VOL. IV - APPENDIX B

Hook

Fanny Hook was my great x 4 grandmother. She married Joseph Venus on 20 May 1811 at Wartling Parish Church (Chapter 4). 

The following is known about her ancestors. My personal research in Sussex County Record Office had traced the family back to Edward Hooke and Anne. 

Edward Hooke and Anne

Other researchers suggest that Edward Hooke was born around 1655, the son of John Hook and Mary Kinge and that 

  • John Hook (1)  had been baptised on 11 September 1625 at Brenchley, Kent,  the son of Thomas Hook. John Hooke had married Mary King on 29 May 1656 at Warbleton
  • Thomas Hoke had been baptised 1 January 1597 at Brenchley, Kent, son of John Hoke (2).  Thomas is believed to have married Elizabeth Everige (Evering) although the marriage has not been located. John Hook (1) was their eldest son. Elizabeth Hooke was buried on 7 May 1636 at Brenchley. 
  • John Hoke (2) is believed to have been born around 1577 in Brenchley, Kent, son of Johnannes or John Hook (3). He married Anne Andrews or Andrewe on 12 August 1594 in Brenchley. John would have only been 17 years old at the time of his marriage.  
  • Johannes or John Hoke/Hook (3) is believed to have been born around 1557. John Hoke or Hook married Jone Russell on 31 August 1578 in Brenchley. Their son John Hoke (2) is believed to have been born the year before they married?, but if he had been born much later he would have been too young to marry. Are these connections correct?  A second son Roger Hoke was baptised on 10 May 1579 at Brenchley. Joan Hooke was buried on 25 May 1579 in Brenchley. A will made by John Hook of Brenchley on 20 July 1608 has been located.  this leaves a number of specific bequests to individuals and one for "40 shillings to the poor people of Brenchley to be distributed by my executors at my burial".  The bulk of the estate then seems to be left to his executor Edward Butler.  If this is John Hook (3)'s will it seems strange that there are no bequests to known family members.   

It is not known when Edward Hooke and Anne married, but their son Samuel Hooke was baptised on 22 August 1686 at Warbleton Parish Church (see below).

Samuel Hooke and Phoebe Easton

Samuel Hooke was baptised on 22 August 1686 at Warbleton Parish Church, son of Edward Hooke and Anne, his wife.

Samuel married Phoebe Easton on 2 April 1708 at Wartling Parish Church.

They had at least two children:

  • Rich. Hook baptised 20 March 1709 at Ashburnham Parish Church.
  • Benjamin Hook baptised 24 December 1710 at Ashburnham Parish Church (see below).

Benjamin Hook and Elizabeth Petter

Benjamin Hook was baptised on 24 December 1710 at Ashburnham Parish Church, son of Samuel and Phoebe Hook.

On 9 January 1742 at Wartling Parish Church he married Elizabeth Petter. Both parties are shown as being from Wartling.

Elizabeth Petter was baptised on 25 August 1723 at Herstmonceux Parish Church. She was the daughter of George Petter and Ann Harmar who married on 10 January 1716 at Herstmonceux. At a meeting of Lewis Quarter Sessions on 27 and 28 April 1704, the JP's confirmed an order removing a George Petter from Hellingly to Wartling, the neighbouring parish to Herstmonceux (East Sussex County Record Office QO/EW7/1116), and this may have been Elizabeth's father. In addition in 1717 Geo. Petter, Tailor of Wartling was taken on as an apprentice (Apprenticeship Indentures). Could this have been the same George! George and Ann had three other children all baptised at Herstmonceux Parish Church, 

  • Mary Petter, baptised 5 April 1719. Mary married John Tedham on 11 November 1738 at Wartling.  
  • George Petter, baptised 29 November 1729 and 
  • George Petter, baptised 10 May 1731

It is assumed that their first son George must have died between 1729 and 1731, although it was a peculiarity of the times that two children in the same family would be given the same Christian name, presumably to try and guarantee that at least one would survive to adulthood to carry on a family name.

