver and Mary Cook’s only child (George’s fourth?) was George Weaver who was born at Bisley in Surrey on 12 August 1869. George died in Uckfield Union Workhouse in Sussex on Christmas Day, 25 December 1869, when he was only 4 months old (not 5 months as given on his death certificate), from inflammation of the lungs. George was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield on 31 December 1869 and a note against his burial record states ‘Son of George Weaver (Weaver = Muddle subsequently disproved)’.

 

Elijah and Mary’s second child was William Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret of Antioch in Isfield on 25 June 1820.

William was 19 years old, and had been working as a labourer, when on 17 July 1839 he enlisted at Lewes as Private 1244 in the 52nd Regiment of Foot for a bounty of £3. This was five months after his elder brother George had joined the 43rd Regiment of Foot. William's army records describe him on enlistment as being 5ft 10½ins tall, of fresh complexion, with hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and to have no distinguishing marks. He was illiterate, being unable to sign his attestation papers, just making his mark. Then just over three months later William was with the regiment in Dublin when a medical examination on 25 October 1839 found that he had a partial dislocation of the ankle and also malformation of second and small toes, and was unfit to serve. This resulted in William being discharged on 28 October 1839 after having served only 103 days. He was described as having been well conducted and of good character, but to have constantly been in hospital. His physical description on discharge was the same as on enlistment except that his eyes were now described as grey.[4]

In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 21, was a labourer lodging with lodging house keeper Jane Medwin in Bromells Road, Clapham, Surrey, the same road in which his uncle Jemuel Muddle lived. The other lodger was 20-year-old gardener Thomas Gibbs who may well have been a relative of Jemuel Muddle's late wife Catherine Gibbs. When he was about 22 years old William married 18-year-old Sarah Allen at St Mary's Church, Newington, Surrey, on 1 May 1842. They were both then living at Bromells Road in Clapham and William was now a carpenter, probably working for his uncle Jemuel Muddle, who was a builder and master carpenter living in Bromells Road. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas and Anne Allen; she had been born at Clapham on 1 July 1823 and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Clapham on 2 November 1823.

William and Sarah lived at Clapham where they had five children; the first two being born in 1843 and 1845, the second of whom died in early 1849, at the age of 3, while they were living at 9 Prescot Place, Cross Street, Clapham. It was from about this time that William started to suffer from mental health problems that were to result in numerous admissions to County Asylums. William's first admission was to Surrey County Asylum on 7 March 1849 where after a stay of six weeks he was discharge on 21 April 1849 as recovered. William and Sarah's third child was born in late 1849. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Sarah (incorrectly recorded as Eliza) was living near Waterloo Retreat in Clapham with her two surviving sons, and she was working as a laundress. William was not at home in this census and it seems that it was probably from about this time that his mental health problems resulted in him frequently going off and leaving his wife and children. He was not recorded in this census because he was probably living rough with no fixed abode. His second admission to Surrey County Asylum was on 26 June 1851 and after two months there he was discharged on 29 August 1851 as again recovered. It seems that he must have then gone off as an itinerant because after only two weeks he was admitted to Kent County Asylum on 16 September 1851 where he stayed for four months until being discharged on 17 January 1852 as again recovered. William presumably then returned to live with his wife for a time as their fourth child was conceived in late 1853. Then on 26 January 1854 William was again admitted to Surrey County Asylum for a stay of seven weeks, being discharged on 17 March 1854 as again recovered. All William's admissions to asylums were as a pauper patient so were probably made after his initial admission to a workhouse, most likely as a vagrant seeking temporary shelter.[5]

On the 2 May 1854 William was in Lewes, Sussex where he was arrested for being drunk as reported in the 9 May 1854 edition of The Sussex Advertiser:

MAGISTRATES' MEETING, Tuesday, May 2.

Wm Muddle, carpenter, residing in Lewes, was charged with being drunk on the 2nd inst.

Defendant pleaded guilty, stating that he joined the militia on the previous day and had spent his money upon drink.

Inspector Kennard stated that he found him in the street, in almost a state of insensibility from the effects of intoxication. The only noise he made was snoring (a laugh). - Ordered to pay 3s cost to be paid in a week.

William and Sarah's fourth child was born in August 1854 but died when only 8 weeks old, and on his burial record his residence was given as Waterloo Retreat, Clapham. It seems likely that William now lived with his wife and children for a few years and their fifth child was born during May 1856. William was recorded on the birth certificates of these last two children as their father with the occupation of journeyman carpenter.

It was probably in the late 1850s that William finally left his wife and children for good and returned to his native village of Isfield in Sussex; where, in the census of 7 April 1861, he was a live-in farm labourer for farmer George Huntly at New House in Isfield. It seems that William mental health problems continued as he tried to commit suicide for which he was arrested on Saturday 24 September 1864. The incident was reported in the Tuesday 27 September 1864 edition of The Sussex Advertiser:

A LUNATIC ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT SUICIDE. - On Saturday last the Ringmer police constable brought a labourer named William Muddle, of Isfield, to the Lewes police station on the charge of attempting to commit self-destruction, at Ringmer that day. The man was found suspended by the neck to the manor pound, and in a short time longer would have been dead. He is, it seems, a lunatic, and has been confined as such on two or three former occasions. Since he has been in custody he has remained under the care of two men night and day. He will be taken before the magistrates today (Tuesday).

The magistrates committed William to the Sussex County Asylum at Haywards Heath where he was recorded as being admitted that day, the 27 September 1864, and stayed for six months until being discharged on 31 March 1865 as recovered. But less than three months later he was again arrested, on Sunday 10 December 1865, this incident being reported in the Tuesday 12 December 1865 edition The Sussex Advertiser:

A LUNATIC DISCHARGED BEFORE CURED. - On Sunday night, a man named WM. MUDDLE was brought to the Police-station by P.C. Elphick, stationed at Ringmer, who had found him running about in that village like a madman, and evidently not in a fit state to be at large. When at the station-house, Sergeant Peacock, who was the acting sergeant at the time, put some questions to him, and from the answers given it was surmised that the man had made his escape from the County Lunatic Asylum, to which he was committed by two Lewes magistrates on September 24th, 1864. In consequence of this, Sergeant Peacock telegraphed to Haywards Heath Asylum on Monday morning, and received the reply to the effect, "that the man could not have escaped," as he had been discharged. It is therefore probable that the man's mind is evidently deranged, it will be necessary to again send him back to the Asylum.

William was duly returned to the Sussex County Asylum, being admitted on 13 December 1865 and after a stay of six weeks was discharged on 3 February 1866 as again recovered.[6] In the census of 2 April 1871 William was recorded as being a carpenter sleeping in the barn of farmer Edward Heaver at Beaches Farm in Isfield.

