Family Bloodlines

HESTER/ KING/ BREED FAMILY BLOODLINE



Richard HESTER, chr. 29 Jun 1651 at Watlington, Oxfordshire, m. 1675 at Watlington, Oxfordshire, Lettice LEVERIDGE.

At his marriage in 1675, when he made his will the same year, a mason of Watlington, Oxfordshire.

[Child of Richard HESTER and Lettice LEVERIDGE]:

John HESTER, chr. 16 Apr 1680 at Watlington, Oxford, m. 27 Jan 1705 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Elizabeth LAWRENCE (d. before 1751); d. before 1751.

At his son Gray’s first and second marriages on 31 Oct 1751 and 30 Aug 1759 respectively, (posth.) a sawyer of Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

[Children of John HESTER and Elizabeth LAWRENCE]:

  • John HESTER, bur. 29 Sep 1785 at Bunhill Fields, London.
  • Robert HESTER, chr. 12 Jul 1713 at Watlington, Oxfordshire.
  • Stephen HESTER, chr. 29 Oct 1713 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
  • Thomas HESTER, b. est. 1716.
  • Sarah HESTER, b. est. 1718, d. before 1780.
  • Gray HESTER, b. ca. 1722, d. 2 Nov 1780, bur. 5 Nov 1780 at Wandsworth, Surrey.


  • John HESTER, bur. 29 Sep 1785 at Bunhill Fields, London.

    On 14 Sep 1780, named as “my oldest Brother John Hester” in the will of Gray HESTER, who bequeathed “one hundred and fifty pounds secured Bank Annuities share and share alike” to John’s children.


    Robert HESTER, b. est. 1711.

    On 14 Sep 1780, named as “my second Brother Robert Hester” in the will of Gray HESTER, who bequeathed “one hundred and fifty pounds secured Bank Annuities share and share alike” to Robert’s children.


    Thomas HESTER, b. est. 1716.

    On 14 Sep 1780, named as “my fourth Brother Thomas Hester” and a legatee in the will of Gray HESTER. On 30 Aug 1759, named as a witness at his bother Gray HESTER’s wedding to Elizabeth FREEMAN.


    Sarah HESTER, b. est. 1718, m. ? BUTLER.

    On 14 Sep 1780, named as “my sister Sarah Butler” in the will of Gray HESTER, who bequeathed £20 each to her daughters Elizabeth ALLUM and Sarah BAINBRIDGE.


    Gray HESTER, b. ca. 1722, m1. 31 Oct 1751 at Devonshire House, London, Mary KENCEY (daughter of Thomas KENCEY, a weaver of Kings Newton, Derby, and Jane), m2. 30 Aug 1759 at Croydon, Surrey, Elizabeth FREEMAN (daughter of Henry FREEMAN, a confectioner of Southwark, and Mary); d. 2 Nov 1780, bur. 5 Nov 1780 at Wandsworth, Surrey.

    On 31 Oct 1751, at his marriage to Mary KENCEY which was solemnized at the Quaker Meeting House at Devonshire Square in London, a barber of Thames St, London; Mary was of Pudding Lane, London. On 30 Aug 1759, at his second marriage to Elizabeth FREEMAN which was solemnized at the Quaker Meeting House in Croydon, a barber of London. On 16 Sep 1762, named as a witness and wedding guest at the wedding of his nephew Thomas HESTER. In 1780, recorded in the Land Tax Records as resident in Wandsworth, Surrey. On 14 Sep 1780, when he made his will, of Wandsworth, Surrey. In his will he directs that “my body after my decease be carried on men’s shoulders and deposited in Friends Burial Ground at Wandsworth”. He bequeathed a sum of £800 in trust to his sister-in-law Mary JEFFERIES, and subsequently to her granddaughters or in the case of their not surviving to his brother Thomas HESTER and his children and the children of his other three brothers and sister, with additional smaller bequests to the children of his brothers and sister; he also bequeathed £20 to Benjamin ATKINSON of the Borough in Southwark, and £100 in annuities to Mary TUBBS “in consideration of her steady attention to me during a long and painful illness and for many years faithful service”. The will was proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on 4 Nov 1780; the executors were John TOWNSEND, a poulterer (who was also present at Gray‘s second marriage in 1759 and at the wedding of Gray’s nephew Thomas HESTER in 1762), and Henry STORRY, a leather seller, both of London. His burial on 5 Nov 1780 was at a "Friends Burying-Ground at or near Wandsworth"; the witness and grave-maker was Mary HARPER.

    [The grave maker was a Quaker Friend who was responsible for the organization of the preparation and finishing of the grave.]


    Stephen HESTER, chr. 29 Oct 1713 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, m. 8 May 1736 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, Mary or Sarah JOHNSON.

    On 4 Sep 1753, a shoemaker of Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire when named in his son Thomas’s apprenticeship indenture. On 16 Sep 1762, at his son’s wedding, a cordwainer of Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire. On 14 Sep 1780, named in Gray HESTER’s will as “my third Brother Steven Hester” in which “one hundred and fifty pounds secured Bank Annuities and all my wearing apparel of every sort and kind” was bequeathed to Stephen’s child(ren).

    [Child of Stephen HESTER and Mary JOHNSON]:

  • Thomas HESTER, chr. 21 Jan 1739 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, d. before 1780.


  • Thomas HESTER, chr. 21 Jan 1739 at Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire, m. 16 Sep 1762 at Horsleydown, London, Sarah PARKER (b. ca. 1735, daughter of Joseph PARKER, a carpenter, and Sarah; d. 5 Feb 1815, bur. 12 Feb 1815 at Bunhill Fields, London); d. before 1780.

