RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Devon => England => Devon Lookup Requests => Topic started by: tristiw on Tuesday 05 February 08 05:21 GMT (UK)
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Hi. I'm from Australia and an absolute beginner at this.
My grandmother was adopted. We always thought her name was Heather and she was born in June. It turns out she wasn't.
My grandmother's original birth certificate (Australian) states her mother was:
Evelyn Ridgway. Born Taunton, Somerset, Devon. I've since found her Birth and ordered her birth certificate. It was Jan-Feb-Mar 1911.
Apparently the Ridgway family came to Australia, but then returned to England after Evelyn gave birth and adopted the baby out in 1929.
I'm looking for any links at all to this family. I'm hoping that records or living relatives will help me discover what this family was like and also perhaps trace health issues through the blood line.
I've thought of looking through passenger lists to Victoria, census, parish records, marriage records, death records etc. But not having exact dates or the names of relatives is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
I have also tried looking for records from the Australian end. However, there is a lot of information that isn't digitised yet and may records (e.g. census) have been destroyed due to our privacy laws.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE anything would be better than what I already have.
cheers, Tristi
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When you receive that birth certificate with the parent's names you should post again and we should be able to spot their marriage & progress through the censuses in England. This of course won't help you directly with finding living relatives but will give you some background and get you started.
There seem to be relatively few Ridgways in the Taunton area - so that's a good thing!
Good luck, Louise
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Hi Tristi
welcome ... you will have a fine time if you stay at Rootschat ...everyone is most generous with their time and resources.
As Louise has said ...we definitly need to wait for her birth cert before we look for her family .... try to be patient ... we all know what it's like not to know ... ;D
Once you know ...post here and we will be on the hunt :D
deb
added ... just seen you are in the US , Louise .... I am in NC
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me too!
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Blimey WHERE ? :o
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:)
I'm sorry that I'm over-anxious. I will post more details when I get them. I just wondered if anyone else was researching the same name and could save me the wait.
Looking forward to your help when I know more. ;)
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I think she may be the dtr of Oliver Ridgway who's in the 1901 census for Somerset age 15 and born in Tasmania. Let me know if that's right and we'll get the details pinned down! If it is him - fancy making that journey 3 times!
Louise (who also hates waiting for certificates!)
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OK. So the registration of Evelyn's (my father's real grandmother) birth came in the mail today. Here are all the relevant details:
Registration District: Taunton
1911 Birth in the sub-district of North Curry in the County of Somerset
NO. 129
When & where born: 15th of December, 1910. Tar Pits?, Bathpool, West Monkton, Taunton RO
Name: Evelyn
Sex: Girl
Name of father: Oliver Ridgway
Name of mother: Ellen Ridgway formerly Parsons
Occupation of father: market gardener
Signed: Ellen Ridgway 12th of January.
So, Louise was right in her post on the 7th of Feb!
I also saw an Ellen Ridgway on an outbound ships passenger's list in 1914 from London to Sydney with a daughter Evelyn. Ellen was said to be 32 years old, but now I can't find that list anywhere.
I suppose what I'm really interested in at the moment is finding out more about Oliver (as we can trace him in Australia easily - it's just the English stuff that's trickier) and finding out if the family moved back to England in the 1930's as the family legend goes. I guess that would mean inbound passenger lists?
I'd be happy with anything really. Cheers, and thanks in advance
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OK, so in 1901
W. Monkton Somerset,
Samuel Ridgway, wid, 62, Market gardener, b. Devon, Burliscombe
Clara Vickery, neice, 35, b. Spaxton, som
Oliver Ridgway, g'son, 15, b. Hobart, Tasmania,
FreeBMD (www.freebmd.org.uk) has a partially transcribed marriage..... Oliver Ridgway is there with no bride listed with the same reference, it's a 1907 marriage, Taunton district.
I'll have a look and see if it's obvious who Oliver's father was from previous censuses.
Can't help on ships records- not an area of expertise for me I'm afraid.
Good luck,
Louise
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Well looks like you're in luck.....
Looks as if Samuel & his wife Jane only have one child. William is b. abt 1863 and is with his parents in 1871 and 1881.
There is one possible William in the 1891, a single man, a saddler, age 27, lodging in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, says born, Taunton, Devon. (Taunton is actually in Somerset).
Seems like William is a good bet for the father of Oliver.
Louise
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hi
yey yippee ...well done Louise on finding the stuff prior to the certs ...
tristi ...now we can search ...
deb
ps ... what's it like in your part of NC , louise?
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On closer inspection in freeBMD both Ellen Parsons & Oliver Ridgway are transcribed for Taunton December 1907. They are transcribed with different reference numbers but looking at the original scans it looks to me as if Ellen's number is correct. I would suggest you don't take my word for this if you plan to order the certificate but take a look for yourself as it is far from distinct.
Good luck,
Louise
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hi ...
marriage
Oliver Ridgway dec q 1907 , Taunton , Somerset ( Vol 5c p 650) he is the only person on the page ...doing cross reference we find :
Ellen Parsons Dec q 1907 Taunton Somerest vol 5c p 659
The marriage cert would show who Ellen' father is and his occupation and how old she was ...
deb ;D
looking at the original ..I would say Oliver's should be page 659 and not 650
snap Louise ;D
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Hi
1841
burlescombe
William RIDGWAY 25 ag lab
Elizabeth " 30
Elizabeth " 8
SAMUEL " 3..granddad of Oliver, gr granddad of Evelyn
Jonn " 1
all born in county
deb
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hi again
The only marriage of a Samuel Ridgway to a Jane is this :
Bridgewater, Somerset
June q 1861
Jane Thorne
Vol 5c p 666
these would be Oliver's Grandparents ...
deb
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I was wondering if Evelyn ridgway had any siblings ... unfortunately I cannot see any with the mother's maiden name as Parsons... I did however spot this child;
Olive Ridgway Dec q 1909 Taunton , Somerset
maybe named after Oliver ?
deb
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Hi again
I have looked on IGI for a marriage of William Ridgway to an Elizabeth and also for their childrens christenings ... can't see anything ... I have looked in Devon and Somerset ...
will keep on looking
deb ;D
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Thanks for doing this...I'm busy trying to sort this out with my mother to figure out who is who. Will let you know what we think soon...thanks so much
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For those interested...
I've started a blog describing the story behind this search, as it unfolds day-by-day.
I'm hoping it will be like a web version of "Who do you think you are?", except much slower and where I don't have the advantage of professional researchers at my fingertips and I don't get to travel to ancestral locations.
Here's the URL:
http://missingevelyn.wordpress.com/
I'd love to see you there. Cheers, Tristi
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Hi tristi
Thanks for your link ...you have done a great job!
you had mentioned that you had seen a ships passenger list with Ellen Ridgway and Evelyn . Ellen was 32 in 1914.
I have found this Ellen Parsons who could possibly be Evelyn's Mother.
1901
Bathpool, west Monkton, Taunton, Somerset
Post Office and shop
George PARSONS head mar 58 House decorator /painter
Flora wife 56
ELLEN dau single 20 seamstress ...so b c 1881..which fits with the passenger list
Herbert son 16 postman
all born west Monkton
RG13/2274 fol 91 p 6
Oliver Ridgway was also living in west Monkton at this time with his granfather , Samuel
RG13/2275 fol 15 p 2
obviously, only the marriage cert of Ellen to Oliver would confirm this.
deb :)
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I posted a message on the Australian Board asking for somebody to look up Oliver's Birth.
Here's what happened:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,296416.0.html
Summary: Oliver was born in Launceston in 1885 to William Ridgeway and Sarah Rossiter - notice the 'e' in Ridgeway. No siblings registered. No one from that family died in Tasmania. I think it may be the correct Oliver.
Now I think I know where Oliver was born and married. Now to figure out where he died...
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Hi Tristi,
Just read your message and googled hobart ridgeway, and was interested to see that there is a place just south of Hobart called Ridgeway. I guess it could be named for a geographic feature but I wonder if there's any information out there about the origins.
good luck,
Louise
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Hmmm...I don't think the Ridgeways you found are related to my Ridgways.
The town near Hobart would have been named earlier than my Ridgways came out from England (Oliver's father was born in England from memory). Also a number of unrelated Ridgeways were convicts in Tasmania and NSW. The name also turns up amongst Aboriginal people in NSW. Thanks for the help though. It's really nice to know that somebody cares enough to help me out. It's a shame there's no blushing emoticon. Tristi
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Hi tristi
Just finished reading your blog ... It's wonderful ...I have my morning coffee and will start searching some more ...