Meanwhile it was probably in the late 1850s that William's wife Sarah started living as the common law wife of Charles Levens, who was 13 years older than Sarah. Charles was the son of Thomas and Priscilla Levens; he had been born at Beckenham in Kent (now part of London) on 11 October 1809, and baptised at St George's Church in Beckenham on 5 November 1809. He had married Mary Ann Godfrey and had several children by her. Charles and Sarah had two children, both daughters, born at Clapham in 1860 and 1864. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at 2 Waterloo Place in Clapham with their then one child and six of Charles' children by his wife Mary Ann, and Charles was working as a labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 3 Hooks Cottages (the same house as 2 Waterloo Place or close by) in Clapham with their two daughters and two of Sarah's children from her marriage to William, and Charles was working as horse keeper. Sarah was living at Bromells Buildings, Clapham when she died at the age of 52 (not 53 as given on her death certificate and burial record), her death being registered, in the name of Muddle, in Wandsworth registration district, which includes Clapham, during the 4th quarter of 1875. She was buried in West Norwood Cemetery, Lambeth on 1 January 1876. Just over a year later Charles was living at 90 Nelson Row in Clapham when he died at the age of 67, and was buried in West Norwood Cemetery on 14 March 1877.

William had a decade, probably as an itinerant living rough and doing casual work around his home area in Sussex, without any admissions to asylums. Then on 12 April 1876 he was admitted to Sussex County Asylum where he was to stay for two years until being discharged on 16 May 1878 even though he was described as 'not improved'.[7] In the census of 3 April 1881 William was a live-in farm labourer for farmer James Mepham at Mosses Farm in Fletching, Sussex. Then on 30 September 1884 William, now 64 years old and using the alias Weaver, his mother's maiden name, was admitted to Sussex County Asylum for the last time, this time for nine months, being discharged on 2 July 1885 when it was stated that his illness had been relieved.[8]

In the census of 5 April 1891 William was a live-in farm labourer for a different James Mepham to the one in 1881, who was a farmer at Downstreet in Fletching. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 81 and describing himself as a widower and carpenter, was an inmate of Uckfield Union Workhouse in Uckfield. Later that year William died in Uckfield Union Workhouse at the age of 81 (not 80 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in Fletching Burial Ground on 20 July 1901.

 

Their children were:

Alfred George 1843-1883  William John 1845-1849  James 1849-1921

Frederick Arthur 1854-1854  Elizabeth Ann 1856-?

 

William and Sarah’s eldest child was Alfred George Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey on 29 October 1843, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Clapham on 19 November 1843. In the census of 30 March 1851 Alfred, at the age of 7, was living with his mother in Clapham, and he was going to school.

When he was 15 years old Alfred enlisted in the Royal Navy on 15 July 1859 and first served as Boy 2nd Class on HMS Fisgard for just two weeks before joining HMS Royal Adelaide on 30 July 1859, actually arriving on board on 2 August.[9] The Royal Adelaide was a 104 gun 1st rate wooden hulled sailing ship built in 1828 and then operating as a guard ship at Devonport. After serving 5 months on the Royal Adelaide Alfred transferred to HMS Ariadne on 10 January 1860 to be transported across the Atlantic to Bermuda where he joined HMS Terror as Boy 2nd Class with pay of 6d per day. Terror, the seventh ship of that name, was a screw driven iron hulled floating battery built in 1856 that was then operating as a guard ship (stationary floating battery) in Bermuda. While serving on Terror Alfred was promoted to Boy 1st Class on 17 August 1860 and his pay increased to 7d per day.[10] On his 18th birthday, 29 October 1861, Alfred volunteered for 10 years continuous service, and was given continuous service number 2325A.[11] His service record described him as then being 5ft 4ins tall with a fresh complexion, black hair and hazel eyes.

After 2 years and 3 months on Terror Alfred joined HMS Spiteful on 21 March 1862 as an Ordinary Seaman 2nd Class. The Spiteful was a 6 gun 1st class sloop, wooden hulled and paddle wheel driven, built in 1842 and then based at Portsmouth. After serving a year on Spiteful Alfred joined HMS Cumberland on 15 March 1863. The Cumberland was a 70 gun 3rd rate wooden hulled sailing ship built in 1842 and then operating as a guard ship of the steam reserve at Sheerness. After 8 months on the Cumberland Alfred joined HMS Conqueror on 29 November 1863 still as an Ordinary Seaman 2nd Class earning one shilling per day. The Conqueror was originally HMS Waterloo, a 120 gun 1st rate wooden hulled sailing ship, that was converted to 89 guns and screw driven in 1859, and then renamed Conqueror in 1862. While serving on the Conqueror Alfred was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on 19 January 1864 and his pay increased to one shilling and three pence per day, and then to Able Seaman on 19 December 1865 and his pay increased to one shilling and seven pence per day.[12] On the 1 January 1866 Alfred was awarded a Good Conduct Badge. Alfred served on the Conqueror for 2 years and 3 months, during which time she was in China and involved in the bombardment of Simonoseki.

Alfred joined HMS Challenger on 22 February 1866. The Challenger was a 21 gun corvette, wooden hulled, screw driven, and built in 1858. Soon after Alfred joined her she sailed to Australia where she remained until 5 years later she returned to England and the crew, including Alfred, were paid off at Sheerness on 4 March 1871. Alfred was now described being 5ft 6ins tall with a ruddy complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes.[13] Alfred was 8 months short of completing his 10 years continuous service and for some reason he paid £12 to purchase his discharge.

 In the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred, at the age of 27, was a mariner living with his mother and her common law husband at 3 Hooks Cottages in Clapham. Then by 1873 Alfred had migrated to New Zealand where he married Ellen Miller that year. In 1875 Alfred was in the Christchurch area of New Zealand working as a railway guard; his signature being one of seven on a petition dated 8 June 1875 that was from the Railways Manager to the Secretary of Public Works requesting the issue of uniforms.[14] Then on 6 September 1878 Alfred was the guard on the inaugural train to run on the newly completed 200 mile line south from Christchurch to Dunedin carrying many dignitaries of the railway and of the communities along the route. This was reported in that day's issue of the Star:

DEPARTURE OF THE VISITORS. - His Excellency the Governor and suite, the members of the House of Representatives, and the numerous visitors who were in Christchurch yesterday, left by special train this morning. The scene at the railway station, from half-past five to six o'clock was an exceedingly animated one, and Mr Garstin, the stationmaster, and the officials under his control, had a busy time in attending to the comfortable arrangement of the travellers. There was no attempt at decoration within the railway premises, but at the Terminus hotel opposite, a line of flags surmounted the entire frontage of the building. The special train consisted of eleven carriages, resplendent with highly varnished wood-work, polished fittings, and effective lettering, and the engine was one of the new American ones, weighing some 30 tons. Mr Dickenson, the locomotive foreman, acted as driver, and Mr Muddle as guard, with McFarlane as his assistant. The start was effected precisely at five minutes past six, amid the congratulations of the few who were present to speed the parting guests. Later in the day, news flashed along the wires that Timaru had been reached, without a hitch, in 4 hours 33 minutes, the distance being over 100 miles. The train left Timaru at 38 minutes past ten o'clock. Still later, the news came that in 2 hours 12 minutes more, Oamaru had been safely reached. From thence an additional engine was to be employed, so that the difficult gradients of the road might be passed without an undue diminution of speed. The train would be due in Dunedin at half-past five o'clock, and it may be hoped that the success attendant upon the first portion of the journey will continue to the end.

