Whatever Happened to Jane Turnbull?

Jane Hunter Turnbull was baptised on 2 October 1841 at All Saints, Newcastle upon Tyne. She was the ninth child of John and Jane Turnbull (née Hunter).

Jane's baptism entry.
From the Durham Bishop's Transcripts. 

The entry says the Turnbull family were living in Shiremoor at the time of Jane's baptism, but I know that to be incorrect. They were actually living in Murton, a small village close to Shiremoor, but not exactly the same place. This was where Jane's siblings were all born, and where the extended Turnbull family had lived for many years. 

Jane's mother died in early December 1846 at Murton, when Jane was only 5-years-old. Jane's father, John, effectively goes missing, and I really have no idea what became of him. He registered the death of his mother in 1856, but he disappears without a trace after that.

On the 30 March 1851, Jane was residing in Earsdon with her elder sister, Margery Barrass, my 3x great-grandmother, when the 1851 census was taken. At this point, Jane is 10.

Margery had married Edward Barrass in 1849. Although she's not explicitly described as Margery's sister, I know she is. In the occupation column she's described as a "House Servant," which doesn't sound very kind. Her birthplace of "Murton," does match that of Margery's though. 

I don't believe that Jane was actually employed by Margery and Edward. I imagine she helped with the upkeep of the house, and helped Margery to care for the children - even though she was only a child herself!

Ten years later, and Jane is still living with her sister and brother-in-law. By 1861 the Barrasses had moved to Howdon, and Jane was 19-years-old. She was again noted to be a "House Serv."

This is the last time Jane can be found for definite. It would be so much easier if Jane had used her middle name, but as she didn't I can only guess and theorise as to what happened next...

In 1869 Jane Turnbull married Charles McKinnon at Newcastle. Charles was the son of Donald and Catherine McKinnon (née Campbell). He was born in 1841 in Walker, just outside of Newcastle. Although I do not yet have the marriage certificate to check, I know that Jane's father is named as John Turnbull.

In 1871, the McKinnons are living in Thornaby, not far from Stockton and Middlesborough. They have two young children, Kate and Donald, who were both apparently born in Walker. 

Jane's place of birth is interesting, as it states she was born in Newcastle, which of course wasn't true. On later census returns her birthplace is stated to be Earsdon (very close to Murton), and Tynemouth, although her age is incorrect on the latter one.

A quick look at the newly improved GRO index shows the two McKinnon children. Catherine Jane McKinnon was born in 1869, and Donald was born in 1870. Both children were registered at Tynemouth, which would make sense. Both Catherine Jane, or Kate, and Donald's birth registrations note that their mother's maiden name was Turnbull.

Margaret Ellen McKinnon was born in 1872 while the family were still living in Stockton. She sadly died the following year, by which time the McKinnon family had moved back to Tyneside. Charles and Jane also lost their eldest child, Kate, around this time. She was 4-years-old.

The McKinnons' fourth child, James Turnbull McKinnon, was born in 1874 at Howdon. As was Malcolm, who was born the following year. 

After Malcolm's birth the McKinnons seemed to have moved back down to the Stockton area. Elizabeth McKinnon was born there in 1878, but by 1881 the family were back living in Tynemouth.

Jane McKinnon died in 1899 at Tynemouth - but was she really the missing Jane Hunter Turnbull? I think she was.

There are a few clues which hint that my theory is correct:

Jane's birthplace. Although it varies, it makes sense.

- Earsdon is very close to Murton. Historically, Murton was in the parish of Tynemouth, however, so it makes perfect sense for Jane's birthplace to be written as both places. We'll just forget the little Newcastle blip.

Their first child born in Howdon was named James Turnbull McKinnon in 1874. Is it merely a coincidence that my Jane's brother James ran a pub in Howdon?

- Could Charles and Jane have been living with James and his family when their son was born? 

Margery Barrass, Jane's elder sister whom she lived with for so long, was the tenant of the Hartley Arms in New Hartley in later life. She took it over after her husband Edward died in 1884. Margery was a popular landlady and host, and had a reputation as a very kind and genial lady. When the 1891 census was taken, Margery was living with one of her sons, a grandson, two boarders and a servant. 

