Family Bloodlines
TREE FAMILY BLOODLINE
John TREE, b. ca. 1747, m. Ann (b. est. 1749 in Southwark, Surrey); d. 15 Apr 1812 at Queen St, Southwark, Surrey aged 65, bur. 19 Apr 1812 at Long Lane, Southwark, d. reg. Quaker Monthly Meeting of St. John, Horsleydown and Southwark Burials.
Recorded from 1807 to 1809 as resident at Queen St, Southwark and charged Land Tax of £1 12s 6d each year. At his son Stephen’s marriage (posth.) a basket maker of Queen St, Southwark. At his death at the age of 65, a basket maker and a Quaker of Queen St, Southwark.
[Long Lane Playground in Bermondsey is on the site of the Quaker Burial Ground whose perimeter wall remains. A slab records the opening of the Society of Friends burial ground in 1697 and its closure in 1855. A stone tablet set into the wall records that it was built in 1749-50 by John Savage. The London Gazette states that burials were discontinued in 1853 in the interest of public health.]
[Children of John TREE and Ann]:
[There was a Thomas TREE, b. ca. 1783, who was recorded as an Ordinary Seaman at the Battle of Trafalgar on HMS Africa, ship’s pay book number SB 149, from 13 Sep 1805 to 20 Feb 1806. His connection to this bloodline is uncertain.]
Sarah TREE, b. est. 1772 in Southwark, Surrey, m. 24 Feb 1794 at Southwark St. Saviour, William Nott (b. est. 1770).
Her marriage was a double wedding with her brother John TREE, and was witnessed by John TREE and George GRAHAM.
Stephen TREE, b. 1781 in Southwark, Surrey, chr. 16 Sep 1781 at St. Saviour Southwark, m. 19 Jul 1815 at Winchmore Hill, Middlesex, Mary NORTH (b. ca. 1776, daughter of John NORTH and Elizabeth of Winchmore Hill, d. 23 Dec 1836 at Southwark, Surrey).
At his marriage, a Quaker and basket maker of Tottenham Court Rd, Middlesex. The marriage was witnessed by John CATCHPOOL, a baker of Winchmore Hill, Edmonton, Middlesex, Jerome WRIGHT, a tailor of the City of London, and John THURLOW, a tailor of Fishbone St, London. At his wife’s death in 1836, of Red Cross St, Southwark, Surrey. Mary was buried on 28 Dec 1836 at Long Lane Quaker burial ground in Bermondsey; the grave-maker was Edward KNIGHT
[The grave maker was a Quaker Friend who was responsible for the organization of the preparation and finishing of the grave.]
Mary’s death is recorded in the US and UK Quaker Published Memorials Annual Monitor for 1838 as: “MARY TREE, Southwark, Lon. Wife of Stn. 1836”.
John TREE, b. ca. 1770, m. 24 Feb 1794 at St. Saviour Southwark , Hannah ARGENT (b. 1773 in Southwark, Surrey, daughter of Joseph ARGENT and Mary DANNEL; d. est. by 1840); d. reg. Q2 1846 at Camberwell, Surrey.
His marriage was a double wedding with his sister Sarah TREE and was witnessed by Thomas THOMAS and William GRAHAM, his wife Hannah signed the registry with a mark. On 22 May 1799, a basket maker of St. Saviour’s, Southwark and paid indenture duty for his apprentice Henry WESTWOOD. On 8 Oct 1801, a basket maker of St. Saviour’s, Southwark and paid indenture duty for his apprentice John EDWARDS. In 1841, a Poor Brother at Dulwich College, St Giles, Camberwell, where his daughters Sarah and Eliza were also resident. When he made his will on 25 Feb 1845, he was living at Dulwich College, Surrey. In his will he left his “silver top walking cane as a token of remembrance” to his son John and “all my own wearing apparel of every description” to his son Stephen; to his daughter Eliza “the whole of my household furniture including the knives plate linen china glass books wines and liquors together with the fixtures belonging to me”… Any residuary money was divided equally between his children John TREE, Stephen TREE, Ann FORDHAM and Eliza TREE. The will was witnessed by Henry WILLIAMS and Elizabeth ROBERTSON a widow also of Dulwich College, and his son-in-law Stephen FORDHAM of 165 Southwark Bridge Road was named executor. The will was proved on 22 Apr 1846 by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
[In 1605 Edward Alleyn, actor-manager and entrepreneur, purchased the Manor of Dulwich. Some years later he created a charitable foundation, endowing it with his estate and other property. The original beneficiaries were twelve poor scholars, six poor brothers and six poor sisters, all chosen from four parishes with which Alleyn was closely associated: St. Botolph’s Bishopgate, St. Saviour’s Southwark, St. Giles Cripplegate and the parish of Camberwell in which his manor lay.]
[Children of John TREE and Hannah ARGENT]:
Sarah TREE, chr. 22 Mar 1795 at St. Saviour, Denmark Park, Surrey; d. reg. Q1 1870 at Camberwell, Surrey.
In 1841, resident at Dulwich College with her sister Eliza and father John TREE. In 1845, named as a beneficiary in her father’s will. On 18 Sep 1851, a spinster of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Upper Ground, when she witnessed a document of administration of the estate of her deceased sister Eliza TREE. In 1861, a retail confectioner at Southampton St, Alfred Place, Camberwell.
John TREE, chr. 21 Jan 1798 at St. Saviour, Denmark Park, Surrey.
In 1841, a basket maker of 87 Blackman St, Southwark, Surrey. In 1845, named as a beneficiary in his father’s will. In 1851, a basket maker and pauper resident at the workhouse of St. George the Martyr, Borough Road, Southwark.
Thomas TREE, chr. 15 Dec 1799 at St. Saviour, Denmark Park, Surrey.
In 1841, a basket maker of St. Anne, Soho, Middlesex, and living with his wife Ann and children George, Henry, Hellen, Thomas, John, Frederick, Charles and Emma.
Ann TREE chr. 9 Mar 1806 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Surrey, m. 18 Aug 1833 at Holy Trinity, Newington, Surrey, Stephen FORDHAM (chr. 10 Aug 1806 at St. George the Martyrs, Southwark, Surrey, son of Thomas Robert FORDHAM and Maria Ann DUNCAN; d. 22 Sept 1880 at Wandsworth, Surrey); d. reg. Q1 1883 at Richmond, Surrey.
In 1845, named as a beneficiary in her father’s will. In 1851, of 13 Phelp St, Newington, Lambeth, living with her husband Stephen, a steward’s clerk, and their children Mary Ann and Thomas. On 18 Sep 1851, her husband Stephen, a gentleman of 13 Phelp St, Walworth Common, witnessed a document of administration of the estate of Ann’s deceased sister Eliza TREE. In 1861, of 10 Hardinge Terrace, Newington, Lambeth, living with her husband Stephen, a receiver’s clerk and their children Mary A and Thomas, a wine merchant’s clerk. In 1871, of 51 Denmark Hill living with her husband Stephen, a rent collector, their son Thomas, purveyor of fancy goods, and Eliza LEDGER, general domestic servant. At his death in 1880 her husband Stephen’s estate was valued at under £6000. His will records him as “formerly of 2 Beckenham Place Denmark Hill Camberwell but late of Shakespeare House Mallinson Road Wandsworth Common both in the county of Surrey - Gentleman who died 22 Sept 1880 at Shakespeare House”. The will was proved on 2 Nov 1880 at the Principal Registry by the executors Isaac LIVERMORE of 3 College Hill in the city of London, John MASON, India Rubber Importer, of 2 Montrose Villas, South Lambeth, and Thomas FORDHAM (son) of 114 Denmark Hill, Fancy Stationer. In 1881, of Barnes, Surrey, widow of independent means and mother-in-law to John DAVIS.
