Individual's Report

At present I know little of Edwin's early life. He was born around 1846 in Weymouth or Melcombe Regis, I believe this may have been in the last quarter of the year, but at this point I am unable to prove this. I am also, at this time, unable to identify the names of his parents.

I believe that he met and married Melina (possibly with a middle name of Sarah) Shepard, in about 1867. There is such a marriage listed as being registered, in Dorchester. Melina seems to have originated from Cheselbourne (1871 Census) and this seems to be the most likely their wedding.

Their first child, Ellen, was born in Melcombe Regis or Weymouth in around 1869.

The 1871 census shows Edwin and family living at no.19 Wesley Street, Melcombe Regis. At this point the couple also had a second child, Harold. I believe that Harold died the following year aged only 1. Also living with the family there was Melina's' 13 year old sister Hester Dorcas Shepard.

My great grandmother, Kate Cora Newton, was born around February of 1873 and her brother Frank was born around 1875. I believe that Melina died around about 1879, and have found a death registered in her name in Weymouth in March quarter of that year. I believe that their eldest child, Ellen, may have died in 1876, aged 8 and again I have found a record of such a death, she is definitely missing from the 1881 census.

Two years later at the 1881 census, Edwin appears to have married Melina's younger sister Hester, which, as I understand it, would have been an illegal marriage in those times! In 1881 the family were living at No.2 Albert Street, Melcombe Regis, a street that would seem to become popular with the family as time went on.

Edwin and Hester's first child, also called Edwin, was born around 1882 in Weymouth or Melcombe Regis. Harry arrived around 1885 and Clara was born around 1888. Another child, Emily was born circa 1891, she was 3 months old at the time of the 1891 Census. In 1891 the family were living in No.5 Albert Street. Whether this was the same house, renumbered of a different house I am as yet unsure.

The couples final child, May, was born in 1894, again in Weymouth.

Edwin certainly attended the marriage of his daughter (and my great grandmother) Kate Cora to John Reid in the Chapel of ease, Christ Church in the Parish of Melcombe Regis, on the seventeenth of June 1900. Here he is listed as gunsmith and Cutler. A Cutler was a person who made and sharpened knives and cutlery.

I believe that Edwin died very soon after this wedding. I have found reference to a death of an Edwin Newton in Weymouth, registered in the June quarter of 1900. As I obtain this certificate I will know more if this is my ancestor Edwin or not.