The 1878 New Zealand Electoral Roll records Alfred as living at Third Street in Newtown, the suburb of Christchurch that had become Sydenham the year before. When he made his will on 3 February 1879 Alfred was living at Sydenham in Christchurch and continuing to work as a railway guard. He died at his home in Kingsley Street, Sydenham on 16 March 1883, at the age of 39, and his death was reported in the Star of 17 March 1883. Probate of Alfred’s will was granted to his wife Ellen by the Supreme Court of New Zealand on 6 April 1883. Alfred left everything, his estate being valued at under £450 at probate, to his wife, and made her sole executrix.[15] Alfred was buried in Addington Cemetery in Christchurch and a stone was erected on his grave with the wording:

To the memory of Alfred G Muddle, who died 16th March 1883, aged 39 years. This stone is erected as a mark of esteem by his fellow employees on the N Z Railways

Alfred’s widow Ellen must be the Mrs Muddle recorded as arriving on the Tarawera at Auckland, New Zealand on 12 August 1884. The Tarawera had sailed from Melbourne, Australia and Ellen had presumably boarded her when she called in at Christchurch on 8 August.[16] Ellen must have then made her way from Auckland to Wellington and been the Muddell, one of the Mesdames, who sailed on the Wanaka from Wellington on 14 November 1884 bound for Lyttelton, which is a port 8 miles south of Christchurch.[17] A business announcement in the Star of 28 January 1885 stated:

Comfortable Board and Residence for Two Gentlemen; no other lodgers. Apply Mrs Muddle, Kingsley street, Sydenham.

There was a similar announcement in the 31 January issue, then in the issues of 7 & 9 February there was an announcement for a gentleman to share apartments with another, so Ellen had at least one gentleman lodger.

In 1886, three years after Alfred's death, Ellen gave birth to a daughter in Christchurch registration district; no father was recorded on the birth certificate. It seems that Ellen then moved south to Dunedin where she gave birth to a son in 1891, who it's thought she gave up for adoption by his father Henry Creamer as his original birth certificate is now a closed record.

In the New Zealand Woman's Electoral Rolls of 1893 and 1896 Ellen Muddle was recorded as being a housekeeper at Waiareka Junction near Oamaru, which is about 70 miles north of Dunedin. The Otago Witness of 4 October 1905 reported that Ellen Muddell and Mary Brown, of Waitati, which is about 10 miles north of Dunedin, had written to Waikouaiti County Council calling attention to the condition of the road leading to their respective farms, and at the council meeting held on 29 September 1905 the inspector was requested to attend to the work. Ellen died at Blueskin, Otago, which is about 15 miles north of Dunedin, at the age of 73, her death being registered under the name Ellen Muddell during the 2nd quarter of 1921.

 

Ellen’s illegitimate daughter was Esther Elizabeth Muddle, known as Ettie, whose birth was registered in Christchurch registration district in New Zealand during the 4th quarter of 1886. When she was 21 years old Ettie, now using the surname Muddell, married 23-year-old Archibald Clark on 15 January 1908 in Blueskin & Merton Parish, Waitati near Dunedin, which is 200 miles south of Christchurch. Archibald was the son of John and Agnes Clark and he had been born at Dunedin on 1 November 1884. Archibald and Ettie had five children, the first born in 1908. Archibald had been living at Port Chalmers, which is about 8 miles north of Dunedin, when he died on 13 April 1953, at the age of 68. He was buried in plot 0023 of block 54 in Dunedin Cemetery Waitati on 16 April 1953. Twenty-two years later Ettie died at Waitati on 28 December 1975, at the age of 89.

 

Archibald and Ettie’s eldest child was Gladys Ellen Clark who was born in New Zealand during 1908.

 

Archibald and Ettie’s second child was Dorothy Agnes Clark who was born in New Zealand during 1910.

 

Archibald and Ettie’s third child was John Reid Clark who was born in New Zealand during 1912.

 

Archibald and Ettie’s fourth child was Elvina Alice Clark who was born in New Zealand during 1914.

 

Archibald and Ettie’s fifth child was Ronald Clark who was born in New Zealand.

 

Ellen’s illegitimate son was George Robert Henry Creamer Muddle whose birth was registered in Dunedin, Otago & Southland registration district during the 1st quarter of 1891. It’s thought that George was given up for adoption, probably to his father Henry Creamer, and he became George Robert Henry Creamer. George's father, Henry Creamer, was recorded in the New Zealand Electoral Roll of 1893 as being a labourer at West Plains, Awarua, which is on the south coast of South Island and about 100 miles south-west of Dunedin. George died in Invercargill registration district, which is near Awarua, during 1895, at the age of 4.

 

William and Sarah’s second child was William John Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey on 10 October 1845. William was only baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Clapham on 28 January 1849, just before he died at 9 Prescot Place, Cross Street, Clapham on 31 January 1849, at the age of 3, from congestion of the brain. He was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at Clapham on 5 February 1849.

 

William and Sarah’s third child was James Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1849. In the census of 30 March 1851 James, at the age of 1, was living with his mother in Clapham. When he was 26 years old James married 23-year-old Annie Taylor at St Paul’s Church in Clapham on 24 February 1876. James was then a horse keeper living at Acre Lane in Clapham, and Annie was living at 4 Beckley Place in Clapham. Annie was the daughter of master mariner William Taylor and she had been born at Chatham in Kent in about 1853.

They first lived at Clapham where they had six children born between 1877 and 1886. When their second child was born in late 1879 they were living at 4 Acre Court, Park Road, Clapham and James was an ostler. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 6 Newmans Court, Park Road, Clapham with their then two children, and James was a horse keeper. When their fourth child, who died when only a few months old, was born in 1883 they were living at 6 Wallaces Court, Park Road, Clapham and James was described as being an ostler. After the birth of their sixth child in 1886 they moved to Lambeth where their seventh child was born in about 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 1 Landor Road, Stockwell, Lambeth, with five of their children, and James was still an ostler. Annie died at the age of 38, her death being registered in Lambeth registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1891.

