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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Hertfordshire Lookup Requests => Hertfordshire => England => Herts Completed Lookup Requests => Topic started by: Lady Di on Saturday 02 July 05 23:53 BST (UK)
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Hi Folks,
I am researching the Medcalf Family of Ware, Herts.
Benjamin married Mary Sexton 1799 (St George in the East Stepney). He had a Chemist shop in Market Street shops until his death. He wrote a will dated 12.05.1821 which was "proved" 15.02.1822. I assume he died between these dates. (Would love to know when and where??)
They had seven children and I have a lot of info re the children should anyone be interested. I would like to know more about the family specifically re heritage of Benjamin Medcalf - parents etc.
Any small items of info very welcome (and needed)
Many thanks from
Desperate Di :'(
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Hello There!
I don't know if I have any link to your tree but I am also researching the Medcalf family of Ware. I know as far back as William John Medcalf b 1801, married a lady named Elizabeth. I have a list of their children, grandchildren etc. I do not know of a Benjamin Medcalf as he is a bit further back than I have gone yet, but thought you should know that you are not alone!!
Regards, KellyWelly
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Hi KellyWelly,
Great to hear that I'm not the only one looking for this family. They are probably all related somewhere along the line. Do you know if William John was born in Ware? or who his parents were?
Would love to share information if you are interested.
Regards
Di
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Hello!
I'm afraid I don't know who William's parents were but I know that he was born in Ware. He had 9 children: william, henry, john, jonathon, hannah, mary, joshua, marianne and elizabeth. All I know is that John Mecalf b.1828 married Emma Newton? and they had two children William and Agnus who were born in Church Street in Ware. I live locally and visited Church Street the other day...it sent a shiver down my spine!!
Hope this helps, even if not, it's nice not to be alone, eh?!?
Kelly x
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Hi Kelly,
Do you know where William's children were baptised? Was it in the Non Conformist church in Dead Lane (horrible name!!)
Regards
Di
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I'm also interested in the Medcalf lineage. William John MEDCALF (b. 1801) and Elizabeth ? (b.1806) were my great, great, great grandparents and John MEDCALF (b.18??) and Emma NEWTON (b.1828) being my great, great grandparents.
From there, William MEDCALF (b. 1861) and Jessie JARMAN (b.1870) were my great grandparents. This is where the MEDCALF lineage finishes for us as May MEDCALF (b.1902) marries Frederick Henry PORTER (b.1900).
Unfortunately, I don't know where William's children were baptised but with regards to William MEDCALF and Jessie JARMAN, it looks as if they moved to Redbourne.
Kind regards,
Laurie PORTER
Brisbane, Australia
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Hi Laurie,
Welcome to RootsChat - it's the best site on the net - bar none!
I am thrilled to hear from you.
I would love to talk about our Medcalf ancestors of Ware.
I will send you a personal message with my details.
If you don't understand how the get your personal messages or get lost please leave me another message here.
Regards
Di
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Hi Laurie
My great great grandparents were Jessie Marie and William Medcalf. In the 1901 census they were living in Frampton Street, Hertford with several children. One of their children Emily (b c.1911) was my great grandmother who married Charlie Bradshaw. Their daughter Betty is my Nan and still lives in Framtpon Street. I live in the next street along!! My Nan has recently found some photos of Jessie and of some of her children.
Please get in contact, would love to talk to you some more.
Also, Diane, I am sorry I haven't posted but haven't been able to for a while. Is still don't know any baptism information, having trouble finding information on Medcalfs - the Jarman's seem to be easier!!
Kelly x
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Hi Kelly,
Welcome back.
I am thrilled to hear from you again.
I have had contact with quite a few people who are also researching your Medcalf family of Ware. I also have a lot of new information concerning your lot which I have passed on to the others - much to everyone's delight.
I will send you a PM (Personal Message) with the same information.
Regards
Di
;D
PS - Kelly - PM has been sent. If you don't get it or dont understand how to get it, please leave me another message here. Your Nan's two cousins would love to make contact
Di
xx
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Hi Kelly & Diana,
Lovely to hear from you! It seems that my father Reg knows your nan. I have just sent some pictures to Diana of some of the Medcalf family and these pictures were given to us by your nan Betty. From memory Betty use to work at the Hertford Museum.
Diana if you wouldn't mind, could you please pass my e-mail address on to Kelly in your personal message.
I look forward to having a chat.
Cheers
Laurie Porter
Brisbane, Australia
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Hi Kelly,
I have left a personal message for you! You can find it by clicking on HOME at the top of the screen and then scrolling right to the bottom where it says Personal Messages. I have included Reg & Hazel's e-mail address as well as mine.
