Clara Ann Hemmings (1878-1967)

Clara Ann was born on 18 October 1878 in Nantwich, Cheshire to Abraham and Fanny (Mason) Hemmings, the 3rd daughter of 5. She was baptised on 1 December 1878 at St Paul’s church, Crewe. Abraham’s occupation is given as labourer.

1881
In the 1881 census, the Hemmings family lived at 21 Thomas Street, Monks Coppenhall, Cheshire.
The household included:

• Abraham Hemmings – age 30, labourer, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Fanny Hemmings – age 30, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Sarah H Hemmings – age 5, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Mary E Hemmings – age 4, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Clara A Hemmings – age 2, born in Crewe, Cheshire

1891
In 1891, the family were still living in Monks Coppenhall, but had moved to 23 Walthall Street
The household included:

• Abraham Hemmings – age 40, general labourer, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Fanny Hemmings – age 40, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Sarah H Hemmings – age 15, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Mary E Hemmings – age 14, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Clara A Hemmings – age 12, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Frances A Hemmings – age 9, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Bertha Hemmings – age 2, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Richard Richards – age 30, widower, general labourer, born in Shawbank, Shropshire
• Albert Richards – age 2, born in Crewe, Cheshire

1901
In 1901, Clara Ann had moved and was now working away from home for the Maddock family at Church Road, Alsager

• Arthur H Maddock – age 27, earthenware manufacturer, born in Alsager, Cheshire
• Dora Maddock – age 26, born in Leek, Staffordshire
• Arthur V Maddock – age 2, born in Wolstanton, Staffordshire
• Agnes Tillsley – age 23, general domestic cook, born in Wynbury, Cheshire
• Clara Hemmings – age 22, domestic nurse, born in Crewe, Cheshire

1902
Birth of son Reginald Hemmings (1902-1979)

1906
Clara Ann married John Meakin on 18 March 1906 in St James church, Sutton.

1907
Birth of son Rex Meakin (1907-1976)

1909
Birth of son Norman Meakin (1909-1962)

1911
The family were living at 45 Langley, Sutton in 1911

• John Meakin – age 30, warehouseman, born in Langley, Cheshire
• Clara Ann Meakin – age 31, born in Crewe, Cheshire
• Rex Meakin – age 3, born in Langley, Cheshire
• Norman Meakin – age 1, born in Langley, Cheshire

1912
Birth of daughter Brenda Meakin (1912-1982)

1913
Death of father Abraham Hemmings (1850-1913) - age 63

1914
Birth of daughter Grace Meakin (1914-1989)

1917
Death of husband John Meakin (1880-1917) - age 36

1932
Death of mother Fanny (Mason) Hemmings (1851-1932) - age 81

1939
The 1939 census shows Clara Ann living alone at 45 Langley, Sutton, Cheshire.

• Clara A Meakin – widow, born 18 October 1878, office cleaner

1945
Death of sister Sarah Hannah (Hemmings) Thompson (1875-1945) - age 69

1955
Death of sister Bertha Hemmings (1888-1955) - age 66

1958
Death of sister Mary Elizabeth Hemmings (1876-1958) - age 81

1960
Death of sister Frances Alice (Hemmings) Beard (1882-1960) - age 78

Clara Ann died age 88 on 28 September 1967 in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Fatality near Kill: Thomas Byrne

It is Friday again, when I share something that I have found whilst looking for records, that is interesting or adds information to our family tree.

Thomas Byrne was Dermot's 2nd great-grandfather and he died on 30 March 1891. The following is an article I found, which describes what happened to him.

Kildare Observer and Eastern Counties Advertiser 04 April 1891, page 5

The transcription reads:

FATALITY NEAR KILL
On Monday evening a man named Thomas Byrne was killed near the village of Kill by a fall from a cart. An inquest was held the following day by Dr Smyth, Coroner for North Kildare, at which Mary Byrne, the deceased man's wife deposed that her husband, who was 50 years of age, was in the employment of Mr de Burgh, of Oldtown. He had been at the Horse Show in Dublin, on Monday, with feeding stuff and was returning home when the accident occurred. When about a mile from Kill the horse ran away and her husband was thrown out of the cart. She found him lying on the road with his skull smashed. He was perfectly sober. The witness said the horse was an unmanageable animal. Thos. White, a labourer of Mr de Burgh's, who was in the dray with the deceased, said that the horse was leaping and frightened several times along the road. When the animal ran away he got out and caught it by the head and then returned to where Byrne was lying. Dr Coady, Johnstown, deposed that he had examined the body. The brains were lacerated and crushed and the vault of the skull separated from the rest of the body. He believed the man's death was caused by the wheel of the dray passing over his skull. Death was instantaneous.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Thomas Byrne (1841-1891) married Mary Malone (1851-????).
Their daughter Ellen Byrne (1870-1925) married Richard Boushell (1867-1951) in 1892.
Their son Patrick Joseph Boushell (1895-1969) married Helen Clare Egan (1899-1986) in 1925.
Their daughter Mary Carmel Boushell (1926-1974) married Gerald Westhoff (1928-2012).
Their son is Dermot Westhoff (1957-living).

