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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Sussex => England => Sussex Lookup Requests => Topic started by: alonso gg on Sunday 15 October 06 16:00 BST (UK)
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can anyone please find the parents of Thomas Brett, b 1814 (publisher St leonards & hastings Gazette ) and his brother Henry, b 1819.
living at 28 Norman road West, parish of st Mary Magdalen in the 1841 cenesus
many thanks
great grandson of Henry's son Alonso
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Hi
Welcome to rootschat. You will need to look at parish registers to find baptisms for these two. Do you have precise place of birth from later census records? All ages above 15 are rounded down to the nearest 5 in 1841 so bear that in mind. Have you looked at www.familysearch.org? With luck, if they were born in the Hastings area another rootschatter may have those parish records.
There may be an obituary for Thomas in the paper he worked for. Have you looked for that?
Andrea
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Hello Alonso
Do you have any connection with Louisa F.J. Brett who married Henry W. Avery, September 1912, Hastings? If so, do you have any information that you can share re either of the above?
Thanks.
Elaine
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Hi there Alonso
Congratulations on being an ancestor of Thomas B Brett - it is from him and his Newspaper that we know so much about the life of early Hastings.
There are many manuscript volumes on local history now in the Public Reference Library written by Thomas B Brett (mostly in his own handwriting) that contain a mass of local lore and personal reminiscence, garnished wherever possible with genealogical information - an absolute treasure trove for Family and Local Historians.
Thomas was born in George Street in 1816, his father being a smith who was found dead in a fishing boat ten years later. As a result of this, from a very tender age he had to act as the support for his widowed mother and help in the house and the care of his brothers and sisters. When his mother married again in in 1828 he was sent to school at Mr Neves in Bourne Street.
He had only a year and a half at school before leaving to assist his stepfather, a builder.
In 1831 he became an errand boy in a Drapers Shop near the Fishmarket for 3 and a half years at 4/- (4 shillings) a week, the hours of business being from 7am to 9pm and often later. In his dinner hour he would run home to help the men in the smithy. He learnt to mend and make his own clothes. During the cold winter of 183 he began to write poetry and started the study of Music.
From 1837 to 1839 he was in the Post Office in George Street and in 1839 he set out for America, but the weather was bad, he had an accident and damaged his spine and so returned to Hastings. In the Autumn of that year he started a small school on his own near St Leonards Archway in Market Terrace and was eventually requested to take charge of the National School.
He married in 1844 and then established the first Brass Band to play on the Parade at Hastings. In 1848 with Philip Hook he helped establish the St Leonards Mechanics Institute being elected treasurer in 1853, a position which with that of President from 1888 he held for very many years.
He had a great reverence for the power of the press and acted as correspondent for the Sussex Advertizer from 1839. In 1854 he bought his own printing press and started the Penny Press as a monthly.. In 1855 he commenced the St Leonards & Hastings Gazette, managed entirely by himself. He also took part in the actual printing and finally helped to deliver copies to his subscribers.
He died on the 4th April 1906 in his 90th year.
If this is really your ancestor, then you have much more of his life written down in his memoirs of Hastings which is I think is about 24 large volumes of typeset and hand written material.
I really envy you
Chris in 1066
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Hi again
Baptisms
St Clements, 5th July 1816, Thomas, son of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
2nd January 1818, Matilda, dau of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
15th September 1820, Henry, son of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
23rd September 1825, William, son of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
There are other children born to Thomas & Sarah, Labourer - but have not included them.
Chris in 1066
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Hi again Alonso
If you go on my web site
www.rootschat.com/history/hastings
and click on Hastings, then Items of Local Interest you will see I have included lots of snippets from Bretts Memoirs, written in his own hand writing and include such things as this
"many a contest took place between the occupiers of no mans land, arising from the desire in some to possess themselves of what others had laid claim to, and when only six or seven years of age I was witness to a painful scene between a blacksmith and a sweep over a disputed claim, and on the 10th March 1823 there was another desperate struggle on the Priory Ground (see also Page 226) over disputed rights to certain building sites. Ultimately the original assailants were beaten off and a blue flag was hoisted by the defendants as a token of victory. On the 26th June 1823 hostilities were resumed near to the Rock Fair ground in consequence of two persons claiming the same piece. The battle was long and desperate in which wounds and bruises were inflicted, and on the following night the windows were broken at the private residence of Mark Boykett and James Breeds. Several cases ended in Law suits as that of Mark Boykett Breeds versus Sol Bevill, when at the home of E Millward - ???????"
