Genealogical history for Christine Sophia Caisley
Pictured left is a very early photograph of Christine Sophia Caisley. Christine was born on 29th October 1946 in Birmingham and is the eldest child of James George Caisley and Rene Caisley. She had a brother Philip, and has two sisters Margaret and Glynis (still living). Philip Caisley died 20th July 2019 aged 68 yrs. He is buried in Machynlleth Town Cemetary, Wales.
She currently lives in Tamworth, Staffordshire with her husband David.
Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Parents and their Children
Pictured above is a wedding group photograph of her fathers parents and his grandparents. The photograph was taken outside the Railway Inn Hotel, Johnston, Haverfordwest. It was taken in 1913.
Seated Front Row from left to right -
Georgina Caisley, Charlotte Griffiths, William Caisley, Sophia Caisley, Emily Bowen, James Caisley.
Middle row from left to right -
Maudie James, Margaret James, William James, Thomas Bowen, James Caisley, Wife of George Bowen, George Bowen, Lady and child not known
Back Row Standing: from left to right - Percy Caisley, Emma Caisley, Archibald Caisley.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Seated Front Row from left to right -
Georgina Caisley, Charlotte Griffiths, William Caisley, Sophia Caisley, Emily Bowen, James Caisley.
Middle row from left to right -
Maudie James, Margaret James, William James, Thomas Bowen, James Caisley, Wife of George Bowen, George Bowen, Lady and child not known
Back Row Standing: from left to right - Percy Caisley, Emma Caisley, Archibald Caisley.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Her father's paternal grandparents were James Caisley and Georgina Caisley nee Purves. They
originally lived in Northumberland. Research has yet to find an exact date or place for where or when they were married. However, details of his movement shown between the 1881 and 1901 census together with the declaration of completed years of marriage on the 1911 census show that they were married about 1885.
James Caisley was born about 1860 in Tweedmouth - Northumberland and died in 1950 age 90 Yrs at Haverfordwest. Georgina Purves was born about 1860 in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland and died at Haverfordwest in 1927 aged 67 Yrs.
The 1861 census shows James Caisley aged 1 Yr old together with an older sister, Mary Grainger Caisley aged 3 yrs living with their parents Jeremiah and Emma Caisley. The family were living at Sunniside, Tweedmouth, Northumberland. James Caisley was born in Tweedmouth - Northumberland. The 1871 census shows James Caisley aged 11 Yrs and living with his parents at 121 Church Square, Tweedmouth, Berwick. He now has other siblings, Ellen Caisley aged 9 yr, John Gooding Caisley aged 7 yrs, Emma Annette Caisley aged 5 yrs, Elizabeth Caisley aged 2 yrs and William Lambeth Caisley age just 11 months. In 1881, the census shows the family are now living at Brewery Bank, Tweedmouth. James is now 21 Yrs and working as a Cooper. He now has another brother Thomas Caisley aged 8 yrs.
The 1891 census finds James Caisley in Lowestoft, possibly in lodgings at Grove Road, in the St John's District on the day of the census. He's on his own. His family probably still at home.
The 1901 census finds all the family at 27 Norfolk Street. The census lists James Caisley as 41 Yrs of age, his wife Georgina as 42 Yrs of age. The census also shows details of all six children James age 14 Yrs, William aged 12 Yrs, Gertrude age 10 Yrs, Archibald age 8 Yrs, Jeremiah age 6 Yrs and Emma age 4 Yrs.
The 1911 census shows that the family have moved to Pembrokeshire and are now living at Observatory (Avenue) The Haken, Milford Haven. James is now 51 Yrs of age, Georgina is 51 Yrs of age. All the family are still with them - James age 24 Yrs, William age 22 Yrs, Gertrude age Yrs, Archibald age 18yrs, Jeremiah age 16 Yrs and Emma age 14 Yrs.
Note: Jeremiah Caisley later served in the Royal Garrison Artillery in WW1, details of his service are shown in Items of Historical interest found during research.
originally lived in Northumberland. Research has yet to find an exact date or place for where or when they were married. However, details of his movement shown between the 1881 and 1901 census together with the declaration of completed years of marriage on the 1911 census show that they were married about 1885.
James Caisley was born about 1860 in Tweedmouth - Northumberland and died in 1950 age 90 Yrs at Haverfordwest. Georgina Purves was born about 1860 in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland and died at Haverfordwest in 1927 aged 67 Yrs.
