The Claveys
Extracts from a book giving genealogical details of Belfort families
Translated by Francois Werlen
Clavey (Clavé/Clavez) was a keyholder. The person who was resposible for the keys of a convent, hospital or prison. He may be responsible for the town gates or guardian of the town coffers. He held a post of responsibility and trust. The Claveys from Belfort were an ancient merchant family dealing with the bourgeois duties of the town of Belfort from the 15th century.
Jean Clavé, son of Vuillaume, is mentioned in 1451. He was made “visitor to the fire” (?) in 1473 and a council member in 1481. Another Jean Clavey, son of Perrin Clavey, was an arquebusier for the community (a type of soldier)
In the 16th century Clavey families were in Belfort, Valdoie, Petitmagny, Trétudans and Cravanche. Nicolas Clavey, husband of Jeannette Boussard, was grand mayor of the assizes in 1583.
The largest group of descendants in the 17th century came from the line of Pierre, one of his sons. Pierre had at least 16 children. He married four times. His daughters married Nicolas Chardoillet, Pierre Girol, a lawyer and Antoine Degrez, son of a military commander. Among the sons there were marriages with the Charoillet, Bourquenot and Bachelard families.
One of Pierre’s grandsons, Sebastian Clavey, born in 1640, married Elizabeth Bourquenot and had a son Jean Georges in 1670. At his baptism, the vicar was proud and moved that the godfather was the famous abbot from the Altonadensis in Bohemia. A document about the Austrian regency of Ensisheim gives a list for Belfort of bourgeois who left the town with their families in 1633 when the Swedes invaded. A Perrin Clavey who sought refuge in Luxeuil was on this list.
A Charles Clavey (1706-1778) son of Jean Nicolas (a merchant born in 1665) is a magistrate, emissary and delegate who married Marie-Ursule Bruat and had 13 children. One of these, Jean-Pierre married Madeleine Schouler in 1767 and was the King’s inspector of armaments and fortifications of Belfort.
Another Jean-Pierre Clavey (1667-1744) pharmacist, husband of Mari-Ursule Lefévre is head of the Sainte-Barbe hospital in Belfort. He is buried in the hospital chapel.
A third Jean-Pierre born in 1747 (1720?) married Marie-Anne Lapostelet, granddaughter of Jean-Baptiste Lapostolet (1673-1739) certainly came from Chagey to work in the forges in Belfort - a metal worker. He had seven children, six boys and one daughter Marie-Anne, who married Jean-Antoinette Gluck from Altkirch (1706-1796) direct ancestor of the general secretary of CEGFC (?) who organised a recent successful congress of genealogy in Besancon.
Interesting comment from a web site was that the Clavey surname has variations (e.g., Claffey, Claffie, Claffy, Clave, de Clave, Clave', Clavet, Clavette, Clavau, Claveau, Clafie and more).
The name owes its origin to France; area of Poitore but migrated to England where it is also commonly found.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Clavey family in their garden at Hampstead
Arthur DEVIS
English 1712-1787
The Clavey family in their garden at Hampstead
1754
oil on canvas
124.5 x 99.0 cm
Everard Studley Miller Bequest 1975
E1-1976
Devis specialised in the so-called conversation piece, that is the depiction of informal gatherings of family or friends. These are social portraits where the sitters are defining and projecting their self perceived status through their attire and setting.
The Clavey family is seen in the corner of their garden overlooking Hampstead Heath. The scene is probably idealised and the pose of the figures somewhat stage-like. Devis was noted for the high quality of his depiction of fabrics and costume which contributes much to the richness of the scene. Clavey was a prominent and wealthy citizen, a true gentleman of the eighteenth-century, and is duly painted as such by Devis.
Yes, they are related!
English 1712-1787
The Clavey family in their garden at Hampstead
1754
oil on canvas
124.5 x 99.0 cm
Everard Studley Miller Bequest 1975
E1-1976
Devis specialised in the so-called conversation piece, that is the depiction of informal gatherings of family or friends. These are social portraits where the sitters are defining and projecting their self perceived status through their attire and setting.
The Clavey family is seen in the corner of their garden overlooking Hampstead Heath. The scene is probably idealised and the pose of the figures somewhat stage-like. Devis was noted for the high quality of his depiction of fabrics and costume which contributes much to the richness of the scene. Clavey was a prominent and wealthy citizen, a true gentleman of the eighteenth-century, and is duly painted as such by Devis.
Yes, they are related!
Clavey WW1 Medals
Clavey WW1 Medals
Alfred (b1889? - ?) 545 Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Reg) G/4125
Alfred B (b1894-1968) * 159 Monmouth Reg/Royal Irish? Rifles 47112/16/50279
Alfred W (b1894-1973) 4 London Reg 4172/551484
Bertram E (b1897-1957) * 408 Royal Engineers 1073/506222
Clement A (b1894-1970) * 163 Royal Garrison Artillery 52706
Charles H (b1893-1974) 71 Royal Field Artillery 133428
Edwin William (1897-1977) 119 Royal Army Service Corps M/280067
Frank (1893-1933)? ** 245 Royal Irish?/Durham Lt Infantry 598/91370
Frederick J (1882-1970) 271 Royal Army Service Corps M/322484
Gordon Ernest (1896-1970) *** 295 Royal Field Artillery/RAF ?
George John (poss 1871-1951)? 131? Royal Field Artillery 180805
Herbert (poss 1884-1974)? 445? Royal Engineers 224004
John A (poss 1884 - ?)? 283? Kings Royal Rifle Corps R38581
Philip ???? (Derby?) ? Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Reg) 307297
Thomas E (1895-1992) **** 483 Royal Field Artillery 94403
Information from PRO WO372 (received from Geoff Heal)
* Served in France
** Served in Egypt
*** Served in France. Officer
**** Served in France. NCO. Distinguished Conduct Medal
Why no mention of Reginald Charles Philip Clavey who fell at Ypres in 1917 aged 19 Som Light Infantry Code 513 ?
Why no mention of James Clavey (1900-1971) father of Frank ?
Alfred (b1889? - ?) 545 Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Reg) G/4125
Alfred B (b1894-1968) * 159 Monmouth Reg/Royal Irish? Rifles 47112/16/50279
Alfred W (b1894-1973) 4 London Reg 4172/551484
Bertram E (b1897-1957) * 408 Royal Engineers 1073/506222
Clement A (b1894-1970) * 163 Royal Garrison Artillery 52706
Charles H (b1893-1974) 71 Royal Field Artillery 133428
Edwin William (1897-1977) 119 Royal Army Service Corps M/280067
Frank (1893-1933)? ** 245 Royal Irish?/Durham Lt Infantry 598/91370
Frederick J (1882-1970) 271 Royal Army Service Corps M/322484
Gordon Ernest (1896-1970) *** 295 Royal Field Artillery/RAF ?
George John (poss 1871-1951)? 131? Royal Field Artillery 180805
Herbert (poss 1884-1974)? 445? Royal Engineers 224004
John A (poss 1884 - ?)? 283? Kings Royal Rifle Corps R38581
Philip ???? (Derby?) ? Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Reg) 307297
Thomas E (1895-1992) **** 483 Royal Field Artillery 94403
Information from PRO WO372 (received from Geoff Heal)
* Served in France
** Served in Egypt
*** Served in France. Officer
**** Served in France. NCO. Distinguished Conduct Medal
Why no mention of Reginald Charles Philip Clavey who fell at Ypres in 1917 aged 19 Som Light Infantry Code 513 ?
