Introduction
This study contains information gathered from the census and birth, marriage and death records. It is provided as a useful source of reference for students of Q and his family.
The material presented here focuses on Dr Jonathan Couch, Q’s grandfather, and his descendants from his three marriages. Researched and written by Jane Prince, it accompanies the article on The Forebears of Jonathan Couch by Andrew Symons.
Further information on Jonathan Couch is available in the biography Jonathan Couch, which summarises the main events of his life, and in the study The Medical Training of Jonathan Couch, which explores the scientific context in which he worked.
Dr Jonathan Couch
Parents: Richard Couch and Philippa Minards
Born: Talland 15/3/1789
Died: Polperro, Lansallos 13/4/1870
Census records
1841: Jonathan Couch 50 Surgeon Apothecary
Jane 50 wife
Richard 25 Surgeon Apothecary
Margaret 24 daughter
Jonathan 21 son
Thomas 15 "
John 11
also Mary Pritchard aged 5
and ? Oakly, 25, servant? [illegible]
1851: Jonathan 62 Surgeon Apothecary
Jane 60 wife
Margaret Q. 33 Daughter
Thomas Q. 24 Student in Medicine
John Q. 20 Student
Jonathan 30
1861: Jonathan Couch head 72 Medical Practitioner (general)
Sarah Lander Couch 24 wife
Bertha Couch daughter 7 months
Margaret Steed 34 servant of all work
First Marriage of Jonathan Couch: Jane Prynn Rundle
Marriage: 14/8/1810 South Hill, Cornwall
Jane Prynn Rundle
First wife of Jonathan Couch
Also known as Jenny
Baptised: 13/8/1792
Parents: Edward and Jane Rundle of Talland (source Pallot)
Died: in childbirth 14 Oct 1810 * Jane Rundle Couch
Jane Rundle Couch
Daughter of Jonathan Couch and Jane Prynn Couch (Jane Prynn Rundle)
Born: 5/10/1810*
Baptised: 17/11/1811 Talland
Died:1891
(Actual birth record Jane Rundle Couch, also death record for Jane Prynn Couch not found.17/11/1811 date for baptism found)
* (Dates Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch pp. 2224)
Married: 9/7/1832 at Lansallos, Peter Hitchens, gentleman farmer of Tregew (Tregue), Llansallos
There were six children from this marriage, three of whom died young.
Their son Richard Couch Hitchens was born 2/10/1832 at Tregew, Lansallos in the presence of Jonathan Couch, surgeon and Hannah Hitchens. Baptism 4/11/1832 at Tregew.
(Source: Non-conformist register 9/4/1833)
They had five daughters:
Jane Rundle Hitchens b. 9/7/1834 * bp. 5/9/1834 d.1847*
Mary Elizabeth 22/8/1836 * bp. 22/12/1836 d. 1853*
Hannah b. 20/4/1839 m. Joseph Clark (who was in Valparaiso in 1865), d.1914 *
Sarah Ann b. 9/7/1841*
Rebecca c.1845 d. 1897
Between 1839 and 1841 Peter Hitchens and family moved to Brenchley, Kent where he was farming. The last two daughters were born there.
Peter Hitchens died 20/5/1846* tuberculosis. He seems to have been quite well off. His will leaves everything in trust to his wife Jane Rundle Hitchens and the children in equal shares, the children to receive their portions at the age of 25, except that he leaves £50 to fund his son Richard Couch Hitchens in whatever trade or profession he chooses to follow. His property etc. all to be sold and the money invested in public funds for the maintenance of his wife and children. His executors are his brother William Hitchens, of Lansallos and William Rundle, surgeon, of Southwark, London.
(Source Prerogative Court of Canterbury. *Date: Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch)
Jane Rundle Hitchins moved back to Polperro 19/8/1848.* (p. 116)
Richard Couch Hitchens
Only son of Jane Rundle Couch and Peter Hitchens
He decided on the Merchant Navy and gained his Second Mate's certificate from the Board of Trade on 19/6/1854 and First Mate on 11/12/1857.
Sailed for Valparaiso July 8 1848 on Canopus. Master his uncle Richard Rowett. *
Marriage record not found but had a son, Richard Hitchens, who was born in 1865in Port Louis, Mauritius (British Subject). See 1881 census below.
Also had another child *
Richard Couch Hitchens died 4/1867 of Yellow fever in Mauritius.*
* Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch
1851 Census: Polperro
Jane Hitchens described as School Housekeeper
Mary 16; Hannah; Sarah born Brenchley; Rebecca born Brenchley – daughters, scholars.
1861 Census: Talland
Jane Hitchens, Head, Fundholder
Rebecca daughter 16
Jonathan Couch, 40, Boarder, b Lansallos (son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller Couch)
1871 Census
Jane Hitchens, Head, Annuitant 40
Rebecca Daughter 24
Rebecca married Richard Congdon, Blacksmith c.1873
1881 Census: Lansallos Street Polperro
Richard Congdon, Head, 31 Blacksmith
Rebecca, wife 34
Herbert son 7
William son 6
Rundle son 1
Also Jane Hitchens, mother-in-law,
Richard Hitchens, 16, scholar b. Port Louis, Mauritius, British Subject
1883 City and County Directories: Polperro
Jane Rundle Hitchens (Mrs) Shopkeeper (Drapers)
1891 Census: Ivy Cottage, Polperro, Lansallos
Richard Congdon Head, Blacksmith 42
Rebecca wife 45
Herbert son 17 Blacksmith
William son 16 draper
Rundle son 11 scholar
Mary dau. 6 scholar
Jane Hitchens mother-in-law, on own means
Fred Rody, 20, Apprentice Blacksmith
Jane Rundle Hitchens died last quarter 1891
Second Marriage of Jonathan Couch: Jane Quiller
Marriage: 12/6/1815 Polperro
Jane Quiller Couch
Second wife of Jonathan Couch
Born: 23/9/1790*
Baptised: 10/1790 (Parents: Richard and Mary Quillersource Pallot) (*Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch p.101. )
Died: 3rd quarter 1857 (Civil Reg index ) d. 6/9/1857 Buried 10/9*
Children of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller Couch:
Richard Quiller C; Margaret Quiller C; John C; Jonathan C; Thomas Quiller C; John Quiller C.