He had his own way of describing things
Chris in 1066
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Hi
In reply to your personal message, the 1891 census shows the following
RG12/ 761/ Folio 132/ Page 15 - 74 St Georges Road, Hastings
Henry Brett, Haed, Marr, 72, Carpet Planner, born Hastings
Harriett Brett, Wife, Marr, 46, born Wadhurst
Helen Brett, Dau, Unm, 17, born Hastings
Alonzo Brett, Son, Unm, 13, Scholar, Hastings
Arthur Brett, Son, Unm, 11, Scholar, Hastings
Ernest Brett, Son, Unm, 2, Hastings
Hope it helps
Chris in 1066
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and in 1881
RG11/ 1025/ Folio 65/ Page 53 - No 5 Frances Terrace, Hastings
Henry Brett, Head, Marr, 60, Tailor, born Hastings
J. Harriet Brett, Wife, Marr, 36, born Wadhurst
Charity F. Brett, Son, Unm, 14, Hastings
Faith Brett, Dau, Unm, 12, Hastings
Geo. Hope Brett, Son, Unm, 9, Hastings
Elanor Brett, Dau, Unm, 7, Hastings
Alonzo Brett, Son, Unm, 3, Hastings
Arthur Brett, Son, Unm, 1, Hastings
Elizabeth May Pike, Widow, Lodger, 42, born Kent
Chris in 1066
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Hi Chris
thanks for all the census results, lots of siblings to follow up.
Your 1066 pages are very helpful too -
in the St Clements Church, Hastings Burial Register Transcriptions 1803 - 1834
there is a Matilda Brett, so she died age 6 months
and a Thomas Brett, 24 Dec 1828 age 29, but that doesn't quite fit with his wife Sarah remarrying that year.
:-\
please can you suggest the balance of probability of which dates are correct?
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Hi Alonso
Have followed Henry back through the various census returns (Occupation always seems to be Tailor) for Hastings back to 1841 where he is living with his brother Thomas in Norman Road.
So you do have that connection if you can connect the Alonzo in 1901 with your present day family. You will have to go backwards getting birth and marriage certificates to prove the connection, but that should not be hard as you only have 3 generations to follow back though.
Chris in 1066
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Thanks for the research Chris
Yes I can definitly trace back to Alonzo on my grandfathers' birth certificate.
so thank you for a sucessful link.
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Hi again
Glad you found my web site usefull
When you consider that Brett wrote these memoirs when he was in his 80's at the end of a very long life, it might be expected that some of his accounts are confused and many are inaccurate.
But when one considers Bretts personal history, it is remarkable that it was ever written at all.
Incidentally, I was unable to find his wifes second marriage in the Sussex Marriage Index
Chris in 1066
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Hi
You already have the 1841 census where Henry is with his brother in Norman Road aged 20
Here is the 1851 after he has married for the first time
HO107/ 1635/ Folio 569/ Page 22 - 4 Market Terrace
Henry Brett, 30, Tailor born in Hastings
Mary A Brett, 31, born Leighton Buzzard, Beds
Hannah M Brett, 10, born St Leonards
Henry Brett, 8, St Leonards
Mary A Brett, 5, St Mary Magdalen
Angelino Brett, 3, St Mary Magdalen
Frederic Brett, 11months, St Mary Magdalen
plus 4 lodgers
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1861 Census
RG9/ 562/ Folio 175/ Page 31 - 4 Albion Terrace, Hastings.
