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England/Abnett Family

Some of the information listed here was found at Family Search and apparently submitted there in 1986. I was contacted by a distant cousin who provided me with additional information on this family after she accessed my original website at geocities (2001) through an English Genealogy Site. Special thanks to Jill Cole, a distant cousin, for information included in the Richard Medhurst and William Honey Generation Reports. Jill is descended from John Abnett, one of the sons of Thomas Abnett and Elizabeth Strobridge.

Recently, a cousin from England, Barry Watts, began to research our family and he has provided me with additional information and clarification on some of the family history, again, with the help of my Uncle Frank H. Jessup....

The information on this page represents the combined efforts of several researchers. I have verified the information by Wills, Equity, Deeds, Census and Cemetery Records where possible. Where no source is given, the information is unproven/unverified. Additions and corrections are welcome. Proper credit is always awarded to the provider of information. Happy Researching!

!Source: Lori McLeod Wilke; "Walking with ghosts", Research 2000 - 2009

"This is a maritime county, and one of the most beautiful districts in this island; it includes within its boundaries numerous objects replete with interest, and towns of high importance, magnitude and beauty. It is situated on the south-east extremity of Great Britain, opposite to France, from which it is distant (at its nearest point, Dover,) about twenty-four miles. Its figure is irregular, but approaches more to the trapezium than to any other. On the north it is bounded by the river Thames; on the east side, and part of the south, it opens to the German ocean and British channel; on the remainder of the south side it is skirted by Sussex, and on the west by Surrey. From east to west (i.e. from the North Foreland to Deptford,) it is about sixty-three miles in length; and in breadth, from the point of Dungeness to the North Foreland, nearly forty miles; while, from the central sides, it is not more than twenty-five wide. The ambit of the county is about one hundred and seventy-four miles; and its area comprises 1,537 square miles, or 983,680 statute acres. In size it ranks as the ninth county in England, and in population as the sixth." -- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

'The garden of England', has been the nickname of the county of Kent for generations. As the nickname implies Kent is heavily reliant on agriculture, whether it is in the hopfields or the apple orchards. Modern day Kent has a population of over 1,500,000 and can, along with it's traditional agrarian pursuits, list coal mining, cement manufacturing and paper manufacturing as industrial activities."-- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

"Kent's administrative headquarters are to be found in the town of Maidstone, with the historic cathedral city of Canterbury, Chatham, Rochester, Dover, Tunbridge Wells and the resorts of Folkestone, Margate and Ramsgate being the other major towns."-- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

"Traditionally the county is divided into Two separate categories, dependant on birthplace. Those born to the east of the River Medway are known as 'Men of Kent' whilst those born to the west are known as 'Kentish Men'. "-- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

"Covering an area of 1,440 square miles and with it's obvious proximity to the continent of Europe, Dover to Calais is a mere 23 miles across the English Channel, Kent is blessed with a profusion of castles. Dover castle is set high above the famous port and commands quite a spectacular view of the surrounding sea. Within it's walls can be found the numerous offices and tunnels that were used by coastal command during the Second World War and remain today as a very popular tourist attraction. "-- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

"Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful of all English castles and, along with Hever Castle, has a strong link with King Henry VIII." -- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

"The city of Canterbury is synonymous with the literary classic 'The Canterbury Tales' which is a fine example of early English literature." -- "Pigot & Co.'s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the county of Kent, September, 1839. Facsimile edition (ISBN 0-9504069-5-3) © Michael Winton 1993"

Facts on the region

"Origin of name: Greek and Roman writers referred to Kention, and Kent has the distinction of being the oldest recorded county name in Britain still in use. Its Celtic root canto means an edge or rim which is apt for the county's geographical position. The Romans called the inhabitants Cantii and their kingdom the land of the Cantii. Kent became the first of the dominant Anglo-Saxon England kingdoms. Celtic caint could mean open country." Source: GenUK!: Kent Genealogy-

Created 1st July 1837. Sub-districts : Headcorn; Hollingbourn; Lenham. GRO volumes : V (1837-51); 2a (1852-1930). Bicknor, Boughton Malherbe, Boxley, Bredhurst, Broomfield, Chart Sutton, Detling, East Sutton, Frinsted, Harrietsham, Headcorn, Hollingbourn, Hucking, Langley, Leeds, Lenham, Otterden, Stockbury, Sutton Valence, Thurnham, Ulcombe, Wichling, Wormshill. Registers now in Maidstone Source: Free BMD