    On 4 Sep 1753, apprenticed for 7 years to his uncle Gray HESTER, “citizen and barber of London”. At his Quaker marriage in 1762, a barber of London, Sarah was of Camberwell, Surrey. On 14 Sep 1780, his wife Sarah was named as a beneficiary in Gray HESTER’s will: “I give and bequeath to Sarah Hester Relict of my late nephew Thomas Hester one hundred pounds secured Bank Annuities”. On 7 Feb 1782, when his son Joseph was apprenticed to William SPRIGGS, Thomas was recorded as “late of Trigg Lane near Thames Street London, Sackgatherer Deceased”. At his son Joseph’s wedding on 20 Oct 1790, recorded as “late of Trigg Stairs London, Sackgatherer deceased”. When Sarah died on 5 Feb 1815, she was 80 years old, of Nag’s Head Court, Gracechurch St, City of London, and is recorded as dying of old age; the witness and Quaker grave-maker was Thomas COLCOCK (her son Joseph’s brother-in-law). Sarah was buried at the Quaker burial ground at Bunhill Fields.

    [Bunhill Fields is a corruption of Bone Hill Fields, and was a place of interments since Saxon times. It became popular with Dissenters of various denominations because the ground was not consecrated. A Quaker burial ground was made there in 1665, the year of the great plague, and was closed in 1863.]

    [Children of Thomas HESTER and Sarah PARKER]:

  • Elizabeth HESTER, b. 13 Jun 1763 in St. Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey, d. 8 Mar 1830, bur. 14 Mar 1830 at Bunhill Fields, London.
  • Thomas HESTER, b. 1764, d. 5 Feb 1765, bur. 10 Feb 1765 at Worcester St, Southwark.
  • Joseph HESTER, b. 5 Mar 1766 in St Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey, d. 16 Jun 1835, bur. 21 Jun 1835 at Bunhill Fields, London.
  • Ann HESTER, b. 1 Jan 1768 in St Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey.


  • Elizabeth HESTER, b. 13 Jun 1763 in St. Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey, d. 8 Mar 1830 in Stepney, Middlesex, bur. 14 Mar 1830 at Bunhill Fields, London.

    At her birth on 13 Jun 1763, of Lambeth Hill, Parish of St Mary Mounthaw; present at the birth were Ann LATOUR, Mary NEEDHAM and Ann PARKER. At her death on 8 Mar 1830, of Yoakley’s Buildings, Mile-end New Town, Parish of Stepney, Middlesex; the witness and grave-maker was Thomas COLCOCK. Elizabeth’s death is recorded in the US and UK Quaker Published Memorials Annual Monitor for 1830.


    Thomas HESTER, b. 1764, d. 5 Feb 1765, bur. 10 Feb 1765 at Worcester St, Southwark.

    Thomas’s death was recorded in the Quaker Monthly Meeting of Southwark and Horsleydown list of burials thus: “Thos. Hester Son of Thos. Hester & Sarah his Wife of the Parish of St. Mary Mounthaw (so called) in London. Aged about Three Months. Died the 5th Day of the Second Month 1765 of Convulsions according to the Reports of Two Common Searchers & was Buried the 10th Day of the same in the Friends Burying Ground in Worcester Street in the Park Southwark”.


    Ann HESTER, b. 1 Jan 1768 in St Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey.

    At her birth on 1 Jan 1768, of Lambeth Hill, Parish of St Mary Mounthaw; present at the birth were Ann LATOUR and Mary NEEDHAM.


    Joseph HESTER, b. 5 Mar 1766 in St Mary Mounthaw Parish, Lambeth, Surrey, m. 20 Oct 1790 in London, Mary ROULSTONE (b. ca. 1770, daughter of John ROULSTONE, a cordwainer, and Ann PACE, d. after 1835 in London); d. 16 Jun 1835 in London, bur. 21 Jun 1835 at Bunhill Fields, London.

    At his birth on 5 Mar 1766, of Lambeth Hill, Parish of St Mary Mounthaw; present at the birth were Mary NEEDHAM and Ann LATOUR. On 7 Feb 1782, apprenticed for seven years to William SPRIGGS, citizen and grocer of London. At his marriage on 20 Oct 1790, a Knife Case Maker and Grocer of London; Mary was of Crown St, Soho, Middlesex. The marriage took place at the Quaker Meeting House in White Hart Court, Grace Church St, City of London, and among the witnesses and wedding guests were Joseph’s mother Sarah HESTER, his sister Ann, Joseph’s former master William SPRIGGS, and Mary‘s father John ROULSTONE. On 2 Aug1791, at the birth of his daughter Sarah, a knife case maker of Little Carter Lane, City of London. On 1 Oct 1792, a citizen and grocer of London, when duties were paid for his apprentice Benjamin HOTINE. On 24 Aug 1793, at the birth of his daughter Ann, a knife case maker of Little Carter Lane, City of London. On 3 Nov 1794, a citizen and grocer of London, when duties were paid for his apprentice Charles RUTHERFORD. On 13 Nov 1795, at the birth of his daughter Elizabeth, a knife case maker of Little Carter Lane, City of London. On 21 Feb 1798, at the birth of his first son named Joseph, a door-keeper of White Hart Court, City of London. On 20 Mar 1803, at the birth of his second son named Joseph, a knife case maker of White Hart Court, City of London. On 3 Mar 1806, 25 Aug 1808 and 26 Jun 1813, at the birth of his sons William and John and his daughter Mary respectively, a knife case maker of White Hart Court, City of London. On 20 Jun 1833, when he made his will, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London. The sole beneficiary of his will was his wife Mary, to whom Joseph bequeathed “all my furniture plate watch wearing apparel linen all money I may have & all money due to me from any source whatever in short every thing that can be called mine And it is my desire that all money due to me may be received as soon as convenient & all debts discharged the residue to be the property of my wife and it is my desire to be buried in the nearest friends burial ground to where I die & that the expense of my funeral should not exceed £10”. At his death on 16 Jun 1835, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; the witness and grave-maker was Thomas COLCOCK. Joseph’s will was proved on 11 Dec 1835, and administration was granted to his widow Mary, who received “the Goods Chattels and Debits of Joseph Hester… a Depositor in the Provident Institution or Bank for Savings Moorfields”.

