Notes:

NOTE 1./ Carol Ward`s Family Tree (Tollgate) <>

Birth certificate on file. Certificate does not name this child, neither does it name the place of birth. However, this child was born to father George Melmer, Pastry Cook, and Matilda, formerly Cooley in 1837. The informant was George Melmer, father, Railway Offices, Cheltenham on the same day as the birth.

Young Henry was present in the family household at Fairview St., St Mary`s Cheltenham, in 1841 along with his parents and siblings. He was 4 years old.

In 1851 Henry Melmer was described as a Hatter, aged 13, living with his parents and siblings at 33 St Pauls Street North, Cheltenham.

I cannot acount for Henry Melmer after the 1851 census therefore believe he went to the States. I have been informed that he did. However, he may well have been one and the same person enumerated as E F Melmer in Nebraska in 1880 - see notes for E F Melmer 1837.

Notes:

About MELMER, George
George Melmer was born in Jersey according to 1851 census, entry registered St Helier 1802 to parents George & Fanny, nee Bott.

According to the entry in the 1841 census George was aged 35 with his wife and 5 of his children. It should be noted that his wife Matilda was enumerated in the name of Martha (enumerator`s error?). I have no evidence of George being married to a Martha! The family were resident at Fairview Street, St Mary`s Cheltenham, and George was described as a confectioner. His eldest son, George, was aged 15 an apprentice, the other children were scholars which included Frances 10, Martha 8, William 6 & Henry 4. Daughter Matilda was elsewhere on the night of the 1841 census as was daughter Elizabeth (born circa 1828).

This family were present at 33 St Paul`s Street North, Cheltenham, in 1851, where George and Matilda were resident with their family. George was enumerated as a 48 year old pastry cook, wife Matilda was aged 50. Daughter Elizabeth Melmer was present in 1851 along with other siblings and Matilda Cooley, mother in law, aged 76, widowed annuitant born Bridgenorth, Shropshire.

Death certificate on file. He died an early death in 1854 aged 52 in Cheltenham of Dropsey, General Anasarca & Debility. His death was registered by son William, in attendance at 35 St Pauls St North.

I do not know where George Melmer is buried. I checked the registers at Bouncers Lane cemetery in Cheltenham, but burials did not begin there until 1864. Cheltenham Cemetery opened with its first burial in 1864, charmingly recorded in the Register of Burials as "The First Commencement" taking place on the 19 November of that year.

NOTE 1./ 1841 Cheltenham, Gloucester, England census,

Name Estimated Birth Year Birthplace Civil Parish County/Island
George Melmer abt 1806 Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Martha Melmer abt 1806 Cheltenham Gloucestershire
George Melmer abt 1826 Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Frances Melmer abt 1831 Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Martha Melmer abt 1833 Gloucestershire, England Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Wm Melmer abt 1835 Gloucestershire, England Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Henry Melmer abt 1837 Gloucestershire, England Cheltenham Gloucestershire

NOTE 2./ 1851 Cheltenham, Gloucester, England census,

Name Estimated Birth Year Birthplace Relationship Civil Parish County/Island
George Melmer abt 1803 Isle of Wight, Jersey, Channel Islands Head Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Matilda Melmer abt 1801 Middlesex, England Wife Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Melmer abt 1828 Leicestershire, England Daughter Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Frances Melmer abt 1830 Leicestershire, England Daughter Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Martha Melmer abt 1833 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Dau Cheltenham Gloucestershire
William Melmer abt 1835 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Son Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Henry Melmer abt 1838 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Son Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Matilda Cooley abt 1775 Bridgenorth, Shropshire, Eng Mother-in-law Cheltenham Gloucestershire

NOTE 3./ e-mail from Carol Cooper ([email protected]) on 8-19-2007

The 1841 census for Fairview Street, Cheltenham, shows the Melmers (George Snr & Martha (sic.) - should read Matilda) with their family of children at that time, namely George 15 (ages were rounded in 1841) and Frances 10 (both born out of county) with Martha 8, William 6 and Henry 4, all born within county of Gloucestershire.

