Kent Family

Grandfather

Arthur receiving a Post Office award for long service.

‘Pop’ and ‘Dood’ ~1953.

Arthur William Kent was born on 2^nd May 1888 at 6 High Street, Gillingham, Kent. His parents were William George Kent, a Labourer at HMD (Her Majesty’s Dockyard) and Amy Mourilyan Kent nee Snoswell.

At the time of the 1891 census, Arthur is shown as aged 2 with his parents and grand-parents (Henry and Sarah) at 4 High Street Gillingham. Also listed is his older brother William aged 6.

In 1901 he is shown aged 13 at 89 Pier Road Gillingham, with his parents and older brother William who is shown as a “Yard Boy in Dockyard”. Arthur’s Uncle Henry and Aunt Louise are shown with their 7 children a few doors up at 96 Pier Road. They married on 26 Aug 1883 at Brompton.

On the 1911 Census, Arthur is shown living with his family at 46 Station Road, Gillingham, as a Postman aged 22, single.

He met Alice Ann Galloway in a sweet shop in Gillingham, where she worked and they married on 27^th December 1915 at the Church of Our Lady of Gillingham. Arthur’s profession was recorded as aged 27, Rifleman 3/8 City of London Regiment (Postman) and his address was The Cottage, The Cedars, Belmont Hill, Lee. The witnesses were W.Scamaton, Rose Galloway, Thomas McMahon? and Henry Cloth?

In the Roll of Individuals entitled to the Victory Medal and British War Medal he is recorded as 8/London R. Rfn 3607, serving from 13^th March 1916 to 21^st May 1916 He was captured at Caberet Rouge, Souchez, near Vimy, France on 21^st May 1916 during the ‘Battle of Vimy Ridge’. He suffered from the effects of mustard gas poisoning for the rest of his life.

It is noted in his father's notebook that he was made a prisoner of war on 21 May 1916 and came home on 30 Nov 1918. He received a letter from Buckingham Palace in 1918 which only part has survived:-

“The Queen joins me in welcoming you on your release from the miseries and hardships which you have endured with so much patience and courage. XXX many months of trials xxx of our gallant officers xxx cruelties of their captivity xxx upmost in our thoughts xxx that this longed xxx and that back in xxx you will be able xxx enjoy the happiness of good days among xxx graciously look for your xxx. George R J.”

On 2 Jan 1948 he was awarded the Imperial Service Medal and received a letter from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St James’s Palace SW1:-

“Sir, I am commanded to forward the Imperial Service Medal which His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to award to you in recognition of the meritorious services which you have rendered. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully, I. De la Bere, Brigadier (Registrar of the Imperial Service Order).”

He died at the age of 70 on 2^nd February 1959 at 57 Stopford Road, Gillingham and was recorded as retired postman GPO.

Great Grandfather

William George Kent was born on 17^th December 1863 at High Street, Gillingham. His parents were Henry Benjamin Kent, a Labourer at Chatham Yard, and Sarah Kent, late Wanstall, formerly Groves.

The following notes on his Dockyard Career were taken from his personal notebook:-

Hired Boy 8-1-1877 to 17-12-1882;

Hired Ord. Lab. 18-12-1882 to 12-9-1896;

Skilled Lab. 13-9-1896 to 30-3-1905;

Established (machinist) 31-3-1905;

Rate of Pay 35/- Est. 37/- Hd.1

Other entries in his notebook included:- Willie and Arthur had new boots Jan 29th 1897, Amy had her new dress, green, Jan 1897. Son Arthur was made a prisoner of war on 21 May 1916 and came home on 30 Nov 1918.

At the time of the 1871 Census, he is shown as a scholar aged 7, living at Gillingham Lane with his father Henry B., brother Henry B. aged 9 and married half-sister Eliza Sweetman aged 20 (wife of sailor) and her son George aged 3 months. His mother Sarah is listed a General Servant at the Vicarage, Gillingham Green, with the Vicar Robert J. Molesworth and family.

On the 1881 Census he is incorrectly named as Phillip Geo. Kent, 17 years old, labourer in Dock Yard, living in Gillingham Lane with his parents and brother.

William married Amy Mourilyan Snoswell on 19^th October 1884 at the Parish Church, Brompton, whilst working as a Labourer. His address is shown as 6 High Street, Gillingham, and hers as Franklin Cottages, New Brompton. Their witnesses were Henry Benjamin Kent and Margaret Alice Parker.

They had four children:- William Henry born 2^nd February 1885, Arthur William born 2^nd May 1888, Minnie Mourilyan born 28^th July 1891, died 24^th April 1893, buried 30^th April 1893 and Benjamin.

At the time of his son Arthur’s birth in 1888 he was noted as a Labourer HMD.

On the 1891 Census William is listed as a Skilled labourer (ship) aged 27, living at 4 High Street, Gillingham with his parents (Henry and Sarah), his wife Amy and 2 sons Arthur and William.

At the time of the 1901 Census, William is recorded as a Skilled labourer- machinest in dockyard, aged 38, living at 89 Pier Road, Gillingham with wife Amy and his two sons – William and Arthur. He is known to have been a staunch member of the Gillingham Wesleyan Band of Hope in Christmas Street, Gillingham.

On the 1911 Census William is shown as a Skilled Labourer at HM Dockyard, living at 46 Station Road with his wife of 27 years and his two sons. Also resident are son William’s wife, Ellen and his two grandchildren, William, 4 and Flossie, 2.

William died in 1925 and was buried on 31^th October 1925 at Grange Road Cemetery, Gillingham - Interred Grave No.15, Row 4, Section E.

Great Great Grandfather

Henry Benjamin Kent was born in Gillingham in January 1825, to Stephen Kent and Diana Wilkins. He was baptised on 13th Feb 1825 in St.Mary’s Church Gillingham.

It is believed that he did not marry Sarah Wanstall nee Groves, although they lived as husband and wife for over 30 years. They had two sons:- Henry Benjamin (jnr) born 1862 and William George born 1863.

Henry Benjamin has not been located on the 1841 or 1851 censuses, although was probably away from home with the Navy.

On the 1861 census Henry is listed as Benjamin Kent, Navy Pensioner (Lame?) with Sarah Wainstall (married lodger aged 38) and her 3 children - Eliza 11, Andrew 9 and Jane 7 (from her previous marriage to John Wanstall) at High Street, Gillingham.

At the time of the 1871 Census, Henry is shown as a Labourer (in Dockyard) living at 104 Gillingham Lane (while his wife, Sarah is shown at the Vicarage, Gillingham Green as a Servant).

In 1881 Census he was still a Labourer in the Dockyard aged 51, living in Gillingham Lane, Gillingham with ‘wife’ Sarah aged 58 and sons Henry Benjamin and Phillip Geo. Aged 19 and 17 respectively. Phillip is assumed to be an error which should read William.

By 1891 Henry is listed as a Bootmaker living at 4 High Street, Gillingham with ‘wife’ Sarah, his son William, daughter-in-law Amy and two grandchildren W Kent aged 6 and Arth Kent aged 2.

He died on 7^th April 1891 at High Street, Gillingham and was buried on 12^th April at Grange Road Cemetery, Interred Grave No. 15, Row 4, Section E. According to Bev Greenhalgh, he is buried with Sarah Wanstall nee Groves and their son William George Kent.

Great Great Great Grandfather

Stephen Kent (jnr) was born in 1783 to Stephen and Elizabeth Kent nee Cronk, and christened on 20^th April 1783 at St.Margaret’s Church, Rainham.

Stephen joined the Navy and served as a Rigger. Part of his service history is as follows:-

13 April 1806 to 18 Sept 1807, HMS Elephant
19 Sept 1807 to 19 March 1812, HMS Temeraire
20 March 1812 to 21 July 1814, HMS Union
22 July 1814 to 20 July 1815, HMS Tigre
21 July 1815 to 18 Sept 1815, HMS Severn.

Bev Greenhalgh and Peter Kent have undertaken extensive research into Stephen and his father, and it appears that these ships were mainly used for coastal blockade or in the Mediterranean. He discovered that at least two of these ships went to Plymouth Dockyard for repairs, refitting and it is likely that this is where Stephen met his wife, Diana. Less likely although not impossible is that the although Kents may also have come from that area of the world, as there are so many there.