Robert Abbinet born est 1710 in Boxely, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died unknown in Boxely, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married on 29 Dec 1737 Boxely, Hollingbourne District/Maidstone District, Kentshire/County of Kent, England Sarah Medhurst born Bef November 21, 1714 Boxely, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened 21 Nov 1714 in Boxley (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 22 Mar 1755 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England

Children of Robert Abbinet and Sarah Medhurst

1. Mary Abbanet born Bef April 01, 1739 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 1 April 1739) Christened on 1 Apr 1739 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died May 09, 1739 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

approximate age at death 5 weeks

2. Sarah Abbanet born bef. April 13, 1740 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 13 April 1740 ) Christened on 13 Apr 1740 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died January 05, 1754 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

approximate age at death 13 years, 10 months

3. John Abbanet born Bef July 18, 1741 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 18 Jul 1741 ) Christened on 18 Jul 1741 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died March 19, 1820 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

4. Robert Abbanet born Bef November 11, 1744 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 11 November 1744) Christened 11 Nov 1744 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died Unknown in Unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

5. William Abbanet born Bef. April 17, 1747 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 7 April 1747 ) Christened 17 April 1747 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died March 24, 1830 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried All Saints Parish Church Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married to Sarah UNKNOWN born about 1747 died Abt. July 25, 1824 buried 25 Jul 1824 All Saints Parish Church Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD) Direct Line

6. Anne Abbanet born Bef October 19, 1749 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 19 Oct 1749) Christened on 19 Oct 1749 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died April 19, 1753 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

approximate age at death 3 years and 7 months
Twin of Mary

7. Mary Abbanet born Bef October 19, 1749 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 19 Oct 1749) Christened on 19 Oct 1749 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died May 03, 1753 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England(sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

age at death 3 years 8 months
Twin of Anne

8. Elizabeth Abbanet born Bef October 22, 1752 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 22 Oct 1752) Christened on 22 Oct 1752 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died unknown in unknown married July 18, 1774 to Thomas Norris born unknown in unknown died in unknwn (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

9. Francis Abbanet born Bef March 02, 1755 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (date estimated based on Christening date of 2 Mar 1755) Christened on 2 Mar 1755 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died March 27, 1755 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

approximate age at death 25 days

William Abbanet born abt 1747 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened 17 April 1747 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England death 24 Mar 1830 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married in 1775 Sarah UNKNOWN born abt 1747 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened 21 Nov 1714 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died Abt July 25, 1824 in Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 25 Jul 1824 All Saints Parish Church Cemetery, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England

Children of William and Sarah Unknown Abbanet

1. Mary (initially believed to have been Sarah) Abnett born Bef July 28,1776 in Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) died Unknown but buried in Linton, Kent **may have died January 02, 1781 married James Dann born Abt 1772 Maidstone Kent England died November 13, 1854 buried in Linton Kent (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i. William Henry Dann born Bef. February 4, 1798 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) died unknown in unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

ii. Elizabeth Dann born Abt. 1800 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

iii. Richard Dann born January 18, 1800 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown(sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

iv. George Dann born abt 1803 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown( sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

v. Thomas Dann born December 17, 1803 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

vi. Mary Dann born January 11, 1806 in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown(sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

vii. James Dann born unknown in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

viii. John Dann born unknown in Kent, England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, Englanddied unknown in unknown(sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org)

2. William Abnett born Bef March 21, 1781 Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) Christened on 21 Mar 1781 died January 31, 1782 Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

died at 10 months and 10 days old

3. Thomas Abnett born Bef. March 16, 1783 Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) Christened on 16 Mar 1783 at All Saints, Maidstone Kent England died July 15, 1864 King St. Kent England buried Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England married to Elizabeth Strobridge - (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD) Direct Line

4. Sarah Abnett born Bef August 10, 1785 Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) Christened 10 Aug 1785 died September 16, 1785 Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

died at approximately 10 weeks of age

Note: UPDATE Oct 2009 - there were not two children named Sarah - see MARY above - {unsure why they would name a second child Sarah. It is possible that we have the birth dates reversed and Sarah Abnett Dann (see above) actually was born on this date. Research ongoing.}

5. James Abnett Bef April 29, 1787 in Maidstone Kent England (based on Christening date) Christened on 29 Apr 1787 died January 02, 1789 in Maidstone, Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

died at approximately 2 years and 2 month of age

6. Ann Abnett born February 05, 1790 in Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died Unknown in Unknown married October 01, 1810 at St Mary's, Gillingham, Kent, England Charles Cousins birth and death dates - Unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i Elizabeth Cousins Bef. 7 April 1816 Ashford, Kent died Unknown
ii Child Two: Stephan Cousins Bef. June 2, 1822 Tenterden, Kent died Unknown

