Wordless Wednesday

Wain Family

Left to right: John Stanton Wain, William Wain, Freda (Hassall) Wain

Possibly in 1943? 

If so, it would make John 6 years old, William and Freda 34 years old.

Bertha Taylor (1885-1925)

Bertha Taylor is my great grandmother. She was born on 26 January 1885 in Wakefield, Yorkshire to John Herbert and Mary Ann Hannah (Mart) Taylor, their 2nd child of 8.

She was baptised on 16 October 1885 in St John the Evangelist, Hollington, Staffordshire.
It is not easy to read, but on the right hand edge are the names of Bertha's sponsors. I am not sure who the two Taylors are, but Caroline Woodroffe is John Herbert's older sister.

1887
Birth of brother George Henry Taylor (1887-????)

1890
Birth of sister Selina Ellen Taylor (1890-1890)
Death of sister Selina Ellen <1

1891
In 1891, the John Herbert Taylor family were living at Common End, Checkley, Staffordshire.
The family included:

• John H Taylor, age 33, quarryman, born in Staffordshire
• Marian H Taylor, age 37, born in Alsop en le Dale, Derbyshire (Mary Ann Hannah)
• Julia Taylor, age 7, born in Hollington, Staffordshire
• Bertha Taylor, age 6, born in Normanton, Yorkshire
• George H Taylor, age 3, born in Hollington, Staffordshire

1891
Birth of brother Bertram John Taylor (1891-1941)

1892
Birth of brother John Taylor (1892-1893)

1893
Death of brother John, age 1

1895
Birth of brother Frank Taylor (1895-???)

1898
Birth of brother Herbert Clement Taylor (1898-1967)

1901
By 1901, Bertha had left home, the census shows her working for the Williamson family at Leigh Bank, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
The household were as follows:

• George Williamson, age 38, farmer, born in Bradnop, Staffordshire (Head)
• Lydia T Williamson, age 34, born in Bradnop, Staffordshire (Wife)
• Charles Brittlebank, age 74, retired farmer, born in Eyam, Derbyshire (Father)
• Ada Brittlebank, age 28, born in Bradnop, Staffordshire (Visitor)
• Bertha Taylor, age 17, general domestic servant, born in Yorkshire (Servant)
• James Robinson, age 16, horseman, born in London, Middlesex (Servant)
• Arthur Bostock, age 15, stockman, born in Leigh, Staffordshire (Servant)

1906
Bertha married William Wain on 22 January 1906 in the Parish Church, Milton, Staffordshire.
The marriage certificate states:
William Wain, age 28, bachelor, farm labourer of Rudyard, Leek. Father – Isaac Wain
Bertha Taylor, age 20, spinster of Milton. Father – John Herbert Taylor
Witnesses: George Henry Taylor (Bertha’s brother) and Julia Taylor (Bertha’s sister)

1906
Birth of daughter Mary Alice Wain (1906-1974)

1908
Birth of daughter Bertha Wain (1908-1981)

1909
Birth of son William Wain (1909-1957)

1911
In 1911, the William Wain family were living in Chaddesden, Derbyshire. The family included:

• William Wain, age 33, waggoner on farm, born in Leekfrith, Staffordshire
• Bertha Wain, age 26, born in Normanton, Yorkshire
• Mary Alice Wain, age 4, born in Rudyard, Staffordshire
• Bertha Wain, age 2, born in Chaddesden, Derbyshire
• William Wain, age 1, born in Chaddesden, Derbyshire

1911

Birth of son George Wain (1911-1990)

1914

Birth of son Frank Wain (1914-1990)

1916

Birth of son Herbert Wain (1916-1995)

1919

Birth of daughter Hannah Wain (1919-2005)

1921

Birth of son Isaac Wain (1921-1992)

1922

Birth of daughter Gladys May Wain (1922-)

1925
Bertha died on 14 March 1925 at home, 7 New Street, Milton, Staffordshire, she was 40 years old. The informant of her death was William Wain (husband). The death certificate states the cause of death as pleurisy and pneumonia, miscarriage, heart failure.

Obituary: Frederick Westhoff

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.

Frederick Westhoff (1900-1978) is Dermot's 1st cousin twice removed, so a fairly distant relative.