Stephen married Diana Wilkins on 16 Aug 1814 at Stoke Damerel, Devon and the certificate shows him coming from Rayham. It also shows that unlike his father he could not write.

The Parish registers for St Margarets, Rainham from 1700 – 1810 include burials of some Cronks and also Kents, other than the known children.

In 1825, the baptism record of his son Henry records Stephen’s occupation as Rigger.   

The 1841 census shows Stephen Kent aged 55, Rigger with his wife Diana and their 3 children at The Lane, Gillingham. They are all recorded as born in Kent except Diana.

In 1851, Stephen (a labourer) and Diana are living at 25 Church Street, Gillingham. Their places of birth are given as Rainham, Kent and St.Agnes, Cornwall respectively. They are living just a few doors away from John and Sarah Wanstall.

It is possible that Stephen died in 1851 at the Royal Naval Hospital in Greenwich.

Great Great Great Great Grandfather

Stephen Kent (snr) married Elizabeth Cronk on 27 May 1776 at St Mary Madeline, Gillingham and were recorded as “both of this parish”. He signed his name but she marked her name with a cross. It is not known where Stephen was born or who his parents were.

They had at least one son:- Stephen Kent (jnr) born 1783 in Rainham.

Bev Greenhalgh discovered that a ‘Stephen Kent the Elder’ (labourer from the Parish of Gillingham) was left fifty pounds by a Benjamin Larkin (labourer of Brompton) in 1800, who referred to Stephen as his nephew.

There was also a Benjamin Larkin Kent who was baptised at Rainham on 17 Aug 1803, the son of Stephen and Mary Kent!  If he was Henry Benjamin’s uncle, he was born much later than his siblings, with a different mother. But there is an Elizabeth buried in Rainham in 1804, who may be Henry’s grandmother. The other possibility was that Benjamin was a much older brother of Henry Benjamin born when Stephen was only twenty, and that his marriage to Diana Wilkins, was a second marriage. Finding the marriage record may tell us whether Stephen was a widower at the time of his marriage to Diana, and whether he could have other children.

Benjamin was a Coast Guard at Eastbourne, Sussex in 1843 and Chief Boatsman in the coast guard service at the time of the 1851 census. He died in 1883 in Medway.

The following marriage record has been found on Ancestry linking the surnames Kent and Larkin but it has not yet been confirmed whether it relates to this Stephen Kent:-

Steph Kent of Hythe gent bach (24) and Ann Larkin of the s sp (23) at Bridge, Upper Hardres or Petham. 18 Oct 1752. (Volume 29, Canterbury Marriage Licences 1751-1780).

Petham is on the outskirts of Canterbury between Bridge and Chilham.

Rozalla Family

Grandfather

Albert Alexander Rozalla was born to David Naman and Madeline Rozalla née Farage on 19^th November 1888 and was baptised at St.Anne’s, Mazagon in Bombay on 17^th December of the same year.

His Baptism certificate shows his Godparents were William Robert Stewart and Cecilia Carney. It also notes his marriage to Eileen Mary Courtney on 12 Aug 1919 at St.Michael’s, Simla.

On his son’s Baptism Certificate in 1920, he is noted as a Civil Engineer P.W.D., in Simla.

Albert worked on many buildings in Simla - Tara Hall, Loreto Convent (there is a plaque with his name on), the Cathedral in Ripon Place and the Convent of Jesus and Mary (‘Chelsea’) – destroyed by fire in the 1940s.

In 2010, two articles in an Indian newspaper ‘The Tribune’ were found on-line, in which his work in Simla was mentioned:-

1. St. Edward’s also functioned as boarding school from 1932 to 1948, the year in

which the board facilities were withdrawn. The four-storeyed building for the

boarding house was designed by AA Rozalla, civil engineer, and the contract for the

construction was given to Hulasa Ram. The stone-laying ceremony was done by AEJ Kenealy, the Archbishop in July 1931.

2. A fresh proposal for the construction of a theatre hall was again sent through a

renowned engineer Felix Von Goldstein in May, 1929, and the MC gave sanction in

1930. That was the time when talkies had sprouted and so A. A. Rozalla, a civil

engineer, prepared a revised plan for a cinema hall in May, 1932, making an

interesting observation, “I may point out that the name of the house given as Hill

View on my site plan is a misnomer, but has been designated as such to conform to

the name on the Simla Survey Sheet. The real name, I’m informed by the owner, is

Tunnel View.” The Lower Bazaar tunnel built in 1905 had, by then, become a

popular pedestrian bypass. Ultimately, Roxy Cinema Hall was inaugurated in 1933.

Albert served in the Indian Army as a Garrison Engineer. The Indian Army List of 1946 shows “Rozalla, Albert Alexander – First Commission 11/03/1942 as 2^nd Lieutenant (W.S. Lt & Ty Capt.) E.C.”.

A medal card found on the National Archives website shows Rozalla, A A, Rifleman of the Indian Force Corps, Defence 751 Regiment (ref WO 372/28 dated 1914-1925). Clasp to war medal - M1738/24. Albert’s ‘Simla Rifles’ Efficiency medal mysteriously appeared in an online auction in 2011 and was bought by a collector in Canada who is unfortunately unwilling to sell it back to the family.

A letter concerning his funeral, states that No. E.C. 1174 A/Major A.A. Rozalla R.I.E. Garrison Engineer died on 18 Aug 1947 at Ferozepore and was buried the following day. His funeral included an escort, firing party and military band.

Great Grandfather

David Naman Rozalla was born in about 1857, possibly in Corfu, of Armenian descent but is thought to have lived most of his life in India.

Some family theories:- David (and possibly his brother) travelled to India with a trader called Macropolis / Macropoulos, who he then lived with in Bombay. Were they orphans, Armenian refugees or were they advised to move to a warmer climate because of bad health? Another story says they were diamond traders who were shipwrecked on their way to India! It is thought that David was admitted to St.Mary’s High School, Byculla, Bombay by this kind family named Macropoulos/Macropolis. They were big in India in the field of flavoured/aromatic/cocktail cigarettes marketed under the brand name ‘Macropolo’. Apparently he did not like the family business so ran away from home and changed his name from ‘Gazalla’ (phonetic, spelling doubtful) to ‘Rozalla’ to anglicise it. Another theory suggests that David and his brother were adopted and raised by a Greek family who pronounced their surname ‘Rosella’ as ‘Rozalla’ and it stuck. Is ‘Naman’ a Middle Eastern or Arab christian name? David possibly worked with boats on the River Ganges. He joined the Railways as an engine driver and ended up with the elite on the very prestigious and at that time well paid sector between Bombay and Poona. `

The following is taken from a website about the international tobacco company ‘Godfrey Phillips India’:-

“D. Macropolo & Company

In 1863 Demetrius Macropolo (Greek National), an expert in Leaf tobacco and trade landed in Bombay to look into the possibility of manufacturing cigarettes locally. The popular brands of cigarettes were mostly imported from Egypt made with Turkish leaf tobacco, now known as Oriental. They were hand made and packed by hand in cartons and tins. Macropolo set up the first cigarette factory at Kalbadevi Road, Bombay. In 1909 the name of the firm changed to D. Macropolo & Company. Trading activity by this company ceased during World War 2 i.e. On 10th June 1940.”

Bombay Almanac 1885 – Macropolo shown in Bombay.

Thackers Directory 1888 – D.Macropolo living in Forbes Street, Bombay.***

Thackers Directory 1892 – D.Macropolo, tobacconist at 11 Old Court House Street, Calcutta and 10 Medows Street, Bombay.

Thackers Directory 1902 – D.Macropolo, cigar and cigarette manufacturer and general tobacconist. Head Office at Church Gate Street, factory at Meadows Street, Bombay. Branches in Calcutta, Cairo, Alexandria and Cavala.

Thackers Directory 1910 – Merchants…D.Macropolo & Co. in Bombay, Calcutta, Simla, Rangoon and Mandalay. Head Office in Cavalla (Turkey).

