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FAMILY MEMBERS ARRANGED IN DATE ORDER

To the Morris family To the Wimble family

1731 - 1772 BETTY WILLE (nee WEST)

Baptised; 23 March 1731, Southover, Lewes.
Parents; Thomas West = Elizabeth ??
Married; George Wille (1738-1817) on 23 July 1765.
Children; Charles (12 Sept 1768 - 8 July 1849), Elizabeth (1770-??), George (1771? - 5 Apr 1845)
Died; 1772

1738 - 1817 GEORGE WILLE (or "WILLEY")

Born; 1738.
Married; Betty West (1731-1772) on 23 July 1765.
Children; Charles (1768-1849), Elizabeth (1770-??), George (1771? - 5 Apr 1845)
Became 'Head Borough' (high constable) of Lewes.

George ran a builder's and timber merchant's business in Lewes. His son, Charles, inherited the business.

Details of the Timberyard, Lewes.

In 1816, George, his son Charles, Charles's brother-in-law Nehemiah Wimble and George Adams, purchased a plot of land from Charles Wille on which the Tabernacle Chapel was later built. Trustees were appointed by the surviving purchasers in 1829 and they included Charles Wille, Nehemiah Wimble, Arthur Morris and James Berry (Charles Wille the younger's brother-in-law).

Details of the Tabernacle Chapel, Lewes.

A portrait of George was at 101 Enys Road, Eastbourne in the 1950s (presumably owned by Ellen I. Gilbert) and at 56 Milton Road, Eastbourne in the late 1970s. Hung from this was his Head Borough's staff. They were both donated by Richard Gilbert in 1979 to the Sussex Archaeological Society who said they intended to put them on display at their Lewes gallery with other portraits and staves of office.
Died; 5 October 1817.

1768 - 1860 SARAH WILLE (nee VERRALL)

Born; 1768. From Courthouse Farm, Offham.
Parents; John Verrall (1727-1803) = Ruth Reigels (17??-1797)
Married; George Wille (1771?-1845) on 26 February 1795.
Children; George Wille (c.1796-18??)
Died; 14 March 1860 and buried on 21 March 1860.

(The 1851 Census shows a Sarah Wille, widow and annuitant aged 80, born in Westmeston, living at North Street, St.Thomas/Castle, Lewes, close to the family of George Wille (deceased), who would have been her son. This may well refer to this Sarah, although the age does not quite agree - it would make her birth in 1769 or early 1770.)

1768 - 1849 CHARLES WILLE

Born; 12 September 1768.
Parents; George Wille (1738-1817) = Betty West (1731-1772)
Married; Mary Wimble (1769-1831) 21 January 1796 at St John sub Castro, Lewes.
Children; Mary Ann Cooper Wille (1796-1874), Charles (1797-1878).

Inherited a builder's and timber merchant's business run by his father George.

Details of the Timberyard, Lewes.

East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/61 is a land tax redemption for December 1813 for properties owned by Charles Wille, namely four cottages on the south of Mount Pleasant (one of which was occupied by a John Morris), Carpenter's shop/warehouse/stable/yard on the west side of Fisher Street, riding school/stable/yard on the south side of West Street.
In 1816, George Wille (1738-1817), his son Charles (1768-1849), Charles's brother-in-law Nehemiah Wimble (1778-1843) & George Adams, purchased a plot of land from Charles Wille on which the Tabernacle Chapel was later built. Trustees were appointed by the surviving purchasers in 1829 and they included Charles Wille (1768-1849), Nehemiah Wimble (1778-1843), Arthur Morris (1800-1852) and James Berry East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/53 is a bond in £8000, Charles Wille the elder and Charles Wille the younger, to Thomas Whitfield banker of Lewes, to repay £4000 at 5%; 30 June 1842. Also with receipts for payments.
(1796-1877) (Charles Wille the younger's brother-in-law).
Charles retired in favour of his son, Charles, before his death in 1849.
Died; 8 July 1849

East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/60 is a bond in £200 from John Marten of Lewes (draper to George Wille) to employ Charles on carpenter's and joiner's work and as supplier of materials for work being undertaken on land Marten had bought.
A portrait of Charles was at 101 Enys Road, Eastbourne in the 1950s, (presumably owned by Ellen I. Gilbert) and at 56 Milton Road, Eastbourne in the late 1970s. It was donated either to Anne of Cleve's house, Lewes, or the E.Sussex Record Office. East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/26 is a trade card of Charles Wille & Son, of Cliffe, timber importers, with a note by Richard Gilbert. Circa 1830.