- One of the boarders was Donald McKinnon, a 22-year-old labourer who was born in Walker. Conveniently, Charles and Jane's son Donald was missing from their home on that night. Was he staying with his Auntie Madge in New Hartley?

Hopefully one day in the future I will discover what happened to Jane Hunter Turnbull for definite. Until then, I will carry on believing this version of events. 

Writer's Block: Which of my Ancestors could write?

I decided an interesting idea would be to see who in my more recent ancestry could read and write. 

On civil registration documents in the UK, the informant of the event was required to either make their mark (a cross, X), or sign their name. A lot of information in the chart I prepared is taken from birth, marriage and death certificates from my own family 

The 1911 census returns were the first to be filled in by each head of the household, and so this is often be the first time someone will see their ancestor's full signature. If the head of the household was not able to write, then someone in the family, a friend or a neighbour was allowed to fill in the form on their behalf. 

First things first, obviously I can read and write. My parents can, my grandparents could, and so could all of my great-grandparents. 

Ticks denote they could read/write.
Crosses denote they could not.

Thanks to Crista Cowan from Ancestry, AKA the Barefoot Genealogist for sharing the chart, and giving me the initial idea.

I have somewhat neglected looking for my ancestors in school records, so I'm not sure if they will exist in places. A fairly recent record set published on Find My Past were the National School Admission Registers & Logbooks from 1870 - 1914. I found a lot of relatives in those records, but not many direct ancestors.

One I did find was my great-grandmother, Minnie Metcalf (written above as MM 1893 in the fourth column), who attended the Crofton Temporary Infants School in Blyth, along with her younger sister Nellie.

My great-great-grandfather, Adam Storey (written above as AS 1853), could read and write. He probably attended the Church of England school at Newbiggin, as did his siblings. I know Adam was a highly intelligent and educated man, who aspired to become a solicitor. He was an apprentice to a solicitor in Morpeth for a short while after leaving school. Adam's wife Jane Mavin (written above as JM 1853) could also read and write. 

As an added extra, I also coloured the boxes to show where my ancestors were born. Red for England, Dark Blue for Scotland, Green for Ireland etc. The Orange is for my paternal grandmother, born in Australia, and the Light Blue is for my great-great-grandfather, William James Rudd, who was born in Virginia, USA. 


Looking at my paternal grandfather's side of the family, it is clear that the previous few generations were all born in Scotland. Charles Leslie and Agnes Carroll, my great-great-grandparents (written above as CL 1858 and AC 1865, respectively), were not able to write. They were both children of Irish immigrants, so it is not a big surprise to me at all. 

My other great-great-grandfather, William McLean (written above as WM 1874) could not write. He signed with an X on numerous civil registrations, and so was obviously unable to even sign his own name. Interestingly though, his wife Marion Richmond (MR 1878 above) could sign her own name. In the early years of her marriage, Marion could be found signing her name as "Marion McClen."


My two great-great-grandparents born in Ireland could not read or write either. Martin Quinnin and Barbara Coyle (MQ c.1838 and BC c.1841 respectively) were both born in Co. Sligo, and came to England during the potato famine. It is no surprise to me that they were illiterate, as they were the children of impoverished labourers. They both signed their marriage certificate with an X. 

Similarly, my maternal grandmother's grandmother's were illiterate also. Matthew Taylor and Isabella Errington (MT 1838 and IE 1841 above) were both born long before education was made compulsory in England, and so I never expected them to be able to read and write. 

As for two of my great-great-grandmothers, I just don't know if they were literate. I can guess that Ann Jane Knox (written above as AK 1874) could write, as I have found school records for some of her siblings. As for Jane Barrass (JB 1853), I just don't have any evidence. I believe one of her brothers wrote and signed his own will, so I could maybe guess that she could, but I'm just not certain.

The Farmer's Wedding | Wedding Wednesday - GeneaBloggers

At the start of this month my blog was added to GeneaBloggers' Blog Roll. You may have noticed the little GeneaBloggers badge on the right hand side there - worn with pride. Intertwining Branches appears there amongst 3000 other blogs dedicated to genealogy and tracing your family tree, and I would strongly encourage people to go over there and support fellow genealogists. GeneaBloggers can be found at http://www.geneabloggers.com/.

