John's parents were Theophilus Heath Amsden (1820-1859) and Emily Alice Syle. His education was provided by the Reedham Orphanage for Fatherless Children in Croydon. He was raised Wesleyan and was a devoutly religious his entire life. He married Harriet Ash on September 9, 1879 at St. George the Martyr Church, Southwark, Surrey and subsequently became a scientific instrument maker. For many years he was employed by W.F. Stanley and Company, Limited, 10 Great Turnstile, Holborn.
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884).
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884). In 1893 they were at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham, London. In 1896 they were at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham. As of the 1901 census they were at 43 Moselle Street, Tottenham.
Between the 1901 census and the December 1903 bith of their son William they moved from Tottenham to Edmonton. In the 1911 census they were at 57 Raynham Road, Edmonton. By the 1921 census they were at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton, London, where they both lived for the rest of their lives.
The 1921 census records the following family members at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton:
John Amsden, head, 65 yrs. 5 mos. Born London. Maker of scientific instruments.
Harriet Amsden, wife, 59 yrs. 2 mos. Born London. Home duties.
Florence Amsden, daughter, 34 yrs. 10 mos. Born Walworth, London. Maker of cardboard boxes.
John Theophilus Amsden, son, 27 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed engineer.
Emily Amsden, daughter, 26 yrs. 0 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Cartridge examiner.
Mabel Harriett Amsden, daughter, 24 yrs. 6 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
Lilian Katherine Amsden, daughter, 23 yrs. 9 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Machinist at rubber co.
Grace Maud Amsden, daughter, 20 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
William Charles Amsden, son, 17 yrs. 6 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Unemployed.
David Amsden, son 15, yrs. 3 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Invalid—never did any work.
Both John and Harriet died at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton.
Harriet and John's son John Theophilus did not marry and lived with them, and then alone until his death in 1968, when 97 Winchester apparently was sold.
A COMPLETE LIST OF THE CHILDREN
1) Sidney John (July 5, 1880-died after 1887). Born in Croydon, London.
2) Edward James (1883-February 25, 1971). Born in Croydon, London; died in Canada. Married Annie Elizabeth Blyth (4/26/1885-7/1/1955) in around 1902.
Edward James was a surgical instrument maker in England and a tool and die maker in Canada. He and Annie emigrated to Canada in March 1921.
They had three sons:
a) Edward James Amsden (b. 9/20/1904 in Edmonton, London; d. 2/22/1988 in Canada). Married Harriet Mabel Gates (6/10/1911-3/10/1979) on July 11, 1931 in Canada. They had five children: i) Shirley Mae Amsden (5/21/1933- ? ); married Lawrence Joseph Rubik. ii) Joyce Ellen Amsden (b. 11/3/1934); married Frank Hudacek on 3/25/1960. iii) Ruth Ann Amsden (b. 12/18/1937). iv) Donna Jean Amden (b.3/1/1939). v) George Edward Amsden (b. 7/14/1946); married Rose Marie Temerrowski on 6/14/1968.
b) Harold Henry Amsden (b. 1908). Born in Edmondon, London. Married Ruth Fern Burton on June 22, 1931.
c) Leslie H. Amsden (12/13/1919-12/7/1988). Born in London. Married Jeanne Begar (b. 10/4/1922) on April 10, 1941. They had three children: i) Gail Jeanne Amsden (b. 11/15/1941); married Robert James Macdonald abt. 1962. ii) Peter Leslie Amsden (b. 3/18/1947); married Paulette Montcalm abt. 1967. iii) Thomas Herbert Amsden (b. 9/5/1949); married Kathy ? abt 1977.
3) Thomas George (1884–December 8, 1924). Born in Croydon, London. Married Mabel Amelia Lang (9/15/1894-11/10/1967) on December 23, 1916. They had three sons:
a) George Thomas Amsden (10/10/1917– ? ). Married Elizabeth Jane Hadley (6/28/1921-1/27/1981) on January 14, 1943. They had two children: i) Heather Jean Amsden (12/18/1946-10/26/1991); married RJ. Swaby abt. 1968. ii) Caroline Margaret Amsden (b. 7/5/1957).
b) John Amsden (1/31/1919- ? ). Married Floreance Brazier on April 1, 1946. They had one child: i) David Amsden (b.12/25/1946).
c) Edward Amsden (5/31/1922–2/11/1928)
4) Florence Louisa (8/23/1886?-12/17/1970). Born in Walworth, Southwark, London; died in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Married George Stanley Smith (1895–5/11/1966) in 1923. They had three children:
a) Jessie Muriel Smith (1/2/1925-9/6/2007).
b) Robert Smith
c) unknown
5) Sophia Helen (August 11, 1888-November 1944). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with her birth family in 1901. By 1910 she was livng in Gloucestershire and was baptized into the Church of England in the spring of that year. On March 31, 1921 she married Charles Norman (December 23, 1883-October 1942) in Gloucestershire. By the 1939 national registry the Normans were living at 39 Martin Road in Hanham, Gloucestershire--and her parents John and Harriet Amsden are recorded as present with them. John Amsden was ailing by then as the word "incapacitated" is written near his name in the record. Both Charles and Sophia are buried in Hanham and each have Find a Grave memorials.
6) Esther Amelia (born in April-June of 1891- ? ). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with birth family in 1911. Married Stanley Robert Adams at All Saints Church in Edmonton, London on August 7, 1916.
7) John Theophilus (4/22/1893-6/20/1968). Born at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham; died at
Queens Hospital, Croydon. He was an instrument maker and window cleaner. His name appears on the World War I list of honor as "Amsden J. gunner (14959) Joined 1915. Served in many engagements in France.