1769 - 1831 MARY WILLE (nee WIMBLE)

Born; 25 April 1769.
Parents; John Wimble (1730-1814) = Elizabeth Pullen (1741-1825)
Married; Charles Wille (1768-1849) 21 January 1796 at St.Johns, Lewes.
Children; Mary Ann Cooper Wille (1796-1874), Charles (1797-1878).
Died; 15 December 1831.
(Barely readable note by Richard Gilbert; "..Dec 15th 1831 and Dec 15th 1832, Jas Wimble, C.W.'s mother's ??, died, & two of John W.'s children."

More information about the Wimble family

1770 - ?? ELIZABETH WILLE (or WILLEY)

Born; 14 January 1770.
Baptised; 25 March 1770, St John sub Castro, Lewes.
Parents; George Wille (1738-1817) = Betty West (1731-1772)

1771 - 1845 GEORGE WILLE (or WILLEY)

Born; 1771, Lewes.
Baptised; 8 December 1771, Lewes, St John sub Castro.
Parents; George Wille (1738-1817) = Betty West (1731-1772)
Married; Sarah Verrall (1768-1860) of Courthouse Farm, Offham (on the Plumpton Road) on 26 February 1795 at St John sub Castro, Lewes.
Children; George Wille (c.1796-18??)

Received training as a farmer at Frog Firle, Alfriston, and later, through a brewer, had a farm at Ringmer. A maltster by trade. Described in the marriage documents as a timber merchant.
From Charles Wille's diary, 26 February 1845; "Din'd at my uncle's in celebration of the 50th year of his marriage."
He was living at Cliffe Cottage, Lewes in 1838.
Died; 5 April 1845, aged 73.

1796 - 1874 MARY ANN COOPER BERRY (nee Wille)

Born; 15 December 1796.
Parents; Charles Wille (1768-1849) = Mary Wimble (1769-1831)
Married; James Berry (1796-1877) in 1820
Children; included Priscilla Jones Berry (1833 - 10 September 1857) who married Benjamin Morris (1831-18??) in 1856.
And Jane Wimble Berry (1829 Lewes - 1919) who married Benjamin Morris (1831-18??) in 1858.

More information about Benjamin Morris (1831-18??) and his family

Died; 2 November 1874.

c.1796 - 18?? GEORGE WILLE

Born; c.1796.
Parents; George Wille (1771-1845) = Sarah Verrall (1768-1860)
Married; Sarah ?? (1795-18??)
Children; Charles (1826-18??), George (1832-18??), Thomas (1838-18??)

1797 - 1886 FRANCES WILLE nee MORRIS

France Wille on 2 October 1878. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.13720.

Born; 26 February 1797 at Wellingham House, Ringmer.
Parents; John Morris (1745-1822) = Ann Mann of Burwash
Married; Charles Wille (1797-1878) on 25 Sept 1821 at South Malling Church.
The honeymoon was apparently spent in Eastbourne, and they stayed at the "Star Shades", Old Town, then one of the principal hostels in the town.
Children; Frances Ann (1823-1915), George (1826-1899), John Morris (1829-1877), Mary Sophia (1831-1916), Charles Samuel (1832-1877), Ebenezer (1834-1834), Esther (1838-1899), + another, unnamed (16 Feb 1858, died next day)

Occupied 'Ryders Wells', Ringmer after the death of her father in 1822, and lived there with Charles Wille. All seven children were born in that house.

'Ryders Wells', Wellingham, Lewes.