Eliza Ann or Elizabeth TREE, b. ca. 1817 in Southwark, Surrey; d. 1 Jun 1851 at Pentonville, Middlesex.
On 18 Jul 1834, discharged from the Fleet Prison, London by order of the court for “the relief of Insolvent Debtors”. In 1841, resident at Dulwich College with her sister Sarah and father John TREE. In 1845, named as a beneficiary in her father’s will. At her death in 1851, the document of administration states: “Appeared personally Stephen Tree and alleged that Eliza Tree late of No. 2 Lower Queens Row Pentonville in the County of Middlesex departed this life a spinster and intestate without a parent …”, her estate was valued at under £200. On 18 Sep 1852, administration of the estate was witnessed by her brother Stephen TREE, brother-in-law Stephen FORDHAM and sister Sarah TREE.
Stephen TREE, chr. 25 Dec 1803 at St. Saviour, Denmark Park, Surrey, m. 22 Jan 1829 at Horsleydown St. John, Southwark, Surrey, Mary Ann ANDREWS (chr. 1803 at St. Andrew, Holborn, daughter of John ANDREWS and Mary Ann); d. reg. Q3 1876 at St. Olave, Southwark.
His marriage to Mary Ann in 1829 was witnessed by John TREE and S. TREE. In 1841, a basket maker of 2 Boddy's Bridge, Southwark, living with his wife Mary and children Hannah, Stephen, James and George. In 1845, named as a beneficiary in his father’s will. In 1851, a basket maker of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his wife Mary Ann and children Stephen, James, George, all basket makers at home, and Albert. In 1851, the TREE family of basket makers exhibited a wicker governess cart at the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London. On 18 Sep 1851, a basket maker of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Upper Ground St, Blackfriars Rd, Middlesex, when he was named “the natural and lawful brother and one of the next of kin” and administrator to the estate of his deceased sister Eliza TREE. In 1861, a basket maker of 4 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, living with his wife Mary Ann and children Albert, a basket maker, Stephen, a basket maker, daughter-in-law Elizabeth and granddaughters Elizabeth and Mary Ann; his nephew James TREE, also a basket maker, was a visitor in 1861 at 3 Winter’s Square. In 1871, a basket maker of 4 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, living with his son Stephen TREE, a basket maker, his daughter-in-law Elizabeth, a laundress. and grandchildren Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Alice, Eliza and Steven F.
[Children of Stephen TREE and Mary Ann ANDREWS]:
Hannah TREE, Chr. 25 Apr 1830 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Surrey, m. 8 Sep 1850 at St. Pancras, Middlesex, George ROGERS (b. 1830 in Limehouse, son of George ROGERS); d. reg. Q3 1864 at Shoreditch, London.
In 1841, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with her parents and brothers Stephen, James and George. At her marriage in 1850, George ROGERS was a waterman of Woburn Buildings, the witnesses were Thomas EBREY and Eliza TREE. In 1851, a book folder of 3 Upper Ground Place, Southwark, living with her husband George, a lighterman. In 1861, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with her husband George, a lighterman, and their children Eliza, George J., Hannah and Elizabeth.
[A Waterman was someone licensed to navigate and pilot passenger vessels on the River Thames. A Lighterman worked on barges, carrying goods or wares up and down the river, and from cargo ships to shore.]
[UPPER GROUND is the oldest thoroughfare in Christ Church parish, Southwark. It retains the narrowness and twists and turns characteristic of a country lane. Before the formation of the railway it extended eastward across Blackfriars Road as far as Bankside. The making of Blackfriars Road and the opening up of the neighbourhood drew attention to the dirty and almost impassable state of Upper Ground. In 1791 an Act was passed "for paving, cleansing, lighting, watching, widening, regulating and improving" it, and Commissioners were appointed with power to widen the street at either end, to number the houses, provide beadles and a watch house, and to clean and water the roadway. BODDY’S BRIDGE, a small turning on the south side of Upper Ground, is now closely hemmed in by high buildings. In a list of newly built tenements ca.1634 mention is made of a brick and timber tenement "builded by Richard Boddy” that bridged over the sewer. (Also see Appendix 16.)]
Stephen TREE, b. 19 Nov 1834, chr. 22 Mar 1835 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Surrey, m.15 Sep 1856 at Trinity Church, St. Mary Newington, Surrey, Elizabeth PAYNE (b. 1837 in Stratford, Essex, daughter of Richard PAYNE, a silk printer, and Anne); d. reg. Q4 1877 at St. Olave, Southwark.
In 1841, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and siblings Hannah, James and George. In 1851, a basket maker at home of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and brothers James, George, both basket makers at home, and Albert. At his marriage in 1856, of Union Road; the witnesses were Richard PAYNE (signed with a mark) and Maria BROWN; Elizabeth PAYNE also signed the registry with a mark. In 1856, listed in the Post Office Directory as a basket maker of Union Rd, Newington Causeway. In 1861, a basket maker of 4 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, living with his parents, his wife Elizabeth, daughters Elizabeth and Mary Ann and Stephen’s brother Albert. In 1871, a basket maker of 4 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, living with his father Stephen, a basket maker, his wife Elizabeth, a laundress, and their children Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Alice, Eliza and Steven.
James TREE, b. 12 Jan 1837, chr. 12 Feb 1837 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Surrey, m. reg. Q3 1873 at Croydon, Surrey, Emma ROBINSON (b.1840 at Camberwell, Surrey, d. by 1911); d. 3 May 1918 at Camberwell, Surrey, bur. 10 May 1918 at Forest Hill, Kent.
In 1841, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and siblings Hannah, Stephen and George. In 1851, a basket maker at home of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and brothers Stephen, George, both basket makers at home, and Albert. In 1861, a basket maker and visitor at 3 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, next door to his relatives at 4 Winter’s Square. In 1871, a basket maker journeyman and lodger at 9 Arthur St, Peckham, Camberwell. In 1881, a basket maker of 36 Stockwell St, Peckham, Camberwell, living with his wife Emma and their children Louisa, James and Norah, and step-children Jack STOW, Aaron STOW and Eliza STOW (Emma was probably a widow when she married James, re-marrying under her maiden name). In 1891, a basket maker of Henley’s Buildings, Grainger St, Peckham, living with his wife Emma, a wash laundress, and their children Louisa, a wash laundress, Norah and James. In 1901, a basket maker of 76 Bird-in-Bush Rd, Peckham, Camberwell, living with his wife Emma. On 21 March 1911, a basket maker, admitted to Constance Rd Workhouse in Camberwell and classed as aged and infirm. In the 1911 census, formerly a basket maker, widowed and a worker, aged 74 living at Camberwell Workhouse, Constance Rd, East Dulwich, Surrey. At his death on 3 May 1918, of Constance Rd Workhouse, recorded as aged and infirm. When his death was registered, address given as Gordon Rd Institute (an annex of Constance Rd?) formerly of 80 Bird in Bush Rd; cause of death recorded as arteris sclerosis senilitas.
Albert TREE, b. reg. Q3 1841 at at St. Saviour, Southwark, chr. 5 Dec 1841 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Surrey, m. June 1871 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Ann THOMPSON (b. ca. 1841 in Bermondsey, Surrey, daughter of Thomas THOMPSON, a carpenter, and Mary, d. prob. by 1877); d. 5 Jul 1877 at Southwark, d. reg. Q3 1877 at St. Saviour, Southwark.
