Help Wanted / Make Contact

HELP WANTED This section of the Website is for members (and non-members at the discretion of the Webmaster) to advertise (free) for any help that they would like in finding information about their Isle of Wight ancestors. If you wish to use this service feel free to contact the Webmaster, Geoff Allan Click for email address.   Please put 'Website Help Wanted entry' in the subject line of your e-mail message and please quote your Membership Number in any correspondence.   Have you had success with your "Help Wanted" entries ? Please let us know so that we can publish your stories here. MAKE CONTACT Would you just like to make contact with other like-minded family researchers ? This section can be found by clicking on this link : Make Contact MAKE A DONATION The Isle of Wight Family History Society is a non-profit making member's society. Its income mainly comes from membership fees, but its costs include not only the maintenance of the website, but also rental on the Resource Centre and use of meeting rooms. If you have had a rewarding experience in visiting our website, but are not a Member of the Society, and you would like to make a donation towards these costs, then you can do so by making a donation through the Parish Chest website - you can also become a Member using this link. Index to entries - click on subject header Latest entry Appuldurcombe House Arnold and Blow families Attrill Austin Baker Beckwith Abbott / Benton Barden / West Barnes / Dunford Barnett / Theobald families Barrett Bassham Benton / Abbott Biles or Byles Blow and Arnold families Bowley or Bowly John and Sarah Bridge 1841 Bristow Browne Buckle Bull Family (Mike Bull) Bull / Rayner Isobel Burton Mary Burrows Lilian Doris Cantelo Albert Cathcart C.D. Hospital Ryde Chessell Cook (nee Sharpe) Cook and Stark families E F W Cooper Frances Harriet Cooper Creece/Spencer/Linington Crossin Curtis Day Denham Diffey Drayton / Hayles Dust Place, Whitwell Eldridge Estorffe Farey / Glasspell Fripp Fullick Gallipoli Garnham Gibbens Gilbert Glasspell / Farey Golding Harbour / Harber Harding / Parry Harley Hartley Hayles / Drayton Hayles and Son, builders Hilbert Hill Hirter / Mantell Hillier / Miller Hillmer HODGES Coal yard in East Cowes Hollis & floating bridge Dinah Hughes Ann Hunt "Isle of Wight Lace" by Edna Groves Jackman Jackson James or Lock Kellaway / Perkins Laney Lang Leggatt Lemon Villas, Ventnor Lock or James Miller Miller/ Hillier Mitchell Monk / Russell Ellen Mary Morris Henry Morris Moses Morris Newbridge men : Whittington / Munt / Young Notzing British Pathé News Perkins / Kellaway Occupations connected to visitors 19th / 20th C Petre / Cowes - Newport Railway Phillips Poore Potter Purdy Rayner Rayner / Bull Redfern Refugees (1950s) Rider / Harding Reuben Rider Isaac Salter William Salter Saunders M Sheath / S White Small Smith (Newchurch) Smith (Ryde and Arreton) Smith / Oglander Parker Smith / Tyner Squibb family Stark and Cook families James Stay Alfred Stevens Stringer Taylor Theobald / Barnett families Thompson Tutton Thorpe Toogood Tyner / Smith Von Herbert / Von Harlessem Waller Wallis Benjamin White (Calbourne) F White (Lake) J L White J L White / T B H Cochrane S White / M Sheath Timothy Whites Chemist, Ryde Whittington Wickens William Williams b 1817 Williams Wood Emily Wright Latest entry : C.D. Hospital, Ryde Whilst idly putting together a few bits and pieces of my husband's IW family tree, I found that one of his ancestors - his great-grand aunt Annie CHESSELL - lived with her family at Little Smallbrook just outside Ryde. On the 1891 Census entry, it says at the top of the page, "Little Smallbrook, Arethusa Cottage", then next door where Mr & Mrs William HUNT are living is written, "Ditto, 'C.D. Hospital'". The next entry - for Annie and family - has a number 1, then ditto marks under the CD Hospital part. At number 2 Ditto CD Hospital are Mr & Mrs WOODNUTT. The next dwelling is number 1 Pigley Lane (now Rosemary Lane??). This raises some queries for me, which I hope some kind soul can assist with: 1) Where was this C.D. Hospital? I know that Arethusa Cottage is currently located in Rosemary Lane (if that is the original house), around about where there is currently a controversial plan to develop Pennyfeathers Estate. 2) Is Rosemary Lane the new name for Pigley Lane? I can't find a Pigley Lane on the IW anywhere! 3) What purpose did the C.D. Hospital serve? The inhabitants of Nos. 1 & 2 (the Chessells and the Hunts) were a farm labourer and a road labourer respectively, so were they living in the hospital or its grounds? 4) Am I slightly adrift in my navigation in that the C.D. Hospital was on the site of what is now Easthill Home for the Deaf? Any help would be very much appreciated by one who is somewhat confused ! Many thanks, Sarah Skeldon Email: Click for email address (Submitted 16 May 2012) CURTIS burials at St Michael's Church, Shalfleet Could somebody from the Shalfleet area possibly provide a digital photograph of a headstone or headstones at St Michael's Church, Shalfleet. Alice CURTIS née GREEN (died January 1946) and her two sons Harry Charles CURTIS (died Jan 1954) and Edward CURTIS (died April 1962). We're uncertain as to whether they are in a family grave or individual graves and it's also possible (although unlikely) that the grave/graves are unmarked. We thank you in anticipation... Penny (née Green) and Bob Latham (member no 2649) living in France. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 10 May 2012) Editor's note : a quick visit to the Churchyard on 10 May 2012 revealed no obvious burial plots. Perhaps someone with more local knowledge can assist. James STAY We are trying to verify the parentage of James STAY born approximately 1812 in Brading, married Harriet REEVES in 1834 in Brading, and died in 1876 and is buried in Ryde Cemetery If anyone could assist it would be extremely helpful. Roger and Janet Bailey, Georgia, USA Email: Click for email address (Submitted 2 May 2012) Leon HILBERT ARE THERE ANY MEMBERS WITH EXPERIENCE OF FRENCH RESEARCH ? My sister is trying to trace her husband's family, and we have become stuck! Leon Hilbert is described as a French Subject, born circa 1873. His father was Adam Hilbert. I cannot seem to find any (English) BMD websites for France. Neither of us speak French! Leon Hilbert, shows in the 1901 and 1911 census, his year of birth is consistent at 1873, and he describes himself as a "French Subject". He died in 1935. On his marriage certificate (1903) his father is noted as Adam Hilbert, Tailor, Deceased. Family memories are various, suggesting his mother was Marie, Catherine, or Lidl; he was from the Alsace region; he had a sister 'Mimi'; the family later lived in the Montreaux area - but again no supporting evidence of any of this. We do have a book, inside which there is a presentation label: "Ecoles Communales de Paris, Ecole de garcons, Rue Etienne Marcel 44" The book was a prize awarded to Leon in 1886. Any help or pointers would be appreciated. Many thanks Tim Wheeler, member no. 1443 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 28 April 2012) HAYLES and Son, builders of Niton I would like any info about the HAYLES family of Niton, who lived in Fuchsia Cottage at the turn of the last century: George and Anne Hayles, buried somewhere in St. John's Church graveyard at Niton, but where? George was a builder who I'm told built a school and other buildings and houses in Niton -- any information on "Hayles and Son" or other builders from a century ago? Is Fuchsia cottage still there? Thank you. Vicki Gray Membership #3111 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 21 April 2012) ARNOLD and BLOW families I have just returned from a superb weekend on the island, and it has re awakened a desire to trace some direct ancestors. If you will allow, I would like to request assistance through your website, and I am happy to cover any expenses etc. My direct ancestor Mary ARNOLD was born in Newport c 1770/1. Her father was James ARNOLD born c 1740/50 in Arreton and had the occupation of Haberdasher. Her mother was Esther BLOW born c 1740/50 in Newchurch, and they married in Newchurch in 1761. I would like to rebuild the Arnold and Blow families and their ancestries. Mary ARNOLD married John WHITE from Moreton in Essex, but I don't know when, and she was living (aged 70) with one of her daughters in the 1841 census. She died in 1842 in Moreton. My guess is that she came to Moreton in service and married John there. A second guess is that John was in the military and married her on the island, but I have found no trace of military history. I await your response, and remain Yours sincerely, Mike Burnham. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th April 2012) CANTELO Would it be possible to ask for help tracing LILIAN DORIS CANTELO. She was born in 1919 at Rookley, Isle of Wight. Her mother died soon after and she then lived with her grandmother, Elizabeth Mary RYALL, at Main Road Rookley. Thanking you in anticipation, John Phillips, member no 3156 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 13th April 2012) THEOBALD / BARNETT families I am trying to trace any of my 'distant relatives' who might still live on the Isle of Wight. The ancestor names I am trying to trace are through Isaac BARNETT (born circa 1813) and Anna THEOBALD (his wife born circa 1815). Isaac was the son of Edward Barnett. Edward was in the Royal Navy and Isaac was a master mariner. Apparently Isaac died of Yellow Fever in Valparaiso, Chile - but I don't know any details other than that. Isaac and Anna are my gg-grandparents through my paternal grandmother. Also I would like to trace members of Anna's family. They were a very large family. Her father's name was John THEOBALD who originated from Faversham, Kent - he was a Yeoman I believe. His wife's name was Elizabeth DORE - her father was Esquire Dore. That is all the information I have on them. All came from the Freshwater area. Isaac and Anna's daughter Jane BARNETT was also born in Freshwater in 1854 and died in 1921 at Bromley-by-Bow, London E1. She had married a Frederick BRISTOW. Can you give me any help or advice as to what I might be able to do to trace any living relations of Theobalds/Barnetts please ? Sandra Holder (nee Christian) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 5 April 2012) SALTER / SMALL / CHESSELL I am looking for help in respect of three lines of research that I am carrying out : ISAAC SALTER b 1710 possibly Newchurch Isle of Wight WILLIAM SMALL b 1686 b Arreton, Isle of Wight WILLIAM CHESSELL b 1743 Arreton, Isle of Wight - does anyone have any christening details giving parental names or any lines further back? I understand that the SALTER name may originally have been SALTERE and that there could be records concerning this family lineage. Any help at all on this would be really good!! best wishes, Mary Joan Hyland Email: Click for email address (Submitted 3rd April 2012) ANDREWS / WALLER family, Whippingham I was contacted recently by an individual who was researching the ANDREWS Family of Andover. Someone from rootschat.com had seen a post of mine detailing Charlotte Maria Andrews b 1 Sept 1786 Hurstbourne Priors d. 17 Jan 1871 Wedmore, Somerset. She married John Barrow 1787-1853 who became the Magistrate of Wedmore. Charlotte had a sister, Caroline Georgiana Andrews b 1792 Amport, Hampshire d 17 Mar 1860 who married Rev Robert Wylde (Wylde Family of the Commandery and direct scion of Viscount Robert Tracy II) 1774-1833. Ironically both of these sisters are in my direct line. Caroline Andrews Wylde’s son, Henry Ernest Wylde b 1832 Claverdon, Warwickshire d 29 Apr 1881 New City, Rockland County, New York....married her sister, Charlotte Andrews Barrow’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Barrow b 3 Jan 1836 Upper Clapton, Middlesex (London) d. 25 Nov 1911 New City, Rockland County, New York. So one sister’s son married the other sister’s granddaughter. A woman from Australia contacted me about a younger sister Augusta b Oct 1804 Cole Henley, Hampshire d 1901 New South Wales, Australia. She had married John Butt b. 1796 Houghton, Hampshire. This was one child I had not documented in my family tree and was happy to add her. I had not done any research into their parents John and Jane Andrews. Michelle, this woman from New South Wales, had discovered some death dates and info about John having estates in Andover and info about him being a Major in the Hants. Militia. With a copy of the marriage record, it was determined that Jane WALLER was probably the maiden name of Jane ANDREWS. I found a copy of the marriage record which stated Jane Waller and John Andrews from Andover... married 26 June 1784 in Whippingham, Hampshire Isle of Wight. From the Gentleman Magazine, I determined that Jane, wife of Major John Adams, died in Stockbridge on 25 Dec 1828. It appears that the service might have occurred at Houghton Parish Church. It appears she was born around 1765... but I could not find any records of any WALLER family at Whippingham. I do hope that you might have some insight into this family. I wanted to help Michelle from NSW and I have helped with some information but am at a brick wall. Carole Cummings, Plano, Texas Email: Click for email address (Submitted 3 April 2012) J L WHITE. John Lee WHITE: For some years I have been researching a 1905 Vauxhall 7/9hp motor car which was originally owned by John Lee White of 'Seafield', Ryde Isle of Wight. J L White, (born Mar qr 1862) was the eldest son from the first marriage of J Samuel WHITE the famous Cowes Shipbuilder. What I have been trying to find out is when and where John Lee died and if he left a Will. It is of note that he does not appear in J Samuel's Will although his wife Mabel does. Mabel White came from a farming family also named 'White' at East Farleigh / Wateringbury