Research Forum

In the absence of anything being found in the Compton Martin records - Looking through earlier censuses there seem to be about 4 candidates for Jane.

1) Jane Mockridge/Mogridge, wife of John, born 1798-99 Nether Stowey (widowed by 1871) (poss. died 1880 Bridgwater)

2) Jane Moggredge, wife of William, born 1797, Bicknoller (different to one above)

3) Jane Mockridge/Mackridge, wife of William, born 1794 Morebath, Devon (widowed by 1871, on same census record as Lyngford House, Taunton)

4) Jane Mockridge/ Mockeridge, wife of Thomas, born 1806, Clay Hydon / Clayhanger / Clayhidon,Devon  (maiden name PIKE)  (but is found elsewhere in the 1881 census) 

My favourite was originally No. 4 - but she is found on the 1881 census still living with Thomas. (I had wondered whether  "Clay Hydon" be misheard as "Compton Martin")

So looking  at Number 3 - could "Morebath, Devon" be mis-transcribed as "Compton Martin". The age is a bit out - but that is not uncommon, she was widowed by 1871 - but was an Agricultural Labourer. In 1871 she is found on the same census record as Lyngford House - and in 1859 had won a prize for 40 years service.

Bridgwater Mercury, 30 Nov 1859, P6

There maybe a reference in the papers to why she was locked up in 1881. Another Jane MOCKRIDGE was admitted to Bristol Asylum in 1890 for attempting suicide but the reports describe her as "middle-aged" so probably a different one.

I'll have another trawl through the newspaper archives - but hopefully this may kick something off for you.

She was unmarried according to the census, waiting for a death record from 1887 to see if it is her,  Thank you so much for all the information

Slightly different tack - you say you are waiting for a death record - and earlier had ordered a certificate.

Why did you not not go for the "Digital Image" option on the GRO which is only £3 rather than £8 for the PDF. Cheaper - and they are instant!

Just wondered ...

I did try, but it was not available, so had to go the old route and get paper :( 

Thanks Eva, I had got the idea that maybe we needed a guide on what the GRO offers - we discussed it at today's committee meeting - just after which I got your response.

Then - about 10 minutes later Peter got a message of thanks for the reminder - so maybe we do it anyway!

Glad to see you are ahead of the game!

:)

There are records of a Jane Mogridge being sentenced to 4 months hard labour in January 1881 for Larceny. The newspaper reports describe her as a "charwoman, stealing three sovereigns, other moneys and various receipts and papers, the property of Edward Yelland at Moretonhempstead". The newspapers however record her age as 49. Was there two Jane MOGRIDGES/MOCKRIDGES languishing in jail in 1881 - it seems unlikely.

That is what i thought aswell, however 30 years is a huge difference, that is the only thing that stopped me from thinking it was her.  Her name is unusual, so it could well be her.

Also, she was born in Somerset, but must have moved, the court was in Exeter, would they have sent her to Dorchester to do her sentence?

Thank you so much