The 1861 census shows James Caisley aged 1 Yr old together with an older sister, Mary Grainger Caisley aged 3 yrs living with their parents Jeremiah and Emma Caisley. The family were living at Sunniside, Tweedmouth, Northumberland. James Caisley was born in Tweedmouth - Northumberland. The 1871 census shows James Caisley aged 11 Yrs and living with his parents at 121 Church Square, Tweedmouth, Berwick. He now has other siblings, Ellen Caisley aged 9 yr, John Gooding Caisley aged 7 yrs, Emma Annette Caisley aged 5 yrs, Elizabeth Caisley aged 2 yrs and William Lambeth Caisley age just 11 months. In 1881, the census shows the family are now living at Brewery Bank, Tweedmouth. James is now 21 Yrs and working as a Cooper. He now has another brother Thomas Caisley aged 8 yrs.
The 1891 census finds James Caisley in Lowestoft, possibly in lodgings at Grove Road, in the St John's District on the day of the census. He's on his own. His family probably still at home.
The 1901 census finds all the family at 27 Norfolk Street. The census lists James Caisley as 41 Yrs of age, his wife Georgina as 42 Yrs of age. The census also shows details of all six children James age 14 Yrs, William aged 12 Yrs, Gertrude age 10 Yrs, Archibald age 8 Yrs, Jeremiah age 6 Yrs and Emma age 4 Yrs.
The 1911 census shows that the family have moved to Pembrokeshire and are now living at Observatory (Avenue) The Haken, Milford Haven. James is now 51 Yrs of age, Georgina is 51 Yrs of age. All the family are still with them - James age 24 Yrs, William age 22 Yrs, Gertrude age Yrs, Archibald age 18yrs, Jeremiah age 16 Yrs and Emma age 14 Yrs.
Note: Jeremiah Caisley later served in the Royal Garrison Artillery in WW1, details of his service are shown in Items of Historical interest found during research.
Her father's maternal grandparents were Edwin Bowen and Margaret Bowen (formerly Walters). Edwin Bowen was born in Spittal in Pembrokeshire on 23rd June 1854 and died
on 26th April 1903. Margaret was born in St. Clears in Carmarthenshire
on 25th December 1848 and died on 19th December 1907. Edwin Bowen married Margaret Walters on 15th May 1875. Margaret was a widow at the time of her marriage to Edwin Bowen and had previously been married to Richard Walters - her maiden name being Margaret Jones.
There are no photographs of Edwin and Mary Bowen.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
There are no photographs of Edwin and Mary Bowen.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
Pictured left are her father's parents, William Caisley and Sophia Caisley nee Bowen. William Caisley was born 1889 North Shields, Northumberland. William was the second eldest child of James and Georgina Caisley. The other children being James, Gertrude, Archibald, Jeremiah and Emma. Sophia Bowen was born in 1891 in Johnston, Pembrokeshire. Sophia was the youngest child of Edwin and Margaret Bowen, the others being Emily and Thomas.
William and Sophia were married in 1913 at Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. William Caisley died in 1967 aged 79 yr and Sophia Caisley died in 1961 aged 68 yr..
Historical note - during a visit to Pembrokeshire, a relative supplied copies of some newspaper articles which featured football and rugby teams which show William Caisley. Also early images of William Caisley and his wife Sophia with two of their children, James George Caisley and William Caisley are shown in the Gallery of Family photographs. This would have been taken after the end of WW1 although William Caisley Snr is still wearing military uniform. Scanned images of these have been included in "other photographs"
William and Sophia were married in 1913 at Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. William Caisley died in 1967 aged 79 yr and Sophia Caisley died in 1961 aged 68 yr..
Historical note - during a visit to Pembrokeshire, a relative supplied copies of some newspaper articles which featured football and rugby teams which show William Caisley. Also early images of William Caisley and his wife Sophia with two of their children, James George Caisley and William Caisley are shown in the Gallery of Family photographs. This would have been taken after the end of WW1 although William Caisley Snr is still wearing military uniform. Scanned images of these have been included in "other photographs"
Her mother's paternal Grandparents were Henry Freeman and Annie Freeman (formerly Brookes). Henry Freeman was born in Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire about 1863. His wife, Annie Freeman (formerly Brookes) was born in Evenlode, Gloucestershire in about 1864. The 1911 census shows they had been married 27 Yrs at the census date (married June 1884). They had a total of seven children all of which had survived.
Henry Freeman died in q1 1937 aged 74 Yrs (Source FreeBMD Index District Birmingham Vol 6d page 583).
Annie Freeman died in q1 1938 aged 73 yrs (Source FreeBMD Index District Birmingham Vol 6d page 436).