In 1851, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and brothers Stephen, James and George, all basket makers at home. In 1861, a basket maker of 4 Winter’s Square, Bermondsey, Southwark, living with his parents, his brother Stephen, a basket maker, his sister-in-law Elizabeth and his nieces Elizabeth and Mary Ann. In 1871, a costermonger of 20 Pepper St, Southwark, living with his wife Ann, also a costermonger.
[Pepper St. is in the vicinity of Borough Market, and it is likely that Albert and Ann traded there.]
On 27 Jun 1877, discharged from St George’s Workhouse, Mint St, Southwark, his reason for discharge was recorded as “cure request”. At his death on 5 July 1877, of Christ Church Workhouse, Southwark.
George TREE, b. 18 Jun 1839, chr. 21 Jul 1839 at St. John the Evangelist, Walworth, Surrey, m. 6 Jul 1856 at St. Mary, Lambeth, Surrey, Priscilla BAKER (b. 26 Dec 1837, chr. 28 Jan 1838 at St. Peter, Walworth, Surrey, daughter of William BAKER, a carman, and Susannah CHAPMAN, d. at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Mar 1922 at Bromley, Kent); d. at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Mar 1930 at Bromley, Kent.
In 1841, of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and siblings Hannah, Stephen and James. In 1851, a basket maker at home of 2 Boddy’s Bridge, Southwark, living with his parents and brothers Stephen, James, both basket makers at home, and Albert. At his marriage in 1856 he was aged 17 and Priscilla aged 19, the witnesses were William BAKER and Sarah BAKER; Priscilla signed the registry with a mark. In 1861, a basket maker of 9 Port Place, Walworth, Newington, living with his wife Priscilla and children Stephen and John R. In 1863, at the joint christenings of children George, Stephen and James, of 39 Milk St, Newington. In 1871, a basket maker of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with his wife Priscilla and children George, a basket maker, Stephen, James, Priscilla and Mary A. In 1881, a basket maker of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with his wife Priscilla and children Priscilla, Mary A, Albert, Eliza, Emma and John. In 1891, a basket maker of 95 Dennett’s Rd, Deptford, Greenwich, living with his wife Priscilla and children Albert, a general labourer, Eliza and Emma, both general domestic servants, and John. In 1901, a basket maker of Ivydene, Cray Road, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his wife Priscilla and children Emma, a factory hand, John, a basket maker, and Martha. In 1902 and 1903, listed in Kelly’s Directory as a shopkeeper in Suffolk Road, Foots Cray. In 1911, a basket maker of 11 School Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his wife Priscilla.
[Children of George TREE and Priscilla BAKER]:
Stephen TREE, b. 24 Jan 1859, chr. 12 Jul 1863 at St. Mary Newington, Surrey. m1 5 Aug 1877 at St. John the Evangelist, Walworth, Surrey, Elizabeth Louisa HOLBOURN (b. ca. 1858 in Walworth, Surrey, daughter of Samuel John HOLBOURN, a gas lighter, and Elizabeth MORBIN, d. reg. Q4 1897 at St. Saviour, Southwark), m2 Q31899 at St. Saviour, Southwark, Harriet Sarah Susan STAGG (chr. 16 Apr 1856 at St. Thomas in the Liberty of the Rolls, City of London, daughter of James STAGG, a porter, and Mary Ann, d. Sep 1928 at Lambeth, Surrey); d. reg. Q2 1930 at Lambeth, Surrey.
In 1861, of 9 Port Place, Walworth, Newington, living with his parents and brother John R. In 1863, of 39 Milk St, Newington, christened with his brothers George and James. In 1871, of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with his parents and siblings George, a basket maker, James, Priscilla and Mary A. At his marriage to Elizabeth Louisa HOLBOURN in 1877, a basket maker of 41 Brandon St; the witnesses were Samuel HOLBOURN and Rose HALLS, who signed the registry with a mark, as did the bride and groom. In 1881, a basket maker of 64 Leo St, Camberwell, living with his wife Elizabeth, an ironer, and children Elizabeth and James. In 1891, a basket maker, lodging with the WHITEHEAD family at 9 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent (in the same 1891 census Stephen‘s brother George TREE, his wife Mary Emma and family are living at 1 Jubilee Cottages). In 1901, a basket maker of 21 Townley St, Newington, living with his wife Harriet and children Stephen, an errand boy, Charles, Lillian, and May, Frederick BERRY, a carman, Matilda BERRY, a polisher (Frederick and Matilda BERRY are listed as son and daughter - perhaps stepchildren from a previous marriage of Harriet STAGG?) and Elizabeth WILLIAM, widow and tailoress. In 1906, of Hart St, Southwark, listed as a house/shop in Land Tax Records. In 1911, a basket maker of 5 Manchester Building, Walworth, living with his wife Harriet in two rooms.
James TREE, b. reg. Q3 1863 at Bermondsey, Surrey, chr. 12 Jul 1863 at St. Mary Newington, Surrey.
In 1863, of 39 Milk St, Newington, christened with his brothers Stephen and George. In 1871, of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with his parents and siblings George, a basket maker, Stephen, Priscilla and Mary A. In 1874, of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell when admitted on 7 Sep to Canterbury Rd School, date of birth given as 20 Jun 1863. James, who became a seaman, was eventually lost at sea.
Priscilla TREE, b. 25 Dec 1866, b. reg. Q1 1867 at Staines, Middlesex, chr. 1 Dec 1870 at Christ Church, Camberwell, Surrey, m. 23 Sep 1886 at St. Saviour, Southwark, John James BROADRIBB, a widower (b. 16 May 1859 in Greenwich, son of John BROADRIBB, an engineer, and Eliza CHIVERS, m1. Mary Ann BOURKE; d. reg. Q4 1944 at Frome, Somerset, bur. All Saints churchyard, Lullington, Somerset); d. 7 Dec 1954, d. reg. Q4 1954 at Frome, Somerset, bur. All Saints churchyard, Lullington, Somerset.
In 1870, of 9 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, christened with her sister Mary Ann. In 1871, of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings George, a basket maker, Stephen, James and Mary A. In 1874, of 9 Samuel Place, Camberwell when admitted on 7 Sep to Mawbey Rd School, date of birth given as 25 Dec 1867. In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings Mary A, Albert, Eliza, Emma and John. At her marriage to John James BROADRIBB in 1886, of 23 Hatcham Rd; the witnesses were George Tree and Ann Tree (either Priscilla’s aunt-by-marriage or sister-in-law) who signed the registry with a mark. In 1891, of 26 Daniels Rd, Peckham, Camberwell, living with her husband John, a carpenter, and step-son John P (Percival John BROADRIBB (1883-1908), son of his father‘s first marriage to Mary Ann BOURKE). In 1901, of 3 Sartor Rd, Peckham, Camberwell, living with her husband John, a carpenter, and step-son Percival J, a commercial clerk. In 1911, a laundress at home, of Old Ford, West Frome, Somerset, living with her husband John, a carpenter and joiner, and her sister-in-law Florence BROADRIBB. In 1939, of 84 Beckley Lane, Old Ford, Frome, Somerset, ‘incapacitated’ and living with her husband John, an invalid, and her sister-in-law Florence, also an invalid. Priscilla is buried jointly with her husband John and his sister Florence at All Saints churchyard in Lullington, Somerset.