 

 

In the census of 31 March 1901 James was an inmate of Tooting Home for Infirm Paupers in Church Lane at Tooting Graveney that was seperate part of Wandsworth Union Workhouse, and his occupation was given as having been as groom or horse keeper. When his son Alfred married in February 1902 James was described as being a horse keeper. Then when his son Arthur enlisted in the militia in July 1902 James was in what was called Tooting Home for Incurables, and then when Alfred joined the regular army in December 1902 James was in what was called Tooting Infirmary. When his daughter Annie died in 1907 James was described as having no occupation and to be living at 7 Triangle Place in Clapham. When his son Frederick married in 1909 James was described as being a groom, but this was probably a reference to his earlier occupation. In the census of 2 April 1911 James was still an inmate of Tooting Home for Infirm Paupers and described as formerly a horse keeper. It was nearly 30 years after the death of Annie that James died at the age of 71 (not 72 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 1st quarter of 1921.

 

Their children were:

Alfred George 1877-1946  Henry James 1879-1965

Frederick John 1881-1926  James 1883-1884  Arthur William 1884-1966

Annie Elizabeth 1886-1907  Elizabeth 1888-1976

 

James and Annie’s eldest child was Alfred George Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey on 26 May 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 6 Newmans Court, Park Road, Clapham. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, now aged 13, was working as a labourer in a mustard factory and living with his parents at 1 Landor Road in Stockwell, Lambeth, London.

In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 23, was a stableman living with his wife to be, Louisa, at 6a Mellison Road in Tooting Graveney. They were recorded as if they were a married couple, and living with them were two of Louisa’s sisters, Emily Chinery and Maud Lee. Then the following year when he was 24 years old Alfred married 25-year-old Louisa Jane Lee at Holy Trinity Church in Upper Tooting, London on 9 February 1902. They were both then living at 25 Moffat Road in Upper Tooting and Alfred was working as a horse keeper, possibly having taken over from his father who had been a horse keeper before going into Tooting Home for Infirm Paupers. Louisa was the daughter of Thomas and Jane Lee; she had been born at Camberwell in London and her birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1876.

Alfred and Louisa had six children born in Wandsworth registration district, which included Tooting, between 1902 and 1920, three of whom died in infancy. They were living at 30 Moffat Road in Tooting when Alfred’s brother Arthur enlisted in the army in December 1902. Then when their third child was born in 1907 they were living at 3 St Cyprian’s Street in Tooting and Alfred was still a horse keeper.

In the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred and Louisa were living in two rooms at 61 Selkirk Road in Tooting with their then two surviving children, and Alfred was a horse keeper. In this census Louisa stated that she'd had four children, two of which were still alive, so it looks as if she'd had an illegitimate child that had died, before she'd married, probably when she was living with Alfred before their marriage.

During the First World War Alfred was a 37-year-old horse keeper living at 72 Graveney Road in Tooting when he enlisted at London on 28 December 1914 for the duration of the war as Private SE/2402 in the Army Veterinary Corps that later became the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He was then described as 5ft 6¾ins tall with a 38ins fully expanded chest, two scars on his right shin and two scars on his right knee. Alfred was initially posted as a horse keeper to the corps depot at Woolwich, and then on 5 January 1915 he embarked for France where he served for 77 days before arriving back in England on 23 March 1915. He had probably been granted leave because of the death of his son Alfred in early 1915 He was in England for 37 days before embarking for France again on 29 April 1915. This time he was in France for 10 months, arriving back in England on 2 March 1916. He had probably been granted leave because his daughter Violet had died on 17 February 1916 while the family were still living at 72 Graveney Road in Tooting. Alfred was in England for 36 days, embarking for France yet again on 7 April 1916. It's not clear from the record what happened then but he probably remained in France until September 1918. Alfred was demobilized and transferred to the army reserve on 23 April 1919, when he was going to live at 30 Fountain Road in Tooting. On discharge Alfred was awarded a pension due to heart trouble and indigestion that had been aggravated by the war; of 5s 6d per week with an allowance of 2s 4d for his two children that was to be reviewed after 57 weeks. On 6 December 1920 Alfred was still living at 30 Fountain Road in Tooting when he wrote a letter to the army about receiving his 1915 Star Medal.[18] For his service during the war Alfred was awarded three campaign medals, the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1915 Star.[19]

Louisa died at Wandsworth on 1 July 1934, at the age of 58 (not 52 as given on her death certificate). After Louisa’s death Alfred and his youngest son, George Walter, went to live with his daughter Emily and her husband Frederick Truss at 41 Brightwell Crescent, Tooting, London. When his son George married in 1939 Alfred was described as being a road sweeper. Twelve years after Louisa’s death Alfred died at 41 Brightwell Crescent on 9 September 1946, at the age of 69.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s eldest child was Emily Alice Muddle, known as Emmie, who was born at Tooting in London on 17 July 1902. In the census of 2 April 1911 Emily, at the age of 8, was living with her parents in two rooms at 61 Selkirk Road in Tooting. When she was about 22 years old Emily married Frederick William Truss in Wandsworth registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1924. Frederick was the son of Henry and Annie Truss, and he had been born in Wandsworth on 26 September 1900. Frederick and Emily didn’t have any children. After Emily’s mother died in 1934 her father and her youngest brother, George Walter, then aged 14, came to live with them at 41 Brightwell Crescent, Tooting, London. George married in 1939 but Emily’s father was still living with them at 41 Brightwell Crescent when he died there in 1946. Frederick and Emily was still living at 41 Brightwell Crescent when Emily was admitted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting where she died of stomach cancer when she was about 80 years old, her death being registered during the 3rd quarter of 1982. Two years later Frederick died at Tooting at the age of 84, his death being registered during January 1985.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s second child was Leslie George Muddle, known as Jack, who was born at Tooting in London on 11 July 1904. In the census of 2 April 1911 Leslie, at the age of 6, was living with his parents in two rooms at 61 Selkirk Road in Tooting. When he was about 22 years old Leslie married 21-year-old Gladys Marie Wilks in Wandsworth registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1926. Gladys had been born on 24 November 1904. They had four children born between 1927 and 1934. Later they lived in Fountain Road in Tooting. Leslie died on 28 March 1969 at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, at the age of 64. Gladys died on 3 August 1990 at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, at the age of 85.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s third child was Elizabeth Alice Muddle who was born at 3 St Cyprian’s Street in Tooting, London on 17 February 1907. Elizabeth died when she was only one year old, her death being registered in Wandsworth registration district, which included Tooting, during the 3rd quarter of 1908. Elizabeth’s name on her death certificated was recorded as Elizabeth Annie.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s fourth child was Violet Louisa Muddle who was born at Tooting in London on 27 October 1911. Emily died at 72 Graveney Road in Tooting on 17 February 1916, when she was only four years old, from broncho pneumonia.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s fifth child was Alfred A Muddle who was born at Tooting in London on 9 June 1914. Alfred died when he was less than a year old, his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 1st quarter of 1915.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s sixth child was George Walter Muddle, known as John, who was born at Tooting in London on 3 February 1920. When he was 19 years old George married 18-year-old Esther Scopes at Battersea Register Office on 8 April 1939. They were both then living at 154 Lavender Road in Battersea; George was working as a cardboard machinist and Esther as a cardboard box maker. Esther was the daughter of Adolphus and Esther Scopes, and she had been born in Wandsworth on 14 December 1920. George and Esther had five children, the first born at Battersea in 1939 and the other four in Wandsworth between 1941 and 1953. During the Second World War George served in the Military Police and at the end of the war he was in Germany.

