Thursday 11 February 2016

PART NINE: VILE FAMILY TREE


The Bisgrove, Vile and Richards ancestors in the family tree and many of their spouses originated in Kingsbury Episcopi (KE) or the numerous nearby hamlets in this area of Somerset. See Part Ten for information about this town in the 1800’s. The Vile family name was often spelt differently in records (eg. Vial). See a diagram at the bottom of this page showing how individuals fit into the family tree.

104.0 GGGM Mary Vile (1826-1910)
The Vile family connection to the family tree occurred when GGGM Mary Vile married GGGF Jacob Bisgrove in 1848. As they both grew up in the Kingsbury Episcopi area, they probably knew each other from childhood days.

South Pertherton (not shown) is three miles south of KE.
104.1 GGGM Mary (Amelia) Vile (1826-1910); later Bisgrove, Curtis & Fritsch
Mary was born on 9 Jun 1826 at Kingsbury Episcopi to parents GGGGP James and Ann Vile. She was baptised on 27 Aug 1826 in the Wesleyan Chapel at South Petherton (3m from KE). In 1841 she was living with her parents and five younger sisters at Doke Corner, KE. In the house were James 40 shoemaker, Ann 35, Mary 15, Susan 13, Rhoda 11, Betty 9, Elizabeth 4 and Ellen 2 and living next door was uncle Robert Vile 30 shoemaker b1809, his wife Hannah Vile 30 and Robert's daughter  Jane Vile 6. (Ages rounded down at this census)

Doke House, Kingsbury Episcopi as it is in modern times.
Doke Corner could refer to 'Doke House' located on the corner of 6 Norton Drove and Silver Street, Kingsbury Episcopi.

On 11 Jun 1848, Mary 22 married GGGF Jacob Bisgrove labourer. Sadly Jacob’s father GGGG George Bisgrove had died two months earlier at KE at the age of 58. The witnesses at the wedding were William Vile (probably Mary’s uncle William Vile who sailed to Australia with Mary the following year in 1849) and Betsey Vile (Mary’s younger sister). Mary must have been in advanced pregnancy at the time of her marriage, because three months later Jacob and Mary had their first child Rhoda, baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi. Sadly she died after just nine days.

Passenger List 'Lady Amherst'
GGGP Mary Bisgrove nee Vile 23 and Jacob Bisgrove 27 sailed to Australia on the 21 May 1849 on the ship ‘Lady Amherst’ along with Mary’s uncle William Vile, his wife Hannah and their children. According to the passenger list, Jacob was a labourer and Mary was a housemaid. Both of Mary's parents were still alive and living in London. Mary could read and write, which was not common for females in the mid 1800's.

Mary and Jacob settled near Dungog in NSW and Mary had three more children. See 90.0 for details of their children and married life in England and Australia. GGGF Jacob Bisgrove died in Dungog around 1854 (there is no document giving the details of his death) at the young age of 32, leaving Mary a widow with three young children; Richard Bisgrove 5, GM Martha Victoria Bisgrove 3 and Frederick Bisgrove 1.
Mary Bisgrove was not the only struggling single parent in Dungog at that time. The publican of the Dungog Inn, Richard Curtis, had lost his wife in Jan 1855 and had four young children himself. On 11 May 1855 Richard Curtis 28 widower, of Dungog, married GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile, widow at Dungog. For more about Mary's incredible life see 105.4 below.

105.0  Richard Gill Curtis’ (1792-1870) & his first two wives (Not Related)

Richard was GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile's second husband. He was born on 27 July 1792 in Bingley, Yorkshire to Joseph Curtis and his wife.

On 31 Dec 1818 Richard married Jane Beanlands, and over the next few years they had five children; Edward Curtis 1819-?, William Curtis 1821-1888, Henry Curtis 1823-1899, Charles Curtis 1824-1909 and Martha Curtis 1828-1909. Richard's wife Jane, died in 1831, leaving Richard to look after his children; the youngest being only three years old. The children were probably cared for by other members of Richard's family, as they did not accompany him to Australia in 1838. (See 106.0)

On 19 Aug 1838 Richard, a 46 year old widowed plumber and glazier, married Emma Irving (1813-1855) at the ‘Coll(egiate) and Parish Church’ (Manchester Cathedral). Emma’s father was John Irving a professor of music. Later in their married life Richard showed an interest in the ‘music field’, so this may have been one of the things that brought them together. They also named their first child after Emma’s father John Irving.

One month later on 22 Sep 1838, ‘Mr and Mrs R Curtis’ departed Liverpool, England as ‘cabin passengers’ on the barque 'Statesman'. Traveling as ‘cabin passengers’ was much more expensive (and more comfortable) than the cheapest berths which were in ‘steerage’. Emma possibly did not know it, but she was two months pregnant prior to setting sail.

Hobart Town Courier 8 Mar 1839
They were bound for Sydney, but the ship called into Hobart on 28 Jan 1839 before sailing on to their final destination on 3 Mar. and arriving on the 12 March.
Sydney Gazette 12 Mar 1839

Whilst in NSW, Emma gave birth to their first child, John Curtis, who was born in Sydney in on 25 Apr 1839. John was baptised on 2 June 1839 at St James, Sydney.

The Australian 26 Mar 1839: Mr Curtis has opened a store; Mrs Curtis offers lessons
By Mar 1839 Richard and Emma Curtis had acquired premises at 4 Hunter St, Sydney, where they set up a business selling musical instruments, and Emma offered lessons. By July the couple were organising concerts and giving performances in Sydney. A few months later the Curtis family moved to Van Diemans Land (Tasmania), but the exact dates are not clear.
Hobart Town Courier 5 Apr 1839
One newspaper report listed Mrs Curtis and baby John arriving in Hobart on 30 Mar 1839 on the Schooner 'Marion Watson'. The trip took six days, but Richard was not mentioned. His shop was doing business in Sydney, at least up until the end of March.

Another record says that Mr and Mrs Curtis arrived in Hobart on the Schooner 'Marion Watson' on 4 Jul 1839. Baby John was not mentioned, perhaps because he was only a few months old. The dates on this record make sense as baby John was baptised in Sydney on 2 June 1839. Once again Richard and Emma were cabin passengers. As a sign of the times, the shipping record notes that the ship had two guns and was carrying one female and eleven male convicts. Perhaps Richard and/or Emma went back and forth a few times, as the one way trip only took about one week.

Sydney Monitor 26 Mar 1841
In Mar 1841 a newspaper reported the possibly reason why Richard and Emma made the move to Tasmania, after just a short stay in Sydney. According to the report , Richard, who "lately kept a music shop in Hunter St" was owed money by the Cecelian Society. He had taken some music books and intended to keep them until a debt was paid. The judge determined that upon the evidence produced, no action in the matter was warranted. Richard was not in attendance and was most likely in Tasmania, but the "court was thronged by members of the Cecelian Society". It seems that not only was Richard's reputation tarnished, but there may have been considerable anger directed at him.

Richard & Emma Curtis arrived in Hobart on 4th July 1839
After the above incident, Richard and Emma set about making their home in Hobart. According to many newspaper articles Richard became a prominent citizen in the town.

In Hobart on 28 Aug 1841 Emma gave birth to her second child, who was also named Emma. The registration entry listed the wrong name for the father but had the mother's name and family address correct. It also listed Richard's occupation as 'overseer', which was confirmed a few years later (treadmill overseer).
In the census of 1842, Richard Curtis aged 50 was living at 44 Brisbane St. (about one km from the harbour). There were eight others living in the brick house, but none were named. They may have included Emma Curtis and their two children and servants. All residents were 'free' settlers, so there were no convicts.
Colonial Times 8 Feb 1842: Both Richard & Emma are mentioned
From as early as 1842 articles started appearing in the newspapers, which listed Richard and Emma's musical talents. Several articles indicate that Emma's playing was quite accomplished, and by May 1842 she was offering lessons "to the ladies of Hobart Town" on the harp and pianoforte.

The Courier 30 Jun 1843
On 30 June 1843 an article announced that ‘Hobart Town Choral Society’ was now formed and subscriptions should be sent to Richard Curtis, secretary, at 12 Patrick St, Hobart (this home address was just 400 m from his previous address). The following year on 28 Sep 1844 the Hobart Town Choral Society held their annual ‘Oratorio’. Tickets were a ‘pricey’ 3s each and could be obtained from Mr Curtis in Patrick St. Notices in the newspapers over the next few years announced that Richard continued to be an office bearer (director) of the ‘Hobart Choral Society’. During the mid 1840's there were dozens of articles in the papers praising the musical abilities of both Richard and Emma. They had become an integral part of the Hobart Musical Community.

The Observer 12 Jun 1845
 In June 1845 Richard was the witness in a trial of a prisoner alleged to have knifed a prosecutor at the treadmill in Hobart. This was the second time we are given a hint as to how Richard was earning an income, apart from his musical dealings.

NOTE: Richard’s employment at this time was ‘overseer at the Treadmill’. Prison treadmills were widely adopted as a means of inflicting punishment by hard labour. "A single Overseer was placed in charge and in the mid 1840’s his yearly wage was fixed at £100. An observation hole in the door ensured constant supervision and each stall was supplied with a numbered tablet that could be passed through a slot in the door to summon an overseer... convicts worked one and a half hour shifts, with a man being replaced every three minutes. However, when there was a shortage of prisoners, resting time was dictated by the amount of men required to turn the wheel." (www.simonbanard.com.au )

The Courier 14 Feb 1846
In Feb 1846 a newspaper article reported that the Curtis' home in Campbell St was robbed whilst the couple were attending St George's Church supervising the choir. As a result two local men were arrested.

105.1 Richard Gill Curtis (1792-1870) Publican
Colonial Times 10 Nov 1846
On 1 Sep 1846 documents gave the first indication that Richard had an interest in being a publican. He applied for a licence to operate a hotel, but for an unknown reason withdrew his application. On 2 Nov 1846 he applied again, and this time was issued with a new licence as publican of ‘The Cumberland Arms’, in Murray St. Hobart.
The 'Cumberland Arms' was located in Murray St near the Wharves in Hobart
An article in the newspaper reflected the rather ‘light-hearted’ approach of the licensing authorities and the disdain felt by the Chairman regarding the number of hotels in Hobart. The start of the article read as follows: "Hobart Town Licensing Meeting. The Chairman— Here, Gentlemen, is a list of new Houses (hotels). Perhaps, you will be surprised, and it really is surprising. Poor unfortunate Hobart Town, it will be a nice place bye and bye (sic),-we shall see.  More licences. Well, go on. Gentlemen, (with great emphasis), you all know me, and my sentiments on the subject. I protest against the whole of them. The rest of the article is reproduced below.

Britannia Advocate 5 Nov 1846
This article informs us of two facts about Richard. Firstly he had been employed as the overseer of the Treadmill (see above) and secondly, that aged 54, his health was not in a good state. The fact that Richard’s health was starting to fail, helps explain why he gave up the publican's licence just three years later.
Colonial Times 3 Nov 1846
Another newspaper ('Colonial Times', 3 Nov 1846) covered the same proceedings and reported that the building had a room large enough to accommodate the Choral Society, of which Richard "was a zealous and most active member".

The Courier 16 Oct 1850: Letter written on 12 Jan 1847, but used in many adverts published from 1849 to  1850
An advertisement that appeared in local newspapers many times in 1850 provides more insight into Richard’s interests. It is a letter of commendation from Richard Curtis of the Cumberland Arms, New Wharf praising the local maker of pianofortes .

On 16 Jul 1847 Richard Curtis publican and Emma Curtis nee Irving had another baby, but the birth registration did not list the given name (most babies registered at that time were unnamed). The child was Frederick Gill Curtis. On 6 Aug 1847 Richard donated 10s (a sizeable amount in those days) to a fund for Church Bells at Trinity Church, Hobart. Other newspaper reports also hint of his support for the church and this would have also assisted him when it was time for the renewal of his publican’s licence. His licence to operate the Cumberland Arms was renewed on 2 Oct 1847.
On 27 May 1848 Richard was appointed foreman of the Jury in three cases before the Hobart Court involving theft of a shirt (guilty), theft of a goat (guilty) and escaped prisoners (guilty).

Birth Registrations Hobart 1848: Fanny Curtis b 14 Dec 1848
Later that year on 14 Dec 1848, Emma 36, gave birth to her final child, daughter Fanny Curtis at Hobart. The father was listed as Richard Curtis, Licensed Victualler of Murray Street, Hobart and the mother was listed as Emma Curtis nee Irving.
In the Census taken on 31 Dec 1848 Richard Curtis was residing in Murray St. He indicated that nine people normally resided in the house in addition to himself. Three of the people were convicts, presumably providing labour to help with the running of the hotel, and there was Richard and Emma and four children. In addition there was one other person (a paying guest) staying that night in the hotel, who was the Captain of a Whaler.
Another view of the Hobart New Wharf, where Richard's hotel was located
On 18 Apr 1849 a man’s body was found in the wharf area of Hobart. An inquest was hurriedly arranged at the ‘Family Hotel’, Murray St. to inquire into the cause of death. An article about the inquest in the newspaper is largely unreadable except for short pieces of text. Below is a summary of the proceedings. 
"The doctor reported from his examination of the body that he noted frothing from the mouth, purple throat indicating suffocation, bloodshot eyes but no external marks. It appeared the body was pulled from the water in the vicinity of the hotel which was located near the docks. Verdict was accidental death from drowning after falling into the water, whilst intoxicated".

105.2 Richard Gill Curtis (1792-1870) & Emma Irving move to NSW
The Britannia Advocate 9 Aug 1849
The tragedy investigated at the inquest above, may have played a role in Richard deciding to make some big changes. A few months later, on 6 Aug 1849, Richard Curtis transferred his licence as publican of the Cumberland Arms to Henry Downer, and then shortly after, with his wife and children moved to NSW.

The People's Advocate (NSW) 5 Jan 1850
The above notice is probably referring to the Curtis family. It seems that Richard and Emma returned to NSW in early 1850. The use of the term "from the Downs" is a reference to an anchorage used by ships off the coast of England. It is possible that Richard and Emma boarded the ship in Hobart, but of course it may have been a different couple. with their family. However, Richard's son (by his first marriage) , William Curtis 31, painter, plumber and glazier migrated to NSW in Dec 1852 and was unaware of his father's location. On the passenger list, he listed his father as "living in Hobart Town".

Richard and Emma's activities in NSW are mostly unknown, but in Oct 1854 they may have seen that the Dungog Inn (it was widely advertised) was up for lease, after the previous publican had died. Around this time, they travelled to Dungog to assess the viability of the business.