East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/54 is a letter from Frances to James Berry Morris describing the problems of her son George on his return from America, his difficulty in adjusting to England, his lack of a job, and the attitude of his family. She hopes that J.B.Morris will find some way of enabling his return. (This is dated Circa 1851 according to E.S.R.O., but he did not return from America until 1875, or did he go twice?)
In H.R.Gilbert's records is a letter from Frances in 1885 to Ellen I.Gilbert (Frances' grand-daughter) sending her a pair of shoes for her first baby - Ellen Gilbert (1885-1988).

France Wille in October 1878. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.13718.

Frances died at Cliffe Cottage, Lewes on Wednesday 5 May 1886 aged 89, and was buried in the family vault at All Saints Churchyard on 10 May 1886.
Robert Morris's diary 29 August 1901; "This afternoon, Mary, Alice and I to Wellingham House on our bicycles. This was the residence of the late Miss Rickman, and where Grandmother Wille was born 104 years ago."
A photograph of Frances taken 2 October 1878 by E.Reeves of Lewes No.13718 or 13720 is held by E.Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/68/11.
The following photographs are in H.R.Gilbert's records; 1878/P1, Frances Wille, E.Reeves 13718 and 1878/P2, Frances Wille, E.Reeves 13720.

More information about the Morris origins of Frances

1797 - 1878 CHARLES WILLE

Charles Wille around 1875. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.9552.

Born; 29 December 1797, Lewes.
Baptised; 28 January 1798, St John sub Castro, Lewes.
Parents; Charles Wille (1768-1849) = Mary Wimble (1769-1831)
Married; Frances Morris (1797-1886) on 25 September 1821 at South Malling Church (witnesses included David Morris - almost certainly David Morris 1794-1855, who was brother to Frances.)
The honeymoon was apparently spent in Eastbourne, and they stayed at the "Star Shades", Old Town, then one of the principal hostels in the town.
Children; Frances Ann (1823-1915), George (1826-1899), John Morris (1829-1877), Mary Sophia (1831-1916), Charles Samuel (1832-1877), Ebenezer (1834-1834), Esther (1838-1899), + another (16 Feb 1858, died next day).

Occupation; Timber merchant with 7 employees at the 1851 Census.

Details of the Timberyard, Lewes.

Address; Cliffe Cottage, South Street, Lewes, adjoining his timber yard and wharf; and also at Ryders Wells, Wellingham, Ringmer from around 1822.
South Street, St.Thomas/castle, Lewes in 1851. To Newick in 1856.
To the 'Retreat' in 1857, to 42 Stanley Street, London around 1864.
To 8 Lower Belgrave Place, London on 18 November 1865. Returned to Lewes on 31 March 1866.

'Ryders Wells', Wellingham, Lewes.

At the age of 14 Charles was apprenticed to Williams & Filmer of Guildford, a firm established by Nehemiah Wimble (1778-1843), and returned to Lewes in December 1817. In 1816, George, his son Charles, Charles's brother-in-law Nehemiah Wimble and George Adams, purchased a plot of land from Charles Wille on which the Tabernacle Chapel was later built. Trustees were appointed by the surviving purchasers in 1829 and they included Charles Wille, Nehemiah Wimble, Arthur Morris and James Berry (Charles Wille the younger's brother-in-law). Wille played a dominant part in the affairs of the Tabernacle, serving as clerk, deacon, visitor to the Lewes Benevolent Society, and member of the school committee. He was also a member of the Cliffe Board of Guardians, served on the committees of T.R.Kemp in the 1832 election and of Harford in 1841, the Sussex Grand Jury, coroner's juries, and as High Constable of Ringmer Hundred. He was a director of the Lewes Savings Bank and of the British School.

Details of the Tabernacle Chapel in Lewes.