The following was found in the Liverpool Echo 25 January 1978, page 4

The transcription reads:

WESTHOFF - Januar 22, 1978, peacefully, in hospital, FREDERICK WESTHOFF, beloved husband of Margaret, father of Fred, John and Edward and dear father-in-law of Barbara. Sadly missed by all. Service and cremation at Anfield Crematorium, Friday, January 27, at 3.30 p.m. - 5 Chirkdale Street, Liverpool 4.

Surname: Wain

Surnames that occur in our family trees.

Wain is my father's name and the links back are:

Judith Yvonne Wain

John Stanton Wain
married
Sheila Hooley
Children:
* Judith Yvonne Wain
* Sandra Louise Wain

William Wain (1909-1957)
married
Freda Hassall (1909-1974)
Child:
* John Stanton Wain

William Wain (1877-1963)
married
Bertha Taylor (1885-1925)
Children:
* Mary Alice Wain (1906-1974)
* Bertha Wain (1908-1981)
* William Wain (1909-1957)
* George Wain (1911-1990)
* Frank Wain (1914-1990)
* Herbert Wain (1916-1995)
* Hannah Wain (1919-2005)
* Isaac Wain (1921-1992)
* Gladys May Wain

Isaac Wain (1850-1932)
married
Mary Sigley (1849-1890)
Children:
* William Wain (1877-1963)
* Matthew Wain (1880-1973)
* Richard Wain (1883-1957)
* John Wain (1890-1890)
* Isaac Wain (1886-1917)

Isaac Wain (1817-1906)
married
Hannah Mellor (1819-????)
Children:
* William Micah Wain (1847-1928)
* Isaac Wain (1850-1932)
* Eliza Wain (1858-1922)

Micah Wain (????-????)
married
Jane (--?--)
Child:
* Isaac Wain (1817-1906)

Drucilla Hudson (1877-1936)

Drucilla Hudson was born on 2 June 1877 to John and Elizabeth (Baddaley) Hudson. She was their 5th child of 6 and their 4th daughter. This is a page from the family bible showing the Hudson children.

Elizabeth - 24 November 1868
Hannah - 25 November 1871
Mary Ann - 25 May 1873
George Henry - 5 November 1875
Drucilla - 2 June 1877
Eliza - 26 January 1880











1880
Birth of sister Eliza Hudson (1880-1912)

1881
The 1881 census shows the family living at 56 Cobridge Road, Hanley. The household consisted of:

• John Hudson – age 34, iron moulder, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Elizabeth Hudson – age 35, paintress pot works, born in Burslem, Staffordshire
• Elizabeth Hudson – age 12, born in Burslem, Staffordshire
• Mary A Hudson – age 7, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Drucilla Hudson – age 3, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Eliza Hudson – age 1, born in Hanley, Staffordshire

1891
By 1891, the family had moved to 7 High Street, Fenton. The household consisted of:

• John Hudson – age 45, iron moulder, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Elizabeth Hudson – age 46, born in Burslem, Staffordshire
• Elizabeth Hudson – age 22, potters paintress, born in Burslem, Staffordshire
• Mary A Hudson – age 17, dressmaker, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Drucilla Hudson – age 13, apprentice potters paintress, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Eliza Hudson – age 10, scholar, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Thomas Hulme – age 8, scholar, born in Hanley, Staffordshire (nephew)

Thomas Hulme is the son of Ralph and Elizabeth (Hudson) Hulme (John’s sister)

1899
Drucilla married Rupert John Hassall on 23 December 1899 in Christ Church, Fenton, Staffordshire. The certificate states:
Rupert John Hassall, age 21, bachelor, blacksmith, residing at 29 Grove Road. Father – William Hassall (fireman)
Drucilla Hudson, age 22, spinster, residing at 7 High Street. Father – John Hudson (moulder)
Witnesses were John Hudson (father) and Eliza Hudson (sister)

1900
Birth of son Frank Hassall (1900-1968)

1901
In 1901 and now married, Drucilla was living at 7 Warren Terrace, Fenton, Staffordshire.

• Rupert J Hassall – age 22, blacksmith (own account)
• Priscilla Hassall – age 23, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Frank Hassall – age 4 months, born in Longton, Staffordshire

1902

Birth of daughter Hilda Hassall (1902-1926)

1909

Birth of daughter Freda Hassall (1909-1974)

1911
In 1911, the family were living at 14 Caroline Street, Longton, Staffordshire. The census was signed by Drucilla Hassall and shows that at this time Rupert John and Drucilla had been married for 11 years and had 3 children, with no children that had died.