Maitland Mercury 3 Feb 1855
Sadly Richard’s wife Emma died at Dungog on the 27th January, 1855 of ‘apoplexy’ prior to Richard officially taking up the lease. The death notice in the 'Maitland Mercury' read "Mrs. Curtis, of the Dungog Inn, aged 42 years, leaving four children to lament their loss". The four children were John (born 1839 Sydney), Emma born 1841, Frederick Gill Curtis (born 16 Jul 1847) Hobart and Fanny (b14 Dec 1848 Hobart).
Dungog Inn in the early days
Richard apparently took up the lease of the Dungog Inn, but more bad luck followed soon after.
The Empire 5 May 1855
As ‘The Empire’ newspaper reported on 5 May 1855, "An inquest was held at the Dungog Inn, Dungog, on the body of William Plant, aged 78 years, then and there lying dead." However the jury found " That Mr. Curtis, the landlord, was not blameable in the matter. This was added in consideration that the landlord had been kept in ignorance of Plant lying in the pigsty by the negligence of his servant."

Richard was not the only stressed and struggling single parent in Dungog at that time. Mary Bisgrove nee Vile (see above) had lost her husband not long before and had three young children of her own to care for. A relationship soon developed between them. At last Richard’s life was looking up. On 4 May 1855 Richard Curtis was granted publican’s license for Dungog Inn (although it seems he was in charge of the Inn earlier than this), and interestingly on the same page of the newspaper was an article titled "Breach of Publican Licensing Act.- Richard Curtis, of the Dungog Inn, Dungog, was summoned by the chief constable for allowing drunkards on his premises. The case was that of a man called Bennett, seen, according to complainant's evidence, drunk on the premises, but the publican producing counter-evidence, the case was dismissed."
 
105.3 The Dungog Inn, NSW
Dungog village gradually grew from a mere 25 houses in the 1846 census (three of stone or brick). By 1854, four licenses for publicans were granted in Dungog: James Stephenson, Dungog Inn (later managed by Richard and Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile); Joseph Robson, Trades’ Arms; Joseph Finch, Settlers’ Arms and Edward Tate, Durham Hotel. The latter two continue to operate today, with the Durham renamed 'The Royal'.
Former 'Dungog Inn' as it is today; the oldest building in Dungog
The 'Dungog Inn' building still exists today at 211 Dowling Street Dungog. When the building was offered for sale recently it was described as follows; "Your Own Piece of History. This is a rare chance to acquire the oldest and most historic building in the township of Dungog. Built in 1840 and originally 'The Dungog Inn', the building has been an integral part of the main street of Dungog throughout the years being used as Post Office, a Doctors Residence, a Solicitors Office and a Gallery. Recently renovated from top to bottom the building is currently home to four individual businesses. The main building consists of 4 main rooms, there are separate out-buildings and bathrooms, a picturesque rear verandah and courtyard as well as a large timber shed/garage. With a B2 Local Centre zoning, the property is Heritage Listed."
 
105.4 Richard Gill Curtis (1792-1870) married GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile (1826-1910)
Just over three months after the death of his second wife, on 11 May 1855, Richard Curtis 28 widower of Dungog, married Mary Bisgrove nee Vile, widow of Dungog. Possibly his upcoming marriage helped him satisfy the requirements of "being of good fame and reputation". However, the hotel venture soon started to sour. On 31 Oct 1855 insolvency proceedings were commenced in Dungog. Mr Justice Therry accepted the surrendered estate of Richard Curtis of the Dungog Inn. Liabilities were determined to be a huge £1600.
Richard 66 decided to try his luck elsewhere and on 15 Apr 1856 he became publican of the 'Plough Inn', Parramatta Rd., Sydney. The Publican’s Licence was granted with Sureties from Theodore Larson and William Curtis (probably his son from his first marriage, who arrived in NSW in 1852) of South Head Road. (Two months later, William Curtis, plumber was insolvent himself).

This venture also did not turn out as well as Richard had hoped, so on 26 June 1856 Richard and Mary Curtis nee Vile took their combined family back to Tasmania. They sailed from Sydney to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger list included “Mr and Mrs Curtis and 6 children”. The six children could have been Richard Bisgrove 6, GGM Martha Bisgrove 4, Frederick Bisgrove 2 and, Emma Curtis 15, Frederick Curtis 8 and Fanny Curtis 7. The fourth child, John Curtis b1839 from the previous marriage, moved to Hobart in 1858.

Birth Registration Hobart 1856: Annie Rebecca Curtis
In Nov 1856 Mary added to their family with the birth of daughter Annie Rebecca Curtis. The name of the child is illegible, but her parents were listed as Richard Curtis and Mary Curtis formerly Bisgrove. Interestingly Richard's occupation was given as engineer (in later documents he lists this as one of occupations) and the place of abode was listed as 'Lords Buildings, Hobart'. Also in Nov 1856, Richard Curtis with the occupation ‘former publican’ applied and failed to get the position of City Inspector with the Town Council in Hobart.

Around 1857 and dissatisfied with their life in Hobart, Richard and Mary uprooted themselves again and shifted to Richmond, Victoria. In 1858, at the age of 32 or 33, Mary’s last child, Elizabeth Curtis, was born. In 1859 their family consisted of Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile 33 and Richard Curtis 57 with children Richard Bisgrove 19, Frederick Bisgrove 5, GGM Martha Bisgrove 7, Annie Curtis 3 and Elizabeth Curtis 1. Some of Richard’s children by his first marriage (aged from 10 to 18) may have also lived with them.

In 1860 Richard lodged, then withdrew, an application for the publican’s licence for the ‘Young Queen Inn’ in Therry St, Melb. Also in that year, youngest daughter Elizabeth Curtis aged 2 died at Richmond. There is another death record for Elizabeth dying in 1866 at the age of 2, but I think this may be an error, because there are no records on Vic B D & M confirming either that event nor a birth in 1864.

From this point on, records seem to indicate that Richard and Mary separated. Circumstantial evidence of this, is the fact that Mary had no more children after the age of 33.

Gippsland Times 13 Mar 1863: Richard Gill Curtis, Engineer and Plumber
By Jan 1863 Richard Gill Curtis had moved to Sale (Gippsland, Victoria), where he advertised his plumbing and engineering business. As orders had to be left at the Post Office, it seems he had not acquired a residence at that time.

Cornwall Chronicle 20 May 1865: Emma Curtis married J.P. Boxall in Tasmania
On 10 May 1865 Richard's second daughter Emma Curtis b1841 (first daughter Martha was born by Richard's first wife in England) married James Peter Boxall of Hobart. The marriage was conducted at St Luke's Anglican Church, Richmond Tasmania. There are several puzzling things about this notice.
1. It is one of the few times Richard's middle name (Gill) was listed in a document
2. Richard was described as being deceased, when he was still alive. This may have been an error and possibly intended to indicate that Emma's mother was deceased (she died in 1855)
3. Richard was described as living in Gippsland (Victoria), which seems to be confirmed by the 1863 advert above.

Gippsland Times 15 Mar 1886
Richard and son John (b1839) may have tried their hand at farming. The above newspaper report from 1866 indicates they were living at Nuntin in Gippsland. Nuntin is an area two km south of Stratford, 14 km from Sale and about 225 km east of Melbourne. At this time hundreds of blocks of land were thrown open for 'selection' and a ballot was held to allot land to applicants. Richard and John were lucky enough to obtain four blocks at Tambo (a further 100 km further east in Gippsland) amounting to over 151 acres. The newspaper report indicated the occupations of applicants, which varied from labourers to tradespeople. There was also the suggestion that some purchasers were speculators (buying the land at a cheap price in order to sell later at a profit).


Death certificate Part 1 & 2 for Richard Gill Curtis 8 July 1871
Richard Gill Curtis, plumber, died in July 1871 at the home of his son Charles at 125 Lygon St. The Death Certificate above tells us about his first and second marriages and the children from those marriages; but strangely there is no mention of his third marriage to GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile in 1855, nor his children by her!

The Death Certificate was filled in by Richard's son Charles Curtis of 125 Lygon St, Carlton. Charles did not know where Richard was born, nor the names of his parents. According to Charles, Richard had spent 4 years in NSW (1852-1856), 12 years in Tasmania (1839-1852 & 1856-1857) and 13 years in Victoria (1858-1871). Only two marriages were recorded. First to Jane Beanlands and secondly to Emma Irving, when Richard was 46. Richard's children were listed with their ages as they were in 1871. From the first marriage; Edward (deceased), William 51, Henry 50, Charles 47 and Martha 43 and from the second marriage; John 32, Emma 31 Frederick 30 (24) and Fanny 29 (23). All this information was recalled to the best of Charles' memory. There was no mention of Richard's two daughters (Annie Curtis and Elizabeth Curtis) by his third wife (Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile)

The death notice was published in 'The Australasian' 15 Jul 1871 and read; "CURTIS.—On the 8th inst, at the residence of his son Charles, Lygon-street, Carlton, Richard Gill Curtis, aged 79 years". Richard was buried in Melbourne with the headstone reading "Sacred to the memory of Richard Gill CURTIS born 6 Jul 1792, died 7 Jul 1871 also Eliza Rebecca, wife of Charles CURTIS born 18 Jun 1815, died 15 Nov 1888." Once again there was no mention of his third and current wife Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile.

The fact that Richard's third wife GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile was not mentioned on his Death Certificate, nor in the death notice in the paper and on his gravestone, suggests that she had separated from him, along with her surviving daughter by him; Annie Rebecca Curtis 1856-1884.

On 28 Sep 1876 at the Registry Office, Melbourne Mary Curtis (nee Bisgrove nee Vile) 50 widow (since 1870) of Richmond married Anton Fritsch 58, widower (since 1862) of Richmond. They seem to have settled in Prahran with at least two of Mary's adult children. See 90.0 for more information about Mary's third marriage and later life.

NOTE: Richard Gill Curtis b1782 had a grandson also named  Richard Gill Curtis (1854-1836), who migrated to Victoria with his father William Curtis in 1822 (See below)

106.0 Eleven Children of Richard Curtis by 3 Wives
Richard had five children by Jane Beanlands, four by Emma Irving and two by GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile. See above for some of the documents that relate to their lives.

Children of the FIRST MARRIAGE to Jane Beanlands
All but the first of Richard's children from his first marriage, ended up in Australia. William Curtis 31 arrived in NSW in 1852, Henry 32 and Martha 28 arrived in Victoria in 1857 and Charles arrived c1844 and married in Hobart in 1845. Various documents suggest that they remained in contact with their father and each other through their lives.

106.1 Edward Curtis (1819-?)
Edward was born in in 1819 Bingley to Richard Gill Curtis and Jane Beanlands. Unlike all his siblings he did not migrate to Australia. No more is known about Edward and he possibly died as an infant.

106.2 William Gill Curtis (1821-1888)
William was born on 18 Jul 1821 at Preston but baptised in Bingley. His father Richard Gill Curtis was listed as a plumber and glazier. In 1831 William's mother died when he was ten years old. His father married Emma Curtis in 1838 and migrated to NSW with his new wife, leaving William 17 and his four siblings behind.

William became a plumber like his father. At the age of 24 on 10 Jul 1843, he married Louisa Banks b25 Oct 1816 listed as 24 but really 26 at St George the Martyr Church in Southwark . His father was listed as Richard Gill Curtis, plumber. William and Emma had five known children; Emma Jane Curtis 1846-?, George Curtis 1847-1928, William Curtis 1851-1925, Richard Gill Curtis 1853-1936 and Louisa Victoria Curtis 1858-? Three years later William's younger brother Henry married Louisa's older sister Amelia Banks in the same church.

At the time of the 1851 census William 30 was working as a plumber and glazier and living with wife Louisa and children Emma 5 and George 4. The address was in Camberwell, Surrey.
 In 1852 William and his family sailed to Sydney, NSW where William worked as a plumber. A few years later William's father Richard Curtis became a publican of the 'Plough Inn', Parramatta Rd., Sydney. The Publican’s Licence was granted with Sureties from Theodore Larson and son William Curtis of South Head Road. (Two months later, William Curtis, plumber was insolvent himself).

William's last two children were born in NSW. and in 1862 his eldest daughter Emma married Peter Starck, the captain of a Swedish barque. The marriage announcement appeared in many Sydney papers and also in 'The Argus' of Melbourne. The latter announcement was probably for the benefit of Richard's father who had moved to Melbourne with his third wife GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile a few years earlier.

At some stage William moved to Melbourne, where several of his siblings and children resided. He was possibly in Victoria in Aug 1869 because son George was married in Richmond in that year and son William was a witness at the wedding.

Death Certificate 1888: William Curtis
William Curtis died in 1888 at the age of 66 from bronchitis. His parents were listed as "Richard Gill Curtis musician and Jane Beanlands". The certificate also indicated William had been living in Victoria (inclusive of his time in NSW) for 35 years, listed his wife as Louisa Banks and his surviving children as George, Richard, William and Louisa. Daughter Emma was deceased.

106.2a Richard Gill Curtis (1854-1836)
Richard Gill Curtis was born to William and Louisa Banks in 1854 and was named after his grandfather.
Seven years after his grandfather's death, Richard Gill Curtis b1854 married Rebecca Maw in Victoria (Reg 3254/1878). On 29 Nov 1881 Richard and Rebecca Curtis had a daughter. In 1887 Richard filed for insolvency.
The Herald 15 May 1891
According to reports in the papers Richard was living in Wellington Pde, Clifton Hill and was a bootmaker. Richard and Rebecca moved to Rockdale, NSW in the 1890's and Rebecca Curtis nee Maw died there in Nov 1899. It seems that Richard remarried and had two children; Eve and Edith.
SMH 29 Aug 1936
Richard Gill Curtis b1854, a farmer, died 28 Aug 1936 in Sutherland, NSW aged 82.

106.3 Henry Curtis (1823-1899)
Henry was baptised on 1 Feb 1823 at  Bingley. His father Richard Gill Curtis was listed as a plumber and glazier. In 1831 Henry's mother died when he was eight years old. His father married Emma Curtis in 1838 and migrated to NSW with his new wife, leaving Henry 17 and his four siblings behind.

In 1841 Henry was an apprentice 'combmaker' and lodging in North St, Sheffield. In 1843 Henry's older brother William married Louisa Banks in St George the Martyr, Southwark. At the wedding or perhaps before, Henry would have met Louisa's older sister Amelia Banks.


On 19 Jul 1846 Henry 24 married Amelia 29 in the same church that his older brother was married in. Both Henry and his father were listed as painters (of houses). A few months later Amelia gave birth to the couple's first son who they named William Curtis.