Why no mention of James Clavey (1900-1971) father of Frank ?
Matilda Clavey and Samuel Green
Matilda Clavey and Samuel Green
Should we be called Clavey or should we be called Green !!!!!
29 October 1832. Matilda ordered to be removed from Walcot, Bath back to Chewton Mendip
Whereas complaint hath been made unto us……two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace.. of the City of Bath in the county of Somerset, by you the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor… of Walcot in the said city of Bath:
That Matilda Clavis, a singlewoman, lately came to inhabit in the said Parish of Walcot, contrary to law, not having gained a legal settlement there, nor produced any certificate owning her to be settled elsewhere; and that the said Matilda Clavis (being now with child) is become chargeable to… Walcot.
We.. upon examination of the complaint and upon examination of Matilda Clavis upon her oath before us…….do adjudge the complaint to be true…that the last lawful settlement of her…. is the parish of
Chewton Mendip. ……..to command you……to remove and convey the said Matilda Clavis from and out of…..Walcot to the said parish of Chewton Mendip…………..and we require you, the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the parish of Chewton Mendip to receive and provide for the said Matilda Clavis, according to law, as an inhabitant legally settled in your parish….
29 October 1832. Above order suspended as Matilda too ill to remove her
Whereas it duly appears to us, the Justices….that…. Matilda Clavis is now so ill that it is dangerous to remove…. We, therefore, in pursuance of the late Act of Parliament……do hereby suspend the execution of the order of removal, until we are satisfied that the same may be safely executed without danger to her, the said Matilda Clavis.
(Note: The above is a preprinted form with names and dates inserted, so it is difficult to judge exactly what “is now so ill” means.)
11 November 1832. George born
(see order below)
6 January 1833. George baptised in Chewton Mendip
8 January 1833.
The order of William Coxetes(?) James, Esquire and Henry Hodges Mogg, Clerk, two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace ……….within the Parish of Chewton Mendip …….made the eighth day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three, concerning a male Bastard Child, lately born in the Parish aforesaid, of the Body of Matilda Clavey, single Woman
Whereas it hath been duly made to appear to us ……. , as upon the Oath of the said Matilda Clavey that she was delivered of a Male Bastard Child in the Parish of Walcott……. Whilst under a suspended order of removal to the said parish of Chewton Mendip, on or about the Eleventh Day of November now last past, and that the said Bastard Child is now chargeable to such Parish and likely so to continue; and further, that Samuel Green of No. 12 Seymour Street, Bath, Lodging House Keeper, did beget the said Bastard Child on her Body ………. And whereas the said Samuel Green hath been duly summoned to appear before the said Justices to shew Pause why he should not be adjudged to be the reported father of the said Bastard Child, but he hath neglected to appear to such summons.
We, therefore ………..do hereby adjudge him, the said Samuel Green to be the reputed Father of the said Bastard Child.
And thereupon we do ORDER ……. That the said Samuel Green shall and do pay …. To the Churchwardens or Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Chewton Mendip for the time being …. The Sum of two shillings weekly and every week from this present time for and towards the keeping, sustenation and maintenance of the said bastard child ………. And we do hereby FURTHER ORDER that the said Matilda Clavey shall also pay ……… the sum of one shilling weekly …..
And we do hereby FURTHER ORDER that the said Samuel Green ……. Shall likewise pay …..the sum of Four Pounds Nine Shillings and Six Pence being the money expended in the maintenance of the said bastard child ….. the reasonable charges and expenses…. the reasonable costs of apprehending and securing the said Samuel Green and the reasonable costs of obtaining this order….
(Note: Again, the above was a preprinted form with names etc put in)
8 January 1833
This order is “To the Constables of the Parish of Chewton Mendip and all others his Majesty’s officers of the Peace for the said County” and is very similar to the above but saying that Samuel Green “hath had due notice of the said order against which no appeal hath been made……..and that demand of payment thereof hath been made … but that the said Samuel Green hath neglected to pay the same ( the £4 9s 6d)….These are therefore to command and require you forthwith to apprehend and bring the said “Samuel Green before me or some other of His Majesty’s Justices of Peace….. to be further dealt with according to the law”
Should we be called Clavey or should we be called Green !!!!!
29 October 1832. Matilda ordered to be removed from Walcot, Bath back to Chewton Mendip
Whereas complaint hath been made unto us……two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace.. of the City of Bath in the county of Somerset, by you the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor… of Walcot in the said city of Bath:
That Matilda Clavis, a singlewoman, lately came to inhabit in the said Parish of Walcot, contrary to law, not having gained a legal settlement there, nor produced any certificate owning her to be settled elsewhere; and that the said Matilda Clavis (being now with child) is become chargeable to… Walcot.
We.. upon examination of the complaint and upon examination of Matilda Clavis upon her oath before us…….do adjudge the complaint to be true…that the last lawful settlement of her…. is the parish of
Chewton Mendip. ……..to command you……to remove and convey the said Matilda Clavis from and out of…..Walcot to the said parish of Chewton Mendip…………..and we require you, the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor of the parish of Chewton Mendip to receive and provide for the said Matilda Clavis, according to law, as an inhabitant legally settled in your parish….
29 October 1832. Above order suspended as Matilda too ill to remove her
Whereas it duly appears to us, the Justices….that…. Matilda Clavis is now so ill that it is dangerous to remove…. We, therefore, in pursuance of the late Act of Parliament……do hereby suspend the execution of the order of removal, until we are satisfied that the same may be safely executed without danger to her, the said Matilda Clavis.
(Note: The above is a preprinted form with names and dates inserted, so it is difficult to judge exactly what “is now so ill” means.)
11 November 1832. George born
(see order below)
6 January 1833. George baptised in Chewton Mendip
8 January 1833.
The order of William Coxetes(?) James, Esquire and Henry Hodges Mogg, Clerk, two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace ……….within the Parish of Chewton Mendip …….made the eighth day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three, concerning a male Bastard Child, lately born in the Parish aforesaid, of the Body of Matilda Clavey, single Woman
Whereas it hath been duly made to appear to us ……. , as upon the Oath of the said Matilda Clavey that she was delivered of a Male Bastard Child in the Parish of Walcott……. Whilst under a suspended order of removal to the said parish of Chewton Mendip, on or about the Eleventh Day of November now last past, and that the said Bastard Child is now chargeable to such Parish and likely so to continue; and further, that Samuel Green of No. 12 Seymour Street, Bath, Lodging House Keeper, did beget the said Bastard Child on her Body ………. And whereas the said Samuel Green hath been duly summoned to appear before the said Justices to shew Pause why he should not be adjudged to be the reported father of the said Bastard Child, but he hath neglected to appear to such summons.
We, therefore ………..do hereby adjudge him, the said Samuel Green to be the reputed Father of the said Bastard Child.
And thereupon we do ORDER ……. That the said Samuel Green shall and do pay …. To the Churchwardens or Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Chewton Mendip for the time being …. The Sum of two shillings weekly and every week from this present time for and towards the keeping, sustenation and maintenance of the said bastard child ………. And we do hereby FURTHER ORDER that the said Matilda Clavey shall also pay ……… the sum of one shilling weekly …..