    [Thomas COLCOCK (1772-1847), named grave-maker to several of the HESTERS, was the husband of Mary ROULSTONE’s sister Judith Ann ROULSTONE (1775-1851). He and Judith married on 30 Sep 1795. At the time of their Quaker marriage he was a tinplate worker of White’s Yard, Whitecross St, London, and Judith was of Tottenham Court Rd. There are extant records of their having five children: Emma COLCOCK(1796-1849) who married Thomas BOWRY (1782-1850), Ann COLCOCK (1798-1886), John COLCOCK (1802-1833) who married Caroline GREENWOOD, William COLCOCK (1805-1877) who married Phoebe Elizabeth BENTLEY, and Mary COLCOCK (b. 1808). (Also see Appendix 4.)]

    [Children of Joseph HESTER and Mary ROULSTONE]:

  • Sarah HESTER, b. 2 Aug 1791 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, d. reg. Q3 1851at Camberwell R.D.
  • Ann HESTER, b. 24 Aug 1793 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, d. 1 Oct 1867 at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, bur. Society of Friends Burial Ground, Yoakley Rd, Hackney, Middlesex.
  • Elizabeth HESTER, b. 13 Nov 1795 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, bur. 29 Oct 1820 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.
  • Joseph HESTER, b. 21 Feb 1798 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, d. 21 Jan 1801 at White Hart Court, City of London, bur. 25 Jan 1801 at Bunhill Fields, London.
  • Joseph HESTER, b. 20 Mar 1803 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, bur. 14 Jan 1805 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.
  • William HESTER, b. 8 Mar 1806 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, d. 30 Jun 1816 at White Hart Court, City of London, bur. 7 Jul 1816 at Bunhill Fields, London.
  • John HESTER, b. 25 Aug 1808 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, bur. 23 Jan 1848 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.
  • Mary HESTER, b. 26 Jun 1813 in Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q1 1880 at Camberwell R.D.


  • Sarah HESTER, b. 2 Aug 1791 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, d. reg. Q3 1851 at Camberwell R.D.

    At her birth on 2 Aug 1791, of Little Carter Lane, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS and Sophia HARVEY.


    Ann HESTER, b. 24 Aug 1793 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, d. 1 Oct 1867 at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, bur. 1 Oct 1867 at the Society of Friends Burial Ground, Yoakley Rd, Hackney, Middlesex.

    At her birth on 24 Aug 1793, of Little Carter Lane, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS, Ann ROULSTONE and Ann BIGGS. At her death on 1 Oct 1867, of Yoakley’s Buildings, Stoke Newington. Ann’s death is recorded in the US and UK Quaker Published Memorials Annual Monitor for 1868.


    Elizabeth HESTER, b. 13 Nov 1795 in St. Gregory Parish, City of London, bur. 29 Oct 1820 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.

    At her birth on 24 Aug 1793, of Little Carter Lane, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS and Judith Ann COLCOCK (nee ROULSTONE, recently married to Thomas COLCOCK), and another whose name is illegible.


    Joseph HESTER, b. 21 Feb 1798 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, d. 21 Jan 1801 at White Hart Court, City of London, bur. 25 Jan 1801 at Bunhill Fields, London.

    At his birth on 21 Feb 1798, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS and Elizabeth HESTER (probably his aunt). On 21 Jan 1801, when he died at 3 years old, of White Hart Court.


    Joseph HESTER, b. 20 Mar 1803 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, bur. 14 Jan 1805 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.

    The second son to be called Joseph, at his birth on 20 Mar 1803, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; present at the birth were Mary BEVAN and another whose name is illegible. He died at 2 years old.


    William HESTER, b. 8 Mar 1806 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, d. 30 Jun 1816 at White Hart Court, City of London, bur. 7 Jul 1816 at Bunhill Fields, London.

    At his birth on 8 Mar 1806, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS and Ann HOLLINS. At his death on 30 Jun 1816 at the age of 10, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; the witness and grave-maker was Thomas COLCOCK.


    John HESTER, b. 25 Aug 1808 in All Hallows Parish, City of London, bur. 23 Jan 1848 at Spa Fields, Clerkenwell, London.

    At his birth on 25 Aug 1808, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; present at the birth were Mary WELLS and Mary HOTINE. At his death in 1848, of North West London Union district.


    Mary HESTER, b. 26 Jun 1813 in Lombard St, City of London, m. 21 Oct 1834 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, Richard Joseph KING, an accountant (b. 21 Oct 1804 in Bishopgate, City of London, chr. 11 Nov 1804 at St. Botolph, Bishopgate, son of Richard KING and Sarah ROGERS; bur. 24 Jan 1868 at Camberwell Cemetery); d. reg. Q1 1880 at Camberwell R.D., bur. 14 Jan 1880 at Camberwell Cemetery.

