DAUGHTER’S TRAGIC VISIT TO WOLVERHAMPTON

This has to be a case of postnatal depression or something similar. She had at least 3 children born in 1912, 1914 and 1916. The war would have been raging for almost 4 years and her husband was away with the army. Her mother and father had divorced in 1903 when her mother had given 'way to drink and vicious habits'. Who did she have to support her and the children mentally and physically?

These articles also highlight the inaccuracies in newspaper reporting at the time.

Evening Despatch - Monday 29 April 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000671/19180429/061/0003

MIDLAND TRAGEDY. SENSATIONAL SEQUEL TO VISIT TOWOLVERHAMPTON On Saturday night young married woman, named Ethel Murden, whose home is at 110, Willows-road, Birmingham, visited the house of her father, John Mitchell James, bootmaker, 315 and 316 New Hampton-road West, Wolverhampton. She had with her one of three young children, Irene, aged 2 1/2 years. After telling his daughter to wait while locked up the shop, Mr. James put out the lights, and was startled at hearing screams in the street, and Mrs. Murden was found bleeding from a wound in the throat. The child also was found to be injured, and was taken the hospital, where death took place shortly after. Mrs. Murden was taken to the institution, and last night was in critical condition.

Birmingham Daily Gazette - Monday 29 April 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19180429/074/0003

MIDLAND TRAGEDY. SENSATIONAL SEQUEL TO VISIT TO WOLVERHAMPTON.

On Saturday night a young married woman, named Ethel Murden, whose home is at 110, Willows-road, Birmingham, visited the house of her father, John Mitchell James, bootmaker. 315 and 316, New Hampton-road West, Wolverhampton. She had with her one of three young children, Irene, aged 2 1/2 years.

After telling his daughter to wait while he locked up the shop, Mr. James put out the lights, and was startled at hearing screams in the street, and Mrs. Murden was found bleeding from a wound in the throat.

The child also was found to be injured, and was taken to the hospital, where death took place shortly after. Mrs. Murden was taken to the institution, and last night was in a critical condition.

Birmingham Daily Post - Monday 29 April 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000033/19180429/120/0006

DAUGHTER’S TRAGIC VISIT TO WOLVERHAMPTON.

Wolverhampton was the scene of a distressing tragedy on Saturday night. A young married woman, Ethel Murden, of 110, Willow Road, Birmingham, paid a visit her father, John Mitchell James, bootmaker, 315 and 316, New Hampton Road West. She is the mother of three young children, and had with her one of them, Irene, aged 2 1/2 years.

Mr. James observed that his daughter was rather strange in her manner. When she was leaving he asked her to wait while he locked up the shop, and that he would go with her to the station. Mrs. Murden went outside the shop, and in a few moments her father heard screams in the street. Immediately afterwards Mrs. Murden was found by a man passing by bleeding extensively from a wound in the throat. The baby girl was lying on the ground near at hand, and was also injured. A woman took the child to the hospital, where death followed the same night. Mrs. Murden lies precarious state in hospital Her husband is now in the army, and was formerly a railway clerk.

Birmingham Daily Gazette - Tuesday 30 April 1918 & Evening Despatch - Tuesday 30 April 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19180430/058/0003

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000671/19180430/051/0003

WOLVERHAMPTON TRAGEDY The Birmingham woman, Ethel Murden, of Willows-road, who was found outside her father’s shop at Wolverhampton on Saturday night, with her infant boy James— not girl, as previously stated—both suffering from wounds in the throat, was reported last night to be in grave condition. The inquest on the boy is fixed for Wednesday. 

Birmingham Daily Gazette - Friday 03 May 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19180503/082/0003

Ethel Murdin, Willows-road, Birmingham, who figured in the tragedy at Wolverhampton Saturday night, was reported last night to be little better.

Staffordshire Advertiser - Saturday 04 May 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000252/19180504/109/0007

Daughter's Tragic Visit. Wolverhampton was the scene of a distressing tragedy on Saturday night. A young married woman. Ethel Murden. of 110, Willow-road. Birmingham, paid a visit to her father, John Mitchell James, bootmaker, 315 and 316, New Hampton-road West. She is the mother of three young children, and had with her one of them, Irene, aged two and a-half years. Mr. James observed that his daughter was rather strange in her manner. When she was leaving asked her to wait while he locked up the shop, and said he would go with her to the Station. Mrs. Murden went outside the shop, and in a few moments, her father heard screams in the street. Immediately afterwards Mrs. Murden was found by a man passing by bleeding extensively from a wound in the throat. The baby girl was lying on the ground near at hand, and was also injured. A woman took the child to the hospital, where death followed. Mrs. Murden lies in a precarious state hospital. Her husband is now in the Army, and was formerly a railway clerk.

Birmingham Daily Post - Thursday 09 May 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000033/19180509/124/0005

BIRMINGHAM WOMAN'S CRIME. SUICIDE AFTER MURDERING HER SON

The Coroner's enquires into the tragedy Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, the victims of which were Geoffrey Phillip Murdin (2 1/2), and his mother, Ethel Murdin (32), of 110, Willows Rood, Cannon Hill, Birmingham, who died after lingering a week in the Wolverhampton Hospital, concluded at Wolverhampton last night.

The evidence showed that Mrs. Murdin, whose husband is a signaller, on active service, arrived unexpectedly on the night of April 27 at the boot shop kept by her father, John Mitchell James in Newhampton Road. Wolverhampton, and when he expressed surprise she said she was obliged to come but did not explain what she meant. The father told her they had just moved into a private house, and he did not know how they could manage, but would go round with her and if they could not do anything he would see her to the station. He said her mind seemed in a terrible state, but she had been very strange for a long time. Whilst he was locking up the shop Mrs. Murdin went out and apparently took a knife from the counter, for just after she was found cutting at her throat with the knife whilst the boy was lying on the ground with his throat cut.

Mrs, Murdin's brother, Ernest A. James, Ladypool Road, Birmingham, said she had been very strange for 18 months. He saw her the day of the tragedy, and she talked wildly, and asked to be put in an asylum. He was about to see about having her placed in an institution, but could not do so on that day. Her married life had not been unhappy.

It was stated that the husband had been wired to, but nothing had been heard from him. The jury returned a verdict that the boy was wilfully murdered by the mother, who herself committed suicide whilst of unsound mind. They recommended the coroner to censure strongly the father and the brother of Mrs. Murdin on their treatment of her on the day of the crime. - Both the father and the brother stated that they had done all they possibly could for Mrs. Murdin, and the Coroner himself said he could not go as far as the jury in their view.

Birmingham Daily Gazette - Thursday 09 May 1918

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000669/19180509/085/0003

THE MIDLAND TRAGEDY. Verdict at the Wolverhampton Inquest. A disagreement between the Coroner and jury on a question of censure arose at the inquest at Wolverhampton last night into the circumstances of the tragedy on Saturday week involving the death Geoffrey Philip Murdin, aged 2 1/2, and his mother, Ethel Murdin, aged 32, wife of a signaller in the cavalry, and formerly residing at 110, Willows-road, Cannon Hill, Birmingham. Mrs. Murdin visited the shop of her father, John Mitchell James, bootmaker. Wolverhampton, just before 9 o'clock on Saturday night week with her two children, He was very much surprised, but promised that if they could not put her up for the night—having moved into private house the day before— he would see her to the railway station. A Cobbler's Knife. While was locking the shop his daughter went outside and apparently took with her a cobbler's knife off the counter. for a moment later she was found in the street hacking at her throat, while the child lay on the pavement with his throat gashed. Mrs. Murdin's brother, Ernest James, also a bootmaker, Ladypool-road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, said his sister had been strange in her mind for eighteen months, but was not in financial difficulties.

Not Unhappy.

She had not been unhappy in her married life, though owing to her eccentricity she once separated from her husband, only become reconciled in a few weeks. She called at his house on the day of the tragedy and asked to be put away in asylum, or even in prison, and he promised to see what could be done next day.

The jury returned a verdict "Wilful Murder" against the mother and that she was insane when she committed suicide, and they requested the Coroner to censure both the brother and father of the woman for their treatment her on the day of the tragedy.

Both were recalled, and stated they had done all they could for the deceased. The Coroner said he could not go so far as the jury himself. The Foreman, however, said the woman ought never to have been left.