And we do hereby FURTHER ORDER that the said Samuel Green ……. Shall likewise pay …..the sum of Four Pounds Nine Shillings and Six Pence being the money expended in the maintenance of the said bastard child ….. the reasonable charges and expenses…. the reasonable costs of apprehending and securing the said Samuel Green and the reasonable costs of obtaining this order….
(Note: Again, the above was a preprinted form with names etc put in)
8 January 1833
This order is “To the Constables of the Parish of Chewton Mendip and all others his Majesty’s officers of the Peace for the said County” and is very similar to the above but saying that Samuel Green “hath had due notice of the said order against which no appeal hath been made……..and that demand of payment thereof hath been made … but that the said Samuel Green hath neglected to pay the same ( the £4 9s 6d)….These are therefore to command and require you forthwith to apprehend and bring the said “Samuel Green before me or some other of His Majesty’s Justices of Peace….. to be further dealt with according to the law”
American Claveys: From Mark Clavey in the USA
From Mark Clavey in the USA:
1. I’m as sure as one can be (lacking an explicit pedigree) that we are from the English clan. I wouldn’t be too sure of the lack of a Celtic clan, however... with the work I’ve done with the 1810-1900 census records, there are a dozen or so Irish families appearing in mid-19th century central Pennsylvania with the surname Clavey (with another couple dozen bearing the names Clave and Claffey). I would guess there’s more than enough potential for ties to AND from Scotland, Ireland and France - without even raising the question of which way do the ties go.
2. On the reference to John Clavey - the name was, indeed, John. Our family (my oldest brother, Westley, actually) has, in our possession, John’s petition for citizenship and oath of allegiance, which was filed at a Court of General Quarter Sessions in Philadelphia on 4 October 1808 (having resided in the US upwards of seven years). Presuming he was honest in his report to the Court, he couldn’t have arrived in the US any later than October 1801. He was stipulated in this document as having previously been a citizen of Denmark and a subject of the King of Denmark. I don’t believe he was involved in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), but I don’t discount the possibility of his participation in the War for American Independence (1811-1814)... especially living around Philadelphia. We’re fairly sure we descended from John Clavey because (1) it IS a really small family concentrated in the Philadelphia/Camden area and (2) the scroll was passed down as (virtually) the only family heirloom of any worth at all. So we have a pronounced record of our turn-of-the-19th-century progenitor, but nothing in the way of records for the time in between him and my grandfather.
Fortunately I have been making progress... (huzzah!) Everything I have discovered to date has come to me by way of the US Census (which is sketchy at best)...
A. John (1) CLAVEY (which is how I shall refer to him from now on, as you’ll soon understand) first appears in an index to the 1810 Census of Pennsylvania. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t in the 1790 or 1800 Census - it just means that when the index was compiled, his name wasn’t on it (and believe me - those indexes are far from exhaustive). He appears as Head of the Family, age 26-44 (placing his birth at 1756-1784). He has a wife 26-44 (b.1756-1784); a son-1 under 10 (1801-1810); and a daughter-1 under 10 (b.1801-1810).
He appears again in the index to the 1820 Census of Pennsylvania. He is still 26-44 (b.1766-1794); wife is still 26-44 (b.1766-1794); son-1 is 10-15 (b.1805-1810); daughter-1 is 10-15 (b.1805-1810); son-2 is under 10 (b.1811-1820); and son-3 is under 10 (b.1811-1820). Up until now, your John Clavey (ref.197, b.1756) would’ve been an ideal match. And while the 1820 census records take him out of the age-range to perpetuate that match, I’m not giving up hope (like I said, these records are far from pristine).
He appears again in the index to the 1840 Census of Pennsylvania. He is now 70-79 (b.1861-1870), and as this is his last appearance, the census records would indicate a birth-year c.1766-1770. Wife is 60-69 (b.1771-1780), placing her birth-year c.1771-1780. Son-1 is no longer living with them, neither is daughter-1. Son-2 is 20-29 (b.1811-1820) and son-3 is 20-29 (b.1811-1820). Other than narrowing down the range of birth-year for John (1), the only other piece of interesting information on this famil record is that it lists him as having been employed in navigation of the ocean (which could account for him possibly starting in England, moving on to Denmark, and finally moving on to the US).
B. Jacob (1) CLAVEY first appears (by name) in an index to the 1840
Census of Pennsylvania as a Head of the Family, age 30-39 (b.1801-1810). I am concluding that Jacob (1) is son-1 to John (1), and will be seeking to confirm this through birth/marriage/death records from the City of Philadelphia (if I can ever get there). He has a wife 20-29 (b.1801-1810); a daughter-1 5-9 (b.1831-1835); a son-1 under 5 (b.1836-1840); and daughter-2 under 5 (b.1836-1840).
He appears again in an index to the 1860 Census of New Jersey. He is specifically listed as 52 (b.1807-1808). His wife, Eliza, is 49 (b.1810-1811); and his son-2, Jacob (2), as 17 (b.1842-1843). The older children have moved out.
He finally appears in an index to the 1870 Census of Philadelphia, listed as being 69. This age listing appears entirely bogus. It is evidently the same Jacob (1). His occupation is listed as shoemaker (same as in the 1860 listing). More evidence that these records are about as fallible as any.
C. John (2) CLAVEY first appears (by name) in an index to the 1850 Census of Pennsylvania as a Head of the Family, age 47. I believe this to be in error as this would place him as having been born in 1802-1803 -- this is out of sync with the records of John (1) and also with Later records for John (2). I am concluding that he is truly 37 years old (b.1812-1813), and that he is son-2 to John (1). He has a wife, Ann, age 26 (b.1823-1824), and a son-1, John (3), age 10 (b.1839-1840).
He appears again in an index to the 1860 Census of Pennsylvania. He is NOW age 47 and Ann is 36. John (3) is 19 (b.1840-1841) and with the difference in the months the 1850/1860 censuses were taken, I’ll conclude John (3) was born in 1840. There are three more children - a son-2, James, age 9 (b.1850-1851); a son-3, Charles, age 7 (b.1852-1853); and a son-4, Robert, age 3 (b.1866-1867).
Now, while he doesn’t explicitly appear again, part of his family does appear in an index to the 1870 Census of Pennsylvania. And there is a listing for John Clavez in the same index (cursive Z’s and Y’s look alike). The roll of microfilm this census-listing appears on has been absent since I discovered the appearance in the index - they’ll notify me when it comes back in... but I’m anticipating it’ll be him. Perhaps there was a divorce, or perhaps John (2) has passed away and it is John (3) as a Head of Family. We shall soon see. In any case, the part of the family that does appear is Ann as the Head of the Family, age 47 (b.1822-1823) and we can narrow her down to 1823. Also included are James, age 19; Robert, age 13; and a daughter-1, Annie, age 4 (b.1865-1866). Charles does NOT appear (he would be 17). Neither does John (2) or John (3).
