Eliza Eleanor (aka Emma) Daykin.
Richard and Anne Daykin’s (nee Clemenson) eldest daughter, Eliza Eleanor (aka Emma) Daykin had been born on the 8th January 1830 and baptised on the 8th February 1830 (Ref F.S. RG-0941). She married Stanley-born cordwainer, grocer and druggist George Moon on Christmas Day
1855 in Ilkeston (Ref. Basford 7b 221) and subsequently went to live in Mapperley – the village to which George’s family had moved shortly after his birth… “A small colliery village with drunkenness and vice rampant and almost unrebuked”… According to the “Ilkeston Pioneer” in 1881.
Eliza and George’s marriage was celebrated in the “Derby Mercury” on Wednesday the 2nd January 1856… “On the 25th ult at St. Mary’s Ilkeston Mr. George Moon of Mapperley to Miss Ellen Daykin of Ilkeston”…
The union was recorded in the “St. Mary’s Ilkeston Marriage Records”;
…“1855 Dec 25, George Moon , age 30, b, cordwainer, abode Mappewrley, father’s name William, cordwainer, witness Elija Higgett; Eliza Eleanor Daykin, age 25, s, abode Ilkeston, father’s name Richard, joiner, witness Anna Daykin”…
There is a family tree for George Moon, his siblings and antecedents dating back to James Moon, born 8/11/1744, in one single ancestral group and pedigree chart record on the familysearch.org website (LDS).
George Moon had been baptised in Stanley, Derbyshire on the 16th March 1825, (Ref. AFN:10L4-S20), the son of William and Martha Moon (nee Hawley) and one of seven siblings. the others being; William (bapt. 27/5/1827 at Kirk Hallam); John (bapt. 2/8/1829 at Kirk Hallam); Rebecca (bapt. 11/8/1831 at Ilkeston); Isaac (born c.1834 Mapperley Common); Thomas (bapt. 3/6/1838 at Ilkeston) and James, who appeared on the 1851 census as a one year old child (born March Q. 1850 Ref. Belper 19 441).
William Moon, of Stanley, had married Martha Hawley at Kirk Hallam on the 9th August 1824. William’s father, Thomas Moon, born c. 1781 had married Mary Bridgett at Alfreton on the 18th November 1798 and had died on the 6th July 1847 at Denby (Ref. Belper 19 315). Thomas’s wife Mary (nee Bridgett) died age 94 on Christmas Eve – December 24th 1869 at Mapperley (Ref. 7b 329).
Thomas’s father, James Moon had been born on the 8th November 1744 at Denby and married Sarah Abel on the 24th August 1772 at Denby. James Moon died aged 83, which makes it c.1827 but his wife Sarah had died aged 57 (c. 1800) at Simon Field, which is a coal mine in Derbyshire, but it is not known if it was in the mine itself or if the district was named after the mine.
According to the 1851 Census for “Mapaly”. George Moon (26), his younger brother Isaac (17), his sister Rebecca (19), and their father William (47) were all cordwainers. The other children in the Moon family in 1851 were John (24), a coal miner, Thomas (14) a Labourer and a child called James (1).
According to “Whites 1857 Directory of Derbyshire – Morleston and Litchurch Hundred”, George Moon of Mapperley was a…“Shopkeeper and Shoemaker”…
In the 1861 Census for 86 Mapperley, George Moon is listed as being a grocer, age 36, along with his wife, Elizabeth E. age 31, and by the time of the next census in 1871 they had moved to live at 9 Town Street Mapperley, and their business had expanded to now become a chemist and grocer and the family now included their son Arthur, a scholar.
The family had moved once again by 1881 to 5 Main Street Mapperley and the business continued, although now under the heading of “Druggist and grocer”, with 56 year old George and 51 year old Eliza E. and their only child, Arthur H. age 18 who by this time had become a schoolmaster.
George Moon was a devout Christian, for almost 40 years he had been a Sunday School teacher, for 16 years the Churchwarden of Mapperley Church, and all his life a total abstainer. This venerable man who had dedicated his life in pursuit of his Christian beliefs died, quite befittingly on November 9th 1881… “inside church”… at the Holy Trinity Church Mapperley, where his profession was given as “Churchwarden”, and his burial at Kirk Hallam Parish Church was conducted with the appropriate dignity, respect and reverence.
There was a moving tribute to George Moon printed in the “Derby Mercury” on Wednesday 16th November 1881… “MAPPERLEY. On Friday last the grave closed over all that was mortal of one who was deservedly loved and respected by all who knew him. Mr. George Moon, whose death at the comparatively early age of 54 we have to record, was one of those whose lives are spent in doing good, and whose loss is nothing short of a local calamity. Bred at Mapperley, the deceased had been for more than 30 years a teacher in the Sunday school of that place, and during the whole of this long period had been untiring in his exertions for the welfare of his young charges. From the time when the present church at Mapperley was first built Mr. Moon had taken the deepest interest in all that concerned it, and for many years past had been vicar’s warden. In fact the Church work in the parish devolved mainly upon him during the somewhat frequent and prolonged interregnums between the resignation of one vicar and the acceptance of the living by another. Another cause which found Mr. Moon a consistent and zealous advocate was that of Temperance, he having been an abstainer from his youth. For some months past Mr. Moon’s health had been seriously undermined and his illness terminated fatally on Wednesday last. He was buried in Friday at Kirk Hallam, the mother church from which Mapperley was separated some years ago; and, in spite of the distance, a considerable number of Mapperley friends attended the funeral, including many of the children, with the mistress, Miss Hammond. The scene at the grave was very affecting. The service was conducted by the Rev. H. H. Evans, vicar of Mapperley, assisted by the Rev. A. E. Evans, vicar of Kirk Hallam, and the Rev. E. T. S. Fowler, vicar of Cotmanhay, all of whom were desirous by their presence to pay a last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. A portion of Mapperley choir were also present, and, together with the clergy, met the funeral procession at the church gate. Two hymns (one over the grave) were sung by them and the Kirk Hallam choir, led by Miss Hardy, the voluntary organist. A short but solemn address was delivered over the grave by the Vicar of Mapperley, who spoke of the bright example left by the deceased and the sure and certain hope with which in his case they might look forward to the future. On Sunday funeral sermons were preached both at Kirk Hallam and Mapperley by the respective vicars, who dwelt on the lessons to be derived from so pure and Christian a career as that of the deceased. The congregation were large and attentive, and the feeling seemed general that Mr. Moon’s place at Mapperley will not readily be supplied, or his name speedily forgotten”…
According to the National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)… “MOON George Personal Estate £212 7s. 6d. 5 December.