7. William Abnett born February 27, 1793 Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) Christened on 31 Mar 1793 All Saints Maidstone Kent England died May 19, 1847 Maidstone Kent England married September 22, 1811 St Margarets Rochester Kent England to Sarah Hassell dates unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

8. John Abnett born September 02, 1795 Boxley, Maidstone Kent England (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died Bef 1881 Maidstone Kent England Married August 01, 1815 All Saints, Maidstone Kent England Sarah Sharpe born 1794 Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent, England died September 19, 1841 Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Thomas Abnett born 1783 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened on 16 Mar 1783 at All Saints Parish, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 15 July 1864 King St., Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried Maidstone Cemetery, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married 31 Jan 1802 St Margarets Rochester Kent England Elizabeth Strobridge born 1780 Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England baptised All Saints Parish Church, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 3 Mar 1856 Carey Street, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 19 Jul 1864 Maidstone Cemetery, Boxley, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Death Certificates of Thomas and Elizabeth Abnett provided by Jill Cole Census 1841,
Bricklayer/King Street, Maidstone Kent England July 15, 1864 Occupation, Almsman,
formerly a bricklayer Thomas - Cause of death - Old age/certified John Abnett (son) present at Thomas' death
Click on image to view full size.

Children of Thomas and Elizabeth Abnett

1.. Thomas Abnett II born August 15, 1801 Maidstone Kent England Christened 19 Sep 1802 at All Saints Maidstone Kent England died August 19, 1858 Maidstone Hollingbourn District Kent England married November 1, 1823 Maidstone Kent England to Ann Parker born Abt. 1805 died October 27, 1869 Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

2. William Abnett born December 5, 1804 Maidstone Kent England died July 15, 1875 Maidstone Hollingbourn District Kent England buried cemetery Maidstone Hollingbourn District Kent England married first July 25, 1825 Boxley Maidstone Kent England to Jane Walking married second bef. January 14 1835 to Maryann Unknown married third August 4, 1839 Barming Parish Church, Barming Kent England to Elizabeth Dadson (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Children of William and Jane Walking Abnett

i. Ann Abnett born Bef. May 14, 1826 in Boxley Maidstone Kent England died unknown in unknown
ii. George Abnett born Bef. June 3, 1827 in Boxley Maidstone Kent England died November 29, 1889 at 30 Wheeler Street, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married 13 August 1848 in Barming, Kent EMILY WEEDEN daughter of STEPHEN WEEDEN and LUCY THORPE born Bef. 2 November 1828 in Boxley Kent died 6 November 1897 in Maidstone, Kent Census 1881:

Bricklayer/30 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent
Occupation 1: Bricklayer
Occupation 2: Bet. 1867 - 1895, Shopkeeper/30 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent

10th July 1890. Administration of the Personal Estate of George Abnett late of 30 Wheeler Street, Maidstone in the County of Kent, Bricklayer who died 29th November 1889 at 30 Wheeler Street, was granted at the principal Registry t Emily Abnett of 30 Wheeler Street, Widow the Relict. Personal Estate £236 19s. 11d

1. EMILY LOUISA ABNETT, b. Bef. 10 June 1849, Maidstone, Kent; d. Unknown

iii. Louisa Abnett born Bef. March 1, 1846 Boxley (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died unknown in unknown

3. Sarah Abnett born February 11, 1807 All Saints Maidstone Kent, England died May 16, 1828 Aylesford, Kent, England married September 15, 1828 Aylesford, Kent, England to William Walmersly born December 9, 1804 Maidstone Kent, England died August 7, 1883 Maidstone Hollingbourn District Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

4. John Abnett born July 25, 1809 Maidstone Kent, England died December 28, 1887 in Union Workhouse, Linton Kent England married June 14, 1829 All Saints Maidstone Kent, England to Sarah Francis born Abt. 1810 Maidstone Kent, England died August 24, 1884 Union Workhouse, Linton Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

6. James Abnett born May 17, 1811 Maidstone Kent, England died August 27, 1896 Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia -TRANSPORTED TO AUSTRAILIA FOR THEFT OF THREE RABBITS - (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