D. Now we jump to moving backwards from my father. I found a listing in the 1900 Soundex for New Jersey for a Jennie FOX - a widowed Head of the Family living in Camden, age 65 (b.1835 in England). She has a daughter-1, Annie CLAVEY, age 35 (b.1865 in England), married for 15 years to an unspecified Clavey and widowed; and a daughter-2, Vennie, age 30 (b.1878). Annie has two children - a son-1, Bert, age 13 (b.1887); and a son-2, Frank, age 10 (b.1889). I have not found any recollection among my dad’s surviving relatives of an ‘Uncle Frank ‘. I don’t thnk that means much, though. They are all REAL old.
This family appears in an earlier listing in the 1880 Soundex for Pennsylvania. Benjamin (1) FOX appears as the Head of the Family, age 43 (b.1836-1837 in England). Along with him are - his wife Jennie, age 43 (b.1836-1837); a daughter-1, Laddie?, age 22 (b.1857-1858); a daughter-2, Mamie, age 19 (b.1860-1861); a daughter-3, Annie, age 16 (b.1863-1864); a daughter-4, Lizzie, age 14 (b.1865-1866), a daughter-5, Vina, age 11 (b.1878-1879); and a son-1, Benjamin (2), age 9 (b.1880-1881). Evidently, most of the children (save Annie and Vina/Vennie) left by 1900.
I’m about as sure as I can be that Bert is my Dad’s father. I’m guessing that Annie was married-to and widowed-from a Clavey man from either the Jacob (1) or John (2) branch. The John (2) branch provides more possibilities, but the scroll has ordinarily travelled through the oldest son (which would be Jacob (1)). Bert is the oldest boy of Annie’s and would thus get the scroll. (Oddly enough, my Dad was the youngest boy... and he still ended up with it. Oh well...) Perhaps John (3) married Annie - that would wrap it up nice and clean (which makes it almost a sure bet that it’s NOT what happened). But I’m still going at it.
Any way to find out if your John Clavey ref.197 became a sailor and left for points north? That would be nice and clean too... (and way too easy).
We pronounce our name ‘clay-vee’ as well. As far as sound on my web-page... I’m just beginning to learn HTML, and (unfortunately) it’s about the last thing on my list of things to spend what little time I have on. Maybe someday.
Reply From Brian Clavey ...
I am in touch through the wonders of Internet with Mark Clavey of Philadelphia whose 4 x gr grandfather John Clavey became an American citizen in 1808. One of his family’s proud possessions is the scroll of citizenship and oath of allegiance which shows that he had previously been a citizen of Denmark and a subject of the King of Denmark. Also that he was employed in “navigation of the ocean”. Not being aware of any earlier Claveys in Denmark, my immediate reaction to the above information was that John was probably one of the Claveys from North Germany. However Mark says he is as sure as he can be, lacking an explicit pedigree, that his family are from the English clan.
In his researches he has looked at census information for Pennslyvania for the years 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1840. John first appears in the 1810 census which shows him as head of family aged 26-44 with a wife, a son 1-10 and a daughter 1-10. As the 1820 census also shows him as age 26-44, some simple arithmetic shows that he must have been born between 1776 and 1784. However the 1840 census which Mark says is more reliable, indicates a birth date of between 1760 and 1770 which is a considerable discrepancy.
One possible nomination for John is John Clavey baptised at Chewton Mendip in 1760, son of John & Ann. There is no record of a marriage for John or a burial.
All of this prompts me to ask whether anyone can suggest appropriate records to consult which might indicate that the John from Chewton Mendip became a sailor and at one time worked for the Kingdom of Denmark. Also has anyone looked at American census records and can comment on their accuracy.?
1. I’m as sure as one can be (lacking an explicit pedigree) that we are from the English clan. I wouldn’t be too sure of the lack of a Celtic clan, however... with the work I’ve done with the 1810-1900 census records, there are a dozen or so Irish families appearing in mid-19th century central Pennsylvania with the surname Clavey (with another couple dozen bearing the names Clave and Claffey). I would guess there’s more than enough potential for ties to AND from Scotland, Ireland and France - without even raising the question of which way do the ties go.
2. On the reference to John Clavey - the name was, indeed, John. Our family (my oldest brother, Westley, actually) has, in our possession, John’s petition for citizenship and oath of allegiance, which was filed at a Court of General Quarter Sessions in Philadelphia on 4 October 1808 (having resided in the US upwards of seven years). Presuming he was honest in his report to the Court, he couldn’t have arrived in the US any later than October 1801. He was stipulated in this document as having previously been a citizen of Denmark and a subject of the King of Denmark. I don’t believe he was involved in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), but I don’t discount the possibility of his participation in the War for American Independence (1811-1814)... especially living around Philadelphia. We’re fairly sure we descended from John Clavey because (1) it IS a really small family concentrated in the Philadelphia/Camden area and (2) the scroll was passed down as (virtually) the only family heirloom of any worth at all. So we have a pronounced record of our turn-of-the-19th-century progenitor, but nothing in the way of records for the time in between him and my grandfather.
Fortunately I have been making progress... (huzzah!) Everything I have discovered to date has come to me by way of the US Census (which is sketchy at best)...
A. John (1) CLAVEY (which is how I shall refer to him from now on, as you’ll soon understand) first appears in an index to the 1810 Census of Pennsylvania. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t in the 1790 or 1800 Census - it just means that when the index was compiled, his name wasn’t on it (and believe me - those indexes are far from exhaustive). He appears as Head of the Family, age 26-44 (placing his birth at 1756-1784). He has a wife 26-44 (b.1756-1784); a son-1 under 10 (1801-1810); and a daughter-1 under 10 (b.1801-1810).
He appears again in the index to the 1820 Census of Pennsylvania. He is still 26-44 (b.1766-1794); wife is still 26-44 (b.1766-1794); son-1 is 10-15 (b.1805-1810); daughter-1 is 10-15 (b.1805-1810); son-2 is under 10 (b.1811-1820); and son-3 is under 10 (b.1811-1820). Up until now, your John Clavey (ref.197, b.1756) would’ve been an ideal match. And while the 1820 census records take him out of the age-range to perpetuate that match, I’m not giving up hope (like I said, these records are far from pristine).
He appears again in the index to the 1840 Census of Pennsylvania. He is now 70-79 (b.1861-1870), and as this is his last appearance, the census records would indicate a birth-year c.1766-1770. Wife is 60-69 (b.1771-1780), placing her birth-year c.1771-1780. Son-1 is no longer living with them, neither is daughter-1. Son-2 is 20-29 (b.1811-1820) and son-3 is 20-29 (b.1811-1820). Other than narrowing down the range of birth-year for John (1), the only other piece of interesting information on this famil record is that it lists him as having been employed in navigation of the ocean (which could account for him possibly starting in England, moving on to Denmark, and finally moving on to the US).
B. Jacob (1) CLAVEY first appears (by name) in an index to the 1840
Census of Pennsylvania as a Head of the Family, age 30-39 (b.1801-1810). I am concluding that Jacob (1) is son-1 to John (1), and will be seeking to confirm this through birth/marriage/death records from the City of Philadelphia (if I can ever get there). He has a wife 20-29 (b.1801-1810); a daughter-1 5-9 (b.1831-1835); a son-1 under 5 (b.1836-1840); and daughter-2 under 5 (b.1836-1840).
He appears again in an index to the 1860 Census of New Jersey. He is specifically listed as 52 (b.1807-1808). His wife, Eliza, is 49 (b.1810-1811); and his son-2, Jacob (2), as 17 (b.1842-1843). The older children have moved out.
