Ancestors of Mandy Willard

George WILLARD (1835-1902)

and Mary WEDGE (1840-1911)

George Willard and Mary Wedge were my 2x Great Grandparents.  (Click here to see their place in my pedigree chart.)  They were married by banns by James Knight on Saturday 29 August 1857 in the parish church of St. Mary in Pulborough, Sussex.  He was a 22 year old bachelor and a labourer.  Mary gave her age as 18 years and she was a spinster.  They were both of Pulborough and both made their X marks.  The witnesses to their marriage were John Wedge (marked) and Jane Coot (signed).  (John was Mary's elder brother and he married Jane on 19 September 1857.)

George Willard was baptised on Monday 20 July 1835 in Pulborough, Sussex.  He was the second child and eldest son of Clement Willard (1813-1895) and Sophia Older (1811-1884).  He was a labourer.  George died on Thursday 18 September 1902 at 25 Shelldale Road, Portslade, Sussex.  According to his death certificate he was 65 years old.  His cause of death was Erysipelas and General Pyemia.  His widow Mary was present at his death and registered the death the next day at which time she made her mark.

Mary Wedge was born on Sunday 3 May 1840 and baptised on Sunday 31 May 1840 in Pulborough, Sussex.  She was the third child and eldest daughter of William Wedge (1809-1872) and Sarah Mills (1808-1879).  In 1851 she was a scholar, but was unable to sign her name.  Mary died  aged 71 years in the fourth quarter of 1911 in the Steyning registration district.

As a 63 year old widow Mary married William Thorpe on 8 October 1903 at the parish church of St. Nicolas in Portslade.  William was then a 48 year old bachelor and engine driver.  His father was named as Thomas Thorpe a deceased labourer.  William and Mary were both of 23 Shelldale Road, Portslade and they both made their marks.  The witnesses to their marriage were Alfred Pulling (marked) and Sarah Pulling (signed).  (I have not been able to identify William in the 1901 census.)

George Willard and Mary Wedge had 11 known children:

1. John Willard was baptised on 18 December 1857 in Pulborough.  In 1871 he was an agricultural labourer.  By 1881 he was the driver of a steam plough and still living with his parents.  When the 1891 census was recorded John was still an engine driver of a steam plough and he was lodging in the home of Johnathon Morriss at 13 Woods Villas in Sutton at Hone, Dartford, Kent.  In 1901 he was a traction engine driver aged 45 and living in Farningham, Kent, along with his wife Eliza aged 40 and their 3 children:

   1. Louisa Willard was born in the second quarter of 1893 in Longfield, Kent.

   2. Alice Willard was born in the fourth quarter of 1894 in Longfield.

   3. John Willard was born in the third quarter of 1897 in Swanley Juntion, Kent.  John married Violet Spice on 12 October 1921 in Crockenhill.

   John may have married Eliza Searles in the third quarter of 1892 in the West Ham registration district.

   Eliza was born about 1861 in Farningham, Kent.

2. Thomas Willard was baptised on 6 May 1860 in Pulborough.  He died aged 2 years and was buried on 7 March 1862 in Greatham, Sussex.

3. Sally Willard was baptised on 8 June 1862 in Greatham.  At the time of her baptism, her father was a labourer of Greatham.

   As Sarah Ann Willard she married Alfred Pullen in the fourth quarter of 1879 in the Steyning registration district.

   Alfred and Sarah were witnesses her mother's second marriage in 1903.

   Alfred was baptised on 4 March 1855 in Pyecombe, Sussex and was the son of Moses Pulling (c1807-?) and Emma Adset (c1821-?).  When the 1861 census was recorded he was 6 years old and living with his parents in Poynings village.

   The 1901 census records that the couple and their children were living at 7 Wolseley Road in Portslade and Alfred was a farm labourer.  Their surname was then spelt Pulling.

   Alfred and Sarah had the following children:

   1. Alfred Pullen was born in the second quarter of 1880 in Portslade.  He was an unmarried 21 year old farm labourer in 1901 and the eldest of his siblings living at home.

   2. Edmund John Pulling was born in the first quarter of 1882 in Portslade.  He was a 19 year old farm labourer in 1901.

   3. Eleanor Pulling was born in the second quarter of 1884 in Portslade.  In 1901 she was a 16 year old laundress.

   4. Charles Pulling was born in the second quarter of 1886 in Portslade.  He was a 14 year farm carter boy in 1901.

   5. Daisy Louise Pulling was born in the first quarter of 1889 in Portslade.  In 1901 she was 12 years old.

   6. William Pulling was born in the first quarter of 1891 in Portslade.  In 1901 he was 10 years old.

   7. Winifred Alice Pulling was born was born in the second quarter of 1893 in Portslade.  She was 7 years old in 1901.

   8. Lilian Pulling was born about 1896 in Portslade.  In 1901 she was 6 years old.

   9. Elizabeth Jane Pulling was born in the second quarter of 1898 in Portslade.  She was 2 years old in 1901.

   10. Elsie Annie Pulling was born in the fourth quarter of 1899 in Portslade.  When the 1901 census was recorded she was a year old.