7. Charles Abnett born Bef. August 15, 1813 Maidstone Kent, England (based on All Saints, Maidstone Kent England Christening date) died March 16, 1878 Maidstone Kent, England married June 1 1834 St Margaret's, Rochester, Kent England to Charlotte Finn born Abt. 1808 died 23 September 1890 in Maidstone, Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Census 1881: Charlotte: Housekeeper to brother in law William Walmersley/2 Melville Street, Maidstone, Kent

i. EDWARD CHARLES ABNETT b. Bef. 3 September 1841 Maidstone, Kent England

8. George Abnett born Bef. January 7, 1816 Maidstone Kent, England (based on All Saints, Maidstone Kent England Christening date) Christened 7 Jan 1816 All Saints, Maidstone Kent England died Unknown in Unknown married August 23, 1836 East Barming, Kent, England to Emily Hughes born unknown died unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

9. Henry Abnett born before August 23, 1818 All Saints, Maidstone Kent England (based on All Saints, Maidstone Kent England Christening date) Christened 23 Aug 1818 at All Saints Maidstone Kent England died 20 July 1892 Maidstone Kent England buried 24 Jul 1892 Maidstone Kent England married 23 Dec 1849 Emma Stileman(Stillman) born 1821 Holy Trinity Maidstone Kent England died April 03, 1900 Maidstone Kent England buried Maidstone Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England - (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD) Direct Line

10. Edward Abnett born Bef. April 15, 1821 Maidstone Kent England died 1894 in unknown married July 19, 1840 Boughton, Manchester, Kent, England to Francis Bridgeland born 1823 Maidstone Kent England 1886 in unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Henry Abnett born 1818 All Saints Parish, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened 23 Aug 1818 at All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 20 July 1892 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 24 Jul 1892 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married 23 Dec 1849 Emma Stileman(Stillman) born 1821 Holy Trinity Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died April 03, 1900 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried Maidstone Cemetery, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Occupation: 1881 Census: Labourer/136 Wheeler Street

Children of Henry Abnett

1. Henry William Abnett born 26 June 1843 All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened on 3 Jul 1843 at All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 1 Jun 1926 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married 10 Nov 1861 Holy Trinity, Hollingbourne District/ Maidstone District, County of Kent, England Rosetta Axteel (Axtell) born 1843 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 24 Nov 1917 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 29 Nov 1917 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England - (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD) Direct Line

2. Thomas Abnett born about 1850 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died unknown in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried Maidstone Cemetery (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

apparently died in infancy

3. Charles Abnett born Bef. July 3, 1853 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England (based on Christening date) Christened on 3 Jul 1853 All Saints, Maidstone Kent England died unknown in unknown married October 26, 1873 ST Pauls, Maidstone, Kent, England to Ada Thursa Ware birth and death dates unknown (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Census: 1881 Stonemason

i. Eliza Abnett born about 1873 at St Pauls, in Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown in unknown

4. Emma Abnett born October 5, 1854 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died October 5, 1854 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)
Update Oct 2009 - Alternate Information received in email from Ivor Kirk "The daughter Emma was born August 1847 and baptised on 3 July 1853 in Maidstone, All Saints. The source is a transcript by The Kent family History Society. She was buried on the 5 October 1854 in Maidstone cemetery. Source Family Search and Fay Woods."

Stillborn

5. Robert Abnett born about 1855 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died in 1930 in unknown buried Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Census 1881: Stonemason
Census 1891: General Labourer/125 Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent

6. Edwin Abnett born December 22, 1857 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened at Holy Trinity, Maidstone Kent England...date unknown died December 18 1863 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Died at 5 years of age, 5 days short of his 6th birthday - his brother John died near the same day and the two boys were buried the same day

7. John Abnett born bef. August 12 1860 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened August 12 1860 at Holy Trinity, Maidstone Kent England died on or about December 18 1863 buried Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

8. Albert Abnett born September 10, 1863 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened on 31 Jan 1864 at St Pauls Maidstone Kent England died December 8, 1925 in All Saints Parish buried on 15 Dec 1925 married 24 June 1886 in St Paul's, Maidstone, Kent to ROSE ALDRIDGE daughter of STEPHEN ALDRIDGE and MARY MCCARTHY born 25 August 1866 in Westminster, London died 21 December 1895 in Maidstone, Kent married second 20 February 1917 in Maidstone Register Office, Maidstone, Kent to EMILY THOMPSON born 1876, and died 13 December 1928 in Maidstone, Kent (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

According to a 1918 Kent Messenger Article - Albert had 21 children and as many grandchildren. He was the Propietor of the Kentish Fairs operating such attractions as Roundabouts, Swingboats, Cocoanut Shies and Abnett's Ghost. Article provided January 2009 by Barry Watts

Googling "Kentish Fairs" + "1918" brought no further information; if you can provide further history of the fairs please email.

