Surname Pretty in Halstead

[TPret]

Hello all,

Is anyone else researching the Pretty family from Halstead, Essex?  In particular, William Henry (I believe he went by Henry) b. 1836 in Halstead, married Sarah Porter, b.1835 in Halstead, and married 1855 in Halstead.  They had at least 4 children, Julia (1855), Louisa (1860), Thomas (1864) and Henry (1867), all born in Halstead.  They all (except Wm Henry) immigrated to Canada between 1880-1885, I'm assuming after his death.

What I'm desperately seeking, is information and confirmation on William Henry's parents.  I've found a possibility or two, but I just can't confirm anything. I'm stumped!

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Terri

[suffolk*sue]

According to the marriage Henrys father was John Kemp Pretty a baker.


found this baptism

Henry John Pretty
April 5th, 1836
son of Mary
no father mentioned.


Henry John K Pretty died in 1867 in the Halstead registration district.

[TPret]

Hi "Sue"

You found the marriage??  All I'd been able to find was the index, so no other names were mentioned.     I had not seen the baptism you mentioned either, but it sure sounds like it might be him.  Thank you so much!  May I ask where you found these gems??

[suffolk*sue]

http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk/

I found the death on free BMD but I could not find his burial in the two main Halstead churches.

Holy Trinity, Halstead

February 18th, 1855
Henry Pretty, bach, clock in factory, father as said
Sarah Porter, spin, weaver, father George Porter, labourer
both of full age
witnesses
Frederick Hawkes
Elizabeth Porter

[suffolk*sue]

In Halstead in 1841 there is a John Kemp, occupation baker. on to 1851 and the same chap is a town crier.

[TPret]

I can't thank you enough for this!  This is fantastic.  The fact that Frederick Hawkes was a witness to the marriage is all the confirmation I need to put the pieces together.
I've been driving myself crazy with this for months, I wish I had asked this question earlier.  I had my answer in 5 minutes!
THANK YOU!!!

Terri

[suffolk*sue]

Have you got Henrys mothers marriage, as it looks like she married Frederick Hawkes, if not will post details.

[TPret]

I just found that, thanks.  I'd seen all of that before, but could never verify if that's where Henry fit in.  Mary Ann's marriage says her fathers name was Robert, no surname.  Should I assume that Pretty is Mary's maiden name, and not married name?  (Henry born out of wedlock?)

[suffolk*sue]

Mary is a spinster on the marriage so yes Henry born out of wedlock and a good bet that Mr, Kemp the baker is his father, but proving it might be difficult.

It looks like the Lydia Pretty listed with the family in the census is probably Marys mother.