Direct descendants from Skerry Family History Jonas Skerry ( 5th GG -1760) to Moses Skerry (3rd GG -1828) including siblings
Jonas SKERRY (1760-1836) – 5th Great-Grandfather
Jonas SKERRY was born in about 1760, but nothing is known about his origins. He may have been the Jonas SHARY baptised in St Mary de Lode, Gloucester on 7th April 1765, son of Thomas and Mary, but there is no evidence to support this. Parish registers variously describe him as a stroller, gypsy, pauper, travelling man and itinerant tinker. He married Esther LOVERIDGE on 30th August 1784 in Olney, Buckinghamshire. She was born in about 1765. Jonas and Esther had at least nine children together – Hannah, baptised 9th December 1787 in Gayton, Northamptonshire, buried 28th March 1789 in Wolverton, Buckinghamshire; Thomas, born c. 1788 in Padbury, Buckinghamshire; Jonas, born 12th February 1790 in Great Coxwell, Berkshire; Esther, born c. 1792 and baptised on 13th February 1803 aged 10 in Bicester, Oxfordshire; Joseph, baptised 10th March 1794 in Sulgrave, Northamptonshire; Peggy, baptised 3rd April 1795 in Adderbury, Oxfordshire, buried 26th Mar 1813 in Banbury, Oxfordshire; George, baptised 10th August 1800 in Lower Lemington, Gloucestershire; Sarah, baptised 1st May 1803 in Hannington, Wiltshire, and Mary baptised 26th May 1805 in Tredington, Warwickshire.
Esther SKERRY (nee LOVERIDGE) was buried on 1st November 1829 in Barford St Michael, Oxfordshire and Jonas subsequently married Elizabeth COBURN on 2nd July 1832 in Newnham, Northamptonshire. Elizabeth was a widow, and her maiden name is not known. It seems that Jonas and Elizabeth became estranged, as this article printed in the Oxford University & City Press on 25th August 1832 suggests: “This is to give Notice, – That I will not be accountable for any debts that may be hereafter incurred by my Wife, Elizabeth Skerry; and I hereby caution all persons against trusting her. Witness my hand, Jonas Skerry. Hempton, Aug. 22, 1832.”
Jonas was buried in Barford St Michael on 2nd November 1836. His widow Elizabeth was perhaps buried in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire on 28th April 1847. Jonas was mentioned in an edition of Notes and Queries published in 1875: “Until his death, about a quarter of a century ago, Jonas Skerry of Hempton used to perambulate north Oxfordshire, leaving at each respectable house in any village he might visit a printed flysheet, headed, ‘Nothing so sweet as grain tin from the ore’. Having made his first round, he called a second time, asking for the return of his flysheet and for work, which he performed with celerity and skill at his customer’s door, having a small forge on wheels for the purpose. He had mutilated him-self by chopping off one thumb in early youth to avoid serving as a soldier.”
Thomas SKERRY (b. 1788) married Peggy LOVERIDGE on 12th August 1805 in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Peggy was born in about 1789 in Lutterworth, Leicestershire and was the daughter of William and Margaret LOVERIDGE. Thomas and Peggy had at least eight children together – William, baptised 23rd April 1809 in Kempsford, Gloucestershire; Margaret, born c. 1811 in Shutlanger, Northamptonshire; Esther, baptised 27th February 1814 in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire; Aaron, baptised 21st April 1816 in Evenly, Northamptonshire; Mary, baptised 1st November 1818 in Oving, Buckinghamshire; Hannah, baptised 29th April 1821 in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire; Ann, born c. 1823, buried 27th April 1824 in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, and Eliza, baptised 3rd July 1825 in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire.
This is how Thomas and Peggy appear in the 1851 and 1861 censuses (the birthplace of their daughter Eliza is unclear in 1851 but there is a Cappenham Bridge on the road from Paulerspury to Shutlanger):
Shutlanger, Northamptonshire (1851)
Thomas SKERRY aged 68 Tinker born Padbury, Buckinghamshire
Margaret SKERRY wife 67 Basket Maker born Lutterworth, Leicestershire
Eliza SKERRY daughter 25 Basket Maker born Cappenham Bridge
Shutlanger, Northamptonshire (1861)
Thomas SKERRY aged 82 Basket Maker born Padbury, Buckinghamshire
Margaret SKERRY wife 73 Basket Maker born Lutterworth, Leicestershire
Eliza SKERRY daughter 33 Basket Maker born Paulerspury, Northamptonshire
Thomas SKERRY died in 1868 and was buried in Stoke Bruerne on 7th July. His widow Peggy died the following year and was buried in Stoke Bruene on 1st August.