Margaret Quiller Couch
Daughter of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller
Born: 5/6/1817 *
Lived at home. See 1841, 1851 census for Jonathan Couch
Died: 26/1/1858* (On Civil Reg Index 1st quarter 1858) Buried Mabel Burrow, Lansallos, (Methodist Cemetery) Jan 28 * Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch.
John Quiller Couch
Second son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller
Born: 13/12/1818
Died: 11/12/1826
Jonathan Quiller Couch
Third son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller
Born: 28/8/1820
Baptised: 25/11/1820
Died: 1897
(described on various census records as 'idiot from birth' and 'imbecile' but was not institutionalised. According to Q was epileptic as child; of gentle disposition; in West Country terms 'not exactly' —Memories & Opinions)
Jonathan lived at home or with relatives all his life:
1841 Census
Jonathan Couch, Head, 50 Surgeon Apothecary
Jane, 50, wife
Richard 25, Surgeon Apothecary
Margaret daughter 24
Jonathan 21
Thomas 15
John 11
also Mary Pritchard 5
? Oakly? 25 Servant?
1851 Census
Jonathan Couch, Head, 62 Surgeon Apothecary
Jane, wife, 60
Margaret Q. daughter 33
Thomas Q. Student in medicine
John Q. 20 Student
Jonathan 30 4
6/9/1857 Jane Quiller Couch died followed by Margaret 26/1/1858 and marriage to Sarah Lander Roose on 23/10/1858
1861 Census
Jonathan is a Boarder in the house of his half-sister Jane Rundle Hitchens together with her youngest daughter, Rebecca.
1871 Census: Lansallos Street, Polperro
Jonathan is a boarder with Sarah Lander Couch's mother:
Elizabeth Roose, Head, Housekeeper, 60, widow – Naval [illegible] widow
Jonathan Couch, Boarder, son of a surgeon, imbecile
Sarah Roose Couch, 9, granddaughter
(Note: This solves the mystery of where Sarah Roose Couch was at time of census—see Bertha Couch study)
1881 Census
Jonathan is boarder in house of Thomas Braddon, Lansallos Street, next door to Jane Rundle Hitchens who was living in her son-in-law's household
Described as Jonathan Couch, Boarder, 66 'idiot from birth'
1891 Census: Lansallos Street, Polperro
Thomas Braddon, Head, 53, Tailor
Fanny, wife 52 *
Alfred,son, 25, Butcher
Fanny Roose, daughter, 22 schoolmistress
Ernest Albert son 19 Butcher
Susan Grace H. daughter 15
Nathaniel son 13 school
Jonathan Couch 70 boarder
( * Fanny Braddon nee Roose was Sarah Lander Couch's sister)
Jonathan died1st quarter of 1897
Dr Richard Quiller Couch
Eldest son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller
Born: c.1816 Polperro (records not found) Died: 8/5/1863
Marriage: to Lydia Penneck Pearce 25/6/1853 at Penzance, St Mary (Parents Richard and Sarah Pearce)
Children: Maria Jane, Sarah Lydia, Richard Pearce, Margaret Quiller
1841 Census: see father Jonathan Couch
1844: 19/3/1844 arrived Penzance.* (* Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch)
1851 Census: at Chapel St., Penzance
1861 Census: 37 Chapel St. Penzance
Richard Couch, Head, 44, Surgeon Gen. Practitioner
Lydia P. wife 34
Maria J. Daughter 7 scholar
Sarah L. dau. 5 scholar
Richard P. son 3 at home
Margaret Q. dau. 1 at home
Mary Weymouth? 18 servant—nurse born Ireland
Elizabeth Nicholls 19 Cook Born Gwennap Cornwall
Died: 8/5/1863
Probate granted to Lydia Penneck Couch 29/5/1863 at Bodmin (effects under £3,000)
Lydia Penneck Couch née Pearce
Wife of Dr Richard Quiller Couch
Born: Penzance 1827 bp 9/8/1827
Married: 25/6/1853 as above. Father, Richard Pearce described on certificate as 'gentleman'
Brought up Penzance Chapel Street. On 1841 and 1851 census with parents and sister, Maria, only sibling.
After death of Richard Quiller Couch, Lydia remained in Chapel Street
1871 Census: 23 Chapel Street
Lydia Penneck Couch, Head Widow Annuitant
Maria J. dau. 16 scholar
Sarah Lydia dau. 15 scholar
Margaret Q. dau. 11 scholar
Richard P. son 12 scholar
Ann M. Hayward Governess 58 born Surrey
Mary Grenfell 42 servant
Elizabeth Heyworth [illegible] Servant 28 born Staffs.