Census: 1881, Labourer/136 Wheeler Steet, Maidstone, Kent

i. ALICE ABNETT b. 17 January 1887, Maidstone, Ken d. Unknown married JACK SPRINGETT
ii. ANN ABNETT b. 15 March 1888, Maidstone, Kent d. Unknown
iii. FLORENCE ABNETT b. 20 April 1889, Maidstone, Kent d. Unknown
iv. EMMA ABNETT b. 16 December 1890, Maidstone, Kent d. 1 April 1986
v. ALBERT ERNEST STEVEN ABNETT b. 22 July 1894, Maidstone, Kent d. 13 January 1977 Aylesford, Kent
vi. ROBERT ABNETT b. 16 December 1895 Maidstone, Kent d. 16 December 1963
vii. HENRY ABNETT d. 5 April 1918 Arras, Belgium
viii. JAMES ABNETT b. 7 November 1901, Maidstone, Kent d. 25 February 1986
ix. CHARLES ABNETT b. 30 December 1902, Maidstone, Kent d. 29 May 1972
x. ALFRED GEORGE ABNETT b. 15 June 1904, Maidstone, Kent married DOROTHY
xi IVY MAY ABNETT b. 22 May 1906 Maidstone, Kent d. 21 November 1974
xii. FREDERICK ABNETT b. 8 June 1908 Maidstone, Kent
xiii. ETHEL ABNETT b. 13 April 1910 Maidstone, Kent
xiv VIOLET ABNETT b. 13 April 1910 Maidstone, Kent d. 1994
xvi WILLIAM ABNETT b. 11 December 1911 Maidstone, Kent
xvii LOUISA ABNETT b. 22 November 1914 Maidstone Kent d. 11 March 1979 married RON CHATFIELD
xviii. TEDDY ABNETT b. Unknown
ixx. ERNEST ABNETT b. 19 February 1918 Maidstone, Kent d. 2 March 1996
xx. JOHN ABNETT, b. 26 August 1921 Maidstone, Kent d. 21 November 1947

9. Alice Abnett born about 1867 in All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened 29 Dec 1867 at St Pauls Maidstone Kent England died unknown married 29 April 1888 in St Paul's, Maidstone, Kent JAMES KENNARD son of EDWIN KENNARD and MARY FRIDAY born Abt. 1866 in Chatham, Kent, and died Aft. 1890 (sources: Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Census 1881: Bricklayer 136 Wheeler Street, Maidstone Kent

i. JAMES KENNARD b. Abt. 1889, Chatham, Kent
ii. HENRY KENNARD b. Abt. 1890, Maidstone, Kent.

Henry William Abnett born 26 June 1843 All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England Christened on 3 Jul 1843 at All Saints Parish (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 1 Jun 1926 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married 10 Nov 1861 Holy Trinity, Hollingbourne District/ Maidstone District, County of Kent, England Rosetta Axteel (Axtell) born 1843 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 24 Nov 1917 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 29 Nov 1917 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England

1891 Census Labourer/3 Black Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent, England Occupation: ginger beer manufacturer

March 1918, William Abnett , a ginger beer manufacturer, was mentioned in the Kent Messenger for having 92 grandchildren SEE NEXT GENERATION FOR ARTICLE - (Source - January 1918 edition of the Kent Messenger reported in the 26 March 1999 Kent Messenger's A Century of News edition; provided to Lori McLeod Wilke by Frank H. Jessup Jr. and Mary Jessup McLeod)

Children of Henry and Rosetta Abnett

1. Henry William Abnett II born 20 Jun 1862 Maidstone Kent England died 16 Feb 1955 Maidstone Kent England buried 23 Feb 1955 Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England married November 19, 1883 St Pauls Maidstone Kent England Mercy Rose Vinton born 6 Nov 1861 Maidstone Kent England died 16 April 1950 Maidstone Kent England buried 21 April 1950 Cemetery Maidstone Kent England - (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD) Direct Line

2. Rosetta Abnett born 1863 Maidstone, Kent, England died Unknown married April 4, 1894 St Pauls, Maidstone, Kent, England to Henry Skinner born Unknown died Unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i. Henry William Skinner born January 4, 1885 died unknown

3. Emma Ann Abnett born 1865 Maidstone, Kent, England died on January 2, 1870 Maidstone, Kent, England - died at approximately 5 years old (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

