Appendix G
The Children of Charles Ponting and Mary Pearce
Charles was baptised on 26 January 1780 at Berkeley, son of William Ponting of Hamfield (Chapter 2).
Charles married Mary Pearce of Amesbury in Wiltshire on 2 June 1803 at Berkeley. The witnesses were Hester Pearce, John Hale and Henry Clerk.
Mary Pearce was baptised on 22 July 1781 at Berkeley. She was the daughter of Robert Pearce. It is likely that she was the daughter of Robert Pearce (1746 to 1816) and Hester Alpass (1766 to 1840) who married on 6 December 1778 at Berkeley. Robert was the son of Robert Pearce and Elizabeth Archaud and the sister of Mary Pearce who married William Ponting (Chapter 2) so making this a marriage of first cousins.
Charles and Mary had two sons and three daughters
- Charles Pearce Ponting. Born 10 March 1805 and baptised on 12 February 1809 in Malmesbury,
- William Ponting. Born 14 December 1806 and baptised on 12 February 1809 in Malmesbury, William Ponting of Amesbury died on 15 April 1839 aged 32 years old and was buried on 19 April 1839 at Berkeley
- Mary Ponting. Born 4 December 1808 and baptised on 12 February 1809 in Malmesbury, Mary died on 20 December 1810 and was buried at Berkeley on 3 January 1811.
- Henry Ponting. Born 28 October 1818 in Malmesbury.
- Mary Ponting. Baptised privately 25 August 1821 in Malmesbury. Received into church on 3 October 1821.
- Emma Ponting. Baptised 12 April 1827 in Malmesbury.
Charles Ponting died on 16 March 1851 aged 72 years old.
Mary Ponting died on 19 August 1852 and was buried in Berkeley on 26 August 1852.
The family tomb in Berkeley churchyard commemorates Mary Ponting of Malmesbury, Wilts who died 20 December 1810 aged 2 years, son William who died 15 April 1839 aged 32 years, Charles Ponting who died 16 March 1851 aged 72 years, Mary "his relict" who died 19 August 1852 aged 71 and Henry their son who died 6 November 1851 aged 35.
The following is known about Charles and Mary's surviving children:
Charles Pearce Ponting and Mary Horsell
Charles Pearce Ponting was born on 10 March 1805 and baptised on 12 February 1809 in Malmesbury, Wilts, the son of Charles Ponting and Mary Pearce.
On 3 March 1828 Charles Pearce Ponting married Mary Horsell at Lydiard Tregoze, Wiltshire.
Charles is listed in 1830's Pigotts directory as a "linen and woolen draper, silk mercer, stamp distributor, and fire office agent" in Wooten Bassett
On 28 April 1841, the London Gazette records that
"Notice is hereby given that the partnership between us, the undersigned Charles Ponting and Charles Pearce Ponting of Malmesbury in the county of Wilts, linen and woollen drapers, carrying on the business under the style or firm Charles Ponting and Son, will on 8 May next be dissolved by mutual consent. All debts due to or owing from the said partnership will be paid or received by the said Charles Ponting. Witnessed
C Ponting
C P Ponting"
On 6 June 1841, when the census was taken Charles and Mary were living at High Street, Wooton Bassett, Wiltshire where Charles was working as a "linen and woollen draper".
Charles and Mary had five children:
- Charles Ponting. Baptised privately on 24 January 1829. Baptised in church on 21 March 1830 in Wooton Bassett.
- Mary Frances Ponting. Baptised 21 March 1830 in Wooton Bassett.
- William Ponting. Baptised 29 December 1831 at Wooton Bassett
- John Pearce Ponting. Baptised 8 February 1835 at Wooton Bassett.
- Thomas Cole Ponting. Baptised 4 December 1836 at Wooton Bassett.
In 1851 the family was living at 27, High Street, New Thame, Oxfordshire where 46 year old Charles was a draper employing 3 men and 1 boy. Although he is shown as married, his wife Mary is not listed. His daughter Mary Frances was at home. Four assistants and two house servants are also listed. Son Thomas was a pupil at Alverston House.
It is possible that son Thomas Cole Ponting died in childhood, a Thomas Ponting was buried on 11 August 1851 at Thame, aged 15 years.
Charles Pearce Ponting formerly of Malmesbury, Wiltshire but late of Thame, Oxon, draper, died 28 November 1860 at Thame. Proved by oath of John Pearce of Waterloo House, Cockspur Street, Charing Cross, linen merchant, his uncle and sole executor. His effects were under £10,000. This was later resworn as under £9,000.
Mary Ponting is believed to have died in 1857 (Reg Gen Sept 1857 Malmesbury 5a 21).
- Charles Ponting.
Charles Ponting, son of Charles Pearce Ponting and Mary Horsell, "Chas" is listed in the 1841 census but nothing further is known about him after that date. It is possible that he died in childhood.
- Mary Frances Ranoe nee Ponting.
In 1861, Charles Pearce Ponting and Mary Horsell's daughter Mary Frances Ponting, now aged 30 was living at 102, High Street, Thame. No occupation is given. Also at the address was 33 year old Emma Ponting. Emma was probably Mary's aunt, her father Charles' sister (see below).
On 4 March 1876 Mary Frances Ponting married Michael Hall Ranoe at North Brixton Christ Church. Mary was a spinster, of Cowley Road, daughter of Charles Pearce Ponting, deceased. Michael Hall Ranoe was a commission agent of Cowley Road, son of James Ranoe, gentleman. Both were of full age, Michael would have been around 41 and Mary around 45, Michael had been married previously and had two sons
- Charles R Hall. Born 1862
- Ernest H Hall. Born 1870
In 1911, Michael and Mary were living at 26 Tantallan Road, Balham, where 76 year old Michael was a retired railway officer.
Mary Frances Ranoe nee Ponting is pictured below (from Ancestry.co.uk)
Michael Hall Ranoe of 96 Halbolt Road, Clapham Park died on 21 July 1915. Probate was granted to Dame Rosina Burnand (wife of Sir Francis Cowley Burnand) and Sophia Mary Tuke. His effects were worth £854 13s 6d.
Francis Cowley Burnand was a contributor to Punch and its editor from 1880 to 1900. Burnand studied at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge graduating in 1858. He studied law and practised as an attorney for a short time and later managed a theatre, but his greatest interest was writing for the stage. He became a prolific dramatist, writing nearly 500 comedies and burlesques. While still at school he submitted some illustrations to Punch and from 1863 became a regular contributor, contributing for 45 years and serving as its editor for 26 years, In 1860 he married Cecilia Victoria Ranoe (1841-1870), an actress. The couple produced five sons and two daughters. In 1874, he married her sister, Rosina Payson Jones (d. 1924), a widow who had also been an actress under the name Rosina Ranoe. They had four sons and four daughters. Cecilia and Rosina were Michael Hall Ranoe sisters.
Mary Frances Ranoe of Tantallan Road, Balham died aged 81 and was buried on 6 January 1912 at Norwood Cemetery, Norwood.
- William Ponting and Adelaide White nee Packen.
Charles Pearce Ponting and Mary Horsell's son William Ponting emigrated to India.
William Ponting, aged 31, police sergeant, son of Charles Pearce Ponting married Adelaide White on 2 June 1871 at the Chaplaincy Station, St James, Calcutta, India.
Adelaide, a 21 year old widow had been born Adelaide Georgina Packen around 1850, the daughter of Charles Packen.
On 1 July 1878, Florence Mary Georgina Ponting, the adopted daughter on William and Adelaide Georgina Ponting was baptised at St Pauls' Cathedral, Calcutta. William was the jailor of the Presidency Jail
Nothing more is known about them.
- John Pearce Ponting.
Charles Pearce Ponting and Mary Horsell's son John Pearce Ponting was listed at the time that the 1841 census was taken, age 6, but was not with his parents in subsequent censuses.
It is possible that he emigrated to Australia where on 10 March 1902 he applied to Bendigo & Eaglehawk Courts Victoria Petty Sessions (307/P0/Vol 70) for an old age pension which was "Refused. Physically capable of earning at least 8.s. a week".
Nothing more is known about John Pearce Ponting.
Henry Ponting and Frances Bell
Henry Ponting was born on 28 October 1818 in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, the son of Charles Ponting and Mary Pearce.
Henry married Frances Bell on 24 September 1846 at Luckington. Henry was a farmer of full age, son of Charles Ponting, draper. Frances, also of full age was the daughter of Charles Bell, yeoman. The witnesses were Thomas Bell and Sarah Elizabeth Bell.
In 1851, 32 year old Henry and 29 year old Frances were living at Cou-age Road, Malmesbury. Henry is described an annuitant.
Henry and Frances had two children:
- Fitzherbert Huntley Ponting. Baptised 12 September 1847 in Malmesbury. Henry is described as a yeoman from Corston.
- Percival Charles Ponting. Born 21 April 1851 at Westport in Malmesbury, Wilts. Father Henry registered the birth, describing himself as a yeoman. Baptised 20 July 1851 at St Mary, Westport
Henry Ponting of Malmesbury died on 6 November 1851 aged 35 years and was buried on 13 November 1851 at Berkeley.
In 1861, Frances Ponting was living at the Church School, Luckington, Wiltshire with her 9 year old son, Percival and two other scholars as boarders. Son Fitzherbert Ponting was 14 years and was possibly a pupil at Christ's Hospital, St Botolph, London.
Frances Ponting remarried in 1864 (Reg Gen Sept Qtr 1864 Malmesbury 5a 57). Her second husband was William Hobbs. William and Frances had a daughter Frances Fitzherbert Jones Hobbs who was baptised 8 June 1865 at Wickwar. William Hobbs died on 7 September 1868 at West End (Reg Gen Sept 1868 Chipping Sudbury 6a 115). Probate of the will and two codicils of William Hobbs of West End in the parish of Wickwar was granted to Fitzherbert Huntley Jones of Luckington and Anthony Adey of Wooten Under Edge. His estate was valued at less than £600.
In 1871 his 46 year old widow, Frances Hobbs was living at Rock House, Wickwar with her 19 year old son Percival C Ponting and her 6 year old daughter Frances F J Hobbs. Frances gives her occupation as "annuitant". There is no trace of Fitzherbert Huntley Ponting who would have been around 24 years old at the time.
Frances Hobbs (formerly Ponting nee Bell) died in 1887 (Reg Gen Sept 1887 Newent 6a 154).
- Fitzherbert Huntley Ponting and Sarah Elizabeth/Alberta Florence Maish
In 1851 Henry and Frances's son 5 year old Fitzherbert Huntley Ponting was living at Cou-age Road, Malmesbury with his parents.
In 1861, aged 13, H F Ponting was a boarder at Christchurch, St Botolph, without Aldersgate and St Sepelchene in London.
I can find no trace of Fitzherbert in the 1871 census, but it seems at some point he married Sarah Elizabeth, although the marriage has not been traced.
Later censuses suggest that they had two daughters
- Florence Edith Maud Ponting. Born 22 May 1876 in Plumstead
- Elizabeth Ponting. Born 1877 in Plumstead.
In 1881 the family were living in 1 Sydney Villa, West Plumstead with their daughter 4 year old Elizabeth. Fitzherbert was a commercial traveller. It is not clear where Florence would have been at the time.
Sarah Elizabeth Ponting of Sydney Villas, Lower Eglinton Road died aged 44 and was buried at Plumstead St Mary on 9 July 1887.
In 1891 Fitzherbert Ponting, a 43 year old widower, a commercial traveller to a chemist was living at 15, Upper Woodland Terrace, Charlton with his daughter Florence, a 14 year old scholar and a 61 year old housekeeper, Mary J Evans. Is it possible Florence and Elizabeth (see 1881 census) were the same child?
Fitzherbert Ponting remarried on 17 June 1897 at Egham, Surrey. He was a 49 year old widower employed as a commercial traveller. His new bride was Alberta Florence Maish, aged 24, the daughter of Herbert Ashton Maish, commercial traveller.
In 1901, aged 53, Fitzherbert was living at 41 Lamont Road, Chelsea with his 29 year old wife Alberta. Fitzherbert gives his occupation is wholesale druggist and traveller. No children are listed.
Fitzherbert Huntley Ponting of 2, Chiddington Street, Parsons Green, Middx died on 13 October 1908 at 4 Richmond Road, Staines, Middx. Administration of his estate was granted to his widow Alberta Florence Ponting. His effects were valued at £94.
By 1911 his 38 year old widow Alberta was a domestic servant at Richard Smeardon and his family's home, Manor Farm House, Petersham, Surrey.
On 23 November 1921 Mrs Alberta F Ponting arrived in Sydney, New South Wales on the "Orcades". It is not clear why she would have chosen to go to Australia at the age of 48. In 1933 she was living at 340 Sydney Road, Warringah, New South Wales. No occupation is given. She is listed as on "home duties". Mrs Alberta F Ponting returned from Sydney, Australia to Southampton arriving on 4 June 1934. Alberta was aged 61 and gave her occupation as a "housekeeper". Her proposed address in London was 45 Argyle Square, London. However she does not stay long, returning to Australia from Southampton on 12 September 1934 on the "Moreton Bay". In 1943 Alberta Florence Ponting was living at 17, Newcastle Street, Five Dock, Martin, New South Wales on "home duties". It is not clear what happened next, in 1943, presumably later that year, the "Australia Marriage Index" shows an Alberta Florence Ponting married Hannah Herbert Ashton at Marrickville, New South Wales. However the "New South Wales, Australia, Index to Deceased Estate Files" shows the death of Alberta Florence Ponting of Undercliffe, widow on 4 May 1943.
Fitzherbert and Sarah's daughter Florence Edith Maud Ponting married James Wheeler in 1896 in Woolwich. In 1901 they were living in 65 Shardeloes Road, St Pauls, Deptford where James was a solicitors clerk.
- Sidney James Wheeler. Born 15 October 1907 in New Cross. Sidney married Evelyn May Horrex in 1929 in Willesden. In 1939 they were living at 1 Stonebridge Court, Willesden where "Sydney" was a postman. Sidney J Wheeler died on 17 February 1968 in Hendon. Evelyn May Wheeler died on 27 March 1980 and was buried on 2 April 1980 in Kensington and Chelsea.
- Reginald Wheeler. Born 7 June 1899 in New Cross, Bromley. Reginald married Grace Florence. In 1939 they were living at 15A Hillside, Willesden where Reginald was a metal casement fitter (charge hand) and his wife was a packer and sorter (laundry). Reginald's mother was living with them.
- Florence Wheeler. Born 25 February 1904 in Kilburn. Florence married Edmond Watkins in 1928 in Willesden. They had two children. In 1939 they were living at 10, Fairview Crescent, Harrow and Edmond was a window cleaner working on his own account. They were still there in 1950. Florence died on 12 July 1993 and was buried on 19 July 1993 in Wellingborough. Edmond died on 11 December 1995 and was buried on 20 December 1995 in Kettering, Northants.
James Wheeler died in 1908 and was buried at Abney Road Cemetery, Stoke Newington. In 1921 Florence E W Wheeler was living at 37, church Road, Willesden. She was 42 years old and a laundry receiving office manager for Chas Catt Clear Starch Laundry. Son Sidney, aged 23 was a labourer (road work) for Willesden Council. Reginald, aged 22 was a metal casements makers improvers for James & Co, Hythe Road, Willesden Junction. Florence, aged 17 was also a laundry receiving office manager for Chas Catt Clear Starch Laundry. In 1933 Florence was living with her son Reginald and his wife Florence at 127, Roundwood Road, Willesden. In 1939 Florence was still living with her son Reginald and his wife but now at 15A Hillside, Willesden. Florence Edith Maud Wheeler died aged 67 and was buried in Harrow on 8 April 1943.
Nothing more is known about Fitzherbert and Sarah's daughter Elizabeth Ponting.
- Percival Charles Ponting and Mariah Margaret Forbes
In 1871 Henry and Francis's son Percival Charles Ponting was living with his widowed mother at Rock House, Wickwar. He appears to have emigrated to Canada later that year.
On 2 February 1881 Percival Ponting of Windsor, Canada, aged 30 years old, a merchant, son of Henry Ponting and Francis Bell married 30 year old Mariah Margaret Forbes, the daughter of James Forbes and M A Dennis.
The 1901 census for Windsor, Ontario shows that 49 year old Percival Ponting was born on 21 April 1852 in England. He emigrated to Canada in 1871 and was employed as a customs officer. His wife Maria, aged 47 was born 21 March 1854 in the USA of Scottish descent. She had emigrated to Canada in 1854. In 1881 Percival and Mariah were living in Essex, Ontario where Percival was working at a flour and feed mill.
Percival and Mariah had one son William Fitzherbert Ponting (Herbert) who had been born on 17 December 1881 in Ontario and was employed as a newspaper clerk. At the time his birth was registered his mother's name is given as Mariah Margaret Forbes.
In 1891 the family were living at Windsor, Essex North, Ontario where 39 year old Percival was the manager of a truck company. Their son "Herbert" was 9 years old.
Perciville Charles Ponting died on 15 July 1902 in Essex, Ontario.
After Percival's death the family had returned to the USA. On 10 October 1916, the records of boarder crossings from Canada to the USA show that 62 year old Maria Ponting, a housekeeper and her son William F, a newspaper manager had crossed from Canada to Detroit, Michigan, USA. The record asks for nearest relative or friend in Canada and Mariah gives the name John B Forbes of Ontario who I believe was Mariah's brother.
On 12 September 1918 William Fitzherbert Ponting registered with the USA forces. He was aged 36 and states he was an alien, a Canadian citizen. William was one of 24,000,000 men who registered for the draft in the USA in 1917 and 1918. His next of kin is his mother. William survived the war, for in 1920, and now aged 37 Herbert W Ponting is living with his mother, 66 year old widow Mariah M Ponting in Michigan, Detroit where he was employed as a business manager on a newspaper.
On 21 September 1923 Herbert became a naturalized US Citizen by order of the US District Court of Detroit.
William Fitzherbert Ponting married Elsa Carolyn Kohb on 17 March 1927 in Detroit, Michigan. William was 44 years old and a newspaperman. Elsa was 34 years old the daughter of Frank Kolb and Ida Endriss. In 1936 they were living at 201 West Kirby Street, Detroit with his wife Elsa, who was aged 43 and had been born in Detroit on 3 February 1893.
Mariah Margaret Ponting died on 16 March 1929 in Detroit, Michigan.
William Fitzherbert Ponting died in March 1967 in Broward, Florida. His widow Elsa Carolyn Ponting died on 26 May 1988 in Broward, Florida, aged 95 years.
Mary Garlick nee Ponting
Mary Ponting was baptised privately on 25 August 1821 in Malmesbury, perhaps suggesting there were concerns over her health, but she was later received into church on 3 October 1821. She was the daughter of Charles Ponting and Mary Pearce.
In 1851 Mary may have been a servant living with William Cox Wetmore, farmer at Stone (Appendix I - Part 2).
On 12 April 1866 Mary married Henry Garlick, a widower of Somerford Parva, Wilts. He gives his occupation as a "miller". Henry was the son of Henry Garlick, farmer. Mary's father Charles gives his occupation as "draper". Both Henry and Mary are "of full age". The witnesses were Mary Ponting, William Ponting, Emma Ponting and Thos. T Pearce (Chapter 3).
In 1871 38 year old Henry Garlick, a corn merchant's clerk and traveller and his 40 year old wife Mary were lodging with ironmongers assistant, Edward J Hughes at 3 Exeter Villa's, Midland Road, Barton St Michael.
By 1881, Mary Garlick may have been widowed and was visiting Henry Bowman, 78 retired coffee house keeper at Calne, Wiltshire.
It is not clear what happened next. In 1891 Mary Garlick, a 69 year old widow was living "on her own means" at Malmesbury, Wiltshire with 34 year old servant Mary Muster. However Mary Garlick of Calne, Wiltshire died and was buried on 14 March 1883 at Hillmartin, Wiltshire.
Emma Ponting
Emma Ponting was baptised on 12 April 1827, the daughter of Charles Ponting and Mary Pearce.
In 1851 Emma was living with her widowed mother, Mary at Gloucester Road, Malmesbury and is described as "an annuitant"
In 1861, Emma Ponting , may have been staying with her niece, Mary Francis Ponting at 102, High Street, Thame. No occupation is given. Mary Francis Ponting was the daughter of Emma's brother, Charles (see above).
By 1871 44 year old Emma is a housekeeper to George Lansdowe, a 37 year old architect and surveyor and was living at 4 Warwick Street, Pall Mall, Westminster, London.
In 1881 Emma, now aged 54 is a sub-matron at the British Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol.
Emma never married and she died aged 63. Emma Ponting of Clifton, Bristol was buried on 30 January 1890 at Hillmartin.