    At her birth on 26 Jun 1813, of White Hart Court, Lombard St, City of London; present at the birth were Jane COWELL (midwife) and Katharine BRICKNELL. Mary’s marriage to Richard KING in 1834 was officiated by James William WORTHINGTON, and witnessed by Octavius WOOD, Mary COLCOCK (a cousin, daughter of Thomas COLCOCK and Judith Ann ROULSTONE), Hester COLCOCK (niece of Thomas COLCOCK), Ann HESTER (her aunt), and Joseph HESTER (her father). On 29 Nov 1837, at the birth of their daughter Mary, her husband Richard was a wholesale woollen draper. In 1841, of Virginia Terrace, St. Mary Parish Newington, Lambeth, Surrey, living with her husband Richard, a merchant, and children Richard, Mary and Albert. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with her husband Richard, an accountant and arbitrator, their children Richard, Mary Hannah, Albert James, Emily Ann, Maria E, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edmund, and house servant Susan DICKSON. On 6 Jan 1859, at their daughter Mary’s first marriage, Richard was an accountant. In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with her husband Richard, an accountant, their son Richard J, a tobacconist, daughter Mary H SERCOMBE (married and probably widowed), their other children Albert, a grocer’s assistant, Maria, Louisa, Walter E, and Frederick, and granddaughter Mary E SERCOMBE. On 24 Aug 1862, at their son Richard Joseph’s marriage, her husband Richard was an accountant. On 25 Mar 1866, at their daughter Maria’s marriage, Richard was a lawyer. On 24 Jan 1868, at her husband’s burial, of 56 Marlboro Rd, Peckham. On 29 Mar 1869, at their daughter Mary’s second marriage, Richard was (posth.) an accountant. In 1871, a widow and accountant of 4 Upper Clayton Rd, Peckham, living with her children Louisa, a machinist, Walter E, a fancy ware clerk, and Frederick, a copying clerk. On 19 Dec 1871, at their son Albert’s marriage, her husband Richard is recorded as deceased. On 24 Dec 1876, at their son Frederick’s marriage, Richard is recorded as (posth.) a warehouse-man. At her death in 1880, of 4 Clayton Rd, Peckham.

    [Children of Mary HESTER and Richard KING]:

  • Richard Joseph KING, b. 26 Oct 1835, chr. 10 Mar 1836 at Battersea, Surrey, d. reg. Q4 1879 at Camberwell R.D.
  • Mary Hannah KING, b. 29 Nov 1837 in Newington, Surrey, b. reg. 6 Jan 1838 at St. Mary Newington R.D., chr. 22 Apr 1838 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. 21 Nov 1874 at Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey.
  • Albert James KING, b. reg. Q4 1839 at Newington R.D., Surrey, chr. 17 May 1840 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. 1 Jan 1893, d. reg. Q1 1893 at Camberwell R.D.
  • Emily Ann KING, b. 1842 in Newington, Surrey, chr. 13 Mar 1842 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q1 1855 at St. Giles Parish R.D., London.
  • Maria Elizabeth KING, b. 8 Mar 1844 at Newington, Surrey, d. reg. Q1 1918 at Hackney R.D., Middlesex.
  • Louisa Octavia KING, b. 1848 in Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 7 May 1848 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q1 1887 at Edmonton R.D., Middlesex.
  • Walter Edwin KING, b. 1850 in Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 13 Oct 1850 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q2 1872 at Camberwell R.D.
  • Frederick William KING, b. ca. 1853 in Camberwell, Surrey.


  • Richard Joseph KING,b. 26 Oct 1835 in Newington, Surrey, chr. 10 Mar 1836, m. 24 Aug 1862 at St. George Parish Church, Camberwell, Patience Ann MOORE (b. 1838 in Stockwell, Lambeth, Surrey, daughter of John MOORE, a greengrocer and butcher, and Mary Ann GODDARD, a mangler; m.2 20 Nov 1880 at St. Mary, Lambeth, Augustus Matthew GODDARD; d. reg. Q4 1933 at Croydon R.D.); d. reg. Q4 1879 at Camberwell R.D., bur. 4 Dec 1879 at Camberwell Cemetery.

    At his baptism on 10 Mar 1836, of 2 Virginia Terrace, Dover Road. In 1841, of Virginia Terrace, St. Mary Parish Newington, Lambeth, Surrey, living with his parents and siblings Mary and Albert. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with his parents and siblings Mary Hannah, Albert James, Emily Ann, Maria E, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON. In 1861, a tobacconist of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with his parents, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and his other siblings Albert, a grocer’s assistant, Maria, Louisa, Walter E, and Frederick. At their marriage in 1862, Richard was a commercial traveller and Patience was of Kent Road; the witnesses were A J KING (Richard’s brother) and A E WILLERSBY. In 1871, a traveller in fancy goods, boarding at 13 Peplar Rd, Camberwell, Surrey. In 1871 Patience was of 10 Carlton Terrace, Park Rd, Camberwell, living with her daughter Jessie and her widowed mother Mary MOORE. At his death in 1879, of Clayton Rd, Peckham. On 20 Nov 1880, after Richard’s death, Patience married Augustus Matthew GODDARD, a gentleman and retired confectioner of Stockwell Rd, Lambeth (and probably a relative from her mother’s family). When Augustus died in 1900 aged 71 he was of 334 South Lambeth Rd, and was buried on 18 May 1900 at Norwood Cemetery, Surrey. In 1881, Patience was of 334 Lambeth Rd, living with her daughter Jessie and recorded as “living on own means”. In 1911, of 6 Heathfield Rd, Wandsworth Common, Patience was a widow of private means, living her servants Annie PAGE, a cook, and Florence WAKEFORD, housemaid.


