---

THE CURTIS FAMILY OF CHEWTON MENDIP AND
BRISTOL, ENGLAND
 

CONTENTS

Introduction

Acknowledgements & Disclaimer

Meaning Of The Name

Robert CURTIS (1711-1799)

James CURTIS (1734-1825)

Charles CURTIS (1769-1823)

Lamrock CURTIS (1774-1820)

John CURTIS (1801-1877)

Charles Anstee CURTIS (1806-1869)

Richard Hippisley CURTIS (1799-1871)

Thomas CURTIS (1808-1891)

Frederick William CURTIS (1834-1894)

Richard Hippisley CURTIS (1843-1905)

Frank CURTIS (1864-1939)

Annie Frances Clayhills CURTIS (b. 1873)

Introduction

The CURTIS family of Chewton Mendip and Bristol is one of my most intriguing lines, as family legend suggests that they once had wealth and land. Several of my relatives have previously attempted to trace the history of the CURTIS family, although their motivation for doing so was more financial than genealogical! While my main interest has been to discover where my CURTIS ancestors were born, where they lived and what kind of people they were, the notion of wealthy connections has always been at the back of my mind, and now it seems as though those family myths may have some basis in reality ...

This webpage would not have been possible without the assistance of my grandaunt MARY PIKE (nee MATTHEWS), who has provided me with a great deal of information about our CURTIS ancestors, and DIANE LAWRENCE, who has done a vast amount of research into the CURTIS and HIPPISLEY families. I am also grateful to the following individuals - MIKE CASWELL, who kindly provided the material that he has collected about the CURTIS family; PETER SPEED and RICHARD NORMAN, for sending me their exhaustive information about the SPEEDs of Chewton Mendip; NORMAN DAVIES, for providing me with some titbits about Lamrock CURTIS, as well as a splendid family tree showing the descendants of Lamrock's brother, Charles; FRANK CURTIS for providing me with information about the family of John CURTIS and Ellen HOUSE; ALAN MORGAN and his daughter DEBORAH for providing me with information about Frederick MORGAN and Elizabeth Annie CURTIS; PHILLIP and RICHARD DUDDEN for their recollections about Cornelius, Reasey, Arthur and Margaret CURTIS; DIANE ROWLAND for providing me with information about Frank GREGORY, the first husband of Emma Bacon CARDWELL; JOHN FLOWER, for sending me a copy of an article by JOHN & JEAN FLOWER entitled "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" which provides a possible expanation for the origin of the name "Lamrock"; PETER MORGAN for providing me with extracts relating to the HIPPISLEYs of Ston Easton from "Somerset, The Complete Guide" by ROBIN BUSH; DAVID BROMWICH of the Somerset Studies Library for finding the newspaper report covering the inquest into the death of Thomas Hippisley CURTIS; PAUL VIVASH for providing extracts from various sources with regard to the derivation of the name "CURTIS". I am also indebted to the members of the Gloucester, Bristol & Somerset and Wessex Genealogy Mailing Lists, as well as the Bath & North East Somerset Register Office, the Bristol Register Office, the Mendip Register Office and the North Somerset Register Office.  The photos on this page come from my own family album with the exception of the photo of John and Ellen CURTIS and their family which was kindly provided by FRANK CURTIS, and the photos of Charles Anstee CURTIS, Elizabeth CURTIS (nee DREDGE), Cornelius CURTIS and Frederick William CURTIS which were kindly provided by NORMAN DAVIES. Much of the information on this page has no primary source and while I believe that it is accurate, I cannot take responsibility for any errors or omissions. I will be updating this page regularly as new information comes to light.

Both P.H. REANEY in "The Oxford Dictionary of Surnames" and Dr BASIL COTTLE in "The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames" agree that CURTIS derives from the Old French "corties" meaning courteous or well bred. COTTLE states that some variants might come from the Old French for short hose, stockings or breeches. Early examples of the name are:  CURTEIS de Capella (Pipe Rolls, Warwickshire 1130),  Richard CURTEIS (Pipe Rolls, Bedfordshire 1166) and Robert le CURTEIS (Pipe Rolls, Devonshire 1168).

Robert CURTIS was baptised in Chewton Mendip, Somerset on 27th September 1711. Queen Anne, the last of the Stuart dynasty, was on the throne of England at the time. Robert was the second son of James CURTIS and Elizabeth WITCOMBE who married in Chewton on 1st May 1709. In 1746 Robert underwent a settlement examination as a result of which we know something about his early life. When he was twelve he was sent to Somerton as a Covenant Servant for one year, then returned to Chewton Mendip where he lived as a Covenant Servant for a further five years. In about 1730 he went to Emborough where he hired himself to Robert HIPPISLEY. In about 1733 he married his first wife - a lady called Ann - and returned to Chewton Mendip.

Robert and Ann had at least four children together, all baptised in Chewton Mendip - Thomas, baptised 6th November 1734, buried 13th January 1762; James, baptised 26th September 1736; Ann, baptised 3rd September 1738, and Betty, baptised 1st March 1740. Robert's first wife Ann died in about 1743 and was buried in Litton on 21st April of that year. Robert subsequently married Love CARTER in Wells Cathedral on 1st September 1745. Robert and Love had at least five children together, again all baptised in Chewton Mendip - John, baptised 25th December 1745; Martha, baptised 5th August 1750; Joseph, baptised 26th April 1752; Sara, baptised 1st January 1756, and John, baptised 3rd May 1761.

Love CURTIS died in about 1795 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 19th May. Robert CURTIS died in about 1799 and was buried on 26th March.

Joseph CURTIS (b. 1752) married Lucy HILBURD on 9th January 1780 in Priddy, Somerset. Joseph and Lucy don't appear to have had any children together. She died in about 1794 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 22nd June. Joseph subsequently married Elizabeth HOUSE on 26th July 1795 in St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset. Joseph and Elizabeth had at least six children together, all born in Chewton Mendip - John, born 20th September 1795; Lucretia, born 13th July 1797; Daniel, born 18th June 1800; Jofabolah, born 7th March 1802; Mary Ann, born 24th February 1804, and Sophia, born 10th September 1807. Joseph Curtis died in about 1835 and was buried in Chewton on 22nd March.

James CURTIS was born in Chewton Mendip, Somerset on 22nd August 1734. He was the second son of Robert CURTIS and Ann. James married Susanna ANSTEE on 23rd December 1762 in Chewton Mendip. James and Susanna had six children together, all born in Chewton Mendip - Robert, born 16th May 1763; Ann, born 1st July 1765; James, born 6th June 1767; Charles, born 3rd November 1769; Lamrock, born 28th April 1774 and Joanna, born 17th April 1777. Susanna CURTIS (nee ANSTEE) died on 22nd July 1806. James CURTIS died in 1825 and was the buried in Chewton Mendip on 29th May.

Robert CURTIS (b. 1763) married Sarah SLEE on 2nd January 1785 in Bedminster, Bristol. Robert and Sarah had at least three children together - Amelia, born 23rd October 1794; Robert Anstee, born 8th May 1796, and Harriett, born 23rd April 1799. Robert Anstee CURTIS married Jane SLEDGE on 15th May 1823 in Chewton Mendip. Jane was born in about 1793 in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Robert and Jane had at least three children together, all baptised in Chewton Mendip - Farnham, baptised 11th July 1824; George, baptised 3rd December 1826, and Charlotte, baptised 23rd August 1829. Robert Anstee CURTIS worked as a coal haulier. He died on 30th September 1861 in Chewton Mendip, and his wife Jane died on 8th February of the following year.

Charles CURTIS was born 3 November 1769 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the son of James CURTIS and Susanna ANSTEE. He married Martha KIRSLAKE on 21st May 1793.  Martha was born on 10th August 1774. Charles and Martha had at least seven children together - Constantine, born c. 1795 in Chewton Mendip; Christiana, born 14th October 1796; Charlotte, born 14th August 1798; Joseph, died c. 1800; Benjamin, died c. 1800; John, born 14th December 1801 in Chewton Mendip; and Charles Anstee, born 1806 in Litton near Chewton Mendip.

Charles CURTIS died in 1823 in Ston Easton, Somerset and was buried on 12th February 1823 in Chewton Mendip. His widow Martha died in 1839 in Ston Easton and was buried in Chewton on 7th July of the same year.

Constantine CURTIS (b. 1795) married Elizabeth CHURCH in Bristol in 1841. Elizabeth was born in Litton in about 1804. The family lived in Litton near Chewton Mendip where Constantine worked as a farmer, as seen here in the 1851 census:

Lilly Comb, Litton, Somerset

Constantine CURTIS aged 55 Farmer Of 16 Acres born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 46 born Litton, Somerset
Caroline CURTIS 6 born Litton, Somerset

Constantine CURTIS died in 1859 and was buried on 13th October of that year in Litton.

