William Webb-King
William Webb-King was the "illegitemate" son of Mary Ann King and William Webb. He was born in Essendon, Hertfordshire. He was known by the names of William King - or William Webb-King.
William was raised by an aunt (although he is shown age 7 in the 1841 Census living with his mother Mary Ann King, at Church House(s) in Essendon). He was sent to an orphanage-like 'day school' - similar to a training school. He played the violin (which he called a 'fiddle')and was very well-read.
He apprenticed and became a bricklayer and plasterer, by trade. In the 1881 UK Census, he is residing with his family at Nether Street, Widford. In the 1901 Census he is listed as age 67, retired builder; place of birth - Essendon. At this date, he is residing at Cheshunt, Herts and is named as 'William King.'
William was married to Ellen Townsend (born ca 1842, Stroud Water, Gloucester), on the 17th of August, 1866, at Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. (In the 1871 Census, William is recorded at 38 and Ellen as 27).
Ellen had been married first to James Hobbs, of Stroud (11 August, 1861, Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire - he is said to be age 32 and Ellen, 27 - IGI M049001). Ellen and James Hobbs had a daughter, named Annie (Mary Anne Hobs in 1871 Census). Annie was born in Stroud Water, Gloucestershire. Minchinhampton is located on a hill top 4 miles south-south-east of Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, in the Cotswolds. The town is an ancient market town dating back to pre-1400..
Annie Hobbs subsequently married a Mr. Pledger. They had a daughter, Winnifred (Winnie) who was born in 1900. She was a nurse who moved to Detroit, Michigan. For some reason, Annie Pledger was known as Aunt Judy (cf. a letter from Frank Burgess to Barry King).
It would appear that William married Ellen in Goucestershire (Stroud Water) as their first son, William (according to the 1871 Census) was born there, whereas the subsequent children were all born in Hertfordshire.
Ellen Townsend Hobbs King was a laundress - who died of a heart-attack while washing over a wooden tub. (See below for possible death date.)
The children of William Webb-King and Ellen Townsend:
1. The 1871 Census shows a son, William King, age 2, born Stroud Water. Since there is another son born in 1877, named William, it may be assumed perhaps that this first William died in early life.
2. Fanny King - born ca 1871, Essendon, Hertfordshire and is 3 months old in the 1871 Census. She married (Unknown) Burgess. Her nephew, Frank King from Canada, visited her during WWII. Children of Fanny King and ___ Burgess were: Sydney, Frank. Frank Burgess married a woman named Peggy and they lived in Worthing (23 Centrecourt Rd.), Sussex. Sydney Burgess married (unknown). He fought in WWI and was killed on Hill 70. His son, Len Burgess, married Margaret (Unknown) and they had two daughters and one son, whose name is Alan Burgess. Len and Margaret resided in Edinburgh, Scotland - but now (in 2004) live in Fieilding, New Zealand. Their son, Alan, continues to live in Edinburgh where he is a web-site designer (see http://www.baked-design.biz/).
3. Francis (Frank) King - born 25 February, 1873, Widford, Herts - married Lilian Maria Austin 11 April, 1899, Edmonton (Greater London)
4. Ellen (Nell) King - born ca 1876, Widford, Herts
5. Sarah King - born ca 1878, Widford, Herts - was a greengrocer in Worthing, Sussex. (she had red hair)
6. William King - born ca 1887, Essendon, Herts
1901
England Census
William King
Age: 67
Estimated birth year: abt 1834
Relation: Father-in-law
Gender: Male
Where born: Essendon, Hertfordshire, England
Civil parish: Cheshunt
Ecclesiastical parish: St Mary
Town: Cheshunt
County/Island: Hertfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Edmonton
Sub-registration district: Cheshunt
ED, institution, or vessel: 5
Household schedule number: 113
Household Members: Name Age
William King 67
Alfred Pledger 6
Anne M Pledger 35
Edmund Pledger 3
Frank Pledger 9
Helena Pledger 13
Isaac Pledger 38
William Pledger 11
Winifred Pledger 1
1901 England Census
Anne M Pledger
Age: 35
Estimated birth year: abt 1866
Relation: Wife
Spouse's name: Isaac
Father's name: William (sic: should be 'James' - i.e. James Hobbs)
Gender: Female
Where born: Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
Civil parish: Cheshunt
Ecclesiastical parish: St Mary
Town: Cheshunt
County/Island: Hertfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Edmonton
Sub-registration district: Cheshunt
ED, institution, or vessel: 5
Neighbors: View others on page
Household schedule number: 113
Household Members: Name Age
William King 67
Alfred Pledger 6
Anne M Pledger 35
Edmund Pledger 3
Frank Pledger 9
Helena Pledger 13
Isaac Pledger 38
William Pledger 11
Winifred Pledger 1
1871 England Census about William King
Age: 38
Estimated birth year: abt 1833
Relation: Head
Spouse's name: Ellen (b. Gloucester, Stroud Water,
Gender: Male
Where born: Essendon, Hertfordshire, England
Civil parish: Essendon
Town: Essendon (residence: Brick Ground)
County/Island: Hertfordshire
Country: England
Registration district: Hatfield
Sub-registration district: Hatfield
ED, institution, or vessel: 9
Household schedule number: 98
Household Members: Name Age
William King 38
Ellen King 27 b. Gloucester, Stroud Water
Mary Anne Hobs 6 b. Gloucester, Stroud Water
William King 2 b. Gloucester, Stroud Water
Fanny King 3 weeks b Herts, Essendon