THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of James & Phoebe Muddle’s Family

 

James and Phoebe’s eldest child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 16 November 1828. In the census of 6 June 1841 Thomas, at the age of 12, was living with his parents at Spring Gardens in St John sub Castro Parish, Lewes, Sussex. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Thomas, now aged 22, was working as a lime labourer and living with his parents in Snodland Street at Snodland in Kent.

When he was 24 years old Thomas married 20-year-old Mary Ann Lawrence at St Nicholas' Church in Strood, Kent on 19 December 1852. Mary Ann was the daughter of John and Charlotte Lawrence; she had been born at Wrotham in Kent and baptised at the Parish Church of St George in Wrotham on 20 October 1833. Thomas and Mary Ann had eight children, the first two dying while young babies. They initially lived at Snodland where their first child was born, and died, in 1853. They then moved a few miles north to Cuxton in Kent where their other seven children were born between 1855 and 1874.

In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living near Brickfield Cottages and the National School in Cuxton village with their daughter Ellen, and Thomas' young sister Emma was living with them, as both her parents were dead. Thomas was now an engine driver at the cement works. Then by the census of 2 April 1871 they had moved to Whornes Place in Cuxton Parish, where they were living with four of their children; Mary Ann's widowed father was living with them, and they also had widower Henry Stevens as a boarder. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were still at Whornes Place, now with their four youngest children, and they had widower Henry Woolley as a boarder. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 4 Whornes Place in Cuxton; their four youngest children were still living with them and they still had Henry Woolley as a lodger. Thomas was still in the same occupation, of engine driver at the cement works, that every census since 1861 had recorded him as having. Then in 1895 when his son Thomas married he was recorded as being a miller, but was back to being an engine driver when his son James married in 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Darnley Terrace, Whornes Place, Cuxton, and Thomas was a cement works labourer. Their bachelor son Alfred was still living with them and their married daughter Ellen was staying with them.

Probably ever since they moved to Cuxton in about 1854 Thomas worked at the Whornes Place Cement and Lime Works just to the south of Cuxton village. These works had been built on the site of the 15th century Whornes Place, where a lime works had been established in the late 18th century and then expanded to include cement making when the North Kent Railway line cut through the site in the mid-1850s. Thomas would have been an engine driver, a trade he had probably learnt from his father, on the company's narrow gauge railway line that run from the Bores Hole chalk pit through a tunnel under the road, now the A228, and then a bridge over the North Kent Railway line, which was in a cutting, and into the cement and lime works that were on land between the railway line and the west bank of the River Medway. The company also had sidings off the North Kent Railway line for taking away the finished product and Thomas may well have also driven engines on these lines.

Mary Ann died at the age of 75, her death being registered in Strood registration district during the 4th quarter of 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Thomas and his widowed daughter Ellen Rowland were living at 1 Darnley Terrace. In this census Thomas stated that he'd had eleven children, three more than are known and were possibly stillborn, and that six were still living. The following year Thomas died at the age of 84, his death being registered in Medway registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1912.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s eldest child was John Thomas Muddle who was born at Snodland in Kent, and baptised at All Saints Church in Snodland on 1 May 1853. John died at Snodland while just a young baby, and he was buried in All Saints Churchyard at Snodland on 24 August 1853.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s second child was Henry Thomas Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 12 August 1855. Henry died at Cuxton while just a young baby, and he was buried in St Michael’s Churchyard at Cuxton on 8 September 1855.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s third child was Ellen Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 25 July 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Ellen, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Cuxton. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Ellen, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton.

When she was 22 years old Ellen married 22-year-old merchant’s clerk Frederick William Rowland at Battersea Parish Church in London on 16 October 1880. Frederick was the son of wheelwright Benjamin Rowland and his birth had been registered in Dartford registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1858. In the census of 3 April 1881 Frederick and Ellen were living at 46 Ursula Street in Battersea; Frederick was continuing to work as a merchant's clerk and they had their 5-year-old nephew, Wilfred Calcott, staying with them. Frederick and Ellen are not thought to have had any children and they ended up separating. What then happened to Frederick is unknown.