BTW ...there is a blushing smilie .... :-[ ...it's the one next to the 'tongue' ;D
deb
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Hi tristi
I know that your research is also about finding out who your family are for medical reasons ....so we have to basically follow everyone and try and find their deaths to see where the alhzeimers came from.... quite a job!
anyway .... here is Oliver's parents marriage... by ordering the marriage cert we would also be able to follow the Rossiter line ...
William Ridgway = Sarah Rossiter
Mar q 1883
Taunton.
Vol 5c p 552
will scout around for more info
deb ;D
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okay
Following William Ridgway, b 1863...Oliver's dad...maybe this is where the money part comes in ..and how they were able to travel :-\
1871
Samuel Ridgway head mar 34 b Burliscombe ...ag lab
Jane wife 46 b Asholt Somerset
WILLIAM son 8 B Enmore Somerset
1881
West Monkton, tarpit no. 1, Bathpool
Samuel Ridgway head mar 45 b Burliscombe .... Market gardener renting 2 acres
Jane wife 56 b Asholt ...she is much older than him :-\
William son 18 apprentice Carpenting
1891
West Monkton
Tanyard, bathpool
Samuel Ridgway head mar 52 b Burliscombe ... Pig/cattle dealer and market gardener
Jane wife 66
death :
Jane RIDGWAY aged 72 ( b c 1825)
died Dec q 1897
Taunton, Somerset
Vol 5c p 217
Wonder what she died from.
Also maybe Samuel had the money for William to be able to travel !!
deb :)
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Hi
Just found a Sarah ROSSITER, b 1865 West Monkton, living with her family at No. 1 Harmony Row, Bathpool, W Monkton, in 1881
There are '9 houses' between her and William Ridgway b 1863... her parents are George and Mary, she has quite a few sibs. ;D
deb
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Thanks for that. I'm busy transcribing all that information onto a chart so I can see where the gaps are and what's worth going on with. Have a look on the blog if you'd like to see it. To be posted today.
I guess I'm trying to figure out where William is in 1891 & 1901 (I suspect he dies in Australia) - we know he's in TAS for oliver's birth in 1885.
It looks like all the other Ridgways from Samuel on stayed in roughly the same area, so it shouldn't be that hard to keep looking there.
I'm going to concentrate on finding the Ridgway side of the family first. Specifically finding where Oliver and William died. I will order William and Sarah's wedding cert. when I can. I will also order Oliver and Ellen's marriage cert. in order to find Evelyn's siblings. My best bet at finding living relatives will be to find Evelyn's sibling's children.
It's interesting that I'm trying to find these people for medical reasons, and we haven't found enough deaths to order a single certificate and find answers.
http://missingevelyn.wordpress.com
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Hi Tristi
Have read the recent updates on your blog ... Love them !
Another thought .... re; finding living rellies.
In 1901 Oliver is living with his grandfather, Samuel. With them is Samuel's niece Clara Vickery, 35. I have looked back and believe her to be the daughter of Elizabeth Vickery, nee Ridgway Samuel's sister....still need to confirm.
I wonder if the Vickery family could shed some light on the Life of Oliver ? It seems that Oliver and his dad did not have any siblings , so you may have to look further afield . Also maybe following the Parson's family may be a good idea as it was their daughter , Ellen who was the mother of Evelyn.
deb :-\
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Deb, I wondered about the Vickerys too. It's late in Australia, but I think the Vickery on the census would make any contemporaries of Evelyn 2nd cousins???
I don't know whether they would know enough about Evelyn to be able to answer my 2 major questions:
1. Who was Olwyn's father?
2. Is there Alzheimer's in the Ridgway family?
They might be able to answer 2.
I have two 'hunches':
1. Evelyn has at least one sibling. Maybe two. Olwyn may then have surviving cousins.
2. Ellen divorced Oliver and remarried. Olwyn may then have surviving step-cousins
There's no evidence for either of these hunches. Did you ever just get one of those feelings?
I'd like to discount those options first...because I'm a little over-exicited about them (how freaky would it be if my hunches were true!)
I'm also going to keep trying to look for Ellen's father and mother. Unfortunately I can't keep all of this in my head at once, so I'm just doing chunks at the moment and only thinking about the Ridgways first. I'll get to the others later (that's why I'm ordering Ellen & Oliver's marriage certificate), but feel free to work ahead of me...i appreciate any little snippet.
Thanks for all your thoughts. I enjoy working with other people and bouncing ideas around.
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Here's some more pieces for the puzzle:
I found a NSW divorce for Oliver and Ellen Ridgway in 1914. The index says:
Date: 1914
Name: Oliver Ridgway
Respondent name: Ellen Ridgway (the one being sued for divorce)
Corespondent name: William JJ Reader (the person who committed adultery with the one being sued for divorce)
Remarks: Reader or Reeder; Ridgway or Ridgeway
Let's see if we can find William then.
Why? look on the blog http://missingevelyn.wordpress.com
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Hi Tristi
Dont know if this helps. Might be worth looking at.
Found this entry on the Unassisted inward Passenger lists to Victoria 1852 to 1923
http://proarchives.imagineering.com.au/index_search.asp?searchid=23 (http://proarchives.imagineering.com.au/index_search.asp?searchid=23)
Chemnitz 1892, Foreign Port, Fiche 274, page 001
RIDGEWAY Oliver 6
RIDGEWAY Sarah 27
RIDGEWAY Silly 1 (probably mistranscribed)
Cheers Leonie
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That's them. I'm guessing Silly is Sally. I wasn't aware of any siblings. It will be interesting if she survived.
Does it say where the port of departure was?
Thanks heaps.
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Hi Tristi
Sorry I went off line after I posted this. Past my bed time ;)
I don't know what port the ship sailed from but you can view the original passenger list on micro fiche at the Public Records Office in North Melbourne.
If you post on the Australian Board some one might be going there and might look it up for you.
Also have you checked the electoral rolls? Again ask some on the Australian Board to look them up on ancestry.com for you. From the index I can tell that there was an Oliver RIDGWAY in Victoria in the Henty district in 1919 and in the Balaclava district in 1931.
Cheers Leonie :D
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well done Leonie ;D
i haven't been getting replies to this thread :-\ :-X
So Sarah Ridgeway nee Rossiter took the kids back to UK ...where was William ...does it say whether she was a widow. ??
deb
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Hi
The passenger list I found is into Victoria. It could be the family moving from Tasmania to Victoria. ???
There are 2 children born in Victoria to Wm RIDGWAY and Sarah ROSSITER
1889 Elsie born Richmond (rego number 6869)
1889 Elsie died Richmond 11 months (18631)
1893 William Frank born Collingwood.
Death for William RIDGWAY 1895 aged 32 Carl (4771) Father Sam mother Jane THORNE
So when William died in 1895 perhaps Sarah returned to England.
Cheers Leonie
:D
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Leonie ...this is great stuff as I had found this ...
hi again
The only marriage of a Samuel Ridgway to a Jane is this :
Bridgewater, Somerset
June q 1861
Jane Thorne
Vol 5c p 666
these would be Oliver's Grandparents ...
deb
deb ;D
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Leonie
I think you have found a death for Tristi to follow up on .... great stuff!!!
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Hi
That's them. I'm guessing Silly is Sally. I wasn't aware of any siblings. It will be interesting if she survived.
I found a birth in Tasmania for a Lily RIDGWAY birth 24/12/1886 reg Hobart 57/1887 rgd33
father William RIDGWAY and mother Sarah ROSSITER
Age doesn't match with the Silly on the passenger list. ???
Best to get the death certificate for William RIDGWAY in 1895 and hopefully it will list all his children.
Cheers Leonie
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Deb & Leonie, you guys are legends!!!
Thanks for following this through with me too. Sorry I didn't reply earlier, but I haven't been getting the updates for some reason. I just happened to check it to clear something up in my mind.
I'm so glad Oliver has siblings!!! That means Evelyn possibly had Aunts and Uncles that I can use to trace living relatives.
Since Oliver ended up with his Granddad in Bathpool by the 1901 census (thanks Icsnor), I'm assuming his siblings are either still with Sarah Ridgway nee Rossiter and her family somewhere in England. I think she was born in Bathpool too, so sniffing around the Rossiters for the 1901 census might just dig something up.
