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Moody Family: In and Out of Box
Karen Fretwell (nee Moody) Photos courtesy Karen Fretwell March 2017 One of the main reasons for Box's interesting history is the influx of strangers into the village, all of whom looked for employment, a home and an environment suitable for their family. When conditions changed and these factors were no longer available, people left the village and sought homes elsewhere. Right: Underground illustration which says James Moody done this November 21 1871. |
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Karen Fretwell's story of her ancestors, the Moody family, tells of the attraction of the stone quarry industry. It existed before the railways were built and was given an impetus after the Box Tunnel was excavated. The industry withered away after the First World War, when many men emigrated to South Wales to exercise their skills in the colliery industry and many women sought domestic service in the grand houses of Bristol and London. The Moody family reflect all these aspects.
I was excited to read the article Light in the Darkness because James Moody (1849 – 1912), the quarryman in the story, is my paternal great, great grandfather. I acquired the photo above right from his scribblings underground. This is the story of the family (who I have called Moody throughout although sometimes spelled as Moodey, before and after James).
Early Moody Family
It would appear that my earliest relatives came from North Wiltshire but not from Box. Working backwards from baptismal and marriage certificate records, I found that that Elisha Moody was James' father, also a stonemason, as was James’ grandfather before that, George Moody (my four times great grandfather) who was from Melksham.
From Baptism records I identified that Matthew Moody was George’s father, and that he was baptised in 1777. It is difficult to be certain of family members in the Georgian period because of the absence of census records. His parents (my five times great grandparents) may have been James Moody and Margaret West, and James’ parents (my six times great grandparents), William Moody and Susan, may have been from Corsham.
Elisha Moody, my three-times Great Grandfather
A baptism record for Elisha in South Stoke, Bath, shows that he was baptised on the 27 January 1828. However, later census and marriage certificate records appear to show his birth year to be 1818. He was baptised at the age of ten, not uncommon at that time. However, it could be that the Old Testament name, Elisha, indicates that the family were non-conformists in religion but thought that a baptism in the Church of England would benefit their son. Elisha’s marriage certificate to Elizabeth Williams (1820 – 1884) on the 19 May 1839 records that Elizabeth was a servant at this time.
Early Moody Family
It would appear that my earliest relatives came from North Wiltshire but not from Box. Working backwards from baptismal and marriage certificate records, I found that that Elisha Moody was James' father, also a stonemason, as was James’ grandfather before that, George Moody (my four times great grandfather) who was from Melksham.
From Baptism records I identified that Matthew Moody was George’s father, and that he was baptised in 1777. It is difficult to be certain of family members in the Georgian period because of the absence of census records. His parents (my five times great grandparents) may have been James Moody and Margaret West, and James’ parents (my six times great grandparents), William Moody and Susan, may have been from Corsham.
Elisha Moody, my three-times Great Grandfather
A baptism record for Elisha in South Stoke, Bath, shows that he was baptised on the 27 January 1828. However, later census and marriage certificate records appear to show his birth year to be 1818. He was baptised at the age of ten, not uncommon at that time. However, it could be that the Old Testament name, Elisha, indicates that the family were non-conformists in religion but thought that a baptism in the Church of England would benefit their son. Elisha’s marriage certificate to Elizabeth Williams (1820 – 1884) on the 19 May 1839 records that Elizabeth was a servant at this time.
Somerset Church of England Baptisms, 1813 - 1914
According to the1841 census Elisha and Elizabeth were both living at Woodbine Place, Monkton Combe, living near or with Elisha's brother Elijah. This might be a clue how the family came to Box. The small stone quarries at Monkton Combe may not have offered enough opportunity to Elisha who moved to Box to take advantage of the quarries revealed by the Box Tunnel and by 1851 they were living with Elijah and his family in Box. I have only been able to find that Elisha had one other son, Thomas (1857 - unknown)
Elizabeth Moody’s death certificate indicates that she died on the 18 February 1884, aged 62, from apoplexy (6 hours). The only anomaly is that it records that she is the wife of Elijah, although the evidence we have demonstrates that Elijah’s wife was Mary Ann. The informant is Caroline Wilkins, but there is no link that I can find other than she is also from Box. However, I believe this Elizabeth to be Elisha’s wife.
