The Devon FHS WWWBoard

Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Sue Rowbotham on 6/1/2026, 12:13 am

I'm struggling to find out about my great-uncle Edward Wood's business, He was a car proprietor (taxi driver?) living at 18 Collingwood Rd, Paignton in 1921 census and died of TB in Paignton in 1923. He is buried in Paignton. Could some kind person search Kelly's or similar for any ref to his business from c.1910-23? Is it possible to check voters' rolls for same period? His wife's name was Helena Augusta Wood. Much appreciated.

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Judith on 6/1/2026, 9:05 am, in reply to "Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

He died in 1923 aged 38. findagrave site has photo of his gravestone.
Perhaps he was a driver in 1914-18 war? previously a chauffeur? (my grandfather a driver 1914 18 war, became a lorry driver after then a bus driver), have you found him on National archives?

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Sue Rowbotham on 6/1/2026, 8:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Hi Judith, Many thanks for your speedy reply.
Yes, I've found Edward's grave in Paignton and Letters of Administration, and ive found both Edward and Helena in the 1921 census - in different locations. Strangely, I've found no death or burial for Helena.I've also found no adverts or any other references to Edward or Helena in any newspapers.
I hadn't thought that Edward might have military connections. Something to explore. Thanks again for taking the time to respond, Sue.

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Judith on 6/1/2026, 8:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Perhaps she remarried? were there any children?

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Judith on 6/1/2026, 9:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Looks like she remarried in Falmouth 1927 to William H Roberts, might have died Plymouth 1974, age is out, but perhaps they misread her birth cert(if she had one), she was born 1889, registered oct Nov Dec, but death age gives birth date as 16.9.1893 The september dates could be right, but year a bit out!
Not found her husbands death, yet.

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Sally Topliss on 9/1/2026, 2:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

According to 1939 census, William Henry Roberts was born 08.11.1905. Death March Q 1975 Camborne/Redruth aged 69. Helena Augusta states her birth as 16.09.1893 on 1939 census, probably because William was a lot younger than her!! but as Judith says she was actually born in 1889, which ties us with 1891 and 1901 census. Sally

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Sue Rowbotham on 6/1/2026, 9:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Hi Judith, I wondered about that marriage, but couldnt be sure. Helena came from Falmouth, so it would make sense for her to return after Edward died of TB. I'll order the marriage certificate.
Helena and Edward had no children, as far as I know. Thanks again for your help.

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Judith on 7/1/2026, 8:45 am, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Pleased to help, quite sad really, if he went off to war shortly after they married, came back /discharged with tb, no children. Might be worth looking for his military records, if any, on National archives site.

Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD

Posted by Sue Rowbotham on 7/1/2026, 10:57 am, in reply to "Re: Edward & Helena Augusta WOOD"

Hi JUdith,

Military records are next on my list. A relatively common name makes things more difficult, but at least now I have some additional clues.
Thanks again for your help.

« Back to index

[ The Devon FHS WWWBoard ]