Benjamin and Elizabeth had five children, all baptised at Wartling Parish Church

  • Benjamin Hook baptised 20 April 1742.
  • Joseph Hook baptised 7 March 1743 (see below).
  • Elizabeth Hook baptised 19 April 1752.
  • Samuel Hook baptised 10 August 1755.
  • William Hook baptised 3 July 1763.

Benjamin Hook was buried on 25 June 1775 at Wartling Parish Church.

I have been told that Elizabeth Hook died in 1783 in Wartling. A burial of an Elizabeth Hook on 9 February 1783 has been located, but in Dover, Kent!!

Joseph Hook and Alice Sands/Elizabeth Brook

Joseph Hook was baptised on 7 March 1743 at Wartling Parish Church, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hook.

On 2 April 1764 he married Alice Sands at Wartling Parish Church. Neither Joseph or Alice signed the register, both just making their mark. The witnesses were Benjamin Hook and Edward Badcock. The banns had been read on 4 March 1764, 11 March 1764 and 18 March 1764.

Joseph and Alice had two children:

  • Joseph Hook baptised 10 May 1766 at Wartling Parish Church. Buried 23 February 1781 at Wartling Parish Church, aged 14 years.
  • Phillis Hook baptised 24 April 1768 at Wartling Parish Church. Buried 23 June 1768 at Wartling. 

Joseph's first wife Alice was buried on 14 April 1768 at Wartling Parish Church, presumably following Phillis's birth.

On 6 September 1772 he married Elizabeth Brook at Wartling Parish Church. Both parties were only able to make their mark. The witnesses were Benjamin Miller and Edward Badcock. The banns had been read on 26 July 1772, 2 August 1772 and 9 August 1772.

Joseph and Elizabeth had the following children:

  • Elizabeth Hook baptised 19 June 1773 at Wartling Parish Church.
  • Ann Hook baptised 12 March 1775 at Wartling Parish Church.
  • Mary Hook baptised 18 August 1776 at Wartling Parish Church. Buried 4 August 1784 at Wartling Parish Church, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth, paupers. .
  • William Hook baptised 9 July 1778 at Wartling Parish Church.
  • Gideon Hook baptised 10 December 1780 at Wartling Parish Church. Buried 29 April 1788 at Wartling Parish Church.
  • Samuel Hook baptised 26 January 1783 at Wartling Parish Church. I have been told that Samuel died later that same year. 
  • Fanny Hook baptised 29 October 1786 at Wartling Parish Church (see below).
  • Phebe Hook. Baptised 22 February 1789 in Wartling Parish Church
  • Benjamin Hook baptised 26 December 1790 at Wartling Parish Church. 
  • Sarah Hook baptised 4 April 1793 at Wartling Parish Church.
  • Harriet Hook baptised 5 April 1795 at Wartling Parish Church.

The entries in the parish register relating to the baptisms of Fanny, Benjamin and Sarah refer to Joseph and Elizabeth as paupers. However from 1783 Clergy had to collect a tax on entries in the parish registers unless the person was a pauper and as the Clergy often resented the work, to frustrate the taxman everyone not paying land tax would be offered the 'Pauper' designation and most people took it happily.

Joseph Hook died aged 86 years old and was buried on 23 May 1827 at Wartling Parish Church.

His widow, Elizabeth Hook of Wartling Hill died aged 81 and was buried on 13 October 1831 at Wartling Parish Church.

Our line continues through Fanny Hook and is covered under the next main heading. 

Nothing further is known with certainty about Harriett Hook, although she appears to have witnessed her sisters Fanny's wedding in 1811. The little that is known about Fanny's siblings, nieces and nephews is detailed under the subheadings below 

  • Elizabeth Hook 

Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter Elizabeth Hook had two illegitimate daughters baptised at Wartling Parish Church, Sarah Ganner on 6 October 1798 (father possibly Peter Ganner), and Harriet Duley on 5 June 1803 (father John Duley). 

Nothing more is known about Elizabeth or her children. 

  • Ann Hook 

Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter Ann Hook also had an illegitimate son, John Baker baptised 16 July 1797 at Wartling Parish Church (father John Baker).

Nothing more is known about Ann Hook or her son. 

  • William Hook 

Other researchers have suggested that Joseph and Elizabeth's son William Hook married Allice Corke on 19 December 1808 at Cowden, Kent. 