It's a shame there's no passenger lists available into England between 1895 and 1901 so we can see who Sarah took back to England with her, assuming she went back after Wm snr died.
Speaking of William Ridgway's death, I definitely will order his death certificate:
1. It should list all his children, which will give me avenues to finding living relatives of Evelyn
2. He died at 32. Too young for Alzheimer's :( But I am interested in what he died of so young. Poor little Elsie, only 11 months old.
3. Maybe it will give me clues as to where and what Oliver would do in Victoria, by the time he gets back there in 1919 (thanks Leonie)
Now I'm off to look up the Victorian indexes again with this new siblings info and hopefully I'll get time to update my blog tonight. Thanks again guys.
Tristi
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You may have been wondering why this information hasn't made it onto the blog yet.
No...I'm not slack. (Well yes I am...just not in this case)
Find out why on today's post:
http://missingevelyn.wordpress.com/searching-day-by-day/
618 hits. :D
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Hi Tristi
I am so excited for you and have been waiting for you to se this info ... so glad you checked back ;D I had found this Sarah Rossitter she is living very close to William.
Hi
Just found a Sarah ROSSITER, b 1865 West Monkton, living with her family at No. 1 Harmony Row, Bathpool, W Monkton, in 1881
There are '9 houses' between her and William Ridgway b 1863... her parents are George and Mary, she has quite a few sibs. ;D
deb
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Hi Tristi and Deb,
Interesting about your problems getting updates - I've been having the same problem for several days now. I only know if I check on the thread.
Glad the hunt is going well!
Paulene :)
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My updates have been working tonight. (Thank God...there's a stack of them).
Deb, I did have the info you found about the 1881 census on my chart in my blog (although I hadn't written it in the best possible way). Do you have access to the 1901 census? Can you find Sarah and the kids on that one?
Speaking of the blog. If you read my latest post you'll notice that I have pulled the reins a bit on who's sitting on the branches of the family tree. It's not really my opinion...I think we're definitely on the right track (or I wouldn't be getting so excited). Instead it's my mum who is a congenital pessimist. I'm bowing to pressure, but I'm really going to do a victory dance when we're proved right.
Please don't think that I'm not appreciative of your efforts or that the information we've found is wrong (or that you're wrong by implication). I think you're doing a bonza job. (that's good in aussie speak) ;D
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OK...so I just checked the Victorian BDM indexes, and basically all I did was confirm what Leonie had already found - she must have the same disks as me.
Here's also what I didn't find:
* No marriages for any related Ridgways or Ridgeways for 1889 - 1920
* No 1889 - 1985 deaths for Oliver Ridg(e)way, Evelyn Ridg(e)way, Ellen Ridg(e)way/Parsons, Lily Ridg(e)way, William Frank Ridg(e)way, Sarah Ridg(e)way/Rossiter, Sally Ridg(e)way, Samuel Ridg(e)way. I'm assuming these people died in England (if they're dead), with the exception of Oliver, who I think likely to have died in another Australian state (like NSW)
* No other births to Oliver Ridg(e)way, Ellen Ridg(e)way/Parsons, William Ridg(e)way, Sarah Ridg(e)way/Rossiter other than those previously listed (thanks Louise) for 1889 - 1920.
So...I'm definitely starting the search for living relatives in England.
Now it's time to go to bed before the screen gets too much more blurry.
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Hi Tristi
I have looked in 1901 for Sarah Ridg*way nee Rossitter and her children Lily and William ... can't see them at all ....
will keep on looking , maybe they had not yet returned to England, altho' Oliver is with Granddad Sam in 1901 ...would he have travelled home by himself?
Just need to keep things straight in my head; so William Ridgeway and Sarah Rossiter had;
Oliver b 1886 Tasmania
Lily 1886 Tasmania
Elsie b 1889 d 1889
Silly b 1891
William Frank b 1893
were Oliver and Lily twins ...eeekkk let me reread the thread ...
deb
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Deb,
I have Oliver born 1885 Launceston - But I may have written it down wrong. No, that was another thread that I haven't linked to yet? Hang on, I'll have a go at linking....
maybe Sarah didn't go back to England. Maybe she went back to Tasmania without Oliver (as she didn't die in VIC, and he went to England) ???
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http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,296416.0.html
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tristi
Thanks for that ...I was just going off his age in the censuses ... still no luck in 1901 ...I wonder if Sarah remarried seeing as William died in 1895 ... will have a look around ..
deb
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Hi tristi
I wonder if this is your LILY RIDGWAY
marriage:
Lily Ridgway = Ernest F Gready
June q 1913
Taunton, Devon/Somerset
vol 5c p 550
children;
Hilda M S GREADY
mother's maiden name; RIDGWAY
June q 1820 Taunton
vol 5c p 524
Phyllis M GREADY
Mar q 1922, Taunton
MMN: RIDGEWAY
vol 5c p 454
deb :)
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Now I'm going to think while I write to try and figure this one out.
Lily Ridgway was born in Dec 1886, so that would make her 26, about the right age! (the first time I calculated it I got 16 and got a little shocked :o)
I know I said I was going to concentrate on Oliver...but this is too exciting. Thanks Deb, you're a legend. love your work.
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As for Sarah and the kids...
Oliver ended up in England for the 1901 census, but in Australia there was some big changes happening. This was the time of Federation i.e. Australia became a nation in 1901 and it seems almost all databases pick that point to finish one index and start another.
As you will find in that link I posted above, the wonderful rc volunteers have searched the pre-fed index, but I don't think we've been able to rule out the Sarah and the kids going back to Tasmania post-fed. (although I may have read it wrong).
Gee I hope Lily ended up in England though. I'd really like to write to her living descendants.
This isn't a very informative post, but I tend to think 'out loud' even if that means using my fingertips. Tristi
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I just found another Lillie Ridgway born abt 1894 in Taunton, which would make her nearly 20 if it's her marriage.
It seems this family are chronic name re-cyclers? ??? ::)
I hope it's Oliver's sister, Lily getting married...but I suspect it's the Lillie born above, since we don't have any other evidence of Lily being in England. I'll keep this one in mind, though. I'll keep looking for evidence....
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Another Lily Ridgway born Lancashire 1885 :(
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OK....so I spent hours yesterday on a commercial ancestry site trawling through images of BDM's.
I didn't find a death of an Oliver Ridgway that fitted all the info, but I found:
Oliver T Ridgway 79, died Q2 1965, Northampton, 3a 599
I'm still going to look for his death in Australia
I did find a death of an Ellen Ridgway that fitted all the info, in fact two, but Ellen was a very common name and I'm not sure what to do about that.
I didn't find a death of an Evelyn Ridgway that fitted all the info (at all really), but I did find a marriage that matched the info exactly:
Evelyn Ridgway married Q2, 1936; Hendon; groom's name: ****** 3a 1581
cross-referencing same marriage: Harry J ***** bride's name: Ridgway
Then I found possible children (no other ******'s with maiden name Ridgway):
H***** C born Q 4, 1937 Hammersmith vol 1a 242
T**** L born Q 2, 1944 Hendon 3a 900
What is so exciting to me is that one of the children's names is exactly the same as adopted name of the child Evelyn left in Australia.
What do you think I should do? If anyone can help me either confirm or eliminate this marriage I would be most grateful.
Modification (***** I have deleted the surname of the groom and children in order to protect the privacy of the living relatives I am trying to find and also because I am now aware that RootsChat has a policy of not posting living people's details - please pm me if you would like details)
Cheers, Tristi
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You may allready have this information but thought I would give it to you so it will rule out Oliver T Ridway
He Oliver T ridgway is listed on the 1901 census as being born in Northants, North Hamphton. He is listed with his mother Sarah Ann Ridgway born Northampton a retired fishmonger and his sister lucy born 1876 in Northampshire. interesting names!!!
regards JEnn
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Jenn, thanks for that!!! :D
I spent all of today calculating age at death and comparing it against Oliver's details and then cross-referencing with census records. Either I missed that one or I've mixed up my papers and posted the wrong 'most likely' Oliver. Thanks for covering my back
I will go back and double check. I'm also going to trawl through the records again to check RIDGEWAY (where's the yawn emoticon?) There goes a few more hours... ;D
I am also going to check Tasma & Heather's possible marriages, births and deaths while I'm at it. Based on how long it took me to get this far, I don't think I'll be finished until Tuesday.