Confusing Dates

I thought that I would write today about how difficult it can be to ascertain certain dates when looking at records. The following is for Henrietta Westhoff (1907-1994) who is Dermot's 1st cousin twice removed.

Their common ancestors are John Jacob Westhoff (1831-1908) and Mary Ann Mooney (1825-1918), who were Dermot's 2nd great grandparents and the grandparents of Henrietta.

Henrietta was the 8th child of Henry Westhoff (1869-1920) and Johanna Fleming (1871-1954). 

She was born on and this is where it gets tricky as you can see from the following.

I do not have a copy of her actual birth record, but her birth was registered for the 3rd quarter of 1907 in the General Register Office (Vol 8B, p31). 

On the 1911 census her age is given as 3, which would make her year of birth as 1907 (the census was taken on 2 April 1911).

Henrietta married James Joseph Coggins in 1926 and she is on the 1939 register, with her date of birth given as 30 June 1907. 

However, on her death registration in 1994, her date of birth is given as 29 June 1902. I have also found a death notice, which gives her age as 91, which would make her date of birth 1902.

From the Liverpool Echo 10 March 1994, page 23

I believe that her correct year of birth is the one that is given on the birth registration, the 1911 census and 1939 register, which is 1907. I wonder when and how it got changed?

John Roche (1867-1950)

John Roche is Dermot's great grandfather and an ancestor I am finding challenging. He should have 5 census records, but so far, I have only found two that I am sure are correct. The search carries on and I hope at some point, I will be able to update this entry. Anyway, what have I found so far.

1867
Born on 24 September 1867 to John and Jane (McLoughlin) Roche and baptised on 20 October 1867 in St Peter’s, Liverpool.

The record states:
Joannes Roche, son of Joannis and Joanna Roche (McLoughlin)
Godfather: Edwardus Howley
Godmother: Helena Howley

1896
John married Mary Jane Lloyd on 30 July 1896 in St Alexander’s, Bootle.
The church record states:
Joannem Roach of 14 Syren Street, son of Joannis Roach
Mariam Joannam Lloyd of 15 Priam Street, daughter of Joannis Lloyd
Witnesses: Patricic Howley (21 Shaws Alley) and Elizabetha Hogan (17 Egerton Street)

I have a possible match for one of the witnesses. I found a Patrick Howley on the 1881 census, living at 9 Shaws Alley, age 9 (born about 1872). His father is listed as Edward Howley, so possibly the Edward Howley recorded as John’s godfather.
I also found him on the 1891 census, living at 15 Shaws Alley, age 18 (born about 1873), occupation given as dock labourer.

1897
Birth of daughter Mary Agnes (1897-1975)

1900
Birth of son John Joseph (1900-????) may have emigrated to America

1901
In the 1901 census the John Roche family lived at 3 Syren Street, Liverpool.

• John Roche – age 33, house painter, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• Mary Roche – age 33, milliner, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• Mary A Roche – age 3, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• John J Roche – age 1, born in Liverpool, Lancashire

1902
Birth of daughter Frances (1902-1966)

1904
Birth of daughter Ann (1904-????)

1907
Birth of daughter Elizabeth (1907-????)

1910
Birth of daughter Kathleen (1910-????)

1939
In 1939, John was living with his daughter Frances and family at 51 Beatrice Street, Bootle.

• Edward Westhoff (9 September 1902), groceries assistant
• Frances Westhoff (23 April 1902), unpaid domestic duties
• Mary E (Connolly) Westhoff (3 August 1925), at school
• 3 closed records (these would be for Betty, Edward and Francis, Gerald was evacuated to Southport)
• John Roche (24 September 1867), old age pensioner
• Mary Agnes Roche (28 June 1898), unpaid domestic duties

1950
John died at home (98 Bedford Road, Liverpool) on 9 April 1950, age 82. His death was registered by his daughter Mary Agnes on 11 April 1950 and the certificate states that he died of cardiac failure, myocardial degeneration and senility. He was buried on 13 April 1950 in Ford cemetery, Liverpool.