1881 Census: 21 Chapel Street
Lydia P. Couch Head 53 widow of surgeon
Maria J. dau. Unmarried 26
Sarah L. " " 25
ichard P. son " 22 merchant
Margaret Q. dau. " 21
Eliza Thomas Housemaid 26 born Porthleven
Amelia Glasson 26 Cook born Morvah
1891 Census: 21 Chapel Street
Lydia P. Couch Head W. 62 living on own means
Richard P. son single 31 Timber Merchant
Maria J. dau. 36 s.
Sarah L. dau. 35 s.
Margaret Q. dau. 20 s.
Maria Stenn? Age 4 visitor born Redruth
Elizabeth Bennett cook born Ludgvan
Lydia Penneck Couch died: last quarter 1894
Children of Dr Richard Quiller Couch and Lydia Penneck Couch
Maria Jane Quiller Couch
Born: 28/5/1854 * bp. 25/6/1854 St Mary Penzance
Sarah Lydia Quiller Couch
Born: 21/3/1856* bp. 6/5/1856 Madron Penzance
Margaret Quiller Couch
Born: 1/1/1860 bp. 13/5/1860
(* Dates: Private Memoirs Jonathan Couch p.125)
After the death of their mother Lydia Penneck Couch they remained in Penzance and looked after their uncle John Quiller Couchwho lived at 10 Chapel Street.
1901 Census: 21 Chapel Street
Richard P. Couch Head single Importer and Merchant
Maria J.
Sarah L.
Margaret Q.
Grace Glasson Cook 28
Annie Thomas 23 Housemaid
After the death of their uncle John Quiller Couch, from whom they inherited some money, and the marriage of their brother Richard Pearce Couch, the three sisters moved to West Looe.
1911 Census: North Rd. West Looe
Maria J. Couch Head 63 single private means
Sarah L. sister 58 [error] single "
Margaret Q. sister 55 single "
Lily Whell 19 cook born Launceston
Irene Shentlebury Housemaid born Looe
Maria and Sarah died within a few months of each other:
Sarah died18/8/1920 of Sea View Looe Probate 22/11 to Margaret Q. C. £4,390 0s 11d
Maria died 10/1920 at Sea View Looe probate to Margaret Q. C. £6,002 14s 17d
7
Margaret Quiller Couch died 5/5/ 1933
Probate 14/6/1933 Bodmin to 'the Reverend William Slyman Picken, clerk Julia Grigg (wife of John Albert Grigg) and Charles Edgcombe Venning solicitor' Effects: £16, 964 11s 10d
( Note: Margaret left a large amount to the R.N.L.I which funded a life boat for Coverack. Launched by Q; Also there is a monument to her inscribed as 'a cousin of Sir Arthur Quiller Couch' which is carved by Violet Pinwill—famous lady ecclesiastical wood carver who also did the pew ends: church of St Martin by Looe)
Richard Pearce Couch
Son of Dr Richard Quiller Couch and Lydia Penneck Couch
Born: 7/1858 Penzance
Died: 12/1913
Mayor of Penzance: 1898–1899 (photo Morrab Library photo archive)
Married: by licence on 30/4/1906 at Kew Parish Church, Surrey, aged 47 to
Beatrice Helena John,29, spinster, no occupation of Brunswick Lodge, 9 Kew Gardens, Kew, Surrey, daughter of Edward William John, solicitor (Inland Revenue)
Witnesses W.K. John & Rowland Powell
Daughter: Dorothy Gertrude Penneck Couch
Born: 11/2/1907 at Penzance
1911 Census: Rose-an-Down, Penzance (10 rooms)
Richard Pearce Couch Head of household, 50
Susan Thomas 58 Cook born Stithians
Abraham Thomas 63 husband of Susan worker at sawmill
Beatrice H. Couch (34) visiting her sister Wilmot Constance John, single, private means at Walmer, Kent. House with 10 rooms & several people there including various with German names. With her was R.P.C.'s and Beatrice's daughter Dorothy aged 4.
Richard Pearce Couch died 12/1913
Dorothy Gertrude Penneck Couch
Daughter of Richard Pearce Couch and Beatrice Helena John
Married: Fritz Carl Langer 10/1934 Penzance
Fritz Carl Langer
Born: 15/6/1905 Herne, Germany
Merchant, living in Java, Indonesia
Dorothy and Fritz Langer had two children:
Dorette E. Langer
Born: 17/7/1935
Died 1st Q 1940 age 4
Richard John Penneck Langer
Born: 19/12/1937
1939 register
Beatrice H Couch widow d.o.b. 26/6/1876
18 Marine Terrace, Penzance
Managing Partner of Hotel
Fritz Carl Langer, d.o.b. 15/6/1905 Herne Germany Assistant Manager Mounts Bay Hotel
Married to Dorothy Gertrude P. Langer d.o.b. 11/2/07 boarding house proprietress plus children as above
Enemy Aliens:
Dorothy Gertrude Penneck Langer German citizen
Police reg. Cert. No 675039 Home Office ref. L1356
Exempted from internment 21/10/39
Now naturalised British Subject date 24/4/40
Domestic duties in Boarding House
Fritz Carl Langer
Police cert: 503873
Interned circular 21.6.40
Released cat. 12 7/10/40
Normal occupation Merchant – present assistant in mother-in-law's hotel business Mounts Bay Hotel
The family changed their name to Penneck: Dorothy 27/5/1943 Richard 7/7/43.
