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, and sent to an orphanage-like 'day school' - similar to a training school. He played the violin (which he called a 'fiddle'). He was 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, first, to Ellen Townsend (born ca 1842, Stroud Water, Gloucester). She was a laundress - and after her death by heart-attack while washing over a wooden tub, William married a widow, from Stroud, Gloucester, named Hobbs (Ellen?). She had a daughter, named Annie, from the former marriage who subsequently married a Mr. Pledger. Winnie Pledger (their daughter) 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).
{An Ellen Townsend married a James Hobbs, 11 August, 1861, Minchinhampton, Gloucester. It's not known if there is a connection with the above information. Another unknown but possible connection is that - there was an Ellen Hobbes who married a William King, 17 August, 1868, Minchinhampton (she is 36 and he is aged 27).}
The children of William Webb-King and Ellen Townsend were:
1. Fanny King - born ca 1871, Essendon, Hertfordshire - 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/).
2. Francis (Frank) King - born 25 February, 1873, Widford, Herts - married Lilian Maria Austin 11 April, 1899, Edmonton (Greater London)
3. Ellen (Nell) King - born ca 1876, Widford, Herts
4. Sarah King - born ca 1878, Widford, Herts - was a greengrocer in Worthing, Sussex. (she had red hair)
5. 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
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