He finally appears in an index to the 1870 Census of Philadelphia, listed as being 69. This age listing appears entirely bogus. It is evidently the same Jacob (1). His occupation is listed as shoemaker (same as in the 1860 listing). More evidence that these records are about as fallible as any.
C. John (2) CLAVEY first appears (by name) in an index to the 1850 Census of Pennsylvania as a Head of the Family, age 47. I believe this to be in error as this would place him as having been born in 1802-1803 -- this is out of sync with the records of John (1) and also with Later records for John (2). I am concluding that he is truly 37 years old (b.1812-1813), and that he is son-2 to John (1). He has a wife, Ann, age 26 (b.1823-1824), and a son-1, John (3), age 10 (b.1839-1840).
He appears again in an index to the 1860 Census of Pennsylvania. He is NOW age 47 and Ann is 36. John (3) is 19 (b.1840-1841) and with the difference in the months the 1850/1860 censuses were taken, I’ll conclude John (3) was born in 1840. There are three more children - a son-2, James, age 9 (b.1850-1851); a son-3, Charles, age 7 (b.1852-1853); and a son-4, Robert, age 3 (b.1866-1867).
Now, while he doesn’t explicitly appear again, part of his family does appear in an index to the 1870 Census of Pennsylvania. And there is a listing for John Clavez in the same index (cursive Z’s and Y’s look alike). The roll of microfilm this census-listing appears on has been absent since I discovered the appearance in the index - they’ll notify me when it comes back in... but I’m anticipating it’ll be him. Perhaps there was a divorce, or perhaps John (2) has passed away and it is John (3) as a Head of Family. We shall soon see. In any case, the part of the family that does appear is Ann as the Head of the Family, age 47 (b.1822-1823) and we can narrow her down to 1823. Also included are James, age 19; Robert, age 13; and a daughter-1, Annie, age 4 (b.1865-1866). Charles does NOT appear (he would be 17). Neither does John (2) or John (3).
D. Now we jump to moving backwards from my father. I found a listing in the 1900 Soundex for New Jersey for a Jennie FOX - a widowed Head of the Family living in Camden, age 65 (b.1835 in England). She has a daughter-1, Annie CLAVEY, age 35 (b.1865 in England), married for 15 years to an unspecified Clavey and widowed; and a daughter-2, Vennie, age 30 (b.1878). Annie has two children - a son-1, Bert, age 13 (b.1887); and a son-2, Frank, age 10 (b.1889). I have not found any recollection among my dad’s surviving relatives of an ‘Uncle Frank ‘. I don’t thnk that means much, though. They are all REAL old.
This family appears in an earlier listing in the 1880 Soundex for Pennsylvania. Benjamin (1) FOX appears as the Head of the Family, age 43 (b.1836-1837 in England). Along with him are - his wife Jennie, age 43 (b.1836-1837); a daughter-1, Laddie?, age 22 (b.1857-1858); a daughter-2, Mamie, age 19 (b.1860-1861); a daughter-3, Annie, age 16 (b.1863-1864); a daughter-4, Lizzie, age 14 (b.1865-1866), a daughter-5, Vina, age 11 (b.1878-1879); and a son-1, Benjamin (2), age 9 (b.1880-1881). Evidently, most of the children (save Annie and Vina/Vennie) left by 1900.
I’m about as sure as I can be that Bert is my Dad’s father. I’m guessing that Annie was married-to and widowed-from a Clavey man from either the Jacob (1) or John (2) branch. The John (2) branch provides more possibilities, but the scroll has ordinarily travelled through the oldest son (which would be Jacob (1)). Bert is the oldest boy of Annie’s and would thus get the scroll. (Oddly enough, my Dad was the youngest boy... and he still ended up with it. Oh well...) Perhaps John (3) married Annie - that would wrap it up nice and clean (which makes it almost a sure bet that it’s NOT what happened). But I’m still going at it.
Any way to find out if your John Clavey ref.197 became a sailor and left for points north? That would be nice and clean too... (and way too easy).
We pronounce our name ‘clay-vee’ as well. As far as sound on my web-page... I’m just beginning to learn HTML, and (unfortunately) it’s about the last thing on my list of things to spend what little time I have on. Maybe someday.
Reply From Brian Clavey ...
I am in touch through the wonders of Internet with Mark Clavey of Philadelphia whose 4 x gr grandfather John Clavey became an American citizen in 1808. One of his family’s proud possessions is the scroll of citizenship and oath of allegiance which shows that he had previously been a citizen of Denmark and a subject of the King of Denmark. Also that he was employed in “navigation of the ocean”. Not being aware of any earlier Claveys in Denmark, my immediate reaction to the above information was that John was probably one of the Claveys from North Germany. However Mark says he is as sure as he can be, lacking an explicit pedigree, that his family are from the English clan.
In his researches he has looked at census information for Pennslyvania for the years 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1840. John first appears in the 1810 census which shows him as head of family aged 26-44 with a wife, a son 1-10 and a daughter 1-10. As the 1820 census also shows him as age 26-44, some simple arithmetic shows that he must have been born between 1776 and 1784. However the 1840 census which Mark says is more reliable, indicates a birth date of between 1760 and 1770 which is a considerable discrepancy.
One possible nomination for John is John Clavey baptised at Chewton Mendip in 1760, son of John & Ann. There is no record of a marriage for John or a burial.
All of this prompts me to ask whether anyone can suggest appropriate records to consult which might indicate that the John from Chewton Mendip became a sailor and at one time worked for the Kingdom of Denmark. Also has anyone looked at American census records and can comment on their accuracy.?
Lambeth Claveys, George and Charlotte
Lambeth Claveys
George and Charlotte
9 Nov 1858 George Clavey and Charlotte Ann Durbin (third cousins) were married at Trinity Church, Marylebone. George was a labourer living at Munster Square (near Regents Park). Witnesses Jacob Uphill and Martha Durbin
Charlotte was the daughter of Reuben Durbin and Mary Clavey.
Mar-Jun 1861 Frederick George born in Strand registration district. He died Mar to Jun 1863 in the Lambeth district.
1861 census Munster Square not yet checked. No Claveys found at 30 Stangate Street in Lambeth.
28 Feb 1864 Henry William born at 30 Stangate Street. George is shown as engine driver.
(1) Henry married Bertha Hippisley
Jan-Mar 1866 Annie Maria born in Lambeth district. Annie married Oct-Dec 1888 in Lambeth.
Jan-Mar 1867 Edward John born in Lambeth district. Was this the Edward James who married Nancy Florence (surname not known) Apr-Jun 1893 at Southcoates (suburb of Hull).
Edward and Florence had two daughters Florence (1897-1917) and Dora (1898-1899). Nancy died in Jan-Mar 1906, aged 37 and Edward died nearly 40 years later in 1945.
23 Nov 1868 Francis Albert (Frank) born at 30 Stangate Sreet. George is still an engine driver.
(2) Frank married Mary Moir
Jul-Sep 1870 John Augustus born in Lambeth district.
(3) John married Hepzibah Day. She died in 1900 and John then married Amelia Sly.
1871 census George and Charlotte at 30 Stangate Street with children above. George is still an engine driver.
Apr-Jun 1872 George Phillip born in Lambeth district. George died Oct-Dec 1873.