    Albert James KING, b. reg. Q4 1839 at Newington R.D., Surrey, chr. 17 May 1840 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, m. 19 Dec 1871 at Holy Trinity, Newington, Selina Maria WATTS (b. reg. Q2 1850 at Camberwell R.D, daughter of James William WATTS and Virtue DUDLEY; d. 8 Nov 1906 at Peckham, Surrey); d. 7 Jan 1893, d. reg. Q1 1893 at Camberwell R.D.

    At his baptism on 17 May 1840, of 2 Virginia Terrace, Dover Road. In 1841, of Virginia Terrace, St. Mary Parish Newington, Lambeth, Surrey, living with his parents and siblings Richard and Mary. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with his parents and siblings Richard J, Mary Hannah, Emily Ann, Maria E, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON. In 1861, a grocer’s assistant of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with his parents, his brother Richard J, a tobacconist, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and his other siblings Maria, Louisa, Walter E, and Frederick. At his marriage, a fancy goods merchant of Virginia Terrace, Newington; the witnesses were James WATTS and Sarah Matilda GREEN. In 1881, a commercial traveller in fancy goods, of 4 Portland Rd, Tottenham, Middlesex, living with his wife Selina and their children Albert H, Walter J, Victoria and Ernest, and Frances WATTS (a visitor). At his death on 7 Jan 1893, a commercial traveller of 349 Crystal Palace Rd, Surrey; probate was granted on 11 Oct 1893 to his wife Selina, the estate valued at £30 5s. When Selina died on 8 Nov 1906, she was of Adys Rd, Peckham, Surrey, and probate was granted to James KING, an enquiry clerk, with effects to the value of £45 13s 10d.


    Emily Ann KING, b. ca.1842 in Newington, Surrey, chr. 17 May 1842 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q1 1855 at St. Giles Parish R.D., London.

    At her baptism on 17 May 1842, of 2 Virginia Terrace, Dover Road. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with her parents and siblings Richard J, Mary Hannah, Albert James, Maria E, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON.


    Maria Elizabeth KING, b. 8 Mar 1844 at Newington, Surrey, chr. 27 April 1845 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, m. 25 Mar 1866 at St. Leonard Parish, Shoreditch, Middlesex, James PENNY, a coachman (b. ca. 1843, son of William PENNY, a brush maker, and Mary WEBB; d. reg. Q4 1922 at Hackney R.D., Middlesex); d. reg. Q1 1918 at Hackney R.D.

    At her baptism on 27 Apr 1845, of Virginia Terrace, Dover Road. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with her parents and siblings Richard J, Mary Hannah, Albert James, Emily Ann, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON. In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with her parents, her brother Richard J, a tobacconist, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and her other siblings Albert J, a grocer’s assistant, Louisa, Walter E, and Frederick. At her marriage on 25 Mar 1866, a servant of 26 Grafton Rd, James was a coachman of 14 Ivy Lane (the 1861 census gives his family‘s address as 14 Ivy Cottage, Shoreditch); the witnesses were Alfred Cooper HIGGINS and Mary Ann HIGGINS. In 1871, of 3 Grove Rd, Islington, living with her husband James, a coachman, and their children Ann M, T James, Mary A, and Albert E. In 1881, of 10 Edward St, Highbury, Islington, living with her husband James, a coachman, and their children Annie, James, Mary, Albert, Rosy, and boarders William DRAKE and Alfred KNIGHT, both coachmen. In 1891, of 60 Lordship Rd, Stoke Newington, living with her husband James, a coachman and groom, and their children Albert, a coachman and groom, Mary, a domestic servant, and Rosey. In 1901, of 5 Lordship Park Mews, Stoke Newington, living with her husband James, a job-master’s stableman. In 1911, of 2 Lilia Cottages, Lilia Rd, Clapton, Middlesex, living with her husband James, unemployed and “disabled through accident”; their son Albert Edward PENNY was their neighbour at 1 Lilia Cottages, living with his wife Annie and their six children.


    Louisa Octavia KING, b. ca.1848 in Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 7 May 1848 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q1 1887 at Edmonton R.D., Middlesex.

    At her baptism on 7 May 1848, of “Gloster Cottage” (sic), Park Rd, New Peckham. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with her parents and siblings Richard J, Mary Hannah, Albert James, Emily Ann, Maria E and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON. In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with her parents, her brother Richard J, a tobacconist, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and her other siblings Albert J, a grocer’s assistant, Maria, Walter E, and Frederick. In 1871, a machinist of 4 Upper Clapton Rd, Peckham, living with her mother Mary, an accountant, and her brothers Walter E, a fancy ware clerk, and Frederick, a copying clerk. In 1881, of 8 Ruby St, Peckham, apparently living independently and with no recorded employment; at the same address are a married couple, William and Mary MOSELEY and sister Grace FILCE, also Mary Ann MOORE, a widow aged 85 (probably the mother of Louisa’s sister-in-law Patience - could Louisa have been her companion/carer, following her own mother‘s death in 1880?).


    Walter Edwin KING, b. ca. 1850 in Camberwell, Surrey, chr. 13 Oct 1850 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, d. reg. Q2 1872 at Camberwell R.D.

    At his baptism on 13 Oct 1850 , of “Glos’ter Cottage” (sic), Park Rd, New Peckham. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with his parents and siblings Richard J, Mary Hannah, Albert James, Emily Ann, Maria E and Louisa Octavia, and house servant Susan DICKSON. In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with his parents, his brother Richard J, a tobacconist, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and his other siblings Albert J, a grocer’s assistant, Maria, Louisa and Frederick. In 1871, a fancy ware clerk of 4 Upper Clapton Rd, Peckham, living with his mother Mary, an accountant, and siblings Louisa, a machinist, and Frederick, a copying clerk.


    Frederick William KING, b. ca. 1853 in Camberwell, Surrey, m. 24 Dec 1876 Sarah Emma ADAMS (b. reg. Q2 1854 in Oldham R.D., Manchester, Lancashire, daughter of William Henry ADAMS, a mineral water maker, and Mary; d.3 Aug 1922, bur. Hither Green Cemetery, Kent); d. 5 May 1928 at Camberwell, Kent, bur. Hither Green Cemetery, Kent.

    In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with his parents, his brother Richard J, a tobacconist, sister Mary H SERCOMBE and daughter Mary E SERCOMBE, and his other siblings Albert J, a grocer’s assistant, Maria, Louisa and Walter E. In 1871, a copying clerk of 4 Upper Clapton Rd, Peckham, living with his mother Mary, an accountant, and siblings Louisa, a machinist, and Walter E, a fancy ware clerk. At his marriage on 24 Dec 1876, a mineral water maker of Camberwell; the witnesses were William Henry ADAMS and Mary Emma SERCOMBE. In 1881, a soda water bottler, of 102 New Church Rd, Camberwell, living with his wife Emma (Sarah Emma), a mantle and dress maker, and their son Sydney (Frederick Sydney). In 1891, a general shop keeper of 1 Warwick Place, Ealing, Middlesex, living with his wife Sarah Emma and their son Frederick. In 1901, a licensed victualler of 39 Rotherhithe St, Rotherhithe, living with his wife Sarah Emma and their sons Frederick, a shorthand type-writer, and Albert. In 1911, a publican of 5 Courthill Rd, Lewisham, Kent, living with his wife Sarah Emma and their son Albert Victor. At his death on 5th May 1928, Frederick was of 54 Rainbow St, Camberwell, and he died at 5 Brunswick Square, Camberwell; probate was granted on 2 June 1928 to Charles Joseph ADAMS, a chef, with effects valued at £332. Frederick and Sarah are buried together at Hither Green Cemetery; the headstone bears the following inscription: “In loving memory of my dear wife Sarah Emma King who fell asleep Aug. 3rd 1922, gone but not forgotten ~ Also of Frederick William King beloved husband of the above who died May 5th 1928 aged 75 years ~ At rest”.


    Mary Hannah (or Ann) KING, b. 29 Nov 1837 in Newington, Surrey, b. reg. 6 Jan 1838 at St. Mary Newington R.D., chr. 22 Apr 1838 at All Hallows, Lombard St, City of London, m1. 6 Jan 1859 at St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, Henry Auton Giffard SERCOMBE, a mariner (b. 5 Apr 1838 at Islington, Middlesex, son of William Goode SERCOMBE, a clerk at the Bank of England, and Emma GIFFARD; d. before 1884); m2. 29 Mar 1869 at St. George Parish, Camberwell, Stephen BREED, a gas factory worker (b. ca. 1840 in Deptford, Kent, son of Edward BREED, a labourer, and Jane, a laundress; d. reg. Q4 1887 at Camberwell R.D.); d. 21 Nov 1874 at Peckham, Camberwell, bur. 1 Dec 1874 at Camberwell Cemetery.

    At her birth on 29 Nov 1837, of 2 Virginia Terrace, Newington, the informant was her mother. At her baptism on 27 Apr 1845, of Virginia Terrace, Dover Road. In 1841, of Virginia Terrace, St. Mary Parish Newington, Lambeth, Surrey, living with her parents and siblings Richard and Albert. In 1851, of 22 Gloucester Place, Peckham, Camberwell, Surrey, living with her parents and siblings Richard, Albert James, Emily Ann, Maria E, Louisa Octavia and Walter Edwin, and house servant Susan DICKSON. At her marriage on 6 Jan 1859, of Bermondsey, Henry was a mariner also of Bermondsey; the witnesses were John WISE and Benjamin PHILLIPS. On 6 Jan 1859, when she registered her daughter Mary Emma SERCOMBE’s birth, Mary was of 7 Nile Terrace, Trafalgar Road, Peckham, Surrey. In 1861, (probably deserted by Henry, perhaps presumed widowed) of 10 Edwin Place, Park Road, Peckham, living with her daughter Mary Emma at her parents’ house; also resident were her brother Richard J, a tobacconist, and other siblings Albert J, a grocer‘s assistant, Maria, Louisa, Walter E and Frederick. At her second marriage to Stephen BREED, on 29 March 1869, Mary is described as a spinster and remarries under her maiden name, having very probably been deserted by 1861 by her first husband Henry; Stephen was a “stayer” (a stayer is someone who minds machinery) of Old Kent Rd; the witnesses were David WHITLOCK and Elizabeth Ann WARLOCK. In 1871, recorded as “stayer gas factory wife” (which infers that she worked at a gas factory with her husband) of 7 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Camberwell, living with her husband, a gas factory stayer, their children Alice M and Stephen and “visitor” Emma SERCOMBE (her daughter Mary Emma); their neighbours at 9 Samuel Place were George and Priscilla TREE and their children George (future husband of Mary Emma SERCOMBE), Stephen, James, Priscilla and Mary. At her death on 21 Nov 1874, Mary was of 5 Hatcham Rd, Peckham; the cause of death was given as “nervous exhaustion”, although the recent birth of her fifth child (also named Mary Hannah, who died the following year) is likely to have been contributory; the informant was Priscilla TREE of 9 Hatcham Rd, who was present at the death and signed the registry with a mark. There are seven other names, unrelated, registered for the same plot where Mary Hannah is buried at Camberwell Cemetery, which indicates that it is a public or communal grave. In 1876, after Mary’s death at the age of nearly 37, Stephen married Elizabeth SLATER (b. 1848 in Wootton, Bedfordshire), with whom he had four children, Elizabeth (b. 1878), Anna Maude (b.1879), John (b. 1882) and Janey (b.1884).