Matters took a turn for the worse for Elisha. According to the 1891 census he is now resident as an inmate, a widower in the workhouse of the Chippenham Union. It would seem that he remained there until his death, 12 April 1895; occupation cited was as a freestone quarryman. He died from uremia (chronic kidney disease)
James Moody, my two-times Great Grandfather
James was living with his family until his marriage in September 1868. He married a local girl, Elizabeth Bull, whose birth certificate identifies her mother, Martha Bull, but no father. Her mother later married William Hayward in 1857, when Elizabeth was about 10 years. He was later recorded as her father on her marriage certificate to James.
Elizabeth Moody’s death certificate indicates that she died on the 18 February 1884, aged 62, from apoplexy (6 hours). The only anomaly is that it records that she is the wife of Elijah, although the evidence we have demonstrates that Elijah’s wife was Mary Ann. The informant is Caroline Wilkins, but there is no link that I can find other than she is also from Box. However, I believe this Elizabeth to be Elisha’s wife.
Matters took a turn for the worse for Elisha. According to the 1891 census he is now resident as an inmate, a widower in the workhouse of the Chippenham Union. It would seem that he remained there until his death, 12 April 1895; occupation cited was as a freestone quarryman. He died from uremia (chronic kidney disease)
James Moody, my two-times Great Grandfather
James was living with his family until his marriage in September 1868. He married a local girl, Elizabeth Bull, whose birth certificate identifies her mother, Martha Bull, but no father. Her mother later married William Hayward in 1857, when Elizabeth was about 10 years. He was later recorded as her father on her marriage certificate to James.
Excerpt from Elizabeth Bull’s birth certificate showing no father named.
James and Elizabeth’s children
In the 1911 census it states that James and Elizabeth had twelve children, one of whom had died. This appears to have been Frances, their eldest, who had died in 1908 at the age of 40.
In the 1911 census it states that James and Elizabeth had twelve children, one of whom had died. This appears to have been Frances, their eldest, who had died in 1908 at the age of 40.
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Baptism records for six of the Moody children 20 August 1880. Baptism records often show that families baptized their children at the same time in batches.
Foster's 1870 Education Act was the first piece of legislation to deal specifically with the provision of education in Britain. In 1880 a further Education Act finally made school attendance compulsory. It may be that the first group of Moody children, who were baptised in 1880, was in order for them to attend the local Church of England primary school. The school had been newly built in 1875 in accordance with Foster's Education Act.
Frances Alice Louisa Moody (18 March 1868 – 1908)
It would seem that history repeated itself; there is evidence to show that Elizabeth already had Frances prior to her marriage to James. There is no father named on her birth certificate, James could very well be the father as the marriage was six months later and she was always referred to as James’ daughter.
Frances Alice Louisa Moody (18 March 1868 – 1908)
It would seem that history repeated itself; there is evidence to show that Elizabeth already had Frances prior to her marriage to James. There is no father named on her birth certificate, James could very well be the father as the marriage was six months later and she was always referred to as James’ daughter.
Francis Alice Louisa Moody's birth certificate
At the age of 23 Frances was working as a barmaid at the Queens Hotel, St Pancras, London (1891 census). In 1894 she married Henry Cunnington and continued to live in London and they had two children, Henry James and Nellie Eleanor Maud. As mentioned previously Frances sadly died in 1908 and 2 years later her husband Henry also dies at the age of 55. The children, bereft of both parents would have been 14 and 12 respectively. According to the 1911 census, Nellie was residing with her grandparents, James and Elizabeth in Box and Henry James had moved to Peterborough and was living as son with the Fairhurst family, reasons unknown.