Jonas SKERRY (1790-1871) – 4th Great-Grandfather
Jonas SKERRY (b. 1790) married Sarah ROBINSON on 26th February 1811 in Wardington, Oxfordshire. Sarah was born in Oxfordshire in about 1788. Jonas and Sarah had at least twelve children together – Jonas, baptised 20th March 1814 in Wardington; Eliza, born c. 1816, died c. 1817; Rosanna, baptised 1st February 1818 in Cropredy, Oxfordshire; Jacob, baptised 13th February 1820 in Wardington; Matilda, baptised 21st October 1821 in Wardington; Sarah, baptised 22nd February 1824 in Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire; David, baptised 19th February 1826 in Napton-on-the-Hill; Moses, baptised 10th February 1828 in Napton-on-the-Hill; Emmanuel, baptised 21st March 1830 in Napton-on-the-Hill; William, baptised 13th May 1832 in Napton-on-the-Hill; Sarah Ann Esther, baptised 5th December 1833 in Napton-on-the-Hill, and John, born c. 1840. This is how Jonas and his family appears in the 1841 and 1851 (in 1851 Emmanuel appears to have recorded as Samuel):
Chapel Green, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire (1841)
Jonas SKERRY aged 50 Brazier Born in County
Sarah SKERRY aged 45 Born in County
Jonas SKERRY aged 25 Born in County
David SKERRY aged 15 Born in County
Moses SKERRY aged 13 Born in County
Emanuel SKERRY aged 11 Born in County
William SKERRY aged 9 Born in County
John SKERRY aged 1 Born in County
Chapel Green, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire (1851)
Jonas SKERRY aged 65 Tinker & Grinder Brazier born Great Coxwell, Berkshire
Sarah SKERRY wife 57 Born in County born Wardington, Oxfordshire
Samuel SKERRY son 21 Tinker & Grinder born Napton, Warwickshire
William SKERRY son 19 Agricultural Labourer born Napton, Warwickshire
Sarah SKERRY (nee ROBINSON) died in 1859 and was buried in Napton on 11th May. In 1861 Jonas was still living in Napton:
Chapel Green, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire
Jonas SKERRY widower aged 79 Tinker born Napton, Warwickshire
Emmanuel SKERRY son 29 Agricultural Labourer born Napton, Warwickshire
In 1871 Jonas was living with his son-in-law William CUCKNELL, the widowed husband of Rosanna SKERRY (his age was rather exaggerated):
Avon Street, Stoke, Warwickshire
William CUCKNELL widower aged 55 Labourer born Stoke, Warwickshire
William CUCKNELL son 14 Scholar born Stoke, Warwickshire
Belter CUCKNELL daughter 11 Scholar born Stoke, Warwickshire
Jonas SKERRY father-in-law 98 Tinker born Napton, Warwickshire
Jonas SKERRY died in 1871. His death certificate shows that he was 100 years old but in reality, he was around 90.
Jonas and Sarah’s son Jacob (b. 1820) had several brushes with the law. On 12th January 1838 the Coventry Herald reported that he had been sentenced to 21 days imprisonment with hard labour for “stealing a ferret cub and a padlock, at Harbury”. In March 1846 he was apprehended on the charge of stealing fowl, but while in custody he confessed to having been involved in a murder several years previously, as reported here in the Derby Mercury on 1st April:
“Supposed Discovery of a Murder Committed Years Ago. – About a fortnight since, Jacob Skerry, a wandering tinker of the gipsy tribe, was apprehended by Mr. Morgan, the constable of King’s Sutton, Northamptonshire, on the charge of robbing a hen-roost, at Whichford, in Warwickshire, and which has long been advertised in the Police Gazette. The prisoner was safely lodged in Banbury Gaol. And confined in a room by himself. Here, either repentance for his past evil life, or a fear of detection preyed heavily on his mind. And he was heard by the governor of the gaol praying in deep distress within his cell. The governor on opening the door of his room discovered him on his knees, and on inquiry learned the cause of his distress, that he had been connected with a murder in Sept 1842. It will be remembered by many, that in that month, as Mr. G. Mobbs, a respectable farmer of Dunstow [Duns Tew], was returning home from a sale at Steeple Aston, he was murdered in a lane not far from the former place. An inquest was held at the time, but though every exertion was used, the murderers have not been discovered. The jury, with the design of further inquiry, returned a verdict of ‘Found dead.’ In consequence of the prisoner’s communication, which was afterwards repeated in the presence of Messrs. Walker and Morgan, magistrates of the county, warrants were immediately granted, and after the most praiseworthy and indefatigable exertions the officers succeeded in capturing J. Biddle and Isaac Sheriff, the one at Bicester, the other at Garsington. They are both of the gipsy tribe and were remanded by the magistrates for further examination.”