One brilliant aspect of GeneaBloggers is the list of blogging prompts they have. I'm not a daily blogger, but some of the prompts have given me ideas about future posts. Today I have chosen Wedding Wednesday. In this instance I know relatively little about the wedding itself, but know a fair amount about the bride and bridegroom. 

***

Matthew Barrass married Kate Younger in 1889 at St Alban's church, Earsdon. Matthew was a farmer, resident at Field House, Killingworth. He was a widower. Kate was the daughter of John Younger, also a farmer, who lived at Burradon House, Burradon.

Matthew is a distant relative on my mother's side of the family. He was a grandson of Alexander and Sarah Barrass, my 5x great-grandparents.

Matthew's first wife was named Mary Blagdon. Her father was a shipowner and chandler, a dealer in supplies and equipment. They married in 1868, but had no children. Mary died in 1887, presumably at home at Field House. Matthew married Kate Younger two years later.

The marriage notice published in the Morpeth Herald.
Notice no actual date of marriage is given.

Matthew and Kate went on to have three children; Matthew Edwin, Elsie Kate, and Mary Beatrice. By the time young Mary was born, the Barrass family had moved from Field House, Killingworth to Tritlington Hall near Morpeth. There Matthew died on 18 October 1894. 

The Tynemouth Board of Guardians met fortnightly, and at the next meeting one of Matthew's closest friends gave a touching eulogy:

"The Chairman said he was sorry on that occasion to call attention to the sad loss the Board had sustained in the death of Mr Matthew Barrass, which had taken place since their last meeting. He had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Mr Barrass for over 30 years, and had many opportunities of observing him. He always found him a sincere and most estimable gentleman, a straightforward man of business, and a generous friend, especially to the poor living in his neighbourhood. He had been a member of that Board for about 12 years, and was a most diligent and useful representative. He was also a member of the Assessment Committee, and his sound common sense had been most valuable to its members on many occasions. He represented upon that committee the farming interest, which was often in difficulties, and appeals in connection with agriculture were well understood by Mr Barrass. He moved that the clerk be instructed to forward a letter of condolence and sympathy to Mrs Barrass and family. - The Mayor seconded, and Mr A. Bolton supported the motion which was carried. Mr R. Simmons, of Forest Hall, was elected member of Assessment Committee in the place of the late Mr Barrass."

Kate Younger's family still own the farmhouse at Burradon, and it is known in the locality as Younger's Farm. 

An interesting little anecdote worthy of a mention is that my mother, her siblings and her aunts all picked potatoes in Mr Younger's fields, obviously having absolutely no idea of the connection!

The Barrass Matriarch

Sarah Hempseed was baptised on 11 January 1767 at St Alban's, Earsdon. She was the daughter of William Hempseed and Catherine Ledger, and is my 5x great-grandmother.

On 7 February 1784, Sarah married Alexander Barrass at St Alban's, Earsdon when she was about seventeen years of age. Alexander was a pitman from nearby Hartley and together he and went on to have ten children.

St Alban's, Earsdon

Alexander died in January 1826, at the age of sixty-four. By that time, he and Sarah had moved to Benton Square. After Alexander's death, Sarah spent time living with her children who all lived nearby in numerous different mining villages. 

Her son William lived in Benton Square, running the Wheat Sheaf Inn with his wife. Sarah was living there when she died on 3 October 1850, twenty-four years after her husband's death. Sarah was 83-years-old, and died of Climacteric Disease; general decline or a sudden alteration in health. She was later buried alongside her husband in the family grave at St Alban's church, Earsdon, the same church where they had wed. 

The Barrass family grave,
with St Alban's church behind.

On 12 October, Sarah's name appeared in the death column of the Newcastle Guardian newspaper. The Newcastle Guardian expanded and described more of Sarah's family life, showing her to be a true matriarch:

"At Benton Square, on the 2nd inst. aged 85, much respected, Sarah, widow of the late Mr Alexander Barrass; deceased has left no less than sixty-five children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and forty-three of them attended her remains to the grave."