Jul-Sep 1873 Arthur Reuben born in Lambeth district. Arthur died Jul-Sep 1879
Jan-Mar 1876 Charlotte Maud born in Lambeth district. Charlotte died Jul-Sep 1879
1881 census George and Charlotte at 30 Stangate Street with children, Henry, Annie, Edward, Francis and John. George, aged 48, is now working at a brewery.
Apr-Jun 1885 Gilbert Austin T born in Lambeth district. Probably not another son of George and Charlotte. Gilbert married Margaret Bryan in Wandsworth in 1914 and they had a daughter Daphne in 1915. Gilbert died in 1940 in Birkdale, Lancs. Margaret died in 1978 in Wandsworth. Daphne?
Jan-Mar 1887 George died in Lambeth aged 54.
1991 census Not yet looked at
Oct-Dec 1897 Charlotte died in Lambeth aged 61
(1) Henry and Bertha.
(2) Frank and Mary
27 Nov 1892 Francis Albert Clavey and Mary Elizabeth Moir were married at St Mary’s, Lambeth. Frank was 20 (24?), an engineer, living at 63 Paradise Street. Mary was 18 at the same address. Mary’s father was Charles Moir, a smith and later, a hammerman. Witnesses at the marriage were Charles Moir and Emma Bennett. They had 12 children as below: Frank died on the 13 Feb 1919 after influenza at 2 Shepherds Place in Upper Kennington and Mary then married Henry Clarkson on the 5th May 1921. Henry was a widower, aged 56, a night watchman.
31 Aug 1893 Francis Charles born at 6 North Street, Lambeth. Frank was electrical engineer. .Francis married Emma Hull in 1915 in Lambeth and they had three childen, Elsie born 1915 who married a Mr Porter in 1938, Francis (1923-1940) who was killed on an RAF mission in 1940 and Ronald (1928-1929)
Oct-Dec 1895 Rose Matilda was born in the Lambeth district. She married Alfred Webb in 1920 in the Paddington district.
Oct-Dec 1897 Jessie Elizabeth was born in the Lambeth district. She died aged 5.
19 Apr 1900 James William was born at 17 Little Paris Street, Lambeth. Frank was then a brass finisher journeyman. James served in WW1 with the BEF, and then emigrated to Australia between 1922 and 1925. James married Adelaide Lacor in 1929 at Kulin in WA and they then moved to Fremantle where they had 5 children, Bessie, Frank, Ivy, David and Dorothy.
In WW2 James served with the Australia Military Forces. He died in Fremantle in 1971.
Jan-Mar 1903 David Thomas was born in the Lambeth district. He married Florence Fuller in 1929 in Wandsworth and they had a daughter Sylvia. David died in 1986 in Sutton and Florence in 1999.
Jul-Sep 1904 Lily Florence was born in the Lambeth district. She married Henry Johnston in Lambeth in 1927.
Jan-Mar 1905 Amelia Elizabeth was born in the Lambeth district. She died when 5 years old. Amelia may have been the daughter of John Augustus, not Francis.
12 Oct 1906 Ethel May Clavey was born in Teddington (Oxfordshire?). As May Ethel, she married Herbert Leach in 1928 and emigrated to New Zealand. She died in 1986 aged 79 in New Lynn (Wellington).
Jul-Sep 1909 George Edward Clavey was born in the Lambeth district. He married Ivy? Riches in 1933 in Lambeth and they had one daughter Carol in 1940. Ivy died at the age of 34 in 1944. George then married a widow, Mrs ? Philips in 1946? and they two children, Michael and Jacqeline. There is also a son, Daniel from her previous marriage. George died in 1991 at Ashford.
Jan-Mar 1912 Florence L Clavey was born in the Lambeth area. She died aged 5 in 1917.
5 Apr 1914 Marjorie Violet Clavey was born at Rose Cottage, Coggeshall Road, Braintree, Essex. Her father Frank was a brass finisher. She married Mr Wogan in 1939 in Brentford.
Apr-Jun 1917 William A Clavey was born in the Lambeth area. He was an LAC in the RAF and died at Abu Sueir in 1942.
George and Charlotte
9 Nov 1858 George Clavey and Charlotte Ann Durbin (third cousins) were married at Trinity Church, Marylebone. George was a labourer living at Munster Square (near Regents Park). Witnesses Jacob Uphill and Martha Durbin
Charlotte was the daughter of Reuben Durbin and Mary Clavey.
Mar-Jun 1861 Frederick George born in Strand registration district. He died Mar to Jun 1863 in the Lambeth district.
1861 census Munster Square not yet checked. No Claveys found at 30 Stangate Street in Lambeth.
28 Feb 1864 Henry William born at 30 Stangate Street. George is shown as engine driver.
(1) Henry married Bertha Hippisley
Jan-Mar 1866 Annie Maria born in Lambeth district. Annie married Oct-Dec 1888 in Lambeth.
Jan-Mar 1867 Edward John born in Lambeth district. Was this the Edward James who married Nancy Florence (surname not known) Apr-Jun 1893 at Southcoates (suburb of Hull).
Edward and Florence had two daughters Florence (1897-1917) and Dora (1898-1899). Nancy died in Jan-Mar 1906, aged 37 and Edward died nearly 40 years later in 1945.
23 Nov 1868 Francis Albert (Frank) born at 30 Stangate Sreet. George is still an engine driver.
(2) Frank married Mary Moir
Jul-Sep 1870 John Augustus born in Lambeth district.
(3) John married Hepzibah Day. She died in 1900 and John then married Amelia Sly.
1871 census George and Charlotte at 30 Stangate Street with children above. George is still an engine driver.
Apr-Jun 1872 George Phillip born in Lambeth district. George died Oct-Dec 1873.
Jul-Sep 1873 Arthur Reuben born in Lambeth district. Arthur died Jul-Sep 1879
Jan-Mar 1876 Charlotte Maud born in Lambeth district. Charlotte died Jul-Sep 1879
1881 census George and Charlotte at 30 Stangate Street with children, Henry, Annie, Edward, Francis and John. George, aged 48, is now working at a brewery.
Apr-Jun 1885 Gilbert Austin T born in Lambeth district. Probably not another son of George and Charlotte. Gilbert married Margaret Bryan in Wandsworth in 1914 and they had a daughter Daphne in 1915. Gilbert died in 1940 in Birkdale, Lancs. Margaret died in 1978 in Wandsworth. Daphne?
Jan-Mar 1887 George died in Lambeth aged 54.
1991 census Not yet looked at
Oct-Dec 1897 Charlotte died in Lambeth aged 61
(1) Henry and Bertha.
(2) Frank and Mary
27 Nov 1892 Francis Albert Clavey and Mary Elizabeth Moir were married at St Mary’s, Lambeth. Frank was 20 (24?), an engineer, living at 63 Paradise Street. Mary was 18 at the same address. Mary’s father was Charles Moir, a smith and later, a hammerman. Witnesses at the marriage were Charles Moir and Emma Bennett. They had 12 children as below: Frank died on the 13 Feb 1919 after influenza at 2 Shepherds Place in Upper Kennington and Mary then married Henry Clarkson on the 5th May 1921. Henry was a widower, aged 56, a night watchman.