• Rupert John Hassall – age 33, blacksmith, born in Fenton, Staffordshire
• Drucilla Hassall – age 33, born in Hanley, Staffordshire
• Frank Hassall – age 10, at school, born in Longton, Staffordshire
• Hilda Hassall – age 9, at school, born in Longton, Staffordshire
• Freda Hassall – age 1, born in Longton Staffordshire
• Emma Edwards – age 22, servant, born in Longton, Staffordshire

1912

Birth of son Jack Hassall (1912-1988)

Death of sister Eliza (Hudson) Skitt (1880-1912), age 32

1914

Death of mother Elizabeth (Baddaley) Hudson (1845-1914), age 69

1925

Death of father John Hudson (1846-1925), age 78

1926

Death of daughter Hilda (Hassall) Riley (1902-1926), age 23

1928

Death of sister Elizabeth (Hudson) Taylor (1868-1928), age 59

1936
Drucilla died age 58 of lobar pneumonia and acute myelitis on 1 January 1936 at 4 Fellbrook Lane, Bucknall, Staffordshire. The informant of her death was her son Frank.

Obituary: Rose Egan

Concluding the Rose (Duffy) Egan week with an obituary found in the Westmeath Independent 1848-current, 18.06.1949. page 3.
Rose died aged 86 on 12 June 1949, the article gives very little information, other than where she was buried.

The transcript reads:
WAS POPULAR RESIDENT
Mrs. Rose Egan, Church Street, Athlone, whose death took place on Sunday, was associated with the business life of the town for a number of years. Her death removes a highly respected and popular resident of the town and her bereaved family, deepest sympathy is extended. Following office and Requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church the funeral took place to Clonmacnois, on Tuesday and was largely attended.

Egan Shop

The shop that Dermot's great grandmother Rose (Duffy) Egan ran in Athlone.

The wording above the door states - Tobacconist, Souvenirs, Newsagent, Fancy Goods

Rose Duffy (1864-1949)

Rose Duffy is Dermot's great grandmother. She was born in approximately 1864 to James and
Rose (--?--) Duffy in County Westmeath, Ireland. I have not been able to find any record of her birth or baptism, which makes her year of birth unclear, it could be any one of the following from the official documents I have:
1863 - from the 1911 census
1864 - from the 1901 census
1865 - from her death certificate

1874
Death of father James Duffy, age 59

1880
Death of sister Mary (Duffy) Gavin, age 23

1885
Rose married William Egan on 4 June 1885 at the Roman Catholic Chapel of Ballinahown.
Details can be seen in the post about William Egan here.

1886
Birth of daughter Emily J (1886-1959)

1888
Birth of son James Joseph (1888-1931)

1889
Birth of son John (1889-????)

1891
Birth of daughter Mary (1891-1947)

1893
Birth of daughter Rosana (1893-1957)

1897
Birth of son William (1897-1900)

1899
Birth of daughter Helen Clare (1899-1986)

1900
Death of son William, age 2

1901
In 1901, the Egan family were living at 13 Townparks, Navan, Co Meath.

• William Egan – age 40, stationmaster, born in Kings County
• Rose Egan – age 37, born in Co Westmeath
• Emily J Egan – age 14, scholar, born in Dublin City
• James J Egan – age 12, scholar, born in Co Westmeath
• John Egan – age 11, scholar, born in Co Meath
• Mary Egan – age 9, scholar, born in Co Meath
• Rose Egan – age 7, scholar, born in Co Meath
• Helen Egan – age 1, born in Co Meath

Birth of daughter Teresa Josephine (1901-????)

1905
Death of husband William Egan, age 44

1911
In 1911, the family were living at 27 Norfolk Road, Glasnevin, Dublin. The census shows that Rose was a widow and although crossed out we can read that she had 8 children, 7 of whom were still living.

• Rose Egan, age 48, born in Co Westmeath (widow)
• James Egan, age 23, butcher, born in Co Westmeath
• Mary Egan, age 19, born in Co Meath
• Rose Egan, age 17, born in Co Meath
• Nellie Egan, age 11, scholar, born in Co Meath
• Josie Egan, age 9, scholar, born in Co Meath
• Patrick Gibney, age 34, Commercial Traveller (flour mills), born in Co Cavan
• Emily Gibney, age 24, born in Co Dublin
• John Gibney, age 1 month, born in Co Dublin
• John Dagg, age 26, Glass Cutter, born in Co Wicklow

Emily Gibney is Rose's eldest daughter and John Dagg (no relation) is listed as a visitor.