    [Only child of Mary Hannah KING and Henry Auton Giffard SERCOMBE]:

    Mary Emma SERCOMBE, b. 30 Sep 1859 at 8 Alma Terrace, Mawbey Road, Peckham, b. reg. 24 Mar 1860 at Camberwell R.D., m. 14 Jun 1884 at All Saints, Newington, Surrey, m. reg. Q2 1884 at St. Saviour Southwark R.D., George TREE (b. ca. 1857 at Southwark, son of George TREE, a basket maker, and Priscilla BAKER; d. 1942 at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Dec 1942 at Bromley, Kent); d. 11 Nov 1922 at Locksbottom House, Farnborough, d. reg. 13 Nov 1922 at Bromley R.D.

    [For a fuller record of Mary Emma SERCOMBE, go to the SERCOMBE and TREE Family Bloodlines.]

    [Children of Mary Hannah KING and Stephen BREED]:

  • Alice Maud BREED, b. reg. Q3 1869 at Camberwell R.D.; d. reg. Q2 1873 at Camberwell R.D.
  • Stephen BREED, b. reg. Q 2 1871 at Camberwell R.D.; d. reg. Q4 1871 at Camberwell R.D.
  • Stephen Walter BREED, b, 20 May 1873, b. reg. Q3 1873 at Camberwell R.D.; d. reg. Q2 1921 at Bromley R.D.
  • Mary Hannah BREED, b. reg. Q4 1874 at Camberwell R.D.; d. reg. Q3 1875 at Camberwell R.D.


  • Stephen Walter BREED, b, 20 May 1873, b. reg. Q3 1873 at Camberwell R.D., chr. 20 Apr 1884 at St. Mark Parish, Peckham; m. 6 Apr 1896 at All Saints, Crocken Hill, Kent, Annie Eliza PLUMB, a domestic servant before marriage (b. reg. Q4 1874 at Bromley R.D., daughter of William PLUMB, a groom, and Emma WHITTINGTON; d. reg. Q2 1941 at Bromley R.D.); d. reg. Q2 1921 at Bromley R.D.

    In 1881, of 14 Crewy’s Rd, Peckham, Camberwell, living with his father Stephen, a gas works blacksmith, his step-mother Elizabeth, and step-sisters Elizabeth and Anna. On 9 May 1881, when admitted to Peckham Park School, Southwark Borough, of 14 Crewy’s Rd, his birth date was given as 20 May 1873. On 20 Apr 1884, at his baptism at the age of nearly 11, of 14 Crewy’s Rd; his parents are recorded as Stephen and Elizabeth (his step-mother) and his step-siblings Elizabeth, Anna Maude, John and Janey were all baptised on the same date. In 1891, a basket maker’s apprentice, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with his half-sister Mary E TREE (nee SERCOMBE), her husband George TREE, a basket maker, and their children George H, James, Ernest J and May. In 1891, prior to her marriage to Stephen, Annie Eliza PLUMB and her mother Emma were employed as domestic servants to John T. KING, a basket and broom manufacturer, of Holly Tree House, Main Rd, Foots Cray. On 6 Apr 1896, at their marriage, Stephen was a basket maker of Foots Cray, Annie was of Crocken Hill, Kent; the witnesses were Thomas WHITEHEAD and Florence Ada PLUMB; Annie was heavily pregnant and gave birth to their son Stephen Philip BREED later on the day of their wedding. In 1901, a basket maker of Cray Rd, Foots Cray, living with his wife Annie E, and their children Stephen P, Victoria M and Lilian M. In 1911, a basket maker of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with his wife Annie Eliza and their children Stephen Philip, a print worker, Lilian, Florence, William and Frederick. On 13 November 1922, Annie Eliza was of 29 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, when she registered the death of her sister-in-law Mary Emma TREE. On 21 Jun 1923, at the marriage of his daughter Lilian Maude, a basket maker (deceased). On 27 Dec 1930, at the marriage of his son Stephen Philip, a basket maker (deceased).

    [May WASSON (nee TREE), in her memoir "Memories of Ninety Years", recalls Stephen‘s death when her own mother, Mary Emma TREE (nee SERCOMBE) was in hospital: “When two of my cousins went to see her dressed in black because their father had died, she pulled the coat of one of them as if to ask why. As their father was … her half brother, to whom she was devoted, having brought him up, they said ‘it‘s the fashion’.”]

    [Children of Stephen Walter BREED and Annie Eliza PLUMB]:

  • Stephen Philip BREED, b. 6 Apr 1896 in Foots Cray, Kent; d. reg. Jul 1985 at Bexley R.D.
  • Victoria May BREED, b. reg. Q2 1897 at Bromley R.D., Kent; d. reg. Q3 1901 at Bromley R.D.
  • Lilian Maud BREED, b. 1 Feb 1899 in Foots Cray, Kent; d. 8 Feb 1990, d. reg. Feb 1990 at Bexley R.D.
  • Florence Alexandra BREED, b. 20 Feb 1902 in Foots Cray; d. 6 Jan 1950, d. reg. Q1 1950 at Bromley R.D.
  • William Harry BREED, b. 25 Sep 1903 in Foots Cray, Kent; d. 13 Dec 1992, d. reg. Dec 1992 at Bexley R.D.
  • John BREED, b. ca. 1907, d. reg. Q1 1907 at Bromley R.D., Kent.
  • Frederick BREED, b. 2 Jul 1908 in Foots Cray, Kent; d. 20 Apr 1981, d. reg. Jun 1981 at Bexley R.D.