Who thinks it's looking more and more likely that Oliver ended up in Australia? He's not in VIC or NSW. I think I'll drive down the the FHC this weekend and see if I can search the death indexes for the other states.
Cheers, Tristi
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After a weekend searching the Bairnsdale Family History Group resources, I was able to eliminate VIC, NSW & SA as locations for Oliver Ridgway's death. (And possibly England)
I will look at microfiche records to eliminate WA & QLD when i get the time.
Unfortunately, I will be unable to eliminate NT or TAS, as I've been told that these records don't exist for 1932 - 1970. (Please correct me if I've been told the wrong thing)
Surely Oliver Ridgway didn't disappear into thin air?
I may have found Evelyn though...hopefully
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My maternal grandmother was a Ridgway born in Cheshire BUT every time I see this post I look at it. Useless information but I am interested in the story.
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OK...so I think I found Evelyn's family (look on the blog -link below- for details).
Evelyn's family seems to be interested in their family history, as they know very little about it. (One member could not remember Evelyn's father or mother's name).
I have promised I would keep researching the family tree and send it to them. I intend to do this using that commercial trial subscription. I already have an ancestral chart up to Evelyn's ggrandparents on the Ridgway side (thanks to you generous people) - now I need to find the Thornes and Rossiters and fill in the gaps. If you feel like helping...I'm going to keep posting everything I know in this thread. But not tonight...too tired. See you tomorrow.
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After another phone call, I have established that the person on the other end is indeed my great aunt (however she doesn't know it yet - I am going to tell her in a letter, as explained in my blog).
I'm really excited about this, and I'm looking forward to completing as much of my family tree before the subscription runs out on Tuesday. I'll then send it in the letter to my great aunt after that.
Tomorrow I will post everything I find, and if you can help me....I would really appreciate it. I'm still a beginner at this
cheers, Tristi
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Hi Tristi :)
I have been keeping up with your blog ... it is wonderful .... I almost cried at your last entry ... I am sure this was all meant to be , although I know you must be feeling anxious. We are all hoping that this turns out to be a new and exciting beginning for both sides of the family!
If you need any help ... we are here . Just post the details and we will start searching.
deb :)
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Ok, so here's the direct line ancestors for Evelyn Ridgway, as far as her great grandparents (my gggggrandparents). I'm quite proud of how far we've come...me as a beginner with all your wonderful help.
Evelyn Ridgway b 15/12/1910 Taunton Somerset
her parents:
Oliver Ridgway b 1885 Launceston Tasmania m 18/12/1907 West Monkton (have marriage cert), Somerset d 1966 NZ profession: carpenter, gardener
Ellen Parsons b1881 Taunton Somerset d ???? Profession: Seamstress
Oliver's parents, Evelyn's paternal grandparents:
William Ridgway b1863 Bridgwater Somerset m 1883 Taunton Somerset d 1895 Carlton Victoria (32 years) Profession: carpenter [have death certificate]
Sarah Rossiter b1865 Taunton Somerset d???? Profession: Field worker
Ellen's parents, Evelyn's maternal grandparents:
George Parsons b1843 Taunton Somerset m1865 Taunton Somerset d??? still alive in 1907 for Ellen's marriage Profession: House Painter
Flora Hurford b1845 Taunton Somerset d??? Profession: Dressmaker
Family had the West Monkton Post office and grocers on Taunton Rd in 1891 and 1901 census
William's parents, Oliver's paternal grandparents, Evelyn's ggrandparents:
Samuel Ridway b abt1835 Burliscombe Devon m1861 Bridgwater Somerset d1901 Taunton, Somerset (death cert ordered) Profession: market gardener
Jane Thorne b abt1825 Aisholt Somerset d1897 Taunton Somerset (death cert ordered)
Sarah's parents, Oliver's maternal grandparents, Evelyn's ggrandparents:
George Rossiter b abt1823 Isle Abotts, Somerset m 1839 d 1891 Taunton, Somerset (death cert ordered) Profession: Farm Labourer
Mary Parker b abt1836 Staple Fitzpaire, Somerset d???
George Parson's parents, Ellen's paternal grandparents, Evelyn's ggrandparents:
Abraham Parsons b abt 1806 Kingston, Somerset m??? d 1877 Profession: Labourer
Charlotte Crocker b abt 1801 Taunton Somerset d 1884
Still to confirm connection therefore haven't ordered any certs.
Flora's parents, Ellen's maternal grandparents, Evelyn's ggrandparents:
James Batten (possibly step father as born out of wedlock) b abt1826 m 1851 d ??? Labourer
Mary Ann Hurford b abt 1826 d???
Flora's maternal grandparents, Ellen's ggrandparents, Evelyn's ggggrandparents:
Richard Hurford b abt 1789 m??? d1862
Ann b abt1791 d???
George's and Flora's parents and grandparents are a little shaky in confirming the relationships (so many kids in the census with few certs) - whether James is really Flora's father is yet to be determined.
And now I've reached the limits of what I can do...I'm stuck.
I'd really like to know what happened to Sarah Ridgway (Rossiter) and Ellen Ridgway (Parsons). I think Sarah may have either died in Australia or remarried. There is some talk of Ellen ending up in a mental institution, as her husband remarried.
Also, finding the deaths of George, Flora & Mary Ann Hurford; Mary Parker and Sarah Ridgway (Rossiter) would be good to help connect to the previous generation and to see if Alzheimer's is a factor.
If you can offer any suggestions on where to go next would be much appreciated. Cheers, Tristi
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Did Ellen and Oliver divorce after all?
regardsJenn
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Have you seen this death
ELLEN RIDGEWAY died 1940 in NSW fathe Thomas mother Martha at Marrickville
no good wrong parents
regards JEnn
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The divorce we found of Oliver and Ellen Ridgway in NSW didn't seem to be related.
William JJ Reader's (corespondent) war records said his wife's maiden name was Lambert - even though the date range for their births etc were consistent.
So we have two options:
1) Not related couple
2) Ellen lied about her maiden name when she remarried (but I think we found a birth of an Ellen Lambert too...so maybe this option is null and void)
For Oliver to have remarried he would have either:
1) had a dead wife
2) had a divorced wife or
3) was a bigamist (cool...more skeletons)
I only know about Ellen ending up in a mental hospital (don't know where), from talking to a family member.
(thanks for your continuing interest by the way) ;D
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Did you or anyone else actually have a look at the divorce records by any chance?
regards JEnn
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No.
Records were kept in NSW so a bit far away to look at in person.
It would cost $45 to get a photocopy - I considered this a bit rich if they weren't the right Ellen and Oliver.
Somebody suggested a transcription agent...I'm still trying to find the thread where I had that chat - sorry if I don't remember who...and I considered it until we discovered the war records with the different maiden name.
I still have a gut feeling that it maybe the right divorce.
If I could find records of Ellen in a mental institution then there may be clues to whether there was a divorce.
It's a mystery.... ???
PS I just published a post on my blog if you're interested
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Hi Tristi and everyone
So glad we are on the hunt again. It seems as though someone has been investigating the Parson's side as there is a whole lot of Submitted entries on IGI.
christening;
GEORGE PARSONS s/o Abraham and Charlotte
born abt 1843 West Monkton
Married Flora Hurford
marriage ;
Abraham Parsons = Charlotte Crocken 1803, West monkton
In 1841
West monkton
Abraham Parsons 50 ag lab b Kingston
Charlotte wife 50 b Taunton
Abraham son 22lab b WM
Charlotte dau 18 dressmaker b EM
Elizabeth dau 16 b WM
\Isaac 11 b WM
George 6 or 8 hard to see, b WM
in 1861 Abraham and Charlotte are still together , living at 2 Heathfield Leach Cottages ...no children with them
I can't see George in 1861 :-\
have you ordered George Parson's = Flora Hurford, marriage cert ... at least then we would definitely have his dad's name ...
deb
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Hi Tristi
Just read your updated blog ....
You mention a daughter Sarah who supposedly died ...could this Sarah have been "Silly Ridgway" who was with Sarah , see below. I will recheck the 1901 UK for you ....
Found this entry on the Unassisted inward Passenger lists to Victoria 1852 to 1923
http://proarchives.imagineering.com.au/index_search.asp?searchid=23 (http://proarchives.imagineering.com.au/index_search.asp?searchid=23)
Chemnitz 1892, Foreign Port, Fiche 274, page 001
RIDGEWAY Oliver 6
RIDGEWAY Sarah 27
RIDGEWAY Silly 1 (probably mistranscribed)
Cheers Leonie
deb
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That's the right Parson's I think.