In the census of 31 March 1901 Ellen, who stated that she was still married, was staying with her parents at Darnley Terrace, Whornes Place, Cuxton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ellen was a widow, working as a laundress, and living with her widowed father at 1 Darnley Terrace. Ellen died at her home at 30 Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex on 27 September 1930, at the age of 72, from a Cerebral Haemorrhage and Arteris Sclerosis, she also had Varicose Ulceration of both legs.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s fourth child was Eliza Alexandra Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 21 June 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Eliza, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Eliza, now aged 17, was a live-in general servant for two governesses, Mary and Amy Dadman, at 1 Russell Terrace, Bedford Road, Clapham, Surrey.

When she was 22 years old Eliza married 35-year-old labourer Thomas Owen at St Nicholas' Church in Plumstead, Kent on 2 August 1885. They were both then living at Plumstead and Thomas was a labourer. Thomas and Eliza had at least eight children; the first two were born at Welling in Kent in 1885 and 1887, and the next four were born at Cuxton between 1888 and 1898. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Strood Road in Cuxton with their then three children, and Thomas was working as a gardener. Their seventh child was born at Rochester in Kent during early 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent with their seven children, and Thomas was working as a domestic gardener. Their seventh child died in 1902 when only three years old and then their eighth child was born at Rochester in 1903. In the census 2 April 1911 they were living at 34 Union Street in Rochester with four of their children, and Thomas was a jobbing gardener. In this census Eliza stated that she'd had nine children of which six were still living.

Thomas died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Medway registration district, which included Rochester, during the 2nd quarter of 1912. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Eliza was a widow living with the family of her daughter Florence Hill at 101 Hurst Road in Erith near Dartford in Kent. Forty-one years after her husband's death Eliza was living with the family of her daughter Doris Parish at 78 Silverdale Road in Tunbridge Wells, Kent when she died there on 21 March 1953, at the age of 89 (90 as given on her death certificate), from Senility. She was then described as the widow of Thomas Owen an estate gardener.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s eldest child was Florence Ellen Owen who was born at Welling near Dartford in Kent, and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Strood Road in Cuxton, Kent. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, now aged 15, was working as a domestic servant and living with her parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s second child was Ernest Lawrence Owen who was born at Welling near Dartford in Kent, and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Strood Road in Cuxton, Kent. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ernest, now aged 13, was living with his parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ernest, at the age of 23, was working as a milkman at a dairy and living with his parents at 34 Union Street in Rochester.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s third child was Arthur Thomas L Owen who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Arthur, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Strood Road in Cuxton. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, now aged 11, was living with his parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s fourth child was Ivy Eliza Owen who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ivy, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ivy, now aged 17, was working as a domestic servant and living with her parents at 34 Union Street in Rochester.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s fifth child was James Owen who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 James, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 James, now aged 15, was working as an errand boy and living with his parents at 34 Union Street in Rochester.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s sixth child was William Thomas Owen who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent. William died when he was only 3 years old, his death being registered in Medway registration district, which included Rochester, during the 1st quarter of 1902.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s seventh child was Edward George Owen who was born at Rochester in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edward, at the age of 2 months, was living with his parents at 1 Bank Terrace, Thomas Street, Rochester, Kent.

 

Thomas and Eliza’s eighth child was Doris Owen who was born at Rochester in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Doris, at the age of 7, was going to school and living with her parents at 34 Union Street in Rochester. Doris married Charles Parish in 1925 and her widowed mother was living with them at 78 Silverdale Road in Tunbridge Wells, Kent when she died there in 1953.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s fifth child was Alfred Thomas Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent on 11 March 1866, and baptised at St Michael's Church in Cuxton on 8 April 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, now aged 15, was working as a horse driver at the cement works and continuing to live with his parents at Whornes Place. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, at the age of 25, was a cement labourer and living with his parents at 4 Whornes Place in Cuxton. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 35, was a labourer in a cement works and living with his parents at Darnley Terrace, Whornes Place, Cuxton. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred was boarding with the family of his sister Alice Diprose at 27 Foord Street off Delce Road in Rochester, Kent and he was working as a coal porter. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Alfred was a patient in Malling Union Workhouse at King Hill, West Malling, Kent and described as being blind. Alfred never married. He died at the age of 74, his death being registered in Malling registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1940.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s sixth child was Alice Maria Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 25 October 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, now aged 12, was continuing to live with her parents at Whornes Place, and now going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, at the age of 22, was living with her parents at 4 Whornes Place in Cuxton.