His honeymoon was taken (probably) at the Star Shades, Eastbourne, which was then the principal hostel for the area and later a public house, pulled down in the 1960s to give way to a supermarket car park.
He also hired 'No.3 Sea Houses' (Marine Parade) Eastbourne for five weeks in the summer of 1834, presumably as a holiday home.
Soon after marrying Frances they were able to occupy 'Ryders Wells', Ringmer, when it was left to Frances after the death of her father in 1822. All seven children were born in that house. And at some time they lived at a house adjoining his timberyard and wharf in South Street, Lewes.
Charles ran the family timber business by the River Ouse in Lewes, at the end of what is now called Timberyard Lane. He also owned the premises of the old baths at the end of Green Walk, Lewes, which he leased and subsequently sold (in 1863) to the iron-foundry firm of J.Every.
Most of his timber was landed at Newhaven but some was offloaded from small vessels and barges run ashore at Eastbourne for the purpose, and some at his wharf by the River Ouse at Lewes.
He wrote in his diary for 13 August 1853; "Clos'd business.", on 29 September 1856 "Moved to Newick" and on 19 August 1857 "Moved to the Retreat".

Died; 1 July 1878, at his home, Cliffe, Lewes, aged 80. A tablet was erected to his memory in the Tabernacle Chapel, now demolished.
The funeral was at All Saints Church, and the burial took place in the churchyard. Several diaries of Charles Wille dating from 1826 to 1878 are at the East Sussex Record Office as AMS 5569/27 to AMS 5569/36, with notes by Richard Gilbert.
East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/68/10 is a photograph of Charles circa 1870.
Extracts from the diaries of Charles Wille have appeared in the Sussex County Magazine vol 3 (1929) pp 685-691 and 755-765, which include a reproduction of a portrait of him.
A portrait of Charles as an old man (described as 'red-checked' by Charlotte Gilbert) was at 101 Enys Road, Eastbourne in the 1950s, (presumably owned by Ellen I. Gilbert) moved to 56 Milton Road in the late 1970s. It was donated either to Anne of Cleve's house, Lewes, or the East Sussex Record Office.
In H.R.Gilbert's records are the following;
Two obituaries of Charles (one from the Eastbourne Chronicle), 1878.
An old photo of South Malling Church where Charles was married.
Collection of extracts from Charles' diaries 1828 to 1877, copied by Richard Gilbert around 1977.
Memorial card for Charles, 1878.

1823 - 1915 FRANCES ANN "FANNY" STURT (nee WILLE)

Frances Sturt (formerly Frances Ann Wille) around 1870. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.2330.

Born; 19 October 1823, 'Ryders Wells', Ringmer, Lewes.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
Charles Wille's diary 11 January 1833; "A party of little folks took tea with Frances Ann - 9 years"

Married; William Sturt (1823-1898) on 19 July 1842 at Cliffe Church, Lewes.
Children; William (18 February 1844 - ??), Emily (8 October 1845 - 1906), Annie (28 September 1848 - 1912), Minnie (4 March 1851 - 1930), Charles (1853-??), Ernest (9 February 1856 - 1912), Ted (21 January 1859 - ??), Aubrey (18??-??), Edith Eleanor (1863-??), Flo (12 May 1866 - ??). Also one other child born 16 February 1858, died next day.

Frances' daughter Minnie Sturt (1851-1930) around 1910. Photo: Ada Schofield, 16a Dyke Road, Brighton.

William farmed at Owlsbury Farm, Little Horsted but had financial problems. He and Frances moved to Crowborough on 28 October 1896.
She visited Robert & James Berry Morris at Mountfield Lodge, Uckfield on 20 June 1894 (from Robert Morris's diary). Robert had been to Little Horsted that day, presumably to Owlsbury Farm.
From Robert Morris's diary;
28 October 1896; "Mrs Sturt left Owlsbury Farm, Little Horsted for Rosehill Terrace, Crowborough."
20 May 1897; "Mrs. J.B.M. & Alice to Crowborough to visit Aunt Sturt. Mrs.Sturt is very unwell and looks like breaking up."
10 May 1900; "I & Alice on our bicycles to Jarvis Brook this afternoon to see Aunt Sturt."
2 September 1904; "I and Reg walked to Jarvis Brook this morning & took tea with Aunt Sturt at Rose Hill Terrace."
21 October 1904; "Aunt Sturt's dog 'Beauty' found dead yesterday."
5 February 1906; "Mary to Jarvis Brook to see Aunt Sturt, but when she arrived there found that Aunt Sturt had left for Uckfield to see Mrs.Stephen Morris."
10 January 1907; "Accompanied Mrs.Gilbert and family to Crowborough. Visited Aunt Sturt."
19 September 1907; "With Alice to Horeham Road to look at Frank's bit of land that he is about to build on. I returned with bad headache. We called on Aunt Sturt at Jarvis Brook."