Mary Ann TREE, b. reg. Q4 1869 at Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 1 Dec 1870 at Christ Church, Camberwell, Surrey, m. 11 Nov 1888 at All Saints, Walworth, Southwark, Edward JONES, a carman (b. ca. 1867 in Brixton, Lambeth, Surrey, son of Fleetwood JONES, a builder, and Emily WELLAND).
In 1870, of 9 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, christened with her sister Priscilla. In 1871, of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings George, a basket maker, Stephen, James and Priscilla. In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings Priscilla, Albert, Eliza, Emma and John. In 1891, of 48 Burchill Rd, Camberwell, living with her husband Edward, a tramcar driver, and son Fleetwood. In 1901, a monthly nurse of 7 Bishop’s Rd, Brixton, Lambeth, living with her husband Edward, a bus driver, and children Fleetwood, George, Edward and Mary A. In 1911, of 85 Sussex Rd, Brixton, Lambeth, living with her husband George, a motor bus driver, and children Mary Adelaide, Olive and Stephen Christopher.
[A monthly nurse cared for women during the first month after childbirth.]
Albert TREE, b. reg. Q1 1872 at Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 12 Dec 1875 at Christ Church, Camberwell, Surrey, m. 1897 Annie Elizabeth.
In 1875, of 9 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, christened with his sister Eliza. In 1879, of 63 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell when admitted to Canterbury Rd School, date of birth given as 7 Dec 1871. In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with his parents and siblings Priscilla, Mary A, Eliza, Emma and John. On 28 Sep1885, of 23 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell when admitted to Ruby St. School, Southwark, date of birth given as 18 Dec 1871. In 1891, a general labourer of 95 Dennett’s Rd, Deptford, Greenwich, living with his parents and siblings Eliza, a general domestic servant, Emma, a general domestic servant, and John. In 1911, a basket maker of Godmersham, Canterbury, Kent, living with his wife Annie Elizabeth and children Mabel Alice and Albert George William.
Eliza TREE, b. reg. Q4 1874 at Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 12 Dec 1875 at Christ Church, Camberwell, Surrey, m. reg. Q4 at Bromley, Kent, Thomas SULLIVAN (b. ca. 1868 in Foots Cray, Kent, son of Roger SULLIVAN of Ireland and Hannah, d. 15 Nov 1939 at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Q4 1939 at Bromley, Kent, bur. with his wife at All Saints Churchyard, Foots Cray); d. 15 Dec 1941 at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Dec 1941 at Bromley, Kent, bur. with her husband at All Saints Churchyard, Foots Cray.
In 1875, of 9 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, christened with her brother Albert. In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings Priscilla, Mary A, Albert, Emma and John. On 22 Sep 1883, of 23 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell when admitted to Mawbey Rd School, Southwark, date of birth given as 5 Sep 1873. In 1891, a general domestic servant of 95 Dennett’s Rd, Deptford, Greenwich, living with her parents and siblings Albert, a general labourer, Emma, a general domestic servant, and John. In 1901, of 5 Windsor Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her husband Thomas, a builder’s carman, and children Thomas, Ivy, Mabel, Violet and Kathleen, and lodgers John MERCHANT, a builder’s carman, and George JOHNSTON, a contractor’s carman. In 1911, of Windsor Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her husband Thomas, a builder’s carman, and children Thomas, a hotel porter, Ivy Priscilla, a grocer’s shop girl, Mabel, a lady’s domestic servant, Violet, Kathleen, Dorothy Irene, Edna May, Philis Joan, and George.
Emma TREE, b. 18 Dec 1876, b. reg. Q1 1877 at Camberwell, Surrey, m. reg. Q3 1901 at Bromley, Kent, James EPSOM (b.1878 in St. Paul’s Cray, Kent, son of Rehoboam EPSOM and Elizabeth MORLEY); d. reg. Mar 1964 at Sidcup, Kent.
In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with her parents and siblings Priscilla, Mary A, Albert, Eliza and John. In 1891, a general domestic servant of 95 Dennett’s Rd, Deptford, Greenwich living with her parents and siblings Albert, a general labourer, Eliza, a general domestic servant, and John. In 1901, a factory hand of Ivydene, Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her parents and siblings John, a basket maker, and Martha; Mary Emma TREE (nee SERCOMBE) and her children (her husband George TREE was absent) were neighbours at the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd. (In 1901, before his marriage to Emma TREE, James EPSOM was a paper finisher of Cray Rd Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his widowed mother Elizabeth EPSOM, and next door to Mary Emma SERCOMBE’s half-brother Stephen W. BREED and family.) In 1911, of 1 Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her husband James, a paper maker, children James, Elizabeth, Florence and Edmund William, and mother-in-law Elizabeth EPSOM, a widow. In 1939, of Greenwood, Broomwood Rd, St Paul‘s Cray, Kent, living with her children Elizabeth, a packer at paper works, William E (Edmund William), a paper maker, and Eric, a lamp attendant.
John TREE, b. reg. Q2 1879 at Camberwell, Surrey, m. reg. Q4 1901 at Bromley, Kent, Martha Gertrude VALLINS (b. reg. Q2 1882 at Bromley, Kent, daughter of George VALLINS, a paper maker, and Martha PACKMAN, an infant school teacher, d. reg. Jun 1941 in Greenwich); d. reg. Dec 1945 at Dartford, Kent.
.
In 1881, of 92 Sultan St, Camberwell, living with his parents and siblings Priscilla, Mary A, Albert, Eliza and Emma. In 1891, of 95 Dennett’s Rd, Deptford, Greenwich living with his parents and siblings Albert, a general labourer, Eliza, a general domestic servant, and Emma, a general domestic servant. In 1901, a basket maker of Ivydene, Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his parents and sisters Emma, a factory hand, and Martha. In 1911, a sewing machine trade manager of 162 Henley Rd, Ilford, Essex, living with his wife Martha Gertrude, a worker at home, and children Dorothy Priscilla Kemble, John Benjamin and Mervyn Ernest.
Martha TREE, b. 1882 in Foots Cray, Kent.
In 1901, of Ivydene, Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her parents and siblings Emma, a factory hand, and John, a basket maker. In 1911, a parlour maid of Ickham Hall, Nr. Canterbury, Kent.
George TREE, b. Mar 1857, chr. 12 Jul 1863 at St. Mary, Newington, Surrey, m1. 14 Jun 1884 at All Saints, Newington, Surrey, Mary Emma SERCOMBE (b. 30 Sep 1859 in Peckham, Surrey, daughter of Henry Auton Giffard SERCOMBE, a mariner, and Mary Hannah (or Ann) KING, of a Quaker family, d. 11 Nov 1922 at Locksbottom House, Farnborough), m2. 25 Oct 1924 at Bromley Register Office, Kent, Emily Georgina LANGE (b. ca. 1874 in London, daughter of Edward BROWN, a theatrical porter, widow of Carl Henry James LANGE); d. 1942 at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Dec 1942 at Bromley, Kent.
