Items of Historical Interest found during our Research
This section documents not only the Military history of some of our ancestors but also highlights some of the economic and social conditions that prevailed at the time. Also included are brief descriptions of some of the geographical places and occupations in which some of our early ancestors either were born or married, worked or lived. Links have been included in the links to external sites page as a means of following up some of these events or the circumstances that prevailed at the time.
Military history is a difficult and complex subject to research. Documenting the events leading up to military actions / wars can be very lengthy and quite involved. As such the reader should consult various popular web sites or other items of literature covering a particular time frame for more detailed explanations.
Military History for William Blackmore - 1812 to 1879
The England census return (H.O. 107. 1628) for 1851 shows that at the time of this census he was serving in the Royal Navy (declared as a "Seaman in the RN" by his wife, Sarah Blackmore). The census shows that the family are living in Minster, Sheerness, Kent. This census was carried out on the 30th March that year. His youngest son, John R Blackmore is declared as being 1 Yr old, birthplace Kent, Sheerness. Records (FreeBMD) show that this birth was registered at Greenwich, Qtr3 in 1850. There is a significant gap in his age (some 10 years) between him and his older brother (John C Blackmore). Based on research and subsequent information shown in National Archives File ref ADM 73/172/87 he served on various ships between 1842 to 1851.
Details of Naval Service dated 12 June 1851 (file ref ADM 73/172/87 source TNA) are as follows :-
HMS Camperdown - 27th April 1842 to 18th July 1844; HMS Queen - 19th July to 31st Jan 1845; Quality - AB
HMS Trafalgar - 1st Feb 1845 to 30th Jun 1847; HMS Ocean - 1st July 1847 to 12th Oct 1847; Quality - AB
HMS Ocean - 13th Oct to 10th Jan 1848; HMS Ocean - 11th Jan 1848 to 22nd Dec 1850; Quality - Banks Man
HMS Monarch - 27th Jan 1851 to 31st Mar 1851; Quality - AB
Details of Naval Service dated 12 June 1851 (file ref ADM 73/172/87 source TNA) are as follows :-
HMS Camperdown - 27th April 1842 to 18th July 1844; HMS Queen - 19th July to 31st Jan 1845; Quality - AB
HMS Trafalgar - 1st Feb 1845 to 30th Jun 1847; HMS Ocean - 1st July 1847 to 12th Oct 1847; Quality - AB
HMS Ocean - 13th Oct to 10th Jan 1848; HMS Ocean - 11th Jan 1848 to 22nd Dec 1850; Quality - Banks Man
HMS Monarch - 27th Jan 1851 to 31st Mar 1851; Quality - AB
The 1861 and 1871 census returns show William Blackmore now back in Presteigne, Radnorshire. He is serving in the Radnorshire Rifles as a "Bugle Major" The Radnorshire Rifles were a Militia group formed in 1763 and named the Radnorshire Militia. During the following 16 years the Militia went through a number of changes or mergers (merged with the South Breckonshire Rifles). Further changes or mergers took place which resulted in this combined Militia group becoming known as the South Wales Borderers. They finally became known as The Royal Regiment of Wales.
The 1881 census does not show William Blackmore - only his wife, Sarah is listed. She declared she is a Widow aged 64 working as a Tailoress. She is living at St David Street, Presteigne. At this stage no official record showing the death of William Blackmore can be found. Further research into the national archives suggests that on record W.O. 100 .47 shows a William Blackmore listed as being engaged in Zulu war 1879 serving with the depot. Further research would be difficult but the author assumes that he could have been killed in this conflict.
The above service history, particularly between 1871 and 1881 is still to be verified (as of April 2014) by examination of records of the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh as well as TNA at Kew.
The 1881 census does not show William Blackmore - only his wife, Sarah is listed. She declared she is a Widow aged 64 working as a Tailoress. She is living at St David Street, Presteigne. At this stage no official record showing the death of William Blackmore can be found. Further research into the national archives suggests that on record W.O. 100 .47 shows a William Blackmore listed as being engaged in Zulu war 1879 serving with the depot. Further research would be difficult but the author assumes that he could have been killed in this conflict.
The above service history, particularly between 1871 and 1881 is still to be verified (as of April 2014) by examination of records of the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh as well as TNA at Kew.
Military History for Jeremiah Percival Caisley 1895 - 1970
Jeremiah Percival Caisley - known as Gunner Percy Caisley during his military service in WW1 served firstly in France and in later stages of the war he served in Italy. He was the 5th child of James and Georgina Caisley born qtr2 in 1895 registered at Tynemouth. He moved to The Hakin, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire with his family some time between 1901 and 1911. During a visit to relatives in Pembrokeshire, we discovered that he was mentioned in the Pembrokeshire War Heroes site - this prompted further research. Information supplied by the WW1 Forum and later checks on Ancestry web sites showed that he was a pre war Territorial Force Gunner with the Pembrokeshire RGA (TF). He was an original member of the 68th Siege Battery that went out to France in 1916. He later transferred to the 155th Heavy Battery RGA and went out to Italy in 1917. For his actions during this time in Italy he was awarded the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal). Details of his actions and subsequent award were reported in the London Gazette issue 31372 published 30th May 1919. Shown below is a copy of the details that appeared dated 9th March 1920. Please note that there is some conflict between the dates shown on the information supplied by the WW1 Forum and those shown on the Pembrokeshire Heroes. Copies of actual records obtained from the WW1 forum and Ancestry.com are shown in photograph gallery. Details in the above text and images shown in the other photographs gallery supplied by courtesy of The WW1 Forum.