Allice Corke had been baptised on 17 March 1787 at Withyham, Sussex, the daughter of Thomas Corke and Ann. They had five children baptised in Cowden, Kent and their last child was born in Withyham in 1824.

Alice Hook died in Withyham in 1825, aged 47 years old.

I would like a bit more before concluding that the William who married Alice was Joseph and Elizabeth's son. 

  • Phebe Wicks nee Hook

Other researchers have suggested that Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter Phebe Hook married Charles Wicks on 31 January 1815 at St Mary's Eastbourne. Charles is described as being "of Westham"  Phebe was "of this parish". Charles signed the register and Phoebe was only able to make her mark. The witnesses were Thos and George Hart. Later censuses confirm Charles's wife was born in Wartling.

Charles Wicks was born on 20 March 1779 and baptised on 1 June 1779 in Westham. He had been married previously. His first wife was Elizabeth Manser and they had married 21 April 1802 in Westham. They had three children. 

In 1841 Charles and Phebe they were living in Westham. Charles "Weeks", aged 62 was an agricultural labourer. Phoebe was 55 years old. Three of their children remain at home

  • Eliza Weeks. aged 12
  • Edmund Weeks, aged 10 
  • Henry Weeks , aged 8 

Transcripts of Westham baptisms suggest Charles and Phebe had the following children:

  • Sarah Wicks. Baptised 3 September 1815
  • Phebe Wicks. Baptised 18 May 1817.
  • Abraham Wicks. Baptised 28 February 1819
  • Mary Ann Wicks. Baptised 3 June 1821
  • Eliza Wicks. Baptised 11 January 1829
  • Edmond Wicks. Baptised 6 June 1830
  • Henry Wicks. Baptised 7 August 1831

When all their children up to and including Abraham were baptised Charles is described as  husbandman. Thereafter he is described as a labourer.  Phoebe would have been 42 years old when she had her last child. 

In 1851 Charles Wicks, aged 72, born Westham an agricultural labourer, his wife Phoebe, aged 65, born Wartling, daughter Eliza, aged 22 and son Henry, aged 19, an agricultural labourer, were living at Langley, Westham. 

Charles Wicks of Westham died aged 78 and was buried at Westham on 29 May 1853

Nothing more is known about most of their children, except for the sons Edmond and Henry. 

The Australian Death index records the death of Edmund Wicks in Australia. His parents were Charles Wicks and Phebe Hook.  He was born around 1830 and died in 1880.  It is not clear when Edmund arrived in Australia. He married Esther Bishop in 1855 in Victoria, Australia. They had five children: 

  • Mary Eliza Wicks. Born 1857 in Essendon, Victoria. Mary never married and died in 1919 in Victoria. 
  • Louisa Ellen Bishop Wicks. Born 1859 in Essendon, Victoria. Louisa married Geo Hair Rollo. They had two daughters in 1894 and 1898. In 1914 Louisa is on the electoral register at South Ecklin, Corangamite, seemingly with her father in law Robert McKeernan Rollo, dairy farmer. In 1919 George, Louisa and their youngest daughter were living at 168, Peel Street, Prahran. George was a  grazier. Their daughter, a tobacco worker. Louisa died on 14 March 1931 in Pran, Victoria and was buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetary.  Geo Hair Rollo died on 13 September 1945 in Prahran, Victoria.
  • Edmund Wicks. Born 1861 in Essendon, Victoria. Edmund married Emma Georgina Sadler in 1892 in Victoria. They had two children. In 1931 they were living at 213, Gower Road, Preston. Edmund was a butcher and his son a teacher. They were still there in 1942. Edmund died on 28 December 1947. He was buried at Preston General Cemetary, Bundoora, Banyule City, Victoria. Emma died in 1952 in Preston, Victoria. She was buried with her husband. 
  • William Henry Wicks. Born 1863 in Essendon, Victoria. William Henry Wicks died on 31 January 1902 aged 38 years old. He was buried in Boroondara General Cemetery, Kew, Boroondara City, Victoria. 
  • Esther Wicks. Born 1865 in Essendon, Victoria. Esther died in 1943 in Preston, Victoria. 