near Maidstone Kent. J L does not appear at the Seafield address after 1912 (Although he had a yacht built about this time) but his wife is there until some years later. Can anyone help please? Tim Sargeant, Former Member no 2488 Click for email address [Submitted 21st March 2009, revised 1st April 2012] Old Motor Vehicle Licensing Records / Register IoW 1903-1925. The Isle of Wight Motorists' Association. T B H Cochrane / J Lee White. With reference the above query re John Lee White and his 1905 Vauxhall 7/9hp; It would appear that when the Motor Vehicle Licensing Office (MTO) at Newport closed the old Register of Motor Vehicles containing the records of vehicles registered on the Island with 'DL' registrations from December 1903 until 1925 was given to a private collector. In spite of letters in the IoW County Press and visits to the Island I have so far been unable to locate this old register. Would any members have any knowledge of this ? I am trying to ascertain what the original registration number for this motor car was; It would appear to have been registered around April 1905. I do have records of some surviving veteran cars registered around this time and know that the IoW buses were registered 'in time for Easter' 1905 and these were DL75 to DL81 from photos at IoW RO. J L White was a founder member of the Isle of Wight Motorists' Association in November 1903 with headquarters at Warburton's Hotel and their inaugural motor meeting was at Carisbrooke Castle on 27th July 1905 with a 'Motor Gymkhana'. The Vauxhall went back to the mainland about 1909 / 1910 and got re-registered in Surrey as was the rule in those days. The President of the IoW Motorists' Association was Thomas B H Cochrane Deputy Governor of the Island who had a Dennis registered DL68 illustrated below : I understand that there was somewhere on the Island a photograph of this event but the person who told me about it could not remember where he had seen it. The IoW County Press gave a whole column report in their edition dated 29th July 1905 but no picture. Any ideas anyone ? Tim Sargeant, Former Member no 2488 Click for email address [Submitted 21st March 2009, revised 1st April 2012] PURDY family My name is Roger K. Bridle (now aged 77). I have found that my Great Grandmother was named EBURNE / nee HOTCHIN. She had a sister called Elizabeth, who married an Odessa PURDY, who had been born in Brightlingsea, Essex, and had been a ship's Master, later in life on the "Matchless". They had 5 children, one of whom was called Alec, whom I believe became a Mayor of Newport. Are any of these children still alive, or are there any photographs of that family? I recall a story that Odessa served on the J class yachts, of the period, and reportedly saved a VVIP out of the Solent. Thank you in anticipation of a favourable reply. Roger. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 28 March 2012) Benjamin WHITE (Miller) Are there any records of millers in the 18th C? My ancestor, Benjamin WHITE, was shown as a miller at Calbourne on his marriage in 1777 and his son was born there in 1783. I believe there were several mills at Calbourne at that time. He then seems to have moved to Brighstone, where he was buried 13 April 1797. I wonder if any cause of death is shown as, if I am correct in placing his baptism at Fawley in 1761, he would have been quite a young man. Barbara Clinton, Member 3146 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 28 March 2012) Benjamin Joseph HOLLIS and the Floating Bridge This is an ancestor of mine I wonder if anyone can help with a little puzzle I have. In 1891 Benjamin Joseph HOLLIS was living in Clarence Road and his occupation was Night Ferryman at the Floating Bridge. In 1901 he was living in Clarence Road and his occupation was Night Ferryman This is where it gets interesting In 1911 he is living near Wimborne Dorset in what would appear a nice house and his occupation is stated as Retired Mariner (Living on own means) He was 46 at the time. Now my guess is that a ferryman was not so highly paid that he could retire at 46 so where did he get his money ? My thoughts are that he was perhaps more than a ferryman and had some interest in the company that ran the ferry. My question is are there any records available to substantiate my thoughts ? Regards Trenuth Seager (Member 1831) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 6 March 2012) Frances Harriet COOPER I have a puzzle and would appreciate some help or suggestions. My Great Aunt - Frances Harriet COOPER - was born, according to her baptism details, in Bembridge on 2nd September 1852. She married George Henry CREWS in 1873... Now the puzzle, I have copies for them of all the Census records up to 1891 still living on the Isle of Wight & then nothing. No Census records and no death records. Any suggestions would be most welcome. Regards Vel Hier (member 3150) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 6 March 2012) John WALLIS I am trying to locate the family of my grandfather who was sent out to New Zealand as a remittance man in 1904. His name was John WALLIS, born 1879/80 in Cowes, Isle of Wight. His father was Harry WALLIS (retired gentleman) and his mother was Emma (née GREEN). All my attempts to find them have been in vain and I wondered if any of your members have heard of them or are related. I look forward to your reply Yours sincerely, Don Wallis (New Zealand) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 6 March 2012) CATHCART Albert Edward CATHCART / Albert William CATHCART I am trying to find out if this is one and the same person. Albert was my maternal grandfather and was born in Freshwater either in 1882 or 1884. According to relatives his mother's name was Ann Marie MITCHELL, of Freshwater, who married a James CATHCART, on the island. (James was born in Fulwood, Preston, Lancs. in 1855, of Irish parents) The only records I can find are that Albert William was in the Union Workhouse at the time of the 1891 census, aged 7, and Albert Edward was a servant (labourer), aged 17, in the census of 1901. From that point, only Albert Edward appears, firstly as an inmate at Weedon, Daventry, in the 1911 census, although the name is recorded as 'Cathcort', aged 27, and at his marriage to Gladys Emma Tubby in Northampton. The Weedon connection is acceptable as this was the the training camp for the cavalry, and he served with the 17th/21st Lancers. regards, Dennis E. Nelson Email: Click for email address (Submitted 22nd February 2012) HILL family My name is Sheila CARTER formerly HILL. I am trying to trace the HILL family who were living on the IOW in the 18th century. I have Lt Colonel William HILL who was married to Elizabeth POPHAM (but no dates) - she died in 1809. They had children Lt Colonel Charles Fitzmaurice HILL, Vice Admiral Henry HILL ( my Great Great Grandfather), Archdeacon Justly HILL b 1783 in Bonchurch and Elizabeth HILL who married Thomas Trusty TRICKEY. I have visited St Boniface old church where there is a memorial on the wall inside to Rear Admiral Henry Hill and I believe he and his wife are buried in the church. Also there is a coat of arms on the wall called the Hill Hatchment which i would like to know more about. I appear to be descended from an interesting family which I would love to know more about. I would appreciate any help I can get as when I search online records I always seem to draw a blank. Kind Regards Sheila Carter Email: Click for email address (Submitted 22nd February 2012) HUNT Ann HUNT née HOBBS. Ann Hunt was my great grandmother. She was born at Calbourne in 1843 the daughter of Reuben HOBBS & Ann BROWN. She married George HUNT from Thorley in 1862. They had 4 children Frank, Mary Jane, George Alfred (my grandfather) & Charles. In the 1881 census the family are at Hawkshill. In the 1891 census George is living at Northwood with Mary Jane & Charles, but although he is shown as married Ann is not at this address & I have been unable to find her in the 1891 census. In the 1901 census George is shown as a widower. Ann must have died sometime between 1891 & 1901 but once again I can find no record of her death or burial. George moved to West Sussex with Charles & his family around 1907 & died in Thakeham in 1920. Has anyone any clues or suggestions please as to finding the resting place & death date of Ann Hunt ? thanking you : Frank Hunt, Member 2845 Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 21st February 2012) DAVID WICKENS He was my 4x great grandfather who married Elizabeth ALLCORN at Rotherfield, East Sussex in Jan 1800 and had 7 children - we are descended from the second child John b 1802. Despite many attempts over the last 4-5 years I am unable to go back any further to find out where David was born/baptised - definitely not Rotherfield as parish records are available back to late 1500s. So far the only possibility remaining is a David WICKENS b 1782 at Godshill whose parents were John and Hannah. According to the IOW records office the only John to match would be one born 1740 at Newchurch, son of James and Betty Wickens. A James Wickens married Elizabeth Davis at Newchurch in 1737 so this could match. It has not been possible to trace James's birth on the IOW. I have contacted all other members researching Wickens on the IOW - thank you to the 3 that replied to my email but sadly no possible connection. Mrs Pettit from Andover very kindly provided me with the details of her Wickens ancestors from Newchurch and Godshill back to 1699 but no connection with my David so far. Are there any members who have knowledge of, or better still are descended from, David Wickens b 1782 at Godshill as I would very much like to include or eliminate him from my research. There were very many Wickens families based at Rotherfield between 1600s and about 1900, not that many now. So far I am unaware of a definite link between the IOW and Rotherfield. If there is one this could prove most interesting to quite a few Wickens descendants. I continue to live in hope for that all important email or letter... John Wickens, Member 3128, Worthing,Sussex. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 21st February 2012) Henry MITCHELL Hello, I have been trying to find out about a "story" in the family about my grandfather "Mitch" Henry MITCHELL who was purportedly an amateur jockey perhaps between 1890 and 1901. It is thought he rode a horse called "Piperlin". He died on the Isle of Wight and I do have a copy of his Obituary. I was watching something on television the other evening which commented on amateur horse racing on the I.O.W. and wondered if he was ever there when he was young. He died in 1960 and had been "lodging" with Mrs. Edith SALTER who lived to be 100 years old. He was a pork butcher working in Portsmouth/Southsea in the early 1900s and owned his own shop in Highland Rd. at one time. This place evidently suffered a fire which my mother remembered but I have not been able to find any newspaper reports on this, despite help from Mr. Alan King at the Portsmouth Library. I look forward to any suggestions you might have. Kind regards, Pam McKie PS I did contact the Jockey Club some years ago but they could not help. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 16th February 2012) HARTLEY and School records I wonder if you could point me in the right direction? I am a member of the Hampshire Genealogical Society (number 13279). Our records/databases are limited in respect of sources for the Isle of Wight. I am trying to ascertain the home address and first school attended of Harry HARTLEY. Born in the Gurnard area in 1889 to parents William Frederick HARTLEY and Elizabeth (Eliza) HARTLEY. According to 1901 Census for Itchen, St Mary Extra, Hants other children were born as follows : Eliza aged 13 born Hants, Gurnard Harry aged 12 born Hants, Gurnard Alfred aged 10 born Kent, Hythe John aged 8 born Kent, Hythe (but this should be Hants, Ryde) Alice aged 4 born St Mary Extra (but this should be Hants, Ryde) Edith aged 1 born St Mary Extra. Any advice you could offer in locating school roll records and addresses would be gratefully appreciated. Best Wishes, Louis Murray (Dr) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 5th February 2012) Geoff Allan adds : William Frederick HARTLEY was a Coastguard at some point and the family moved frequently. In 1891 they were in Hythe in Kent, and seemed to have been in Gurnard for just a few years. Nevertheless it would be good if you can help Dr Murray, who is assisting the research into Harry HARTLEY who emigrated to Australia about 1910, and subsequently served in the Great War in France (he died in France shortly after the War, having married a French woman). OCCUPATIONS I am researching families and individuals connected with the excursion trade, jobmasters, posting establishments and town omnibuses during the 19th and 20th centuries. Any information about such people will be welcomed. Patrick Hall, member no 3114 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 23rd January 2012) Martha (Maggie) RUSSELL née MONK I am trying to discover how my grandparents met. My Grandmother's name was Martha MONK (sometimes she added Margaret), and in later life she was known as Maggie; she was born in Horton, Shropshire on 1st July 1883, but by 1891 both her parents are dead and Martha and two siblings are in the Cannock Union Workhouse Staffordshire. In April 1898 she was in service in Penkridge with Lady Hatherton (I have a Common Prayer Book with these details written in the front); she next shows up in the 1901 census as Margaret M Monk, domestic servant, in Shipton Under Wychwood by Chipping Norton. 