Fritz Carl Langer became Frederick Edgar Penneck
Beatrice H. Couch
Died: 7/11/1960 West Cornwall Hospital
Probate: 3/2/1961 : Dorothy Gertrude Penneck wife of Frederick Edgar Penneck
Dorothy G Penneck
Died: 1970
Frederick Edgar Penneck
Originally known as Fritz Carl Langer
Remarried: 1st Q 1974 Linda M. M. Schalhorn at Penzance
Died: 9/3/1984
Richard J. P. Penneck
Married: Jeanette UREN, third quarter 1962, Penzance
Died: 1/1/2001, Cirencester, Glos.
Dr John Quiller Couch
Son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller
Born: 12/11/1830
Died: 6/11/1900
1841 and 1851 Census
Living in Polperro with Jonathan Couch
1858–1900 lived at 10 Chapel Street Penzance
Probate Calendar
24/8/1900 probate to Richard Pearce Couch Merchant, William Edgecumbe retired farmer & Mary Quiller Edgecumbe wife £17, 055 3s 2d
(Note: Will subject of court case)
Dr Thomas Quiller Couch
Son of Jonathan Couch and Jane Quiller, father of Arthur Quiller-Couch
Born: 28/5/1826 bp. 28/9/1826 Wesleyan chapel Polperro
Died: 1884
Married: Mary Ford Ist Q 1863 Newton Abbot
Mary Ford
Born: c.1842 Highweek, Newton Abbot
Daughter of Elias Ford born c.1813 Abbotskerwell and Theophilia Ford née Clarke born c.1806 daughter of draper. Elias Ford was grocer and tea dealer at Highweek.
The family moved to Home Farm, Abbotskerwell between 1861 and 1871, when Elias Ford became a farmer. Mary Ford now Couch is on 1871 census as visiting there.
Theophilia Ford died 10/1883
Elias Ford moved to Wolborough, Newton Abbot. On 1891 census Florence Mabel Quiller Couch 25 was visiting at the time.
Elias Ford died last quarter 1892 at Wolborough.
1841 and 1851 Census: as for Jonathan Couch father
1855: 14/5/1855 left Polperro to join extensive medical practice of John Ward as assistant.*
(*Private Memoirs of Jonathan Couch p.128)
1861 Census
Thomas Q. C. at Fore St Bodmin with one servant Elizabeth Wallis 28
Thomas Quiller Couch and Mary Ford had five children:
Arthur Thomas Quiller Couch 'Q'
Florence Mabel Couch
Lilian Mary Couch
Harold Quiller Couch
Cyril Courtenay Couch
Census records
House of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch and his wife Mary, 63 Fore Street Bodmin
1871 Census
Thomas Q. Couch, head, male, 44, Polperro Cornwall
Mary Couch, wife, female, 29, Newton Abbott, Devon
Arthur T. Couch, son, male, 7, Bodmin, Cornwall
Florence M. Couch, Daughter, female, 5, Bodmin, Cornwall
Herbert L. Harwood, Boarder, male, 19, Almondbury, Gloucestershire
Anne Morris, Servant, female, 23, St Judy, Cornwall
Annie Trebilcock, servant, female, 19, St Columb, Cornwall
1881 Census: Fore St Bodmin
Thomas Q. Couch, head, male, 54, Polperro
Mary Couch, wife, female, 38, Newton Abbot, Devon
Florence Mabel Couch, daughter, female, 15, Bodmin, Cornwall
Lilian Mary Couch, daughter, female, 14, Bodmin, Cornwall,
Harold Quiller Couch, son, male, 9, Bodmin, Cornwall
Cyril Courtenay Couch, son, male, 4, Bodmin
Ellen Sleeman, servant, female, 20, Bodmin
Eliza Harris, servant, female, 18, South Sydenham, Devon
Thomas Quiller Couch died last quarter 1884
Mary Quiller Couch and family moved to Oxford
1891 Census: 21 St Margaret's Road, Oxford (Parish of St Giles)
Mary Quiller-Couch, head, 48, widow
Lilian M. Daughter, single, 24, occup. 'literary' born Bodmin
Harold Quiller Couch son single 19 scholar b. Bodmin
Cyril C. son single scholar 13 b. Bodmin
2 boarders:
Hammond Doherty, married, 29, living on own means, born London, Mayfair
Francis J. Robinson, single, scholar, born Berks, Wootten.
Eliza F. Pursell, servant, single, 25, General Domestic Servant, Born Devon, Stonehouse * ( *transcription error for Stonehaven?)
Mary Quiller-Couch died 7? 10 1899 at 21 St Margarets Road and was buried 11/10/1899 atm Wolverscote Cemetery.
Mabel and Lilian Quiller-Couch
Daughters of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch and Mary Ford
Florence Mabel Couch
Born: 17/6/1865
Died: 17/11/1924
Buried: The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead, Church Row, London NW3 6UU. Grave G032
Lilian Mary Couch
Born: 25/10/1866
Died: 5/1/1942
Married: to John James Hay Lobban 28/7/1910. Christchurch, Hampstead
John Hay Lobban, 39, University Lecturer, son of Wm. Lobban
Witnesses: Arthur Quiller-Couch and Alexandra Lobban
1901 Census: Hampstead, London [16 Downshire Hill]
Florence Mabel occup. Journalist
Florence M. Quiller Couch, head, female, 30, Bodmin
Lilian M. Couch, sister, female, 28, Bodmin
Katherine E. Williamson, visitor, female, 30,Scotland, Balnagarn, Ross
Florence E. Pursell, servant, female, 29, Stonehaven, Devonshire
1911 Census: Hampstead, London [16 Downshire Hill]
Florence M Quiller Couch, head, female, 45, Bodmin
Eliza Florence Pursell, servant, 45, Stonehaven, Devonshire.
