Research Forum

Elizabeth STOKES b. 1848 in Portbury - lived 1920 in Wraxall
published by Pat Hase on Sat, 18/01/2014 - 0:20

Elizabeth STOKES was one of twin girls born to Charles & Lavinia STOKES née SPERRIN on the 3rd Feb 1848 at Portbury. Her twin sister Anne, died shortly after birth but Elizabeth survived.
On the 1851 census the family is still in Portbury and she has two younger brothers, Charles & William. Her elder brother, Samuel, aged 4 is living with his grandfather, Samuel STOKES and his 2nd wife Ann - probably on West Hill, Wraxall. My great grandmother, Annie STOKES, was born in Wraxall in 1852 so the family must have moved shortly after the 1851 census. By 1861 there are 8 children at home and Samuel is still with his grandfather on West Hill. Charles & Lavinia went on to have about 15 children.
In 1871 Elizabeth is a domestic servant in a house in Portishead and Annie is also in Portishead as a domestic servant. They are both working in houses in Nore Road. Elizabeth witnessed Annie's marriage in Reading in 1875 and Annie gives her occupation as servant at an address in Reading. On the 1881 census Elizabeth is described as a Cook at an address in Reading. Annie's husband died in 1885 and she moved back to Bedminster but I'm not sure what happened to Elizabeth.
I know that in about 1919 my mother spent a holiday with "Aunt Lizzie" in Wraxall possibly on West Hill. I don't know whether she ever married and I haven't been able to find a death yet. Can anyone help me find out what happened to Elizabeth STOKES? Thank you.

Comments ..

Submitted by on Sat, 18/01/2014 - 5:02

Hello Pat,

This is what I have found re Elizabeth Stokes. Her obituary notice has her age correct, but there is a about a 10 year discrepancy with the Census records.

The Western Daily Press. Bristol. Wednesday, 23 July 1930 pg 5

DEATH OF MRS E. BAKER at WRAXALL

The funeral took place yesterday at All Saints Church, Wraxall, of Mrs Elizabeth Baker, widow of the late Mr Joseph Baker, for many years a market gardener at Wraxall.

Mrs Baker died at her residence, Coombe Cottage, last Friday, at the age of 82.

The Rector , Preb. J. W. Firth, officiated.

The Mourners.- included Mr. T. Stokes and Mr. F. Stokes (brothers), Mrs W. Stokes (sister-in-law), ........

Free BMD's - RootsWeb.com

Marriages Mar 1887
BAKER Joseph Exeter 5b 151
STOKES Elizabeth Exeter 5b 151

Ancestry.com - Index of Wills & Administrations England

Year 1930

BAKER Joseph, of Coombe Cottage West Hill Wraxall Somersetshire died 28 April 1922 Administration Bristol 2 October to Frederick Charles Wilkins solicitor's clerk

Effects £97 10s.

Year 1930

BAKER Elizabeth, of Coombe Cottage West Hill Wraxall Somersetshire widow died 18 July 1930 Probate Bristol 10 September to Frederick Charles Wilkins solicitor's clerk

Effects £123 10s.

1891 England Census
Name: Joseph Baker
Age: 34
Estimated Birth Year: c. 1857
Relation: Head
Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Baker
Gender: Male
Where born: Exeter, Devon, England
Civil Parish: Tickenham
Ecclesiastical parish: St Querricus and St Julietta
County: Somerset
Country: England
Street Address: Farm House
Occupation: Farmer
Condition as to marriage: Married
Employment status: Employed
Registration District: Bedminster
Sub-registration District: Yatton
ED: 9
Piece: 1955 Folio: 61
Page Number: 7
Household Members:
Joseph Baker 34 Head (See Above)
Elizabeth Baker 36 Wife b. Wraxall, Somerset

1911 England Census
Name: Joseph Baker
Age in 1911: 55
Estimated Birth Year: c. 1856
Relation to Head: Head
Gender: Male
Birth Place: Exeter, Devon
Civil Parish: Wraxall
County: Somerset
Country: England
Street Address: West Hill, Wraxall, Nr Bristol
Marital Status: Married for 26yrs
Occupation: Market Gardener (On Own Acct)
Registration District: Long Ashton
Registration District Number: 318
Sub-registration District: Long Ashton
ED: 12
Household Schedule Number: 64
Piece: 14798
Household Members:
Joseph Baker 55 (See Above)
Elizabeth Baker 56 Wife b. Portbury, Glouc.
Beatrice Sims 21 Neice b. Wales (Town not Known)

Number of Rooms in Dwelling: 6

Signed: Joseph Baker West Hill, Wraxall W. Bristol

Joy P.

Submitted by Pat Hase on Sat, 18/01/2014 - 14:28

I'm delighted with that - thank you so much Joy!. It's amazing how someone in Australia can find information which I've been looking for for years!! I recognise so many of the names who attended her funeral including children of my great grandmother, Annie PINNOCK nee STOKES and of course I can't understand why I've not found Elizabeth before - possibly the age given on the census returns? She certainly knocked off a few years.

This has have answered so many questions and now I can fill some gaps in my own family tree. But, like all new information it also asks more questions. Thank you very much.

Submitted by on Mon, 27/01/2014 - 21:04

Just read your post

My great great great grandfather Zephaniah 'James' Sperrin b1848 father John George Sperrin mother Jane Coulter

Married Harriet Morgan 19-08-1847 two daughters Ann Rosina, Millinda

Immigrated to Melbourne, professional Jeweller watchmaker.

He changed his name to James Stephenson at sometime.

After Harriet's death he married Louisa Minton 12-01-1893. She had had a child out of wedlock previously with someone else. Child was adopted out.

Then there is no trace of him.

Lea
Melbourne, Australia