Volume 5 – Kent and Beyond by Steve Green

Part 5 - Sawyers of the East India Docks – The Descendants of William Alchin and Ann Knock of Meopham ... continued...

1.3.4  ~~  John Alchin

John was born at Croydon in 1834. The 1851 census records that John was living with his parents at Grove Cottage, Croydon. There si no occupation for him recorded. The 1861 census records that John worked as a plasterer. He was a bachelor and he lived with his widowed mother at 4 West Street, Croydon.

John probably married some time during the 1860’s but his wife died within a few years. The 1871 census records that John was a widowed plasterer. He was lodging at 24 Bath Road, Margate. It is possible that John died in India in the early 1900’s.

1.3.5  ~~  Fanny Alchin

Fanny was born at Croydon in 1841 (Croydon 1841 March qtr Volume 4 Page 95). The 1851 census records that the school girl was living with her parents at Grove Cottages, Croydon. The 1861 census records that Fanny was a school mistress at her cousin’s school –  the Blue Coat School, Canterbury.

Fanny may have died in 1864 aged 23 years (Croydon 1864 June qtr Volume 2a Page 114).

1.4  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 15th January 1804. He moved to London with his parents in the early 1820’s where he became a sawyer in the shipbuilding trade along the Thames. John married Sarah Dillon at the church of St George in the East, Stepney in 1830. Sarah was born at Limehouse in 1807.

John and Sarah were living at Limehouse in eastern London at the time of the birth of their six known children – Henry (1835), George (1837), William (1841), Francis (1843), Jemima (1845) and Alfred (1850). In 1837 John and his family was living at Chivers Court, Nightingale Lane, Limehouse.

John and Sarah probably had at least three other children – James (died 1839), Edward (1842) and Emma Sarah (1847) but these are yet to be confirmed. John was present at the death of his younger brother, George (the author’s 3 x great grandfather), in 1856. At the time John was living at 9 Spread Eagle Street, Limehouse.

There is no surviving record of John and his family in the 1841 census. The 1851 census records that John was a sawyer and he was living with his wife and their six children at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

The 1861 census records that John was a sawyer and he and his wife and four of their children were still living at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. Sarah probably died in 1865 aged 58 years years (Stepney 1865 September qtr Volume 1c Page349).

The 1871 census records that John was a sawyer and he and his youngest son Alfred were living at 10 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. John probably died in 1879 aged 75 years, possibly at about the same time as his elder brother Henry (Poplar 1879 March qtr Volume 1c Page 490).

1.4.1  ~~  Henry A. Alchin

Henry was born at Limehouse in 1835 and he was baptised at the Church of St George in the East, Stepney on 15th November 1835. Like many of the menfolk of his family he was a sawyer by trade. The 1851 census records that Henry was a newsvendor (this is probably an error in transcription and he was more likely to be a sawyer) and he was living with his parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

Henry married Barbara Hannah Guy in 1860 (Stepney 1860 June qtr Volume 1c Page 914); she was born at Limehouse in 1839. Henry and Barbara had at least six children – Henry (1861), Joseph (1863), Sarah (1867), William (1868), John (1870) and Alfred (1872). They probably had another child who died soon after her birth – Barbara (1880). The 1861 census records that Henry was a sawyer and he and his wife and their young son were living at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

The 1871 census records that Henry was a sawyer and he and his wife and their five young children were living at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. Also living with them was Henry’s unmarried sister Jemima. The 1881 census records that Henry was a sawyer and he and his wife and their six surviving children were living at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar.

The 1891 census records that Henry was still a sawyer and he and his wife and their three unmarried children were living at 101 Upper North Street, Poplar. Henry’s sons appear to have broken tradition and did not become sawyers, possibly as a result of the demise of the wooden ships in the late 19th century. One of his sons migrated to Australia and another joined the Army but died in India in 1901.

The 1901 census records that Henry was still a sawyer and he and his wife were living with their married daughter (Sarah Bennett) and her family at 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar. The couple were living at 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar in February 1901 when Barbara placed a missing person notice in the Singapore Straits Times for their son John who was in Australia and who had not made contact with them for five years. They may have wished to inform him of the death of his younger brother in India.

Barbara died in 1909 aged 70 years (Poplar 1909 June qtr Volume 1c Page 321). Henry may have died in 1917 aged 82 years (West Ham 1917 December qtr Volume 4a Page 204).

1.4.1.1  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was born at Limehouse in 1861 although there is no record of his birth being registered. The 1861 census records that the 1 month old infant was living with his family at 6 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. The 1871 census records that Henry was a school boy and he was living with his family at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse.

The 1881 census records that Henry was employed as a brass finisher. He was unmarried and he was living with his parents at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar. Henry married Lizzie Jane Austin in 1884 (Mile End 1884 June qtr Volume 1c Page 996). Lizzie was born at Gravesend in 1863.

Henry and Lizzie had at least four children – Henry (1885), Alice (1888), Florence (1890) and Albert (1898). The 1891 census records that Henry was an engineer and he and his wife and three of their children were living in three rooms at 61 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town. 

The 1901 census records that Henry was employed as a fitter and machinist. He and his family were living at 73 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town in the East End of London. Their eldest son died in the Middle East during World War One. Henry died in 1937 aged 76 years (Stepney 1937 June qtr Volume 1c Page 221). Lizzie died in 1953 aged 90 years (Stepney 1953 September qtr Volume 5d Page 419).

1.4.1.1.1  ~~  Henry George Alchin

Henry was born at Mile End in 1885 (Mile End 1885 June qtr Volume 1c Page 488). The 1891 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 61 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town. The 1901 census records that he was employed as an office boy and he was living with his family at 73 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town.

Henry married Florence Ellen (her surname is presently unknown) in 1909 (Mile End 1909 September qtr Volume 1c Page 687). After their marriage they lived at 17 Eric Street, Burdett Road, Bow in London. During World War One, Henry enlisted in the British Army. He was assigned to the 2nd/20th Battalion, London Regiment with the rank of Private and regimental number 633708.