Thackers Directory 1922 – D.Macropolo still trading.

***Incidentally, the photograph we have of 4 of the Rozalla children (thought to be Albert Alexander and his three sisters) was taken by a photographer in Forbes Street, Bombay. (NB. Forbes Street is now called Dr. V. B. Gandhi Marg).

David married Madeline Farage on 11 Oct 1886 at Byculla, Bombay. He was 29, single and his race is given as white. His father is shown as Naman Rozalla. In 1894, his son David’s Baptism certificate states that David Naman Rozalla was a Driver, G.I.P Rly and living at Bhusawal.

His burial record was found at the India Office, London. It gives his name as David Norman Rosella, aged 63 years, Driver. He died on 5 Dec 1920 of pneumonia and was buried the next day at Lonavla in connection with the Church of Rome.

Apparently there was a photo of David Naman Rozalla in the house where his wife, Madeline née Farage lived with their daughter Madeline (and Jack) at Victoria Road, Byculla (just down the road from Gloria Church). It is thought that this photo may be in Australia with his daughter Madeleine’s descendants – the Molden family.

David and Madeline had at least six children:- Mary Alice born about 1887, Albert Alexander born 19^th November 1888 in Bombay, Madeleine Ena/Philomena 12 Sep 1890, David Thomas born on 12 Dec 1891 at Lonavala near Poona, Ena Cecilia (Queenie?) born about 1896 and Leslie Edgar born 31 Oct 1898 at Sholapur.

Farage Family

Great Great Grandmother

Madeline with granddaughter Maureen ~ 1930s India

Madeline Sadie Farage was born in about 1868. The family think she may have been of French origin, or a Greek orphan who was brought up by Nuns in Bombay.

She married David Naman Rozalla on 11 Oct 1886 at Byculla, Bombay. She was 18, single but her race is not given. Her father is shown as Fathalla Solomon Farage.

They had at least six children:- Mary Alice born about 1887, Albert Alexander born 19^th November 1888 in Bombay, Madeleine Ena/Philomena? 12 Sep 1890, David Thomas born on 12 Dec 1891 at Lonavala near Poona, Ena Cecilia (Queenie?) born about 1896 and Leslie Edgar born 31 Oct 1898 at Sholapur.

She was widowed in 1920 and outlived him by 20 years. In 1940 she broke her leg and her health worsened from March until December when she died of cardiac failure. She was anointed on Christmas evening and died at 10am on the 26^th December.

Her burial record was found at the India Office, London. It gives her name as Madeline Sedie Rozalla, aged 72 years, European (Greek) Widow. She died on 26 Dec 1940 of cardiac failure was buried the next day at Nossa Senhora da Gloria (‘Our Lady of Glory’ in Portuguese), Byculla, Bombay.

In 2002, when Madeline Pereira née Rozalla visited Victoria Terraces, Bombay, the neighbours who remembered Madeline Rozalla née Farage (Laura Lobbs aged 90+ and Marjorie Pasanna) said they always thought she was Turkish. Was she from Cyprus? They said she was a very fine lady who was white haired and gentle.

Galloway Family

Grandmother

Alice Ann Galloway was born on 17^th January 1899 at Paull, Yorkshire to Herbert and Paola nee Vassallo. Her birth certificate gives her name as Rose Alice Anna Galloway and her mother’s name as Pollie Galloway formerly Vasslo. Her mother was the informant and signed her name with a cross. Alice was baptized a Roman Catholic at St Mary & Joseph Church in Hedon, Yorkshire on 15^th February 1899 and her name was given as Alice Ann. Her Godparents were George Galloway and Helen Donovan.

She married Arthur William Kent on 27^th December 1915 at Our Lady of Gillingham Church. Her name is given as Alice Annie Galloway on the marriage certificate. Arthur is shown as bachelor aged 27, Rifleman 3/8 City of London Regiment (Postman) and his address was The Cottage, The Cedars, Belmont Hill, Lee. Her address was 17 Queen’s Road, Gillingham. Their fathers were noted as William George Kent, Skilled Labourer and Herbert Galloway, Shipwright. The witnesses were W.Scamaton, Rose Galloway, Thomas McMahon? and Henry Cloth?

Alice was working in a sweet shop when they met. During WW2, on 21^st May 1916, Arthur was captured in France during the ‘Battle of Vimy Ridge’and was a Prisoner of War until he came home on 30 Nov 1918. He suffered from the effects of mustard gas poisoning for the rest of his life and so Alice became the main breadwinner. For a time she ran a business as a Pub Landlady in Gillingham. Everyone called her Dood although it is not known where this originated from.

She died on 12^th April 1981 aged 82 and her name was given as Alice Ann Kent (Apr-Jun 1981 Vol 16 Pg 0250 Canterbury).

Great Grandfather

Herbert John Galloway was born on 20^th January 1868 in Tremeryrick Street at Pembroke Dock in Wales to William George Galloway and Elizabeth nee Nolan.

His Mother died 10 months later from childbirth-related complications and although his Father was present at the death, three years later, on the 1871 census, Herbert is shown as a Boarder in Pembroke Dock with the Davies family at 37 Park Street North, Pembroke.

He joined the Royal Engineers on 8^th September 1887 as a Sapper No. 22286, 48^th Company. His attestation papers state that he had been a Carpenter’s apprentice for five years before joining up, at a ship building company in Pembroke Dock. His next of kin is initially shown as George Galloway, Pembroke Dock but this is crossed out in 1890 and replaced with ‘William Galloway (brother) Bengal Ordnance Dept, India’. Herbert’s religion is shown as Weslyan, although this was changed to Roman Catholic on 7 Sep 1891, probably as a result of his marriage to Paola.

He met Paola Vassallo while stationed at St.Francis Barracks in Malta and they got married on 17^th October 1891 at Floriana, Malta. The passport for his family’s return to England was issued at Malta on 24^th October 1894.

His records show that he moved to Paull-on-Humber on 19 Apr 1898 with the Royal Engineers in order to continue to 21 years service.

At the time of the 1901 census, Herbert and Paulina are shown living at Marine Terrace in Holderness, a division of York near Paull. He is listed as a Sapper Royal Engineer aged 32 and living with them are their four children:- Herbert (Roberto) born 1893, Mary born 1894, Letitia born 1896 and Alice born 17 Jan 1899.

Herbert was discharged from the Royal Engineers at his own request on 7 Sep 1905 at Seaforth after serving 18 years and was noted as a “very superior boat builder, thoroughly reliable and trustworthy in every way”. His intended place of residence is given as 75 Pier Road, Gillingham suggesting that he may have been stationed at Brompton Barracks at some stage.

His description at time of discharge is noted as:-

Age 37 years 7 months

Height 5’7”

Chest (expanded) 38”, (range of expansion 1.5”)

Complexion Fair

Eyes Blue

Hair Dark Brown

Trade Boat Builder

His service history is as follows:-

Home 8 Sep 1887 to 15 Sep 1888

Malta 16 Sep 1888 to 14 Nov 1894

Home 15 Nov 1894 to 14 Oct 1904

Canada 15 Oct 1904 to 2 Sep 1905

Home 3 Sep 1905 to 7 Sep 1905

(NB. ‘Home’ covers any stations in England, Scotland and Ireland)

By the time of the 1911 census, the family are listed at 45 Jeffery Street, Gillingham. Herbert is working as a Boilermaker’s labourer, his son (Roberto) Herbert as a Bricklayer and Mary and Letitia both in domestic service. Alice is shown as a scholar aged 11.

A possible date of death has been found in 1926 Oct – Dec, Medway Vol 2a, Pg 941.

Great Great Grandfather

William George Galloway was born in about 1833 in Doncaster, Yorkshire, and the IGI shows him as christened on 8^th Jan 1834 also in Doncaster.

On the 1851 census William George is shown aged 17, Carpenter, born in Doncaster living at 23 Agnes Street, Lambeth with parents George aged 49, Carpenter and Sarah Jane aged 38, both born in Doncaster.

He was noted as a Carpenter when he joined the army in 1853 as Private no.1248.