When she was 23 years old Alice married 23-year-old labourer Albert Diprose at the Parish Church of St Michael in Cuxton on 25 December 1891. Albert was the son of John William and Sarah Ann Diprose; he had been born at nearby Halling in Kent on 27 October 1868, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Halling on 29 November 1868. Albert and Alice were living at Post Office Row in Cuxton when Albert was present at his mother's death on 6 April 1897. They had three children, all daughters; the first was born at Cuxton in 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 1 Post Office Row in Cuxton with their young daughter, and Albert was working as a steam crane driver. Their other two daughters were born at Cuxton later in 1901 and in 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 27 Foord Street off Delce Road in Rochester, Kent with their three daughters; Albert was working as an engine driver at a coal wharf and they had Alice's brother Alfred Thomas Muddle, who was a coal porter, boarding with them.

Alice died at the age of 58, her death being registered in Medway registration district during the 1st quarter of 1927. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Albert and his spinster daughter Ellen were living with his married daughter Beatrice and her husband William Baker at 28 Ross Street in Rochester and Albert was described as a retire locomotive driver. Twenty-three years after his wife's death Albert died at the age of 81 (not 82 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Chatham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1950.

 

Albert and Alice’s eldest child was Beatrice Mary Diprose who was born at Cuxton in Kent on 29 September 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Beatrice, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 1 Post Office Row in Cuxton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Beatrice, now aged 12, was living with her parents at 27 Foord Street off Delce Road in Rochester, Kent, and she was going to school. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Beatrice and her husband William Baker were living at 28 Ross Street in Rochester and had Beatrice's widowed father and spinster sister Ellen living with them.

 

Albert and Alice’s second child was Ellen Elizabeth Diprose who was born at Cuxton in Kent on 10 October 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ellen, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at 27 Foord Street off Delce Road in Rochester, Kent. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Ellen was unmarried, working as a cashier, and, together with her father, living with her married sister Beatrice and her husband William Baker at 28 Ross Street in Rochester.

 

Albert and Alice’s third child was Doris Diprose who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Doris, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 27 Foord Street off Delce Road in Rochester, Kent.

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s seventh child was Thomas William Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 7 May 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 Thomas, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Thomas, now aged 19, was a cement works stoker and living with his parents at 4 Whornes Place in Cuxton.

When he was 24 years old Thomas married 20-year-old Mary Ellen Halls at St Peter's Church in Aylesford, Kent on 13 July 1895. Thomas was then a labourer living at Cuxton, and Mary was living at Aylesford. Mary was the daughter of Walter and Lucy Halls; she had been born at Little Totham in Essex on 4 February 1875. In the census of 5 April 1891 Mary had been living with the family of her married sister Eliza Humphrey at 3 Whornes Place in Cuxton, next-door to the Muddle family.

Thomas and Mary didn't have any children. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 3 Post Office Row in Cuxton; Thomas was working as a cement works labourer and they had 19-year-old cement works labourer Edwin Brown as a boarder. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 3 Parker Villas, Parker Terrace, Cuxton; Thomas was still a cement works labourer, Edwin Brown was still their boarder, and they now had Mary's widowed father living with them as a boarder.

Thomas died at the age of 65, his death being registered in Medway registration district during the 4th quarter of 1936. In the National Register of 29 September 1939 Mary was living with her married sister Eliza and her husband Henry Wilson at 2 Darnley Terrace, Whornes Place, Cuxton. Barry Woolmer recalls that as a young lad in the late 1940s he used to go to Mrs Mary Muddle for piano lessons at her home, 3 Bush Road in Cuxton, that was part of a terrace of houses next to the Post Office, but he still can't play the piano! Twenty-nine after the death of her husband Mary died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Dartford registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1965.

 

 

Thomas and Mary Ann’s eighth child was James Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and baptised at St Michael’s Church in Cuxton on 19 July 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 James, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Whornes Place in Cuxton, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 James, now aged 16, was a cement labourer and living with his parents at 4 Whornes Place in Cuxton.

