13. Thomas Alexander (1738 - 1803)

Thomas was the fourth child of Henry Alexander and his second wife, Susannah Meakins. He was born probably towards the end of 1738 and was baptised at the church of St. Laurence in Upminster on Saturday 18th November of that year. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

The entry in the parish register of baptisms contains no further information, however, they show that Jane, Henry’s daughter by his first wife also called Jane, had been baptised at this church back in 1732. All of Henry’s eleven children were baptised in Upminster.

More work still needs to be done to determine where Thomas grew up, however, property documents show that the family were associated with Readings Farm and Tomkyns Farm in the northern part of the parish.

At some point Thomas moved from Upminster to Shenfield, barely five miles away. The earliest evidence for this comes from the Vestry Minutes for St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield dated 31st March 1766 when Thomas attended a meeting to elect those to serve as parish officers. This would suggest that even at the age of 28, he was already a parishioner of some worth. (P/c of Vestry Minutes)

A little over three months later, on 9th July 1766 Thomas, a bachelor of Shenfield married Sarah Barker, a spinster at St. Andrew’s Church in Enfield. They married by licence, but so far I have been unable to track down a copy of it. Both parties signed their own names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

Over the following years, Thomas and Sarah had five children, all baptised in Shenfield. In 1776, Thomas’ wife Sarah died, then having married for a second time to Anne in 1778, a further three children were also born and baptised in Shenfield. (P/c of entries in Parish registers)

In 1774, Thomas appeared in a list of the freeholders of the county of Essex, which entitled him to vote. He is shown as living in Shenfield and owning the freehold of property in Navestock. (P/c of List of Freeholders 1774)

The Land Tax Assessments starting in 1780 show that Thomas owned a house and land in Navestock with a rental value of £2 and he continued to own the property until the time of his death in 1803, when he bequeathed it to his son John. The occupant in 1832, the date of the latest Assessment, was John Hicks, and from the Tithe Award dated 1838, it appears that John Hicks had a house in the southwest part of the parish known as Watton’s Green, near Skips Corner Farm.  (P/c of Land Tax Assessments)

Although Thomas had been resident in Shenfield since before his marriage in 1766, The Land Tax assessments show that Thomas occupied land owned by James Kingsman from at least 1781 and this continued for several years up until the time of Thomas’ death in 1803. (P/c of Land Tax Assessments)

An Indenture dated 18th December 1787 recorded Thomas, a yeoman of Shenfield, taking out a lease for twenty-one years from Ann Kinsman at an annual rent of £55. As this Indenture is dated 1787, and Thomas was occupying land which was assessed at the same value between 1781 and 1803, it would seem to imply that Thomas may have taken out an earlier lease on the same land. The only problem with this interpretation is that the Indenture states that the land was formerly in the occupation of William Hayward. (Note: there is no William Hayward listed in the Land Tax assessments for either 1781 or 1782). (P/c of Indenture)

If we assume that Thomas continued to live on the same piece of land, then it confirms that the family lived on a farm called Glanthams (aka Gladthams), just opposite the road leading to Shenfield church. Glanthams Farm dates in part back to the 14th Century, and still stands in Hutton Road, although mostly hidden behind a second-hand car dealership. (P/c of 1831 Map of Glanthams)

The Land Tax Assessments also show that Thomas occupied a property in Shenfield with a yearly rental of £9 from 1784 until his death in 1803, when Ann, his widow, took over. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

During August 1785, Thomas’ father Henry died and in his will dated 4th February 1783 he stated “I give and bequeath to my Son Thomas Alexander the Sum of Ten Pounds of lawful Money of England to be paid three Years after my Death.” A little further down, he also stated “I give to my Grandson William Alexander the Son of Thomas Alexander the Sum of Ten Pounds Ten shillings to be paid three Years after my Death.” (P/c of will)

On 19th and 20th November 1789 an auction was conducted at the Rainbow Coffee House, in Cornhill, London of twenty-four lots belonging to the late Jasper Kingsman Esq. Lot No.24 states: “A compact and very desirable freehold farm, called Glantham’s, situate near the Church, in the Parish of Shenfield, one Mile from Brentwood, and adjoining the Turnpike Road to Billericay; consisting of a Farm-House, Barn, Stable, and other necessary Out-buildings; Farm-yard, Stack-yard, Garden, Orchard, and Fourteen Inclosures of rich Arable, Meadow and Pasture Land, in good Condition, and containing together 77a 3r 30p. A piece of Copyhold Land, adjoining Priest’s Lane, in the second Field below the House, formerly called Shed Field, is held of the Manor of Shenfield Hall, at the Yearly Quit-Rent of 3s 4d and contains 3a 0r 13p. Mr. Thos. Alexander, on lease for 21 Years, from Michaelmas, 1787. Yearly Rent £55 0s 0d.” (P/c of Sale Catalogue)

Between 1791 and 1796, Thomas also served as an assessor compiling the Land Tax Assessments for Shenfield. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

In addition to paying land tax in Navestock and Shenfield, records also show that Thomas paid tax in Mountnessing from 1784 until his death in 1803, when Ann, his widow, took over. The rental value was £37 and the property was initially owned by Mr. Congrave, before subsequently being sold to Lord Petre. A later description states that it was a Brick House. (see below) (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

An oak panel in the tower of St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield records the list of those who acted as churchwardens from 1737 and that Thomas was churchwarden there no less than twelve times. However, having examined the Vestry Minutes, it seems that Thomas was regularly part of the parish hierarchy from 1767 until his final attendance on 3rd January 1802. In addition to serving as churchwarden, he was also elected overseer of the poor on several occasions and often nominated surveyor of the highways. (Abstract from Vestry Minutes)

Finally, in the guide to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Shenfield published in 1960, there is the following reference:

“Some of the names on the Wardens’ list are perpetuated in the Parish; Thomas Alexander’s name brings to mind Alexander Lane.” (See below) (Guide to St. Mary the Virgin)

On 12th December 1802, Thomas made his last will and testament, appointing his wife Ann the sole executrix. Within his will, Thomas stated that he was of Shenfield and a farmer. He made the following bequests:

1.    To my son John, all my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances situate lying and being in the parish of Navestock or elsewhere in the said county of Essex, he paying thereout to my son Thomas the sum of ten pounds within one year next after my decease and also paying the sum of four pounds yearly and every year to my daughter Sarah during the term of her natural life by four equal quarterly payments

2.    I do hereby absolutely release discharge and forgive my son William the sum of one hundred and ninety pounds and all interest due

3.    To my daughter Sarah I give the sum of thirty pounds

4.    To my daughter Ann I give fifty pounds

5.    To my sons Edward and Charles I give one hundred pounds apiece

6.    To my beloved wife Ann I give all the rest residue and remainder of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever (P/c of will)

Thomas died during March 1803, and was buried on 19th March at St. Mary’s Church in Shenfield, aged about sixty-five. So far there has not been a survey carried out of the monumental inscriptions for this church, and therefore it isn’t known if there is a gravestone for Thomas. (P/c of burial register)

On 20th June 1803, Thomas’ will was proved “by the oath of Ann Alexander Widow the relict of the deceased and Sole Executrix to whom Administration etc was granted She being first sworn duly to Administer.” The original will also stated that to her knowledge and belief, the Goods, Chattels and Credits did not amount to the sum of £600. (P/c of will)

FIRST WIFE

SARAH BARKER (c1745 - 1776)

Almost nothing is known about Sarah. She was probably born sometime during the early 1740’s. When she married in 1766, the marriage entry stated that she was of the parish of St. Andrew’s in Enfield, but it isn’t known if this was where she came from.

Sarah died in late June 1776, only a few months after her son Robert. She was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s in Shenfield on 2nd July, probably aged in her mid-30’s. At this time, it isn’t known if there is a gravestone there. (P/c of entry in the burial register)

CHILDREN

1. JOHN ALEXANDER (1767 - 1838)

John was born in 1767 and was baptised at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 5th June 1767. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

For some time a farm in Stock had been in the possession of the Alexander family, and although the entry in 1787 for the Land Tax Assessment only states “Alexander” where previously it had stated Henry Alexander, by 1789 John Alexander is recorded as owner. Could Henry have left this farm to John, his grandson, who inherited it on his 21st birthday? This lasted until 1804, and during the final two years he was also shown as the occupier. Then in 1805 he sold it to his cousin William. (During the ownership of both Henry and John, the occupant of the property had been Thomas Scrivener and it is by that name that the farm is still known. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

The Assessments also show that John was the occupier of a property with a rental worth £2 per year in Fobbing from 1789 until 1793. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

Since 1st December 1799, John had followed in his father’s footsteps and become actively involved in the matters of the Vestry and in 1801 he was elected overseer of the poor. He continued attending vestry meetings and was re-elected overseer on later occasions, however, his final appearance at the vestry meetings took place on 17th October 1806. (Abstract of Vestry Minutes)

During March 1803, John’s father, Thomas, died. His father’s will dated 12th December 1802, stated:

“To my son John, all my messuages lands tenements and hereditaments with the appurtenances situate lying and being in the parish of Navestock or elsewhere in the said county of Essex, he paying thereout to my son Thomas the sum of ten pounds within one year next after my decease and also paying the sum of four pounds yearly and every year to my daughter Sarah during the term of her natural life by four equal quarterly payments.” (P/c of will)

From 24th June 1803, the Land Tax Assessments show that John had become the owner of a house and garden in Navestock with an annual rental of £2, inheriting it from his father. John continued to pay tax on this property until at least 1832, the date of the last assessment. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

During October 1803, a document was produced entitled “The Measurement of all the Arable Land upon a Farm situate in the Parish of Shenfield, known by the name of Gladthams (sic), now in the Occupation of Mr. John Alexander.” It lists 15 plots of land totalling 74 acres 0 rods and 23 perches. (P/c of survey)

On 15th November 1804 John went before the surrogate and took out a bond in the sum of one hundred pounds. It stated that John was a bachelor and a farmer from Shenfield and that he intended to marry Hannah Musto also of Shenfield who was a spinster. John signed the document. (P/c of marriage bond)

On the same day he made an oath in the presence of the surrogate that he was of the parish of Shenfield aged upwards of thirty-five and a bachelor and that he intended to marry Hannah Musto of the same parish, aged upwards of twenty-three years and a spinster. The marriage was to take place in the parish church of Shenfield. John signed the document. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 22nd November 1804 by licence. Both parties were described as from Shenfield and were single. They both signed their own names. The witnesses were Sarah Musto (probably Hannah’s sister) and John’s younger brother Thomas. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

John and Hannah had five children, of whom only the first child, Hannah, was born in Shenfield. John had taken over the occupation of Glantham’s Farm from his father around 1799/1800, but the 21-year lease was soon to expire. In 1808 it came to an end, but during 1806, John had handed it over to his younger brother Thomas. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

After John’s final attendance at the Vestry on 17th October 1806, John along with his wife Hannah and young daughter, also named Hannah, moved to the St. Albans area of Hertfordshire. The earliest record of John in Hertfordshire dates from 31st March 1807 when he was nominated to serve as a parish officer for the hamlet of Tittenhanger. During the following years up until 1822, John served as overseer of the poor, churchwarden and was also nominated as surveyor of the highways. (Abstract of Vestry Minutes)

The Land Tax Assessments record that John was the occupier of a property with a yearly rent of £80, owned by Thomas Cockshutt Esq. John is first listed as the occupier in 1807 and this continued until 12th July 1823. Although the farm has not yet been identified, Tittenhanger is only a small place and so it should be possible to identify the farm one day. (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

Whilst living in Tittenhanger, Thomas and Hannah had a further four children, one of whom was buried in St. Albans. (P/c of entries in parish registers)

After 1823, John and his family came back to Essex. There is no evidence where they initially settled, however, the Land Tax Assessments show that John was the occupier of land with a yearly rental of £140 owned by Sir George Cook in Great Ilford from 11th August 1827 until 28th August 1830. A subsequent entry provides a clue as to the location of this property, as it states that it was part of the Tan Yard Farm. (He may have taken over a smaller piece of ground which had been occupied for the previous few years by his cousin Richard Alexander). (Abstract of Land Tax Assessments)

The list of voters in the County of Essex for 1830 lists John as a freeholder residing in Ilford, and having freehold property in Shenfield consisting of house and land, occupied by himself. (P/c of Poll Book)

John re-appeared in the Vestry Minutes for St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 1st May 1830 and he continued to serve as occasional overseer or was nominated for surveyor of the highways until 1837. His penultimate entry in the minutes show a vote being taken concerning the sale of the old parish workhouse. Of the eight people entitled to vote, John was the only one to vote against the resolution. (Abstract of Vestry Minutes)

The Tithe Award and Map for Shenfield provide information as to where John and Hannah were living after their return from Great Ilford. Although dated 1837, the assessment must have been drawn up later as it refers to property in the hands of the Executors of John Alexander’. This shows that John was the owner of Jacob’s Farm comprising 69a 1r 22p. The Tithe Map clearly shows the layout of the farm and fields, however, John died just before part of the land was acquired by the Eastern Counties Railway. The railway between Shoreditch and Brentwood was opened on 1st July 1840, with the next stretch through Shenfield and Chelmsford to Colchester being completed by 1843.

The Tithe Map shows a lane leading from the Brentwood to Chelmsford turnpike, past one farm to Jacob’s Farm. In the 1841 census there is a reference to Jacob’s farm, however, it has not yet been possible to identify either farm in the 1851 census. In the 1861 census Alexander Farm is noted and by 1881, the road is called Alexander Road. The Ordnance Survey map of 1896 fails to name the road, but Alexander Farm is named as being the other farm. It would appear that Jacob’s Farm had to be demolished to make way for the railway line.

It therefore seems probable that although John lived at Jacob’s Farm, the other farm became known as Alexander’s Farm and hence the road was named after it. On 2nd December 1926 an auction was held for the sale of the Shenfield Place estate which contained, as Lot No.44, Alexander’s Farm comprising 77a 0r 14p described as an excellent dairy and arable holding. It would seem that the two attached brick-built cottages on the other side of the road comprised the farmhouse, whilst opposite stood ranges of brick weather-boarded and tiled farm buildings. After 1896, but before the 1936 edition of the Ordnance Survey map was published, the area was further thrown into confusion when the Great Eastern Railway constructed a spur line from Shenfield station past Alexander Farm before looping round to join the line to Southend. (Sale Catalogue and Ordnance Survey maps)

The cottages and some of the ranges have gone, but there is now a brick building called Alexander House which stands on the former site of some of the farm buildings.

On 21st March 1838, John made his last will and testament, appointing his wife Hannah the executrix and his friend Thomas Richardson of Ingrave the executor. (After John’s death, Hannah was to marry Thomas Richardson). Within his will, Thomas stated that he was of Shenfield and a gentleman.

His will stated that there were “several sums of stock or bank annuities in the Books of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England in the joint names of myself and my dear wife Hannah Alexander” and he declared that these sums of money had come from her own personal property and were not to be subject to his will.

He continued by bequeathing to his wife “all my right title estate and interest (if any) in the freehold house farm lands and premises with the Appurtenances formerly the property of her father situate at Shenfield aforesaid and now in my occupation and all my household furniture and the live and dead stock on my said farm and all other my real and personal Estate and Effects of what nature or kind soever & wheresoever situate” (P/c of will)

John died on 3rd May 1838 in Shenfield. He was aged 71 years and was described as a farmer. The cause of death was ‘decay of nature’. The informant was Henry Wallis, an undertaker from Brentwood who registered the death on 12th May 1838. (Death certificate)

John was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 12th May 1838. The entry in the register stated that he was 71 years old and had lived in Shenfield. (P/c of entry in burial register)

There was a monument erected in the churchyard for John Alexander and members of his family. It had been a box tomb with engraved panelled sides, but it had been dismantled during the erection of the Turner Vestry in 1984, the panels have now been laid flat around the wall of the extension. The panel commemorating John states:

“Sacred to the memory of Mr. John Alexander of this parish who departed this life the 2nd May 1838 aged 71 years.” (Photograph of monumental inscription)

John’s will was proved in London on 14th June 1838 on the oath of Hannah Alexander who was granted administration. (P/c of will)

Wife

Hannah Musto (c1779 – 1868)

Hannah was born about 1779, the daughter of Charles and Hannah Sutcliff who had married at St. James’, Westminster on 28th November 1776. Although the Musto surname seems to have come from the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area, Charles may have been born in London. Whilst living in London, he was a timber merchant with premises at Vine Yard, Blackman Street, not far from Borough High Street. Later on, the family moved to Shenfield where Charles was recorded as paying tax on land in 1800. Hannah, her mother was buried there in 1814 and Charles was buried there in 1830.