The 1851 census for St Paul's St. North, Cheltenham, shows the Melmer family excluding son George (enumerated as Melmore), who was residing in lodgings at 8 Hanover Street, just around the corner [I know both streets well], with wife Ann and children Emma 8, Mary Ann 6, Elizabeth 3 & George 1 month old. I have now purchased both birth certificates for first and last children, namely Emma in 1843 at 25 Brunswick Street and George in 1851 at 8 Hanover Street, which clearly shows they were born to George Melmer and Ann Hughes - see attached. However, I have not managed to find any marriage between George and Ann Hughes in the indexes for either England or Wales, so presume they did not actually manage to tie the knot, which is a shame as a marriage certificate would confirm who his father was.

What makes me so convinced that this George Melmer, with Ann, was most definitely the son of George and Matilda is that apart from being the only other Melmer family in Cheltenham at that time and living just round the corner from his parents, his birth occurred (according to the 1851 census) in Southampton, which was precisely the same place as his parents' marriage took place the same year, see the death certificate of Matilda Melmer, which I sent you a copy of in a previous email some while ago.

What I can also be certain of is that the reason we cannot find George 1824 in the 1881 census for Canada is because he was almost certainly dead by this time. In his mother Matilda Melmer's death certificate in 1883 at Ipswich, Queensland, Australia, it stated she was the mother of only 3 living children at the time of her death, namely Martha, William and Henry - those deceased were 1 male (can only be George 1824) and 3 females.

So, I speculate that George, Ann and four children left the UK shortly after 1851 for foreign shores, possibly America or even Australia and after the death of first wife Ann Hughes, George moved on to Canada to be with other members of his family, leaving behind his children some of whom would by this time have grown up and probably married and settled. He subsequently married second wife Mary Wallace circa 1856 and the two daughters quickly followed that marriage. From the age of Matilda Eaton (24) in 1881, she must have been the elder of the two daughters.

What I also noticed from the 1881 census entry for the Eaton family in Montreal, was that Robert Eaton, the Pedler, was considerably older than Matilda, indeed he must have been a widower at marriage, as the eldest child in the household was William aged 14. He could not possibly have been Matilda's son, only Robert 4 and Matilda 1 could have been her children, suggesting that Matilda Melmer married Robert Eaton circa 1876, upon reaching the age of 21 years. It is quite conceivable therefore that by 1901 Canadian census, Robert Eaton may have died and his young wife Matilda, may just have remarried and taken another surname by this time. If their daughter Matilda had also married before 1901, she too would be almost impossible to locate in the 1901 census, without evidence of such a marriage. Robert Eaton Jnr would almost certainly have been of an age to fight in a War at the turn of the century, also making his appearance in any census of 1901 very difficult to find - all this is only speculation but could account for their "disappearance" from any census after 1881.

GeorgeSr married Matilda COOLEY in 1824 in Southhampton, Hampshire, England. Matilda (daughter of William COOLEY and Matilda NOYES) was born in 1800 in Bridgenorth, Shropshire, England; died on 11 Dec 1883 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia; was buried on 12 Dec 1883 in Ipswich Cemetary. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ About COOLEY, Matilda : From Carol Ward`s Family Tree: {Tollgate} <>

About COOLEY, Matilda
Matilda Cooley was born in Middlesex c.1800 according to census 1851 the daughter of William Cooley a navy surgeon and Matilda nee Noyes. She had a brother, Arnold James Cooley although it is proving difficult to connect Arnold to Matilda. Even her father`s Will did not name Arnold, but Matilda was a named beneficiary.

Matilda is known to have had babies c 1824 in Southampton, c1827 in Bath, 1828/30 in Leicester and from 1833 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

According to the entry in the 1841 census Matilda Cooley was enumerated as "Martha". The family were resident at Fairview Street, St Mary`s Cheltenham, and George was described as a confectioner. His eldest son, George, was aged 15 (ages rounded), an apprentice, the other children were scholars which included Frances 10, Martha 8, William 6 & Henry 4. Daughter Matilda was elsewhere on the night of the 1841 census as was daughter Elizabeth (born circa 1828).