Unfortunately there are no photographs of Henry and Annie Freeman.
Henry Freeman died in q1 1937 aged 74 Yrs (Source FreeBMD Index District Birmingham Vol 6d page 583).
Annie Freeman died in q1 1938 aged 73 yrs (Source FreeBMD Index District Birmingham Vol 6d page 436).
Unfortunately there are no photographs of Henry and Annie Freeman.
Her mother's maternal Grandparents were Henry Guest and Ann Guest nee Wheldon / Wheildon. They were married at Alcester, Warwickshire in Qtr4 in 1852. Henry Guest was born in 1829 at Weatheroak Hill, Worcestershire and died in 1900 aged 71 Yrs. Ann Wheldon / Wheildon was born 1835 in Worcestershire, Kings Norton and died in 1910 aged 76 Yrs..
The 1901 census lists Ann Guest as a widow aged 64 Yrs of age. She is working as a Laundress. Her birthplace is shown as Worcestershire, Kings Norton. Listed at home with her on the 1901 census is Harriett Guest, aged 22 Yrs, born 1879, working as a Laundry Maid, Elsie M Guest, Grand daughter aged 4 Yrs. Also listed is George Freeman, aged 18 Yrs working as a Domestic Groom. His birthplace is shown as Warwickshire, Wellesbourne. George Freeman later married Harriett Guest. The family are living at 15 Southam Street in the parish of Kineton.
Unfortunately there are no photographs of Henry and Ann Guest..
The 1901 census lists Ann Guest as a widow aged 64 Yrs of age. She is working as a Laundress. Her birthplace is shown as Worcestershire, Kings Norton. Listed at home with her on the 1901 census is Harriett Guest, aged 22 Yrs, born 1879, working as a Laundry Maid, Elsie M Guest, Grand daughter aged 4 Yrs. Also listed is George Freeman, aged 18 Yrs working as a Domestic Groom. His birthplace is shown as Warwickshire, Wellesbourne. George Freeman later married Harriett Guest. The family are living at 15 Southam Street in the parish of Kineton.
Unfortunately there are no photographs of Henry and Ann Guest..
Her mothers parents were Alfred George Freeman and Harriett Freeman nee Guest. Alfred George Freeman was born in 1880 at Wellesborne, Warwickshire. Harriett Guest was born 7th March 1879 at Kineton, Warwickshire. They were married on the 23rd November 1901 at Kineton, Warwickshire. They had four children, Elsie born 1902, Wallace born 1903, Bernard born 1904 and Rene born 1917. Rene was christened Violet Elizabeth Ruth Audrey Irene. Alfred George Freeman died in 1918 aged 37 Yrs. Harriett Freeman died aged about 75 Yrs between 1950 and 1955. Electoral registers show her living with daughter Rene and her husband at Chestnuts Avenue , Sheldon, Birmingham but not living at Boyne Road, Sheldon in 1955.
Pictured left are her parents James George Caisley and Rene Caisley nee Freeman on their wedding day. They were married on the 11th February 1941 at St Katherines Church, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. The Bride's wedding outfit is typical of the 1940's and by the mid point in the war years it was considered inappropriate to wear white. Her father was born on the 11th April 1914 at Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and was the eldest of 10 children Her mother was born on the 11th February 1917 at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham and was the youngest of four children.
After WW2, her parents lived at various addresses in Birmingham and finally lived at 121 Boyne Road, Sheldon, Birmingham until their deaths. Her mother died in 1986 and her father died in 1993.
Shown left is an early photograph of Grange Road, Kings Heath. Date unknown but the style of the childrens clothes suggest that it could be early 1900's. The Freeman family lived at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath.
Image courtesy of the Birmingham Forum.
A search of the electoral register for 1912 show Henry Freeman living at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath. Later registers show that George and Harriett Freeman lived at the same address. Rene Freeman was born at this address in 1917.
Home and family life.
The Freeman Family
Her mother's paternal Grandparents were Henry Freeman and Annie Freeman nee Brookes. Henry Freeman was born in Morton Morrill, Warwickshire about 1863. His wife, Annie was born in Evenlode, Gloucestershire in about 1864. The 1911 census shows they had been married 27 Yrs at the census date (married June 1884). Henry is working as a Waggoner at a Flour Mill. His wife Annie, is working as a Chocolate Packer. They had a total of seven children all of which had survived. They are living at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath with their children Lucy aged 17 Yrs, Birt (Albert) aged 14 Yrs, Hilda and Cecil aged 5 Yrs. Their son, Alfred George Freeman isn't listed as he married Harriett Guest in 1901.