4. Henry Abnett born Bef. October 29, 1865 Maidstone, Kent, England Christened on 29 Oct 1865 at St Pauls, Maidstone Kent England died on July 7, 1875 buried in Cemetery, Maidstone Kent England - died at nine years of age (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

5. Emily Abnett born 1866 Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married Unknown Wright (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

6. Alice Ann Abnett born 1870 Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married May 30, 1887 St Pauls, Maidstone, Kent, England to Frederick Samual John Channing (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

1891 Census: 3 Back Wheeler Street, Maidstone, Kent, England

7. George Abnett born 1872 Maidstone, Kent, England died March 28, 1950 buried Cemetery Maidstone Kent England married December 25, 1896 Holy Trinity to Kate Harriet Pearce born Abt. 1877 died October 21, 1937 Census 1881: Newnham Court Cottage, Bearsted Road, Boxley, Kent (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i. Frederick Charles Abnett born 1897 Maidstone, Kent, England died October 29, 1957 buried Holy Trinity Cemetery married first to DOROTHY GRACE d. 2 February 1933 married, 20 September 1936; b. 1885.second to LILIAN HICKMOTT
ii. Kate Elizabeth Abnett born 1899 Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married April 3, 1920 to Albert Edward Cooker
iii. Florence Rose Abnett born June 16, 1906 Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown
Violet Grace Abnett born 1910 Maidstone, Kent, England died November 26, 1910 Maidstone, Kent, England

8. Robert Charles Abnett born Bef. May 7, 1874 Maidstone Kent England Christened 7 May 1876 at St Pauls Maidstone Kent England died June 27, 1914 Maidstone Kent England married December 1, 1896 Maidstone Registrar Office, Maidstone Kent England to Mary Ann Emery born 1880 died unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

9. Frederick Abnett born 1878 Maidstone Kent England died unknown Rose Abnett born 1881 Maidstone Kent England died unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

1915 - Gunner RFA with the British Expeditionary Force - 1915 Kent Messenger Article provided by Barry Watts

10. Joseph Horace Abnett born 1884 Maidstone Kent England died unknown married July 24, 1915 St Michaels Church in Maidstone Kent England to Florence Ellen Page (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

ANNIE ABNETT b. 6 November 1908 Maidstone, Kent.

11. Annie Abnett born 1886 Maidstone Kent England died unknown married unknown to unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i William Lewis Abnett born Bef. May 12, 1908 Maidstone Kent England

12. Florence Abnett born 1888 Maidstone Kent England died unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Henry William Abnett II born 20 Jun 1862 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 16 Feb 1955 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 23 Feb 1955 Maidstone Cemetery, (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England married November 19, 1883 St Pauls Maidstone Kent England Mercy Rose Vinton born 6 Nov 1861 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England died 16 April 1950 (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England buried 21 April 1950 Maidstone Cemetery (July 1st 1837 was Hollingbourne District) Currently Maidstone District, (formerly Kentshire) / County of Kent, England

28 KM March 26, 1999
"Our feature is key to the door"

"When Frank Jessup opened his Kent Messenger a few weeks ago his eye was drawn to the name of his grandfather. The mention in the Kent Messenger's A Centruy of News feature proved to be the key to a number of doors helping Mr. Jessup, 71 of C......... Drive, K......., research his family tree.

The article, taken from a Kent Messenger of January 1915, mentioned that Mr. Jessup's grandfather, William Abnett, had 16 children including 10 serving in the forces in the Great War. Queen Mary sent a telegram to him and his wife at their home in Hartnup Street, Maidstone, to thank them for their contribution to the war effort. All the siblings survived the war except Edwin, who was killed in March 1915. His name is carved into the Menin Gate, Ypres.

Mr. Jessup said: " It was nice to see the family mentioned in the Kent Messenger. I remember my grandmother. She was a formidable Victorian character who expected all her grandchildren to visit her at the same time every Sunday morning. It was a ritual and if you could not make the appointment she wanted to know why. She really ruled the family with a rod of iron."

Mr. Jessup's grandfather was ostracised from the family for drinking his money away instead of supporting his 16 children. His wife made him sit by the fire on a hard wooden seat while she reclined in soft armchair.

Mr. Jessup said: "When the weather was fine he sat outside in the shed. The family was very poor and sometimes did not have enough to eat. My mother suffered from stomach problems due to this in later life."

The front room, called the parlour, was only used at Christmas time, even though there was hardly room for the family of 18 to swing a cat in the terraced house. Mr. Jessup said: "It was a typical Victorian family.
Times were hard but they knew how to party. I remember one Christmas my uncle walked down the street playing a banjo."