In 1959 Esther gave birth to a son whose father was Ronald James. George and Esther divorced in about 1962 and Esther, at the age of 43, then married Ronald George E James, who was about 58, in Wolverhampton registration district in Staffordshire during the 1st quarter of 1964. Ronald’s birth had been registered in West Ham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1906. Ronald and Esther had been living together before their marriage and had moved to Wolverhampton because of Ronald’s work, he was a manager. Then later they moved to the Isle of Wight because of Ronald’s work and he died there at the age of 58, his death being registered during the 4th quarter of 1964.

Esther and her young son then moved to Crawley in Sussex where she became house keeper to Henry Francis G Hulbert, known as Harry, whom she married in Horsham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1966. Harry had been born in Medway registration district in Kent on 19 February 1921. Harry and Esther ended up separating. Esther lived at Longstaff Road in Wandsworth and changed her name back to James. She died when she was about 57 years old, her death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 4th quarter of 1977. Harry died at the age of 85, his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 4th quarter of 2006.

George’s second marriage, when he was 43 years old, was to Shirley H Perkins in Horsham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1963. They had already had a child born in Horsham registration district in 1961. George died at the age of 53, his death being registered in Horsham registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1973. He was buried in Snell Hatch Cemetery at Crawley. When his daughter Tracy married in 1979 George was described as having been a metal polisher. Two years after George’s death Shirley married George A Hawkes in Crawley registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1975.

 

James and Annie’s second child was Henry James Muddle who was born at 4 Acre Court, Park Road, Clapham, Surrey on 1 December 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Henry, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 6 Newmans Court, Park Road, Clapham. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, now aged 11, was living with his parents at 1 Landor Road, Stockwell, Lambeth, and he was going to school.

When Henry's brother Arthur joined the militia in July 1902 he stated that Henry was then serving in the Hampshire Regiment. Henry served as Private 5367 in the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment in South Africa during the Boer War for which he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with three Colony Clasps for Paardeberg, Johannesburg and Cape Colony, and the King's South Africa Medal with two Date Clasps for South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.[20] The Battle of Paardeberg was on 18-27 February 1900 and is one of the Hampshire Regiment's Battle Honours. Henry had arrived in South Africa with the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment in January 1900 and they stayed in South Africa until the end of the war in 1902. After returning from the Boer War Henry was discharged to the Army Reserve to complete his term of enlistment.

When he was 27 years old Henry married 23-year-old Frances Annie Sherbourne, known as Annie, at Christchurch Register Office in Dorset on 10 August 1907. Henry was then a tuck pointer (one who finished brickwork by pointing the mortar with cement) living at Oakwood Road in Moordown near Bournemouth, then in Hampshire now in Dorset, and Annie was living at Everlyn, York Road, Bournemouth. Annie had been born at Hailey near Witney in Oxfordshire on 20 August 1884. Henry and Annie had six children; the first two were born at Bournemouth in 1908 and 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 30 Midland Road, Winton, Bournemouth with their two children and Henry was working as a brick pointer. They had two more children born at Bournemouth in mid-1911 and late 1912. They then moved to Birmingham where their fourth child died in early 1914 and their fifth was born in mid-1914.

With the entry of Britain into the First World War Henry, at the age of 34, was working as a labourer and living at 1 House Back, 225 Cheapside, Birmingham when he enlisted as Private 3/4564 in the Hampshire Regiment at Birmingham on 27 August 1914. He was then described as 5ft 6¼ins tall, weighed 137lbs, with a 36½ins fully expanded chest, brown eyes, black hair, tattoo of crossed hands on his right forearm and scar on the back of his head. He was passed as fit for the army reserve even though he had varicose veins on the back of his right thigh. Henry was at the Regimental Depot until on 5 September 1914 he was posted to the 10th 'Field Service' Battalion. On 15 September 1914 he was given 14 days detention for creating a disturbance, using obscene language and striking a comrade. Then on the 27 October 1914 it was decided that he was 'not likely to become efficient soldier' because he was medically unfit and he was discharged on 29 October 1914, having served for only 64 days. His character on discharge was described as fair.[21]

It seems that Henry was determined to serve in the army during the war because just a month after his discharge from the Hampshire Regiment he enlisted as Gunner 55511 in the Royal Garrison Artillery at Birmingham on 28 November 1914. He then gave the address of himself and his family as 238 Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, London. He joined the regiment at Fort Rowner, Gosport, Hampshire on 30 November 1914. Then on 26 January 1915 he was posted to the 26th Heavy Battery at Charlton Park, Woolwich, London, which became the 131st Heavy Battery on 7 May 1915, here Henry seems to have continually been in trouble.

Henry was absent without leave for 73 hours and 48 minutes between the 6 and 9 April 1915 for which he was admonished by Captain Paris on 9 April 1915 and forfeited 4 days' pay. Then on 20 April 1915 he was dirty on sick parade for which he was Confined to Barracks for 3 days. On 1 May 1915 he was Confined to Barracks for 8 days for creating a disturbance in the barrack room after tattoo, neglecting to obey an order, violently resisting an escort and using obscene language to an NCO on 30 April 1915. Two weeks later Henry was absent without leave for 3 days and 15½ hours between 16 and 19 May 1915 for which on 20 May 1915 he was given 10 days Field Punishment No 2 and forfeited 4 days' pay.

On 29 May 1915, the day of his release from Field Punishment, Henry deserted and a Court of Enquiry held on 22 June 1915 found that he was then still absent and all his kit had also gone missing.[22]

It seems unlikely that after deserting Henry would have gone home to his wife and children until after the war had finished or he would have been caught and punished. This seems to tie in with the fact that Henry and Annie's sixth child was not born until 2 years after the end of the war, in Lewisham registration district in London in September 1920. Henry became a builder and they lived in Crabtree Crescent in Lewisham and then later moved to 97 Kinson Road in the Wallisdown area of Bournemouth, Dorset.

Annie died in Bournemouth registration district on 20 February 1953, at the age of 69. Twelve years later Henry died in Christchurch registration district in Dorset on 22 August 1965, at the age of 85.

 

Henry and Frances’ eldest child was Henry Percival Muddle, known as Percival, who was born at Bournemouth, then in Hampshire now in Dorset, on 15 February 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Percival, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 30 Midland Road, Winton, Bournemouth. Percival never married, he died at the age of 56, his death being registered in Aldershot registration district in Hampshire during the 1st quarter of 1965.