1911: Lilian and John Lobban 37 Downshire Hill Hampstead
8 rooms, 1 domestic servant, Laura Simpson, 21
1917–1924: Mabel lived with Lobbans
1931 electoral register Lobbans still at 37 Downshire Hill.
1936: John Lobban retired and they moved to Essex.
John Hay Lobban died in 1939
8/2/1939 Death of John Hay Lobban of South Cottage, Great Chesterford Essex
Probate: to widow, Lilian Lobban £2,178 6s 8d
1939 register: Lilian, widow, retired, is living at South St Saffron Walden, with one servant.
1942: Lilian died
5/1/1942 death of Lilian of South Cottage, Great Chesterford, Essex.
Probate granted to Foy Felicia Quiller-Couch spinster.
John James Hay Lobban
Husband of Lilian Mary Quiller-Couch
Born: 1871 in Aberdeenshire
Lectured in English Literature at Birkbeck College, University of London
Harold Quiller Couch
Son of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch and Mary Ford, brother of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch
Born: 15/3/1872
Baptised: 17/4/1872
Died: 22/4/1950
Married: (1) Ist Quarter 1899 in Oxford, Emma Redfern née Godfrey, widow with three children
Census 1881, 1891
As above living with father and mother
1901 Census: 35 Broughton Road, South Fulham 3 rooms
Harold Q. Couch Bus conductor
Emma wife
[step children]
Edward Redfern b. c.1888
Alice Redfern b. c.1890
Kate Redfern b. c.1891
1911 Census: 23 Atalanta Road West Fulham
Harold Q. C. 39 married 12 years no children, cashier for omnibus co.
Emma wife 50
(Emma Godfrey born c.1865 Berrow Somerset)
Married: (2) Evelyn Kathleen Stella Stimson née Cross last quarter 1929
Evelyn was born 19/6/1883.
Her first marriage to Stimson was in1910
1930-35 electoral registers they are still living at 23 Atalanta Road
1939 register
Harold and Evelyn Quiller Couch living at 7 Mexico Cottages, Phillack Hayle, Cornwall. Harold is retired depot Inspector LTTB and Evelyn unpaid domestic duties
Harold died 22/4/1950
Probate: to widow £850
Evelyn died in 1974
Cyril Courtnay Quiller Couch
Son of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch and Mary Ford, brother of Sir Arthur Quiller Couch
Born: 2nd quarter 1877
(Note: Q's maternal grandmother Theophilia Ford née Clarke was reputedly descended from the Courtenay family, Earls of Devon)
1881 & 1891 Census
Living with parents, as above
Married: (1) Mandie or Maudie born Walthamstow (record not found)
1901 Census: boarding house, 6 Clarendon St St Thomas Oxford
Mary V Stone Head 69 widow
Sarah A Baily niece s. 42
Albert E Gibbs Boarder s. 19
Cyril C Couch Boarder Married 24 Tailor's Traveller
Mandie? (poss Maudie) Couch married 24 born London, Walthamstow
Married: (2) Last quarter 1911 Phyllis Willcocks at Lambeth
Cyril admitted to Constance Road Workhouse, Southwark, London 21/6/1915
Suffering from 'debility'; class for diet '2'; previous occupation 'bookseller'
Noted: 'Transfer' but no details
Died: July 1915?
Burial: 27/9/1915 Southwark
According to Rowse, Q paid all expenses
His widow Phyllis Willcocks moved to Brighton and remarried (1) 1921 Isak/Isaac Govid and (2) 1931 Edward Hill
Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
Son of Dr Thomas Quiller Couch and Mary Ford. Also known as Q
Born: 21 Nov 1863 Bodmin
Died: 12/5/1944
1871 Census
At Bodmin with parents, see Thomas Quiller Couch
1881 Census: At Clifton College, Bristol in College House, aged 17.
1882: Oxford
Entry in Oxford Men and Their Colleges 1880-1892:
'Couch, Arthur Thomas (Quiller-) born at Bodmin, Cornwall, 21 Nov, 1863, 1s Thomas Quiller Couch. Gent. TRINITY matric 14 Oct 82 aged 18 (from Newton Abbot and Clifton Colls) Scholar 82-6 Honours:- 1 Classical Mods, 84, 2 Classics 86; Novelist'
Married: 22/8/1889 Louisa Amelia Hicks at Fowey
Louisa Amelia Hicks
Wife of Arthur Quiller-Couch
Born: 22 Feb 1861 bp. 26/3/1861 Lanteglos
Died: Mar 1948
Daughter of John Hicks (born 21/10/1824, buried 30/12/1867 Lanteglos)
and Ann (born c.1826 Lanteglos)
One sister, Jane Ann Hicks (the 'Jinny' of Q's letters)
John Hicks
Father-in-law of Arthur Quiller-Couch
Captain in Merchant Navy.
