Family in Ware COMPLETED thanks

[Lady Di]

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

[lsculm]

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

[Lady Di]

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

[lsculm]

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

[Lady Di]

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

[lsculm]

Sorry it turned out so huge!

Linda

[Jane Medcalf]

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

[[Ray]]

HI

Parallel thread opened up at .............
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,554401.0.html

Suggest all replies to that one?

Ray