Look forward to having long chats.
By the way, Frampton Street shows up really well on Google Earth.
Cheers
Laurie
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Hi Lady Di,
I am also a Medcalf, and my home town is Enfield, and directly related to the Benjamin mentioned in your initial post - I believe my great, great great grandfather. I am a descendent through Benjamin and Benjamin Pearce Medcalf.
My parents have been visiting HALs over last few weeks, and we have a number of photos of Ware Chapel, gravestones, etc.
Would like to find out more about the Medcalfs, and maybe I can fill in some missing details, or help with the research.
Munro
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Hi Munro,
I too am a descendant of Benjamin Pearce Medcalf. Are you from Sidney or Herbert?
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Hi Di, I hope you dont mind me butting in on this thread but I have visited Leaside church today and alas there is not much to see so the fact that munro has photos of the gravestones I guess means they must either be very old pictures or I have the wrong chapel. There certainly was a graveyard at the back of the chapel. 2 stones are still standing, one dating from 1816, the date that Ware Congregational chapel was built. The problem is that in the 1850s the current version was built, I guess much bigger and I would imagine was built over the existing churchyard. There is evidence of gravestones being broken up and used for paving. A great shame.
I checked St Marys but the stones are so old and not many readable.
In the Domesday Book of Herts there is a list of people holding land in Herts and other counties. One is Benjamin Medcalf of West Street Ware who owned 4 acres in Essex. Valued at £9. This was in 1873. Wondered if he could be one of yours.
Sorry I couldnt find anything anything else for you.
Best wishes Linda.
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Hi Zimmer, I am a descendent of Sydney.
I think you cannot be a descendent of him as I think I would know you. Are you a descendent of Ernest or Katie (lilly)?
Would be interested to know.
Munro
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Dear Linda and Di,
The photos that were taken by my parents was only last week. The gravestones are located in Ware Cemetery and they include:
A gravestone with five names -
Ann Morrison Medcalf
Benjamin Pearce Medcalf
Benjamin Medcalf
Ellen Ann Medcalf
and Nelli Kersey.
A gravestone with 2 names -
Thomas Medcalf and William Henry Medalf
And the gravestone of Ann Morrison's father - the minister at the Old Independent Chapel.
Hope this helps
Munro
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Hi munro,
Is this Ware cemetary that is out of the town centre on the way to the A10? I believe this was opened in the 1850s. Do you have dates for this list of Medcalfs? I was looking for Medcalfs from the 1820s because Di thought they were buried at Ware Congregational in the town centre.
Best wishes, Linda.
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Hello again Munro,
I am a decedent of Benjamin Ernest, who I think you are referring to as Ernest. Have stacks of info if you want it.
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Gosh, Rootschat is now full of Medcalfs. Have a great time guys.
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Hello Zimmer
Would love to have some information regarding Benjamin Ernest. It is part of the family that I do not know much about. Only found out the other day that I had another great uncle.
Cheers
Munro
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Linda,
I will find out the correct location in Ware, and let you know later. Someone else visited the graveyard.
I will also sort out the dates etc. In respect of the Medcalfs - nothing in the 1820's
Munro
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Hi Lady Di,
I am also a Medcalf, and my home town is Enfield, and directly related to the Benjamin mentioned in your initial post - I believe my great, great great grandfather. I am a descendent through Benjamin and Benjamin Pearce Medcalf.
My parents have been visiting HALs over last few weeks, and we have a number of photos of Ware Chapel, gravestones, etc.
Would like to find out more about the Medcalfs, and maybe I can fill in some missing details, or help with the research.
Munro
Hi Munro and Zimmer,
Welcome to RootsChat - the best site on the net!
I am so thrilled to hear from a family member - I have sent you botha Personal Message on this site, with my contact details.
If you cannot access it or need assistance please leave me another message here.
I have been looking for the descendants of Katie, Sidney and Herbert for ages.
Great News
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Di
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Hi munro,
Is this Ware cemetary that is out of the town centre on the way to the A10? I believe this was opened in the 1850s. Do you have dates for this list of Medcalfs? I was looking for Medcalfs from the 1820s because Di thought they were buried at Ware Congregational in the town centre.
Best wishes, Linda.
Hi Linda,
Thank you very much for looking for the cemetery and headstones. It appears that I am going back a generation to Zimmer and Munro to Benjamin and Mary who both died in the 1820's (roughly). I truly appreciate all your help.
And now, through our postings - I have FINALLY found some "REAL" and "LIVE" relations. I can now talk to a relation who is not dead - that will make a change! ;D
Oh I am just so thrilled.
