Robert Jones (1848-1923)
Robert Jones (1848-1923) GJ3Z-HQ2 – unlike the Pilkingtons and Heskeths before him, Robert Jones was not a local man – although he has a very interesting and varied story to tell. He was born in 1848 to Robert Jones and Isabella Thompson of Wykeham, Scarborough, Yorkshire. His father was a publican at the Three Tuns Public House in Filey, Yorkshire. Robert junior lived in a pub up until his early 20s when his father died. His mother had already passed away when Robert was only 8 years old.
He changed his career completely and joined the Merchant Service in 1873 when he was 25 years old. He received the certificate of Master Mariner aged 31 in 1879. His first voyage was on the ship Prince Victor which set sail from Liverpool on 20th September 1873 for Bombay, India. His rank is noted as being an able-bodied seaman and he was paid ‘300 sterling by the month’. Thereafter, he was listed as being crew on various voyages including from Liverpool to Ireland on many occasions during the 1870s & 1880s aboard SS Auk and SS Whimbrel – no doubt bringing people over from Ireland to escape the ongoing effects of the Great Famine (1846-52).
The SS Prince Victor ran aground in the River Severn in 1887 and was broken up. Many items were sold and distributed around the local area and the ship’s figurehead was later found in a garden. The Quaco Museum in St Martin’s, New Brunswick, Canada purchased the figurehead and restored it as The Prince Victor was built in St Martin’s.
Figurehead from historical ship returns home in time for Canada 150
In January 1877, the wedding of Robert and Matilda Castle took place – the marriage being registered at Ormskirk. Matilda was a domestic servant working in a lodging house in London Street, Southport. She was born in Lepton, Yorkshire, the daughter of James Castle, a weaver. By 1881, Robert and Matilda were boarding with Mary Jane Hirst, Matilda’s aunt in Portland Street, Southport, and Robert’s occupation is listed as Master Mariner. Their first child, Marian Ethel Jones was born on 22nd November 1878 in Southport followed by their son, Charles Frederick Jones born in April 1880. Florence Gertrude was next in 1882 and then William Castle Jones was born in 1886.
By 1891, Robert and Matilda were running the Saracen’s Head, Bangor’s Green Lane, Halsall. Robert is 43 years old and described as a publican. Their son Charles Frederick is 11 years old and a scholar at the school. They have one domestic servant, Mary Rodgers from Ormskirk. Also visiting them are family members from Yorkshire, by the name of Shaw. Their daughter Marian and younger son William were staying with Aunt Mary whilst their other daughter Florence was visiting the household of P.C. Pilling and family in Summerwood Lane – maybe to make room for the family visitors. Eighteen months later on 22nd December 1892, a third son was born – Frank Hirst Jones, and then on 9th September 1894, their third daughter – Mary Gwendoline Jones was born.
1n 1901 Florence and Mary are at home as is Frank. By 1911, Robert and Matilda had retired to live in Southport at 42 Sussex Road. Robert died in 1923 his death being registered at Ormskirk. Matilda died in 1929 in Wakefield, Yorkshire.
What happened to Robert and Matilda’s children?
Marian Ethel Jones (1878-1959) GJGQ-9RH married John Boardman and ran the Balcarres Arms in Upholland. In 1901 they are running the Swan public house, Bescar Lane, Scarisbrick. She retired to live in Surrey.
In 1901, the family was still living and working at the Saracen’s Head.
Son, Charles Frederick Jones (1880 – 1929)is 21 now and a cycle maker living in Southport.
Florence Gertrude Jones (1882-1968) 9JN3-HWS married John Percival. She must have had her father’s adventurous spirit – she emigrated with her husband to live in Australia.
William Castle Jones (1886-1962) KJLH-4SQ was baptised along with 3 of his siblings, Charles, Florence and baby Frank on 11th February 1893 at Halsall Church. This is a copy of the baptism register. He married Isabella Addison and they emigrated to Canada. However, they returned to live in London where he passed away in 1962.
Frank Hirst Jones (1892-1982) KJLH-4S4 married Edith Brooks and lived in Southport. He moved to London on retirement.
Mary Gwendoline Jones (1894-1962) GJ3Z-HQP married Charles Harvey and emigrated to New Jersey, USA.