Baptisms Emanuel, Camberwell 1853
In 1850 Amelia gave birth to twins Alfred and Henry both born 12 Dec 1850, but baptised on 9 Jan 1853. By 1851, Henry, Amelia and their young son Alfred 4 months, were living at 18 George's St, Camberwell, Southwark. Henry was listed as a painter and glazier and the whereabouts of son Henry junior is unknown.

Passenger List from the 'Sussex' 1856
In 1856 Henry 32 year old painter, Amelia 34 and their four children migrated to Australia on the 'Sussex'. Accompanying them was Henry's younger sister Marta Curtis 28, spinster.
In 1877 Henry's only daughter Clara Martha Curtis married James William Adams in Melbourne. Her father Henry, was listed as a painter. Clara Martha was 22 and residing in Carlton, presumably with her parents. The following year Henry's son, Alfred Curtis married Ester Jane Chadwick in Victoria.

The Age 21 Mar 1895
Amelia Curtis was the first to pass. She died at the age of 80 on 20 Mar 1895 at her home at 8 Bayview Ave. Auburn.

The Argus 28 Oct 1899
Henry Curtis snr died at the age of 76 on 27 Oct 1899 at his Bay View Ave home in Auburn.

106.3a Henry Curtis Junior (1850-1940)

Henry was born on the 12 Dec 1850 at Camberwell, UK to parents Henry and Amelia Curtis. He migrated to Australia with his parents in 1856 and became a renowned violinist and conductor in Melbourne.

Death Reg: Henry Curtis Jnr 1940: Parents Henry Curtis & Amelia Banks
The Argus 29 Mar 1940
Henry Curtis junior b1850 died at a listed age of 87 (really 89) on 27 Mar 1940. He was a notable musician in Melbourne from the 1870's through to his latter years and was mentioned in the papers hundreds of times; often in relation to concerts in the Town Hall. Presumably Henry inherited his musical abilities from his grandfather Richard Gill Curtis.

106.4 Charles Curtis (1824-1909)
Cemetery Record giving birth & death dates
Charles was born to Richard Gill and Jane Curtis nee Beanlands on 29 Nov 1824 at Rotherham, York. In 1831, when he was six his mother died. His father married Emma Curtis in 1838 and migrated to NSW with his new wife, leaving Charles 14 and his four siblings behind.

At some time in the first half of the 1840's (possibly 1841) Charles migrated to Hobart, Tasmania, where he probably met up with his father. In 1845 Charles married Eliza Rebecca Davies in Hobart. Charles' occupation was listed as 'dispenser of medicine'. By the mid 1850's Charles and Eliza had moved to Melbourne.
The Argus 12 Jun 1860
In 1856 newspapers listed Charles as living in Lygon St, and working at Melbourne Hospital as a dispenser. An advert in 1860 above lists their address as 125 Lygon St. In 1871 Charles elderly father Richard Gill Curtis was living in Charles' home when he died at the age of 79.

The Argus 16 Nov 1888
Charles' wife Eliza died on 15 Nov 1888 at the family home Avonhurst, Grandview Grove, Armidale.

Beneficiaries of the Will of Charles Curtis
Charles died in Tasmania on 18 Jun 1909, one day after his sister Martha died in Victoria. Charles left a will naming nephew James Boxall (son of sister Emma Boxall nee Curtis) and deceased sister Martha Curtis as beneficiaries. His assets included a Victorian property ('The Crest', Grandview Grove, Armidale) and some investments with a total value just over £1000. There were no known offspring.

106.5 Martha Curtis (1828-1909)
Martha was baptised on 28 Sep 1828 at  Bingley. Her father, Richard Gill Curtis, was listed as a plumber and glazier. In 1831 Martha's mother died, when Martha was only three years old. Her father married Emma Curtis in 1838 and migrated to NSW, with his new wife, leaving Martha and his four siblings behind.
1851 Census Bingley
In 1851 Martha 12 was living with her uncle John Beanlands and his wife. Presumably she lived with members of the Beanlands family after her father left England. In 1856 Martha, 28 year old spinster, accompanied her brother Henry and his family,  when they migrated to Australia.  It seems that Martha moved to Victoria at some stage but never married

The Australasian 3 Jul 1909
Martha died at her home 'Sunnyside', Johnson St, Glenferrie on the 17 June 1909 aged 81. Her brother Charles died in Hobart the following day.

Children of the SECOND MARRIAGE to Emma Irving
106.6 John Curtis (1839-?)
John was the first born of Richard Gill Curtis and Emma Irving and named after Emma's father. He was born in Sydney on the 25 Apr 1839, and whilst an infant moved to Hobart with his parents. Around 1850 John probably moved to NSW with his family, but sadly his mother died in 1854 when John was only 15.

Three months later John's father remarried in Dungog. John's stepmother was GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile and he gained three of Mary's children as step siblings. Richard and Mary tried their hand at running the Dungog Hotel but were insolvent before the end of the year. After a short stint in Sydney the couple moved their family back to Hobart on 26 Jun 1856. They sailed from Sydney to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger list included “Mr and Mrs Curtis and 6 children”. The six children were most likely Richard Bisgrove 6, GGM Martha Bisgrove 4, Frederick Bisgrove 2 and Emma Curtis 15, Frederick Curtis 8 and Fanny Curtis 7. John Curtis who was then 17 or 18, probably had a job and stayed behind.

Two years later John may have moved to Hobart, arriving on the ship 'Liberty' on the 9 Oct 1858. He probably then moved to Victoria in the early 1860's. These movements cannot be confirmed.

In the 1860's John (in his mid twenties) and his father Richard Curtis (separated from his third wife) may have tried their hand at farming. Richard and perhaps John were living at Nuntin in Gippsland, and Richard was working as a plumber and engineer. Nuntin is an area two km south of Stratford, 14 km from Sale and about 225 km east of Melbourne. In 1866 hundreds of blocks of land were thrown open for 'selection' in Gippsland and a ballot was held to allot land to applicants. Richard and John were lucky enough to obtain four blocks at Tambo (300 km east of Melbourne) amounting to over 151 acres.

Nothing more is known about John except that (according to his father's death certificate) he was still alive when his father died in 1871 and was aged 32.

106.7 Emma Caroline Curtis (1841-1920)
Emma was born in Hobart on 28 Aug 1841 and was named after her mother. The registration entry listed the wrong Christian name for the father but had the mother's name and the family's address correct. It also listed Richard's occupation as 'overseer' (of the Hobart Treadmill) which was confirmed a few years later.

Around 1850 Emma probably moved to NSW with her family, but sadly her mother died in 1854 when Emma was only 12. Three months later Emma's father remarried in Dungog (GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile) and she gained three of Mary's children as step siblings. After a short stint in Sydney the family moved back to Hobart on 26 Jun 1856. They sailed from Sydney to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger list included “Mr and Mrs Curtis and 6 children”. The six children were most likely Richard Bisgrove 6, GGM Martha Bisgrove 4, Frederick Bisgrove 2, Emma Curtis 15, Frederick Curtis 8 and Fanny Curtis 7.

On 10 May 1865 Emma Curtis b1841 24, married James Peter Boxall of Hobart. The marriage was conducted at St Luke's Anglican Church, Richmond Tasmania. The marriage announcement mistakenly listed her father Richard, of being deceased. Emma and James Boxall had six known children; all born in Tasmania. Emma Boaxall died at her residence at 17 Cromwell St Hobart at the age of 80 (79) on 31 Aug 1920.

106.8 Frederick Gill Curtis (1847-1910)
Frederick Gill Curtis was born on 16 Jul 1847 in Hobart to Richard Curtis publican and Emma Curtis nee Irving. For an unknown reason, most birth registrations at that time did not list the baby's given name

Around 1850 Frederick probably moved to NSW with his family, but sadly his mother died in 1854 when he was only 7. Three months later, Frederick's father remarried in Dungog (GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile) and he gained three of Mary's children as step siblings. After a short stint in Sydney the family moved back to Hobart on 26 Jun 1856. They sailed from Sydney to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger list included “Mr and Mrs Curtis and 6 children”. The six children were most likely Richard Bisgrove 6, GGM Martha Bisgrove 4, Frederick Bisgrove 2, Emma Curtis 15, Frederick Curtis 8 and Fanny Curtis 7

By the early 1870's Frederick married Mary Ann Jarmin in Melbourne in 1871. Sadly Mary Ann died young. The death registration for Mary Curtis lists her dying at the age of 21 in Melbourne in 1878. By May of the same year Frederick was in Adelaide, where as a widower, he married a second time. The marriage registration listed his age as 29 and his father as Richard Gill Curtis. Sharon, a great great great grandaughter of Richard Gill Curtis kindly sent an email confirming that Richard's second wife was Mary Ann Wortley (`nee Wilton). Her previous husband was Frederick Issac Wortley, who died Oct 1877, leaving her with one son and Mary was only two weeks away from giving birth to a second son.

On 26 Feb 1879 Frederick 31 was run over by a wagon and ended up in hospital. The incident was reported in several Adelaide papers. In Mar 1906 Mary Ann Curtis nee Wortley nee Wilton of Glanville placed a notice in the paper saying she would not be held responsible for her husband's debts, but this problem in their relationship seemed to have been resolved over the next few years.

The Express 29 Sep 1911: Memorial Notices
Frederick Gill Curtis died at the age of 63 at his Glanville residence on 20 Sep 1910 after a long illness.

106.9 Fanny Curtis (1848-1876)
Fanny was born on 14 Dec 1848 in Hobart. Her father was listed as Richard Curtis, Licensed Victualler of Murray Street, Hobart and her mother was listed as Emma Curtis nee Irving.

Around 1850, Fanny probably moved to NSW with her family, but sadly her mother died in 1854, when Fanny was only 6. Three months later Fanny's father remarried in Dungog (GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile) and she gained three of Mary's children as step siblings. After a short stint in Sydney the family moved back to Hobart on 26 Jun 1856. They sailed from Sydney to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger list included “Mr and Mrs Curtis and 6 children”. The six children were most likely Richard Bisgrove 6, GGM Martha Bisgrove 4, Frederick Bisgrove 2, Emma Curtis 15, Frederick Curtis 8 and Fanny Curtis 7. Around 1857 and dissatisfied with their life in Hobart, Richard and Mary uprooted themselves and their blended family again and shifted to Richmond, Victoria. In 1871 Fanny's father died.
Marriages VIC BDM 1876
In early 1876, at the age of  27, Fanny married John Bates in Victoria


Sadly Fanny Bates nee Curtis, aged 27, passed away not long after her marriage. She was buried at Melbourne Cemetery on 30 Apr 1876.

Children of the THIRD MARRIAGE to GGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile

106.10 Annie Rebecca Curtis (1856-1884)
Annie Rebecca Curtis was born in Hobart in Nov 1856. On the birth registration the name of the child is illegible, but her parents were listed as Richard Curtis and Mary Curtis formerly Bisgrove. Richard's occupation was given as engineer and the place of abode was listed as 'Lords Buildings, Hobart'.

Around 1857, dissatisfied with their life in Hobart, Richard and Mary Curtis uprooted themselves and their blended family of seven children consisting of Richard Bisgrove, GGM Martha Bisgrove, Frederick Bisgrove, Emma Curtis, Frederick Curtis, Fanny Curtis and shifted to Richmond, Victoria. In 1871 Annie, who was 15, lost her father when he died.

In 1876 Annie's mother Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile, now 50 and twice widowed, was living in Richmond, when she met Anton Fritsch (see below). Later that year 1876 Anton Fritsch, 58 year old widower, married Mary Curtis 50, widow of Richmond, at the Registry Office, Melbourne. At the age of 20, the marriage of her mother gave Annie a stepfather. Judging by the number of family notices placed in newspapers, Anton seemed to care for his new family and 'adopted' them as his own.

The Argus 8 Nov 1880
Another happy moment four years later, was the double wedding of two of Anton's stepdaughters; Annie Curtis (Fritsch) and GGM Martha Bisgrove (Fritsch). The marriage announcements included stepfather Anton's surname and appeared together on the same page of the ‘The Argus’ newspaper on 8 Nov 1880, as well as other newspapers. On 28 Oct 1880 Annie Curtis 24, married William Barker in Fitzroy.

The Argus 26 Sep 1884
Tragically, Annie Barker nee Curtis died at the age of 26, less than four years after her marriage.

106.11 Elizabeth Curtis (1858-1860)


Elizabeth Curtis was the sixth and final child born to Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile (at the age of 42). Elizabeth was born in Richmond in 1858, but sadly died at the age of 2.

107.0 Anton Fritsch (1818-1892) & GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile (1826-1910)


In 1876 Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile, now 50 and twice widowed, was living in Richmond, when she met Anton Fritsch (see below). Anton was born in 1818 in Hamburg, Germany and was the son of a minister, Father Right Rev. Johann Christian Fritsch. At some time in the mid 1800’s he married Emilie Friederika Cordua?, who had a son named Leopold Lehmann (so she was possibly a widow). Anton migrated to Australia as an adult, and probably arrived in Melbourne on 4 Mar 1854, with his wife and stepson arriving the following year. Anton soon set himself up as a 'ship chandler' (a merchant specialising in supplying stores and equipment for ships) in Bay St, Sandridge (now Port Melbourne).

The first Australian record with Anton’s name, listed him on a petition relating to the separation of Sandridge from the Corporation of Melbourne (The Argus 10 May 1855).

The Argus 15 May 1858
Three years later, on 17 Apr 1858, Anton’s stepson died. The death notice confirmed Anton's address as Sandridge  and his wife's name.

On 12 Aug 1859 Anton became a naturalised citizen aged 40 with the occupation of merchant and living at Sandridge.

The Age 21 Dec 1860
 In 1860 Anton was called as a witness in an enquiry into the mysterious disappearance (suspected murder) of a ship's captain. This except tells us that Anton's given name was actually 'Antonio'.

On 24 Jan 1861, his first wife Emilie died after a protracted and painful illness, and Anton's grief may have caused him to neglect his business.

The following year he had financial difficulties, which caused him to give up just about everything he owned except ‘the shirt on his back’. 'The Age' carried a notice reporting that "to satisfy his debts: Anton Fritsch, ship chandler on 27 Aug 1862 consigned unto the said trustees, all his real and personal estate, whatsoever and wheresoever (wearing apparel and necessaries to an amount not exceeding twenty-five pounds only excepted)."
The Herald 16 Mar 1868
It did not take Anton long to recover, and in 1868 he took over as publican of the The Royal Oak Hotel in Bridge Rd, Richmond. However two years later, this venture also collapsed. On 21 May 1870 whilst living in Bridge Rd, Richmond, he was again declared insolvent. The causes given were losses in business. Liabilities totalled £474, whilst his assets only amounted to £50, leaving a deficiency of £424. In June the matter went to court, resulting in the judgement "Anton Fritsch, of Richmond, publican, debts to the amount of £68 4s. were proved."
 