Death Announcement: John Westhoff (1893-1952)

It is Friday again, when I share something that I have found whilst looking for records, that is interesting or adds information to our family tree.

A very short and unfortunately a little blurry death announcement.

From: Liverpool Echo 15 February 1952, page 29

The transcription reads:
WESTHOFF - Feb. 13. JOHN, the beloved eldest son of Johanna and the late Henry Westhoff and dear brother of Edward, Mary, Johanna, Fred, Lizzie (deceased), Harry, Etta and Francis. R.I.P.

John Westhoff is Dermot's 1st cousin, twice removed.
Common ancestors are:

John Jacob Westhoff & Mary Ann Mooney
2nd great grandparents of Dermot and grandparents of John

Although the announcement is only short, it confirms John's siblings with the names they used and also whether they were still alive in 1952.

Edward (1895-1971)
Mary (1896-1979)
Johanna (1898-1973)
Fred (1900-1978)
Lizzie (Elizabeth) (1901-1943)
Harry (Henry) (1904-1958)
Etta (Henrietta) (1907-1994)
Francis (1914-1992)

Wordless Wednesday

Mary Ellen (Goodwin) Hooley and Boys

Back: Mary Ellen (Goodwin) Hooley

Front (left to right): Her sons, Norman, Frank and Eric

Mary Ellen (Goodwin) Hooley (1883-1955), my great grandmother
Eric Hooley (1908-1992), my grandfather
Norman Hooley (1911-1981), my great uncle
Frank Hooley (1913-1998), my great uncle

Mary Ellen's youngest son (Dennis Hammond) was born in 1918, so this must have been taken before then, if I estimate that it was taken in 1917, then it would make Mary Ellen 34, Norman 6, Frank 4, and Eric 9.

Percy Hooley (1882-1919)

Percy Hooley is my great grandfather and was born on 9 March 1882 in Macclesfield to Charles and Mary (Hammond) Hooley, their 3rd son. Another ancestor for whom I do not have many records for.

He was baptised on 19 April 1882 in Brunswick Wesleyan Methodist Chapel; the record shows them living at 10 Blackshaw Street, Macclesfield.

1891
In the 1891 census, the Hooley family lived at 74 Peel Street, Macclesfield.

• Charles Hooley – age 52, steward in silk mill, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Mary Hooley – age 49, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Frederick C Hooley – age 19, silk dyer, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Percy Hooley – age 9, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire

1901
The family remained in the same house, but Percy was now the only son still at home.

• Charles Hooley – age 62, silk staffman, born in Sutton, Cheshire
• Mary Hooley – age 60, born in Sutton, Cheshire
• Percy Hooley – age 19, plumber, born in Sutton, Cheshire

1906
Percy married Mary Ellen Goodwin in about August 1906 in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

1907 
Birth of son Leslie Hooley
Death of son Leslie Hooley <1

1908 
Death of father Charles Hooley (1839-1908)
Birth of son Eric Hooley (1908-1992)

1911
In 1911, the family lived at Kitts Moss Lane, Bramhall.

• Percy Hooley – age 29, sanitary plumber
• Mary Ellen Hooley – age 27, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Eric Hooley – age 2, born in Macclesfield, Cheshire

1911
Death of mother Mary (Hammond) Hooley (1841-1911)
Birth of son Norman Hooley (1911-1981)

1913 Birth of son Frank Hooley (1913-1998)

1918 Birth of son Dennis Hammond Hooley (1918-2003)

Percy died aged 36, on 24 January 1919, at home (214 Bramhall Lane, Hazel Grove), the informant of his death was his wife Mary Ellen.

His death certificate indicates that he had a pyloric ulcer (16 years), carcinoma of the stomach and a gastroenteroscopy. In the past, a gastroenteroscopy was typically performed to treat peptic ulcers. It is now rarely used because most cases are bacterial in nature (due to Helicobacter pylori) and there are many drugs available to treat the gastric reflux often experienced with peptic ulcer disease.

Outrage near Macclesfield

It is Friday again, when I share something that I have found whilst looking for records, that is interesting or adds information to our family tree.