Christiana CURTIS (b. 1796) married William Culliford SALVIDGE on 22nd February 1819 in Chewton Mendip. He was born in Litton, near Chewton Mendip in about 1794. William and Christiana had at least six children together - James, born c. 1823 in Chewton Mendip; Charles Culliford, born c. 1826 in Chewton Mendip; Hannah, born c. 1827 in Chewton Mendip; Cornelius, born c. 1829 in Chewton Mendip; Mary Ann, born c. 1833 in Emborough, Somerset, and Martha, born c. 1839 in Emborough. In 1851 the family was living at Red Hill Farm in Emborough, as seen here in the census for that year:

Red Hill Farm, Emborough, Somerset

William Culliford SALVIDGE aged 56 Farmer Of 169 Acres born Litton
Christiana SALVIDGE wife 54 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
James SALVIDGE son 27 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Hannah SALVIDGE daughter 23 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Cornelius SALVIDGE son 21 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary Ann SALVIDGE daughter 17 born Emborough, Somerset
Martha SALVIDGE daughter 11 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Hellen GARDNER visitor 12 born High Littleton, Somerset

Lamrock CURTIS was born on 28th April 1774 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the youngest son of James CURTIS and Susanna ANSTEE who married in Chewton Mendip Parish Church on 23rd December 1762. The name "Lamrock" is said to derive from Sir Lamorak de Galis, a knight of King Arthur. Arthurian legend has always been popular in the West Country, nowhere more so than in Somerset which boasts a possible Camelot (Cadbury Camp), Isle of Avalon (Glastonbury Tor) and burial place for Arthur himself (Glastonbury Abbey).  Sir Lamorak is described as "a knight peerless" and "big and well-breathed", although he meets a rather unfortunate end when he falls for his aunt Queen Morgause. Her five sons, Gawain, Gareth, Gaheris, Agravaine and Mordred, discover the lovers in bed, behead their mother and hack Lamorak to death. The fact that it takes all five of them three hours to finish him off speaks volumes for his ferociousness!

On 1st February 1798, Lamrock married Ann HIPPISLEY in Chewton Mendip Parish Church. Ann was born in Chewton Mendip on 7th January 1777 and was the daughter of Richard HIPPISLEY and Martha HIPPISLEY, who married on 28th December 1775. It is through Ann that I believe I may have illustrious forebears. For further information about her and the HIPPISLEYs please see my HIPPISLEY Family of Chewton Mendip and Bristol, England page.

Lamrock and Ann had six children together, all born in Chewton Mendip - Richard Hippisley, born 5th June 1799; Ann, born 16th February 1801; Mary Ayerbury, born 7th February 1803;  Elizabeth, born 9th August 1806; Thomas, born 28th June 1808, and Martha, born 29th June 1810.

The Chewton Mendip Land Tax Assessments show Lamrock living in East End in the early 1800s. He may have inherited property here from his HIPPISLEY in-laws, as the memorial plaque inside the parish church describes Ann's grandfather William as being "of East End".

Lamrock CURTIS died in 1820 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 30th January. His wife Ann died in 1835 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 13th March of that year.

Ann CURTIS (b. 1801) married Robert SPEED on 3rd March 1823 in Chewton Mendip. Robert was born in Chewton Mendip in 1797 and was the son of Robert SPEED and Mary JORDAN. Robert and Ann had ten children together, all born in Chewton Mendip apart from Lydia Jordan, Edward and Eli Albert, who were born in Priddy - Robert Curtis, born 14th April 1822; Mary Ann, born 1824; Jonathan, born 1825; Thomas Curtis, born 1827; Elizabeth, born 1829; George Herbury, born 1832; Stephen, born 1835; Lydia Jordan, born 1838; Edward, born 12th September 1840, and Eli Albert, born 1843. This is how Robert and Ann appear in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 censuses:

Priddy, Somerset (1851)

Robert SPEED aged 52 Farmer of 120 Acres born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann SPEED wife 50 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Jonathan SPEED son 25 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth SPEED daughter 22 Dairy Maid born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
George SPEED son 19 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Stephen SPEED son 17 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Lydia SPEED daughter 12 Scholar born Priddy, Somerset
Edward SPEED son 10 Scholar born Priddy, Somerset
Eli SPEED son 7 Scholar born Priddy, Somerset

Fair Place, Priddy, Somerset (1861)

Robert SPEED aged 62 Farmer of 85 Acres born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Ann SPEED wife 60 Farmer's Wife born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Jonathan SPEED son widower 35 Ag Lab born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Edward SPEED son 19 Ag Lab born Priddy, Somerset
Mary Ann SPEED granddaughter 6 born Blagdon, Somerset

New Inn, Fair Place, Priddy, Somerset (1871)

Robert SPEED aged 71 Farmer & Publican born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Ann SPEED wife 69 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary Ann SPEED niece 16 Servant born Blagdon, Somerset

Robert SPEED (b. 1797) died on 29th September 1876 in Priddy. His wife Ann SPEED (nee CURTIS) died on 9 July 1882, also in Priddy. They were both buried in Chewton Mendip. For further information about the SPEED family please refer to Norman Family Tree, the website of my fifth cousin RICHARD NORMAN.

John Curtis was born on 14th December 1801 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the son of Charles CURTIS and Martha Kirslake and worked as a farmer. John married Lucy DREDGE on 26th September 1825 in St James, Bristol. Lucy was born in Ston Easton in about 1798. John and Lucy had at least seven children together, all born in Ston Easton - Charles, baptised 25th December 1826; Martha, baptised 25th December 1828; Constantine, baptised 6th November 1831, died 20th May 1839; John, baptised 27th July 1834; William, baptised 26th February 1837; James, baptised 21st May 1839, and Robert, baptised 18th October 1840. In 1851 the family was living in Ston Easton as seen here in the census for that year:

Ston Easton, Somerset

John CURTIS aged 48 Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Lucy CURTIS wife 52 born Ston Easton, Somerset
John CURTIS son 17 Labourer born Ston Easton, Somerset
William CURTIS son 15 Labourer born Ston Easton, Somerset
James CURTIS son 12 Labour born Ston Easton, Somerset
Robert CURTIS son 10 born Ston Easton, Somerset

John CURTIS died on 24th November 1877. In 1881 his widow Lucy was living with her son Robert in Chewton Mendip (see below census extract). Lucy died on 17th June 1882.

Charles CURTIS (b. 1826) married Matilda. She was born in Clutton, Somerset in about 1830. Charles and Mathilda had at least three children together - John, born c. 1861 in Rhymney, Monmouthshire; George, born c. 1864 in Beaufort, Brecknock, and James, born c. 1866 also in Beaufort. The family lived in Rhymney, Monmouthshire where Charles worked as a collier, as seen here in the 1881 and 1891 censuses:

6 Upper High Street, Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales (1881)

Charles CURTIS aged 55 Collier born Somerset
Matilda CURTIS wife 53 born Clutton, Somerset
John CURTIS son 20 Shoemaker born Rhymney, Monmouth
George CURTIS son 17 Collier born Beaufort, Brecknock
James CURTIS son 15 Collier born Beaufort, Brecknock
Herbert WEEKS boarder 20 Collier born Hereford

67 Upper High Street, Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales (1891)

Charles CURTIS aged 65 Coal Miner born Ston Easton, Somerset
Matilda CURTIS wife 58 born Clutton, Somerset
John CURTIS son 29 Fireman born Rhymney, Monmouth

John CURTIS (b. 1834) married Ellen HOUSE on 12th August 1856 in Ston Easton, Somerset. Ellen was born in about 1832 in Ston Easton and was the daughter of John HOUSE, a labourer. At the time of their marriage John was living in Rhymney, Monmouth where he was working as a miner. John and Ellen had thirteen children together, all born in Rhymney - Frederick William, born 1858; Frank and Fanny, both born on 7th March 1860; John, born 1862; Charles, born 1865; Annie Louisa, born 8th February 1865; James, born 1867; Albert, born 1868; Martha, born 1870; Lucy, born 1872; Robert, born 1874; Isabella, born 1876, and Martha, born 1880. By 1861 John had abandoned the coal mines and had become a shopkeeper, as seen here in the census for that year:

Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales

John CURTIS aged 27 Provision Dealer
Ellen CURTIS wife 29
Frederick William CURTIS son aged 3
Frank CURTIS son aged 1
Fanny CURTIS daughter aged 1

John owned a store at 62 High Street, Rhymney where he sold fruit, furniture, and smoked herring. He also owned a stable of horses and carts. He imported fish from Cardiff which he smoked in the back warehouse, but he was later banned because of the smell! In 1881 John and Ellen were still living in Rhymney, as seen here in the census for that year:

62 High Street, Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales

John CURTIS aged 47 Green Grocer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Ellen CURTIS wife 48 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Frederick W. CURTIS son 23 born Rhymney, Monmouth
Frank CURTIS son 21 born Rhymney, Monmouth
John CURTIS son 19 born Rhymney, Monmouth
Annie L. CURTIS daughter 17 born Rhymney, Monmouth
Charles CURTIS son 16 Pupil Teacher born Rhymney, Monmouth
James CURTIS son 14 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Albert CURTIS son 13 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Martha CURTIS daughter 11 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Lucy A. CURTIS daughter 9 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Robert CURTIS son 7 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Isabella CURTIS daughter 5 Scholar born Rhymney, Monmouth
Elizabeth CURTIS servant 19 General Domestic Servant born Tredegar, Monmouth

John CURTIS and Ellen HOUSE were the great-grandparents of my fifth cousin once removed Frank CURTIS.