8) Emily (ca. 1896–after 1922). Born in Tottenham, London. Married Alfred MacDonald in 1922. They had three sons:
a) Alfred MacDonald
b) Bertram MacDonald
c) Ronald MacDonald
9) Mabel Harriett (December 22, 1896-February 23, 1977). Born at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham, London; died in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Married Albert Edward Copping on January 30, 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Joyce MacDonald (born ca. 1930; alive as of 1977; married name was Dow).
10) Lillian Katherine (September 7, 1898-December 1986). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Married Frederick Robert Franklin (August 12, 1895-1989) in April-June 1922 in Edmonton, London.
11) Grace Maud (April 8, 1901-January 1991). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in Enfield, Greater London. Married Frederick H. Tyrrell (1899- ? ) in April 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Jean Edith Tyrrell (October 25, 1931-December 2002). Died in Southend On Sea, Essex, England
12) William Charles (December 23, 1903-December 25, 1981). Born in Edmonton, London. Died in Ashford, Kent. He was first married to Rosemary Walkerdine (1/15/1903-1974) in October 1928 in Edmonton, London. They divorced in 1950. He then married Eileen Parfitt/MacFarlane in the final quarter of 1954.
William and Rosemary had one son:
a) Peter Charles Amsden (born January 3, 1930). Married Alwin/Alwyne "Felicity" (nee Creasy) Simpson on September 10, 1949. Alwyne died in 2005; she and Peter separated long before her death but never divorced. Peter then partnered with Dorothy Derby Stewart (b. 10/21/1956). Peter and Felicity had two sons: i) Peter Gaeme Amsden (b. 3/7/1951); married Diane Richardson (nee Pearson) on 6/24/1977. ii) Justin Mark Amsden (b. 12/4/1956); married Janet Celia Mary Lawson (b. 9/6/1959) on 12/22/1984.
13) David (April 1906–March 1925). Born and died in Edmonton, London.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes by Mindy C. Pugh: John and Harriet Amsden's grandson, Peter Charles Amsden (a second cousin once removed of mine), is a retired photographer from the London area who has lived in Scotland since 1999 and is still active and alert at the age of 93 (as of this writing in May 2023). Fortunately for me, among his many hobbies is genealogy. When I first discovered him through an online genealogy forum in 1999 he generously shared his memories and insights via e-mail, and I reciprocated with the results of my own research.
Below are excerpts from some of the earliest e-mails I received from him.
August 19, 1999: "Grandfather Amsden was a deeply religious man, but he was not joined in this by any of his family, Harriet included. In fact my memory is that they were far removed from any religion at all, probably put off my grandfather's over indulgence. He refused to have any alcohol in his house or any gambling. I can well remember being taken to task one day because he heard me say 'Blow it!' About as low down the expletive scale that you can get, but to him it was blasphemous."
"There always seem to have been cousins in all directions, most of which I only met at Christmas time, when the family gathered at the grandparents' home, 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton. The war and the death of my grandfather (he had a stroke after shoveling the snow away from the front of the house) ended these Christmas get-togethers, so I saw less and less of the family. They never did appear to be very close to each other, and I think it was only the grandparents that kept the family intact. When they were gone, few of them bothered to keep in contact again. Sometimes my father and I would visit my Aunt Mabel who lived out in the country. Her daughter Joyce was around my age, so I guess we had some things in common, but the contact did not last."
"Curiously, when I was very young I had been given a card by my Uncle John and told to look after it. On moving house it again came to light, but this time I paid more attention to it. It was in fact a printed card recommending my grandfather to the Reedham School for Fatherless Children in Croydon. This must have been something above an ordinary orphanage because those putting forth this recommendation were people of some note. Included among them was a Dr. George Amsden, which was my first real clue to the medical profession connection.
"Photographs are an interesting subject. My grandfather was an active photographer, he even made his own glass negatives. A number of these negatives I found still at 97 Winchester Road after Uncle John died. He had always lived there, but had few possessions and the rest of the family took no interest in them at all. I went to the house with my parents and these were hidden away at the back of some drawer. They appear to be mainly members of the family, aunts, uncles, etc. but none of them are identified. Some aunts I recognize, but in the main they are unknown to me. Some appear to date from pre 1900. I have not had most of them printed, which is curious since by profession I am a photographer! Always something to do when I get the time."
August 21, 1999: "It was not much until I was much older that I knew my grandmother's name, since she was always Grandma to the family. I remember her as a nice, kindly lady. A little stout, but after twelve children that was to be expected. She was always very kind to her grandchildren and I was very fond of her. After the death of my grandfather she remained at 97 Winchester Road until her own death. Her son John remained living with her and I think she often had visits from other members of the family. We only lived a few roads away. In the end she really died of old age. I know that she suffered from bronchitis and this must have put a great strain on her heart."
"Grandfather was not really stern so much as a presence. I know nothing of their early relationship, but family rumour always had it that Harriet was very fond of gin, and the children frequently had to put her to bed, making sure that her husband knew nothing about it. Frankly, I don't think he was that dumb, he just chose to ignore it. I can never remember seeing him when he was not wearing a suit and tie, with his very neatly trimmed beard, always giving the appearance of a gentleman. Even so, after his death papers were apparently found that showed he had always made frequent large donations to the church. I think that this hurt my grandmother because she explained that she was frequently short of money to feed the large family. Clearly he was a man who did not think that charity began at home. I know that he had few possessions, believing that excess in anything was a kind of evil."
"97 Winchester was nothing very special. It was a mid terraced house with four bedrooms and a toilet in the back yard (common in those days). On the ground floor was a lounge or parlour, a small dining room, a kitchen with coal fired cooking range and a scullery with clothes boiler and the like. By today's standards it was primitive, but then it was probably not too bad. How on earth people managed to bring up these large families in such cramped conditions still amazes me. The labour and work the mothers must have been forced to do would probably kill most of today's people. They were certainly tough."
"Harriet as I remember was about 5 feet 4 inches and John maybe an inch taller. Not big people, but then that was quite normal in those days. I believe that th4ey are both buried in Edmonton Cemetery. This is not one attached to a church, but one of those large municipal affairs. It is actually easier to trace graves in these places because better records have been kept."