31 Aug 1893 Francis Charles born at 6 North Street, Lambeth. Frank was electrical engineer. .Francis married Emma Hull in 1915 in Lambeth and they had three childen, Elsie born 1915 who married a Mr Porter in 1938, Francis (1923-1940) who was killed on an RAF mission in 1940 and Ronald (1928-1929)
Oct-Dec 1895 Rose Matilda was born in the Lambeth district. She married Alfred Webb in 1920 in the Paddington district.
Oct-Dec 1897 Jessie Elizabeth was born in the Lambeth district. She died aged 5.
19 Apr 1900 James William was born at 17 Little Paris Street, Lambeth. Frank was then a brass finisher journeyman. James served in WW1 with the BEF, and then emigrated to Australia between 1922 and 1925. James married Adelaide Lacor in 1929 at Kulin in WA and they then moved to Fremantle where they had 5 children, Bessie, Frank, Ivy, David and Dorothy.
In WW2 James served with the Australia Military Forces. He died in Fremantle in 1971.
Jan-Mar 1903 David Thomas was born in the Lambeth district. He married Florence Fuller in 1929 in Wandsworth and they had a daughter Sylvia. David died in 1986 in Sutton and Florence in 1999.
Jul-Sep 1904 Lily Florence was born in the Lambeth district. She married Henry Johnston in Lambeth in 1927.
Jan-Mar 1905 Amelia Elizabeth was born in the Lambeth district. She died when 5 years old. Amelia may have been the daughter of John Augustus, not Francis.
12 Oct 1906 Ethel May Clavey was born in Teddington (Oxfordshire?). As May Ethel, she married Herbert Leach in 1928 and emigrated to New Zealand. She died in 1986 aged 79 in New Lynn (Wellington).
Jul-Sep 1909 George Edward Clavey was born in the Lambeth district. He married Ivy? Riches in 1933 in Lambeth and they had one daughter Carol in 1940. Ivy died at the age of 34 in 1944. George then married a widow, Mrs ? Philips in 1946? and they two children, Michael and Jacqeline. There is also a son, Daniel from her previous marriage. George died in 1991 at Ashford.
Jan-Mar 1912 Florence L Clavey was born in the Lambeth area. She died aged 5 in 1917.
5 Apr 1914 Marjorie Violet Clavey was born at Rose Cottage, Coggeshall Road, Braintree, Essex. Her father Frank was a brass finisher. She married Mr Wogan in 1939 in Brentford.
Apr-Jun 1917 William A Clavey was born in the Lambeth area. He was an LAC in the RAF and died at Abu Sueir in 1942.
Captain Joseph Clavey of the 29th Regiment of Foot
Captain Joseph Clavey of the 29th Regiment of Foot
born about 1770, died 1796)
Extracts from “The History of Thos Farringtons Regiment”, subsequently designated The 29th Worcestershire Foot 1694 to 1891, by Major H Everard, published 1891.
On the 4th of February 1796, the “Sally” transport with Captains J Clavey and Edgell Wyatt, Lieut R Duddingstone, Ensign Samuel Galindo, 4 serjeants, 3 drummers, 129 rank and file, arrived at Grenada.
Further reinfocements being expected, Brigadier-General Nicholls decided on their arrival to attack the enemy’s post at Port Royal situated on the windward side of the island. The position occupied by the insurgents was situated on a hill with very steep ascent, particularly towards the summit on which a fort had been constructed, armed with four 6-pounders and some swivel guns.
On the 22nd of March, General Nicholls with two troops of 17th Light Dragoons, 200 men of the 9th, 10th, 25th and 29th regiments, together with 500 of the Island Black Corps, marched to join the reinforcements which were daily expected and ordered to disembark near Port Royal.
On the 24th, detachments of the 8th and 63rd regiments with part of the “Buffs”, disembarked; two 6-pounders and a 5- inch howitzer were also got ashore and placed on a ridge about 1000 yards south of Port Royal.
During the night a battery was constructed and the following morning at daybreak fire was opened on the enemy redoubt. This disconcerted them very much but General Nicholl’s object being to close with the enemy as soon as possible, he determined to get on the same ridge with them, or, if he saw an opening, to attempt to carry the work by assault. For this purpose it was necessary to try and dislodge some strong parties which were posted on some heights to the left, as if intending to turn or threaten that flank. A strong black corps and 50 of the 88th Foot, the whole under Major Houston of the latter regiment, were therefore detailed for this service, but meeting with a reverse, the 8th (Kings) was ordered to support them, which it did eventually.
At this moment an alarming fire broke out in rear of the troops, near a place where on landing all the stores had been deposited. By the exertions of the men, these were all saved.
In the midst of these untoward circumstances, firing was heard from the ships-of-war which lay at anchor and it was ascertained that two French Schooners with reinforcements for the enemy, had arrived and were making for “Marquis”. As these were well within the range of the 6-pounders, General Nicholls immediately ordered one to be turned against them.
The situation of affairs was now so critical that not an instant was to be lost, and Brigadier General A. Campbell was ordered to proceed to the assault without delay. He therfore advanced with only the Buffs and the 63rd Regiment. The 8th (Kings) having, as before mentioned, been detached on another service, General Nicholls ordered up half of the 29th to replace them, also half of the 9th to assist if necessary. The 29th, having to march from Grand Bacolet and although it pushed forward as quickly as possible, did not arrive till after the Buffs had met with a check in consequence of the advantage the enemy had of the ground and of a very galling fire to which they were exposed.
Brigadier General Campbell then offered to carry the position with his regiment. The 29th accordingly, with orders not to fire, advanced to the assault, led by their colonel waving his hat and cheering them on. The enemy, elated by their recent success, delivered a sharp fire and advanced to meet them. The brushwood fence, where the Buffs had been checked, was passed steadily and in perfect order. Then with a rush the position was forced and scrambling in at the embrasures, the fort was carried at the point of bayonet, Captain Clavey being the first to enter.
On this, the enemy fled in all directions, some threw themselves down precipices, others tried to escape
down the hill under cover of the bush, but so heavy was the fire kept upon them that they were forced to try to escape along a valley where the detachment of the 17th Light Dragoons, under Captain Black and the St. George’s troop of light cavalry, rode them down and, though themselves exposed to a heavy fire of grape from the French schooners, cut down every man they saw, but few who had been in the fort escaped.
On the 10th of June, the French in the island under their commander Jossy, surrendered all their posts and by the 19th, the British were in full possession of all the enemy’s positions. Julien Fedon, a mulatto, the leader of the insurrection, with a few followers, escaped to the woods, but is supposed to have met with a watery grave whilst attempting to leave the island in a canoe.
By this time the 29th was so reduced in numbers that it was thought necessary to send it home. On the 11th of July, what remained of the regiment embarked for England and on the 15th sailed for Tortola to join the homeward-bound convoy. During the passage Captain Clavey, Lieut. Duddingstone and 13 privates died.
Gosport was reached on the 29th of September. On disembarking, the detachment - a mere skeleton of the regiment, for it consisted of but 2 captains, 3 subalterns, 10 serjeants, 14 corporals, 10 drummers and 53 privates - marched to Weymouth.
After the batallion had returned from Grenada, the whole regiment was sent to Cornwall in 1797 when a French fleet with 15000 men had assembled at Texel. However when the French sailed for Brest, Admiral Duncan defeated them off Camperdown and the fears of invasion receded.