Henry’s unit was sent to the Middle East. He died, probably from disease, on Tuesday 30th April 1918 aged 33 years. He was buried in the Jerusalem War Cemetery. (This needs to be re-checked as other information received from Clive Bingham indicates that Henry was still alive in the 1950’s and working as a night watchman in Bow).

1.4.1.1.2  ~~  Alice Maud Alchin

Alice was born at Mile End in 1888 (Mile End 1888 June qtr Volume 1c Page 527). The 1891 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 61 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town. Alice died in 1895 aged only 7 years (Mile End 1895 June qtr Volume 1c Page 325).

1.4.1.1.3  ~~  Florence May Alchin

Florence was born at Mile End in late 1890. The 1891 census records that the 7 month old infant was living with her family at 61 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town. Florence died in 1893 aged 2 ½ years (Mile End 1893 June qtr Volume 1c Page 376).

1.4.1.1.4  ~~  Albert Francis Alchin

Albert (Bert) was born at Mile End in 1898 (Mile End 1898 March qtr Volume 1c Page 543). The 1901 census records that he was living with his family at 73 Bloomfield Road, Mile End Old Town. Bert married Alice Gertrude Wilson nee Davies at the Stepney Registry Office on 25th October 1930.

Alice was born at Swansea, South Wales on 30th June 1896. She was a widow with children from her first marriage to Leo Wilson. At the time of her marriage Alice was living at 68 Bloomfield Road, Mile End. Bert was a musical entertainer of 73 Bloomfield Road, Mile End. Bert and Alice did not have any children from their marriage.

Clive Bingham remembers that Bert was a conjuror, pianist, accordionist and he may have played the guitar. He worked as a timber porter. Bert was a small man, about 5’ 3” tall and of slight build. He was a smoker who spent most of his time in the local pubs – The Duke of York, The Trafalgar and a couple of others in Bow.

Bert died of cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the mouth and bronchopnuemonia in St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Smithfield on 15th October 1966 (London City 1966 December qtr Volume 5d Page 359). He was 68 years old and at the time of his death he was living at 92 Coburn Road, Tower Hamlets (Bow).

Alice died in 1969 aged 73 years (Poplar 1969 June qtr Volume 5d Page 1402).

1.4.1.2  ~~  Joseph William Alchin

Joseph was born at Limehouse in 1863 (Stepney 1863 March qtr Volume 1c page 546). The 1871 census records that Joseph was a school boy and he was living with his family at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. At the time of the 1881 census he was unmarried, employed as a general labourer and living with his parents at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar.

Joseph married Elizabeth (her surname is presently unknown but it may have been Mills) in 1888 (Stepney 1888 December qtr Volume 1c Page 854); Elizabeth was born at Limehouse in 1866. Joseph and Elizabeth had at least six children – Joseph (1888), William (1890), Frederick (1892), Alfred (1896), Alice (1897) and Emily (1900).

Around 1890 Joseph moved his growing family to South Shields in northern England for a very short time. The 1891 census records that Joseph was a boilermaker and he and his wife and their two young sons were living in one room at 46 Brabazon Street, Bromley St Leonards. Also living with the family in very cramped conditions was a 64 year old lodger, Sarah Mills of Poplar (possibly Elizabeth’s mother).

The 1901 census records that Joseph was employed (the census is partly indecipherable and he was either a boilermaker, boot maker or something similar). He and his large family were living at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar. Joseph died in 1917 aged 54 years (Poplar 1917 March qtr Volume 1c Page 661). Elizabeth died in 1934 aged 67 years (Poplar 1934 March qtr Volume 1c Page 416).

1.4.1.2.1  ~~  Joseph William Alchin

Joseph was born at Poplar in 1888 (Poplar 1888 December qtr Volume 1c Page 700). The 1891 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 46 Brabazon Street, Bromley. At the time of the 1901 census Joseph was a school boy and he was living with his family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar.

1.4.1.2.2  ~~  William Henry Alchin

William was born at South Shields, County Durham in 1890 (South Shields 1890 June qtr Volume 10a Page 750) but he moved south to London with his parents soon afterwards. The 1891 census records that the toddler was living with his family at 46 Brabazon Street, Bromley. At the time of the 1901 census William was a school boy and he was living with his family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar.

William served as an infantryman with the Middlesex regiment (#G/9765) during World War One.

1.4.1.2.3  ~~  Frederick Charles Alchin

Frederick was born at Bromley in 1892 (Poplar 1892 September qtr Volume 1c Page 59*). At the time of the 1901 census Frederick was a school boy and he was living with his family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar. Frederick married Lilian E. Barker in 1915 (Poplar 1915 June qtr Volume 1c Page ***).

Frederick and Lilian had two children – Lilian (1920) and Reginald (1923).

1.4.1.2.3.1  ~~  Lilian A. Alchin

Lilian was born in London in 1920 (Mile End 1920 June qtr Volume 1c Page *). Lilian married Arthur H. Gore in 1940 (Romford 1940 December qtr). Arthur and Lilian had two children – Maureen and Edward.

1.4.1.2.3.2  ~~  Reginald C. Alchin

Reginald was born in London in 1923 (Mile End 1923 March  qtr Volume 1c Page *). He married Louisa M. Dodd in 1949 (Romford 1949 September qtr). Reginald and Louisa had three children – Brenda, Roy and Margaret.

1.4.1.2.4  ~~  Alfred Robert Alchin

Alfred was born at Poplar in 1896 (Poplar 1896 March qtr Volume 1c Page 681). At the time of the 1901 census Alfred was a school boy and he was living with his family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar.

1.4.1.2.5  ~~  Alice Elizabeth Alchin

Alice was born at Poplar in 1897 (Poplar 1897 December qtr Volume 1c Page 653). The 1901 census records that Alice was living with her family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar.

1.4.1.2.6  ~~  Emily Louisa Alchin

Emily was born at Poplar in 1900 (Poplar 1900 March qtr Volume 1c Page 702). The 1901 census records that the infant girl was living with her family at 25 Sabbarton Place, Poplar.