Summary of military service:-

25 Feb 53 – 3^rd Foot Private – under age

25 Mar 53 – 3^rd Foot Private

23 Jun 55 – promoted to Corporal

31 Oct 55 – attested for Corps of permanent Instructors of Musketry – 2^nd class instructor

1 Apr 56 – promoted to 3^rd class Sergeant instructor

1 Jun 57 – promoted to 2^nd class Sergeant instructor of musketry

9 Jun 64 – disobedience of orders – reduced and transferred to 1/3^rd Foot

20 Jun 64 – 1/3^rd Buffs Private

12 Apr 65 – promoted to Corporal

23 Apr 65 - drunk on duty – tried and imprisoned (forfeited pay)

26 May 65 – released as Private

14 Sep 65 – deserted and rejoined on 12 Nov 65

17 Nov 65 - tried and imprisoned for desertion until 8 Feb 66

9 Feb 66 – released as Private

1 Jul 66 – transferred to 36^th Foot Private

2 Oct 67 – promoted to Corporal

18 Sep 70 – promoted to Sergeant

16 May 71 – awaiting trial

20 May 71 – tried and reduced to Private (forfeited pay)

12 Dec 71 – promoted to Corporal

25 Jun 72 – awaiting trial

28 Jun 72 – tried and reduced to Private

18 Aug 74 – discharged at Pembroke Dock

1 Sep 74 – final discharge – former service forfeited by desertion restored

Comments on discharge – Service which he is entitled to reckon is 20 years, 315 days of which 4 years, 115 days served abroad in the East Indies. Discharge is proposed in consequence of his being found medically unfit to proceed to join his Corps abroad. His conduct as been fair and he is in possession of two good conduct badges. He is in possession of a 2^nd class certificate of education. He has been five times entered in the Regiment Defaulters Book, the whole of which are trials by court martial.

Final description - Age 41, Height 5 feet 7 inches, Complexion Dark, Eyes Grey, Hair Dark Brown, Trade Carpenter.

Intended place of residence - Talbot Villas, Westbourne Grove, London.

He married Elizabeth Nolan on 6 Aug 1856 in Fermoy, Co.Cork, Ireland. He is shown as living in Fermoy as a Sergeant Rifle Instructor of full age (over 21). They were both noted as Church of Ireland (Protestant) and the witnesses were James Bogan and George Bryan. Their fathers were shown as George Galloway, Builder and James Nowlan, Quarter Master Sergeant.

William and Elizabeth had at least two children - William Cartmill born about 1863, location unknown and Herbert John born 20/1/1868 at Pembroke Dock, Wales.

Another record found which may indicate that there was a third child was found on the IFHF website:- George James Galloway bap/birth 23 Jul 1859 at Fermoy Church of Ireland to William George and Elizabeth. William George Galloway’s occupation is shown as Staff Sergeant 18 Battalion. A marriage record has also been found for George James (born 1860) – 8 Jan 1892 at Colaba, Bombay to Alice Crtou (born 1867). The fathers are recorded as William George Galloway and William Crtou respectively.

He was widowed on 2^nd November 1868 at Hut Encampment, Pembroke Dock when his wife died of childbirth related complications ten months after the birth of Herbert.

At the time of the 1881 census, William is shown aged 48, Wood Joiner, born in Doncaster living at 89 Meriden Street (a lodging house), Birmingham shown as a lodger and a widower. This record is likely to be correct but not certain.

The following records have been found which are likely but have yet to be confirmed:-

IGI – William George christened 8 Jan 1834, Doncaster, son of George and Sarah Jane IGI – marriage of George and Sarah Jane nee Cartmell on 29 Sep 1830, Doncaster, with additional children found – Mary Jane c.1831 and John Cartmill c.1832.

Herbert’s brother, William Cartmill Galloway was born in about 1863, possibly in Ferozepore near Calcutta. According to Herbert’s Military Service Record, he had a brother named William serving in the Bengal Ordnance Dept, India and this ties in perfectly, as when William Cartmill Galloway married Hannah Caroline Cuerden on 13 Sep 1887 at St.Andrew’s Ferozepore, he was shown as a Sergeant, Ordnance Dept and his father was shown as William George Galloway. When William Cartmill’s son William was baptized in Jun 1889, he was living at Agra, and at the time of his death in 1908 he was Deputy Commissioner Ordnance Dept at Dum Dum. William Cartmill Galloway is listed twice in the London Gazette, the first in Jun 1907 and the second in Jun 1908:-

INDIAN ARMY DEPARTMENTS. ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.

Dated 23rd January, 1907.

To be Commissary.

Deputy Commissary and Honorary Captain Alfred William Hocking.

To be Deputy Commissary, with the honorary rank of Captain.

Assistant Commissary and Honorary Lieutenant William Cartmill Galloway.

INDIAN ARMY DEPARTMENTS. ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.

Dated 12th March, 1908.

To be Commissary.

Deputy Commissary and Honorary Captain William Cartmill Galloway (since deceased).

Great Great Great Grandfather

George Galloway is believed to be the father of William George Galloway, and was born in about 1803 in Doncaster. He married Sarah Jane Cartmell on 29 Sep 1830 at Doncaster and according to the IGI they had at least three children:- Mary Jane christened 14 Sep 1831, Doncaster, John Cartmill christened 14 Nov 1832, Doncaster and William George christened 8 Jan 1834, Doncaster.

Sarah Jane Cartmell may be the daughter of Thomas Cartmeal and Jane Benson but this has yet to be confirmed.

At the time of the 1841 Census, there is a George Galloway, builder aged 35, living at Horse Fair, Doncaster with wife Sarah aged 25, Jane Jackson?, F Servt aged 20 and Thomas Potts, App? aged 15. Incidentally the next entry at Brickfield House, Horse Fair shows Mary Galloway aged 25 and Anne Galloway aged 20, both born in Doncaster.

On the 1851 Census he is shown at 23 Agnes Street, Lambeth as a Carpenter aged 49, living with his wife Sarah Jane and his son William George.

In 1856, he is noted as a Builder on his son William’s church marriage record.

In 1861 he is shown as a Widower and Carpenter aged 58 at Talbot Villas, Paddington. He is noted as a visitor and the head of the household is Charles Pinder, a House Agent aged 51 from York. This address is the same as given on William George Galloway’s army discharge papers as intended place of residence, and so this confirms that this George is William’s father.

Courtney Family

Grandmother

Eileen with husband and daughters in Simla ~1930s

Eileen Mary Courtney was born on 29^th October 1898 in India. She married Albert Alexander Rozalla on 12^th August 1919 at St.Michael’s Church, Simla. She ran a boarding house called Franklin House, and then they moved to run a larger one called Willow Bank. She was widowed in 1947 and came to England with two of her daughters.

Great Grandfather

Michael Courtney OBE ISO IMD was born on 9^th September 1862 in Chunar, India to John and Susan Courtney.

He joined the Indian Medical Department on 15^th October 1878 and served as a Hospital Apprentice. In 1881 he was sent to the Medical College at Calcutta and qualified as Assistant Surgeon.

He married Katherine (Kate) Gallagher on 12^th May 1892 at Fyzabad in Bengal Presidency and a certificate was found at the India Office in London. They are recorded as bachelor aged 29y 8m, Apothecary and spinster aged 16y 8m, both living in Fyzabad. Their fathers are recorded as John Courtney and Andrew Gallagher respectively and their witnesses were J.Tole and G.Graham. The marriage record is signed by C.Boccacci, RC Chaplain. They had seven children:- Albert Joseph born 22/10/1893, Maurice Andrew born 6/2/1895, John St Anthony born 13/6/1896, Eileen Mary born 29/10/1898, Monica Muriel born 28/5/1900, Leonard Patrick born 4/5/1902 and Rhoda Bridget born 28/10/1915.

In the 1895 Thackers Indian Directory, he is listed as “Courtney, M., asst. surgn., stn. hospital, Lucknow.