In 1861, a patient at Guy’s Hospital, Southwark, son of a basket maker. In 1863, of 39 Milk St, Newington, christened with his brothers Stephen and James. In 1871, a basket maker of 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with his parents and siblings Stephen, James, Priscilla and Mary A. As a very young man George joined the British Army as an infantry soldier, then re-enlisted with the cavalry of the First King’s Regiment of Dragoon Guards in London on 14 Dec 1875, serving in Egypt and South Africa, India and Burma. In 1877-79, with the Transport Army Corps in South Africa. During the Anglo-Zulu War fought the Zulus at the Battle of Ulundi in 1879. Awarded the South Africa Medal and 1879 Clasp for service in the Zulu conflict. On 13 Oct 1883, transferred to the army reserve on completion of active army service; his conduct and character were rated Good on his discharge paper, and “He is in possession of two Good Conduct badges - South African Medal & Clasp 1879, and a fourth class certificate of education”. In 1884, at his marriage to Mary Emma SERCOMBE, a basket maker of 23 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell; the witnesses were his father George TREE and his sister-in-law Elizabeth Louisa TREE (who signed the registry with a mark). In 1885, served with the First Battalion King’s Own Light Infantry Regiment in India and Burma and fought in the Third Anglo-Burmese War. On 14 Dec 1887, discharged from the cavalry of the First King’s Dragoon Guards at Canterbury, Kent, in consequence of the termination of his first period of limited engagement; by this date he had served a recorded 12 years in the army and in reserve. The discharge paper of 1887 gives the following description of George TREE: Age: 30 8/12 years, Height: 5 feet Nine inches, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Brown, Trade: Basket Maker, Marks or Scars whether on face or body: Two (tantalisingly their description is illegible on a much worn fold of the document); his intended place of residence is given as Springfield, 38 (or 30?) Guildford (Road). Clapham, Surrey, which is struck through and replaced with 7 Church St, Foots Cray Kent. In 1887-89, served with the First Battalion King’s Own Light Infantry Regiment in India and Burma and awarded the India General Service Medal and Burma Clasp. In 1891, a basket maker of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his wife Mary Emma and children George H, James, Ernest J, May and his wife’s half-brother Stephen BREED, a basket maker’s apprentice. On 26 June 1893, when he registered the death of his son Harry, a master basket maker of 1 New Town, Lower Borough of Chislehurst (the TREE family had not moved house, New Town was also Jubilee Cottages). On 11 February 1897, the Evening Telegraph reported in an article entitled “GIVING AN OLD SOLDIER ANOTHER CHANCE”, that: “At the Croydon Bankruptcy Court yesterday - before Mr Registrar Fox - George Tree, a basket-maker, of Suffolk Road, Foots Cray, came up for his public examination. The deficiency was £356. The debtor, who was lately in the employ of the Chartered Company in South Africa, formerly served in the 1st Dragoon Guards, leaving as sergeant-major with a good character. In reply to the Assistant Official Receiver, the debtor stated that he was one of the men who discovered the body of the Prince Imperial, but he received no allowance for that service. After a lively scene with the solicitor for a hostile creditor, who hinted at other proceedings, the Registrar announced his intention to hold a special sitting this morning, in order that the debtor, who was desirous of retrieving his position, might leave for South Africa by the earliest steamer.” Ca.1900, enlisted as an Army Reservist for the 2nd Boer War, though did not fight in Africa but instead was stationed in Ireland. In 1902 and 1903, listed in Kelly’s Directory under Basket & Sieve Makers, a basket maker of Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray. Ca. 1903, joined the South African Mounted Police for about a year. In 1911 a basket maker of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his wife Mary Emma and children George Henry, a basket maker, Ulundi, a dressmaker, Priscilla, Norah and Eva Mary. On 30 Mar 1912, on the marriage certificate of his son George Henry, a basket maker. In 1913, listed in Kelly’s Directory as a basket maker of Foots Cray. In 1914, enlisted with the Army Service Corps and served in France, but was discharged on discovery of his age. Returned to England to serve as a Guard at a POW camp. On 30 Dec 1916, at his daughter Ulundi’s wedding, a soldier. In 1918 and 1922, listed in Kelly’s Directory under Basket & Sieve Makers, a basket maker of Foots Cray, Sidcup. In 1924, at his second marriage to Emily Georgina LANGE, a journeyman basket maker of 26 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Emily was a domestic cook of the Red Lion Hotel, Foots Cray; the witnesses were Harry Thurlow TUTHILL and Edith May LANGE. His daughter May records in her memoir “Memories of Ninety Years”: “Although over 70 (sic: he was actually 67) he remarried. It was not a success and they parted in a very short time.” An account by his daughter Norah (citation: a letter from Norah May PANKHURST/LEWIS to Betty Nesta TREE/WATSON 1986) says of George’s second marriage: “It was a very short-lived marriage. She absconded, taking nearly all [his] worldly goods with her and was never heard of again.” In a photograph of ca. 1932, George is wearing seven military medals - the top row comprises: the 1879 South Africa medal and clasp; the Egypt medal with Suakin 1884 clasp; the 1896 British South Africa Company Rhodesia medal with Mashonaland 1897 clasp; the 1884 Egypt Khedive’s Star medal with Star and Sickle clasp; beneath them are the WW1 1914-15 Star medal; the WW1 1914-18 British War medal; and the 1914-19 Victory medal - these three medals are possibly those awarded posthumously to his eldest son George Henry who died in 1917, but George TREE senior did himself serve briefly in WW1 and therefore may have been awarded all three. A newspaper article c.1942 (publication title unknown) reported: “He Gets His Medal 40 Years Late. After a lapse of 40 years Mr. George Tree, of Windsor-road, Foots Cray, Kent, 85-years-old veteran of the Zulu and Boer Wars, has received a silver medal from the War Office for long service and good conduct. ‘I was entitled to it in 1900 he said, ‘but did not apply for it. The other day my son persuaded me to do so, and they sent it.’” (This medal, the Dragoon Guards service and conduct medal, is included in the extant collection of George TREE’s military medals, a photograph of which can be seen in this site’s Miscellany gallery.) At Geoge’s death in 1942 his old regiment sent a flag to drape the coffin. On 2 Dec 1942, a receipt addressed to E.Tree Esq. (his son Ernest Jack TREE) from Francis CHAPPELL & Son for funeral arrangements, quotes an extra charge of £1 18s for interment in a re-opened grave, which infers that George was buried with his wife Mary Emma SERCOMBE/TREE, probably in Foots Cray.
[For the most part George Tree’s military service is verified by original documents, but where that was lacking facts have been taken from the memoir of his daughter May (Tree) Wasson.]
[George Tree frequented the Barley Mow public house in Foots Cray, where he had a corner bar stool upon which nobody else was allowed and which remained unused for a period after his death (source: memoir of Norah May Pankhurst). His wife Mary Emma caught him once at the Barley Mow with his hand inside the placket of another woman, to whom Mary Emma declared: “You jade!” (source: Susan Johnson, verbatim from May Tree).]
[Children of George TREE and Mary Emma SERCOMBE]:
George Henry TREE, b.1885 in Camberwell, chr. 24 May 1885 at Christ Church, Camberwell, m. 30 Mar 1912 at Foots Cray Parish Church, Kent, Constance Mary FORD, a music teacher (b. 8 Jun 1883 at Bromley, Kent, daughter of John Alban FORD, florist, gardener and insurance agent, and Mary Ann COUSINS; d. 8 Feb 1970, bur. Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery, Toronto, Canada) d. 31 Dec 1917, bur. at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West Flanders, Belgium.