 

Henry and Frances’ second child was Annie Frances Muddle who was born at Bournemouth, then in Hampshire now in Dorset, on 2 April 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 Annie, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 30 Midland Road, Winton, Bournemouth. When she was 22 years old Annie married 23-year-old Leonard Gifford Whitehouse in Poole registration district in Dorset during the 3rd quarter of 1931. Leonard was the son of William and Alice Whitehouse and he had been born at Kings Norton in Worcestershire on 19 April 1908. Leonard and Annie didn't have any children. Leonard died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset during the 4th quarter of 1973. The following year Annie died at the age of 65, her death being registered in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset during the 4th quarter of 1974.

 

Henry and Frances’ third child was Ada Rose Muddle who was born at Bournemouth, then in Hampshire now in Dorset, on 25 July 1911. When she was about 23 years old Ada married 20-year-old Leonard Charles Gritt in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset during the 3rd quarter of 1934. Leonard had been born in Christchurch registration district in Dorset on 3 December 1913. Leonard and Ada had three children born in Bournemouth registration district in 1935, 1943 and 1945. Leonard died when he was about 62 years old, his death being registered in Poole registration district in Dorset during the 4th quarter of 1975. Fourteen years later Ada died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Bournemouth registration district during October 1989.

 

Henry and Frances’ fourth child was James A Muddle who was born at Bournemouth, then in Hampshire now in Dorset, and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1912. James died when only a year old, his death being registered in Birmingham registration district in Warwickshire during the 1st quarter of 1914.

 

Henry and Frances’ fifth child was Mabel Muddle who was born at Birmingham in Warwickshire on 20 August 1914. When she was 25 years old Mabel married 28-year-old William George James Barnes in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset on 25 March 1940. William had been born in Christchurch registration district in Dorset on 12 June 1911. William and Mabel had two children born in Bournemouth in 1941 and 1944. Mabel died at Bournemouth on the 25 November 1968, at the age of 54, and had by then started to use the second name of Frances. Twelve years later William died at Bournemouth on the 19 February 1981, at the age of 69.

 

Henry and Frances’ sixth child was Gwendoline Doris Muddle who was born in Lewisham registration district in London on 7 September 1920. When she was 17 years old Gwendoline married 22-year-old Alfred James Rigler in Bournemouth registration district in Dorset on 12 February 1938. Alfred was the son of Walter and Ada Rigler, and his birth had been registered in Christchurch registration district in Dorset during the 2nd quarter of 1915. Alfred and Gwendoline had three children; the first born in Bournemouth registration district in 1938, the second in Bodmin registration district in Cornwall in 1941, and the third back in Bournemouth registration district in early 1945 after Alfred's death. Alfred was Lance Corporal T/108668 in the Royal Army Service Corps when he died on 28 August 1944, at the age of 29. He was buried in row C4, grave 95, of Bournemouth North Cemetery.

 

James and Annie’s third child was Frederick John Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1881. Frederick was also at times known as Frederick George Muddle. In the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 1 Landor Road, Stockwell, Lambeth, London, and he was going to school. When Frederick's brother Arthur joined the militia in July 1902 he stated that Frederick's address was unknown.

When he was 28 years old Frederick married 20-year-old Ellen Wilson at St Anselm's Church in Lambeth on 1 November 1909. They were both then living at 69 Newburn Street, Kennington, Lambeth, and Frederick was working as a groom, which had been his father's occupation. Ellen already had an illegitimate daughter, Ellen Elizabeth Wilson, whose birth had been registered in Wandsworth registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1907, that may have been fathered by Frederick. After their marriage Frederick and Ellen had four children, the first was born a month after their marriage while Frederick was still living at 69 Newburn Street and Ellen was at 43 Renfrew Road in Kennington. This child died the following year when only a few months old. Their second child was born at the beginning of 1911 at 49 Crown Street in Camberwell, but two months later when she registered the birth Ellen was living across the river at 15 Catherine Street in Vauxhall and Frederick was now working as a motor cab washer. In the census of 2 April 1911 Frederick and Ellen were living at 15 Catherine Street with their baby daughter and Ellen's illegitimate daughter, and Frederick was a taxi cab washer for the Bell Taxi Cab Company. Their third child was born in Wandsworth registration district during 1913, and the forth in Camberwell registration district in 1915.

Frederick was a road sweeper living at Beaufoy Road, Lavender Hill, Battersea, when he died on Good Friday evening, 2 April 1926, when he was about 45 years old (not 42 as given on his death certificate), as a result of injuries received in a fight at Wandsworth Common Station, and the verdict of the inquest into his death was that of manslaughter by James Wedlake, aged 21, as reported by The Times of 8 June 1926. Earlier The Times of 7 April 1926 had reported the opening of the inquest, getting Frederick’s name wrong, as follows:

BATTERSEA MAN'S DEATH.

AFFRAY ON RAILWAY PLATFORM.

Mr. Ingleby Oddie yesterday opened his inquiry at Battersea Coroner's Court into the circumstances of the death of FREDERICK GEORGE MUDDLE, 42, a road sweeper, of Beaufoy-road, Lavender-hill, Battersea, who died in St. James’ Hospital, Balham, after an affray which is alleged to have taken place at Wandsworth Common Railway Station, on Good Friday evening [2 April 1926].

Dr. A. P. Piggott, Assistant Medical Superintendent at St. James’ Hospital, said that Muddle was dead when brought there, just after 11 p. m., on Good Friday. The post mortem examination showed that death was due to a fracture of the skull. There was a swelling about six inches long on the scalp which might have been caused by a blunt instrument, something like a stick which must have been bigger and heavier than an ordinary walking cane. This swelling might have been caused by the head striking the blunt edge of a step. In order for this to happen, however, the man must have turned almost a somersault. So far as he could see there was only one blow struck. A blow on the head with a bottle of beer might have caused the wound.

Lily Conson, a kitchenmaid, of Carnwath-road, Fulham, said that on Good Friday night, after the public-houses in Battersea had closed at 9 o'clock, she went by train to Victoria to get drink up to 10 o'clock. She was with a girl friend named Smith and a man she knew as "Darkie." They were drinking in a bar in Allington-street until 10 o'clock. Soon afterwards she and her friends went to Victoria and got into a crowded carriage in which there were some drunken people. There was a good deal of noise and disturbance. The witness knew about six of the people in the carriage besides "Darkie" and Miss Smith. She identified Muddle as the man who sat next to her in the carriage. About 10 minutes after the train started, she said, he interfered with her. She got up, but he pulled her down again with one hand on her throat, and he and the other men tried to interfere with her again. Somebody kicked her. A man named Buller Morgan sat on her lap in order to protect her. At Clapham Junction some of the men got out. The witness wanted to get out, but the men would not let her. Just afterwards Morgan said, "Pack it up; I'll fight the best man among you." All the people got out of the carriage at Wandsworth Common. Later on, at Wandsworth Common Station, the witness saw Muddle on another platform, and said, "There's one of them that did it for a cert." The three men, one of whom was named Morgan, the second Simpson, and the third a stranger to her, went across to that platform. Later she heard a terrific bang as if somebody had fallen down the stairs leading to the platform. The three men then came back to her and said, "We've hit him; we are greasing." So far as she knew none of the men had a bottle or a stick. Morgan stayed on the platform with her, and the other men went off. . .