This family were present at 33 St Paul`s Street North, Cheltenham, in 1851, where George and Matilda were resident with their family. George was enumerated as a 48 year old pastry cook, wife Matilda was aged 50. Daughter Elizabeth Melmer was present in 1851 along with other siblings and Matilda Cooley, mother, aged 76, widowed annuitant born Bridgenorth, Shropshire.

Matilda was widowed in 1854 and the census for 1861 shows her living at Regent Place, Cheltenham, aged 60 with daughter Elizabeth, aged 28 (sic), both dressmakers.

In April 1860 she registered a death of an Emma Matilda Melmer (grandaughter) who was the daughter of William Melmer Schoolmaster. The child was 6 months, died from debility at birth, and Matilda was present at the death.

In 1861 Matilda was resident at Regent Place with daughter Elizabeth, both ladies were dressmakers, Matilda being aged 60, Elizabeth, aged 28.

Matilda and daughter Elizabeth emigrated after the census in 1861 arriving in Queensland, Australia on the "Theresa" in 1863.

Death Certificate on file. Matilda died at Ipswich, Queensland, Australia on 11th December 1883 at the age of 82 from Senile Decay. Her death occurred at "Racecourse", Ipswich, Q`land, and was registered by her son in law William Jones also of Racecourse Ipswich. Matilda`s death certificate gives the names of her parents as William Cooley, Surgeon Royal Navy and Matilda (nee Noyes) and states that she was born Middlesex, London, England and had been in Queensland for about 9 years. She was the mother of 3 living children at the time of her death, Martha 49, William 47 and Henry 45 and she had 1 male and 3 female children deceased. Her certificate also states that she was the widow of George Melmer, whom she had married at the age of 25 years in Southampton, Hampshire, England.

Matilda Melmer was buried on 12th December 1883 at Ipswich Cemetary, Congregational, by Rev`d E Greenwood in the present of witnesses Archibald Hughes and Michael Martin.

NOTE 2./ e-mail from [email protected] on 10-6-2006

It gives me great pleasure to send to you a copy of the original death certificate for Matilda Melmer (nee Cooley), widow of George Melmer of Jersey, Channel Isles and who died Ipswich, Queensland 11.12.1883.

You will see the certificate for Ipswich, Queensland, Australia defines more than our British certificates in that it clearly mentions parents and children of the deceased.

My contact (a direct descendent of William Jones and Martha Melmer) has confirmed to me that Matilda and daughter Elizabeth emigrated to the Australias on board the vessel "Theresa", arriving Queensland 1862/3 which accounts for why I cannot locate them in British Census post 1861, nor have I located either of their deaths in the UK.

I am also informed that Elizabeth Melmer married a Thomas Murphy in 1864 in Australia - presumably a previous husband to William Cody pictured with her in the photograph supplied by Bob.

I have also deduced that the E F Melmer, mentioned in the 1880 census for "Unorganized territory of Nabraska" was probably one and the same Henry Melmer (b.1837), though why the name was changed I do not know, but my informant confirms that it was reported Henry also emigrated to the States and that Matilda visited her son there (verbal information only).

I am promised further documentation in support of the above information though it may not be for a while due to administrative difficulties. Once I am in possession, I will share accordingly.

I hope this finds all of you in good health and high spirits.

Until next time, kind regards and very best wishes

your UK cousin, Carol

NOTE 3./ Regarding Matilda Cooley Photos: See jpeg: e-mail from [email protected] 8-29-2007

I also forgot to pass this on to you - it is an authentic photograph of Matilda Cooley [(1799-1883) - married George Melmer 1824] and still hangs in a home in Brisbane Australia. It was taken circa 1865 shortly after her arrival with daughter Elizabeth in Australia. The attached photo was taken through glass but you can clearly see how she looked.