William CURTIS (bapt. 1837) married Louisa. She was born in Ston Easton in about 1829. William and Louisa also lived in Rhymney as seen here in the 1881 and 1891 censuses:

4 Havards Row, Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales (1881)

William CURTIS aged 45 Fitter born Somerset
Louisa CURTIS wife 51 born Somerset
Sybil CHAPMAN niece 7 born Somerset

4 Havards Row, Rhymney, Monmouth, Wales (1891)

William CURTIS aged 55 Fireman born Ston Easton, Somerset
Louisa CURTIS wife 62 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Sybil CHAPMAN niece 16 born Ston Easton, Somerset

Robert CURTIS (b. 1841) married Eliza THYER in 1869. She was born in Huntspill, Somerset in about 1841 and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth THYER. Robert and Eliza had at least three daughters together, all baptised in Chewton Mendip - Mary Louisa, baptised 17th July 1870; Emily Jane, baptised 5th June 1872, and Florence Fanny, baptised 10th September 1882. Robert worked as a blacksmith and lived in Chewton Mendip, as seen here in the 1871, 1881 and 1901 censuses:

Chew Head, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1871)

Robert CURTIS aged 29 Blacksmith born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza CURTIS wife 30 born Huntspill, Somerset
Mary L. CURTIS daughter 10 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
James CURTIS widower brother 31 Engine Driver born Ston Easton, Somerset
Emma THYER niece 11 Nursemaid born Huntspill, Somerset

Chewton Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1881)

Robert CURTIS aged 39 Blacksmith born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza CURTIS wife 40 born Huntspill, Somerset
Mary L. CURTIS daughter 10 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Emily J. CURTIS daughter 8 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Lucy CURTIS mother widow 82 born Ston Easton, Somerset

Chewton Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset, England (1901)

Robert CURTIS aged 59 Blacksmith (Own Account) born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza CURTIS wife 60 born Huntspill, Somerset
Florence CURTIS daughter 18 Shop Assistant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Eliza died on 24th July 1915 and her husband Robert died on 24th November 1916. They were both buried in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalene.

Charles Anstee CURTIS was born in 1806 in Litton near Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the youngest son of Charles CURTIS and Martha KIRSLAKE. He married Elizabeth DREDGE on 24th June 1833 in St James, Bath, Somerset. Elizabeth was born in Ston Easton in about 1803 and was the daughter of James and Martha DREDGE. Charles and Elizabeth had three children together, all born in Bath - Frederick William, born 7th July 1834 in Milk Street; Cornelius, born 9th August 1836 at 3 Abbey Gate Street, and Elizabeth Martha, born 5 July 1839, also at 3 Abbey Gate Street. The family later moved back to Chewton Mendip, as seen here in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 censuses:

Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1841)

Charles CURTIS aged 35 Smith Born in County
Elizabeth CURTIS 35 Born in County
Frederick CURTIS 8 Born in County
Cornelius CURTIS 5 Born in County
Martha CURTIS 2 Born in County

Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1851)

Charles CURTIS aged 45 Blacksmith born Litton, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 46 Butter Dealer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Frederick CURTIS son 16 Carpenter Apprentice born Bath, Somerset
Cornelius CURTIS son 15 At Home born Bath, Somerset
Martha CURTIS daughter 11 Scholar born Bath, Somerset

The Folly, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1861)

Charles CURTIS aged 54 Blacksmith born Litton, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 58 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Elizabeth M. CURTIS daughter 20 born Bath, Somerset

Charles Anstee CURTIS died on 6th July 1869 in Chewton Mendip. In 1871 his widow was still living in Chewton Mendip:

The Folly, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Elizabeth CURTIS widow aged 69 Retired Butter Dealer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Emily S. CHARD granddaughter 5 Scholar born Temple Cloud, Somerset

However in 1881 Elizabeth was living with her daughter and son-in-law in the Temple Inn at Cameley, Somerset:

Temple Inn, Cameley, Somerset

William CHARD aged 48 Publican born Ston Easton, Somerset
Elizabeth CHARD wife 42 born Bath, Somerset
Charles CHARD son 12 born Cameley, Somerset
Bessie CHARD daughter 15 born Cameley, Somerset
William CHARD son 9 Scholar born Cameley, Somerset
Ada CHARD daughter 7 Scholar born Cameley, Somerset
Kate CHARD daughter 1 month born Cameley, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS mother-in-law widow 77 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Lilly FORD servant 15 General Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Alfred P. WALLER boarder 25 Officer Of Inland Revenue born Southampton, Hampshire

Elizabeth CURTIS (nee DREDGE) died on 30 December 1883.

Cornelius CURTIS (b. 1836) was living in Litton in 1861, as seen here in the census for that year:

Litton, Somerset

Cornelius CURTIS aged 22 Farmer 24 acres born Bath, Somerset

Cornelius married Emily HARRIS on 23rd February 1863 in Chewton Mendip. Emily was born in about 1840 in Widcombe, Somerset. This is how they appear in the 1871 census:

The Street, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Cornelius CURTIS aged 35 Farmer Employing 4 Men & 1 Boy born Bath, Somerset
Emily CURTIS wife 30 born Widcombe, Somerset

Cornelius was a farmer who owned a considerable amount of property around Chewton Mendip. He also served as a church warden at St Mary Magdalene for 37 years. His initials are carved in the wall beside the lane leading up to the church.

Cornelius held the tenancy of Manor Farm in Chewton until the early 1900s when it was taken over by Richard Mogg DUDDEN. Cornelius is shown at Manor Farm in the 1881 and 1901 censuses:

Manor Farm, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Cornelius CURTIS aged 44 Farmer Of 236 Acres With 5 Labourers born Bath, Somerset
Emily CURTIS wife 40 born Widcombe, Somerset
Reasey CURTIS nephew 17 Farmers Assistant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth HARRIS sister-in-law 46 born Widcombe, Somerset
Bessie ORAM servant 27 Dairymaird born Wiltshire

Manor Farm, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Cornelius CURTIS aged 64 Farmer born Bath, Somerset
Emily CURTIS wife 60 born Widcome, Somerset
Elizabeth HARRIS sister-in-law 50 born Widcombe, Somerset
Reasey CURTIS nephew 37 Farmer's Nephew born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Margaret CURTIS niece 31 Cheesemaker born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

In their twilight years Cornelius and Emily CURTIS lived at Chewton Villa, which later became known as Homedene. Cornelius died on 17th July 1910 in Chewton Mendip. His wife Emily died on 20th July 1921, also in Chewton Mendip.

Elizabeth Martha CURTIS (b. 1839) married William Frederick CHARD on 30th March 1865 in Chewton Mendip. He was born in about 1832 in Ston Easton. William and Elizabeth had at least seven children together, all born in Cameley, Somerset -  Bessie, born c. 1865; Charles Ansty, born c. 1868; William, born c. 1871; Ada, born c. 1873, Kate, born c. 1881, Mary Annie, born c. 1892, and Arthur Edwin, born c. 1894. In 1881 the family was living in the Temple Inn at Cameley where William was the publican (see above census extract).

In 1901 William and Elizabeth's son Charles was the publican at the original Waldegrave Arms Inn in Chewton, which once stood directly opposite the present Waldegrave Arms but which was pulled down in the 1930s to make way for widening of the road. This is how Charles appears in the 1901 census:

Waldegrave Arms Inn, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Charles Ansty CHARD aged 32 Publican & Farmer born Temple Cloud, Somerset
Florence CHARD wife 27 born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Hannah Culliford CHARD mother-in-law widow 47 born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Mary Annie CHARD sister 9 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Arthur Edwin CHARD brother 7 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eva HARRINGTON servant 17 General Servant (Domestic) born North Cadbury, Somerset

Richard Hippisley CURTIS was born on 5th June 1799 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the eldest son of Lamrock CURTIS and Ann HIPPISLEY. He married Ann CURTIS on 6th February 1822 in Chewton Mendip. She was born on 21st November 1801 in Chewton Mendip and was the daughter of John CURTIS and Dorinda CHURCH. Richard and Ann had seven children together, all born in Chewton Mendip - Lamrock, born 1822; Dorinda Ann, born 1825; John, born 1830; James, born 1834; William, born 1837; Richard, born 1841, died 1842, and Richard Hippisley, born 26th September 1843. The family lived in various properties in and around Chewton Mendip, as seen here in the various censuses:

Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1841)