Henry Brett, Head, Marr, 40, Tailor, Hastings
Mary A Brett, Wife Marr, 41, Bedfordshire
Mary A Brett, Dau, Unm, 15, Hastings
Frederick Brett, Son, Unm, 10, Hastings
William Brett, Son, Unm, 6, Hastings
Chris in 1066
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and finally the 1871 with his new young wife
RG10/ 1029/ Folio 21/ Page 34 - Behind 23 Mill House in St Clements, Hastings
Henry Brett, Head, Marr, 50, Tailor & Carpet Fitter, Hastings
Harriet Brett, Wife, Marr, 26, Tailors Wife, Wadhurst
William Brett, Son, Unm, 6, Hastings
Faith Brett, Dau, Unm, 2, Hastings
Hope that has been of help to you
Chris in 1066
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Found these burials in my data base for Hastings / St Leonards
BRETT Jack 1m 2 Oct 1857 Hastings,St Mary in Castle Cem01
BRETT Mary Ann 43 18 Jul 1863 Hastings,St Mary in Castle Cem01
BRETT James 15d 24 Jun 1864 Hastings,St Mary Magdalen Cem01
BRETT Ellen 10 10 Sep 1864 Hastings,St Mary in Castle Cem01
BRETT Rhoda 3 23 Dec 1864 Hastings,St Mary in Castle Cem01
BRETT George 13d 24 Nov 1865 Hastings,St Mary Magdalen Cem01
BRETT Timothy Charles 17 17 Mar 1866 Hastings,St Mary Magdalen Cem01
BRETT William 41 27 Jun 1866 Hastings,St Mary in Castle Cem01
BRETT Mary 2 Mar 1810 St Clements Hastings Clem
BRETT Matilda 19 Jul 1818 This Parish Clem
BRETT Thomas 29 24 Dec 1828 This Parish Clem
BRETT Catharine 9m 18 Oct 1834 This Parish Clem
BRETT William Charles 26m 24 Oct 1834 This Parish Clem
BRETT Mary Ann 2m 29 Dec 1866 Hastings,St Mary Magdalen Cem02
BRETT Thomas 63 2 May 1868 St Mary Magdalen Cem02
BRETT Sarah 55 6 Jun 1868 St Mary Magdalen Cem02
BRETT Jane 25 14 Apr 1870 St Mary Magdalen Cem03
BRETT Geoffrey 10m 22 Apr 1870 All Saints Cem03
BRETT Mary 66 19 Jan 1871 St Mary Magdalen Cem03
BRETT Rosina Jane 3 2 Mar 1871 St Mary Magdalen Cem03
BRETT William 11m 2 Mar 1871 St Mary Magdalen Cem03
BRETT George 8m 29 Jun 1871 St Leonards Cem03
BRETT Sarah 97 2 Sept 1879 Hastings Cem.Div A
BRETT Mary 82 17 Aug 1879 Hastings Cem.Div A
BRETT Thomas 86 3 Sept 1879 Hastings Cem.Div A
BRETT Norman Robert 41 30 11 1931 Hastings Cem.Div B
BRETT A. E. R. 67 8 Jan 1933 Hastings Cem.Div B
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Hi Alonso
Thanks again for your personal message.
It was a pleasure to help you in your research- if I can help you further at any other time, please do not hesitate to ask me, or better still, place another request on the Sussex Boards (the Best on Rootschat)
Cheers for now
Chris in 1066
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Hi,
I've just come across your posts about Henry Brett back in 2006, I am also tracing this line but can't find any record of a marriage between Henry and Jazer Harriet (his second wife), have you any suggestions as to where I might find it? I've already checked the GRO and have visited Lewes records office but not found it easy to use.
I'm descended from Henry and Jazer, they are my GG Grandparents, then from Alonzo and Emily.
Any help would be really appreciated.
regards
Annie
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Hi Annie
Welcome to rootschat. As Jazer is such an unusual name Harriet must be the Jazer H Walles who is a servant in Wadhurst in 1861 and with her parents Isaac and Eliza in 1851. Walles can have various different spellings. Wallis/Wallace etc Have you checked them all on the marriage index? It might be worth asking the local register office to look for the marriage as it may be one which slipped the net and was never sent on to the GRO. Another slight possibility is that she was a widow when she married Henry.
Andrea
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Hi Annie
thanks for posting in this thread.
I had not come across the name Jazer before, only Harriet.
1871 census gives Harriet as Heny's wife, occupation "Tailor's nip" age 26 born Wadhurst.
1861 census return I seem to recall showed a Harriet Humphrey living with Thomas and Mary before she dies; but of course that is the one I don't seem to have a copy of
The 1851 census does show a Harriet Humphrey age 6 at Reed Cottage Wadhurst - daughter of Anna and Jessee (Agricultural labourer). the registration district for Wadhurst is Ticehurst. It would be good to find a marige certificate to tie these census entries together.
My Grandfather was Charles b 16 April 1898 @ 87 Emanual Rd St Marys Hastings (Alonzo's home) to Emily Philadelphia Southwell of Emanual vicarage Westhill Hastings.