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884).
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884). In 1893 they were at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham, London. In 1896 they were at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham. As of the 1901 census they were at 43 Moselle Street, Tottenham.
Between the 1901 census and the December 1903 bith of their son William they moved from Tottenham to Edmonton. In the 1911 census they were at 57 Raynham Road, Edmonton. By the 1921 census they were at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton, London, where they both lived for the rest of their lives.
The 1921 census records the following family members at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton:
John Amsden, head, 65 yrs. 5 mos. Born London. Maker of scientific instruments.
Harriet Amsden, wife, 59 yrs. 2 mos. Born London. Home duties.
Florence Amsden, daughter, 34 yrs. 10 mos. Born Walworth, London. Maker of cardboard boxes.
John Theophilus Amsden, son, 27 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed engineer.
Emily Amsden, daughter, 26 yrs. 0 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Cartridge examiner.
Mabel Harriett Amsden, daughter, 24 yrs. 6 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
Lilian Katherine Amsden, daughter, 23 yrs. 9 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Machinist at rubber co.
Grace Maud Amsden, daughter, 20 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
William Charles Amsden, son, 17 yrs. 6 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Unemployed.
David Amsden, son 15, yrs. 3 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Invalid—never did any work.
Both John and Harriet died at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton.
Harriet and John's son John Theophilus did not marry and lived with them, and then alone until his death in 1968, when 97 Winchester apparently was sold.
A COMPLETE LIST OF THE CHILDREN
1) Sidney John (July 5, 1880-died after 1887). Born in Croydon, London.
2) Edward James (1883-February 25, 1971). Born in Croydon, London; died in Canada. Married Annie Elizabeth Blyth (4/26/1885-7/1/1955) in around 1902.
Edward James was a surgical instrument maker in England and a tool and die maker in Canada. He and Annie emigrated to Canada in March 1921.
They had three sons:
a) Edward James Amsden (b. 9/20/1904 in Edmonton, London; d. 2/22/1988 in Canada). Married Harriet Mabel Gates (6/10/1911-3/10/1979) on July 11, 1931 in Canada. They had five children: i) Shirley Mae Amsden (5/21/1933- ? ); married Lawrence Joseph Rubik. ii) Joyce Ellen Amsden (b. 11/3/1934); married Frank Hudacek on 3/25/1960. iii) Ruth Ann Amsden (b. 12/18/1937). iv) Donna Jean Amden (b.3/1/1939). v) George Edward Amsden (b. 7/14/1946); married Rose Marie Temerrowski on 6/14/1968.
b) Harold Henry Amsden (b. 1908). Born in Edmondon, London. Married Ruth Fern Burton on June 22, 1931.
c) Leslie H. Amsden (12/13/1919-12/7/1988). Born in London. Married Jeanne Begar (b. 10/4/1922) on April 10, 1941. They had three children: i) Gail Jeanne Amsden (b. 11/15/1941); married Robert James Macdonald abt. 1962. ii) Peter Leslie Amsden (b. 3/18/1947); married Paulette Montcalm abt. 1967. iii) Thomas Herbert Amsden (b. 9/5/1949); married Kathy ? abt 1977.
3) Thomas George (1884–December 8, 1924). Born in Croydon, London. Married Mabel Amelia Lang (9/15/1894-11/10/1967) on December 23, 1916. They had three sons:
a) George Thomas Amsden (10/10/1917– ? ). Married Elizabeth Jane Hadley (6/28/1921-1/27/1981) on January 14, 1943. They had two children: i) Heather Jean Amsden (12/18/1946-10/26/1991); married RJ. Swaby abt. 1968. ii) Caroline Margaret Amsden (b. 7/5/1957).
b) John Amsden (1/31/1919- ? ). Married Floreance Brazier on April 1, 1946. They had one child: i) David Amsden (b.12/25/1946).
c) Edward Amsden (5/31/1922–2/11/1928)
4) Florence Louisa (8/23/1886?-12/17/1970). Born in Walworth, Southwark, London; died in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Married George Stanley Smith (1895–5/11/1966) in 1923. They had three children:
a) Jessie Muriel Smith (1/2/1925-9/6/2007).
b) Robert Smith
c) unknown
5) Sophia Helen (August 11, 1888-November 1944). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with her birth family in 1901. By 1910 she was livng in Gloucestershire and was baptized into the Church of England in the spring of that year. On March 31, 1921 she married Charles Norman (December 23, 1883-October 1942) in Gloucestershire. By the 1939 national registry the Normans were living at 39 Martin Road in Hanham, Gloucestershire--and her parents John and Harriet Amsden are recorded as present with them. John Amsden was ailing by then as the word "incapacitated" is written near his name in the record. Both Charles and Sophia are buried in Hanham and each have Find a Grave memorials.
6) Esther Amelia (born in April-June of 1891- ? ). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with birth family in 1911. Married Stanley Robert Adams at All Saints Church in Edmonton, London on August 7, 1916.
7) John Theophilus (4/22/1893-6/20/1968). Born at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham; died at
Queens Hospital, Croydon. He was an instrument maker and window cleaner. His name appears on the World War I list of honor as "Amsden J. gunner (14959) Joined 1915. Served in many engagements in France.
8) Emily (ca. 1896–after 1922). Born in Tottenham, London. Married Alfred MacDonald in 1922. They had three sons:
a) Alfred MacDonald
b) Bertram MacDonald
c) Ronald MacDonald
9) Mabel Harriett (December 22, 1896-February 23, 1977). Born at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham, London; died in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Married Albert Edward Copping on January 30, 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Joyce MacDonald (born ca. 1930; alive as of 1977; married name was Dow).
10) Lillian Katherine (September 7, 1898-December 1986). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Married Frederick Robert Franklin (August 12, 1895-1989) in April-June 1922 in Edmonton, London.