Richard CURTIS aged 40 Born in County
Ann CURTIS 35 Born in County
Lamrock CURTIS 15 Born in County
Dorinda CURTIS 15 Born in County
John CURTIS 10 Born in County
James CURTIS 7 Born in County
Richard CURTIS 1 month Born in County

East End, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1851)

Richard CURTIS aged 52 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann CURTIS wife 49 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
John CURTIS son 20 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
James CURTIS son 17 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Richard CURTIS son 7 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

The Folly, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Richard CURTIS aged 61 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip
Ann CURTIS wife 60 born Chewton Mendip
Lamrock CURIS son 39 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip
Richard H. CURTIS son 18 Carter born Chewton Mendip

Barrow Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Richard CURTIS aged 71 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip
Ann CURTIS wife 69 born Chewton Mendip

Richard Hippisley CURTIS died on 26th December 1871 in Wells, Somerset and was buried in Chewon Mendip. In 1881 his widow Ann was living in Wells, as seen here in the census for the year:

5 Morgans Court, St Cuthbert Out, Wells, Somerset

Ann CURTIS aged 79 Farmers Widow born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

John CURTIS (b. 1830) married Caroline FRANCIS on 23rd July 1864 in St Thomas, Wells, Somerset. She was born in Wells in 1840. John and Caroline had at least seven children together - Florance, born c. 1866 in Woolwich, Kent; Edith, born c. 1869 in Wells; Annie, born c. 1871 in Netley, Hampshire; Martha, born c. 1873 in Woolwich, Kent; John, born c. 1875 in Wells; Francis, born c. 1877 in Flat Holm, Glamorgan, Wales, and Lilian, born c. 1879 in Wells. In 1881 the family was living in Wells where John worked as a labourer, as seen here in the census for that year:

19 St John Street, St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset

John CURTIS aged 50 Labourer (Chelsea Out Pensioner) born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Caroline CURTIS wife 41 Dressmaker born Wells, Somerset
Florance A. CURTIS daughter 15 born Woolwich, Kent
Edith M. CURTIS daughter 12 Scholar born Wells, Somerset
Annie M. CURTIS daughter 10 Scholar born Netley, Hampshire
Martha H. CURTIS daughter 8 Scholar born Woolwich, Kent
John R.H. CURTIS son 6 Scholar born Wells, Somerset
Francis C. CURTIS son 4 Scholar born Flat Holm, Glamorgan
Lilian E. CURTIS daughter 2 born Wells, Somerset

William CURTIS (b. 1837) married Anne HARVEY on 5th May 1868 in Bristol.

Thomas CURTIS was born on 28th June 1808 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the youngest son of Lamrock CURTIS and Ann HIPPISLEY. Thomas was a farmer, but he also served as an Overseer, elected by the parish vestry to help look after the poor. Overseers were unpaid but had a number of powers, including the power to raise money for the needy by collecting a tax known as the Poor Rate from other parishioners. They could also remove any newcomers to the parish if the local Justices of the Peace deemed that they were likely to become dependent on poor relief. Below is a page from the Chewton Mendip overseers account book signed by Thomas CURTIS.

The parish registers also record that Thomas was working as a publican in 1855. In 1841 he was living in Nedge near Chewton Mendip with his sister Elizabeth, as seen here in the census for that year:

Nedge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Thomas CURTIS aged 30 Agricultural Labourer Born in County
Elizabeth CURTIS 30 Female Servant Born in County
Fanny WILLIAMS 30 Staymaker Born in County

Thomas married late in life - he was 35 when he married Mary FLOWER in St Mary Magdalene Church, Chewton Mendip on 12th February 1844. She was born in Chewton Mendip in 1823 and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth FLOWER. John FLOWER was a labourer, but he died sometime before 1851. Thomas and Mary had no less than twelve children together, although two - William Frederick, born 26th August 1844, and George James, born 14th May 1847 - died in infancy. William died of whooping cough on 14th September 1844 while George was accidentally drowned on 10th July 1848. The other ten children, all born in or near Chewton Mendip, survived into adulthood. They were: Henry, born 22nd August 1845; Elizabeth Annie, born 12th March 1849; Mary Hippisley, born 13th March 1851; Hippisley, born 12th January 1853; William Frederick, born 20th July 1854; George James, born 13th November 1855; Alice Martha, born 21st September 1857; Albert John, born 1st May 1859; Charles, born 19th October 1861, and Frank, born 21st March 1864. Here are Thomas and Mary in 1851, with their children as well as Mary's mother and sister:

Nedge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Thomas CURTIS aged 42 Farmer Of 16 Acres born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary CURTIS wife 27 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Henry CURTIS son 5 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth Ann CURTIS daughter 2 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Infant CURTIS daughter 1 month born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER mother-in-law widow 50 Dressmaker born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER sister-in-law 16 House Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

By 1861 Thomas and his family had moved to Ford, a small village on the road between Chewton Mendip and Litton, where they lived until at least 1871, as seen here in the 1861 and 1871 censuses:

Ford, Litton, Somerset (1861)

Thomas CURTIS aged 51 Farmer of 12 acres born Chewton Mendip
Mary CURTIS wife 37 born Chewton Mendip
Elizabeth A. CURTIS daughter 12 born Chewton Mendip
Mary H. CURTIS daughter 10 born Chewton Mendip
Hippisley CURTIS son 8 born Chewton Mendip
William F. CURTIS son 6 born Chewton Mendip
George J. CURTIS son 5 born Chewton Mendip
Alice M. CURTIS daughter 3 born Chewton Mendip
Albert J. CURTIS son 1 born Chewton Mendip

Ford, Litton, Somerset (1871)

Thomas CURTIS aged 62 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip
Mary CURTIS wife 47 born Chewton Mendip
Henry CURTIS son 25 Wine Merchant born Chewton Mendip
Albert J. CURTIS son 11 Scholar born Chewton Mendip
Charles CURTIS son 9 Scholar born Chewton Mendip
Frank CURTIS son 7 Scholar born Chewton Mendip

By 1881, all of Thomas and Mary's children had left home, apart from Albert John, and they were living at The Folly, the estate hamlet on the hill above the village, as seen here in the 1881 census:

The Folly, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Thomas CURTIS aged 72 Retired Farmer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary CURTIS wife 58 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Albert John CURTIS son 21 Ironmonger (Unemployed) born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie Frances CLAYHILLS boarder 7 Scholar born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

In 1891 Thomas and Mary were living at Bray's Batch with their granddaughter Annie, as seen here in the census for that year:

Bray's Batch, Chewton Mendip

Thomas CURTIS aged 82 Living on Own Means born Chewton Mendip
Mary CURTIS wife 67 born Chewton Mendip
Annie Frances CURTIS daughter 17 born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Thomas CURTIS died on 7th April 1891 in Chewton Mendip, aged 82. In 1901 his widow Mary was living in Ford:

Ford, Litton, Somerset

Mary CURTIS widow aged 77 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie F. CURTIS granddaughter 27 Dressmaker born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Mary CURTIS (nee FLOWER) died on 13th March 1907 in Chewton Mendip, and was buried in the graveyard of St Mary Magdalene Church.

Henry CURTIS (b. 1845) was working as a groom for the DAVIS family in Cotham Road, Bristol in 1861, as seen here in the census for that year:

Chandos Villa, Cotham Road, St Andrew, Bristol

Rosa Angelina DAVIS daughter 3 born Bristol
George Chandos DAVIS son 1 born Bristol
Jane Beddows MORGAN servant 25 Head Nurse born Brecon, Wales
Caroline GIBBS servant 19 born Hook, Wiltshire
Henry CURTIS servant 15 Groom born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Henry married Ellen HOSKINS on 9th June 1877 at St James, Litchurch, Derby. Ellen was born in about 1859 in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire and was the daughter of George and Ellen HOSKINS. Henry and Ellen had at least three children together - Helen Mary, born 31st May 1878 in High Street, Poole, Dorset; Dorothea, born 25th April 1881 in High Street, Poole, and Bertha Louise, born 20th March 1885 at 54 Queens Square, Bristol. Henry became the hotel keeper at the Antelope Inn in Poole, Dorset, as shown here in the 1881 census:

High Street, St James, Poole, Dorset

Henry CURTIS aged 36 Hotel Keeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen CURTIS wife 22 born Burton On Trent, Stafford
Elizabeth BENDALL barmaid 24 born Gussage All Saints, Dorset
Maryann COOMBS domestic servant widow 59 Cook born Poole, Dorset
Able Ann HAYTEN domestic servant 20 Housemaid born Fordingbridge, Hampshire
James Eaneas BURGE domestic servant 19 Boots born Bishop Watham, Hampshire

In a letter written to his brother Frank in December 1883 Henry said that he had gone "out of business" and was looking for work in Bristol. This might explain why his third daughter was born in Bristol. By 1891 the family were once again living in Poole, as seen here in the census for that year:

22 Commercial Road, St Peter, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset

William HABGOOD aged 56 Carpenter & Joiner born Wimbourne, Dorset
Rose A. HABGOOD wife 57 born Kinson, Dorset
Henry CURTIS boader aged 45 Retired Hotel Keeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen CURTIS boarder 32 born Burton on Trent, Staffordshire
Helen M. CURTIS boarder 12 Scholar born Poole, Dorset
Dorothy CURTIS boarder 9 Scholar born Poole, Dorset
Bertha L. CURTIS boader 6 born Bristol, Gloucestershire

By 1901 the family had moved to Pokesdown in Bournemouth, Hampshire, as seen here in the census for that year:

6 York Road, St James, Pokesdown, Hampshire

Henry CURTIS aged 55 Retired Hotel Keeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen CURTIS wife 42 born Burton On Trent, Staffordshire
Dorothy CURTIS daughter 19 Assistant School Teacher born Poole, Dorset
Bertha L. CURTIS daughter 16 Monitress born Bristol

Family legend suggests that Henry CURTIS was also a taxidermist and that he spent some time in Africa as a big game hunter!!