Although they did get Sarah's date of death incorrect, I find this entry so remarkable. I'd like to think that Sarah was a very caring and maternal woman, as the number of granddaughters named in her honour suggests. 

A Christmas Lark

James Barrass was born in 1821 at Kenton, Northumberland to James and Alice Barrass. Young James was baptised at nearby Gosforth on 15 July when the whole family at that time, were pitmen.

Only a few years after James's birth, the whole Barrass family moved to Longbenton parish, where the men worked at Benton Colliery. The family eventually ended up living in Seghill.

A lot of the Barrass men became butchers, including James, his father and brothers. James himself set up his trade in East Cramlington. His business often took him to nearby Annitsford, where the local miners could be quite troublesome. 

In April 1870, Thomas Scott a local pitman, was remanded for a week, after having been charged with stealing a shoulder of mutton from James. A week or so later, Thomas Scott was again brought up for the same case. James however, did not get his justice, as Thomas was discharged in the absence of a prosecutor. Not even a whole year later, James was again in court after 12lbs of beef was taken from his cart. 

It was a few days before Christmas 1870, and James went into the Bridge Inn, Annitsford for a drink, leaving his horse and cart at the door. On coming out, James started for home, leaving without checking his wares. He only realised the beef was missing when he arrived home. 

Daniel Orde, another pitman, was charged with stealing the beef, which was valued at 10s. On the night in question, Daniel Orde had been drinking and thought it amusing to take the beef and lay it in his own garden. A witness was called who caught him in the act. They asked him what he was doing, with Daniel replying that it "was only a lark." The beef was only discovered the next day.

The Bench decided to dismiss the case, as they believed the beef was taken with no felonious intent - it was only in jest, a Christmas lark!

Accident at Earsdon

Robert Barrass died in March 1897. He was the elder brother of my 2x Great Grandmother, Jane Barrass Rudd. Robert was a blacksmith by trade, although he was later a tenant of the Duke of Wellington public house in East Howdon.

It was decided he was to be buried in the family grave at St Alban's, Earsdon. Robert was a popular man, and so a number of coaches were supplied to take mourners to and from the church.

"Everything went well until the vehicles started on the homeward journey, after the interment. Whilst turning the curve at the Earsdon bank top it is stated that one of horses attached to the covered-in conveyance stumbled, causing the brake to sway from side to side and then turn over. The crash of breaking glass, of which the sides of the brake were largely composed, the shouting of the frightened occupants, and others, caused the horses to plunge and struggle for liberty, with the result that the overturned vehicle was dragged for some distance down the bank before the horses finally broke loose."

Fifteen people were in the coach at the time of the accident, and all received injuries in one way or another. A crowd gathered around, the soon everyone was taken to the nearby Red Lion Hotel to recuperate. The majority of injuries sustained were minor cuts and bruises. After being attended to by three doctors, the injured funeral party were taken back to their homes. 

"That nobody was more seriously hurt was considered marvellous, after being dragged about the road by the frightened horses in an upturned conveyance."

John Collins of Seaton Terrace was said to be the worst case, having sustained severe injury to one side, and cuts and bruises elsewhere. 

"The names of the injured are: - John Collins, Seaton Terrace; Isaac Bewick, New Hartley; Michael Gleghorn, Newsham; George Elliot, Newsham; Edward Rudd, New Hartley; William Rudd, Cambois; Thomas Rudd, New Delaval; Mrs T Rudd, New Delaval; and Thomas Sample, New Hartley. James Graham, Blyth, the driver of the vehicle, had his shoulder dislocated."

William Rudd mentioned above is my 2x Great Grandfather, a brother-in-law of Robert Barrass. Edward Rudd is William's son. Thomas Rudd is William's younger brother, and obviously he attended the funeral with his wife. Isaac Bewick is a cousin-in-law of the deceased, Robert Barrass. 

Morgan Family Tidbits

While researching my blog post for last week on the sad story of Alexander Morgan, I was able to glean a few other stories about his family. 