In September 1895 he transferred to the Civil Department and was posted to the Lahore Medical College as teacher in pharmacy and superintendent of the dispensary attached to it. In 1897 he was withdrawn for field service with the Tirag Expeditionary Force, and attached to No.1 British Hospital at Rawalpindi, and in May 1898 he returned to the Medical College to be Gazetted Civil Surgeon. From there, he was posted to Jhang District, and transferred to Hissar District in September.

This is an entry from the Indian Army Quarterly List in 1^st Jan 1912:-

Surname: Courtney
Given Name: Michael
Birth Date: 9 Sept. 62
FIRST COMM: 23 July 08
DATE RANK: 23 July 08
RANK: Assistant Surgeons
COMPANY: Indian Medical Service
REMARKS: Civil & Jail, Hissar
Page #: 481a

In January 1916, he was sent to Rawalpindi, then to Attock District as Civil Surgeon. He was put in command of the British and Indian Hospital and the Indian Followers Hospital at Campbellpore, in addition to his Civil Surgeon duties. In August 1917 he was ordered to Montgomery to become in charge of the Central Jail, and although he was due to retire in the September, he was kept on in military service until 14^th May 1920.

On 8^th June 1918 the British Medical Journal published Birthday Honours which included recipients of the I.S.O:- “Senior Assistant Surgeon and honorary Major Michael Courtney, I.S.M.D., Superintendent, Central Jail, Montgomery, Punjab.” This was also published in a supplement to the London Gazette on 3^rd June 1918.

Michael was mentioned again in the London Gazette in 1928 in the Alphabetical Honours List:- “Courtney, Major M. OBE, 1^st Jan. 1923; I.S.O 3^rd June 1918.

Michael wrote this family history document in about 1936 shortly before he died:-

FAMILY HISTORY

BY

MAJOR M.COURTNEY OBE, ISO, IMD.

1. As far as I have been able to gather the name COURTNEY is derived from that of the French COURT = DE = NAYS.

2. During the French revolution a Count of that name fled from his home in Claremont (France) to Ireland and settled there under the name of Earl of Claremont.

3. As time passed the name Court-de-Nays gradually assumed its present form of ‘COURTNEY’.

4. Unfortunately the date for and place of birth of my father John Courtney cannot be ascertained, as a registration of births and deaths in Ireland was not compulsory until 1864. But I remember my father telling me he was born in Castlebellingham. However my father was baptised in St Peter's Church, Dromisken Co. Louth, Ireland. His father's name was Patrick Courtney, his mother's name was Katharine Plunket. The sponsor was James Finnigan, the date of baptism 12th June 1803 and the officiating clergyman was Peter, Canon Johnson, Parish Priest.

5. The above fact of the date of baptism has been verified by a personal friend (recently on leave in Ireland) from the baptismal register of St Peter's Church, Dromisken. His letter to me is attached.

6. My father enlisted in the East India Company and sailed for India from Queenstown, Dublin on 12th July 1827 landing in Calcutta about 12 months later i.e. 1828. He joined the 4th Battalion the Royal Bengal Artillery under Lieutenant Colonel McLeod and was posted to Dum Dum.

7. He saw service in Kandahar and Kabul in the wars of 1840; 1842. Of this I am certain as he possessed a bronze star and a medal for those engagements. He joined the Ordnance Department in 1831 or 1832. During the Indian Mutiny, as a Conductor, he travelled up and down the river Ganges in command of a flotilla of country boats carrying ammunition to Dinapore, Benares, Allahabad and Cawnpore. During this period he was stationed in Fort William, Calcutta.

8. Before he left for India he was bound by a solemn oath not to divulge that he was the Earl of Claremont, and that if application was made to the Home Department, Government of India, or to the four courts of Dublin, that all information could be had for a claim.

9. He retired as a Conductor in 1861 or early 1862 and settled in Chunar (E.I. COY’S Colony) along with other demobilised employees of the East India Company (e.. Lowe, Woolving, Meehan, Gorman, MacGovern, MacGuinness, Lestrange, Shannahan, and others). He died there on 12th August 1888 just over 85 years of age.

10. My father was married three times. First, while still in service, in the family of the Kavanaghs. Some menders of which family afterwards became famous in the Relief of Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. By this marriage he had two sons, James and John. James joined the Indian Medical Department, he altered the spelling of his name to Courtney to bring it as near as possible to be the original Court-de-Nays. He retired from the service in Amballa and died there some 10 or 12 years ago. John the second son died at the age of about 19 or 20 years.

11. He then married a second time to Susan MacDonald, the widow of a Conductor who had no issue by her first marriage. By this marriage he had two children, myself and my sister Bridget, who married John Shannahan and died some years ago. I do not remember my Mother as she died after giving birth to my sister who was born on 8th August 1864, a year and 11 months after me. I, being born on 9th September 1862.

12. I, Michael Courtney am the only surviving issue. I joined the Indian Medical Department on 15th October 1878 and after three years service (as was usual in those days) as an Apprentice, (Hospital Apprentice), with Regiments and batteries. I was sent to the Medical College, Calcutta to qualify as an ASSISTANT SURGEON. I left college in 1885 as an Asst. Surgeon, and was posted Bareilly. I served with the Military Department from March 1885 to September 1895 when I was transferred to the Civil Department and posted to Lahore Medical College as a Teacher in Pharmacy and Superintendent of the Dispensary attached to it.

13. While still with the Military in 1879 I was attached to the 8^th Hussars in Muttra when war with Kabul broke out. Sir Frederick Roberts was Commander in Chief of the force and the 8^th Hussars formed one of the regiments detailed. I went with the regiment as far as Landi Kotal, but as I was under 18 years of age at the time, I was not allowed farther. My Commanding Officer and my Medical Officer both begged hard to get me through the regiment but orders were very strict and I was detained and sent back to the Base Hospital at Peshawar for duty.

14. Again while in the Medical College, I was withdrawn for Field Service in October 1897 with the Tirah Expeditionary Force and was attached to No.1 British hospital at Rawalpindi.

15. I returned to the Medical College in May 1898 and from there was Gazetted Civil Surgeon and posted to the Jhang Dist. In September of the same year I was transferred to the Hissar District. I remained there until January 1916 when I was sent to Rawalpindi. I was promised that I would be left there during the war, but owing to the arrival of the Kamagatu Maru prisoners in India and concentrated in Campbellpur jail, (also to relieve Colonel Smith IMS withdrawn for field service, during the Great War), I was ordered to Campbellpore as Civil Surgeon of the Attock district. This was in May 1916.

While in Campbellpore, the RAMC OFFICERS were withdrawn and I was put in command of the British and Indian Military hospital and the Indian Followers Hospital, in addition to my own duties as Civil Surgeon of the district.

In August 1917 I was ordered by telegram to proceed to Montgomery and take over charge of the Central Jail there owing to misconduct of the prisoners ending in a riot. I remained in charge of the jail until 14^th May 1925 when I retired from service for good.

I was due to retire on superannuation in September 1917 but was retained in military service until 1920, after that I continued to retain charge of the Jail at the request of the Punjab Government.

On 12 May 1892 I married Katherine Mary Gallagher, daughter of Sub-Conductor Andrew Gallagher of the Indian Ordnance Department (retired in Fyzabad). Of this marriage there are seven issues.

1. Albert Joseph born 22/10/1893

2. Maurice Andrew born 6/2/1895

3. John St.Anthony born 13/6/1896

4. Eileen Mary born 29/10/1898

5. Monica Muriel born 28/5/1900

6. Leonard Patrick born 4/5/1902

7. Rhoda Bridget born 28/10/1915

-------------------------------------------------

Copies of correspondence relating to foregoing statements.

1. From Mr.Rozalla

John Courtney, Earl of Clermont left Queenstown, Dublin on the ship ‘Marquess of Huntley’ for Calcutta 15th July 1827, landed at Calcutta in 1828, joined the East India Company and was then posted to the Ordnance.

2. From Mr.Thompson

Extract from Baptismal Register, St.Peters Dromisken, Co Louth, Ireland.

Name of person baptised John Courtney

Father Patrick Courtney

Mother Catherine Plunket

Sponsors James Finnigan

Date of baptism 12^th June 1803

Sd/- Peter Canon Johnson P.P.