1.4.1.3  ~~  Sarah Alchin

Sarah was born at Limehouse in 1867 (Stepney 1867 June qtr Volume 1c Page 512). The 1871 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. The 1881 census records that she was a school girl and she was living with her parents at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar.

Sarah married John Hales Bennett in 1888 (Mile End 1888 December qtr Volume 1c Page 1058). John and Sarah had at least two children – Rosetta (1890) and John (1895). The 1891 census records that John was a coppersmith and he and his young family were living at 74 Stemsby Road, Limehouse.

The 1901 census records that John was still a coppersmith. He and his wife and their two surviving children were living at 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar. Sarah’s aged parents were sharing the house with them.

1.4.1.3.1  ~~  Rosetta Sarah Bennett

Rosetta was born at Limehouse in 1890 (Stepney 1890 December qtr Volume 1c Page 379). The 1891 census records that the 7 month old infant was living with her family at 74 Stemsby Road, Limehouse. The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her parents and grandparents at 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar.

1.4.1.3.2  ~~  John Bennett

John was born at Poplar in 1895 (Poplar 1895 March qtr Volume 1c Page 582). The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his extended family at 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar.

1.4.1.4  ~~  William Francis Alchin

William was born at Limehouse in 1868 (Stepney 1868 December qtr Volume 1c Page 499). The 1871 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. William was apprenticed as a plumber by the time he was 12 years old and at the time of the 1881 census he was living at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar with his parents.

The 1891 census records that William was a labourer and he was living with his parents at 101 Upper North Street, Poplar. William married Caroline Matilda Simkins in late 1891 (Mile End 1891 December qtr Volume 1c Page 939); she was born at Poplar in about 1873. William and Caroline had at least three children – Caroline (1897), Florence (1898) and Alice (1899).

The 1901 census records that William was employed as a leather embosser and he and his family were living at 93 Gough Street, Poplar. Caroline died in 1933 aged 59 years (Poplar 1933 June qtr Volume 1c Page 316). William died in 1942 aged 73 years (Surrey Mid E 1942 March qtr Volume 2a Page 577).

1.4.1.4.1  ~~  Caroline Frances Alchin

Caroline was born at Bow in East London in 1897 (Poplar 1897 March qtr Volume 1c Page 623). The census of 1901 records that she was living with her family at 93 Gough Street, Poplar.

1.4.1.4.2  ~~  Florence Ivy Alchin

Florence was born at Poplar in 1898 (Poplar 1898 December qtr Volume 1c Page 645). The census of 1901 records that she was living with her family at 93 Gough Street, Poplar.

1.4.1.4.3  ~~  Alice Maud Alchin

Alice was born at Poplar in 1899 (Poplar 1899 December qtr Volume 1c Page 631). The census of 1901 records that she was living with her family at 93 Gough Street, Poplar.

1.4.1.5  ~~  John Arthur Alchin

John was born at Limehouse in 1870 (Stepney 1870 December qtr Volume 1c Page 489). The 1871 census records that the 5 month old infant was living with his family at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. The 1881 census records that he was a school boy and he was living with his parents at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar.

The 1891 census reords that John was a labourer. The bachelor was living with his parents at 101 Upper North Street, Poplar. John migrated to South Australia later the same year, travelling aboard the vessel “Bungaree”. It seems most likely that he would have made contact with his Alchin cousins who lived not far away around Burra and Kapunda and who had maintained contact with their kinfolk at Croydon.

John moved to Broken Hill in 1898 during the boom following the discovery of the silver, lead and zinc fields there. He married Rebecca Broadstock at the residence of Matthew Broadstock (the bride’s brother perhaps), Railway Town, Broken Hill on 25th September 1897 (NSW 1897/5189); she was born Baskerville, South Australia in 1878 and she was the orphaned daughter of James Broadstock (a former labourer) and Susan Chapman.

John Goodwin of the Primitive Methodist church performed the wedding ceremony. The witnesses were Matthew and Susan Broadstock. At the time of his marriage John was a labourer of Broken Hill. The consent in writing of George Alfred Mills, the Guardian of Minors, had to be obtained before Rebecca could be wed.

John and Rebecca had at least eight children – Sarah (1899), John (1902), Nellie (1904), William (1906), Olive (1908), Doris (1911), Elsie (1914) and Lily (1918). John must have lost contact with his parents in the late 1890’s. John worked as a labourer and later as a fitter’s labourer. His parents placed a missing person’s notice in the Singapore Straits Times on 21st February 1901:

“Alchin, John Arthur sailed “Bungaree” to Adelaide in 1891. Last heard from Port Pirie in 1896. Mother and father Barbara and Henry Alchin seek. Address 81 Suffolk Street, Poplar.”

John died at his home at 210 Wills Lane, Broken Hill on 14th August 1932 aged 62 years (NSW 1932/14316). He had been ill for four days with pneumonia before dying from heart failure. He was last seen by his doctor Dr G.H. Dobbyn on the day of his death. John was buried in the Broken Hill Methodist Cemetery on 15th August 1932. The burial service was conducted by William Robert Cole and the witnesses to his burial were J. Perkins and W. Potter.

1.4.1.5.1  ~~  Sarah Alchin

Sarah was born at Broken Hill in 1899 (NSW 1899/29022). Sarah died at Broken Hill in 1921 aged 22 years (NSW 1921/4194).

1.4.1.5.2  ~~  John Arthur Alchin

John was born at Blende Street, North Broken Hill on 13th January 1902 (NSW 1902/1766). The witness to his birth was Mrs McMaster. John was still alive in 1932. His birth certificate has a note appended to it:

“Evidence has been furnished that the full name of the within mentioned child, John Arthur Alchin, is John Ford – 14/8/1958 (58M 6827).”

1.4.1.5.3  ~~  Nellie Alchin

Nellie was born at Broken Hill in 1904 (NSW 1904/30697). Nellie died at Broken Hill the following year (NSW 1905/711).