Number One

In May 1891, Lydia Pooley a housekeeper at Seghill was charged with having assaulted Elizabeth and Elizabeth Ellen Morgan, a mother and daughter. Elizabeth was the wife of Alexander Morgan, and Elizabeth Ellen was their daughter. 

Mr. Kewney appeared for the Morgans, and opened the case. According to Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan, she was coming down the row with a can in her hand. She said that Lydia was standing at her door, when she suddenly rushed at her and struck her with a shovel. Elizabeth Ellen naturally came to her mother's assistance, but she was also struck by Lydia, and also had her fingers bit. There had been no provocation at all. 

Lydia Pooley was up next, and stated that a few days previously Elizabeth Morgan threw a dish of greasy water over her as she was coming past with two pails of water. Elizabeth rejected this claim. Lydia went on to say that Elizabeth Morgan was always insulting and laughing at her. Elizabeth Ellen corroborated her mother's evidence. 

Thomas McGuinness was then called on. He came out of his house to see Lydia and Elizabeth Ellen fighting. Elizabeth Ellen's fingers were in Lydia's mouth. "She put her fingers in my mouth and I did bite them!" Lydia interjected, causing laughter in the court. "The old woman", Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan was lying on ground, and both mother and daughter fainted. 

Lydia Pooley went on to say that she came out of her house with the shovel only after Mrs. Morgan threw a can of beer in her face. 

P.C. Sproat who was stationed at Seghill at the time, said he was sent for and found "the daughter" bleeding, and "the mother" in a fainting condition. Two further witnesses were called but neither appeared as they were out of the court when the case commenced. 

The Bench fined Mrs. Pooley 2s 6d in each case, and dismissed the cross summons. 

Number Two

From the Morpeth Herald, 30 September 1905.

Number Three

In July 1907 William Herron Morgan, the son of Martin passed his examinations with distinction and was able to enter the Armstrong College, Newcastle after the summer vacation. 

Suicide At Seghill

Sarah Barrass was born on 28 May 1798 at Shiremoor, Northumberland, and was baptised on 24 June at Christ Church, Tynemouth. She was the daughter of Alexander Barrass and Sarah Hempseed. 

Sarah's elder brother Robert was my 4x Great Grandfather.

An extract from Sarah's baptism.
From the Durham Bishop's Transcripts. 

On 30 January 1819 at Gosforth, Sarah Barrass married a man named Martin Morgan. Robert Barrass and Elizabeth Maughan, my not-yet married 4x Great Grandparents were the witnesses to the union. 

The marriage of Martin Morgan and Sarah Barrass.
From the Durham Bishop's Transcripts.

From Gosforth the Morgan family went to Longbenton, along with Sarah's family, and from there they went to Seghill. Together the couple had five children; Martin, Sarah, Alexander, Elizabeth and a second Elizabeth, after the first sadly died in infancy. 

When their third child, Alexander was around the age of 30, he married a lady named Elizabeth Fish. Together Alex. and Elizabeth had at least five children. 

When Alexander was about 63 in 1887 he was seriously injured at Seghill Colliery, after a fall of stone in the pit. 

Published in the Morpeth Herald, 11 June 1887.

Five years after the accident, Alexander's name appeared in the Morpeth Herald again. This time, for a much more tragic reason. 

"On Wednesday, before Mr. J. R. D. Lynn, Coroner, an inquest was held at the Blake Arms Inn, Seghill, touching the death of Alexander Morgan, aged 68, a miner at Seghill."

Alexander's son, Martin came forward confirming that the body was that of his father. Martin also stated that his father had been ill for around 14 weeks, after falling in his house and injuring his head and bowels. 

"On Sunday night deceased complained of a pain and trouble in his head, and could not rest, and appeared to be in a desponding state of mind. In his (witness's) opinion it was owing to not being able to get to work. A few years ago deceased had a fright, which somewhat affected his head. There was an insurance on deceased's life." 

Ann Wilson, a neighbour of the Morgans stated that for a while now Alex. had been in a desponding state of mind. Ann went on to say that a doctor had been attending him for 'shock to the system', caused by the fall he had some time ago. She also stated that she had never known Alexander to threaten to destroy himself. 