3. From Mr.Townsend CIE late ICS

I have just returned form my short leave home, when there I made every effort by could to get information as to the date and place of your father's birth. But I was quite unsuccessful I am sorry to say. The compulsory by-law ‘registration of births’ in Ireland was only enforced from 1862, and your father was born before 12 June 1803, the date of his baptism. The parish priest of Dromisken Co Louth in which parish he was baptised was most courteous. He verified the baptismal certificate of which you sent me a copy, from his own registers and said it was quite correct. But for the reasons already given he could do no more.

4. From the Supdt of Registers Co. Louth

The Registration Act only came into force in 1864, I would have no records relating to the said person. I would advise you, if his is applicant ia a R.C. to write to the Very Reverend Canon Johnson P.P. Dromisken, if any other religion Reverend Dudley James, the Presbtery, Killensole Readypenny.

Great Great Grandfather

John Courtney was born in 1803 in Castlebellingham, Ireland and baptised in St.Peter’s Church, Dromisken, Co. Louth on 12^th June 1803. He worked as a weaver before enlisting in the East India Company (EIC) on 28 May 1827 at Dublin. He left Ireland on 27^th July 1827, arriving in Calcutta a year later on 1^st June 1828 according to the Register of Bengal Soldiers.

He joined 4^th Battalion Royal Bengal Artillery and was posted to Dum Dum under Lt Col Mcleod. About four years later he joined the Ordnance Department as a Conductor on River Ganges and was stationed in Fort William, Calcutta. The Register of Bengal Soldiers says he was transferred to the Town Majors List GOCC? On 17 Dec 1832 and was made Laboratory Sergt in Sep 1833. (NB. To be posted to the Town Majors List meant to be detached from regimental duties to do other jobs, for example:- ordnance, stores, barrackmaster, supply depots or laboratories).

During service, he married a Kavanagh and they had two sons. From 1840 to 1842 he fought at Kandahar and Kabul, gained bronze star and medal and then was appointed Officiating Subconductor on 15 Nov 1851. He re-married, possibly after retirement in about 1861, a widow called Susan MacDonald and they lived at Chunar, an EIC colony, but she died in 1864 whilst giving birth to their second child. Her maiden name is not known. John married for a third time and died at Chunar on 12^th August 1888.

Children by an earlier marriage:-

James possibly born in the 1830s

John possibly born in the 1830s

Children with Susan MacDonald:-

Michael born 9^th September 1862

Bridget born 8^th August 1864

From a distant relation, Jenny Booker, I know that Bridget Catherine Courtney’s sponsors at baptism were John Shannahan and Elizabeth Ann Shannahan. She married John Lovell Shannahan (born 7 Sep 1851, Chunar) on 16 Feb 1885 at Chunar. At this time he was Assistant Station Master, Cawnpore Railway. They had six children:- Ellen Mary, Stella May, Denis Charles, Kathleen Mary, Theresa Margaret, and Basil Joseph. Bridget died 13 Nov 1918 at Bhusaval, Bombay aged 51 of Phllusis? believed to be phthisis which was a term for tuberculosis.

Gallagher Family

Great Grandmother

Catherine Mary Gallagher was born 7 Sep 1875 and was baptized on 12 Sep 1875 at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church at Fort William, Calcutta, India. Her father was noted as Andrew Gallagher, Sub-conductor, living in Hastings. It is believed that Andrew and his wife had many children but that the only ones to survive into adulthood were Catherine and her brother Andrew. It is thought that Andrew lived in Canada before moving to London to enlist for service during WWI, and that he survived the war.

She married Michael Courtney on 12^th May 1892 at Fyzabad in Bengal Presidency and a certificate was found at the India Office in London. They are recorded as bachelor aged 29y 8m, Apothecary and spinster aged 16y 8m (named Kate), both living in Fyzabad. Their fathers are recorded as John Courtney and Andrew Gallagher respectively and their witnesses were J.Tole and G.Graham. The marriage record is signed by C.Boccacci, RC Chaplain. They had seven children:- Albert Joseph born 22/10/1893, Maurice Andrew born 6/2/1895, John St Anthony born 13/6/1896, Eileen Mary born 29/10/1898, Monica Muriel born 28/5/1900, Leonard Patrick born 4/5/1902 and Rhoda Bridget born 28/10/1915.

She died in 1959 in Leicester aged 84.

Great Grandmother

Andrew Gallagher was a Sub-conductor in the Indian Ordnance Department who retired in Fyzabad. Two records for an Andrew Gallagher were found on the internet:-

1. Private, 82^nd Foot (Prince of Wales’s Volunteers)
2. Drummer, 1^st Bengal European Fusiliers.

Kevin Asplin, a military researcher, advised that the latter record was more likely but this has yet to be confirmed.

Snoswell Family

Great Grandmother

Amy Mourilyan Snoswell was born on 19^th February 1863 at Searle’s Terrace, Victoria Road, Deptford to Thomas William and Ann Georgianna nee Day.

On the 1871 census she is shown aged 8 with her parents, 3 siblings and her widowed Grandmother, Sophia Day. They were residing at 1 Nottingham Cottages, Duncan Road, New Brompton, Gillingham.

Ten years later, she is shown on the 1881 census as an 18 year old Machinest, with her father and 6 siblings at 4 Devon Cottages, Gillingham. Her mother died in 1879, so Amy had to bring up her younger siblings.

Amy married William George Kent on 19^th October 1884 at the Parish Church, Brompton. His address is shown as 6 High Street, Gillingham, and hers as Franklin Cottages, New Brompton. Their witnesses were Henry Benjamin Kent and Margaret Alice Parker.

They had four children:- William Henry born 2^nd February 1885, Arthur William born 2^nd May 1888, Minnie Mourilyan born 28^th July 1891, died 24^th April 1893, buried 30^th April 1893 and Benjamin.

On the 1891 Census Amy is listed aged 28, living at 4 High Street, Gillingham with her husband’s parents, her husband and their 2 sons.

At the time of the 1901 Census, Amy is listed as 39 years of age with her husband and two sons, living at 89 Pier Road, Gillingham.

On the 1911 Census Amy is shown living at 46 Station Road with her husband of 27 years and their two sons. Also resident are son William’s wife, Ellen and two children, William, 4 and Flossie, 2.

Amy was widowed in 1925 and died in 1938 in Cambridge (2nd Qtr - 3b 469).

Great Great Grandfather

Thomas William Snoswell was born on 13^th July 1841 at 21 Broomfields, St.Paul’s Deptford to Seth and Sarah Ann nee Epsly. He was baptized at St.Paul’s Deptford about a month later on 11^th August.

On the 1851 census, Thomas is shown aged 9 with his parents, 2 siblings and a cousin, Mary A. Epsley aged 21 from Deal. They were living at 155 Lower Road, Deptford.

By 1861, Thomas was shown as a 19 year old Shipwright living with his family at 28 Searle’s Terrace, Deptford. Two years later at the time of his daughter Amy’s birth, he is shown living next door at number 27 Searle’s Terrace.

Thomas married Ann Georgianna Day on 17^th August 1862 at St.Mary’s Church, Lewisham. The marriage certificate shows that Thomas was a Shipwright and that they were both of full age living in Lewisham. Their fathers were listed as Seth Snoswell and Robert Day and their witnesses were John Jones and Emma Constable. Thomas and Ann at least 7 children:- Amy born 1863, Thomas W born 1865, Rosa born 1869, Seth born 1870, Sophia born 1875, Florence born 1876 and Georgina born 1878.

By the time of the 1871 census, Thomas and Ann are shown living at 1 Nottingham Cottages, Duncan Road, Gillingham and his occupation is given as Shipwright. Listed with them are 3 of their children and Ann’s mother Sophia Day, widowed Dressmaker, aged 68 from Wantage, Berkshire.

Again, Thomas is shown as a 39 year old Shipwright on the 1881 census, this time as a widower following Ann’s death in 1879. He is living at 4 Devon Cottages, Gillingham with his seven children whose ages range from 3 to 18.