Emily died 2 March 1947 Model Cott Farnborough Rd Farnborough Hants. I think she is buried in Hastings, probably with Alonzo, but Charles did not seem to keep in touch with the rest of his family, presumably including you; so I have no details about what happened to Alonzo or Emily and Arthur.
So I would be very interested in any further info you could give me
regards
Nigel
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Hi Nigel thank you for the reply, our grandparents were brother and sister making us second cousins. I have been doing this side of the family tree for a few years and until recently had trouble going back any further than Henry and Jazer Harriett.I have a copy of Alonzo's birth certificate which says jazers name as Wallis she was born in Wadhurst in 1844 to Isaac and Eliza wallis, in 1871 he is a post master. Jazer is Henrys second wife, as yet i can not find a marriage for them.
I live in Farnborough and we drive by Model cottage most weeks, apparently it has not changed from the outside much.
I have copies of Alonzo and Jazers birth certificate if you would like a copy.
Rgards Anne
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Hi there,
Not sure if this is any help to anyone, but I am helping to trace a Brett family from Hastings/Hollington (via Anne daughter of William and Caroline BRETT) for a friend, and I have found them often indexed/transcribed as BRITT - accents responsible I bet !
Best wishes, haliared.
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My grandmother was Florence Elsie Brett. Her parents were William George Brett and Alice Brett nee Harris. This is where my search comes to an abrupt end sort of. Florence had a brother also William George Brett born 29th May 1900 at 69 Paynton Road, St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex. I thought I was being clever searching the 1901 census for that address but only found the Smith family. Although strangely all the first names of the Smith family were the same as my grandmother's parents and siblings. Confused yet? The only documentation I have is a marriage certificate for William George 'Britt' and Alice Harris married on 27th April 1895.
Just to finish this saga off, William George 'Britt's father, according to this marriage certificate is William George Britt.
I think you can see why I am confused and thoroughly frustrated with this search but desperate for information. I am absolutely certain I am looking for the Brett family as according to my grandmother she was related to Sir Henry Brett.
Please help!
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Hi Lynne,
Welcome to RootsChat :)
Given that the first names are correct on the 1901 census, I worked on the theory that the Smith family you are looking at IS actually the right family. From there, I find this 1881 census:
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=uki1881&indiv=try&h=21744129
RG11/1025 22 37
(or click here if you can't access above link: http://www.rootschat.com/links/04l6/)
Harriet Brett is unmarried in 1871, staying with her parents. William probably used his stepfather's name in everyday life (he's William Smith in 1891, still with Harriet and Thomas) and told a little lie when he married to cover his illegitimacy - nothing uncommon there
:)
Added: Here's what looks like his birth registration
William George Brett
Mar 1870 Hastings 2b 39
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Hi Tati
Thanks for the information. I was wondering if you have the names of Harriet's parents she was living with in 1871.
Lynne
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Found these burials in my data base for Hastings / St Leonards.....
BRETT A. E. R. 67 8 Jan 1933 Hastings Cem.Div B
Name is Albert : Q1 1933 BRETT Albert E R age 67, Hastings 2b 22
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I was wondering if you have the names of Harriet's parents she was living with in 1871.
Here are the details:
1871
RG10/1030 75 13
St Mary in The Castle, Sussex
51 Stonefield Rd
Harriet Brett, head, wid, 53, Annuitant
Emma, dau, unm, 24, Domestic
Harriet, dau, unm, 19, Ironer
William, son, 16, Labourer
Alfred, son, 15, Labourer
Jemima, dau, 13, scholar
William, grandson, 1
All born Hastings
1861
RG9/560 92 47
Hastings St Mary in The Castle
Wellington? Mews
William Brett, head, 36, Licensed Victualler
Harriet, wife, 46
Emma, dau, 14
Susannah, dau, 13, servant
William, son, 7
Harriet, dau, 9
Alfred Arthur, son, 5
Mary Jemima, dau, 3
All born Hastings
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Hello to all of you (from a rather damp NZ) and thank you for the information above, especially Chris. I have found your 1066 site invaluable - thank you!
I am the G-G-granddaughter of Sir Henry Brett, son of Henry Brett the tailor and nephew of Thomas Brandon Brett, in whom it appears he found great inspiration. I have been researching the family tree and have mostly done the NZ side which for me is easy. One brother went to Australia and I am also working on that.