The Argus 10 Sep 1870
Adding to Anton’s burdens was the fact that his father died six weeks later, on 6 July 1870. As was his usual practice for any major events affecting family members, he placed a death notice in the newspaper.

The only bright spot of that year was on 11 Oct 1870, when Anton Fritsch, publican, managed to obtain a ‘certificate of discharge’ from his debts. Things kept looking up for the next few years when Anton met widow GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile.

From the family tree of  chross53 on Ancestry.com
On 28 Sep 1876 at the Registry Office, Melbourne Anton Fritsch 58, widower (since 1862) of Richmond, married Mary Curtis 50 widow (since 1870) of Richmond. They seem to have settled in Prahran with at least two of Mary's adult children.

107.1 The College Lawn Hotel, Prahran
The Telegraph 17 Nov 1877
 On 15 Nov 1877, Anton Fritsch of Prahran made an application for a publican’s license for the "College Lawn Hotel, containing ten rooms, exclusive of those required for the use of the family."  This application confirmed that his family were living in rooms at the hotel.
'The College Lawn Hotel', run by Anton Fristch & GGGM Mary Fristch nee Vile
Anton had hardly started as publican of the hotel when ‘The Telegraph’ reported on the following incident on 1 Dec 1877. "Sarah Kelleher (who was) only out of gaol a week ago, recommenced her pilfering habits last Monday afternoon by stealing a table-cloth from the College Lawn Hotel. Information was given to Sergeant Parkinson, who, after a hot run, arrested the woman in a right-of way off the Toorak Road. She was sent to gaol again for a month."
The Telegraph 2 Feb 1878
On 2 Feb 1878 Anton was again before the courts for trading on a Sunday. The authors of the article in the 'Telegraph' felt some sympathy for him in their report of the case and thought the court was unnecessarily severe in its judgement.

The ‘hiccup’ above did not impact on Anton’s application to renew his publican’s licence in 1880, which was successful. Another happy moment in that year was the double wedding of two of his stepdaughters Annie Curtis and GGM Martha Bisgrove (daughters of his new wife GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile). The marriage announcements appeared together on the same page of the ‘Australasian’ newspaper on 13 Nov 1880 (See above). From the notices we learn that Anton took on his stepfather role in a responsible manner. Unfortunately the married lives of his stepdaughters did not turn out to be very happy. Tragically, Annie Barker nee Curtis died four years later. The marriage of the other stepdaughter GGM Martha Reid nee Bisgrove ended in separation around 1912. See 75.1 for more details of her life.
 
The Argus 24 Jun 1885
Another example of Anton's commitment to family is the above death notice. GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Vile's younger sister, Ellen Vile (1839-1909) was married to Bernhard Heinemann in London. It is unlikely that Anton ever met Bernard or any of Mary's siblings, yet in 1885 he placed the above death notice in The Argus in honour of his brother-in-law.

The Telegraph 9 Jan 1886
By the mid 1880’s at the age of 62, Anton had had enough of running his hotel. On 9 Jan 1886 he transferred the license for the 'College Lawn Hotel' to Henry Louis Raecke. The hotel license must have been separate from the victualler’s licence, because that was transferred much later (7 Feb 1889) to Sarah Ann Roberts, 'Harp of Erin' Hotel, Park Street, Collingwood. In 1888 and 1889 Anton Fritsch was listed as a landowner in South Braybrook.
Leader 24 Apr 1886
A few months after Anton left the College Lawn Hotel, a very odd tragedy occurred, which was reported in ‘The Leader' article above.

The Age 10 May 1892
Anton Fritsch 74, died at his residence 131 Dover Street, Richmond, on 9 May 1892 leaving GGGM Mary as a widow for the third time. According to the notice, he had been in Victoria for over forty years. 'The Age' 10 May 1892 published the following funeral notice.
 
The Age 10 May 1892
G.U.O.F.G was the 'Grand United Order of Free Gardeners', which had similarities to the Freemasons Organisation). Anton's stepson-in-law (GGF Robert Reid) and his brothers also belonged to G.U.O.F.G.

NOTE: The 'College Lawn Hotel' still exists today and it has been said that, "The College Lawn was fortunate in that had two long-term tenants who maintained a strict level of conduct with only one or two minor discretions - Anton Fritsch who remained from 1877 to 1886, being replaced by Henry L. Raecke, 1886 to 1895."
 
107.2 Latter years of GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile (1826-1910)

SMH 7 Nov 1910
Sometime after her third husband died in 1892, Mary Fritsch moved to NSW to live with her youngest son Frederick Bisgrove at 159 Allen St. Leichhardt. She died at her son’s home on 7 Nov 1910 aged 84 and was buried on 7 Nov 1910 at Rookwood Necropolis, NSW.

108.0 Ancestors of GGGM Mary Vile

GGGM Mary Vile (1826-1910) was the second child of GGGGP James Vile and Ann Richards. Information about her father and his ancestors is below, and information about her mother's family tree is found in Part Ten; see 117.0

108.1 GGGGP James Vile (1801-1878) & Ann Richards (1804-1877)

James Vile was born on 23 Jun 1801 at KE and was baptised on 24 Jun 1801 at Martock which is about 2 miles from KE. He became a cordwainer (shoemaker) like his father.

On 15 Jun 1823 James married Ann Richards at St Martin's, Kingsbury Episcopi. Ann Richards was born on 15 Jun 1804 at KE and baptised on 30 Dec 1804. Witnesses to the wedding were Ann’s sister Elizabeth Richards and her fiancé Samuel Richards and Joan Richards nee Symes and Robert Richards, who may have been Ann’s grandparents. All parties signed the registration, but strangely Ann signed her name as Ann 'Vile' (her married name). See 117.0 for more information about GGGGM Ann Richards and her ancestry.

GGGGP James and Ann Vile nee Richard's first child was born six months after the wedding on 5 Jan 1824 and baptised at the Wesleyan Church in Sth Petherton (3 miles from KE) on 4 Apr 1824. Sadly, in July, baby Mary died and was buried at St Martin's, Kingsbury Episcopi on 8 Jul 1925.
South Petherton, Somerset
Within a few months, Ann was pregnant again, and when the baby daughter was born they gave her the same name as her deceased sister. This child was GGGM Mary Vile and she was born on 9 Jun 1826 and baptised on 27 Aug 1826 at the Wesleyan Church. Three more children followed in quick succession; Susan 1828, Rhoda 1830 and Betsy 1832. In 1833 James was a witness at his brother William’s wedding to his wife’s sister Hannah Richards. (Two brothers married two sisters).
The 1830’s were a mixture of joy and sadness for James’ family. In 1834 baby Eleanor was born and in 1836 another son named Robert. Sadly Robert died soon after his birth. In 1837 and 1839 two more daughters were born; Elizabeth in 1837, then Ellen in 1839, but later that year older sister Eleanor died. At each of his children's baptisms James Vile was described as a shoemaker, and the family address was given as Kingsbury Episcopi.
1841 Census; Kingsbury Episcopi
The 1841 census records James’ family living at Doke Corner, Kingsbury Episcopi. There were GGGGP James 40 shoemaker and Ann 35 and their six daughters Mary 15, Susan 13, Rhoda 11, Betty 9, Elizabeth 4 and Ellen 2. They were living next to James' brother Robert Vile 30 shoemaker, his wife Hannah Vile 30 and their daughter Jane Vile 6.
 
The 1840’s also brought a mixture of births and deaths. Daughter Martha Victoria Vile was born in 1842 but died soon after. The next child born in 1842 was also named Martha Victoria Vile. Three daughters died in 1844; Susan at the age of 16 in Apr, the second daughter named Martha Victoria aged 2 in Jul and Elizabeth in Oct aged 7. In that same month Ann gave birth to another daughter who they named Martha (the third child named Martha) and on 12 Nov 1844 she was baptised at South Petherton.

In the late 1840's James and Ann moved to London. The reason is unknown, but was likely related to lack of income caused by a depressed economy in agricultural regions. Several other members of their extended Vile family also moved to London, and from 1851 to 1861 daughter Ellen Vile was living less than one mile from her parents at Holborn. In 1848 daughter Mary Vile b1826 married Jacob Bisgrove and in 1849 they migrated to Australia. According to her immigration papers, Mary's parents were living in London (M/sex) at that time and that is confirmed by the 1851 census.

1851 census St Giles in the Fields, London
In the 1851 census, James Vile 49 cordwainer and Ann Vile nee Richards 46 were recorded as living at 22 Coalyard, St Giles, Middlesex. (There were many other families living in the same tenements.) In the 1600's 'The Coal' or 'Cole Yard' was on the eastern side of Drury Lane, near the Holborn end, and was described as "a row of miserable tenements, at the end of which there is a turning to the south, which allow entry to the Almshouses belonging to this parish and St. George's, Bloomsbury". Hopefully, by the time the Bisgroves arrived, it was a more pleasant environment (from www.british-history.ac.uk).

Of their eleven children, seven were died before reaching adulthood; including the first Mary d1824, Robert d1836, Eleanor d1839, and three daughters (Susan, Elizabeth and Martha Victoria) who died in 1844, possibly through infectious disease. The second Mary had migrated to Australia, and Rhoda (who died in 1854) was working as a servant elsewhere. Betsy and Ellen were visiting their aunt Rhoda Evers nee Vile, her husband Daniel Evers 38 licensed victualler and their family in Lambeth. That left Martha who was living at an unknown location in 1851.
 
1861 census St Giles in the Fields, London
In 1861 GGGGP James Vile (spelt Vial) 59 cordwainer and Ann 56 were still living at 22 Coal Yard, St Giles, Middlesex.

They were still living at Coal Yard in 1871 and James was listed as a 69 year old cordwainer and Ann Vile was 66. Daughter Betsy Ann Piper nee Vile died in 1865

GGGGM Ann Vile nee Richards died at the age of 73 at 161 High St, Holborn. She was buried at Westminster Cemetery on 4 Aug 1877.


GGGGF James Vile died the following year in 1878. He was buried on 24 Dec 1878 at St Marys, Teddington, Middlesex aged 77, in the same grave as his daughter Betsy Ann Piper nee Vile.

109.0 Eleven Children of GGGGP James Vile (1801-1878) & Ann Richards (1804-1877)
Of their eleven children only one was a son, six died under the age of 10 and one more died as teenager. Only two daughters, Ellen and Mary survived their parents. The baptism records of the Wesleyan Chapel at South Petherton list the children with their date of birth, name of parents, place of abode and the occupation of the father. Unfortunately the old Wesleyan Chapel was replaced in the mid 1800's.
 
109.1 Mary Vile (1824-1825)
Mary was born on 5 Jan 1824 at KE and was the first born of James and Ann Vile. She was baptised on 4 Apr 1824 at the Wesleyan Chapel at Sth. Petherton which was about 2 miles from her home. She died as infant and was buried on 8 Jul 1825.

109.2 GGGM Mary Vile (1826-1910)

Mary was born on 9 Jun 1826, and named after her deceased sister. She was baptised at the Wesleyan Chapel on 27 Aug 1826. She married GGGF Jacob Bisgrove and moved to Australia. See 90.2 for more detail about Mary Vile’s fascinating life.

109.3 Susan Vile (1828-1844)
Susan was born on 29 May 1828 and baptised on 31 Aug 1828. She lived with her parents in KE all her life and died in 1844 aged 15 from unknown causes. She was buried on 3 Apr 1844 at KE.

109.4 Rhoda Vile (1830-1854)
Rhoda was born on 14 Feb 1830 and baptised 30 May 1830. She lived with her parents and at the 1841 census was aged 11 when the family was living at Doke Corner. In 1851 at the age of 21 Rhoda Vile was working as a servant for the Pugh family in Lambeth, Surrey. She died in 1854 in Somerset aged 24.

109.5 Betsy Ann Vile (1832-1875)
Betsy was born on 29 Jan 1832, KE and baptised on 26 Feb 1832 at South Petherton. She lived with her parents and at the 1841 census was aged 9 when the family was living at Doke Corner, KE. Before the next census in 1851 her family moved to 22 Coal Yard (Place?) in St Giles, London. At this time Betsy Vile 19 and Ellen Vile 11 were visiting aunt Rhoda Evers nee Richards 40 (their mother's sister) and Rhoda's husband Daniel Evers 38, licensed victualler in Lambeth, London (See 109.4).

On the marriage record in 1852, Betsy indicated she was living in Shoe Lane, prior to her marriage, so she must have shifted there soon after the census. Her future husband, plumber John Piper, was boarding in Robin Hood Court in Holburn; just around the corner from Shoe Lane and 3 miles from Lambeth. Betsy possibly met John in the neighbourhood, or perhaps he did some plumbing work for the family.

In the following year, although she was still a minor aged 20, Betsy married John Piper on 17 Oct 1852 at Holburn, London. Both were living in Shoe Lane at that time. A witness at the wedding was James Vile (probably her father), and James Vile, bootmaker was listed as her father.

During the early 1850’s Betsy and John Piper had two daughters who both died as infants. Rhoda was born in 1853, but died in 1856. Their second daughter also named Rhoda, was born in 1859 but died later that year.

1861 census: Whitefriars
By 1861 their fortunes had turned around. They were living at 18 Whitefriars St, London and John Piper 36 plumber and Betsy A Piper 29 had a baby son, George William Piper 2mth. Another son Francis Charles Piper followed on 16 Oct 1868, another daughter Annie Louise Piper on 13 Dec 1869 (baptised 20 Mar 1870 at St Luke, Westminster) and their last son Harry James Piper in Apr 1773. (Confirmed in the 1881 census).

By 1871, Betsy 38 was working as a housekeeper and going by the Christian name 'Elizabeth'. Husband John Piper must have been temporarily living elsewhere (possibly for work reasons). Living at 3 Lttle Pulteney St with Betsy were children George 10, Francis 2 and Ann Piper1. Betsy's sister Ellen was living at 4 Pulteney St in the 1880's. They may have been living in adjacent houses during this period.

On 22 May 1875 Betsy Ann Piper nee Vile died at her Teddington home at the age of 42. She was buried at St Marys, Teddington in a grave shared by her father, when he died three years later in 1878.