Died; October? 1915, Crowborough.
According to an article about Frances's sister Mary Sophia in the Eastbourne Gazette for 10 January 1917 "...She passed away at Crowborough some fifteen months ago in her 92nd year." (referring to Frances).

1819? - 1898 WILLIAM H. STURT

Born; 19 December 1819.
Parents; James Sturt (17??-1820) = ?? Kemp (1783?-1819)

Married; Frances Ann Wille (1823-1915) at Cliffe Church, Lewes, 19 July 1842.
Children; William (18 February 1844 - ??), Emily (8 October 1845 - 1906), Annie (28 September 1848 - 1912), Minnie (4 March 1851 - 1930), Charles (1853-??), Ernest (9 February 1856 - 1912), Ted (21 January 1859 - ??), Aubrey (18??-??), Edith Eleanor (1863-??), Flo (12 May 1866 - ??). Also one other child born 16 February 1858, died next day.

In the 1851 census there is a William Sturt at Owlsbury, farmer, aged 31 - i.e. born 1819/20.
Occupation; Described in the 1851 Census as farmer at Owlsbury, Little Horsted, 340 acres, 15 employees.
William farmed at Owlsbury Farm, Little Horsted but had financial problems. The family moved to Crowborough - probably Rosehill Terrace - on 28 October 1896.

From Mrs. James Berry Morris's diary 1890;
11 March 1890; "Lewes Old Bank sent for J.B.M. about W.S." (i.e. James Berry Morris about William Sturt.)
8 October 1890; "J.B.M. went to Owlsbury. Final settlement."
21 October 1890; "Meeting of Mr.S's creditors at Vinall's office."

Robert Morris's (Eastbourne) diary;
28 October 1896; "Mrs Sturt left Owlsbury Farm, Little Horsted for Rosehill Terrace, Crowborough."
12 January 1898; "J.B.M. to Lewes and Uckfield. Mr.Sturt not expected to live the day out."

Died; 12 January 1898. Rose Hill Terrace, Jarvis Brook, aged 78. Described as "For fifty four years tenant of Owlsbury Farm, near Uckfield.".
The funeral was at Little Horsted.

From Robert Morris's (Eastbourne) diary;
13 January 1898; "Mr.Sturt died at 9:50 pm yesterday."
17 January 1898; "J.B.M., Alice & Mrs. D Gilbert to the funeral of the late Mr.Sturt at Little Horsted."

In the catalogue of the sale of the contents of 'Fernhurst', London Road, Uckfield in April 1917 is the following entry;
"Lot 384. Sturt's poems, miscellaneous poems by Wm.H.Sturt of Owslbury, Little Horsted." Other books were included in the lot, which sold for 9 shillings to 'Hollyman', who was also bidding at the sale on behalf of Ellen I. Gilbert (1857-1951) among others. William Sturt was Ellen's uncle. In Ellen's copy of the catalogue a pencilled cross is made against this lot, but there is no evidence that she actually bought it.

1826 - 1899 GEORGE WILLE

Born; 16 May 1826, 'Ryders Wells', Ringmer.
Baptised; 29 August 1826, Lewes Independent Tabernacle.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
Married; Harriett Elizabeth Berry (1824-1888) on 1 July 1853 at Eastbourne. The wedding was "Unknown to us" said Charles Wille in his diary.
Children; One son (16 April 1855 - 18??), twin sons (born on 3 September 1856) one named Arthur who died suddenly aged 15 on 22 September 1871.
Occupation; Merchant's porter, unmarried, aged 24 at the 1851 Census.
Address; South Street, St.Thomas/Castle, Lewes in 1851.
Charles Wille's diary shows George's address in 1869 as Post Office, Omaha, Nebraska.