Replying to further questions, the witness described the man she spoke of as "The stranger" as about 20 or 21.

Emily Smith, a kitchen hand, of Winstanley-road, Clapham Junction, who was in company with Conson on Good Friday night, said she did not see any of the men behave improperly towards her friend. The carriage was too crowded for her to see Conson. On Saturday night the witness again went to the bar at the Victoria and met Conson. While they were there a young man came up and said to Conson, "I hope the police don't catch me, as I'm a married man." This man was clean-shaven and fair and about 22 years of age. He was wearing a cap and a muffler.

The CORONER, in adjourning the inquest until 2 p. m. on April 26, said it was highly important that they should know what the man who had been described as wearing a muffler and a dark grey suit and a cap, had to say about the affair. He hopes the press would publish the man's description and the facts of the case and that he might see fit to come forward and give his explanation.

As a result of the findings of the inquest James Wedlake, a 21-year-old ship's cook was arrested and charged with the manslaughter of Frederick John Muddle on 8 June 1926 and bailed the following day. His trial was at the Central Criminal Court in London (The Old Bailey) before Justice Salter on 30 June and 1 July 1926 when he was found not guilty and discharged.[23]

A few months after Frederick’s death Ellen married Ernest Wilkinson in Wandsworth registration district during the 4th quarter of 1926. Ernest and Ellen had one child born in Wandsworth registration district in 1930.

 

Frederick and Ellen’s eldest child was Minnie Muddle who was born at 43 Renfrew Road, Kennington, London on 4 December 1909. Minnie died when only a few months old, her death being registered in Southwark registration district in London during the 2nd quarter of 1910.

 

Frederick and Ellen’s second child was Annie Louise Muddle who was born at 49 Crown Street, Camberwell, London on 24 January 1911. In the census of 2 April 1911 Annie, at the age of 10 weeks was living with her parents at 15 Catherine Street, Kennington, London.

When she was 27 years old Annie married Robert Radley, who was about 25 years old, in Pancras registration district in London during the 3rd quarter of 1938. Robert had been born in Pancras registration district on 29 July 1913. Robert and Annie didn't have any children. Robert died at the age of 49, his death being registered in Finsbury registration district in London during the 3rd quarter of 1962.

 

Frederick and Ellen’s third child was Frederick G [J] Muddle whose birth was registered in Wandsworth registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1913. Frederick died at the age of 26, his death being registered in Mid-East Surrey registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1940, when he seems to have acquired a third Christian name.

 

Frederick and Ellen’s fourth child was Janet [Mary Teresa] Muddle who was born in Camberwell registration district in London on 25 November 1914. Janet's birth was registered with just the name Janet Muddle, but by the time she married she was using the name Janet Mary Teresa Muddle, then was back to just Janet at her death.

When she was 19 years old Janet married 22-year-old Henry Ernest Hamilton at The Catholic Church, Worcester Street, Southwark on 19 May 1934. They were both then living at 17 Marshall Street in Southwark, Henry was working as a wholesale stationer's motor lorry driver and Janet was a restaurant kitchen hand. Henry was the son of Henry and Rose Hamilton, he was born at Westminster in London on 9 Feb 1912 and baptised at St John the Evangelist, Smith Square, Westminster on 5 May 1912.

Henry and Janet didn't have any children. Henry died at the age of 49, his death being registered in the Forest of Dean registration district in Gloucestershire during the 3rd quarter of 1961. Thirty-four years later Janet died at the age of 80, her death being registered in Tower Hamlets registration district in London during the 3rd quarter of 1995.

 

Ernest and Ellen’s only child (Ellen's sixth) was Gladys M T Wilkinson whose birth was registered in Wandsworth registration district in London during the 2nd quarter of 1930.

 

James and Annie’s fourth child was James Muddle who was born at 6 Wallaces Court, Park Road, Clapham, Surrey on 29 August 1883. James died when about 9 months old, his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1884.

 

James and Annie’s fifth child was Arthur William Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey on 8 December 1884. In the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, at the age of 16, was working as a ‘slopper washer’ and boarding with the family of labourer George Tanner at 7 Carfax Square in Clapham.

Arthur enlisted in the Border Regiment but he was discharged for being under age. Then on 9 July 1902, at the age of 17 years and 7 months, he enlisted for six years as Private 2522 in the 3rd Battalion of The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), which was a militia battalion. He was then working as a labourer for Mr Isherwood of 70 Manors Street, Clapham and still living at 7 Carfax Square in Clapham. Arthur was then described as being 5ft 3¼ins tall and weighing 108ibs, with a chest measurement of 31½ins expanding to 33½ins, a fair complexion, brown eyes, fair hair, a cross and dots tattoo on his left forearm, and a scar on the back of his left hand.[24]

After 5 months in the militia battalion Arthur transferred to a regular battalion, enlisting at London on 8 December 1902 as Private 6681 in the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, this being the regiment his brother Henry was serving in. He enlisted for 12 years; the first 3 years in Army Service and the following 9 years in the Army Reserve. He was now described as being 5ft 4ins tall and weighing 114lbs, with a chest measurement of 32ins expanding to 34ins, a fresh complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, a cross and dots tattoo on his left arm, and moles on his face and right forearm. After serving 9 months in England Arthur was posted to Malta, sailing on 9 September 1903. About 7 months after arriving in Malta Arthur seems to have become medically unfit through either illness or injury and was returned to England, arriving on 4 May 1904. Eight weeks later he was in Netley Military Hospital in Hampshire when he was discharged on 28 June 1904 as medically unfit for further service. He had served 1 year and 203 days, during which his conduct had been very good, and after discharge he went into the Solders Home in the High Street at Portsmouth.[25]

On 8 July 1907 the London, Chatham & Dover Railway appointed Arthur a Carriage Cleaner at Victoria Station in London. His wages were 3 shillings per day until nearly 6 months later he resigned on 28 December 1907 when his character was described as good.[26]

In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Arthur was working as a builder's labourer and lodging with Henry and Fanny Marks at 7 Cranmer Road in Bournemouth, then in Hampshire and now in Dorset. Arthur never married. He died at the age of 81, his death being registered in Bournemouth registration district during the 4th quarter of 1966.

