VILLAGE VETS CHARLES EDWARD HOWARD 1822 Charles Edward Howard, widower of Bridge (place of baptism unknown: he was not born in Kent), married Sophia Andrews, spinster of Bridge (baptised at Selling in January 1794 — daughter of John and Mary Andrews). At this time Charles was about 51 years old and Sophia was 28. 1841 1842 151 Charles is listed in the census as a registered veterinary surgeon, aged 70, living in Union Street at house number 54. There are now several children listed. The eldest, Catharine, is 25 years old thus pre-dating the marriage between Charles and Sophia (now 45), and so is probably the daughter of his first wife. The following are the children of the second marriage:- Samuel (16) — an apprentice tailor Charles and Mary (15) — probably twins Richard (14) George (1 1) Henry (6) A tombstone just outside the East end of the church in Bridge churchyard (no 173) records the death of Charles: ‘ In memory of Charles Edward Howard, late of this parish, who departed this life 20 May 1842, aged 71 years. Also of Sophia, wife ofthe above, who departed this life 25”‘ August 1861 aged 69 years.’ Sophia therefore was widowed for 19 years. The census shows Sophia (58) working as a nurse. Her address is now given as Bridge village, house 92. Only two of her children are still living with her: Mary Ann (28) — unmarried — earning a living as a shirt maker Henry (16) — unmarried Both listed as born in Bridge. There is some discrepancy here over Mary’s age. If she was 15 in 1841 she should now be 25. If she is correctly shown as 28 then she could be the eldest of the children and not a twin at all. What has happened to the other children? 1861 1865 171 Charles William 47 Now only Sophia listed as living in Union Road, house no. 110. There is no vet listed in the village. She died in this year — see above. There is a tombstone in Bridge churchyard recording: ‘ IHS In loving memory of Mary Ann Howard, born October 26th 1842, died June 19”‘ 1865 ‘ This cannot be the daughter of Charles and Sophia. Who is she? Charles William Howard (47) listed in the census as a coursing judge and veterinary surgeon. He was born in Bridge. His age fits roughly with that given for Charles Edward’s son.(would be 45/46?). It would also make sense that he would follow his father into the profession. His wife, Anne Maria, born in the parish of Lubbenham in Leicester, is now 35. Coursing judge & Veterinary surgeon Died Sept 10”‘ 1908, aged 85 years. Grave 179. 1 81 Charles 1-1 \O 1-1 Charles W v-A O u-1 Charles W 1907 Charles W Still listed as a vet in Kelly 1907 — still practising? Anne Maria wife 35 Died in Toddington, January 16”‘ 1920, aged 84 years Sophia Septima daughter 9m Janthe Ma._ daughter 3 Erlick Henry son 5 Edward Coleman son 7 scholar Bramhall Charles son 8 scholar Head 57 Vet Surg Annie Maria 45 George 0 son 3 Nina Caroline daughter 5 scholar. died on Ascension Day, May 11”‘ 1899, aged 23 years. b 1876 Catherine 0 daughter 7 scholar Septimus Charles son 9 scholar — made MBE (when?) died July 4”‘ 1935. Married to Edith Mary, died 1950 aged 79. Twin sons Victor C. Lt East Surrey Regt. 1914- 1917 Died aged 21 & Gilbert C. Lt Gloucestershire Regt. 1915-18 Died aged 21 (not on War memorial) All in grave G 28. Sophia S daughter 10 scholar J(1)anthe Maximiliana daughter 14 dressmaker Died March 6”‘ 1956 aged 87 (grave K20) Edward C son 18 railway poryer Head 67 Vet Ann Maria wife 5 5 Nissa(Nina?) Caroline b1876 daughter 15 Monitress- National School George 0 son 13 Monitor National School Head 77 Vet (no-one else listed — he is identified as a widower, BUT his wife did not die until 1920 ?? Still identified in Kelly’s Directory as the vet in Bridge.