When he was about 23 years old James married 22-year-old Alice Maud Kemp at St Peter’s Church in Aylesford, Kent on 28 May 1898. They were both then living at 31 Belgrave Street, Eccles, Aylesford, and James was working as an engine driver. Alice was the daughter of William and Jane Kemp; she had been born at Aylesford and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1875. James and Alice had at least one child, a daughter, born at Cuxton in 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 5 Ivy Terrace in Cuxton with their young daughter; James was working as a chalk tramway brakesman and they had 32-year-old railway inspector Fred Ridge as a boarder. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were continuing to live at 5 Ivy Terrace with their daughter, and James was now a chalk quarryman at the cement works.

Just before the start of the First World War James, Alice and their daughter emigrated from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class on the P & O steamship Ballarat from London on the 9 April 1914 bound for Sydney via The Cape. On the passenger list James was described as being a farmer.[1] In the Electoral Rolls for 1930 to 1933 James, Alice and their daughter Hilda were all living at 147 The Boulevarde, Enfield, Sydney. James died in Drummoyne registration district in Sydney on 24 March 1933, at the age of 58, and he was buried in section 8, row 18, grave 2106/2107 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery.

In the Electoral Rolls for 1934 to 1936 Alice and her daughter Hilda were continuing to live at 147 The Boulevarde in Enfield. Then from 1937 to 1949 they are at 147 Coronation Parade in Enfield (possibly the same place renamed). From 1958 to 1963 they are at 125 Coronation Parade in Enfield. Then thirty-one years after her husband's death Alice died in Burwood registration district in Sydney on 13 January 1964, at the age of 88, and she was buried with her husband in section 8, row 18, grave 2106/2107 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery.

 

James and Alice’s only known child was Hilda Alice Muddle who was born at Cuxton in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Hilda, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 5 Ivy Terrace in Cuxton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Hilda, now aged 11, was going to school and continuing to live with her parents at 5 Ivy Terrace. When she was 14 years old Hilda emigrated with her parents from England to Australia. They sailed 3rd class from London on the P & O steamship Ballarat on the 9 April 1914 bound for Sydney via The Cape. On the passenger list Hilda was described as being a domestic.

From at least 1930 Hilda lived with her parents at 147 The Boulevarde, Enfield, Sydney. Then after her father's death in 1933 she continued to live with her mother at 147 The Boulevarde, then at 147 Coronation Parade and then at 125 Coronation Parade, until her mother's death in 1964. Hilda then continued to live by herself at 125 Coronation Parade until at least 1977, then in the Electoral Rolls for 1980 she was living at 8/51 Parramatta Road in Huberfield, Sydney. Hilda never married. She died on 15 June 1984, when she was just on 85 years old. Her death notice was published in the 18 June 1984 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald when she was described as late of Haberfield.

 

James and Phoebe’s second child was Eliza Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex in about April 1831, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 25 March 1833. Eliza died in St John sub Castro Parish in Lewes, Sussex when 5 years and 8 months old, and she was buried in St John sub Castro Churchyard on 30 December 1836.

 

James and Phoebe’s third child was Jemima Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 18 August 1833. In the census of 6 June 1841 Jemima, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Spring Gardens in St John sub Castro Parish in Lewes, Sussex. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Jemima, now aged 17, was a visitor in the home of John Kemsley’s family, next-door to her parent’s home in Snodland Street, Snodland, Kent, and she was working as a papermaker.

When she was 18 years old Jemima married 26-year-old labourer Charles Luchford at St Nicholas’ Church in Strood, Kent on 6 October 1851. Charles was the son of William and Mary Luchford; he had been born at Holborough, a hamlet just north of Snodland, and baptised at All Saints Church in Snodland on 17 April 1825. Charles and Jemima had at least four children, the first born at Hunton in Kent in 1858 when Charles was a policeman, and the other three at Halling in Kent between 1865 and 1875 when Charles was a labourer. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Lower Halling with their then three children, and Charles was working as a cement labourer. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 1 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling with their three youngest children, and Charles was working as a general labourer.