Is 1803 too early to order a marriage certificate?
I can't find George in 1861 either.
Now that I have Ellen's marriage certificate, and I can confirm George as her father, I will order his death certificate next week. I can't find Flora's death though.
I haven't ordered George & Flora's marriage cert yet. It should also give me Flora's dad's name - I hope it's not Batten, because i suspect her father is somebody else. That cert may have to wait until the week after next. Death certificates are more important at the moment.
As for Flora, Mum found a christening for Flora Herford - so maybe there's another 'e' variant.
Perhaps 'Sarah' is 'Silly' - but I think it's more likely to be Lilly. Old 's's look a lot like an curly L. I think the informant accidentally put Sarah in the wrong column. There's certainly no mention of a child 'sarah' on William Frank's birth certificate, and he was supposed to be the last born child. (unless Sarah was born after him - but there's no record of a sarah born in victoria)
Thanks for helping, Tristi
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Hi Tristi
eekkkk On IGI a submitted entry;
Flora Hurford
christened; 2 may 1847
d/o James Batten and Mary Ann Hurford
deb
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Hello there
With regards to to the Divorce records for Oliver Ridgeway and Ellen Ridgeway and William J Reader named as the co-respondent.
Yes the marriage certificate attached says Ellen LAMBERT born 1884 however, your Ellen seems to have been very liberal with the truth, not meaning any offense.
Has she married in England returned to Australia and been found out and Oliver Ridgeway has divorced her. It is an assumtion but I do feel it cannot be overlooked, the divorce papers may reveal an awfull lot.
I believe I gave you a link to a transcription agent (reply 35 on your Whatever happed to evelyn thread ;D)and also told you that I had hoped one of our fellow rootschatters might be able to get into the Sydney Records Office and get a copy of the divorce papers. As this kind soul hasn't done that as yet would indicate that she not doubt has not the time or means to get into Sydney to take a look for you.
kind regards Jenn
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Dear Jenn,
Thank you so much for reminding me that it was you who told me about the transcription agent, and the rootschatter who may be kind enough to look it up for me. I've done so much research in the last few weeks I've been getting into a muddle regularly and I can't find anything. I hope you're not offended...that's the last thing I want to do as everyone has been so kind to me. I do tend to come off a bit abrupt - particularly when i have limited time to make adequate replies.
I promise that I'm not going to overlook the divorce. I still have a hunch that I'll be able to connect it somewhere. Keep reminding me it's there and we'll get around to it sooner or later. Since its such a long shot, I would rather not waste the time of the wonderful rootschat volunteers checking for me (but how thrilling would it be if it turned out to be the right divorce - I think my head would explode)
Also, Ellen and the other Ridgways do seem to be liberal with the truth. In fact, I think it may be a family trait ;D ;) particularly if the truth is getting in the way of a good story.
Ellen and Evelyn came out to Sydney in 1914 (the same year as the divorce), and Evelyn's sister was left at home in England. There's got to be a reason why. (I know she died, but I don't know when). Evelyn was so young...I wonder if her father told her that her mother ended up in a mental institution instead of re-marrying. Although...there is a bit of a family history of shaky mental health.
I wonder what the collective noun is for a group of skeletons in the closet. My family seems to have so many of them :D
gotta go...baby awake. Tristi
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Hello there
no no offense taken.
It is a bit awkard cause you have a couple of threads going at the same time on Ridgeway so it gets a bit confusing ;)
regards Jenn
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Hi Tristi
I found this site this morning ...it has wonderful photos from the 1800's -1900's ...some of them are of the Market place (circa 1886-1920's) where I am sure your Samuel Ridgway may have sold his veggies ;D
I was trying to find an old picture of the post office where yourt rellies used to live ...no luck with that so far.
here is the link;
eeekkkkk , can't post it ...will send you PM
deb ;D
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Sarah's parents, Oliver's maternal grandparents, Evelyn's ggrandparents:
George Rossiter b abt1823 Isle Abotts, Somerset m 1839 d 1891 Taunton, Somerset (death cert ordered) Profession: Farm Labourer
Mary Parker b abt1836 Staple Fitzpaire, Somerset d???
hi Tristi
I wonder if we should try to find Sarah's siblings and see when they died ....they may hold clues re; Alzheimers
In 1891 George Rossiter as this under occupation; "ill infirmity, parochial relief" :'(
mary is still alive in 1901 ...no luck for a death for her :-\
deb
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Deb, thanks for the pm of the link. I did find a photo of the West Monkton Post Office where the Parsons were in 1901. West Monkton has it's own website, and the post office is threatened with closure :'(. so sad.
I also found a Tanpitts farm that is now a camp park and cider farm. The owners have a very similar name to one that came up when I talked to that long-lost family member from NZ. I am going to write a Snail - Mail letter to them.
I do have a list of Sarah's siblings:
James Rossiter b1859
Eliza Rossiter b1861
George Jnr Rossiter b1863 m Jane (possible Hurford), his children Emily Rossiter b1889 Oliver W Rossiterb1891
Emma/Emily Rossiter b1868
Frances/Frank Rossiter b1871
John Rossiter b1874
Ellen Rossiter b1876
Alice Rossiter b1880
I have ordered George Rossiter's Snrs death cert, as I knew when and where he died and because of the whole 'infirm' thing.
Last night I found some online parish registers and found George Snr's christening:
George Rossiter Christened 24th Sept 1822 father George Rossiter (labourer) mother Sarah Dower Isle Abbotts. He also had siblings:
Ann Rossiter 1820
James Rossiter 1821
Charlotte Rossiter 1826.
Maybe Sarah ended up with an aunt or uncle in 1901? (If she wasn't already dead) I will try to follow all those names up when I get a chance.
At the moment I'm researching the Somerset and Wells Lunatic Asylum, as it is the closest Asylum to West Monkton...and maybe where Ellen Ridgway ended up. There is some information that the 'lunatics' included dementia patients.
I just don't seem to have the time to do everything at once! Funny that! ;)
Thanks for you're help Deb, You're a legend.
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Hi Tristi
Trying to fill in some gaps for you ...have had no luck with deaths :-\
In 1901 John Rossiter b 1874 West Monton is mar and living with his wife Isabel A.
here is their marriage;
John Rossiter = Isabella Alice Singleton
Sept q 1900, Taunton
~~~~~~~~----
This is a possible for Alice Rossiter b 1880 (she had a middle initial D in the censuses ...birth reg ... Alice Delia Rossiter, sept 1879 taunton 5c 352)
Alice Delia Rossiter to either William james Brooks or Ernest William BlackmoreJune q 1901, Taunton 5c 561
then these births:
Ernect C Blackmore june q 1813 Taunton MMN= ROSSITER
Ronald F Blackmore June q 1916 Taunton MMN= ROSSITER
deb ;D
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Just found this conversation - hello everyone!
I had Oliver in my tree already - tho' knew nothing about what a fascinsating life he seems to have led!
Anyway, just to introduce myself.I am descended from Samuel's uncle Thomas Ridgway (1806 - 1872).
Sam's dad was William (1815 - ?) and he and brother Thomas were 2 of 10 kids born to Jacob Ridgway and Jane Bray.
I have a vast Ridg(e)way tree which seems to originate in north Devon and meanders into Somerset and into South Wales.
Am happy to share info if you'd like.
Anyway - good luck with your hunt.
Best wishes
Stessy
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Hello there Tristi
Just an observation... is it possible that Willian and Sarah had divorced? Did she go to New Zealand perhaps that is why Oliver ended up there? Just rambling thoughts
regards Jenn
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Stessy. To excited to say much except there's a personal mail on the way. ;D
Jenn...I have discovered that Sarah and William didn't divorce, but Sarah remarried Henry John Pring in 1897.
Sarah, Henry John and Lily Ridgway Pring were all living in Gloucester in 1901 - but were mistranscribed as Bring and Lily was said to have been born in Qasmania, Hobart. That's why we couldn't find them.
Now I am busy looking for deaths of Sarah Pring and Lily's marriage. Unfortunately there's about a million of them.
Perhaps I'll find Mary Rossiter with them.
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This looks like Frank Rossiter...