The Will of George Moon late of Mapperley in the County of Derby Druggist and Grocer who died 9 November 1881 at Mapperley was proved at Derby by Eliza Eleanor Moon of Mapperley Widow the Relict and Henry Frederick Daykin of Little Hallam in the Parish of Ilkeston in the said County Schoolmaster the Executors”…
Eliza Eleanor Moon (nee Daykin) died in South Street on March 29th 1890 (Ref. Basford 7b 105), there is no indication as to where she was buried but it is safe to assume that she was laid to rest with her late husband.
According to the National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administration)… “MOON Eliza Eleanor Personal Estate £179 8s. 6d. 8 May Administration of the Personal Estate of Eliza Eleanor Moon late of Ilkeston in the County of Derby Widow who died 29 March 1890 at Ilkeston was granted at the Principal Registry to Arthur Henry Moon of Ilkeston Schoolmaster the Son and only Next of Kin”…
George and Eliza Moon (nee Daykin) had two children, the first, Arthur Henry Moon, was born on the 13th June 1862 (Ref. Basford 7b 429) and baptised at the Holy Trinity Church Mapperley on August 3rd, but the second child, a daughter named Elizabeth Jane, born in the March quarter of 1867 only survived for eight months, dying on November 24th 1867 (Ref. Basford 7b 66) and was buried on November 26th at “SR”. The records state that… “Moon Elizabeth Jane 8m. Ilkeston died Nov. 24 dau of Mr. Moon chemist/burial Tues. 3pm/grave 13/2nd/cost £1.3s.”…
Arthur Henry Moon, who, like his uncle Henry Frederick Daykin had forged a career in education, becoming an assistant master at Granby Boys’ School, marrying Mary Tamar Gregory, (born March Q. 1874 Ref. Basford 7b 151/154) the daughter of “Captain” Charles Hiram Gregory, landlord of the “Old Wine Vaults Inn” on July 23rd 1892 (Ref. Basford 7b 255) at St. Laurance, Heanor, Derbyshire.
There had been an article printed in the “Ilkeston Telegraph” in 1874 which reported on the reopening of the “British School”, and some years later a former scholar had recalled his time spent there… “Sheddie Kyme recalls that the principle teachers under headmaster Henry Frederick were… “Arthur Henry Moon, born in 1862 at Mapperley, only son of grocer and chemist George and Eliza Eleanor (nee Daykin)”…
Arthur Henry and Mary Tamar Moon also had just one child, a son named Charles George Moon, born in the June quarter 1895 (Ref. Basford 7b 183), who fought in World War I in the Sportsmen’s Battalions and was wounded at Douai in northern France before being taken prisoner of war, and eventually dying of his wounds age just 22 years. He was believed to have been buried in Park Cemetery in grave 9833, but that could be incorrect.
Five years after their marriage, on a fortnight’s summer holiday at Chapel in Lincolnshire, Arthur Henry Moon was drowned while swimming in the “German Ocean” (the North Sea) on August 9th 1897. He was buried in Park Cemetery in grave 9833, which is less than 100 metre along the path running from the rear of the cemetery Chapel in a north – east direction, at its southern or right-hand edge, on August 11th 1897(death Ref. Spilsby 7a 378).
According to the National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations)… “MOON Arthur Henry of Market-street Ilkeston Derbyshire schoolmaster died 9 August 1897 at Chapel near Hogsthorpe Lincolnshire Probate London 13 October to Mary Tamar Moon widow. Effects £431 7s. 9d.”…
The Chairman of the School Board described Arthur Henry as… “an old and very efficient, careful and plodding teacher”… He was also a talented oboe player and took part in many oratorio performances in the district.
Arthur Henry Moon’s widow, Mary Tamar Moon (nee Gregory) re-married John Brimson, a lace designer from Nottingham in the December quarter 1898 (Ref. Nottingham 7b 650), and are recorded on the 1911 census for Holmside, Gunthorpe, Nottinghamshire; John Brimson, Head, 47, Lace Manufacturer, born Radford, Notts; Mary Brimson, Wife, 37, married 12 years, no children together; Gladys Lillian Brimson, Daughter, 21, Single; Charles George Moon, Stepson, 15, Single, Lace Embroidery Craftsman; all born Ilkeston.