1.4.1.5.4  ~~  William H. Alchin

William was born at Broken Hill in 1906 (NSW 1906/1782). William was the informant for his father’s death in 1932. At the time he was living at 365 Sulphide Street, Broken Hill.

1.4.1.5.5  ~~  Olive M. Alchin

Olive was born at Broken Hill in 1908 (NSW 1908/33743). She married James A. Carter at Broken Hill in 1928 (NSW 1928/18921).

1.4.1.5.6  ~~  Doris Alchin

Doris was born at Broken Hill in 1911 (NSW 1911/38106). She married May (?) Rowe at Broken Hill in 1939 (NSW 1939/11281).

1.4.1.5.7  ~~  Elsie Lorna Alchin

Elsie was born at Broken Hill in 1914 (NSW 1914/36257). She married William J. McDonald at Randwick in 1943 (NSW 1943/24818).

1.4.1.5.8  ~~  Lily Alchin

Lily was born at Broken Hill in 1918 (NSW 1918/20752). Lily married Timothy Victory at Broken Hill in 1937 (NSW 1937/20720).

1.4.1.6  ~~  Alfred Hector Alchin

Alfred was born at Limehouse in 1872 (Poplar 1872 December qtr Volume 1c Page 745). The 1881 census records that he was a school boy and he was living with his family at 20 Northumberland Street, Poplar. The 1891 census records that Alfred was unmarried (no occupation is given) and he was living with his parents at 101 Upper North Street, Poplar.

Alfred enlisted in the Army and he was posted to his unit in India. He died at Fyzabad (modern Faisalabad in Pakistan?) in 1901 aged 28 years.

1.4.1.7  ~~  Barbara Alchin

Barbara was born at Limehouse in 1880 (Poplar 1880 September qtr Volume 1c Page 699). Barbara died almost straight away (Poplar 1880 September qtr Volume 1c Page 478).

1.4.2  ~~  George Alchin

George was born at Chivers Court, Nightingale Lane, Limehouse on 13th October 1837 (Stepney 1837 December qtr Volume 2 Page 278). His father’s occupation was given as sawyer. The 1851 census records that George (he was probably working as a newsvendor) was living with his parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

George himself later became a ship’s carpenter by trade, probably at the East India Docks. The 1861 census records that George was a shipwright. He was a bachelor and he was living with his parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. George married Mary (her surname is presently unknown); she was born at Poplar in 1840.

George and Mary had at least five children – George (1870), Alice (1873), John (1875), Henry (1877) and Louisa (1882). The 1881 census records that George was working as a ship’s carpenter. He and his wife and their four surviving children were living at 27 Church Row, Limehouse.

The 1891 census records that George was a shipwright and he and his wife and their five children were living at 69 Perth Street, Poplar. George probably died in 1895 aged 56 years (Poplar 1895 September qtr Volume 1c Page 404).

1.4.2.1  ~~  George Alchin

George was born in the parish of Limehouse in 1870 (Poplar March qtr 1870 Volume 1c Page 730). The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 27 Church Row, Limehouse. The 1891 census records that George was employed as a carman. He was a bachelor and he was living with his parents at 69 Perth Street, Poplar.

George married Dinah Frost in 1900 (Kensington 1900 March qtr Volume 1a Page 207); she was born at Kensington in London in 1868. George and Dinah had at least one child – Gladys (1901). The 1901 census records that George was employed as a carman and he and his wife and their infant daughter were living at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town. Also living with the family was George’s younger brother John Alchin.

Dinah died in London in early 1923 aged 54 years (Mile End 1923 March qtr Volume 1c Page 343). George died in 1931 aged 60 years (Stepney 1931 September qtr Volume 1c Page 237).

1.4.2.1.1  ~~  Gladys Louise Alchin

Gladys was born at Mile End in early 1901 (Mile End 1901 March qtr Volume 1c Page 507). The census of that year records that the 4 month old infant girl was living with her parents at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town.

1.4.2.2  ~~  Alice Elizabeth Alchin

Alice was born in the parish of Limehouse, Middlesex in 1873 but her birth was not registered. The 1881 census records that Alice was a school girl and she was living with her family at 27 Church Row, Limehouse. The 1891 census records that Alice was a servant and she was living with her parents at 69 Perth Street, Poplar.

Alice married Joseph William Samways in 1892 (Mile End 1892 June qtr Volume 1c Page 298); he was born at Stepney in 1869. Joseph and Alice had at least three children – Beatrice (1893), Joseph (1894) and Albert (1897). The 1901 census records that Joseph was a railway signalman and he and his wife and their three children were living at 12 Robeson Street, Mile End. Also living with them was Alice’s younger sister Louisa.

1.4.2.2.1  ~~  Beatrice Alice Samways

Beatrice was born at Ratcliff in 1893 (Stepney 1893 June qtr Volume 1c Page 407). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town.

1.4.2.2.2  ~~  Joseph John Samways

Joseph was born at Ratcliff in 1894 (Stepney 1894 September qtr Volume 1c Page 373). The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town.

1.4.2.2.3  ~~  Albert George Samways

Albert was born at Bow in 1897 (Mile End 1897 September qtr Volume 1c Page 508). The 1901 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town.

1.4.2.3  ~~  John Alchin

John was born at Limehouse, Middlesex in 1875 but his birth was also not registered. The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 27 Church Row, Limehouse. The 1891 census records that John was a shop boy and he was living with his family at 69 Perth Street, Poplar.

The 1901 census records that John  was unmarried and he was employed as a carman. He was living with his older married brother at 20 Robeson Street, Mile End Old Town. John died in 1934 aged 59 years (Stepney 1934 March qtr Volume 1c Page 321).

1.4.2.4  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was born in the parish of Limehouse, Middlesex in 1877 (Stepney 1877 December qtr Volume 1c Page 504). The 1881 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 27 Church Row, Limehouse. The 1891 census records that Henry was working as a shop boy and he was living with his parents at 69 Perth Street, Poplar.