Henry Freeman was the eldest son of Edward and Emma Freeman nee Ingram. The 1861 census (RG9/2218) shows his parents as living at Browns Green, Tanworth, Warwickshire. Edward is aged 31 Yrs and working as an Agricultural Labourer. His wife Emma, is aged 28 Yrs and not working. The 1871 census (RG10/3191) still finds the family at the same address. Edward is aged 41 Yrs and Emma is aged 36 Yrs. Edward now declares himself as a Farm Labourer. The census now shows his son, Henry (born 1863) as aged 8 Yrs and at school. The 1881 census (RG11/3086) now shows the family, Edward and Emma and another son, David aged 8 yrs living in "the Village" Henry has left home.
The 1891 census (RG12/2466) shows Edward and Emma Freeman living at Doctors Hill Vineyard, Tanworth, South Warwickshire. Edward is aged 61 Yrs and Emma is aged 55 Yrs. The census also shows that a Susannah Hunt is also at this address. Declared as a Servant and a Widow, aged 79 Yrs and showing her occupation as "Sick Nurse"
Henry Freeman now appears on the 1881 census (RG11/2843) at the home of Thomas and Hannah Whateley at 104 High Street, West Bromwich. Thomas is listed as a Builder and Henry Freeman's relationship to Thomas Whateley is shown as an apprentice, working as a Bricklayer. .
Census returns for 1881 to 1901 show there was a considerable amount of movement of Henry Freeman and family. In 1891 the Freeman family are living in Gaydon, Southam, Rugby. Henry is aged 28 Yrs and Annie, his wife is aged 27 Yrs. They have three sons - George, Thomas aged 6Yrs and 5 Yrs respectively, both born at Warwick, Wellsbourne; Reginald, their youngest son is aged 1 Yr, birthplace Warwick, Gaydon.. The 1901 census (RG13/1134) shows the family have now moved and are living in the parish of Drayton, Abington, Berks. Henry is 38 Yrs of age and now working as a Bailiff on a farm. His wife Annie is 37 Yrs of age and at home. Their eldest son, Alfred George Freeman isn't listed - he's living with the Guest family at Kineton. He later married Harriett Guest.
The 1911 census shows that the family have now moved and are living at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath. Henry is aged 48 Yrs of age and working as a "Waggoner" at a Flour Mill. Annie Freeman is aged 47 Yrs of age and still at home. Their birthplaces are listed as Morton Morill, Warwickshire and Evenlode, Gloucestershire respectively. Later research into the family showed that his youngest son, Cecil had married Lilian Kathleen Long in 1927. The marriage banns show that Henry Freeman was still alive. At the time of Cecil's marriage his residence is listed a 64 York Road, Kings Heath.
Electoral registers confirm the family's residence at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath in 1912. However, Annie
Freeman' s name isn't listed - women were not allowed to vote before 1918.
Also, the 1911 Census shows Alfred George Freeman and his wife Harriett together with their 3 children Elsie aged 9 yrs, Wallace aged 8 yrs and Bernard aged 7 yrs living in Grandborough, Ruby, Warwickshire. He's working as a Domestic Groom.
Their youngest daughter, Irene (who married James Caisley in 1941) wasn't born until 1917 when the family were living at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham. The marriage certificate for my wife's mother declares her grandfather's occupation as a domestic groom. However, Alfred George Freeman's death certificate shows his occupation at the time of his death in 1918 was a metal caster. This also confirms that the family were living at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath.
Following the 1911 census until the outbreak of WW2 the movement of the Freeman Family has been researched by means of checking the Electoral lists to trace family members and their children. In most instances the Freeman Family remained in the Kings Heath and Moseley areas of Birmingham. Research shows that Henry and Annie Freeman up until their deaths in 1937 / 1938 lived with their youngest son Cecil Freeman and his wife Lilian and lived at 64 York Road, Kings Heath. Harriett Freeman after the death of her husband in 1918 remained in Kings Heath until 1939. It is believed that she travelled and stayed down at Milford Haven with her youngest daughter Violet E R A I Freeman and was present at her youngest daughter's marriage to James George Caisley in 1941. After the war she lived with her youngest Daughter and her husband and lived with them until her death in 1950 at Sheldon, Birmingham, Warwickshire.
The Guest Family
Her mother's maternal Grandparents were Henry Guest and Ann Guest nee Wheldon.