East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/54 is a letter from Frances to James Berry Morris describing the problems of her son George on his return from America, his difficulty in adjusting to England, his lack of a job, and the attitude of his family. She hopes that J.B.Morris will find some way of enabling his return. (This document dated from c.1851 according to E.S.R.O., but he did not return from America until 1875, or did he go twice?)
From Charles Wille's diary;
16 April 1855; "George's wife confined, a son"
3 September 1856; "George's wife confined - twin boys."
27 July 1857; "Went to Lewes, Brighton and back in search of G."
28 July 1857; "Sent Weston after G. who brought him to Newick."
29 July 1857; "G.at the Crown all day - at night went to the Bull. We expect him home."
30 July 1866; "Charles & George went to London with a view of George going to America."
31 July 1866; "George went to Liverpool."
1 August 1866; "George sailed for America." (Omaha, Nebraska)
22 September 1870; "George's son Arthur died suddenly (15 Years)."
19 July 1875; "George arrived from America."

From Robert Morris's diary;
8 January 1899; "Letter arrived asking for assistance towards the keep of Uncle George, which is quite out of the question."
9 January 1899; "Uncle George supposed to be ill."
16 January 1899; "Heard from Parks today. Doctor says that Geo. W. will not get up again. He is anxious to see J.B.M." (James B.Morris)
17 January 1899; "Mrs. J.B.M. received letter from Rotherfield, & J.B.M. left later; saw Uncle George, who is in a precarious condition. Ulcer on the bladder. He suffers great pain. Aunt Esther is about the same." (Esther Jane Wille 1838-1899)

Died; 18 January 1899.
19 January 1899; "Telegram arrived just after 9 o'clock announcing the death of Uncle George, who expired at 11.30 p.m. yesterday. J.B.M. left for Rotherfield to arrange funeral &c."
23 January 1899; "Mrs.D. Gilbert & Alice to Rotherfield to attend funeral of Uncle George." (Ellen I.Gilbert, Alice L.Morris)
23 May 1899; "Mrs.Parks called, and brought with her Uncle George's testament and several other relics, including a special constable's staff."

1828 - 1901 JAMES BERRY MORRIS

James Berry Morris around 1875. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.9944.

Born; 10 January 1828, Cliffe, Lewes.
Baptised; 10 April 1828, by the Rev John Vinall (1782-1860) in Jireh Chapel, Lewes.
Parents; Ebenezer Morris (1801-1888) = Jane Elizabeth Berry (1802-1874)
Married; Mary Sophia Wille (1831-1916) Thur 7 August 1851 at St.Thomas-a-Becket Parish Church, Cliffe, Lewes, by Rev.J.C.Russell.
Children; Mary Sophia (1852-1929), James (1854-1921), Herbert (1856-1927), Ellen Isabel (1857-1951), Alice Louisa (1859-1922), Reginald (1862-1909), Henry (1863-1943), Robert (1865-1948), Ada Rose (1866-1872), Frank (1869-19??), John Douglas (1871-1894)
James died on 28 April 1901, aged 73, at 'Fernhurst', London Road, Uckfield, Sussex.

More information about the family of James Berry Morris and Mary Sophia.

1829 - 1877 JOHN MORRIS WILLE

Born; 4 August 1829.
Baptised; 12 November 1829, Lewes Independent "Tabernacle" Chapel.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/38 is a watercolour of Combe Cottage, Malling Street, Lewes, by James Berry Morris, and given by him to John Morris Wille, 2 February 1846.
Charles Wille's diary entries:-
19 December 1848; "Went to Coventry to seek a situation for John."
20 December 1848; "Returned having succeeded."
2 June 1853; "John left home for Australia"
4 June 1853; "John sailed from Gravesend"
12 August 1854; "Letter from John in Van Diemens Land"
Died; 1877

1831 - 1916 MARY SOPHIA MORRIS (nee WILLE)

Mary Sophia with her husband James Berry Morris around 1862. Photo: Edward Reeves, Lewes, No.458.

Born; 13 January 1831 at "Ryders Wells", Wrllingham, Ringmer.
Baptised; 15 February 1831 at Lewes Independent Chapel (Christened by Rev. Evan Jones.)
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
At the 1851 Census Mary was aged 20, unmarried, living with her father (timber merchant) at South Street, Lewes.