Her parents' divorce

Leominster News and North West Herefordshire & Radnorshire Advertiser - Friday 13 March 1903

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002105/19030313/062/0003

A PAINFUL STORY Mr. Justice Barnes and a common jury, on Friday afternoon, had before them the case of James v. James, in which Mr. John Mitchell James. a bootmaker in Birmingham, sought a dissolution of his marriage with his wife on the ground of her adultery with a man unknown. Mr. Priestley. K.C., stated that the story was a peculiar and a sad one, especially when it was considered that the woman was of the age that she was, and the principal witnesses were the sons of the petitioner and respondent. The parties were married as long ago as 1873. and there had been eight children of the marriage. the eldest being 27 years of age. The petitioner was a bootmaker in a small way of business at Ladypool Road, Birmingham, and it appeared that six years ago the respondent gave way to drink and vicious habits. She had been seen by her sons last year in the company of men. In May last, when Ernest, one of the sons, was in bed he heard the voices of a man and a woman talking. He went down to the back of the house, and found a man coming out. He made a spring at him. and asked him who he was. " Ask the missus." he said, "I have been courting the missus." The husband taxed his wife the neat morning, and she said. " I know I have done wrong. Forgive me." Petitioner replied that he could not forgive her because of the disgrace to the children. —Ernest James, the son of the petitioner and respondent. gave evidence, and in the course of it he broke down, sobbing bitterly in the box.—Mr. Justice Barnes, on the jury intimating that they had heard enough, said that the case was a very sad one, and in which there seemed to be but little doubt.—The jury found for the petitioner, and his Lordship granted a decree nisi.

Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer - Saturday 14 March 1903

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002560/19030314/216/0007

A PAINFUL STORY. Mr. Justine Barnes; and a common jury, on Friday afternoon, had before them the case of James v. James, in which Mr. John Mitchell James, a bootmaker in Birmingham, sought a dissolution of his marriage with his wife on the ground of her adultery with a man unknown. Mr. Priestley. K.C., stated that the story was a peculiar and a sad one. especially when it was considered that the woman was of the age that she was, and that the principal witnesses were the sons of the petitioner and respondent. The parties were married as long ago as 1873, and there had been eight children of the marriage, the eldest being 27 years of age. petitioner was a bootmaker in a small way of business at Ladypool Road, Birmingham, and it appeared' that six years ago the respondent gave way to drink and vicious habits. She had been seen by her sons last year in the company of men. In May last when Ernest. one of the sons. was in bed he heard the voices of a man and a woman talking. He went down to the back of the house, and found a man coming out. He made a spring at him. and asked him who he was. "Ask the missus." he said, "I have been courting the missus." The husband taxed his wife the next morning. and she said, "I know I have done wrong. Forgive me." Petitioner. replied that he could not forgive her because of the disgrace to the children. Petitioner gave corroborative evidence. Ernest James, the son of the petitioner and respondent, gave evidence. and in the course of it he broke down, sobbing bitterly in the box. Mr. Justice Barnes, on the jury intimating that they had heard enough said that the case was a very sad one, and one in which there seemed to be but little doubt. The jury found for the petitioner, and his Lordship granted a decree nisi. 

Stalag 383 - The Bull Ring Club - Birmingham P.O.W.'s

Stalag 383 - The Bull Ring Club

Names mentioned include:

• Cpl John Brotherton
• Johney Carrol
• Len Sutton
• Cpl Farrington
• Sgt Teddy Abdail

Descendants of Francis Arnold and Mary Dell

It is believed that Francis Arnold was born about 1772 as the first child of William Arnold and Sarah Mason and was baptized on 11 Feb 1772 in Claverdon, Warwickshire, England. He had six siblings, namely: William, James, Matthew, Sarah Mason, John, and Catherine.

His wife, Mary Dell, was christened in St Martin's Church, Birmingham on the 24 October 1780 to Isaac Dell, Plasterer and his wife Mary. It is noted that she was 2 months old when baptised.

Francis and Mary married, on the 5 January 1801 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham by licence, her father, Isaac Dell, giving his consent. The witnesses were Isaac Dell and Katharine Arnold.

Mary and Francis had twelve children.

Their first child, Isaac William Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1802. (Note: Inherited Family Bible belonging to Grandfather, Isaac Dell).

Mary's mother, Mary survived long enough to see her first grandchild. She died on the 17 November 1803. Aris Gazette of 21 November 1803 remembers her thus: Thursday, aged 58, Mrs Mary Dell, wife of Mr Isaac Dell, Plasterer, of Little Charles, in this town. She was buried on 20 November 1803 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:

Section B

55. Sacred to the memory of MARY, wife of ISAAC DELL, who died November 17, 1803, aged 58 years. A virtuous wife, a tender mother, a sincere Christian.

Mary's father, Isaac remarried quite quickly. His wife had been dead just 6 months when he married Ann Smith, on the 14 May 1804 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham. He had applied for a marriage licence on 10 May 1804 describing himself as a widow of 40 years and upwards and Ann Smith as a spinster of 30 years and upwards. The witnesses to the marriage were Elizabeth Dunn and John Ryland.

Mary and Francis next child, Frederick Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 19 April 1805.

Their next child was a girl. Mary Arnold was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham the 29 September 1807.

We do not know when Charles was born but he died about 1809.

Mary's father died on the 14 March 1810. Aris Gazette of 19 March 1810 remembers him thus: Wednesday, Same day, Mr Isaac Dell, Sen, plasterer, of this town. He was buried on 19 March 1810 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscription mentioned earlier goes on to state:

Also to the memory of ISAAC DELL, who died .................1810, aged 66 years.

Mary and Francis had another girl, this time, Catherine Arnold, who was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 22 May 1810. She became a Mistress/Governess.

Then there was William Arnold who was born on 13 Jan 1812 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

Next was Francis Arnold was born about 1813. He died in 1814 and was buried at St Phillip's Church on 7 November 1814. His age was listed as 1.5 years and the abode as The Workhouse.

Their next child was a little girl, Elizabeth Arnold, who was born on 28 February 1814. She was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1814 along with her elder brother, William, who by this time was just over 2 years old.

Before the year was out Mary's older brother, Isaac Dell, Junior, died on the 2 September 1814. Aris Gazette of 5 September 1814 remembers him thus: On Friday, Mr Isaac Dell, plasterer, of this town. Isaac William Dell was buried 7 September 1814. The details in the burial register state that he was of Little Charles Street and was 44 years of age. The monumental inscriptions for Isaac and Mary Dell state: Likewise .............................aged 44 which we assume was for Isaac William Dell.

Letters of Administration of the Goods and Personal Estate of Isaac Dell late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick and Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Plaisterer [sic] deceased, who died intestate a Bachelor without [can't read the word] (as is alleged) to be granted to Mary Arnold wife of Francis Arnold the natural and lawful sister of the deceased ; We, therefore, Commit and Grant to you jointly, and severally, full Power and Authority, as well to administer the Oath under-written to the said Mary Arnold as to see the Bond here annexed Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Francis Arnold, the husband and two sufficient Sureties

Dated 8 March 1815

Mary and Francis' next child was another girl, Lucy Dell Arnold, was born on the 22 October 1815.

Ann Arnold was born in around September 1817. She died in March 1818 aged only 6.

By 1818 Francis appears in The Commercial Directory for 1818-19-20 which contained 'the names, trades and situations of the Merchants, Manufacturers, Tradesmen, &c.' for a number of towns including Birmingham. He is one of 26 listed under Die Sinkers

Arnold, Francis, Bath-Street

Mary and Francis' next known child was Sarah Dell Arnold, who was born the 14 June 1819.

Mary and Francis' last known child, another Ann, was born possibly on the 17 September 1821 and was buried, 3 days old, on 20 September. Mary herself died 24 September 1821 and we guess she must have died as a result of childbirth. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:

Section B

54. Sacred to the memory of MARY ARNOLD, the wife of FRANCIS ARNOLD, and daughter of ISAAC and MARY DELL, who died 24 September 1821, aged 40 years.

Below is the plan for St Philip's Church, Birmingham showing the burial sections with the Dell and Arnold graves marked. Below that is a photograph taken at the corner of Section D where they were believed to have been buried. It is understood that the graves (and bodies?) were removed at some point?

Appeared Personally Francis Arnold of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Die Sinker the party applying for Letters of Administration of the Estate and Effects of the said Mary Arnold (wife of the said, Francis Arnold,) late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Deceased, and made Oath, that the Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, for, or in respect of which, the said Letters of Administration are to be granted, exclusive of what the deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to, as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estate or Estates for Years of the deceased, if any, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting anything on account of the Debts, due and owing from the said deceased, are under the value of three hundred Pounds, to the best of this Deponent's knowledge, information and belief.

Francis Arnold

Sworn on the Seventieth

Day of June 1822

before me, J Garbett, Comm

She was shortly followed by her stepmom. Ann Dell, nee Smith, died the 2 January 1823. Aris Gazette of 13 January 1823 remembers her thus: On the 2nd, Mrs Ann Dell, a truly good woman. She was buried on 7 January 1823. According to the register she was of Paradise Street and aged 72 years of age.