John Brimson died on 11th October 1921 (Ref. Nottingham 7b 442) age 58 years and was buried on October 14th 1921 alongside his wife’s first husband Arthur Henry Moon in grave 9833 at Park Cemetery. According to the National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations) … “BRIMSON John of Holmside Gunthorpe Nottinghamshire lace designer died 11 October 1921 at 19 Hampden-street Nottingham Administration Nottingham 26 October to Mary Tamar Brimson widow. Effects £176 3s. 9d.”…
Mary Tamar Brimson (nee Moon formerly Gregory) died in October 1952 aged 78 years (Ref. Nottingham 3c 233) and was buried on October 28th 1952 alongside her two husbands in grave 9833 at Park Cemetery, Ilkeston.
Elizabeth Daykin (I)
Richard and Ann Daykin’s (nee Clemerson) second daughter, Elizabeth, was born in Ilkeston on the 6th January 1832 and baptised on the 27th April at the Wesleyan Methodist Church (Ref. F. S. b. CO6682-1; f. 590683) but sadly never survived past infancy. The baby was buried the week after its baptism on the 2nd May 1832, according to church transcripts;
… “Elizabeth Daykin, “an infant”, buried at Kirk Hallam All Saints Church”…
Elizabeth Daykin (II)
Richard and Ann Daykin (nee Clemerson) had a third daughter on the 6th April 1833, who was also named Elizabeth, baptised on the 25th of June 1837 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church Ilkeston (Ref. F. S. b. CO6682-1; f. 590683). There are further records of a christening of Elizabeth Daykin on the 27th April 1833 (born to Richard Daykin & Ann Clemerson) at Salem Chapel Barker Gate-Armenian Methodist, Nottingham (Ref. F. S. CO7546-1; 0825363 (RG4 3133), one of the independent chapels set up in those days of nonconformity.
Elizabeth Daykin (II) married tailor and draper Elijah Higgitt in the June quarter of 1855 (Ref. Basford 7b 199). Elijah had been born in Shipley, Derbyshire on the 22nd of October 1833 and baptised at the Independent, Ilkeston on the 25th of November 1833, the youngest child of Henry and Ann Higgit (nee Shelton) (Ref. L. D. S. b. CO66811; s.0590683 RG4 504, 572; p. 6905477).
Elijah Higgitt’s parents, coal wharf labourer Henry Higgit and Ann Shelton had been married on the 3rd of October 1818 at St. Mary’s in Ilkeston (Ref. M05514-1, 498094 and church transcripts). Ann Shelton was the daughter of Thomas and Ann Shelton and had been christened in Melbourne, Derbyshire on the 20th of September 1789 (Ref. C02517-5, 1752216, item 5) and Henry Higgit was the son of Henry (Snr.) and Catherine Higgit (nee Critchlow) and had been christened on the 13th November 1796 at St. Mary’s in Ilkeston according to the church transcripts.
Henry Higgit (Snr.) (c.1760 – 23rd May 1848 Ref. Basford 15 351) had married Catherine Critchlow (1765 – 2nd July 1853 Ref. Basford 7b 55) according to the All Saints, Kirk Hallam Transcripts on the 11th January 1788… “HIGGETT. Henry of Heanor (Coalminer) = CRITCHLOW. Catherine of this parish. Catherine Critchlow had been baptised at All Saints, Kirk Hallam on the 31st of March 1765 to William and Sarah Critchlow (nee Derbyshire), one of several children known to have been born to this couple, who themselves had been married at All saints, Kirk Hallam on the 7th of March 1758… “CRITCHLOW. William (weaver) = DERBYSHIRE. Sarah, both of this parish”…
Three other children’s baptisms have been recorded in the All Saints, Kirk Hallam transcripts attributed to William and Sarah Critchlow (nee Derbyshire);
… “1758 Aug. 5. CRITCHLOW. John of William and Sarah”…
… “1760 Mar. 1. CRITCHLOW. Nanny of William and Sarah”…
… “1767 Oct. 22. CRITCHLOW. Thomas of William and Sarah”…
and one death;
… “1773 Oct. 19. CRITCHLOW. Thomas of William buried”…
There are two further children apart from Henry (Jnr.) recorded in the Ilkeston St. Mary’s church transcripts to “Henry and Cath Higgitt”; Nanny Higgitt baptised on the 7th of September and Will Higgitt, baptised on the 23rd of October 1791. Nanny (or Ann) Higgit married collier Henry Hunt but sadly died in 1830 aged just 41 years and was buried in St. Mary’s Ilkeston along with her parents.
There is an inscription on the grave of Henry and Catherine Higgit (nee Critchlow) in St. Mary’s churchyard in Ilkeston;-
…”HIGGITT – Erected in memory of Henry Higgitt of Ilkeston Common who departed this life on the 23rd of May 1848 aged 88 years also in memory of Catherine Higgit wife of the above who died 2nd July 1853 aged LXXXVIII years”…
There is also an inscription on the grave of one of Henry and Catherine’s children, Ann, who was known as “Nanny”;-
… “HUNT (and HIGGIT) – To the memory of Ann Hunt the wife of Henry Hunt and daughter of Henry and Catherine Higgit who died June 16th 1830 in the 41st year of her age. Weep not for me my parents dear nor children whom I have left therefore prepare to follow me that you may all be blest”…
Henry (Jnr.) and Ann Higgit (nee Shelton) are known to have had seven other children apart from Elijah;
Catherine, baptised on the 18th of September 1819 at St. Mary’s Ilkeston;
Samuel, baptised on the 3rd of August 1821, also at St. Mary’s but who sadly never survived infancy and was buried in the same churchyard on the 15th of January 1822 age just seven months;
Henry Higgitt, born on the 25th December 1822 who was christened on the 27th December 1822 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church Ilkeston (Ref. C06682-1, 0590683, RGS4941), but only survived for three weeks, being buried on the 20th January 1823 at St. Mary’s;
John, baptised on the 25th of January at St. Mary’s, who also died before reaching adulthood and was buried on the 10th of March 1838 age 14 in the same churchyard;
Ann, who was baptised on the 14th of February at St. Mary’s, who went on to marry grocer John Gilliat on the 30th of April 1867. At their wedding, John, from Nottingham was recorded as being the son of linseed cake manufacturer Francis Gilliat, witnessed by Elijah and Elizabeth Higgitt, with Ann being described as the daughter of Henry “gentleman”;
The seventh child, Sarah Higgit was born on the 7th of March 1829 and christened on the 1st April 1829 at the Independent Church, Ilkeston (Ref. C06681-1, 0590683 (RG 4504, 572), who also died before reaching maturity, age 10, and was buried on the 3rd of January 1830 in St. Mary’s, Ilkeston;
And finally Hannah Higgitt, born on the 14th of December 1830 and christened on the 29th of June 1837 in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Ilkeston (Ref. as her sisters except RG4 941).