Master's and Mates Certificate of Service granted by Registrar General of Seamen
22/6/1851 for 17 years service in the British Merchant Service (Foreign Trade)
1861 Census
Ann Hicks, Head, 35 Captain's Wife Merchant Service
Jane A. Dau. 7 scholar
Louisa A. 1 month
Ann Hicks
Mother-in-law of Arthur Quiller-Couch
As a widow moved to North St Fowey
1871 Census
Ann Hicks, Head, Widow 44
Louisa aged 10
1881 Census
Ann Hicks, Head, Widow 55 b. Lanteglos by Fowey
Jane Ann 27 "
Louisa A. 20 "
Jane Ann Hicks
Sister of Louisa Hicks, sister-in-law of Arthur Quiller-Couch
Born: c.1856/7
Married: c.1883/4 Joseph Augustine Blamey of Veryan.
The Blamey family were yeoman farmers with about 300 acres at Veryan. Joseph and Jane farmed at Caragloose (now owned by the National Trust) and his brother, Willam Colliver Blamey at Pennare. They had a son, two little girls who died young, then a daughter Betty,who married Francis Symondson—parents of Guy Symondson, Q's great-nephew, who inherited The Haven from Q's daughter Foy. )
Louisa and Arthur Quiller-Couch had two children:
Bevil Brian Quiller-Couch
Born: 12/10/1890 Fowey
Died: 6/2/1919
Foy Felicia Quiller-Couch
Born: 18/9/1899 Fowey
Died: 25/2/1986
1891 Census: Fore Street, Fowey—lodgings
Mary Ann Hock, head, single, China Dealer b. Fowey
Arthur T. Quiller Couch Boarder Marr. 27 Author, Bodmin
Louis A. Quiller Couch Wife 29, Fowey
Bevil Brian Quiller Couch son 5 months “
Ellen Jago, single, 21, servant “
David Dervan? Boarder, single 69, no occ. b. Dumferline, Fife Scotland
Osbourne R. Wattley Boarder S. 21 Wine Merchant's Assis. b. Devon, Sidmouth
1901 census : The Haven, Fowey
Arthur T. Quiller-Couch, Head, 37, Author, Bodmin
Louisa A. Quiller-Couch wife 39, Lanteglos by Fowey
Bevil B. Quiller-Couch Son 10, Fowey
Foy F. Quiller-Couch dau. 1, Fowey
Annabella Bernafoot ? [illegibe] S. servant 25 Nurse, Oxon. Forest Hill
Alice Kinver S. 20 Cook, Lansallos
Florence Hilda Tabb S. 19 Parlourmaid, Lanteglos
Eliza Jeffrey Littleman ? S. 18 Housemaid, Fowey
In 1910 Q received a knighthood
1911 Census: The Haven, Fowey
Arthur T. Quiller-Couch Head 47 M. author (novelist, critic) working on own account at home
Louisa Amelia Quiller-Couch 48 M. 21 yrs 2 ch. bn. Alive 2 living, Lanteglos
Bevil Brian Quiller-Couch son 20 S. student undergraduate, Fowey
Foy Felicia Quiller-Couch dau. 11 S., Fowey
Elizabeth Ludlam servant 25 S. Governess, Derbyshire, Youlgrave
Alice Kinver Servant 29 S. Cook, Polperro
May Smith Servant 24 S. Parlourmaid, Liverpool
Annie Luke Servant 27 S. Housemaid, Polruan
In 1919 Major Bevil Brian Quiller-Couch DSO MC, Royal Field Artillery, died6/2/1919 at Langerwehe, Düren, Germany with the Army of Occupation of influenza, Remains moved to South Cologne Cemetery
1939 Register
- Quiller-Couch, Arthur 21 Nov. 63 marr. Author
- Quiller-Couch Louisa 22 Feb. 1861 marr. unpaid domestic duties
- Quiller-Couch Foy F. 18/9/00 S.
- Knafke Hedewig F 5/10/1910 S. Parlourmaid *
- Rowe Kathleen F 12/3/1911 S. housemaid
*this record is crossed out and says see page 19 but record is blanked out
Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch died12/5/1944
Probate record: Quiller-Couch, Sir Arthur Thomas of The Haven, Fowey, Cornwall, Knight, died 12 May 1944. Probate Bodmin 12 August to Louisa Amelia Quiller-Couch widow and Foy Felicia Quiller-Couch, spinster. Effects £5,431 0s 9d.
Louisa Amelia, Lady Quiller-Couch died Mar. 1948
Foy Felicia Quiller-Couch
1941: Made a JP
1975: Cornwall Telephone Directory
The Haven, Esplanade Fowey 3353 and Tregegals, Lanhydrock House, Lanhydrock, Bodmin 3482
Died: 25 Feb 1986 at St Lawrence's Hospital Bodmin
Probate: 24/3: £133,102
Third Marriage of Jonathan Couch: Sarah Lander Roose
Marriage: 23 Oct. 1858 at United Methodist Free Church, Greenbank.