The census of 1881 confirmed that the remaining family was living at 4 Bridge Place [in Broad St?], Teddington and consisted of John Piper 53 widowed plumber, George W. Piper 21 plumber, Francis C. Piper 12, Annie L. Piper 11 (later worked for Aunt Ellen Heinemann nee Vile) and Harry J. Piper 8.

John as a widower had employed Emma Sayle or Swayle 30 as a servant to help run the household and look after the children. In early 1882 John married Emma. In April 1892 they had a child named William J Piper.

In 1891 John Piper 63, plumber, and Emma Piper 40 nee Swayle? along with sons Francis C Piper 22 plumber, Harry J Piper 18 bricklayer and Willie J Piper 9 were still living at 4 Bridge St. They were still there at the turn of the century in 1901 and John 72, and son Francis were working as plumbers and young William had become a dental apprentice. There is no death record available to show when either John or Emma died, but they were both listed in the 1901 census.

NOTE: Youngest son Harry James Piper (b1873) bricklayer, migrated to Western Australian in 1911 and joined the AIF in 1915 giving his age as 41 and religion as Wesleyan. He was wounded in action in France but returned to his battalion in 1917. He died in Perth in 1950.

109.6 Eleanor Vile (1834-1839)
Eleanor was born on 2 May 1834 in KE and baptised 3 Aug 1834 at the Wesleyan Chapel in South Petherton.
 Sadly Eleanor died on 16 Mar 1839 aged 5 and was buried on 23 Mar 1839 at St Martin's, KE. The death registration listed her name as Ellen.

109.7 Robert Vile (1836-1836)
Robert was the only son known to be born to James and Ann Vile nee Richards. He was born on 14 Jun 1836 and baptised on 10 Jul 1836 at South Petherton. He died shortly after in Aug 1836 and was buried on 24 Aug 1836 at St Martin's KE

109.8 Elizabeth Vile (1837-1844)
Elizabeth was born around Jul 1837, but died in Oct 1844 aged 7. No baptism record has been found, but her birth was registered in the third quarter of 1837 and in 1841 she was living at Doke’s corner, KE with her parents as a four year old.
Elizabeth Vile died at the age of seven and was buried on 1 Nov 1844 at St Martin KE.

109.9 Ellen Vile (1839-1909)
Ellen was born in 1839, a few months after the death of sister Eleanor/Ellen, and was given a similar name to her deceased sister. No baptism record has been found, but her birth was registered in the third quarter of 1839. In 1841, as a two year old, she was living at Doke’s corner, KE with her parents.

In 1851, when their parents had moved to London. Ellen Vile 11 and her sister Betsy Vile 19 were visiting their aunt, Rhoda Evers nee Richards, her husband Daniel Evers 38, licensed victualler and his family in Princes St, Lambeth. (See 117.5 in Part 10) They were about five miles from their parent's home in St Giles. The Evers family seemed to be well off. They employed a servant and were sending their three eldest children to school. The place of birth for the sisters was listed as Burrow, which is on the outskirts of Kingsbury Epscopi.

In 1861 Ellen Vile 21, unmarried servant was living at 1 Greville St Holborn, London with George and Susannah Baker nee Barrett, their family and a number of other servants. The Bakers were bakers by trade and also employed a number of others to help in their bakery. Ellen would have picked up many skills at this time and may have been inspired to open her own bakery, which she did later on. Visiting Ellen at the time of the census was her cousin Mary Ann Vile b1831, unmarried daughter of Ellen’s uncle Simeon Vile. (see 111.4). Their residence in Greville St was less than half a mile from her sister Betsy’s home in St Andrews.

Next door to the Bakers was a young German couple, William and Frances Harting, who were also bakers. It was possibly through them, that Ellen met another young baker named Bernard Heinemann. Bernard was born in Prussia (possibly Kassel in Hessen) in 1836 and migrated to England in 1855. He became a British citizen on 30 Mar 1861. Their relationship must have blossomed.

On 4 May 1862 Ellen married Bernard Heinemann 26, at St Margaret’s, Westminster. Over the next 20 years Ellen had at least eleven children; Bernard Frederick Heinemann born 1 Oct 1863 who became a pastry chef, Harry Alfred Heinemann 8 Sep 1865 became a baker, Augustus Edwin Heinemann 12 May 1867 watchmaker, Eleanor Elizabeth Heinemann 1869, Beatrice Mary Heinemann 1 Apr 1870, William James Heinemann 25 Jan 1873 baker, Minnie Barbara Heinemann 3 Apr 1875, Adeline Bertha Heinemann 1877 and Phillip Heinemann 4 Dec 1878. Sadly Minnie Heinemann and Phillip Heinemann died as babies before the age of one. All were born in Westminster.

By 1881 the family had set up their own flourishing bakery at 38 Dartmouth St., Westminster. At census time the occupants were Bernard Heinemann 45 born in Germany, master baker, Ellen Heinemann 40 born in KE, Bernard (Jr) Heinemann 17 baker’s assistant, Harry Heinemann 15 baker’s assistant, Augustus Heinemann 13 and Ellenor Heinemann 11, Beatrice Heinemann 9, Willie Heinemann 8 and Adeline Heinemann 4 who were all ‘scholars’. In addition to the older children who were helping out in the house and shop were servants Alice Tysons 18 and Gustave Gragert 24 baker.

Living next door to the Heinemanns in 1881 was James Butler, 37 year old dining room keeper, and his family. Ten years later, after both of their partners had died, Ellen and James would marry.

Two more children were born in the 1880’s; Leonard Francis Heinemann in 1881 and Percy Alexander Heinemann 4 Jun 1882 (Percy died the following year). All eleven children were born in Westminster.

On 12 May 1885 Ellen’s husband Bernard Heinemann died at the age of 49 from chronic asthma and pneumonia (possibly linked to his contact with flour ‘dust’) at Westminster. Ellen’s sister GGGM Mary Vile Fritsch nee Curtis nee Vile (in Australia) must have been 'close' to Ellen because she and her husband Anton placed a death notice in the Melbourne papers.

During their married years Ellen and Bernard ran a very successful bakery (possibly called London Bakery). When probate was granted on 25 June 1885, Bernard Heinemann, baker, left effects valued in excess of £3000, with his widowed wife Ellen Heinemann named as executrix.

According to the 1885 electoral roll, Ellen was leasing a furnished room on the second floor at 38 Dartmouth St, to her son Bernard Frederick Heinemann at a rental of 5s 6d per week. Mrs E Heinemann was listed as the landlord and the ground floor would have been the location of her bakery premises. As a resident, her son was entitled to vote, but because Ellen was a woman she was not. In 1889 son Harry was occupying a room on the third floor.

Evidence given by Ellen in a trial at the Old Bailey in 1889
On 4 Feb 1889 Ellen and two of her sons appeared as witnesses in a trial at the Old Bailey London, Three men were charged and found guilty of  "Conspiring to obtain leases using false pretences". Ellen's evidence provides some details about her property interests including that her residence at that time was 4 Little Pultney St.

In 1890, Ellen owned property at both 37 and 38 Dartmouth St. Westminster and she was renting rooms to two of her sons; Augustus rented one room on the third floor and Bernard Frederick Heinemann rented one room on the second floor. In 1891, living in Ellen’s property at 38 Dartmouth St, Westminster were Ellen Heinemann 50 widowed baker and confectioner, son Augustus Heinemann 23 unmarried watchmaker, Eleanor B Heineman 22, Adeline Heinemann 14 b1877, Leonard Heineman 9, Beatrice Heinemann 20 and niece Annie L Piper 9 who was working as a shop assistant for Ellen. Annie was the daughter of Ellen’s sister Betsy Ann Piper nee Vile who died in 1875. (See 109.5)

On 21 July 1891 Ellen Heinemann 51 widow, married James Isaac Butler widower at St George, Hanover Square. Both were residents of Westminster at the time and met when they were neighbours in Dartmouth St ten years earlier. Their marriage was short lived as James Isaac Butler died in 1897. In his will, James Isaac Butler of 55 Vincent Square Westminster, left £10,277 for his son James I. Butler piano tuner and Charles Alfred Piper solicitor named as executors. The latter does not seem to be related to Betsy Piper and her family, but was the father of artist Charles Egerton Christmas Piper who had major exhibitions in the Tate Gallery.

1901 Census Westminster
In 1901 Ellen Heineman 60, a twice widowed baker and confectioner, was working from home at 38 Dartmouth St. Living with her were Eleanor Heinemann 32 shop assistant, Beatrice Lloyd nee Heinemann 30 widowed visiting daughter, William Heinemann 28 son 'traveller' (salesman) for London Directory, Adeline Heineman 23 bread shop assistant, Leonard Heineman 19 bread maker, niece Annie Piper 31 shop assistant and granddaughters Beatrice E Lloyd 5 and Ethel Lloyd 2. When son William James Heinemann married in 1903 he gave his address as 38 Dartmouth Rd.

1902 P.O. Directory
After her second husband's death, Ellen reverted to her first married name. The above entry on the PO Directory of 1902 lists two addresses for Ellen. The former being the place of her business and the latter her residential address.

On 6 Feb 1909 Ellen Butler nee Heinemann nee Vile of 38 Dartmouth Street, Westminster died. In her will she left effects valued at £2617. Probate was granted to son Bernard Frederick Heineman advertising agent and William Reynolds West (husband of Adeline West nee Heinemann) merchant.

1911 Census Westminster
In 1911 after her death, Ellen’s children continued to live in her house and run the bakery at 38 Dartmouth St. Living there were Leonard Francis Heinemann 30 unmarried master baker, Eleanor Heinemann 40 unmarried baker and confectioner, Beatrice Lloyd nee Heinemann 38 widowed baker and confectioner and her children Beatrice Edith Lloyd 15 and Ethel Clara Lloyd 12.

In the 1915 London Directory Leonard Francis Heinemann, baker, was still at 38 Dartmouth St along with sister Miss Eleanor Heinemann also a baker. It would be interesting to know how long the bakery was running in the 20th century. During WW1 several of  Bernard Heinemann's descendants  changed their surnames, probably as a result of public attitudes to German surnames at that time. This may also have been the reason for the demise of the 'Heinemann Bakery'. Sadly, most of the street seems to have been redeveloped as office blocks, so the exact location of the shop is hard to determine.

109.9a Adult Children of Ellen Heinemann nee Vile (1839-1909)

Bernard Frederick Heinemann (1863-1943) married Alice Burgess in 1890. He was an accountant and had four children; Mabel Barbara Heinemann b1891, Gertrude Alice Heinemann b1894, Bernard Charles Heinemann b1897 and Oliver Frederick Heinemann b1900. Bernard died in 1943.

Harry Alfred Heinemann (West) (1865-1920) married Phoebe Schofield in 1889, but she died in 1893. In 1904 Harry, 35 (really 39) year old baker, married Lillian Laura Cook 20. At the time they were both living at 162 Albert Rd. Harry's father was listed as Bernard Heinemann, deceased baker. By 1911, Harry had also changed his surname. The census listed Harry West 42 (really 46) confectioner making swiss rolls, living with wife Lillian Laura West 25 and children Stanley William West 5, Lillian Beatrice West 3 and Harry Augustus West 1. Harry and Lillian were listed at 91A Cambray Rd, Clapham, on the 1918-1920 electoral rolls. As Harry was not listed with Lillian in 1921 he probably died in the preceding year.

Augustus Edwin Heinemann marrried Emma Lydia Scudamore in 1898. In 1911 he gave his occupation as 'bakers van salesman'. The couple had no children and Augustus died in 1928. Probate was granted to his brothers Bernard Frederick and William James Heinemann, with effects valued at £1510.

Eleanor Elizabeth Heinemann (Lloyd) also changed her name to Lloyd, probably at the same time as her brother Leonard, for the same reasons. In 1939 Eleanor Loyd (b22 Dec 1868) was living with widowed sister Beatrice Lloyd at 9 Burgh Wood Rd, Banstead. Eleanor died a spinster in 1948 at her home 'Binstead', 9 Burgh Wood Rd. She left effects valued at £3931 and probate was granted to sister Beatrice Edith Lloyd.

Beatrice Mary Heinemann (1870-1942) married Hugh Humphrey Lloyd in 1893. Sadly her husband died in 1900. Three years later, in 1903, her brother, William James Heinemann 30, clerk, married Hugh's sister Edith Lloyd 29 at Battersea. Beatrice Mary Lloyd nee Heinemann of 'Binfield', 9 Burgh Wood, Banstead died in 1942. Probate was granted to daughters Beatrice Edith Lloyd and Ethel Clara Lloyd, spinsters.

William James Heinemann (1873-1959) At the age of 30 bachelor William Heinemann clerk married Edith Lloyd 29 spinster. Witnesses were sister-in-law Annie Lloyd (sister of Hugh H. Lloyd) and mother Ellen Butler nee Heinemann nee Vile. William's father was listed as Bernard Heinemann, baker. Unlike some of his siblings William retained his original surname and the couple had no known children. Edith Heinemann died in 1957. Probate was granted to husband William James Heinemann, retired chief clerk. William died two years later in 1959 and probate with effects valued at £7472 was granted to niece and nephew; Beatrice Edith Lloyd and Hugh Bernard Lloyd, surveyor.

Adeline Bertha Heinemann (1877-1953) At the age of 26 Adeline married William Reynolds West, 40 year old gun dealer, in 1904. William's previous wife was Adeline's cousin Alice Louisa Heinemann, who had died in 1902. The son from that marriage was joined by daughters Mary b1907, Peggy b1917 and Peter b1919. Adeline Bertha West nee Heinemann, widow, died in 1953 at Enfield, Middlesex. Probate was granted to daughters Mary Eleanor West and Peggy Agnes West, spinsters. Son Peter had died as the result of an accident during the war.

Leonard Francis Heinemann (Lloyd) (1881-1940) was listed in several documents as living at 38 Dartmouth St up until 1915. However, within the next two years he appears to have changed his surname to Lloyd, and this is the name he used when he married Mary Ann Jones on 16 Sep 1917 at South Kennington. This document listed him as Leonard Francis Lloyd, 36 year old baker of Binfield Rd. His father was listed as Bernard Lloyd (really Heinemann), deceased. As this happened during WW1, the name change may be due to ill feeling towards people who had German sounding surnames.

109.10 Martha Victoria Vile (1842-1844)
Martha was the tenth child of James and Ann Vile. She was born on 12 Apr 1842.
Sadly Martha died in July 1844 aged 2. She was buried on 29 Jul 1844 at St Martin's, KE. Not to be confused with her niece 'GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove', who was the daughter of her sister GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile.