Jeremiah Percival Caisley married Ruby K Gibby in qtr4 in 1928 registered at Haverfordwest. He died aged 75 Yrs in qtr1 in 1970 registered at Haverfordwest.
Jeremiah Percival Caisley married Ruby K Gibby in qtr4 in 1928 registered at Haverfordwest. He died aged 75 Yrs in qtr1 in 1970 registered at Haverfordwest.
William Guest 1875 - 1919
William Guest was the 5th child of Henry and Ann Guest. His youngest sister, Harriett later married Alfred George Freeman (my wife's maternal grandparents). The 1881 census lists him as aged 6 Yrs and at home with his parents at Banbury Street, Kineton, Warwickshire. His birthplace is given as Warwickshire, Kineton. The 1891 census now lists him aged 16 at home living at Back Lane, Kineton, Warwickshire. Later research as part of a verification process showed that he was no longer living with his parents or family.
The 1901 census lists him living in Stratford Union Workhouse aged 27 Yrs. He's listed as a "Pauper" under the heading of position in the institution and declared as "feeble minded". The 1911 census shows William still at Stratford Workhouse aged 37 Yrs, having no means of support and declares his infirmity as "feeble minded and dumb from birth".
A look at an earlier census for 1891 shows William aged 16 Yrs and at home. His sister, Harriett on the same census is aged 12 Yrs and at school.
The interim years between 1891 and 1901 must have been quite difficult for the Guest family. Henry Guest died in 1900 aged 71 Yrs. The 1901 census for the family shows Ann, now a widow, living at Southam Street, Kineton with Harriett aged 22 Yrs and Alfred Freeman aged 18 Yrs as a Boarder. A granddaughter, Elsie aged 4 Yrs is also living with them.
At some stage William would have been placed in Stratford Workhouse, possibly as a result of difficult domestic circumstances, the death of his father and subsequent loss of financial support from him at home. Also, coupled with his infirmity, living conditions at home must have been difficult.. William Guest died in 1919 in Stratford Workhouse aged 45 Yrs.
The 1901 census lists him living in Stratford Union Workhouse aged 27 Yrs. He's listed as a "Pauper" under the heading of position in the institution and declared as "feeble minded". The 1911 census shows William still at Stratford Workhouse aged 37 Yrs, having no means of support and declares his infirmity as "feeble minded and dumb from birth".
A look at an earlier census for 1891 shows William aged 16 Yrs and at home. His sister, Harriett on the same census is aged 12 Yrs and at school.
The interim years between 1891 and 1901 must have been quite difficult for the Guest family. Henry Guest died in 1900 aged 71 Yrs. The 1901 census for the family shows Ann, now a widow, living at Southam Street, Kineton with Harriett aged 22 Yrs and Alfred Freeman aged 18 Yrs as a Boarder. A granddaughter, Elsie aged 4 Yrs is also living with them.
At some stage William would have been placed in Stratford Workhouse, possibly as a result of difficult domestic circumstances, the death of his father and subsequent loss of financial support from him at home. Also, coupled with his infirmity, living conditions at home must have been difficult.. William Guest died in 1919 in Stratford Workhouse aged 45 Yrs.
Military History of Bernard George Freeman 1925 - 1944
Bernard George Freeman was the son of Bernard Thomas Freeman and Dorothy May Freeman of Billesley, Birmingham, Warwickshire. He was serving with the Royal Corps of Signal, 6th Airborne Division and was killed in action, aged 19yr, on the 6th June 1944 during the D Day Invasion. He is buried at Ranville War Cemetery, France. An image of the inscription on the war grave headstone is shown in the gallery of images.
WW1 Military Service for Thomas Henry Freeman, Reginald John Freeman and Albert Freeman
The image shown above is an extract from the 1918 missing voters list, It shows that the three brothers were all living at 64 York Road, Kings Heath. All three served in the Royal Field Artillery.
James and Margaret Nicholls 1771 - 1842
James Nicholls and Margaret Whitehouse were the author's 3 x GtGrandparents. They were married 17 August 1789. The 1841 census shows that they were living in Meriden Workhouse at the time of their deaths. The census lists James as a "Brick Maker" aged 70 Yrs. Margaret is not working and is also aged 70 Yrs. They are both buried at Coleshill, Warwickshire
Historical notes on Midland Workhouses
The workhouse at Stratford was built in 1837 at Arden Street, Stratford and housed 200 inmates. In later years the workhouse became Straford-on-Avon Hospital. The workhouse at Meriden existed in Maxstoke Lane. After 1930 it became a Public Assistance Institution. After 1948 it was renamed "The Firs" Old Peoples Home and Hospital. Details of Midland Workhouses can be found on Peter Higginbotham's website http://www.workhouses.org.uk/
John Harvey
We discovered from an early baptism record for Edward Harvey (baptized 18th Feb 1817) at Chists Church, Birmingham that his father John Harvey was listed as Church Beadle of Christ Church.