1911 shows her back in Birmingham with her sister and her husband in their boarding house. The family have always believed that Martha was orphaned and brought up in a children's home on the Isle of Wight, hence she met my Grandfather convalescing after being gassed in the trenches in France. I believe she was on the Isle of Wight after 1911 probably in service, met my Grandfather, came back to Birmingham with him where his young daughters were being looked after by his parents. They married on the 2nd October 1915. My Grandfather's name was Charles Gilbert RUSSELL - he was a widower who was conscripted in the war - he was in the Somersetshire Light Infantry and Army Service Corps regimental nos 18419, ES/58074. After being discharged from the Army he found it difficult to find work, so rejoined the Army and was in Cologne in February 1920 as part of the Army of Occupation, by 1924 he was working as a civilian attached to the Army in Cologne, by 1924 he had taken ill and died age 46 in Cologne where he had a Military Funeral, and was buried in Cologne - unfortunately we are unable to visit his grave as it was destroyed in the second World War. Martha and my mother came back to England and lived with Martha's sister for a while, she then remarried and brought up a rather a large family of step children. If anyone can help I would be very grateful Mrs Janice Scott Email: Click for email address (Submitted 10th January 2011) WHITTINGTON / MUNT / YOUNG I am looking for any information on three Newbridge men : George Good WHITTINGTON b 1875 Calbourne (registration district) d 1954 (North-west registration district). He farmed at Eades Farm and Orchard Farm, Newbridge and died childless. Alfred Dudley MUNT b 1882 Calbourne d 1958 North-west. Known as Dudley, he lived at several addresses in Newbridge and Five Houses and was employed by George Whittington. William James YOUNG b 1892 Calbourne d 1973. He lived at Northlands, Newbridge and was also employed by George Whittington and was involved with the Methodist Chapel. He also died childless. Any anecdotes or photographs of the three would be especially welcome. Many thanks - Hilary Higgins Email: Click for email address (Submitted 10th January 2012) Von HERBERT / Von HARLESSEM I was wondering if anyone has come across a Captain Von HERBERT (or F W Von HARLESSEM), long time resident of Shanklin, and author of The Defence Of Plevna. My only interest in this matter is curiosity about the author and about his ultimate fate since he disappears from view in 1914 when he refused to register as an enemy alien. This is about as much information as I have been able to gather about him: Marriages Sep 1884 NOBBS Henrietta Hetty J Von HARLEPEN (sic) Gustav F W I. Wight 2b 987 Various mentions in census records (his wife usually alone and with her parents) until the final entry in 1911: 1911 Census HOUSEHOLD VON HERBERT FREDERICK WILLIAM M 1860 51 Isle of Wight Hampshire HOUSEHOLD VON HERBERT HENRIETTA F 1861 50 Isle of Wight Hampshire And the death of his wife in 1933: HARLESSEM Henrietta J 73 I.Wight 2b 1145 During the Boer War Von Herbert served in South Africa with the 4th (Militia) Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. In the introduction to a popular edition of The Defence Of Plevna General Sir John French describes an interesting chance meeting between himself and Von Herbert. In 1914 it seems he was required to register as an German national. In several newspaper accounts Von Herbert declared that he was not a German but British, (*) having fought for England in South Africa. He positively declined to register as an alien. The newspapers describe him as a well known resident of the Isle of Wight and a well known military writer. And that's where the trail goes cold but I imagine he may well have been interned. I've enjoyed his books, particularly The Defence Of Plevna, which I highly recommend (you can read it online) and I would love to know what became of him. (*) His 1911 Census entry says he was born on board a British vessel in the North Sea Kind regards from Perth, Western Australia. Dave Birkbeck Email: Click for email address (Submitted 19th December 2011) ELLEN MARY MORRIS I live in Australia and am looking for any information on ELLEN MARY MORRIS b. Oct. qtr. 1913 at Godshill (regn district). Parents are Reginald Lake MORRIS and Rose ALLEN m. 1912. Other children are Reginald George, Maisie Ellen and Harold Lake. I am a friend of Harold (Harry) - he is now 90, and he is anxious to find any information about Ellen Mary as he never knew her at all. e.g., marriage and a death etc. So far I have only found a birth for her. I would appreciate any help you may be able to supply and if I can help in any way regarding Australian family history please let me know. Kind regards, Elva Ogilvie Email: Click for email address (Submitted 14th December 2011) "Isle of Wight Lace" Can anybody help me trace a copy of "Isle of Wight Lace" by Edna Groves? I am willing to pay a reasonable price for a copy. Nita Doe (Mrs), member: 2017 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 14th December 2011) HENRY MORRIS I am looking for a photo of HENRY MORRIS born 1830 Mottistone - died Newbridge 1915; also his wife FRANCES JANE YOUNG born Brighstone 1831- died Newbridge 1909. They are both buried in St Michael's Churchyard, Shalfleet. They were my paternal Great Great Grandparents. Many thanks Malcolm Morris, Membership no 2833 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 5th December 2011) PARKER I'm searching for any information on James PARKER born about 1812 Freshwater, Isle of Wight. He was listed as a HM Customs Officer in 1861 Census in Cardiff. I'd be grateful for any help. Jennifer Robinson, Cardiff Email: Click for email address (Submitted 17th November 2011) SQUIBB I am currently researching the SQUIBB family history. I have managed to find photos of my Grandfather's brothers Frank and Albert SQUIBB but none of their brother John Henry SQUIBB who married Amy Rowland (born in East Ham London on 30th Aug 1900). They were married on 20th May 1922 at Church of St. Helen, Eddington Road, St Helens, Isle of Wight, England. John died 10 Apr 1974 and Amy died 11 Apr 1990. They had two children: Peter, who married Mary LAWS; and Betty Amy, who married John PRESCOTT. If anyone can offer any help I would be most grateful Regards, Graham Squibb Email: Click for email address (Submitted 2nd November 2011) Charles TOOGOOD I wonder if I can get some help finding the family of my Great Grand Father? His name was Charles TOOGOOD b. 1827 Calbourne. He had a brother called Thomas (I think) and a sister called Kate who is said to have died aged 100+ - there may have been another child. I would love to find out something about them. I think he worked for a family called Cardwell. Noreen Rozwadowski, New Zealand Email: Click for email address (Submitted 23 October 2011) BARRETT I am hoping to find any information or family of my grandfather Henry Charles BARRETT born Cowes, Isle of Wight, 12 May 1882. Mark Barrett, Australia, member no 3103 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th October 2011) SMITH/ TYNER My great-grandmother, Jane TYNER (born Cork County, Ireland in 1837) married John SMITH (born Sheerness, Kent, UK, in 1830). John was in the Royal Navy and possibly met Jane when he was on board HMS Hawke when it was based in Queenstown, Cork. Their first two children Rebecca Jane and Joseph were born in Ireland (1860 and 1862 respectively). John Smith was nominated to the Coastguard Service in July 1861 and posted to the Isle of Wight. The next four children Richard William (1863), Samuel Robert (1865), Margaret Ann (my grandmother, 1866) and Mary Ellen (1869) were born on the Isle of Wight. I would very much like to find out more about my great-grandmother Jane as I only know her date of birth in 1837 in Ireland and death in 1901 on the Isle of Wight. Any information on Jane or her family would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Sue Christie (New Zealand) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 17th October 2011) BURROWS We as a family are trying to trace a member of our family who was born in approx 1808 in Carisbrook, her name was Mary Ann BURROWS who married John MORGAN in 1827 - they had several children. She died in 1879 in the Isle Of Wight (we have a copy of her death certificate). Her mother was Mary BURROUGHS we think, but this is all unclear as her father is very much unknown but again speculation it could have been Arthur WELLESLEY ??? Many thanks for your time and I understand you might not be able to help me at all. Kindest Regards, Clare Scaum Email: Click for email address (Submitted 17th October 2011) LOCK or JAMES I started researching my family history to try and find my grandfather but up to now have had no success and wondered if you would place a help wanted notice for me. Has anyone any information about Alfred Leslie LOCK or Alfred Leslie JAMES. He was born Alfred Leslie JAMES on 26 March 1891 at Chillerton his mother was Rosa JAMES born 13 December 1867. Rosa married Frank Maurice LOCK on 21st September 1895 at Shalfleet. Alfred married my grandmother as Alfred Leslie LOCK and he disappeared just after the (first world) war and never heard of him again. My Grandmother"s name was Lilian Heron PARTINGTON and they were married 23rd December 1916 at Preston Parish Church, North Yorkshire (near Hull). My grandmother, dad and myself were all born at Hull. I don"t know if he still used the name LOCK or he reverted back to the name JAMES. If anyone has any information I would be very grateful. Regards Patricia Mitchell, The Netherlands, member no. 2563 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 3rd October 2011) Frederick James DENHAM My 2 x great grandfather was Frederick James DENHAM and he was a founder member of the Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. He appeared in productions from 1898 to 1928 and I wondered if anyone would know whether there are any photographs of him anywhere. Many thanks Linda Wheeler Email: Click for email address (Submitted 27th September 2011) Henry Richard HARLEY I am not a member but would greatly appreciate help in finding my ancestors from Isle of Wight. My Great Great Grandfather, Henry Richard HARLEY, emigrated from I of W to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in 1863. Attached is a summary of the information I have been able to find. At times he used the first names of Henry or John. He was last heard of in Adelaide, South Australia. Sometime after 1863 his wife also went to Brisbane. According to her will, Henry Richard eventually deserted her. She returned to I of W but retained land and buildings she owned in Brisbane. She purchased a property, Solent View, Binstead where she died on or about 24 Dec 1895. Because she owned property in both England and Aust., her will was administered in both countries. A copy is in the Queensland State Archives. I have not been able to trace any record of their daughter, Mary Ann, in either England or Australia. Kind regards :- Ken Harley, Queensland, Australia Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th September 2011) HAYLES / DRAYTON I"m wondering if you may be able to help me with any information you may have on "my" HAYLES and/or DRAYTON families. My grandmother was a Drayton, and the following is all I have managed to find on her father"s (Walter Hayles DRAYTON) family on the Isle of Wight. (As is common in many family histories, my grandmother seems to have built a bit of a story about her father"s family - most of which I"ve dismissed as "romance". Anyway, here goes ...) Her father, Walter Hayles DRAYTON, was born in Brading, Isle of Wight in 1852. His parents are listed on his death certificate as John DRAYTON (born Ryde around 1821) and Charlotte HAYLES (born Godshill, in 1832 - mother Jane COOMBES, father William HAYLES). At the time of the 1871 census, Walter, aged 19, was living in Portsea, and was attached to the vessel "Duke of Wellington" and her tenders. The "romance" continues - Apparently Walter "jumped ship" in Adelaide, South Australia around 1874. My grandmother"s story is that he was the second son of a well to do family (not sure if this meant the Draytons or the Hayles families) and after the death of his older brother, should have inherited whatever - but chose not to. He stayed in Australia and founded quite a large family here - but grandma always referred to her family as the Hayles-Draytons. (Again, romance I think). I"ve corresponded with a gentleman, Don HAYWARD, from the Island, but he can find no trace of a marriage between John Drayton and Charlotte Hayles around 1850-1852 - though this marriage could have occurred in Sussex as they were living in Hastings at the time of the 1861 census. Charlotte must have died in Sussex between 1871 and 1881, as the 1881 census notes John Drayton as a widower. He died in Sussex some time after the 1891 census. I"m hoping that someone in your family history group may have some knowledge of "my" Hayles or Drayton family on the Isle of Wight in the 1800s, and would appreciate any feedback. Kind regards :- Jan Watt, Perth, Australia Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th September 2011) Joseph FULLICK I wonder if you would be able to help me find out more information about my maternal Grandfather Joseph Victor Leslie FULLICK. From your great website I have already managed to find out a lot of information but we are still to find out where he was born and I still haven't seen a photograph of him, neither has my mother as he passed away when she was only a child and her mother did not talk about him. He came to a sad end commiting suicide at just 37 years old, the story being told in the IW County Press of May 1960. We managed to find out that he was buried at Mountjoy Cemetery, but with no sign of a headstone which was upsetting to see. Any help would be greatly received. We have a copy of his birth certificate and know he married twice. We believed he worked at Saunders Roe when he returned from the army and lived with his