1901 - RG13 Piece 2322 Folio 80 Page 23
Boarder with the 'Burge' family
looks likely Marriage Jun 1902
Burge Elizabeth Mary A Axbridge 5c 909
Dade Georgina Augusta Axbridge 5c 909
Rossiter Frank Axbridge 5c 909
Thomas Frank Axbridge 5c 909
Cas
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Good work with the Rossiters Deb & Cas!
I must admit, Rossiter is such a common name that it makes my eyes go like this :o every time I look for them. You guys are so much better at it than me.
Right now I am trawling through 'Rossiter' death images past 1920 to try and find Mary Rossiter. (I think it may be a lost cause)
She wasn't with her daughter Sarah in the 1901 census, so every other Rossiter you find brings me one step closer to Mary (I think). I really want to find her death so I can order her death certificate. I got her husband's already. He died of Cystitis - Natural decay. No Alzheimer's there.
Thanks for the continuing interest. Back to the eye popping :P
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Hey Deb,
If I'm descended from Jane Bray, and you have Brays in your family tree...we could be related too!
Wouldn't it be weird if you found out you were helping a very long lost cousin?
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Hi tristi
My Brays come from north Devon too!! :o at the moment the furthest back I have gone is William Bray b c 1813 , Hatherleigh.
My gg grandmother Elizabeth Bray (1853) married William Henry Adams.
will investigate ;D
deb
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Hi tristiw, just read your blog, Mary is still alive in West Monkton in 1901 with daughter Alice, as Debs mentioned in previous post.
Cannot locate her death, but she could have gone to live with any of her children, as you suggested. Also son James married Louisa Parsons, and is in 1891 / 1901 with his family.
1901 for Mary - RG13 Piece: 2275 Folio 6 Page 3
Cas
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Cas & Deb,
sorry about that. I either didn't write it down or I haven't printed off the updated gedcom file for Mary.
As for James marrying a Parsons... :o, that means Oliver's uncle married his wife's sister! I guess West Monkton was a very small place. I hate to think what that means for a diminished gene pool. :-\ ;)
I think I've got to the stage where I'm going to have to investigate the whole Parsons and Rossiter households to find where Mary ended up. The good news is that maybe I'll come across Ellen Ridgway (nee Parsons) in the mix. I'm also missing the deaths of George & Flora Parsons (Ellen's parents). I might spend some time double checking I've had all the information entered into Gedcom files and printing off the most recent copy though. Might take a while.
Thanks for your help guys.
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From Deb's reply #78,
I searched for children born after 1900 with last name Rossiter mmn Singleton.
I found:
Evelyn Rossiter b1912 d1912
Isabella Rossiter b1913
Ellen Rossiter b1915
Emily b1917
Ivy b1919
And then the records seem to run out
All born in Neath, Breconshire, Glamorgan (Wales)
So I searched for Rossiter deaths after 1900 in Neath, Breconshire, Glamorgan - and all I found was Evelyn. I didn't find any parents, nor did I find Mary Rossiter. She must be somewhere else.
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And from Cas's reply #82:
Looked for Rossiter births mmn Burge:
Olive G Rossiter b 1912 Bridgwater just down the road from West Monkton
I'm really looking for somewhere other than that parish for Mary Rossiter's children, so I can narrow down my list of dead Mary Rossiter's that were born around 1838 (or 1836 or 1837 depending on which census you look at)
I'll keep looking
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I don't think it is the sister of Ellen that married James Rossiter. Louisa is 4yrs in 1881, his marriage was 1885. Louisa sister of Ellen married Fred Oaten in 1900
These look possibles
Deaths Mar 1916 Parsons George 65 Taunton 5c 428 (age is a few years out for age in 1901, so may not be yours)
Deaths Mar 1922 Parsons Flora 77 Taunton 5c 457
It would be useful to check MI's for West Monkton, this link states it has the approx 900 MI's for the area, it is pay to view but only a small amount per record, at least you can hopefully pinpoint your folk before you buy death certs.
http://www.familyhistoryonline.net/database/SDFHSMIfull.shtml
http://www.familyhistoryonline.net/database/index.shtml#SOM
Also Somerset Record Office hold details of burials
www.somerset.gov.uk/archives/ASP/parish.asp?Parish=West+Monkton
You could contact them direct or post on the Somerset board, with a link to this thread, and ask if anyone is visiting the record office. There are also some look up offers (Taunton cemeteries) and resources on that board, worth checking, if you already have not.
Also post 1901 you could look at obituaries and wills to see if Ellen is mentioned. Possibly George or Flora have newspaper obits, are in the directories, or did wills if they ran the post office. The Library below has a email link and has a collection of newspapers & directories. If there are wills to be had at Nat Archives, Deb is a whiz at finding them...
The Somerset Studies Library is based at Taunton Library. It is a public reference library which holds a variety of local history material including books, journals, maps and illustrations. The Somerset Studies Library also offers a local family history research service.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/03gd/ Click 'contacts' at the bottom of service info, for email addie
Just a few possibles, good luck
Cas
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Cas,
Yeah...I didn't check the dates when I jumped to the conclusion about Louisa & James. ::) I just like quirky coincidences.
Where did you find George & Flora's deaths? I have been looking and looking. Perhaps I was going off dodgy birth years from one of the censuses, without checking them - and then discounting the entry???
But they died in Taunton - so you'd think I'd jump to that conclusion too.
I'm going to order the death certificates anyway - I have so few to work from. (It's a shame they don't include parents names like they do in Australia).
The monumental inscriptions sound good. West Monkton only goes to mid 1800's - which may be good for finding Parsons and Hurfords - but before Ridgway times. I looked at the link you sent, Cas, and it looked like I would have to buy CD ROM indexes. Is that right? added half an hour later: Strike that...I think I figured it out. I'll have a look tomorrow.
I have looked through the Somerset board and thought about posting requests for a lookup at the Records Office - but I don't want to ask somebody to do that for me until I have exhausted all avenues. However, I wasn't so bashful about asking somebody to go look at St. Augustine's cemetery in West Monkton (I do cemetery lookups for Far East Victoria). I sent a pm a while ago, but haven't heard back. Perhaps it's an inactive member.
I didn't know about the Somerset Studies Library - so I will definitely have a look at obits for George or Flora. I don't know whether any of the other family members would have obits.
Thanks for getting my back, and picking up the pieces I leave behind.
Cheers, Tristi
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No....it states Other related information is available on CD-ROM (for MS-Windows) and microfiche from the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society, web site www.sdfhs.org.
Familyhistoryonline is a pay to view (it used to be a few pence per record, not sure what the cost is now, but could not have gone up much) You register, and you can search for free (or it used to be, have not used it for a while) you then pay to view the record, if you want.
Deaths for the Parsons are on Freebmd, It just searched 'Parsons' deaths, Taunton, after 1901, no first name. Rechecked with a phonetic search, incase of mistranscriptions, but nothing else came up....
There was only one other George, from 1901 to present with records they have there, but it is not complete...but don't think he is yours... Only one came up for Flora
Deaths Mar 1905 Parsons Farmer George 66 Taunton 5c 245
Cas
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Hi
I have just found a petition for divorce between George Parsons and Flora Selina Parsons dated 1908. George is the petitioner, Co-respondent is Edward Dyers.
Is this a coincidence ? I rechecked 1901 using Flora Parsons , spouse George ..no dates or places and yours are the only couple with those names. Although , of course this divorce may belong to another George and Flora who married after 1901.
deb
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Hi Deb Don't think it is related....
Marriages Sep 1894
Machin Emilie Jane Aston 6d 368
Parsons George Aston 6d 368
Rigby Alfred Briscall Aston 6d 368
Simmons Flora Selina Aston 6d 368
Cas
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Good find Cas!!!!! ;D
Can't see any wills on NA for them :-\ will keep looking
deb
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Cas,
thank you so much for sending me that link to the pay-per-view site of monumental inscriptions. It has become my new best friend.
I found inscriptions for Mary Rossiter, who is buried with her daughter Alice (and was just one image further on than I had searched when I was trawling through death registers).
I also found Sarah Pring formerly Ridgway formerly Rossiter, who is buried with her second husband.
Now I'm going to order their death certificates instead of the Parsons, who I couldn't pin down in the monumental inscriptions or burials. There's about a million of those too. And they called their kids similar names.
I'll keep looking for the Parsons' before I commit myself.
I also searched for Ellen Ridgway and didn't find a burial or inscription. I think she's going to be a mystery for a while.