In 1891, he is shown as a widowed Shipwright at 7 Devon Cottages, Franklin Road, Gillingham with his three youngest children and his widowed mother Sarah A. Snoswell, aged 82 from Deal.

Ten years later in 1901, Thomas is recorded as a retired Shipwright aged 59 living with his daughter Rosa and her family at 73 Duncan Road, Gillingham. Rosa’s husband, James Lavis aged 36 is the head of the household and is a Shipwright – worker from Exmouth, Devon.

Thomas died in 1914 in Maidstone (3rd Qtr - 2a 876).

Great Great Great Grandfather

Seth Snoswell was born in 23^rd May 1809 and christened 3 weeks later on 14^th June in Deal.

He married Sarah Ann Epsley on 12^th August 1840 at St Nicholas Church, Deptford whilst working as a Waterman. They were both recorded as full age, living at St.Nicholas, Deptford. Their fathers were shown as Thomas Snoswell and William Epsley respectively, both Watermen, and their witnesses were John Clayman and Mary Jane Epsley.

The 1841 census shows Seth living at Broomfields, St Pauls, Deptford. He is listed as a 30 year old Mariner with his wife Sarah and daughter Susanna aged 15. Also living at this residence were John Hayman & household & William Sutton & wife.

By the time of the 1851 Census they had moved to 155 Lower Rd, St Pauls, Deptford and Seth was listed as a Storehouseman H.M.D.Y. with his wife, 3 children and his niece Mary A Epsley aged 21.

On the 1861 census Seth is shown as a 51 year old Storehouseman with his wife and 3 children at 28 Searles Terrace, St Pauls, Deptford. Also living with them were Thomas Freeman, Ship Carpenter aged 30 from Rotherhithe with his wife Mary Ann (nee Epsley – Seth’s niece) and their two children.

By 1881 census Seth is listed as 71, Pensioner with his wife Sarah aged 72 at 14 Princes St, Deal.

Seth died on 1^st December 1889 at Franklin Road, New Brompton, Kent. He was buried on 8^th December in Grange Road Cemetery, Gillingham.

Great Great Great Great Grandfather

Thomas Snoswell was born 28^th February 1787 and christened on 16^th March in the same year.

He married Amy Mourilyan on 13^th August 1808 in Deal.

On the 1841 census, Thomas aged 50, was living with wife Amy at Exchange St. Deal and working as a Fisherman.

Bev Greenhalgh’s notes include “Mariner, Master Of The Lugger 'Victory' c.1847”

In 1851 Thomas and Amy were listed at 1 Exchange St, Deal and he is shown as a 64 year old Mariner. Living with them was their unmarried daughter Amy, a dressmaker aged 33.

On the 1861 census Thomas is still at 1 Exchange St, Deal but is a widower noted as Nett Owner & Fund holder. Shown with him is Mary Ann Keddell/Redsull, unmarried Housekeeper aged 64.

Distant cousin Bev Greenhalgh has extensively researched the Kent, Snoswell and Epsley families for many years and recently found the following additional facts:-

Thomas Snoswell, formerly a mariner, died on 12^th April 1870 aged 83, at 1 Exchange Street and was buried on 20^th April in Deal Cemetery.

A Sale by Auction notice dated 4 June 1870 ,mentioned “A freehold Dwelling House and small Herring Hang, with the yard and Ground in Exchange Street, and containing a frontage to the street of 40 ft. Late in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Snoswell”.

Epsley Family

Great Great Great Grandmother

Sarah Ann Epsley was born in 1809 in Deal, Kent and christened on 22^nd March in the same year.

She married Seth Snoswell on 12^th August 1840 at St Nicholas Church, Deptford. They were both recorded as full age, living at St.Nicholas, Deptford. Their fathers were shown as Thomas Snoswell and William Epsley respectively, both Watermen, and their witnesses were John Clayman and Mary Jane Epsley.

She died 9 years after her husband in 1898 in Medway (1^st Qtr 2a 442).

Mourilyan Family

Great Great Great Great Grandmother

Amy Mourilyan was born in 1785 to Samuel and Hannah nee Hills, and christened on 6^th November in Deal.

She married Thomas Snoswell on 13^th August 1808 in Deal.

She died in 1857 and was buried on 12^th Jan of the same year in Deal cemetery.

Vassallo Family

Great Grandmother

Paola Vassallo was born 25 Feb 1861 in Malta to Gaetano and Maria Carmela Vassallo nee Xerri. She was baptized on 26 Feb 1861 at Porto Salvo Parish Church, Valletta, Malta. She is noted as living in Valletta and her Sponsors were John Vassallo and Mary Vassallo.

In 1983 during a vist to Malta, a baptism certificate for Paola’s older brother was found at the Parish Priest’s office, St. Dominics Priory, Valletta. His name was Spiridione, (son of Gaetano and Maria Carmela nee Xerri) and he was born and baptized on 27 Sep 1859.

She married Herbert John Galloway on 17 Oct 1891 at Floriana, Malta. They had at least four children:- Roberto born 1892 in Malta, Mary born 1894 in Malta, Alice Ann born 17 Jan 1899 in Hedon, York and Rose Latisha.

On 24 Oct 1894, a ‘passport’ was issued to allow the family passage to England. It states “Paola Galloway, wife of Herbert Joseph Galloway, aged thirty-three years accompanied by her children Roberto aged two years and Mary aged four months, British Subjects, going to England.”

Paola’s name was written as ‘Pollie Galloway formerly Vasslo’ when she registered her daughter Alice’s birth in 1899. She signed her name with a cross.

She died in 1934 in Kent (Paolina Galloway Oct-Dec 1934 Vol 2a Page 981 Kent).

The Nolan/Nowlan Family

Great Great Grandmother

Elizabeth Nolan was born on 12 Jul 1835 in Cork to James and Prudence Nowlan nee Lilly. She was baptized on 25 Jul 1835 by J.Brown RC North parish Cork. Her father was shown as an OR (Orderly Room) Clerk with the 36^th Regiment of Foot.

Elizabeth married William George Galloway on 6^th August 1856 at Fermoy, Co.Cork, Ireland. They were both shown as Church of Ireland (Protestant). Her father is recorded as James Nowlan, Quarter Master Sergeant.

William and Elizabeth had at least two children - William Cartmill born about 1863, location unknown and Herbert John born 20/1/1868 at Pembroke Dock, Wales.

Another record found which may indicate that there was a third child was found on the IFHF website:- George James Galloway bap/birth 23 Jul 1859 at Fermoy Church of Ireland to William George and Elizabeth. William George Galloway’s occupation is shown as Staff Sergeant 18 Battalion. A marriage record has also been found for George James (born 1860) – 8 Jan 1892 at Colaba, Bombay to Alice Crtou (born 1867). The fathers are recorded as William George Galloway and William Crtou respectively.

At the time of her son Herbert’s birth on 20 Jan 1868 she was shown as living at Tremeryrick Street, Pembroke Dock and she died on 2^nd Nov 1868, aged 33, at the Hut Encampment, Pembroke Dock of “Abscessus Psoas and Anasarca (10 months)” suggesting it resulted from pregnancy or childbirth.

The following details are probable but have yet to be confirmed:-

Army birth records contain an entry for the birth of Eliz. Nowlan born 12.7.1835 Cork, baptised 25 July 1835 by J Brown RC North parish Cork. Parents James and Prudence (no surname for mother). Father an OR Clerk with the 36th Regiment of Foot.

The Depot Company for the 36^th Regiment, seemed to stay in the British Isles whilst the fighting regiment went all over the place. Example of movements of the Depot:-
Oct 1833 Nenagh
Oct 1834 Limerick
May 1835 Galway
June 1835 Cork (Eliz. born)
Sept 1835 Devonport

The Depot left Cork in June 1857 so when Eliz and William married in 1856 it was probably because he was attached to the 36th. It might also explain why he joined the 36th when he was in disgrace.

The Galloway/Nolan information has been gathered with the help of a distant cousin – John Robinson via Ancestry.co.uk.

Great Great Great Great Grandfather

James Nowlan/Nolan is thought to have been born in the early 1800s.