Charles died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Godstone registration district in Surrey during the 1st quarter of 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Jemima was a general shopkeeper living at 4 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling. She had two of her children, 33-year-old bachelor Luke and 15-year-old Laura, who was assisting her mother, and a lodger living with her. Then seven years later Jemima was living at The Street in Halling when she died at the age of 64, and was buried in St John the Baptist Churchyard at Halling on 4 March 1898.

 

Charles and Jemima’s eldest child was Luke Henry Luchford who was born at Hunton in Kent, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Hunton on 2 April 1858. In the census of 2 April 1871 Luke, at the age of 13, was working as a chalk labourer and living with his parents at Lower Halling in Kent. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Luke, now aged 23, was a general labourer and boarding at 2 Birling Road in Snodland, Kent, where his mother’s sister Roseanna Dadson was also living. In the census of 5 April 1891 Luke, still unmarried at the age of 33, was a labourer at the cement works and living with his widowed mother at 4 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling, Kent. A few months after his mother’s death Luke died at the age of 40, his death being registered in Strood registration district, which includes Halling, during the 3rd quarter of 1898.

 

Charles and Jemima’s second child was Eliza Elizabeth Luchford who was born at Halling in Kent, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Halling on 12 March 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 Eliza, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Lower Halling in Kent, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Eliza, now aged 16, was an unemployed domestic servant and living with her parents at 1 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling. Eliza was one of the witnesses at the marriage of her cousin Rose Dadson at the Church of the New Jerusalem in Snodland on 7 July 1883.

 

Charles and Jemima’s third child was John Edward Luchford who was born at Halling in Kent, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Halling on 26 March 1871. In the census of 2 April 1871 John, at the age of 2 months, was living with his parents at Lower Halling in Kent. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 John, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 1 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling, and he was going to school.

 

Charles and Jemima’s fourth child was Laura Susannah Luchford who was born at Halling in Kent, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Halling on 16 August 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Laura, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 1 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Laura, now aged 15, was living with her widowed mother at 4 Willmott’s Cottages in Halling, and she was an assistant to her mother, who was a general shopkeeper.

 

James and Phoebe’s fourth child was Rosina Muddle who was born at Isfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret of Antioch Church in Isfield on 10 May 1835. Rosina died in St John sub Castro Parish in Lewes, Sussex when 1½ years old (not 2½ as given on her burial record), and she was buried in St John sub Castro Churchyard on 16 November 1836.

 

James and Phoebe’s fifth child was Alfred James Muddle who was born in St John sub Castro Parish in Lewes, Sussex on 30 September 1837, and baptised at St John Sub Castro Church in Lewes on 29 October 1837. In the census of 6 June 1841 Alfred, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Spring Gardens in St John sub Castro Parish. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Alfred, now aged 13, was working as an engine boy at a paper mill and living with his parents in Snodland Street at Snodland, Kent. In the census of 7 April 1861 Alfred, at the age of 23, was an Ordinary Seaman on coasting brig Glide at Stockton in Yorkshire. The only surviving crew agreement for the Glide in 1861 is for what was probably its next voyage to the one Alfred was on in the census, which started at South Shields on 7 May and ended at London on 14 August; Alfred was not on this voyage, so what happened to him after the 1861 census is unknown.

 

 

James and Phoebe’s sixth child was Ellen Muddle who was born in St John sub Castro Parish in Lewes, Sussex on 13 October 1840. Ellen died in St John sub Castro Parish on 17 October 1840, when only 4 days old, from convulsions, and she was buried in St John sub Castro Churchyard on 21 October 1840.

 

James and Phoebe’s seventh child was Roseanna Muddle who was born at Dunks Green near West Peckham in Wrotham Parish, Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1842. Roseanna was baptised at Plaxtol Parish Church in Kent on 9 October 1842. In the census of 30 March 1851 Roseanna, at the age of 9, was living with her parents in Snodland Street at Snodland, Kent.