11) Grace Maud (April 8, 1901-January 1991). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in Enfield, Greater London. Married Frederick H. Tyrrell (1899- ? ) in April 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Jean Edith Tyrrell (October 25, 1931-December 2002). Died in Southend On Sea, Essex, England
12) William Charles (December 23, 1903-December 25, 1981). Born in Edmonton, London. Died in Ashford, Kent. He was first married to Rosemary Walkerdine (1/15/1903-1974) in October 1928 in Edmonton, London. They divorced in 1950. He then married Eileen Parfitt/MacFarlane in the final quarter of 1954.
William and Rosemary had one son:
a) Peter Charles Amsden (born January 3, 1930). Married Alwin/Alwyne "Felicity" (nee Creasy) Simpson on September 10, 1949. Alwyne died in 2005; she and Peter separated long before her death but never divorced. Peter then partnered with Dorothy Derby Stewart (b. 10/21/1956). Peter and Felicity had two sons: i) Peter Gaeme Amsden (b. 3/7/1951); married Diane Richardson (nee Pearson) on 6/24/1977. ii) Justin Mark Amsden (b. 12/4/1956); married Janet Celia Mary Lawson (b. 9/6/1959) on 12/22/1984.
13) David (April 1906–March 1925). Born and died in Edmonton, London.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes by Mindy C. Pugh: John and Harriet Amsden's grandson, Peter Charles Amsden (a second cousin once removed of mine), is a retired photographer from the London area who has lived in Scotland since 1999 and is still active and alert at the age of 93 (as of this writing in May 2023). Fortunately for me, among his many hobbies is genealogy. When I first discovered him through an online genealogy forum in 1999 he generously shared his memories and insights via e-mail, and I reciprocated with the results of my own research.
Below are excerpts from some of the earliest e-mails I received from him.
August 19, 1999: "Grandfather Amsden was a deeply religious man, but he was not joined in this by any of his family, Harriet included. In fact my memory is that they were far removed from any religion at all, probably put off my grandfather's over indulgence. He refused to have any alcohol in his house or any gambling. I can well remember being taken to task one day because he heard me say 'Blow it!' About as low down the expletive scale that you can get, but to him it was blasphemous."
"There always seem to have been cousins in all directions, most of which I only met at Christmas time, when the family gathered at the grandparents' home, 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton. The war and the death of my grandfather (he had a stroke after shoveling the snow away from the front of the house) ended these Christmas get-togethers, so I saw less and less of the family. They never did appear to be very close to each other, and I think it was only the grandparents that kept the family intact. When they were gone, few of them bothered to keep in contact again. Sometimes my father and I would visit my Aunt Mabel who lived out in the country. Her daughter Joyce was around my age, so I guess we had some things in common, but the contact did not last."
"Curiously, when I was very young I had been given a card by my Uncle John and told to look after it. On moving house it again came to light, but this time I paid more attention to it. It was in fact a printed card recommending my grandfather to the Reedham School for Fatherless Children in Croydon. This must have been something above an ordinary orphanage because those putting forth this recommendation were people of some note. Included among them was a Dr. George Amsden, which was my first real clue to the medical profession connection.
"Photographs are an interesting subject. My grandfather was an active photographer, he even made his own glass negatives. A number of these negatives I found still at 97 Winchester Road after Uncle John died. He had always lived there, but had few possessions and the rest of the family took no interest in them at all. I went to the house with my parents and these were hidden away at the back of some drawer. They appear to be mainly members of the family, aunts, uncles, etc. but none of them are identified. Some aunts I recognize, but in the main they are unknown to me. Some appear to date from pre 1900. I have not had most of them printed, which is curious since by profession I am a photographer! Always something to do when I get the time."
August 21, 1999: "It was not much until I was much older that I knew my grandmother's name, since she was always Grandma to the family. I remember her as a nice, kindly lady. A little stout, but after twelve children that was to be expected. She was always very kind to her grandchildren and I was very fond of her. After the death of my grandfather she remained at 97 Winchester Road until her own death. Her son John remained living with her and I think she often had visits from other members of the family. We only lived a few roads away. In the end she really died of old age. I know that she suffered from bronchitis and this must have put a great strain on her heart."
"Grandfather was not really stern so much as a presence. I know nothing of their early relationship, but family rumour always had it that Harriet was very fond of gin, and the children frequently had to put her to bed, making sure that her husband knew nothing about it. Frankly, I don't think he was that dumb, he just chose to ignore it. I can never remember seeing him when he was not wearing a suit and tie, with his very neatly trimmed beard, always giving the appearance of a gentleman. Even so, after his death papers were apparently found that showed he had always made frequent large donations to the church. I think that this hurt my grandmother because she explained that she was frequently short of money to feed the large family. Clearly he was a man who did not think that charity began at home. I know that he had few possessions, believing that excess in anything was a kind of evil."
"97 Winchester was nothing very special. It was a mid terraced house with four bedrooms and a toilet in the back yard (common in those days). On the ground floor was a lounge or parlour, a small dining room, a kitchen with coal fired cooking range and a scullery with clothes boiler and the like. By today's standards it was primitive, but then it was probably not too bad. How on earth people managed to bring up these large families in such cramped conditions still amazes me. The labour and work the mothers must have been forced to do would probably kill most of today's people. They were certainly tough."
"Harriet as I remember was about 5 feet 4 inches and John maybe an inch taller. Not big people, but then that was quite normal in those days. I believe that th4ey are both buried in Edmonton Cemetery. This is not one attached to a church, but one of those large municipal affairs. It is actually easier to trace graves in these places because better records have been kept."
John's parents were Theophilus Heath Amsden (1820-1859) and Emily Alice Syle. His education was provided by the Reedham Orphanage for Fatherless Children in Croydon. He was raised Wesleyan and was a devoutly religious his entire life. He married Harriet Ash on September 9, 1879 at St. George the Martyr Church, Southwark, Surrey and subsequently became a scientific instrument maker. For many years he was employed by W.F. Stanley and Company, Limited, 10 Great Turnstile, Holborn.