Adelaide Florence Moody (29 July 1871 – 1944)
Adelaide was in domestic service prior to her marriage to Walter John Cox in 1894 and they had four children. In the 1901 census it records that Adelaide was living at Henley Cottages, just down the road from her parents, whilst her husband was serving in South Africa in the Anglo-Boer War.
Walter enlisted in the Leinster Regiment in 1890, regimental number 2767. According to a short history of the regiment, in 1901 the 1st Battalion was deployed to take part in the war in South Africa, where it remained until after the conclusion of hostilities in 1902.[1] The 3rd Battalion also served in South Africa over the period 1900 to 1902. I have not been able to ascertain which Battalion Walter served with, or how long he served.
The family later moved to Wales where the 2 youngest children were born. By 1911, the family was living in Monmouthshire. Adelaide’s younger brother, Reginald was also boarding with them. According to cemetery records, Adelaide died in January 1944 in Havelock Norwood Cemetery, Ealing, having moved to London not long prior to her death. The cost of the internment was £8.4s.6d.
James Albert (22 May 1873 – 22 March 1931)
The earliest record shows that in 1911 James was living with his wife Maude at Henley Cottages, having previously lived at Market Place, Box. Living with James and Maude was a Nurse child for Arthur Gore, 10 months. This could have been meant that he was privately or temporarily fostered / adopted with James and Maude as a relative or neighbour. There could have been for a variety of reasons such as a loss of parents, parents unable to care for child for example, financial reasons, or the child could have been in the workhouse.
Adelaide Florence Moody (29 July 1871 – 1944)
Adelaide was in domestic service prior to her marriage to Walter John Cox in 1894 and they had four children. In the 1901 census it records that Adelaide was living at Henley Cottages, just down the road from her parents, whilst her husband was serving in South Africa in the Anglo-Boer War.
Walter enlisted in the Leinster Regiment in 1890, regimental number 2767. According to a short history of the regiment, in 1901 the 1st Battalion was deployed to take part in the war in South Africa, where it remained until after the conclusion of hostilities in 1902.[1] The 3rd Battalion also served in South Africa over the period 1900 to 1902. I have not been able to ascertain which Battalion Walter served with, or how long he served.
The family later moved to Wales where the 2 youngest children were born. By 1911, the family was living in Monmouthshire. Adelaide’s younger brother, Reginald was also boarding with them. According to cemetery records, Adelaide died in January 1944 in Havelock Norwood Cemetery, Ealing, having moved to London not long prior to her death. The cost of the internment was £8.4s.6d.
James Albert (22 May 1873 – 22 March 1931)
The earliest record shows that in 1911 James was living with his wife Maude at Henley Cottages, having previously lived at Market Place, Box. Living with James and Maude was a Nurse child for Arthur Gore, 10 months. This could have been meant that he was privately or temporarily fostered / adopted with James and Maude as a relative or neighbour. There could have been for a variety of reasons such as a loss of parents, parents unable to care for child for example, financial reasons, or the child could have been in the workhouse.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette, 26 March 1932
Arthur Elisha (10 August 1875 – 30 May 1954)
It appears that Arthur was given his grandfather’s name and that of James’ cousin (Elisha). The 1891 census records that Arthur was a butler prior to his marriage in 1900 to Sarah Jones, in Merthyr Tydfil. Sarah was from Monmouthshire and by 1901 they had a small baby of five months and were staying with the Kelly family in Glamorganshire. It appears that this family was also from Wiltshire. In 1911 Arthur was boarding with the Lee family and his occupation was that of baker. Sarah, Arthur’s wife and the three children were registered on the 1911 census as living in Frome, Somerset.
Arthur died 30 May 1954 (according to the probate records), in Monmouthshire, leaving his effects to his daughter, Rosie Jones. Arthur’s stated occupation at the time of his wife’s death a few months before was that of retired colliery platelayer. It would appear that Arthur had variety of occupations throughout his life.