I also have struggled to get past Thomas Brett 1816 and Henry Brett 1820 as records become more difficult to obtain. Any information would be greatly appreciated and any success I have I am happy to post/share.
I am especially interested in Mary Ann Hallows as my father was called Hallows and throughout the NZ Brett relations (all mixtures of surnames) there is a smattering of Hallows used as a middle name.
When Sir Henry Brett (25 Feb 1843 St Leonards) was knighted he declined to take a coat of arms and said he instead would adopt his mothers - he never did this. I have all his knighthood documents and medal and wish to follow that through.
I have added the family tree since Thomas and Henry on ancestry.co.uk. I have left it private for the moment (whilst it is a work in progress) but am happy for any of you to view it. If so let me know your email address which I understand is all that is required.
Best wishes
MBrett
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Hi Margie
Spotted these in my database - do you have them?
Brett Thomas, baptised on 5th July 1816 at St Clements, Hastings, son of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
Brett Henry, baptised on 15th Sept 1820 at St Clements, Hastings, son of Thomas & Sarah, Blacksmith
There are also more children to Thomas & Sarah - Matilda 1818, William 1825
Unfortunately the Sussex Marriage Index does not show a marriage for them, so possibly they did not marry in Sussex
Chris in 1066
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Thank you Chris they are a great help. I will keep searching.
Perhaps they married in a neighbouring county.
Kind regards
Margie
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Hi there Margie,
If you find that you go back to a William BRETT/BRITT born c 1791 Hollington, Sussex, married to Mary born c. 1798 Ore, Sussex (don't know maiden surname - haven't researched that bit yet), then I have some children and census details you may want, just let me know.
Best wishes, haliared
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Hi Tati
Thank you for the census information. I will follow this up. It looks like this is the William Brett I am after.
Kind regards
Lynne
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Hi Haliared
There is not a marriage in Ore to a William and Mary - but there is one in Hollington of about the right time frame
Location: Hollington, East Sussex, Date: 24 Nov 1815:
Groom: William BRETT
Bride: Mary BEENY, with the consent of her parents
Both married by Banns.
Hope it helps
Chris in 1066
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Hi there Chris,
How very kind of you to look that up for me, I think that is the correct one, as the first child (that I have listed from the censuses) - William was born c. 1819 in Hollington, and I feel that there should have at least been a daughter Mary, but the older ones had probably left home by 1841, so 1815 would work out perfectly.
Thanks very much for your help, it is much appreciated,
Best wishes, haliared
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Hello to all of you (from a rather damp NZ) and thank you for the information above, especially Chris. I have found your 1066 site invaluable - thank you!
I am the G-G-granddaughter of Sir Henry Brett, son of Henry Brett the tailor and nephew of Thomas Brandon Brett, in whom it appears he found great inspiration. I have been researching the family tree and have mostly done the NZ side which for me is easy. One brother went to Australia and I am also working on that.
I also have struggled to get past Thomas Brett 1816 and Henry Brett 1820 as records become more difficult to obtain. Any information would be greatly appreciated and any success I have I am happy to post/share.
I am especially interested in Mary Ann Hallows as my father was called Hallows and throughout the NZ Brett relations (all mixtures of surnames) there is a smattering of Hallows used as a middle name.
When Sir Henry Brett (25 Feb 1843 St Leonards) was knighted he declined to take a coat of arms and said he instead would adopt his mothers - he never did this. I have all his knighthood documents and medal and wish to follow that through.
I have added the family tree since Thomas and Henry on ancestry.co.uk. I have left it private for the moment (whilst it is a work in progress) but am happy for any of you to view it. If so let me know your email address which I understand is all that is required.
Best wishes
Margie Brett
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Hi Margie, we must be related! I am a GG grandaughter of Sir Henry Hallows Brett of Takapuna. I'd like to find out more of his wife Lady of Mary Moon from Hastings and their siblings. Can you help. Anneslie
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Hi Ashmole
Welcome to Rootschat and especially the Sussex Boards - one of the best on Rootschat.
Hopefully mbrett will respond to your request next time she comes on line
Chris in 1066
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Hi Ashmole and welcome.