When she was 17 years old Roseanna married 22-year-old labourer Alfred Dadson at St Michael's Church in Cuxton on 19 November 1859. Alfred was the son of John and Mary Dadson; he had been born at East Malling in Kent and baptised at St James' Church in East Malling on 1 October 1837. At the Quarter Sessions held at Maidstone on 5 July 1855 Alfred Dadson had been convicted of breaking into a dwelling house and stealing therefrom for which he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.[2]

Alfred and Roseanna had two children; the first, a son, was born at Cuxton in 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Cuxton with their young son, just a few houses away from the family of Roseanna's brother Thomas, and Alfred was working as a chalk labourer. Their second child was born at Halling in Kent in 1863, and Alfred was described as a labourer when both children were baptised at Halling in 1865 while Alfred was in prison.

At the Quarter Sessions held at Maidstone on 7 April 1864 Alfred Dadson was convicted of larceny simple with a previous conviction of felony, for which he was sentenced to 4 years penal servitude.[3] Alfred's trial was reported in the 16 April 1864 edition of the Kentish Mercury:

Alfred Dadson, 24, labourer, for stealing 26s belonging to David Nevill, at East Malling, on the 24th March. Mr Smith was for the prosecution and Mr Jones defended the prisoner.

The prisoner lodged at the same house as the prosecutor, occupying an adjoining room. The money was taken from a box which had been left locked, and it was proved that the prisoner had been in possession of money after the robbery, although previous to this he was without money. To account for this he alleged that he had received it from his brother, but this the latter denied. The prisoner's wife had been in custody on suspicion of the robbery, but she had been discharged.

Mr Jones having addressed the jury, and the Chairman summed up the evidence, the jury, after some deliberation, found prisoner guilty. He was convicted, nine years since, for housebreaking, and the chairman said he had been in trouble twice before that. He was now sentenced to four years' penal servitude. Prisoner: Thank you, gentlemen, I am innocent of this offence.

It seems that Alfred must have been taught the trade of carpenter while serving his 4 years' imprisonment, but on release was soon back to his criminal activities. The 19 October 1868 edition of the Maidstone & Kentish Journal in its report on the prisoners due to stand trial at the Kent Quarter Sessions stated that Alfred Dadson, 28, carpenter, was charged with stealing a rake and other articles, at Snodland, on the 1st August; also stealing 93ft of deal timber, at Snodland, on the 4th August; and also stealing a pick, value 2s, at Halling. At the Quarter Sessions, held at Maidstone on 22 October 1868, Alfred was convicted of larceny as a servant with two previous convictions of felony, for which he was sentenced to 7 years penal servitude.[4]

While Alfred was in prison the 4 July 1870 edition of the Maidstone and Kentish Journal reported that at the West Malling Petty Sessions:

William Mills was summoned for assaulting and beating Rosina Dadson at Snodland, on the 7th June. Plaintiff stated she was at work at the Snodland paper mills, on the 7th June, when defendant came in and called her names, and struck her on the face twice. Defendant said he had received great provocation. The Bench fined him 6d and 12s 6d costs.

In the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred was a prisoner in Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight and stated to have the occupation of carpenter; Roseanna, who was described as a ‘convict works in mill’, and her two children were living at 8 Jessamine Cottages in Holborough Road, Snodland, and they had 33-year-old chalk labourer Stephen Burgess as a boarder.

 

 

It seems that after Alfred served his 7 years imprisonment that he and Roseanna never lived together again, and that Alfred probably stayed out of trouble and worked at his trade of carpenter. The 9 January 1880 edition of the Kent & Sussex Courier reported that at the East Sussex Quarter Sessions held on 6 January 1880 Daniel Ward pleaded guilty to stealing carpenter's tools at Horsted Keynes on 25 November that were the property of Alfred Dadson, and also carpenter's tool of another man. They were all working on the new railway line between Lewes and East Grinstead and the tools had all been securely locked in a box for the night. Daniel Ward was sentence to 6 months' imprisonment with hard labour.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Roseanna, at the age of 39, was described as still being married, but she was living with 37-year-old widower Thomas Pankhurst at 2 Birling Road in Snodland. Roseanna was recorded as being a boarder, but the way she was listed seems to indicate that she was probably living as Thomas' wife. Also living there were two of Thomas' children and his nephew, together with two boarders, who were Roseanna's son and her nephew Luke Luchford. When their daughter Rose married in 1883 Alfred was again described as a carpenter.