James BIDDLE and Isaac SHERIFF were tried at the Oxford Assizes on 14th July 1846. According to The Welshman dated 24th July 1846, Jacob SKERRY claimed that “he saw Biddle and Sheriff attempt to rob Mr. Mobbs, and on the latter saying that he knew them, Biddle struck him a blow on the head, which knocked him down … they then rifled his pockets.” The Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette dated 18th July 1846 provided an extensive summary of the trial and included more details from Jacob’s testimony. He claimed that when BIDDLE and SHERIFF heard him approaching, they ran off, but he caught up with them near a stile where BIDDLE allegedly threatened to kill him if he told anyone what he’d seen and “then struck him on the head and left him senseless“. The following morning Jacob saw the men outside a barn and BIDDLE gave him two half-crowns to keep him quiet. According to The Welshman, BIDDLE and SHERIFF “at first denied all knowledge of the murder, but afterwards said it was Skerry who had committed it.” However, Mr. MORGAN claimed that BIDDLE had admitted that all three of them had killed Mr. MOBBS when he was taking them to Oxford in a carriage. The following is from The Welshman:
“When Biddle, Sheriff, and Skerry were on their way to Oxford, in custody of the constables, when they came in sight of the house of the deceased, Biddle said, ‘Now we be coming to the place where truth should come out; Mr. Morgan, you please tell the gentlemen, if I should be brought before them again, this is truth. Us are all three alike, and it was us as killed Mobbs, and no one else, and I will show the limekiln where we were warming ourselves when he came on to the gate. When Mobbs came on the gate we were sitting on the kiln and warning ourselves, and he said, “What are you scamps after?” Jacob made use of a gross expression, whereon Mr. Mobbs flew into a passion and told us to be off. We went into the turnpike-road; he followed us to the Fox. Jacob said he would go no further; they had words, but Isaac could not hear, as went down Dunstew-lane. When we got to the hollow, Mobbs overtook us, and said, “Do you think I am afraid of such scamps as you?” Jacob came up and struck him on the head; I struck him. Mobbs said, “So help me, Lord, for I know all three of them”; and he cried out “Murder” three times. He fought for life with a whip which he had in his hand. He cut this hole in my face, and loosed one of my teeth, which I pulled out in Painter’s hovel the next day and hid in the wall. He also hit Jacob with his whip on the head. Us should not have killed him if he had not followed us and been in such a passion … I have been many times on my knees to pray to be forgiven since that day.'”
According to the Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette, the defence counsel said that Jacob’s evidence “would not weigh a feather in the judgement of the jury” and that “it was but too evident that he was the leading actor in that murder, and had made up a tissue of lies to exculpate himself by accusing some other persons.” The case then went to the jury who returned a verdict of guilty against both prisoners. The Judge “then put on the Black Cap … and pronounced the sentence of death in the usual form. Both prisoners continued to assert their innocence of the crime till they were removed.”
On the very next day Jacob appeared in court again, this time charged with stealing a ewe, as reported in the Reading Mercury on 25th July 1846: “Sheep Stealing. – Jacob Skerry, a man who gave evidence against Biddle and Sheriff, for the murder of Mr. Mobbs, was charged with stealing one ewe sheep, the property of Mr. Robert Rogers, of North Aston. – The jury, after a short time, returned a verdict of guilty. The learned Judge commented on the vagabond life he had been living, telling him that in his opinion he was the greatest rogue of the three, meaning Biddle and Sheriff, and sentenced him to 15 years’ transportation.”
Jacob was one of 263 convicts transported to Tasmania on the William Jardine which left England on 9th August 1850, arriving in Tasmania on 14th November 1850. He was described as a Protestant who could not read or write, 5 foot 3¾ in height with fair complexion, light brown hair and light brown eyes. He was granted a ticket of leave on 24th May 1853 which was revoked on 11th April 1854. Jacob married Catherine HEATHERMAN on 16th October 1854 in Hobart. Catherine was born in Dublin, Ireland around 1823 and was also a convict, arriving in Tasmania in 1852. Jacob was again granted a ticket of leave on 16th February 1855, followed by a conditional pardon on 25th November 1856.
Sarah SKERRY (b. 1803) married Robert BATES on 19th April 1824 in Barford St Michael, Oxfordshire. Robert and Sarah had at least six children together – Elizabeth, baptised 17th January 1827 in Bloxham, Oxfordshire; John, baptised 27th May 1827 in Barford St Michael; Sarah, baptised 20th September 1828 in Bloxham; Matthew, baptised 12th April 1830 in Bloxham, died 14th October 1831 also in Bloxham; Emma, baptised 23rd March 1832 in Bloxham, and Charles, baptised 7th November 1833 in Bloxham.
Mary SKERRY (b. 1805) married George TIMMS on 21st September 1826 in Barford St Michael. George was born in Barford St Michael in around 1801. George and Mary had at least seven children together – Mary, baptised 13th September 1829 in Adderbury, Oxfordshire; Eliza, baptised 8th February 1833 in Adderbury; George, baptised 31st August 1834 in Adderbury; John, baptised 1st March 1837 in Adderbury; Sarah, baptised 18th June 1839 in Adderbury; William, born c. 1845 in Adderbury, and Anna Maria, born c. 1849 in Warwickshire. This is how the family appears in the 1861 census:
Wilton Road, Erdington, Warwickshire
George TIMMS aged 60 Farmer’s Waggoner born Barford, Oxfordshire
Mary TIMMS wife 50 born Bicester, Oxfordshire
George TIMMS son 26 Agricultural Labourer born Barford, Oxfordshire
John TIMMS son 24 born Barford, Oxfordshire
Anna Maria TIMMS daughter 11 Scholar born Napton, Warwickshire
William TIMMS son 15 Agricultural Labourer born Barford, Oxfordshire
Joseph SKERRY (1794-1872)
Joseph SKERRY was baptised in Sulgrave, Northamptonshire on 10th May 1794 and was the son of Jonas SKERRY and Esther LOVERIDGE. He is described in parish registers as a pedlar, travelling man, brazier and tinker. He married Mary SCARROTT on 5th September 1814 in Heston. Census records suggest that Mary was born in Great Wyrley, Staffordshire in about 1794 and she may have been the daughter of John SCARROTT and Ann HALL who married on 6th February 1790 in Stoke Lyne, Oxfordshire. When John and Ann’s eldest daughter was baptised in Cannock, Staffordshire in 1791 their abode was recorded as Cheslyn Hay, which is near Great Wyrley.