Esther Bishop died on 25 July 1867 and was buried at Melbourne Cemetary, Carlton North, Melbourne   Edmund remarried in 1869 in Melbourne. His second wife was Janet Russell. Janet had been born in 1838 in Glasgow. They had four children

  • John Herbert Wicks. Born 31 August 1870 in Essendon, Victoria. In 1914 John was living with  his mother Janet and sister Emily at Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Flinders, Victoria, Australia. He was a farmer.  John Herbert Wickes died on 2 October 1931. He was buried with his mother (see below).
  • Janet Wicks. Born 3 October 1871 in Essendon, Victoria. Janet married Robert Lum Dodson on 15 April 1895 at Scoresby, Victoria. They had three children. Robert died on 1 March 1902 in Melbourne. Janet Dodson died on 21 July 1946 at the Basin, Victoria. She was buried at Box Hill, Whitehorse City, Victoria,
  • Annie Victoria Wicks. Born 1873 in Essendon, Victoria.  Annie married Arthur Henry Harris on 11 January 1906 at The Basin, Victoria. They had three children. Arthur died on 14 June 1955 in Victoria. Annie died on 23 September 1955 in Victoria. They were both buried at Box Hill Cemetary, Box Hill, Whitehorse City, Victoria. 
  • Emily Wicks. Born 1875 in Essendon, Victoria. In 1914 she was living with her widowed mother and brother and was "on home duties". Emily never married. She died on 12 September 1946 and was buried with his mother (see below

Edmund Wicks died on 29 November 1880 in Victoria, Australia. This picture of Edmund was posted on ancestry.co.uk by Joanne Morris.  

Following Edmund's death it appears that the administration of his first wife's estate was revisited and probate of her estate was granted to George Bishop described as "the eldest son and one of the next of kin of Esther Wicks", on 18 August 1881. So it appears that Esther had been born Esther Bran. She had previously been married (to Charles Bishop who died on 11 February 1855) and had two sons George Bishop (born 1852) and Charles Bishop (born 1854) before she married Edmund. Her assets valued at $175 were described as "1/2 acre of freehold land in Nicholson Street, Essendon with a four roomed weatherboard cottage erected hereon and built many years ago and let at a rental of 5 shillings per week"

In 1914 Edmund's second wife Janet was living with her son John Herbert Wicks (farmer) and daughter Emily Wicks at Bayswater, Ferntree Gully, Flinders, Victoria, Australia. He was a farmer. Janet Wicks died on 18 May 1917 and was buried at Box Hill, Whitehorse City, Victoria, Probate was granted to John Henry Wicks and Emily Wicks who were subsequently buried with her. 

Other researchers suggest Charles and Phebe's son Henry Wicks also emigrated to Australia, Henry, an agricultural labourer from Sussex emigrated to Australia on the "Ravenscraig" with his wife Louisa. They arrived on 24 August 1855 at Geelong, Australia. They had "gone to brother in Collingwood". This Henry was 25 years old, around the same age as "our" Henry. Coliingwood is a suburb of Melbourne, about 2 hours (today) from Victoria.  Henry Wickes of full age, an agriculturist from Plumsted, Kent, son of Charles Wickes "the same" had married Louisa Honnisett of 67, Shepperton Cottages, daughter of David Honnisett "the same"  in Islington on 7 January 1855. The witnesses were John Irons and G Irons. Their marriage certificate was posted on Ancestry.co.uk from an image provided by Grant Wicks

Louisa Honnisett was baptised on 27 June 1830 at Herstmonceux. She was the daughter of David Honnisett (born 1801 in Herstmonceux) and Frances Tutt (born 1810 in Herstmonceux).   In 1841 and 1851 she is living with her parents in Poisey Green, Herstmonceux. In 1851, aged 21 she is described as a servant. Her parents married on 28 October 1829 in Herstmonceux. Any connection between David and the Honeysett/Hunnisett family covered in Appendix C has yet to be established..