Sarah Lander Roose
Third wife of Jonathan Couch
Born: 1836 Brownsea Island Dorset
Died: 1923
Parents: Robert Roose (mariner and coastguard) and Elizabeth (Eliza) née Lander
Siblings
Fanny Roose married Thomas Braddon
Jane Roose married Mark Daniels
Susan Roose married Barratt
(plus several other siblings)
Jane (Roose) Daniel
Sister of Sarah Lander Roose
Born Swanage c.1834/5
Married: Mark Daniel 17/10/1863 Liskeard;
Died: 15/12/1907 St Ive (Callington)
Children: Margaret (M. Foott), John Henry, Thomas, Ann (m. Sambells), Jane (m. Perkins)
Fanny (Roose) & Thomas Braddon
Sister of Sarah Lander Roose and her husband
Lived Polperro: see above Jonathan Couch, son of Jonathan Couch; as did Sarah Roose Couch's mother Eliza, and sister Susan Barratt)
Jonathan Couch and Sarah Lander Couch had four children:
Bertha Couch, born11/9/1860
Sarah Roose Couch, born 1862
Lydia, born & died 1863
Clarinda Couch, born 1867
1861 Census
As for Jonathan Couch
1870: Death of Jonathan Couch
1871 Census: Callington, St Ive
Sarah Lander Couch 35,widow, Bertha 10 & Clarinda 3 visitors at house of Mark Daniels, 34, Blacksmith, born St Ive
Jane, wife, 36 b. Swanage, Dorset
Children aged 5,4,2, 1,1, and 3 months
Sarah Roose Couch was living at Lansallos St, Polperro with her grandmother Eliza Roose & Jonathan Couch
1880: Sarah Lander Couch married James Lean Registrar
James Lean
Second husband of Sarah Lander Couch
Born: 1812 St Mawes
Widower, married twice before, previous time to Mary Coode. Various census records describe him as: innkeeper; Gentleman; coal merchant and farmer of 6 acres; Municipal Registrar
1881 Census: High Elms Register Office, Tywardreath, St Austell
James Lean 69 Registrar of B.M.D. born St Mawes
Sarah Lean 45 born Swanage
Clarinda Couch 13 born Polperro, stepdaughter, scholar
1882: James Lean died1st quarter 1882, St Austell
Clarinda Couch
Youngest daughter of Jonathan Couch and Sarah Lander Roose
Born: 9/6 /1867
Died: 10/11/1944
1871 & 1881 Census
Living with mother
1891 Census: 195 High Road, Willesden, Middlesex
Sarah Lean, 55, widow, living on own means
Clarinda Couch Dau. single 23
Married: Henry James Sherwood 15/12/1897
At St Simon, Hammersmith, by banns, Henry James Sherwood, 34, bachelor,, builder of Anley Road, son of Edward Sherwood (decd.) carpenter to Clarinda Couch, age 30, spinster, of 5 Camden Gardens, dau. of James [sic] Couch (dec.) surgeon. Witnesses: Sarah Lean, mother & Bertha Couch, sister
1901 Census: 5 Camden Gardens
Sarah Lean, living on own means
31 Westwick Lane, Hammersmith
Henry James Sherwood, 37, Jobbing builder & decorator, employer
Clarinda, wife, 33
1911 Census: Bashley, New Milton, Hants a 7 roomed house
Henry James Sherwood, 47, retired builder
Clarinda, wife, 43, married 13 years, no children
Sarah Lean, 75, widow
1919: Henry James Sherwood died 5/4/1919at Teresta, Dibden Pulieu, Hythe, Hants.
Probate: 5/5/19 to Clarinda wife £1430 15s 7d
1921: Clarinda Sherwood married Rev. Frank Tatlow Fogerty (born c.1888, Lymington, Hants)
1923: Death of Sarah Lean (née Sarah Lander Roose, widow of Jonathan Couch)
1944: Death of Clarinda Fogerty (née Couch) 10/11/1944 at The Vicarage, Goxhill, Lincs.
Probate: to husband £2,988
Interred: Dibden Purlieu, Hants.
Her husband, Rev. F. T. Fogerty died 10/5/1968 Lincs
Monument, All Saints Burial Ground, Dibden Purlieu, Hants
Henry James Sherwood 1919
Sarah Lean 1923
Clarinda Fogerty 1944
F.T. Fogerty *
*no date so probably interred at Lincs. Source: wwwgravestonephotos.com GPR grave no 503235
Bertha Couch
Daughter of Jonathan Couch and Sarah Lander Roose
Born: 11/9/1860
Died: 28/4/1942
1861 & 1871 Census
As for parents
1881: Bertha aged 20 governess to Edith Eyre, aged 8, only child of Jonathan and Catherine Eyre of High Street, Launceston. Jonathan was chemist and distiller.
1891: Bertha Couch 29 visitor in the household of Arthur and Florence Mors, Paddington, London.
1901: Bertha Couch nurse in residence of Captain George W. Burgess of the 13th Regiment in Devonport.
1911: Bertha domestic nurse in family of Barrister at the Bar Herbert Cohen at 15 Gloucester Square, Paddington.
Died: 28/4/1942 at 'Lanjeth', Bolenna, Perranporth. Unmarried
Probate: to Leonard Couch, schoolmaster and Jonathan Couch, solicitor, £793 15s 4d
Sarah Roose Couch
Daughter of Jonathan Couch and Sarah Lander Roose
Born: 13/1/1862
Died: 15/11/1945
1871 Census: Lansallos St Polperro
Sarah 9 living with maternal grandmother Eliza Roose & Jonathan Couch (disabled son of Jonathan Couch)
1881 Census
Not found. Grandmother Eliza Roose living alone. Sarah perhaps with Roose
relatives at Stoke Damerel where her first child was born.
Married c.1884 (record not found) Jonathan Couch
Jonathan Couch
Husband of Sarah Roose Couch
Born: c.1853 Charlestown.
Parents: Edward Couch b. 2/10/1808 St Austell, died 1888 and Hannah Tresise b. c.1810/11 Newlyn East
(Marriage 18/1/31 St Dunstans Stepney by London: Edward, son of William Couch & Elizabeth Crabb of the parish of Charlestown to Hannah Tresise of this Parish (Stepney), daughter of James Tresise & Jennifer Martyn. Witnesses Joseph Couch and Sarah Brown.)