In June 1798 the 29th was sent to Ireland when the Irish rebellion broke out and marched into Wexford to disperse the “rebels”. There seems to have been much murder and massacre on both sides (just like today). In August the French landed at Killalla Bay and were defeated by Cornwallis’ army. The 29th in a series of marches were sent to cut off the French retreat but don’t seem to have seen much action apart from mopping up.
They were then stationed in Ireland until they were ordered to return to England in July 1799 in readiness for the expedition to Holland led by the Duke of York. In August they landed at Helder and were met by volleys of musketry and a continued fire of light artillery. With “great gallantry and spirit” the 29th Grenadiers charged through the heavy sand and secured some vital positions.
By October they had advanced to Schagen and beyond. However when their Russian allies were defeated at Alkmaar, the 29th was ordered to retreat back to Schagen - only to advance again to Bergen where much bloody fighting took place. The enemy then brought up reinforcements of 6000 men and it was decided to withdraw the army to England.
In 1802 the regiment was sent to Nova Scotia and stayed ther until 1807, apparently not doing a
lot. The following May they joined a larger force under General Spencer and sent in secret to Cadiz
to assist the uprising of the Spanish, and then in July they re-embarked to joinWellington’s
force which had arrived at Mondego Bay. What then followed must surely be the 29th’s
finest hour.
born about 1770, died 1796)
Extracts from “The History of Thos Farringtons Regiment”, subsequently designated The 29th Worcestershire Foot 1694 to 1891, by Major H Everard, published 1891.
On the 4th of February 1796, the “Sally” transport with Captains J Clavey and Edgell Wyatt, Lieut R Duddingstone, Ensign Samuel Galindo, 4 serjeants, 3 drummers, 129 rank and file, arrived at Grenada.
Further reinfocements being expected, Brigadier-General Nicholls decided on their arrival to attack the enemy’s post at Port Royal situated on the windward side of the island. The position occupied by the insurgents was situated on a hill with very steep ascent, particularly towards the summit on which a fort had been constructed, armed with four 6-pounders and some swivel guns.
On the 22nd of March, General Nicholls with two troops of 17th Light Dragoons, 200 men of the 9th, 10th, 25th and 29th regiments, together with 500 of the Island Black Corps, marched to join the reinforcements which were daily expected and ordered to disembark near Port Royal.
On the 24th, detachments of the 8th and 63rd regiments with part of the “Buffs”, disembarked; two 6-pounders and a 5- inch howitzer were also got ashore and placed on a ridge about 1000 yards south of Port Royal.
During the night a battery was constructed and the following morning at daybreak fire was opened on the enemy redoubt. This disconcerted them very much but General Nicholl’s object being to close with the enemy as soon as possible, he determined to get on the same ridge with them, or, if he saw an opening, to attempt to carry the work by assault. For this purpose it was necessary to try and dislodge some strong parties which were posted on some heights to the left, as if intending to turn or threaten that flank. A strong black corps and 50 of the 88th Foot, the whole under Major Houston of the latter regiment, were therefore detailed for this service, but meeting with a reverse, the 8th (Kings) was ordered to support them, which it did eventually.
At this moment an alarming fire broke out in rear of the troops, near a place where on landing all the stores had been deposited. By the exertions of the men, these were all saved.
In the midst of these untoward circumstances, firing was heard from the ships-of-war which lay at anchor and it was ascertained that two French Schooners with reinforcements for the enemy, had arrived and were making for “Marquis”. As these were well within the range of the 6-pounders, General Nicholls immediately ordered one to be turned against them.
The situation of affairs was now so critical that not an instant was to be lost, and Brigadier General A. Campbell was ordered to proceed to the assault without delay. He therfore advanced with only the Buffs and the 63rd Regiment. The 8th (Kings) having, as before mentioned, been detached on another service, General Nicholls ordered up half of the 29th to replace them, also half of the 9th to assist if necessary. The 29th, having to march from Grand Bacolet and although it pushed forward as quickly as possible, did not arrive till after the Buffs had met with a check in consequence of the advantage the enemy had of the ground and of a very galling fire to which they were exposed.
Brigadier General Campbell then offered to carry the position with his regiment. The 29th accordingly, with orders not to fire, advanced to the assault, led by their colonel waving his hat and cheering them on. The enemy, elated by their recent success, delivered a sharp fire and advanced to meet them. The brushwood fence, where the Buffs had been checked, was passed steadily and in perfect order. Then with a rush the position was forced and scrambling in at the embrasures, the fort was carried at the point of bayonet, Captain Clavey being the first to enter.
On this, the enemy fled in all directions, some threw themselves down precipices, others tried to escape
down the hill under cover of the bush, but so heavy was the fire kept upon them that they were forced to try to escape along a valley where the detachment of the 17th Light Dragoons, under Captain Black and the St. George’s troop of light cavalry, rode them down and, though themselves exposed to a heavy fire of grape from the French schooners, cut down every man they saw, but few who had been in the fort escaped.
On the 10th of June, the French in the island under their commander Jossy, surrendered all their posts and by the 19th, the British were in full possession of all the enemy’s positions. Julien Fedon, a mulatto, the leader of the insurrection, with a few followers, escaped to the woods, but is supposed to have met with a watery grave whilst attempting to leave the island in a canoe.
By this time the 29th was so reduced in numbers that it was thought necessary to send it home. On the 11th of July, what remained of the regiment embarked for England and on the 15th sailed for Tortola to join the homeward-bound convoy. During the passage Captain Clavey, Lieut. Duddingstone and 13 privates died.
Gosport was reached on the 29th of September. On disembarking, the detachment - a mere skeleton of the regiment, for it consisted of but 2 captains, 3 subalterns, 10 serjeants, 14 corporals, 10 drummers and 53 privates - marched to Weymouth.
After the batallion had returned from Grenada, the whole regiment was sent to Cornwall in 1797 when a French fleet with 15000 men had assembled at Texel. However when the French sailed for Brest, Admiral Duncan defeated them off Camperdown and the fears of invasion receded.
In June 1798 the 29th was sent to Ireland when the Irish rebellion broke out and marched into Wexford to disperse the “rebels”. There seems to have been much murder and massacre on both sides (just like today). In August the French landed at Killalla Bay and were defeated by Cornwallis’ army. The 29th in a series of marches were sent to cut off the French retreat but don’t seem to have seen much action apart from mopping up.
They were then stationed in Ireland until they were ordered to return to England in July 1799 in readiness for the expedition to Holland led by the Duke of York. In August they landed at Helder and were met by volleys of musketry and a continued fire of light artillery. With “great gallantry and spirit” the 29th Grenadiers charged through the heavy sand and secured some vital positions.
By October they had advanced to Schagen and beyond. However when their Russian allies were defeated at Alkmaar, the 29th was ordered to retreat back to Schagen - only to advance again to Bergen where much bloody fighting took place. The enemy then brought up reinforcements of 6000 men and it was decided to withdraw the army to England.
In 1802 the regiment was sent to Nova Scotia and stayed ther until 1807, apparently not doing a
lot. The following May they joined a larger force under General Spencer and sent in secret to Cadiz
to assist the uprising of the Spanish, and then in July they re-embarked to joinWellington’s
force which had arrived at Mondego Bay. What then followed must surely be the 29th’s
finest hour.
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