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884).
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884). In 1893 they were at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham, London. In 1896 they were at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham. As of the 1901 census they were at 43 Moselle Street, Tottenham.
Between the 1901 census and the December 1903 bith of their son William they moved from Tottenham to Edmonton. In the 1911 census they were at 57 Raynham Road, Edmonton. By the 1921 census they were at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton, London, where they both lived for the rest of their lives.
The 1921 census records the following family members at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton:
John Amsden, head, 65 yrs. 5 mos. Born London. Maker of scientific instruments.
Harriet Amsden, wife, 59 yrs. 2 mos. Born London. Home duties.
Florence Amsden, daughter, 34 yrs. 10 mos. Born Walworth, London. Maker of cardboard boxes.
John Theophilus Amsden, son, 27 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed engineer.
Emily Amsden, daughter, 26 yrs. 0 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Cartridge examiner.
Mabel Harriett Amsden, daughter, 24 yrs. 6 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
Lilian Katherine Amsden, daughter, 23 yrs. 9 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Machinist at rubber co.
Grace Maud Amsden, daughter, 20 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
William Charles Amsden, son, 17 yrs. 6 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Unemployed.
David Amsden, son 15, yrs. 3 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Invalid—never did any work.
Both John and Harriet died at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton.
Harriet and John's son John Theophilus did not marry and lived with them, and then alone until his death in 1968, when 97 Winchester apparently was sold.
A COMPLETE LIST OF THE CHILDREN
1) Sidney John (July 5, 1880-died after 1887). Born in Croydon, London.
2) Edward James (1883-February 25, 1971). Born in Croydon, London; died in Canada. Married Annie Elizabeth Blyth (4/26/1885-7/1/1955) in around 1902.
Edward James was a surgical instrument maker in England and a tool and die maker in Canada. He and Annie emigrated to Canada in March 1921.
They had three sons:
a) Edward James Amsden (b. 9/20/1904 in Edmonton, London; d. 2/22/1988 in Canada). Married Harriet Mabel Gates (6/10/1911-3/10/1979) on July 11, 1931 in Canada. They had five children: i) Shirley Mae Amsden (5/21/1933- ? ); married Lawrence Joseph Rubik. ii) Joyce Ellen Amsden (b. 11/3/1934); married Frank Hudacek on 3/25/1960. iii) Ruth Ann Amsden (b. 12/18/1937). iv) Donna Jean Amden (b.3/1/1939). v) George Edward Amsden (b. 7/14/1946); married Rose Marie Temerrowski on 6/14/1968.
b) Harold Henry Amsden (b. 1908). Born in Edmondon, London. Married Ruth Fern Burton on June 22, 1931.
c) Leslie H. Amsden (12/13/1919-12/7/1988). Born in London. Married Jeanne Begar (b. 10/4/1922) on April 10, 1941. They had three children: i) Gail Jeanne Amsden (b. 11/15/1941); married Robert James Macdonald abt. 1962. ii) Peter Leslie Amsden (b. 3/18/1947); married Paulette Montcalm abt. 1967. iii) Thomas Herbert Amsden (b. 9/5/1949); married Kathy ? abt 1977.
3) Thomas George (1884–December 8, 1924). Born in Croydon, London. Married Mabel Amelia Lang (9/15/1894-11/10/1967) on December 23, 1916. They had three sons:
a) George Thomas Amsden (10/10/1917– ? ). Married Elizabeth Jane Hadley (6/28/1921-1/27/1981) on January 14, 1943. They had two children: i) Heather Jean Amsden (12/18/1946-10/26/1991); married RJ. Swaby abt. 1968. ii) Caroline Margaret Amsden (b. 7/5/1957).
b) John Amsden (1/31/1919- ? ). Married Floreance Brazier on April 1, 1946. They had one child: i) David Amsden (b.12/25/1946).
c) Edward Amsden (5/31/1922–2/11/1928)
4) Florence Louisa (8/23/1886?-12/17/1970). Born in Walworth, Southwark, London; died in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Married George Stanley Smith (1895–5/11/1966) in 1923. They had three children:
a) Jessie Muriel Smith (1/2/1925-9/6/2007).
b) Robert Smith
c) unknown
5) Sophia Helen (August 11, 1888-November 1944). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with her birth family in 1901. By 1910 she was livng in Gloucestershire and was baptized into the Church of England in the spring of that year. On March 31, 1921 she married Charles Norman (December 23, 1883-October 1942) in Gloucestershire. By the 1939 national registry the Normans were living at 39 Martin Road in Hanham, Gloucestershire--and her parents John and Harriet Amsden are recorded as present with them. John Amsden was ailing by then as the word "incapacitated" is written near his name in the record. Both Charles and Sophia are buried in Hanham and each have Find a Grave memorials.
6) Esther Amelia (born in April-June of 1891- ? ). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with birth family in 1911. Married Stanley Robert Adams at All Saints Church in Edmonton, London on August 7, 1916.
7) John Theophilus (4/22/1893-6/20/1968). Born at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham; died at
Queens Hospital, Croydon. He was an instrument maker and window cleaner. His name appears on the World War I list of honor as "Amsden J. gunner (14959) Joined 1915. Served in many engagements in France.
8) Emily (ca. 1896–after 1922). Born in Tottenham, London. Married Alfred MacDonald in 1922. They had three sons:
a) Alfred MacDonald
b) Bertram MacDonald
c) Ronald MacDonald
9) Mabel Harriett (December 22, 1896-February 23, 1977). Born at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham, London; died in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Married Albert Edward Copping on January 30, 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Joyce MacDonald (born ca. 1930; alive as of 1977; married name was Dow).