Elizabeth Annie CURTIS (b. 1849) married Frederick MORGAN on 11th August 1875 in St Mary Magdalene Church, Chewton Mendip. Frederick was born on 14th June 1849 in Worcester and was the son of David, a carpenter, and Sarah MORGAN. Elizabeth and Frederick had eight children together, all born in Talgarth, Brecon, Wales - Frederick Thomas, born 14th June 1876; Gertrude Ethel, born 11th October 1877; Alice Mary, born 24th May 1879; Louise, born 14th December 1881; Ivor Rhys, born 21st February 1884; David Hippisley, born 14th December 1885; Kate Winifred, born 14th October 1887, and Edgar Ralph, born 6th April 1889. Louise and Edgar Ralph both died in infancy. The family lived in Talgarth where Frederick worked as an ironmonger, as seen here in the 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses:

Swan Inn, Talgarth, Brecon, Wales (1881)

Frederick MORGAN aged 31 Ironmonger born Worcester
Elizabeth A. MORGAN wife 31 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Frederick T. MORGAN son 4 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecknock
Gertrude E. MORGAN daughter 3 born Talgarth, Brecknock
Alice M. MORGAN daughter 1 born Talgarth, Brecknock

Bell Street, Talgarth, Brecon, Wales (1891)

Frederick MORGAN aged 41 Ironmonger born Worcester
Elizabeth A. MORGAN wife 42 born Chewton, Somerset
Frederick T. MORGAN son 14 Ironmonger's Assistant born Talgarth, Brecon
Gertrude E. MORGAN daughter 13 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecon
Alice M. MORGAN daughter 11 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecon
Ivor R. MORGAN son 7 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecon
David H. MORGAN son 5 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecon
Kate W. MORGAN daughter 3 Scholar born Talgarth, Brecon

Bell Street, Talgarth, Brecon, Wales (1901)

Frederick MORGAN aged 51 Ironmonger born Worcester
Elizabeth A. MORGAN aged 51 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Frederick T. MORGAN aged 24 Ironmonger born Talgarth, Brecon
Alice M. MORGAN daughter 21 born Talgarth, Brecon
Ivor R. MORGAN son 17 Ironmonger born Talgarth, Brecon
David H. MORGAN son 15 born Talgarth, Brecon
Kate W. MORGAN daughter 13 born Talgarth, Brecon

However, it also seems that Elizabeth had another daughter, Annie Frances Clayhills CURTIS, by an unknown father. Annie was born on 24th July 1873 in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, and was living with her grandparents in Chewton Mendip in 1881 (see above census extract).

Elizabeth Annie MORGAN (nee CURTIS) died on 21st March 1934. Her husband Frederick died on 21st September in the same year. Elizabeth and Frederick were the grandparents of my second cousin twice removed Alan Rhys MORGAN.

Mary Hippisley CURTIS (b. 1851) married twice. Her first husband was Edward Brickel HARRIS whom she married on 28th November 1876 in St James, Poole, Dorset. Edward was born in about 1829 and was the son of Daniel HARRIS. Edward died on 23rd November 1879 in Lower Cottage, Parkstone, Poole. In 1881 Mary was living in Longfleet, Dorset with her younger sister Alice, as seen here in the census for that year:

Mendip Ringwood Road, Longfleet, Dorset

Mary H. HARRIS widow aged 30 House Owner born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Alice M. CURTIS sister 23 Companion born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Mary subsequently married William Henry BAKER, a ship broker, on 28th June 1881 in Longfleet. William was born in Poole, Dorset in about 1832 and was the son of Robert BAKER. William and Mary had at least three children together - William Henry, born 10th December 1883 in Parkstone, Bertha Mary, born c. 1885 in Parkstone, and Robert. This is how the family appears in the 1891 and 1901 censuses:

Monghyr, Commercial Road, Parkstone, Dorset

William H. BAKER aged 59 Ship Broker & Lloyd's Agent born Poole, Dorset
Mary H. BAKER wife 40 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William H. BAKER son 7 Scholar born Parkstone, Dorset
Bertha M. BAKER daughter 5 Scholar born Parkstone, Dorset
Bertha BAKER sister 74 Living On Own Means born Parkstone, Dorset

227 High Street, St Marys, Longfleet, Dorset

William H. BAKER aged 69 Ship Broker born Poole, Dorset
Mary H. BAKER wife 50 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William H. BAKER son 17 Timber Merchants Apprentice born Parkstone, Dorset
Bertha BAKER sister 84 born Poole, Dorset

Hippisley CURTIS (b. 1853) was working at the Imperial Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in 1871, as seen here in the census for that year:

Imperial Hotel, South Parade, St John, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Annie STACEY manageress aged 30 Manageress of Hotel born Wincanton, Somerset
Hippisley CURTIS servant 18 Waiter born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Jane HARRIS servant 31 Nursemaid born Ilminster, Somerset
Frank SMART servant 18 Billiard Marker born Taunton, Somerset
Elizabeth ADAMS servant 18 Cook born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Hippisley immigrated to America in 1880, sailing from Liverpool aboard the 'City of Berlin' and arriving in New York on 1st December. His younger brother Charles accompanied him on the journey. Hippisley became a US citizen on 2nd July 1892. In 1900 he was living with the THOLEN family in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, as seen here in the US federal census:

151 West Ridge Street, Nanticoke, Luzerne, Pennsylvania

Abraham THOLEN aged 48 Coal Miner born England
Mary THOLEN wife 43 born Wales
Idris THOLEN son 18 Mule Driver born Wales
Matthew J. THOLEN son 8 At School born Wales
Benjamin THOLEN son 3 born Pennsylvania
Ipsley CURTIS boarder widower 43 Day Labourer born England

In 1910 he was living with the DUNNETT family in Scranton, Pennsylvania and was working as a railroad labourer:

320 Keyser Avenue, Scranton City, Lackawanna Co, PA, USA

Albert DUNNETT aged 38 Miner In Coal Mines born England
Mary DUNNETT wife 38 born Wales
George DUNNETT son 15 Labourer In Coal Mines born Pennsylvania
Albert DUNNETT son 9 born Pennsylvania
David DUNNETT son 7 born Pennsylvania
James DUNNETT son 5 born Pennsylvania
Hannah DUNNETT daughter 3 born Pennsylvania
Betty DUNNETT daughter 18 born Pennsylvania
Hepisley CURTIS boarder widower 52 Labourer On Railroad born England

He later lived at 113 Brumley Avenue in Scranton. Hippisley briefly returned to England in 1923 to visit his relatives, sailing from New York on 14th July aboard the White Star Line's Majestic, before heading back to the States, departing from Southampton on 22nd August aboard the Majestic and arriving at the Port of New York on the 28th.

William Frederick CURTIS (b. 1854) was living with the DENMAN family in Lyncombe and Widcombe near Bath, Somerset in 1871, as seen here in the census for that year:

Springfield Villa, Lyncombe & Widcombe, Somerset

John DENMAN widower aged 39 Baker born Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER housekeeper widower 72 Housekeeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Charles DENMAN son 17 Baker born Bath, Somerset
John DENMAN son 15 Son of Baker born Bath, Somerset
Emily DENMAN daughter 14 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Clara DENMAN daughter 6 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Alice DENMAN daughter 4 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Ernest DENMAN son 2 born Bath, Somerset
Augusta FLOWER servant 14 General Servant born Timsbury, Somerset
Frederick CURTIS servant 16 General Servant born Chewton, Somerset
Mary BISHOP servant 16 General Servant born Camerton, Somerset

William married twice. His first wife was Emily Jane DENMAN, whom he married on 7th January 1879 in the Congregational Chapel, Clevedon, Somerset. Emily was born in Bath in about 1857 and was the daughter of John DENMAN, a baker. She is shown above living with her family in Lyncombe and Widcombe. William and Emily had at least two children together, both born at 7 Old Market Street, Bristol - Ethel Louise, born 31st October 1879, and Gwendoline, born 1st August 1881. Sadly Gwendoline died on 21st January 1882 aged just five months. In 1881, William and Emily were still living in Old Market, where William was working as a baker:

7 Old Market, St Philip & Jacob In, Bristol, Gloucester

William F. CURTIS aged 26 Baker born Chewton, Somerset
Emilie CURTIS wife 24 born Bath, Somerset
Ethel L. CURTIS daughter 12 months born St Philips, Bristol
Sidney P. PRING boarder 14 born St Philips, Bristol

William and Emily moved to 20 Redcliff Hill, St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol in about 1883, which became 92 Redcliff Hill in 1888. Emily CURTIS died of phthsis on 30th September 1889 at 92 Redcliff Hill. In 1891 William and his daughter were living in Redcliff Hill, as seen here in the census for that year:

20 Redcliff Hill, St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol

William F. CURTIS widower aged 36 Baker born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ethel L. CURTIS daughter 11 Scholar born Bristol

William subsequently married Georgina Hannah THOMAS on 20th June 1892 in St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. She was born in 1866 and was the daughter of George THOMAS.

