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Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Chris Bowyer on 29/1/2019, 11:36 pm

Looking for information about Ann Bowyer born about 1802, possibly to a John Bowyer whom was a Veterinary Surgeon. She married a Arthur Thomas Turtley in 1834 in what was then known as Stoke Dameral, Plymouth, England. Would like to see if there is a marriage certificate so we can trace her back. The information on Ancestry about her lineage I do not believe is correct. Many thanks~

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by OPC Co-ordinator on 4/2/2019, 3:07 pm, in reply to "Ann Bowyer of Devon"

Well done Judith in uncovering that they ended up in New Zealand. It would have been helpful to know this in the first place. The passenger list for 1839 shows that Arthur TURTLEY was 26 and his wife 30 with 3 children aged 3, 2 & 0. Eliza Boryer TURTLEY was baptised in 1836 at St Budeaux. Josiah baptised 1837 at Stoke Damerel and Daughter Jane Elizabeth was born in 1839. Mother's maiden name on Jane's birth registration was also BORYER.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 5/2/2019, 11:49 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

There are Boryer/Bowyers at South Brent, which is not on the i.g.i. Richard Boryer becomes Bowyer (a basketmaker)

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 4/2/2019, 7:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

Could she be Ann Boyer daughter of John and Ann of Ashburton? baptised 1805, death in New Zealand at 92 as Ann Webb would work.
What a story!!! you could write a book on this one!Left with 4 children under 7 husband drowned!marries again, more children.
Back to Stoke damerel marriage, this couple seem local, he is gardener to landed family in the parish at Swilley House, the landowner james furneaux sponsors the couple and the little ones to New Zealand on the Duke of Roxburough ship. WHY? He had a good job, cottage provided I expect.
Perhaps she was a servant there too.
Very interesting bit of research.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 2/2/2019, 6:46 pm, in reply to "Ann Bowyer of Devon"

It looks as if Arthur Turtley emigrated to New Zealand with wife and 2 children(I boy 1 girl) in October 1839.He gives his age as 26 and hers as 30. (His age ties up with birth in 1813)Her death age is 90, in 1919. Arthurs occupation given as a gardener. Looks as if the son is Josiah baptised 1837,Devon, who goes on to have family in New Zealand, and daughter could be Sarah who dies aged 7 in 1848, so could have been born on board ship. (FamilySearch site info.) Could not find death of Arthur on New Zealand records post 1840, so perhaps he died on board?
Don't think Ann is from Yarcombe, the parents there are Thomas and Elizabeth, (perhaps nee Bowditch which is local)
Have not looked at non conformist baptisms for Ann Bowyer in Plymouth area. Hope this helps.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 2/2/2019, 7:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

I double checked and there were 3 children, 1 boy, I think Josiah, and 2 girls,one aged 3, and one 8 months who is registered Stoke Damerel. Jane Elizabeth Turley reg March qtr Stoke Damerel. If you get the certificate it will give you an address to work from, perhaps look up on the 1841 census to see if any relatives still there.
The sailed on the /duke of Roxborough on 5th October 1839. another name on the paperwork in the column marked recommended by, was James Furneaux, and in brackets something which looks like Swilley?

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 2/2/2019, 7:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

James Furneaux a Royal Navy Captain, on 1841 census living at Lower Swilly. Perhaps Arthur was their gardener? Birth Cert of Jane would give address perhaps there.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by judith on 3/2/2019, 8:39 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

Furneaux Road in Plymouth runs through what was Swilley house and lands, occupied by the Furneaux family.(Old maps)

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 3/2/2019, 2:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

would also suggest you try Cornwall records, as the boundary is so close to Plymouth. Opc for Maker might be useful.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Judith on 4/2/2019, 11:05 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

Don't know is you have seen this.Looking at old newspaper site for New Zealand, found death of Arthur Turtley, July 1841, drowned, his boat found first, then his body found 4 days later. a public appeal set up for his widow and 4 children, £32 raised.
she appears to have remarried, death notice says she died in Gisborne, late of Auckland, mother of William and James Webb, and Josiah Turtley, 20.5.1898. Have not found her remarriage.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by OPC Co-ordinator on 30/1/2019, 8:19 am, in reply to "Ann Bowyer of Devon"

There won't be a marriage certificate from 1834 (civil registration did not commence until mid 1837). However, there will be a parish register entry which will give the names of the couple, occupations or condition (spinster, widow etc) and witnesses (sometimes a family member). The entry will either be signed or marks made depending on the literacy of the participants. The problem with Stoke Damerel marriages is that it was almost the Gretna Green of the south. Thousands of marriages took place there and I don't think as many questions were asked about who was taking part. Why do you think she was born ca 1802? That would have made her 32 at time of marriage.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by Chris on 31/1/2019, 11:14 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

An image of the marriage in Stoke Damerel Parish 1834 is available on Findmypast. Arthur Turtley is given as a Servant and both are given as "of this Parish" on the entry. As previously said, being of the parish means little for Stoke Damerel entries as I agree that it along with East Stonehouse were the place for a quick marriage or to marry without too many questions asked.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by judith on 31/1/2019, 9:42 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

An Arthur Turtley was born 1813 son of Josiah and Elizabeth, and an Arthur turtley registered as dead in 1839 St Pancras. Could this be him?
Have you found Ann Turley on any census? that should give where she was born.
Will on National archives site for Josiah might be worth checking too.

Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon

Posted by OPC Co-ordinator on 31/1/2019, 10:17 am, in reply to "Re: Ann Bowyer of Devon"

The Arthur TURTLEY who died in 1839 at St Pancras was allegedly 72, making him more likely to be the Arthur baptised at Diptford in 1768 - also to a Josiah & Elizabeth.

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