10) Lillian Katherine (September 7, 1898-December 1986). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Married Frederick Robert Franklin (August 12, 1895-1989) in April-June 1922 in Edmonton, London.
11) Grace Maud (April 8, 1901-January 1991). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in Enfield, Greater London. Married Frederick H. Tyrrell (1899- ? ) in April 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Jean Edith Tyrrell (October 25, 1931-December 2002). Died in Southend On Sea, Essex, England
12) William Charles (December 23, 1903-December 25, 1981). Born in Edmonton, London. Died in Ashford, Kent. He was first married to Rosemary Walkerdine (1/15/1903-1974) in October 1928 in Edmonton, London. They divorced in 1950. He then married Eileen Parfitt/MacFarlane in the final quarter of 1954.
William and Rosemary had one son:
a) Peter Charles Amsden (born January 3, 1930). Married Alwin/Alwyne "Felicity" (nee Creasy) Simpson on September 10, 1949. Alwyne died in 2005; she and Peter separated long before her death but never divorced. Peter then partnered with Dorothy Derby Stewart (b. 10/21/1956). Peter and Felicity had two sons: i) Peter Gaeme Amsden (b. 3/7/1951); married Diane Richardson (nee Pearson) on 6/24/1977. ii) Justin Mark Amsden (b. 12/4/1956); married Janet Celia Mary Lawson (b. 9/6/1959) on 12/22/1984.
13) David (April 1906–March 1925). Born and died in Edmonton, London.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes by Mindy C. Pugh: John and Harriet Amsden's grandson, Peter Charles Amsden (a second cousin once removed of mine), is a retired photographer from the London area who has lived in Scotland since 1999 and is still active and alert at the age of 93 (as of this writing in May 2023). Fortunately for me, among his many hobbies is genealogy. When I first discovered him through an online genealogy forum in 1999 he generously shared his memories and insights via e-mail, and I reciprocated with the results of my own research.
Below are excerpts from some of the earliest e-mails I received from him.
August 19, 1999: "Grandfather Amsden was a deeply religious man, but he was not joined in this by any of his family, Harriet included. In fact my memory is that they were far removed from any religion at all, probably put off my grandfather's over indulgence. He refused to have any alcohol in his house or any gambling. I can well remember being taken to task one day because he heard me say 'Blow it!' About as low down the expletive scale that you can get, but to him it was blasphemous."
"There always seem to have been cousins in all directions, most of which I only met at Christmas time, when the family gathered at the grandparents' home, 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton. The war and the death of my grandfather (he had a stroke after shoveling the snow away from the front of the house) ended these Christmas get-togethers, so I saw less and less of the family. They never did appear to be very close to each other, and I think it was only the grandparents that kept the family intact. When they were gone, few of them bothered to keep in contact again. Sometimes my father and I would visit my Aunt Mabel who lived out in the country. Her daughter Joyce was around my age, so I guess we had some things in common, but the contact did not last."
"Curiously, when I was very young I had been given a card by my Uncle John and told to look after it. On moving house it again came to light, but this time I paid more attention to it. It was in fact a printed card recommending my grandfather to the Reedham School for Fatherless Children in Croydon. This must have been something above an ordinary orphanage because those putting forth this recommendation were people of some note. Included among them was a Dr. George Amsden, which was my first real clue to the medical profession connection.
"Photographs are an interesting subject. My grandfather was an active photographer, he even made his own glass negatives. A number of these negatives I found still at 97 Winchester Road after Uncle John died. He had always lived there, but had few possessions and the rest of the family took no interest in them at all. I went to the house with my parents and these were hidden away at the back of some drawer. They appear to be mainly members of the family, aunts, uncles, etc. but none of them are identified. Some aunts I recognize, but in the main they are unknown to me. Some appear to date from pre 1900. I have not had most of them printed, which is curious since by profession I am a photographer! Always something to do when I get the time."
August 21, 1999: "It was not much until I was much older that I knew my grandmother's name, since she was always Grandma to the family. I remember her as a nice, kindly lady. A little stout, but after twelve children that was to be expected. She was always very kind to her grandchildren and I was very fond of her. After the death of my grandfather she remained at 97 Winchester Road until her own death. Her son John remained living with her and I think she often had visits from other members of the family. We only lived a few roads away. In the end she really died of old age. I know that she suffered from bronchitis and this must have put a great strain on her heart."
"Grandfather was not really stern so much as a presence. I know nothing of their early relationship, but family rumour always had it that Harriet was very fond of gin, and the children frequently had to put her to bed, making sure that her husband knew nothing about it. Frankly, I don't think he was that dumb, he just chose to ignore it. I can never remember seeing him when he was not wearing a suit and tie, with his very neatly trimmed beard, always giving the appearance of a gentleman. Even so, after his death papers were apparently found that showed he had always made frequent large donations to the church. I think that this hurt my grandmother because she explained that she was frequently short of money to feed the large family. Clearly he was a man who did not think that charity began at home. I know that he had few possessions, believing that excess in anything was a kind of evil."
"97 Winchester was nothing very special. It was a mid terraced house with four bedrooms and a toilet in the back yard (common in those days). On the ground floor was a lounge or parlour, a small dining room, a kitchen with coal fired cooking range and a scullery with clothes boiler and the like. By today's standards it was primitive, but then it was probably not too bad. How on earth people managed to bring up these large families in such cramped conditions still amazes me. The labour and work the mothers must have been forced to do would probably kill most of today's people. They were certainly tough."
"Harriet as I remember was about 5 feet 4 inches and John maybe an inch taller. Not big people, but then that was quite normal in those days. I believe that th4ey are both buried in Edmonton Cemetery. This is not one attached to a church, but one of those large municipal affairs. It is actually easier to trace graves in these places because better records have been kept."
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884).