In the census of 5 April 1891 Roseanna, at the age of 49, described herself as a widow even though Alfred was still alive. She was then living at 4 Victoria Terrace, Constitution Hill, Snodland; she was a housekeeper, presumably looking after the five adult males who also lived there that included Thomas Pankhurst and his son and nephew. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Roseanna was living at 8 Holborough Terrace in Holborough Road, Snodland. She was now a laundress working on her own account at home, and she had 63-year-old widower George Capon as a boarder, who was a shoemaker working on his own account at home.

Alfred has not been found in the censuses of 1881 and 1891, possibly because he was continuing to work on railway construction and living in the temporary camps used by such workers that were probably very difficult to enumerate during censuses. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred was a carpenter boarding with the family of fellow carpenter Thomas Chapman at 25 Brathway Road in Wandsworth, London, and he described himself as a widower even though Roseanna was still alive.

Roseanna died in Malling Union Workhouse, which was situated to the south of West Malling, at the age of 62 (not 60 as given on her death certificate), and she was buried in Snodland Cemetery on 13 October 1904

Alfred died at the age of 72 (not 70 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Wandsworth registration district during the 4th quarter of 1909.

 

Alfred and Roseanna’s eldest child was Luke Henry Dadson who was born at Cuxton in Kent in about 1860, and baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Halling, Kent on 12 March 1865, at the same time as his sister. In the census of 7 April 1861 Luke, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Cuxton. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Luke, now aged 11, was living with his mother at 8 Jessamine Cottages in Holborough Road, Snodland, Kent. In the census of 3 April 1881 Luke, at the age of 21, was a general labourer boarding at 2 Birling Road in Snodland, where his mother also lived as ‘housekeeper’ to Thomas Pankhurst.

 

Alfred and Roseanna’s second child was Rosanna Dadson, known as Rose, who was born at Halling in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1863. Rose was baptised at St John the Baptist Church in Halling on 12 March 1865, at the same time as her brother. In the census of 2 April 1871 Rose, at the age of 8, was living with her mother at 8 Jessamine Cottages in Holborough Road, Snodland, Kent. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Rose, now aged 18, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of coach builder and publican William Shepherd at the White Horse in Swan Street at West Malling, Kent.

When she was 20 years old Rose married 20-year-old Daniel Chalklen at the Church of the New Jerusalem in Snodland on 7 July 1883. Daniel was then a cement labourer living at The Marsh in Wouldham, Kent, and Rose was a domestic servant living in Holborough Road, Snodland. Daniel was the son of Thomas and Eliza Chalklen; he had been born at Burham in Kent and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1863. The Church of the New Jerusalem in Snodland was of the Swedenborgian religion, which had been brought to Snodland by the Hook family who ran the paper mill and encouraged their workforce to attend.

Daniel and Rose had four children; the first born at Snodland in 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 1 Birling Road in Snodland with their daughter, and Daniel was a stationary engine driver. They were living at Malling Road in Birling near Snodland when their next two children were born in 1895 and 1899. Daniel was still an engine driver when the first of these children was baptised in 1895, but had become a cycle repairer when the second was baptised in 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Malling Road at Birling near Snodland with their three children, and Daniel was working on his own account at home as a cycle builder. Their fourth child was born at Snodland in 1902 and in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living in the High Street in Snodland with their four children, where Daniel had his shop and where he worked on his own account as a cycle maker assisted in his business by his two eldest children.

Daniel was living at the Post Office in Cuxton when he died on 22 March 1925, at the age of 61 (not 59 as given on his death certificate). Probate of his will was granted to Henry Baker by the Principal Probate Office in London on 14 May 1925, when his effect were valued at £2087 2s 6d.

 

Daniel and Rose’s eldest child was Maud Beatrice Chalklen who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1885. Maud was probably baptised at the Church of the New Jerusalem in Snodland but the earliest surviving baptism register begins in 1913. In the census of 5 April 1891 Maud, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 1 Birling Road in Snodland. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Maud, now aged 15, was living with her parents in Malling Road at Snodland. In the census of 2 April 1911 Maud, at the age of 25, was assisting her father in his cycle business and living with her parents in the High Street at Snodland.