At his baptism in 1885, of 17 Hatcham Rd, Camberwell. In 1891, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his parents and siblings James, Ernest J, and May, and Stephen BREED, a basket maker’s apprentice. In 1901, a basket maker of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with his mother, a basket maker, and siblings James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, May, Olive, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. In 1911, a basket maker of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, living with his parents and siblings Ulundi, a dressmaker, Priscilla, Norah and Eva Mary. At his marriage on 30 Mar 1912, a basket maker of 2 Woodfall Villas, Cray Road, Constance was a domestic servant of Fernleigh, Granville Rd, Sidcup; the witnesses were William CHARLTON and James TREE. In the Great War of 1914-1918 served with the 7th and 13th Battalion Rifle Brigades in France and Flanders. On 12 Feb 1917, at the birth of his son George John, a rifleman in Rifle Brigade and basket maker, Constance was of 14 Pretoria Cottages, Foots Cray. On 31 Dec 1917, died of jaundice at the 3rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station in Flanders. On 15 Apr 1918, 16 May 1918 and 10 Dec 1919 respectively, the UK Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects records that his wife Constance received payments of £2 10s 9d, £5 1s 6d and £6 10s. In 1918, Constance, with their son George John TREE (b. 1917), emigrated to Canada to live with her parents John and Mary FORD and her brother Basil FORD at 189 Margaret St, Meaford, Ontario (John, Mary and Basil FORD had emigrated to Canada in 1911). In 1919, posth, awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914-15 Star Medal. His name is inscribed G.TREE on the War Memorial in Rectory Rd, Foots Cray. In a photograph of ca. 1932, his father George TREE appears to be wearing George Henry’s three WW1 medals.
[Child of George Henry TREE and Constance Mary FORD]:
James TREE, b.1887 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. 17 Aug 1913 at St. Paul’s, Haringay, Middlesex, Mabel Lilian HARRYMAN (b. reg. Q1 1894 at Malling, Kent, daughter of George HARRYMAN, a painter, and Mary Ann TURNER; d. reg. Q4 1961 at Sidcup, Kent, bur. 20 Nov 1961 at Bexleyheath Cemetery, Kent); d. 21 Apr 1969 at Croydon, Surrey, bur. 24 April 1969 at Bexleyheath Cemetery, Kent.
In 1891, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his parents and siblings George H, Ernest J. and May, and Stephen BREED, a basket maker’s apprentice. In 1901, a domestic house-boy of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with his mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, Ernest J, May, Olive, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. On 26 October 1903, enlisted in the army, giving his age as 18 (actually 16) and previous occupation as gardener’s boy. In 1911, in India serving with the 66th Battery Royal Field Artillery as a gunner. On 30 Mar 1912, a witness at the marriage of his brother George Henry TREE and Constance Mary FORD.
At his marriage in 1913, a clerk of 9a Grant Parade; the witnesses were Albert HARRYMAN and James Stephen GUILBERT-LOCK. In Jan 1914, appointed as a postman in Selby, Yorkshire. On 28 Aug 1914, a gunner with the Royal Field Artillery and served in France during the 1914-18 Great War, fighting and surviving the Battle of the Somme. Awarded the Victory, British War and 1914 Star medals. In Oct 1919, appointed as a postman in Howden, Yorkshire. In July 1935, appointed as a postman in Bexleyheath, Kent. On 20 Nov 1961, at his wife’s burial, of 589 East Rochester Way, Sidcup.
[Children of James TREE and Mabel Lilian HARRYMAN]:
Ernest Jack TREE, b. 4 Sep 1888 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. reg. Q1 1917 at Watford, Hertfordshire, Lily Elizabeth STRUDWICK (b. reg. Q4 1890 at Edmonton, Middlesex, daughter of George Thomas STRUDWICK, a gardener, and Louisa ARNOLD; d. reg. Dec 1967 at Horsham, Sussex); d. 10 Oct 1964 at Bembridge, Isle of Wight, d. reg. 12 Oct at Isle of Wight, Hampshire.
At his birth in 1888, of 1 Newtown Cottages, Chislehurst Lower Borough. In 1891, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his parents and siblings George H, James, and May, and Stephen BREED, a basket maker’s apprentice. In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with his mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, May, Olive, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. On leaving school worked as a house-boy at a boys’ boarding school in Bromley called Quernmore (citation: “Memories of Ninety Years” by May Wasson). In 1911, a footman in the PULLEY household at 20 Park Lane, London, where his future wife Lily STRUDWICK was also employed as a housemaid. In August/September 1914, enlisted to serve with the army’s 44th Field Ambulance (14th Division), where he continued until 1918. In 1915, stationed at a convent in Locre, Flanders, to receive the wounded from the Ypres battle front: “The bearers who went with the first party … came back the next night, full of information, and the men were patiently listened to, especially Tree, who attended the Notts and Derby man who had his ear torn off by a ricochet bullet.” (citation: “With the Forty-Fourths, Being a Record of the Doings of the 44th Field Ambulance”) a further passage describes, on 30 July 1915 , a scene of heavy casualties from Ypres in which Ernest was engaged: “everything was got in readiness for the reception of the wounded … and the whole of the unit worked almost continuously for the next forty-eight hours, dealing with all sorts of cases with wounds that were beyond description. The enemy had used liquid fire for the first time … Most pitiful of all were the fellows who had been blinded, and as they were brought in from the cars, with the whole of the face wrapped in cotton wool, with just an opening for breathing, one felt ready to cry. Arms and legs were at this time amputated at Field Ambulance Headquarters … The surgeons were working hard all the time, but the men, though most of them conscious and with the most awful wounds, were very brave … In one yard alone there were waiting for treatment three rows of stretcher cases, fifty in a row, most of whom had no dressings at all.” On 30 Dec 1916, a witness at the wedding of his sister Ulundi TREE and John Sewell ADAMS. On 17 May 1918, as a member of the 44th Field Ambulance football team, played a match against the Canadian Black Watch: “Our chaps were really magnificent, and by 2-0 gave the famous Canadians one of the very few defeats they sustained in France.” (citation: “With the Forty-Fourths, Being a Record of the Doings of the 44th Field Ambulance”). At their marriage in 1917, Earnest was a soldier of 26 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, and Lily was of 10 Cherry Cottages, Croxley Green; the witnesses were Maude Alice DICKINSON and John Sewell ADAMS (husband of Ernest’s sister Ulundi). At his daughter Betty’s birth in 1920, a bank messenger of 16 Kingsley Rd, Pinner, Middlesex. In 1939, a bank messenger living at Glyn Mills Building, 296 Whitehall, London, with his wife Lily, chief housekeeper, and daughter Betty N, a telephonist. At his death in 1964, a retired bank messenger of 464 Foreland Rd, Bembridge, Isle of Wight; the cause of death was pneumonia and cerebral thrombosis; the informant was his wife Lily, who was present at the death.
[Child of Ernest Jack TREE and Lily Elizabeth STRUDWICK]:
May TREE, b. 30 Jun 1890 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. 26 Feb 1918 at Foots Cray Parish Church, Kent, David Andrew WASSON (b. 30 Nov 1889 in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, son of Andrew WASSON, a gardener, and Mary, d. reg. Dec 1956 at Devizes, Wiltshire); d. reg. Q3 1983 at Bexley, Kent.
In 1891, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her parents and siblings George H, James and Ernest J, and Stephen BREED, a basket maker’s apprentice. In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with her mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, Olive, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. In 1906, of Burgate, Godalming, Surrey, where she was employed and to where a postcard dated 14 Aug 1906 is addressed to her c/o Mrs Shakerly, from her future sister-in-law Constance FORD. In 1911, a housemaid in the SOUTHEY household at Eastleigh Court, Warminster, Wiltshire. On 3 Dec1914, at the birth of her daughter Olive Cottrell TREE, a domestic servant of Bridgegate, Howden, Yorkshire (Olive’s father was Eddie COTTRELL). In 1918, at her marriage, of 26 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Kent (David WASSON was serving in the army when they married, having enlisted on 16 Nov 1915, and was demobilised from Aldershot on 17 Sep 1919). From 1932-39, of 19 Lancaster Mews, Paddington, London. In the 1939 census, of 19 Lancaster Mews, Paddington, living with her husband David, a hotel porter. From 1945-53, of Ashmore Rd, Paddington, London. In 1956, at the death of her husband David WASSON, of Devizes, Wiltshire. On 30 Sep 1959, a cook of 6 Cold Corner, Marlborough, Wiltshire, departed from Southampton with her sister Eva GINGELL on the Cunard Steamship 'Ivernia' to Montreal, Canada. On 27 Jan 1960, of 6 Cold Corner, Oare, Marlborough, Wiltshire, travelling with her sister Eva M GINGELL after a visit to relatives in Canada, arrived in Southampton from New York on the Cunard Steamship 'HMS Queen Elizabeth'. Listed in British Telephone Directories from 1980-83, of 5 School Cottages, Foots Cray, Sidcup, Kent.