On Sunday, Alexander was complaining about the pain in his head. At a quarter to eight on Monday morning, Ann Wilson saw Alexander go into his garden to the privy, but did not take much notice. About three minutes later, Ann heard Elizabeth Morgan shouting and went out into the garden, finding Alex. in the outhouse. He was in a kneeling position, 'working his hand at his neck'. Alexander brought his hand away, and Ann noticed the razor, and the wound in his throat bleeding heavily. 

At once Ann called for assistance and had Alexander carried into his house, where he died about ten minutes later. 

"-The jury returned a verdict that deceased died whilst in an unsound state of mind."

A Link To Queen Victoria?

In the past I have mentioned a distant branch of my family who married into the gentry, and thus along with their descendants appear in the Peerage. 

My 5x Great Grandparents were Alexander and Sarah Barrass, who lived all of their lives around the Earsdon area of Northumberland. Together the couple had ten children. Their youngest son Matthew married his first cousin, Ann Hempseed, and they lived in Killingworth, Northumberland. By trade Matthew was a farmer, although later in life hw was a shipowner. 

Presumably it was through the shipping trade that his daughter Sarah Ann met and married John Rogerson who was a civil engineer, iron merchant and a shipowner. John Rogerson the man behind Rogerson & Co., opened a shipbuilding and repairing yard on the river Tyne and also founded an improved line of steamers, the Red Star Line. The Rogerson family soon moved into Croxdale Hall, Durham.

John and Sarah Ann's marriage notice.
Married on 18 August 1863 at Longbenton.

John and Sarah Ann's children led quite a privileged life in comparison to some of their cousins whose fathers were still very much working class, remaining as farmers or butchers. The Rogersons' daughters married into other wealthy families and their sons had the best education possible at Durham, Harrow and later Trinity College, Cambridge. Their eldest son John Edwin Rogerson in later life was a Conservative MP for the Barnard Castle constituency.

In March 1921 the engagement of John Edwin Rogerson's daughter Aileen Mary, to Captain Griffin Wyndham Edward Hanmer, the son of Sir Wyndham C H Hanmer, 6th Baronet, was announced. The couple went on to marry in November of the same year, and so Miss Aileen Mary Rogerson became Lady Hanmer.

The engagement.

Griffin Hanmer known as Edward, was the great-grandson of Victoria, or Victoire Conroy the daughter of the notorious Sir John Conroy. John Conroy was close friend (and possible lover) of the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria's mother. 

He was also the creator of the Kensington System, which Princess Victoria lived by up until she became Queen. The Kensington System was a cruel one which did not allow Princess Victoria to sleep alone, or even walk down the stairs without holding an adult's hand. She was kept isolated from other children, except for Victoria Conroy and her siblings. Princess Victoria grew to hate her mother and the Conroys.

Showing the connection to
Sir John and Victoria Conroy.

Lady Aileen Mary Hanmer was the third cousin of my Great Grandmother, Margery Rudd. The current Baronet Hanmer is my 5th Cousin Once Removed.

A Most Genial Hostess

When tracing your family history, you often find yourself getting attached and favouring a certain ancestor. For me, Margery Isabella Turnbull my 3x Great Grandmother is one of them. 

Margery was born in 1825 in Philadelphia, Murton in the parish of Tynemouth, Northumberland to John Turnbull a collier, and his wife Jane Hunter. She was baptised on 2 October 1825 at Tynemouth.

Margery's baptism at Christchurch, Tynemouth
on 2 October 1825.

Margery went on to marry Edward Barrass on 17 February 1849 at All Saints Church, Newcastle upon Tyne. Edward was born in 1821 to Robert and Elizabeth Barrass at Longbenton, however the Barrass family were natives of Earsdon for generations. By trade Edward was a master tailor, breaking from the Barrass tradition of becoming a butcher.

Edward & Margery's marriage certificate.

Margery and Edward soon moved to Earsdon, then later to New York near Murton, Northumberland where Edward carried out his tailoring business from his home. The home and business was hit hard in 1857, when a fire broke out causing considerable damage. Several suits of clothing were completely destroyed and to make matters worse, both the property and stock were not insured. 