1922

Death of mother Rose (--?--) Duffy, age 103

1931

Death of son James Joseph, age 42

1941

Death of sister Margaret  (Duffy) (Gavin) Hynds, age 96

1947

Death of daughter Mary, age 55

1949
Rose died on 12 June 1949, age 86 of cardiac failure and carcinoma of the neck in Church Street, Athlone. The informant of her death was Josephine Egan (daughter).

Curious Freak of Lightning

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.

The following is from the  Macclesfield Courier and Herald, Congleton Gazette, Stockport Express, and Cheshire General Advertiser. 26 August 1911, page 5

The transcription reads:
CURIOUS FREAK OF LIGHTNING.- During a thunderstorm that passed over Market Drayton early on Monday morning, Marion Meakin, a domestic servant, employed at the George Hotel, had an unusual experience. She was awakened by the smell of burning clothing, and an investigation showed that the lightning had passed through the open bedroom window, had struck an alarm clock, melting the case, and setting fire to the chair seating, burning the girl's boots and scorching the bedclothes.

As far as I can tell, Marion is not related to me, so unfortunately, this article is just a curiosity.

Surname: Westhoff

Surnames that occur in our family trees, starting with Dermot's side.

Westhoff is Dermot's father's name and the links back are:

Gerald Westhoff (1928-2012)
married
Mary Carmel Boushell (1926-1974)
Children:
* Dermot Edward Patrick Westhoff
* Gerald Brendan Francis Westhoff

Edward Westhoff (1902-1957)
married
Frances Roche (1902-1966)
Children:
* Mary Eileen Westhoff (1925-2006)
* Gerald Westhoff (1928-2012)
* Josephine Elizabeth Westhoff (1930-2018)
* Edward John Westhoff
* Francis Joseph

Edward James Westhoff (1867-1921)
married
Mary Horris (1874-1910)
Children:
* Mary Westhoff (1901-1901)
* Edward Westhoff (1902-1957)
* Anne Westhoff (1909-2005)

Johann Jacob Westhoff (1831-1908)
married
Mary Ann Mooney (1825-1918)
Children:
* John Michael Westhoff (1856-1859)
* Martin Westhoff (1858-1860)
* John Westhoff (1859-1924)
* Frederick Westhoff (1862-1920)
* Henrietta Westhoff (1864-1866)
* Edward James Westhoff (1867-1921)
* Henry Westhoff (1869-1920)

Johann Gustav Westhoff (????-????)

married

Unknown

Children:

* Johann Jacob Westhoff (1831-1908)

October Birthdays

Now we are on to the October birthdays, which I have so far recorded.

From Dermot's Side
28 October - Mary Doyle (1847-1885), 2nd great grandmother
28 October - Jane Roche (1873-????), 2nd great aunt
29 October - Mary Byrne (1868-????), 2nd great aunt
31 October - Esther Boushell (1900-1900), great aunt

From Judith's Side
2 October - Mary Elizabeth Hemmings (1876-1958), 2nd great aunt
3 October - Norman Meakin (1909-1962), great uncle
6 October - William Thomas Hassall (1870-1964), 2nd great uncle
7 October - Albert Hassall (1881-1904), 2nd great uncle
18 October - Clara Ann Hemmings (1878-1967), great grandmother
24 October - Benjamin Goodwin (1810-1879), 3rd great grandfather

Only one date this month which has 2 people sharing.

Commercial Sale: Drucilla Hassall

I found 2 small adverts, which linked Drucilla (Hudson) Hassall, my great grandmother to the Watts Russell Arms, a public house in Staffordshire. Dad remembers his mum talking about this, she remembered a forge at the back, the copper in the pub, which she helped to clean and the vicar coming after Sunday service to hold a short prayer meeting for those attending the drinking session, rather than the church service!

I have no information about when they moved, as the 1911 census shows them to be living at 14 Caroline Street, but can only surmise it was sometime between then and 1925, when they moved out.

Below is an extract from the 1924 Kelly's Directory of Staffordshire, under Alstonfield

The notice for the commercial sale from Staffordshire Advertiser 21 March 1925, page 12

The Watts Russell Arms is still in business today.

Wordless Wednesday

Investigating