Henry married Sarah Ann Sweeney in 1900 (Stepney 1900 June qtr Volume 1c Page 577); she was born at Limehouse in 1881. The census of 1901 records that the young couple, who probably were newly married, were living at 49 Church Row, Limehouse. Like his elder brothers Henry was employed as a carman.

Henry may have died in 1958 aged 81 years (Essex S W 1958 December qtr Volume 5e Page 104).

1.4.2.5  ~~  Louisa Florence Alchin

Louisa was born at Limehouse in 1882 (Stepney 1882 June qtr Volume 1c Page 464). The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 69 Perth Street, Poplar. The 1901 census records that she was a servant and she was living with the family of her elder sister Alice Samways at 12 Robeson Street, Mile End.

1.4.3  ~~  James Alchin

James was born at Limehouse probably in 1838 or 1839. He died in 1839 while still an infant (Stepney 1839 September qtr Volume 2 Page 342).

1.4.4  ~~  William Alchin

William was born at Limehouse in about 1841. The 1851 census probably incorrectly records him as a 16 year old sawyer living with his parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. This almost certainly was a trabscription error where the enumerator confused him with his elder brother Henry.

William is not recorded with the rest of his family in the 1861 English census. William married Caroline E. Marsh in 1870 (Poplar 1870 June qtr Volume 1c Page 1207); she was born at Dagenham in Essex in about 1845 and she already had two children .Fanny Newall (1861) and Frederick Newall (1866).

The 1871 census records that William was a 30 year old sawyer and he and his wife and his two stepchildren were living at 3 Oak Cottage, Limehouse.The 1891 census records that William was a 50 year old sawyer and he and his wife were living alone at 5 Flora Terrace, Barking in Essex.

The 1901 census records that William and Caroline were living at 157 Ripple Road, Barking. Like most of the other family members of his generation William was employed as a sawyer. Also living with William and Caroline were three school-teachers – Lilian Heathcote, Lena Wright and Rosina Grosse.

1.4.5  ~~  Edward Alchin

Edward was born at Limehouse in late 1842 (Stepney 1842 December qtr Volume 2 Page 490). Edward died almost straight away (Stepney 1842 December qtr Volume 2 Page 336).

1.4.6  ~~  Francis Dillon Alchin

Francis was born at Triggs Place, Limehouse on 12th May 1843 (Stepney 1843 June qtr Volume 2 Page 429). The 1851 census records that the boy was living with his family at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. The 1861 census records that Francis was a labourer and he lived with his parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

This man and his family, particularly his wife, provide many mysteries for the genealogist. Francis allegedly migrated to Australia in 1866 and on a later child’s birth certificate he claims to have married Elizabeth Gibbons at Melbourne, Victoria on 25th November 1867 (this marriage is not in the Victorian registry records).

Francis was in fact in the merchant marine and he may have jumped ship when he reached Australia. He served on board a couple of vessels plying the Australian east coast between Brisbane / Rockhampton and Sydney. In 1865 he was aboard the ‘Lady Young’ in July and August and working as a pantry man. In July 1869 he was a steward aboard the ‘Saxonia’ and in June 1870 he was a pantry man aboard the ‘Lady Young’ again.

Elizabeth was born at Sydney in 1844 and she was the second child of James Gibbons and Elizabeth Connors who married in 1844. James Gibbons was a boot maker. However the birth certificate of Elizabeth’s third child gives the child’s name as Sarah Frances Alchin Langley and that her mother Elizabeth had married William Langley at Sydney on 25th November 1867 (NSW 1867/963).

Note - This was probably an alias being used by Francis as the children of William Langley were given the middle name of Alchin  (was Francis forced to leave England for some reason and hide in the colonies for a while?). According to his daughter’s birth certificate William Langley was a draper born in Sydney in 1844.

The 1869 Sands Sydney Directory lists Francis Alchin as a greengrocer of 88 Crown Street, Sydney. Francis and Elizabeth had four children – Lilian (1870), Edith (1871), Sarah (1874) and Maud (1876). There is however no record of the registration of the births of his three eldest children as Alchins. Often their ages need to be inferred from their marriage certificates.

In 1873 Francis and his family were living at 78 Liverpool Street and then Oatley Lane. In 1876, at the time of the birth of his 4th child, Francis was the licensed publican of the “Rifle Butts” Hotel, Old South Head Road, Paddington. At the time of his death aged only 38 years, Francis was the licencee of the “Leisure Hour Hotel” on the Lane Cove Road at St Leonards. His death certificate states that his father’s occupation was “shipbuilder”.

Francis died at St Leonards on 20th March 1882 (NSW 1882/4883) from heart disease and dropsy after suffering seven weeks of illness. He probably suffered from over indulgence of alcohol and too little exercise like many other publicans. His death certificate has an incorrect date of death – 20th May 1882 but this must be wrong based on when his estate was dealt with. Francis was buried in the Church of England cemetery at St Leonards by the Rev’d J.H. Childe and the witnesses to his burial were John Gibbons and Charles Dunn. Letters of Administration of Francis’ estate were granted to his wife on 28th April 1882 (Probate NSW 3/6810).

The 1885 Sands Sydney Directory shows that Elizabeth continued to run the “Leisure Hour” for some time after her husband’s death. By 1888 however Elizabeth had moved to “Mascot”, Walker Street, East St Leonards and then to Clyde Street, Granville by 1890. She and her daughter Edith moved again the following year to Factory Street, Clyde and then on to William Street, Granville in 1897.

Elizabeth died aged 53 years at William Street, Granville on 12th June 1897 (NSW 1897/4864). She had been ill for 10 days as a result of gangrene of the bowel caused by a strangulated hernia. She was last seen by her medical attendant, Dr Reginald Bowman on the day of her death. Elizabeth was buried at the May’s Hill Baptist cemetery, Parramatta on 13th June 1897. The service was performed by Rev’d W.J. Gunther and the witnesses were Henry Rogers and Richard Rowe. She died intestate and her daughter Edith was granted Administration of her estate on 9th July 1897 (Probate NSW 4/13588).

There is still one more outstanding mystery – on Francis’ death certificate only his four daughters are listed. Yet in 1887 the death of Francis J.G. Alchin was registered at St Leonards. Who was he – he appears to have been an illegitimate son of Elizabeth’s to her future son-in-law James Guise. Certainly Elizabeth’s death certificate states that she has two daughters living and one son and one daughter deceased. She had in fact four daughters, one of whom pre-deceased her.

This family is a perfect illustration of Winston Churchill’s description of Soviet Russia - “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”. Nothing is as it seems, names change, marriages are ended and new ones contracted without any surviving record. Children are registered under one surname but use another. One mystery is piled upon another.

1.4.6.1  ~~  Lillian Alchin

Lillian claimed to have been born at North Sydney in 1870 (her birth was not registered under the name of Alchin). She was however born at Edward Street, Sydney on 10th September 1868 and she was registered under the name of Lillian Langley (NSW 1868/2272). The witness to her birth was Mrs Purcell. Her parents are recorded on the certificate as William Langley, mariner born in Sydney in 1841 and her mother as Elizabeth Gibbons born in Sydney in 1846. They allegedly married in Sydney in November 1867.

Lillian was as mysterious as her parents. She married Samuel J. Ingram at St Leonards on 30th July 1885 (NSW 1885/3526) when she was aged only 15 according to the wedding certificate but she was actually 17 years old. Samuel was born in South Africa in 1859 the son of Joseph and Jane Ingram. Samuel and Lilian only had one child, Francis (1886) who died two days later.

Samuel died at Manly in 1940 at the age of 81 years. The marriage of Samuel and Lillian must have been annulled because Lillian married William E.H. Boulton in 1896 but there is no surviving record of this marriage. They had at least one child Ida (1900) and there is no registration record for her birth either.

Lilian died at the State Hospital & Asylum at Newington on 8th May 1919 aged 50 years. She died of pneumonic influenza during the great Spanish flu epidemic.  She is buried with her mother at May’s Hill Baptist cemetery, Parramatta. Charles Hayman of the Salvation Army conducted her funeral service on 8th May 1919 and the witnesses to her burial were Clive Rodgers and Wilfred Metcalfe (undertaker).

1.4.6.1.1  ~~  Francis Ingram

Francis was born at St Leonards on 30th August 1886. He died two days later on 1st September 1886 and he is buried at North Sydney cemetery with his grandfather Francis Alchin.

1.4.6.1.2  ~~  Ida Boulton

Ida was born in 1900 and she was still alive in 1919 when her mother died. There is unsurprisingly no record of her birth being registered under this name in NSW and all of the known information comes only from her mother’s death certificate.

1.4.6.2  ~~  Edith Alchin

Edith claimed to have been born at North Sydney in 1871 but her birth was not registered under the name of Alchin. Her birth was however registered at Sydney in 1870 under the name of Edith Alchin Langley (NSW 1870/1185).

Edith married James Alfred Ernest Samuel Guise at St John’s church, Parramatta on 8th March 1895 (NSW 1895/1592). The ceremony was performed by Rev’d W.J. Gunther of the Church of England and the witnesses were P. Dowling and Sarah Pettit.

James was a 28 year old painter of Clyde. He was born at North Sydney in 1867 and he was the son of John William Ward Guise (1820 – 1894), a chemist, and Mary Ann Foley (1837 – 1900). At the time of her marriage Edith was living with her mother at Clyde. It appears however that James may have fathered a child on Edith’s mother in 1887.  That baby died four months later.

James and Edith had six children – Rhoda (1895), Ernest (1896), Francis (1898), Minnie (1901), Arthur (1904) and Edith (1907). In 1917 when James and Edith gave permission for their son Francis to join the Army they were living at 69 Undercliff Street, Neutral Bay.

James Guise died at North Sydney in 1933 (NSW 1933/14184) and his wife Edith died at West Wallsend in 1942 (NSW 1942/20889).

1.4.6.2.1  ~~  Rhoda Daisy Guise

Rhoda was born at Paddington in 1895 (NSW 1895/15648). She married William A. Gray at Manly in 1919 (NSW 1919/15068). Rhoda died at Sydney in 1970 aged 75 years (NSW 1970/1311).

1.4.6.2.2  ~~  Ernest Rudolph Guise

Ernest was born at Granville in 1896 (NSW 1896/21798). He married Minnie Isabella Gadd at St Leonards in 1915 (NSW 1915/3318). She was the daughter of James William and Emily Annie Gadd. Ernest and Minnie had at least two children – Florence (1915) and Ernest (1916).

Ernest died at St Leonards in 1964 (NSW 1964/30280) aged 68 years. Minnie died at Parramatta in 1972 (NSW 1972/45615).

1.4.6.2.2.1  ~~  Florence May Guise

Florence was born at St Leonards in 1915. She married George Sydney Lyons at Ryde in 1941 (NSW 1941/25416) and after their marriage they lived at Burwood. George was born at Sydney on 19th July 1907. He enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F (NX111886) at Sydney on 31st August 1942. At the time of his discharge on 2nd February 1944 he was a Corporal in 2nd HQ Carrier Pigeons section.

1.4.6.2.2.2  ~~  Ernest A. Guise

Ernest was born at St Leonards in 1916 and he died there as an infant in 1917 (NSW 1917/13036).

1.4.6.2.3  ~~  Francis Frederick Guise

Francis was born at Neutral Bay on 2nd July 1898 (NSW 1898/23315). After leaving school he became a biograph operator (film projectionist) and he lived with his parents at 69 Undercliff Street, Neutral Bay. He enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. on 13th April 1917 and he was assigned as a Sapper (regimental # 19964) to the 1st Light Horse Regiment. It seems he was originally intended for the Engineers but as he had a signaller’s qualification he was attached to the Light Horse instead.

Francis’ attestation papers give the following physical description of him – Height: 5 ft 8 inches; Weight: 8 stone 8 lbs; Dark complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He was a member of the Church of England and he had previous military experience in the Militia. He departed Australia on HMT “Canberra” on 16th November 1917 arriving at Suez on 21st December 1917. He was marched into Moascar reinforcement camp the next day and underwent further training for the next few weeks. He was assigned to Base Signals at Alexandria on 20th March 1918 where he remained until he was transferred to the 1st Light Horse Regiment on 5th June 1918.

Within a month he had been admitted to hospital at Port Said and then spent some time at base camp awaiting re-assignment. He did not rejoin his unit until 16th October 1918 when the war was nearly over. On 13th March 1919 Francis embarked aboard HMT “Ulimaroa” and he arrived at Sydney on 19th April 1919. He made a repatriation benefit claim for dental work as early as 1932 and then a second claim in May 1961 relating to time spent in the Garrison Hospital in Sydney in July 1917 before he embarked for Egypt.

Francis married Mary Aintoinette Broadhead at Sydney in 1940 (NSW 1940/7683). Francis enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F. (NX154121) at Cooktown in Queensland on 10th May 1943. At the time he enlisted Francis gave his home as Goulburn. Francis was discharged as a Sergeant in a HQ Line of Communications unit on 30th October 1945.

1.4.6.2.4  ~~  Minnie R.A. Guise

Minnie was born at Mosman in 1901 (NSW 1901/14606). She married Bruce Hedley Beatson at St Leonards in 1923 (NSW 1923/15689). He was the son of Duncan and Amy Beatson and he was born outside of NSW.

Prior to his marriage Bruce enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. on 7th February 1916 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion with the rank of Private and the regimental number 6224. He served on the Western Front and returned to Australia on 31st May 1919.

Bruce died at North Sydney in 1940 (NSW 1940/3639).

1.4.6.2.5  ~~  Arthur J. Guise

Arthur was born at Mosman in 1904 (NSW 1904/14256). He never married and he died at St Leonards in 1923 (NSW 1923/12903) aged 19 years. Arthur is buried in St Thomas’ cemetery, North Sydney.

1.4.6.2.6  ~~  Edith L. Guise

Edith was born at Mosman in 1907. She married Bertie Charles Lionel Beale at North Sydney in 1927 (NSW 1927/7351). Bertie was born at London on 5th November 1900 and at the time of his enlistment at the start of World War II he was living at Neutral Bay. Bertie enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F. at Paddington on 17th June 1940 (NX34176). When he was discharged on 8th March 1941 (probably due to his age) Bertie was a Private in the 8th Training Battalion.

1.4.6.3  ~~  Sarah Frances Alchin

Sarah was born at North Sydney in 1874 but her birth was not registered under the name of Alchin. Her birth was registered as Sarah Francis Alchin Langley (NSW 1874/1664). Sarah married Burman Henri Pettit at St John’s church, Parramatta on 5th July 1890 (NSW 1890/6093). The ceremony was performed by Rev’d W. J. Gunther and the witnesses were James Guise and Edith Alchin. Sarah required her mother’s consent as she was only 15 years old at the time.

Burman was a 24 year old plasterer of Granville who claimed he was born in France. He was actually born at Ashburnham in Surrey in 1864 the son of William Pettit and Caroline Clout who married in 1848. Burman was the youngest of five children. The 1881 census shows that Burman was a 16 year old engine cleaner and he lived with his widowed and blind father and his widowed grandmother at 6 Lower South Road, Hastings in St Leonard, Sussex.

Burman arrived in Australia in 1887 as a cook’s mate aboard the vessel “Liguria” and he probably jumped ship. Sarah and Burman had four children - Burman (1891), Maud (1892), Leslie (1894), Edith (1898). The family was living at Cowper Street, Granville in 1919 when Burman Pettit was the informant on the death of his sister-in-law Lilian Bolton. Burman worked for many years at a flour mill in Granville.

Sarah Pettit died at 161 Cathedral Street, Sydney on 6th January 1929 from cancer of the cervix (NSW 1929/0025). She was buried in the Church of England cemetery, Rookwood on 7th January 1929. Burman died at 81 Regatta Road, Five Dock on 18th August 1938 aged 74 years. He had been suffering from chronic myocarditis and bronchitis for 10 years.

1.4.6.3.1  ~~  Burman Francis William Pettit

Burman was born at Granville in 1891 (NSW 1891/14898). He married Florence E. Beckett at Sydney in 1910 (NSW 1910/11114). Florence was the daughter of George Beckett and Mary Ann Burgess. Burman and Florence had four children – Florence (1912), Burman (1913), Joseph (1916) and Ronald (1919). Florence died at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney in 1919 and it is possible that she died of pneumonic influenza (at about the same time that her husband’s aunt died). 

Burman lost no time remarrying – this time to Emily Best Parish at Glebe on 21st June 1919 (NSW 1919/9140). When Florence died Burman told Emily Parish that when they married he would put the children in a home – he did – in his! She was left to look after four children, one a four month old baby and Emily never told anyone they were not her children. Burman and Emily had a further two children – John and Betty (who died at Redfern in 1927).

The first the neighbours knew they were not her children was when Ronnie died in 1956. Someone asked where he was to be buried and Emily said she was giving him back to his mother. Ronnie is buried with his mother at Rookwood Cemetery.

Burman died at 81 Regatta Road, Five Dock on 23rd July 1960 (NSW 1960/21111) aged 69 years. He was cremated at Rookwood Crematorium.

1.4.6.3.1.1  ~~  Florence Eileen M.  Pettit

Florence was born at North Balmain in 1912. She married Ernest C.O. Masters at Sydney in 1932 (NSW 1932/4413).

1.4.6.3.1.2  ~~  Burman Leslie Pettit

Burman was born at North Sydney on 9th November 1913. He married Elsie M. Taylor at Burwood in 1935 (NSW 1935/3344) and they had a daughter – Eileen. Burman enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy at Sydney on 22nd September 1939 (S1658). Burman was discharged as a Leading Seaman from HMAS Penguin on 9th January 1945.

1.4.6.3.1.3  ~~  Joseph Henry Pettit

Joseph (Harrie) was born at Paddington on 22nd January 1916. He married Margaret E. Smith at St Jerome’s Roman Catholic church, Punchbowl on 27th July 1940 (NSW 1940/17181). Margaret was born on 28th June 1917. Joseph and Margaret had four children – Marie, Gary, Elva and Coralie.

Harrie died at Parramatta Hospital on 30th October 1960 aged 44 years. He was buried at Rookwood on 1st November 1960. Margaret later married Alan Leslie Wilding on 28th September 1962.

1.4.6.3.1.4  ~~  Ronald George Pettit

Ronald, known as Ronnie, was born in Sydney on 3rd February 1919. He married Ann Patricia Joyce in 1945 (NSW 1945/1122). Ronnie died at Sydney on 29th January 1956 (NSW 1956/294) aged 36 years and he was buried with his mother at Rookwood Cemetery.

1.4.6.3.2  ~~  Maud May Louisa Pettit

Maud was born, probably at Granville, in 1892 and she was no doubt named after her young aunt who had died the previous year. She married Sydney James Phelps at Parramatta in 1911 (NSW 1911/10305). Sydney and Maud had two children – Joyce and Burman. Maud died at Ashfield in 1923. It appears that after Maud’s death, Sydney abandoned his children and he may have married Doris M. Humphries at Goulburn in 1939.

1.4.6.3.3  ~~  Leslie Frederick Pettit

Leslie was born at Granville in 1894 (NSW 1894/14949). He married Isabella Tidyman at Mosman in 1918 (NSW 191811845). Leslie was killed at Mount Druitt on 14th December 1930 (NSW 1930/17991) aged 36 years. Leslie was a poultry farmer and during a bad storm he was running outside, with a piece of corrugated iron over his head for protection from the rain, to go and check on the chooks. He was killed when he was struck by lightning.

Leslie died intestate (without a will). Letters of Administration of his estate were granted to his wife Isabella on 10th March 1931. His estate was sworn at the sum of 904 pounds and ninepence nett. A further Letter of Administration was granted de bonos non to his daughter Florence Lynette Hinton on 6th August 1947.

1.4.6.3.4  ~~  Edith Emma Pettit

Edith was born at First Street, Clyde on 29th June 1898 (NSW 1898/21530). She married Ernest Field at Neutral Bay on 18th January 1919 (NSW 1919/2003). Ernest was born at “Rye Cottage”, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman on 14th January 1893, the son of Charles Edward Foster Field and Sarah Harpham. Ernest and Edith had four children – Henry, Ernest, Joan and Beryl. In 1928 Edith and her family were living at 4 Myahgah Road, Mosman Bay.

The wedding of Ernest Field to Edith Pettit in 1919. The groomsmen are Frederick Leslie Pettit and Burman Francis Pettit. The bridesmaid is Maud Pettit. The flower girl is a relation of Ernest Field.

Ernest died at North Shore Hospital on 2nd April 1968 (NSW 1968/19223) aged 75 years. Edith died at St Leonard on 17th November 1971 (NSW 1971/67213) aged 73 years. They were both cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium.

1.4.6.4  ~~  Maud May Louisa Alchin

Maud was born at her father’s hotel, the “Rifle Butts Hotel”, Old South Head Road, Paddington on 8th February 1876 (NSW 1876/4673). The witness to her birth was Mrs Richardson. Maud moved with her mother to Granville after her father’s death. She died at Granville on 26th January 1891 (NSW 1891/6742) aged 14 years. Maud is buried with her mother and elder sister at May’s Hill cemetery, Parramatta.

1.4.6.5  ~~  Francis James Guise Alchin

Francis was born at Walker Street, St Leonards in late May or early June 1887 but his birth was not registered. He appears to have been fathered by James Albert Guise, a 20 year old painter and according to his birth certificate his mother was Elizabeth Alchin who was 43 years old at the time. James Guise later married Elizabeth’s daughter Edith Alchin (Could this however have been Edith’s child, born when she was only 16 and which perhaps her mother took responsibility for ?) Edith Alchin subsequently married James Guise in 1895.

Francis died aged only 4 ½ months at Walker Street, St Leonards on 11th October 1887 (NSW 1887/5457). He had been ill for 6 weeks with marasmus (a wasting of flesh without apparent disease) and he was last seen by Dr Pockley on 24th September 1887. Francis was buried at St Thomas’ churchyard, St Leonards on 12th October 1887. The minister performing the ceremony was Rev’d S.C. Childe and the witnesses were Edith Alchin and Elizabeth Wilson.

1.4.7  ~~  Jemima Ann Alchin

Jemima was born at Limehouse in 1845 (Stepney 1845 June qtr Volume 2 Page 452). The 1851 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. The 1861 census records that Jemima was working as a seamstress and she was still living with her parents at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

The 1871 census records that she was a machinist. She was unmarried and she was living with her elder brother Henry at 29 The Causeway, Limehouse. Jemima married William Ball or Henry Fitzgerald in 1872 (Mile End 1872 September qtr Volume 1c Page 1081). She is not recorded under either surname in any subsequent census and she and her husband may have emigrated.

1.4.8  ~~  Emma Sarah Alchin

Emma was born at Limehouse in 1847 (Stepney 1847 September qtr Volume 2 Page 455). Emma died in late 1850 aged 3 years (Stepney 1850 December qtr Volume 2 Page 3?8).

1.4.9  ~~  Alfred Brodie Alchin

Alfred was born at Limehouse in December 1850 (Stepney 1850 December qtr Volume 1c Page 327). The 1851 census records that the 4 month old infant was living with his family at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. The 1861 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 9 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse.

The 1871 census records that Alfred was working in the bottling trade and he was living with his widowed father at 10 Spreadeagle Street, Limehouse. Alfred probably went to India soon after his father’s death in 1872. He was definitely in West Bengal in 1881.

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