Married; James Berry Morris (1828-1901) at Cliffe Parish Church, Lewes, on 7 August 1851.
Children; Mary Sophia (1852-1929), James (1854-1921), Herbert (1856-1927), Ellen Isabel (1857-1951), Alice Louisa (1859-1922), Reginald (1862-1909), Henry (1863-1943), Robert (1865-1948), Ada Rose (1866-1872), Frank (1869-19??), John Douglas (1871-1894).

James and his family left Lewes for Eastbourne on 11 February 1856 to set up a new branch of E Morris & Sons ironmongers, initially in South Street, Eastbourne, later moving to 66 Seaside Road.

Mary Sophia Morris (formerly Wille) around 1890. Photo: Frederick A Bourne, Rembrandt Studio, 19 Langney Road, Eastbourne.

At the 1881 Census Mary was aged 50, married, living at 66/67 Seaside Road, Eastbourne.
Died; Tuesday 26 December 1916, aged 85, at 'Fernhurst', London Road, Uckfield.
Buried; Saturday 30 December 1916 at Ocklynge Cemetery, Eastbourne.

More information about the family of James Berry Morris and Mary Sophia.

1832 - 1877 CHARLES SAMUEL WILLE

Charles Samuel Wille around 1870. Photo: a copy made by E Reeves, Lewes, on 14 December 1877, No.13357. See notes below.

Born; 1 April 1832.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886). Known as "Charlie" to his father.
East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/41/1 to 41/11 are pencil sketches of nautical and equestrian subjects by Charles Samuel Wille, circa 1870.
In H.R.Gilbert's records is a copy (the original is at the East Sussex Record Office, Brighton) of a newspaper cutting of 1873 concerning a libel case. In it we learn that Charles Samuel was engaged to a Miss Martha Vick of 4 Dean Street, Brighton. It also reveals that he was living at Cliffe Cottage, Lewes and had just ceased working as manager and traveller for a Mr.Pickett, an ironmonger at Horsham.

Died; 15 November 1877.
East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/68/12 is marked as a photograph of Charles Samuel, either 'not dated' or dated 5 January 1878. This is confusing as he would seem to have died in 1877. A probable explanation is a photograph held by H.R.Gilbert (shown above), taken by Edward Reeves at Lewes, No.13357. This would date it as 14 December 1877, after Charles's supposed death; but it is listed in Reeves' records as "Mrs.Wille, copy of late son", which suggests that it was a copy made for his mother after his death. This in turn would indicate that the 1877 date of death is correct.
Another photo held by H R Gilbert is Reeves 13401 listed the same as 13357, but apparently of a different man. Could this be John and the two brothers both died in the same year?

1834 - 1834 EBENEZER WILLE

Born; 15 April 1834.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
Died; 9 May 1834, as an infant.

1838 - 1899 ESTHER JANE WILLE

Esther Wille around 1875. Photo: G & R Lavis, 71 Terminus Road, Eastbourne.

Born; 16 September 1838, may have been born in Eastbourne.
Parents; Charles Wille (1797-1878) = Frances Morris (1797-1886)
Baptised; 23 October 1838. "Baptised Esther Jane in the afternoon" (a Tuesday), from Charles Wille's diary.
Also from Charles Wille's diary for 23 December 1840; "Little Esther Jane poorly with meazles."
Address; Scholar of South St., St.Thomas's, Lewes at the 1851 Census.

Married; (1) Henry A. Thompson on 30 April 1868 at Eastbourne. Henry died 15 April 1876.
Married; (2) William Aikman (18?? - 22 January 1891 Linlithgow), Linlithgow. The date of marriage is not known, but was probably around 1880, as she was still Mrs.H.A.Thompson (although a widow) when her father died in July 1878. East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/68/1 is a photograph of William Aikman taken around 1885.
Married; (3) ?? Maskell or Maskall (18?? - 1899?). They lived at Argus Hill, Mayfield, certainly from around 1895 to her death in 1899.

