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. 

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.