The only information I have on Mary Moon's family is that she grew up in Sussex and her father was called James. She and Henry Brett knew each other as children apparently. She was born in Hastings about 1837 and died at home (Epsom, Auckland) on 24 Sept 1932. She was buried in the Brett family plot at O'Neils Point Cemetery, Bayswater, Auckland. She married Henry Brett (1843-1927) on 22 Nov 1864 at St Pauls Anglican Church in Auckland.
Anything else I find I will gladly pass on.
Margie
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HI Margie, thank you for that. My grandmother was a grandaughter of Henry and Mary Brett. What I don't know is aside from Arthur ( my GG grandfather) who were the other children of Sir Henry and Lady Mary Brett. Can you help with this also. Many thanks, Anneslie
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Hi ashmole
In that case your grandmother was my grandfather's sister and I can work out which line you come from as so few girls in that generation! Arthur being our great grandfather.
The children of Sir Henry and Mary Moon are as follows:
Arthur Rowland 1866-1949 (married E Barker))
Ada Amelia 1868-1952 (married W Rainger)
Amy Laetitia 1870-1937 (married W Wood)
Harry Lloyd 1872-1917 (married F Mair)
Alfred Hallows 1874-1960 (married L Bailey)
Emily Marion 1877-1917 ( married P Wood bro of W Wood above)
Infant son died 1880
Would love to share any information with you.
Margie
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Hi Margie, that is great news because I never knew until now what the other siblings names were. I worked at pretty quickly that you were descended from my great Uncle Hallows. Hope I got that correct!! I live in Sydney now, but I am always over in the homeland and have often thought of a Brett family reunion? Cheers, Anneslie
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Hi Margie, I'am into this now! Did the Wood side of the family go to ChCh to start up the paper there? I had a feeling this might be so? My grandmother, Alleyne, only ever talked of four Henry and Mary Brett children, so it is with amazement that I learn from you that there were more and how wonderful to know that there might be more "lost" relatives out there! I met Norman and Cath when I was young, and was very close to Nance and Trevor. Best wishes, Anneslie
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Hi Anneslie
Will reply offline as this relates to NZ Bretts and not Sussex Bretts.
Margie
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Hi Lynne,
I vividly remember working with a 'Mr Trevor Brett' - in Hastings c.1988. A portly gentleman I seem to recall; aged about 45-50yrs.
In addition to accountancy, he also found time to manage a pub - full time !!
Eventually, something had to give...
'Hope this little bit helps too. (?)
Good Luck with researching your family's dynasty.
Slim
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Hi Chris
I have found details of Thomas Brandon Brett (Hastings 1816) & Henry Brett (Hastings 1820) and their parents and wonder if you are able to verify any of the following for me:
Father is Thomas BRETT born 1788 Hastings, Sussex
Mother is Sarah (possibly Sarah RANGER)
Paternal grandfather is William BRITT born 1755 Bexhill, Sussex
Paternal grandmother is Mary CLEAVER
Siblings are all born in Hastings, Sussex and listed as:
Ann BRITT born 1778
Mary BRITT born 1780
Mercy BRITT born 1781
Elizabeth BRITT born 1782
Richard BRITT born 1783
Susannah BRITT born 1789
John BRITT born 1791
If the above is correct then for some reason Thomas BRITT (father of Thomas Brandon and Henry) changed the spelling of his name from BRITT to BRETT.
Have you any records on your database that match the above?
Many thanks.
Margie
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Margie
Just a bit of info
Thomas Brandon Brett 1816 - 1906
Brett was born in George Street, Hastings in 1816, his father being a smith who was found dead in a fishing boat ten years later. As a result from a very tender age he had to act as the support of his widowed mother and help in the house and the care of his brothers and sisters. When his mother married again, in 1828, he was sent to school at Mr. Neve's in Bourne Street. He had only a year and a half at school before leaving to assist his stepfather, a builder.
In 1831 he became an errand boy in a draper's shop near the Fishmarket for 3½ years at 4s. a week, the hours of business being from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and often later. In his dinner hour he would run home to help the men in the smithy. He learned to mend and make his own clothes. During the cold winter of 1833 he began to write poetry and started the study of music.
From 1837 to 1839 he was in the post office in George Street, rising at 4.20 a.m. to take in the mail and working there till 10.30 at night. His account of this is a most valuable story in our postal history. The kindly old postmaster, Mr. Woods, taught him to knit shawls and make tables and chairs. His tool chest at that time contained a hammer, a chisel without a handle, a broken carving knife, an old plane and a gimlet.
