Have you spied a Birdie in Funnell’s Wood?
Jul 15th, 2008 by VivGardner
I recently came across this wonderful website and immediately entered the wood in search of a very rare species, my great grandmother, Birdie Mary Funnell.
Birdie Mary married my great grandfather, Henry William Stagg, on 1st May 1880 at St Simon’s Church, Southsea.
Their marriage certificate gives her age as 19, a spinster. Her father is Alfred James Funnell, tradesman. The marriage was witnessed by Francis Diment and Sophia Stagg (Henry’s sister).
Henry, a batchelor aged 25, was a butler residing at Kensington Palace.
A year after their marriage in April 1881, when my grandfather was born, they were living at 102 Oakley Street, Lambeth and Henry William had become a fishmonger.
1891 sees them at Tyrell Road, Camberwell with three children and Henry is now a civil servant.
1901 they are still in the same district at Pellatt Road, now with five children and Henry William still in the same job.
The children were: Henry Francis Victor Stagg (b.1881)(my grandfather)
Ethel Birdie Stagg (b.1883)
Valentine Herbert C. Stagg (b.1888)
William George V. (b.1893)
Jack Vernon F. (b.1901)
I was intrigued by the name “Birdie” and thought it would be easy to track down her birth record. Not so.
There is, however, a Mary Jane Funnell, born to Alfred Funnell and Fanny Funnell (formerly Thorpe) in Portsea on 4th November 1860 and I feel sure this must be her.
If it is, why did she become “Birdie”? Was she very small in stature, i.e. bird-like or perhaps she had a wonderful singing voice?
Has anyone else heard her singing in the wood?
I’d love to know.
I am Vivienne Christina Gardner (nee Stagg).
Can’t make your Birdie fly but I have some info on Mary Jane and her family.
Her parent’s marriage is registered in the June quarter 1859 at Portsea, 2b 638, Alfred Funnell and Fanny Thorpe. There is a birth and death registered for an Alfred James Funnell in the first quarter of 1860 at Portsea Island (2b 273 and 2b 399) which could be an unfortunate first child.
The 1861 census information shows this family at 2, Pafoots Court, Portsea with Mary Jane Funnell (5 months), Ellen (3) and Fanny Thorpe (6), probably two illegitimate daughters. Alfred is a bootmaker born in Brighton. Frances (Fanny) a seamstress born in Chichester.
Class RG9 Piece 636 Folio 105 GSU 542675
In 1871, the family is back in Brighton at 16, Frederick Street. Alfred’s occupation is given as Cordwainer. Mary Jane is 11. Also listed are Emily (8), Elizabeth (6), Alice (4) and Kate (1).
RG10 Piece 1082 Folio 128 Page 7 GSU 827499
In ten years, 3 more daughters are born: The 1881 census lists Rosina (9), Minni (7) and Charlina (2) plus Kate (11) living with parents at 52 Viaduct Road, Brighton (civil parish of Preston, district Steyning). Alfred is a Bootmaker again. Frances and Alfred are both said to be 46.
RG11 Piece 1100 Folio 35 Page 8 GSU 1341259
Rosina is a domestic servant to the Bourdas family of Streatham, Clapham Common in 1891* and married to John Funnell in 1901*, son of Joseph J. from Brighton. (* Census info only)
In 1891, Alfred (55) and Frances (54) are living at 3 Fountain Street, Streatham. Alfred is listed as a Cordwainer.
RG12 Piece 459 Folio 83 Page 5 GSU 6095569
It’s interesting to note that this address is not too far from at least 2 daughters.
Alfred first appears in the 1841 census, aged 7 living at 4, Boyce’s Street, Brighthelmstone (now Brighton). His parents are Charles Funnell, 48, Shoemaker, and Elenor, 46, (sometimes Ellen or Helen). Amongst their children are Edward (19), George (16), James (14), Sarah (12), Nemiah (10), Mary (8) and William (3).
Class HO107 Piece 1122 Book 3 Enumeration district 4 Folio 29 Page 5 Line 21, GSU 464166
The gap between the father’s age and the eldest child suggests there may be elder siblings who have left home. A possible marriage is Charles Funnell and Helen Haselgrove, Brighton, 24th October 1814 (Sussex Marriage Index).
In 1851, the family is living at 7, South Street, Brighthelmstone. Charles and Elenor are aged respectively 56 and 54. Alfred is 15, a shoemaker living with parents and siblings Mary and William.
HO 107 Piece 1646 Folio 117 Page 49 GSU 193551
In 1861, Charles and Ellen are 2, Kent Street, Brighton with daughter Sarah (31). Charles is still listed listed “boot and shoe maker”.
RG9 Piece 600 Folio 9 Page 11 GSU 542669
In 1871, only Charles (80) and Sarah (40), “housekeeper” are left at this address.
RG10 Piece 1086 Folio 35 Page 20 GSU 827501
You will have guessed by now that Alfred’s elder brother, Edward Funnell, made the world’s smallest watch (see story).
Unfortunately, the 1841 census only gave “Sussex” as the birthplace for Charles and Elenor. Anyone ?
In order not to lead Viv along the wrong branch -
Rosina Ann Funnell is not the Rosina married to John Funnell on the 1901 Census. This is Rosina Elvina Turner married 1895 Dec qtr Brighton ref 2b 432.
Not sure on a marriage for Rosina Ann - however - a Rosina A. Funnell did marry a James Longhurst 1919 June qtr Lewisham ref 1d 2457 but this would make Rosina 47 - quite possible since I can’t find a death for her as a Funnell.
Alfred’s older brothers not mentioned may have been Charles bap 2 Jan 1816 St. Nicholas, Brighton and John bap 22 March 1818 also at St Nicholas’ Church - parents are Charles/Eleanor Funnell - source IGI.
On closer inspection of the Census Return 1841 Nemiah Funnell aged 10 actually reads as Harriet - Ancestry doesn’t always transcibe accurately!
Hope this helps
Wendy Russell nee Funnell - back from the great beyond!
Wow! Now, that’s a comeback.
Welcome home, Wendy!