Francis and Mary's daughter, Mary Arnold (born 1807) died and was buried on 27 July 1828, aged just 20. She was buried at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscriptions mention earlier goes on: Likewise, MARY ARNOLD, who died July 27, 1828, aged 20 years.

Within a year her father, Francis Arnold, followed her when he died on the 17 March 1829 in Westminster, London, England. He was buried on 24 Mar 1829 in Westminster, London, England. (where is the evidence for this?)

[add newspaper notice here]

He must have already have put forward his name for The Directory of Warwickshire of 1830 by William West as in the Birmingham Section it shows:

Arnold, Francis, die sinker engraver and copperplate printer, 8 Bath Street, 304

It also lists

Arnold, J. A., die sinker, 9, Bath Street, 304

Lucy Dell Arnold along with her younger sister, Sarah Dell Arnold, and in the absence of their parents who were by now deceased, were christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 25 July 1831. She would have been 16 years old, her sister 12 years old. The abode given at the time of the baptism was Bath Street and the father's occupation as Die Sinker.

William Arnold (born 1812) married Hannah Gibbons on 12 May 1834 in Edgbaston, St Bartholomew, Warwickshire, England. Mary Gibbons and Richard Talbot were the witnesses.

Elizabeth Arnold (born 1814) married John Twiss, clerk, (son of John Twiss, deceased, plater), on the 11 November 1838 in Harborne Parish Church, after Banns were read. Witnesses were Henry Carrington [?] and Lucy Blake.

[Add newspaper details which says Mr Twiss of Islington (FMP)]

We think that Frederick Arnold (now aged c. 35) was living in York Street at the time of the 1841 census. The listing is as follows:

Frederick Arnold, 35, Gun Rifler
Priscilla Wilkins, 35 [unreadable]
Catherine Wilkins, 10
Alfred Wilkins, 1

We think that William Arnold (now aged c25) was living in Price Street at the time of 1841. The listing is as follows:

William Arnold, 25, Gun Barrel Rifler
Hannah, 25
Francis, 5
Samuel, 4
Walter, 2
Eleanor, 11m

William Arnold and Hannah Gibbons had the following 8 known children:

• Francis Arnold was born on 25 January 1836 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He married Elizabeth Mallet on 25 February 1862 at St Mary's Handsworth.  He is shown as a 27-year-old bachelor gun barrel rifler. His father is shown as William Arnold, gun barrel rifler.  Elizabeth was a 23-year-old spinster and her father was Thomas Mallet, a gardener.  The abode given for both was Handsworth.  The witnesses were William Bartor and Marey Mallett. Thank you to the Anonymous comment which told me where to look for the marriage.  I was able to view the actual marriage book, at Birmingham Archives, which Francis and Elizabeth would have signed on the day they married in 1862!
• Samuel Arnold was born on 8 March 1837 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. He married Clara Hatfield on 16 June 1862 in Birmingham, St Philip's Church, Warwickshire, England. The abode given was Hospital Street. The witnesses were Eleanor Arnold and the mark of John Hatfield. Samuel died in Oct 1910 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (Age: 75). 
• Walter Arnold was born on 19 January 1839 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1839 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 266). 
• Eleanor (Ellen) Arnold was born on 3 June 1840 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1840 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 273). She married a James Hodgetts (a 29-year-old warehouseman) on 23 April 1871 in Warwickshire. They went on to have 7 known children: Henry born in 1864 in Birmingham; James born in 1872 in Aston; Thomas born in 1873 in Aston; Elenor born in 1875 in Aston; Amy born in 1878 in Birmingham; Kate born in 1879 in Aston; Elizabeth born in 1881 in Aston. She died in March 1921 in Aston, Warwickshire, England. 
• Betsey Arnold was born on 8 March 1842. (GRO Reference: 1842 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 303). She died on 04 Sep 1842, aged 6 months.
• Lucy Arnold was born on 13 June 1843. (GRO Reference: 1843 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 313). She died on 20 Mar 1844, aged 9 months.
• Reuben Arnold was born on 14 March 1845 in Aston New Town, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1845 M Quarter in ASTON UNION Volume 16 Page 239 – mother's maiden name listed as Gibbins). 
• Thomas Arnold was born on 21 February 1847 in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1847 M Quarter in ASTON UNION Volume 16 Page 232). He married Betsy Talbot (the daughter of Richard Talbot, gun iron malster [?]) on 24 March 1874 in Aston, St Peter and St Paul, Warwickshire, England. The witnesses were James and Ellen Hodgetts.

Back in 1841 Francis and Mary's girls, Catherine (now aged c36 or 30?), Lucy (now aged c25) and Sarah (now aged c20) were all living at Unett Street. Catherine was listed as School Mistress. I assume she would have taken on looking after her siblings when her mother and, then, father died.

Lucy Dell Arnold married Henry Mitchell, on the 12 May 1842 in Harborne Parish Church (Henry had been born on the 21 November 1817 in St Philip's Church, Birmingham, son of Robert Mitchell and Elizabeth). (Aris's Birmingham Gazette 23 May 1842). Please see their separate story for more information.

Isaac William Arnold (born 1802) possibly died in October 1842 in Warwickshire, England.

Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had Francis Arnold who was born in 1844. (GRO Reference: 1844 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 270).

William Arnold (born 1812) possibly died in July 1847 in Aston, Warwickshire, England (Age: 35).

It was not until 30 August 1847 that Frederick Arnold, Gun Maker, married Priscilla Wilkins (born in born about 1843, daughter of Christopher Wilkins, deceased, spade maker) in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. Their abode was given as New Town Row. It would appear that they had been living together since the 1841 census at least and had possibly had quite a few children, other than Francis, already.

Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins appear to have had:

• Frederick Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in December quarter 1837(GRO Reference: 1837 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 243). There is a Frederick dying in March Quarter 1840 (GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 219).
• Alfred Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in March quarter 184) ( GRO Reference: 1840 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 318). There are several possible deaths of babies with this name in Birmingham in 1840 and a 4-year-old in 1844.
• Isaac William Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in December quarter 1841 (GRO Reference: 1841 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 284). There is a death for an Isaac William Arnold, aged 1, in December quarter 1842 (GRO Reference: 1842 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 163). Given that Frederick's brother was called Isaac William it is likely this child was theirs.
• Sarah Arnold (mother's maiden name Wilkins) born in July Quarter 1847 (GRO Reference: 1847 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 252). There is a death of a Sarah Arnold, aged 0 in March Quarter of 1848 (GRO Reference: 1848 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 16 Page 264). 

By 1851 they were living at Bath-Street, court 1, house 1. Frederick being a 46-year-old Gun Barrel Rifler Master, Priscilla also 46 years old and from Scivey-Fln (?), Francis Arnold, 7 years old and a visitor – Jane Wilkins, 9 years old from Sutton Coldfield.

By 1851 Catherine (now aged 39) and Sarah D Arnold (now aged ??) are both listed as Governesses at 54 Upper Tower Street with one pupil boarder – Elizabeth H Smallwood aged 5.

It would seem that by the time of the 1851 census William Arnold must have died as his widow, Hannah was living at Lench Street, 10 Court, Birmingham.

The listing is as follows:

Hannah Arnold, Head, W, 37, F, Gun Barrel Rifler, Wednesbury-Stf
Francis Arnold, Son, 15, M, Gun Barrel Rifler, Birmingham-War
Paul Arnold, Son, 14, M, Birmingham-War
Walter Arnold, Son, 12, M, Errand Boy, Birmingham-War
Ellen Arnold, Daur, 10, F, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Reuben Arnold, Son, 6, M, Scholar, Birmingham-War
Thomas Arnold, Son, 11m[?], Birmingham-War

Francis Arnold (son of Frederick Arnold and Priscilla Wilkins) Gun Maker of Bath Street was just 19 when he married Emma Wilkins also 19 on the 17 December 1861 in St Stephen's Church, Birmingham. She was the daughter of Christopher Wilkins, Waterman and the abode given was Fleet Street. They went on to have the following children:

• Francis Arnold born in 1868 – There is a Francis Christopher Arnold born June Quarter 1868 (GRO Reference: 1867 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 131) which is likely candidate given that Emma's father was called Christopher
• Reuben Arnold born in 1870 – There is a Reuben James Arnold born in September quarter 1870 (GRO Reference: 1870 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 137)
• Eliza Arnold born in 1869 (GRO Reference: 1869 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 135) but also one that died the same month (GRO Reference: 1869 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 89)
• William Charles Arnold born December Quarter 1873 (GRO Reference: 1873 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 186) – mother's maiden name Wilkins who may be part of the family.
• Eliza Arnold born in 1875 – There is an Eliza Georgina born in September Quarter 1875 (GRO Reference: 1875 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 197)
• There is a Joseph Arnold born in June 1878 (GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 174). There is also a death in the same quarter - GRO Reference: 1878 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 98. – mother's maiden name Wilkins who may also be part of the family.
• There is also an Emily Arnold born September Quarter 1879 (GRO Reference: 1879 S Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 397)
• Emma Arnold born in March Quarter in 1881. (GRO Reference: 1881 M Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 445)

Sarah Dell Arnold, now a 39 year old spinster, married Alfred Smallwood (widower, Brass Founder of Deritend – his father being Joseph, Brass Founder), on the 28 March 1859 in Aston Juxta Birmingham (St Peter and St Paul's Church) Birmingham Warwickshire, England (IGI states 25 July 1859 Aston Juxta Bham). They went on to have 2 known children: Frank Smallwood was born 1861 (GRO Reference: 1861 J Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 167) and Emily Smallwood in 1863 (GRO Reference: 1863 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 168).