By this time Margery's father-in-law Robert had acquired a property in New Hartley - a leasehold, on the estate of the Right Honourable Baron Hastings. The property became known as Barrass House or Barrass Cottage. Later on, Robert became a publican in New Hartley. It is unknown whether his public house was a different property, or simply a converted Barrass Cottage. Robert died in 1876, and his son Edward took over the pub - the Hartley Arms. 

Edward applied to the courts in August 1884 for a full license to the Hartley Arms, which was refused. Sadly, not even one month later, Edward died. From then on, Margery took over and became the publican of the only public house in New Hartley. One year after Edward had first applied, Margery appeared in the courts to apply for a license to sell ale and spirits. This application was also refused.

The Hartley Arms seems to have been a popular place under Margery. She would often hold quoiting competitions and ball handicaps which many locals turned out for. It was often noted as being piercingly cold, yet a large crowd would gather at the pub. A game of 'paper chase' was also held, with the Hartley Arms being used as the starting line. 

One humorous story is from Christmas at the Hartley Arms in 1887. It appears that Margery was reported for supposedly having certain intoxicating liquors on the premises, which she was not licensed to sell. The investigating inspector went to the Hartley Arms and found a 'grey hen' - an earthenware container, holding about a gallon of whiskey. A label on the bottle was found which said, "With the compliments of the season, to Mrs Barrass from Mr Newton, brewer, Newcastle-on-Tyne." There was not sufficient evidence for Margery's conviction, and the case was withdrawn! 

Margery often hosted suppers in the Hartley Arms, namely for the Hartley Football Club. The greatest credit and thanks was given to Margery - a most genial hostess, for her fantastic culinary skills and the kind way in which she catered for her company. She'd respond with some kind words, and only hoped that every individual had enjoyed himself. 

Throughout all of this, Margery carried on applying for an on-license for the Hartley Arms. In August 1891, a ballot was held for the residents of New Hartley to vote on the license of the pub. 168/252 voted in favour of a full license, however the Temperance parties believed that they had been disenfranchised, and asked for a second ballot to allow them to fully exercise their vote. The second ballot was taken, and this time 174/252 voted for a full-license. 

In the past there had been numerous objections from the owner, Lord Hastings, but this time there appeared to be a necessity for a full-licensed public house in the mining village. The nearest licensed pubs in the area were over a mile away. This time there was no opposition, and even Lord Hastings' agent had given permission. Margery's good character was brought up in court, stating she had kept the house for a great number of years without problems. Thus, the court allowed the Hartley Arms to have an on-license.

Seaton Delaval Hall - the Northumbrian residence
of Baron Hastings.

However this was still not got enough for Margery, and in the next few years she carried on fighting for a full-license. Augustus Whitehorn, a solicitor who lived in Whitley Bay always represented Margery in the courts, but still a full-license was refused. 

Finally in September 1896, a full-license was granted to Margery Barrass and the Hartley Arms. In the past she was opposed by the Seaton Delaval Coal Company but this time they were not only willing, but were anxious that a full-license be granted as the circumstances had much altered.

In the past Margery was the tenant of Lord Hastings, but now the Coal Company had become the tenants and Margery was their sub-tenant. This meant that the Seaton Delaval Coal Company now had command over the Hartley Arms, and these were the grounds on which their previous objections had been based. Now if the public house was not properly conducted, the Coal Company would be able to cast Margery aside and put someone else in the job. 

It was noted that Margery had made some vast improvements and the Hartley Arms was now made up of a kitchen, wash-house, pantry, bar, parlour and a large and small sitting room. On the first floor there was also a large club room. The length of time the Barrass family had the Hartley Arms was taken into consideration, and finally the full-license was granted to Margery! 

Sadly not even one year later, Margery died on 1 July 1897 in her beloved Hartley Arms - after campaigning for so long and hard to get a full-license. She died of senile debility or dementia, and also syncope meaning she had lost consciousness. A sad way to go for such a strong woman.

Margery's death certificate.