Joseph and Mary had at least nine children together – Ann, baptised 5th November 1815 in Brightwell, Berkshire; Eve, baptised 11th January 1818 in Charlbury, Oxfordshire; Esther, baptised 24th September 1820 in Shipton under Wychwood, Oxfordshire; Thomas, baptised 11th April 1823 in Thame, Oxfordshire; John, baptised 11th September 1825 in Longcot, Berkshire; Sarah, baptised 2nd March 1828 in Great Milton, Oxfordshire; William, baptised 7th March 1830 in Great Milton, Oxfordshire; Peggy, baptised 8th September 1833 in Oakley, Buckinghamshire, and Jonas, baptised 12th June 1836 in Garsington, Oxfordshire. The 1841 census shows a Joseph SKERRY born around 1822 living with the family, but it isn’t known if he was another son or related to the family in some other way. Thomas SKERRY is missing from the census, and it is possible that his name was incorrectly recorded as Joseph. This is how the family appears in the 1841, 1851 and 1871 censuses:
In Tents, Stanford Lane, West Challow, Berkshire (1841)
Joseph SKERRY aged 18 Brazier Not born in County
Mary SKERRY aged 47 Not Born in County
Peggy SKERRY aged 7 Not Born in County
John SKERRY aged 15 Not Born in County
Sarah SKERRY aged 13 Not Born in County
Joseph SKERRY aged 50 Not Born in County
Jonas SKERRY aged 5 Not Born in County
Smith Square, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire (1861)
Joseph SKERRY aged 68 Tinker born Sulgrave, Northamptonshire
Mary SKERRY wife 66 Tinker’s Wife born Great Wyrley, Staffordshire
William SKERRY grandson 21 Tinker born Ambrosden, Oxfordshire
Thame Union Workhouse, Thame, Oxfordshire (1871)
Joseph SKERRY aged 81 Tinker born Northampton
Mary SKERRY aged 79 Hawkert born Wyrley, Staffordshire
Joseph SKERRY died in the Thame Union Workhouse on 10th June 1872 and was buried in Thame on 13th June. His widow Mary moved to Eastney in Portsmouth close to where her son Jonas was living and died at 3 Highland Street, Eastney on 5th August 1873.
Eve SKERRY (b. 1818) had an illegitimate child by an unknown father in 1840 – William, born in Ambrosden, Oxfordshire. She subsequently married George Orchard on 3rd October 1842 in Wallingford, Berkshire.
Esther SKERRY (b. 1820) married James ROSE on 8th March 1839 in Bicester, Oxfordshire. James was baptised on 15th July 1818 in Amport, Hampshire and was the son of Swithin ROSE and Sophia JAMES (see above for further details about James and Esther).
Thomas SKERRY (b. 1823) appeared at the Petty Sessions in Abingdon in June 1843 accused of burglary, as reported here in the Reading Mercury on 10th June: “On Monday last, four rough looking characters, named Thomas Tritten, Jesse Tritten, Henry Tritten, and Thomas Skerry were charged before T. Duffield, Esq., M.P., with a burglary at the house of Mr. James Busby, at Appleton. Mr. Busby, who is a baker, rose according to his custom, at an early hour on Saturday morning last, and found that his shop had been broken open, and a quantity of bread, ham, cheese, and other articles stolen. He and his brother immediately commenced an examination and discovered about his premises the footmarks of several persons, one or two of whom must have been without shoes. They proceeded to trace the marks for upwards of four miles, when they came to a barn, belonging to Mr. Bullock, at Garford, where the prisoners were found fast asleep with two women and a child. There was also some of the stolen property. The prisoners were remanded until Monday next, when they will, without doubt, be fully committed for trial at the assizes.”
Thomas and his companions appeared at the Berkshire Assizes in Abingdon on 10th July, the outcome of which was reported in the Oxford University & City Herald on 13th July: “Thomas Tritten, 21, sweep, Jesse Tritten, 23, sweep, Henry Tritten, 17, sweep, and Thomas Skerry, 20, sweep, charged with having, on the 3rd day of June last, at the parish of Appleton, feloniously broke and entered the dwelling-house of James Busley [sic], and stolen therein a quantity of bread, bacon, and other articles, his property. Thomas Tritten and Thomas Skerry pleaded guilty, and were sentenced, the former to 15 years and the latter 10 years transportation; the other prisoners were found guilty, and Jesse Tritten was sentenced to 2 years, and Henry Tritten to 15 calendar months imprisonment, hard labour.”