George James CURTIS (b. 1855) was working at the Royal Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in 1871, as seen here in the census for that year:

Royal Hotel, South Parade, St John, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

George CURTIS servant 15 Page born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

George also married twice. His first wife was Emma Myra ELLIOTT whom he married on 11th March 1875 in Sidmouth, Devon. Emma was born in about 1856 in Hendon, Middlesex and was the daughter of John Pike ELLIOTT and Amelia FARRANT. In 1881 George was working at the Swan Hotel, Wells, as seen here in the census for that year:

Swan Hotel, 9 Sadler Street, St Cuthbert In, Wells, Somerset

Servants
Fanny McCOY aged 27 Barmaid born Ireland
Rosa Charlotte JULLION 29 Barmaid born London
George James CURTIS 25 Boots Domestic Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary Anne RAINER 26 Cook Domestic Servant born Fairford, Gloucester
William LINNEY 40 Chef Domestic Servant (N D) born Hordle, Hampshire
Emma HOLLOWAY 24 Waitress P Domestic Servant born Wells, Somerset
Agnes Mary FRANCIS 18 Chamber Maid Domestic Servant born Wells, Somerset
Anne LUFF 20 Kitchen Maid Domestic Servant born Blanavon, Monmouth
Thomas DOWLING 14 Page Domestic Servant (Inn) born Frome, Somerset
Annie Adlam MASTERS 17 Nurse Domestic Servant born Wookey, Somerset

In the same year George's wife Emma was a patient at the Royal Infirmary in St James, Bristol, as seen here in the 1881 census:

British Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, St James, Bristol

Emma CURTIS aged 25 Female Patient born Hendon, Middlesex

Emma CURTIS (nee ELLIOTT) died of phthsis in New Street, Sidmouth, Devon on 19th September 1882 aged only 26.

George subsequently married Emma ELLIOTT's younger sister, Caroline Amelia, on 15th April 1888 in Temple Church, Bristol. She was born in Hendon in about 1861.  Caroline had formerly worked as a nurse at Greenfield House in Sidmouth, Devon, as seen here in the 1881 census:

Greenfield House, Sidmouth, Devon

Caroline A. ELLIOT aged 20 Nurse born London, Middlesex

In 1891 George and Caroline were living with Frank CURTIS and his wife Elizabeth at 50 Windsor Terrace, Bedminster, Bristol (see below census extract).

By the end of the century George's health had begun to decline and on 4th Jul 1899 he was admitted as a patient at the Bristol Lunatic Asylum. The admissions index reveals that he was suffering from "mania", adding that he said he could "command Heaven" and that he had "a clock inside him". The index also suggests that his illness was caused by influenza. George was still a patient at the Bristol Lunatic Asylum in 1901:

Bristol Lunatic Asylum, Stapleton, Bristol

G.C. patient aged 45 Tram Car Driver born Chewton Mendip, Somerset Lunatic

George died of phthsis on 8th September 1902 at the Lunatic Asylum aged 46. The informant was his brother Frank. The whereabouts of George's wife Caroline at this time is not known.

Alice Martha CURTIS (b. 1857) was living with the LIGHT sisters in Regent Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset in 1871:

Regent Street, Emmanuel, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Ann LIGHT aged 39 Dressmaker born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Ellen LIGHT sister 28 Dressmaker born Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Alice CURTIS apprentice 13 Dressmaker & Apprentice born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

In 1881 she was living with her sister Mary in Longfleet, Dorset (see above census extract), and later worked at her brother William's shop in Redcliffe, Bristol. In 1891 she was a patient at the Bristol General Hospital:

Bristol General Hospital, Commercial Road, Bedminster, Bristol

Alice CURTIS patient aged 32 Baker's Shopwoman born Mendip, Somerset

Alice never married and died of typhoid on 10th May 1891 in Bristol General Hospital aged only 33. She was was buried in Chewton Mendip four days later.

Albert John CURTIS (b. 1859) was still living with his parents in Chewton Mendip in 1881, where he was an unemployed ironmonger (see above census extract). He married Elizabeth PRICE on 21st August 1889 in All Saints, Hereford. Elizabeth was born in about 1866 in Aberllynfi, Brecon, Wales and was the daughter of Thomas and Fanny PRICE. Albert and Elizabeth's first child, Thomas Hippisley, was born on 11th July 1891 at 32 St Thomas Street, Wells, but died on 27th September aged 11 weeks. An inquest was held into the circumstances surrounding the baby's death and reported in the Wells Journal on Thursday 1st October:

"'Sudden death of an infant'. An inquest touching the death of Thomas Hippisley Curtis, aged 11 week, was held before S. Craddock, Esq., coroner, at the Lamb inn, St. Thomas-street, on Monday afternoon. – Mr. E. Middle was chosen foreman of the jury. – Elizabeth Curtis, wife of A. J. Curtis, a tinplate worker, of 32, St. Thomas-street, said the deceased was her son and was 11 weeks old last Saturday.  On Sunday morning she awoke about 7 o’clock, and picked the child up as usual.  She noticed that it looked rather strange and was very quiet, and then found that it was dead.  The child was lying between her and her husband.  She fed it with a bottle at 11.30 the preceding night, and it took it all.  She awoke between two and three o’clock, and the child was then alive.  The child, ever since it was six weeks old, had been fed with a bottle, as her milk was not nourishing enough. – The Coroner briefly reviewed the evidence, and remarked that the placing of babies between the father and mother was a very dangerous practice; should the child turn over on its face it would surely die.  He would recommend the jury to return an open verdict of 'Found dead in bed.' – The jury returned a verdict accordingly."

Albert and Elizabeth had three more children together - Francis William, born 31st August 1892 at 32 St Thomas Street, Wells; Albert Bryan, born 2nd July 1894 at 70 St Thomas Street, Wells, and Thomas Price, born 18th November 1900 in Cole Brook, Bronllys, Talgarth, Brecon, Wales.  In 1901 the family was living in Bronllys, as seen here in the census for that year:

Cole Brook, St Mary, Bronllys, Brecon, Wales

Albert J. CURTIS aged 41 Copper Smith In Chemical Works born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 35 born Aberllynfi, Brecon
Francis Wm. CURTIS son 8 born Wells, Somerset
Albert B. CURTIS son 6 born Wells, Somerset
Thomas P. CURTIS aged 4 months born Bronllys, Brecon

Francis William CURTIS married Kathleen GRAY on 8th February 1921 in St Mark, Gabalfa, Glamorgan,  Wales.

Charles CURTIS (b. 1861) immigrated to America in 1880 with his brother Hippesley where he married a lady called Kate in about 1886. Kate was born in England in June 1865. Charles and Kate settled in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania where Charles worked as a coal miner. They had twelve children together, although six died in childhood. The six surviving children were Charles, born January 1892; Philip, born August 1893; Ethel, born April 1895; Niles, born May 1897; Omer, born June 1899, and Pearl, born c. 1907. In 1900 the family was living in Carbondale City as tenants of the VREELAND family, as seen here in the 1900 US Federal Census:

150 South Main Street, Carbondale City, Lackawanna Co, PA, USA

Benjamin VREELAND Coal Miner born May 1862 in New Jersey
Mary VREELAND wife born March 1864 in Pennsylvania
Earl VREELAND adopted son born July 1895 in Pennsylvania
Charles CURTIS Coal Miner born October 1861 in England
Kate CURTIS wife born June 1865 in England
Charles CURTIS son born January 1892 in Pennsylvania
Philip CURTIS son born August 1893 in Pennsylvania
Ethel CURTIS daughter born April 1895 in Pennsylvania
Niles CURTIS son born May 1897 in Pennsylvania
Omer CURTIS son born June 1899 in Pennsylvania

Charles CURTIS never returned to England. He died in the early 1900s when he was only in his 40s. In 1910 his widow and children were still living in Carbondale City, as seen here in the census for that year:

28 Columbia Avenue, Carbondale City, Lackawanna Co, PA, USA

Kate CURTIS widow aged 44 born England
Charles CURTIS son 18 born Pennsylvania
Philip CURTIS son 16 born Pennsylvania
Ethel CURTIS daughter 15 born Pennsylvania
Niles CURTIS son 14 born Pennsylvania
Omer CURTIS son 10 born Pennsylvania
Pearl CURTIS daughter 4 born Pennsylvania

Frederick William CURTIS was born on 7th July 1834 in Stall Street, Bath, Somerset. He was the eldest son of Charles Anstee CURTIS and Elizabeth DREDGE. He married Elizabeth FRY on 12th February 1861 in St Nicholas, Bristol. She was born on 14th September 1838 at 30 Somerset Street, Cathay, Bristol. Frederick and Elizabeth had six children together - Charles Frederick Curtis, born 11th September 1861, died 13th September 1861; William Reasey, born 10th December 1863 in Chewton Mendip; Arthur Salmon, born 15th January 1866 in Litton Road, Chewton Mendip; Ernest Charles, born 5th November 1867 in Litton Road, Chewton Mendip; Margaret Bithiah, born 17th May 1869 in Litton Road, Chewton Mendip, and Cornelius Frederick, born 8th February 1876 in Chewton Mendip.