It appears that Arthur was given his grandfather’s name and that of James’ cousin (Elisha). The 1891 census records that Arthur was a butler prior to his marriage in 1900 to Sarah Jones, in Merthyr Tydfil. Sarah was from Monmouthshire and by 1901 they had a small baby of five months and were staying with the Kelly family in Glamorganshire. It appears that this family was also from Wiltshire. In 1911 Arthur was boarding with the Lee family and his occupation was that of baker. Sarah, Arthur’s wife and the three children were registered on the 1911 census as living in Frome, Somerset.
Arthur died 30 May 1954 (according to the probate records), in Monmouthshire, leaving his effects to his daughter, Rosie Jones. Arthur’s stated occupation at the time of his wife’s death a few months before was that of retired colliery platelayer. It would appear that Arthur had variety of occupations throughout his life.
England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995
Frederick John (24 March 1878 – Jun 1936)
Fred John Moody of Henley was one of the finest sportsmen in Edwardian Box. He played football as centre half for Box Hill and was picked as captain of the Trowbridge and District Junior Combined Team in 1906 and on occasion scored for the team.[2]
In 1908 the newspaper reported Moody, the Box centre-half, was easily the best player on the field, and did more than anyone else towards obtaining the victory for his side when Box Hill played against Holt.[3] He was also a distinguished cricket player and his obituary in the local newspaper recorded his rendering good service both in batting and as a bowler.[4]
Fred married Elizabeth Smith in 1908 and moved to Bridgend, Wales where he had three children. In 1911, he was living in Pantygog, Glamorgan, and his occupation was that of colliery brakeman (above ground). He died in 1936 at the age of 58.
Edward George (7 September 1879 – Mar 1926)
Edward George, known as George, was still living with his family in Box in 1901 at the age of 21 and his occupation was listed as stonemason. The following year he married Annie Turner, from East Locking, Berkshire. They went on to have three children. In 1911 he was working as a stonemason banker, someone who worked in the stonemason's yard and workshop preparing the stone for buildings use. He possibly would have been involved in carving the stone using traditional hand tools. Edward died at the age of 46, in Box in 1926.
Ernest Edward (7 February 1881 – unknown)
Not much is known about Ernest, other than he was born in 1881 and baptised in August 1881. The latest record found for him is the 1901 census where he was living with his parents and was possibly a stonemason as well.
Fred John Moody of Henley was one of the finest sportsmen in Edwardian Box. He played football as centre half for Box Hill and was picked as captain of the Trowbridge and District Junior Combined Team in 1906 and on occasion scored for the team.[2]
In 1908 the newspaper reported Moody, the Box centre-half, was easily the best player on the field, and did more than anyone else towards obtaining the victory for his side when Box Hill played against Holt.[3] He was also a distinguished cricket player and his obituary in the local newspaper recorded his rendering good service both in batting and as a bowler.[4]
Fred married Elizabeth Smith in 1908 and moved to Bridgend, Wales where he had three children. In 1911, he was living in Pantygog, Glamorgan, and his occupation was that of colliery brakeman (above ground). He died in 1936 at the age of 58.
Edward George (7 September 1879 – Mar 1926)
Edward George, known as George, was still living with his family in Box in 1901 at the age of 21 and his occupation was listed as stonemason. The following year he married Annie Turner, from East Locking, Berkshire. They went on to have three children. In 1911 he was working as a stonemason banker, someone who worked in the stonemason's yard and workshop preparing the stone for buildings use. He possibly would have been involved in carving the stone using traditional hand tools. Edward died at the age of 46, in Box in 1926.
Ernest Edward (7 February 1881 – unknown)
Not much is known about Ernest, other than he was born in 1881 and baptised in August 1881. The latest record found for him is the 1901 census where he was living with his parents and was possibly a stonemason as well.