At the time of the 1841 census held on 6th June, Hannah was living at Herongate also known as East Horndon. She was aged 55 and described as of Independent means. It stated that she was not born in Essex. (Copy of census)

On 16th August 1845 Thomas Richardson went before the surrogate in Ingrave and alleged that he was aged 63 and a bachelor and prayed a Licence for a marriage in the parish church of Ingrave between himself and Hannah Alexander aged 63 a widow. He signed the document. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage took place at St. Nicholas’ Church, in the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon on 25th August 1845. Hannah gave her father’s name as Charles Musto, a timber merchant. Both parties signed their own names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

Thomas Richardson had been born in 1782 and was baptised on 31st January 1782 at St. Nicholas’ Church, Ingrave. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In a trade directory for 1839, Thomas is listed under Brentwood as Thomas Richardson Esq. of Heron gate. Then, in 1855 another trade directory shows him as living in Ingrave. (P/c of trade directories)

On 30th March 1851 the census shows Thomas and Hannah living in Ingrave. Thomas was aged 69 and described as a farmer, whilst Hannah was aged 68. She gave her place of birth as Middlesex. With them was Harriet Finch, who was the widowed daughter of John and Hannah. She was aged 43 and stated that she had been born in Herefordshire. (Copy of census)

On 22nd October 1853 Thomas made his will, a long and detailed document running to six pages (which still needs further reading). (P/c of will)

Thomas died during 1856 and his death was registered in the December Quarter of that year in the Billericay RD. (GRO Index)

He was buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas’ in Ingrave on 24th November 1856. The entry states that he had been living in Ingrave and that he was 74 years old. (P/c of entry in burial register)

Thomas’ will was proved on 6th December 1856 and was valued at under £100. (P/c of will)

The 1861 census dated 7th April shows a Hannah Richardson living at 4 Lyon Place, Marylebone. She was 73 years old and described herself as a ‘lady’. She gave her place of birth as St. John’s Horsleydown, so this could be the correct Hannah, even though her age should have been about 82. (Copy of census)

Hannah Richardson died during 1868 and her death was registered in the December Quarter of that year in the Marylebone RD. She was aged 88. (Ref: 1a/441) (GRO Index)

Hannah was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 5th December 1868. The entry in the register states that she lived in the St. John’s District of Middlesex and that she was 88 years old. (P/c of entry in burial register)

As mentioned above, there had been a box tomb erected for the Alexander family, and there is a panel commemorating Hannah which states:

“Sacred to the memory of Hannah relict of the late Mr. John Alexander of this Parish who departed this life the 23rd November 1868 aged 89 years.” (Photograph of monumental inscription)

John and Hannah had five children:

1. Hannah was born during 1805 and was baptised on 21st January 1806 at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Nothing more is known about Hannah, as there is no record of her burial in Shenfield, St. Albans or Great Ilford, or any record of her marrying so far.

2. Harriet was born in 1808 and was baptised at St. Peter’s Church in St. Albans on 14th April of that year. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Although no marriage document has yet been found, Harriet married Henry Finch, a corn merchant who had been born in Margaretting in 1787 and baptised there on 27th December. Henry’s first wife, Francis had died during May 1827, so the marriage should have taken place some time after that.

In the 1841 census dated 6th June, Harriet and Henry were shown as living in Conduit Street, Chelmsford. Harriet was aged 35 and Henry was aged 50. He was described as a corn factor, and they had one female servant. Harriet stated that she had been born in Essex. (Copy of Census)

Henry was recorded in several trade directories as a corn factor operating from Conduit Street, Chelmsford in 1823/4, as a corn, flour and seed dealer in 1839, as a corn factor of Duke Street in 1845 and as running a beer house in Conduit Street in 1848. (P/c of trade directories)

Henry died during October 1848 and his death was registered in the December Quarter 1848 in the Chelmsford RD. (Ref: 12/21) (GRO Index)

He was buried in the churchyard of St. Margaret’s, in Margaretting on 19th October 1848. The burial register stated that he lived in Chelmsford and that he was aged 61. (P/c of entry in burial register)

In his will dated 26th August 1846, Henry  stated that his address as being Threadneedle Street, Duke Street, Chelmsford and that he had of late been a corn factor in Conduit Street. He appointed his wife Harriet as being one of his executors. He also recorded his “desire to be buried at Margaretting by the side of my late Wife under the management of my brother-in-law, Robert Hardy in the same manner he buried my Father and Mother with a Head and Foot stone to answer for me and my late Wife.” (No sign of his grave has been found in the churchyard). He also bequeathed to his executors in trust for his wife Harriet and his two daughters, Lucia Helena and Mary the sole interest from the freehold house, shop and premises situated in Conduit Street and Angel Yard in Chelmsford and also the freehold brewhouse also situated in angel Yard, provided that Harriet should continue to remain his widow. Finally he bequeathed to Harriet “the following property it being in her possession before marriage and now forming part of my property in my present Dwelling house Threadneedle Street Viz a Clock Religious Books and Pictures Writing Desk Work Box Work Table Cabinet Draws (sic) and all the Linen in my Dwelling house except the Bed Linen for her sole use and benefit.” The will was proven on 22nd November 1848 by Harriet and the other two executors. The will was under the sum of £200. (P/c of will)

On 30th March 1851, the census shows Harriet living with Thomas and Hannah Richardson in Ingrave. (Hannah was her mother). Harriet was aged 43 and a widow, and gave her place of birth as Herefordshire. (sic) (Copy of Census)

Harriet died in Ingrave on 2[?] April 1852 aged 44 and her death was registered in the June Quarter 1852 in the Billericay RD. (Ref: 4a/56). (GRO Index)

Harriet was buried at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 6th May 1852, the register stating that she had been living in Ingrave and that she was 44 years old. (P/c of entry in burial register)

An inscription was cut into one of the end panels of the box tomb, which reads “Sacred to the memory of Harriot the relict of Henry Finch and the daughter of John Alexander who departed this life [on] April 2[?] 1852 aged 44 years.” (Photograph of monumental inscription)

3. Sarah was born in 1810 and was baptised at St. Peter’s Church, St. Albans on 29th November 1810. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

She died in November of the following year and was buried in the churchyard of St. Peter’s at St. Albans on 10th November 1811. the only other comment in the register was that she had been an infant. (P/c of entry in burial register)

4. Ann was born in 1814 and was baptised at St. Peter’s Church, St. Albans on 10th November of that year. The register recorded her father John as being a farmer. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Nothing more is known about Ann, as there is no record of her burial in Shenfield, St. Albans or Great Ilford, or any record of her marrying so far.

5. Susan was born during 1816 and was baptised on 22nd May 1816 at St. Peter’s Church, St. Albans. The register records her father John as being a farmer. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

On 14th March 1838, John Felton, aged forty of Chelmsford, a widower, applied for a licence for the solemnization of matrimony in the parish church of Shenfield between himself and Susan Alexander of Shenfield, aged twenty-three and a spinster. The marriage was to take place at Shenfield. John signed the marriage allegation. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage duly took place at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 26th March 1838, just five weeks before her father John died. John Felton was described as being 45 years old, a widower and a gentleman living in Chelmsford. Susan was described as a spinster aged 23 and living in Shenfield/ Both parties signed their names. One of the witnesses was Elizabeth Felton who was John’s younger sister. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

On 6th June 1841, the census shows that John and Susan were living at Pitt Place in Great Baddow. John was aged 40 and Susan was aged 25. With them, were their two children, Harriott aged 2 and 8 month-old Susan. John’s profession was given as Agent. With them were recorded four other people, three of whom were described as servants. (Copy of Census)

In a sale catalogue dating from 1988, Pitt Place is described as an 18th Century country house with many pleasing Georgian features including seven bedrooms. The grounds contain 4.5 acres including a small lake. Offers were invited in the region of £500,000. Although currently occupied, the grounds are completely overgrown and the building has fallen into a very bad state of disrepair. (P/c of sale catalogue)

A local historian in conjunction with a member of staff from the Essex Records Office have used Pitt Place as an example of how to put together a house history, and this is available as a Powerpoint presentation at:

www.greatbaddowonline.co.uk/030706gbhhistory/071006gbhpresentations/Househistory.ppt

Susan died during May 1846 and her death was registered in the June Quarter 1846 in the Chelmsford RD. (Ref: 12/22) (GRO Index)

Susan was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s at Great Baddow on 1st June 1846. She was aged 31 and the register stated that she lived in Great Baddow. There does not seem to be a record of any gravestone in the churchyard. (P/c of entry in burial register)

John had been born in 1792 and was baptised at All Saints Church, East Horndon on 25th March 1792, the son of John and Mary Felton. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

His first wife, Honor had died in 1835 and was buried in Chelmsford on 11th March. Her address was recorded as Union Yard, Chelmsford. (P/c of entry in burial register)

In trade directories dated 1839, 1845, 1846 and 1851, John was shown as the sheriff’s officer, whilst in the 1848 directory, he was listed additionally as the bailiff of the county court, and living at Pitt Place. (P/c of trade directories)

Several interesting documents have survived which record correspondence between John and people who were due to serve on either the Petty or Grand Jury at Chelmsford. The earliest example dates from 6th April 1836 and was sent to Henry Cook, ironmonger of Rayleigh. His doctor replied stating that Henry had been ill for several weeks and was now unable to leave his house! Comfort Heath, a bricklayer of Chigwell in 1839 had to arrange for someone to write to excuse him from jury service as he did not qualify – his clear income was less than £10 per annum, he was not rated above £20 for the poor rate, and he did pay for 15 windows!

One particular exchange of correspondence is worthy of note, concerning the instance when John sent a summons to William Smith of Hockley, a yeoman, to appear at 10 o’clock on 6th January 1841 and to serve on the Grand Jury. The following response was received:

“In the matter of William Smith

William Smith of Hockley in the County of Essex Yeoman maketh oath and saith that on the twenty fourth day of December last he this Deponent was served by John Felton officer to the Sheriff of Essex with a summons to appear at the present General Quarter Sessions to be holden at Chelmsford on Wednesday the sixth day of January instant punctually by ten o’clock in the forenoon and then and there to serve on the Grand Jury and that on failure thereof a fine would be inflicted And this deponent further saith that in pursuance of such summons he this Deponent attended at Chelmsford on the day and time aforesaid and on his arrival at the Shire Hall in Chelmsford aforesaid and when within the Hall and verge of the Court waiting to be called to serve on the Grand Jury he was arrested by the said John Felton the said Sheriff’s Officer and immediately carried down to the Gaol of Chelmsford where he now remains and which arrest took place about a quarter before ten o’clock this sixth day of January instant to which arrest this deponent strongly protested to the said John Felton the said Sheriff’s Officer and this deponent further saith that the paper hereunto annexed is the Summons so served on this deponent as aforesaid by the said John Felton the said Sheriff’s Officer.