Francis William Hooley shares a family name, but so far I have found no family connection. A record found shows that on 8 December 1890, Francis was sentenced to 8 years penal servitude for arson and 1 week's imprisonment for the unlawful wounding. He was sent to Stafford prison.

From: Congleton & Macclesfield Mercury, and Cheshire General Advertiser 30 August 1890, page 8

The transcription reads:

OUTRAGE NEAR MACCLESFIELD.- Macclesfield and the district has been thrown into a state of excitement by its becoming known on Tuesday that the daughter of a respectable farmer (Mr. Bonsall, Higher Sutton), had been brutally assaulted on Saturday night. It seems that about nine o'clock on Saturday night a boy was accosted by a young man on the highway, and robbed of 3d. The thief went in the direction of Mr. Bonsall's farm, and about half an hour afterwards while Miss Bonsall, aged 21, was going along a footpath which leads through her father's farm she was accosted by a man who asked her who she was and what she was doing there. He made a remark to the effect that she was trespassing, and she told him who she was, whereupon he suddenly seized her and threw her down, and behaved in a most violent manner. He seized her by the throat, and she struggled and shouted "murder" as loudly as she could, but the more she shouted the more firmly the ruffian grasped her throat, and kicked an otherwise ill-treated her. Fortunately, Mr. Bonsall was in the house, and on hearing cries of someone in distress he ran down the field, and it was only on getting close to the struggling couple that he recognised the cries of his child for help. On Mr. Bonsall's approach the villain decamped, Miss Bonsall was at once taken home, and information given to the police; she is still suffering from shock, and is badly bruised all over her body, her teeth having penetrated through her upper lip in the struggle. She states that the man, whom both she and her father recognised, was Francis William Hooley, a dyer, twenty two years of age, in the employ of Mr. Whiston, of Langley. Before making off he swore he would set fire to all the farms about the place; whether this was a mere idle threat or not it is impossible to say, but it is a notable coincidence that the same evening no fewer than four farm fires took place in the locality. In one case-that of Mr. Millward's farm-damage was done to the amount of £400.

Fustian Cutter

The following family all gave their occupation as a fustian cutter. They are all from my side of the family and lived in Congleton. From 1860 to 1950, fustian cutting was Congleton's dominant industry and often took place in reused silk mills.

Hannah Meakin (1877-????), 2nd great aunt

Albert Gaunt (1873-1919), married to Hannah (Meakin) Gaunt

Albert Gaunt (1895-????), son of Albert Gaunt and Hannah (Meakin) Gaunt

John White (1869-????), married to Sarah Meakin (2nd great aunt)

1911 Census - Albert Gaunt

The above shows the Gaunt family with their occupation listed as fustian cutter.

Fustian refers to several types of heavy cotton cloth such as corduroy, velveteen and moleskin, which were once used mainly to make work clothes. It had ridges running along its length formed by loops of thread woven into the weft. For corduroy and velveteen these loops had to be cut to give the cloth a soft, thick surface.

For a more detailed description, see the following Wikipedia entry: Fustian

The above photograph shows the cloth laid out ready for cutting and is taken from Mow Cop, which gives the history of fustian cutting in this area.

Mary Horris (1874-1910)

Mary Horris is Dermot's great grandmother. She was born on 4 January 1874 to Joseph and Mary (Doyle) Horris, the youngest child of five.

1874
Mary was baptised on 10 January 1874 in St Anthony’s, Liverpool.
Death of sister Monica Horris – age 3
Death of father Joseph Horris – age 36

1879 A workhouse record for 1879, which shows the admission of Mary, Ann and Mary Horris, living at Tatlock Street. There is no record of why they were admitted, but the dates seem to suggest that Ann and Mary were discharged before their mother (Mary). There is no record of where they were sent.

1881 The family lived at 5 Court, Tatlock Street, Liverpool. The census shows that Mary (mother) was a widow and 4 children were living at home.

• Mary Horris – age 33, born in Liverpool, Lancashire (widow)
• Richard Horris – age 17, corn miller, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• Augustine Horris – age 15, printer, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• Ann Horris – age 13, scholar, born in Liverpool, Lancashire
• Mary Horris – age 8, scholar, born in Liverpool, Lancashire

1883 A workhouse register for 1883, shows the admission of Mary and Mary Horris, living at Burnett Street. Mary (mother) was admitted with bronchitis, again as in the previous admission, Mary was discharged before her mother, but no indication is given of where she was sent.

