Research Forum

Hi Tina. You may know much of this. Maria was the eldest of 5 children of Samuel and Priscilla Sperrin (nee North) born 1865, died 1953 and according to the WSMFH cemetery disc buried in a joined grave with her parents and sister Rosina. In 1891, her husband to be Walter Hawkins was a private in the 17th Lancers based in Colchester, where he says he was born. They married in 1893 in Medway district of Kent. By 1911 they had 6 children Hannah, Jack, Walter, Elsie, Minnie and James. Samuel was Baptised on July 28th 1839 Bedminster. A census gives his birth in Clevedon which would be right. Priscilla was born in Chilcott c1840 to Thomas and Ann (nee Reeves) and had 6 siblings. By 1861 Priscilla was living in Regent Street, WSM as a servant. I suspect she met Samuel there as he had been living in Regents Cottages not a stone throw away. They married and lived in Union Street where Maria was born, Then to (St) James Street where Samuel had an umbrella shop for many years on the north corner on Richmond Street. Incidentally, Samuel was one of approx 17 children to John George and Jane Sperrin (nee Coulter). They married in Tavistock in August 1817. John George deserted his wife in 1841 and a removal order for Jane from Bristol to WSM and some children makes interesting reading where 8 children are mentioned. They were reunited in WSM. They are also buried in WSM cemetery.  I hope this helps. Tony

I am also interested in HAWKINS. My gx3grandfather William BEACHAM married Mary HAWKINS at Yatton St Marys 26 Apr 1780. As for Mary's ancestors, I believe William COLE of Clevedon married Elizabeth "PLUMREY" of Walton in Gordano on 11 Jul 1734 in Tickenham, with two daughters, Susannah and Ann, with Susannah probably marrying  James HAWKINS 8 Nov 1759 in Tickenham, with Mary HAWKINS as the only daughter. Mary may have then died as Mary Beacham 23-Oct 1796 Yatton.

Any help firming up these speculations and finding other relations of James HAWKINS would be appreciated. Secondarily, I am at a brick wall as to the origins of William BEACHAM.