Brief details of the Mission School in Titford Road, Langley
The following information has been obtained from Dr Terry Daniels, Chair Langley and Oldbury Local History Societies.
The mission school in Titford Road, Langley dates from around 1870 to around 1910. It was called Chance Brothers Mission, and associated with the firm of chemical manufacturers Chance Brothers, who ran the Alkali Works in Oldbury, later Chance and Hunt and ICI. They had a school, principally, but not exclusively, for children of employees and they were generous local benefactors.
The mission school in Titford Road, Langley dates from around 1870 to around 1910. It was called Chance Brothers Mission, and associated with the firm of chemical manufacturers Chance Brothers, who ran the Alkali Works in Oldbury, later Chance and Hunt and ICI. They had a school, principally, but not exclusively, for children of employees and they were generous local benefactors.
William Alfred Walter Palmer 1867 - 1904
William Alfred Walter Palmer was the maternal grand father of Gertrude Ellen Harvey.. He was born in 1867 baptized in the parish of Saint Martin, Birmingham
He joined the Royal Navy in 1882 and served until 1892. The image below shows details of his service history.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1882 and served until 1892. The image below shows details of his service history.
Dating old photographs
Early Photographs of the Uncles Family
The images above show the front and rear faces of early photographs of the children of Samuel and Mary Ann Uncles. No dates or names were shown or written in the family album that contained them. Photographs having backs shown in scan 1 could be either Emily or Eliza Uncles. The young man in the photograph could be Henry James Uncles. I think it's unlikely to be Samuel Uncles Jnr based on the fact that he was born in 1847 and had left home in 1847 and married Lydia Hartwell.
The photograph having the back shown in scan 2 could be Sarah Uncles based on the fact that she was the oldest child (born in 1842) Sarah and had married in 1860..
The photograph having the back shown in scan 2 could be Sarah Uncles based on the fact that she was the oldest child (born in 1842) Sarah and had married in 1860..
The photographs of uncles early ancestors are described as "Carte de Viste" type and were very popular during the late 1860's through to the late 1880's. The design on the reverse of the card gives a guide although not a definite clue as to the date of the picture. This has to be used with caution as the card may be old stock and therefore could not be conclusive as to the exact date of the picture.
Other factors have to be considered such as clothing styles (sleeves, fullness of skirts, necklines etc), whether the subject is seated or standing, style of furniture used as a prop and backgrounds used in the pictures etc.
Various internet sources as well a number of text books on the subject have been consulted. The images above are scanned copies the actual photographs taken at the studio of G Evans, Kidderminster. Information I have is that the furniture used in these photographs date typically of mid 1875 to 1880. Looking at Scan 1 first, the back dates from around mid 1870's. Scan 2 dates earlier possibly from late 1860's to early to mid 1870's. Photographs having backs shown in scan 1 could be either Emily or Eliza Uncles. The young man in the photograph could be Henry James Uncles. I think it's unlikely to be Samuel Uncles Jnr based on the fact that he was born in 1847 and had left home in 1847 and married Lydia Hartwell.
The photograph having the back shown in scan 2 could be Sarah Uncles based on the fact that she was the oldest child (born in 1842) Sarah and had married in 1860.
I cannot confirm that any of the above dates are exact - dating old photographs can be and is as the foregoing text shows a difficult thing to do. If any other facts are discovered at a later date which could influence the above dates / accuracy of the information shown the foregoing text will be updated.
Other factors have to be considered such as clothing styles (sleeves, fullness of skirts, necklines etc), whether the subject is seated or standing, style of furniture used as a prop and backgrounds used in the pictures etc.
Various internet sources as well a number of text books on the subject have been consulted. The images above are scanned copies the actual photographs taken at the studio of G Evans, Kidderminster. Information I have is that the furniture used in these photographs date typically of mid 1875 to 1880. Looking at Scan 1 first, the back dates from around mid 1870's. Scan 2 dates earlier possibly from late 1860's to early to mid 1870's. Photographs having backs shown in scan 1 could be either Emily or Eliza Uncles. The young man in the photograph could be Henry James Uncles. I think it's unlikely to be Samuel Uncles Jnr based on the fact that he was born in 1847 and had left home in 1847 and married Lydia Hartwell.
The photograph having the back shown in scan 2 could be Sarah Uncles based on the fact that she was the oldest child (born in 1842) Sarah and had married in 1860.
I cannot confirm that any of the above dates are exact - dating old photographs can be and is as the foregoing text shows a difficult thing to do. If any other facts are discovered at a later date which could influence the above dates / accuracy of the information shown the foregoing text will be updated.
Please note that this site is still under construction. Data will change and pages will be added / deleted as work progresses. Please check back at frequent intervals to see progress and any updates. Last edited 22/10/2019.