They were married at Alcester, Warwickshire in Qtr4 in 1852. Henry Guest was born in 1829 and died in 1900 aged 71 Yrs. Ann Wheldon was born 1835 in Worcestershire, Kings Norton and died in 1910 aged 76 Yrs
The 1841 census (HO107/1197/14) finds Henry Guest aged 13 yr. at home with his parents John Guest aged 40 yrs and Mary Guest aged 28 yrs and their other children Mary Guest aged 19 yrs, William Guest aged 16 yrs, Joseph Guest aged 6 yrs, John Guest aged 1 yr and Jane Guest aged 3 yrs. Both William and Henry are working as "Boatmen". The family are living in Foundry Street, Stourport, Hundred of Lower Mitton.
Historical note - An extensive water basin existed in Stourport from the mid 1770's which linked large sections of the Worcestershire and Staffordshire canals. Foundry Street was adjacent to the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal and as such this would have been a major source of work for Boatmen during this period of time.
At some stage, Henry Guest moved from home, perhaps as part of his work on the canal barges because the 1851 census (HO107/2019) lists Henry Guest as 22 yr of age in Wolverhampton. He's living in Lodgings at Berry Street, St Peter, Wolverhampton. He's still working as a Boatman. The census lists his place of birth as Worcestershire, Kidderminster.
In 1852 Henry Guest married Ann Wheldon or Wheildon.
The 1861 census (RG9/2020) lists Henry Guest age 32 yrs age working as an Ag Lab, his wife Anne aged 28. Also listed are his four daughters - Anne aged 7 yrs, Alice aged 6 yrs, Charlotte aged 4 yrs and Martha aged 12 months. The family are living at the Queslett Road, Perry Barr, Handsworth. The birthplace for each member is listed as Worcestershire, Kings Norton.
The 1871 census (RG10/3218) list Henry Guest aged 41 working as Farm Bailiff & Labourer. His wife, Anne is aged 37 yrs and still at home. In addition to Alice and Martha aged 14 yrs and 10 yrs respectively, there are now another four children Ada aged 7 yrs, John aged 5 yrs, Emma aged 4 yrs and Julia aged 11 months. Birthplaces for these children are listed as Stafford, Oscott and Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire. Research revealed that Emma had been baptised on the 20th April 1866 in "the licensed school room" at Oscott, Perry Barr. Emma Guest later married Charles Grant on the 31st October 1888 at the Parish Church in Kineton.
The 1881 census (RG11/3098) now lists the family at Banbury Street, Kineton. Henry Guest is 53 yrs of age and still working as a Labourer. His wife Anne is 47 yrs of age and still at home. Birthplace is still listed as Kings Norton, Worcestershire. This census lists Cadd Guest aged 17 yrs working as a Domestic Servant and shows her birthplace as Warwick, Perry Barr. This could well be a transcription error and Cadd could well be Ada. Also in addition to John and Julia aged 15 yrs and 10 yrs respectively they now have another four children - Sarah aged 7 yrs, William aged 6 yrs, Jane aged 5 yrs and Harriett aged 2 yrs. Harriett Guest later married Alfred George Freeman in 1901.
1891 census Henry Guest 62 Coal Agent Warwickshire 1829 Weatheroak Hill, Worcestershire
1891 census Ann Guest 56 Laundress Warwickshire 1835 Kings Norton, Worcestershire
1901 census Ann Guest 64 Laundress Wash Warwickshire1837 Kings Norton, Worcestershire
The Bowen Family
Her father's maternal grandparents were Edwin Bowen and Margaret Bowen (formerly Walters). Edwin Bowen was born in Spittal in Pembrokeshire on 23rd June 1854 and died on 26th April 1903. Margaret was born in St. Clears in Carmarthenshire on 25th December 1848 and died on 19th December 1907. Edwin Bowen married Margaret Walters on 15th May 1875. Margaret was a widow at the time of her marriage to Edwin Bowen and had previously been married to Richard Walters - her maiden name being Margaret Jones. Margaret had one child during her first marriage, a daughter Charity. They had a total of seven children - Charlotte born 15th December 1875, Margaret Jane Bowen born on 17th February 1877. All these were born in the Carmarthenshire area. The remaining children were Emily Mary Bowen born on 24th January 1879, Martin Henry on 23rd February 1880, Thomas J. Bowen on 28th May 1882 and David George on 1st March 1885. All these were born somewhere in Johnston. Sophia Bowen who later married William Caisley was born in 1891 in Johnston, Pembrokeshire.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
The 1851 Census finds Edwin Bowen's parents, John and Charlotte Bowen at home with their two sons, Seth and Arthur. John and Charlotte are aged 27 Yrs and 25 Yrs respectively. Seth and Arthur are aged 4 Yrs and 1 Yr respectively.
The 1861 census shows the family still living in the parish of Spittal at Quarry House. Charlotte is now aged 34 Yrs, a widow and head of the family. Her occupation is listed as a "spinner". In addition to Seth and Arthur, now aged 14 Yrs and 11 Yrs respectively she now has another two sons - Edwin and John who are aged 6 Yrs and 4 Yrs respectively. John Bowen died some time between 1857 and before the 1861 census which took place on the 7th April of that year.
The 1901 census lists the family as living at the Railway Inn Hotel, Johnston, Haverfordwest. Edwin Bowen is listed as being 48 Yrs of age, occupation - Licensed Victualer. His birthplace is shown as Freystrop, Pembrokeshire born in 1853. His wife, Margaret Bowen, is listed as 54 Yrs of age and shows her birthplace as Carmarthen born in 1847. There are three children listed, Emily age 20 Yrs, Thomas age 17 Yrs and Sophia age 10 Yrs. Thomas is shown to be working as a Shipwright's Apprentice. Edwin Bowen died in 1903 aged 48 Yrs. His wife Margaret Bowen died in 1907 aged 59 Yrs.
Her father's maternal grandparents were Edwin Bowen and Margaret Bowen (formerly Walters). Edwin Bowen was born in Spittal in Pembrokeshire on 23rd June 1854 and died on 26th April 1903. Margaret was born in St. Clears in Carmarthenshire on 25th December 1848 and died on 19th December 1907. Edwin Bowen married Margaret Walters on 15th May 1875. Margaret was a widow at the time of her marriage to Edwin Bowen and had previously been married to Richard Walters - her maiden name being Margaret Jones. Margaret had one child during her first marriage, a daughter Charity. They had a total of seven children - Charlotte born 15th December 1875, Margaret Jane Bowen born on 17th February 1877. All these were born in the Carmarthenshire area. The remaining children were Emily Mary Bowen born on 24th January 1879, Martin Henry on 23rd February 1880, Thomas J. Bowen on 28th May 1882 and David George on 1st March 1885. All these were born somewhere in Johnston. Sophia Bowen who later married William Caisley was born in 1891 in Johnston, Pembrokeshire.
The above information has been supplied by Mr P Walters, Johnston, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.
The 1851 Census finds Edwin Bowen's parents, John and Charlotte Bowen at home with their two sons, Seth and Arthur. John and Charlotte are aged 27 Yrs and 25 Yrs respectively. Seth and Arthur are aged 4 Yrs and 1 Yr respectively.
The 1861 census shows the family still living in the parish of Spittal at Quarry House. Charlotte is now aged 34 Yrs, a widow and head of the family. Her occupation is listed as a "spinner". In addition to Seth and Arthur, now aged 14 Yrs and 11 Yrs respectively she now has another two sons - Edwin and John who are aged 6 Yrs and 4 Yrs respectively. John Bowen died some time between 1857 and before the 1861 census which took place on the 7th April of that year.
The 1901 census lists the family as living at the Railway Inn Hotel, Johnston, Haverfordwest. Edwin Bowen is listed as being 48 Yrs of age, occupation - Licensed Victualer. His birthplace is shown as Freystrop, Pembrokeshire born in 1853. His wife, Margaret Bowen, is listed as 54 Yrs of age and shows her birthplace as Carmarthen born in 1847. There are three children listed, Emily age 20 Yrs, Thomas age 17 Yrs and Sophia age 10 Yrs. Thomas is shown to be working as a Shipwright's Apprentice. Edwin Bowen died in 1903 aged 48 Yrs. His wife Margaret Bowen died in 1907 aged 59 Yrs.
The Caisley Family
Her father's paternal grandparents were James and Georgina Caisley. A look inside the 1861 census shows James Caisley age 1yr at home with his parents Jeremiah and Emma Caisley nee Grainger and his elder sister Mary G Caisley. The family are living in Tweedmouth in the municipal borough of Berwick.
His father Jeremiah is aged 32 Yrs and working as a Rope and Twine Spinner. His birthplace is listed as Berwick. His wife Emma is aged 29 Yrs and at home. Her birthplace is listed as Berkshire, Wallingford.
The 1871 census shows the family living at Church Square, Tweedmouth, Berwick. James is 11 Yrs of age and at school. The 1881 census show the family are now living at Brewery Bank, Tweedmouth, Berwick. James is aged 21 Yrs and working as a Cooper.
James Caisley and Georgina Caisley (maiden name believed to be Purves but still tbc) appear to have married in about 1885. This date has been based on the declaration of completed years of marriage on the 1911 census showing they had been married for 26 years. Also the birth of their eldest son, James Caisley was 1887.
Furthermore, between the census years of 1881 and 1891 show that James Caisley either acquired or started a Fish Merchants business. Also in the years between 1881 and 1885, James Caisley may well have moved around Berwickshire and met Georgina Purves and married her during this time.
The 1871 Scotland census shows Georgina Purves aged 12 Yrs at home with her parents, William and Jane Purves. They were living in Ayton Mill, in the parish of Ayton, Berwickshire. The 1881 Scotland census shows Georgina Purves as being 23 Yrs of age and working as a general servant in the home of Robert and Christina Allan. The home address is Church Street, Eyemouth, Berwickshire. These two parishes are coastal and adjacent to one another - both have strong connections with the Fishing industry. Therefore it's not unreasonable to assume that James Caisley may have started looking at starting his Fish Merchants Business in this part of Berwickshire. In fact its not unreasonable to assume that James Caisley may well have met his wife Georgina Purves around this time in the region of Eyemouth.
A photograph of Georgina Caisley (nee Purves) is included in the Gallery of Family Photographs.
The 1891 England census shows James Caisley is in Lowestoft, possibly in lodgings. He is listed as a Fish Merchant and declared as an employer. Discussions with his surviving grand daughter, revealed that it was quite common for fish merchants to "follow the fish" in search of the best fish catches. Lowestoft was a wll known fishing port around this time and could well have accounted for his being there.
The 1901 Census finds James Caisley at 27 Norfolk Street, Sunderland. His wife, Georgina is with as well as all his family. He's now listed as a "Fish Merchant" working on his own account. Also living with him is John W Ward, listed as a Boarder working as a "Fish Merchants Clerk" - presumably working for James Caisley.
At some stage the family left Sunderland and moved to The Hakin Pemprokeshire. The1911 census finds the family living at The Observatory, Hakin, Milford Haven. All his sons are working in their father's business of "Fish Merchants" operating in Milford Fish Docks.
The business was owned and operated by the Caisley Family until 1929 when the business was sold and operated in the Caisley name only. It was known as W Caisley and Sons - the business finally ceased trading in 1960.
James Caisley died in 1950 aged 90 Yrs and his wife Georgina Caisley died in 1927 aged 68 Yrs. Both deaths were registered at Haverfordwest. They are both buried in Steynton Cemetery , Milford Haven.
Her father's paternal grandparents were James and Georgina Caisley. A look inside the 1861 census shows James Caisley age 1yr at home with his parents Jeremiah and Emma Caisley nee Grainger and his elder sister Mary G Caisley. The family are living in Tweedmouth in the municipal borough of Berwick.
His father Jeremiah is aged 32 Yrs and working as a Rope and Twine Spinner. His birthplace is listed as Berwick. His wife Emma is aged 29 Yrs and at home. Her birthplace is listed as Berkshire, Wallingford.
The 1871 census shows the family living at Church Square, Tweedmouth, Berwick. James is 11 Yrs of age and at school. The 1881 census show the family are now living at Brewery Bank, Tweedmouth, Berwick. James is aged 21 Yrs and working as a Cooper.
James Caisley and Georgina Caisley (maiden name believed to be Purves but still tbc) appear to have married in about 1885. This date has been based on the declaration of completed years of marriage on the 1911 census showing they had been married for 26 years. Also the birth of their eldest son, James Caisley was 1887.
Furthermore, between the census years of 1881 and 1891 show that James Caisley either acquired or started a Fish Merchants business. Also in the years between 1881 and 1885, James Caisley may well have moved around Berwickshire and met Georgina Purves and married her during this time.
The 1871 Scotland census shows Georgina Purves aged 12 Yrs at home with her parents, William and Jane Purves. They were living in Ayton Mill, in the parish of Ayton, Berwickshire. The 1881 Scotland census shows Georgina Purves as being 23 Yrs of age and working as a general servant in the home of Robert and Christina Allan. The home address is Church Street, Eyemouth, Berwickshire. These two parishes are coastal and adjacent to one another - both have strong connections with the Fishing industry. Therefore it's not unreasonable to assume that James Caisley may have started looking at starting his Fish Merchants Business in this part of Berwickshire. In fact its not unreasonable to assume that James Caisley may well have met his wife Georgina Purves around this time in the region of Eyemouth.
A photograph of Georgina Caisley (nee Purves) is included in the Gallery of Family Photographs.