1885 Death of mother Mary Horris – age 37

1891 Mary is now living with her sister at 51 Arlington Street, Liverpool.

• Annie Johnston – age 22, born in Liverpool (married)
• Richard Johnston – age 6 months, born in Liverpool
• Mary Horris – age 17, dry soap packer, born in Liverpool

1891 Death of brother Augustine Horris – age 25

1898
Mary married Edward Westhoff on 30 October 1898 in St Sylvester’s, Liverpool.
The church marriage record states:
Edwardum Westhoff of 26 Skirving Street, father Joannis Westhoff.
Mariam Horris of 17 Ambrose Place, father Josephi Horris.
Witnesses: Fredico Westhoff (Edward’s brother) and Maria Horrigan

1901 Birth of daughter Mary Westhoff (1901-1901)

1901 Mary was still living with her widowed sister, but now at 17 Ambrose Place. Edward worked on the steam ships and he was probably away at sea, although no records have been found to date to confirm this.

• Ann Johnstone – age 32, grocers shopkeeper, born in Liverpool (widow)
• Richard Johnstone – age 10, born in Liverpool
• Walter Johnstone – age 6, born in Liverpool
• James Johnstone – age 3, born in Liverpool
• Mary Westhoff – age 26, born in Liverpool (married)
• Mary Westhoff – age 1 month, born in Liverpool

1901 Death of daughter Mary Westhoff – <1

1902 Birth of son Edward Westhoff (1902-1957)

1909 Birth of daughter Anne Westhoff (1909-2005)

1910 

The above shows the record from 14 March 1910 for Mary and Ann from the Liverpool Workhouse.
It shows that Ann was taken by Ann Gill (sister Ann McGill) on 29 March 1910 with Mary’s consent and that Mary died one week later on 5 April.

Her death certificate shows that Mary died age 36 on 5 April 1910 in the Liverpool Workhouse Infirmary, her cause of death was given as chronic nephritis and uraemia, she was buried in Ford Cemetery, Liverpool on 8 April 1910.

Road Accident: Rupert Hassall

It is Friday again, when I share something that I have found whilst looking for records, that is interesting or adds information to our family tree.

This piece comes from Derby Daily Telegraph 05 June 1931, page 9

Rupert Hassall was my great grandfather and lived in Longton. It is interesting that this type of "accident" was considered newsworthy in 1931. The article was published on a Friday, so the accident would have happened on the Thursday night.

The transcription reads:

ROAD ACCIDENTS IN DERBY

TWO MOTOR-CARS AND A CYCLE DAMAGED

Two motor-cars driven by Donald Roe, of Wallbrook-road, Derby, and Rupert Hassall, of Longton, Stoke came in collision at the corner of Nuns-street and Parker-street, Derby, last night. The motor-cars were damaged slightly.

The rear wheel of a bicycle was damaged in a collision at the junction of London-road and Osborne-street, Derby, last night when a motor-car driven by John A. Crosier, of London, came in collision with Frederick Lager, of Bateman-street, Derby, a cyclist.

Wordless Wednesday

Investigating

September Birthdays

A quick look at the birthdays in September, there may be more, but at the moment, these are the ones for whom I have a date recorded.

In addition to those listed below, there are 4 living relatives who have birthdays this month. Happy Birthday to all and special wishes to S, Happy 60th!!

Dermot's side
7 September - Mary Ann Roche (1865-????), 2nd great aunt
8 September - Helen Doyle (1858-????), 3rd great aunt
9 September - Edward Westhoff (1902-1957), grandfather
15 September - Cecilia Byrne (1844-1962), 2nd great aunt
19 September - John Egan (1889-????), great uncle
20 September - Michael Roche (1870-????), 2nd great uncle
24 September - John Roche (1867-1950), great grandfather


Judith's side
8 September - George Wain (1911-1990), great uncle
16 September - Selina Taylor (1853-    ), 3rd great aunt
19 September - John Herbert Taylor (1857-1925), 2nd great grandfather
20 September - Dennis Hammond Hooley (1918-2003), great uncle
23 September - George Henry Taylor (1845-????), 3rd great uncle
26 September - John Taylor (1893-1893), 2nd great uncle

Shared dates
The most popular birth date is 8 September, this has 3 people all sharing the same date (including 1 of the living relatives)
This is closely followed by 19 September and 20 September, which both have 2 people sharing this date.