Sworn at the Gaol of Chelmsford aforesaid by the said William Smith the said deponent this 6th day of January 1841, before me William Wecks, a Commissioner of the Court of Queens Bench at Westminster.”

In the files, there appears to be a draft response, complete with revisions made in a separate hand:

“ Upon reading the affidavit of William Smith of Hockley in the County of Essex Yeoman [before Wm. Wecks a Commr of the Court of Queens Bench]taken the 6th day of January instant deposing [as follows (that is to say) take from affidavit within brackets – I presume the afft. is set out verbatim: it should be!!] that on the 24th day of December last he was served by John Felton Officer to the Sheriff of Essex with a Summons to appear at the present General Quarter Sessions to be holden at Chelmsford  on Wednesday the 6th day of January instant punctually by ten o’clock in the forenoon and then and there to serve on the Grand Jury and that on failure thereof a fine would be inflicted that in pursuance of such summons he the said Deponent attended at Chelmsford on the day and time aforesaid and that on his arrival at the Shire Hall in Chelmsford aforesaid and when within the Hall and verge of the Court waiting to be called to serve on the Grand Jury he was arrested by the said John Felton the said Sheriff’s officer and immediately carried down to the Gaol at Chelmsford where he then remained and which arrest took place about a quarter before Ten o’clock this 6th day of January instant to which arrest the said Deponent strongly protested to the said Sheriff’s officer // and the said William Smith being now present here in Court in Custody and on Motion of Counsel that such arrest was in contempt of the Court [I have ventured to alter the conclusion a little – could not be justified; after argument] This Court doth Order that the said William Smith be discharged out of Custody [set at liberty]”

It sounds as though John was being a little over zealous in his duties! (P/c of Quarter Session records)

The 1851 census dated 30th March records John aged 57, now a widower still living at Pitt Place in Great Baddow, and described as an officer to the sheriff of Essex. With him were his two daughters, Harriott aged eleven and Mary Susan aged ten, both described as scholars. Also in the household were a governess and two servants. (Copy of census)

A third child, John Alexander Felton aged eight, was at a Classical and Commercial Boarding School in Rochford. (In 1865, after marrying, John had a son who was named Alexander Felton). (Copy of census)

John Felton died during April 1854 and his death was registered in the June Quarter 1854 in the Chelmsford RD. (Ref: 4a/99) (GRO Index)

John was buried on 20th April 1854, in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, Great Baddow. The register stated that he lived in Great Baddow and that he was aged 62. (P/c of entry in burial register)

In his will dated 10th February 1852, John set up a trust fund for his three children which they would be entitled to having each reached the age of twenty-five. In addition, he had three accounts in the London and County Bank, each containing fifty pounds which he left to each of his children. (P/c of will)

2. THOMAS ALEXANDER (1769 - 1836)

Thomas was born during the first half of 1769, and was baptised on 1st June at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield. (Pc of entry in baptism register)

In the will of his father dated 12th December 1802, Thomas was granted the sum of ten pounds to be paid to him by his brother John. (P/c of will)

Thomas, like his father and his brother John, was closely involved with the Vestry at St. Mary’s Church. Inside the Church on a wall of the tower is an oak panel listing the churchwardens, and Thomas is mentioned. In the Vestry Minutes, the first occasion that Thomas’ name appeared was 22nd September 1806, and it records that Thomas was one of the ‘proper persons’ nominated to serve the Office of Surveyor of the Highways. In the following year, he was nominated as one of the overseers of the poor. The records show that Thomas served as an overseer for several years until 1817. From 1818 through to 1824, Thomas was nominated to serve the Office of Assessor of Taxes. On 19th April 1824, Thomas was nominated as a churchwarden, and he remained in this position until 1826. The final time that his name appears in the Minutes is dated 22nd September 1826 when he was one of ten persons nominated to serve as the surveyor. (Abstract taken from Vestry Minutes)

The date of 22nd September 1806, as mentioned above, is interesting as this was about one month before the last occasion that Thomas’ brother John is recorded in the Vestry Minutes. After which John left Shenfield and the Land Tax Assessments show that Thomas occupied Glanthams until the expiry of the lease in 1808. (Abstract from Land Tax Assessments)

The Land Tax Assessments for Brentwood show that Thomas was the occupier of property valued ay a rental of £3 between 1799 and 1806, and in addition, in 1802, he was occupying property with a rental value of £12 along with someone called Thorn, but nothing more is known about these properties. (P/c of Land Tax Assessments)

Thomas was aged 41 by the time he obtained a marriage licence on 12th June 1810. The licence bond states that Thomas Alexander of Shenfield, corn merchant, and ‘John Doe’ entered into a bond for one hundred pounds for him to marry Harriott Musto, a spinster, also of Shenfield. The marriage allegation stated that Thomas of Shenfield was aged upwards of thirty years and was a bachelor. Harriott Musto was also of Shenfield, aged upwards of thirty years and a spinster. The marriage was to take place in the parish church of Shenfield. Thomas signed his name to both documents. (P/c of marriage bond and licence)

The marriage occurred on 14th June 1810 at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield. Both parties signed their own names, and one of the witnesses was Ann Musto. (Harriott had a sister Hannah, but she had married John Alexander in 1804. This leaves her mother, also called Hannah, if it isn’t her, then I don’t know who Ann was.) (P/c of entry in marriage register)

After moving out of Glanthams in 1808, there is no further mention of Thomas in the Land Tax Assessments until 1813. In that year Thomas was recorded as the occupier of a property owned by Mary Chaulk and subsequently by Elizabeth Chaulk. By 1819, however, he had bought the property and remained there paying tax on it until 1830.

In the 1827 Assessment, a description of the property was given for the first time and it stated that it consisted of a mill and land. The rental for Glanthams had been set at £35, whilst that for this property was valued at £17. In the following years, the description read as ‘house and land’. The Assessments for 1831/32 record that the property was ‘late’ in the ownership of Thomas Alexander, but in the occupation of Woodfine. From the 1841 census, it has been possible to find Richard Woodfine who was a miller, living on Shenfield Common, also known as the Artichoke Common. As he was a miller, this bears out the earlier description of the property in 1827 as a mill. The Chapman and André map of 1777 shows that there were two windmills on the west side of the Common.

In the 1823/4 trade directory of the time, Thomas was listed as a corn factor attending the market house in Billericay. (P/c of trade directory)

The Shenfield burial register for 1824 records the burial of ‘Charlotte Alexander’ aged 43 on 19th March. There is no one of that name recorded in the Alexander family, and as it is known that Thomas remarried in 1832, I believe that this entry actually refers to Harriott, particularly as her date of birth would have been about 1781. (P/c of entry in burial register)

Thomas is listed in the 1830 register of voters. His entitlement to vote came from his ownership of freehold property in Shenfield, consisting of a house and land, which was occupied by Woodfine. (This is the same property as that mentioned in the Land Tax Assessments mentioned above). (P/c of List of voters)

On 12th September 1832 Thomas obtained another marriage licence, and the allegation states that he was of Little Warley and a widower aged sixty. It continues by saying that he intended to marry in the parish of Little Warley to Eleanor Smith, a widow aged forty of South Weald. Thomas signed the document. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage took place on 15th September 1832 at St. Peter’s Church, Little Warley. Both parties signed their own names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

Thomas died during April 1836, and was buried on 23rd April in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, Shenfield, aged 67 years. Until a survey of monumental inscriptions of the churchyard is undertaken, it isn’t known if there is a gravestone for Thomas and Hannah Alexander. (P/c of entry in burial register)

The 1841 census, dated 6th June recorded Eleanor living on her own in the High Street of South Weald, aged 50 and was of ‘independent means’. (Copy of census)

On 30th March 1851, the census shows Eleanor living in Ingrave Row, South Weald in the house of Benjamin Bacon and his wife. Eleanor was shown as a widow aged 74 and an annuitant (living on her own income). It also states that she was born in Hockley. (Copy of census)

Eleanor’s death was registered in the March Quarter of 1857 in the Billericay RD. (ref: 4a/66). At this time, ages weren’t included in the index. (GRO index)

Eleanor was buried on 15th February 1857 in St. Mary’s churchyard, Shenfield. The register states that she was aged 81 and lived in Brentwood. (P/c of entry in burial register)

3. WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1771 – after 1803)

William was born in the early part of 1771 and baptised at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 16th May. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

On the 3rd August 1792, William obtained a marriage licence, and the bond states that William, a bachelor, was of the parish of Shenfield and a farmer. He entered into a bond in the sum of one hundred pounds agreeing to marry Elizabeth Bush of South Ockendon, who was a spinster, William signed the document. (P/c of marriage bond)

The marriage allegation of the same date states that William was of Shenfield, aged upwards of twenty one and a bachelor intended to marry Elizabeth Bush of South Ockendon, a spinster, also aged upwards of twenty one. It went on to state that the marriage should take place in the parish church of South Ockendon. William also signed this document. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage between William and Elizabeth took place on 5th August 1792 at the Church of St. Nicholas in South Ockendon, and both parties signed their names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

From the Calendars of Alehouse Recognizances, and soon after his marriage, it appears that for the year commencing September 1792, William became the licensee of the King’s Head Inn in South Ockendon, where he remained until 1794. During the first year, one of the people providing sureties was Thomas Alexander, who may either have been William’s father, or elder brother. During 1794, William and his family left South Ockendon and moved to South Weald, where he took over as the licensee of the Chequers Inn. (Abstract of entries from Alehouse Recognizances)

The Land Tax Assessments show that William occupied property with a rental value of £20 from 1795 until 1800. Curiously, the entry for 1796 stated that the occupier was Thomas Alexander – was this a mistake?. (P/c of Land Tax Assessments)

On 12th April 1800 William, described as a victualler of Brentwood (South Weald) was convicted of “refusing to victual soldiers” on the evidence on one Captain Thomas Bodkin. William was fined £5 at the Quarter Sessions held at Easter 1800. (P/c of Quarter Sessions entry)

This episode seems to have brought an end to William’s time as the innkeeper of the Chequers as he and his family left South Weald and moved to the White Lion Inn in Fobbing. The entry for 1800 is the only one that records him at Fobbing, after which I have not been able to find him in any later recognizances. (Abstract of entries from Alehouse Recognizances)

The Land Tax returns for 1792/93 show William paying the sum of 16 shillings for each of those years, presumably for his occupation of the King’s Head Inn. Then, from 1795 until 1800, William was recorded as the occupier of property owned by Spencer Hogarth Esq., for which the sum of four pounds was paid initially, although this later dropped to three pounds twelve shillings. This would suggest that William occupied a larger plot than just that of the inn. There is no record of William in the Fobbing land tax returns, or for any other area. (P/c of land tax returns)

William and Elizabeth are known to have had at least four children. Thomas, the eldest child was born and baptised during 1794 in South Ockendon, whilst the other three children were born and baptised at in Brentwood – William 1796; John 1798; Mary Ann 1800. Nothing is known about Thomas and William, but John married in 1826 and he and his family lived in the Stepney and Ratcliff area of London. John died some time after 1861. (P/c of parish registers)

Mary Ann died in December 1801 and was buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in South Ockendon. (P/c of entry in burial register)

What became of William and Elizabeth is still unknown after the death of Mary Ann at the end of 1801. The only later reference to William appears in his father’s will dated 12th December 1802, which stated “I do hereby absolutely release discharge and forgive my son William the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds and all interest due.” (P/c of will)

4. SARAH ALEXANDER (1773 – 1846)

Sarah was born around mid-1773, and was baptised at St. Mary’s Church in Shenfield on 6th June. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In the will of her father dated 12th December 1802, Sarah was granted the sum of thirty pounds. She was also to receive the sum of four pounds to be paid in four equal instalments every year for the rest of her life from her brother John. (P/c of will)

At the present time, I believe she may be the ‘Mrs. Alexander’ who was recorded as teaching at the Mountnessing school between 1824 and 1843. The earliest entry in the school accounts book dated 8th October 1824 states “Mrs. Alexander ½ year bill for Instruction 16 children one Qtr & 17 the other up to Christmas 1824…£5 19s 0d”

From these records, it would seem that she ‘instructed’ between 16 and 20 children. (P/c of entry in Account Book)

An entry dated 14th September 1843 states: A trustees’ meeting was convened on 14th September 1843 “for the purpose of taking into consideration the expediency of adopting the national School house and School-Mistress and at present established – in order to educate the children of the poor of Mountnessing. Resolved – that the Trustees do become the proprietors of the said School, and occupiers of the School Room from and after Michaelmas day next and that it shall be opened from that time for the children of the Parish the Trustees, discontinuing Mrs. Alexander’s and Mrs. Ribball’s Schools – Mrs. Bentley’s School being continued for the present for the convenience of the children – of her part of the Parish.” (P/c of entry in Account Book)

She died on 18th December 1846 in Mountnessing aged 74 of influenza. In the column headed Occupation, the registrar inserted the word ‘independent. Her death was registered by Lucy Samuel, a neighbour, on 23rd December. (Death certificate)

Sarah was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s in Shenfield aged 74 on 26th December 1846, although she was recorded as living in Mountnessing. (P/c of entry in burial register)

5. ROBERT ALEXANDER (1775 - 1776)

Robert was born towards the end of 1775, and was baptised at St. Mary’s Church in Shenfield on 28th December. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

He died a few weeks later and was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, Shenfield on 14th February 1776. (P/c of entry in burial register)

SECOND WIFE

ANNE BOND (c1739 - 1833)

Anne is still rather an enigma despite various attempts to find out more about her. She was probably born circa 1739 but I have been unable to find any evidence about her early life. This date has been arrived at by deducting her stated age in the burial register from the year of her death. It may also indicate the reason why they only had three children together. The last of whom was Charles who was born in 1783. At this time Anne would have been aged 44.

Although I have found the marriage allegation for Thomas and Anne dated 7th September 1778, it unfortunately provides little useful information. It simply states that Thomas was of the parish of Shenfield in the County of Essex and a widower, and intended to marry Ann (sic) Bond of the parish of Elmsett in Suffolk who was a widow. The marriage was to take place in Elmsett, and Thomas signed the document. Without any additional information concerning Anne, it is impossible to know if she had a connection with Elmsett, or if this church was chosen for the marriage for some other reason. (P/c of marriage allegation)

Thomas and Anne married at the church of St. Peter’s in Elmsett on 10th September 1778 and both parties signed their names. The witnesses were Thomas Death and Sarah Brown Smith. As Anne is a widow, it has not been possible to determine who she had previously married, or whether either of the two witnesses were her relatives. Neither of the witnesses appeared in the entries of the other three marriages on that page, and so it is unlikely that they were churchwardens. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

The previous entry records the marriage of Jemima Smith, but as that was almost exactly one year earlier, it is too vague to draw a conclusion that Jemima and Sarah were related, and that Anne in turn was also related. The last entry on the page by coincidence records the marriage of Ann Smith. As Ann was a single woman, it would seem that Anne (Bond) couldn’t be a close relative.

The will of her husband Thomas dated 12th December 1802, stated to his “beloved wife Ann I give all the rest residue and remainder of my estate and effects whatsoever and wheresoever (P/c of will)

After the death of Thomas, Anne appears to have remained in Shenfield for a number of years. Evidence supporting this view comes from two sources:

1. Church rates for Mountnessing.

Anne is listed in three lists of those liable for paying “a church rate for defraying the expenses of Repairing the Parish Church of Mountnessing in the County of Essex and other incidents incurred by the Churchwardens of the said Parish.” Anne is listed beneath the heading ‘Outdwellers’ and paid the following sums: (Abstract made from parish records)

11th March 1817                   £4  4s 0d        at one shilling in the Pound

11th June 1819                     £5  5s 0d        at one shilling and 3d in the Pound

1st May 1823                         £3  3s 0d        at nine pence in the Pound

2. Land Tax Assessments

Anne is shown as being the occupier of property owned by Lord Petre in Shenfield from 1805 until 1826. (Rental was valued at £9 and the tax calculated at four shillings in the pound). At the same time, she is also recorded as being the occupier of land owned by Lord Petre in Mountnessing from 1804 until 1826. (Rental was valued at £37 and the tax calculated at four shillings in the pound). In 1826 the tax assessment included an additional column containing a description of the property. The property in Mountnessing was described as a Brick House. By this time she would have been aged about 87. Both properties had been taken over after the death of Thomas, but after 1826, they were subsequently occupied by others outside the Alexander family. (Abstract made from Land Tax Assessments)

Anne died in October 1833 while living in Mountnessing. She was buried in the churchyard of St. Giles, Mountnessing, on 14th October, aged 94. (P/c of entry in burial register)

In an effort to find out more about Anne, I have looked at all the males listed on Genes Reunited with the surname of Bond in Suffolk who were born before 1760 (i.e. the latest date to have been born and subsequently married before Anne’s second marriage in 1778). There appear to only be three clusters of names, based in Eye, Beccles and Ipswich. As Elmsett is only a few miles west of Ipswich, it was hoped that she may have been connected to someone who lived there. However, having sent requests for information to a member of each of these three groups, the information since received confirms that Ann was not connected to any of these three groups.

CHILDREN

6. ANN ALEXANDER (1779 – 1849)

The first child of Thomas and Anne was called Ann who was born towards the end of 1779. She was baptised on 31st December 1779 at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In the will of her father dated 12th December 1802, Ann was granted the sum of fifty pounds. (P/c of will)

On the 9th of August 1806, Edward Cross, a bachelor of Shenfield entered into a bond with “John Doe” in the sum of one hundred pounds in order to marry Ann Alexander, a spinster. Edward signed the document. (P/c of marriage bond)

The marriage allegation dated the same day states that Edward Cross of Shenfield aged upwards of twenty-four years and a bachelor intendeth to marry Ann Alexander a spinster of Shenfield aged upwards of twenty-five years. It was stipulated that the marriage should take place at the parish church of Shenfield. Edward signed the document. (P/c of marriage allegation)

The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield, on 12th August 1806 and confirmed that both Edward and Ann were single and of Shenfield. Both parties signed their own names. The witnesses were Henry Alexander, Mary Alexander and Susannah Mary Alexander, all signing their own names. All three were Ann’s cousins, Henry and Susannah being the children of Thomas’ younger brother Richard, and Mary being the daughter of William, another of Thomas’ younger brothers. (Susannah would marry two months later, while Henry would marry Mary the following year!) (P/c of entry in marriage register)

Ann and Edward remained childless throughout their lives.

Records of the Trustees of the village school date back to 1802 and they record a Mrs. Cross receiving payment for educating the children of the village. However, it has been difficult to work out the identities of the various schoolmistresses over the years. As the earliest surviving entry dated 7th January 1802 refers to Mrs. Cross, this cannot refer to Ann as she didn’t marry until 1806. The records of payments continue up until 1824 which is the year in which Eleanor Cross died Eleanor had married Edward Cross Senior, and their son Edward had married Ann Alexander. The Trustees’ records refer to Mrs. Alexander after 1824, and so it is possible that Sarah Alexander (see above) may have been assisted by her stepsister Ann until 1843 when the records show that the school was closed down, before re-opening as a National School. (P/c of entry in Account Book)

In 1838 Edward died.

In the 1841 census dated 6th June, Ann is shown aged 55 and was a schoolmistress living in Mountnessing Street, next to Adelaide Cottage. Living with her, were her stepsister Sarah aged 60 and their niece Frances aged 18 (daughter of Charles). (Copy of census)

Ann died on 16th January 1849 in Mountnessing aged 70 and the death certificated that she was the widow of Edward Cross, a bricklayer. The cause of death was unknown and the informant was her brother Charles who registered the death on 19th January 1849. (Death certificate)

Ann was buried on 25th January 1849 in the churchyard of St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield. The burial register stated that she lived in Mountnessing and was aged 70 years. (P/c of entry in burial register)

Her husband, Edward, was born in 1782, the son of Edward and Eleanor (neé Bonson) and was baptised at St. Giles Church, Mountnessing on 9th June 1782. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Edward’s death was registered in the December Quarter of 1838 in the Billericay RD (Ref: 12/5) (GRO Index)

He was buried on 6th October 1838 in the churchyard of St. Giles, Mountnessing aged 56 years. (P/c of entry in burial register)

There is no gravestone recorded for Ann and Edward.

7. EDWARD ALEXANDER (1782 - 1872)

Edward was probably born towards the end of 1781 and was baptised at St. Mary’s Church, Shenfield on 13th January 1782. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In the will of his father dated 12th December 1802, Edward was granted the sum of one hundred pounds. (P/c of will)

On 29th May 1806 Edward married Mary Cross at St. George, Hanover Square by banns, although these have not survived. Both parties were recorded as of this parish, and both signed their own names. One of the witnesses was Hannah Bonson. As Mary’s parents were Edward Cross and Eleanor Bonson, there is obviously a connection between Hannah and Eleanor, but for the time being, the exact connection is unknown. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

Edward and Mary had eight children. Their first child was born in 1807 whilst they were living in Shenfield, however, by 1810 the family had moved to Mountnessing. Their first three children were baptised in Brentwood, however, I have not found any subsequent records for the next three children, although from later census sheets, it seems that the family may still have been in Mountnessing until 1816/17, before possibly moving to Shenfield by 1818. The next child may have been born in Ingrave about 1822 and the final child was baptised in 1827 in East Hanningfield. (See below for more details).

Between 1813 and 1822, the Land Tax Assessments show Edward as the owner of a property rated at £1 per year in Mountnessing. For the first two years, he is shown as the occupier, after which James Kendle occupied the premises. (P/c of land tax returns)

On 26th September 1815 at a General Court Baron, held for the Manor of Thoby and Thoby Fee in Ginge Mountney and Ginge Margaret, Edward Cross and his wife Eleanor accepted the sum of one hundred pounds for “the absolute purchase of the Cottage or Tenement Ground and Premises” in Mountnessing which was already occupied by Edward Alexander, farmer. Edward was duly admitted as tenant to the lord of the manor. In addition to the purchase price, Edward paid a further sum of seven pounds as a ‘fine’. (P/c of Court Rolls)

At another General Court Baron for the same manor, held on 24th November 1821, it was presented that on 29th December 1820, Edward Alexander late of Mountnessing but then of Great Burstead, farmer, had surrendered the above mentioned property to Joseph Barker of the hamlet of Brentwood for the sum of one hundred and seven pounds and ten shillings. (P/c of Court Rolls)

From the Land Tax Assessments, Edward appears as the occupier of a farm owned by “Cocks Esq.” in East Hanningfield, where the rental value was calculated at £7 per year for the period 1823 until 1830 inclusive. (P/c of land tax returns)

Although no other record has been found to substantiate it, there is a mention of an Indenture dated 24th January 1824 which is a Release of property in Mountnessing, the contract being between Edward Alexander, yeoman, Charles Alexander of Shenfield, yeoman, Samuel Spackman, wheelwright, Joseph Agnes, miller. This document allegedly appeared on eBay. (Internet research)

Between 1829 and 1832, the Land Tax Assessments show Edward again as the owner of a property rated at £1 per year in Mountnessing. In the first year, the occupiers are shown as Porter and Sitch, after which, King and [blank] are shown living there. (P/c of land tax returns)

In the register of electors of 1830, Edward is listed as a freeholder living in East Hanningfield whilst the freehold located in Mountnessing was a cottage occupied by D. King. (P/c of Poll Book)

In 1832 and 1833/34, Edward is also listed in the electoral registers as living in Mountnessing, and having a freehold comprising of cottages and a garden, which were occupied by Porter, King and others. (Abstract from Electoral Registers)

The 1841 census dated 6th June records Edward and his family living at “Becon House” in Little Warley. He was aged 55 and his profession was given as relieving officer. With him, was his wife Mary aged 50, and three of their children, Charles aged 30, a wheelwright; Alfred aged 15 an apprentice wheelwright; and William aged 14. (Copy of census)

By the time that White’s Directory was published for 1848, Edward had become one of the two relieving officers for the Billericay Union Workhouse, which had been built in 1840. There is a further reference to Edward in the directory, which had him listed under the parish of Ingrave and employed as a relieving officer. The Post Office Directory of 1859 also records Edward as a relieving officer living in Ingrave, whilst the White’s Directory lists him with his son William as living in Ingrave. (P/c of trade directories)

On 30th March 1851, the date of the next census, Edward had moved to Ingrave, but no address was recorded by the enumerator. Edward was aged 70 and still employed as a relieving officer. His wife Mary was aged 65, and in the house with them were their children, Mary Ann, aged 43 and unmarried who was a schoolmistress and William aged 23, who worked as a piano forte tuner. In addition, there were two others in the household, Walter Robert aged 18, a civil engineer and Jessie Mary Kinniple aged 3, visitors from Limehouse. Jessie was the grandchild of Edward and Mary. Her mother was Rebecca who had married George Topliff Kinniple. (see below) (Copy of census)

The 1861 census was carried out on 7th April and shows Edward still living in Ingrave, but once again no address was recorded. He was aged 80 and described as ‘late relieving officer’. Mary, his wife was aged 76 and only William still lived with them. He was aged 35 and continued to work as a pianoforte tuner. (Copy of census)

On 2nd April 1871 the next census was conducted. Edward was living in Ingrave, not far from the ‘Cricketers’ public house. He was a widower aged 89 and described as a superannuated relieving officer. With him was William, aged 43 now a professor of music, and 63 year-old Mary Ann who was still a schoolmistress. (Copy of census)

Edward died on 19th February 1872 in Ingrave, and was described as a yeoman aged 90. The cause of death was recorded as decay of nature. The informant was his son William who registered the death on 21st February 1872. (Death certificate)

Edward was buried on 25th February 1872 in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon. The entry states that Edward lived in Ingrave and was aged 90 years. (P/c of entry in burial register)

There is no marked grave for Edward.

Mary Cross, Edward’s wife, was born during 1786 and was baptised at St. Giles Church, Mountnessing, on 17th September 1786. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Her death was registered in the September Quarter of 1866 in the Billericay RD (Ref: 4a/130). She was aged 80 years. (GRO Index)

Mary was buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in the combined parish of Horndon West and Ingrave on 4th August 1866. The register states that Mary lived in Ingrave and was aged 80 years. (P/c of entry in burial register)

There is no marked grave for Mary.

Details of the children of Edward and Mary are listed below, excluding information taken from the censuses which have already been included above.

1. Mary Ann was baptised on 19th June 1807 at the Congregational Church in Brentwood, which had been formed in 1799. The entry states that the family lived in Shenfield. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In the trade directory for 1845 and 1846, Mary Ann is listed under the heading of Gentry for Brentwood. Likewise, in 1848 she is listed in the Brentwood directory and shown as living in Ingrave Road. The directories for 1862, 1870 and 1874 show Mary Ann as a schoolmistress at the day school in Ingrave. (P/c of trade directories)

She became a schoolmistress, and on 7th April 1861 the census shows her as a visitor in the house of Thomas Moore, a principal clerk in the tea department of HM Customs. She was aged 53 and her profession was recorded as a schoolmistress. (Copy of census)

Mary Ann died on 15th May 1880 aged 72 at Maythorn House, Ingrave and her occupation was recorded as schoolmistress. Her brother William was the informant who registered the death on 21st May. (Death certificate)

On 21st May 1880, Mary Ann was buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas  in the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon. She was aged 72 and lived in Ingrave. There is no record of her grave. (P/c of entry in burial register)

On 5th June 1880 her will was proved at the Principal Registry by Edward Alexander and William Alexander her brothers who were the executors. Her personal estate was valued at under £300. (Copy of Calendar of wills)

2. Charles was baptised on 2nd May 1810 at the Congregational Church in Brentwood, which had been formed in 1799. The entry states that the family lived in Mountnessing. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

On 2nd May 1830 Charles was found being drunk at South Green in Great Burstead. He was described as a wheelwright from Mountnessing. He was fined five shillings at the Midsummer quarter sessions. (P/c of conviction book)

After the 1841, Charles disappears from the records and nothing more is known about him.

3. Edward was baptised on 14th March 1813 at the Congregational Church in Brentwood, which had been formed in 1799. The entry states that the family lived in Mountnessing. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

At some point prior to 1841, Edward married. Only her first name, Elizabeth, is known and that she was born circa 1807 possibly in Little Laver according to later censuses. There are a couple of possible leads which will need to be followed up at the London Metropolitan Archives in the hope of discovering the marriage details. There is no record of Edward and Elizabeth having any children.

The 1841 census dated 6th June shows Edward married to Elizabeth and living Great Ilford. Both were aged thirty and Edward was employed as a bricklayer. (Copy of census)

By 30th March 1851, the census shows Edward and Elizabeth living at 4 Reeve Terrace in Mile End Old Town. Edward was recorded as being aged 39 and working as a bricklayer whilst Elizabeth was aged 42. (Copy of census)

The 1861 census carried out on 7th April shows Edward and Elizabeth living at 1½ Reeve Terrace. Edward was now a master bricklayer aged 49 and Elizabeth was aged 53. (Copy of census)

On 2nd April 1871 the next census was conducted and it shows Edward and Elizabeth still living in Reeve Terrace, except the building number had changed to 1a. Edward was described as a bricklayer aged 58 and Elizabeth was aged 62. (Copy of census)

On 5th June 1880 Edward was one of the executors when the will of his sister Mary Ann was proven. (Copy of Calendar of wills)

The 1881 census was dated 3rd April and Edward and Elizabeth were still living at 1½ Reeve Terrace. Edward was a retired bricklayer aged 68 and Elizabeth was aged 74. (Copy of census)

Elizabeth died on 30th September 1888 aged 82 at 18 Canal Road and administration of her personal estate was granted to Edward on 12th March 1889. Her estate was valued at £169 12s. (Copy of Calendar of wills)

It is not known where Elizabeth was buried.

By 5th April 1891, the date of the next census, Edward was shown as a widower aged 78 and living on his own means at 18 Canal Road, in Mile End Old Town. With him was Elizabeth Perry, a single woman aged 46 who was his housekeeper, who by coincidence had also been born in Little Laver. (Copy of census)

Edward died on 31 July 1895 at 18 Canal Road, Mile End and his will was proven on 31 July 1895 in London. Edward was described as a builder and his effects were valued at £3173 2s 4d. Probate was granted to his brother William and to William Henry Waldegrave Packer, a house agent. The will was re-sworn in December 1895 and re-valued at £4036 2s 4d. (According to the Measuring Worth website, using the retail price index, this sum would be the equivalent of about £334,000 in 2007). (Copy of Calendar of wills)

Edward was buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon. There is a gravestone surmounted with a Celtic cross. It is inscribed as follows:

Here rests / Edward Alexander / late of 18 Canal Road, Mile End / who departed this life / July 31st 1895 / in his 83rd year / A good man is better than / precious ointment. (Transcript of Monumental Inscriptions)

4. Rebecca was born about 1814, probably in Mountnessing. So far, I have been unable to find a copy of her baptism.

So far, it has not been possible to identify Rebecca with any level of certainty in the 1841 census dated 6th June.

On 13th April 1845 Rebecca married George Topliff Kinipple at St. Leonard’s Church after the publication of banns, Shoreditch. Both were of full age and gave the same address as the High Street, Shoreditch. George was a widower and worked as a shipwright. Both parties signed their own names and the witnesses were her brother Edward and his wife Elizabeth who also signed their own names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

George was baptised on 3rd September 1805 at St. Nicholas, Deptford. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

Rebecca and George had seven children, all born in Limehouse: Donald Edward 1845; Jessie Mary 1847; Sidney Ernest 1849; Ada Sarah 1851; Arthur George 1853; Eva Eugenia 1855; Georgina Rebecca 1859. (Copies of censuses and parish registers)

On 30th March 1851, the census shows Rebecca and George living at 33 Fore Street, Limehouse. This confirmed that George was a shipwright aged 45; Rebecca was aged 38 and with them were three children from George’s first marriage, plus Donald aged five; Sidney aged 1 and Ada aged just two months. (Another daughter, Jessie, was living with Rebecca’s parents in Ingrave). (Copy of census)

The 1861 census dated 7th April recorded George and Rebecca living at 30 Fore Street, Limehouse. George was described as a 55 year-old “naval architect shipwright surveyor and valuer etc”. Rebecca was aged 47 and with them were two of George’s children from his first marriage, plus Jessie aged 13; Ada aged 11; Sidney aged 11; Arthur aged 7; Eva aged 5; and Georgina aged 1. (Copy of census)

By the time of the 1871 census dated 2nd April, George and Rebecca had left Limehouse and moved to St. Pancras. The census recorded them living at 34 Seymour Street. George was aged 65 and described as an oil ….man employing one shopman. Rebecca was aged 56 and with them was Georgina aged 11. (Copy of census)

George died in 1874 and his death was registered in the June Quarter of that year in the St. Pancras RD. He was aged 68. (Ref: 1b/58) (GRO Index)

Rebecca died in 1878 and her death was registered in the December Quarter of that year in the Billericay RD. She was aged 64. (Ref: 4a/139) (GRO Index)

Rebekah (sic) was buried in the St. Nicholas churchyard of the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon on 19th November 1878. She had been living in Ingrave and was 64 years old. (P/c of entry in burial register)

5. Thomas was born circa 1816, possibly in Mountnessing, although no evidence has been found concerning his baptism.

In the 1841 census dated 6th June Thomas was living at Newarks Hall in High Ongar, aged 23 where he worked as a gardener. (Copy of census)

On 3rd September 1842 Thomas married Susannah Simkin at St. George’s Church, Bloomsbury. Both were single and of full age. Thomas stated that he was a gardener living in Ongar whilst Susannah gave her address as 31 Upper Bedford Place. Both parties signed their own names. One of the witnesses was Thomas’ elder sister Mary Ann. (Marriage Certificate)

Thomas and Susannah had three children: Charles Thomas born 3rd August 1845 in High Ongar; Edward Henry baptised on 4th July 1847 in High Ongar; and Richard Alfred baptised on 2nd November 1851 at St. Nicholas’ Church in Ingrave and West Horndon. (Birth certificate and entries in baptism registers)

On 30th March 1851 the census recorded Thomas living in the Gardener’s Cottage of Little Forest Hall in High Ongar. He was 34 years old and employed as a gardener. Susannah was aged 41and gave her place of birth as ………….. in Suffolk. Although only initials were written down by the enumerator, their children Charles aged five and Edward aged three were also living there. (Copy of census)

By the time of the 1861 census held on 7th April, Thomas and his family had moved to Hornchurch and were living in Cage Street. Thomas was described as a 45 year-old cow keeper and Susannah was aged 50 and gave her place of birth as Dalham in Suffolk. With them were their three children: Charles aged 15, a brewer’s labourer; Edward aged 13; and Richard aged 8. (Copy of census)

The 1871 census dated 2nd April shows the family still living in Hornchurch, but in North Street. Thomas was still a cow keeper, aged 53 and Susannah was aged 60. Charles had already left home, but Edward aged 21, a gardener and Richard aged 19, a cowman, were still living at home. (Copy of census)

Susannah died on 28th September 1880 in Hornchurch and her death was registered in the December Quarter of that year in the Romford RD. She was aged 71. (Ref: 4a/129) (GRO Index)

Susannah was buried in the churchyard of St. Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch on 2nd October 1880. The burial entry states that she had been living in Hornchurch and was 71 years old. (P/c of entry in burial register)

On 3rd April 1881 the next census was conducted. It showed Thomas, now a widower, aged 64 and working as a gardener. With him, were his son Richard aged 29, a coachman and his wife Isabella. (Copy of census)

Sometime after 1881, Richard and Isabella moved to Lewisham and Thomas went to live with them. The 1891 census dated 5th April shows the three of them living at 51 Creeland Grove. Richard, aged 46 was a beer retailer and Thomas, aged 74 was described as living on own means. (Copy of census)

On 20th September 1894 administration of Susannah’s will was granted to Thomas, a retired gardener. Her effects were valued at £93. (Copy of Calendar of wills)

Thomas died on 15th September 1896 at 51 Creeland Grove, Catford in Lewisham. The death certificate states that he was aged 80 and had formerly been a gardener (domestic servant). The informant was his son Robert, who registered the death on 16th September 1896. (Death certificate)

Thomas was buried in the churchyard of St. Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch on 18th September 1896. The burial entry states that he had lived at 51 Creeland Grove, Catford and was aged 80 years. (P/c of entry in burial register)

It isn’t known if there is a gravestone for Thomas and Susannah.

6. Henry John was born circa 1818, possibly in Shenfield, although no evidence has been found concerning his baptism.

In the 1841 census dated 6th June, there is a John Alexander aged 20 who was working as a gardener in High Ongar. This could be Henry, particularly as his brother Thomas was also living in High Ongar. (Copy of census)

It is known that Henry married sometime in the December Quarter of 1847 in the Ongar RD, although the actual marriage entry has not yet been located. (Ref: 12/391) He married Frances Louisa Cooper. (GRO Index)

Frances was baptised on 31st October 1816 in Stowmarket, Suffolk. (IGI)

By the time of the 1851 census dated 30th March, Henry and Frances had moved to Peasemore in Oxford. The building was called Dowses. Henry was aged 33 and worked as a gardener, and Frances was aged 34. (Copy of census)

As Henry was described as a widower in the 1861 census, Frances must have died sometime between the 1851 and 1861 censuses. After checking the GRO Index, there appear to be two possible matches. By 1861, Henry was living in Stepney, unfortunately both the possible matches relate to the Whitechapel RD which means it is impossible to identify the correct entry as the age at time of death was not included in the index. The first entry occurred in the June Quarter of 1856 (Ref: 1c/201) and the second entry occurred in the June Quarter of 1858 (Ref: 1c/241) (GRO Index)

On 7th April 1861 the census shows Henry living at 55 Ann’s Road, Stepney. He was a lodger and described as a widower aged 43 and employed as a gardener. (Copy of census)

On 11th September 1870 Henry re-married. He married Fanny Webb, a widow whose father was Robert Hazell. They were married at St. Andrew’s Church, Hornchurch. Both Henry and Fanny were of full age and stated that they lived in Hornchurch. Henry’s occupation was given as gardener. Both parties signed their own names. (P/c of entry in marriage register)

The 1871 census dated 2nd April records Henry and Fanny living in the High Street, Hornchurch. Henry was aged 53 and employed as a gardener. Fanny was aged 29 and stated that she was born in Bermondsey. With them was a child, Emily Alexander aged 4 born in Walworth. There is some confusion as to who she is, as she was born before Henry married Fanny, and after Frances had died. (Copy of census)

On 3rd April, the 1881 census was carried out and it records Henry and Fanny living at Fairkytes Lodge in Hornchurch. Henry was aged 62 and worked as a gardener. Fanny was aged 37, and with them were their children: Fanny aged 8 and Henry aged 6. Fairkytes was the home of Joseph Fry, a magistrate and merchant, who was also the son of the famous prison reformer, Elizabeth Fry.  (Copy of census)

The 1891 census dated 5th April shows that Henry and Fanny were still living at Fairkytes Lodge, and Henry was still the gardener, now aged 72. Fanny was aged 50, this time giving her place of birth as Camden Town. Their son Henry was still living with them, he was aged 15 and described as a houseboy. (Copy of census)

By 31st March 1901, the date of the next census, Henry and Fanny were living in Parkstone Avenue, Hornchurch with Charles and Emily Hills and their family. Emily was Henry’s daughter. Henry was aged 83 and the census stated that he was a retired gardener. Fanny was aged 60. (Copy of census)

Henry died during 1905 and his death was registered in the March Quarter of that year in the Romford RD. He was aged 86. (Ref: 4a/307) (GRO Index)

From the index of the 1911 census dated 2nd April, it confirms that Fanny was still living in with Emily and Charles, and was aged 70. (1911 census index)

Fanny died during 1920 and her death was registered in the June Quarter of that year in the Romford RD. She was aged 79. (Ref: 4a/489) (GRO Index)

7. Alfred was born around 1822 and in the censuses variously gave his place of birth as Herongate, Billericay and Ingrave. I have not been able to find any reference to his baptism so far.

Alfred has not been found in the 1851 census.

The 1861 census dated 7th April shows Alfred a lodger living in Boston Road, Hanwell. He was aged 39 and worked as a bricklayer. Further along Boston Road lived Elizabeth Bates, aged 30 who in two years time would marry Alfred. (P/c of censuses)

On 25th January 1863 Alfred married Elizabeth Bates at the church of St. John the Baptist in Hoxton. Both were of full age and single. Alfred was a bricklayer and both gave their address as Eli Street. Both parties signed their own names. (P/c of marriage certificate)

Elizabeth was born on 10th September 1821 and baptised at the Independent Tabernacle in the High Street, Lewes. (IGI)

It seems that Alfred and Elizabeth did not have any children.

On 2nd April 1871 Alfred and Elizabeth were living at 3 Adelaide Place, Boston Road, Hanwell. Alfred was aged 50 and employed as a bricklayer. Elizabeth also stated that she was aged 50. (Copy of census)

The 1881 census dated 3rd April states that Alfred and Elizabeth were still living in Boston Road, both aged 59 years. Alfred worked as a bricklayer while Elizabeth ran a sweet shop. (Copy of census)

On 5th April 1891 the next census was carried out and records Alfred and Elizabeth living at 6 Adelaide Place in Hanwell. Both were aged 69 and Alfred stated that he was a bricklayer. (Copy of census)

Alfred died on 26th January 1899 at Boston Gate Villa, Boston Road, Hanwell. His death was registered in the March Quarter of that year in the Brentford RD. He was aged 77. (Ref: 3a/99) (GRO Index)

It is not known where Alfred was buried.

On 8th June 1899 probate was granted to Richard Alfred Alexander, a licensed victualler, who was Alfred’s nephew. His effects were valued at £428 19s. (Copy of Calendar of wills)

On 31st March 1901, the census shows an Elizabeth Alexander aged 79 and a widow living at 4 St. Anne’s Villas, Charles Street, Kensington. She was recorded as a boarder and although she stated that she was born in Essex, rather than Sussex, in the two previous censuses she had also stated that she had been born in Essex. So this may be the same Elizabeth. (Copy of census)

Elizabeth died during 1904 and her death was registered in the September Quarter of that year in the Brentford RD. She was aged 84. (Ref: 3a/61) (GRO Index)

8. William was born during 1827 and was baptised at All Saints Church, East Hanningfield on 28th December 1827. (P/c of entry in baptism register)

In the 1863 trade directory, William is listed under Ingrave as a music teacher. (P/c of trade directory)

On 3rd April 1881, the census shows William living in Maythorn House in Ingrave. He was aged 50 and described as a pianoforte tuner. He had a lodger living there with him, Arthur Death who was a ‘vermin destroyer’. (Copy of census)

The 1891 census dated 5th April shows the head of the household of Maythorn House in Ingrave was Arthur Death. William was recorded as a boarder aged 57 and was described as a pianoforte tuner and music teacher. (Copy of census)

In the 1901 census dated 31st March, William is shown as living ‘near Cricketers Inn’ in Ingrave. Thomas Clark, a horse breaker was now the head of the household and William, aged 74, was shown as a boarder. He was described as a ‘pianoforte tuner etc’. (Copy of census)

William died on 23rd October 1909 at Maythorn House, Ingrave, aged 84. His occupation was recorded as a teacher of music. Thomas Clark, another occupant of Maythorn House was the informant who registered the death on the same day. (Death certificate)

William was probably buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in the combined parish of Ingrave and West Horndon, but at the present time, the burial register has not been deposited at the Essex Record Office.

8. CHARLES ALEXANDER (1783 - 1857)

Details provided previously.

Note: The following information should be added to the details concerning Charles.

Charles appears in the Church records levied in Mountnessing for “a church rate for defraying the expenses of Repairing the Parish Church of Mountnessing in the County of Essex and other incidents incurred by the Churchwardens of the said Parish.” Between 1817 and 1834, Charles paid sums ranging from one shilling up to three shillings and nine pence in the Pound. (Abstract made from parish records)