109.11 Martha Vile (1844-1857)
Martha was the last child born in the family and as she was born soon after the death of her sister on 3 Aug 1844, she was given the same name. She was baptised on 12 Nov 1844 at the Wesleyan Chapel, South Petherton and probably died in Oct 1857.

110.0 GGGGGP John Vile (1772-1831) & Mary Willy (1775-1847)
The parents of GGGGF James Vile b1801 were GGGGGP John Vile and Mary Willy.

Baptisms 1772: Ilton, Somerset
John Vile was born in 1772 to Thomas and Sarah Vile nee Glover at Ilton and baptised there on 26 Sep. 1772. Ilton was 7 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1800

At the age of  28 John Vile, cordwainer, married Mary Willy on 5 Nov 1800 Kingsbury Episcopi. Neither were able to sign their names and both were listed as parishioners of KE. One of witnesses, Robert Willy, who may have been Mary's brother, did sign his name. Interestingly, another woman named Mary Willy was married in the same church two months later, to a man named John Gardener, and she was able to sign her name. One of the witnesses at her wedding was R.B.Willy. There were many people with that surname married around that time

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1775
GGGGGM Mary Willy was probably born in 1775 in KE and baptised on 18 Jun by parents GGGGGGP John and Mary Willy. Several other family trees have developed different possible lines of ancestry for her, but a definitive answer to her parentage is difficult because of the lack of supporting evidence (See 112.0)

Over the next thirteen years, John and Mary Willy had eight children and all were baptised in the non-conformist church at Martock (about 2m from KE). The children were GGGGF James Vile 1801, Susannah Vile 1802-1807, John Vile 1805, Simeon Vile 1806, Robert Vile 1809, Mary Ann Vile 1811, William Vile 1812 and Susannah Vile 1814. The oldest daughter named Susannah  died in 1807, and when Mary had another baby girl on 14 Aug 1814 she was named Susannah after her deceased sister.

On 5 Oct 1831 GGGGGF John Vile b1779 died at the age of 51 and was buried on the 14 Oct 1831 at St Martin's KE.
Probate record from John Vile resworn 1876
In an unusual circumstance, probate was left unadministered by executor Richard Symes, until it was proved some 44 years later on 13 Oct 1875! The wording read "the will of John Vile late of KE, cordwainer who died on 5 Oct 1831 ... was granted to Simeon Vile shoemaker, the son of one of the residuary legatees substituted." Effects were to the value under £20.

After her husband’s death Mary continued to live in KE. On 1 Jan 1838, daughter Susannah Vile 23 whose occupation was ‘glover’ married Thomas Hann Baker 25, blacksmith. Later in that year, another daughter Mary Ann 27, a glover, married James Lovell 25 carpenter. Although he was deceased, Mary Ann's father was listed as John Vile, shoemaker. All parties signed their names. In 1841 at the age of 65, Mary Vile nee Willy was living in West St, KE with her son-in-law Thomas Baker 25, blacksmith, Susan Baker nee Vile 25 and their children Mary Baker 2 and John Baker 4mth.

In 1842 or early 1843, Thomas Hann Baker and Susannah Baker nee Vile, migrated to North America with their two children. GGGGGM Mary Vile nee Willy probably went to live with one of her other surviving children for the last years of her life.

Mary Vile nee Willy died at Stembridge on May 1847 aged 74 and was buried on 4 May 1847 at St Martin's, KE. Her death record indicates a birth year of 1773 which is close to her actual year of baptism, 1775.

110.1  GGGGGGP Thomas Vile (?-?) & Sarah Glover (1739-?)

GGGGGF John Vile was born in 1772 to GGGGGGP Thomas Vile and Sarah Glover at Ilton.

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1739
Sarah Glover appears to have been baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi on 25 Nov 1739 by her parents GGGGGGGP William and Sarah Newton. At some stage her family must have moved 5 miles to Ilton, where she eventually met Thomas Vile, who had been living in Seavington.

Thomas Vile bachelor of Seavington married Sarah Glover 25 spinster of Ilton, at Ilton (five miles from Seavington) on 23 Apr 1764. Neither party could sign their names. They seemed to have settled in Ilton, or at least attended church there, because that was where their children were baptised.Their three known children were Sarah Vile 1769, Thomas Vile Feb 1771 and GGGGGGF John Vile baptised in Sep 1772.

The dates of death for GGGGGGP Thomas Vile and Sarah Glover are not known.

110.2 GGGGGGGP William Glover (1703-?) & Sarah Newton (1703-1772)
GGGGGGM Sarah Glover was baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi on 25 Nov 1739 by her parents GGGGGGGP William Glover and Sarah Newton.

GGGGGGGF William Glover was possibly born in Seavington and baptised on 5 May 1703. Sarah Newton was born five miles away in Martock and baptised there on 15 Aug 1703

William Glover 28 married Sarah Newton 28 at Kingsbury Episcopi on 16 Dec 1831

GGGGGGGP William and Sarah Glover nee Newton possibly had five children, who were all baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi. Although no baptism record has been found, their first child may have been William Glover, born in 1732. His existence is confirmed by his burial record (below). Other children were George Glover 1735, George Glover 1736, James Glover 1737 and GGGGGGM Sarah Glover 1739.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1772
GGGGGGGM  Sarah Glover nee Newton died in 1772 and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi on 2 Aug 1772.
Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1775
GGGGGGGF William Glover senior died three years after his wife and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi on 18 Jun 1775. A note in the record lists him as a "clerk of  (East) Lambrook".

110.2a William Glover (1732-1803)
William Glover, born c1732 was possibly the son of GGGGGGGP William Glover senior and Sarah Glover. No baptism record has been found, but his death registration suggests a date of birth of 1732
William Glover (presumably junior) b1732 died at the age of 71 and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi on 29 Oct 1803. A note in the record lists his age and reports that, like his father, he served as "the Parish Clerk of East Lambrook for nearly twenty-eight years".

111.0 Eight Children of GGGGGP John Vile (1772-1831) & Mary Willy (1775-1847)
John and Mary Vile were married in 1800 and had eight known children. All were baptised in the non-conformist church at Martock (about 2m from KE). The Vile children who grew to adults and married were able to sign their names. This indicates that the children received an education, which was not the case with most of the population in the early 1800's. At that time, literacy was confined to families that could afford to send their children to school.

"The evidence shows that working parents were purchasing increasing amounts of education for their children as their incomes were rising from 1818 onwards, and this ....... at a time before education was “free” and compulsory by statute. Compulsion came in 1880, and state schooling did not become free until 1891." (From www.fee.org)

111.1 GGGGF James Vile (1801-1878)
James was the first born of GGGGGP John and Mary Vile. He became a shoemaker like his father and married GGGGM Ann Richards in 1823. They went on to have eleven children. (See 109.0)

111.2 Susanna Vile (1802-1807)

Susannah was born on 24 Dec 1802 at KE and baptised on 1 Mar 1803.

Susannah died in 1807 and was buried on 20 Mar at Kingsbury Episcopi.

111.3 John Vile (1805-1869) & Elizabeth Hearn

John was born on 24 Apr 1805 and baptised on 2 Jun 1805. He was named after his father and took up his father's trade as a shoemaker.

In 1830 John Vile and Elizabeth Hearn (his future wife) were witnesses at brother Simeon’s wedding. Four years later, on 1 April 1834, John 29 married Elizabeth Hearn (1806-1872) at the Church of St Martin, KE. Witnesses at the wedding were Elizabeth’s brother Simeon Hearn and Susan Vile (probably John’s younger sister Susannah b1814). All signed the marriage registration.

From kingsburytimetravellers Facebook page
In 1841 John Vile 35 shoemaker and Elizabeth Vile 30 were living in Church St., KE. They were at the same address in 1851 but were ten years older. John Vile 45 was listed as shoemaker but his place of birth was now listed as Muchelney, Somerset (3m north of KE) and Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn 40, was a dressmaker. They possibly lived between the two hamlets at this time. In 1861 John Vile 55, cordwainer and Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn 50, dressmaker were listed at KE

John Vile died in 1869 aged 64, and was buried on 15 May 1869 at St Martin's, KE.

Probate was granted on John's will to his widow Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn with his estate valued at under 200 pounds. In 1871 Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn 64, retired widow, was living alone at 5 Church St., which was probably her home address all her married life. The following year Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn died and her death was registered at Yeovil, Somerset aged 65. John and Elizabeth had no known children.

111.4 Simeon Vile (1806-1886) & Sarah Clark
Baptisms 1806 Martock Independant Church
Simeon was born on 26 Aug 1806 and baptised on 14 Sep 1806. Like his father and two older brothers he became a shoemaker.

On 14 April 1830 Simeon married Sarah Clark (1810-1871) in the Church of St Martin, Kingsbury Episcopi. The witnesses at the wedding were brother John Vile and Elizabeth Hearn (who would marry each other four years later). According to their children's baptism records, the family's religion was listed as "Wesleyan" The following children were baptised in the South Petherton Chapel; John Vile on 30 May 1830, Mary Ann Vile on 18 Sep 1831, William Vile on 10 Mar 1833 and Priscilla Clark Vile on 27 Apr 1835. The family residence was given as Kingsbury Episcopi.

Simeon and Sarah's first child was named John after his grandfather and he was born two weeks after his parent's marriage. Sarah had twelve babies altogether with the last, Rhoda Vile, born when Sarah was 43.

In 1841, Simeon Vile 30 shoemaker and his wife Sarah Vile nee Clark 31, were living in West St, KE with Sarah’s mother Sarah Clark 50 and Sarah's younger sister Priscilla Clark 15 (b1826). Also living there were their seven children John Vile 11, Mary Vile 9, William Vile 8, Priscilla Clark Vile 6, Samuel Vile 4, Simeon Vile 3 and Edwin Vile 7 months. In 1846, son Simeon died, aged 9.

In the 1851 census no street was listed, but they were still in KE and their family had grown considerably to include ten children. In the house were Simeon Vile 44 cordwainer, Sarah Vile 41, John Vile 20 no occupation and listed as a ‘cripple’, Mary A Vile 19 groom, William Vile 18 ag lab, Priscilla Clark Vile 15 groom, Samuel Vile 14 ag lab, Edwin Vile 10, Vincent Vile 8, Robert Vile 5, Sarah Vile 3 and Martha Vile 1. In the 1850’s Simeon and Sarah had their twelfth child Rhoda, but in the middle of the decade, son Vincent aged 10 died, closely followed by little Rhoda.

1861 census Kingsbury Episcopi
The family had shrunk considerably by 1861, as most of the older children had left to make their own way. Still at home were Simeon Vile 55 cordwainer, Sarah Vile 51 who was now helping her husband as a shoe binder, John Vile 30 no occupation "a cripple from birth", Sarah Vile 13 "glover of leather" and Martha Vile 11 scholar. Son Robert Vile at the age of 15, was lodging in London with the Nelson family and working as a labourer. Sadly, in the 1860's two more children died; Robert Vile in 1862 aged 18 and Sarah Vile in 1866 aged 19.

1871 Census Kingsbury Episcopi
The 1871 census listed their address as 48 Broad St, KE. Simeon Vile 64 was still a boot maker assisted by Sarah Vile 61 boot binder. They had two children at home; John Vile 40, unmarried, and Priscilla Clark Vile 35, unmarried glove maker. Also living with them was Priscilla Rachel Male 10, who was described as Simeon's "niece". This suggests she was the daughter of one of his sisters or a sister of wife Sarah but I have found no records to substantiate this. Another possibility is that she was an illegitimate daughter of Priscilla Clark Vile prior to her marriage to Job Male (see below).

Later in 1871 Simeon’s wife Elizabeth Vile nee Hearn died, and then the following year, disabled son John Vile, died aged 42.

Daughter Priscilla Clark Vile, spinster, married Job Male in 1872. Interestingly, Priscilla seems to have signed her name as Priscilla Clark, and 'Vile' appears to have been added to the signature by the officiating vicar. Priscilla's father was listed as Simeon Vile, shoemaker. Sadly Priscilla died soon after her marriage in Jan 1874 aged 38.

1881 Census Kingsbury Episcopi
At 69 years of age Simeon continurd to work as a shoemaker and was listed as such in 'Kelly’s Trade Directory' of 1875. By 1881 Simeon was 74, living alone in Church St. and still listed as a shoemaker. He died in July 1886 at KE aged 80.

NOTE: Of Simeon's twelve children, eight seem to have predeceased him!

111.5 Robert Vile (1809-1848) & Hannah Clark
Robert was born on 19 Apr 1809 and baptised on 4 May 1809. Following in the steps of his father and older brothers he became a shoemaker.
On 28 May 1834, Robert 25 married Ann (Hannah) Clark 24 in St Martin's Church, KE. Robert signed his name but Hannah made her mark. It appears that the minister incorrectly confused Hannah with her sister Ann Clark and wrote down the wrong Christian name. Witnesses at the wedding were James Lovell and Robert's sister Mary Ann Vile (these two would later marry each other).

Hannah Clark (b25 Jul 1810) does not appear to be the sister of Simeon’s wife Sarah Clark as they had different mothers, but they were probably related. Hannah was baptised on 25 Jul 1810 at South Petherton by Robert and Ann Clark and her siblings were Isaac Clark 1812, William Clark 1814, Ann Clark 1816 and Jacob Clark 1818. The baptism record at South Petherton is complicated by a number of couples with similar names.
1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi
The following year baby Jane Vile was born. In 1841 Robert Vile 30 shoemaker, Hannah Vile nee Clark 30 and Jane Vile 6 were living at Doke Corner. They were living next door to Hannah’s mother Ann Clark, and Hannah's siblings Isaac and Ann Clark. On the other side were Robert's brother James Vile and his family.

To give some idea of the complexity of the inter-family marriages in this small community, they were all living quite close to Jephtha Bulgin and his family. Robert’s brother James Vile’s daughter, Mary Vile, married Jacob Bisgrove whose two brothers (John and James Bisgrove) married two of Jephtha’s daughters. (See 93.0 for more information about the Bisgrove brothers.)

Tragically Robert died in 1848 aged 39. He was buried on 21 Sep 1848 at St Martin's KE.

In 1851 Anna (the 'H' of Hannah had been dropped by whoever filled in the form) Vile 40 widow and glover was still living at Doke Corner with her daughter Jane Vile 15, also a glover, and her unmarried sister Ann Clark 35, unmarried brother? Samuel Clark 41 (no other records confirm his identity) and Julia Clark 6 niece (daughter of Robert and Margaret Clark).