 

James and Annie’s sixth child was Annie Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Clapham in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 1 Landor Road, Stockwell, Lambeth. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 14, was a patient in the Metropolitan Imbecile Asylum at Darenth near Dartford in Kent. Annie died in the Metropolitan Imbecile Asylum at Darenth on 4 May 1907, at the age of 20 (not 21 as given on her death certificate), from general tuberculosis.

 

James and Annie’s seventh child was Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Lambeth in London in about 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Elizabeth, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 1 Landor Road, Stockwell, Lambeth. Elizabeth’s mother died later that year, and in the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth, now aged 12, was living with the family of her uncle and aunt, Eli and Emma Brown, at 109 Fitzharris Road, Bournemouth, Hampshire.

When she was 19 years old Elizabeth married 22-year-old Francis George Crabb, known as Frank, at St Andrews Church, Kinson, Dorset, on 1 August 1908. They were both then living at High House in Kinson and Frank was a labourer. Frank was the son of William and Mary Crabb; and he had been born at Kinson on 27 February 1886. Frank and Elizabeth had four children born in Poole registration district, which includes Kinson, in Dorset between 1909 and 1915, the second of whom died when only a few weeks old. In the census of 2 April 1911 Frank and Elizabeth were living at West Howe in Kinson with their then one surviving child, Frank was working as a traction engine labourer and they had Frank's widowed father, who was an invalid, living with them.

In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Frank and Elizabeth were living at 7 Merly Hall Farm near Wimborne Minster in Dorset with their youngest child, daughter Mary, and Frank was working as a pottery labourer. It is recorded in this register that Elizabeth later changed her name to Annie Elizabeth, her dead elder sister's name. In the register Elizabeth date of birth is given as 31 December 1883, then on her death certificate it is given as 28 August 1886, neither of which seems likely to be right, and as no registration of her birth can be found her birth date remains a mystery.

Frank died at the age of 82, his death being registered in Christchurch registration district in Hampshire during the 4th quarter of 1968. Eight years later Elizabeth died when she was about 88 years old, her death being registered in Poole registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1976.

 

Frank and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Francis William A Crabb whose birth was registered in Poole registration district in Dorset during the 2nd quarter of 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 Francis, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at West Howe in Kinson near Bournemouth in Dorset.

 

Frank and Elizabeth’s second child was Frederick J Crabb whose birth was registered in Poole registration district in Dorset during the 4th quarter of 1910. Frederick died when he was only a few weeks old, his death being registered in Poole registration district during the 1st quarter of 1911.

 

Frank and Elizabeth’s third child was Montague G Crabb whose birth was registered in Poole registration district in Dorset during the 4th quarter of 1912.

 

Frank and Elizabeth’s fourth child was Mary E Crabb who was born in Poole registration district in Dorset on 27 June 1915. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Mary, at the age of 24, was working as a domestic servant and living with her parents at 7 Merly Hall Farm near Wimborne Minster in Dorset.

 

William and Sarah’s fourth child was Frederick Arthur Muddle who was born at Waterloo Place, Bromells Road, Clapham, Surrey on 15 August 1854. Frederick died when only 8 weeks old, and he was buried in West Norwood Cemetery, Lambeth on 11 October 1854. On his burial record his residence was given as Waterloo Retreat, Clapham.

 

William and Sarah’s fifth child was Elizabeth Ann Muddle who was born at Waterloo Place, Bromells Road, Clapham, Surrey on 31 May 1856. In the census of 2 April 1871 Elizabeth, at the age of 14, was living with her mother and her common law husband at 3 Hooks Cottages in Clapham, and she was working as a domestic servant.

When she was 19 years old Elizabeth married 29-year-old James Hately at Trinity Church, St Marylebone, London, on 3 October 1875. James was then a smith living at 15 Charlotte Street, and Elizabeth was living in Trinity District. James was the son of James and Mary Hately; he had been born at Hampstead in London on 25 February 1846 and baptised at the Parish Church of St John in Hampstead on 22 March 1846.

James and Elizabeth are not thought to have had any children and in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 3A Church Place in Hampstead; James was a smith and gas fitter, and they had four lodgers. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 56 Gayton Road in Hempstead, and James was still a smith. They had 5-month-old Isabell Seton as a boarder, who would have been a foster child, and 18-year-old Kate Kennard as their live-in general domestic servant. James was living at 1 Perrins Court in Hampstead when he died on 21 December 1898, at the age of 52, and was buried in the Churchyard of St John in Hampstead on 27 December 1898.

In the census of 2 April 1911 Elizabeth was a patient in Portsmouth Borough Asylum, Asylum Road, Milton, Portsmouth, Hampshire; she was described as formerly a domestic servant and that she had been a lunatic since the age of 42, which would have been from around the time her husband died. Seven years later Elizabeth died in the Wiltshire County Lunatic Asylum at Roundway in Wiltshire on 27 December 1918 at the age of 62 (not 61 as given on her death certificate), from fatty and fibroid degeneration of the heart. She was then described as a needlewoman and widow of Southampton Workhouse, so had presumably at some time after 1911 been moved from Portsmouth to Southampton.

 

Charles and Sarah’s eldest child (Sarah’s sixth) was Louisa Maria Levens who was born at Clapham in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Louisa, at the age of 9 months, was living with her parents at 2 Waterloo Place in Clapham. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Louisa, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 3 Hooks Cottages in Clapham, and she was going to school.

 

Charles and Sarah’s second child (Sarah’s seventh) was Isabella Levens who was born at Clapham in Surrey, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Isabella, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 3 Hooks Cottages in Clapham, and she was going to school. Isabella was living at Hampstead in Middlesex when she died at the age of 12, and was buried in the Churchyard of St John in Hampstead on 8 January 1877.

 

Elijah and Mary’s third child was James Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 27 October 1822. In the census of 6 June 1841 James, at the age of 18, was living with the family of farm labourer Thomas Painter in Isfield. The Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties for 1851 listed James & Jemuel Muddle as builders of Bromells Road, Clapham, Surrey. It's thought that James, like his brother William, had moved to Clapham to work for their uncle Jemuel Muddle, who was a master builder, and that Jemuel made James a partner in his business.

 

Elijah and Mary’s fourth child was Mary Ann Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 9 January 1825. Mary Ann died at Isfield when only 18 months old, and she was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield on 27 May 1826.

 

Elijah and Mary’s fifth child was Eliza Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 27 May 1827. Eliza died at Isfield at the age of 7, and she was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield on 20 March 1834.

 

Elijah and Mary’s sixth child was Mark Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 15 March 1829. Mark died at Isfield when only 9 weeks old, and he was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield on 11 April 1829.

 

Elijah and Mary’s seventh child was Ann Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 16 March 1834. Ann died at Isfield when only 9 months old, and she was buried in St Margaret of Antioch Churchyard at Isfield on 10 October 1834.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2016

Last updated 5 March 2016