second wife, [Annie Cowdray SIBLEY, née TRIGG], on Worsley Road in Newport. Thank you :- Grace Corney Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th September 2011) LANEY family My name is Simon LANEY and am researching the LANEY family in memory of the recent loss of my late Father David LANEY. From my initial research it appears that the LANEY family is an old IOW family going back as far as 1770. It is at this point that things begin to dry up regards getting back any further. There is one possible theory that the Laney family originally came to the IOW as Huguenot exiles from what is now modern day Belgium. Any information would be welcomed. Kind regards, Simon Laney Email: Click for email address (Submitted 31st August 2011) Dust Place, Whitwell I have quite a few family members born in Dust Place Whitwell but I"m not able to locate it"s whereabouts. Perhaps it"s been demolished or had a name change? The earliest record I have of its existence is 1818. Does anyone know of this place and even better have an old photograph? Many thanks and kind regards Caroline Allen, Member no 2647 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th August 2011) STRINGER family I am researching my paternal grandfather's family; his name was Charles Frederick Lynam Owen STRINGER. His father died when my grandfather was a young child, and I have no information about the STRINGER family. My late grandmother told me Grandpa had been born on the Isle of Wight. So I was very excited tonight to find your website, and discover that my great uncle, Reginald STRINGER, was listed on your birth records, along with an older brother, Robert Henry, who died as an infant. However, my grandfather was not listed, so I assume he was not born on the Isle of Wight. I have a vague memory of my grandparents saying that Great Grandpa STRINGER had been a policeman. I do know that my grandfather, his brother and mother were living in Guildford, Surrey, running a pub, when my great grandfather STRINGER died (at his own hand, I believe). I'm a 61 year old retired, widowed teacher, living just out of Vancouver, B.C. Canada. I have a 2 year old granddaughter, who has inspired me to get started on family genealogy. I would love to make contact with anyone who could help me find out more about the STRINGER line of my family. Thank you, Elizabeth McArthur, Aldergrove, BC, Canada Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th August 2011) GILBERT I am reasonably sure that George GILBERT (1820-1891) and Betsy GILBERT (1805-1872) were the children of Robert GILBERT (1771-1846) and his wife Sarah (1782-1870) whose maiden name was probably TOOGOOD. But whilst everything points to my great great grandfather James GILBERT [who married Ann KING in 1836] being another sibling I have unfortunately no means of confirming it. Traveling to the IOW is sadly no longer possible for health reasons. If anyone is able to help me regarding information on this or know any other previous history for James GILBERT [Also entered as Jones], I would be most grateful and willingly reinburse any cost or make a extra donation to Macmillans Cancer Support. Thanking you in anticipation. John Gilbert, Member no 2596. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th August 2011) Appuldurcombe House I have found in the 1881 Census that my Great-Grandparents lived and worked at Appuldurcombe House when it was a Young Gentlemen's School. My Great-Grandparents were James BIDDLECOMBE born about 1814 and my Grandmother was Jane BIDDLECOMBE born about about 1826 both of them were born in Shirley, Southampton. They were respectively the Gas Maker and Laundress at Appuldurcombe. Two daughters Eliza and Elizabeth BIDDLECOMBE were also Laundresses and the two sons William BIDDLECOMBE and Charles BIDDLECOMBE being the Footman and a Groom. I was very thrilled to find that my roots traced back to Godshill as we spent many happy holidays in the Isle of Wight when our children were young not realising the connection. I was wondering whether any members had photos of the School or any other information relating to it. Many thanks in anticipation. Ann Reynolds, Member no 3048 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 12th August 2011) ESTORFFE family I am endeavouring to trace the movements of my great grandfather EMIL ESTORFFE. I have had very little success up to now but have over the years gleaned a couple of snippets of information that makes me certain that he was on the Isle of Wight during the period 1872 to 1890. My father told me that he was a professional deep sea diver working on the docks in Siam so I will start my thoughts there. During the 1860s there was a great deal of unrest between the French and the local Siamese (Thai) people and I feel that he (Emil) who I believe was French left the area with his very young and pregnant wife and sailed for England where I think he arrived in Portsmouth some time in 1872 and resided a short while in Christchurch. My thoughts are that he was invited by (at present unknown persons), to work on the construction of the various forts along the coast; of course being French he possibly would not be accepted by the English authorities and therefore became an illegal entrant with no identity papers and worked under subcontract to a building contractor and I believe he resided in or near Norton Lodge with his wife and son. But I do believe he had a benefactor probably connected to the Norton family. My next clue is an entry in the 1891 census that a lady by the name of LOUISA ESTORFFE was residing in London at the residence of a ROBERT NORTON; she was listed as being a cook, and coming from Bedford - also on the list of occupants is a young man aged 19 listed as an accountants clerk also from Bedford, the link here his age is exactly the same as my grandfather, he has given his name as JOHN SPARKES but I think that it was a false name to protect him from any trouble should his mother be found to be in the country illegally. If the young man was indeed my grandfather Frederick then the next thing I know is that he is back in the I.O.W. and has signed on in the army at one of the forts. I feel that he must have known my grandmother before he went to London; she was working at Norton Lodge and I believe lived in. It's possible that took him back and thought he could gain employment following in his father footsteps only to find that there was no further construction going on so he signed on in the royal engineers and was stationed at the fort just adjacent to Norton Lodge where he visited frequently and they were married in 1896. My grandmother's name was AGNES GOSDEN. [Note : Gosden family information has been provided to the Estorffe family by Hilary LLoyd (nee Gosden) already] In order to get into the army I believe he had to tell a few white lies because he did not have a registered birth certificate and to make it difficult he said he was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, but I have done extensive research and have visited Christchurch and the address he gave does not exist but it would have been extremely difficult to get the information to the army and they probably did not even try. The rest of my grandfather's movements are well documented and known by me. My request is: to find out more about the Norton family during that period, such as links with the navy or shipping in general, whether any of them were in any way connected to the building of the forts, was the gentleman in London, Robert Norton related to the Norton Lodge family? Ben Estorffe, Australia Email: Click for email address (Submitted 24th July 2011) ALFRED STEVENS I wonder could you help and advise me. I am trying to trace Alfred STEVENS. He and his family (wife Julia, children Alfred and Julia) appear on the 1871 Census in Brighton where his place of birth is recorded as "Isle of White". His age is given as 53, making his birth year 1817/1818. I have had an E-mail from the record office on the Isle of Wight saying they can't find any records for them. I realise perhaps they were not married, but I can't find a baptismal entry for him. So I am wondering if anyone else is researching Albert, and have they solved this problem. Eric Stevens Email: Click for email address (Submitted 21st July 2011) HIRTER family and school for the deaf in Sandown ? I'm looking for information on a BLIND, DEAF AND DUMB school which was possibly in the Sandown area in the 1912 - 1920 period. The family concerned were Hans HIRTER who married Mildred MANTELL in 1904; they had three daughters, Edelweiss Mildred Edna, Vera Nellie, and Audrey Gwendoline Marie, one of whom was deaf. They lived in Fort Road, Sandown at this time. Thanks in anticipation Keith Searson, Portland, Dorset Email: Click for email address (Submitted 8th July 2011) Thomas ATTRILL I'm looking for information on Thomas P ATTRILL, a paymaster with the Royal Navy, born c 1790 and descendants. I'm looking for links between the Isle of Wight and his son Henry "of Baltimore, NY" who owned a large estate near Goderich, Ontario called the Ridge. I have personal ties to Attrills through my IW JEFFERY name (John ATTRILL m Mary WOODNUTT in 1783) and would like to tie us all in together if possible as well contributing to the history of the estate. Thank You Susan (Jeffery) Glousher, Goderich, ON, Canada Email: Click for email address (Submitted 20th June 2011) TAYLOR burials at Binstead I have been advised that William James TAYLOR died 1941 and is buried April 1941 at Binstead Old Cemetery. His wife Annie Louisa TAYLOR died 1950 and is buried with William. Apparently there was a newspaper report when Annie Louisa died giving all these details. Is there a plan of the cemetery or can someone perhaps advise me where this grave is? I have an A-Z of IOW, is the cemetery situated in Cemetery Rd Binstead, is there a new Binstead cemetery as well as an old Binstead cemetery? I am visiting IOW in July with a friend from USA who would love to visit the grave as William and Annie were her great grandparents. I know that they were married at Holy Cross church and will take her there also. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks and kind regards Margaret Rose, Member no 2681 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 17th June 2011) FAREY and GLASSPELL I am currently researching the marriage and deaths of Annie Elizabeth Jane FAREY (nee PARSONS) (c1871-1937) and George Henry GLASSPELL (c1871-1945). (The variants GLASSPELL and GLASPELL appear in the records) 31 March 1901 (Census form) Annie (Elizabeth Jane) FAREY (Widow age 35) shown as a Boarder Housekeeper for a William ARNOLD (Widow age 70) and living at 1 Peartree Court, South Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. 31 March 1901 (Census form) George Henry GLASSPELL shown as a boarder and living at 1 Hazards Terrace, Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight 12 October 1901 (Marriage Certificate) Annie Elizabeth Jane FAREY (age 30) and living at 1 New Cut, Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight married George Henry GLASSPELL (age 30) and living at 3 Sea Street, Newport, Isle of Wight 2 April 1911 (Census form) George GLASSPELL shown as Married and living with his parents at Brocks Lodge, Whippingham Road, Whippingham, East Cowes, Isle of Wight 2 April 1911 (Census form) Joseph Lockyer living at 2 Trafalgar Lane, Trafalgar Road, Newport, Isle of Wight 4 August 1937 (Death Certificate) Annie Elizabeth Jane GLASSPELL(age 71) ("Widow") died in Isle of Wight County Hospital, Ryde, Isle of Wight. Living at 2 Trafalgar Lane, Trafalgar Road, Newport, Isle of Wight. G. BURT living at the same address 8 December 1945 (Death Certificate) George Henry GLASSPELL (age 73) died at the house of Charles R. GLASSPELL (brother) 49 Adelaide Grove, East Cowes, Isle of Wight. No mention of wife. Any assistance in ascertaining what happened to the marriage after 12 October 1901, why they were not living together on 2 April 1911, who G. BURT was and why they reported her death and why it is shown that Annie Elizabeth Jane was a widow on 4 August 1937 would be most gratefully received. Melvyn Harrison Email: Click for email address (Submitted 14th June 2011) Refugees on the Isle of Wight in the 1950s I wonder if any of your members could help answer a query I have about the Isle of Wight during the 1950s. My husband's parents escaped from Hungary in 1956 during the revolution. They were both (separately) picked up by the Red Cross over the border and sent to a refugee camp on the Isle of Wight where they met and fell in love. They met up again months later in Calgary, Canada, married and have been together ever since. My father-in-law has now sadly passed away and my mother-in-law can't remember where on the island the camp was. My husband and I are coming, with our children, for a holiday to the Isle of Wight in the first week of July and I know it would mean a lot to my husband to visit the locale of the camp and I would be most grateful if anyone could find out its whereabouts for me. (Please note that we live in London, not Canada, so have plenty of opportunities to visit the IOW if we cannot find out more in time for our visit in July). Many thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. Justine Ragany (Mrs) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th June 2011) John WHITTINGTON I am currently researching for a book on a local man, James ROCK, and his carriage/coach building business Rock & Son which in the mid to late 1800"s operated in my home town of Hastings, East Sussex. During this exercise I have found that the Rock family had a connection with a WHITTINGTON family from the Isle of Wight. My evidence of connection with the island and the Rock family are: (i) James Rock"s wife Helen (nee REID) died while at Newport on the Isle of Wight on 18th December 1862 although she is buried here in Hastings (ii) When James"s father died in 1866 (also called James) his funeral was attended by a number of members of the Whittington family one of whom, John Whittington, was stated to be from the Isle of Wight and in 1867 was staying at deceased"s home address [7 Bedford Place, Hastings] (iii) John Whittington"s occupation is described as "coachbuilder clerk". I wonder if through your website I could see if there is anyone who can help with any of the above. Kind Regards, Dave Renno Email: Click for email address (Submitted 31st May 2011) Thomas and Mary POTTER I am also researching another family and wondered if you would be kind enough to put it on your site to see if anyone can help me. In April 1927 Newport had its largest military funeral it had ever seen of Lt Col Thomas POTTER DCM OBE of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He died at Oakholme, Staplers, (the family home I grew up in) sadly no longer there. He is buried at Parkhurst Military Cemetery. The County Press write up on his funeral said he had been Quartermaster at Stirling Castle and had served all round the world and in the early 1920's he was a leader in the Territorial Army in Drill Hall Road. Although I have found out a great deal of information on him I would dearly like to find out what happened to his widow Mary Isobella Potter. She was the same age as him being 57 in 1927. The County Press stated there were also 2 daughters at the time of his death. When Thomas and Mary married in 1908 it was in Chatham, Kent, her certificate said she was a widow then, surname GIBBS. I know she was born 1872 in Nairn Scotland, Mary Isabella NOBLE. I would dearly like to know where she went after Thomas died and what happened to the daughters who sadly I do not have any names for. I wonder if through you site anyone may be able to help me. Thank you very much, kind regards Angie Cook. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 24th May 2011) Edward CROSSIN Jane GROVES born c 1819 married Edward James CROSSIN (Shoe Maker) on the 25th. Mar 1839 in Carisbrooke. I have found Jane in the 1871 & 1881 census, where she is listed as a widow. Any information on Edward Crossin would be appreciated. Regards, David Groves, member no 2016 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 23rd May 2011) RICHARD AND SUSAN JACKSON Where shall I go from here? I am researching my 3x grandparents Richard and Susan JACKSON. They were both born in Devon and went to live in Southampton so that he could work for Andrews Coach builders as he was a coach trimmer. In the 1871 census they are living at Hope cottage, Arthur st. Ryde with their 2 daughters and grandson Richard (he is the son of my 2x grandparents who stayed in Southampton). In the 1881 census there are just Richard and Susan JACKSON and Susan stated she is a coach lining maker. We understand from family letters etc. that Richard the coach trimmer went to the IOW so that he could help make a carriage for Queen Victoria at Osborne House. (I have located a coach made in the IOW by Chivertons at a carriage museum in Devon). I would dearly like to find out more ... I did write to Windsor Castle and Osborne House, but they did not have any information. Does any of your members have ideas to where I should go from here ... Do you have any links I could try? I was so pleased to find not only the records of their deaths on your website, but also a photo of Susan's grave. [this is actually on the Ryde Social Heritage Website as she is buried in Ryde Cemetery - Ed.] Susan died November 1883 and Richard 1895 (but I have not found his grave). Also Richard (the grandson) became an ornamental plaster and worked on the Dunbar room at Osborne House. He served his apprenticeship with Jackson and Sons of London and they carried out the work ... (we are still trying to find the link with these Jacksons!) So any information on him would be good .. i.e. school records etc ... as would any information on their lives in the IOW. I am happy to research if I knew what I was looking for!! Richard JACKSON B Exeter 1815 Susan JACKSON B Devon about the same time Richard JACKSON (grandson) born Southampton 1863 I have really enjoyed browsing your site ... enjoyed the postcards ... (I wonder is there a picture of Hope Cottage or Arthur st. Ryde) Kind regards Sandie Lyons ( nee Jackson) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 16th May 2011) KELLAWAY / PERKINS I write on behalf of a cousin of mine (Ted KELLAWAY) in South Africa. He would like information on the following husband and wife. He has a vast amount of information on ancestors descended from this couple but would like to go further back if possible. The couple in question are John KELLAWAY born c 1727 and Mary PERKINS born c 1731 in Freshwater I.O.W. They were married in Middleton on 22/2/1757. I know Ted would appreciate any information someone is willing to part with. I live in the UK but too far away to take a trip to the Isle of Wight to do research myself on his behalf. Thank you, Elizabeth How. Email: Click for email address You may like to contact Ted himself with any information. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 10th May 2011) William Joseph BROWNE Please can you help! I visited the IOW records office in Oct 2009 but still need more information. My 3x great grandfather William Joseph BROWNE was born at Cowes in April 1774 but was taken by his parents to London to be baptised. When William baptised his first child Sofhia Brown(e) in 1800 it was at Carisbrooke but I am sure, because they came and went from the island, there must have been more family members there. Does anyone know of any records of addresses and residents at Carisbrooke in or around 1800 ? I do know that a place called Chappel Close may have been connected to the family. Best Regards Alan G Browne, Cheshire Email: Click for email address (Submitted 29th April 2011) Judith BUCKLE I am trying to locate my father's cousin Judith BUCKLE - her father was Frank Buckle and he was born and lived on Isle of Wight 1899 - his father was Matthew Buckle and mother Mary Elizabeth Buckle (nee WATTON) My father grew up in Africa and he used to correspond with her many years ago when they were still at school. Any information would be most appreciated. Thank you, Moira Wight Email: Click for email address (Submitted 28th April 2011) Dorothy May BAKER I am looking for any information on Dorothy May BAKER. I know she was living at South view, Bettesworth Road, Ryde in 1936 and I believe she lived in Salisbury at some point. If anyone has any information I would be beyond grateful. Diane Howe, Texas Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th April 2011) PETRE I am a member of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and its Museum Sub Committee. We are organising an exhibition in 2012 to celebrate the opening 150 years ago of the Cowes and Newport Railway on the 16 June 1862. We hope to include information about some of the principal people involved, one of whom was Henry W PETRE, a Director and Chairman of the Railway. Other names that are of interest are: Henry PINNOCK - Director Robert J JEWEL - Director Henry MARTIN - Director and Joint Engineer John S BURKE - Director and Joint Engineer Charles W EASTCOURT - Secretary (a local Cowes Solicitor) John LAMBERT - Director Albert H FERNANDEZ - Contractor Alexander HINDMARSH - reputed to be the driver of the first train from Cowes to Newport. I would be pleased to hear from any member who has information about any of the above or who can assist in any way. Also, it would be very useful to obtain copies of photographs of any of these people. Regards, BOB FOWLER Email: Click for email address (Submitted 1st April 2011) BOWLEY / BOWLY For 20 years I have been trying to find the roots of my 5 x great grandfather Charles BOWLEY (Bowly). He spent many years as a Joyner at the Portsmouth Dockyard (from 1734 to 1782), he had his own pew in St George's Church, I have his Will giving details of all his children (no mention of his wife so presumably she had died), and I believe it is his burial I have found in St Mary's, Portsea in 1782. Also there is an Elizabeth Bowly (buried 1777). Today I came across a marriage of a Charles BOWLY and Elizabeth HETHER on 8 September 1743 in the Newport Marriage Register Part 2 (taken from the Genealogist Site that I subscribe to). My Charles BOWLY had his first child Elizabeth baptised in St Mary's Portsea on 8 July 1744. Does anyone know anything about any BOWLYs on the Island, or maybe it was his wife who lived there and he went there to marry. I would really like to try and make a connection. Regards, Pam Miles (Bowley) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 1st April 2011) Thomas DAY (of Newport / Cowes) After many months of trying I am unable to find any further information on the above. I have found him on various Census Returns 1851~1891 in London, but cannot find any information on his birth etc on the IoW. His father was also a Thomas Day (from his son's Marriage Cert: 1860 London) who was a Ship Agent. Therefore, any information on Thomas Day (1819) would be very much appreciated. However, I do have information on the descendants of Thomas Day (1819) should any of your members have any interest. Philip Day, member no 3033 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 11th March 2011) DR F H WOOD (of Ventnor) Does anyone have any information regarding a Doctor Francis Henry WOOD, of Ventnor circa 1880 ? I know that he married Emily Florence Stoakes JONES (born 1849) at Dymchurch (Romney Marsh)) in 1869, and her address at the time of the 1881 census was 4, Marine Parade, Ventnor. Also that by 1891 she had been widowed, though I have been unable to locate a death certificate for him. Similarly I have not been able to identify if there were any children from the marriage. As a quid pro quo I am happy to share my research on the Jones family around Romney Marsh, with connections to the Applefords and Westcotts of Ringwood/Millbrook. many thanks for any help Richard Jones Email: Click for email address (Submitted 1st March 2011) JACKMAN of Newport Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help me find any information out about my gt gt gt grandmother. Her name was Louisa JACKMAN and she was born about 1833 in Newport IoW. By 1881 (on the Census return) she was living in Wolverhampton and married so she obviously left the Isle of Wight but since she was born before 1837 finding anything about her is difficult. She was married to a John MASON. All my other Mason ancestors lived in or around Wolverhampton so I thought that it was more likely that she left the Isle of Wight and met and married John Mason in England. She went on to have four children : William (12/9/1861) Alice (1864) Emily (1868) and Annie(1874). I really wanted to know if there are other Jackmans living on the IoW around this time, is it a common name and does anyone have ancestors with the name of Jackman leaving the island between 1833 and 1861 (William was born in Wolverhampton) I wondered if her family had its roots on the Isle of Wight or if they were temporary as it were. Thank you Emma Raynaud Email: Click for email address (Submitted 23rd February 2011) POORE of Carisbrooke I am a new member of the IWFHS and am seeking information on my 3 x g grandfather Joseph POORE b 1793 Carisbrooke. He married Elizabeth SNUDDEN 1817 Carisbrooke. I would be grateful for any information on his parents and siblings. Many Thanks Linda Khan, Member no 3023 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 20th February 2011) TUTTON family of Shanklin I have a question which one of our members may be able to help with : - I'd like any information about the Tutton family who had a shop in Clarendon Road Shanklin between about 1932 to about 1950. I believe that this was a grocer's and a cafe and was owned by my Grandfather Ernest Samuel Tutton with his wife (Ethel) Marion. They had three children, Roy Ernest, who joined the Navy and was lost with HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow in 1939, Marguerite and Patricia. I have no photos and have no further information. Roy Stratton, Member no 2995 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 20th February 2011) Moses MORRIS I would like some help with this question: Which MOSES MORRIS married JANE CREW at Whippingham in 1805? Every MORRIS family seems to have had a son name MOSES! Does anyone know the parentage of this particular Moses? Thanks very much! Regards, Cecelia H Lange, Member no 2680 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 5th February 2011) Martha BRISTOW I am seeking information regarding Martha BRISTOW who married Peter LOADER on 3 April 1699 at St. Mary's, Brook, thus becoming my 7 x Great-Grandmother. Regards, Brian Loader (Member 2685) in West Oz. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 2nd February 2011) Walter PHILLIPS I am seeking information regarding my Grandfather, Walter PHILLIPS born in Whippingham in 1865. His father James PHILLIPS was born in Arreton in 1829 and his mother Pamela Elizabeth WILLIAMS was born in the Channel Isles in 1835. James PHILLIPS and Pamela Elizabeth WILLIAMS were married 12/5/1856. Walter PHILLIPS married Matilda Blanche TRANTER in March 1894. In the 1911 census, they resided at No.1 Westfield Cottage Freshwater. Walter served in the Dorset Regiment and fought in the Boer War. I understand he was employed by Charlie White as a builders labourer. He migrated to Sydney, Australia some time around 1912 - and joined the Australian Army and was killed at Gallipoli in August 1915, with no known grave. Due to Walter being illiterate, he was listed in the army as Waterford Phillips, instead of Walter, with his next of kin's address being Mrs. Tilly PHILLIPS, Freshwater, Deeye, N.S.W., Australia. The correct address should have been, No 1 Oak Cottage, Tennyson Road, Freshwater, I.O.W. Should any one be able to assist with information regarding Walter's employment, with Charlie White, or his service in the Boer War, or migration to Australia, or if there were any photos were available from the local press of the above events, it would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Dave Edwards, Membership No 2581 residing in Australia. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 1st February 2011) CREECE/SPENCER/LININGTON I would be grateful for any help or guidance before I plan a further visit to the IOW and the Records office. My Maternal Grandfather was EDWIN GEORGE CREECE and as far as I can find he was born on the island in Feb 1876, he had a sister ALICE MAUD CREECE also born on the island in Dec 1874. The earliest reference to them found so far is on the 1881 census at Preston Place Cottage, Ryde. They are both shown as boarders of 5 and 6 yrs old with the head of the house Ellen Toms, 40, Laundress also Maurice O'Grady, 73, Labourer. I believe they were both born to Edwin SPENCER a Commercial traveller and Elizabeth SPENCER formerly LININGTON of Surrey St in Ryde.(according to birth certs). If this is so why were they boarding in the same town ? I have not found a marriage between these two and think that Edward Spencer was already married to Sarah Cheverton and Elizabeth Linington was unmarried and eventually moved to Cornwall and married another. I have traced both the Spencer and Linington lines and think they are correct both from the evidence that I have gained and from information in the family. A number of questions remain regarding some discrepancies with first names, occupations and adresses, but it could be deliberate to misguide others ! Is it possible that some arrangement was made to look after the children and could there be a record of this ? Spelling of names have varied, as usual, but I have not found any connection to other Creece/Crease on the Island. With thanks for any assistance or guidance Philip Wilson Mem. No: 2665 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 29th January 2011) Beckwith I am hoping to find information on my ggg x grandparents who lived in Newport around 1832 - 1840. William BECKWITH was a Wesleyan/Methodist Minister in Newport. He and his wife, Hannah (HODSON) Beckwith had three children :- Angelina Elizabeth, William John and Mary Mowbray. Hannah died on 5 July 1835 in childbirth. William later married Harriet COX and had another three children. I have a photocopy of a letter that Hannah wrote to her parents in April 1832 and am in the process of transcribing it. The photocopy isn"t of the best quality and some lines are illegible or missing. The letter is written both down and across the pages which I understand was done to save paper and postage costs. The letter gives a lovely insight into her life as the wife of a minister, young mother, portrait painter and to some of the social customs at that time. Part of the letter refers to the expulsion of an incumbent minister at the Quarter Meeting. Also mentioned are the Mothering Sunday and Flowering (?) Sunday celebrations. Hannah also talks about her portrait painting and the difficulties experienced in pursuing this profession at the time. Surnames referred to include: HAMBLETON, WILLIAMS, Mrs DAVIES and Mr P (a fellow minister) I am wondering if you could direct me to any sources that may be able to provide information on the Ministers and Churches in Newport around that time. I would very much like to place this letter in the social context of Newport during those years. Thank you for any assistance or advice you may be able to provide. Ann (Beckwith) Kerin Australia (descendant of William John Beckwith) Email: Click for email address (Submitted 20th January 2011) Dinah HUGHES My Gt Gt Gt Grandfather Hugh Hughes (1779-Abt 1846) married a lady from the Isle of Wight, called Dinah. I have not been able to trace the marriage or any clue to her surname. The 1851 census, when she is living with her son in Eyton shows she was born about 1779 in the Isle of Wight :- 1851 Eyton (9 Eyton) [HO109_2502_462, p3] John HUGHES, Head, M, 31, Taylor, Marchwiel, Denbighshire Margaret HUGHES, Wife, M, 29, ---, Eyton, Denbighshire Walter HUGHES, Son, -, 2, ---, Eyton, Denbighshire Charlotte HUGHES, Daughter, -, 8 mos ---, Eyton, Denbighshire Dinah HUGHES, Mother, Wid, 72, Annuitant, Isle of Wite [sic] She died on 22 June 1855 at Eyton, Bangor Is Y Coed, Denbighshire, Wales. The death entry reads :- Died 22 June 1855 at Eyton. Dinah Hughes, widow of Hugh Hughes, Tailor. Cause of Death: Paralysis 11 weeks certified. Informant Richard X Jones, present at the death, Eyton on 25 June 1855 I recognise this is a long shot but does anyone have a clue as to this lady's identity? Tim Sylvester Email: Click for email address (Submitted 2nd December 2010) Reuben RIDER My gggg-grandfather, Reuben RIDER, was born 1754 in Shenandoah County, Virginia, USA. He is one of my brick walls. I have found information that indicates his family was from Isle of Wight, England. Does anyone have info on a Rider that would have left England before 1754? Bonnie Medford Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th November 2010) Albert NOTZING Eliza NOTZING, my grandmother, was born on the Isle of Wight in Chale on July 8 1876 according to the family bible and she was baptised there on Mar 25 1877. The name NOTZING is very rare indeed - all of us descend from an Albert NOTZING born in Bremen Germany in 1838, though all German authorities insist it is not a German name but a corruption of a foreign one. Albert was a mariner when he married Ellen THOMASON in Liverpool in 1860. In 1863 the family moved to Runcorn where Albert worked as a diver on the Runcorn Railway Bridge, probably the first bridge in England to use underwater caissons in its construction. In 1871 the bridge was finished and Albert was in Salford and the census enumerator recorded his occupation as "driver or carter". I suspect the puzzled census man misheard "diver" for "driver" and added the "or carter"! He had a daughter back in Runcorn in 1873 - and then he must have set off for the Isle of Wight. The question is WHY? Was there anything being built on the IOW at that time that needed divers? Is it at all possible that the LNWR could have sent him for treatment at Ventnor? He died back in Runcorn in 1878 of Pulmonary Apoplexy. Any ideas anyone? It might help to know what his occupation was on the birth certificate and baptism of course. Deirdre Linton Email: Click for email address (Submitted 3rd November 2010) George GOLDING I am a member of the Hampshire Genealogical Society, where most of my Father's family hails from. I have one ancestor, however, who comes from the Isle of Wight, for whom, I cannot trace any parents or siblings. He is my Great Grandfather George GOLDING born in Newport IOW 1824. He was married to Mary Elizabeth FOAY of Portsea on 10 January 1846. Her parents were Benjamin FOAY and Elizabeth FOAY nee BULL married 9 January 1816. George Golding was a Warrant Officer in Royal Navy and he and Mary Elizabeth had 5 children Mary, William, Sarah, Laura (my Grandmother) all born in Portsmouth and Caroline born in Devonport, presumably when George was there on RN service. If any members can help me out with this request I would be very grateful. Tim Timpson, Canterbury Email: Click for email address (Submitted 3rd November 2010) Isobel BURTON My grandmother was born in Cowes in 1932 and later emigrated with my South African grandfather to New Zealand; because of this I've grown up with no knowledge of my family history. I hope to visit the office to research more when I get the opportunity to visit the UK. I'd also like to get in contact with any relatives of Isobel/Isobelle (many knew her as Toni) BURTON (my grandmother), she was the daughter of Restel BURTON and Doris PRYER and sister of Restel, Austin and Doreen (who I think may have been/be known as Josie). I would appreciate any information. Jessica LaTrobe Email: Click for email address (Submitted 24th October 2010) GUY LEGGATT Can anyone help me with my research regarding a soldier of the Great War please? Guy LEGGATT enlisted from Shorwell and his name appears on St. Peter's Church Roll of Honour as having enlisted from there but had since left. His address on enlistment as of 15th. September 1914 was Cheverton Cottage, Carisbrooke. He lists his occupation as a farmer. He serves through the Great War being discharged 23rd. September 1919 as Lieutenant R.F.A. Intended place of residence is given as Lee-on-Solent. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Joy Marshall. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th October 2010) George Austin 1784-1833 My ancestor was George AUSTIN (1784-1833) who was married to Charlotte. Previous searches have named her as Charlotte COX or TAYLOR and I'm not sure which one she is. Their daughter Eliza had an illegitimate son, Leonard (1842-1879) who was my great, great, great grandfather. I would love to confirm Charlotte's maiden name and also George's parents. They could possibly be William and Rebecca or John and Hannah. I cannot confirm either. George was a Trinity Pilot in Ryde and I even know his height and hair colour yet cannot confirm his parentage. I would love any information on this family. Thanking you in advance. Janis Austin Email: Click for email address (Submitted 8th October 2010) Lemon Villas, Ventnor Does anyone know anything about LEMON VILLAS, Cliff Path, Ventnor? My late husband's maternal family came from the I.O.W. and seemed to live in these villas from 1865 until 1911 census and perhaps afterwards. William and Elizabeth LAKE were there in 1911. On earlier Census returns the name LEMON is transcribed as LEMDY and another obscure name. Can anyone help with its location please? Thank you Betty Stevens Email: Click for email address (Submitted 28th September 2010) John and Sarah BRIDGE 1841 I don't have a family connection with the Isle Of Wight but I am tracing a family called Bridge who come from Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex. Two of my Bridge ancestors were not at home in the 1841 census.Their children (ranging from 18-6 years) were home alone but their parents, John and Sarah Bridge, are nowhere to be found in Bradwell or Essex generally. I have, however, found a John and Sarah Bridge in Pyle Street, Newport listed under an entry for an Innkeeper called Benjamin Tucker. I assume they were staying in his inn. They are the right sort of age and were not born in Hampshire. Of course it doesn't mean they are my Bridges but it seems a reasonable chance they were. Which begs the questions what on earth were they doing in the Isle Of Wight? I haven't been able to find many clues on what was going on in 1841 in Newport so I was hoping that your members might have some ideas. John was an Agricultural Labourer so wouldn't have money to go touring the country. It must have been something exceptional to leave a 6 year old at home. It's very perplexing. By 1851 John was dead and Sarah was back in Bradwell. Yours hopefully Gareth Watson, Email: Click for email address (Submitted 24th September 2010) BENTON and ABBOTT families I am researching the BENTON and ABBOTT families. George Richard BENTON (born 1858) was the son of George Benton and Susan Benton (nee ABBOTT). While I can find evidence of his birth I am unable to locate him in censuses even as early as 1861. He migrated to Australia and married in Adelaide South Australia in 1883 so I know he survived to adulthood. There seems to be no record of him between his birth and migration. I have found a George Benton of the same age who lived with his aunt Sarah AYRTON (nee Abbott) at the time of the 1861 and 1871 censuses but cannot establish that Sarah is in fact Susan Abbott's sister. Any light that can be shed on this puzzle would be greatly appreciated. Cheers From Liz Wright Mem No 2906. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 20th September 2010) Timothy Whites, Ryde Does anyone have a photograph of the old Timothy Whites chemist in the High Street at Ryde? My partner's relation Sidney Chatfield was pharmacist there around 1954. All he can remember was that it was near the Catholic Church? thank you From Mrs Lin Scott Mem No 2009. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th September 2010) RAYNER / BULL Family history I am currently researching for a friend whose 3xgt grandmother was Emma RAYNER b about 1830 Arreton, living with John & Ann TRENT in 1841, married to William BULL 1850 Arreton. I am assuming she was 'adopted' by Trents, who were named as grandparents to her children in 1861 (her first 2 children had Rayner as mother's name and her 3rd had Trent). I wonder if anyone can throw any light on Emma or indeed on which William Bull she married. I thought I had worked it out but am pondering an error now as the William I had decided upon states he was 'unmarried' and back with his parents in 1871, having not appeared on any but 1851 census with his wife. Rachel Bright. Membership number 2366. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 13th September 2010) BULL Family history After leaving things on the back burner for several years, I have had a rush of blood to my brain and am looking forward to restarting my researches in to the Bull Family History. As you will be well aware there are now many online sites to help with research, mostly pay-to-view, so before I start on any of them has any member any experience, i.e. a site to join and are they any sites to avoid? Thanks Mike Bull. Membership number 1344. Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th August 2010) Hi.....wonder if anyone can help? I tried to send the below to a Mike Bull, but it didn't work....so thought I would try this way...... Hi Mike....not sure if I am one of the lost 'Bull's from the IOW. My dad came from Ventnor back in 1927, and he had 3 brothers, Kenneth, Ronald and Colin Bull. Dad's name was Desmond Stanley William. My nan's name was Anne, but not sure of grandad's name as he disappeared around 1937ish when Nan seperated from him. Colin is the only uncle alive now, and lives in Southampton. He did tell me once, that when nan seperated Dad and Kenneth went to stay in Somerset, and he and Ron stayed with Nan. The Martin family are also related in someway....Does this ring any bells with you? Would love to find other family members, as Grandad worked on the railways, I believe, and may have moved to Essex, and believe may have remarried, and had more children....... Best wishes Jackie Bull Email: Click for email address (Submitted 5th October 2010) STARK and COOK families I have 2 branches of my family connected with the IOW: My great grandmother Mary Sophia STARK was born in Freshwater on 5 Nov. 1851. I am looking for information on her grandfather Joshua STARK of Freshwater. I'd like to know the day and month of 1783 that he was born and the day and month of 1854 that he died. He married Anna HOLLIS. I would also like ANY information about his parents. My other branch is COOK. My 3X Gt grandfather William COOK was born in Godshill "Oct." 1791, but no other information. His father may have been Benjamin COOK b. 1759 in Chale who married Hannah EDMUNDS 13 June 1785 in Brading. Any more information would be appreciated especially who William married. Thank you, Maggie Macro. Member # 2943 Email: Click for email address (Submitted 18th August 2010) LANG in Ryde Augustus LANG married Violet WILKINS in 1932 in the Ryde district. He died in 1968 aged 65,still in the same area. He was my great uncle; his father & mother were Robert & Mary LANG from Bicester Oxfordshire (my great grandparents). I would be interested if any of your members could be connected? Regards David Lang Email: Click for email address (Submitted 17th August 2010) HODGES Coal yard in East Cowes I was wanting to know if anyone had any information on what we think was a coal yard on or very close to Castle Street in East Cowes, near the chain ferry. It was owned or run by George Henry HODGES in the 1920s and 30s, of Yarborough Road - we even know he gave gifts of coal to people. After his death, ownership passed to his son, Charles or 'Charlie' HODGES. All that we know is that it was there. We don't know what it was called, when it started up, or exactly what it did - it does not even seem to be mentioned in 1935 Kelly's Directory for the Isle of Wight. As George Hodges was my great-grandfather, we have heard stories of this coal yard - long-gone relatives have even pointed out roughly where it was, but there seems to be no trace of it historically!! I was wondering if anyone had an old knowledge of East Cowes to tell us what it was called and what it did! Kay Hodges Email: Click for email address (Submitted 13th August 2010) THORPE family Dora Irene THORPE born 1895 Southampton, nee HILLMER, the daughter of William and Elizabeth HILLMER, married Percy George THORPE in 1921 at Steyning, Sussex. They had three sons Hillmer D THORPE (died in infancy), David Hillmer THORPE 1928 and Raymond G Hillmer THORPE 1931 all born Brighton. Percy and Dora moved to the island sometime after 1931, seemingly following her parents and remained for the rest of their lives. Percy died 1962 age 80, Dora died 1972. Could anyone kindly inform me where they lived, Percy's occupation, and where they are buried. [Editor's note : Percy and Dora Thorpe appear in the 1938 Electoral Register at Palmyra, The Fairway, Lake; and in the 1947 Electoral Register at 9 St Catherine's Place, Ventnor] An added and great bonus would be to learn if they have any descendants still on the island today. [Editor's note : Using our BMD Index, David Hillmer Thorpe married Doreen O Hayles at St Mary's Church Cowes in 1956.] Alan Booth Email: Click for email address (Submitted 4th August 2010) HILLMER family I have recently joined the Society in the hope of finding further information about William and his remarkable wife Elizabeth Zilpha HILLMER. This couple moved to the island possibly around 1925 from their home at Falmer near Brighton. Elizabeth, who in her maiden name of MENTOR, from about 1890, was the proprietor of a chain of ten photographic studios from Barrow in Furness to the south coast, opened a branch at 14 High Street, Newport in 1890 which ran till 1897. (This was later taken over by Ernest E Smerdon). I should like to know where the Hillmers settled on the island. A clue might be that their deaths were recorded in Ventnor - Elizabeth age 80 in 1941 and William age 94 in 1943. [Editor's note : William and Elizabeth Hillmer appear in the 1938 Electoral Register at 4 Cliff Path, Sandown] It would be a real bonus also to learn where they are buried and if memorial inscriptions are recorded. I have full details of Elizabeth's earlier life and information on the above would complete the jigsaw. Alan Booth Email: Click for email address (Submitted 4th August 2010) FRIPP family and agricultural conditions in C19th IW I have been researching my family history for many years. I come from ag labs born in Hilton, a rural Dorset parish. My great grandfather Robert was born in Hilton in 1841 and was there in 1851 and 1861, but married Eliza Lane at the Independent Chapel, Georgeford, Ryde in 1866. He had four children, the first two being born in the IOW in 1871 and 1872 (my grandfather Robert, born Blythes, Chale, 1872). Great grandfather's brother William Thomas was also born in Hilton but moved to the IOW to marry Susanna Hardy in Chale in 1869. By 1881 great grandfather had moved back to Poole, and William Thomas moved back back some time between 1875 and 1877. A visit to the Newport record office several years ago showed many Fripps on the island, some of whom were there before my lot moved over. My question is: Do you know any reason why agricultural labourers should move to the IOW in the 1860's? The move must have been quite traumatic for an uneducated poor family. Granted, this was the time of agricultural depression in Dorset and elsewhere, but was the IOW immune? Was there plenty of work? And what happened to make them come back to Dorset a few years later? Was this pattern of migration typical? All information will be received with great interest. Many thanks, Dr John Fripp Email: Click for email address (Submitted 15th July 2010) British Pathé News Your expertise is needed regarding local history in Isle of Wight. British Pathé is the finest newsreel archive in the world and between 1897 and 1970, in addition to major world events, British Pathé recorded many hours of the way we live on the British Isles and this, naturally, includes footage of Isle of Wight. Your society"s members can assist with identifying some of the people, places and events that are not included on the canister notes to ensure that the newsreel history of Isle of Wight is correct for future generations. All you and your members need to do is visit the British Pathé website (www.britishpathe.com) and search for places, people and events in Isle of Wight and having watched the films check the notes. If you find an inaccuracy or omission please tell us the film id and the new information you have identified by emailing localhistory@britishpathe.com. To make things easier and, we hope, enjoyable for you, this can be done a few films at a time, simply e-mail us when the correction is identified. It does not matter if information is duplicated by different people as this helps corroborate the information. We look forward to hearing from you and your members and thank you in advance for helping to ensure the nation"s newsreel archive is accurately documented. Kind regards Alastair White General Manager COOK (nee Sharpe) I am looking for information on Marjorie Helen Cook (nee Sharpe) who was born 6th February 1923 and died Isle of Wight 1999. From Lin Scott Member No 2009. Click for email address [Submitted 14th June 2010] Diffey family My name is Diane Reid and my grandmother's family "DIFFEY" came from Sandown, Isle of Wight. While looking though old letters there was one written from Sarah Diffey to her nephew Jack (my Dad) in New Zealand. It is written on 5/10/1940 from Nettlestone House, Nettlestone, near Seaview, Isle of Wight. This letter goes into great detail about the war and planes overhead while she is writing the letter. The last page of the letter is missing due to the censors. [click on each image for larger version] My great grandparents Henry and Sarah Diffey (nee THORNE) are buried at Sandown and lived at 5 Wilkes Road, Sandown. My grandmother was Hannah Thorne Diffey and she emigrated to New Zealand sometime before Dec 1914 as she married Joseph Bolderson in Wellington then. He came from Manchester. Hannah Thorne Diffey (born March 7 1883) (My grandmother) was 1 of 9 children born to Henry and Sarah Diffey Her siblings were John Edward born Sept 27 1866 Walter born June 11 1868 Sarah Jane (writer of the letter) born Dec 31 1869 Louisa Mary born March 18 1872 Charles William born Sept 18 1873 Alice born April 17 1875 William Rufus born April 29 1878 Evelyn Arthur born April 11 1880 I have family information about Hannahs life in New Zealand if anyone would like it . I would be really interested to have contact with any Diffeys on the Isle of Wight. Diane Reid, New Zealand Click for email address [Submitted 6th May 2010] Emma Parry nee Harding Please can you help in some way. My grandma was Emma HARDING; she was born in Liverpool on March 15 1892 and was a twin with Richard Edward HARDING. Grandma married Robert H PARRY in 1916 in Liverpool but sadly gran died in 1928 in Liverpool and so therefore I have never met her or even seen a picture of her, or grandad for that matter. Her brother Richard Edward Harding was a retired Royal Marine bandsman and served in the Marines from 1907 until 1945 in Portsmouth where he married Frances Ivy CARDY in 1926. At some point they both moved to the Isle of Wight where they both died, Frances in 1976 and Richard in 1981. I don't know if they had any children or not, but I am wondering if anyone on the Isle of Wight can help me in my quest to find my lost relatives. I am attaching a photo of Richard and I think Frances which you may want to publish. [click on image for larger version] Ann Lawrence Click for email address [Submitted 27th April 2010] EMILY WRIGHT I am looking for information on EMILY WRIGHT. She was born in Arreton on 06.01.1859. Her parents were JAMES WRIGHT and JANE FLUX. We know that after James died, Jane lived with another man, STEPHEN WRIGHT. We have found Emily living with her sister MARY ANN RODWELL and brother in law on the 1871 census although she was called EMMA RIGHT. We know she gave birth to my grandfather WILLIAM HENRY WRIGHT in the Carisbrooke Workhouse on 02.02.1877 and he was brought up by Emily's parents. fter that we can find no more information on her. We would really love to know what happened to her after that. I would also like to know more about the workhouse where my grandfather was born. Claire Hill, Member no 2915 Click for email address [Submitted 27th April 2010] SMITH family - Ryde and Arreton I have found the death of Betty Smith 1875 at Ryde and would help in finding her grave site or any family members connected to Betty. Also I have a James Smith who is buried with parents Nicholas and Martha Smith is there any way of finding out what year James was buried? Martha Smith was buried 22/5/1817 St Georges Churchyard Arreton plot ref C 51 and the entry also mentions her son James. Thank you for any help you can give me. Kath Ross (nee Smith)(Australia), Member no 2755 Click for email address [Submitted 22nd March 2010] BASSHAM Could you please ask if any members of the society have any records of the old Newport Grammar School around 1910 to 1918, my Father Cyril BASSHAM was a pupil there around those dates and any information would be gratefully received? Secondly, are there any records of the old Newport Railway Station refreshment rooms around the 1905-1920 era? My Grandparents were the proprietors of this establishment at that time and any information would be most welcome. I look forward to receiving any news of the above. Many thanks Ken Bassham, New Zealand Click for email address. [Submitted 9th March 2010] MILLER Looking for information on Charles MILLER b: 1874 Newport - his father George MILLER b: 1852 Alverstone who married Harriet Millmore b: 1852 Calbourne. George's father is possibly Robert MILLER b: 1824 New Church who married Mary Griffin b: 1829 at St.Mary's Church. Any information or pictures would be greatly appreciated to help bring my gr.grandfather Charles and his relatives 'alive' for future generations. Many thanks Elizabeth Scott, Vancouver Click for email address. [Submitted 2nd March 2010] MILLER / HILLIER I wonder if anyone has photos of Harriet MILLER (nee MILLMORE) born Freshwater 1852 ref.Ca5/P69. Harriet married George Miller and died at Newport in 1933 ref.N56/404. I am also looking for any photos of William Hillier b 1849, James Hillier b 1851 and their sister Mary Ann b 1852. Their parents were Henry Hillier & Mary Ann READ. All the Hilliers were born in Freshwater but Mary A Read was from Southsea. Many thanks Bob Hillier Click for email address. [Submitted 12th February 2010] THOMPSON I wonder if anyone could help me with trying to find out more about the IW Union Workhouse. It seems possible that my Great Great Grandfather David Thompson died there in 1908 aged 80 years. Many thanks Heather Burton Click for email address. [Submitted 2nd February 2010] RAYNER I am trying to find out whether there is a connection between two families from the 19th century on the island. I am researching the RAYNER family and whilst in communication with Derek