Ernest Edward's birth certificate
Edith Mary (9 May 1883 – unknown)
Edith was born in 1883 and then baptised in 1885. There are several references to Edith in the 1901 and 1911 census. She was in service and in 1901 she was a servant to a music teacher in Westminster, London and in 1911 she was living as a parlour maid to Major Oswald, civil engineer at Holly Brook House (a late Georgian house), Broughton Gifford. Her sister, Dora was also the cook at the same time. There is no further information for Edith.
Edith was born in 1883 and then baptised in 1885. There are several references to Edith in the 1901 and 1911 census. She was in service and in 1901 she was a servant to a music teacher in Westminster, London and in 1911 she was living as a parlour maid to Major Oswald, civil engineer at Holly Brook House (a late Georgian house), Broughton Gifford. Her sister, Dora was also the cook at the same time. There is no further information for Edith.
Baptismal certificates for Edith Mary and Dora Hetty
Dora Hetty (15 January 1885 – 7 June 1981)
Dora was also baptised in September1885, along with Edith. At the age of 16 in 1901, she was in service to a George H Pope MABCL who was Treasurer of the Society of Merchant Venturers, living at the Manor House, Bristol. As a little aside, in 1876, George Pope was appointed Treasurer, who devoted his energies and gifts to the development of the schools controlled by the Society, and saw the satisfaction of seeing the Colston’s Boys School and Colston’s Girl’s School and the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College attain the high position they did at that time.[5]
As mentioned previously Dora was with her sister in 1911 and then later that year married William Brewer. It looks likely that they then moved to Cornwall where she died at the age of 96 in 1981.
Flossie Sarah (5 January 1887 – December 1964)
Flossie was baptised in 1890 along with her brother Reginald. An entry in the 1901 census leads us to suppose that she was sometimes known as Polly. At the age of 24 she was still living at home and was working as a shop assistant in Box. It is possible that she never married as there is information to suggest that she also moved to Cornwall and died at the age of 77 in Truro.
Dora was also baptised in September1885, along with Edith. At the age of 16 in 1901, she was in service to a George H Pope MABCL who was Treasurer of the Society of Merchant Venturers, living at the Manor House, Bristol. As a little aside, in 1876, George Pope was appointed Treasurer, who devoted his energies and gifts to the development of the schools controlled by the Society, and saw the satisfaction of seeing the Colston’s Boys School and Colston’s Girl’s School and the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College attain the high position they did at that time.[5]
As mentioned previously Dora was with her sister in 1911 and then later that year married William Brewer. It looks likely that they then moved to Cornwall where she died at the age of 96 in 1981.
Flossie Sarah (5 January 1887 – December 1964)
Flossie was baptised in 1890 along with her brother Reginald. An entry in the 1901 census leads us to suppose that she was sometimes known as Polly. At the age of 24 she was still living at home and was working as a shop assistant in Box. It is possible that she never married as there is information to suggest that she also moved to Cornwall and died at the age of 77 in Truro.
Baptismal certificates of Reginald Wilfred and Flossie Sarah
Reginald Wilfred (29 November 1889 – March 1991)
Reginald was the youngest of James and Elizabeth’s children and as mentioned previously was boarding with his older sister, Adelaide in 1911 and was a gardener. It is likely that he married Agnes L Bowell in Chippenham in 1914. I suspect that they moved back to Monmouthshire but sadly Agnes died at the age of 31 in 1921. There is a further record that Reginald re-married nine years later to Laura Bolwell, probably Agnes’s sister. He died in 1991 at a grand age of 91, at St Austell, Cornwall, outliving his second wife by about twenty years.
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937), my Great Grandfather
Walter was baptised along with a few of his siblings at the age of ten years, whilst James was at Henley. I have not been able to find his home in the 1891 census but he marries Sarah Fletcher in Cardiff on the 25 December 1891. Marriages on Christmas Day at that time were not uncommon because working people were not expected to work and they lost no wages by marrying then. Walter’s wife was from Bath and she and her family also moved to Cardiff in 1891. There is a census record of that year that suggests her father, Robert moved on his own before the children.