Thomas spent two years on a prison hulk moored in the River Thames before departing on 31st July 1845 aboard the convict ship Stratheden. The ship arrived in Tasmania, then called Van Diemen’s Land, on 25th December 1845. The Cornwall Chronicle dated 5th December 1846 reported that Thomas had been granted a ticket of leave, but this was revoked by the Lieutenant-Governor on 14th September 1847 due to misconduct and was not restored until 20th February 1849. Thomas was refused a conditional pardon on 21st July 1849 and again on 12th February 1850, but on 23rd November 1850 the following article appeared in the Irish Exile & Freedom’s Advocate: “Convict Department. Comptroller-General’s Office, 18th November 1850. It is hereby notified to the under-mentioned individuals, that it is the intention of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor to recommend them to the gracious consideration of Her Majesty the Queen for Conditional Pardons.” Thomas SKERRY was one of the names which appeared in the subsequent list, however his pardon was not granted until 3rd February 1852.
Thomas married a widow named Maria SOUTHALL in Launceston, Tasmania on 29th March 1852. Maria was born in about 1815, but her birthplace and maiden name are unknown. What became of Maria is also unknown as on 23rd July 1852 Thomas departed from Launceston aboard the steamer Shamrock bound for Melbourne, and there is no mention of Maria in the passenger list. Thomas subsequently married Ellen YENDELL in White Hills, Victoria, Australia on 16th October 1857. Ellen was born in about 1828 and was the widow of Charles COLLINS. Thomas and Ellen had at least nine children together – William Joseph, born c. 1859 in White Hills, Bendigo, Victoria, died c. 1860; John Jonas, born c. 1861 in Epsom, Bendigo, Victoria, died c. 1867; Mary Ellen, born c. 1862 in Epsom; Esther Ann, born c. 1864 in Epsom; Sarah, born c. 1866 in Epsom, died c. 1867 in Epsom; Albert Thomas, born c. 1868 in White Hills; Helena, born c. 1869 in White Hills; Fanny, born c. 1869 in White Hills, and Belinda Ann, born c. 1871 in White Hills. Thomas and Ellen appear to have married for a second time in 1870, again in Victoria, for reasons as yet unknown.
Thomas began calling himself William Thomas after he was pardoned and was referred to by this name in this article published in the Bendigo Advertiser on 6th May 1858: “Found a white Goat, with three Young Ones. The owner can have the same by giving description, on application to William Thomas Skerry, near the Old Junction Camp, Seventh White Hill.”The Ellen SKERRY mentioned in the following article which appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser on 8th December 1870 was probably Thomas’ wife: “Huntly Police Court. Wednesday, 7th December. Insulting Language. Ellen Skerry charged Ellen Hamilton with using abusive language, namely calling her a thief, and nothing but a thief. A fine of 5s, with 5s costs, was inflicted, or in default twenty-four hours’ imprisonment.”William appears to have worked as a miner but unfortunately became insolvent, as reported here in The Australasian on 14th June 1879: “William Thomas Skerry, of Epsom, miner. Causes of insolvency – Sickness in family, loss as a tributer, and pressure on creditors. Liabilities, £57 9s 2d; assets £2 10s; deficiency, £54 19s 2d. Mr. John Hasker, assignee.”
It would seem that Thomas later became a fireman, as the following death notice appeared in the Bendigo Advertiser on Thursday 1st October 1891: “Death of a Fireman. – Watchman W. T. Skerry, who for some time past has been on duty in the fire tower, expired yesterday morning at his late residence in Grattan Street. The deceased, who was 71 years of age, had been ailing for some time past, but was taken seriously ill on Saturday and had to take to his bed. Mrs. Skerry is confined to her bed at the present time, and as might naturally be expected, is very much distressed over the loss of her husband. The deceased was a registered member of the No. 1 Brigade, and by an advertisement in another column, active and honorary members of that body are requested to follow his remains to their last resting place in the White Hills Cemetery this afternoon at three o’clock.”The advertisement mentioned in this article read as follows: “No. 1 S.V. Fire Brigade. Active and Honorary Members of the above Brigade are requested to Meet at the Depot, at two o’clock, This Day, to Attend Funeral of our late Member, Mr Wm. T. Skerry. Sister brigades are respectfully invited. Geo. Pownall, Captain.” Thomas’ widow Ellen died in Footscray, Victoria in August 1905.
Sarah SKERRY (b. 1828) married William ROSE in Abingdon, Berkshire on 25th October 1858. Please see above for more information about their family.