In March 1918, William Abnett senior, Mr. Jessups great grandfather, a ginger beer manufacturer, was mentioned in the Kent Messenger for having 92 grandchildren, one of whom was Mr. Jessup's mother Ada May. He said: "It came as a bit of a surprise that my family was so large. I have some research to do now to find out who all these people are." (Source - January 1918 edition of the Kent Messenger reported in the 26 March 1999 Kent Messenger's A Century of News edition; provided to Lori McLeod Wilke by Frank H. Jessup Jr. and Mary Jessup McLeod)

Children of William Henry Abnett and Mercy Rose Vinten

1. Frederick Abnett born about 1882 in Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married to Elsie Unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Divorced Frederick and went to Canada/America.

Gunner RFA British Expeditionary Force Abnett, Frederick C Royal West Kent Regiment GS/7247 Private --Barry Watts February 2009

2. William Henry Abnett III born about 1882 in Maidstone, Kent, England died December 29, 1957 Maidstone, Kent, England married December 19, 1908 St Michaels Church in Maidstone Kent England to Lucy Frid daughter of JOHN FRID and ANNIE born Abt. 1879 in Leeds, Kent, England died January 21, 1949 Maidstone, Kent, England (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

PTE 1st West Riding Regt. India

Occupation: Quarryman

note: one source states William's middle name was George

i. Rose Annie Abnett born 15 August 1909 Maidstone, Kent, England died 6 June 1913 Maidstone, Kent, England died
ii. Doreen Lucy Abnett b. 1921 married Hubert Harold Larking 13 July 1940 at St. Michaels, Maidstone Kent England

3. Edwin Cornelius Abnett born 1885 Maidstone, Kent, England Christened on 4 Jan 1885 at St. Pauls Maidstone Kent England died March 22, 1915 France married in 1907 to Daisy Gwendoline (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Abnett, Edwin Royal West Kent Regiment S/9170 Private [1] Royal West Kent Regiment S/9170 Private [2] Royal West Kent Regiment S/9170 Private Barry Watts February 2009

i. Alfred William Edwin Abnett b. 2 August 1907
ii. Annie Mercy Rose Abnett b. 24 Novemeber 1908
iii. Robert Henry Abnett b. 31 December 1911
iv. Violet Gwendoline Abnett b. 28 une 1914

Click on the image for the full view
Update: January 23 2009 - according to Frank H. Jessup, Alfred Richard Abnett (see next) also died in WWI and is honored at the Ypres Memorial in France.....

4. Alfred Richard Abnett born 1887 in Maidstone, Kent, England died at age 28 on April 18, 1915 in Canada married March 10, 1909 All Saints, Maidstone Kent England to Emma Jane Thornington daughter of JAMES THORNINGTON and EMMA JANE born Abt. 1888 died unknown - Editor of Toronto Daily News (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Abnett, Alfred Royal West Kent Regiment L/7748 Corporal 2nd [1] Royal West Kent Regiment L/7748 Corporal 2nd [2] Royal West Kent Regiment L/7748 Corporal 2nd Barry Watts Saturday February 7 2009

..."1915 KM article ( just months before 2 of the boys were KIA) The slight confusion in this article is the rank of Alfred Richard . According to the war graves website he was a Private, but the list of medal winners gives him as a corporal. In the text of the KM article he is said to be a sergeant, but in the picture he only seems to have 2 stripes. On balance I think corporal is the most likely. This article does however confirm the identity of the sailor in your picture as my Grandfather Robert Henry, as he was the only one in the Navy." Barry Watts Saturday February 7 2009

i. Leslie Richard Abnett born August 9, 1910 died January 28, 1910
ii. Alfred Abnett born unknown in Canada died unknown probably in Canada

Update: January 23 2009 - according to Frank H. Jessup, Alfred also died in WWI and is honored at the Ypres Memorial in France.....