Walter followed in the line of his ancestors and was also a stonemason, it would seem that he might have moved to Wales for work, according to his marriage certificate his occupation was that of mason.
Reginald was the youngest of James and Elizabeth’s children and as mentioned previously was boarding with his older sister, Adelaide in 1911 and was a gardener. It is likely that he married Agnes L Bowell in Chippenham in 1914. I suspect that they moved back to Monmouthshire but sadly Agnes died at the age of 31 in 1921. There is a further record that Reginald re-married nine years later to Laura Bolwell, probably Agnes’s sister. He died in 1991 at a grand age of 91, at St Austell, Cornwall, outliving his second wife by about twenty years.
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937), my Great Grandfather
Walter was baptised along with a few of his siblings at the age of ten years, whilst James was at Henley. I have not been able to find his home in the 1891 census but he marries Sarah Fletcher in Cardiff on the 25 December 1891. Marriages on Christmas Day at that time were not uncommon because working people were not expected to work and they lost no wages by marrying then. Walter’s wife was from Bath and she and her family also moved to Cardiff in 1891. There is a census record of that year that suggests her father, Robert moved on his own before the children.
Walter followed in the line of his ancestors and was also a stonemason, it would seem that he might have moved to Wales for work, according to his marriage certificate his occupation was that of mason.
Walter and Sarah went on to have ten children in fifteen years. They remained in Wales, until just after the 1901 census, six of their children were born in Cardiff: Ivy May, Liz, Reginald Willie, James Robert, Ivor Augustus, and Archibald George, my grandfather.
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At some point, the family moved to Acton, Middlesex, their next four children were born in London: Walter Willie, Albert Frederick, Stanley Ernest, and Ernest Leonard.
Not long after Walter’s youngest son Ernest was born it would appear that he was not well and in 1911 he was a patient at the Brentford Union Infirmary whilst his wife Sarah was living at their home, 2 Somerset Road, Acton Green, with three of the other children. Sarah died not long after in July 1916 from Aortic regurgitation (the leaking of the aortic valve of the heart) and syncope (loss of consciousness). Her eldest daughter, Ivy May registered the death. Right: Photo showing Sarah in later years |
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The photo of Walter William and the self portrait of his father James side by side shows an uncanny likeness.
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Self-portrait of James Moody (above left courtesy Mark Jenkinson) and actual photo of his son, William Moody(above right courtesy Karen Fretwell)
Walter finally died at the age of 67, on the 7 August 1937, and his son Ernest Leonard registered the death in Middlesex. Walter died from Carcinoma Sigmoid (bowel cancer) and his occupation was that of stonemason journeyman.
Archibald George (6 March 1900 – 24 January 1981), my Grandfather
As mentioned Archibald was born in Canton, Cardiff and moved to London with the family when he was young. The 1911 census when Archibald was 11 years shows that he and his brother Ivor were pupils / inmates at the Percy House School, Brentford Union Workhouse, Twickenham Road, Isleworth. This building was named Percy House after a local landowner, the Duke of Northumberland. It is unclear whether they were actually resident at the school.
Archibald George (6 March 1900 – 24 January 1981), my Grandfather
As mentioned Archibald was born in Canton, Cardiff and moved to London with the family when he was young. The 1911 census when Archibald was 11 years shows that he and his brother Ivor were pupils / inmates at the Percy House School, Brentford Union Workhouse, Twickenham Road, Isleworth. This building was named Percy House after a local landowner, the Duke of Northumberland. It is unclear whether they were actually resident at the school.
Hackney workhouse schoolroom about 1900 (courtesy workhouses.org.uk) gives a visual picture of how Percy House School may have looked at the time
It is evident that the family were poor, as the school was aimed at paupers and it was evident that times would have been hard, given his father was ill in the workhouse, his mother would have been left to look after the remaining children at home.