Peggy SKERRY (b. 1833) appeared at the Berkhire Quarter Sessions in Abingdon on 16th October 1854 accused of robbery, as described here in the Berkshire Chronicle on 21st October: “Robbery at Fernham. William Atterwell, 23, Peggy Skerry, 21, charged with having, on the 22nd of August, at Fernham, stolen a canvas waggon cloth, the property of John Heath. Mr. Carrington was for the prosecution. Mr. Williams defended the prisoner. The two prisoners, described as labourers, were forlorn looking creatures, evidently having been in the habit of leading a wandering life. The prosecutors, two brothers, are farmers and brickmakers, residing at Fernham, in the parish of Shrivenham. The waggon-cloth in question was marked with the letters ‘L.H.’ in an upper line and ‘F’ in a lower line. This cloth was safe on the evening of the 21st of August, having been in use that day. The prisoners were seen by one of the prosecutors’ servants, named Rogers, with a cart; the tilting or covering of the cart presented an appearance the worse for wear, as though it had long withstood the raging of the storm. The following morning the cloth had disappeared. Nothing was seen or heard of it until the 7th of October, when Rogers saw the prisoners with their cart much improved in appearance, having been newly painted, and a much better covering placed on the top. He looked, and looked again; when, lo! he saw the magical letters L. H. and F, though it had evidently been newly tarred. He at once gave information to one of his masters, and a search was made for the prisoners. They were not seen until two days afterwards, when on examining the tilt, the letters had disappeared, and a hole cut in the cloth where they had been. The male prisoner said he had sold to his sister in misfortune the cart and cloth, and that there was never any name on it. Mr. Heath accused them of the theft; this they stoutly denied, the male prisoner saying, ‘Well, if you want me, you will find me in Gipsy-lane,’ – a great rendezvous of that romantic, yet roguish tribe. This statement was found correct, as the prisoners were found there encamped and taken into custody.
“Mr. Williams contended that the identity of the prisoners with the robbery had not been sufficiently developed, that a case of recent possession had not by any means been made out, and that their conduct throughout had been consistent with innocence. The jury deliberated for a few moments and found the prisoners guilty. The Chairman quite concurred with the verdict; he had not reason, however, to suspect their previous conduct as tainted with crime, therefore he should pass the lenient sentence of three months’ imprisonment.”
Peggy married William MORGAN at St Helen, Abingdon on 25th October 1858. William was born in Buckhorn Weston, Dorset in about 1832 and was the son of David MORGAN. The marriage took place on the day as Sarah SKERRY’s, and William ROSE and William MORGAN acted as each other’s witnesses. Peggy and William had at least three children together – Daniel, born 7th June 1855 at Abingdon Common, Berkshire; Sarah, born c. 1858 in Cholsey, Berkshire, and William, born c. 1863 in Berkshire. The 1871 census also shows Peggy with a son named Morgan WILLIE, born c. 1853 in Berkshire, though nothing is known about his parentage. This is how William and Peggy appear in the 1871 census:
2 Stanhope Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
William MORGAN aged 39 Basket Maker born Buckorn, Dorsetshire
Peggie MORGAN wife 33 Basket Maker’s Wife born Oakley, Buckinghamshire
Morgan WILLIE son 18 Basket Maker born Berkshire
Daniel MORGAN son 15 Basket Maker born Abingdon, Berkshire
Sarah MORGAN daughter 12 Scholar born Cholsey, Berkshire
William MORGAN son 7 Scholar born Berkshire
Jonas SKERRY (b. 1836) joined the Royal Marine Artillery and was stationed in Portsmouth in 1861, as seen here:
HMS Geyser, Portsmouth Harbour
Jonas SKERRY aged 24 Gunner, R.M.A. born Winchester, Oxfordshire
Jonas married Fanny CHISWELL on 20th January 1864 in St Paul, Devonport. Fanny was born around 1843 in Landrake, Cornwall and was the daughter of William CHISWELL. Jonas and Fanny had at least five children together – William John, born c. 1875 in Eastney, Hampshire; Anne Elizabeth, born c. 1877 in Eastney; James Albert Chiswell, born c. 1879 in Eastney; Esther Mary, born c. 1882 in Menheniot, Cornwall, and George Henry, born c. 1884 in Menheniot. This is how Jonas and Fanny appear in the 1871 and 1881:
Royal Marine Artillery Barracks, Eastnet, Portsea, Hampshire (1871)
Jonas SKERRY aged 34 Corporal, R.M.A. born Garsington, Oxfordshire
Fanny SKERRY wife 28 born Landrake, Cornwall
Fanny THOMAS niece 4 Scholar born Morice Town, Devon
Wesleyan Soldiers Home, 2 Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, Hampshire (1881)
Jonas SKERRY aged 45 Pensioner in Charge of House born Garsington, Oxfordshire
Fanny SKERRY wife 38 born Landrake, Cornwall
William J. SKERRY son 5 Scholar born Eastney, Hampshire
Anne E. SKERRY daughter 3 born Eastney, Hampshire
Albert J. SKERRY son 1 born Eastney, Hampshire
Fanny P. THOMAS servant 14 General Servant born Devonport, Devon
Jonas and Fanny moved to Menheniot near Liskeard in Cornwall around 1882, and this is how they appear in subsequent censuses:
Village School Green, Menheniot, Cornwall (1891)
Jonas SKERRY aged 54 Pensioner, R. Artillery born Garsington, Oxfordshire
Fanny E. SKERRY wife 48 born Landrake, Cornwall
Annie E. SKERRY daughter 13 born Portsmouth
Albert J. C. SKERRY son 11 Scholar born Portsmouth
Easther M. SKERRY daughter 8 Scholar born Menheniot, Cornwall
George H. SKERRY son 6 Scholar born Menheniot, Cornwall
Menheniot, Cornwall (1901)
Jonas SKERRY aged 64 Naval Pensioner born Garsington, Oxfordshire
Fanny E. SKERRY wife 58 born Landrake, Cornwall
George H. SKERRY son 16 Gardender (not Domestic) born Menheniot, Cornwall
Esther M. SKERRY daughter 18 born Menheniot, Cornwall
Martin L. PASCOE boarder widower 25 Railway Signalman born St. Austell, Cornwall
Menheniot, Cornwall (1911)
Jonas SKERRY aged 74 Pensioner R.M.A. born Garsington, Oxfordshire
Fanny SKERRY wife 68born Landrake, Cornwall
Margaret Annie BALL granddaughter 8 School Girl born Lostwithiel, Cornwall
Jonas died on 16th Mary 1927 at Doddycross, Menheniot, Cornwall.
John SKERRY (1825-1866)
John SKERRY was baptised on 11th September 1825 in Longcot, Berkshire and was the son of Joseph SKERRY and Mary SCARROTT. He may have been the John SKERRY accused of stealing no less than 288 sheep in July 1843. The incident was reported in the Reading Mercury on 15th July 1843: “John Skerry, 18, charged with stealing, at Frilford, on the 4th of July instant, 288 sheep, the property of Mr. William Aldworth, junior. A man named Corss, the shepherd of the prosecutor, stated he lived at Kingston End, and that he counted the sheep and left them all safe on the evening of July 4. There were 150 ewes and 138 wether sheep in the field. Joseph Fox, a farmer’s labourer, in the service of the prosecutor’s brother, stated that he saw the prisoner in Mr. William Aldworth’s fold the same night, at about a quarter before nine o’clock. Witness stood by and watched and saw him drive out all the sheep into the road, upon which he went out and overtook him; the prisoner had gone two or three furlongs. Some other evidence was given in corroboration of the above, and the prisoner, in his defence, stated that he was passing by the fold and saw the sheep had got out, upon which he endeavoured to put them back again. His Lordship summed up, and the jury, after consulting together for a few moments, returned the verdict of not guilty.”
Unfortunately, did not get away scot-free as this article published on the same day in the Oxford Chronicle & Reading Gazette reveals: “John Skerry, charged with having, at Frilford, feloniously stolen 288 sheep, the property of William Aldworth, jun. Acquitted. On the prisoner being discharged, he was brought before the Rev. N. Dodson and another magistrate, charged under the wilful trespass act, and sentenced to 2 calendar months’ imprisonment and hard labour.”
John had at least two children with Ann ROSE, though they don’t seem to have married. Ann was born in around 1825 and may have been the daughter of Swithin ROSE and Sophia JAMES, though the 1861 census shows her birthplace as Farnham, Surrey, while Swithin’s daughter was baptised in Brightwell, Berkshire. John and Ann’s children were Elizabeth, born c. 1845 in Farnham, Surrey, and John, born 16th May 1858 in Old Moor Lane, Wallingford, Berkshire. This is how the family appears in the 1861 census (the enumerator may have confused Farnham with Fernham, which is about a mile from Longcot):
A Van, Wallingford, Berkshire
John SKERRY aged 36 Tinman born Farnham, Surrey
Ann SKERRY wife 36 born Farnham, Surrey
John SKERRY son 2 born Wallingford, Berkshire
Elizabeth SKERRY daughter 15 born Farnham, Surrey
John SKERRY died in 1866 and was buried in Wallingford on 17th May. The burial register describes him as a ‘tramp’ living at Old Moor Lane. His widow Ann appears to have been an inmate at Wallingford Workhouse at the time of the 1891 census (her birthplace in this instance was recorded as Brightwell, suggesting that she was the daughter of Swithin):
Wallingford Union Workhouse, Wallingford, Berkshire
Ann ROSE widow aged 65 Pauper Inmate born Brightwell, Berkshire
Elizabeth SKERRY (b. 1845) married Charles LEE on 30th April 1883 in Silchester, Hampshire, though they had already had several children together by then. Their marriage certificate shows Elizabeth’s maiden name as ROSE, probably because her parents were unmarried. Charles was baptised in Arborfield, Berkshire on 13th February 1842 and was the son of Mercy LEE. Charles and Elizabeth had at least eight children together – Charles, born c. 1869 in Stratfield Saye, Hampshire; Elizabeth, born c. 1871 in Stratfield Saye; John, born c. 1873; Henry, born 28th March 1876 in Silchester, Fernette or Fairnett, born 23rd June 1878 in Shinfield, Berkshire, died 20th June 1880 in Lyne, Surrey; Albert, born c. 1880; Rosa, born 19th October 1882 in Silchester, and Belcher, born 18th November 1885 in Shinfield. Rosa’s birth certificate shows her as the illegitimate daughter of Betsy ROSE, but she is believed to be Charles and Elizabeth’s daughter. This is how the family appear in the 1881 and 1891 censuses:
In Tent, Stone Hill, Mortimer West End, Hampshire (1881)
Charley LEE aged 40 Gypsy born Farley Hill, Berkshire
Betsy SKERRY aged 37 Gypsy birthplace not known
Charles LEE son 12 Gypsy birthplace not known
Elizabeth LEE daughter 10 Gypsy birthplace not known
John LEE son 8 Gypsy birthplace not known
Harry LEE son 4 Gypsy birthplace not known
Albert LEE son 10 months Gypsy birthplace not known
In Tent, Burnt Common Encampment, Mortimer West End, Hampshire (1891)
Charles LEE aged 50 No Occupation birthplace not known
Elizabeth LEE wife 40 birthplace not known
Charles LEE son 21 birthplace not known
Elizabeth LEE daughter 19 birthplace not known
Johnny LEE son 17 birthplace not known
Henry LEE son 15 birthplace not known
Albert LEE son 12 birthplace not known
Rosie LEE daughter 10 birthplace not known
Belcher LEE son 7 birthplace not known
Charles LEE died sometime before 1911 as Elizabeth was shown as a widow in the census for that year (Elizabeth’s children are both shown as being ten years younger than they actually were):
25 Tyrrells Buildings, Maidenhead, Berkshire
Elizabeth LEE widow aged 62 No occupation born Wallingford, Berkshire
Elizabeth LEE daughter 30 Dealer born Stratfield Saye, Hampshire
Charles LEE son 32 General Dealer born Stratfield Saye, Hampshire
Rosina LEE granddaughter 12 born Three Mile Cross, Berkshire
Elizabeth LEE (nee SKERRY) died on 21st July 1917 at 20 Tyrrells Buildings, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
John SKERRY (b. 1858) appears to have called himself John ROSE, again probably because his parents were not married. All his children were recorded with the surname ROSE when their births were registered, and he also appears in the 1891 census as ROSE. However, when his daughter Priscilla died in 1900 her surname was recorded as SKERRY, and the family appear as SKERRYs in the 1911 census.