The Amsdens were living at Farley Road, 6 Farley Place, Croydon, Surrey as of the 1881 census (they then apparently lived in Croydon at least through 1884). In 1893 they were at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham, London. In 1896 they were at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham. As of the 1901 census they were at 43 Moselle Street, Tottenham.
Between the 1901 census and the December 1903 bith of their son William they moved from Tottenham to Edmonton. In the 1911 census they were at 57 Raynham Road, Edmonton. By the 1921 census they were at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton, London, where they both lived for the rest of their lives.
The 1921 census records the following family members at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton:
John Amsden, head, 65 yrs. 5 mos. Born London. Maker of scientific instruments.
Harriet Amsden, wife, 59 yrs. 2 mos. Born London. Home duties.
Florence Amsden, daughter, 34 yrs. 10 mos. Born Walworth, London. Maker of cardboard boxes.
John Theophilus Amsden, son, 27 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed engineer.
Emily Amsden, daughter, 26 yrs. 0 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Cartridge examiner.
Mabel Harriett Amsden, daughter, 24 yrs. 6 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
Lilian Katherine Amsden, daughter, 23 yrs. 9 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Machinist at rubber co.
Grace Maud Amsden, daughter, 20 yrs. 2 mos. Born Tottenham, Middlesex. Unemployed.
William Charles Amsden, son, 17 yrs. 6 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Unemployed.
David Amsden, son 15, yrs. 3 mos. Born Edmonton, Middlesex. Invalid—never did any work.
Both John and Harriet died at 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton.
Harriet and John's son John Theophilus did not marry and lived with them, and then alone until his death in 1968, when 97 Winchester apparently was sold.
A COMPLETE LIST OF THE CHILDREN
1) Sidney John (July 5, 1880-died after 1887). Born in Croydon, London.
2) Edward James (1883-February 25, 1971). Born in Croydon, London; died in Canada. Married Annie Elizabeth Blyth (4/26/1885-7/1/1955) in around 1902.
Edward James was a surgical instrument maker in England and a tool and die maker in Canada. He and Annie emigrated to Canada in March 1921.
They had three sons:
a) Edward James Amsden (b. 9/20/1904 in Edmonton, London; d. 2/22/1988 in Canada). Married Harriet Mabel Gates (6/10/1911-3/10/1979) on July 11, 1931 in Canada. They had five children: i) Shirley Mae Amsden (5/21/1933- ? ); married Lawrence Joseph Rubik. ii) Joyce Ellen Amsden (b. 11/3/1934); married Frank Hudacek on 3/25/1960. iii) Ruth Ann Amsden (b. 12/18/1937). iv) Donna Jean Amden (b.3/1/1939). v) George Edward Amsden (b. 7/14/1946); married Rose Marie Temerrowski on 6/14/1968.
b) Harold Henry Amsden (b. 1908). Born in Edmondon, London. Married Ruth Fern Burton on June 22, 1931.
c) Leslie H. Amsden (12/13/1919-12/7/1988). Born in London. Married Jeanne Begar (b. 10/4/1922) on April 10, 1941. They had three children: i) Gail Jeanne Amsden (b. 11/15/1941); married Robert James Macdonald abt. 1962. ii) Peter Leslie Amsden (b. 3/18/1947); married Paulette Montcalm abt. 1967. iii) Thomas Herbert Amsden (b. 9/5/1949); married Kathy ? abt 1977.
3) Thomas George (1884–December 8, 1924). Born in Croydon, London. Married Mabel Amelia Lang (9/15/1894-11/10/1967) on December 23, 1916. They had three sons:
a) George Thomas Amsden (10/10/1917– ? ). Married Elizabeth Jane Hadley (6/28/1921-1/27/1981) on January 14, 1943. They had two children: i) Heather Jean Amsden (12/18/1946-10/26/1991); married RJ. Swaby abt. 1968. ii) Caroline Margaret Amsden (b. 7/5/1957).
b) John Amsden (1/31/1919- ? ). Married Floreance Brazier on April 1, 1946. They had one child: i) David Amsden (b.12/25/1946).
c) Edward Amsden (5/31/1922–2/11/1928)
4) Florence Louisa (8/23/1886?-12/17/1970). Born in Walworth, Southwark, London; died in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. Married George Stanley Smith (1895–5/11/1966) in 1923. They had three children:
a) Jessie Muriel Smith (1/2/1925-9/6/2007).
b) Robert Smith
c) unknown
5) Sophia Helen (August 11, 1888-November 1944). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with her birth family in 1901. By 1910 she was livng in Gloucestershire and was baptized into the Church of England in the spring of that year. On March 31, 1921 she married Charles Norman (December 23, 1883-October 1942) in Gloucestershire. By the 1939 national registry the Normans were living at 39 Martin Road in Hanham, Gloucestershire--and her parents John and Harriet Amsden are recorded as present with them. John Amsden was ailing by then as the word "incapacitated" is written near his name in the record. Both Charles and Sophia are buried in Hanham and each have Find a Grave memorials.
6) Esther Amelia (born in April-June of 1891- ? ). Born in Tottenham, London. Last census appearance with birth family in 1911. Married Stanley Robert Adams at All Saints Church in Edmonton, London on August 7, 1916.
7) John Theophilus (4/22/1893-6/20/1968). Born at 6 St. Loy's Road, Tottenham; died at
Queens Hospital, Croydon. He was an instrument maker and window cleaner. His name appears on the World War I list of honor as "Amsden J. gunner (14959) Joined 1915. Served in many engagements in France.
8) Emily (ca. 1896–after 1922). Born in Tottenham, London. Married Alfred MacDonald in 1922. They had three sons:
a) Alfred MacDonald
b) Bertram MacDonald
c) Ronald MacDonald
9) Mabel Harriett (December 22, 1896-February 23, 1977). Born at 39 Gleandish Road, Tottenham, London; died in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. Married Albert Edward Copping on January 30, 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Joyce MacDonald (born ca. 1930; alive as of 1977; married name was Dow).