And now I'm going to put a smiley face in at the request of my 4 yo son Lokan: :P
Thanks for your help, Tristi
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Glad the link proved worthwhile.... (a smillie for Lokan ;) )
I think the death ref for Flora Parsons is the correct one, as age fits. Also when Oliver & Ellen married, George was not stated deceased - although unless he signed as witness, he could have been :-\
Don't think they would have moved out of the area, having been there throughout census, another possible is electrol info for the post office, or directories as mentioned.....but am sure you will find out about them eventually....it is amazing what you have found in the last few short months.... :o
Also the info that Sarah Pring died in the area, there is also a good possible that Lily married in the area, so the 'Gready' marriage Deb found could very well be her.
Would also love to know what 'happened' to Ellen. Did you get around to the divorce papers? Do you think the W JJ Reader is the same guy mentioned in divorce, is the same as that who married a Ellen Lambert in 1924. If so...looks like they did not end up together...just a bit of spec.
If you do find any connection to Ellen having mental health probs..I would investigate the 100 yr rule, as I know in some circumstances people have got around it...see link
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=6adb08cd967060451c3b480a6613d958&topic=302020.msg1849579
Cas
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I think it's the right Flora Parsons too. But I'm still going to order Sarah & Mary's death certificates first so as not to blow the budget.
I don't think George was deceased in 1907, as it stated that William was deceased at Oliver and Ellen's marriage - so if George was dead, logically he would also be 'deceased' on the certificate. I think Ellen's brother Herbert was witness from memory.
As for Lily, I looked up Lily Gready on MI's, and it said: Lily Gready died 13 April 1969, aged 82, St Augustine West Monkton. (recorded accidentally) - that would make her born in 1887. However, Lily Ridgway's birth was on Christmas eve 1886, making her 82 on the 13 April 1969. So...I think we have the right Lily. I think it's interesting her monument was recorded accidentally...there must have been some sort of rule of thumb for this index saying that monuments after a certain time shouldn't be put on the internet but this one was done accidentally. There's been a lot of 'accidents' and 'coincidences' in this search. I'm taking them all as a huge sign to keep searching.
Ellen Ridgway is going to be the big mystery...I can just tell. A wonderful RootsChatter ordered the divorce records from the NSW records office for me as a tribute to a critically ill rootschatter who did the same for her when she started. I'd love to mention her name to give her the credit she deserves (I'd also like to send her the $$), but I don't know how she'd feel about that, so I'm going to just say that I'm eternally grateful.
Thanks for the link re 100 year rule. I wonder if I'll need it? Ellen really is a mystery
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Hi
1841
burlescombe
William RIDGWAY 25 ag lab
Elizabeth " 30
Elizabeth " 8
SAMUEL " 3..granddad of Oliver, gr granddad of Evelyn
Jonn " 1
all born in county
deb
Remember this from way back in the beginning?
My mum has been waiting for another source to confirm that this is the 'correct' family. And it is. ;D.
The Ridgways from this generation seem to have kept in touch a fair bit...so mum & I are now going to look at Samuel's siblings and where they ended up. I'm going to look for William and Elizabeth's deaths first.
Also, from the previous posts. I think I can now say for Certain that it is Flora's death. I've checked census records for all the Flora Parsons and I've even been able to satisfy my mum (despite the ages not matching 100% all the time). I will order the death cert when the Rossiter's ones arrive. Still looking for Charlotte Parsons' death and George Parsons. Have narrowed it down to two possibles each.
Cheers, Tristi
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For those people still following:
If you've read the comments on my blog, you'll know that Sarah Pring's great-granddaughter has contacted me, in addition to Lily Gready's grandson (yes, Deb was right again.)
I've sent them both emails and I'm almost jumping out of my skin to talk to them. If they send me a phone number I'm going to call trans-continental to England.
I'm really hoping they will have some clues as to what 'happened' to some of the family, and they still live around West Monkton, so maybe they even know what 'happened' to George Parsons or Ellen Ridgway.
Very excited. Cheers, Tristi
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Tristi
I am sooooo excited for you! I keep up with your blog on a regular basis ...your latest update is wonderful!
Hopefully, you will get all the info you have waited for, for so long. BTW... have you heard from the lady (your aunt) , to whom you sent all the documentation?
deb :)
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Did not get any updates for this thread to my email, spotted Deb's reply...
Am well chuffed for you Tristi, :) You and yours must be over the moon with the latest connections!
Like Deb, would also like to know if your Aunt's are still in touch? Sorry if we are being nosy, but have followed as it unfolded.
Best wishes
Cas
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I haven't heard from my aunt to date. I have decided to ring her this weekend just to find out whether she got the letter I sent. However, I won't post the outcome of it on my blog until Tuesday, as it is a long weekend in Australia and my family is going away.
I am also getting up at 5am tomorrow morning to talk to my long-lost cousins in England. I might get time to post about that one before we go away - but I doubt it.
Right now I'm writing out a list of questions to ask them...I hope I don't come on too strong for them :-\
I'm glad you're still interested in the story. Cheers, Tristi
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Tristi
We are so involved in your family that it feels like we are living vicariously through you!
We are all so happy for you. Just the fact that you can say "that you need to call your AUNT" makes this a super duper thread. When you started you had no idea of where this would lead you ! You had only just found out about this 'other family'. You had been lead to believe that you knew everyone and everything about your life!
You were impatient , as we all are, to receive the birth cert .... now you have aunts and cousins ...how absolutely fabulous and wonderful!!!
I commend you and admire your willingness to go out on a limb (so to speak) and delve into something that was going to stay hidden forever!
much luck and good fortune always
deb :)
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Hello there All
well now I received a copy today of the Divorce records for OLIVER RIDGEWAY AND ELLEN RIDGEWAY
Now the gist of it. dated 21/12/1914
Oliver Ridgway lived at Fegan Street West Wallsend NSW
and the corespondent William J J Reader at 116 Upper Fort Street sydney.
1. Oliver Ridgeway the petitioner married to Ellen Parsons on the 25th December 1907 at West Monckton near Taunton Somersetshire England
2. children at the time of the divorce Olive four years and eleven months and Evelyn three years and eleven months
3. I am a native of Hobart Tasmania living in NSW
4. I beleive that the respondent is a native of Bathpool Taunton Somersetshire England
the next bit deals with the adultery which I will leave out for the moment
Oliver also asked for the permanent custody of both children
Now when I received the divorce records today the transcriber's attached letter said it was the smallest divorce file I have come across usually they are much bigger and have lots of more interesting items.
So now what does everyon think is it the Right Oliver Ridgway and wife?
One would have to think it just might be. (Hooray)
kind regards Jenn
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Jenn,
you are a legend!!! ;D
I feel so ashamed that I dragged my feet on ordering the divorce records myself now. :-[
This is definitely the right Oliver and Ellen. West Monkton is quite a small place and I have a copy of Ellen and Oliver's marriage registration to confirm the details.
These records also confirm that Olive was Evelyn's sister (who died at 28 in Taunton of pneumonia, and is buried 'on the mount' in West Monkton).
Can't wait to hear the juicy adultery details (my family is better than a Mills & Boon ;)) and a PM is coming your way soon.
Just an aside, in the past couple of days I have talked to my great aunt in NZ and cousins in West Monkton. My grandmother's adoption was a surprise to them, but none of them are upset and some even seem a little excited about it. I will write a few posts in my blog over the next couple of days once i have sorted through the huge backlog of email and work I need to do, since i went away for the Queen's birthday long weekend.
Jenn, how can I repay you?
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Only happy to help out
So now we know what happened to Oliver and Ellen.
But your journey still goes on for Ellen. Did she marry William JJ reader or not.?
kind regards Jenn
have pm the not so juicy divorce bits ;)
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Fantastic....Jenn, Tristi
This story (family history) was like it was just waiting for Tristi to unfold, with a little help from her cyber friends, :) And perhaps beyond with all the coincidences etc, that have happened :o
Read the latest blog....I am sooo glad about the positivity from your newfound family Tristi...
How wonderful Jenn...for you to do this for her, Rootschat is a wonderful community, so glad I can surf cyberspace with people like you :) :) :)
Awww.... sorry we cannot get to know the 'Juicy bits' but no matter.
Best Wishes
Cas
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Hi
Don't know if you've got anywhere with Sam's siblings - thought I'd offer what I've found in the past - you should probably check it tho' - as it's all quite distant for me!