Archibald married Agnes Blanche Robinson on the 10 February 1924, another family from Acton, Middlesex where the Moody family eventually settled. Archibald and Agnes also had a large family, nine children in total: Ivy Cecilia, Walter William, Arthur Bernard, Gladys, Stanley Ernest, Bertie Leonard (30 January 1933 - my father), Kathleen, Michael (aka George), and Doreen.
All of their children were born before or during the Second World War with the youngest, Doreen born just two years before the end. I am aware that at least four of the children were evacuated, including my father, who was evacuated with two of his brothers to Teignmouth, Devon.
My grandmother Agnes died 9 November 1959, from a heart attack when I was only four years old and I have no recollection of her. She worked extremely hard for her family as did the generation before. I am aware that she worked in a laundry nearby and would often take in laundry; Acton had the nickname of Soapsuds Island. Several springs had been found in the 17th century and, due to the soft water in the area, Acton became famous for its laundries and by the end of the 19th century there were about 170 in the South Acton area, where the Moody family lived. Agnes was 57 years when she died.
Archibald eventually died at the age of 80, on the 24 January 1981 from Bronchial pneumonia and his death was registered by his eldest daughter Ivy.
When my father, Bertie met my mother in 1954 they both moved back to my mother’s hometown Luton. Bertie married Jennifer Southgate in July 1954 at St Mary’s Church, Luton and went on to have three children, Karen, Julian and Simon. Sadly I did not have much contact with the London Moody family in my younger days. However, I am pleased that I have started to rekindle relationships with the extended Moody family. Five of Archibald’s children are still living today.
Archibald married Agnes Blanche Robinson on the 10 February 1924, another family from Acton, Middlesex where the Moody family eventually settled. Archibald and Agnes also had a large family, nine children in total: Ivy Cecilia, Walter William, Arthur Bernard, Gladys, Stanley Ernest, Bertie Leonard (30 January 1933 - my father), Kathleen, Michael (aka George), and Doreen.
All of their children were born before or during the Second World War with the youngest, Doreen born just two years before the end. I am aware that at least four of the children were evacuated, including my father, who was evacuated with two of his brothers to Teignmouth, Devon.
My grandmother Agnes died 9 November 1959, from a heart attack when I was only four years old and I have no recollection of her. She worked extremely hard for her family as did the generation before. I am aware that she worked in a laundry nearby and would often take in laundry; Acton had the nickname of Soapsuds Island. Several springs had been found in the 17th century and, due to the soft water in the area, Acton became famous for its laundries and by the end of the 19th century there were about 170 in the South Acton area, where the Moody family lived. Agnes was 57 years when she died.
Archibald eventually died at the age of 80, on the 24 January 1981 from Bronchial pneumonia and his death was registered by his eldest daughter Ivy.
When my father, Bertie met my mother in 1954 they both moved back to my mother’s hometown Luton. Bertie married Jennifer Southgate in July 1954 at St Mary’s Church, Luton and went on to have three children, Karen, Julian and Simon. Sadly I did not have much contact with the London Moody family in my younger days. However, I am pleased that I have started to rekindle relationships with the extended Moody family. Five of Archibald’s children are still living today.
In our modern times, the Moody family have little connection with Box and none with the stone quarrying industry. The family now comes from Luton, London and Wales, yet they all have roots in Box and their history enlightens Box's story.
Family Tree
George Moody (1777 – 1843) from Melksham was a stonemason. He was baptised in 1777.