10) Lillian Katherine (September 7, 1898-December 1986). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Married Frederick Robert Franklin (August 12, 1895-1989) in April-June 1922 in Edmonton, London.
11) Grace Maud (April 8, 1901-January 1991). Born in Tottenham, London. Died in Enfield, Greater London. Married Frederick H. Tyrrell (1899- ? ) in April 1926 in Edmonton, London. They had at least one child:
a) Jean Edith Tyrrell (October 25, 1931-December 2002). Died in Southend On Sea, Essex, England
12) William Charles (December 23, 1903-December 25, 1981). Born in Edmonton, London. Died in Ashford, Kent. He was first married to Rosemary Walkerdine (1/15/1903-1974) in October 1928 in Edmonton, London. They divorced in 1950. He then married Eileen Parfitt/MacFarlane in the final quarter of 1954.
William and Rosemary had one son:
a) Peter Charles Amsden (born January 3, 1930). Married Alwin/Alwyne "Felicity" (nee Creasy) Simpson on September 10, 1949. Alwyne died in 2005; she and Peter separated long before her death but never divorced. Peter then partnered with Dorothy Derby Stewart (b. 10/21/1956). Peter and Felicity had two sons: i) Peter Gaeme Amsden (b. 3/7/1951); married Diane Richardson (nee Pearson) on 6/24/1977. ii) Justin Mark Amsden (b. 12/4/1956); married Janet Celia Mary Lawson (b. 9/6/1959) on 12/22/1984.
13) David (April 1906–March 1925). Born and died in Edmonton, London.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Notes by Mindy C. Pugh: John and Harriet Amsden's grandson, Peter Charles Amsden (a second cousin once removed of mine), is a retired photographer from the London area who has lived in Scotland since 1999 and is still active and alert at the age of 93 (as of this writing in May 2023). Fortunately for me, among his many hobbies is genealogy. When I first discovered him through an online genealogy forum in 1999 he generously shared his memories and insights via e-mail, and I reciprocated with the results of my own research.
Below are excerpts from some of the earliest e-mails I received from him.
August 19, 1999: "Grandfather Amsden was a deeply religious man, but he was not joined in this by any of his family, Harriet included. In fact my memory is that they were far removed from any religion at all, probably put off my grandfather's over indulgence. He refused to have any alcohol in his house or any gambling. I can well remember being taken to task one day because he heard me say 'Blow it!' About as low down the expletive scale that you can get, but to him it was blasphemous."
"There always seem to have been cousins in all directions, most of which I only met at Christmas time, when the family gathered at the grandparents' home, 97 Winchester Road, Edmonton. The war and the death of my grandfather (he had a stroke after shoveling the snow away from the front of the house) ended these Christmas get-togethers, so I saw less and less of the family. They never did appear to be very close to each other, and I think it was only the grandparents that kept the family intact. When they were gone, few of them bothered to keep in contact again. Sometimes my father and I would visit my Aunt Mabel who lived out in the country. Her daughter Joyce was around my age, so I guess we had some things in common, but the contact did not last."
"Curiously, when I was very young I had been given a card by my Uncle John and told to look after it. On moving house it again came to light, but this time I paid more attention to it. It was in fact a printed card recommending my grandfather to the Reedham School for Fatherless Children in Croydon. This must have been something above an ordinary orphanage because those putting forth this recommendation were people of some note. Included among them was a Dr. George Amsden, which was my first real clue to the medical profession connection.
"Photographs are an interesting subject. My grandfather was an active photographer, he even made his own glass negatives. A number of these negatives I found still at 97 Winchester Road after Uncle John died. He had always lived there, but had few possessions and the rest of the family took no interest in them at all. I went to the house with my parents and these were hidden away at the back of some drawer. They appear to be mainly members of the family, aunts, uncles, etc. but none of them are identified. Some aunts I recognize, but in the main they are unknown to me. Some appear to date from pre 1900. I have not had most of them printed, which is curious since by profession I am a photographer! Always something to do when I get the time."
August 21, 1999: "It was not much until I was much older that I knew my grandmother's name, since she was always Grandma to the family. I remember her as a nice, kindly lady. A little stout, but after twelve children that was to be expected. She was always very kind to her grandchildren and I was very fond of her. After the death of my grandfather she remained at 97 Winchester Road until her own death. Her son John remained living with her and I think she often had visits from other members of the family. We only lived a few roads away. In the end she really died of old age. I know that she suffered from bronchitis and this must have put a great strain on her heart."
"Grandfather was not really stern so much as a presence. I know nothing of their early relationship, but family rumour always had it that Harriet was very fond of gin, and the children frequently had to put her to bed, making sure that her husband knew nothing about it. Frankly, I don't think he was that dumb, he just chose to ignore it. I can never remember seeing him when he was not wearing a suit and tie, with his very neatly trimmed beard, always giving the appearance of a gentleman. Even so, after his death papers were apparently found that showed he had always made frequent large donations to the church. I think that this hurt my grandmother because she explained that she was frequently short of money to feed the large family. Clearly he was a man who did not think that charity began at home. I know that he had few possessions, believing that excess in anything was a kind of evil."
"97 Winchester was nothing very special. It was a mid terraced house with four bedrooms and a toilet in the back yard (common in those days). On the ground floor was a lounge or parlour, a small dining room, a kitchen with coal fired cooking range and a scullery with clothes boiler and the like. By today's standards it was primitive, but then it was probably not too bad. How on earth people managed to bring up these large families in such cramped conditions still amazes me. The labour and work the mothers must have been forced to do would probably kill most of today's people. They were certainly tough."
"Harriet as I remember was about 5 feet 4 inches and John maybe an inch taller. Not big people, but then that was quite normal in those days. I believe that th4ey are both buried in Edmonton Cemetery. This is not one attached to a church, but one of those large municipal affairs. It is actually easier to trace graves in these places because better records have been kept."
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