4. Felix Willard was baptised on 19 June 1864 in Greatham.  At the time his father was a labourer of Greatham. 

   Felix married Isabella Mitchell on 3 January 1885 at St. Andrews parish church in Portslade-by-Sea, Sussex.  He was a 21 year old bachelor and labourer.  She was a 24 year old spinster.  They were both of Portslade-by-Sea.  Isabella's father's name was not recorded on their marriage certificate.  The witnesses to the marriage were Louisa Mitchell and John Willard. 

   Isabella was born about 1861 in Brighton, Sussex - her birth was registered in the first quarter of 1861 in the Brighton registration district as Isabella Mitchell.  So far, I have not found her baptism.  She was the daughter of William Mitchell (1830-?) and Christiana Abigail Elliot (1830-?).  She died aged 42 years in the fourth quarter of 1903.  At the time of the 1861 census she was a 3 month old visitor at 45 Baker Street, Brighton, the home of Eliza Turner a 53 year old widow.  When the 1871 census was recorded she was a 10 year old boarder living at 102 Edward Street Court, Brighton, the home of Arthur Thompson, aged 48 and his 31 year old wife Harriet and their 4 children aged between 2 and 11.  Also boarding in the household were 7 year old Louisa Mitchell and 3 year old Fanny Mitchell.  I have not found her in the 1881 census.

   In 1891 the family were living at 43 Abinger Road, Portslade and by 1901 they were at 9 Bampfield Street, Portslade-by-Sea.  Felix was then a labourer.

   Felix and Isabella had 8 known children:

   1. Daisy May Willard was born in the second quarter of 1885 in Portslade.  In 1901 she was a 16 year old laundress living at home with her parents and younger siblings.

   2. Alice Louisa Willard was born on 2 July 1886 and baptised on 1 August 1886 in Portslade.  When the 1901 census was recorded she was a 14 year old domestic servant living in the home of Edward Wyndham at 78 Tisbury Road, Hove.

      Alice had 2 known illegitimate sons:

      1. George William Willard was born on 30 August 1905 in Fishersgate and baptised on 5 November 1905 in Portslade.

      2. Arthur Charles Willard was born on 25 April 1911 in Kingston-by-Sea, Sussex.  He died in August 1995 in Croydon and was buried there with his second wife.  He was a grocer's assistant/storeman

         Arthur first married Nellie Gunner in about 1935, possibly 26 December, in Fleet, Hampshire.  They divorced in about 1947.

         Nellie was born on 21 October 1908 and died in August 1985.  She was the daughter of William Gunner (1884-1952) and Ellen Patey (1877-1967).  Arthur and Nellie had 1 son.

      Alice married William George Truebridge in 1912 in Portslade-by-Sea.  He was born in 1881 in Eastbourne, Sussex and was the son of George James Truebridge and Sarah Jane Hunt.

   3. George William Willard was baptised on 5 August 1888 in Portslade.  In 1901 he was 13 years old.

   4. John Frederick Willard was born in the fourth quarter of 1890 in Portslade.  He was 10 years old in 1901.

   5. Albert Edward Willard was born on 14 August 1892 and baptised on 6 November 1892 in Portslade.  He was 8 years old in 1901.

      I am grateful to Claire who came upon the following whilst helping to computerise WW1 army recruiting books:

      Regiment:  East Surrey Regt; Willard, Albert Edward; age 20 yrs 11 months; height 5' 71/2"; chest (expanded) 341/2"; weight 124lbs; complexion fresh; eyes blue; hair fair; scar on right wrist; occupation farm labourer; member of 5/ESR territorials; b. Portslade Sussex; attested 12th Aug 1913 at Kingston on Thames; remarks - E. Weller, Provisions Merchant, 9 Grand Parade, Epsom (this was probably a character referee and implies that he was living in or near Epsom).  (Ref.:  West Surrey History Centre, Woking, Volume 38, page 15.)

      I have checked the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site and it would seem that Albert Edward survived the First World War.

   6. Mary Elizabeth Willard was born in the fourth quarter of 1894 in Portslade.  In 1901 she was 6 years old.

   7. Charlotte Ethel Willard was born in the third quarter of 1897 in Portslade.  The 1901 census records that she was 4 year old Ethel Willard.