The couple had the following children 

  • Priscilla Matilda Wicks. Born 1856 in Essendon, Victoria, the daughter of Henry Wickes and "Louisa Hunnisett". Priscilla died aged 1 year old on 15 March 1857. She was buried at Carlton North, Melbourne City, Victoria. 
  • Priscilla Anne Wicks. Born 1867 in Byong, Victoria. Baptised 26 May 1867 St Thomas, Essendon, daughter of Henry Wicks and Louisa. In the 1920 Victoria City Directory, Priscilla is listed at the "Yinnar Hotel", Yinnar.  In 1924 she is living alone at 34, Glendearg Gardens, Malvern. Priscilla Wicks died in Dandenong, Victoria on 1 November 1928. her parents re given as Henry Wicks and (incorrectly) "Flor Matda Hannesett". 
  • Unnamed child. Born 1860 in Essendon, Victoria to Henry Wicks and Louisa "Hunsett".  The child did not survive. 
  • Henry Wicks. Born 19 December 1861 in Essendon, Victoria, son of Henry Wicks and "Louis Hunnissett". Baptised on 26 May 1867 at St. Thomas, Essendon, Victoria Died 13 January 1883 aged 21 years old. He was buried at Hazelwood, Latrobe City, Victoria. 
  • Charles Albert Wicks. Born 1864 in Victoria, per Australian Birth index, but .is this mis-transcribed? 
  • Charles Herbert Wicks. Born 22 June 1864 in Essendon, Victoria. Baptised 26 May 1867 at St. Thomas, Essendon, Victoria. Charles married Annie Jane Saddler in 1889 in Victoria. They had  son in 1891 in Yinnar, who died in 1908, aged just 16 years. They are believed to have had four other children who survived to adulthood. In 1909 they were still living in Yinnar and Charles was a farmer. Charles Herbert Wickes died aged 64, on 29 January 1929 at Morwell, Victoria. He was buried at Hazelwood, Victoria. In 1954 Annie was living at 11 Jervois Street, St. Kilda, Norfolk.  Annie Jane Wicks died on 26 September 1960 at Elsternwick, Glen Eira City. 
  • Grace Wicks. Born 12 May 1866 in Essendon, Victoria. Baptised 26 May 1867 at St Thomas, Essendon, Victoria. Grace appears to have suffered from mental problems and was admitted to Fairfield Asylum on 4 April 1890 aged 24 years. She was still resident on 30 May 1902. Grace died on 27 September 1929 in Sunbury, Hume City, Victoria. 
  • Alice Wicks. Born 24 May 1868 in Moonee Ponds, Victoria. Alice married Thomas William Richards on 13 May 1891 in Walhalla, Victoria. They had five children, three surviving to adulthood. In 1903 they were living at Yinnar where Thomas was farming. Alice died on 1 November 1944 in Mont Park, Victoria. Thomas died on 4 August 1961 in Parramatta, New South Wales.  
  • Louisa Wicks. Born 20 June 1870 in Essendon, Victoria. Baptised on 14 August 1870 at St Thomas, Essendon, Victoria. Louisa married Samuel Walter Rankin in 1896 in Ballarat, Victoria. They had five children. In 1909 Samuel and Louisa are living in Yinnar where Samuel is a farmer. In 1914 Louisa is listed at Warpul, Malvern Road, Henty, Victoria, seemingly alone. Louisa died on 16 May 1915 in Kew, Victoria. Samuel died on 15 June 1943 in Melbourne, Victoria.   
  • Florence Matilda Wicks. Born 4 August 1874 in Essendon.  Baptised 15 November 1874 at St. Thomas, Essendon, Victoria.  Florence married John Henry Edney in 1893. They had eight children. In 1909 they were living at Yinnar, Morwell, Gippsland, Victoria where John was farming. Henry died on 13 March 1933 at Mooroopna, Greater Shepparton City, Victoria. Florence died on 11 May 1949 at Heidelberg, Victoria. 

Louisa Wicks died on 13 May 1879 aged 48 years. The Australia death index confirms that her father was David Hunnisett. Henry may have remarried in 1890 in Victoria. His second wife was Mary Warnecki. Henry Wicks died on 27 October 1906 aged 78 years old. The Australian death index confirms that his father was Chas Wicks. They were both buried at Hazelwood, Latrobe City, Victoria. This picture of Henry Wicks was posted on Ancestry.co.uk by Grant Wicks

  • Benjamin Hook and Mary Knight

Joseph and Elizabeth's so Benjamin Hook of the parish of Wartling married Mary Knight of this parish on 10 November 1822 at East Blatchington, Sussex. Both parties were only able to make their mark. The witnesses were William Peckham and Mercy Reed, both of whom were only able to make their mark. 