 

Daniel and Rose’s second child was Henry Daniel Chalklen who was born at Birling near Snodland in Kent, and baptised at Christ Church in Lower Birling on 25 August 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, at the age of 5, was living with his parents in Malling Road at Birling near Snodland. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Henry, at the age of 15, was assisting his father in his cycle business and living with his parents in the High Street at Snodland.

 

Daniel and Rose’s third child was Thomas Chalklen who was born at Birling near Snodland in Kent, and baptised at Christ Church in Lower Birling on 30 July 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Thomas, at the age of 1, was living with his parents in Malling Road at Birling near Snodland. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Thomas, at the age of 11, was going to school and living with his parents in the High Street at Snodland.

 

Daniel and Rose’s fourth child was Edward Chalklen who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1902. In the census of 2 April 1911 Edward, at the age of 9, was going to school and living with his parents in the High Street at Snodland.

 

James and Phoebe’s eighth child was Emma Muddle who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1849. Emma was baptised at All Saints Church in Snodland on 13 January 1856, when about 7 years old. In the census of 30 March 1851 Emma, at the age of 2, was living with her parents in Snodland Street at Snodland. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Emma, now aged 12, was living with her eldest brother, Thomas, and his family at Cuxton in Kent; both her parents having died.

When she was 18 years old Emma married 22-year-old labourer John Waller at St John the Baptist Church in Halling, Kent on 18 May 1867. John was the son of Samuel and Ann Waller; he had been born at Kings Walden in Hertfordshire and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Kings Walden on 9 June 1844. John and Emma lived at Snodland where they had nine children born between 1870 and 1896.

In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 3 Jessamine Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland with their then one child and John was a labourer at the cement works. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland with their now six children, and John was a labourer at the cement works. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were continuing to live at 4 Victoria Cottages, now with their seven youngest children, and John was still a cement work's labourer. With such a large family for Emma to look after, in this census the two eldest daughters, aged 17 and 16, and still at home, were described as being their mother's help. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were still living at 4 Victoria Cottages, they had three of their children and a grandson living with them, and John was still a cement work's labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were continuing to live at 4 Victoria Cottages, now with just their grandson and their recently married daughter Beatrice and her husband; John was still working as a labourer at the cement works. In this census Emma stated that she'd had twelve children of which nine were still living.

Emma died at the age of 62, and she was buried in Snodland Cemetery on 13 December 1911. Ten years later John died at the age of 77, and he was buried in Snodland Cemetery on 6 December 1921.

 

John and Emma’s eldest child was Lilly Emma Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Lily, at the age of 7 months, was living with her parents at 3 Jess Cottages in Snodland. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Lily, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and she was going to school.

 

John and Emma’s second child was Eliza Ann Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1872. In the census of 3 April 1881 Eliza, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and she was going to school.

 

John and Emma’s third child was Ada Harriet Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ada, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, now aged 17, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages, and she was now described as being her mother’s help.

 

John and Emma’s fourth child was Flora Annie Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Flora, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Flora, now aged 16, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages, and she was now described as being her mother’s help.

 

John and Emma’s fifth child was Albert John Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Albert, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Albert, now aged 12, was continuing to live with his parents at 4 Victoria Cottages, and he was now going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 22, was still living with his parents at 4 Victoria Cottages, and he was now working as a labourer at the cement works.

 

John and Emma’s sixth child was Rhoda Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Rhoda, at the age of 11 months, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Rhoda, now aged 11, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Rhoda, at the age of 20, was a live-in general domestic servant to bachelor builder Edward Norman and his spinster sister at 4 Mount Pleasant in Holborough Road at Snodland.

 

John and Emma’s seventh child was Arthur James Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Arthur, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and he was going to school.

 

John and Emma’s eighth child was Beatrice Ruth Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Beatrice, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Beatrice, now aged 14, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages. In the census of 2 April 1911 Beatrice and her husband Walter Knight were living with Beatrice's parents at 4 Victoria Cottages.

 

John and Emma’s ninth child was Edith Hannah Waller who was born at Snodland in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages in Holborough Road at Snodland. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, now aged 12, was continuing to live with her parents at 4 Victoria Cottages.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2016

Last updated 21 March 2016