Siblings of Jonathan Couch
Elizabeth J. 1832
Hannah Tresises 1834 (m. John Higman)
Edward 1836 bp. 26/12/36
Elizabeth 1841 bp. 17/6/1841 St Austell
Mary-Anne b. 1838 d. 1909 bp. 31/3/1839 (m. William Charles Payne)
Enon 1839–1890
Ellen/Helen 1843 bp. 5/1/43
William 1846 bp. 26/3/1846 St Austell
William James 1848 (Seaman) bp. 17/4/1848 St Austell
Henry 1850 (Seaman)
Humphrey 1852/3
Kate 1855–1876
1880: Jonathan Couch of St Austell, Master Mariner Certificate 11/12/1880
1881 Census
Jonathan Couch, 27, single, born Charlestown, Master of Ship Fortunate plus 4 crew
Jonathan Couch and Sarah Roose Couch had three children:
Kate Winifred
Leonard
Jonathan
1891 Census: Union Road, Mount Charles, St Austell
Sarah Roose Couch 29 b Polperro
Winifred Kate dau. 6 b. Stoke Damerel, Devonshire
Leonard son 4 b. St Austell
Jonathan son 2 b. St Austell
Fanny Ann Truscott 18 general servant
1901 Census: Randall Road, Mount Charles, St Austell
Sarah Roose Couch Head married 39 b.Polperro
Winifred dau. 16 b. Devon Stoke Damerel
Leonard son 16 b.St Austell
Jonathan son 12 b. St Austell
1911 Census: Polcou, Ranelagh Rd. St Austell House 7 rooms exc. scullery, bathroom, closet etc.
Jonathan Couch head 57 Master Mariner b. Charlestown
Sarah Roose Couch 49 married 26 years, 3 children alive, none died
Winifred Kate dau. 26 single
Jonathan son 22 single solicitor's clerk
Jonathan Couch died 26/9/1924
Probate: 26/9/1924 Death of Jonathan Couch at Polcou, Ranelagh Rd, St Austell. Probate granted 6/1/1925 to Sarah Roose Couch widow £432. 1s
1945: Sarah Roose Couch died 15/11/1945 at 12 Edgecumbe Ave., Newquay. Probate granted to Jonathan Couch, solicitor, and Leonard Couch, schoolmaster.
Winifred Kate Couch
Daughter of Sarah Roose Couch and Jonathan Couch, grandaughter of Dr Jonathan Couch
Born: 1885, Stoke Damerel, Devon, bp. 25/10/1885 St Austell
Died: 30/3/1941
1891, 1901 & 1911 Census
As parents, above
1915: last quarter, married John George Jenkins
1937: John George Jenkins died 24/4/1937
John George Jenkins of Sunnyside, Trewoon, St Mewan, Cornwall d. 24/4/1937
Probate: Bodmin, 22/6/1937 to Winifred Kate Jenkins, widow £1,779
1939 register: Winifred patient at Bodmin Mental Hospital, previous occupation noted as unpaid domestic duties.
1941: Winifred died Bodmin, 30/3/1941
Probate: address given as 28 Alexandra Road, St Austell. Probate 24 Jul 1941 to William Garfield Scown, solicitor, £1,085 14s 6d. Re-sworn £3,019 3s 6d
Dr Leonard Couch
Son of Sarah Roose Couch and Jonathan Couch, grandson of Dr Jonathan Couch
Born: 20/4/1886 St Austell, bp. 25/7/1886 St Austell
Died: 22/4/1975
1891 & 1901 Census
As for parents, above
Married: Gwendoline Blowey Carveth July quarter 1913 at St Austell
(Gwendoline Carveth born 15/8 1884 Stockton, Warks., in 1891 lived at Mount Charles, St Austell with her mother Emma Carveth, widow, 35 sub-postmistress)
Leonard Couch was Assistant Master at Wandsworth Grammar School
Electoral registers
Leonard and Gwendoline lived at 19, Hambledon Rd S.W. Putney
By 1926 they had moved to Wimbledon Park Road
1929: Leonard Couch was appointed Headmaster of Leyton County High School for Boys starting 1st January 1930.
1939 Register: Leonard Couch, Gwendoline B. Couch Unpaid domestic duties. Adult Helper with Evacuation
Gwendoline died 11/5/1968
Probate: Gwendoline Blowey Couch of 15 Brooklyn Avenue, Loughton, Essex d. 11/5/1968 Probate London 18/7/1968 £4,189
Leonard died 22/4/1975 at Tycehurst Hill, Loughton, Essex.
Probate: London £482
(Leonard and Gwendoline had a daughter Gwendoline Blowey L Couch who married Reginald C. Morgan in Jul 1943, Chertsey, Surrey. Leonard and Gwendoline may have had other children but no records found.)
Jonathan Couch
Son of Sarah Roose Couch and Jonathan Couch, grandson of Dr Jonathan Couch
Born: 12/2/1889 St Austell Bp. 25/5/1890
Died: 8/10/1977
1891, 1901 & 1911 Census
As parents, above
Married: Alice Harriet Lang (or Long) (1886-1975) of Depwade, Norfolk
1939 Register
Registered as Solicitor, Newquay with wife Alice & two children, Jonathan born 1928, incapacitated and one other blocked out (probably still living)
(Note: Sarah his mother died at 12 Edgecumbe Ave., Newquay so that was probably his address)
Jonathan died 8/10/1977 Bucks