Children included: Elisha Moody
Elisha Moody (1818 – 1895) was also a stonemason who married Elizabeth Williams (1820 – 1884) on the 19 May 1839
Children included: James
James Moody (5 February 1849 – 21 December 1912) married Elizabeth Bull (29 July 1847 – 22 June 1935). Children:
Frances Alice Louisa Moody (18 March 1868 – 1908)
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937), Karen's great grandfather
Adelaide Florence Moody (29 July 1871 – 1944)
James Albert Moody (22 May 1873 – 22 Mar 1931)
Arthur Elisha 10 August 1875 – 30 May 1954)
Frederick John (24 March 1878 – 6 May 1936)
Edward George (7 September 1879 – Mar 1926)
Ernest Edward (7 February 1881 – unknown)
Edith Mary (9 May 1883 – unknown)
Dora Hetty (15 January 1885 – 7 June 1981)
Flossie Sarah (5 January 1887 – December 1964)
Reginald Wilfred (29 November 1889 – March 1991)
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937) married Sarah Fletcher in Cardiff on the 25 December 1891. Children:
Ivy May, Liz, Reginald Willie, James Robert, Ivor Augustus, and Archibald George, Karen's grandfather, all born in Wales; Walter Willie, Albert Frederick, Stanley Ernest, and Ernest Leonard all born in London.
Archibald George (6 March 1900 – 24 January 1981) married on the 10 February 1924 to Agnes Blanche Robinson
(d 9 November 1959) who was from Acton. Children:
Ivy Cecilia, Walter William, Arthur Bernard, Gladys, Stanley Ernest, Bertie Leonard Karen's father, Kathleen, Michael (aka George), and Doreen.
Bertie Leonard (30 January 1933, Karen's father) married Jennifer Southgate in July 1954 at St Mary’s Church, Luton. Children: Karen, Julian and Simon
George Moody (1777 – 1843) from Melksham was a stonemason. He was baptised in 1777.
Children included: Elisha Moody
Elisha Moody (1818 – 1895) was also a stonemason who married Elizabeth Williams (1820 – 1884) on the 19 May 1839
Children included: James
James Moody (5 February 1849 – 21 December 1912) married Elizabeth Bull (29 July 1847 – 22 June 1935). Children:
Frances Alice Louisa Moody (18 March 1868 – 1908)
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937), Karen's great grandfather
Adelaide Florence Moody (29 July 1871 – 1944)
James Albert Moody (22 May 1873 – 22 Mar 1931)
Arthur Elisha 10 August 1875 – 30 May 1954)
Frederick John (24 March 1878 – 6 May 1936)
Edward George (7 September 1879 – Mar 1926)
Ernest Edward (7 February 1881 – unknown)
Edith Mary (9 May 1883 – unknown)
Dora Hetty (15 January 1885 – 7 June 1981)
Flossie Sarah (5 January 1887 – December 1964)
Reginald Wilfred (29 November 1889 – March 1991)
Walter William (29 November 1869 – 7 August 1937) married Sarah Fletcher in Cardiff on the 25 December 1891. Children:
Ivy May, Liz, Reginald Willie, James Robert, Ivor Augustus, and Archibald George, Karen's grandfather, all born in Wales; Walter Willie, Albert Frederick, Stanley Ernest, and Ernest Leonard all born in London.
Archibald George (6 March 1900 – 24 January 1981) married on the 10 February 1924 to Agnes Blanche Robinson
(d 9 November 1959) who was from Acton. Children:
Ivy Cecilia, Walter William, Arthur Bernard, Gladys, Stanley Ernest, Bertie Leonard Karen's father, Kathleen, Michael (aka George), and Doreen.
Bertie Leonard (30 January 1933, Karen's father) married Jennifer Southgate in July 1954 at St Mary’s Church, Luton. Children: Karen, Julian and Simon
References
[1] The Prince of Wales’s Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), A short history, Revised 2012, Leinster Regiment Association
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 31 March 1906 and The Wiltshire Times, 21 December 1907
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 11 January 1908
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 16 May 1936
[5] The Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol, a lecture given at the Royal Colonial Institute, Bristol on 2 January 1922, by Charles Cyril Clarke (Master 1920 – 21)
[1] The Prince of Wales’s Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians), A short history, Revised 2012, Leinster Regiment Association
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 31 March 1906 and The Wiltshire Times, 21 December 1907
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 11 January 1908
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 16 May 1936
[5] The Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol, a lecture given at the Royal Colonial Institute, Bristol on 2 January 1922, by Charles Cyril Clarke (Master 1920 – 21)