Henry Thompson seems to have been known by the family prior to his marriage to Esther, and may have been married before. There are indications that he married on 10 April 1844, had a daughter on 11 December 1848, and a 'Mrs. Thompson' was buried on 6 February 1852.
From Charles Wille's diary;
10 April 1844; "H.A.Thomson married."
8 January 1845;"Took tea and suppd with H.A.Thompson."
11 December 1848; "Mrs.Thompson confined (girl)."
31 January 1850; "W.Thompson's birthday (76)."
06 February 1852; "Mrs.Thompson buried."
20 April 1868; "H.A.Thompson married Esther Wille."
24 April 1874; "Miss Thompson died."
15 April 1876; "Henry A.Thompson died."
The 1851 Census shows a Henry A.Thompson, ironmonger/founder, born in Alverley, Shropshire, aged 42 (therefore born in 1808?) living at High Street, All Saints, Lewes with his wife Audrey, aged 36, born in Brighton, but there are no children mentioned. Therefore the following is suggested;
1808, Henry born; 1844, Henry marries Audrey; 1848, Audrey has a daughter who did not survive to 1851; 1852, Audrey dies; 1868, Henry marries Esther; 1876, Henry dies; c.1880, Esther marries William Aikman; 1891, William dies and Esther immediately marries Mr.Maskell; 1899, Esther dies, Crowborough, Mr.Maskell still alive.

Esther Wille around 1885. Photo: Pithie, Alloa.

Esther was reputed to have lived at one time at Vernon Place, (now called 'Burthorne'), Newtown, Uckfield. A photo of the house exists in which she is said to be looking out of an upper window.

From Robert Morris's diary (66/67 Seaside Rd, Eastbourne);
21 August 1895; "Mr & Mrs Maskall on visit (Aunt Esther)"
5 September 1895; "Mary & Alice visited Aunt Esther at Mayfield"
26 May 1897; "Mrs.D.Gilbert & Alice to Argus Hill on visit to Aunt Esther."
1 December 1898; "Alice to Crowborough & Argus Hill to see Aunt Esther."
2 December 1898; "Alice had an almost sleepless night. She found Aunt Esther in a deplorable condition yesterday."
21 December 1898; "Emily, former servant at Cliffe Cottage, called. She said that Aunt Esther had had two strokes, and has lost the use of both legs & one of her arms. It appears that Maskall married her for what money she had, and he got about £50 out of her."
22 December 1898; "Mary to Argus Hill to see Aunt Esther who, we understand, is getting worse, and desires to see Mrs. J.B.M."
3 January 1899; "Mrs.D.Gilbert & Alice to Argos Hill to see Aunt Esther. She is very ill & suffers great pain."
4 January 1899; "Mrs.J.B.M. received letter from Crowborough. Aunt Esther's affairs very unsatisfactory."
17 January 1899 "Mrs. J.B.M. received letter from Rotherfield, & J.B.M. left later; saw Uncle George, who is in a precarious condition. Ulcer on the bladder. He suffers great pain. Aunt Esther is about the same." (George died next day)
1 February 1899; "Heard this morning that Aunt Esther is quite unconscious and fast sinking."
4 February 1899; "Mrs. Maskall not able to speak; can recognise her husband." (Was he still alive, then ?)

Died; 5 February 1899.
6 February 1899; "Received telegram at 9 a.m. announcing the death of Aunt Esther, she expired yesterday."
Buried; Rotherfield churchyard, 9 February 1899.
9 February 1899; "J.B.M. & Mary to funeral of Aunt Esther at Rotherfield"
16 February 1899; "J.B.M. to Rotherfield, brought back some of Aunt Esther's effects."

East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/18-20 are receipts by the sexton and parish council of Rotherfield to James B.Morris for the interment of Esther Maskell, with a biographical note on the latter, 11 February 1899.
East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/21-22 is a grant of a burial plot by Rotherfield parish council to James B.Morris, 66 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, 17 April 1899, with covering letter 19 April 1899.
Two photographs of Esther are held by H.R.Gilbert and East Sussex Record Office AMS 5569/68/2 and 68/3 are two others, taken around 1880 and 1891.

To the Morris family To the Wimble family