James STIMPSON (1835-1932)

Events

Parents

Children

Life History

        James STIMPSON was born at Marcham, being the 4^th child of John STIMPSON and Lydia GOODENOUGH / STONE. When James was about 5 years old (~1840) he moved house from Marcham to Drayton with his parents. When the 1851 census was taken, James now aged 15[13] had moved away from his parents and was living at Tythe Barn at Lower Wick Berks. He was living with, and working for Mr James SIMMONS,  a Farmer of 331 acres who employed 15 men and 6 boy’s. Around this time, James’ mother, Lydia,  was moved to Littlemore Lunatic asylum (aged 57), while father John continued to live at Drayton.

    It was here in Sutton Wick that James’ would have likely met his future wife Ann DENTON. A 14 year old Frock maker the daughter of Henry DENTON also of Sutton Wick. In 1858, when James’ was aged 23, Friend Ann DENTON had become pregnant with a son to be named William James DENTON. It seems likely that James may have been the father of this child. Two years later, on Monday 8-Oct-1860,  James married his bride Ann DENTON at Sutton Courtney Church.

    By the 1861 Census James, now 25, was unusually listed as a lodger (rather than son-in-law) in the same house as his father-in-law Henry DENTON and family at Sutton Wick. James' wife Ann and step son William aged 3 were also present here. Maybe head of household Henry DENTON didn't consider James as a son-in-law although he had been married to his daughter Ann for 6 months. Perhaps the illegitimate child William had something to do with this.

    Over the next 10 years James & Ann had a further 6 children while living at Sutton Wick, and Oday Hill.  

    James continued working as an agricultural Labourer and won some Ploughing contests while working for Mr Thomas DEWE. Son William (Denton) also acted as driver in the 3 horse ploughing match of Sept 1870. When aged 37 (~1872) James moved house, along with his family, from Oday Hill to Radley. Here they had their last son Charles (Aug-1876) and then later moved to the Cholswell area where James is listed on the 1891 census as a Ploughman aged 55.

Son William (DENTON) married Urania GUNTER / SLY in 1879 and they lived in Radley Berks

Daughter Emma married Philip HATWELL in 1883 and they moved to Bradfield / Wokingham Berks

Son Thomas married Annie maria KING in 1886 and they lived at Appleton Berks.

Son George married Kate KIMBREY in 1889 and they moved to Bradfield / Wokingham Berks.

Son Eli married Hannah BELCHER in 1891 and they lived in Abingdon Berks.

Daughter Ann married George SIMMONS in 1900 and they moved to Reading Berks.

Son Charles married Beatrice Humphries in 1907 and they livied in Abingdon Berks.

Daughter Ellen married George CARTER in 1912 and they lived in Bracknell Berks.

    By the time of the 1901 Census, James now age 65 was living at 41 Edward St Abingdon and working as a Carter of coal. Son Eli STIMPSON was reported to be a Coal Porter in Stert St Abingdon and had died in 1898 at the young age of ~29, so it seems likely that James may have temporarily taken over son Eli's work role.

    On the 1911 census James was at Tomkins Alms Houses in Ock St Abingdon, where he lived until his death in 1932 aged 97. James was buried at the old Cemetery in Spring Rd Abingdon. An upright grave stone marks the position (See photo below). Click here to see the Gravestone position.

Oxford Mail Monday 21^st Oct 1929. (Although text lists Mr DENTON (centre) this is believed to be Mr James STIMPSON, with his son William (J) DENTON on the right, and daughter-in-law Urania on the left. Also note misprint J.W. should read W.J. as per Oxford Times cutting below).

Oxford Times, Friday 25^th Oct 1929.

Photograph of James STIMPSON c.1920

James' wife Ann DENTON c1907

Click on the above image to view details of James' Ploughing competition reports.

Grave stone of James STIMPSON & Ann DENTON at old Cemetry Spring Rd Abingdon.

(Click on the image above for large photo)

Census transcripts

BMD Certificates

The information on these pages was compiled by Peter Stimpson from sources available at the time of research. If any errors or additional information is known then please drop me an e-mail.

Last updated Jan-2012