Hannah (Anna) Vile nee Clark, widow, married widower Joseph Marks on 21 Jan 1858 and became stepmother to his young family at the address known as "Lake". Hannah (Anna) Vile nee Clark died at the age of 70 and was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 10 May 1879. Her listed abode was 'Lake'.

111.6 Mary Ann Vile (1811-1880) & James Lovell

Mary Ann was born on 26 Feb 1811 and baptised on 24 Mar 1811 at Martock. (The year on the baptism registration is poorly written, but other documents confirm a birth year of 1811).

On 1 Jan 1838 Mary Ann Vile 27, a glover and her future husband James Lovell were witnesses at sister Susannah’s wedding. They were married later that year on 8 Nov 1838 at St Martin's, Kingsbury Episcopi. James Lovell 25 was a carpenter living in Stembridge. Witnesses at the wedding were James Thomas and Hannah Symes. All parties were able to sign their names on the wedding registration.

The young couple (James Lovell 27 carpenter and Mary Lovell nee Vile 30) moved the short distance to the hamlet of Coat, Martock and in the 1840’s they had great joy and sadness as their children were born. The decade started well with the birth of James Lovell 1842, John Lovell 27 Apr 1843 and Josiah Lovell 1845. Then in 1847 both Mary Ann’s mother (GGGGGM Mary Ann Vile nee Willy) and baby Josiah died. In 1847 another son was born, named Josiah after his deceased brother. Then in 1848, Mary Ann’s brother Robert died, aged 39 and their second baby named Josiah also died. The decade finished a bit brighter with the birth of another baby named Mary Lovell in 1849.
1851 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

By 1851 the family had moved back to Church St., KE and the family consisted of James Lovell 37 carpenter, Mary A Lovell 40 glover, James Lovell 9 scholar, John Lovell 7 scholar and Mary Lovell 1. Sadly, ten year old John Lovell died in 1853. In 1861 James Lovell was a 47 old carpenter, Mary Ann Lovell a 50 year old glover, son James Lovell 19 was now a carpenter and Mary Lovell 11 was a glover. They were living in KE, close to brother Simeon 55 and his family and Sarah Vile nee Clark 28 and their family. In 1865 eldest son James Lovell married Jane Willis and they had two children; James Henry Lovell 1868 and Mary Jane Lovell 1870, but James’ wife Jane Lovell nee Willis never recovered from the birth and died in June 1870.

1871 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

James Lovell (snr) 57 carpenter and Mary Ann Lovell nee Vile, 60 year old glover, were living at 58 Broad St., KE in 1871 with their unmarried daughter Mary Lovell 21 glover and a boarder named Charles Duck 16. They were living next door to son James Lovell (jnr) carpenter 29 (widower) and his children Mary Jane Lovell 3 and James Henry Lovell 2.

Mary Ann Lovell nee Vile’s husband James Lovell died in 1875 aged 62 and Mary died five years later in Aug 1880 aged 69. James and Mary Ann were buried at Kingsbury Episcopi. Although Mary Ann gave birth to five children, only two survived to adulthood.

111.6a James Lovell (jnr) (1842-1916) & 2 Wives
As described above James Lovell jnr was born to James Lovell (snr) and Mary Lovell nee Vile in 1842 and became a carpenter like his father. He lived with his parents until he married Jane Willis in 1865. After having two children, his wife Jane died in 1870 and in 1871 James was living next door to his widowed mother Mary Lovell nee Vile.

In 1881 James Lovell 39 widowed carpenter was living in Kingsbury Rd with his children Mary Jane Lovell 14 and James Henry Lovell 13. Later that decade, James formed a relationship with Susan Coate whose father William Coate ran an Inn in KE. William Coate was formerly a carpenter and James may have met his future wife through his work relationship with her father.

In 1889 James 47 widower, married Susan Chapple Coate 42. By 1891 James Lovell 49, carpenter had expanded his skill set to include inn keeper and was assisted by his wife, Susan Lovell nee Coate 48. By 1901 James 59, had returned to carpentry and was listed as a ‘master carpenter’. His wife Susan Lovell nee Coate 58 had taken over the role of Inn Keeper at the 'Rising Sun Inn', Thorney, Kingsbury Episcopi.
Rethatching of the old 'Rising Sun Inn' at Thorney
Susan Chapple Lovell nee Coate of Kingsbury Episcopi, wife of James Lovell, died 24 Sept 1905 and left effects with the value of £346 to Eliza Dobbin widow. Presumably Eliza Dobbin was her widowed sister. James Lovell died in 1916.

111.7 William Vile (1812-1907)
William was born on 30 Dec 1812 and baptised on 13 Jan 1813 at Martock. He became a shoemaker like his father and all his brothers.

On 30 July 1833 William 20 married Hannah Richards at St Martin's, KE. The wedding was witnessed by their siblings; GGGGF James Vile (older brother of William) and Rhoda Richards (sister of Hannah). This is another instance of two brothers William and James Vile, marrying two sisters; Hannah and Ann Richards. All parties were able to sign the marriage registration. Over the next six years Hannah gave birth to three children; Ann 23 Dec 1833, Emma 3 Nov 1836 and Harriet 1839.

1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi
In 1841 William Vile 25 shoemaker, Hannah Vile 25, Ann Vile 7, Emma Vile 4 and Harriett Vile 2 were living in West St, KE. They were living next door to John, Mary and Emily Bisgrove and James, Eliza and Cornish Bisgrove who were sharing a house. (See 93.2 and 93.3). Through the Bisgrove brothers, William probably heard news about their sister Charlotte Toms nee Bisgrove who had migrated to the Colony of NSW in 1841. He probably attended his niece Mary Vile's wedding to Jacob, a third Bisgrove brother in 1848 and conversations at all these social and other incidental meetings in the 1840's would have included the opportunities offered in NSW.

During that decade three more children were born, Robert in 1841, Phoebe 1845 and Susan in 1847. In the late 1840’s the government of the Colony of NSW were advertising assisted passages to Australia from England to young families, especially those with skills that would be useful. The advertisements presented a very attractive picture of a land of opportunity. William and Hannah possibly saw these, or heard about the offer by word of mouth, as others from the area had already migrated.
Passenger List Lady Amherst 1849 (Other children were listed on the next page)
On 8 Jan 1849 William and his family set sail on the ‘Lady Amherst’ and arrived in Port Jackson on the 21 May 1849. There were William Vile 34 shoemaker and Hannah 33, dressmaker, with their children Ann 15 nursemaid, Emma 12, Harriet 10, Robert 8, Phoebe 5 and Susan 2. They listed their religion as Wesleyan. (The children had been baptised in the Chapel at Martock.) Both parents and most of the children could read and write. A factor that may have made the decision to migrate easier (it was usually a one way trip) was that both William’s (John & Mary Vile) and Hannah’s (Robert & Hannah Richards) parents were deceased.

William and Hannah wrote on the ship’s passenger list that they had no relatives living in the colony, but they did have other relatives on the ship. William’s niece GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile and her husband Jacob Bisgrove were also sailing to Australia, following in the steps of Jacob’s sister Charlotte, who had done so eight years earlier. A note in the margin of the passenger list says "has been in the agricultural line for the past five years; worked a few acres of grain, which he .... took out of his trade at the same time". This suggests that William was 'itching' to get his own farm and try his luck in agriculture.

111.7a Pioneer Wine Maker in the Hunter Valley
On arrival in NSW, William and his family headed for the Hunter Valley area where 'The Australian Agricultural Company' (AAC) was trying to attract free settlers to provide a labour force for their activities. In 1850 their son John Vile was born at Maitland. William obtained 40 acres at Scotch Corner, where he grew wheat and tobacco, then grapes, before establishing the ‘Coquon Vineyard’ at Gosforth, on the Hunter River, using cuttings of "Hermitage, Verdot, black and white Pinot and Semillon". These vineyards (still in the possession of the Vile family) take their name from the aboriginal name of the Hunter River. The name is correctly pronounced Ko-KUN, the second syllable being accented. William made his own wine press out of local timber. During this time three more children were born; James 1853, William 1855 and Arthur White Vile 1858.

Maitland Mercury 14 Oct 1871
The 1870’s started off badly with the death of son William Vile 15 in 1870, followed by the death of wife Hannah Vile nee Richards from tuberculosis at the age of 58 on 12 Oct 1871. She was buried on 14 Oct 1871 in the Oakhampton Cemetery with daughter Ann and sons John and William Vile.

Hannah had borne ten children during her life; Ann Vile 1833-1857, Emma Vile 1836-1888, Harriet Vile 1839-1906, Robert Richards Vile 1841-1920, Phoebe Vile 1845-1909, Susan Vile 1847-1929, John Vile 1850-1892, James Vile 1853-1937, William 1855-1870 and Arthur White Vile 1858-1936. According to the book 'Williams's Kin. The Family Tree of William and Hannah Vile' by Pat Barden and Nell Pyle (published 1982), Arthur had a twin sibling who died soon after birth.
 
By the 1870’s William had established a reputation as a winemaker and gained many awards, including several prizes at the Sydney Wine Awards on 16 Apr 1872. An article titled ‘Early Recollections Happy Days’ in 'The Maitland Mercury' in 1931 gave an insight into the pioneering role William played in the development of viticulture, "There was some wonderful wine made in that district. Mr. William Vile, snr, was the pioneer wine grower at Gosforth, and the trade was later carried on by his four sons, old mates of mine-Robert, John, James and Arthur." He also became a prominent local citizen and was appointed to the Gosforth Public Schools Board.

111.7b William’s Second Marriage to Hannah Ebbon
Evening News 11 Nov 1873
Things were looking up for William, and on one of his trips to Sydney, he met a widow named Hannah Elliott. Hannah was an ex-convict and her story is below (see 111.7d). On 7 Nov 1873 at Scots Church, Sydney, Mr William Vile winegrower of Gosford married Hannah Elliott nee Ebbon widow from Wollombi. At this time, all his surviving children were adults, apart from William 18 and Arthur 15. He must have felt very good about his second marriage, because he published the marriage announcement in at least six Sydney newspapers.

Economically, William was doing well. Apart from sales of wine and produce from his farm he was also making good money selling some of his investments in real estate. As the 'Maitland Mercury' reported in 1881, "The following is the result of sale (for) William Vile, five suburban lots  each containing three roods seventeen perches at from £8 to £8 3s per acre; William Vile, one lot containing 1 rood 31 perches at the upset price of £3 12s."

SMH 12 Dec 1885
SMH 1 Dec 1885
On 30 Nov 1885 William’s second wife Hannah Elliot nee Ebbon (1812-1885) died at William's home in Marion St, Leichhardt. She was aged in her early 70's.

It seems that at this time, in addition to his country properties, William also had a city residence in Marion St, Leichardt. This residence may have belonged to Hannah, as William Vile of Leichardt was the administrator of her estate and a property owned by Hannah was listed as part of her estate in the 'SMH' on 26 Feb 1887, with the address of Elswick St, which intersects Marion St. Either it was the same house or they both owned houses close together in that area.

Interestingly, his residence would have been only about 500 metres from the home of Frederick Bisgrove in Allen St., who was William's grand nephew (the son of his niece GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile. See 91.4) In fact Mary was living in Leichhardt from the late 1890’s onwards and was buried at the same cemetery as William’s second wife.

Maitland Mercury 1 Sep 1887
Things were not always going in William Vile’s favour. 'The Maitland Mercury' reported on government plans  to construct a road through William's property at Gosforth.
Maitland Mercury 18 Dec 1886
It appears that William took exception to this plan, because at several times during the late 1880's he published ‘Trespass Notices’ in the paper such as the one above.

Maitland Mercury 18 Aug 1888
William's next strategy was to apply to erect a gate to limit access to his property.

111.7c William Vile’s Third Marriage to Isabella Barker

In 1888 William Vile 78 married for the third time at Glebe, NSW. His new wife was widow Isabella Barker nee Brown nee Greig 49 (1841-1899). 'Sands Directory' listed William’s address for the years 1893-1902 as Fraser St, Dulwich Hill.

In 1889 William had a problem with someone incurring debts in his name. In an attempt to solve the problem, he placed the following notice in the 'SMH', "WILLIAM VILE, Gosforth., West Maitland. April 6. 1889. I WILL NOT be responsible for any DEBTS contracted in my name after this date, without my written authority."

William married his third wife in Glebe, which suggests that that may have been her address prior to the marriage. It may be just a coincidence, but the following article appeared in the Sydney Evening News on 7 Feb 1894, "At the Glebe Police Court yesterday, before Mr J Giles, S M , Mary Cross on remand, was charged with stealing several articles of ladies' wear, also one rug, one razor, and one gold collar stud the property of Isabella Barker, of Derwent-street, Glebe. The evidence of Senior-constable John Taylor was to the effect that by virtue of a search warrant he visited the residence of accused on the 2nd and found some of the articles produced, which she claimed as hers, also upwards of 20 pawn tickets. Isabella Barker said she identified the articles found in the possession of the accused as hers. She had lost them about seven months ago when accused was in her service. After further incriminatory evidence the accused pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to six months' hard labour". At this point in time Isabella’s married name was ‘Vile’, but she may have opted to use her maiden name for an unknown reason.
SMH 5 Jul 1899
In 1899 William’s third wife, Isabella, died at Gosforth, but at this time they were mainly living at Dulwich Hill. Isabella Vile nee Barker was buried at Rookwood Necropolis.
Maitland Mercury 1 Aug 1907
William died on 31 July 1907 at Maitland aged 95 and was buried at Rutherford Cemetery, Gosforth. The above obituary provides a brief outline of his life and the fact that he had 46 grandchildren, and 48 great-grandchildren.
William Vile's gravestone
NOTE. There are two family history books in Maitland Library Local History Section that have information about William Vile. The first is titled 'Thicker Than Water', and there are around seventy Vile names in the index. The second is 'William's Kin. The Family Tree of William and Hannah Vile'. By Pat Barden and Nell Pyle, published 1982.

111.7d Hannah Vile nee Elliott nee Ebbon (1814-1885): A Convict Connection.
Hannah was born in 1814 Birmingham. She was described on one convict record as being a ‘native of Warwick’ so at some stage, early in her life, she must have moved 35 miles to this city. At the age of 18 on 3 Aug 1831, Hannah Ebbon housemaid was charged with larceny at Warwick Court. The charge was that "on the 28th June 1831, Hannah and her friend Eliza Ashton stole 2 shillings in cash from the person of one Maria Coster in Birmingham". She had no previous convictions, but was convicted of robbing a person and sentenced to 7 years transportation.

The following information is an edited version of information on Jen Willetts website. Two months later on 8 Oct 1831 along with another 148 convicts she was placed on board the ship 'Pyramus' which then set sail for NSW. James Rutherford kept a Medical Journal on the ship. "The number of female convicts came from forty different prisons of England and Wales. The Pyramus departed London on 10th October 1831 with 147 prisoners and seven of their children. They were obliged to seek shelter in Cork harbour because of a severe gale and did not leave there until 10th November. James Rutherford employed usual means for the preservation of sea board health - namely cleaning below without the aid of water (dry sand with holystones on the decks) and careful removal of damp and moisture by free ventilation and the use of stoves."

The women were landed on Wednesday 14th March 1832 and "appeared to be clean and healthy women". On arrival Hannah was aged 19, and her physical description was stout, fair skinned, light brown hair, hazel eyes and height was 5ft 3in. She gave her religion as Protestant, could read and write, had a scar on the cheek and many small tattoos. Her upper left arm was tattooed with the letters FEAIM and a heart and dart and the upper right arm was marked with the letters FREHS. The meaning of these groups of letters is a mystery but it has been suggested that, "Small groups of letters have been interpreted as possible initials of a loved one, with larger groups of letters maybe referring to a biblical phrase or political slogan of which the meaning is now lost."

Some women had a relative already in the colony and Hannah Ebbon was one of these, although we don’t know whether they met up. Hannah Ebbon's uncle Joseph Parish had arrived 14 years previously in 1818 on the ship ‘Glory’, and would have just finished his sentence.
Female convicts were housed in the Cascade Female Factory until assigned to settlers
The women were landed on Wednesday 14th March 1832, and were assigned to settlers as servants. According to the 'Sydney Gazette', applications for female servants far out-numbered the number of women on the ‘Pyramus’, so Hannah was probably assigned in this way.

Within a few weeks Hannah met a former convict, who had served his term of 7 years by 1828, and was now a free man working nearby. Hannah aged 20, sought and was given permission to get married. On 9 Jul 1832 she married George Elliot in Sydney. George Elliot was born about 1803 and arrived in the colony in 1823 on the ship ‘Princess Royal’ after being convicted of ‘stealing a watch’ and sentenced to 7 years transportation.

Hannah's life was turn 'upside down' in a relatively short period of time. In less than twelve months Hannah went from being a teenager living freely in Warwick, through the English court system, into prison, locked in a crowded ship’s hold for close to 5 months, arrived on the other side of the world in a strange land and then was married to a man she hardly knew. She must have been a very tough girl to cope with all that.

Although she married George Elliott in 1832, Hannah didn’t necessarily get her freedom then, nor was life suddenly ‘rosy’. In 1831, prior to his marriage, George Elliott had been indicted for an assault on the person of Mrs. Elizabeth Aarons, found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of 1s., so we can assume something of his character from thiat. On 9 Jan 1833, 'The NSW Government Gazette' published the following notice, "The undermentioned Prisoners having absconded from the Individuals and Employments set against their Names respectively, and ... all Constables are hereby required and commanded to use their utmost exertions in apprehending and lodging them in safe custody. Any Person harbouring or employing any of the said Absentees, will be prosecuted as the Law directs :- Ebbon, Hannah, No. 32-138, Pyramus, 19, House Maid, Warwick, 5 feet 3 3/4, brown eyes, sandy brown hair, fair ruddy comp , F on upper part left arm, M on lower ditto, E R F upper right arm, scar on left cheek, (absconded) from her husband Mr. George Elliott, charged with robbery." This suggests that although Hannah was still a ‘bonded prisoner’, her husband had responsibility for her and for an unknown reason, she had decided to leave the relationship.

Not long after that, they appear to have got back together and Hannah started having babies. George Henry Elliott was born on 14 Dec 1834. By 1837 they had moved to the Maitland area and their daughter Mary Ann Elliott was born. They settled in Wollombi where George developed a successful retail business selling, "a large assortment of teas, sugars, drapery goods, & ironmongery. Teas from Is. to Is. 4d. per lb. Sugar (Manila), 3d. per lb. Colonial Soap 4d. per lb. Washing Soda 4d. per Ib., Printed Dresses from 3s. 6d., Muslin ditto, from 6s. and other articles. George Elliott. Wollombi". On 15 Apr 1843 and 8 July 1848 George Elliott signed public letters of support for the election of candidates in the Wollombi Assembly.

In the mid 1840’s Hannah had three more children, who were David Elliott 1845 and twins Rebecca Maud Elliott 1847 and Rachel Elliott 1847. In 1848 George placed a notice in the 'Maitland Mercury' where he "begs to return his thanks to the inhabitants of the Wollombi and the surrounding districts for the favors conferred on him for the last six years, and begs to apprise them that he is determined to clear out at the smallest remunerating profits. One trial will convince the public of this."

In the 1850’s Hannah had three more children at Wollombi; Alfred 1851; Anna Maria Elliott 1853 and Henrietta 1859. On the 30th July 1862 Henrietta died. The death notice in the 'Maitland Mercury' was as follows; "Henrietta Abigail, youngest daughter of George and Hannah Elliott, after eight weeks' suffering of brain fever — Wollombi".

George Elliott died on 21 Dec 1869 (death registered in 1870) and was buried at Wollombi. George’s business must have been very successful, because in 1872 Mrs Hannah Elliott owned a property that was being leased to, of all people; the Wollombi Police! Hannah must have had a quiet chuckle knowing that she (an ex convict) was leasing a building to the police for use as the Police Station. She would have had another chuckle when her daughter Rebecca Maude Elliott married Henry Smithers; a police constable in the mounted branch.

On 5 Sep 1870, daughter Anna Maria was married. The newspaper notice read; "at the residence of the bride's mother, Wollombi, by the Rev. G. Lane, Wesleyan minister, H. G. R. Billington to Anna Maria, youngest daughter of the late Mr. George Elliott."

Three years later on 7 Nov 1873 Hannah 59, married William Vile in Sydney. William probably knew his wife was an ex-convict (there were tattoos to prove it) but was not bothered by this. On the contrary he made sure everyone in Sydney knew of his wedding, because he placed the marriage notice in at least six different Sydney papers. See above for information about William and Hannah Vile's married life.

Hannah Vile nee Elliott nee Ebbon died on 30 Nov 1885 at Leichardt aged 71. This death notice shows that Hannah was a well-loved family member "VILE - November 30, at her residence, Marion Street Leichhardt, Mrs. William Vile, late of Regent-street, Paddington, leaving a sorrowing family to mourn their loss. Beloved by all who knew her."

111.8 Susanna Vile (1814-c1870) & Thomas Baker (1813-?)

Susannah was the last child of GGGGGP John Vile and Mary Willy, born when her mother was 39. She was born on 11 Jul 1814 at KE and baptised on 14 Aug 1814. In 1834 Susannah (Susan) witnessed her brother John’s wedding.

Four years later on 1 Jan 1838 Susannah 23 married Thomas Hann Baker 25 at St Martin's, KE. The witnesses at the wedding were her sister and brother-in-law James Lovell and Mary Ann Lovell nee Vile.

By 1841 they were living in West St KE and had started a family. Living in their home were Thomas Baker 25 blacksmith and Susan Baker nee Vile 25, children Mary Baker 2 and John Baker 4mths and Susannah’s widowed mother Mary Vile 65.

Like others in the village at this time, Susannah and Thomas were attracted by the promise of a better life overseas. However, unlike some of their siblings who had moved to Australia, they decided to head to North America. In 1843 they moved to Manchester, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA, where they made a new life for themselves and their family. Thomas worked as a blacksmith. At the census conducted on 1 June 1860 the family were listed as living at Manchester, Allegheny, Pennsylvania (now part of Pittsburg City). Susannah 46 was living with her husband Thomas Baker and children Mary 21, John 19, James 17, Robert 16, Susan 14, Harriet 12, Elisa 10, Sarah 8, Thomas 7 and Albert 2. In his twenties, their son John Baker fought in the American Civil War and received an honourable discharge in 1865.

At the next census on 1 June 1870 they were living at the same place and the family was listed as Susannah Baker 56, Thomas Baker and children Susan 24, Harriet 22, Eliza 20, Sarah 18 and Thomas 17. Susannah Baker nee Vile died after 1870. A large number of descendants still live in that area today.

112.0 Willy, Bonning, Glover & Early Vile Tree
Our Vile ancestors married members of the Willy, Bonnning and Glover families and lived in Somerset in the area near Kingsbury Episcopi in the eighteenth century. The next few chapters look at these ancestors who are shown in the diagram below.

113.0 Ancestry of GGGGGM Mary Willy (1775-1847)
Baptisms KE 1775
 GGGGGM Mary Willy was born to GGGGGGP John Willy c1750 and Mary Bonning in 1775 and named after her mother.

113.1 GGGGGGP John Willy (1748-1795) & Mary Bonning (1755-1787)

Baptisms Shepton Beauchamp 1748 (3 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi)
John Willy was baptised by parents John Willy and Shosanah (also spelt Shusanah) Willy on 28 Nov 1748. John's mother's name is a spelling variation of 'Susannah'. The name Susannah was not a very common one at the time, yet GGGGGM Mary Willy (the daughter of John Willy b1748) named two of her own children after her grandmother. John would have known Mary Bonning all his life, as they both grew up in this small hamlet and were born just seven years apart.

Baptisms Shepton Beauchamp 1850 (3 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi)
John had at least three siblings named Thomas Willy baptised 1746, Samuel Willy baptised in 1750 and Diana Willy baptised in 1753. All were baptised in Shepton Beauchamp.
Baptisms Shepton Beauchamp 1755
GGGGGGM  Mary Bonning was baptised at Shepton Beauchamp on 5 Feb 1755 by parents GGGGGGGP Thomas and Elizabeth Bonning. They later named two of their children after Mary's parents.

GGGGGGF John Willy 26, butcher, married Mary Bonning 19, spinster on 27 April 1774 at nearby Kingsbury Episcopi. One of the witnesses was Samuel Willy who was John's younger brother born in 1750.

GGGGGGP John Willy and Mary Bonning had four known children; all baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi. The children were GGGGGM Mary Willy 1775, Thomas Willy 1780, Isaac Willy 1784 and Elizabeth Willy 1786. The family were not well off, because the word pauper was written next to the baptism record for their final child, Elizabeth. GGGGGGM Mary Willy nee Bonning was 31 when she had her last known child, and may have died in Jan the following year. A Mary Willy was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 5 Jan 1787. John Willy probably died at the age of 47 in 1795 and was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 27 Dec 1795.

113.2 GGGGGGGP John Willy (1706-1797) & Susannah Willy (?-1753)

The parents of GGGGGGF John Willy b1848 were GGGGGGGP John Willy and Susannah Gerard(?).

Baptisms Shepton Beauchamp 1706
John Willy was born on 17 Aug 1706 and baptised in Shepton Beauchamp on 24 Aug 1706 by his parents GGGGGGGGP Thomas and Diana Willy. John b1796 later named two of his children after his parents.

Marriages 1745 Norton-Sub-Handon; 5 miles from Shepton Beauchamp
John Willy 39 married Susannah Gerard (surname could also be Guard, Garde or Goward) on 19 Feb 1745 at Norton-sub-Handon. The registration includes the phrase "of the Parish of Shepton Beauchamp", but it is unclear who this refers to. Most likely it was Susannah who was from Shepton, but it may have been John as well, because we know that was where he was baptised. As John was 39 at the time of this marriage, it may have been a second marriage for him. It may have also been Susannah's second marriage if she were widowed at a young age. The uncertainty around her surname and marital history limits research into her parentage.

GGGGGGGP John and Susannah Willy nee Gerard had five known children; Thomas Willy baptised Nov 1745, Thomas Willy Jan 1747,  GGGGGGF John Willy Nov 1748, Samuel Willy baptised in 1750 and Diana Willy baptised in 1753. All were baptised in Shepton Beauchamp. It seems that both of the sons named Thomas died as infants.

Burials Shepton Beauchamp 1753
 GGGGGGGM Susannah Willy nee Gerard(?) died in 1753 and was buried in Shepton Beauchamp on 25 Jul 1753.

Burials Shepton Beauchamp 1797
There is only one burial for a John Willy in Shepton Beauchamp. If it was 'our' John, he died at the remarkable age of 91 in 1797 and was buried in Shepton Beauchamp on 18 Aug 1797.

113.3 Ancestry of GGGGGGM Mary Bonning (1755-1787)


GGGGGGM  Mary Bonning was baptised at Shepton Beauchamp on 5 Feb 1755 by parents GGGGGGGP Thomas and Elizabeth Bonning nee Garrett.

Baptisms Barrington 1713
Mary's father, Thomas Bonning, was probably born on 6 Apr 1713 and baptised the same day at Barrington, about one mile from Shepton Beauchamp. His parents were GGGGGGGGP John and Elizabeth Bonning. Some family histories identify Thomas as being born at nearby Whitelackington in 1723 to parents Phillip Bonning and Elizabeth Churchill. Although this would fit well with other records, I have found no baptism to confirm this.

Baptisms Shepton Beauchamp 1721
Mary's mother, Elizabeth Garrett, was probably baptised on 10 May 1721 at Shepton Beauchamp by her parents William and Elizabeth Garrett.

Marriages Shepton Beauchamp 1746
Thomas Bonning 33 married Betty (Elizabeth) Garrett 25 on 24 Feb 1746 and soon after they started a family. Seven known children born at Shepton Beauchamp were John Bonning 1747, Mary Bonning 1750, John Bonning 1751, John Bonning 1753, GGGGGGM Mary Bonning 1755, Phillip Bonning Jan, 1757 and Thomas Bonning in May, 1758. Sadly, at least two of the babies named John and one named Mary died as infants. Elizabeth Bonning nee Garrett was 37 when she had her last known child.The dates of death for GGGGGGGP Thomas and Elizabeth Bonning nee Garrett are not known.

114.0 Reserved for Future use

115.0 Vile & Richards Family Tree

2 comments:

  1. Hello,

    My name is Sharon and I am a great great great grandaughter of Richard Gill Curtis, I firstly must say your Boardman Moss Family tree is wonderfully insightful and well researched.
    In regards to Frederick Gill Curtis 1847-1910 # 106.8, you mentioned him marrying Mary Ann Jarmin who died in 1878 and he then was to marry in Adelaide Mary Ann WORTLEY (`nee Wilton) in 1878 the same year. The name Wortley is correct as she was a married to Frederick Issac Wortley who died Oct 1877 leaving her with one son and Mary being only two weeks away from giving birth to a second son. Just thought I should clarify this.

    Cheers Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your kind comments and extra information Sharon. I have altered the text in the blog to incorporate the extra details that you have shared.

    ReplyDelete