   8. Archibald Clement Willard was born in the fourth quarter of 1899 in Portslade.  The 1901 census records that he was 2 year old Archie Willard.

5. William Charles Willard, my Great Grandfather, was born on 7 June 1866 in Portslade.  He married Annie Back (1871-1935) in 1891.  (They have their own page.)

6. Henry Willard was baptised on 25 December 1868 in Portslade.  He was also known as Harry Willard.  According to the 1891 and 1901 census Henry was a general labourer.  He was still living with his parents in 1891.

   Henry married Ann before 1901.

   Ann was born about 1869/70 in Sussex.  She died aged 72 years and her death was registered as Annie Willard in the fourth quarter of 1941.  She had a son John born in about 1889, who in the 1901 census was recorded as John Willard, step son of Henry.

7. Fanny Willard was baptised on 22 June 1870 in Portslade and buried there on 18 October 1870, aged 4 months.

8. Ellen Willard was baptised on 4 January 1874 in Portslade although her birth may have been registered in the fourth quarter of 1872.  I am told that Ellen was much liked by my grandfather (her nephew).  In 1891 she was a domestic servant in the home of John B. Blaker at Beaconsfield House in Portslade.

   Ellen married Charles Richard Cheesman in the third quarter of 1893 in the Steyning registration district.

   Charles was baptised on 22 March 1863 in Brighton and was the son of Samuel Charles Smart Cheesman and Elizabeth Shrivell.

   When the 1901 census was recorded the family were living at 64 George Street, Hove and Charles was then a clothier.

   Charles and Ellen had the following known children:

   1. Reginald Cheesman was born in the first quarter of 1895 in Sussex.  The 1901 census recorded that he was 6 year old Reggy Cheesman.

   2. Larance Cheesman was born about 1897 in Sussex.  He was 4 year old Laurie Cheesman in the 1901 census.

   3. Beatrice Cheesman was born in the first quarter of 1901 and died in third quarter of 1901 in Sussex.  She was 5 weeks old when the 1901 census was recorded.

9. Clement Willard was born in the third quarter of 1875 in Portslade.  In 1901 he was a labourer in a timber field and living at 35 Abbey Grove in Plumstead, London along with his 25 year old wife Emma J.

   Clement married Emma Judith Everett in the fourth quarter of 1899 in the Steyning registration district.

   Emma was the daughter of John Everett (c1838-?).

10. George Willard was born in the third quarter of 1877 in Portslade.  He may have died aged 21 years in the fourth quarter of 1899.

11. Alice Willard was baptised on 5 September 1880 at St. Andrews in Portslade-by-Sea.

    Alice may have married Alfred John Steward in the first quarter of 1901 in the Steyning registration district.

    When the 1901 census was recorded, Alfred and Alice were living in Chelsea, London and he was a coachman (not domestic).

1871 Census - 2 Red House Cottage, Portslade, Sussex, (RG 10/1093, folio 40, page 23)

George Willard, Head, Mar, 34, Ag Lab, born Sussex Pulborough

Mary Willard, Wife, Mar, 33, born Sussex, Pulborough

John Willard, Son, Unm, 13, born Sussex, Pulborough

continued on the next page (RG10/1093, folio 40, page 24)

Sally Willard, Daur, 8, born Sussex, Gritham

Felix Willard, Son, 6, born Sussex, Gritham

William Willard, Son, 4, born Sussex, Portslade

Harry Willard, Son, 3, born Sussex, Portslade

1881 Census - Sea View Terrace, Portslade, Sussex (RG12/1103, folio 80, page 84)

George Willard, Head, Mar, 43, Farm Labourer, born Sussex, Pulborough

Mary Willard, Wife, Mar, 40, born Sussex, Pulborough

John Willard, Son, Unm, 23, Driver of Steam Plough, born Sussex, Pulborough

Sarah Willard, Daur, Mar, 19, born Sussex, Gredham

Felix Willard, Son, Unm, 16, Labourer, born Sussex, Gredham

William Willard, Son, 14, Ag Labourer, born Sussex, Portslade

continued on next page (RG12/1103, folio 81, page 85)