It is thought that James married Prudence Lilly in about 1833 in Cork and that they had at least six children:- Rachel b. 1834 in Nenagh, Elizabeth b. 1835 in Cork, Prudence b. 1840 in Nenagh (d.1879), John b.1843 in Dublin (died young), John b. 1849 in Corfu, Catherine born 1852 in Wales.

It is thought that Prudence was born in 1815 and died in 1889 possibly in Cork. Unconfirmed census entries include 1861 – Prudence Nowlan, widow aged 43, teacher, born 1818 in Ireland with 3 children – John (12), Prudence (19) and Catherine (8) at 70 Park Street, Aberdeenshire. 1881 census – Prudence Nolan widow aged 64, late army school mistress born in Dublin, with daughter Mary R Joseph (widow aged 34) dressmaker born Weedon in Northants, Lillie Nolan aged 5 (grand daughter) and Thomas Sanders, an unmarried mechanical draughtsman aged 36 born in Scotland.

James and Prudence’s children’s births tie in very nicely with the whereabouts of the 36^th Regiment. Records suggest the regiment was in Nenagh in 1840, Weedon, Northants from August 1846, Corfu and Cefalonia throughout 1848 and 1849 and that the 36^th depot regiment at Pembroke Dock, Wales from April 1852.

In 1835 on his daughter’s baptism certificate, James was recorded as an OR Clerk with the 36th Regiment of Foot.

James Nowlan was a Quarter Master Sergeant in 1856 as recorded on his daughter’s marriage certificate.

Groves Family

Great Great Grandmother

Sarah Elizabeth Groves was born in Frindsbury, Kent in about 1822. The IGI shows a Sarah Groves christened on 8 Dec 1822 at Frindsbury, with parents James and Mary Groves. This could be confirmed by checking Sarah’s marriage certificate for her father’s name.

Sarah married John Wanstall in the summer of 1839 in North Aylesford, a registration district which included Frindsbury.

In 1841 she is shown living in the Parish of Gillingham with her husband John and daughter Sarah aged 1. He is listed as a 25 year old Ag Lab (Agricultural Labourer) at Briton Farm, born in the county of Kent. Sarah’s age is given incorrectly as 15.

At the time of the 1851 census, John and Sarah are living at 20 Church Street, Gillingham with five children, although it appears there first child may have died young. John is still shown as an Ag Lab and Sarah’s age is given as 28. They are living a few doors away from Stephen and Diana Kent.

On 6 Aug 1856 Sarah Wanstall was present at the death of Diana Kent aged 68 years, wife of Stephen Kent, Rigger, at Street, Gillingham. Diana is noted to have had paralysis for one year and it maybe that Sarah was working as a house keeper or carer. Stephen and Diana were the parents of Henry Benjamin Kent who she went on to live with and have two sons.

By the time of the 1861 census, Sarah aged 38, and three of her children are listed as lodgers with Benjamin Kent, a 36 year old Navy Pensioner at High Street, Gillingham (actual name Henry Benjamin Kent). Her occupation is given as House Keeper, although it is not known whether she was house keeper at this residence or for a different family.

In 1862, Sarah and Henry had their first child together – Henry Benjamin (jnr). Incidentally, Henry Benjamin (jnr) went on to marry Louisa Elizabeth Groves (born 1861), daughter of Samuel Henry Groves, a Copper Refiner from Portsmouth. It is not known if Louisa was related to her mother-in-law Sarah Groves. In 1881, Samuel, his wife Louisa and five children plus a nephew – Thomas Hawkin (also from Portsmouth), were living at 5 Duncan Road Gillingham. All the children listed are shown as born at Brompton (including Louisa born 1861). The IGI shows a Samuel Henry Groves c. 10 Jun 1832 at St Mary’s Portsea, son of Samuel and Ann nee Cripps, but this has yet to be confirmed.

On 17^th December 1863, Sarah gave birth to William George Kent at High Street, Gillingham. At this time Henry is working as a Labourer at Chatham Yard.

On the 1871 census Sarah is shown as a General Servant to Vicar Molesworth and his family at ‘The Vicarage’, Gillingham Green. At this time her husband Henry is listed at Gillingham Lane with his their two sons and also Sarah’s daughter Eliza Sweetman (wife of sailor) and her 3 month baby George.

In 1881 Henry and Sarah are still in Gillingham Lane with their two sons who are both Labourers in the Dockyard like their father.

By 1891 Henry and Sarah are living at 4 High Street, Gillingham and for the first time her place of birth is given as Wainscott instead of Frindsbury. Henry is shown as a Bootmaker and living with them is their son William, his wife Amy and their two small sons.

Sarah died at the age of 78, on the 31 May 1900 of senile decay at 6 Pier Road, Gillingham. She is recorded as the widow of John Wanstall, a farm labourer, confirming that her and Henry Kent never married. The informant, in attendance at the time, was given as ‘W G Kent Wanstall, son’.

There are a number of anomalies with the Kent and Wanstall names. Sarah’s son by her first marriage, Andrew Wanstall died at the age of 21 at Alverstoke in 1870 (2^nd Qtr). However, in the family bible (held by Bev Greenhalgh), it mentions "1870, Andrew Kent went into hospital March 31st, and died May 5th and was buried May 9th 1870."  Incidentally the Alverstoke registration district covers Gosport and the Royal Naval Hospital.

On the Cityark website there is a photo of the vicarage, now demolished where Sarah
once worked.

Wilkins Family

Great Great Great Grandmother

Diana Wilkins was born in 1791 at St Agnes near Truro in Cornwall to Thomas and Dianah Wilkins. She was christened on 25 Apr of the same year in St Agnes.

She married Stephen Kent on 16 Aug 1814 at Stoke Dameral, Devon.

They had at least four children:- Elizabeth born 1821, Henry Benjamin born 1825, William born 1831 and George born 1833.

She died on 6 Aug 1856 at “Street, Gillingham” having had paralysis for 1 year and in attendance was her neighbour Sarah Wanstall, who later went on to have two sons with Diana’s son Henry. Diana was recorded as “wife of Stephen Kent, superannuated Rigger”, although Stephen may have died earlier in 1851.

She was buried on 10 Aug 1856 at St.Mary’s Gillingham.

Day Family

Great Great Grandmother

Ann Georgianna Day was born in 1841 at Deptford, Kent to Robert and Sophia nee Kirby.

On the 1851 census Ann is shown aged 9 with two siblings and her widowed mother Sophia at 65 Albert Street, Deptford.

A possible entry on the 1861 census shows an Anne Day aged 19 from Deptford boarding with Joseph Gregory and family at 73 Albert Street, Deptford. Her mother Sophia, is shown as a widow aged 58 from Wantage living with Robert Abel and family at 14 Blackhorse Place, Lower Road, Deptford.

Thomas married Ann Georgianna Day on 17^th August 1862 at St.Mary’s Church, Lewisham. The marriage certificate shows that Thomas was a Shipwright and that they were both of full age living in Lewisham. Their fathers were listed as Seth Snoswell and Robert Day and their witnesses were John Jones and Emma Constable. Thomas and Ann at least 7 children:- Amy born 1863, Thomas W born 1865, Rosa born 1869, Seth born 1870, Sophia born 1875, Florence born 1876 and Georgina born 1878.

By the time of the 1871 census, Thomas and Ann are shown living at 1 Nottingham Cottages, Duncan Road, Gillingham and his occupation is given as Shipwright. Listed with them are 3 of their children and Ann’s mother Sophia Day, widowed Dressmaker, aged 68 from Wantage, Berkshire.

Ann died in 1879.

Great Great Great Grandfather

Robert Day is believed to have been born in about 1808 in Norfolk. He married Sophia Kirby on 6 Nov 1826 in Wantage, Berkshire.

At the time of the 1841 census, he is noted as aged 33, Cooper, at Rose Cottage, Lower Road, Deptford. Listed with him is his wife Sophia aged 35, and daughters Ellen aged 9, Sophia aged 3 and Ann aged 10 days. Sophia and Ann were born within the ‘County’.

He may have died in 1851 aged 43 but this needs to be confirmed.

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