[The above information is taken from verifiable public documents. A fuller account of May TREE’s life may be found in her own memoir “Memories of Ninety Years”.]
[Child of May TREE and Eddie COTTRELL]:
[Child of May TREE and David Andrew WASSON]:
Henry (Harry) TREE, b. 1892 in Foots Cray, Kent, b. reg. Q1 1892 at Bromley, Kent; d. 25 Jun 1893 at Foots Cray, Kent.
In 1893, at his death at the age of 16 months, of 1 New Town, Lower Borough of Chislehurst. The death was registered on 25 Jun 1893 by his father George Tree “a Basket Maker (Master)” who was present at the death; cause of death was tuberculosis asthenia.
Olive TREE, b. reg. Q3 1894 at Foots Cray, Kent, m. reg. Q4 1915 at Bromley, Kent, Cyril John FORD (b. reg. Q2 1889 at Bromley, Kent, son of John Alban FORD and Mary Ann COUSINS); d.? in Ontario, Canada.
In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with her mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, May, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. In 1911, a kitchen maid in the household of Wittingham Franklin RAWNSLEY, a justice of the peace, at Manor House, Shamley Green, Guildford, Surrey. On 23 Apr 1919, emigrated to Ontario, Canada. On 11 May 1920, sailed from Montreal to England, then on 29 Sep 1920, giving “returning to husband” as her reason for going back to Canada, sailed with her son Eric John (11 months old) on the 'Empress of Britain' from Liverpool, arriving in Quebec on 6 Oct 1920. In 1921, of 1119 4th Avenue, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, separated from her husband and living with her son Eric FORD, her sister Ulundi ADAMS, brother-in-law John ADAMS, and niece Jean ADAMS. On 24 Jun 1922, travelled to Niagara Falls for one day, the permit giving her physical description as - height: 5ft 2in, hair: brown, eyes: blue. Her sister May writes in her memoir 'Memories of Ninety Years': “I don’t know how she managed as she didn’t correspond much. She seemed to have good jobs. She was a stewardess on the boats that went on Lake Ontario and for a long time she worked in a country Club. For the rest of her working life she was working at Eatons in Toronto as a receptionist in a restaurant. She belonged to the Salvation Army, and I presumed that they looked after Eric. Unfortunately she became a drug addict, and because of this she lived for ten years under the care of a Captain and his wife. This was by the order of the Court. She must have been very happy with them as at the end of the time she bought a house, but only stayed in it for a short time. She sold it to Ulundi and went back …”
[The drug to which Olive was addicted was morphine, and it was said that it was injected into an orange for her to take (source: Susan Johnson, verbatim from May Tree).]
In 1946, named in the Ottawa Journal: “Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Penwarden, Ottawa, wish to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dorothy Kathleen, to Eric John, son of Mrs. Olive Ford of Toronto. The marriage to take place July 20 1946.” In 1946, named as Mrs Olive Ford of Toronto, Ontario by the Ottawa Journal, at the marriage of her son Eric to Dorothy PENWARDEN on 20 Jul 1946; the marriage was conducted by Col. Wallace Bunton at the Salvation Army Citadel.
In 1949, of 86 Heman St, York, Humber, Ontario (Olive later sold this house to her sister Ulundi).
[Child of Olive TREE and Cyril John FORD]:
Ulundi TREE, b. 2 Mar 1896 at Foots Cray, Kent, m. 30 Dec 1916 at Foots Cray Parish Church, Kent, John (Jack) Sewell ADAMS, a chair-maker (b. 31 May 1889 in Lambeth, Surrey, chr. 25 Aug 1889 at Brixton St. Matthew, Lambeth, son of Charles Bury ADAMS, an army officer, and Mary Alice RYAN who was born in Bombay, India and married in Byculla, Bombay; d. 12 Apr 1965 at Brantford, Ontario, Canada); d. 12 Feb 1963 at Brantford, Ontario, Canada.
At her birth on 2 Mar 1896, of 1 New Town, Chislehurst Lower Boro. Ulundi (aka Una) was named for the Anglo-Zulu Battle of Ulundi of 1879 in which her father fought. In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with her mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, May, Olive, Priscilla and Norah. In 1911, a dressmaker of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, living with her parents and siblings George Henry, a basket maker, Priscilla, Norah and Eva Mary. At her marriage on 30 Dec 1916, a dressmaker of 26 Cray Rd, John was a soldier; the witnesses were Ernest Jack TREE, Alfred Stanley HARSWILL, Priscilla TREE and Norah TREE. Reporting on her marriage in 1916, the Kentish Times published two photographs entitled “THE SERGEANT IN CUPID‘S COACH IS DRIVEN BY A GIRL” with the captions: “Miss Sheppard, the war-time coachman, drives the happy pair away” and “The bridal pair leave the church. Sergeant J. Adams, of the Canadian contingent, and Miss Una Tree were married yesterday at Foots Cray Parish Church. The coach was driven by a lady”. On 1 Dec 1917, of 126 Queens Rd, Bayswater, cited as next of kin of John Sewell ADAMS and in receipt of military Separation Allowance. On 18 Feb 1918, when John Sewell ADAMS was serving in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force, he made a handwritten military will in favour of Ulundi, which says: “In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property & effects to my Wife, Ulundi Adams, 126 Queens Rd, Bayswater, London, England”; the will was registered on 21 Feb 1918 (Government of Canada Library and Archives). On 29 April 1919, travelled to Ontario, Canada, sailing from Liverpool on the Steamship 'Metagama' to Quebec. On 14 and 26 May 1919, cited as next of kin in her husband’s military Invalid Medical History, of Owen Sound, Toronto, Canada. On 1 Jun 1919, of 21 Fairholme Rd, West Kensington, cited as recipient of military Separation Allowance (her previous addresses given on the same document are 126 Queens Rd, Bayswater and 5 Coronation Villas, Shepperton Green, Middlesex). On 2 June 1919, cited as next of kin in her husband’s War Service Gratuity declaration, of 481, 13th St West, Owen Sound, Ontario (her husband‘s address?). On 8 Aug 1919, of 21 Fairholme Rd, West Kensington, cited as next of kin in her husband’s military record. In 1921, of 1119 4th Avenue, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, living with her husband John and daughter Jean, sister Olive FORD and nephew Eric FORD. In 1929, of 35 Kingsmount Park Rd, Toronto, visited England, then sailed from Southampton on 25 Oct 1929 on the Steamship 'Aurania' to arrive at Montreal, Quebec on 4 Nov 1929. In 1957, of 86 Heman St, York, Humber, Ontario (previously the residence of Ulundi's sister Olive FORD), living with her husband John, a clerk (Canada Voters Lists).