Henry Willard, Son, 12, born Sussex, Portslade

Ellen Willard, Daur, 7, Scholar, born Sussex, Portslade

Clement Willard, Son, 5, Scholar, born Sussex, Portslade

George Willard, Son, 4, Scholar, born Sussex, Portslade

Alice Willard, Daur, 9 months, born Sussex, Portslade

1891 Census - 8 Sheldale Road, Portslade, Sussex (RG12/823, folio 4, page 2)

George Willard, Head, M, 53, General Labourer, born Sussex, Pulborough

Mary Willard, Wife, M, 51, born Sussex, Pulborough

Henry Willard, Son, S, 23, General Labourer, born Sussex Portslade

Clement Willard, Son, S, 15, General Labourer, born Sussex Portslade

George Willard junr, Son, S, 13, General Labourer, born Sussex Portslade

Alice Willard, Daur, S, 11, Scholar, born Sussex Portslade

Walter Chandler, Boarder, S, 19, General Labourer, born London

Alfred Freeman, Boarder, S, 25, General Labourer, born Sussex Southwick

1901 Census - 25 Sheldale Road, Portslade by Sea, Sussex (RG13/943, folio 28, page 3)

George Willard, Head, M, 63, Labourer, born Sussex

Mary Willard, Wife, M, 62, born Sussex

Harry Willard, Head, M, 52, General Labourer, born Sussex

Ann Willard, Wife, M, 31, born Sussex

John Willard, Stepson, 12, born Sussex

1901 Census - 38 High Croft Cottages, Farningham, Kent (RG13/709, folio 27, page 15)

John Willard, Head, M, Traction Engine Driver, born Sussex Portslade

Eliza Willard, Wife, M, 40, born Kent Farningham

Louisa Willard, Daur, S, 8, born Kent Longfield

Alice Willard, Daur, S, 7, born Kent Longfield

John Willard, Son, S, 4, born Kent Swanley Junction

1901 Census - 7 Wolseley Road, Portslade-by-Sea, Sussex (RG13/943, folio 9, page 9)

Alfred Pulling, Head, M, 46, Farm Labourer, Worker, born Sussex, Pyecombe

Sarah Pulling, Wife, M, 39, born Sussex, Pulborough

Alfred Pulling, Son, S, 21, Farm Labourer, Worker, born Sussex, Portslade

Edmund Pulling, Son, S, 19, Farm Labourer, Worker, born Sussex, Portslade

Eleanor Pulling, Daur, S, 16, Laundress, Worker, born Sussex, Portslade

Charles Pulling, Son, S, 14, Farm Carter, Worker, born Sussex, Portslade

Daisy Pulling, Daur, 12, born, Sussex, Portslade

William Pulling, Son, 10, born Sussex,Portslade

Winifred A. Pulling, Daur, 7, born Sussex, Portslade

Lilian Pulling, Daur, 6, born Sussex, Portslade

Elizabeth J. Pulling, Daur, 2, born Sussex, Portslade

Elsie A. Pulling, Daur, 1, born Sussex, Portslade

1901 Census - 9 Bampfield Street, Portslade-by-Sea, Sussex (RG13/943, folio 40, page 27)

Felix Willard, Head, M, 37, Labourer, Worker, born Pulborough, Sussex

Isabella Willard, Head, M, 40, born Brighton, Sussex

Daisy Willard, Daur, S, 16, Laundress, born Portslade, Sussex

George Willard, Son, 13, born Portslade, Sussex

John Willard, Son, 10, born Portslade, Sussex

Albert Willard, Son, 8, born Portslade, Sussex

Mary Willard, Daur, 6, born Portslade, Sussex

Ethel Willard, Daur, 4, born Portslade, Sussex

Archie Willard, Son, 2, born Portslade, Sussex

1901 Census - 78 Tisbury Road, Hove, Sussex (RG13/936, folio 83, page 21)

Edward Wyndham, Head, M, 54, Living on own means, born Devonshire, Torquay

Aylward Wyndham, Son, 13, born London, Paddington

Eveleigh Wyndham, Son, 12, born London, Paddington

Emily Lovesey, Serv, S, 50, Housekeeper domestic, born Oxon, Filkins

Alice Willard, Serv, S, 14, Housemaid domestic, born Sussex Hove

1901 Census - 64 George Street, Hove, Sussex (RG13/937, folio 86, page 20)

Charles R. Cheesman, Head, M, 38, Clothier, own account at home, born Sussex

Ellen Cheesman, Wife, 27, born Sussex

Reggy Cheesman, Son, 6, born Sussex

Larrie Cheesman, Son, 4, born Sussex

Beatrice Cheesman, Daur, 5 weeks, born Sussex

1901 Census - 35 Abbey Grove, Plumstead, London (RG13/577, folio 69, page 43)

Clement Willard, Head, M, 24, Labourer in timber field, worker, born Sussex, Portslade

Emma J. Willard, Wife, M, 25, born Kent, Plumstead

WEDGE          WILLARD