Two years later, by the time of the 1861 census, Alfred and Sarah Dell were living at Alfred's home – 23 Great Hampton Row. Alfred was now a 46 years old Brass founder employing 6 men and 2 women. Sarah was 41; Alfred Smallwood, a 16-year-old brass founder; Elizabeth Smallwood aged 15; Frank Smallwood as under 1 month. There were two servants – Hannah Cocksey, 14 from Cheshire and Hannah Barnes, a 62-year-old nurse from Stafford.

By the time of the 1861 census Frederick (57-year-old gunmaker), Priscilla (also 57) and Francis (now a 17-year-old gunmaker) were living on the Old Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, Boldmere.

Hannah (47 – formerly gun barrel riflers wife) and her 4 children (Francis, 25, gun barrel rifler; Samuel, 24, carter; Eleanor, 20, housekeeper and Reuben, a 16-year-old with an unreadable occupation – something filer? were living back of 435, No 7 – possibly New John Street West!

Elizabeth Twiss nee Arnold born 1814 died before 1866. There is an Elizabeth Twiss, aged 51, who died in 1864 (GRO Reference: 1864 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 161).

Frederick Arnold born 1805 died after 1866. There is a Frederick Arnold, aged 65, who died in 1870. (GRO Reference: 1870 M Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 100)

There is a newspaper article in the Birmingham Daily Post for Wednesday, 19 October 1870 (issue 3823) (search newspapers on Find My Past) which states

A TRIPLE BIRTH – THE QUEEN'S LIBERALITY – Mr. Thomas Gilbert Charlewood begs to inform the editor of the Daily Post that he has this day received (by command of her Majesty) a Post Office order for £3, as a donation to the wife of Francis Arnold of Colmore Place, Summer Lane, who was confined on the 6th of this month with three children at one birth.

The triple birth was just in time to make the 1871 census.

Summer Lane

Francis Arnold, 35, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 31
Amelia, 8
William, 5
Hannah, 6
John, 6 m
Eleanor, 6 m
Betsy, 6 m
Eleanor Arnold, sister, 28, no employment.

At the same time, Alfred and Sarah Smallwood were still at 23 Great Hampton Row. By now Alfred was a 56-year-old Brassfounder employing 8 men, 1 boy and 2 girls, Sarah D 51, Elizabeth B 25, Frank 10 and Emily A who was 7. The nurse had moved on but Hannah Cocksey was still the domestic servant.

Francis, Emma and their two children Francis C and Reuben were living at 131 Lower Tower Street, 31 Ct 8 house. Francis was 27-year-old gun rifler; Emma a 28-year-old French Polisher, Francis C was 3 and Reuben was 8 months.

Sarah Dell Smallwood nee Arnold born 1819 died in Sep 1877 in Warwickshire, England. (GRO Reference: 1877 S Quarter in ASTON Volume 06D Page 227).

By 1881 Alfred Smallwood was now living at 29 Westminster, Handsworth. He is shown as a 66-year-old Brassfounder. With him are Frank - 20-year-old brass founder; Emily A – 17 years old; Sarah May – 27-year-old Housekeeper; and F Pendleton – 12-year-old general servant. We think the address should read – 39 Birchfield Road, Birchfield.

Hannah must have remained after the death of William. She is shown on the 1881 census at 4 court 13 Tower Road, Aston as follows:

Joseph Round, 30-year-old Mill Labourer
Ann Round, 40-year-old Charwoman
William Round, 3
Agnes Round, 5
Walter Arnold, 21-year-old gun finisher
Reuben Arnold, 15-year-old in the brass foundering trade (maybe with the Smallwoods?)
Emily Arnold, 11

Hannah's other son, Francis was living at 23 court 6 house Tower Street and were listed as follows:

Francis Arnold, 45, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth, 42
Amelia, 18 – warehouse girl
William, 15 - unemployed
Hannah, 13 – warehouse girl
Helen, 10
Betsy, 10
Francis, 4
Mary Ann, 2

Their son, John from the triplet birth, must have died as the girls, Helen and Betsy, are listed as twin daughters.

The other Francis (son of Frederick and Priscilla) had now moved to No. 2 Court 11 Park Road, Aston and was listed as follows:

Francis a 36-year-old gun barrel rifler
Emma, 38 years old
Reuben, 10
Eliza 6
Emma only 2 months.

Catherine Arnold (born c1810), School Mistress/Governess, possibly died in 1882. There is a 72-year-old Catherine who died in 1882. (GRO Reference: 1882 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 06D Page 45)

Lucy Dell Mitchell nee Arnold died 29 Oct 1882 at Nivenah Road, Handsworth, Staffordshire.

By the time of the 1891 census Francis (William and Hannah's son) was still living at court 23 house 6 Tower Street and was listed as follows:

Francis Arnold, 56 – no trade listed
Elizabeth, 52-year-old laundress
Ellen, 20-year-old purse maker
Betsy 20-year-old laundress
Francis, 14
Mary Ann, 12

By 1901 Francis had died. Elizabeth was not was No. 83 Tower Street (which had 3 rooms) and they were listed as follows:

Elizabeth Arnold, widow, 61-year-old goldbeater [?]
Francis, 24-year-old chain maker
Mary A, 22-year-old jeweller's finisher [?]
Florence E Jackson, boarder aged 22
Alfred Cathill [?] a widowed boarder aged 61. He was a railway clerk from Worcestershire.

Alfred Smallwood died the 20 September 1893. His will was proved on 4 November 1893.

This is the last will and testament of me Alfred Smallwood of Melvin Villa, Birchfield Road, Aston Manor in the county of Warwick, retired Brassfounder. I hereby revoke all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me. I appoint William Jones of Islington Row in the city of Birmingham, wine merchant and Thomas Horton of Salisbury Road, Birchfield near Birmingham aforesaid Jeweller (hereinafter called my Trustees) to be the executors and trustees of this my will. I devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate unto my trustees upon trust that my trustees shall sell call in and convert into money the same or such part thereof as shall not consist of money and shall with and out of the moneys produced by such sale calling in and conversion and with and out of my ready money pay my funeral and testamentary expenses and debts and shall stand possessed of the residue of the said moneys upon trust for my three children namely Alfred Smallwood, Frank Smallwood and Emily Arnold Tomlinson (wife of William Tomlinson) in equal shares in witness whereof I have hereunder set my hand this first day of July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Three.

Signed and delivered by the said
Alfred Smallwood the Testator as
and for his last will and testament
in the presence of us present at the
same time who in his presence at
his request and in the presence of
each other have hereto subscribed
our names as witness
Alfred Bright Yeo
J N Wright
Clerks to [?] Alfred Pointon Solicitor Birmingham

Proved at Lichfield the Fourth Day of November 1893 by the oaths of William Jones and Thomas Horton the Executors to who Administration was granted.

The testator Alfred Smallwood was formerly of Melvin Villa Birchfield Road Aston Manor in the County of Warwick and late of Wilson Road, Birchfield in the Parish of Handsworth in the County of Stafford and died on the Twentieth Day of September 1893 at Wilson Road aforesaid.

Personal Estate
Gross £622. 8. 0
Net £320. 8. 9

Alfred Pointon Sol. Bham.

On the 1 November 1897 Ellen now aged 17 (daughter of Francis Arnold) married Francis Andrew Gardner (a 32-year-old Brassfounder, son of Francis Gardner a locksmith). The abode given was 28 Branston Street.