John had a number of children with a lady called Caroline AYRES, though they don’t appear to have married. Caroline was born in Farley Hill, Berkshire in around 1861. John and Caroline had at least eleven children together – Hezekiah, baptised 13th June 1881 in Botleys and Lyne, Surrey, died c. 1881; William Henry, baptised 5th June 1882 in Botleys and Lyne; John, baptised (as John SKERRY) on 27th January 1884 in Brightwell, Berkshire, died c. 1884; Ann Selina, born c. 1885 in Ilsley, Berkshire; Edwin, born c. 1886 in Bramley, Hampshire; Priscilla, baptised 14th August 1889 in Botleys and Lyne; Betsy, baptised 24th October 1895 in Botleys and Lyne; Sophia, born c. 1897; Kezia, baptised 14th May 1899 in Horsell, Surrey; Thomas, baptised 17th Jan 1901 in Botleys and Lyne, and Charlie, baptised 29th April 1904 in Botleys and Lyne. This is how the family appear in 1891 and 1911 (Thomas and Charlie are the wrong way around in 1911):
In Tent, Burnt Common Encampment, Mortimer West End, Hampshire (1891)
John ROSE aged 29 No occupation born Wallingford, Berkshire
Caroline ROSE wife 30 born Farley Hill, Berkshire
Henry ROSE son 9 born Lyne, Surrey
Anselina ROSE daughter 6 born Ilsley, Berkshire
Edwin ROSE daughter 4 born Bramley, Hampshire
Priscilla ROSE daughter 1 born Lyne, Surrey
Potters Field, Crookham, Hampshire (1911)
John SKERRY aged 43 Gipsy birthplace not known
Caroline SKERRY wife 42 Gipsy birthplace not known
Betsy SKERRY daughter 17 Gipsy birthplace not known
Sophia SKERRY daughter 15 Gipsy birthplace not known
Kezia SKERRY daughter 13 Gipsy birthplace not known
Charlie SKERRY son 11 Gipsy birthplace not known
Tom SKERRY son 7 Gipsy birthplace not known
The findings of the inquest into the sudden death of John and Caroline’s daughter Priscilla were reported on in the Middlesex & Surrey Express on 23rd June 1900: “Sudden Death of a Young Gipsy at Staines. An inquest was held at the Town Hall, Staines on Wednesday, by Mr. Reginald Kemp, touching the death of Priscilla Skerry, a gipsy, aged eleven years, who expired suddenly on Saturday last. The deceased lived with her parents in a caravan at Lock’s Farm, London-road, Staines. – Mr. F. Floyd was chosen foreman of the jury. Caroline Skerry, mother of the deceased, identified the body. The deceased was taken ill on Saturday morning. She had pains in the head, and witness sent for some brandy. The deceased had not complained before. Witness went for the nearest doctor, but he was not at home. She then went to Dr. Tothill, and he was not at home, but she eventually saw him, and he made up a bottle of medicine. The deceased was in a parambulator, and witness wheeled her home. The doctor said she was not in a dangerous condition. Witness put her to bed. She did not speak after the medicine had been given her.
“Mrs. Rose said the girl was quite well on the Friday. Witness was with her all the time and corroborated the mother’s statement. Dr. Tothill said he saw the girl on Saturday afternoon, when she was in a very collapsed state. He prescribed for her. She complained of pains in the head and in the right side. He had made a post-mortem examination and found all the organs healthy. The liver was large. The primary cause of death was congestion of the brain and an enlargement of the liver. A verdict to this effect was returned. The jury gave their fees to the mother.”
Thanks to Mike Matthews web page BODDYPARTS – http://www.boddyparts.co.uk/rose.htm#JONSKERRY