Sprake local author/historian and also from reading his book "Put out the flag" he says that a Maurice Daniel RAYNER of Chale a carrier in the 1860's passed his business over to a Thomas ROBERTS. Derek suggests they were cousins and Thomas was a member of the well known ROBERTS family and later ran the Clarendon Hotel at Chale. I have been trying to find evidence to support the "cousin" suggestion. Maurice was born about 1814 and was a son of James and Jane [nee DASH] RAYNER who lived at Chale. James was a son of James and Ann [nee GROVES] so if they were cousins it would I assume it be from one of the latter couple's other offspring's children!! Richard Sutton Click for email address. [Submitted 25th January 2010] BILES / BYLES I am trying to find out anything about Maurice Henry BILES ( or Morris Henry BYLES) born in 1878 in Gunville, Newport, Isle of Wight who I believe married an Alice Emily LEE in 1918. Also Maurice's sister Ada born 1883. I believe that their mother was Amelia Biles. Lin Scott Click for email address. [Submitted 20th January 2010] Thomas Gibbens Thomas GIBBENS (born 1829 Blandford St Marys) married Leah GIDGE 8 Oct 1853 Southampton. In 1881 they were at 13 Mary Street, Northwood, Cowes. Leah died in 1887; Thomas was the informant named on her Death Certificate. I am unable to find any further trace of Thomas GIBBENS and would like to find more information. Laraine Jaspers, New Zealand Click for email address. [Submitted 10th January 2010] Spirits of Gallipoli We have been contacted by a member of the Spirits of Gallipoli website team in Australia. They are trying to find photographs of Australian servicemen who died during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. Several Island men joined the Australian forces and died in Gallipoli, so if any relatives have photographs of these men, we would be pleased to pass them on to the Spirits of Gallipoli project for inclusion on their website. Those we know of include : Alfred Chiverton Newport Thomas Coleman Brighstone George Austin King Sandown Alfred Stanley Rayner Ryde Reginald Jacob Saunders Godshill Frederick Thompson Brighstone Many members of the Isle of Wight Rifles also served and died in Gallipoli. Please send any information to Geoff Allan, and he will pass it on to the Spirits of Gallipoli team. Geoff Allan, Webmaster Click for email address. [Submitted 25th November 2009] E F W Cooper Does anyone have access to the records of the Ventnor Sanatorium for Diseases of the Chest. I believe my grandfather Ernest Frederick William COOPER spent some time there. He was in the Rifle Brigade and enlisted at Parkhurst in 1906. He is proving to be very difficult to trace before 1920. Laraine Jaspers, New Zealand Click for email address. [Submitted 27th October 2009] Edward Garnham b. 1806 Shalfleet I've had a very long e-mail from a lady in New Zealand with details of the descendants of Edward GARNHAM who married in Essex and had children there and on his return to the Isle of Wight. The correspondent would like to have contact with anyone interested in this family; her husband's grandmother was Cathline Helen GARNHAM b 1878 in Warwickshire. If anyone can help, please contact me and I'll put you in touch. Geoff Allan, Webmaster Click for email address. [Submitted 30th September 2009] William Williams Born 1817 The above information comes from a death certificate for William who died in New Zealand 6 August 1906 it states that his place of birth was Isle of Wight. His parents were William Alfred WILLIAMS (occupation Miller) and his mother Harriet WATERMAN. William was one of the first settlers of New Zealand sailing out from London on the "Whitby" in 1841. He could read and write and was a mate on the vessel. He became the harbourmaster at Collingwood in NZ. I am trying to help trace this person and his family on the island on behalf of a descendant there, can anyone help? Ian Bullock, Member no 2258 Click for email address [Submitted 29th August 2009] Barnes / Dunford My father Ronald William Eric BARNES was born in Newport in July 1937 to parents William James BARNES b 1907 and Norah DUNFORD b 1898. He lived on the Island until he left to join the army. As far as I was aware he was an only child but since starting to research my family history I have discovered that in fact Norah Dunford gave birth to 4 daughters between the years 1917 to 1923 in the Forest House Carisbrooke! Sadly my father passed away in 1989 long before my interest in genealogy started and I have been unable to discover much more about this. I was wondering if any members have any knowledge or memories of my father or his parents that they would be willing to share with me - sadly I don't even know what school he went to! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sarah Roberts, Member no 2373 Click for email address [Submitted 6th August 2009] Robert William Saunders My great, great grandfather was Robert William SAUNDERS born in Ryde 1807. He was a Master Mariner and I would like to find out more about his and his family's lives. He married Christian FIELDER baptized 26 December 1812 in Boxley, Kent although her family seem to have come from and returned to Southampton. Her parents and siblings all seem to have been born in Southampton. I can find record of at least four children from their marriage including my great grandfather, William. They and many more of the family are buried in Ryde Cemetery. See Ryde Cemetery record for R W Saunders. I would like to know about his sailing life. If anyone can help me I would be very grateful. Margaret Parsley, Member no 2802 Click for email address [Submitted 6th August 2009] WHITE and SHEATH families My great grandparents originated from IOW. Great grandfather was Stephen WHITE, born 1827, and Great grandmother was Maria SHEATH, born 1828. They were married in Hackney, London in 1855, presumably both having moved there to go into service. They then moved to Brighton, where they had 3 children, Annie, Elizabeth and George, my grandfather. I didn"t know any of them. I only have one picture of George and Carrie White, my grandparents, and none at all of anyone before them. I am appealing for photos of the Whites and Sheaths. I know my oldest Aunt had albums of photos which were destroyed when she died, so presumably there were other copies of the photos. Maria Sheath came from Whitwell, parents were Robert Sheath and Elizabeth STEPHENS. Stephen White came from Niton, parents were George White and Ann WOODNUTT. Can anyone help? Marion Hollingsbee, Member no 1944 Click for email address [Submitted 11th June 2009, verified 18th August 2010] SMITH family - Newchurch I am a new member and have a brickwall in my research:- James Smith b. abt 1786, his wife Betty b. abt 1790/91 and son George c 1823 all at Newchurch - I'm trying to find siblings of George and parent's marriage; Betty was on census 1861 as mother of George; George Smith married in 1849 to Frances Young. Names I am researching FORD, HARBOR, PRICE, SMITH, WHITTINGTON, WOODFORD. Any help would be appreciated. Kath Ross (nee Smith)(Australia), Member no 2755 Click for email address [Submitted 27th April 2009] Frederick White I am looking for assistance in tracing the descendants of Superintendent Frederick White of the Metropolitan Police. Frederick was born in 1879, a son of Isaac and Maria White of Stag Road, Lake. He had brothers Charlie, Frank, George, and Arthur, and sisters Kate, Ellen, Jane and Mary. He joined the Met. in 1901, was made Sergeant in 1906 and retired in 1937 as Divisional Superintendent. He went to live in Woolston, Southampton and named his house in Porchester Road, "Vectis". As far as I know, he had two sons, Frederick and Robert, but there my information dries up. Unfortunately, I am also lacking information on his youngest brother Arthur, who also moved to the mainland. I enclose a family photo in the hope that it might mean something to somebody. Gwynn White. Member no 2444. Click for email address [Submitted 9th February 2009, verified 18th August 2010] MOVING TO THE MAINLAND 1870s and 1880s - WILLIAMS (CARPENTER) FAMILY I am intrigued how people found employment on the mainland that caused them to move from their homes in the IOW. GEORGE ALFRED WILLIAMS b 1858 IOW and his sister FLORENCE JANE WILLIAMS b 1860 both appear in the 1881 census, employed and boarding with families they subsequently married into (George Alfred with the Thrussells in Battersea and Florence Jane with the Carpenters in Willesden.) Their brothers and sister subsequently followed them. Clearly employment prospects were better on the mainland. The families they worked for / boarded with / married into do not seem to have come from IOW so I am wondering how the work would have been found. Any ideas? (I"m descended from George Alfred Williams.) Angela Tjay Mazuri, Member No 2642. Click for email address [Submitted 28th January 2009, verified 22nd August 2010] HARBOUR / HARBER Please can anyone help me with the 'Harbour' family from around the Arreton area ? I am looking for information about the parents of my great-great grandfather Charles HARBOUR, born 21.1.1811 and baptised at Arreton on 17.11.1811. The parish register shows his parents to be James Harbour and Jane ?. I have been unable to find any other details, partly due to the missing Arreton records. In 1832 Charles married Ann SAUNDERS (1814-1843): they had 4 children, George, Ann, Ellen and Daniel. Charles's 2nd marriage on 16.9.1845 was to Ann BUBB (1826-1869): their children were Maurice/Morris, Julia, Fanny, Martha, Alice, Jeanette/Janet, Kate, James Henry William, Rose, Ernest Alfred and Mary Eleanor. One or two of the older children used the HARBER spelling. With there being so many children I am hoping that someone may have a Harbour somewhere in their family tree. I would be very grateful for any assistance. Jane Padfield, Membership No. 2550 Click for email address [Submitted 8th November 2008, verified 18th August 2010] REDFERN of Cowes I am researching the Redfern family of Cowes, who were fashion designers in Cowes and Paris in the 19th Century up to the 1930's. John Redfern was prominent in Cowes as a Draper and supplied costumes to many of the notables of the Cowes yachting fraternity, and also it is reputed, to Queen Victoria. He had premises in the High Street. He died in 1895. The business was taken over by Charles POYNTER, who later styled himself Charles Poynter Redfern. John and Harriett (nee Beazley) Redfern had four children, Stanley William, born in 1849, Frank, born in 1850, Annie, born in 1855 (married George Scott in 1875), and Ernest Arthur, born in 1856. John Redfern, his wife Harriett, and son Stanley are buried in the family vault at Northwood Cemetery. The County Press obituary for John Redfern names the two sons as Stanley RUSSELL and Ernest RUSSELL - possibly an error on their part, or did the sons change their surname for some reason? I am particularly interested in the French branch of the business, Maison Redfern. Joanna Bracey Click for email address [Submitted 18th August 2008, verified 21st August 2010] RIDER / HARDING Does anybody have links with George RIDER (b1839) or Frances A HARDING (b1840). They married in 1860 St James, East Cowes. They had 9 children, Alice, Frances, Edward, Frederick, Edgar, Mabel, Bessie, Dorothy and Linda. Frederick Rider married Grace Ellen Victoria BEART in Wesleyan Chapel, Bangalore in 1901. They had 3 children, Frederick (1902), Percival (1904) and Dorothy (1906). Dorothy Phyllis Edna Rider married William Henry Charles WAYMAN in Wesleyan Chapel, Bangalore in 1926. They had 5 children - Dorothy (b1926), Edward Frederick (b1929), William Henry (b1931), Maureen Phyllis (b1933) and Leonard James Arthur (b1940). If any of the above has links with you please contact: Sheila Danks Click for email address (Submitted 2nd July 2008, Verified 18th August 2010) BARDEN / WEST I am looking for any information on the BARDEN family in Newport, 1870s- 1920s. The family were located in around the Gunville and Carisbrooke areas and latterly at Coppins Bridge, Hunnyhill and Whitcombe. My Great Great Grandmother, (Elizabeth) Grace WEST nee BARDEN was a well known character around Newport and was often seen selling flowers etc. door to door to get money for a drink! If anyone knew of her I'd love to hear from you. Jo Davis, Click for email address (Submitted 10th June 2008, verified 18th August 2010) SALTER I am looking for information on William SALTER born 1808 +- a year. The first record I have is his marriage to Marie Ann SIMON, Sept. 8, 1833 at St. Helier, Jersey C.I. The marriage showed William as from Gatcombe. Marie died Feb 7, 1845 in St. Helier. My second record for William SALTER is his marriage to Rachel SORSOLEIL which stated that he was a widower from the I.O.W. Son of Isaac. Marriage was July 12, 1845 in Jersey C.I. William and Rachel had six children in Jersey then emigrated to the Gaspe area of Canada. Thank you for any help Don Salter Mem No.2568 Burnaby, B.C. Canada On the west coast of Canada Click for email address (Submitted 28th April 2008, verified 2nd September 2010) Sabina Albertha ELDRIDGE I am trying to trace the burial place of my Grandmother Sabina Albertha Eldridge nee Scott born 30/11/1896. She died in a railway accident on the 4/12/39 at Waterloo Railway Station. At the time she was relocating back to the Island following the outbreak of war. The records of the inquest cannot be traced and I have drawn a blank with cemeteries around Hounslow where her husband was stationed at the Barracks. I believe she was Roman Catholic and may have been brought back to the Island for Burial. A check of Quigley's and the National Burial index has also proved also negative. Any information or advice will be gratefully received. John Eldridge IWFHS Member 1313 Click for email address (Submitted 18th November 2007, verified 20th August 2010)