5. Annie Rose Abnett born May 4, 1888 in Maidstone, Kent, England died at age 95 in 1983 in Maidstone, Kent, England married March 28, 1910 St Michaels Church in Maidstone Kent England to Robert Levi Hughes born unknown died unknown - Occupation: Labourer (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

i. Dorythy Hughes
ii. Florence Hughes
iii. Robert Hughes married to Joan Unknown
iv. Rose Hughes
v. Violet Hughes

6. Robert Henry Abnett born Bef. December 1, 1889 in Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married December 16, 1916 St Michaels Church in Maidstone Kent England to Amelia Crockett born 1887 died March 13, 1937 (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Stoker HMS Implacable

According to Frank H. Jessup the above photo is Robert Henry and Ada May....the photograph is marked on the back as Arthur and May....however, the ages are more appropriate for Robert Henry and May.

i. Joan Hilda Abnett Rose d. 2008
ii. Catherine Eileen Abnett Watts d. 1971

7. George Charles Abnett born November 1, 1891 in Maidstone, Kent, England died died at age 66 bef. 29 November 1957 buried 29 November 1957 married December 24, 1922 to Bessie Gertrude Naylor born 1893 died January 14, 1930 married second to Faith Gorham (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Pte 1st Yorks Regt. in India Abnett, George 1st Royal West Kent Regiment 172 Private [1] 1st Royal West Kent Regiment 172 Private [2] Norfolk Regiment 21857 Private Barry Watts February 2009

i. Stan Abnett Killed in France/serving in the Blackwatch
ii. Living Abnett born abt 1922

8. Joseph Horace Abnett born April 8, 1893 Maidstone, Kent, England died died at age 54 December 19, 1947 Maidstone, Kent, England married 1924 to Minnie Maude Lankesheer (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Abnett, Joseph H Royal West Kent Regiment GS/9649 Private Barry Watts February 2009

Two living children

After the death of her husband, Auntie Min lived with sister in law Eliza Emily , known as Em , until Min's health began to fail. Min then lived with one of her children 'till her death.

Many of my childhood memories include Auntie Min. Visits to my grandparents home in England meant spending many happy hours at the "Aunties" home. I learned to play Gin Rummy at their table and to blow bubbles in front of the mirror above their mantle.

Auntie Min had the gentlest nature of any one I've met, from childhood to the present.

9.. Charles Sidney Abnett Sr. born December 29, 1894 in Maidstone, Kent, England died died at age 91 in 1985 married first December 25, 1917 to Mabel Rose Barns born Abt. 1896 died February 12, 1945 in London, England of Breast Cancer married second July 23, 1949 in Epsom, Surrey, England to Anne Bonham born Unknown died July 20, 1979 in Epsom, Surrey, England (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Abnett, Charles Royal West Kent Regiment G/5320 Private [1] Royal West Kent Regiment G/5320 Private [2] 8th Royal West Kent Regiment GS/5320 Private Barry Watts February 2009

i. Charles Sidney Abnett b 24 December 1919 d, 6 september 1991 in Sway, Lymington. Charles married Joan Rachel Rose Burton on 18 Dec 1943 in Henley on Thames. She was born 12 February 1924 in Bungay, Norfolk

Charles moved to London and became the Managing Director of Waterman Pen.

10. Violet Frances Abnett born October 6, 1895 in Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Violet must have died very young, my mother has no memory of this Aunt

11. Eliza Emily Abnett born April 2, 1896 in Maidstone, Kent, England died at age 97 in 1993 married to Frank Mason born unknown died unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Aunties Min Abnett and Em Mason cr. 1978

Em and Frank had a shop on St. Peters Street (grocery store).

At age three, Mary Jessup, her brother Frank William Jessup, and their parents, Ada May Louisa Abnett Jessup and Frank Harris Jessup went to live with them temporarily (upon moving from Tunbridge Wells after the bombing of their home) . Mary recalls calling her Uncle Frank "Uncle ssss, ssss" because he had a lisp. Frank Mason came from a wealthy family. Further research would be interesting.

After Franks death, Emily ran the shop for a few years. Joan Hilda Abnett Rose and husband Ricky, (daughter of Robert Henry Abnett) lived with Em. Their child Michael was born during this time.

Em purchased another home on 199 Tumbridge Road. Emily's father, Henry William Abnett, lived with Em until his death in 1955. Her brother, Arthur lived with her until his death in 1960.

After the death of Joseph Horace Abnett, Minnie Maude Abnett eventually moved into the house with Em. Auntie Em took in lodgers after the death of her husband for extra income.

Em was a very active woman who walked to town (2 miles) instead of riding the bus which stopped just down the road from her home.

Upon the death of Frank Jessup, Em's sister, Ada May Louisa Abnett lived with Em. Mary Jessup McLeod had traveled from the States to help care for Frank Jessup during his illness. After his death, his and May's home on Tunbridge Road was sold along with Em's home at 199 Tunbridge Rd. A cottage was purchased next door to Joan Abnett Rose and her husband Ricky. Joan cared for the two until their deaths. The address of the cottage was Linden Lea, Pottery Lane, Nutbourne, Nr. Chichester, Sussex England. