Maria Titheridge of Cheriton and the Missing Baptism Record

Cheriton Village

Genealogy is a fascinating hobby but sometimes it can be very frustrating.  It is a bit like a giant jigsaw and sometimes you get a piece that just doesn’t fit in.  Maria Titheridge of Cheriton is our problem person, the “jigsaw piece” that doesn’t fit.

The Titheridge family of Cheriton is descended from John Titheridge and Ann Quallat and is the main starting point for most of our Titheridge family trees. The Cheriton baptism records stretch from 1665 to 1855 and fit nicely together so that you can construct the family tree fairly easily. However there are always exceptions!
 

On 26 December 1823 John Titheridge is baptised, born 23 November 1823, son to Maria Titheridge a servant. 

Five years later on the 8 December 1828 the baptism of Emma Titheridge is recorded, daughter of Maria a single woman. 

The problem is “Who is Maria?”  There are no records of a Maria Titheridge being born. We cannot find the baptism records for a Maria and have no idea who her parents were, but from census record we are sure she was born in Cheriton.

After the birth of her children the next record we find of Maria is her marriage on 17 November 1832 in Brown Candover and Chilton Candover, Hampshire. She married Joseph Hall, a gamekeeper.

As Maria Hall she can be found in the following censuses, all reporting her born in Cheriton.

• The 1841 census shows Joseph Hall aged 30 and Maria Hall aged 35 living in Mitcheldever with 3 children aged 8 5 2 (note the adult ages are rounded down to nearest multiple of 5)
• The 1851 census shows Joseph Hall aged 40 and Maria aged 52 living in Northington with 3 children aged 15,11,7
• The 1861 census shows Joseph Hall aged 50 and Maria Hall aged 59 living in Northington
• The 1871 Census shows Joseph Hall aged 60 and Maria Hall aged 58 living in Northington

It would appear that Maria was not always honest about her age - but I think censuses suggest that Maria was probably born between 1799 – 1802.

Maria’s daughter Emma Titheridge died aged 2 and was buried on 10 March 1830.  Her son John Titheridge married Mary Ashton in Winchester in 1845 and they moved to South Stoneham, Hampshire where John worked on the Railway.  John and Mary had 11 children born between 1845 and 1866.

George born 1845
Mary Anne born 1847
John  born 1848
William born 1850
Emma born 1852
James born 1856
Jane born 1857
Henry born about 1859
Elizabeth born 1861
Charles Frederick born 1854
Edward born 1866

After many years of puzzling about Maria we had an email from a fellow genealogist which suggested why we had not found Maria’s baptism.  In the back of the Cheriton Parish Record book is a list of Catholics in Cheriton in 1829.  There on the list is Maria Titheridge. It therefore seems likely that Maria was baptised in a Catholic Church. Even knowing this fact I have so far failed to find her baptism.  I have looked in the Catholic Church records in Winchester – but have to admit I could barely read the writing so could have missed it.  The area around Cheriton has Catholic connections and at the village of Tichborne 2 miles away, in Tichborne House, lived the well-known Tichborne family, who were devout Catholics. It is interesting to wonder why if Maria was a Catholic did she baptise her two children in the Church of England Parish church and why did she marry in a Church of England Church?

So if anyone has researched this family and has found the baptism for Maria Titheridge baptised between 1799 and 1802 somewhere near Cheriton, Hampshire please get in touch and help me fit the piece into the jigsaw. 

 

Copyright © 2016 Ann and Mike Titheradge All rights reserved

Titheridge Tragedies as a Result of Alcohol Excess

Kilmeston home of Daniel Titheridge
Parish Church of St Andrew
 

Excessive drinking is something I think of as a modern day problem, however the following two inquest reports show that it has been an age old problem.

The inquest into the death of Daniel Titheridge in 1843

The first inquest report is from November 1843 and reports on the inquest into the death of Daniel Titheridge from Kilmeston. Daniel was born in Kilmeston in 1806 son of Daniel Titheridge and Ann Mitchell and as far as we know he was unmarried.

“The following inquests have been taken by Mr Todd during the past week. At Kilmeston, on the body of Daniel Titheridge, a tailor, who died suddenly in a fit of apoplexy, brought on by intoxication and exposure to the weather. The deceased had been celebrating his 37th birthday a public house last Sunday evening from 5 til 10 o’clock, when the landlord insisted on him leaving the house and nothing more was heard of him till the following morning, when he was found lying upon the road, about half way towards his home, in a state of insensibility which terminated in death before medical assistance could be obtained. Verdict “Natural death, by Apoplexy”.”

The inquest into the death of James Titheridge in 1899

The second inquest report is from October 1899 on the death of James Titheridge of the Portsmouth area. The report suggests James was born in 1877 but I have no idea who he is. (If you can identify this James please get in touch).
 
“The inquest into the death of James Titheridge, aged 22, a labourer, residing at No 14 Voller Street Landport, who met his death falling from the scaffold at no 40, St Thomas’s Street, Portsmouth on Monday last. Mr E Bechervaise watched the case on behalf of Mr Maurice Coltherup, builder of Lombard Street, Portsmouth, employer of the deceased. Evidence was given to the effect that the deceased was discharged by Mr Coltherup’s foreman for being drunk on the works. The deceased went away, but came back much the worst for liquor and persisted in going up to the top of the scaffold to see a mate, and, missing a footing he fell to the ground, a distance of 37 feet. Dr Welch was called in, and on his advice Constable Thompson conveyed the injured man to hospital, where he was attended by Dr Way (house surgeon). He was quite unconscious and remained so until his death at 11.40 that night. Dr Way said the death was due to injury to the brain caused by the fracture to the base of the skull. A verdict of “accidental death” was returned.”

Copyright © 2016 Ann and Mike Titheradge All rights reserved

Imperial Service Medal for Albert Titheridge - Cornish Customs Officer

Cornish Fishing Village near St Austell

On 10 March 1927 the Western Morning News reported the following:

"35 Years in Cornish Customs Service
Mr A J Titheridge, until recently Prevention Officer of Customs and Excise at Charlestown, has been presented with the Imperial Service Medal in recognition of 35 years meritorious service.
The presentation was made by the Collector, Mr C Nicholls, at a gathering of former colleagues at the Custom House Plymouth.  The collector warmly congratulated Mr Titheridge (who now resides at St Austell) on the distinction he has won by devotion to duty during his long service career."

A J Titheridge was christened Albert James Henry Titheridge.  He was the only known son of Alfred Robert Titheridge (known as Robert) and Caroline Tee.  Albert was born in Devonport, Devon on 12 December 1865, his father, a seaman, was from Portsmouth, Hampshire.  He was baptised in Stoke Damerel on 25 March 1866.

The 1871 census shows Albert living in Hull with his parents in West Dock Hotel, with his father listed as a seaman on HMS Invincible. The 1881 census shows 15 year old Albert listed as a scholar and as a visitor to Robert and Annie Marsh in the Coastguard Station at Alverstoke, Hampshire.  The 1891 census shows him living in Portsea with his parents and cousin at 11 Victoria Terrace.  In 1891 Albert and his father were both working as labourers in the HM Dockyards.

Albert married Selina Kate Cavill in Portsea in 1892. There was one child of the marriage, Albert James Robert Titheridge who was born in Harwich, Essex in 1892.

The 1901 census shows Albert and wife Selina living with their son in Artic Road, Cowes on the Isle of Wight.  Albert is shown as a Customs Boatman.  The 1911 census shows Albert still in the Isle of Wight and on census day he was in the Watch House, Cowes, while Selina was at home in Artic Road, Cowes.

Albert was a Prevention Officer in Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, who went into service with Customs and Excise in 1891 when he was 25 and he served for 35 years until his retirement in 1926.  He was initially stationed at Harwich, Essex.  In 1897 he went to Cowes in the Isle of Wight where he remained until 1911, when he transferred to London.  Ten years later he transferred to Charlestown, near St Austell in Cornwall.  Here he was recorded as a very popular official.

He retired in 1926 and after living in St Austell for a while he moved back to Hampshire to the Isle of Wight.  By the 1939 Register he was a retired Customs Officer living at Roseville, Alexandra Road, Cowes with wife Selina.

Albert was also a member of the Territorial Army. He joined up in February 1886 and remained in the force until April 1908. During this time he was in the 3rd Hampshire Volunteer Corps and 5th Hampshire Volunteer Battalion. He was awarded a long service Medal in April 1909.  Great Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914, two days later Albert joined the regular army on 6thAugust 1914.   He joined the 6th Battalion Essex Regiment (regimental number 1922) with  rank of Lance Corporal.  He saw First World War service at home and was eventually discharged from the army on 5th August 1916 with his records showing the comments TE(Time expired) under KR 392 (Kings regulations covering early discharge) para XX1(termination of period of engagement) age 50 years 8 months . On his join up papers he was described as a customs officer living at Riverside, Artic Road Cowes, Isle of Wight, 5 foot 5inches, 35 ½ inch chest. His next of kin was his wife Mrs Selina Kate Titheridge who was living at 47 Mortimer Road High Street South, East Ham.  Albert was awarded the Volunteer Decoration for 21 years service in the Territorial Army.  His discharge notes said "an exceedingly well conducted, intelligent non commissioned officer. Very willing and very dependable."

He died in the Isle of Wight at the age of 76 in 1942.

New Titheradge / Titheridge Family History Website

The blog posts have been absent for the past few weeks while I have been working on updating our family history website.  It has moved to Wordpress where a new mobile and tablet friendly version has been created.  The content is virtually the same as the old website but it has taken on a more modern look.  It will be easier to maintain without the need to use complex html and will be updated frequently.  The main section headings are shown below.  I can recommend the excellent search facility on the website.  Please take a look.   https://titheradgefamilyhistory.wordpress.com/

William Henry Tetheridge - The Brave Hussar



British Victory Medal awarded in World War 1 
to all those who entered a theatre of war.

 The London Gazette on 1 May 1918 reads

His Majesty the King has been pleased to award the Distinguished Conduct Meal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the field:

Sgt W H Tetheridge (Stockwell SW) of 13th Hussars - For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During a mounted attack a horse carrying a machine gun broke loose.  After several attempts he succeeded in catching it among the trenches occupied by the enemy and brought it in under heavy fire.  He showed splendid coolness and resource.
 

Identifying William Henry proved a challenge.  He was in fact William Henry Titheridge but was known throughout his 13 year military career as William Henry Tetheridge (or Tetherridge).  His military records and the 1911 census suggest his date of birth to be somewhere between late 1889 to January 1891.  In the end he was identified as William Henry Titheridge with his birth registered in March 1892.

So why was his age so wrong in all the official documentation? I think this is because on 29 June 1909 when William joined the army he was 17 years and 5months, I believe in 1909 an applicant had to be 18years old to join up.  It would appear likely that he added a little on to age so that he was the right age.  This was not uncommon and we know that his brother lied about his age to join the army in World War 1 (but that is another tale).

From the records available we have been able to piece together the following information. William Henry Titheridge was born in on 20 January 1892 at Hackney, London.  He was the seventh child of George Titheridge and Georgina Hanniball.   After leaving school William worked as a painter.

He joined the 11th Hussars (part of the cavalry) on the 29 June 1909 and later transferred to the 13th Hussars.  William served with the 13th Hussars in the following locations.

From 4 November 1910 to 18 November 1914 the 13th Hussars were in India.  At the outbreak of  World War 1 they were in Meerut, India as part of the 7th Meerut Cavalry Brigade.  They sailed from Bombay on 19th November1914, arriving at Marseilles on 14 December1914.  William’s medal card shows he first entered the war in France on 15 December 1914.

War time service saw the Hussars moving around.  At first they stayed in France until 26 June 1916 seeing action on the Western Front in France and Flanders.  The regiment fought both in the trenches and in their mounted role. 

On 27 June 1916 they were posted to Mesopotamia, which is modern day Iraq, for a short stay until 2 August 1916.  

On 3 August 1916 they went back to India until 20 November 1916.  

From 21 November 1916 they were in back in Mesopotamia where they remained until 4 March 1919.  Here the regiment was involved in the battle of Kut al Amars, the capture of Baghdad and the battle of Sharqat.

Early November 1917 found the 13th Hussars near Tekrit, a city in Mesopotamia located on the Tigris River 90 miles northwest of Baghdad.  The British troops were pushing Turkish forces out of Mesopotamia and at Tekrit the Turks made a stand in defensive positions.  On 5th November 1917 the British mounted a swift but costly attack on the city.  At the battle of Tekrit, which took place 5 miles north of Daur, the 13th Hussars made one of their cavalry charges.  During this action 6 men were killed, 22 men were wounded and over twenty horses killed.  As a result of the action two officers won the Military Cross, three men won the Military Medal and William Tetheridge was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.  The medal was awarded on 17 November 1917 for the action that took place on 5th November, but the information did not appear in the London Gazette until the 1 May 1918.

On 5 March 1919, while in Baghdad, William transferred from the 13th Hussars to the Royal Tank Corps and signed up for another 3 years military service.  He was eventually discharged from the army on 31 March 1922 with the rank of Sergeant.  He was described as being of good conduct.  His address on discharge was 143 Cornwallis Road, Brixton, London. 

As well as the DCM for bravery his medal card shows he was also awarded the British War Medal and British Victory Medal and 1915 star.

Just before he left the army William married Emma Eliza Masters on 12 September 1921 and they had two sons.  As for the surname Tetheridge, apart from his military service, William used his correctly spelt surname of Titheridge.

William died on 27 May 1951 in Wandsworth.

While researching this article I came across this amazing photograph of Sergeant William Tetheridge  DCM, please follow the link to take a look.

http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishcavalry/13thhussarstetheridge.htm

 

 

Last Will and Testament of Ann Titheridge in 1730



St Andrews Church Kilmeston, Hampshire

Old wills can be a great source of information for the family historian.  The 18th century will of Ann Titheridge is a prime example of this, as in her will she lists all her seven living children and the married names of the daughters.

The language of these old wills seems strange but there were certain rules that had to be followed.  In the 18th century a will had to be in writing and it had to be signed by the testator.  It had to contain a clear and explicit statement of the testator's intention and sanity (if the testator was insane the will was invalid).   The testator's will also recorded their identity and abode and the date when the will was made and generally included the date published.   Bequests form the main body of the will, with the testator concluding by nominating their residuary legatee.  Pious statements, religious bequests and instructions are also a standard part of a will. These could include instructions to the executor to where or how to bury their body.  Testators often then explicitly revoke any prior wills.  Finally, the testator would sign and seal the document, either with their signature or, if illiterate or too weak, with a simple mark. A seal, although not essential, gave force to the document as a formal deed.  This final act must have been witnessed, by two or more witnesses who these should not benefit from the will. The witnesses would in turn add their signatures or marks to the will. (If there were lands involved three or four creditable witnesses were required). The 1730 will below of Ann Titheridge of Kilmeston, Hampshire follows these rules.

 

 

 

This is the last will and testament of Ann Titheridge

 

In the name of God, Amen, the Eleventh Day of September 1730.  I Ann Titheridge Widow of the parish of Kimpston in the County of Southton, being very sick and weak in body, but of Perfect Mind and Memory thanks be given unto God.  Therefore calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all people once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say, principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it And my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my executors, not doubting, but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Powers of God, And as touching such worldly estates wherewith it hath pleased Almighty God to bless me in this Life I  give demise and dispose of the former in the following Manner and Form.

 

Imprimis I give and bequeath to my welbeloved son John Titheridge one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give to my welbeloved daughter Ann Allen, one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give my well beloved son Daniel Titheridge one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give my well beloved daughter Elizabeth Poell one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give my well beloved daughter Sarah Gill one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give my well beloved son William Titheridge one shilling of good and lawful money of England. Item I give my well beloved daughter Mary Titheridge my Gold Rings, Beds with all things belonging thereto  and all other household goods and money by her freely to be possessed and enjoyed.  And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke, and disanul all and ever other former Testaments, Wills, Legacies and Requests and Executors by me in any ways before named Willed and Bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other, to be my last Will and Testament.  In witness whereof I have herewith put my hand and seal the day and year as above written.

 

Signed sealed publish pronounced and declared, by the said Ann Titheridge as her last will and testament in their presence of us the subscribers

 

The mark of David X Frod

The mark of James X Shugnell

William Thong

The mark of Ann X Titheridge

 

The name "Kimpston" was the old name for Kilmeston: the term "Imprimis" means first: the term "item" means also:  Southton is an abbreviation for Southampton, the county of Hampshire was originally called the County of Southamptonshire.

So who was Ann Titheridge? She was the daughter in law of John Tytheridge and Ann Quallat who lived in Cheriton and are the ancestors of most of the Titheridge family.  John and Ann’s eldest son, John, was born in 1669 at Cheriton and he married Ann Brewer on 29 March 1692 at Chertion.  Shortly after the marriage they moved to Kilmeston, 2 miles away, and here they had 9 children between1695 and 1711.  The children were
     John born 1695 who married Elizabeth Chase
     Daniel born 1697 who married Ann Marshall
     Ann born 1700 who married Thomas Allen
     Sarah born 1701 who married William Gill
     Elizabeth born 1702 who married James Powell
     William born 1705 who died 1706
     Mary born 1707   (no records of death or marriage have been found but still alive in 1730)
     William born 1709 (no records of death or marriage have been found but still alive in 1730)
     James born 1711 who died aged 6 1717

In 1711 after the birth of his last child John died in Kilmeston.  Ann continued to live in Kilmeston with her children.  Ann died in 1730 and was buried on 21 September 1730 ten days after making this will.

Wordless Wednesday 12 - Old Alresford

St Mary the Virgin Church in Old Alresford

5 February 2016



Church in Old Alresford.  Family members
spelling the name Tetheridg appear in Old Alresford
around 1644, and individuals spelling their name
Titheridge are present in Old Alresford around 1761

 

Every Wednesday just a picture connected to the family names - a person, a place or an object.
Please add a comment.

If you have a family photo you would like to share please  email to titheradgegenealogy@gmail.com for inclusion as next week’s photo



15 Titheridge children

Mill Cottage in Frogmore, hamlet in East Meon

Can you imagine having 15 children? – I certainly can’t!  Are there any Titheridge/Titheradge families who had more children?

Over a 27 year period William and Elizabeth Titheridge had 15 children.  Not all the children survived to adult hood and 6 of the children died aged of 7 or under.  By my calculations this meant that Elizabeth spent over 11 years of her life pregnant!  It obviously had no detrimental effect on her health since she lived until she was 74.  I guess with the children spreadout as one child left home and got married another was born.  On the 1841 they were living with 6 children aged 13 to 11 months.  On the 1851 census they were living with 7 children aged 16 to 1 and on the 1861 census they were living with 2 children  aged 17 and 7.

William Titheridge was born about May 1805 in the village of East Meon, Hampshire.  He was the son of Thomas Titheridge and Jane Tee.  He married Elizabeth Lee on 28 Jul 1827 in East Meon.  They lived mainly in Frogmore which is a small hamlet to the east of the main village of East Meon.  It has a mill and a few cottages which were built for the mill workers and farm labourers. 

William and Elizabeth’s 15 children were  all born in East Meon.  Ann, John, William, Eliza, Maria, James, Elizabeth, Sarah and Frank were the children who survived to adult hood.  They certainly helped to spread the Titheridge surname as William and Elizabeth had 16 grandchildren with the name Titheridge.  These are their children:-

 

•  Harriett Titheridge was born in 1827. She died in 1830 aged 3

• Ann Titheridge was born about Jun 1828 she was still alive in 1841 but we do not know when she died or if she married
• John Titheridge was born about Feb 1829. He married Eliza Hastings on 19 Jul 1858 in Portsea, St Marys, Hampshire.  He died in Dec 1886 in Portsea, Hampshire.  John and Eliza had 3 children with the Titheridge name.

• William Titheridge was born about Jun 1831. He married Mary Moys or Moss on 08 May 1858 in East Meon.  He died in Dec 1907 in Wymering.  William and Mary had 7 children with the Titheridge surname.

• Harriett Titheridge was born about Jun 1833.  She died about Feb 1836 in East Meon aged 3.

• Eliza Titheridge was born about May 1835.  She was still alive in 1851 but we do not know when she died or if she married.

• Jane Titheridge was born about Feb 1836.  She died in July 1837 in East Meon aged 1.

• Maria Titheridge was born on 21 Jul 1838.  She married William Rogers  on 13 Jan 1861 in East Meon.

• James Titheridge was born on 04 Feb 1840.  He married Eliza Rossey Harfield on 11 Nov 1865 in Catherington.  He died on 23 Apr 1923.  In 1874 the family emigrated to New Zealand establishing a large family of Titheridges in New Zealand.  James and Eliza had 6 children with the Titheridge surname.

• Elizabeth Titheridge was born on 04 Jan 1842 in East Meon, Hampshire. She married William Willis on 08 Apr 1860 in East Meon, Hampshire.

• Sarah Titheridge was born on 29 Jan 1844.  She married William Fly on 04 Jun 1864 in East Meon, Hampshire. She died on 18 Oct 1932.

• Hannah Titheridge was born on 30 Aug 1846 in East Meon, Hampshire. She died in October 1846 in East Meon aged just a few weeks.
• Henry Titheridge was born on 28 Jul 1847 in East Meon, Hampshire.  He died in July 1855 aged 7

• Ellen Titheridge was born on 13 Dec 1849 in East Meon, Hampshire. She died in Jun 1855 in Petersfield, Hampshire aged 5.

• Frank Titheridge was born in Mar 1854 in East Meon, Hampshire. He married Emily Jane Port on 13 Oct 1877 in East Meon, Hampshire. Frank and Emily had no known children.

If you can provide any more information on these individuals please add a comment or email me.

 

If you have a special interest in East Meon or Frogmore where William and Elizabeth lived  I can recommend the following website for amazing old pictures and history of the village.

http://www.eastmeonhistory.org.uk/content

 
http://www.eastmeonhistory.org.uk/content/catalogue_item/frogmore

400 years of Titheridges

Old Winchester, 15th century Priory Gate
 leading to Winchester Cathedral

I thought I would start the New Year by looking back into our Family History and reviewing what was happening to the family 100, 200, 300 and 400 years ago.

In 1616 all the records so far found suggest the family is concentrated in the Winchester area of Hampshire, England.  Early records from 1542 place the family in Chilcomb, Avington and Winchester.  In 1616 there are several family units in the small village of Avington. 

In 1716 records show that there were some family groups in Basingstoke and Kingsclere to the north east of Hampshire but the majority of the Titheridges were in Cheriton, Hampshire with one family group having moved from Cheriton to Kilmeston.   As yet in 1716 there are no variations of surnames spelt Titheradge or Tidridge, the surname is spelt either Tytheridge or Titheridge.

By 1816 the Titheridge families had started to spread out, but mainly in Hampshire.  While Winchester, Kilmeston and Cheriton remained family strongholds other family groups had moved to New Alresford, Alverstoke, Portsmouth, Droxford area and West Tisted.  By 1816 the Titheradge surname had been established in the Portsmouth area.  There were still no Tidridges, there were virtually no family members in London and as yet no known family group had emigrated from England to the rest of the world.

By 1916 all variations of the surname were in evidence.  The majority of Titheridges, Titheradges and Tidridges had remained in Hampshire and most notably in the Droxford area, Portsmouth,  Alverstoke, Southampton and Petersfield area.  Numerous family groups had now appeared in London and the counties of Essex, Surrey, Middlesex and Kent as couples moved with their families.  Work for agricultural labourers had decreased and they move to find work in response to the industrial revolution, the introduction of the railways making movement easier.  Emigration had taken place from England to the rest of the world.  In Australia there were family groups of Titheridges and Titheradges.  In New Zealand there were Titheridges and Tytheridges.  In the USA there were groups of Titheridges, Titheradges and Tytheridges, Tidridges, although today the surname is uncommon in the USA.  Titheridges had moved to Canada, Tytheridges had move to South Africa and Tidridges to Eire.

One hundred year ago in 1916, around 60 of our men were fighting in the army and navy in World War 1 and already 4 men had been killed in action.

Today in 2016 our family is spread across the world.  If you are a family member or related to the family name please post a comment below to say where you are living.

Wordless Wednesday 11 - Alverstoke home of many Titheridge families

Alverstoke ,Hampshire

23 December 2015



Alverstoke village Church. 
The site of many Titheridge
baptisms marriages and burials
from 1809




Every Wednesday just a picture connected to the family names - a person, a place or an object.
Please add a comment.

If you have a family photo you would like to share please email to titheradgegenealogy@gmail.com for inclusion as next week’s photo

Family Bibles

Family Register taken from
the Meaker Family Bible

In the Victorian era it was common for families to own a family bible.  Most of these bibles were large, decorative bibles with graphic illustration and of considerable expense to purchase.  The family bible was handed down through the family and within its pages was a family register to record births, marriages, deaths, and baptisms through the generations.  Other items such as letters newspaper cuttings and photograph were often stored inside. 

Few families own a family Bible these days but if they are in existence they a fantastic source for genealogy research, most being over 100 years old and a piece of family heritage.  My paternal grandparents, born in the 1890s, owned one such bible.   Although they were very religious, my grandfather being a Methodist lay preacher, the bible was destroyed in one of their many moves.  My grandmother did however tear out the family register and I am the proud owner of theses scraps of scribbled paper containing names and dates of important family events.

I wonder how many Bibles or Family Registers remain for the Titheridges, Titheradges, Tidridges, Tytheridges etc.  In my communication with various family members over the years I have been made aware of three such bibles or family registers still in existence.

Twenty years ago there was is existence a family Bible belonging to Albert Edward Titheridge of Gosport (1881-1971) and Edith Margaret Ayling (1877-1963).  I was told about it in correspondence with relatives, but I have never seen a copy of it .

There was also a bible belonging to William Titheridge born in West Tisted and died in Guildford (1842-1927) and Amelia Pointer (1849 – 1922).  A relative kindly sent me a copy of the family register but somewhere in my filing I have misplaced this copy (if you were the person who sent it to me I’d be very grateful for another copy).

The third family bible belonged to the family of James Fabian Titheradge from Portsea (1816 – 1877) and Dianah Frances Jamison (1819-1884).  I have a copy of the family register for this one and it is transcribed below.  It lists the children of James Walter Titheradge.  The writing is faded and an image as shown.  Judging by the change of ink in the original it was probably written about 1859.

James Fabian Titheradge
Born October 18 1816

Dianah Frances Titheradge
Born October 10 1819

James Walter Titheradge
Born March 14 1843

Matilda Dianah Titheradge
Born March 71854

Edwin Joseph Titheradge
Born February 13 1856
Died February 29 1856

Henrietta Ann Titheradge
Born April 2 1857

Victoria Julia Titheradge
Born November 12 1859

Frederick George Titheradge
Born November 10 1861

 Does anyone have a Family Bible they can tell us about? or the Family Register from one that they could share an image of?

The family bible is usually with older relatives often forgotten in the attic, or just forgotten in some unused cupboard.  They were a commonplace during the Victorian era, and they can’t have all vanished and I don’t think most people would have thrown them out!  Can you discover if your family has a family Bible? Start by asking your parents to see if they remember anything, then all your older relatives.   If you find a Bible related to Titheridge, Titheradge, Tidridge or Tytheridge family name please share your find.



Wordless Wednesday 10 - James Walter Titheradge from Portsmouth

James Walter Titheradge and Family

2 December 2015



 

Titheradge family from Portsmouth Hampshire
From left to right
Ellen Shaxon Titheradge (nee Stanbury) (1902-1969),
Walter James Titheradge (1927-1995),
Gertrude Marie Christina Titheradge (1925-2010),
Grace Shaxon Titheradge (1922-2002)
James Walter Titheradge (1903- 1959)
 

Every Wednesday just a picture connected to the family names - a person, a place or an object.
Please add a comment.

If you have a family photo you would like to share please email to titheradgegenealogy@gmail.com for inclusion as next week’s photo



Inquest into the Death of William Tidridge in 1873

Clock in the Square at
Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire

William Titheridge and Priscilla Pargent, married in Alverstoke, Hampshire. They moved to Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire where they had four children, Fanny born 1806, William born 1809, Charles born 1812 and Henry born 1815. While William and Priscilla started life as Titheridges by the 1851 census they, and all their children, were spelling the surname Tidridge.  Henry was the only child to marry and he and his wife had eleven children.  It is these children that went on to produce all the Tidridge clan.

The 1851 census shows widowed William Tidridge senior living at Gosport Road, Bishop’s Waltham with sons William aged 41, a tailor and Charles aged 39, a groom.  Fanny aged 43 was housekeeper to her Uncle William Pargent and they were living in the High Street, Bishops Waltham, while Henry, a carpenter/cabinet maker was living in the High street 4 doors away with his wife and 6 children.

 The 1861 census shows Henry, his wife and three children living next door to William Pargent and Fanny Tidridge, still in the High Street Bishop’s Waltham.  William Tidridge now aged 57 was living at Gosport Road Bishops Waltham with his 13 year old niece Mary Tidridge. Charles was lodging at The Kings Head, St Georges Square, Bishop’s Waltham.

The 1871 census shows William Tidridge residing at The Black Dog, Shedfield with niece Mary Tidridge his housekeeper.

The four Tidridge siblings died within 11 years of each other Charles aged 50 in 1862 in Bishop’s Waltham, Fanny aged 50 in 1866 in South Stoneham registration district, Henry aged 53 in 1868 in Droxford registration district and William aged 64 in 1873 in Isle of Wight.

Many years ago when searching probate records I came across the following two relevant records.

Probate September 1873

William Tidridge 30^th September 1873:
Administration of the effects of William Tidridge late of Bishop’s Waltham in the county of Southampton tailor a bachelor who died 25^th August 1873 at Newport Isle of Wight in the said county was granted at Winchester to Mary Tidridge of Bishop’s Waltham spinster the niece and one of the next of kin.  Effects under £300.

Probate January 1874

Tidridge Charles 22^nd  January 1874
Administration of the effects of Charles Tidridge late of Bishop’s Waltham of the county of Southampton labourer a bachelor who died 26 April 1862 at Bishops Waltham left unadministered by William Tidridge brother and one of the next of kin was granted at Winchester to Mary Tidridge of Bishops Waltham spinster the administratrix of the effects of the said William Tidridge former grant at Winchester May 1862

When I found these records the two questions I asked was “Why was William in the Isle of Wight when he lived in Bishops Waltham” and “Why did William not do anything with the estate of his late brother?”

Recently I found this article below, it is the story of the death of William Tidridge taken from the local paper, the story may start to give some answers to the two questions above.

Hampshire Advertiser

30 August 1873
Heading Isle of Wight Coroner’s Inquest

Mr E. F. Blake, deputy coroner, held an inquest at The Shoulder of Mutton public house, near Pan Bridge, on Thursday, on view of the body of William Tidridge, aged 64.  Deceased was a stranger here, and there were evidence which went to show that he wandered to the Island for the purpose of committing suicide.  

Mary Tidridge, a young woman of good address, who kept house for deceased, a bachelor, at Bishop’s Waltham, on the other side of the Solent, deposed,  - deceased was my uncle. I last saw him alive on Monday about 5 o’clock in the morning from my room window. It was his usual time to be out.  Lately on two or three occasions he has told me that he should go away, and not tell me where he had gone.  I asked why, and he told me he thought we were getting tired of him.  He was at home on Sunday last, and conversed rationally, but in the evening I notice a strangeness in his looks.  I have lived with him 14 years.  Not long since we came from a short distance to reside at Bishop’s Waltham.  During the last three years he was less kind to me than before, and he was rather strange in his manner.  On Monday week, as I was coming downstairs, he attempted to put his hand up to my throat, but I turned his hand aside, and questioned as to why he did so.  He replied that he wanted to stop me.  He had no pecuniary difficulty to trouble him, and was not entirely dependent on his labours as a tailor for sustenance.  The paper I now produce is in deceased’s handwriting.  It sets forth his consent that £200 out on mortgage at Subberton shall be surrendered to me, as he should not return home, but it is neither dated nor witnessed so as to constitute a will.  He had been a teetotaller 18 or 20 years, and used to study religious subjects very closely.  Last Monday week he told me that he intended going away a fortnight before and not coming back, but some work came in.  Before I went to live with him he had some very strange religious notions, and having, as he said, a presentiment that he ought to do no more work, he ceased to work for a time, but the impression wore off.  None of his family have been insane.

Herbert Cooper, stoker at the gasworks, deposed to finding the dead body of deceased in the slipway at Pan Bridge, lying on the shingle, where at that time there were only a few inches of water. It was lying face downward, and was wet, as though it had been covered, or nearly so.  About midnight the water there must have been about two or three feet deep.  It seemed to him that the man had walked into the water and laid down in it.  There was gaslight there, and the man could not have gone in and been drowned by accident.  

John Tee, miller at Pan Mill, noticed deceased passing backward and forward by the mill before dinner, three or four different times.  There was something peculiar in his look.  Witness saw him again about 6 o’clock passing during a heavy storm of rain, of which she seemed to take no heed, although he was evidently wet to the skin.  

William Rayner, labourer, and of Barton’s Village, when going homeward, about 11.15 on Monday night, met deceased walking close to Sharland’s coal store.  Deceased’s head was bowed, and his hands were behind him. Witness bade him “good night”, and deceased seem to take no heed of the salutation. Witness stopped and watched him turn and come back, and then it seemed that deceased noticed that he was being watched, and passed round the corner towards the bridge.  

Harry Tidridge, of Foundry Lane, Freemantle, near Southampton said the deceased was his uncle.  He had seen and conversed with him on the 19^th ult., when he was tolerable cheerful for a man who was very reserved and studied the religious subjects very closely.

Mr W F Foster, surgeon, deposed hat at about 5 o’clock on Tuesday morning he was called to see the body, which appear to have been dead about five or six hours. There were no marks of violence about the body, which would indicate foul play and there was no shingle found in the clenched hands, which would favour the supposition that an effort had been made by the deceased to save himself from drowning.

Verdict “That deceased drowned himself, but there was no evidence to show his state of mind at the time.”