Frederick CURTIS was a master carpenter and builder. He was also a wood carver, chorister and a prominent church member. He spent the remainder of his years in Chewton Mendip, eventually moving to Batch Cottage, as shown in the various censuses:

Chewton Street, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1861)

Frederick CURTIS aged 26 Carpenter born Stall Street, Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 22 born New Cut, Bristol

Litton Road, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1871)

Frederick CURTIS aged 36 Carpenter born Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 32 born Bedminster
William CURTIS son 7 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Arthur CURTIS son 5 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ernest CURTIS son 3 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Margaret CURTIS daughter 1 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Batch Cottage, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1881)

Frederick CURTIS aged 46 Carpenter born Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 42 born Bristol
Arthur CURTIS son 15 Carpenter born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Charles CURTIS son 13 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Margaret CURTIS daughter 11 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Cornelius CURTIS son 5 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Batch House, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1891)

Frederick CURTIS aged 56 Carpenter born St James, Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 52 born St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
Arthur CURTIS son 25 Carpenter born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Charles CURTIS son 23 Grocer's Assistant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Cornelius CURTIS son 15 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Frederick William CURTIS died on 6th July 1894 in Chewton Mendip. His widow Elizabeth died on 5th February 1896, also in Chewton Mendip.

William Reasey CURTIS (b. 1863) never married. He worked as a farmer for his uncle Cornelius at Manor Farm (see above census extracts) and was also a newspaper reporter, carrying a notebook with him wherever he went. Reasey inherited Homedene following the death of his Aunt Emily in 1921 and spent his retirement there. He died in Chewton Mendip on 10th October 1932.

Arthur Salmon CURTIS (b. 1866) married Catherine WHITCHURCH on 28th July 1896 at St Mary, Olveston, Gloucestershire. She was born on 6th September 1864 at Yew Tree Cottage, Oldown Hill, Olveston. Arthur and Catherine had three children together - Kathleen Victoria Elizabeth , born 13th May 1897 in Batch Cottage, Chewton Mendip; Marie Emily Curtis, born 5th December 1899 in Batch Cottage, Chewton Mendip, and Dorothy Olive, born 2nd July 1902 at 16 Havards Row, Rhymney, Monmouthshire, Wales. Arthur became the head of the household at Batch Cottage following his father's death and was living there in 1901 with his wife and daughters, as seen here in the census for that year:

Batch House, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Arthur Salmon CURTIS aged 34 Carpenter (Own Account) born Chewton Mendip, Som
Catherine CURTIS wife 38 born Olveston, Glos
Kathleen Victoria Elizabeth CURTIS daughter 3 born Chewton Mendip, Som
Maria Emily CURTIS daughter 1 born Chewton Mendip, Som

Later that year the family moved to Rhymney in Wales where Arthur worked as a carpenter for the Rhymney Iron Company. He died on 29th September 1949. His widow Catherine died on 11th August 1945 at the Royal Infirmary, Bristol. Arthur and Catherine CURTIS were the grandparents of my fifth cousin once removed Norman DAVIES.

Ernest Charles CURTIS (b. 1867) married Harriet FLOWER. She was born on 4th December 1866 in Litton, Somerset. In 1901 Ernest and Harriett were living in Chewton Mendip where Ernest was working as a postman, as seen here in the census for that year:

Lower Street, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Ernest Charles CURTIS aged 33 Postman born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Harriet CURTIS wife 34 born Litton, Somerset
Walter William RILEY lodger 20 Farm Apprentice born London

Ernest and Harriet later moved to Westbury-sub-Mendip where Ernest worked as the village shopkeeper. He died on 21st September 1940. Harriet CURTIS (nee FLOWER) died on 28th May 1946.

Margaret Bithiah CURTIS (b. 1869) never married. She lived with her uncle Cornelius at Manor Farm and later lived at Homedene and then Tudor Cottage, which was built in the garden of Homedene. According to Phillip DUDDEN she was "very short and round with more than a passing resemblance to 'grandma' in the Giles cartoons." Margaret died in Chewton Mendip on 17th April 1962.

Cornelius Frederick CURTIS (b. 1876) married Susan DAVIES. He worked as a painter and decorator in Gwmavon, Glamorgan, Wales.

Richard Hippisley CURTIS was born on 26th September 1843 in Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the youngest son of Richard Hippisley CURTIS and Ann CURTIS. He married Emma Bacon GREGORY (nee CARDWELL) on 3rd April 1865 in St John The Baptist, Glastonbury, Somerset. Emma was the daughter of Charles and Sarah CARDWELL and was born in Wells, Somerset in about 1826. Her first husband was Frank Henry GREGORY, who she married on 12th October 1847 in Wells. Frank and Emma had three children together - Elizabeth Singer, born c. 1849 in Paulton, Somerset; Henry, born c. 1852 in Wells, and Walter, born c. 1856 in West Harptree, Somerset.

Richard and Emma had at least two children together - Henry, born c. 1866 in Wells, Somerset, and Charles Hippisley, born 13th February 1868 in St Thomas Street, Wells, Somerset. In 1871 the family was living in Wells where Richard worked as a gardener:

42 St Thomas Street, St Cuthbert Out, Wells, Somerset

Richard H. CURTIS aged 27 Gardner born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Emma B. CURTIS wife 40 Dressmaker born Wells, Somerset
Henry J. GREGORY son-in-law 18 Tailor born Wells, Somerset
Walter P. GREGORY son-in-law 14 Masons Labourer born West Harptree, Somerset
Elizabeth S. GREGORY daughter-in-law 21 Dressmaker born Paulton, Somerset
Henry CURTIS son 5 Scholar born Wells, Somerset
Charles H. CURTIS son 3 Scholar born Wells, Somerset
Ellen K. GREGORY daughter 1 born Wells, Somerset

Ellen Kate GREGORY was not the daughter of Richard CURTIS - she was in fact the illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Singer GREGORY!

The family was still living at 42 St Thomas Street in 1881, although by this time Emma's GREGORY children had moved away from home:

42 St Thomas St, St Cuthbert Out, Wells, Somerset

Richard H. CURTIS aged 37 Domestic Gardener born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Emma CURTIS wife 49 born Wells, Somerset
Henry CURTIS son 15 Solicitors Clerk born Wells, Somerset
Charles H. CURTIS son 13 Scholar born Wells, Somerset

Richard later became the gardener at the cemetery on the Portway in Wells, as seen here in the 1891 and 1901 census:

Cemetery Lodge, Portway, St Cuthbert In, Wells, Somerset (1891)

Richard H. CURTIS aged 47 Gardener born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Emma CURTIS wife 60 born Wells, Somerset

The Cemetery, Portway, St Cuthbert In, Wells, Somerset (1901)

Richard H. CURTIS aged 57 Gardener born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Emma B. CURTIS wife 74 born Wells, Somerset
Frank CURTIS grandson 14 Gardener born Wells, Somerset

Richard Hippisley CURTIS died on 14th June 1905 at Cemetery Lodge, Wells. His widow Emma died on 27th March of the following year at 10 Portway, Wells.