NotesThere is a book that lists those in the gun trade and I didn't make a note of the name of the book! But page 28 states:

ARNOLD, Francis (1821). 19 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Frederick (1849-1861) GBM and rifler. Ct. 1 Bath-Street
ARNOLD, Hannah (1849-1858). GBM and rifler. 34 Lench St. 1849-1855: Price St. 1856-1858
ARNOLD, Thomas (1885). Ct. Loveday St.
ARNOLD, William (1840-1847). GBM. Princip St. Working as a barrel rifler since 1838.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again this was a rush job and the act of writing it up shows all the things that need to be checked and researched. I'll add it to the to-do list!

9 August 2018 Updated with the details for Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallet's marriage following the amazingly helpful comment left by anonymous.  Thank you!
I thought I would have had to have gone to Smethwick Library.  I did a search for where St Mary's records were held - Birmingham Library.  So I decided today since I had 55 minutes for lunch, I would see if I could look at the microfilms for this church. I asked the Librarian if I could look St Mary's marriages for 1862. Are they online was the response? No, I don't think so as the comment makes it clear they aren't.  The Librarian checked - no not online.  Because they weren't online he didn't think they would have been on microfilm - they weren't.  I was let into the Archives to see what they could do. They were amazing. They went and got the marriage book out straight away. I made my way to the 1862 section and the second page I turned I saw the marriage record.  It took minutes - all because a kind person had left a comment on the blog to tell me where to look.  Here are the details.

Page 222

The parish church in the parish of Handsworth County of Stafford
No:443
February 25, 1862
Francis Arnold, 27, Bachelor, Gun Barrel Rifler, Handsworth, William Arnold, Gun Barrel Rifler
Elizabeth Mallet, 23, Spinster, Handsworth, Thomas Mallet, Gardener

After banns
Henry J Ramsden, Curate
Signed by both Francis Arnold and Elizabeth Mallett
Witnessed by William Bartor and Marey Mallett

Birmingham Archives Reference - DRO86/49 St Mary's Handsworth Marriages 1860-62

Thank you Anonymous for providing such wonderful information that I was able to see a copy of the actual marriage certificate from 1862 all within my lunch hour!

Isaac Dell, Plasterer of Birmingham, England and his family

It is not yet known where Isaac Dell, Plasterer, was born. From the information given at his death, his birth is c1744. His Last Will & Testament indicates that he had a brother, Jacob Dell. It is known that, at some point and somewhere, Isaac married Mary. Mary's maiden name, date and place of birth are unknown. (There is a marriage for an Isaac Dell and Mary Davis in Claines, Worcester for the 23 September 1765 – could this be them? It has been established that he is not the Isaac Dell (Innkeeper at The "Valient Trooper") born c1737 at Aldbury, Hertfordshire who married 9 Feb 1762 to Mary White (bc14 Feb 1741 Aldbury to John White and Mary Partridge)). From the age given at her death, it is believed that Mary was born c1745. They had at least 3 children.

Isaac and Mary's first known child was Issac Dell, Plasterer. It is not yet known when or where he was born. Although, from the age given at death it is believed that his year of birth is c1770. It is not known if this was their first child.

Their next known child, John Dell, was christened in St Martin's Church, Birmingham on the 2 December 1776. Sadly, John Dell died in December 1779. He was buried in St Paul's Church, Birmingham on 15 December 1779. He would have been only 3 years old.

Their next known child, Mary Dell, was christened in St Martin's Church, Birmingham on the 24 October 1780. It is noted that she was 2 months old when baptised.

On 13 June 1785, Isaac Dell of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, Plaisterer [sic], took out a fire insurance policy, on his now Dwelling house only situate as aforesaid not exceeding thirty pounds. Household goods therein only not exceeding twenty pounds. Wearing apparel therein only not exceeding ten pounds. Brewhouse only in the yard not exceeding four pounds. House only adjoining his now Dwelling house aforesaid in the tenure of Saml Lovekin not exceeding thirty pounds. Ten houses only in the tenure of Crump, Morris Brothers not exceeding ten pounds on each £100. Shop only not exceeding six pounds. All brick and tiled and no hazardous trades therein £200.

Their only [?] daughter, Mary married Francis Arnold, on the 5 January 1801 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham by licence, her father, Isaac Dell, giving his consent. The witnesses were Isaac Dell and Katharine Arnold. Mary and Francis had eight children. Their first child, Isaac William Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1802.

Mary [snr], Isaac's wife survived long enough to see her first grandchild. She died on the 17 November 1803. Aris Gazette of 21 November 1803 remembers her thus: Thursday, aged 58, Mrs Mary Dell, wife of Mr Isaac Dell, Plasterer, of Little Charles, in this town. She was buried on 20 November 1803 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:

Section B

55. Sacred to the memory of MARY, wife of ISAAC DELL, who died November 17, 1803, aged 58 years. A virtuous wife, a tender mother, a sincere Christian.

Isaac remarried quite quickly. His wife had been dead just 6 months when he married Ann Smith, on the 14 May 1804 in St Martin's Church, Birmingham. He had applied for a marriage licence on 10 May 1804 describing himself as a widow of 40 years and upwards and Ann Smith as a spinster of 30 years and upwards. The witnesses to the marriage were Elizabeth Dunn and John Ryland.

Mary and Francis next child, Frederick Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 19 April 1805. Their next child was a girl. Mary Arnold was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham the 29 September 1807.

Mary's father died on the 14 March 1810. Aris Gazette of 19 March 1810 remembers him thus: Wednesday, Same day, Mr Isaac Dell, Sen, plasterer, of this town. He was buried on 19 March 1810 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. The monumental inscription mentioned earlier goes on to state:

Also to the memory of ISAAC DELL, who died .................1810, aged 66 years.

I, Isaac Dell of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, Plasterer, Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say), I give and bequeath my wearing apparel unto my brother Jacob Dell. Also I give and bequeath unto my dear Wife, Ann Dell, All my Household Goods and Implements of Household, Plates, China, Pictures, Linen and Woollen and all other my Goods and Effects of what nature or kind soever and wheresoever in or about my now Dwelling house except [can't read the word] said Wearing Apparel and I devise [?] my said Wife to give and bequeath my Family Bible to my Grandson Isaac William Arnold. Also, I give and bequeath unto my son Isaac Dell and my son-in-law Francis Arnold their Executors Administrators and Assigns. All those my Leasehold, Messuages, Tenements or Dwelling houses with the Appurtenances thereunto belonging situate in Colmore Street in Birmingham aforesaid.

To hold to my said son Isaac Dell and my said son in law Francis Arnold their Executors Administrators and Assigns share and share alike as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants from and immediately after my Decease for and during all the rest, residue and remainder of my Term or Terms of years Estate and Interest therein, which will be then to come and unexpired Subject nevertheless to the Payment of the Principal Sum of three hundred Pounds and all Interest due and to accrue due thereon, secured by Mortgage upon the same Premises to William Boole and also subject to the Payment of my just Debts and Funeral Expenses and the Expenses of proving and executing this my said Will.

Also, I give and bequeath unto my said son Isaac Dell and my said Son in Law Francis Arnold at all the residue and remainder of my Estate and Effects of what nature or kind soever and wheresoever share and share alike. Also, I make and appoint my said son Isaac Dell and my said Son in Law Francis Arnold joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament. And lastly, I hereby revoke and make void all former or other Will or Wills by me at any time or times heretofore made and declared this only to be my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and seal the seventieth day of December one thousand eight hundred and nine.

Isaac Dell

Signed, sealed, published and declared, on the day of the date above written by the above named Testator Isaac Dell as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in his presence, and at his request, and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto the Alterations being [can't read the word] made.
Ben.j Parker
Tho.s Lane Parker

I would love to trace Isaac William Arnold's line to see if the inherited Family Bible, that once belonged to his Grandfather Isaac Dell, got passed down the family.

Mary and Francis had another girl, this time, Catherine Arnold, who was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 22 May 1810. She became a Mistress/Governess. And another, Elizabeth Arnold, was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham, on the 23 March 1814. A boy was next. William Arnold, who was christened in St Philip's Church, Birmingham on the 23 March 1814.

There is a letter in the Birmingham Archives which is unfortunately undated. It is addressed to

Matthew Boulton, Esqr

Sir

I take this liberty of advising you respecting any little matter in the plaistering [sic] business that may in [can't read the word] be wanting will take case to do it in a workman like manner and give every necessary attention.

I am Sir your obedient serv't [I think that is what it says]

Isaac Wm Dell junr

No4 Little Charles Street

Birmingham

By [can't read the word] of Wm Hollins.

Before the year was out Mary's older brother, Isaac Dell, jnr, died on the 2 September 1814. Aris Gazette of 5 September 1814 remembers him thus: On Friday, Mr Isaac Dell, plasterer, of this town. Isaac William Dell was buried 7 September 1814. The details in the burial register state that he was of Little Charles Street and was 44 years of age. The monumental inscriptions for Isaac and Mary Dell state: Likewise .............................aged 44 which we assume was for Isaac William Dell. 

Letters of Administration of the Goods and Personal Estate of Isaac Dell late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick and Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry Plaisterer [sic] deceased, who died intestate a Bachelor without [can't read the word] (as is alleged) to be granted to Mary Arnold wife of Francis Arnold the natural and lawful sister of the deceased ; We, therefore, Commit and Grant to you jointly, and severally, full Power and Authority, as well to administer the Oath under-written to the said Mary Arnold as to see the Bond here annexed Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Francis Arnold, the husband and two sufficient Sureties
Dated 8 March 1815

Mary and Francis' next child was another girl, Lucy Dell Arnold, was born on the 22 October 1815. 

By 1818 Francis appears in The Commercial Directory for 1818-19-20 which contained the names, trades and situations of the Merchants, Manufacturers, Tradesmen, &c. for a number of towns including Birmingham. He is one of 26 listed under Die Sinkers
Arnold, Francis, Bath-Street

Mary and Francis' last known child was Sarah Dell Arnold, who was born the 14 June 1819.

Mary herself died 24 September 1821. Her youngest child being only a little over 2 years old. The Monumental Inscriptions for St Phillip's Church stated:

Section B

54. Sacred to the memory of MARY ARNOLD, the wife of FRANCIS ARNOLD, and daughter of ISAAC and MARY DELL, who died 24 September 1821, aged 40 years.

Below is the plan for St Philip's Church, Birmingham showing the burial sections with the Dell and Arnold graves marked. Below that is a photograph taken at the corner of Section D where they were believed to have been buried. It is understood that the graves (and bodies?) were removed at some point?

Plan for St Philip's Church, Birmingham showing the burial sections

Photograph taken at the corner of Section D

Appeared Personally, Francis Arnold of Birmingham in the County of Warwick, Die Sinker, the party applying for Letters of Administration of the Estate and Effects of the said Mary Arnold (wife of the said Francis Arnold) late of Birmingham in the County of Warwick Deceased, and made Oath, that the Estate and Effects of the said Deceased, for, or in respect of which, the said Letters of Administration are to be granted, exclusive of what the deceased may have been possessed of, or entitled to, as a Trustee for any other person or persons, and not beneficially, but including Leasehold Estate or Estates for Years of the deceased, if any, whether absolute or determinable on Lives, and without deducting anything on account of the Debts, due and owing from the said deceased, are under the value of three hundred Pounds, to the best of this Deponent's knowledge, information and belief.
Francis Arnold
Sworn on the Seventieth
Day of June 1822
before me, J Garbett, Comm

She was shortly followed by her stepmom. Ann Dell nee Smith died the 2 January 1823. Aris Gazette of 13 January 1823 remembers her thus: On the 2nd, Mrs Ann Dell, a truly good woman. She was buried on 7 January 1823. According to the register she was of Paradise Street and aged 72 years of age.

The Arnold family story is to be continued.

Notes

Here are the details for the possible Worcester marriage

Name: Isaac Dell

Gender: Male

Marriage Date: 23 Sep 1765

Marriage Place: Claines, Worcester, England

Spouse: Mary Davis

Here are the details for another marriage (banns only) – same names – same year – but for St Marylebone

Name: Isaac Dell

Gender: Male

Record Type: Banns (Bann)

Marriage Banns Date: 10 Mar 1765

Marriage Banns Place: St Marylebone, Westminster, England

Spouse: Mary Davis

Register Type: Parish Register

Interestingly, the only mention on Ancestry of a Jacob Dell is as follows and just happens to be in Marylebone!:

Name: Augusta Little

Spouse: Jacob Dell

Marriage Date: 1793

Parish: St. Marylebone

29 January 1918

One hundred years ago today my beloved Grandad was born.  I nagged and nagged him to write down his memories.  He managed to do this up to the age of 9!  

With the commencement of memory, you are able to recall parts of your life. The great war was declared on Tuesday, August the fourth 1914 and I was born, I was told, on the 29th, which was also a Tuesday, January 1918.  The great war ended on Monday, November 11, 1918, armistice was signed.  The house I was born in was 29 Ingleby Street. My memory commenced at the age of three as near as I can make it, it may have been earlier. I can recall riding in a pram having the sound of horses as they clip-clopped along the streets, the sound of the iron trimmed wheels as they rolled over the cobblestones. I lived at three back of 29 Ingleby Street. I was not a robust child, due, no doubt, to the shortages and I suffered ill health. Children, the Victorians decided, should be seen and not heard. I did not think I was noisy but I was often hushed and if I failed to keep quiet punished. There was one brass tap in the yard which was shared by the three homes since there was no water in any of the homes or toilets, one outside toilet was shared by three families so you always had to have a Poe under the bed or chamber. The tap in the yard had a round knob which you have to press down to get the water to flow, which it did with some force. When I was thirsty I would have to hang onto the tap with both hands, it took my full weight to operate it, I did not get much to drink but I did get very wet. I was, however, growing a little every day, so I did finally grow out of this problem.

At number 27 there was a man who we saw occasionally we regarded him with some awe.  He had, we were told, been gassed in the war.  He had no bed or blankets, he slept on the Chaise Longue with old coats for covering, very little or no fire, a basin he spat in.  He had developed consumption.  By the time I had reached five years of age he was not there anymore. I felt great sympathy for him and only as I grew old enough to understand that he was a young man who had died in a most disgusting fashion. It was about this time I nearly killed my sister.  She had been bought a small broom, a replica of an ordinary broom. I picked it up and began to sweep with it when my sister perceived me she began screaming and crying. I did not want the broom but I was angry at the way she was carrying on.  I raised the broom over my head, "shut up or I will bash you over the head with it."  My mother had arrived on the scene, brought there by the noise, "you dare" she said. She could not have said a worst thing.  The response was instantaneous, my sister was knocked screaming to the floor.  Naturally, I had a beating for it which I thoroughly deserved.

I started school at five and a boy had to march into class with a girl. A girl came and stood by my side. I looked her up and down and said: "I’m not marching you into school, you’ve got a hole in your knickers".  Looking around I said to another girl I’ll give you a sweet to marching to school with me she accepted. I was 100% little snob but my education had begun and if the clock could be put back I would be proud to march her into school.

The Victorians were very clever and forward-thinking people. The terraced houses were called back to back houses for this is what they were.  They were built in a continuous line with an entry which opened out into the yard, in the yard was a building known as the wash house.  It contained a boiler with a coal fire to boil the water, a table constructed with blue bricks on which to wash clothes and to provide a working area.  At the back of the wash-house was a toilet on one side and on the other was a place for refuse and ashes from the fires.

The front house had two doors, one in the street, a front door, and one in the entry, a side door. The house at the back had one door, it was similar for the houses at the back of the yard so one area would accommodate six families.  It was my dad’s practice to take us some Sundays to our other grandmother, Granny Woods.  I was too young to understand that my Gran had remarried after the death of my grandfather but my grandad Wood was as nice a man you could wish to meet.  I would be dressed up in my best clothes and I had an uncle Billy and an Aunt Nora who was my step grandad’s daughter.  She was learning the piano and they were better off.  They would insist on dressing me in Nora's frocks to keep my best clothes clean.  Apart from this my Gran always made me welcome.  

Ingleby Street was about 200 yards long, it was about halfway up the street, a hill that joined Monument Lane at the top and Spring Hill at the bottom.  Looking down the hill from Monument Lane on the right was the Palace de Danse, on the left was the Doctors, a very old man, his name I believe, was Dr Trout.  There were a few shops and a small public house which was on the Doctor's side about halfway up the street.  On the same side was the passage that led to the infant school and a little lower was a small fish and chip shop. The street was wide because it joined a Spring Hill at an angle.  In the middle of this was a small island on which was a stone horse trough about 2 foot six wide and 6 feet long, 3 feet high.  There were a number of these troughs about so that horses could if allowed to, relieve their thirst.  Opposite our entry was a small general shop for sweets and groceries.  On the bottom and corner of Spring Hill was the Queens Head next to the Queens Head was the faggot and peas shop.  They served dinners in there, you could also take away.  We rarely had any and just to write about it makes my mouth water. Scrupulously clean, freshly prepared and wholesome in every way.  Then came a clothes shop next Uncles where each Monday a queue would form so that clothes, usually a man’s best suit, would be pawned so that wives had money for food.  Then it was George Bains, the cake shop, butchers, greengrocers I don’t remember them all.  It was much the same on the opposite side.  The shop I remember most was the Maypole, the street opposite ours was George Street West which led to a small playground. Just before Christmas each year the Palace de danse would put on a party where we would play games, sing, listen to dance music, get an apple and orange and a small gift so we were sure of some pleasure about Christmas time. 

There were two incidents of note that took place while I live there.  The one very tragic.  The people who kept the small pub had a very pretty blonde daughter.  She was being put to bed on one cold evening and she stood in front of a big fire.  Her nightdress ignited and she was burnt to death.  They allowed everyone who wished to file past her coffin, which was glass topped. She was about eight years old.  Her face untouched.  She was dressed in a nightdress and looked for all the world to be fast asleep.  My eyes filled with tears as I realised the finality of death for someone as beautiful and as young as she.

The next incident was at the small chip shop.  I was walking down the street when I heard a scream. I was startled. A woman appeared in the doorway of the chip shop.  There was a very loud bang, the sound of breaking glass and the young woman flew through the air to land on her knees in the middle of the street and chip shop was enveloped in flames.  She did not appear very badly hurt though very badly shocked.  The Fire Brigade soon arrived and put out the fire.  

Your world is full of noise which you hardly notice but with which you become familiar. The motor-vehicle was on the streets but the numbers were small and the horse would dominate the scene for a few years to come.  The tram and the electric trolley bus were the public transport.  The trains being the next important means of public transport.  Then it was the push bikes turn and last, the motorbike began to appear in ever-increasing numbers as with the motorcar.

My world was an ever-changing place and still is.  House lighting was by candle, kerosene or gas paraffin and kerosene or lamp oil as they were commonly called.  Some of the lamps were quite efficient but the gas mantle gave the better light and the oil lamps went out of fashion.  Just as on your bike if you had one it was paraffin lamps first then acetylenic lamps came next and electric lamps and dynamos. 

The fireplace was the central place in any home.  The fire grate, as it was referred to, could be used for all your cooking. The grate was polished with black lead, dampers controlled its function and it usually had cleaning doors, very small access places in which you had tools to insert to remove ash and soot.  There were plates inserted into the flat top of the grate and if you wished you could lift one out to boil a kettle or saucepan.

Saucepans of my early days were made of cast iron and if dropped would shatter into pieces.  These would vanish as aluminium came into fashion, the grate would have a guard called a bow. It was some 2 foot 2 inches high and was fixed to the wall on either side of the grate by two hooks.  It could be lifted off.  It was very useful for drying all kinds of articles.  It was a favourite place to sit on.  The grate would have the sheet iron piece called a draw tin when the fire went low it would be used to increase the draught and has caused many a chimney fire, some of which could be quite spectacular and if the Fire Brigade attended one of these they were quite ruthless.  Regardless of damage, they would send a streak of water straight down the chimney so for some people misfortune could strike both ways.  It must be said for some that they did it deliberately to avoid paying a sweep to do the job.  In front of the bow would be a rug, home-made.  It was made from discarded clothes which would be unpicked and cut into strips about 3/4 of an inch wide by 2 1/2 inches long.  These would be threaded by a Bodger into a piece of hessian stitched into position then backed by another piece of hessian.  These rugs, when well made, were very good and if your mother yelled "get off that cold floor" you knew where to go. Of course, it had to be kept clean so you did not walk on it in dirty boots.  That’s why it was the centrepiece of every household.  You would riddle the ashes and burn them, they were saved sometimes to relight the fire because it took less wood sticks to light ashes than coal.  Sugar bags were made of a heavy blue paper. These were ideal for filling with slack coal that had been crushed by breakage with these the fire could be the banked to last a long time, indeed when you became skilled you could make a fire last eight or nine hours.  Colds were not so prevalence as they are now because the open fire would ensure that the air you breathe would be fresh.

My granny Mitchell was a small woman and as a child, I never went to my mother, when hurt it was always to my Gran she would love me, so it was always her lap that I sobbed in.

My Gran had a vice if you can call it that it was always hard times and money was short but my gran loved having a bet.  She knew her subject and had some success. My grandad, I never called him that for I spent time in his company, I called him Pop. I never knew for sure exactly where he came from, it was, I think Glasgow.  His liking for his national drink brought him financial ruin. He was a man of skill though through his failure was always looked down on.  He was of medium height and build, balding grey hair turning to white, much as I am now. I loved him for the time he spent with me.

On Sunday, I don’t know how old I was but I was an early riser so I started taking a cup of tea up to my mum and dad.  The kettle was too heavy for me to lift and pour into the teapot.  I used to drag the chair up to the stove.  Doors were never locked, I would go down the yard to fill the kettle,  lift it onto the chair and then the stove. At first, I had trouble lighting the gas because I wasn’t quick enough the gas would go bang, blow out the match and not light but I got better with practice.  I would tip the kettle to pour water into the teapot then I could put the teapot on the stove and lift the kettle to finish filling it.  I could not walk upstairs so I went up by lifting the cups a stair at a time but as time went on these problems vanished. 

I was going into my six year when I decided to go to my granny Woods on my own, I was not asked by the conductor to pay any fair on the tram.  The terminus was in Edmund Street where the tram would change over to the return line for the tram to load up for the return journey. Just below the tram terminus was a passage, Eden Place which led from Edmund Street to Colmore Row, on the corner was a news vendor for Sunday papers, just round the corner was two pavement artists war cripples [unreadable] as the man who played zither in Colmore Row at the other end of the passage.  To my young ears he was very good, the sound reverberating along the passage and sometimes mingled with the signs of the church bells.  The man who played the zither dragged himself about on a wooden platform mounted on casters like those used on furniture.  He was without legs but he was a man of great spirit and courage for these were real hard times, you would see many cripples from the war,  men who twitched and jerked about and became very agitated at any loud noise. These things, even when you were only five years old, you accepted with sympathy, part of your normal world. I would go down Colmore Row, of course, I didn’t know the names then, crossover to Saint Phillips Cathedral, walk past it and go down Cheery Street to Martineau Street, the terminus to catch a tram to Saltley.  I would get off at Duddlesten Mill and walk down to my Grans.   I knocked on the door at the front of the house, hello Gran, she looked at me, where's your dad?  I was indignant, I came on my own. I was too young to know that my Gran who had not greeted me with her usual warmth was filled with consternation by what I had done did not meet with approval and I began to feel some misgivings. It was I think about an hour later that my dad arrived, he was angry, he came in the back way, "have you seen our kid",  "yes he is here".  I did not hear anymore so I can only guess, I think Gran had words with him, dad came in and I expected to be beaten. "what do you think you doing", "I came to see Gran", "don’t you ever do anything like it again, if you’re going anywhere you tell me or your mother first", "yes dad", "right let’s go".  He had come on his bike and I had to sit on the crossbars to ride home, which was pretty uncomfortable but there the matter ended. 

My Granny Mitchell had three children living with her. Ruby the youngest then Herbert and Ethel, my other uncles and aunts were either in Service or married.  Ruby was just two years my senior but she has the advantage of saying I am your aunt.  Then there was Herbert, he was somebody who I thought I could look up to for help and guidance. Some of the things he subjected me to it’s a wonder I am alive. I now know that he had a sadistic streak in him.  It was he who caused me to smash out my front teeth.  He nearly drowned me and he thought it quite funny.  I went with him to the public swimming baths for the first time.  He took me out of my depth and kept dunking me under the water and holding me under.  I was swallowing water and I could’ve drowned. I made sure when I got out that he never got near me again.  He thought it was hilarious. He played football and he would take me with him and I had to guard the clothes for the players.  

If I was deemed to be naughty my mother would lock me down the cellar. The first time I was terrified and crying and I was told to shut up or I would not be let out not only that I was told how the bogeyman would get me and it became one of Herbert's pastimes to hide in the dark and spring out on me as I went past.  It was he that cause me to smash out my front teeth.  I had a large wooden train which needed some strength to pull. I was trying to pull him on it when I was able to move it he would just put his feet down so that’s how I lost my front teeth.  Well, that was my uncle Herbert.  All in all, I think I had a pretty terrifying childhood, luckily I grew out of it though some fears remained for a long time.

Dick had arrived on the scene I was made to look after him, rock the pram, wheel him up and down. Sunday afternoon I would have to take him in the pram and then by the hand for walks of at least two hours and if I came back too early I would be sent out again.  Sometimes Lily would cry but I could do nothing except comfort her.

I think I was eight going on nine when I first started to fetch the cold and very hard it was too.  I would have to go to the wharf on canal side.  Here you would take your place in the queue to wait for the return of the two-wheeled barrows that you carried the coal in. I think when I first went 1 cwt of coal cost 1/8 pence by today’s money 8p.  You had to leave a deposit on the cart or barrow as they were called so you had to hope you got one that would not be too hard to push.  The wheels were never oiled except the pusher who wanted to make pushing easier.  It was weighed in a big scoop, the same as the one used for weighing sweets.  You paid for the coal and left a deposit which was chalked up against your barrow number. People were different then you could always have someone who would give you assistance if you needed, it the first thing to do when you left the coal yard was to arrange the coal so that it balanced over the axle then you did not have to carry a heavy weight on your arms, then it was just the slog home and return barrow. 

In winter I often cried with pain from the cold.  I used to suffer chilblains at this time, and they were almost on bearable, mostly my toes.  The only relief was from rubbing dripping on them. Growing up I did not know all my relations because they lived in other places only now I have found out them all.  My Gran Mitchell had 14 children, the eldest was Elsie then Violet and a boy called Herbert who drowned at the age of seven, Millicent also died aged two then came my mother, Dolly, Sid,  Mabel, Alfred, Muriel, Ethel, Herbert and last Ruby from whom I received the order of the family. Most of the girls went into service, it was when they came home that I came to know them. Violet was at Colwyn Bay, she was joined by Muriel.  Mabel was down at Margate.  When they came home they brought with them a Holiday feeling of happiness with little presents for everyone plus money to buy sweets not that people could afford much but they were happy occasions which created a pleasure for all. It was different with my Granny Wood.  Her home was by the standards of that time well kept and wealthy. When I first went to Gran's Liz and May still lived there as did Bill and Nora.  Uncle Jim was married otAunt Nell and Iris was their first child and Nell's, mum and dad, we called Gran and grandad Rudge.  Aunt Liz and May soon married leaving Bill and Nora at home. Nora was only a few years older than I and she took piano lessons so there was always a sheet of popular music to be found.  So my liking for music started at Granny Woods, we had a wind-up gramophone, his Masters Voice, of course, which we would play mostly on a Sunday evening.  Our records then we’re nearly all overtures or marches I was allowed to be the winder upper and record changer.  Still, it afforded quite a few hours of pleasure for all at home.

I was always getting the cane for being late at school, the fault was usually Dick.  It was my job to keep him entertained so when it was time for me to go to school, he did not want me to go, so one day I took with me to prove that I was telling the truth when I said my brother was the cause of my being late. It was not a good idea though looking back the teachers allowed him to stay and they were very good the problem was Dick, he had the nickname of moaner.  I had to do my schoolwork and the teacher's entertained Dick which wasn’t easy so I was very glad when school ended so that I could take him home it did have one good effect Dick decided it was not so good going to school so I was not caned so often.  You could not be a second late as soon as the bell went a teacher would stand by the door and you would be told to "stand over there".  Children would march from the playground into school and the teacher would fetch a cane, cane you and send you to class.

There were some tough neighbourhoods and you could be faced with having to make a quick decision run or fight.  Such was the time that my Granny sent me to get some potatoes.  I was confronted by a lad much bigger and beefier than me, "you can’t come past here" he said.  I hit and he went down crying. I did not wait to find out why I  chose to run as fast as my legs would take me. I did not go back the way I came but the following day I forgot, going past where he stopped me, he had a bandage round his head "mom here’s that kid that hit me,".  I did not wait, I was gone.  Not all my encounters ended so favourably to me. I was frequently on the receiving end but I always reckoned that I could and did hold my own. 

It was about this time that I decided to go with Grandad Rudge.  He was my dad‘s brother's wife’s father, his father in law, but we called him Grandad.  He worked on the LMS railway as the parcels delivery man.  It was a separate service.  The cart was like a bread van with no doors.  Where the doors would have been hung a rope with a knot on the end this was for the driver's mate to hang on.  The system was simple, the cart would be loaded at the "docks" so called, for they were loading platforms. The parcels would be loaded so they would follow on each delivery, the boy's job was to hang on the back of the cart and ensure the safety of the load and to assist in unloading it.  It was a fast service and the horse would fast trot, it was not a heavy draught horse like most but more like today’s police horses.  On a warm day, they would be lathered in sweat.  I had asked Grandad if I could go with him several times and he had said yes.  So one Saturday morning I got up quickly taking care not to wake anybody, it would be about 5:30.  By the time I got to town, it was gone 6 o’clock, they started early in those days.  I had to walk from town to where they lived and I worried whether I should miss him. I decided to risk going down back street with which I was not familiar and turning one corner I bumped straight into him.  He was very surprised to see me.  For a while he had promised to take me, he never thought he would have to.  However, in those days people kept their word. When we got to the yard I had to wait a very long time, he had to go harness the horse, go down to the dock pick up the cart and his mate, check the notes to see how they had arranged the first drop and we were ready for our first 8 o’clock delivery.  About 10:30 am we stopped for breakfast.  They went to the pub and I sat on the cart. It was pretty cold so I began to walk around.  There were a number of horses and carts outside the pub and one decided to take off on its own.  I ran and jumped on his head to hang on the bridle.  It didn’t make any difference it took me as well.  A man passing stopped it and backed it up to the place that he had left. Learned my first lesson it is the reign that you hold not the bridle. Grandad had to work all day so he went home about 12:30 to drop me off and get some dinner. Dad had been looking for me but since I had met him going to work they didn’t know I was with him.  They told me to wait until dad returned as he intended to call in on his way home as he had gone to see if I was with Gran.

Uncle Jim worked in the steelworks opposite where they lived. Dad returned, he was not pleased, for me it turned out to be a long day but no worse for with a few drinks inside him all Dad wanted to do was relax. Dad did not forgive and forget readily, he would remind me of one of my misdemeanours.  When I was nine Dad bought me a secondhand bike, though I did not know it my mechanical education had begun.  It took me several days and lots of bruises, skin off my knees but I mastered it on my own. I forget what happened to it for when we moved from Ladywood to Pipe Hayes I did not have it. It was now that I would lose 12 months or more of my schooling, Paget Road School was in the process of being built, and that’s a lot of time to lose from school. I had two years in which to make up the time I had lost. I was a loner not by choice but condition but I did make friends and enemies for the next two years. I did a paper round. I was sent on an errand and jumped over a fence I lost 2/6d so I got a paper round so that I could pay it back. This would be the time of my life when I would be at my fittest. I don’t know how I fitted everything in. I ran most places.  I had more space and freedom, that was missing at Ladywood.  It was late summer when we move to Pipe Hayes, we were in for a very hard time.  There were few people in the road when we moved in, the road was unmade, when it rained it was mud everywhere, it would remain so throughout the winter.  It was a hard winter.

Dad was an active Labour member and meetings would be held at home, Dad due to his active role in the labour movement had a hard time getting employment.  He did any work he could get, mostly gardening and some part-time work at a chemist's. It was here that he started to learn names in Latin.  He applied for and got two council allotments so I had to help with the work on the allotments.  In retrospect, Dad was a very capable man and without any doubt, he taught me voluntarily and otherwise quite a lot, though I was eager to learn, Dad was weak in mechanics while I learned them quickly.  My youth did not give me the understanding, that I now have, only the passing years have done that. My early knowledgeable years I do not remember my parents showing me any affection, indeed when I was about seven years old my Dad picked me up onto his knee and put his arm around me, I burst into tears, that ended my Dad showing me any affection. Dick was the apple of Dad's eye as I came to realise this I was very resentful but he was a hard worker and I knew he did his best for us in very difficult times. I accepted that that was the way it was. Mother was always occupied with first Lily and Dick and finally Jim.  I was very shy, quiet and being the eldest a loner.   Hard times made me willing and hard-working in this I suppose I took after both my parents.  Having a sense of humour was important though it always got me into trouble when I gave it a little help. My two years at school were happy years.  I was fit very active always up to some mischief or other. 

I live three back at 29 Ingleby Street my Granny lives in 29 she was a small rotund lady who I loved indeed in times of stress. I turned to my Gran for comfort which she was always ready to give. My aunt Ruby was two years my senior so she was part of any growing up. My aunt Ethel and uncle Herbert were older and taken with doing their own thing. We did not have electric but we had candles and gas, dark nights and rear homes were separated by a freestanding wall my uncle Herbert thought it was great fun to hide behind the wall when it was dark so he could leap out on me when I was passing.  My shrieks of fear only added to his enjoyment. At the age of 10 I was able to fetch 1 cwt of coal this meant going to the wharf on the canalside, here you have to wait for someone to return the two wheelbarrow which she used to transport the coal home you have to leave a deposit on the barrow which you collected when you return to the barrow.  I used to suffer from chilblains and I would be crying from the pain suffered through cold weather the pain was quite severe.  It was about this time I had my first bike I had to teach myself to ride it, it took quite a long time but once having learnt it I could not understand why it had taken so long, a week or more and I have the scars to prove it. I was nearly 9 years old...