The 1891 England census shows James Caisley is in Lowestoft, possibly in lodgings. He is listed as a Fish Merchant and declared as an employer. Discussions with his surviving grand daughter, revealed that it was quite common for fish merchants to "follow the fish" in search of the best fish catches. Lowestoft was a wll known fishing port around this time and could well have accounted for his being there.
The 1901 Census finds James Caisley at 27 Norfolk Street, Sunderland. His wife, Georgina is with as well as all his family. He's now listed as a "Fish Merchant" working on his own account. Also living with him is John W Ward, listed as a Boarder working as a "Fish Merchants Clerk" - presumably working for James Caisley.
At some stage the family left Sunderland and moved to The Hakin Pemprokeshire. The1911 census finds the family living at The Observatory, Hakin, Milford Haven. All his sons are working in their father's business of "Fish Merchants" operating in Milford Fish Docks.
The business was owned and operated by the Caisley Family until 1929 when the business was sold and operated in the Caisley name only. It was known as W Caisley and Sons - the business finally ceased trading in 1960.
James Caisley died in 1950 aged 90 Yrs and his wife Georgina Caisley died in 1927 aged 68 Yrs. Both deaths were registered at Haverfordwest. They are both buried in Steynton Cemetery , Milford Haven.
Pictured left is an early photograph of James George Caisley, eldest son of William and Sophia Caisley. He was born on the 11 April 1914 in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and is the Father of Christine Sophia Caisley. The photograph was possibly taken in the early to mid 1930's after his move to Birmingham. It's quite possible that the move to the Midlands could have been prompted by the need to seek better working prospects. In his early days he had worked in his Father's Fish Merchants business. Unfortunately, the Fishing Industry was already in decline around this time in Milford Haven and this coupled with the fact that his Father had sold the business could well have been the trigger for his move to Birmingham. In the gallery of "other photographs" are some images of the Milford Haven Fish Docks which show what a thriving industry existed there. Photographs are reproduced by courtesy of Barry Johnson, Milford Trawlers.
Historical note.
Many years later the author and his family together with James and Rene Caisley visited Milford Haven Fish Docks in 1976 during a family holiday in Pembrokeshire. He recalled better days when the docks were thriving and was upset to see them, particularly the former site of his father's business in such a derelict state. There were as he put it "only ghosts" left. In later years the former docks have been transformed into a Marina with numerous shops, a museum, cafes and restaurants.
Historical note.
Many years later the author and his family together with James and Rene Caisley visited Milford Haven Fish Docks in 1976 during a family holiday in Pembrokeshire. He recalled better days when the docks were thriving and was upset to see them, particularly the former site of his father's business in such a derelict state. There were as he put it "only ghosts" left. In later years the former docks have been transformed into a Marina with numerous shops, a museum, cafes and restaurants.
Shortly after leaving Milford Haven and moving to Birmingham, James Caisley started working at F W Woolworth and during this time he met Rene Freeman. Rene was living at home with her mother, Harriett Freeman at 93 Grange Road, Kings Heath. She also was working at F W Woolworths. Shown left is an early picture of Woolworths store in Kings Heath circa 1934. It's not unreasonable to assume that they both worked at this same store at the same time. Image courtesy of contributors to the Birmingham Forum.
How long they both worked at this store is unknown. Shortly after the outbreak of WW2 they married at St Katherines Church, Milford Haven on the 11th Feb 1941.
How long they both worked at this store is unknown. Shortly after the outbreak of WW2 they married at St Katherines Church, Milford Haven on the 11th Feb 1941.
In 1945 at the end of WW2 Rene Caisley is living at 30 Jutland Road with her mother Harriett Freeman, together with her brother Bernard Freeman and his wife Dorothy. In 1947 James and Rene Caisley are living at 104 Colemeadow Road, Billesley with their daughter Christine Sophia Caisley. They are in lodgings with Christopher and Winifred Horton. Shown left is a photograph taken during their time at Colemeadow Road showing Christine aged 6 months with her mother.
In 1947 - 1948 the family have moved to Chestnuts Avenue, Sheldon. In addition to the Caisley family, Harriett Freeman is now living with them. The image on the left was taken at their home in Chestnuts Avenue, Sheldon, Birmingham about 1949. It is the only photograph of Harriett Freeman available. Also shown is the authors wife, Christine aged about 2 Yrs.
The family later moved to 121, Boyne Road, Sheldon, Birmingham and remained there until the death of James and Rene Caisley.
Harriett Freeman died aged 75 Yrs in 1954.
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 7/9/2019