In 1839 Joseph and Elizabeth's son Benjamin Hook is shown as occupying a house and garden in Wartling. 

In 1841 he was a 45 year old agricultural labourer living at Wartling Hill with his wife Mary and children. 

In 1851 Benjamin was 56 year old agricultural labourer living at Bank House, Wartling. Benjamin consistently understates his age by about 5 years, His wife Mary was 50 years old. 

Benjamin and Mary had seven children: 

  • Mary Anne Hook. Baptised 2 February 1823 in East Blatchington. The entry in the parish register notes "Benjamin the father resides in Wartling and the mother in this parish". Her parents had been married  for 3 months at the time she was baptised.
  • Betsey Hook. Baptised 18 February 1827 in Wartling
  • George Hook. Baptised 20 September 1829 at Wartling
  • William Hook. Baptised 10 March 1833 at Wartling
  • Eliza Hook. Baptised 27 September 1835 at Wartling
  • Joseph Hook. Baptised 27 May 1838 at Wartling
  • Edward Hook. Born 1843 in Wartling. 

Benjamin Hook was buried on 13 June 1867 at Wartling Parish Church. Mary Hook died later that same year. 

Benjamin and Mary's daughter Mary "Anne" Hook is listed in the 1841 census, but not the 1851 census. Nothing more is known about her. 

In 1851 Benjamin and Mary's daughter Betsey "Elizabeth" Hook was living with parents at Bank House, Wartling. She was a 22 year old servant and would have been pregnant with her first child. She is believed to have had two illegitimate sons  

  • Charles Henry Hook. Born 10 December 1851 in Wartling. Charles married Mary Ann Wilbar on 25 December 1875 at St Peters, Brighton They had five daughters. In 1881 they were living at 7 East Hill House, Hastings where Charles was a 29 year old labourer. Charles died in 1884 in Hastings. An inquest into his death confirmed that he worked for the Urban Sanitary Authority and collapsed and died at work, the cause of death being heart disease. An appeal was launched for his widow who was left unprovided for with five children between eight years and ten months, which raised £7.5s. Mary may have remarried in 1887.
  • George William Hook. Born 1857 in Hellingly. George was baptised on 16 August 1857 in Wartling, the son of Seth Gander and Elizabeth Hook. He was baptised by the "Civil Colonial Chaplain" rather than the vicar. Was this because he was illegitimate? George William Gander married in 1879 in Brighton. 

On 12 November 1858 Elizabeth Hook, aged 30, Charles Hook, aged 8 and George Hook, aged 2 were admitted to Hellingly Workhouse from Wartling, by order of the Board, on account of being "unable to support her children". It seems her sister Eva Hook was admitted on the same day (see below)

In 1861 "E.H", aged 33, "C.H", aged 9 and "G.H" aged 3 are shown as inmates in Hellingly Workhouse. "E.H" and "C.H" had been born in Wartling and "G.H" in Hellingly. This would seem to be Betsey and her children. Elizabeth Hook married Joseph G Bates in 1866 in Brighton (Reg Gen Dec 1866 Brighton 2b 415) . I can find no trace of the family in 1871 or 1881, but it appears that by 1891 Betsey had been widowed, she is described as what looks like "monthly nurse", but has been crossed out and "sick" written in its place. She was lodging with Mary J Billeness, a 34 year old widow, employed as a needlewoman, her 4 year old son Ebenezer and brother James H Neve, a 23 year old painter at 26 Commercial Road, Eastbourne. Betsey Hook died in 1898 in Eastbourne. 

Benjamin and Mary's son George Hook married Harriett Clapson in 1858 in Eastbourne. Harriett was the daughter of Henry Bishop. Harriett had previously married Thomas Clapson, on 7 October 1848 at St Michael's, Lewes, but Thomas had died in 1855. In 1861, George and Harriett were living at 2 Little North Street, Eastbourne. George was a journeyman tailor. Harriet's children from her first marriage, Harriet Clapson, aged 10 and Henry Clapson, aged 5, both scholars were living with them, as well as two lodgers. In  1871 they were living at 17, East Street, Eastbourne and both of them are described as tailors. in 1881 they were living at 80 Bourne Street, Eastbourne and again George and Harriett are described as tailors. George Hook died in 1882. Harriett Hook died in 1885 in Eastbourne. 

In 1861 Benjamin and Mary's son William Hook was a 28 year old labourer living with William Carter, a 39 year old fisherman and his daughter at 8 Tower Street, Eastbourne. He married Martha Holter in 1870. Martha had previously married to Thomas Buckwell in 1845 in Eastbourne, and they'd had four children. Thomas died in 1857 in Eastbourne. She then married James Paul on 21 November 1858 in Lewes, they had three children before James died in 1866 in Eastbourne. In 1871 William and Martha were living at 5 Dennis Cottage, Eastbourne. William was a 48 year old jobbing labourer. Living with them were Martha's children from her second marriage - William Paul, aged 12, Charles Paul, aged 9 and Elizabeth Paul, aged 16, described as son and daughter "in law". William Hook died in 1879. In 1881 Martha was living at 7 Dennis Cottage with her children from her second marriage, now a gardener, a butcher and a dressmaker. She was still there in 1891 and only William, now a 31 year old gardener was living with her. Martha died in 1908 in Eastbourne.  

It seems likely that Benjamin and Mary's daughter Eliza Hook also had an illegitimate daughter 

  • Eva Dawkins Hook. Baptised 5 June 1859 at Wartling, daughter of Eliza Hook, single woman of Wartling Hill. 

and on 12 November 1858 was admitted to Hellingly Workhouse from Wartling, by order of the Board, on account of being "unable to support her children" (see above).  Unlike her sister Betsey, Eliza had left the workhouse by 1861 and was  living with her parents Benjamin and Mary at  Wartling Hill. Eliza was 24 years old and her daughter Eva was 2 years old. Nothing else is known about Eliza and her daughter. 

In 1861 Benjamin and Mary's son Joseph Hook was a 22 year old servant, a groom and carman, living with and working for Philadelphia Hicks, a 68 year old farmer of 220 acres employing 10 men and 4 boys, at Wartling Hill. Nothing else is known about Joseph. 

Nothing more is known about Benjamin and Mary's son Edward Hook after 1861 when he was a 18 year old agricultural labourer living with his parents at Wartling Hill. .   

  • Sarah Pankhurst nee Hook

Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter Sarah Hook may have married Thomas Pankhurst, widower on 12 July 1824 in Herstmonceux. 

Sarah Pankhurst may have died in 1844 in Ticehurst. 

Fanny Veness nee Hook

Fanny Hook was baptised on 29 October 1786 at Wartling Parish Church the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hook.

On 20 May 1811 she married Joseph Venus on at Wartling Parish Church. Neither party signed the marriage register. The witnesses were James Barden and Harriett Hook, Fanny's sister. Harriett was only able to make her mark.

Joseph and Fanny possibly had ten children:;

  • Jook (possibly Joob) Venus baptised 9 October 1810.
  • James Venus baptised 20 June 1813 (Chapter 5)
  • George Venus baptised 26 March 1815 (Chapter 6)
  • Mary Veness baptised 14 September 1817 (Chapter 7)
  • Jonathan Veness baptised 2 May 1819 (Chapter 8)
  • Sarah Veness baptised 23 September 1821 (Chapter 4)
  • William Veness baptised 11 July 1824 (Chapter 9)
  • Thomas Veness baptised 8 October 1826 (Chapter 10)
  • Frances Veness baptised 28 March 1830 (Chapter 11)
  • Joseph Veness born 1831 (Chapter 4)

Fanny and Joseph's lives together is detailed at Chapter 4.

Fanny Veness died aged 83 and was buried on 2 March 1870 at Wartling Parish Church.

Click here to go to "Appendix C - Honeysett or Hunnisett"

Click here to go back to "Chapter 4 - Joseph Veness and Fanny Hook"