If we ever find the actual graves that I was looking for, I will tell you where they are.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Diana
:-*
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I am really pleased for you Di. I have met 3 new cousins since doing family research and spoke to one for the first time today. Its a great joy and I am so glad for you because working together is so much better than doing it on your own.
We had a great time in Ware and a lovely lunch as well and I am sorry we couldnt find more for you.
Happy hunting. Linda.
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Not sure if it's of any use at all, but there was Richard Medcalf married Judith Jervin in 1781 in Ware and James (possibly son of Richard) married Sarah Driver Taylor 1802 - All Saints & St Johns, Herts.
Anita
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Thank you Anita,
I do have that information but it is very kind of you to mention them.
Regards
Di
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Hello, I have just found thids thread. I am descended from Thomas and Benjamin Medcalf, who were toll collectors of Enfield Lock 1806 - 1850s. I am wondering how, if at all, they are connected to the Medcalfs of Ware?
Any info most gratefully received! Linda
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Hi Linda,
Welcome to RootsChat
There appears to have been at least four Medcalf families from Herts & Enfield who all had sons named Thomas & Benjamin in the late 1700's. This may be a coincidence as Thomas & Benjamin weren't uncommon names but unfortunately we have been unable to connect these families. I have a feeling that somewhere in the past some of them are related.
Most Medcalf researchers I've found have hit the proverbial brickwall in or around 1750-1780 and few have found any connecting Medcalf information in Herts prior to that date which is extremely frustrating.
These families may have migrated from Yorkshire which is where the Medcalf name originated but proving that is not easy. Personally I think they all landed in a space craft - or so it appears anyway!!
I have a few bits and pieces of information about the Enfield Medcalf family which I can check if you are looking for anything specific.
Good luck in your search - hope you can break down the brickwall that's frustrating so many Medcalf researchers.
Di
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Many thanks for your very speedy and helpful answer, Di.
The father and son I am interested in were the toll collectors on the lock - Thomas Medcalf around 1806 and then Benjamin, around the 1850s. His daughter, Emma Louise was my great, great grandmother. As you say, both common names, unfortunately.
Somewhere on the chat I read that Thomas might have been married to Emma Martin? I knew she was Emma, but not sure about the surname.
Also, I want to be sure that Benjamin is the same Benjamin Medcalf who married Caroline Warwick of The Greyhound Inn. As they were probably very close neighbours if he was collecting the tolls, it seems highly likely, but I just want to be sure, so any light you could throw would be most welcome.
Also, I wondered if there are any Medcalf gravestoness in the cemetery in Enfield? I am not exactly local in Surrey, but could make the effort if there was something to look at.
I rather like the idea of an ancestor descending from space - it would save me the bother of having to look any further back!
Kind regards,
Linda
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I have some good news and some bad news Linda!
The bad news is that I don't know of any Medcalf burials in Enfield. They may be there but I haven't checked.
The good news is that I have found a family tree in my Medcalf collection that includes your Emma Louise, although I have no other details about her except her christening date (1842).
It also includes Benjamin and Caroline Moore Warwick, who I believe was his second wife.
I also have a copy of part of an article from a Gardening magazine about the Medcalf family of Enfield (you may have the same article).
The family tree I have starts with the marriage of Thomas Medcalf to Emma Martin 24 October 1801 at St George the Martyr Southwark. (Her name is sometimes written as Emme)
They appear to have had the following children:
Mary Ann,
Emma,
Benjamin,
Joseph,
Elizabeth
Is any of this useful to you?
Regards
Di
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Hello Di,
Many thanks, indeed that is all really useful stuff about the Medcalfs. No, I haven't seen the article in the gardening mag. Do you know if it's still obtainable anywhere?
I had heard that the gravestones in St.Andrews churchyard in Enfield are very negected, so there might well be nothing decipherable anyway.
I am enclosing a pic of Louisa circa 1885- probably minus her teeth! She had a good innings, living till 1922 and managed to have 12 childen altogether, including my great-grandfather. I remember my grandmother talking about her, so I do feel quite a strong connection with the Medcalf family and Enfield Lock.
Kind regards,
Linda
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That's a lovely photo Linda. It sounds like Louisa was a stong and determined woman but she looks rather sweet and kind in the photo.
I will send you a PM (personal message) with some of the Medcalf information
Di
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Sorry it turned out so huge!
Linda
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Hi,
I'm Jane Medcalf, grand daughter of William John Medalf (b.1894) (I think). His parents were William & Jessie and my father is Gerald Brian Medcalf. I wonder if anyone can help find out what happened to William John Medcalf....?
Thank you.
Jane
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HI
Parallel thread opened up at .............
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,554401.0.html
Suggest all replies to that one?
Ray