  • Stephen Philip BREED, a printer, b. 6 Apr 1896 in Foots Cray, Kent, m. 27 Dec 1930 at Christ Church, Sidcup, Kent, Lily Dorothy PAYNE (b. reg. Q2 1903 at Bromley R.D., chr. 12 Apr 1903 at Sidcup, Kent, daughter of Charles Herbert PAYNE, a gardener and labourer, and Mary); d. reg. Jul 1985 at Bexley R.D.

    In 1901, of 345 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, living with his father Stephen W, a basket maker, his mother Annie E, and siblings Victoria M and Lilian M. In 1911, a printer of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with his father Stephen Walter, a basket maker, his mother Annie Eliza, and siblings Lilian, Florence, William and Frederick. On 7 Sep 1914, a printer of Foots Cray, Kent, when he enlisted with the army; his age was given as 19 years and 2 months. At his marriage on 27 Dec 1930, a printer of 18 Shirley Rd, Sidcup; the witnesses were W.H. BREED and H.M. PAYNE. In the 1964 electoral register, of 7 Holbeach Gardens, Chislehurst, Kent.


    Victoria May BREED, b. reg. Q2 1897 at Bromley R.D., Kent, d. reg. Q3 1901 at Bromley R.D.

    In 1901, of 345 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, living with her father Stephen W, a basket maker, her mother Annie E, and siblings Stephen P and Lilian M.


    Lilian Maud BREED, b. 1 Feb 1899 in Foots Cray, Kent, chr. 2 Apr 1899 at Foots Cray, m. 21 Jun 1923 at Bromley Register Office, Kent, Albert Francis William HAINES (a basket maker, b. 30 Nov 1893 in Tilehurst, Berkshire, b. reg. Q1 1894 at Bradfield R.D., Berkshire, son of William HAINES, a bricklayer, and Jane MATTHEWS; d. 20 Jun 1975, d. reg. Jun 1975 at Bexley R.D., bur. All Saints Church graveyard, Foots Cray.); d. 8 Feb 1990, d. reg. Feb 1990 at Bexley R.D., bur. All Saints Church graveyard, Foots Cray.

    In 1901, of 345 Cray Rd, Foots Cray, living with her father Stephen W, a basket maker, her mother Annie E, and siblings Stephen P and Victoria M. In 1911, of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with her father Stephen Walter, a basket maker, her mother Annie Eliza, and siblings Stephen Philip, a printer, Florence, William and Frederick. Before their marriage in 1923, Lilian’s husband Albert HAINES suffered a serious wound to the left side of his face, jaw and neck in the Great War of 1914-18.

    [A hospital devoted to facial repairs was developed at Frognal House, Sidcup (later Queen Mary’s Hospital) in 1917, where Dr. Harold Gillies pioneered new techniques of plastic surgery. More than 11,000 operations were performed there on over 5,000 men. Many local women married the soldiers who were treated there.]


    Florence Alexandra BREED, b. 20 Feb 1902 in Foots Cray, Kent, b. reg. Q1 1902 at Bromley R.D., m. reg. Q4 1933 at Greenwich R.D. William Benjamin CLEMENTS (b. 8 Feb 1896, b. reg. Q1 at Greenwich R.D., son of David Benjamin CLEMENTS, a coachman, and Louisa Payne KEEBLE; d. 6 Jan 1950, d. reg. Q1 1950 at Bromley R.D., bur. All Saints Church graveyard, Foots Cray); d. 22 Apr 1980, d. reg. Q2 1980 at Bexley R.D., bur. All Saints Church graveyard, Foots Cray.

    In 1911, of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with her father Stephen Walter, a basket maker, her mother Annie Eliza, and siblings Stephen Philip, a printer, Lilian, William and Frederick. Before their marriage in 1933, Florence’s husband William CLEMENTS suffered a serious facial wound (his lower jaw destroyed) in 1916 during the Great War.


    William Harry BREED, b. 25 Sep 1903 in Foots Cray, Kent, b. reg. Q4 at Bromley R.D., m. reg. Q4 at Bromley R.D., Evelyn May JARRETT (b. 9 Jan 1907, chr. 27 Feb 1907at Sidcup, Kent, daughter of Alfred Charles JARRETT and Mary; d. 27 Sep 1993 at Sidcup, Kent, d. reg. Q3 1993 at Bexley R.D., crem. 7 Oct 1993 at Greenwich); d. 13 Dec 1992, d. reg. Dec 1992 at Bexley R.D., crem. 21 Dec 1992 at Greenwich.

    In 1911, of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with his father Stephen Walter, a basket maker, his mother Annie Eliza, and siblings Stephen Philip, a printer, Lilian, Florence and Frederick. At her death William’s wife Evelyn was of 30 Lincoln Rd, Sidcup; administration of her estate was held at Brighton, with assets not exceeding £125,000.


    Frederick BREED, b. 2 Jul 1908 in Foots Cray, Kent, b. reg. Q3 1908 at Bromley R.D., m. reg. Q4 1931 at Bromley R.D., Dorothy MAYS (b. 17 Oct 1905, d. reg.Q2 1984 at Bexley R.D.); d. 20 Apr 1981, d. reg. Jun 1981 at Bexley R.D., crem. 30 Apr 1981 at Greenwich.

    In 1911, of 13 Jubilee Rd, Foots Cray, living with his father Stephen Walter, a basket maker, his mother Annie Eliza, and siblings Stephen Philip, a printer, Lilian, Florence and William.