The first two children (Catherine and Samuel) are both referred to as… “to Henry and Ann of Cotmanhay”.. but the remaining family members are always referred to… “Henry and Ann of Shipley”…; so presumably they moved the short distance from Cotmanhay to Shipley sometime during 1822.
Henry Higgit’s (Jnr.) wife, Ann Higgit (nee Shelton) died on the 19th August 1837 and was buried on the 22nd at St. Mary’s, Ilkeston (death Ref. Basford 15 284), but Henry (Jnr.) was remarried on the 11th March 1849 (Ref. Basford 15 609) to Ann Chadwick, the widow of Samuel Chadwick who had died in October 1833 aged just 36 years. The wedding at Ilkeston St. Mary’s was witnessed by William and Kezia Hunt, when… “Henry Higgitt, labourer, the son of Henry (deceased) a collier, married Ann Chadwick, the daughter of Samuel Noon, a framesmith”…
Ann Chadwick (nee Noon) had been baptised in Ilkeston on the 6th May 1798 at Ilkeston St. Mary’s … “Ann of Samuel and Ann”… and died on February 27th 1865 (Ref. Basford 7b 81).
It is interesting to note that Charles Chadwick, fruiterer, greengrocer,
potato merchant, confectioner and dealer in British wines, traded in Bath Street, in premises owned by next-door neighbour Elijah Higgitt in Bath Street, until his death in December 1879. It was Charles Chadwick’s mother Ann who married Elijah’s father, Henry.
There is an article on the “oldilkeston” website which charts the history of the first “Volunteer Fire Brigade of Ilkeston”, where, in August 1877 amongst the list of crew members was Henry Higgitt. Sadly, Henry died in the June quarter of 1877 (Ref. Basford 7b 72), although the circumstances surrounding his death has probably nothing to do with his voluntary fire fighting.
Elijah Higgitt had lived in Shipley Common while serving as an apprentice tailor and only moved to live in Ilkeston following his marriage to Elizabeth Daykin (II), where he seems to have spent most of his life in Bath Street from the mid-1850’s, as a tailor and outfitter, and one-time hairdresser, in a shop, described in one of Adeline Wells’s many letters to the “Ilkeston Advertiser” detailing life in the mid 19th century town of Ilkeston, this one being dated December 3rd 1937… “The next was really a house, up three or four large steps, which protruded on the pavement”…
In March of 1859 Elijah moved into these new and commodious premises which had a separate room for hairdressing and where he kept a choice of cigars, tobacco, fancy pipes, walking sticks, etc. This was later to be 8 Bath Street.
The first census to show Elijah Higgitt, his wife Elizabeth and their family was in 1861 for Bath Street, Ilkeston, where Elijah Higgitt was Head, aged 27, a Tailor and Housekeeper , Elizabeth, his wife aged 28, a Dressmaker and their two sons; Richard Henry, aged 3, a Scholar who had been born in September quarter 1857 (Ref, Basford 7b 100) and Arthur William, aged 1 who had been born in December quarter 1859 (Ref Basford 7b *). There were also two servants; Frederick Green aged 18, a Tailor and Hairdresser and Hannah Barlow, aged 15, a House Servant, all born in Ilkeston.
Elija and Elizabeth had a third son, Elija Cecil, born in the June quarter of 1862 (Ref. Basford 7b 116) who only survived for fourteen weeks and died on July 31st 1862 (Ref. Basford 7b 57).
Early one Sunday morning in February 1862, Elijah’s Bath Street
premises were broken into. A pane of glass was taken out of a rear window and goods to the value of £10 were taken….a roll of cloth, pairs of trousers, coats, etc., and a “monstrous weapon” was left in the shop by the burglars.
According to information on the website “www.oldilkeston.co.uk” on 28/8/2013, which described the development of Ilkeston and its businesses… “During the 1860’s”…In Bath Street….next came two whitewashed cottages, standing back from the road, on a low bank… John McKenna, the owner in the other…about 1864 John decided to have some alterations done to his house, and the lower front part was taken away, during the following night the upper part gave way and fell into the yard, leaving John’s bedroom to the view of passers-by. Fortunately for John he had stayed that night with friends. The house was not repaired, and after some time the cottages and land passed into the possession of Mr. Elijah Higgitt, outfitter, who built his second shop on the site”…
The facts surrounding this incident are that in 1866 the Local Board bought from John (McKenna) a strip of land at the front of his Bath Street property so that the pavement there could be widened and his frontage made level with that of his neighbour Elijah Higgitt.
There was some disagreement between Board members as to whether to pay £1 or 15s for the land. Always very careful with the money it spent, the Board voted to pay the latter amount. At the same time John decided to have a shop-front put in the house to fit it out as a provision shop, and he engaged a joiner and a bricklayer to do the work. The workmen made a space for the window and lowered the ground floor to the level of the street, unfortunately that wasn’t all that they lowered.
At one o’clock of the following morning the whole building collapsed, with fatal consequences…for John’s cat. Only about six feet of walls was left standing, though John had fortunately removed most of his furniture from the house prior to the alterations. John later moved to Birmingham where he married Anne Maria Hodgetts in 1868 and for many years traded as a grocer and provision dealer at 156 Summer Lane in Birmingham.
The land was bought by Mr. E. Higgitt about 1866, he built his first shop on it and removed from East Street where he had commenced business as a tailor and outfitter”…
The 1871 Census transcript wasn’t very detailed and showed only Elijah and Elizabeth Higgett, both aged 37 living at Bath Street.
Elijah Higgitt was mentioned in a newspaper article in the “Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald” on Saturday 19th February 1876 when he was a member of the jury in a crime that shocked Ilkeston… “SHOCKING CHILD MURDER AT ILKESTON. A shocking affair has just been brought to light here. A man named Alonza Spencer was looking into a pig-stye of Mr. H. Tatham on Friday last, when he was horrified to find the body of a female child in an old tin wrapped in some old clothes”… The inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, and the following gentlemen constituted the jury:- Messrs…. E. Higgitt…
In March 1878, after 22 years in the drapery business, Elijah opened a new shop, next door to the old one. Now he was at number 9 Bath Street, where he built a prosperous business, going to any length to protect his interests, as documented in an article printed in the “Derbyshire daily Telegraph” on Friday the 7th November 1879 concerning Elijah Higgitt… “ILKESTON COUNTY COURT -Thursday – (Before Mr. W. F. Woodforde, Judge) ELIJAH HIGGIT V THOMAS MANNERS – Plaintiff, a draper and clothier at Ilkeston, claimed £8 odd for goods supplied to defendants wife – Mrs. Manners who said she was trading on her own behalf, and in partnership with a Mrs. Sharp at the time the goods were supplied. Her husband had nothing to do with the business.- Plaintiff called Mrs. Sharp, who said that she was only in partnership with Mrs. Manners in the dressmaking business, and had nothing to do with the shop goods. – Mrs. Manners, however, produced a bill in which the plaintiff had entered the names of both parties, and received money thereon. His Honour said it was evident that Mrs. Manners had been trading on her own account, in partnership with Mrs. Sharp, as proved by the bills produced. He could not therefore hold the husband liable – Judgment for the defendant”…
The 1881 Census showed the Higgitt still residing at Bath Street, with Elijah Higgett now aged 47, a tailor and draper who employed 4 men, 1 girl and 1 boy, and was born in Shipley Derbyshire. Elizabeth was the same age, 47, with no professional status given but the children were now adults; Richard H. aged 23 and Arthur W. aged 21, a School master, and all were born in Ilkeston.
Elijah was also becoming a member of Ilkeston’s civic society, with an example being printed in the “Nottingham Evening Post” on Friday April 1st 1881… “OVERSEERS FOR ILKESTON TOWNSHIP.- At a meeting held in the Boys’ School room, Ilkeston, yesterday afternoon, Mr. A. Aldred, sen., presiding, the following were nominated as overseers for the township, from which list the magistrates at Heanor, on Monday, will appoint two overseers:-… E. Higgitt”…
Elijah’s business was also continuing to attract many miscreants with numerous reports over the years surrounding theft and dishonest dealings from his shop;-
… “Derby Mercury” – Wednesday 3 May 1882… “LARCENY AT ILKESTON.- George Cullins, alias John Mills (37), collier, admitted stealing a pair of trousers the property of Elijah Higgitt, at Ilkeston, on April 8th, and was sentenced to nine months hard labour”… according to the “Leicester Chronicle” on Saturday 6 May 1882, which also carried the same story, but with an addendum of … “having been previously convicted”…
… “Sheffield Daily Telegraph” – Friday 26 May 1882… “ILKESTON POLICE COURT.- At the Ilkeston Petty Sessions yesterday Silas Scattergood was charged with obtaining a coat by means of false pretence from the shop of Mr. Elijah Higgitt, clothier, Ilkeston, on May 17.- prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions”…
… “Sheffield Independent”- Friday 26 May 1882… “AN IMPUDENT SWINDLE.- Silas Scattergood was charged at Ilkeston, yesterday, with obtaining under false pretence a coat, from the shop of Mr. E. Higgitt, clothier, Ilkeston, on May 17. It appears that prisoner, who has an uncle a farmer at West Hallam, went to Mr. Higgitt’s shop on the day in question, and said his uncle had authorised him to be measured for a suit of clothes. This was done, and he also took a ready-made coat, saying his uncle would pay for it. He subsequently returned for a pair of trousers, but could not get any to suit him. The coat was pawned on the next day by a companion of the prisoner’s. On Mr. Higgitt seeing prisoners uncle, he was told that prisoner had no authority to purchase anything in his name, and he was accordingly arrested on a charge of false pretences.- prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Derby assizes”…
… “Derby Mercury” – Wednesday 31 May 1882… “OBTAINING GOODS UNDER FALSE PRETENCES.- Silas Scattergood, a respectable-looking young man, was charged with this offence at Ilkeston on May 17th.- Richard H. Higgitt, manager to Mr. Higgitt, clothier, Bath-street, Ilkeston, deposed that prisoner came to their shop about ten o’clock on the morning of May 17, and said that his uncle, Mr. Thomas Trueman, of West Hallam, had sent him to be measured for a suit of clothes. Witness measured him, and was then told that he was to take a ready-made coat, which his uncle would pay for. In consequence of this representation witness let prisoner have the coat produced. About five o’clock in the afternoon the prisoner again came to the shop, and asked for a pair of trousers, but as they had not a pair like the coat he went away.- Jas. H. Orchard said that on the same day he met prisoner in Station-road, and was asked by him if he would purchase a coat, which he declined to do. Ultimately witness consented to pledge it for prisoner, and did so the same night at Mr. Weatherhogg’s, pawnbroker, for 8s. 6d. – Thomas Trueman, farmer and innkeeper, West Hallam, deposed that prisoner was his nephew, and came to his house on Tuesday, May 16. Witness was asked if he would assist him, and he gave prisoner some coppers he had. The prisoner had no settled home, as his father was dead. He did not authorise him to get a suit of clothes at Mr. Higgitt’s, nor tell him that he would pay for them; although about two years ago he did authorise him to get some clothing in his name.- Police-constable Downing said he apprehended prisoner at Mr. Bamford’s beerhouse about eight o’clock on the evening of May 17, and charged him with obtaining a coat by false pretences, when he replied that his uncle had told him to get what he wanted. He received the coat the coat from Mr. Weatherhogg’s the next day.- Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.- A further charge of obtaining goods to the value of 5/-., under false pretences, from Mr. Sutton, clothier, Bath-street, was not proceeded with”…
There was also an article in the “Derby Daily Telegraph” on Saturday 11 October 1884 concerning payment of recompense from the council to Elijah Higgitt… “LOCAL BOARD – On Tuesday night a meeting of the Board was held in the Town Hall… The question of compensation for some alterations at the bottom of Mount-street was discussed. The Board eventually agreed to offer Mr. Higgitt £25 to put his premises in a line with the adjoining building”…
Elijah and Elizabeth’s youngest son, Arthur William Higgitt married Mary Jane Philpott at All Saints Church, Rotherhithe on December 22nd 1883 (Ref. St. Olave 1d 518). Arthur was described as a 24 year-old bachelor, school master, living at 107 Railton Road, Brixton, son of Elijah, draper. Mary, who was born in Rotherhithe (Ref. 1d 482) in the June quarter 1857, was a 26 year-old spinster, living at 22 New Road, the daughter of William Philpott, Mariner.
Elijah and Elizabeth’s eldest son, Richard Henry Higgitt married Maud Beatrice Widdowson, in the December quarter of 1884 (Ref. Basford 7b 274). Maud had been born in Kimberley, Notts in the June quarter of 1865 (Ref. Basford 7b 94).
On May 25th 1885, Elijah’s wife Elizabeth Higgitt (nee Daykin) died aged just 52 years (Ref. Basford 7b 78) and several reports of her death were printed in various newspapers.
The “Derby Daily Telegraph” – Thursday 28 May 1885… “ILKESTON – SUDDEN DEATH OF A TRADESMAN’S WIFE.- On Tuesday, the wife of Mr. Elijah Higgitt, draper and clothier, Ilkeston, died suddenly. The deceased, who was about 55 years of age, had been unwell for a day or two, but only kept her bed on Monday. She intended getting up on Tuesday, but expired suddenly during the night, presumably of heart disease”…
“Nottinghamshire Guardian” – Friday 29 May 1885 and also the Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald – Saturday 30 May 1885… “SUDDEN DEATH AT ILKESTON.- On Tuesday morning, Mrs. Higgitt, the wife of Mr. Higgitt, tailor and draper, of Ilkeston, was found dead in bed. On Wednesday last, the deceased caught cold, and was so unwell on Monday that Dr. Wood was called in to attend her. On the following morning she was found dead in bed about seven o’clock. The cause of death is inflammation”…
“Derby Mercury” – Wednesday 3 June 1885… “SUDDEN DEATH .- About seven o’clock on Tuesday, the wife of Mr. Elijah Higgitt, tailor and draper, Bath-street, was found dead in bed. Deceased caught a cold last Wednesday, and was so unwell on Monday, that Dr. Wood was called in. The cause of death in inflammation. Mrs. Higgitt was highly respected in the town, and was a member of the Independent Church”…
Two years after the death of Elijah’s wife Elizabeth (nee Daykin) in April 1887 at the General Baptist Chapel in Loughborough (Ref. Loughborough 7a 270) Elijah remarried Mary Ann Clemerson, daughter of Loughborough brazier and iron monger Henry and Betsy Clemenson (nee Riste), who was the cousin of his first wife Elizabeth Daykin who had been born in the September quarter of 1850 (Ref. Loughbor’ 15 148). Thus the aunt of Elijah’s first wife Elizabeth became his mother-in-law.
Henry Clemenson was the brother of Anne Clemenson who married Richard Daykin in 1829 – Elizabeth Daykin’s parents. Henry Clemenson had married Betsey Riste in the March quarter of 1850 at Loughborough (Ref. 15 159) and had two known children, Mary Ann and Henry (Jnr.) born March quarter of 1852 (Ref. Loughborough 7a 1116).
Henry Clemenson (Snr.) died in the December quarter of 1864 (Ref. Loughborough 7a 64), leaving his widowed wife Betsy and two children, as his daughter, Mary Ann Clemenson appears on the 1861 census as a ten year old daughter, then on the 1871 census for Loughborough along with her mother and brother; Betsy Clemerson, 43, born Sutton, Notts; Mary Ann, 20; Henry, 19; both born Loughborough; Mary Ann Carruthers, servant, 15, born Long Whatton, L’stershire. In the 1881 census the family live at 2 Mill Street, Loughborough, with Mary A. Clemerson shown as aged 30, born 1851 in Loughborough, now a furniture dealer by trade, living along with her mother, Betsy, aged 53, born Sutton Bonnington, Notts. and a servant, Martha E. Grimbley, aged 20, born in Ardwick Green, Lancaster. Mary’s brother, Henry Clemenson (Jnr.) lived next door at number 1 Mill Street with his wife Sarah E. and their two children, James H. and Arthur B. Clemenson. Henry (Jnr.) is also a furniture dealer employing two men and twelve boys.
In the late 1800’s, following his remarriage, Elijah and Mary Ann Higgitt (nee Clemerson) moved into Charnwood House in St. Mary’s Street, just around the corner from Gregory Street, where Elijah’s two sons lived with their families. Richard Henry Higgit, the elder brother was his father’s assistant at Arden Villas, and Arthur William Higgitt.
There had been an article printed in the “Ilkeston Telegraph” in 1874 which reported on the reopening of the “British School”, and some years later a former scholar had recalled his time spent there… “Sheddie Kyme recalls that the principle teachers under headmaster Henry Frederick were… “Arthur William Higgitt, born in 1859, the son of Bath Street tailor, Elijah and his first wife Elizabeth (nee Daykin). At the end of 1875 as a pupil teacher, he gained… “a first class honours in the late examination”… He made a career in education and later became headmaster at Chaucer Street Board School (mixed), erected in 1889, and then Gladstone Street School (mixed), erected in 1897. His home by then was at “Chistlehurst” in Nottingham Road”…
In 1882 Elijah Higgitt employed an assistant shop man by the name of Henry Coxon in his shop at 9 Bath Street. Henry was a former employee in Joseph Carrier’s drapery department – somewhat of a badge of honour in those days in Ilkeston’s retail business, to be associated with the eminent Carrier family. After some 22 years Henry started his own business at 97 Bath Street – London House, the premises of recently deceased draper and grocer John Beardsley, but obviously his business faltered and he found himself once more as an employee. His demise apparently continued as by the 1901 census on March 31st he was an inmate of the Borough Asylum at Mapperley, disingenuously described as a “lunatic”. His wife, Jane, still resided in the family home at 134 Chapel Street Ilkeston, being described as “feebly minded”, and her sister Sarah who lived with her, as a “cripple from childhood”.
Elijah Higgitt continued to be a notable businessman in Ilkeston as well as becoming a renowned religious figure, but still suffered with petty larceny at his premises.
“The Derby Daily Telegraph” – Saturday 30 July 1887… “ILKESTON.- BUILDING SOCIETY.- The thirty-fourth annual meeting of the shareholders of the Ilkeston Permanent Benefit Building Society was held in the Town Hall, Ilkeston, on Thursday evening. Mr. E. Higgitt in the chair.- The annual report stated that the subscriptions for 1886 were £1,990 12s. 8d. and the redeemed mortgages £1,650 2s. 9d. Fresh mortgages to the amount of £1,380 had been advanced, and the withdrawals and interest amounted to £1,778 3s. 8d. The balance in bank was £1,835 2s. 6d. The retiring directors were Messrs. E. Higgitt, H. F. Daykin and R. B. Daykin, and they were all re-elected. Mr. J. Cope was appointed shareholder’s auditor”…
“The Derby Mercury” – Wednesday 2 January 1889.- … “ILKESTON. ALLEGED FELONY.- On Thursday Elizabeth Smith, a young married woman, with a ten month baby in her arms, was charged with stealing 3½ yards of plush, the property of William E. Craddock, draper, Ilkeston. She was also charged with stealing a boys’ overcoat, the property of Elijah Higgitt, clothier, Ball-street, Ilkeston, in December. In each case the article was missed, and it was found that prisoner had pledged it at Mr. Moor’s pawnbroker, Ilkeston – She was committed for trial on both charges at the next Quarter sessions”…
“Derby Daily Telegraph” – Thursday 24 April 1890. … “DERBYSHIRE CONGREGATIONAL UNION. – ANNUAL MEETING AT GLOSSOP.- The annual conference of the Derbyshire Congregational Union was resumed on Wednesday morning at the Littlemoor Church, Glossop. At a quarter past nine a devotional service was held, and at ten the business of the Conference was proceeded with…the delegates present included representatives of the following churches… Ilkeston : Rev. John Fleming, Mr. E. Higgitt”…
At some point in the late 1890’s Elijah and his second wife, Mary Ann Higgitt (nee Clemerson) moved to live in Loughborough, living close to the home of William Armstrong – who was previously married to Mary Ann’s aunt, Harriet Clemerson.
Elijah was still busy with his services to the church, being mention over the coming years in various newspapers attending and officiating at a variety of functions.
…“Leicester Chronicle” – Saturday 15 February 1896.- … “METHODIST FREE CHURCH.- On Wednesday afternoon last week, the Rev. T. J. Dickinson, of Nottingham, preached an able sermon in the above place. A tea was provided at five o’clock, to which a goodly number sat down. In the evening Mr. Dickinson delivered his popular lecture entitled “Rowland Hill, the eccentric preacher”. Rev. J. Seddon (pastor) moved a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer. Mr. E. Higgitt took the chair. The net proceeds were £3 3.”…
…“Leicester Chronicle” – Saturday 2 April 1898. – … “On Sunday last an effort was made to make the P.S.A. services more attractive than usual, with the result that in the afternoon the Temperance Hall was full, and at night literally crammed….Altogether the service passed off well, the success being largely due to Mr. E. Higgitt, the energetic secretary”…
…“Leicester Chronicle” – Saturday 9 April 1898. – … “P.S.A. BOOK DISTRIBUTION.- The quarterly distribution of books to the members of the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Class was carried out at the class meeting…and Mr. E. Higgitt, honorary secretary, distributed the books”…
…“Leicester Chronicle” – Saturday 7 April 1900.- … “BAND OF HOPE.- On Monday evening last a Band of Hope festival was held in the Temperance Hall…Mr. E. Higgitt officiated as chairman”…
…“Leicester Chronicle” – Saturday 1 September 1900. -… “WESLEYAN CHAPEL. On Wednesday special services were held at the Wesleyan Chapel, in continuation of the re-opening of the new schools…The chair was occupied in the evening by Mr. E. Higgitt”…
…“Derby Daily Telegraph” – Wednesday 24 October 1900.- … “CONGREGATIONAL BAZAAR.- A three days’ bazaar, organised for the purpose of raising a substantial sum towards the £3,000 required before commencing the erection of a new Independent Church at Ilkeston…At the opening ceremony there was a numerous attendance, including… Me. E. and Mrs. Higgitt”…
Elijah and Mary Ann are both shown on the 1901 Census living at the Old Rectory, Long Whatton; Elijah Higgitt, age 67, living on his own means, born Shipley, Derbyshire; Mary A. Higgitt, wife, age 50, born L’borough, along with two servants; Sarah A. Marshall, 39, Housemaid Domestic, and Edith Platts, 25, General servant, domestic.
Despite now being in his 70’s, Elijah was still active in his pursuit for temperance, as reported in the “Nottingham Evening Post” – Wednesday 24 October 1906… “LIQUOR LICENCE AGAIN… “At the Loughborough Petty Sessions to-day, Mr. R. S. Clifford applied for a six days’ temporary licence for Mr. L. Watkins to sell intoxicating liquors on premises occupied by the Brush Electrical Engineering Works. Mr. Ernest Winterton, secretary of the Leicestershire Temperance Union, said he wished to oppose the application…and said besides appearing as a member of the public he also appeared for Mr. Elijah Higgitt, of Loughborough, and other members of the Loughborough Temperance Federation”…
In 1911 Elijah, now aged 77 was still living by “private means” along with his wife Mary Ann, now aged 60, at 12 Forest Road Loughborough, having been married for 23 years, but with no children. They were being cared for by two servants; Martha Tuckwood, aged 24, Cook , Domestic, and Emma Bailey, aged 30, General servant Domestic.
Elijah Higgitt’s second wife Mary Ann (nee Clemerson) died on December 15th 1916 aged 66 (Ref. Loughborough 7a 151), and Elijah Higgitt himself died in Loughborough on April 7th 1918 aged 84 (Ref. 7a 123) . According to the National Probate Calendar (Index) of Wills and Administration)… “HIGGITT Elijah of 12 Forest-road Loughborough Leicestershire died 7 April 1918 Probate London 8 August to Arthur William Higgitt schoolmaster. Effects £6,015 19s. 9d.”…
It was ironic that Elijah’s only surviving son and beneficiary, Arthur William Higgitt, was to die himself just four years later on November 23rd 1922 (Ref. Basford 7b 187) age 63, leaving everything to his widow Mary Jane. According to the National Probate Calendar (Index) of Wills and Administration)… “HIGGITT Arthur William of Chislehurst 51 Nottingham-road Ilkeston Derbyshire died 23 November 1922 Probate Derby 20 March to Mary Jane Higgitt widow. Effects £5,728 9s. 10d.”…
Arthur William’s widow, Mary Jane Higgitt (nee Philpott) died on December 22nd 1926, leaving her estate to her only surviving child, Walter Henry Higgitt. Arthur and Mary had two children according to the 1911 census, but only one was still alive.
According to the National Probate Calendar (Index) of Wills and Administration)… “HIGGITT Mary Jane of Chislehurst 51 Nottingham-road Ilkeston Derbyshire died 22 December 1926 at 6 Kelham-lane Newark, Nottinghamshire Probate Nottingham 9 February to Walter Henry Higgitt Engineer Effects £4,078 15s. 5d.”…
Elijah Higgitt’s eldest son Richard Henry Higgitt had died in the December quarter of 1905 aged 48 years (Ref. Basford 7b 88) and his widow, Maude Beatrice, according to the 1911 census had taken over the running of a boarding house at 12 Drummond Road Ilkeston with her son, Arthur Henry, a music hall vocalist. Maude, like her sister-in-law Mary Jane had given birth to two children but only one had survived.
Anna (aka Annie) Daykin
Richard and Ann Daykin’s (nee Clemerson) fourth daughter, Anna (aka Annie) was born in Ilkeston on the 6th January 1837 (Ref. F. S. b. RG4-0941) and baptised on the 25th June 1837 at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Ilkeston (Ref. F. S. b. CO6682-1; f. 590683) . She appears with her parents on both the 1841 and 1851 census’s with no indication as to her status, other than a child.
In the 1861 census taken on 7th April Anne is listed as being a “Helper”, still living with her parents at 66 South Street Ilkeston, before she died on October 24th 1861 (Ref. Basford 7b 63) still a spinster, and a domestic servant living at South Street, age only 24 years and was buried at All Saints Church Kirk Hallam on October 27th 1861.
And now to the younger surviving son, Henry Frederick Daykin.
