John Hudson was born in November 1849 at Wicket Nook Cottage, Pistern Hill, Smisby, the son of John and Caroline Hudson. He was baptised on 6th January 1850 at St James’ Church, Smisby.
In April 1871 at the time of the census, John was working as a wheelwright and joiner, living with his parents at Twyford. On 16th June 1875 he married Frances Smith at St Stephen’s Church in Woodville. Their marriage was witnessed by Frances’ father Elijah and John’s sister Martha.
This measham bargeware teapot was a gift to John Hudson on the occasion of his marriage. It is said to hold 19 cups of tea.
Fanny Smith was born in Woodville, Derbyshire, in 1849, the daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Smith. On the 1861 census, aged 12, her occupation was noted as a potter, perhaps working for her father who was also a potter. By 1871 she was employed as a ‘domestic servant’ and living in Litchurch, Derby, and between 1871 and 1875 she became known as Frances. Notes by Leslie Cox1 record that Emma Hudson, one of John’s younger sisters, ‘entered service at the vicarage after leaving school. At the vicarage, she met another maid Frances Smith of Woodville who later married her brother John’.
After their marriage, John and Frances lived at 44 Church Street, Normanton, Derby, with John working as a joiner. Their first child Florence May was born in 1876 and baptised at St Giles’ Church on 3rd April. She was followed by John in 1878, Lillian in 1880, and William in 1882.
On 3rd April 1884 John was fined at the Derby Borough Court.
Their next children were Caroline Elizabeth, born in 1884, and Mary Alice, born in March 1886. Their third son Arthur was born in 1889 and John and Frances had him baptised at St Chad’s Church, Derby, on 15th January 1890 (St Chad’s Church was demolished in 1996). Their eighth and final child, Charlie, was born in March 1891.
Between April 1891 and April 1901 the family moved to 41 Newdigate Street, and by 1907 they had moved to 1 Barley Row, Normanton
In the late 1890’s or early 1900’s John began working as a joiner at Leys Malleable Castings, a family owned company in the neighbouring suburb of Pear Tree. At the time this was the largest foundry of its kind in Europe. After 21 years of service, he was presented with a French eight day mantel clock. It was housed in a black marble surround and contained an inscribed metal plaque.
‘Presented to JOHN HUDSON by Leys Malleable Castings Co. Ltd. Derby, as a mark of respect and as a memento of his 21 years continuous service in their employment’
Frances died at home on 12th March 1907 aged 57. She was buried at Normanton Cemetery on 15th March.
Frances Hudson, circa 1900
After his wife’s death John moved to a different house on the same street: in April 1911 he was living at 80 Newdigate Steet with his daughter Florence and sons Arthur and Charlie. John was still working as a joiner at the iron foundry.
John and Frances’ youngest sons Arthur and Charlie joined the Royal Engineers and in 1915 they both left for France. After the Battle of Loos, on 26th September 1915 Arthur was reported as ‘wounded and missing’: later he was recorded as presumed dead. As Arthur’s dependant, on 29th November 1916 John received a war gratuity of £19 5s. 2d. and another payment of £3 10s. on 9th October 2019. Charlie survived the war, being discharged in 1919, although he suffered from neurasthemia which was attributed to his service.
John Hudson died on 27th January 1929 aged 79, and was buried at Normanton Cemetery on 31st January.
‘Peace. In Loving Memory of Frances Hudson, at rest March 20th 1907, aged 57 years. Also of her beloved husband John Hudson, at rest January 27th 1929, aged 79 years. Also of their beloved son Sapper Arthur Hudson, ·RE· wounded and missing at Loos September 1915 aged 26 years. Also of their beloved daughter Florence May Hudson, at rest February 14th 1932 aged 55 years. With Christ which is better.’
John and Frances Hudson were my great-great-grandparents.