Reeves, James

Summary

Father: Joseph Reeves
Mother: Sophia Sturton

Birth: 3 Oct 1820, Kent
Birth Source: Baptism, Census

Death: 17 Jun 1870, Waltham Abbey, Essex
Death Source: Probate Calendar

Spouse1: Mary Ann

Narrative

Children of James Reeves and Mary Ann:

1. Jemima Reeves, b. c1844, m. Otho Powell
2. James Reeves, b. c1845
3. Sturton Joseph Reeves, b. 16 Dec 1846
4. Emma Sophia Reeves, b. 30 Apr 1851, bu. 9 Aug 1854
5. Louisa Harriet Reeves, b. 26 Jan 1853

One of the census records indicates James was born at East Wickham, Kent while the other appears to state Woolwich, not far from East Wickham. Given the appearance of the names Joseph and Sophia among his children, this appears to be a solid match to the following baptism from East Wickham, St. Michael in Kent. There were also baptisms for sisters named Jemima and Louisa from East Wickham which further aid this identification.

• (1820) Novr 5th. James (son of) Joseph & Sophia Reeves born 3rd Octr 1820 (of) East Wickham Labourer (by) A K Thomas

In 1841, James was living in the household of Edward Rapley, a lawyer, in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

In 1851, James was living in Waltham Abbey, Essex, a laborer, age 29, born in Woolwich?, Kent. With him are wife Mary Ann (32), and children "Jemami" (7), James (6), and Sturton (4).

In 1861, he was living in Waltham Holy Cross, Essex, a worker in a factory, age 40. This census states he was born in East Wickham, Kent. With him are wife Mary A. (42) and children Jemima A. (17), James (16), Sturton (14), and Louisa H. (8).

On the 1871 census, Mary Ann Reeves, age 52, was head of household, living in Waltham Holy Cross, Essex with her children James (26) and Louisa H. (18).

Essex Halfpenny Newsman, 18 Jun 1870

GUNPOWDER EXPLOSION AT WALTHAM ABBEY.
TWO MEN KILLED AND NINE WOUNDED.
On Thursday, shortly before noon, an explosion took place at the Royal Gunpowder Works, Waltham Abbey, which resulted in the instant death of two men, and serious if not fatal injuries to many others.
...
Two others, John Ward and James Reeves, senior, foreman of the press-house, and who had seen 39 years' service on the premises, are now lying in a very dangerous state, their injuries being of such a character that not the slightest hopes are entertained of their recovery.
Among the others that at present can be ascertained to have received serious injuries are...James Reeves, junior, Sturdon Reeves,...

From the National Probate Calendar:
(1871) REEVES James. Effects under £450. 11 September. Administration (with the Will) of the effects of James Reeves late of Waltham Abbey in the County of Essex Foreman of Labourers at the Powder Mills at Waltham Abbey who died 17 June 1870 at Waltham Abbey was granted at the Principal Registry to Mary Ann Reeves of 1 Highbridge-street Waltham Abbey Widow the Relict the Universal Legatee.

Research Notes

Sources

Baptism:    East Wickham, St. Michael, Kent Parish Register 1813-1860, PA290B/1/B/1
Death:        England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 (Ancestry)

1841 Census:  HO107, Piece 341, Book 6, Folio 7, Page 8
1851 Census:  HO107, Piece 1704, Folio 25 reverse, Page 43, Schedule 156
1861 Census:  RG09, Piece 801, Folio 25 reverse, Page 44, Schedule 269
1871 Census:  RG10, Piece 1346, Folio 20 reverse, Page 34, Schedule 170 (Mary Ann HOH)

Essex Halfpenny Newsman, 18 Jun 1870