George married Fanny BOTT. Fanny died in Mar 1847 in Sherborne, Dorset Somerset, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ 1841 St Sidwell Devon, England census,

Name Estimated Birth Year Birthplace Civil Parish County/Island
Wm Tancock abt 1802 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
Marry Hepper abt 1785 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
Marry Tancock abt 1838 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
William Cooley abt 1771 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
Matilda Cooley abt 1775 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
Olon Cooksley abt 1799 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon
Eliza Cooksley abt 1831 Devon, England St Sidwell Devon

NOTE 2./ Ancestry.com: Carol Cooper [email protected], My Roots & Twigs, "Electronic,"
(beaumont)

William Cooley is proving hard to trace although from his occupation it should be fairly easy. He is shown on two sources as being a Surgeon and on his death certificate is says `gentleman`. (i) In the marriage Licence Allegation of Arnold James Cooley he is described as "lawful father, surgeon" and (ii) on the death certificate of wife Matilda, he is described as Navy Surgeon (deceased).

William Cooley married Matilda Noyse, by Licence, at St Clement Danes, Westminster, Middlesex. The Vicar`s Licence Allegation states that William was 23 years "and upward" in 1796, Matilda was 21 years "and upwards" of the Parish of St Ann, Westminster. The marriage was witnessed by Hannah Burton & M.Walsh.

William Cooley is shown on the 1841 census for Russell Street, St Sidwell, Exeter, aged 70, gentleman of independent means living with Wm Tancock. Also included is Matilda Cooley aged 66 also of independent means. All Navy sources have been checked but no record of William as a Surgeon. Suggest checking Merchant Navy.

I have a copy of William Cooley`s Will proved in London 21st December 1843 in which he names his wife Matilda Cooley his Executrix and makes her sole beneficiary of the residue of his estate, namely funds from various financial institutions and insurances. Also bequests to daughter Matilda Melma (sic.) - no mention of Arnold James Cooley in the Will or any other children.

William`s death was registered by Martha Lee of Russell St., St Sidwell, present at the death. It was also Martha Lee who appeared personally to prove William Cooley`s Will in 1843. She can be found living at Russell St., St Sidwell, in 1841 - so signs of a spouse named in the Will as James Lee.

William married Matilda NOYES on 02 Apr 1796 in St Clement Danes, Westminster, Middlesex. Matilda (daughter of William NOYES and Mary UNKNOWN) was born on 24 Jul 1774 in Saint Leonards, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England; died on 08 May 1852 in #18 Paragon Place, Exeter, Devon. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ From Carol Ward`s Family Tree: (beaumont) <>

About NOYES, Matilda
Matilda Noyes was born to parents William and Mary, baptised at Bridgenorth, St Leonards 1774. She had four known sisters and one known brother all baptised at the same place.

Copy of Parish Marriage Register entry on file.

The 1841 census shows Matilda, present in the household of Wm. Tancock, at Russell St., St Sidwell, Exeter, aged 66.

Matilda was shown on the 1851 census for 33 St Pauls St. Nth as living with Son-in-law George Melmer and daughter Matilda Melmer, a widow, annuitant, aged 76. Death certificate on file. Her death certificate indicates she died at 18 Paragon Place, St Sidwell, Exeter, of old age, widow of Wm Cooley whose death was registered by Mary Ann Cooley (daughter in law, wife of Arnold James??), present at the death.

NOTE 2./ 1851 Cheltenham Gloucestershire census,

Name Estimated Birth Year Birthplace Relationship Civil Parish County/Island
George Melmer abt 1803 Isle of Wight, Jersey, Channel Islands Head Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Matilda Melmer abt 1801 Middlesex, England Wife Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Elizabeth Melmer abt 1828 Leicestershire, England Daughter Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Frances Melmer abt 1830 Leicestershire, England Daughter Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Martha Melmer abt 1833 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Cheltenham Gloucestershire
William Melmer abt 1835 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Son Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Henry Melmer abt 1838 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Son Cheltenham Gloucestershire
Matilda Cooks abt 1775 Bridgenorth, Shropshire, England Mother-in-law Cheltenham Gloucestershire.
Note that actual census image clearly shows "Matilda Cooks" is a transcription error, and is in actuality "Matilda Cooley"

William married Mary UNKNOWN. Mary died in in Saint Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]