Elizabeth (1838) married Henry Vickery in 1854 - I've found 7 kids, many born in Spaxton. THink she died in Bridgwater aged 47 in 1881.
John married Ann Bartholomew, had 5 kids in and around Bridgwater.
William married Jane ?, died 1879 Bridgwater with 4 kids.
Sarah Ann (1847) - there are a few possible marriages, but haven't been able to find her under a married name.
Hope that gives you some foof for thought.
Best wishes
Stessy
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Stessy,
thanks for keeping going with this. You said it was all quite distant...does that mean we are distant relations? Added: sorry Stessy... I just remembered who you are. I'm afraid I'm not good at internet psuedonyms. Many appologies
Some of what you have given is familiar (although I can't say for certain as I don't have my research on me at the moment).
Sarah Ann married James Willis. He is the informant on Sam's death certificate. I can't remember where they hailed from.
I think we did have a Vickery connection - although some of the information was confusing - as two (different) girls were apparently born in the same year and married giving the same birth year, but I can't find their births to confirm. I think the girls names were Alice, Mary and Clara.
I must admit, I haven't been following the Ridgway line for a while - I feel a little guilty about that. I've been concentrating on the Rossiters (Mary Rossiter nee Parker died of Senile Decay - no DM) and the Parsons. Still have no idea what happened to the Parsons so I'm going to try living relatives in West Monkton.
I also feel guilty that I haven't blogged for a while. I have a lot to say and don't know where to start. Also, I have started back at work and the kids have been sick. I'll get there eventually I suppose.
I will definitely post some more when time is on my side.
Cheers, Tristi
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Hi All,
I just started on Roots Chat and saw that this line (now some 6 months old) might involve my family.
I'm descended from George Parsons and Flora Hurford. Two of their children were another George (1866) who was my Great Grandfather, and Ellen (1881). Ellen was still at home in 1901 with her parents at the post office on Taunton Road, and GGdad lived a couple of doors down at 1 Railway Cottages.
Unfortunately, I don't know who Ellen married but daresay I could find out.
I would be interested to know of any links and if I can provide any further information.
Regards
Jane (in Dubai)
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Hello there (Jane in Dubai)
a very big welcome to rootschat, I hope we can help you with any of your searches.
I am quite sure the Tristi will be so happy to hear from you
kind thoughts Jenn
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;) Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Sorry I haven't searched for a while. My landline has been down so no internet for a time. It's still a little in and out so my search is going to be patchy. (I guess that's what happens when you live in an isolated community).
Here is some news regarding this thread:
I have kept contact with the Ridgway side of the family in England who are descended from Sarah Ridgway, my ggggrandmother. We have spoken on Skype and sent each other parcels and photographs. So now I know what Sarah Ridgway (Pring) and Lily Ridgway looked like (There's no family resemblance with me. Oh well). Also, there are old photos of the Tanpits farm where Evelyn Ridgway my ggrandmother was born. Receiving these was emotional and awe inspiring. I thank my cousins from the bottom of my heart.
Aparently Sarah Ridgway loved to travel, thus the trips to Australia, and loved birds. She even had a blown emu egg that she brought back to England that got too old and brittle and collapsed. Luckily I'm in contact with emus fairly regularly and I sent my cousins a new one.
My grandmother's sisters in New Zealand reacted remarkably well to the news they had an adopted sister. There has been continued contact with them and I've sent parcels over. I'm hoping to keep building on this relationship.
I'm back at work and have little time to search. I find this very sad, as my search was one of the most exciting things I have going in my life. However, there is still a little bit of time to look and I was mainly concentrating on the Parsons side of the family. Unfortunately this was going nowhere. So many Parsons' and I couldn't tell one from the other. I was also paying a subscription fee for one of those large ancestory sites based in America. With all the financial strife the subscription doubled in a few short months as the Aussie dollar dived and I couldn't afford it anymore. I had to unsubscribe, which slowed me up even more. Before I left the service I found two family trees related to Flora and George Parsons, downloaded them and noted the owners of the trees. The next step was to contact these owners to see if they can help with my search. Guess what? One of them was JCSpins!!! What an amazing twist of fate to have her find me when I'd just found her!!!
So now I'm going to PM her and ask if she can help find out what happened to Ellen Ridgway (Parsons), my gggrandmother. Maybe she knows if Oliver and Ellen were able to divorce legally and if she remarried. My grandmother's sisters in NZ are also interested, as they didn't know that Ellen Ridgway was their grandmother.
Hopefully my phone line will hold up for long enough to get some speedy answers and keep everybody posted. The phone man just rang and said he'd be around in half an hour. It would be nice if it was fixed before Christmas.
Thanks everybody, Tristi
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Tristi
I am so glad you are in contact with new found rellies ... when you started this thread you did not have an inkling of what was to come .....it seems that it has all worked out so well for you!
if you need more help ...please shout ! We are here for you ... I still read you blog ...
Merry Christmas ...and good fortune and health for 2009
deb x
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Hi Tristi,
I saw your post and look forward to hearing from you personally. I'm not sure how to contact you as couldn't find a way to email you personally.... (I'm new to this site).
I have to say that Oliver Ridgeway was news to me. I knew George (1866) had many siblings, but I was concerned in looking up direct descendants.
My findings were also interesting to my Mum. Of course, her mums family (Parsons) were from West Monkton, althugh my mum was brought up in Manchester (me too). When she remarried, however, she and her new husband relocated back to Somerset and she is familiar with the area. In fact even I remember going to visit Auntie Eve (mums aunt, and daughter of George) in Bathpool, in her tiny terraced house on Taunton Road. It had an outside toilet and my sister and I took a bath in a tin tub in the parlour in front of the fire.
Actually Auntie Eve also had a spell in Australia. My mum only recently shared that with me and I can't wait to share it with you too.
I also have some 'Parsons' stories to share with you when we get in touch finally.... I was apparently such a small world and West Monkton was full of Parsons and Hurfords.
Well write soon.
Best Wishes
Jane
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Hello again. I think my internet is finally fixed. It dropped out again in between posting to this thread and writing a PM to JCSpins but I think it's here to stay for a while. (or so the phone man says).
JC and I have PMed each other and are looking forward to pushing the family line back as far as we can.
I can't wait to hear the Parsons stories and if Eve went to Australia to visit Parsons' that may be related to Ellen or still in Australia.
West Monkton is full of Parsons' and Hurfords. The current occupants of the Post Office Stores (where George and Flora were up until 1922), sent me a book about West Monkton, and I was very surprised at just how many names I was related to. I've encountered so much generosity from people in this search. It really restores faith in humanity.
Thanks and everyone have a safe Christmas. Tristi
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Hi all ... I'm Nick Ridgway of Plymouth Devon , formerly of Wellington in the Taunton Distict of Somerset ...Im 48
Im just researching my wing -- It could be that your Evelyn (Ridgway) could be related to my Grandfather Ernest, Born 1910 in Taunton District ...I can trace my grandmothers family (Wyatt) , his wife ... but not my Ridgway, Grandfather at the moment ...I'll keep you posted .
Further to say that Burliscombe is only a mile away from my birthplace and the name Parsons pops up in a nearby village ....
nr
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Hello Nick,
It's possible that Ernest and Evelyn are related. However, I haven't encountered that name before. I will have a look at my family tree to see if he pops up. I haven't looked at it for over a year, as I went back to work and haven't had time to pursue it.
I can update those following the thread that Evenlyn ended up in New Zealand. I found her daughters and was able to go over there and meet one of them in 2010. Hopefully I will be able to go back to family history again in 2012....I miss it.
Tristi
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OK
So I looked the tree up, but I didn't find an Ernest.
The earliest Ridgway I have is William b circa 1816 in Devon, England. He's married to an Elizabeth.
His son is Samuel b Burlescombe, Devon Feb 1838 d 27 Jul 1901 West Monkton married to Jane Thorne b Aisholt 1825 d 11 Nov 1897
His only son is William b 1863 Bridgewater, Somerset d 2 May 1895 Carlton( Victoria, Australia) married to Sarah Rossiter b 1865 Taunton, Somerset d 1950 (Sarah Pring)
Their only two surviving children where Lily b 1886 and Oliver b 1885 (Tasmania).
So, the closest Ridgway would be William and Elizabeth's children (which I only have Samuel recorded), unless Samuel was married before he married Jane.
It will be interesting to see where everything fits. Tristi