Henry CURTIS (b. c. 1866) married Adelaide Emma HAYES in St Pancras, London in 1890. Adelaide was born in St Pancras in about 1865. Henry and Adelaide had at least four children together, all born in Wells - Henry, born c. 1891; Reginald, born c. 1892; Florence, born c. 1894, and Percy, born c. 1898. This is how the family appears in the 1891 and 1901 censuses:

5 Jubilee Terrace, St Cuthbert In, Wells, Somerset (1891)

Henry CURTIS aged 25 Solicitors Clerk born Wells, Somerset
Adelaide E. CURTIS wife 26 born St Pancras, London
Harry CURTIS son under 1 month born Wells, Somerset
Caroline TUCKER visitor widow 62 Nurse born Wells, Somerset

10 Portway, Wells, Somerset (1901)

Henry CURTIS aged 35 Probate Court Clerk born Wells, Somerset
Adelaide E. CURTIS wife 36 born London
Reginald CURTIS son 9 born Wells, Somerset
Florence CURTIS daughter 6 born Wells, Somerset
Percy CURTIS son 2 born Wells, Somerset

Charles Hippisley CURTIS (b. 1868) married Mary Jane YOUNG. She was born on 30th November 1863 in Whitnell, Wells, Somerset and was the daughter of Thomas YOUNG and Harriet GEORGE. Charles and Mary had no less than fifteen children together - Arthur Ernest, born 23rd February 1885; Frank Hippisley, born 29th October 1886 in Wells; Richard Thomas, born 25th July 1888 in Pilton, Somerset; Martha, born 26th January 1890 in Westholme, Pilton; Lillian, born 5th January 1892 in Shepton Mallet, Somerset; Charles, born c. 1894 in Wells; Edith Mary, born 30th January 1896 in Easton, Somerset; Christopher, born 20th November 1897 in Easton; Walter, born 12th May 1899 in Easton; James, born 12th July 1900 in Easton; George, born 2nd January 1902 in Easton; Frederick John, born 9th May 1903 in Easton; Leonard Cornelius, born 24th December 1904 in Easton; Elsie May, born 7th May 1906, and Annie Margaret, born 16th July 1909. This is how the family appears in the 1891 and 1901 censuses:

9 Coombe Lane, Shepton Mallet, Somerset (1891)

Charles CURTIS aged 24 Gardener born Wells, Somerset
Mary J. CURTIS wife 27 born Wells, Somerset
Arthur E. CURTIS son 6 born Wells, Somerset
Frank H. CURTIS son 4 born Wells, Somerset
Richard T. CURTIS son 2 born Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Martha CURTIS daughter 1 born Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Shortwoods, Easton, St Cuthbert Out, Wells, Somerset (1901)

Charles H. CURTIS aged 33 Gardener born Wells, Somerset
Mary J. CURTIS wife 36 born Wells, Somerset
Tom R. CURTIS son 12 born Pilton, Somerset
Martha CURTIS daughter 11 born Pilton, Somerset
Lily CURTIS daughter 9 born Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Charles CURTIS son 7 born Wells, Somerset
Edith CURTIS daughter 5 born Easton, Somerset
Christopher CURTIS son 3 born Easton, Somerset
Walter CURTIS son 1 born Easton, Somerset
James CURTIS son 8 months born Easton, Somerset

Charles CURTIS died on 23rd April 1935 at 10 Alfred Street, Wells and was buried on 27th April 1935 in Wookey, Somerset. Mary Jane CURTIS (nee YOUNG) died on 23rd April 1920 at 2 Haybridge, Wells and was also buried in Wookey.

Frank CURTIS was born on 21st March 1864 in Litton, near Chewton Mendip, Somerset. He was the youngest child of Thomas CURTIS and Mary FLOWER. He moved to Bristol where in 1881 he was working at the Refreshment Rooms at Temple Meads Station:

Refreshment Rooms, New Terminus, Temple, Bristol, Gloucester

Frank CURTIS aged 17 Waiter born Chewton, Somerset

Frank married Elizabeth MATTHEWS of 62 Cotham Road, Kingsdown on 1st January 1891 in Temple Parish Church, Bristol. She was born on 3rd June 1863 in Christian Malford, Wiltshire and was the daughter of Alfred William MATTHEWS and Mary HEAD. By April 1891 Frank and Elizabeth were living at 50 Windsor Terrace, Bedminster, Bristol, with Frank's brother and sister-in-law, George and Caroline CURTIS, as seen here in the 1891 census:

50 Windsor Terrace, Holy Trinity, Bedminster, Bristol

George J. CURTIS aged 35 Driver of Tram Car born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Caroline A. CURTIS wife 30 born London, Middlesex
Frank CURTIS aged 27 Waiter born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 27 born Foxham, Wiltshire

By January 1892 Frank and Elizabeth had moved to 97 Clarence Road, Bedminster, Bristol, and it was here that their eldest child Amy Gwendoline was born on the 29th of that month. They had two more children together - Alfred, born 20th June 1895, and Alexandra Elizabeth, born 13th July 1902.

Frank and Elizabeth CURTIS lived in Clarence Road, Bedminster until about 1894, then moved to a house called "Foxham" in Lilymead Avenue, Bedminster. But then in about 1900 Frank took over the running of a public house from one Albert BLANNING. The pub was The Pilgrim, at 22 Orange Street, St Paul. This is where the family was living in 1901, as seen here in the census for that year:

22 Orange Street, St Clements, Bristol

Frank CURTIS aged 37 Licensed Victualler born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth CURTIS wife 37 born Foxham, Wiltshire
Amy G. CURTIS daughter 9 born Bristol
Alfred CURTIS son 5 born Bristol

Frank was still running The Pilgrim in 1911, but by 1912 he had given up life as a publican, and was living at 34 Wilson Street, St Paul. Three years later he was living at 46 Martin Street, St Paul, which would be his home for the rest of his life. It seems that by this time Frank was quite a wealthy man, and owned a number of stocks and shares. But when his wife Elizabeth died on 11th July 1924 at 46 Martin Street, Frank drowned his sorrows in alcohol, and when he died on 12th February 1939 at 46 Martin Street he had relatively little wealth and few possessions left for his children to inherit. Frank CURTIS was interred at Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol.

Amy Gwendoline "Gwennie" CURTIS (b. 1892) married William MATTHEWS on 23rd June 1915 in St Paul, Bristol. William was born on 5th July 1888 in Brinkworth, Wiltshire and was the youngest son of Richard MATTHEWS and Emma WEBB. William and Gwennie had five children together - Alfred William Hippesley, born 15th July 1916 in Purton, Wiltshire; Elizabeth Eleanor Mary, born 21st October 1917 in Stapleton, Bristol; Eleanor Elizabeth, born 13th February 1920; Mary Olive, born 3rd February 1922 at 46 Martin Street, St Paul, Bristol, and George Albert, born 11th April 1928 in Bristol. For more information on the children of William and Gwennie MATTHEWS, please see my MATTHEWS & WEBB Families of Brinkworth and Bristol, England page.

William MATTHEWS died on 23rd January 1957 in Ham Green Hospital. Gwennie MATTHEWS (nee CURTIS) died on 11th March 1959 at 46 Martin Street, St Paul.

Alfred CURTIS (b. 1895) followed in his father's footsteps and worked as a waiter at the Railway Refreshment Rooms. When the First World War broke out he joined the 12th Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment, leaving behind his fiancée. He was posted abroad for the first time on 21st November 1915 and was reported wounded on 2nd June 1916, 6th October 1916 and 15th January 1917. On 6th May 1917 he was killed in action at Flanders aged just 22. Frank and Elizabeth had lost their only son.

Alexandra Elizabeth CURTIS (b. 1902), known as "Auntie Queen" because she was named after two Queens, married Albert Arthur MAPSTONE on 12th July 1922 in St Barnabas Parish Church, Bristol. Albert was born on 17th March 1901 in Bristol and was the son of Arthur John MAPSTONE. He was living in Grosvenor Road, Bristol at the time of his marriage and worked as a French polisher. Alexandra and Albert had three children together, all born in Bristol - Joan, born 1923; Edward, born 1930, and Robert, born 1940.

Annie Frances Clayhills CURTIS was affectionately known as "Auntie Annie". She was born on 24th July 1873 at 3 Carlton Street, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, and seems to have been the daughter of Elizabeth Annie CURTIS (b. 1849) and an unknown father. It would appear that Annie was "adopted" by her grandparents, as in 1881 she was living with Thomas CURTIS and his wife Mary in The Folly in Chewton Mendip (see above census extract). By the time Annie married in 1901, it seems as though she had come to regard Thomas as her father, as it is his name that appears on her marriage certificate.

Annie married Thomas SPEED, a farmer of Ashwick, Somerset, on 12th November 1901 in Chewton Mendip Parish Church. Tom was born in 1872 in Emborough, Somerset and was the son of Francis SPEED and Sarah Jane CLAVEY. Annie and Tom had three children together - Ivor Francis, born 11th May 1909; Nathaniel Fred, born 3rd April 1913 in Chewton Mendip, and Edward.

Fred SPEED married Elizabeth BAINBRIDGE in 1940. Bessie worked for the WALDEGRAVE family firstly at Chewton Priory, which was pulled down in 1953, and later at Chewton House. She initially worked as a housemaid but became both cook and housekeeper for Geoffrey Noel WALDEGRAVE, the 12th Earl. The Earl's youngest son, the Rt. Hon. William, Lord WALDEGRAVE, described Bessie as a "remarkable person" who became his parents' "closest friend". Bessie SPEED died on 7th December 1999, her husband Fred having passed away on 23rd October 1991. They were both interred in the churchyard at Chewton Mendip where Fred's parents, Tom and Annie, had been buried together some years previously.