Then in 1839 he set out for America, but the weather was bad; he had an accident and damaged his spine, and so returned to Hastings. That autumn he started a small school on his own near the St. Leonards Archway in Market Terrace. He was a persuasive teacher and took great pains with the boys, and for a time was requested to take charge of the National School, which he carried on concurrently with his own. In 1844 he married.
Then started a new chapter of his life, a more public one. He established the first brass band to play on the Parade in the evenings and on holidays, as well as a string band much in demand for soirees and entertainments. In 1848, with Philip Hook, he helped to establish the St. Leonards Mechanics' Institution, being elected treasurer in 1853, a position which with that of president from 1888 he held for very many years.
He had a great reverence for the power of the press, and acted as correspondent for the Sussex Advertiser from 1839. Then in 1854 he bought his own printing press and started The Penny Press as a monthly. The following year he commenced the St. Leonards & Hastings Gazette, managed entirely by himself. He might be seen in the mornings running up and town the steps of the leading lodging houses, collecting the names of the visitors; later in the day he would compose his leaders, often setting up the type as he thought out the subject. He also took part in the actual machine work of printing, and finally helped to deliver copies to his subscribers.
As a sidelight on his character it might be mentioned that the man he employed from London to teach him printing for a month said at the end of that time: "I have been thinking over the mistakes of my past life and the money I have squandered. Your energy and perseverance have impressed me so much that I am determined to reform for the future ". He returned to London and kept his word.
Many a time Brett was invited to stand for the town council, but he invariably refused, saying: " I am too independent in politics, and too poor in pocket". On the occasion of his Golden wedding he was presented with an illuminated address and a sum of 200 guineas by his fellow townsmen. He died on April 4th, 1906, in his 90th year.
Chris in 1066
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Hi Again Margie
Found these baptisms in the Hastings Baptism Registers
All Saints, 27 Jun 1780, Mary Brett, dau of William & Mary BRETT
All Saints, 01 Aug 1781, Mercy Breet, dau of William & Mary BREET
All Saints, ? July 1783, Richard Brett, son of William & Mary BRETT
All Saints, 31 Dec 1786, William Breet, son of William & Mary BREET
All Saints, 20 Jan 1788, William Breet, son of William & Mary BREET
All Saints, 04 Mar 1789, Susannah Breet, Dau of William & Mary BREET
All Saints, 14 Oct 1791, John Brett, son of William & Mary BRETT
Ore, 21 Apr 1816, Henry Brett, son of William & Mary BRETT, Labourer of St Mary-in-the-Castle Parish.
As you can see, the name was misspelled or written down as it was heard - not necessary a change of surname
Chris in 1066
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Hi again
Sussex Marriage Index seems to confirm your marriages
Location: Hastings St. Clement, East Sussex, Date: 1 May 1777:
Groom: William BRITT
Bride: Mary CLEAVER
Location: Hastings St. Clement, East Sussex, Date: 5 Dec 1815:
Groom: Thomas BRITT
Bride: Sarah RANGER
Chris in 1066
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Hi Chris
Thank you so much for that information and the piece about Thomas Brandon Brett. My GG -Grandfather was nephew of TB Brett and it appears they were similar in many ways. The nephew Henry (b 1843) came to NZ and founded a significant newspaper and publishing firm after beginning as a journalist by rowing out to meet the ships as they arrived from England. He later wrote White Wings which has become a valuable reference for we colonials tracing our families back.
Thank you for your research and time spent detailing the marriage and baptism information which appears to confirm Henry and Thomas Brett's parents as Thomas Britt and Sarah Ranger. I will search further on your 1066 website and SFHG now that I realise the spelling of surnames can differ so much.
A piece on Sir Henry Brett follows fyi..
Kind regards
Margie
Sir Henry BRETT was born and educated at St. Leonard's, Hastings, Sussex on February 23, 1843. He obtained his knowledge of the printing business in the office of his uncle, who was proprietor of the Hastings and St. Leonard's Gazette. Henry arrived in Auckland in September 1862 aboard the 'Hanover', and before going ashore was offered work on a daily newspaper the Southern Cross for £1 a day, as a shipping reporter, and in 1865 transferred to the N.Z. Herald, (Auckland NZ Daily.) After five years he bought an interest in the Evening Star (later named Auckland Star) and this was the start of his career as shipping journalist. He married Mary Moon, daughter of Mr James Moon, in 1864 and they had two sons and three daughters. In 1865 he was transferred in this capacity to the NZ Herald. In 1870 he joined Mr McCullough Reed in founding the Auckland Star, of which he became sole proprietor in 1878. The Star's politics have always been Liberal. Its early success was largely due to the use of carrier pigeons to cope with the then very incomplete telegraphic communication. In 1890 Mr Brett started the New Zealand Graphic, the first illustrated weekly newspaper in Australasia. In the 1880s he moved into the field of book publishing and he produced a number of quarto volumes including A history of Printing In NZ, Life & Times Of Sir George Grey and The Albertlanders. He was Mayor of Auckland in 1877 and 1878, president of the chief musical societies in Auckland, a founder and past president of the New Zealand Press Association, Commissioner for New Zealand at the Paris Exhibition in 1889, and a Commissioner of the New Zealand Exhibition in 1906-7 and the recipient of a knighthood in 1916. He personally collected the information for both volumes of White Wings. As a shipping reporter he was able to talk to captains, crew and passengers as the vessels docked. He wrote both volumes late in his life and died at Rotorua on 29 January 1927 in his 84th year and regrettably did not see White Wings Vol. 2 published in 1928.
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Following on from earlier in this thread I have discovered that after Thomas Brett (father of Henry and Thomas) died about 1827, his wife Sarah remarried and her second husband's name was William Woolgar. Also a blacksmith. They had two children Elizabeth and Jemimah. The 1851 census lists Jemimah Woolgar as resident in her brother William Brett's house which seems to prove the marriage.
Margie
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Hi Brett's. As I have sorted my family as far as I'm willing to spend time.
I was offered a Pastle; for a pound, of a couple of yougsters of about 8-10. This is dated 1964. The offer was because I was interested in it as it was on display in The Mews in the old town of Hastings. The signature is Just Brett???
Anyone know of it or want it for a pound, yours to collect.
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Hi there my name is Vanessa I am currently making a family tree and am finding it very interesting. I have been reading some interesting chats here, particularly by Chris and Margie as I will be a long distant relative of you two as far as what i've read. Sir Henry Brett is my G-G-G Grandad. (Im age 25)
My Grandmother is Patricia Eyre (Married name) and her fathers name is Ernest Brett married to Beryl, there is a missing anstesters name Im trying to find out between Ernest (G Greatfather) and Henry Brett (G-G-G grandfather). So im trying to find out my G-G Grandfathers name. My Dad I just rang up before said he will look through the ancestry papers for me, I told him the names provided my Margie. He did say it may have been Arthur but he cant remember.
If you know the missing link and who he is married to please let me know.
Kind Regards,
Vanessa :)
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Hello Vanessa
The missing link you need is Alfred Hallowes Brett.
His tree is:
Alfred Hallowes Brett, born 19/10/1874, died 16/05/1960
Married Laura Louise Bailey
children Ernest Brett 1898-1960
Alfred Charles Brett 1902-1924
Elsie Mary Brett 1904-1962
Percy Hallowes Denton Brett 1905-1988
Emily Elizabeth Brett 1907-1982
Then married Laura’s sister after she died
married Elsie Christina Bailey
children Marjorie Laura Jane Brett 1919-2012
Ernest married Beryl Emily Bayly and the rest you know. You must be either Martin or Philips daughter and yes we are cousins several times removed.
The name Hallowes was the surname of Sir Henry Brett's mother.
Happy researching.
Margie
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Wow Margie you know your stuff. Yes I am Phillips Eyres youngest daughter. I have updated my heritage tree now. I will keep in contact with you if there are any other questions I have. Henry Bretts father is Thomas Britt and Thomas father is William Britt, have I got this in the correct order?
Thankyou so much
Vanessa
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Hi Vanessa
Sir Henry Brett's father was Henry Brett. Thomas was his uncle and another Thomas his grandfather.
William Brett was his G-grandfather.
Henry Brett the father had two marriage - first to Mary Elizabeth Hallowes and then to Jazer Harriet Wallis with many children!
Thomas Brett the uncle had a huge impact on his life and you can read about Thomas the uncle in the posts above.
Margie