[Children of Ulundi TREE and John Sewell (Jack) ADAMS]:
Priscilla TREE, b. 6 Mar 1898 in Foots Cray, Kent, chr. 3 Apr 1898 at Foots Cray, Kent, m. 26 Mar 1921 at Foots Cray, Kent, Walter Alfred STARNS (b. 18 Aug 1894 in Orsett, Essex, son of John STARNS and Mary; d. Mar 1972 at Margate, Kent); d. reg. Mar 1976 at Margate, Kent.
In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with her mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, May, Olive, Ulundi and Norah. In 1911, of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, living with her parents and siblings George Henry, a basket maker, Ulundi, a dressmaker, Norah and Eva Mary. On 30 Dec 1916, a witness at the wedding of her sister Ulundi TREE and John Sewell ADAMS. During WW1, a munitions worker at Woolich Arsenal (citation: 'Memories of Ninety Years' by May Wasson). At her marriage in 1921, of 26 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, Kent, where she and Walter continued to live until they moved to Yorkshire for a brief period at the persuasion of her brother James. Thereafter lived briefly in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, before returning to Foots Cray. Priscilla and her husband Walter became proprietors of holiday boarding houses in Margate, Kent during the 1930s. During WW2, evacuated from Margate to Foots Cray. Returned to Margate after VE Day in 1945 and re-opened boarding house.
[Child of Priscilla TREE and Walter Alfred STARNS]:
Norah TREE, b. 28 Jan 1901 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. 23 Dec 1922 at Foots Cray Parish Church, Kent, Charles Arthur PANKHURST, a nurse at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup (b. 21 Jul 1899 in Limehouse, London, chr. 27 Sep 1900 at St. Matthew, Limehouse Fields, Tower Hamlets, son of Charles Arthur PANKHURST, a labourer and nurseryman, and Ellen Amelia HAGGERTY; d. 5 Feb 1946 at Farnborough Hospital); d. 23 Sep1991 at 104 Elmstead Lane, Chislehurst, Kent.
In 1901, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Rd, Foots Cray, living with her mother, a basket maker, and siblings George H, a basket maker, James, a domestic house boy, Ernest J, May, Olive, Ulundi and Priscilla. In 1911, of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, living with her parents and siblings George Henry, a basket maker, Ulundi, a dressmaker, Priscilla and Eva Mary. From ca.1915, worked at the publishing office of the Kentish Times (citation: 'Memories of Ninety Years' by May Wasson). On 30 Dec 1916, a witness at the wedding of her sister Ulundi TREE and John Sewell ADAMS. At her marriage in 1922, of 26 Cray Rd, the witnesses were George TREE (her father) and Harold BREMERMAN. Norah and Charles continued to live at her family home at 26 Cray Rd, Foots Cray until c.1924, when her father remarried (his second marriage did not last). On 26 April 1925, at the baptism of her daughter Norah May, of 25 Bedford Rd, Sidcup; her husband Charles’s profession given as Orderly at Queen’s Hospital. On 27 Mar 1926 (citation: card for daughter Norah May’s first birthday), of 25 Bedford Rd, Longlands, Sidcup, Kent. On 27 Mar 1927 (Norah May’s second birthday), of 2 Ellison Rd, Halfway St, Sidcup, Kent. In 1939, of 2 Ellison Rd, Sidcup, Kent, living with her husband Charles, a male nurse, and their three children. Due to enemy bombing in WW2 Norah and her family resided at four different addresses between 1943 and 1945: on 28 May 1943, they were still at 2 Ellison Rd, Sidcup, Kent; on 5 Sep 1944, at 1 Hollytree Parade, Foots Cray; on 9 Nov 1944, at 12 Alma Rd, Sidcup; on 8 Jan 1945, at 244 Main Rd, Sidcup, where they remained (citation: National Registration Identity Card of Ivor PANKHURST). On 5 February 1946, her husband Charles PANKHURST died of pneumonia and coronary thrombosis (he also suffered disseminated sclerosis) at Farnborough County Hospital, his final illness was aggravated by a chest wound received during WW1; the informant was his son Ivor Maxwell PANKHURST of 244 Main Rd, Sidcup and Charles's profession given as Male Nurse. On 12 Apr 1946, probate was granted on the estate of Charles PANKHURST to "Norah PANKHURST of 244 Main Road Sidcup Kent the lawful widow and relict of the said intestate", its value being £760 from which £14 2s 6d was deducted in tax. In 1953, of 114 Edgehill Rd, Chislehurst (in the 1960s the house number changed to 126). Listed in Electoral Registers 1964-65, of 126 Edgehill Rd, Chislehurst. Listed in British Telephone Directories from 1972-81, of 126 Edgehill Rd, Chislehurst. Listed in British Telephone Directories from 1982-84, of 7 Loraine Court, Red Hill, Chislehurst. At her death in 1991, of 104 Elmstead Lane, Chislehurst, the informant was her daughter June Kathleen HUGHES of 4 Empress Drive, Chislehurst. Norah had written her will on 1 Dec 1979, in which she left her estate to her daughters June Kathleen HUGHES and Norah May LEWIS, with the proviso that “my son Ivor Maxwell PANKHURST of 66 Bradbourne Road Bexley Kent should not in any way derive benefit of any kind from my estate”, the witnesses were Miss E. EPSOM and Mrs Alice DAVIES. Deposited with the will was a letter of farewell to her daughters: “This has been a most difficult letter for me to write as it will be the last time I will be in touch with you, but don‘t grieve too much and although this is goodbye, I hope that I shall be watching you all, one never knows. And you know everyone has to leave this old world sometime. You and my dear grandchildren have been my life… This is really goodbye, but don’t forget Memories last for ever.”
[Children of Norah TREE and Charles Arthur PANKHURST]:
Eva Mary TREE b. 11 Mar 1906 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. reg. Q3 1928 at Greenwich, Kent, Harold GINGELL (b. Sep 1900 (with twin brother Joseph) at New Cross, Kent, son of Charles GINGELL and Charlotte E. SINDEN, d. reg. Q1 1970 at Margate, Kent); d. Dec 1998 at Margate, Kent.
In 1911, of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, living with her parents and siblings George Henry, a basket maker, Ulundi, a dressmaker, Priscilla and Norah. On 9 May 1930, at the burial of her son Rudolph (twin of Harold), of 30 Bedford Rd, Sidcup; Rudolph’s age at death was given as 40 minutes. Eva and her husband Harold were proprietors of holiday boarding houses in Margate, Kent during the later 1930s. During WW2, evacuated from Margate to Ruislip, Middlesex. Returned to Margate after VE Day in 1945 and re-opened boarding house. Listed in British Telephone Directories from 1954-57, of 6 Stanley Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent. In 1958, listed in Electoral Registers, of 43 Jerningham Rd, New Cross, S.E.14. Listed in British Telephone Directories in 1959, of 6 Stanley Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent. On 30 Sep 1959, a housewife of 6 Stanley Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent, departed from Southampton with her sister May WASSON on the Cunard Steamship 'Ivernia' to Montreal, Canada. On 27 Jan 1960, a housewife of 19 Prices Ave, Margate, Kent, travelling with her sister May WASSON after a visit to relatives in Canada, arrived in Southampton from New York on the Cunard Steamship 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' (the different address given on her return to England suggests that a house move took place during her absence). Listed in British Telephone Directories from 1960-62, of 19 Prices Ave, Margate, Kent. From 19-? to 1998, of 11 Draper’s Alms Houses, St Peter’s Rd, Margate, one of the almshouses that were founded in 1709 by Michael Yoakley, a Quaker.
[Children of Eva Mary TREE and Harold GINGELL]: