PART EIGHT: BISGROVE 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. NOTE: Several of the Bisgrove families went by the spelling Besgrove and that spelling carried on into later generations.

The website for Kingsbury Timetravllers has a waerlth of background informationa about the area during the 1700 and 1800's. Several articles mention members of our Bisgrowv, Richards and Vile families. (https://www.kingsburytimetravellers.org.uk )

90.0 Ancestry of GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927)
The Bisgrove family connection came through the marriage of GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927) to GGF Robert Reid (1856-1929) in 1880.

90.1 GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927)

Baptisms Dungog 1852

Martha was the third child of parents GGGP Jacob and Mary Bisgrove nee Vile and was baptised on 3 Aug 1852 at Dungog NSW. The ceremony was performed by William Toms (a relative through the marriage of her Aunt Charlotte, who married Samuel Toms. See 93.4). Martha's younger brother Frederick was born in Dungog in 1854, and sadly, the following year her father died at the age of 32. There is no record of his death, but her mother married Richard Curtis, the local publican in May, 1855, when Martha was three, so Jacob probably died in 1854. Soon after, her stepfather ran into financial problems and the family moved for a brief spell to Sydney, where Richard tried his luck with another hotel venture, but this also failed. See 104.1 for much more detail about Martha's parents and her childhood.

At the age of five in 1856, Martha sailed with her mother, stepfather and family (including three step siblings) to Hobart, where step sister Annie Rebecca Curtis was born. Two years later in 1858, they moved again; this time to Melbourne, where another stepsister Elizabeth Curtis was born. Tragedy struck in the years that followed. Young step sister Elizabeth died in 1860 and in 1870 stepfather Richard Curtis also died.

In 1876 Martha 20 gained a new stepfather when her mother GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile aged 50, married for the third time to Anton Fritsch. The following year, in 1877, Martha’s stepfather Anton became publican of the College Lawn Hotel in Prahran. During her formative years, Martha would have spent a considerable time in the hotels run by her two stepfathers and her mother (GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Vile).

The 'College Lawn Hotel' was run by the third husband of GGGM Mary Fristch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile

On 28 Oct 1880 GGM Martha 28 married GGF Robert Reid at St Matthews, Prahran. It was a very happy occasion as Martha’s step sister Annie Rebecca Curtis was also married in a double wedding.

The Argus 8 Nov 1880

The Marriage notices were widely published and appeared in at least five different newspapers in Melbourne. Both women were described as step daughters of Anton Fritsch of the College Lawn Hotel and the notices listed them with his surname.

GGM Martha and her engineer husband GGF Robert Reid settled in Collingwood, where daughter GM Florence Maude Reid was born in 1883. The following year in 1884, GGF Robert Reid’s father GGGF William Reid died in Fitzroy, and at this time they were living in Greville St. Prahran. More children followed; in 1885 Elsie Mary Reid, was born at Prahran, in 1888 Blanche Evelin Reid was born in Collingwood and in 1993 the final child, Arthur Anton Reid was born at Prahran. The birth at Collingwood may not have been a change in address, as Martha may have stayed with someone at that time, to help with the birth. Martha must have got on well with her step father because she gave her only son his name. In fact, although her stepfather Anton Fritsch appears not to have had any children of his own, he took on the role of family man seriously. This is evident by the number and wording of all the ‘family notices’ he placed in the newspapers over the years.

AER 1905

The 1903 electoral roll listed Martha, home duties and Robert, engineer living at 42 Toorak Rd. South Yarra. They were still there in 1905, and eldest daughter GM Florence Maud Reid, dressmaker was listed too, as she had now reached voting age. During the early 1900's there were adverts by dressmakers located at 42 Toorak Rd. One of these was "Miss Hoskins". Perhaps Martha worked as a subcontractor for Miss Hoskins. From other advertisements, it appears that a number of people lived at this address, so the building may have been a boarding house. Eldest daughter Florence 25 married GF Arthur Reginald Boardman in 1908 and they moved into their own home.

A few years later, Martha seems to have separated from her husband as he was no longer listed in any records with her. In 1912, daughter Elsie Mary Reid married Harold Haynes and soon after Martha went to live with her third daughter at 13 Ivy St, Prahran. She moved again in 1916 to live with daughter Elsie at 'Elsa', Macpherson Ave., Caulfield East.

In 1922 Martha was still living with daughter Elsie Mary and Harold Percival Haynes at 19 West St Brunswick. In the 1920’s she moved with them to 72 Rennie St. Coburg and lived there until her death on 5 May 1927. GGM Martha Victoria Reid nee Bisgrove was buried at Fawkner Cemetery on 5 May 1927 aged 75. Two years later, in 1929, when her husband died, he was buried with her.

The death notice in 'The Argus' gives another hint that all was not well in GGM Martha's relationship with her husband GGF Robert Reid. The wording, "Martha wife of Robert Reid, loved mother of Florence (Mrs Boardman), Elsie (Mrs Haynes), Blanche (Mrs. Halls), and Arthur", neglects any reference to fondness between Martha and her husband. Another notice on 7 May 1927 clearly shows Martha was well loved by her family, "On the 5th May, Martha Reid devoted grandma of Beatrice and Mabel Boardman, Dorothy, Robbie and Alan Haynes [Children of Elsie Mary Reid], Jack and Jean Halls (Jean deceased) [Children of Blanche Reid], Nancy and Sadie Reid [Children of Anton Reid]. Sadly missed".

Interestingly, her death registration listed Martha’s father as Richard Bisgrove. There was confusion between GGGF Jacob Bisgrove and Richard Curtis, who were both married to Martha's mother GGGM Mary Vile. Both men had died some years previously and Martha's children would not have remembered their father.

90.2 GGGP Jacob Bisgrove (1822-1854) & Mary Vile (1826-1910)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1822

Jacob was the seventh of sixteen children born to GGGGP George Bisgrove and Ann Trott, and was baptised on 24 Mar 1822 at the Church of St Martin, Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset.

1841 Census Huntspill, Somerset

Jacob lived his early life with his parents, and in his late teens became an agricultural labourer with the Carp family at Huntspill, about 20 miles from his home. The census recorded his age as 15, but ages in that census were rounded down. He was really 19.

Marriage Registrations Kingsbury Episcopi 1848

On 11 Jun 1848 GGGF Jacob 26 married GGGM Mary Ann Vile 22, who was also from Kingsbury Episcopi. The registration tells us that the fathers of the couple were George Bisgrove, deceased and James Vile, shoemaker. Witnesses at the wedding were William Vile (probably Mary's uncle, b1812) and younger sister Betsy Vile (b1832). All parties except Jacob signed their names.

A few months later Mary gave birth to their daughter Rhoda Bisgrove, but sadly Rhoda died shortly after on 24 Sep 1848 and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi.

Kingsbury Episcopi. In the foreground is the medieval octagonal lockup; a feature of the town.

Perhaps it was the shock of losing their first child or perhaps they wanted to make a new future for themselves, but their thoughts turned to emigration. Jacob's sister Charlotte b1816 and her husband Samuel Toms, blacksmith (son of Joseph Toms and Susannah Stower) had emigrated to NSW in 1841 and possibly wrote letters encouraging Jacob and Mary to do likewise. They may also have heard about 'The Australian Agricultural Company’s' (AAC) “intention to throw open their grant of a million acres for the settlement of a 'respectable class of colonist who possessed some capital.” Advertisements told of the availability of “the finest land in the colony' owned by the Company at Port Stephens where corn, cotton, tobacco, olives and oranges could be grown in abundance. Splendid pasturage for sheep cattle and horses was available. The land would not be sold at public auction but would be sold at a uniform price of one pound sterling per acre. Buyers could pay immediately or pay interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum. As soon as a sufficient number of purchases were made the Company intended to charter a ship, direct for Port Stephens with free passage to purchasers of allotments over 200 acres. The Company would provide provisions for the new arrivals and buildings would be prepared to receive them until they could provide food and shelter for themselves and family.”

Passenger List "Lady Amherst", 1849

Whatever their motivation, GGGP Jacob and Mary migrated to Australia on the ship ‘Lady Amherst’. The ship’s passenger list tells us that they arrived on 21 May 1849 and Jacob 27 was a labourer. His father was deceased (d1848) and mother (whom he would never see again) was living in Kingsbury Episcopi. His older sister Charlotte was living in Paddington, NSW at the time, with her husband Samuel Toms, a blacksmith. (They had been married in Hacksmith prior to leaving England.) Both of Mary's  parents were living in London at that time. Jacob could read, but not write, whilst Mary aged 23, could do both. They were both Church of England and their health was 'good'. Also on board the 'Lady Amherst' was Mary Bisgrove nee Vile’s uncle, William Vile and his family (see Part Nine: Vile Family).

GGGP Jacob and Mary settled in the Dungog/Stroud area near Maitland, probably close to his sister Charlotte and her husband, who had relocated to that area too. We know that Jacob’s family and his sister Charlotte’s family were in contact, because a relative of Charlotte’s husband performed the baptism ceremony on daughter Martha on 3 Aug 1852 at Dungog.

At that time there was not much to the village of Dungog. When it was gazetted in 1838 "it had a court house, lockup and an increasing number of inns, shops and houses’, and in 1854 the town was described as a ‘sea of bush and scrub, with a house here and there, and with bullock teams and drays having to wend their way between stumps and saplings".

At about this time the AAC were selling off allotments to settlers, as the land had proved to be unsuitable for large scale sheep farming, and Jacob and Mary may have purchased a block of land. To bring in income, Jacob worked for the AAC to support his growing family. Son Richard Bisgrove was born in 1850 soon after they settled in the area, followed by daughter GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove. (She was our earliest Australian born ancestor.) On 19 March 1853, the local Pound Keeper placed a notice in the local paper advising that Mr. Jacob Bisgrove had "found a brown working bullock, branded near ribs CT. If not released will be sold on 31st Mar."

Another advert was placed in 'The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser' on  25 Jan 1854. It read "Two Pounds Reward. A horse of the following description - Dark bay, black points, about 14½ hands high, BL on near shoulder (bred by Mr. B. Lee Paterson) having thrown his rider, on Sunday last, between Dungog and Wallarobba, and bolted with his Bridle and Saddle; any person finding the above Horse, and delivering him to Mr. F. Monigan, Brookfield; or Mr. Jacob Bisgrove, near Dungog: or to the undersigned, shall receive the above reward. WM. CANN. Paterson, Jan. 19, 1854". This ad tells us that Jacob was alive in early 1854 and may be a clue as to how he died. If he sustained a knock to the head after falling off a horse, a slow brain haemorrhage may have resulted in death.

River Crossing near Dungog in 1800's

On 8 Feb 1854 GGGP Jacob and Mary’s last child, Frederick Bisgrove, was born at Dungog. Around this time, GGGF Jacob Bisgrove died at the age of 32. The exact date and location is not known, but it must have been well before May 1855 (probably 1854), when GGGM Mary Bisgrove married again at Dungog. For more information about GGGM Mary Bisgrove nee Vile’s life and relationships see 104.1. Marrying again so soon after her husband's death was probably motivated by the fact that she had three young children and no way of supporting her family.

91.0 Four Children of GGGP Jacob Bisgrove (1822-1854) & Mary Vile later Curtis & Fritsch (1826-1910)

91.1 Rhoda Bisgrove (1848-1848)
Rhoda was born in 1848 and baptised on 15 Sep at Kingsbury Episcopi, but died shortly after. She was buried at St Martin's Church on 24 Sep 1848.

91.2 Richard Charles Bisgrove (1850-1935)

NB: Dungog was in the electorate of Ipswich prior to 1859, after which that name was applied only to an area in Qld.

Richard was born in 1850 at Dungog after the family came to NSW. His siblings Martha and Frederick were born soon after in 1852 and 1854. Tragically his father died when he was only four or five. Soon after, on 11 May 1855, he gained a stepfather when his mother married Richard Curtis, who was also recently widowed. (See 104.2)

On 26 June 1856 the Curtis family sailed to Hobart on the steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger manifest listed "Mr & Mrs Curtis and six children". The children must have included three children from Richard’s previous marriage, as well as Mary’s three surviving children. In Nov 1856, Mary and Richard Curtis had daughter Annie Rebecca Curtis; another step sister for Richard Bisgrove b1850 and his siblings. Life in Hobart must not have been what they hoped for, because in 1857 they were on the move again; this time to Melbourne where they settled in Richmond. In 1858 Mary gave birth to her last child Elizabeth Curtis, but sadly Elizabeth died in 1860 as an infant. Then in 1870 Richard Charles Bisgrove, at the age of 20, lost his stepfather (Richard Curtis), when he also died.

The Argus 8 Nov 1873

On 30 Oct 1873 Richard Charles Bisgrove 23 married Elizabeth Catherine Newman (1854-1919). At that time Richard and Elizabeth (who later went by the name Catherine) were both living in Richmond. The couple settled at 163 Auburn Rd Hawthorn and had their first daughter; Lily Maude Bisgrove 1874-1951. Three more daughters followed before the end of the decade; Ethel May Bisgrove 1876-1942, Mabel Victoria Bisgrove 1878-1967 (named after Richard's sister) and Amy Gertrude Bisgrove 1879-1963.

The Age 21 Nov 1878

In 1877 Richard rented a shop at 35 Toorak Rd, South Yarra to run an upholstery business, and soon had to employ people as the business expanded.

Leader 25 Jan 1879

Richard's venture came to an abrupt and dramatic end two years later, when the shop was destroyed by fire on 25 Jan 1879. The 'Australian Newspaper' reported the disaster as follows:

 

“It appears that, at half-past 8 o'clock on Saturday night. Mr. Bisgrove locked up the premises, and left the gas burning in the front compartment. He paid a short visit to his private residence in Punt-road, and returned to his business establishment soon afterwards. He went straight through to his workshop when he heard a sound, which he describes as being like "distant thunder." This made him look through a window into his front shop, which he saw was in flames. He rushed to the street and raised an alarm. The neighbours turned out and assisted in saving some of the stock, but owing to the inflammable character of the building and its contents their salvage work was soon stopped by the rapid advance of the flames. In a few minutes the premises were thoroughly alight, and were soon burned to the ground. The South Yarra and Prahran fire brigades attended with promptitude and prevented what at one time seemed inevitable, namely, the destruction of the adjoining premises. Mr. Bisgrove estimated his loss at about £500, and states that he is insured to the extent of £450. The reflection (of the fire) was seen from the Melbourne watch-tower."

The story of the fire was big news at the time and was repeated in many interstate papers including Adelaide, Northern Territory and Maitland, the area where the Bisgroves used to live. With the loss of his business, Richard started working for Robertson and Moffat, upholsterers, but again ran into strife on 19 Oct 1897 when he was declared insolvent. The causes of insolvency were listed as "depreciation in the value of real estate and loss of moneys invested thereon". Liabilities were £1,224 but assets only totalled £850. The deficiency equalled £374!"

Richard kept bouncing back though, and almost exactly one year later on 20 Oct 1898 it was announced in the Jewish Herald that “Mr. Richard Bisgrove, who was for many years foreman to Messrs. Robertson and Moffat, and is well-known for the excellence of his workmanship and designs” had opened a new shop at 92 Auburn-road, Auburn. A feature advertisement adjacent to the article informed readers that his business, "Richard Bisgrove Upholsterer and Bedding Manufacturer" had a showroom containing the latest designs in drawing and dining room suites, luxurious lounges and spring and wire mattress. "All at moderate prices".

92 Auburn Rd, today.

The turn of the century brought happy times to Richard’s family. Two of his daughters married two brothers at the same church; but 18 months apart. In 1899, Lily Maude Bisgrove married Frederick Gregory Hynes and then 18 months later Amy Bisgrove married Frederick Hynes’s brother Herbert Cameron Hynes. In 1903 another daughter Ethel May Bisgrove married Arthur Thomas. With all the dramas of the nineteenth century behind him, Richard’s life seemed to settle down to one of quiet prosperity (although he did change address frequently over the next 30 years).

In 1903 Richard and Catherine Bisgrove, along with two of his daughters were living at 163 Auburn Rd Hawthorn. By 1905 they had moved to 31 Auburn Rd Hawthorn. From 1909-1918 they were living at 123 Rathmines Rd., Auburn and an advertisement in the local paper on 7 Sep 1917 for "R. Bisgrove Upholsterer & Bedding manufacturer 635 Burwood Rd, Auburn" confirmed the location of his showroom. Richard’s wife Elizabeth Catherine Bisgrove nee Newman died in 1919 and was buried at Box Hill Cemetery. Strangely she was not removed from the electoral roll for several years. In the 1920’s Richard moved to 140 Rathmines Rd Auburn, then 8 Cole St. and finally to ‘Rielma’ Riversdale Rd Camberwell.

Richard Bisgrove aged 85 died on 29 Jan 1935 at his home. His death notice in ‘The Argus’ suggests that he wanted people to accept his death and get on with their lives. The notice read as follows; "On the 29th Jan at 400 Riversdale Rd Surrey Hills, Richard, dearly loved father of Lily, Ethel, Mabel and Amy and dear grandad of Fred and Ethelwyn aged 85 years (no mourning by request)". Probate on his will was granted on 25 Feb 1935.

He was buried at Box Hill Cemetery in Plot CE-*-0917, next to his deceased wife, Elizabeth. Following his death, an executor’s auction of his two properties indicates that his business ventures had been successful financially. Lot 1 was his attractive home ‘Rielma’ at 400 Riversdale Rd., described as "a charming red tiled brick bungalow with large front verandah, wide hall, 8 rooms, glass doors, bathroom with gas-heater, sleep-out room, washhouse, tiled motor garage. House stands well back from Riversdale Rd. Large block of land with fine buffalo lawns and garden, roses and well-grown shrubs and trees". Lot 2 was a block of land in Mabel St., East Camberwell.

During his life, Richard established one of the oldest upholstery businesses in Melbourne, now known as 'Nouveau Bisgrove Furnishings' but originally known as ‘Richard Bisgrove Art Upholsterer’, at 635 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East. In 1914, a chair manufactured by Richard Bisgrove, was presented to the Lord Mayor of Hawthorn.

Nouveau Bisgrove Furnishings still operates today in Hawthorn

The Nouveau Bisgrove Furnishings website says' "Originally known as Richard Bisgrove Art Upholsterer, at 635 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East, the business changed hands and was run by the Moody family before being purchased by Guido Toffoletti and James Hawkins, in the early 1980’s who continued a reputation for quality furniture restoration which continued for another 30 years."

NOTE: Two of Richard's daughters married brothers who were born in Bombay, India. Their marriages were announced as follows 19 April 1899 "HYNES -BISGROVE. At the Australian Church, Flinders-street, Melbourne, by the Rev. William Hopkins, Frederick George Gregory, eldest son of the late Frederick Margarson Hynes, to Lily Maud, eldest daughter of R. Bisgrove, Auburn" and 31 Oct 1900 "HYNES-BISGROVE. On the 31st October, at the Australian Church, Flinders-street, by the Rev. Chas. Strong, D.D., Herbert Cameron, second son of the late F. M. Hynes, to Amy, youngest daughter of Richard Bisgrove, Auburn".

91.3 GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927)
Martha was born at Dungog and after a short stay in Tasmania as a child, moved to Melbourne with her family. She married Robert Reid in 1880. For more details about her life see 75.1.

91.4 Frederick James Bisgrove (1854-1836)

Frederick was the last of the Bisgrove children born to Jacob, and was born on 5 Feb 1854 at Dungog. Tragically his father died when he was only an infant. However, soon after on 11 May 1855, he gained a stepfather, when his mother married Richard Curtis in Dungog. Stepfather Richard would have been Frederick's father figure during his early life.

On 26 June 1856 the family sailed to Hobart on steamer 'Tasmania'. The passenger manifest listed "Mr & Mrs Curtis and six children". The children must have included three children from Richard Curtis’ previous marriage as well as Mary’s three children. In Nov 1856, Mary and Richard Curtis had a daughter Annie Rebecca Curtis. Life in Hobart must not have been what they hoped for, because in 1857 they were on the move again; this time to Melbourne where they settled in Richmond. In 1858 GGGM Mary Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile gave birth to her last child, Elizabeth Curtis, but sadly Elizabeth died in 1860 as an infant. Then in 1870, Frederick aged sixteen, lost his stepfather when he also died.

St Stephens Anglican Church, Richmond

On 14 Dec 1876 at St Stephen's Church of England, Richmond, Frederick 22 married Elizabeth Jane Bracey (b19 Aug 1854, Richmond). Elizabeth' parents were James William and Sarah Bracey. The couple settled 23 Rupert St., Collingwood and Frederick worked as a cabinet maker/wood carver.

Illustrated Australian News 31 Oct 1877

On 21 Sep 1877 their first child Frederick James Bisgrove was born, but sadly he died later that year. In 1879, another boy, named James Leopold Bisgrove, was born, followed by another baby boy, Sydney Arthur Bisgrove in 1880.

 

It is interesting that both Frederick and his brother moved into the upholstery and furniture business in the 1870’s. As older brother Richard had established his furniture shop by 1877, it is likely that at some point the two brothers worked together in this industry, before Frederick decided to develop his own business in NSW.

SMH 5 Nov 1882

Soon after the birth of son Sydney in 1880, the family decided to move to NSW (perhaps their sons' name was chosen to honour their new beginning in a new city), where Frederick jointly formed a furniture making business called ‘Dellow & Bisgrove Furniture’. Sadly in 1881 his son Sydney died at their home in Waterloo, at the age of one. On 5 Dec 1882 Frederick dissolved his partnership in ‘Dellow & Bisgrove Furniture’ in Ada St, Ultimo, and took over as the sole proprietor under the new name of ‘Bisgrove & Co’.

His business must have been going well, because in 1882 Frederick placed advertisements for wood carvers and polishers in the 'SMH' asking them to apply to ‘Bisgrove & Co. Couch Frame Makers’ at 48 Ada St Ultimo. In 1883 he advertised his business in ‘Sands Directory’ as ‘Bisgrove & Co Chairmakers’ at 48 Ada St. There was also a listing for F. J. Bisgrove at 19 Ada St, which must have been his home address. In the mid 1880’s Sydney directories listed Frederick Bisgrove woodcarver, living at 60 Broughton St., Glebe.

In the late 1880’s there is a mystery around Frederick’s relationships. He had married Elizabeth Bracey in 1876 in Melbourne, but she seemed to disappear without a trace. There is no record of her dying, of divorce or of her living separately.

Marriage Registration for son James Leopold Bisgrove  & Teresa Victoria Bailey 23 Oct 1900

 

The last record with her name, is the marriage registration of her son James Leopold Bisgrove in 1900, when she was recorded as being deceased. However a year prior to her giving birth to her last child in 1888, husband Frederick fathered a son, George F Bisgrove (born 1887 at Glebe), with the new woman in his life, named Margaret Bisgrove nee Hunt (b1861 Red Hill, Vic). Interestingly, there is no record of a marriage, even though she took his name, had more children and lived with him for the rest of his life. At this point in time (1888) Frederick’s children by Elizabeth Bracey were Frederick James Bisgrove (dec), James Leopold Bisgrove 8, Sydney Arthur Bisgrove (deceased) and Elsie May Bisgrove, a baby; and with second partner Margaret there was son George F Bisgrove 1. By 1890 Frederick was probably living with his second partner, because she gave birth to two more children in 1890 (Myrtle) and 1892 (Richard Charles Bisgrove).

In the early 1890’s Frederick moved a few doors to 67 Broughton St., Glebe and listed himself as a wood turner and ran a ‘Wanted to Buy’ advert in the paper for a lathe. In 1890 there was a double tragedy with the deaths of children George F Bisgrove 3 and Myrtle M Bisgrove 1. Although there is a death record for Myrtle, no birth record has been found. The Australian Star 9 Dec 1890 carried the death notice; "BISGROVE. December 6, at parents' residence, 67 Brougham-street, Glebe, George Frederick aged 3 years 10 months, also on December 7, Myrtle Mary aged 9 months, dearly beloved children of Frederick James and Margaret Bisgrove. Deeply regretted."

1891 was a big year for Frederick. First he moved to Burfitt St, Leichhardt and then on 29 Feb 1891 his last child Richard Charles Bisgrove (named after Frederick’s older brother) was born. So in 1892 the family consisted of Frederick James Bisgrove 35, Margaret Bisgrove 30, James Leopold Bisgrove 10, Elsie May Bisgrove 3 and Richard Charles Bisgrove 1.

In the early 1890’s the family moved home to 160 Allen St., Leichardt. The NSW census conducted on 31 March 1901 listed the occupants at 160 Allen St as Frederick J Bisgrove and two other males and 3 females. The males would have been Frederick James Bisgrove 47, James Leopold Bisgrove 21 and Richard Charles Bisgrove 10. The females would have included Margaret Bisgrove 40, Elsie Bisgrove 13 and probably GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile who was Frederick’s mother. Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile had moved to live with her son in Sydney, after the death of her third husband. (See 104.8)

Frederick’s eldest son, James Leopold Bisgrove, cabinet maker 21 married Teresa Victoria Bailey 21 in 1900 (see above) and moved to his own home at 111 Francis St., Leichardt, but later moved more permanently to 17 Young St, Annandale. The marriage registration listed father Frederick Bisgrove as a woodcarver and his mother, Elizabeth Bracey, as being deceased. Meanwhile Frederick James Bisgrove had renamed his business ‘F. J. Bisgrove and Sons’ (son James, who listed his occupation as chair maker, worked with his father) and opened a new factory and showroom at 31 Parramatta Rd., Glebe. Frederick’s business entered the 'modern world' on 13 May 1907 when he was one of the first to have the telephone connected to his workplace at 31 Parramatta Rd, Forest Lodge, Glebe. He must have been an ‘early adopter of new technology’ because his telephone number was a very easy to
remember ‘418’. In 1912 his son Richard Charles Bisgrove listed this telephone number in a ‘Lost Notice’ in the SMH. It read "LOST, silver Eumenthol Case, engraved G.R., Saturday night, between Bondi tram and George street. Reward. R. BISGROVE, 31 Parramatta-road Forest Lodge. Telephone 418 Glebe" What the letters G.R. represent is a mystery.

On 7 Nov 1910 Frederick’s mother GGGM Mary Fritsch nee Curtis nee Bisgrove nee Vile died at Fredrick's home at 160 Allen St, Leichhardt. The funeral notice in the SMH was as follows "FRITSCH - The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Bisgrove and family are kindly invited to attend the funeral of their dearly beloved mother and grandmother, the late Mary Fritsch; to leave her late residence, 160 Allen-street, Leichhardt..." Mary was 84 when she died. For more details of her fascinating life see 104.0.

Daughter Elsie May Bisgrove married Reginald Holley in St Oswald's Church of England, Haberfield, NSW on 20 May 1911. Witnesses were Frederick James Bisgrove and Margaret Bisgrove. Elsie and Reginald Holley had five children.

SMH 20 Apr 2014

In 20 Apr 1914 Frederick was again in the papers but this time it was a disastrous fire that destroyed his business. (A similar disaster had occurred 35 years earlier with his brother Richard Bisgrove). In the years following this disaster there was no listing in the Sydney Directories for ‘Bisgrove and Sons, Cabinet Makers'. Information relating to Frederick J Bisgrove after this date does not include an occupation. These facts combined with the knowledge that he was over 60 years old suggest that after the fire, he retired from the furniture business. The records do continue to list him living at 160 Leichhardt St.

SMH 12 Sep 1936

Sometime before 1931, Frederick and Margaret moved back to Melbourne. In 1931 they were living at 10 Anderson Street, Caulfield. On 31 Aug 1936, Frederick died at 19 Marine Parade, St Kilda. The death notice described Frederick as the "beloved husband of Margaret and father of James, Elsie, and Richard, aged 83 years". He was cremated on 1 Sep 1936 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery Boronia Wall.

In the 1930’s Frederick’s son James Leopold Bisgrove was living with wife Teresa Victoria and daughter Elsie Victoria Bisgrove at 64 Edenholme Rd., Abbotsford, NSW. James died at home on the 13 Dec 1934 at the age of 55 and was cremated at the Rookwood Necropolis. So in actual fact, whilst he was listed on his father’s death notice he was deceased at the time. Five of Frederick’s seven children predeceased him.

Frederick James Bisgrove senior’s second wife Margaret Bisgrove nee Hunt lived until 14 Jun 1940 and then passed away at ‘Brandoman’ Private Hospital, 52 Northcote Ave, Caulfield. The 'SMH' notice read "Margaret, relict of the late Frederick James Bisgrove, and dearly loved mother of Elsie and Richard, aged 80 years. Peaceful passing". She was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery and her remains were placed with those of her husband.
NOTE: Frederick had seven children from his two marriages. Of those seven, only three survived to be adults.

92.0 GGGGP George Bisgrove (1790-1848) & Ann (Nancy) Trott (1793-1869)
George and Ann had sixteen children born alive. Their seventh child, GGGF Jacob Bisgrove, married GGGM Mary Vile and in 1849 established a branch of our family tree in Australia.

92.1 GGGGF George Bisgrove (1790-1848)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1790 George Bisgrove/Besgrove

George was baptised by GGGGGP Joseph Bisgrove and Margaret Knight 16 May 1790 in St. Martin's Church, Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1813

On 9 Feb 1813 George 23 married GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott 24 in their home town and their marriage was the second marriage to be recorded in the new 'Register of Marriages' for their church. Both parties "made their mark" and George’s occupation was listed as ‘labourer’. The first marriage listed in the register was that of Edward Bisgrove, who had married Margaret Male a fortnight earlier. Edward signed his name. A witness at both weddings was Hannah Bisgrove, who also signed her name. Edward and Hannah were probably related. Two years later, Hannah Bisgrove married Job Quantock and Edward was a witness, which suggests they were siblings. In 1822 Elizabeth Bisgrove married John Munter and Edward was a witness at that wedding. Both Elizabeth and Edward signed their names each time.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1818: Son William "drowned by accident"

Over the next twelve years Ann Bisgrove nee Trott gave birth to her first nine children. Their first born was William (1813-1818) who drowned at the age of five at Burrow and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi on 2 Jul 1818. The next children to be born were John 1814, James 1815, Charlotte 1816, Samuel 1819, Isaac 1820, GGGF Jacob Bisgrove 1822, another William 1823 and Robert 1825. After the birth of son Robert, George and Ann, with seven of their children (two had died) were listed as living in Burrow which was about one mile from Kingsbury Episcopi. At Burrow, Ann gave birth to five more children; Margaret 1827 (who died the following year), Charles 1829, Margaret 1831 Frederick 1834 and Betsy 1835. Of these children, only Charles and Margaret b1831 survived infancy.

 

1832 Poll Book Kingsbury Episcopi

In 1832 George was listed in the Poll Book as owning a house and land in the East Kingsbury area, which encompassed Burrow. He occupied this property. Also listed at this time was Edward Bisgrove who owned land in Kingsbury Episopi but resided at South Petherton. The 1834 Poll Book listed George as owning the same property with the address given as "near Westmoor". Two other other Bisgroves were listed in this Poll Book and they were Edward Bisgrove from Middle Lambrook and John Bisgrove from Burrow.

In 1837, Ann at the age of 44, gave birth to her final babies, Betsy and Frederick, who were twins (and named after their deceased siblings). In total she had born sixteen babies, of whom five had died in infancy, leaving eleven for her to raise to adulthood. The final two children were listed as being born at West Moor, but as it was adjacent to Burrow, the family was probably still living in the same home and the name of the locality had changed.

1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

The 1841 census clarified the family's address by listing it as Palmers End [Lane], which intersects with Burrow Way. Of their seventeen children, only six were still living with their parents at the time of the census. There were parents George 50 (age rounded down) and Ann 50 and children; Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betty 4 and Frederick 4.

 

The 1846 Poll Book confirms the family’s address as Palmers End, where they owned a freehold house near and part of West Moor. Other Bisgroves listed were Edward of Heathen's Hill, Middle Lambrock and three of George's sons; John Bisgrove of Burrow Way, Robert Bisgrove of Kingsbury Episcopi and Charles Bisgrove of Crooked Way.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1848

On 8 Apr 1848 GGGGF George Bisgrove died at the age of 57 at his home in Burrow.

92.2 GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Bisgrove nee Trott (1793-1869)

Baptisms Muchelney 1793

Ann was born in 1793 and baptised by parents GGGGGP William Trott and Mary Sherod on 8 Dec 1793 at Muchelney (about 3 miles north of Kingsbury). Nothing is known of her early life, but at the age of 20, on 9 Feb 1813, she married George Bisgrove at St Martin's, KE. A witness at the wedding was Hannah Bisgrove, who was probably a relative of George. From 1813-1837 Ann bore at least sixteen children (over 24 years) and the last were twins when she was 44! See above for more information about her married life. Ann was known as Nancy and went by this name in later life.

NOTE: There was another Ann Trott born in Kingsbury Episopi (in 1790). She is unlikely to have been 'our' Ann, because she would have been in her late forties when she had her last child. Also GGGGM Ann born in Muchelney had a brother named Isaac Trott, who was lodging with his widowed sister in 1851 (see below). On her burial record Ann's age was listed as 77 which aligns with a birth year of 1792/3.

1851 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

On 8 Apr 1848, Ann’s husband GGGGF George Bisgrove died at the age of 58 at home in Burrow (Burrow Way; about one mile from Kingsbury Episcopi). Three years later, in 1851, the now widowed Ann 59 (age incorrectly listed) occupation labourer, was living at Palmers End, West Moor with her children Charles Bisgrove 21, Margaret Bisgrove 18, Betsy Bisgrove 13 and Frederick Bisgrove 13. Also temporarily living in the house was John Bisgrove 37, married son, (at this census he was also listed at his home address see 93.2) and Ann Bisgrove nee Trott’s older brother Isaac Trott 66 (1781-1858) who was a lodger.

 

1861 census Kingsbury Episcopi

In 1861, (Ann) Nancy Bisgrove nee Trott 68 year old widow was still living at Palmers End [Lane] with son Frederick 24 and unmarried nephew William Trott 40, leather glove maker, son of brother Isaac Trott. In 1881 William Trott was living near Frederick Bisgrove and his occupation was still ‘glover’ (maker of gloves).

Members of our Bisgrove family lived in KE, Burrow, West Moors and Thorney.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1869

GGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott died at the age of 77 on 3 Oct 1869 at Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset. She was buried on the 9 Oct with her abode listed as Kingsbury. The probate record indicated she left effects under £100, with son James Bisgrove b1815 of 139 Grundy St, Poplar, Middlesex named as executor. Usually the eldest son was named in the will, but Ann Bisgrove’s two eldest sons had already predeceased her.

93.0 Sixteen Children of GGGGP George Bisgrove (1790-1848) & Ann (Nancy) Trott (1789-1869)

Most members of the early Bisgrove family were baptised, married and/or buried at St Martin's Church, Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset. Note that some branches used the spelling 'Besgrove' for their surname.

St Martins Church, Kingsbury Episcopi

Five of the sixteen children died as infants under five years of age, and only seven survived their mother who died in 1869. Four of the adult children migrated overseas. These children were early settlers in these regions and are regarded as pioneers in areas where they settled. See their stories below.

George and Ann had over sixty grandchildren and many of these were born overseas. The 'Toms' family (of Charlotte Bisgrove) settled in NSW, the Russ family (of Margaret Bisgrove) settled in New Zealand, the Bisgrove family (of Charles Bisgrove) settled in Queensland, the Bisgrove family (of Jacob) settled in N.S.W and Victoria and the Bisgrove family (of Frederick) settled in New York State in U.S.A.

93.1 William Bisgrove (1813-1818)

William was born in Burrow, but baptised on 26 Nov 1813 at the Church of St Martin, Kingsbury Episcopi. Tragically he drowned at the age of five (probably in the River Parrot, which was prone to flooding). William was buried on 2 Jul 1818 at the Church of St Martin.

93.2 John Bisgrove (1814-1889) 

John was baptised on 3 Sep 1815 at the Church of St Martin, Kingsbury Episcopi in a joint ceremony with his brother James Bisgrove. Although it is possible that he was a twin brother of James, a look at subsequent records suggests that he may have been a year older, so was actually born in 1814. According to the Poll Books, by the time he was twenty in 1834, he had freehold ownership of a house and land in Burrow Way, Burrow and this record was repeated in 1846.

On 16 Feb 1841 at Kingsbury Episcopi (K.E), John Bisgrove, bachelor and agricultural labourer married Mary Ann Bulgin 20 (b24 Jun 1821) of K.E. Mary Ann was a spinster with the occupation of ‘glover’. Witnesses at the wedding were Samuel Best and Mary Ann’s sister Louisa Bulgin. Apart from Samuel, all parties 'made their mark'. A year earlier, in 1840, brother James Bisgrove married Mary Ann’s other sister Eliza Bulgin. Mary Ann must have been very pregnant at the wedding because the couple’s first child, Emily Bisgrove, was born in March 1841 and baptised on the 13 Jun 1841. The census of that year listed the members of the family as John Bisgrove 25 ag lab, Mary Bisgrove 20 and Emily Bisgrove 1 month, all living with brother James Bisgrove and his family at West St, K.E.

Over the next ten years Mary Ann had six babies; Jephtha Bulgin Bisgrove b1842 (Mary Ann’s father was named Jephtha Bulgin), Samuel Bisgrove b1842, Samuel Bisgrove b1844, Mary Bisgrove b1846, Jane Bisgrove b1848 and Caroline Bulgin Bisgrove b1849. The first born Samuel appears to have been a twin of Jephtha, but sadly, both he and the second Samuel died as infants. So by the time of the 1851 census, the family consisted of John Bisgrove 36 ag lab, Mary Ann Bisgrove 29 glover, Emily Bisgrove 9 glover, Jephtha Bisgrove 8, Mary Bisgrove 5, Jane Bisgrove 3 and Caroline Bulgin Bisgrove 1. This record conflicts with the census data taken at John's mother’s house, about one mile away, where John was also listed (as a married son aged 37). Perhaps he visited her on that day and happened to be counted twice.

One more baby was baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi; Lucy Ann Bulgin Bisgrove on 9 Oct 1853. On 19 Jan 1854, a 32 year old (b1821) married glover from Kingsbury named Mary Ann Bisgrove was imprisoned in Wilton Goal, Somerset. Her crime was larceny and she was sentenced to one month incarceration. This event could explain why John and his family gave up the farming life and made the big move to London shortly afterwards. They settled in a London suburb named Poplar and John picked up a job with the railways, which were rapidly expanding throughout Britain at the time. In Dec 1857, their last child, Samuel Bisgrove, was born in Poplar.

The following year on 28 Aug 1859 at All Saints Church, Poplar, John’s eldest daughter Emily Bisgrove married Frederick Faulkner, a printer by trade. Emily was listed as a minor (she was born in 1841 so her age was 18). She was living in Susannah St., Poplar (presumably with her parents). Her husband Frederick Faulkner was bachelor, over 21 and his occupation was printer. Emily’s father John Bisgrove was listed as a ‘porter’. Witnesses at the wedding were brother James Bisgrove and Maria Faulkner. Both Emily and James Bisgrove made ‘their mark’, so were unable to write their signatures.

Poplar; 1861 census

By 1861 the family had moved to 5 Ellesmere St., Poplar and consisted of John Bisgrove 46 railway porter, Mary A Bisgrove 37 (39) glover, Emily Bisgrove 19, Jepthia Bisgrove 18 ‘qalker’ (caulker), Mary Bisgrove 15 glover, Jane Bisgrove 13, Caroline Bisgrove 11, Lucy A Bisgrove 7 and Samuel Bisgrove 3. The inclusion of Emily Bisgrove is a mystery, as her surname should be ‘Faulkner’. Either a mistake was made or more likely, her marriage had broken down, as she was described as an ‘unmarried dressmaker’. See 93.2a for more puzzling information about her marriage(s).

Another puzzle arises in 1862 when a 'John Bisgrove' died in London with the death registered in Pancras. Pancras is well away from the port area, where we know our John worked. Also this John Bisgrove appears to have lived in the Pancras area from 1825-1832. Some writers assume this to be our John Bisgrove, but there are several records after this date that seem to indicate that he in fact was alive (mainly his children's wedding registrations). Also in 1871 his wife Mary Ann Bisgrove nee Bulgin was listed as the head of the family, but not as a widow. This suggests that John and Mary Ann's marriage had broken down and that they had separated. In 1881 Mary Ann was listed as a widow, but this may have been because she 'lost touch' with her husband.

An alternative date of death is 1889, when a John Bisgrove died in Poplar with a recorded age of 73 (really 75). Poplar is the suburb where John spent most of his later life.

On 10 Sep 1865, daughter Mary Bisgrove married Albion Paris Billings, who was born in 1835 possibly in the USA. He was a chief officer on a merchant ship and his father was Harry Billings, ship's carpenter. Mary was 19 but described as full age (21) and no occupation was listed. Her father John Bisgrove was said to be a shipwright (four years earlier his occupation was listed as railway porter but as Poplar is situated close to London Docks it is possible he changed jobs). On several of his other children’s marriage registrations he is listed as having a variety of jobs that could have a connection with the port, so it seems his latter work years were spent there. Both Mary and Albion were residents of Poplar at the time and both signed their names. In 1869, Albion 32, was ‘lost at sea’ and a memorial grave for him is located in Maine, USA.

On 31 May 1868 John’s son, Jephtha Belgin Bisgrove merchant clerk, married Matilda Francesca Jessup at All Saints Poplar. Both were living in Kerley St. at the time. Jephtha’s father was listed as John Bisgrove with the occupation this time, of merchant clerk! As John Bisgrove was previously listed as a railway porter and/or shipwright, he may have gained a promotion to a record keeper at the docks. Matilda’s father was a ‘carman’ on the railways.

On 14 Mar 1871 daughter Caroline Bisgrove spinster married William Williams, widowed labourer, at All Saints, Poplar. Both were living in Sidney St., at the time. Caroline’s father, John Bisgrove, was described as an engineer (possibly an engine worker, but his wife was listed as head of the family at census time a few weeks later in April). The witnesses were Edwin and Eliza Brown.

In the 1871 census Mary A Bisgrove nee Bulgin 50, was now listed as head of the family with the occupation dressmaker and living at 7 Morant St., All Saints, Poplar. Living with her, were daughter Emily Bisgrove 28, dressmaker (no mention of her husband Frederick Faulkner), daughter Mary Billings nee Bisgrove 25 widowed dressmaker, daughter Jane Bisgrove 22 dressmaker and daughter Lucy Bisgrove 16 ‘coalmaker’. Mary Ann’s youngest child Samuel Bisgrove 13 was not listed at this time, as he was imprisoned in Middlesex Industrial School for Young Offenders. See below.

Daughter Lucy Ann Bulgin Bisgrove married George Brown 26 on 20 Mar 1876 at Bethnal Green, London. In 1881 Mary (Ann) Bisgrove 56 (really 59) widowed, with the occupation “monthly nurse”, was still living at 7 Morant St., All Saints, Poplar. Living with her at this time were married daughter Emily Beattey nee Bisgrove 36 (previously married to Frederick Faulkner; See 93.2a for an attempt to unravel the mystery of her marriages), husband Frederick Beattey 46 b1835, unemployed printer and described as a son (but is a son-in-law), unmarried youngest son Samuel Bisgrove 23 dock porter, and grandsons Archibald Brown 4 and Percy Brown 2. The grandsons were living with their grandmother at this time because Mary Ann Bisgrove’s daughter Lucy Ann Bulgin Brown nee Bisgrove had recently been widowed when her husband George Brown died.

On 11 Oct 1880 John's daughter, Caroline Williams nee Bisgrove 30, married for the second time at St James, Bethnal Green. Her second husband was Charles Gilson 33 stevedore and bachelor. Caroline's father, John Bisgrove was listed as 'deceased', which may indicate the family had lost touch with their father, because he was not recorded as deceased at the next family wedding in 1882.

On 15 Oct 1882, youngest son Samuel Bisgrove, porter, married Maria Amelia Collis at All Saints, Poplar. Both were living in Poplar prior to their marriage. Samuel’s father was listed as John Bisgrove labourer and Maria’s father was a sail maker. A witness at the wedding was William Henry Collis. Yet again father John Bisgrove was listed with a different occupation!

There is no record for Mary Ann Bisgrove at the 1891 census. On 21 Apr 1898 Lucy Brown nee Bisgrove 39 married again (her previous husband George Brown died in 1880). Her second husband was Henry Moore 32, engineer, at All Saints Poplar. Both were residents of 14 Oriental St, Poplar. A witness at the wedding was Archibald George Brown 21 (her son from her first marriage). Mary Ann’s father was listed as John Bisgrove shipwright and for the second time in all the marriages of the children, their father was listed as deceased (he probably died in Poplar in 1889; see EDI).

1901 Census Bromley

By 1901 Mary Ann Bisgrove nee Bulgin 79 widow was living at 98 Brunswick Rd., Bromley with her daughter Emily Beatty 59 nee Bisgrove also widowed and grandson Archibald Brown 24 ship clerk and two boarders. As she was not listed in the 1911 census, Mary Ann Bisgrove nee Bulgin probably died in the early 1900's in her eighties.

93.2a Misfortunes of John Bisgrove’s 7 adult children, their 10 Weddings and Deceased Partners

As described above, John Bisgrove had nine children, and apart from the two first born Samuels, who died as infants, the rest lived reasonably long lives. Between the seven adult children, they had at least ten marriages, and half of their partners died within a few years of their marriage. Although all seven adult children married, most had no children. Only the youngest son, Samuel b1857, had a large family. Some of the information above is repeated below, but placed in the context of each of John's offspring’s lives.

Most of John's children were married in All Saints Church, Poplar

 

i) Emily Bisgrove/Faulkner/Beattie (1841-1923) & her mysterious two husbands.
Emily was born in 1841 at West St, KE to John & Mary Bisgrove nee Bulgin.

Emily lived with her parents until her first marriage on 28 Aug 1859 at All Saints, Poplar. As a minor at the age of 18, she married Frederick Faulkner, printer (b1835 Northampton). Her father was listed as John Bisgrove, porter and her address at the time was 7 Susannah St. Witnesses at the wedding were Emily's uncle James Bisgrove b1815 and Frederick's sister (Martha) Maria Faulkner b1840. The Faulkners signed the certificate but the Bisgroves made their marks. Strangely, 18 months later in 1861, she was listed in the census as Emily Bisgrove, unmarried dressmaker living with her family, when in fact she should have been listed as Emily Faulkner and married. (see 1861 census above). At that time, Emily's husband Frederick Faulkner, was back living with his parents too. They were William Faulkner, carrier and Alley Faulkner. Frederick possibly died in 1862 aged 26, as there was a death registration for a Frederick Faulkner in the third quarter in the City of London. Possibly, Frederick fell very ill soon after the marriage and as a consequence they separated.

1841 Census Poplar

 In 1871 Emily was living with her widowed mother and sisters at 7 Morant St, Poplar. At this time Emily was a 28 year old dressmaker, and still listed under her maiden name. The family consisted of Mary A Besgrove nee Bulgin 50 head, Emily Besgrove 28 dressmaker (neither Mary Ann nor Emily were listed as widows), Mary Billings nee Bisgrove 25 widow, Jane Besgrove 22 dressmaker and Lucy Besgrove 16 coalmaker.

1881 census Poplar

Then at some stage in the next decade Emily 'appeared' to marry again, because the 1881 the census listed her as Emily Beatty 36 along with her husband Frederick Beatty 46 unemployed printer. (The surname is unclear, but in later census documents it is varies between Beatty and Beattie).

 

Another explanation for this puzzle is that Frederick Faulkner may have changed his surname to Beatty as both men were printers and had the Christian name Frederick. It was not unusual in the 19th century for people to use an alternative name (an alias). An article on the Family Search website says, "... keep in mind that names found in the census which don't agree with baptismal records are not necessarily a mistake - they could reflect an alias." The article also gives many reasons why an alias may be used, but points out that "By the mid-1800's, the practice of using aliases had diminished to the point of obsolescence, except in the criminal classes". There is evidence for Frederick Faulkner being the same person as Frederick Beatty, including the fact that they had the same Christian name, they were around the same age and had the same occupation (printer), and there is no record of Emily having a second marriage. In addition there are no records of birth, baptism or marriage for someone called Frederick Beatty. Of course this does not explain why Emily Bisgrove was listed by her maiden name and was said to be unmarried in 1861 and 1871. The explanation for this puzzle, could be that Frederick got into serious trouble (possibly imprisoned) and this caused his long absence. This in turn would explain why Emily reverted to her maiden name and on his release, why Frederick chose a different surname to put his past behind him. No prison or court record has been found though, so this is just an imaginative guess.

The mystery of Frederick came to an end by the 1891 census, when Emily Beatty was listed as a 39 year old (really 49) widow. At that time she was living at 4 North St., Poplar with her nephews (children of her sister Lucy); Archibald G Brown 14 clerk and Percy R Brown 12 scholar. In 1901 Emily Beatty 59 was living at 98 Brunswick Rd., Bromley with her elderly widowed mother Mary Ann Bisgrove 79 nee Bulgin and nephew Archibald Brown 24 shipping clerk.

At the 1911 census, Emily 70, had moved a few houses away to 24 Brunswick Rd, Poplar where she was lodging with the Parkes family. This census provides more confusing information about her marriage history. According to it, she had been married 16 years, but it is unclear whether that was up to the death of her husband or whether she totaled the time she was living in a married state. If her original marriage in 1859 to Frederick Faulkner lasted 16 years that would mean it ended in 1875. Emily Beatty nee Faulkner nee Bisgrove died in 1923 at Poplar aged 81. According to the 1911 census she had no children of her own.

ii) Jephtha Bulgin Bisgrove (1843-1904) & a wife who died 6 years after marriage

Jephtha was born in 1843 in Burrow and baptised in KE on 12 Feb 1843. He was named after his mother's father and lived with his parents into the 1860’s.

On 31 May 1868 Jephtha Belgin Bisgrove merchant clerk married Matilda Francesca Jessup at All Saints, Poplar. The marriage registration listed his father as John Bisgrove, merchant clerk, but did not indicate that he was deceased. Matilda signed her name and Jephtha made his mark. Both were living in Kerley St. prior to the marriage. By 1871 they had moved to Desent St., Bromley and Jephtha Bisgrove 28 was a railway porter and Matilda Bisgrove was 25. Three years later, in Jan 1874 at Poplar, his wife Matilda Bisgrove nee Jessup died at the age of 33.

In the 1881 census, Jephtha 38, was incorrectly listed as 'Joseph' Bisgrove, a widowed dock worker. He was listed as a visitor, living at 127 St Leonard's Road, Bromley in home of a fellow dock worker James Dorling and his family. There are no census records for Jephtha in 1891, but in 1901 he was listed as a widowed 57 year old labourer, boarding with the Jamieson family at West St, Bromley. Jephtha died in Poplar 1904 aged 62 with no known children.

iii) Mary Bulgin Bisgrove (1846-1908) & her two husbands

Mary was born in 1846 to John and Mary Ann Bisgrove and baptised on 22 Feb at Kingsbury Episcopi.

She lived with her parents until the age of 19, when she married older man Albion Paris Billings 30 on 10 Sept 1865 at All Saints Poplar. Albion Paris Billings was born in 1835 in the USA and was the chief officer on a merchant ship. His father was Harry Billings ship (shop) carpenter. Mary was 19 but described as being of full age. Her father was John Bisgrove, shipwright. Unlike her older siblings Mary was able to sign her name. In 1869, Albion 32, was ‘lost at sea’ and a memorial grave for him exists in Maine, USA. By 1871 Mary Billings nee Bisgrove 25 widowed dressmaker, had moved back into the family home at 7 Morant St. Poplar.

A few years later Mary Billings met another seaman and fell in love. On 2 Jan 1875 she married the impressively named Charles Louis Charbonier De Thorrens at All Saints, Poplar. In 1881 Mary C. De Thorrens 35 was living at 14 Oriental St Poplar with her sister Lucy, and Lucy’s employer Elijah Moore and his family. Mary listed her occupation as ‘a cook’s wife at sea’, but her husband was not listed on the census.

1891 census

Mary was still living at 14 Oriental St in 1891 but now described herself as ‘wife’. She still listed herself as married.

By 1901 Mary’s sister Lucy had married her employer's son, but Mary C. de Thorrens 52 (really 55) was still living at 14 Oriental St. Mary’s husband did not appear on any records for around thirty years until his death.

Charles Louis C De Thorrens died at Poplar in 1903 at the age of 69. Mary C De Thorrens nee Bisgrove died on 12 Jan 1908 aged 62 at Elijah Moore’s house at 14 Oriental St. Poplar. In her will, Mary Charbonier de Thorrens left effects valued at over £200 and probate was granted to James Moore engineer (her sister Lucy’s husband) and John Quantock, carpenter (sister Jane’s husband). Mary had no known children.

iv) Jane Bulgin Bisgrove 1848-1922 & her husband

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1848

Jane was born in 1848 and was baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi on 11 Jun. She moved with her parents to London in the mid 1850's and lived with them until at least the early 1870’s.

In 1876 aged 28, she married the much younger John Quantock 18 at All Saints, Poplar. Interestingly John was born in Mary’s home town of Kingsbury Episcopi, Somerset so they had probably known each other since they were young.

By the next census in 1881 they were living at 54 Janet St., and the residents were John Quantock 24, Jane Quantock 27 (really 33), their son Alexander Quantock and Joe Quantock 17 boarder. By 1891 they had moved a short distance to 32 Morant St., Poplar and their family was a bit bigger as it now included John Quantock 34 stevedore at the docks, Jane Quantock 36, Alexander V Quantock 13 and Eva B M Quantock 7. They were living just up the road from Mary’s widowed mother who was living at 7 Morant Rd. in 1881.

They lived in Poplar at the same address until 1922 when Jane died aged 69 (For many years Jane had been getting her age wrong; possibly so she would appear closer in age to her husband. In reality she died aged 74.) John Quantock died in the 1930’s. Jane had given birth to two children.

v) Caroline Bulgin Bisgrove (1850-1887) & her two husbands

Caroline was baptised on 10 Feb 1850 at Kingsbury Episcopi. She moved with her parents to London in the mid 1850's and lived with them until at least until the late 1860’s.

On 14 Mar 1871 Caroline Bisgrove 21 married William Williams a widowed labourer at All Saints, Poplar. Both were living in Sidney St. prior to their marriage and both were able to sign their names. Caroline listed her father as John Bisgrove, engineer. Witnesses were Rdwin and Eliza Brown who may have been related to sister Lucy's husband George Brown (see below). After their wedding they settled five miles away at 5 Junction St West Ham, along with the children from William William’s (b1842) first marriage. Caroline Williams at the age of 21, found herself caring for four boys, who were Nathaniel Williams 9, George Williams 7, Edwin Williams 5 and Albert Williams 4.

By the late 1870’s there seemed to be trouble in the relationship. Caroline was living in Bromley, Middlesex when in July 1877 she gave birth to daughter Emily Rose Gilson. (The father was likely, Caroline’s second husband to be, Charles Gilson. The baby was registered with the surname Gilson prior to Williams’ death and prior to Caroline's second marriage.) According to the EBI, Caroline’s first husband William Williams died in Sep 1880 whilst living at 4 Emerson Place, Southwark in London. He was buried at Tower Hamlets Cemetery on 16 Sep 1880.

On 11 Oct 1880 the widowed Caroline Williams nee Bisgrove 30, married for the second time at St James, Bethnal Green. Her second husband was Charles Gilson 33 stevedore and bachelor. Caroline's father, John Bisgrove was listed as 'deceased'. At the 1881 census the following year, the couple were living at 8 Burden St Bromley with their young daughter. The family consisted of Charles H. Gilson 34, Caroline Gilson nee Bisgrove 30 and their daughter Emily Rose Gilson 3. There is no record in 1881 telling what happened to Caroline’s youngest step sons Edwin Williams 15 and Albert Williams 14, but they do appear in later censuses.

In 1887 Caroline Gilson nee Williams nee Bisgrove died aged 37 at Poplar leaving her new husband to look after their ten year old daughter Emily. On 5 Aug 1889 Charles Gilson 41 widowed stevedore, married Esther Burley 30 spinster, and by the 1891 census, the couple had moved Guildford Rd, Bromley. Living there, were Charles Gilson 44 labourer, Esther Gilson nee Burley 36 and Emily R. Gilson 14.

In 1898 daughter Emily Rose Gilson 21 married Thomas Grady at All Hallows, Bromley and one of the witnesses was her uncle Samuel Bisgrove b1857 (see vii below).

vi) Lucy Ann Bulgin Bisgrove (1854-1909) & her two husbands

Lucy was born in 1854 and baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi on 9 Oct. She lived with her parents until the 1870’s.

On 1st Jan 1876 she married George Brown at Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Two children were born in London soon after; Archibald George Brown in 1877 at Bethnal Green and Percival (Percy) Brown in 1879 at Bow. The following year in 1880 Lucy’s husband George Brown died at the age of 30.

Census Poplar 1881

Suddenly left with two young boys and no breadwinner, Lucy took a job as ‘live-in’ house keeper for the ‘well-off’ Moore family at 14 Oriental St., Poplar. Living in the house in 1881 were Elijah J. Moore 37 widowed ‘shipsmith’, James H. Moore 14, Ada S. Moore 12 and Lucy Ann Brown 24 (in fact 27) widowed housekeeper, and Lucy’s sister Mary C de Thorrens nee Billings nee Bisgrove 32. The latter had married a seaman and described her occupation as ‘cook’s wife at sea’. Lucy’s two boys (Archibald and Percy) spent their childhood (1881-1891) living with their grandparents, John and Mary Ann Bisgrove, not far away in Morant St., Poplar.

Census Poplar 1991

Lucy retained the housekeeping position for nearly twenty years, and during this time gradually formed an attachment to young James, her employer’s son, thirteen years younger than her. In 1891 the household consisted of Elijah J. Moore 47, James H. Moore 24 engineer, Ada S. Moore 22, Lucy A. Brown 31 (in fact 37) housekeeper and Lucy’s sister Mary C de Thorrens nee Brown nee Bisgrove 56 who now described herself as ‘wife’ (but there is no mention of her husband).

On 21 Apr 1898 Lucy Brown nee Bisgrove 39 (in fact 43) married the much younger James Harry Moore 32 engineer. Witnesses at the wedding included Lucy’s son Archibald George Brown. The couple moved into their own house and in 1901 living at 2 Canton St Poplar were James Henry Moore shipping clerk 34, and Lucy Anne Moore 40 (in fact 47). In 1902 James Harry Moore of 2 Canton St, Poplar, died in a Kent hospital aged 35. Probate was granted to Lucy Ann Moore and the will included effects valued at £350.

In May 1909 Lucy Ann Moore nee Brown nee Bisgrove died at 27 Oriental St Poplar aged 56. Probate was granted to Archibald George James Brown and Elijah James Moore and included effects valued at £211. In 1924 Lucy’s father-in-law Elijah Moore died at Wanstead in Essex. Probate for his will in which he left £19,000 was granted to his step grandson Archibald Brown and two others.

vii) Samuel Bisgrove (1857-1918) One wife in a long term marriage
Samuel was the last of John and Anna Maria’s seven children and the only one born after their move to London. He was born in 1857 and lived with his parents until his father died in 1865. By the time he was a teenager, his behaviour may have been getting out of hand. At the age of 13, he was living in the Middlesex Industrial School for juvenile offenders. (Sometimes known as 'Feltham Industrial School'.)

Feltham Industrial School Middlesex, held up to 700 young offenders

According to the ‘Hounslough’ website, children sent to the ‘school’ included the following;

•           The children of bad parents (unlikely)

•           Children found in the company of known criminals (possible)

•           Children brought before the Magistrates for petty crime. (possible)

•           “Any male juvenile offender whose age is, or appears to be, between 7 and 14 years...may be detained in the school for not less than one year... or until they shall reach the age of 16. (possible)

A Dormitory at Feltham Industrial School

The ‘imprisonment’ must have had an effect, because there is no other record of Samuel getting into trouble. In 1881 he was living at 7 Morant St., All Saints, Poplar with his widowed mother Mary Anne Bisgrove 56, his sister Emily Beatty nee Bisgrove 36 and her husband Frederick Beatty 46. At this time Samuel Bisgrove was 23 and an unmarried dock porter.

The following year on 16 Oct 1882 Samuel 25 married Maria Amelia Collis at All Saints, Poplar. Both were living in Poplar prior to their marriage and both signed their names. Samuel listed his occupation as a 'porter' (probably on the docks) and his father as John Bisgrove, labourer. On the birth of their first child Samuel William Frederick Bisgrove on 6 Mar 1883 the family were living at 8 Joshua St and Samuel listed his occupations as labourer..

1891 census Limehouse

By 1891 Samuel and Maria had established a home at 15 Spencer St, Limehouse and their family included Samuel Bisgrove 34 dock labourer, (Maria) Amelia Bisgrove 29 shirt finisher, Samuel W F Bisgrove 8, Lucy A Bisgrove 6, Charlotte E Bisgrove 3 and Edwin I  Bisgrove 2. In 1898 Samuel was a witness at the wedding of his niece Emily Rose Gilson (daughter of his sister Caroline).

The 1901 census has them living in Forge St. and their family had grown to include Samuel Bisgrove 43 dock labourer, Maria Bisgrove 39, William Bisgrove 18 labourer, Lucy Bisgrove 16 matchbox filler, Edwin Bisgrove 12, James Bisgrove 9, George Bisgrove 4 and Hannah Bisgrove 1.

1911 Census Bromley

By 1911 they had moved again to 12 Box St, Bromley and some of the children had now left home leaving Samuel Bisgrove 53 dock lab, Maria Bisgrove 49, Lucy Ann Bisgrove 26 shop girl, James Bisgrove 19 biscuit maker and Hannah Bisgrove 11. The census tells us that they had been married for 29 years and had ten children of which four had died. Samuel Bisgrove died in 1918 at Poplar aged 60.

Of Samuel and Maria's ten children, most died at a young age. Only one, Edwin, lived into his fifties, one (Hannah) died in her forties and two (Lucy and Samuel) died in their thirties. Five seemed to have died as very young children. Son James Edward Bisgrove died in his twenties at Gallipoli in WW1.

93.3 James Bisgrove/Besgrove (1815-1881)

James was born in 1815, the third child of GGGGP George and Ann Bisgrove nee Trott. He was baptised on 3 Sep 1815 at the Church of St Martin at the same time as his older brother John Bisgrove. Although it is possible that he was a twin brother of John, a look at subsequent census records suggests that he was at least a year younger. The two brothers appear to have been quite close, as not only were they baptised at the same time, they married sisters, shared a house for a while after they were married and moved to London at about the same time.

On 8 Jun 1840, James Bisgrove 25, labourer married Eliza Bulgin, glover (daughter of Jephtha Bulgin blacksmith and Mary Faulknell) The witnesses were brother John Bisgrove and Mary Ann Bulgin who were married the following year. (The two brothers married two sisters.)

1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

In 1841 James Bisgrove 25 ag lab, wife Eliza Bisgrove nee Bulgin 20 and baby son Cornish Bisgrove 2 months were living at West St., Kingsbury Episcopi. Living with them was older brother John Bisgrove 25 ag lab, his wife Mary Bisgrove nee Bulgin 20 and their baby Emily Bisgrove 1mth. They were living next to William Vile 25 and Hannah Vile nee Richards 25 and their family (William Vile was the uncle of James' sister-in-law Mary Bisgrove nee Vile). Seven years later, in 1848, James and John Bisgrove’s brother, GGGF Jacob married William Vile’s niece GGGM Mary Vile (see 90.2).

By 1851 James Bisgrove 35 ag lab and Eliza Bisgrove 31 ‘glover’ had moved to Church St, KE, possibly because they now had a bigger family, that included Charles (Cornish) Bisgrove 10 (listed as a very young agricultural labourer), Henry Bisgrove 8, Ellen Bisgrove 5 and Catherine Bisgrove 2.
In the mid 1850’s James and his brother John decided to give up the farming life and try their luck in the city. They both moved their families to London and gained jobs with the rapidly expanding railways.

In 1861 James Bisgrove 44 railway porter and Eliza Bisgrove 40 were living at 65 Cotton St, Bromley with three of their children; Henry Bisgrove 18 labourer, Catherine Bisgrove 12 and Julia Bisgrove 9. Visiting them at the time was Eliza’s sister Lucy Bulgin 24 dressmaker.

Over the next few years their children married partners. In 1868, son Cornish, a smith, married Selena Male at Poplar. His father was listed as a porter, and his sister Catherine was a witness. On 25 Apr 1869, daughter Caroline Bulgin Bisgrove married Richard Evans, blacksmith at St Thomas, Stepney. Caroline's sister Julia, was a witness at the wedding. On 25 Jan 1870 son Henry Bisgrove (written Besgrove) boilermaker married Hannah Booth. His sister Julia was a witness and his father was listed as James Besgrove, porter. On 5 Feb 1871, daughter Julia married John Edward Cramp at Stepney. The witnesses at her wedding were sister Caroline Evans nee Bisgrove and her husband Richard Evans.

1971 Census Poplar

On 3 Oct 1869 James’ mother GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott died and left effects under £100 in her will, with her executor named as son James Bisgrove of 139 Grundy St, Poplar. The family were at the same address in 1871 and James Bisgrove 55 porter and Eliza Bisgrove 51 were sharing their house with son Henry Bisgrove 28, married boilermaker (either separated or visiting his parents), son-in-law Richard Evans 24 shipsmith and daughter Catherine Evans 27 nee Bisgrove dressmaker.

In 1877 James and his family moved to 39 Bright St Bromley, quite close to son Cornish and his family, who lived in Brunswick St., Bromley. Living there in 1881 were James Bisgrove 64 rail porter, Eliza Bisgrove 60, Henry Bisgrove 38 boilermaker and grandson Frederick J. Cramp 8 (b1872 Poplar) who was listed as a lodger (son of John E Cramp and daughter Julia Cramp nee Bisgrove).

James Bisgrove died a few months later in July 1881 in Poplar aged 66. Three of his children also died at relatively young ages. Youngest daughter Julia died on Portsea Island, Hampshire in 1895. Son Henry Bisgrove died in 1896 and the executor of  Henry's will was his brother Cornish Bisgrove, stevedore. Eldest son Cornish Bisgrove died on 5 Feb 1902 at the London Hospital, Whitechapel, Middlesex, with his listed address as 205 Abbott's Road, Poplar.

NOTE: James and his descendants usually spelled their surname 'Besgrove'. They must have been a fairly 'close' family because for most of their adult lives, they predominantly lived within a short distance of each other, frequently witnessed each others weddings and were often together in the same house at census time.

93.4 Charlotte Bisgrove (1816-1885)

Charlotte was born in 1816 and baptised on 6 Apr 1817 at KE.

On 2 Apr1840 she married Samuel Toms, blacksmith (son of Joseph Toms and Susannah Stower) at Ashcott, 12m north of KE. They settled at Greenway, Moorlinch (about 3m from Ashcott) and by 1841 Samuel Toms 20, blacksmith and Charlotte Toms 20 had a baby son named Matthew Toms 5 months. Within a few months they had decided to take the huge step of migrating to Australia and were among the earliest members of extended family to do so. The colonial government at the time was encouraging free settlers (especially those with skills) to emigrate by offering free passage and the chance to own a farm.

Passenger list entry for Charlotte Toms of Kingsbury

Samuel, Charlotte, son Matthew Toms and 203 other immigrants brought out to Australia by Alexander Campbell sailed away on the ship "Lalla Rookh" knowing that they would probably never return. They arrived in Sydney on 26 Dec 1841. Their immigration papers noted that they were Protestant, both could read (but not write) and described as "in good health and likely to be useful". The papers confirmed that their parents were all still alive.

When Charlotte's brother Jacob came to Australia in 1849, he stated that sister Charlotte was living in Paddington, Sydney, which suggests the Toms family lived in that area before they moved to the country later in the decade.

Jacob and Charlotte Toms migrated to Australia in 1841 on the ship 'La La Rookh"

In the early 1840’s the family moved to the Paterson River region near Maitland, NSW and here Charlotte had two more babies; John (1843) and Jacob Toms (1844). In 1845 a third son, William Toms was born at Houghton and then in 1847 their first daughter Mary Ann Toms was born at Cory Vale, Allyn River. From 1849-1854 they were living at Dungog for the birth of Francis, Susannah and Betsy Toms. During this period Charlotte’s younger brother GGGGP Jacob Bisgrove and his wife Mary Bisgrove nee Vile migrated to NSW and also settled in Dungog. We know that both families were in contact, because a relative of Charlotte’s husband named William Toms performed the baptism ceremony on Jacob's daughter Martha on 3 Aug 1852 at Dungog.

At some time in the early 1850’s, probably 1854, Charlotte’s brother Jacob died. The following year Samuel gained a title to 2 roods (half acre) of land at Dungog. However, not long after that, Samuel and Charlotte moved to the coast at Bulli, where two more babies were born; Samuel and Eliza. Everything did not always proceed smoothly. On 4th October 1858 Samuel Toms had to go to court to get payment for a job. In the case 'Samuel Toms v. Robert Somerville', "he claimed £9 19s, for work and labour done by himself as blacksmith and his son as labourer, and for carriage of goods from Wollongong". (Illawarra Mercury 7 Oct, 1858).

SMH 7 Oct 1858

The location of the 42 acre Tom's Dairy Farm property was given when the put it up for sale in 1858. The notice indicated it was on Fairy Meadow Rd, about one mile from Bulli.

In the 1860’s the family headed north again and on 13 Dec 1862 they were living at Myall River, when young daughter Susannah died. Six months later on 22 Jun 1863 they were living at Stroud for the birth of another daughter who they named Susannah Toms after her deceased sister.

Gravestone of Samuel & Charlotte Toms nee Bisgrove at Bulahdelah Cemetery

On 26 Dec 1867 Samuel Toms died at Myall River under very tragic circumstances and was buried at Bulahdelah Cemetery. There was an inquest to determine if his death was a case of murder, as it resulted from a fist fight at 'Turners Inn', Bulahdelah, after an argument about cattle stealing. After hearing evidence from the coroner and witnesses, who said that the men were intoxicated and that both were throwing punches, the court found the prisoner was ‘not guilty’ and discharged him.

Death certificate Charlotte Toms 1885

Eighteen years later, on 17 July 1885 Charlotte Toms nee Bisgrove died of natural causes and old age at the age of 69 after ten weeks of ill-health. She was buried on 19 July 1885 in the Bulahdelah Cemetery. Out of her eleven children, eight survived her and several are buried at Bulahdelah. Although her father was known, the name of her mother was not.

Members of the Toms family buried in Bulahdelah Cemetery include Charlotte's son Jacob Toms & his wife

 

93.5 Samuel Bisgrove (1819-1819)

Samuel was baptised on 21 Mar 1819 at KE but died later that year.

93.6 Isaac Bisgrove (1820-1889)

Isaac was baptised on 24 Sep 1820 in Kingsbury Episcopi. In 1841 he was living with his parents at Palmers End Lane, KE. The family consisted of George Bisgrove 50, Ann 50, Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betty 4 and Frederick 4.

On 25 Jul 1847 Isaac Bisgrove labourer, married his cousin Elizabeth Trott 31 born in 1816 (the daughter of his mother’s brother, Isaac Trott; see 99.4). Both of them 'made their mark'. Their fathers were listed as George Bisgrove, labourer and Isaac Trott, labourer. One of the witnesses was Sarah Trott who was probably related to Elizabeth. The couple settled in KE and in 1851 the family consisted of Isaac Bisgrove 30 ag lab, Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Trott 32 glover and their children William Bisgrove 3 and Charlotte Bisgrove 1.

In 1855 three of their children, William, Charlotte and Robert were baptised at St Martin's, KE on the same day; 6 Dec 1855. Later documents show that they were all born in different years. By 1861 the family had grown to include Isaac Bisgrove 37 ag lab, Elizabeth Bisgrove 40 (really 45) glover of leather, William Bisgrove 13 ag lab, Charlotte Bisgrove 10 glover of leather, Robert Bisgrove 9, Charles Bisgrove 7, Eliza Bisgrove 3 and Ann Bisgrove 2. They were probably living in Pulpit’s Way. Elizabeth, even though she was in her mid-forties, had one more baby; baptised on 12 Jan 1862, who they named Mary Ann.

In 1871 the family were living at 28 Broad Rd [probably Broadmead Rd], KE and some children had married and moved out. Resident in the home at this time were Isaac Besgrove 47 ag lab, Elizabeth Besgrove 50 glove maker, William Besgrove 22 ag lab, Robert Besgrove 18 "imbecile", Charles Besgrove 15, Eliza Besgrove 14 "imbecile", Ann Besgrove 10 and Mary Ann Besgrove 7. This census was the first to gather information about disabled people, and we find out that two of Isaac and Elizabeth’s children (Robert and Eliza) had intellectual disabilities. (In the census, the term used was ‘imbeciles’.) The fact that the parents were cousins may have played a role in the children being born with disabilities.

1881 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

In 1881 the family's address was simply Kingsbury Rd and apart from Isaac Bisgrove 60 ag lab and wife Elizabeth Bisgrove 63 glove maker, there were six children living in the house. They were William Bisgrove 34 ag lab, Robert Bisgrove 29 "imbecile", Eliza Bisgrove 23 'imbecile'. The family was living next to Mary Bisgrove 60 year old widow, who was probably related through marriage.

The following year, son William Bisgrove labourer, married Elizabeth Elliott. The fathers were listed as Isaac Bisgrove, labourer and George Elliott, deceased labourer. Witnesses were Joseph and Mary Ann Trott, who were probably related to Isaac's wife, Elizabeth Trott. All parties made their mark. William's uncle, Charles Bisgrove, had also married an 'Elizabeth Trott' and she was probably related to William's wife (see 93.11).

By 1891 Isaac Bisgrove 60 ag lab and Elizabeth Bisgrove 63 glove maker had only three children living with them; William Bisgrove 34 ag lab and their two children with intellectual disabilities; Robert Bisgrove 29 and Eliza Bisgrove 23. They were living next to a widow Mary Bisgrove 60, who may have been a relative.

Isaac died in 1889 at the age of 69 in Kingsbury Episcopi. In 1891 his widowed wife Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Trott 70 ‘glover’ was caring for her adult disabled children; Robert Bisgrove 39 and Eliza Bisgrove 34. Son Robert died at home in 1896 aged 42, followed by his mother aged 81 in 1997. Disabled daughter Eliza Bisgrove was admitted to the Bath & Somerset Asylum where she died in 1907 aged 49.

93.7 GGGF Jacob Bisgrove (1822-c1854)

Jacob was baptised on 24 Mar 1822 in Kingsbury Episcopi and married GGGM Martha Vile in there in 1847. In 1849 the family migrated to NSW, Australia. See 90.2 for more information including details of GGGF Jacob Bisgrove's married life.

93.8 William Bisgrove (1823-?)

William was baptised on 23 Nov 1823 in Kingsbury Episcopi and died in 1846 aged 23. He was buried at St Martin's KE on 11 Jan 1846.

93.9 Robert Bisgrove (1825-1845)

Robert was baptised on 6 Nov 1825 at St Martin's, K.E. and in 1841 was living with his parents at Palmers End, KE. By then most of the older children had left home and the family consisted of parents George 50 and Ann 50 and children Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betty 4 and Frederick 4. Robert was living at Burrow when he died at the age of 19. He was buried on 7 June 1845 at St Martin's, KE.

93.10 Margaret Bisgrove (1827-1828)

Margaret was born on 19 August 1827 in Burrow K.E and died the following year. She was buried at St Martin's on 7 Sep 1828.

93.11 Charles Bisgrove (1829-1865)

Charles was born on 5 Jul 1829 at Burrow, KE and was living with his parents in 1841 at Palmers End KE. The family consisted of George 50, Ann 50, Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betty 4 and Frederick 4. In 1851 aged 21, Charles moved to West Moor, KE with his widowed mother GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott 53, Margaret Bisgrove 18, John Bisgrove 37 widow, twins Betsy Bisgrove 13 and Frederick Bisgrove 13 and his unmarried uncle Isaac Trott 66 lodger.

On 11 Feb 1855 James Elliott was baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi to single mother Elizabeth Elliott. No father was listed, but it was likely that Charles Bisgrove was the father, because he married Elizabeth later that year on 6 Dec 1855 and young James took the surname Bisgrove. Charles and Elizabeth were married at St Martin's, KE and a witness at the wedding was sister Margaret Bisgrove. Only Margaret was able to sign her name. The fathers were listed as George Bisgrove, labourer and George Elliott, labourer. A few months later Charles and Elizabeth decided to sail to Australia following in the footsteps of his two older siblings. Charlotte Toms nee Bisgrove had migrated in 1841 and in the 1850's was living in the Bulli Region of NSW, and brother GGGF Jacob Bisgrove had migrated in 1849 but died at Dungog, NSW in 1854.

Phoebe Dunbar Passenger List

Charles and Elizabeth Bisgrove arrived in the colony of NSW on 10 May 1856 on the ship ‘Phoebe Dunbar’. The passenger papers listed Charles Bisgrove 24, Elizabeth Bisgrove 22 and James 1. Neither could read nor write and both were listed as C of E. (Church of England).They were seemed to be aware that brother Jacob had died, as their only relative in the colony was listed as a sister in Sydney. Charles' parents were listed as George and Ann Bisgove, Somerset. By 1857 Charles and his family had moved to the Ipswich area in Queensland and that was where, on 10 Sep, his second child Mary Ann Bisgrove was born. Another son John Bisgrove was born on 18 Feb 1859.

On 20 April 1860 Charles signed a public letter giving support to Alfred Broughton, a candidate in the West Moreton elections, and in 1861 he purchased 35 acres land at Goodna (15k from Ipswich) at public auction. In the 1860's two more children were born; George Bisgrove 1861-1922 and Charles William Bisgrove 1863-1906.

In 1862 Charles went to Brisbane (Moreton Bay) and met new arrival, Robert Elliott (a relative of his wife Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Elliott) and helped him get established in the very early days of the colony of Moreton Bay (Queensland). Below is an extract from an article in the 'Queensland Times' (6 Dec 1918) that outlined the role that Charles played in helping Robert Elliott (an Ipswich pioneer cotton grower and prominent identity) in his early days in the colony.

"The pioneers of civilisation in Queensland are gradually dropping from sight, and it is as well to place on record the work of such men as the subject of this sketch. Ex-councillor [Robert] Elliott, who hails from Kingsbury, Somersetshire, England, was born 22nd, of January, 1842. His parents were of the farming class. Subsequent to his marriage in the old country, Mr. Elliott decided to try his fortune, in the then two-year-old colony of Queensland, and, having fully made up his mind in that direction he left Southampton, England, on the 17th of August, 1862, in the sailing ship, 'Conway' with his wife and eldest son (Frederick) accompanying him. The ship arrived in Moreton Bay on the 1st of December, with 396 Immigrants. This voyage was remarkable for the fact that, included among the immigrants, were 140 single girls, 96 of whom were classed as governesses, these girls having been specially selected by a Miss Rye; who interested herself in the immigration of single girls of the middle class for Queensland.

Mr. Robert Elliott was met at the Immigration Depot, Brisbane, by the late, Mr. Charles Bisgrove, the father of the Bisgroves in the Dinmore district, who was related to Mrs. Robert Elliott (since deceased), [through his wife Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Elliott] and while the said Mrs. Elliott went to stay with her friends at Coorparoo, near Brisbane, her husband accompanied Mr. Bisgrove, who had ridden to the metropolis, back to Newtown, where the last-named resided 65 years ago. Mr. Charles Bisgrove was employed as storeman at John Panton's store, situated at Thorn street, overlooking the Bremer River, a very prominent land-mark in those days. Mr. Bisgrove persuaded Mr. Elliott to accept an engagement as a farm labourer on Mr. John Smith's cotton plantation, situated to the east of the famous Spring Gardens, the wages being £1 per week. Mrs. Elliott and son joined her husband later on, and they resided for a time in a small cottage situated in a central portion of Newtown. Mr. Elliott's next move from Smith's plantation was the accepting of an engagement to work on another cotton plantation (on which was erected a cotton-ginning plant), situated between the old racecourse and Bundanba Creek, then owned by the late Sir Joshua Peter Bell."

Charles did not have long to enjoy his landholder status at Goodna, as he died on 12 Feb 1865. The probate papers listed Charles as labourer, deceased, late of Bundamba, (now a suburb of Ipswich) in the Colony of Queensland. There are no records showing that once in Australia, he met up with his sister Charlotte Toms nee Bisgrove, nor the family of his deceased brother Jacob Bisgrove.

Interestingly, of Charles and Elizabeth's' five children, three of them married three siblings; Mary Anne Besgrove (1857-1929) married William Beasley (1852-1882) in 1875, James Charles Bisgrove married Caroline Beasley 1858-1949 in 1878 and George Besgrove 1861-1922 married Susannah Beasley 1865-? in 1884.

Charles' wife Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Elliott remarried in 1866. Her second husband was John Haswell (1832-1892),who died in very tragic circumstances, as reported in the 'Warwick Examiner and Times', 9 Nov 1892.

"An Awful Death: Smothered in quick sand. A man named John Haswell, who resided at Bundanba, met with an awful death on Oct 31. Haswell, who was 60 years of age, was engaged in splitting timber for the Borehole Colliery at Blackstone. and knocked off work to go home at the usual hour. On his way he had to cross Bundanba Creek by means of a large log. Formerly there was a very deep waterhole here, but the late rains have filled it with quicksand. It is surmised that he slipped off  the log into the treacherous sand, and no one knows how long it was before the sand covered him.

Whether the fight tor life was prolonged, or whether death came quickly, will never be known but his end was a terrible one. As he did not make his appearance, his family became alarmed, and his stepson went out to look for him. He found him in the sand, his shoulder only being visible. The body was extricated from the,sand, and taken to Bundanba. Haswell leaves a wife and three children, besides five step-children."

Elizabeth Haswell nee Bisgrove nee Elliott died on 6 Aug 1916 aged 82.

 

93.12 Margaret Bisgrove (1831-1869)

Margaret was born at Burrow, KE and baptised on 10 July 1831. In 1841 her family consisted of George 50, Ann 50, Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betty 4 and Frederick 4.

Burrow Way is located at the foot of Burrow Hill, Somerset

In 1851 aged 20, she shifted to West Moor, KE with her widowed mother GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott 53, Margaret Bisgrove 18, Charles Bisgrove 21 and twins Betsy Bisgrove 13 and Frederick Bisgrove 13 and her unmarried uncle Isaac Trott 66 lodger.

 

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1857

In the mid 1850’s Margaret had a relationship with an unknown man in KE and as a result, in mid 1857 as a single woman, she gave birth to a son,William Bisgrove. The unknown man was most likely Jacob Russ, because he later became her husband, and young William took on his surname. Although William was baptised on 9 Aug 1857, if Jacob Russ was the father, he would have been born some time prior to that. On 17 Oct 1856, almost 10 months prior to the baptism of her son, Jacob Russ had left England with his father Jonah. If William had been conceived in the month prior to Jacob leaving (Sep 1856) William would have been born in May or Jun 1857).

Jacob had sailed to New Zealand on the ship 'John Masterton' and arrived on 8 Feb 1857. Around two years after Jacob Russ left for N.Z., on 23 Mar 1859, Margaret Bisgrove followed in Jacob's path. She arrived in Nelson, NZ aboard the ship 'Queen of Avon' on 29 July 1859, after a voyage of 126 days. The passenger list included Margaret Bisgrove 27 and son William Bisgrove 18 months.

 

Margaret Bisgrove arrived at Nelson Harbour in 1859

The 'Wellington Independent' reported the arrival of the 'Queen of the Avon' in Wellington on 12 July 1859 and gave a description of a tragic event that occurred on the voyage. "The barque Queen of the Avon from London, arrived in this harbour after a passage of 110 days. She sailed from Gravesend on Wednesday the 23rd March, and anchored off Deal to land the pilot, after which she sailed again; but was compelled to put into Torquay, in consequence of contrary winds, and after a detention of two days, proceeded on her voyage. Experienced rough weather until passing Madeira, when it became fine and light, until rounding the Cape of Good Hope. After rounding the Cape she encountered a severe gale of wind, which carried away the main topsail yard; she also shipped several heavy seas, which did considerable damage, washing away part of the port bulwarks, poop ladder, hencoop, &c. Shortly after crossing the line [equator], a seaman named Painter, fell off the foretopsail-yard and was unfortunately drowned. Every assistance was rendered, the ship was immediately rounded too, the lifebuoy let go, a boat lowered, and every exertion made to save the unfortunate man, but unfortunately without success. It was thought that he struck some portion of the bulwarks in his fall, which must have stunned him, as he was never seen to rise to the surface of the water. There was a very heavy sea on at the time, and the boat being absent for two hours fears were entertained for her safety, and her return was therefore hailed with great delight, notwithstanding the gallant of the crew were unsuccessful. During the search the boat shipped a sea, and if it had not been for one of the men wearing sea boots, which were used as bailers, the boat would have swamped, and probably all hands in her been drowned. The Queen of the Avon brings 8 cabin, 13 second cabin, and about 110 steerage passengers, half of whom were bound for Nelson."

Within a month of her arrival on 25 Aug 1859 Margaret Bisgrove married Jacob Russ at Trinity Church, Richmond, New Zealand.

Trinity Anglican Church, Richmond, New Zealand

Jacob and Margaret Russ settled in Waimea West with Margaret's son, now named William Russ, and Margaret gave birth to five more children; Jane Russ 1862, James Russ 1863, Harry Russ 1865, Ellen Russ 1868 and Emma Bertha Russ 1869. Three weeks after giving birth to Emma Bertha Russ, Margaret Russ nee Bisgrove died on 28 April 1869 at Nelson aged 38.

 

Baby Emma Russ (known as Bertha) was only a few weeks old when her mother died. Jacob must have found it hard to cope with his young family, and as a result, Bertha was raised by his brother Job Russ and his wife, Elizabeth. Eight years later, on 21 Aug 1877, Jacob married the recently widowed Catherine Annie Burnett nee Ball (1852-1932) at Nelson and had two more children.

Plaque commemorating the Russ pioneers

Locally, the Russ family are known as pioneers of the area and Margaret's role in the family is acknowledged on a memorial plaque. The family had a reunion in 1987 and the plaque was laid at Dovedale Cemetery, Tasman, New Zealand. It reads, “In memory of the Russ pioneers, East Lambrook, Somerset. Jacob 1834-1881 Margaret née Bisgrove 1832-1869, buried at Richmond. Catherine Burnett née Ball 1852-1932. The plaque was placed here after the Russ family reunion 21-23 Aug 1987”.

93.13 Frederick Bisgrove (1834-1834)

Frederick was born in Burrow, KE and baptised on 13 Feb 1834 at KE and died in 1834 as an infant.

93.14 Betsey Bisgrove (1835-1836)

Betsey was born in Burrow and baptised on 18 Oct 1835 at K.E. She died the following year aged 1.

93.15 Betsy Bisgrove (1837-1887)

After their previous baby named Betsy died, Ann Bisgrove nee Trott, now in her mid 40’s must have thought her baby days were over. To her and George’s surprise though, at the age of 44 Ann had twins. They chose to name the babies Betsy and Frederick, after their previous children, who had died as infants. Betsy and her twin brother were baptised on 30 Jun 1837. In 1841 the family consisted of parents GGGGP George 50 and Ann 50 and children Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13, Margaret 9 and twins Betsy and Frederick 4.

In 1851 the census listed them at West Moor, KE living with their widowed mother GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott 53. Children in the house at that time were Charles Bisgrove 21, Margaret Bisgrove 18, married brother John Bisgrove 37, Betsy Bisgrove 13 and Fredrick Bisgrove 13. Living with them was their uncle Isaac Trott 66 (GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott’s brother; see 99.4).

On 16 Sept 1856, Betsy 19, married a distant cousin Edward Bisgrove 24, son of John Bisgrove b1796 KE and Hannah Banbury of Burrow Way, KE. Neither Edward nor Betsy were able to sign the registration and witnesses were Henry and Ann Eves. In 1861 Edward 28 ag lab and Betsy 23 glover were living at Lower Burrow, KE with their children George Bisgrove 4 and Eliza Bisgrove 2. By 1871 they had moved 4 miles to Drayton, Curry Rivel and the family members listed were the same, apart from the fact that they had aged 10 years as follows; Edward Bisgrove 39 ag lab, Betsy Bisgrove 36, George Bisgrove 15 ag lab and Eliza Bisgrove 13, a very young agricultural labourer!

In the 1870’s, with her child bearing days coming to an end, Betsy gave birth to three more children and they moved 4 miles to Church Path, Aller. Betsy was 41 when she had her last child. In 1881 the family were living at Church Path, Aller and consisted of Edward Bisgrove 51 ag lab, Betsy Bisgrove 46 (really 44), William Bisgrove 7 scholar, James Bisgrove 5 scholar and Jane Bisgrove 2.

Burials Curry Rivel, Drayton 1887

Betsy Bisgrove nee Bisgrove died in 1887 aged 50. Edward spent the rest of his life living in Curry Rivel.

Census 1891 Curry Rivel

In 1891 the widowed Edward 59 was living with James Bisgrove 15 (b1876 Aller) and Edward Bisgrove 7 (b1884 Aller) at Portfield, Curry Rivel. Strangely, the census listed the boys as nephews, when in actual fact James Bisgove was Edward's youngest son. The family's neighbours were Adolphus Parsons 34 (son-in-law, b1857 Drayton Somerset), Eliza Parsons nee Bisgrove 33 (Edward's daughter, b1858 KE), Jane Bisgrove (Edward's youngest daughter, b1878 Drayton) and Emma Parsons (Edward's granddaughter b1888 Curry Rivel). The reason Edward's children were split between the two adjacent houses was that Edward's house only had two rooms and as a teenager, daughter Jane, may have not wanted to share a room with her 15 year old brother. As her older sister lived next door, residing there was a sensible solution.

The family was in the same location at the turn of the century in 1901. Edward 69 was still listed as an agricultural labourer and was residing with daughter Jane Bisgrove 23 who was listed as a 'willow peeler' (for weaving cane baskets). They were still living next to married daughter Eliza Parsons nee Bisgrove 43 whose son Edward Parsons 16 was a basket maker.

Census 1911 Curry Rivel

In the 1911 census Edward, a widower aged 79, still listed his occupation as a farm labourer. He was living with widow Letitia Bisgrove 53.Interestingly, Edward added his signature to the census papers in 1911, but was unable to do so when he married at the age of 24 in 1856.

Edward Bisgrove died on 5 Mar 1924 at Westover, Curry Rivel and in his will left effects valued at £93. Probate was granted to oldest son George Bisgrove.

NOTE: Although the chronology above fits quite well, there are two facts that are a puzzle. The first is that Edward was unable to sign his name in 1856, but able to do so in 1911. Perhaps one of his children filled the form in! The second is the gap between children between 1858 and 1872. Betsy had two children in quick succession after her marriage and then there was a gap of fourteen years before she had another six children in quick succession. This child bearing pattern is very unusual, but may have been a result of series of miscarriages!

93.16 Frederick Bisgrove (1837-1924)
Frederick Bisgrove was a twin (brother of Betsy; see above for baptism reg) born to Ann Bisgrove nee Trott in her mid 40’s at West Moor. As with his twin sister, Frederick was given the same name as a deceased sibling (his older brother who had died as an infant in 1834). Frederick and his twin sister Betsy were baptised on 30 Jun 1837. In 1841 they were living with their family George 50, Ann 50, Isaac 19, Robert 15, Charles 13 and Margaret 9 at Palmers End, KE.

In 1851 the census listed the twins living at West Moor, KE with their widowed mother GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott 53. Children in the house at that time were Charles Bisgrove 21, Margaret Bisgrove 18, married brother John Bisgrove 37, Betsy Bisgrove 13 and Fredrick Bisgrove 13. Also living with them was their uncle Isaac Trott 66 (GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott’s widowed brother; see 99.4)

In 1861 Frederick Bisgrove 24 was the only child still at the Palmers End home with his widowed mother GGGGM (Ann) Nancy Bisgrove nee Trott 68. Also living with them was Ann’s unmarried nephew William Trott 40 'glover of leather'.

Frederick 28 married Ann Reed 28 in Jul 1865 and as with his twin sister, neither he nor Ann, were able to sign their names. Also like his sister, he had members of the Eves family (Elizabeth and Henry Eves) as witnesses at his wedding. Frederick and Ann moved into a home just down the road at Bladon Way (less than 1 mile).

Frederick was missing from the 1871 census, but was presumably away working in another location. His wife, Ann Bisgrove nee Reed 33, glover, was living at Bladon, KE with four children; Mary Jane Bisgrove 12, William Bisgrove 4, Jacob Bisgrove 3 and John Bisgrove 11 months. The eldest child, Mary Jane, was listed as being 12, which means she was born in 1859 six years prior to the marriage of Frederick and Ann when both Frederick and Ann were 22. The 1911 census confirms that Frederick did have seven children during his relatonship with Ann Bisgrove nee Reed

1881 Census, Stembridge, Kingsbury Episcopi

By 1881 Frederick and Ann had moved to Stembridge, Kingsbury Episcopi, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Frederick Bisgrove 45 ag lab and Ann Bisgrove 43 had six children living with them, who were William Bisgrove 14 ag lab, Jacob Bisgrove 13 ag lab, John Bisgrove 11, Gilbert Bisgrove 6, Samuel Bisgrove 4 and James Bisgrove 1. Ann’s mother Rebecca Reed 74, widowed glover, was also living with them.

Over the next few years their six sons married and left home (See below). In 1891 The Bisgrove household consisted of Frederick Bisgrove 55 ag lab, Ann Bisgrove 53, Gilbert Bisgrove 16 ag lab, Samuel Bisgrove 14, ag lab and James Bisgrove 11 living at home. By 1901 all the children had gone, leaving Frederick Bisgrove 62 ag lab and Ann Bisgrove 62.

1911 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

In early 1911 Frederick's wife Ann Bisgrove nee Reed died and in that year’s census, Frederick Bisgrove was listed as a widower living alone as an old age pensioner. The census tells us that Frederick and Ann had seven children, but only their six sons were still alive at that time. Like his brother-in-law Edward above (See 93.15), Frederick was unable to sign his name, when he was married in 1865, but he filled in and signed the census of 1911 in a very neat and steady hand. Perhaps someone else filled in his census form too!

Frederick Bisgrove died on 23 Feb 1924 and was buried at St Martin's graveyard, KE, with his wife Ann Bisgrove nee Reed.

93.16a Seven Children of Frederick Bisgrove (1837-1924) & Ann Reed (1837-1911) & One Other Daughter
(Most of this information comes from the Holley Family Tree on Ancestry.com written by 'chross53')
According to the 1911 census, Frederick and Ann had seven children; one daughter and seven boys. The six sons were born in the marriage but eldest sister Mary Jane, was born six years prior to Frederick and Ann's marriage. Frederick was 22 at the time of  the birth of his daughter Mary Jane, but acknowledged her as his daughteer in the 1911 census.

All six sons migrated to New York State in the U.S., mostly living and working in industries located in the vicinity of Schenectady (about 160 miles north of Manhattan). Most of the sons married, had families and died in the U.S.

i) Mary Jane Bisgrove (1859-1902)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1859

Mary Jane Bisgrove/Reed was born out of wedlock six years before the marriage of Frederick and Ann. Her baptism record above tells us that Mary Jane Reed was born to spinster Ann Reed and baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi on 9 Jan 1859. Frederick fathered her when he was 22, and she took his surname after her parent's marriage. In 1871 Mary Jane was living with her mother and half brothers. In 1881 Mary Jane Bisgrove was working as a servant in Croydon and she married James Budd in Lambeth in 1886. The couple settled in Lambeth and Mary Jane Budd nee Bisgrove/Reed died in 1902.

ii) William Bisgrove (1866-1944)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1866

William Bisgrove was baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 9 Sep 1866. Eldest son William Bisgrove, was the second of his family to migrate to the US. He sailed to the New York in 1887 on the ship 'Britannia'.and a few months later married Ellen Russ, who had been born in Kingsbury Episopi, but had migrated to America at the age of one in 1870 with her family. They had four children and spent the rest of their lives in the U.S. William's occupation varied from rivetter, boilermaker to caretaker. William became a US citizen prior to 1915 (see brother Samuel's passport application.)

William's wife Ellen Bisgrove nee Russ died in 1936 and William Bisgrove died in 1944. They were buried together at Schenactady Cemetery, New York,

iii) Jacob Bisgrove (1868-1952)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1868

Jacob  Bisgrove was baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 8 Mar 1868. At the age of 19 in 1886 son Jacob Bisgrove, clerk, was the first of his family to migrate to New York. He married a Kingsbury girl named Mary Needs who arrived the following year, and they had two children.

Jacob Bisgrove & 2 children return to UK in 1892

When wife Mary died at the age of 24 in 1892, Jacob returned to the UK with his two young children. However, by the end of that year he returned to the US and in 1893 married the sister of brother William's wife (Ellen Russ), Thurza Russ and had two more children by her. He worked as a labourer and blacksmith for the General Electric Company in Niskayuna, New York for over 25 years until his retirement in 1930. He was also a founder of the Eastern Parkway Methodist Church.

Schenectady Gazette, New York, USA 25 Oct 1952

 Jacob Bisgrove 84, died in 1952.  He was survived by son Ernest Bisgrove, a married daughter and two of his brothers Samuel Bisgrove of Niskayuna and James Bisgrove of Rochester.

iv) John Bisgrove (1870-1935)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1870

John Bisgrove was baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 12 Jan  1870. In the early 1890's he sailed to New York and lived wih brother Jacob for a while. In 1892  John Bisgrove was living in America with older brother Jacob and his family. However, unlike most of his brothers he returned to KE in 1893 and lived the rest of his life in Kingsbury Episcopi. In 1895 he married Sarah Ann Pittard,

1901 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

In 1901 John, wife Sarah Ann and daughter Elizabeth were living at Higher Burrow, KE. They were still there in 1911 but the family had grown to include son Frederick James Bisgrove b1905. At this census John indicated that he and his wife had two children born in their marriage and both were still alive.

Sarah Ann Bisgrove nee Pittard died on 8 Jul 1935 and John Bisgrove died twelve days later. They were buried together at Kingsbury Episcopi.

v) Gilbert Bisgrove (1874-1949)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1874

Gilbert Bisgrove was baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 13 Dec 1874. At the age of 18, fourth son Gilbert Bisgrove, travelled to America and married Mary Rockenstire in 1898. In 1918, Gilbert 44, was registered for the US Army Draft. His birthdate was listed as 25 Aug 1874, his occupation was boilermaker and his wife was listed as Mary Bisgrove. Fortunately the war ended soon after. He was a rivetter and worked in the US until 1919. In Jan of that year his wife died and Gilbert returned to Somerset. He married his second wife Mabel Lane in Dec 1819. There were no known children from either of his marriages.

In 1839 Gilbert was listed as living at Westport with his wife. The document records his birth date as 25 Aug 1874.

Gilbert died at the age of 75 on 28 Aug 1949 at Curry Rivel and probate was granted to his widow Mabel Bisgrove nee Lane.

vi) Samuel Bisgrove (1876-1958)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1877

Samuel Bisgrove was born in Nov 1876 (from passport) and baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 18 May 1877. He married Bessie Grinter in Somerset in 1898. They moved to New York in Sep 1903 (from passport application), where Samuel became a boilermaker like his brothers. Samuel and Bessie had six children. Samuel became a US citizen in 1913. This application was witnessed by brother William and tells us that Samuel was quite tall at 6 foot.

Samuel Bisgrove passport photo c1915

Although they lived the rest of their lives in the U.S., they made at least two trips back to Somerset to visit their relatives including a trip in 1915 with the expressed purpose of visiting his father (his mother was deceased). The second trip was in 1936.

Samuel Bisgrove died on the 3 Jun 1958 and was buried at Vale Cemetery, Schenectady, New York next to his wife who had died 14 years earlier in 1944.

vii) James Frederick Bisgrove (1879-1959)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1880: James was born 29 May 1879

James Bisgrove was baptised by Frederick and Ann Bisgrove nee Reed in Kingsbury Episcopi on 9 May 1880, but was born a year earlier on 29 May 1879. He was the last born of his mother's six sons and she was 42 when he was born.

Marriage Registration New York 10 Jan 1910

James Bisgrove married Josephine Goodspeed. in 1910 The marriage registration above includes many details about the couple. Interestingly, the first descriptive characteristic (and as such presumably regarded as important) is the colour of their skin! Like most of his brothers he spent the rest of his life in New York State and the marriage produced two daughters.

James Frederick Bisgrove Obituary

James Frederick Bisgrove died at the age of 80 on 16 Nov 1959. From his obituary we learn that James became a lay preacher as a young man in England, and after he migrated to the US in 1899 gained his formal qualifications in theology. During his working life he worked in many of New York State's Methodist Churches until his retirement. James was survived by his wife Josephine and one of his two daughters.

94.0 Early Bisgrove Ancestors
As there are very few records available, there is much less information about this generation of ancestors and the chance of errors is increased. GGGGF George Bisgrove b1790 was the son of GGGGGP Joseph Bisgrove and Margaret Knight (see 95.2)

No baptism record has been found for Joseph, but he is believed to have been born to GGGGGGP Robert b1731 and Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Denham in the 1750's near Muchelney (3 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi (see 94.3 for baptism of Joseph's brother Robert Bisgrove).

Bisgrove Burials Muchelney 1730

There were many Bisgroves living in Muchelney in the early 1700's. Evidence of the number of Bisgroves living in the area can be seen in the burial record for 1730, when there were three Bisgrove burials (William, Margaret and Robert) at Muchelney in Mar, Apr and May. The latter one, buried on 31 May 1730, may have been a brother to Robert Bisgrove b1731.

94.1 GGGGGGP Robert Bisgrove (1731-?) & Elizabeth Denmam (1732-1785)

Baptisms 1731 Muchelney

Robert Bisgrove was probably baptised at Muchelney (3 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi) on 21 Mar 1731 by parents GGGGGGGP Richard and Jane/Joan Bisgrove. At some stage Robert moved 5 miles to Martock and met his future wife Elizabeth.

Baptisms Curry Rivel 1732

Elizabeth Denman was baptised in Curry Rivel (7 miles from Martock and 3 from Muchelney) on 11 Aug 1732. Her parents were GGGGGGGP John and Elizabeth Denman.

Marriages South Petherton 5 May 1752 Robertus Bisgrove de Martock married Elizabethan Denman de Eadem

Robert Bisgrove 21 of Martock married Elizabeth Denham 20 "of Eadem" [Easten?]  on 5 May 1752. The marriage took place at South Petherton. Elizabeth may have been living in the hamlet of Easten, which is over 20 miles north of Martock, or more likely, her listed residence may have been a local farm named 'Eadem'.

Baptisms Martock 1753: John Bisgrove, son of Robert & Betty Bisgrove

Baptisms Martock 1755: Mary Bisgrove daughter of Robt & Eliz Bisgrove

After their marriage GGGGGGP Robert and Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Denham settled at Martock and had two known children; John Bisgrove b1753 Martock and Mary Bisgrove b1755 Martock. They may have also had two more sons born 3 miles away in Kingsbury Episcopi; Robert Bisgrove 1756-1826 and Joseph Bisgrove 1757-1897, but no baptism registrations have been found for these latter two. It seems Robert and Elizabeth Bisgrove nee Denman lived in Kingsbury Episcopi for the rest of their lives. No death registration has been found for Robert b1731.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1785

GGGGGGM Elizabeth/Betty Bisgrove nee Denham died in 1785 aged 53 and was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 7 Dec 1785.

94.2 GGGGGGGP Richard Bisgrove (c1710-1771) & Jane/Joan Unknown (c1710-1786)

NOTE: Their surname was often spelt 'Bosgrove')

Going by the birth years of their children Richard and Joan were married about 1730 in the area near Muchelney. They had seven known children; Robert Bisgrove 1730/1731, John Bisgrove 1732, Richard Bisgrove 1736, George Bisgrove 1738-1740, Ann Bisgrove 1739-1749, Betty Bisgrove 1743 and Joan Bisgrove 1745.

Burials 1771 Muchelney

Richard Bisgrove died in 1771 and was buried at Muchelney on 14 Jul 1771. Two weeks earlier a relative (possibly his adult son), John Bisgrove, was also buried.

Burials Muchelney 1786

GGGGGGGM Joan Bisgrove died in 1786 and was buried at Muchelney on 23 Apr 1786.

94.3 Robert Bisgrove (c1756-1826) & Ann Priddle
Robert is believed to have been born in the mid 1750's (from death registration) in Somerset, but his parents are unconfirmed. He may have been the son of GGGGGGP Robert Bisgrove of Martock and Elizabeth Denham of Easton, who were married on 5 May 1752 at South Petherton.

On 13 Nov 1784 Robert Bisgrove married Ann Priddle at Kingsbury Episcopi. Robert's brother Joseph was a witness. Robert and Ann Bisgrove had eight known children; William Besgrove 1787-1814, Robert Besgrove 1788-1829, Edward Besgrove, 1790-1856, Hannah Besgrove 1793-1862, John Besgrove 1796-1873, Elizabeth "Betty" Besgrove 1798-1873, Charles Besgrove 1799-1805, Annie Besgrove 1804-1804 and Charles Besgrove 1805-1851. All were baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi.

Burrow Land Tax 1798 Robert Bisgrove & Margaret Bisgrove

In 1798 Robert Bisgrove was listed as the owner and occupier of land in Burrow, on the outskirts of Kingsbury Episcopi. Also listed was Margaret Bisgrove, but she was not likely to have been Robert's sister-in-law as her husband Joseph was still alive.

Ann Bisgrove nee Priddle died at home in Burrow in 1824 and was buried on 29 Jun 1824 at the age of 59.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1826

Robert Bisgrove aged 70 died in 1826 and was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 13 Aug 1826.

94.3a John Bisgrove (1795-1873)

John Bisgrove was the fifth child of Robert and Ann Bisgrove nee Priddle. He was baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi on 10 Jan 1796, but probably born in 1795.

At the age of 21 John married Hannah Bambury on 13 Jul 1816. John and Hannah five had known children; Isaac Besgrove 1818-1889, Charlotte Besgrove 1823-1825, Charlotte Besgrove 1828-1875,  Edward Besgrove 1832-1924 and John Besgrove 1836-?

Son Edward Bisgrove married his cousin Betsy Bisgrove (from our Bisgrove line) in 1856. See 93.16 for more details about his life and family.

94.4 GGGGGP Joseph Bisgrove (c1757-1807) & Margaret Knight (1762-1826) 
Joseph is believed to have been born in the 1750's in Somerset, but his parents are unconfirmed. He may have been the son of  Robert Bisgrove of Martock and Elizabeth Denham of Easton who were married on 5 May 1752 at South Petherton.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1784: Joseph Bisgrove was a witness at brother Robert's wedding

The earliest record relating to Joseph c1755, is his brother Robert's marriage registration (above). Joseph was a witness at the wedding, but did not sign his name.

No reliable baptism registration has been found for either Joseph or his brother. Their family may have moved to Kingsbury Episcopi from elsewhere, when the men were young. Robert was born c1756 (from death reg).

Margaret Knight's age on her death registration suggests her birth year was 1756, but the baptism registration below suggests she may have been born in Kingsbury Episcopi in 1762 and that would explain her marriage at that location.

Baptisms 1762 Kingsbury Episcopi: Unnamed Daughter of William & Elizabeth Knight was baptised May 23 1762

There is a baptism record of a daughter born to William and Elizabeth Knight baptised on 23 May 1762 in Kingsbury Episcopi. Unfortunately the forename is unreadable, but this could well be GGGGGM Margaret Knight. The fact that William and Elizabeth (Betty) also had a son named Joseph, supports this contention. Joseph Knight was a witness at Margaret's wedding (see below), which occurred in her home town.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 8 Nov 1779

Joseph Bisgrove, a labourer married a young Margaret Knight 17 on 8 Nov 1779 at Kingsbury Episcopi. One of the witnesses was Margaret's older brother Joseph Knight b1760 (see 97.2). There was another marriage held that day and Joseph Knight acted as a witness for that union too. No members of either family were able to sign their names.

Joseph and Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight are thought to have had at least three children; all baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi. They were Maria Bisgrove and GGGGF George Bisgrove both baptised in 1790 and Margaret Bisgrove baptised in 1792. Although their first two children were baptised at the same time, they may not have been twins. There was at least one other baptism for two children of the same family on the same day and on that occasion the label "twins" was recorded. In the Bisgrove case, one of the children may have been born a few years earlier and Joseph and Margaret may not have got round to baptising them.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1807

GGGGGF Joseph Bisgrove died on 20 May 1807 at KE and was buried on 22 May. He was probably in his fifties. A note on the burial registration appears to say "by sudden death".

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1826

Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight aged 70 (really 64) died in 1826 and was buried at Kingsbury, Somerset on 8 Feb 1826 .

95.0 Three children of GGGGGP Joseph Bisgrove (c1755-1807) & Margaret Knight (1762-1826)

Joseph and Margaret had at least three children, but probably more, as their eldest son was born ten years after their marriage.

95.1 Maria Bisgrove (1790-?)

Maria Bisgrove was baptised on 16 May 1790 at Kingsbury Episcopi by her parents Joseph and Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight. (See below). Her brother George was baptised at the same time so presumably he was her twin.

95.2 GGGGF George Bisgrove (1790-1848)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1790: Maria & George May 16

George Bisgrove was baptised on 16 May 1790 at Kingsbury Episcopi by his parents Joseph and Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight. His sister Maria was baptised at the same time, so she may have been his twin. Eldest son GGGGF George Bisgrove  married GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott and in contrast to his parents, they went on to have sixteen children (including one set of twins)! For more about his married life see 92.0.

95.3 Margaret Bisgrove (1792-1824)

The third and final known child was Margaret Bisgrove who was baptised on 2 Sep 1792 at KE. Margaret died in 1824 at the age of 32 and was buried at St Martin's KE on 7 Mar 1824. There were no known children.

96.0 The Knight Family
Our Knight relatives were living in Kingsbury Episcopi in the mid 1700's, but as there were no Knights listed earlier they must have moved there from elsewhere.

96.1 GGGGGM Margaret Knight (1762-1826)
GGGGGM Margaret Knight was probably born Kingsbury Episcopi in 1762 to parents William and Elizabeth Knight. At the age of 17, she married Joseph Bisgrove in 1779 and they had at least three children. For more information see 94.4.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1826

GGGGGM Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight died at the age of 70 (really 64) in 1826 (two years after her youngest daughter) and was buried in Kingsbury on 8 Feb 1826. For more about her married life see below.

96.2 John Knight (1723-1801) & Mary Taylor 

(Relationship to 'our' Knights not known)

Baptisms 1755 Martock

Some family histories list GGGGGM Margaret Knight as being born in Martock in 1755, with her parents being John and Mary Knight nee Taylor. However this scenario is unlikely, as is explained below.

John and Mary Knight had seven known children; Anne Knight 1751-?, John Knight 1753-?, Margaret Knight later Oliver 1755-?, Charles Knight 1759-?, Thomas Knight 1762-? and Robert Knight 1767-1770.

Burials Martock 27 Jul 1801: Farmer John Knight was buried aged 73 or 78.

John Knight died in 1801 and was buried at Martock on 27 Jul 1801. The record lists his age as either 73 or 78, but a comparison of other numbers on the page, reveals his age was most likely 78 (born 1723)

96.2a Daughter Margaret Knight b1755 (relationship to 'our' Knights not known)
As explained above, there is a baptism record listing the birth of Margaret Knight in Martock in 1755.

Margaret Knight b1755, a spinster aged 19, married Thomas Oliver bachelor in Martock in 1774. Both parties signed their names and both were from the parish of Martock. Other reasons that this Margaret was probably not our relation, were that 'our' Margaret was listed as a parishioner of Kingsbury at her marriage and that Joseph Knight was a witness at GGGGGM Margaret's wedding. Margaret b1762 had a brother named Joseph, but Margaret b1755 did not.

96.3 GGGGGGP William Knight (c1730-?) & Elizabeth (Betty) Unknown (c1730-1798)

Going by the birth years of their children, William and Elizabeth would have been born c1730 and married c1754, but no baptism or marriage registrations have been found in the Kingsbury Episopi records. There is a marriage registration 7 miles away at Dowlish Wake for William Knight (b1724) and Elizabeth Simmons on 4 Jun 1750, but as this was five years before the birth of their first child, this is unlikely to be them.

GGGGGGP William and Elizabeth (Betty) Knight had the following six children; William Knight b1755, Joseph Knight 1760, GGGGGM Margaret? Knight 1762, Elizabeth Knight 1764, Priscilla Knight 1764 and John Knight 1768. All were baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi. The reason for the query in the previous sentence is that I have assumed Margaret was baptised in 1762, but in actual fact the 1862 baptism record did not include a Christian name (see below)

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1798

GGGGGGM Elizabeth (Betty) Knight c1730 was probably buried on 5 Aug 1798 at Kingsbury Episcopi. This was just six months after the death of son John (see below) and she would have been in her sixties. GGGGGGF William Knight's year of death is unknown

97.0 Six Children of  GGGGGGP William & Elizabeth (Betty) Knight nee Unknown
Five of the six children seemed to have died at a relatively young age. Only GGGGGM Margaret Bisgrove nee Knight survived to her sixties.

97.1 William Knight (1755-1792)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1755: Dec 11, Wm Knight S of Wm & Eliz Knight

William Knight was baptised by his parents at Kingsbury Episcopi on 11 Dec 1755. As the first born son, he was named after his father. No marriage record has been found, but William may have been buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 30 Sep 1792 at the age of 37.

97.2 Joseph Knight (1760-1803)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1760

Joseph Knight was baptised on 21 Apr by William and Betty Knight at Kingsbury Episcopi.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1785: Joseph Knight married Joan Edwards 29 Mar 1785

Joseph Knight 25 married Joan Edwards at Kingsbury Episcopi on 29 Mar 1785. Neither party signed their names. Joseph and Joan had the following seven children Elizabeth Knight 6 Dec 1785, Charlotte Knight 1791, James Knight 1794, Joseph Knight 1797-1803, William Knight 1799, Joan Knight 1801 and Ann Knight 1803. All were baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi.

Joseph seemed to be popular as a witness at marriages in Kingsbury Episcopi. He was a witness in
21 Feb 1776 at the publishing of Banns for the wedding of Ann Knight (probably a cousin) to Richard Meal (Male) and then in 1779 he was a witness at sister Margaret's wedding.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1803

In 1803 a great tragedy befell Joseph and his family; whether by illness or accident we do not know. On 30 Nov, Joan (wife of Joseph Knight was buried), then two weeks later Joseph 43 and his son Joseph 6 were also buried.

97.3 GGGGGM Margaret Knight (1762-1826)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1762. Unnamed daughter of William & Elizabeth Knight

In the baptism record above, the baby's Christian name is obscured. I am assuming it is the record for Margaret Knight, but of course this is a guess. See 96.1 for more information about Margaret's life.

97.4 Elizabeth Knight (1764-1786)
Elizabeth Knight was baptised by her parents on 15 Oct 1764. Her sister Priscilla was baptised two months later (see baptism entry below). Although their parents had the same Christian names, the two girls may have been born to different parents.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi Elizabeth Knight buried Oct 15, 1786

Elizabeth Knight died in 1786 and was buried on 15 Oct 1786 at Kingsbury Episcopi. There is no mention of her being the wife of anyone, which was common practice in burial records, so this was likely to have been the unmarried Elizabeth Knight aged 22.

97.5 Priscilla Knight (1764-1780) Possibly not a daughter

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi: Elizabeth (top) & Priscilla (bottom) baptised in 1764

Priscilla was baptised on  9 Dec., two months after her sister Elizabeth (see above). This was very unusual and there could be a number of explanations. I tend to believe that either the girls were twins and Priscilla may have been too ill to baptise at the same time as her sister, or more likely, the minister recorded the parent's surnames wrongly. There was a Priscilla Porter who was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 7 May 1780, but no baptism record for her can be found. The fact that the name Priscilla was fairly rare and doesn't occur elsewhere in our family tree supports this contention.

97.6 John Knight (1768-1798)

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi Feb 1768

John Knight was baptised by his parents on 9 Feb 1768. There is a marriage record for John Knight, sojourner, marrying Ann Rayman at Thorne St Margaret (25 miles from KE) in 1789. The fact that John was a sojourner (travelling worker) makes it possible that this was John b1768 in KE. He would have been 21 years old. Interestingly around half the marrriages at this time in the hamlet of St Margaret were between local girls and men who were "sojourners". Perhaps there was influx of workers to help build a new church or some other infrastructure! There is another marriage record for John Knight marrying Alice Miles in Podymore Milton on 1793 which was only 10 miles from KE. We do not know if one of these men was 'our' John.

A John Knight seems to have died in his thirties and was buried in Kingsbury Episcopi on 7 Feb 1798 or on 31 Jan 1800. No more is known about John Knight.

98.0 GGGGGP William Trott (1741-1835) & Mary Sherrod (1753-1820)

Baptisms Muchelney 1741

William Trott was baptised by his parents GGGGGGP William and Mary Trott on 3 Jun 1741 at Muchelney.

Mary Sherrod was baptised by her parents GGGGGGP Isaac and Angel Sherrod on 29 Jan 1752

Marriages Muchelney 1773

At the age of 32, William Trott married Mary Sherrod 20 in Muchelney on 20 Oct 1773. William signed his name but Mary made her mark. One of the witnesses was Mary Trott, who also signed her name, and may have been William's sister. Mary Trott was also a witness at a wedding the week before, when Betty Sherrod married John Grinham. Betty Sherrod may have been GGGGGM Mary Sherrod's sister.

After their marriage, they settled in Muchelney (about 3 miles from KE), where their six children; were born; William Trott b1775 and John Trott b1777, Thomas Trott b1783, Isaac Trott 1786, Mary Trott b1787 and GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott b1790.

GGGGGM Mary Trott nee Sherrod aged 69 died in Muchelney on 6 Feb 1820. After he lost his wife it seems that GGGGGF William Trott moved to nearby Kingsbury Episcopi (probably to be close to his married children).

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1835

GGGGGF William Trott died at the grand old age of 95 in 1835. He was buried at KE, on 4 Oct 1835.

99.0 Six Children of  GGGGGP William Trott (1741-1835) & Mary Sherrod (1753-1820)
After their marriage, GGGGGP William and Mary Trott nee Sherrod settled in Muchelney, where their six children were born; William Trott b1775, John Trott b1777, Thomas Trott b1781, Isaac Trott 1783, Mary Trott b1787 and GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott b1793. GGGGGM Mary Trott nee Sherrod was forty in 1793, when she had her last child.

99.1 William Trott (1775-?)

Baptisms Muchelney 1775

William was born in 1775 and baptised in Muchelney on 14 May 1775. No more is known about William

99.2 John Trott (1777-1856)

Baptisms Muchelney 1777

John was born in 1777 and baptised in Muchelney on 29 Jun 1777.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1803

John became a carpenter and at the age of 26 on 22 Nov 1803 married Mary Priddle at Kingsbury Episcopi. Two of Mary's siblings were witnesses. Mary and her siblings signed their names, but John made his mark. John and Mary settled in Lopen and had seven children; Keziah Trott 1804-1885, Job Trott 1806-1853,  Lydia Trott 1809-1889, John Trott 1810-1893, Jacob Trott 1812-1867, Thomas Priddle Trott 1814-1868 and Sophia Trott 1816-? In 1819 Mary Trott nee Priddle died leaving John a widower with seven children under the age of 15.

Marriages Lopen 1832

Twelve years later John Trott, widower, married for the second time. At the age of 55, on 12 Jun 1832, John married Ann Dodge 31 spinster at Lopen, Somerset. Ann signed her name, but John made his mark.

Poll Book Lopen 1834

By 1834 John was listed in the Poll Book of Lopen as the proprietor of  a number of houses which were leased to tenants, so he was quite well off.

1841 Census Lopen

1851 Census Lopen

The censuses of 1841 and 1851 indicate John and Ann lived in Lopen up until John’s death in 1856. In 1841 they had a live-in female servant living with them.

John died at the age of 79 and was buried at All Saints Church, Lopen, Somerset on 17 Nov 1856. In 1861 the widowed Ann Trott nee Dodge 77 (b1801 Crewkerne) was living with the Glover family in Lopen and was described as a "proprietor of houses", which indicates that she was reasonably well off. Ann died at Lopen on the 19 May 1861. Probate was granted to son John Trott b1810, ironmonger of Battersea, on 5 Oct 1861 with effects valued at under £100.

99.3 Thomas Trott (1781-1840)

Baptisms Muchelney 1781

Thomas was baptised by William and Mary Trott nee Sherrod on 4 Mar 1781 at Muchelney. There is no record of him marrying and there are no known children. It seems Thomas moved five miles to West Petherton and lived there for most of his life. In 1806 Thomas was a witness at younger sister Mary's wedding.

Burials 1840 West Petherton

Thomas Trott died at the age of 59 and was buried in West Petherton on 7 Feb 1840.

99.4 Isaac Trott (1783-1858)

Isaac was baptised by William and Mary Trott nee Sherrod on 25 Dec 1783 at Muchelney. He was named after his grandfather.

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1806

At the age of  23 on 20 May 1806, Isaac Trott, husbandman, married Mary Ann Needs 24 at nearby Kingsbury Episcopi. A witness at the wedding was older brother John Trott. None of them signed their names. Isaac and Mary went on to have thirteen children; Thomas Trott 1807, Ann Trott 1809, Ann Trott 1811, Charlotte Trott 1812, Mary Trott 1813, Elizabeth Trott 1816, Jane Trott 1818,William Trott 1820, Isaac Trott 1822, Jane Trott 1825, John Trott 1827, Job Trott 1832 and Susanna Trott 1833. All children were baptised at Kingsbury Episcopi, which indicates that that was where the family lived after the marriage.

1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

By 1841 Isaac’s occupation was listed as ‘boatman’ and the family was living in Silver St, KE. Most of the older children had left home, leaving Isaac Trott 55 (really 57), Mary Trott nee Needs 60, Ann Trott 29, William Trott 15, Isaac Trott 15, Jane Trott 15, John Trott 12, Job Trott 9 and Susanna Trott 8. Mary Ann Trott nee Needs died in 1849. In 1851 the widowed Isaac Trott 66 (really 67) was living with his sister GGGGM Ann Bisgrove nee Trott at West Moor.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1858

Isaac Trott died in 1858 aged 77 (really 74) at West Moor, and was buried at St Martin's in KE on 10 Mar 1858.

99.5 Mary Trott (1787-1864)

Baptisms Muchelney 1787

Mary was baptised in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Muchelney on 15 Jul 1787. 

Marriages Kingsbury Episcopi 1806

At the age of 19 on 13 Oct 1806 Mary Trott married Edward Allen, husbandman at Kingsbury Episcopi. Brother Thomas Trott was one of the witnesses. None of the party signed their names.

1841 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

Mary and Edward had eight children; all baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi. In 1841 the family was living in Silver St, KE, not far from brother Isaac and his family. Three children were still living at home.

1851 Census Kingsbury Episcopi

Mary and Edward were living in the same location in 1851, and sharing their house with married daughter Ann Harvey and her family. Mary's husband died in 1860 and the following year Mary Allen nee Trott widow was living alone in KE.

Burials Kingsbury Episcopi 1864

Mary Allen nee Trott died at the age of 80 at her residence in Burrow and was buried at Kingsbury Episcopi on 30 Jul 1864.

 

99.6 GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott (1793-1869)

GGGGM Ann was born in Muchelney in 1793 and was the last of GGGGGP William Trott (1741-1835) and Mary Sherod’s children. She married GGGGF George Bisgrove in 1813. They had sixteen children including GGGF Jacob Bisgrove, who brought his line of the Bisgrove family to Australia in 1849. See 92.0 for more information about GGGGM Ann (Nancy) Trott (1793-1869) and her married life.

100.0 Ancestors of GGGGGP William Trott (1741-1835) & Mary Sherrod (1753-1820)

There are records of the Trott family in the Muchelney area in the 1600's, so it appears that is where they originated.

100.1 GGGGGGP William Trott (1707-1766) & Mary Unknown (c1710-1744)

GGGGGF William Trott was born to William and Mary Trott in 1741. No baptism or marriage registrations have been found for GGGGGGF William Trott or his future wife Mary Unknown. However we know he was born around 1707, because of the age given on his memorial stone (see below). Going by the birth dates of their four known children, William would have married Mary Unknown around 1730; probably in Kingsbury Episcopi or nearby.

A William Trott married  Mary Wallis (b1711) in Taunton on 8 Feb 1730. This was 16 miles from Kingsbury Episcopi and may be them.

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1732

Daughter Mary Trott was baptised on 2 Mar 1732 in Kingsbury Episcopi, and was likely to have been the couple's first child. She was named after her mother. Mary was unmarried in 1773 when her brother William was married, and she was a witness at his wedding.

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1734

Two years later second daughter, Elizabeth Trott was baptised in Kingsbury Episcopi on 3 Oct 1734. She was possibly named after a grandparent. No more is known.

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1738

In 1738 the couple's third child, John Trott, was born and baptised on 9 Dec 1738 in Kingsbury Episcopi. He was also possibly named after a grandparent. A memorial stone in Muchelney Cemetery, records that John died in Sep 1766 (the same year as his father) aged 29.

Baptisms Kingsbury Episcopi 1741

The final known child was GGGGGF William Trott and he was named after his father and born in 1741. There may have been more children, but some pages in the baptism records are missing. It seems that William and Mary moved 3 miles to Muchelney after the birth of their final child.

Mary Trott nee Unknown died in 1744 and was buried at Muchelney on 12 Oct 1744. She was probably in her thirties and her early death explains why there were no more children born to the couple.

Memorial to William Trott & son John Trott at Muchelney

The wording appears to read; "William Trott; He died May 1766, aged 60 years, and of John his son, who died Sep 1766 aged 29 years." The stone includes the following words which indicate that William and John were greatly missed by their family.

Cover'd with mossy Turfs lie Slumbering here
A tender husband and a father dear
The best of Sons, of Brothers, and of Friends
whilst living lov'd, lamented at their End
...we may meet, when Nature's Debt we pay
... and prepare us for that awful Day.

Burals Muchelney 1766

GGGGGGF William Trott  died at the age of 60 and was buried in Muchelney on 17 May 1766.

100.2 GGGGGGP Isaac Sherrod (1716-1778) & Angel Harding (?-1765) 

(NB:The name Sherrod tended to be spelt Sherwood at this time)

Baptisms Martock

GGGGGGF Isaac Sherrod was baptised in Martock by his parents GGGGGGGP Isaac and Mary Sherrod on 12 Feb 1716. He was named after an older brother baptised in 1707, who died a few weeks after birth. Isaac had at least three other brothers; William Sherrod 1712-1731, Daniel Sherrod 1719-1721 and Daniel Sherrod b1724-1724.

No baptism record has been found for Angel Harding but her marriage registration indicates she was a resident of Muchelney.

Marriages Currey Rivel 1745

Isaac Sherrod 29 and a very pregnant Angel Harding, "both of Muchelney" were married in Curry Rivel just 3 miles from their homes in Muchelney on 24 Dec 1745. Angel may have been born in Curry Rivel, but no baptism registration has been found.

Baptisms Muchelney 1746

Isaac and Angel's first daughter Mary was baptised on 29 Jan 1746, but died as a young child three years later in Jan 1750. Another daughter was given that name two years after her death.

Baptisms Muchelney 6 Sep 1747: Betty Sherrod

Baptisms Muchelney 1752

Isaac and Angel had three known children; Mary baptised 29 Jan 1746 (d1749), Betty baptised on 6 Sep 1747 and GGGGGM Mary Sherrod b5 Jan 1752. All were baptised at Muchelney.

Angel Sherrod nee Harding died in 1765 and was buried in May 1765 at Muchelney.

There were two marriages at Muchelney, which may have been for daughter Betty Sherrod. A Betty Sherrod married John Coates in 1769 and a Betty Sherrod married John Grinham in 1773. The latter marriage was most likely to have been "our" Betty, because one of the witnesses was Betty's future sister-in-law Mary Trott. Betty's sister GGGGGM Mary Sherrod b1751 married William Trott a week later, in 1773.

Burials Muchelney 1778

GGGGGGF Isaac Sherrod died in 1778 and was buried at Muchelney on 26 Apr 1778.

100.3 GGGGGGGP Isaac Sherrod (c1685-1758) & Mary Richards (1680-1739)

NOTE: Isaac's surname is written in records as 'Sherwood'. 

 

Not much is known about the early life of GGGGGGGP Isaac and Mary Sherrod nee Richards.

Baptisms Curry Rivel 1680

Mary Richards was born in 1680 and baptised by her father Matthew Richards at Curry Rivel on 26 Sep 1680. This was 7 miles from Martock where she later married Isaac Sherrod.

Isaac and Mary 26 were married on 2 Jun 1707 at Martock and settled there to have their family. They went on to have at least five children; all baptised at Martock. Isaac Sherrod (named after his father) was baptised in 1707, but died a few weeks after birth, William Sherrod 1712-1731, GGGGGGF Isaac Sherrod baptised on 12 Feb 1716, Daniel Sherrod 1719-1721 and Daniel Sherrod b1724-1724. 

GGGGGGGM Mary Sherrod nee Richards died at the age of 59 in 1739 and was buried on 21 Mar 1739 at Martock.

GGGGGGGF Isaac Sherrod died in 1758 and was buried at Martock on 26 May 1758. He was most likely in his seventies.

101.0 - 102.0 Reserved for Future use

103.0 Diagram of the Bisgrove, Trott & Knight Family Tree