Spurrells of Devon

[Lesley Mc]

Hi,  I'm trying to trace any information on my Great Grandmother Louisa Spurrell born 1865 Plymouth Devon. I don't hold out much hope as I've been on the trail for years!  However,  I discovered recently I have a DNA link with a Candace Maxine Spurrell 1929,  who's father was Joseph James Spurrell 1892  Plymouth,  his father being James Spurrell 1861 Plymouth.  I don't know how my Great Grandmother fits into this story but the DNA link is the most solid info I have to date.  I would be interested to know of any direct descendants of James Spurrell 1861 (I believe he died in the USA).  I know a little bit about him,  but it would be helpful if I could find more genetic links with him or anyone else for that matter.  I've tried reaching out to Candace's family,  to no avail.  Many thanks!

[Girl Guide]

According to the birth records James was illegitimate:-

SPURRELL, JAMES       - 
GRO Reference: 1861  S Quarter in PLYMOUTH  Volume 05B  Page 238

This is assuming that this is the James that you have referred to.

[jorose]

Hi there and welcome to Rootschat!

So, here is James Spurrell born 1861 Plymouth at familysearch (incorrectly listed here as 1860)
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LT6D-G8F

It is indicated that he was the son of Mary Spurrell (no father given), and he is listed in 1871 as the grandson of John and Elizabeth Spurrell (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VFJ4-9QV ).

A possibly interesting point looking around this family.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V5RH-JC7 shows a Harriet L (Louisa) Greaves as niece with Agnes (nee Spurrell) and husband in 1871.  Agnes was the sister of Mary Spurrell, and therefore also aunt to James.

She is baptised as daughter of Reuben Greaves and wife Mary - could this be the same Mary, mother of James? Not baptised until nearly 18 months of age.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939N-QG8P-K?i=346&cc=1804330

I can't find any marriage for her to a Greaves, possibly out of area as Reuben appears to have been military, or she was never married and this was a little bit of fiction (hence Louisa reverting to Spurrell later in life).

[Lesley Mc]

OOh thank you!  My Great Grandmother's name was (apparently) Louisa Harriet Spurrell..  you have given me lots to think about and investigate!  Thank you so much.  Off I go! x

[Lesley Mc]

Thank you both for your replies.  Very much appreciated!  I find it all so confusing and difficult.  So many threads - but I will keep chipping away.  I found it encouraging to discover that I do have a genetic link to the Spurrells who emmigrated to the States,  that is Joseph James Spurrell.  Apparently his father was James Spurrell 1861,  mother Mary Spurrell.  I am investigating the possible Greaves connection, but can find little about Reuben Greaves and his daughter Harriet Louisa.   

[amondg]

Following on from Jorose

John Spurrell married Elizabeth Oxenham 23 October 1836 at Stoke Damerel
children
Samuel circa 1837
Agnes 1838 reg. Tavistock mmn Oxenham
Mary 1840   reg. Tavistock mmn Oxman
Patience 1842  reg. Tavistock mmn Oxenham
Female no name given 1844  reg. Tavistock mmn Oxenham
------------------
His wife Elizbeth dies 1845 age 33.
------------------
1841 census Samford Spring- Church House (ages rounded)
John Spurrell  25  Ag lab
Elizabeth   29
Samuel 4
Agnes 2
Mary 6 months.
--------------------
1851 Stoke Damerel
*Mary is age 11 born 1840 Sandford (sp)
Niece of Agnes Hall age 45 born Peter Tavy Devon - Eating House Keeper
------------------------
1851 Walkhampton
John Spurrell 71
John  Spurrell 35*
John Hocking Spurrell 15 Grand son (is this Samuel 1841)
Agnes 12 Grand daughter
Patience 9 Grand daughter
Alice Andrews  68 sister
------------------
John Spurrell age 35 marries 2nd Elizabeth Deacon age 45 1852 Tavistock. His father John Spurrell her father Edward Deacon.
-----------------

Then to 1871 John 55, Elizabeth 54, James Spurrell Grandson 9*

[Mabel Bagshawe]

The baptism has Reuben as an artilleryman. This might be a related Chelsea record

Reuben Greaves
Rank    Private
Pension Age    23
Birth Date    abt 1842
Birth Place    Coppstell Birg, Stockport, Cheshire  [think this is Compstall]
pension date    19 Sep 1865
Regiment    69th Foot F98733 Aldershot

There's a Reuben Greaves in a court martial in 1868 - but he's in the 51st Foot

Images are on Fold3 so I can;t access them

A Reuben Greaves then earns a medal for service in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-80)

I can't find any trace otherwise

[Lesley Mc]

I'm amazed at how helpful you have all been.  Thank you.  It seems awful coincidental that that this Harriett Louisa Greaves (born 1865 in Plymouth!) lived with her aunt who was a Spurrell, and then took her name.  I don't have a birth certificate for my great grandmother but do have her Death Cert.   Even more confusion because it states that her father was Francis Spurrell (journalist  and mother  Alice.  Oh dear.  She was quite an enigmatic character, although fascinating and incredibly kind, so maybe a lot of what is written on her death cert. is speculation?  Wedding cert - father James Spurrell soldier deceased.  Mother Mary Spurrell, nee Smith deceased.    I think back then women who became pregnant out of wedlock were so disgraced that the child often lived with relatives.  I may never know for sure who or where she hailed from but I will continue to search.  In the meantime,  if anyone can shed any more light on things please feel free!   

[amondg]

Sent 3 personal messages as relatives my be living.