Her son Matthew inherited the tenancy of the Hartley Arms.  

A Family Pub Crawl

One of the things I was quite shocked to find when tracing my ancestors, was the sheer amount of them who ran and managed public houses or inns. Never would I have expected my family to have been on the other side of the bar.

The closest publicans in relation to me would be Edward and Margery Barrass, who ran the Hartley Arms in New Hartley, on the estate of Lord Hastings. I believe they inherited the pub from Edward's father, Robert, when he died in 1876. Edward died soon after in 1884, but Margery kept on the pub and was helped out by her children and grandchildren.

When Margery died in 1897, the Hartley Arms was inherited by her son, Matthew who continued the tenancy. Sometime before Matthew died in 1916, the pub was renamed to the Hastings Hartley Arms for unknown reasons. After his death, Matthew's wife Annie carried on the running of the Hartley Arms as instructed in her late husband's will.

Edward and Margery's son, Robert also became a publican. He ran the Duke of Wellington pub, East Howdon for some years, but sadly died in his mid-fourties, closely followed by his wife, Emma. His three eldest children went and lived with their Uncle Matthew at New Hartley. 

Margery's brother, James Turnbull ran the Jenny Lind Inn, East Howdon (A short distance down the road from the Duke of Wellington) with his wife Mary Thompson for a number of years. Like Margery, James raised his family in the pub and was helped out by his children. When both James and Mary died, their daughter Isabella Sparks managed the Jenny Lind. When Isabella's cousin, Robert Barrass died, she took in his youngest daughter, Nellie.

Sadly in 1910, Isabella was forced to leave the family pub of over 40 years when it was taken over by the the Northumberland Shipbuilding Company who were planning on business extensions. From the Jenny Lind, Isabella became the tenant of the Queen's Head on Brunton Street in Willington Quay. After Isabella took over, the takings were increasing every week. Only a few months into the tenancy, the license was refused a renewal and the Queen's Head was forced to close. From there Isabella went on to run the Quarry Inn, located in Marden, Whitley Bay.  

Margery and James' niece, Isabella Robson, daughter of their elder sister, Elizabeth was also in the same business. She married Bartholomew Logan and together they ran the Black Bull Inn, Seaton Burn and also the Bee Hive Inn, Seghill. In later years they also went on to manage Morpeth Conservative Club as Steward and Stewardess, when it was situated at Collingwood House. Isabella died in her mid-nineties and was remembered for her graciousness and regard to every member of the club. 

The extended Turnbull family of publicans.

Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed and ... Hempseed?

Hempseed. I was quite curious as to the origin of this surname when I found out this was the maiden name of my 5x Great Grandmother, Sarah who married Alexander Barrass. 

They married in 1784 at St Alban's, Earsdon, Northumberland and together had ten children; John, William, Alexander, James, Robert (My 4x Great Grandfather), Sarah, William, Cuthbert, Matthew and Margaret (died in infancy).

As for earlier generations of the Hempseed family, they can be found living in Seaton Sluice, headed by William Hempseed and his wife Catherine Ledger, a native of Heworth, Durham. William worked at the glassworks at Seaton Sluice.

St Alban's Church, Earsdon, Northumberland.

A notable member of the Hempseed family is Captain Forster Hempseed a great-grandson of William and Catherine, who sadly drowned at sea along with his wife and infant child off the coast of Australia in 1859. 

Before William came his father James, and mother Sarah Gair who married in 1740 at Newcastle upon Tyne. As far as I can tell the Hempseed name did not exist in the Newcastle area previous to this date. There are however a few female Hempseeds marrying in the area after 1740, who could be possible sisters of James. There does seem to be a number of Hempseed families in the Fife, Perth and East Lothian areas of Scotland pre-1740.

Matthew Barrass, the youngest son of Alexander and Sarah, actually married his first cousin, Ann Hempseed and together had eight children. His daughters became quite wealthy with one, Sarah Ann marrying John Rogerson a civil engineer and a ship-builder from Morpeth. Many of Matthew and Ann's descendants appear in the Peerage after marrying into the gentry.

All from a glassman and his wife ...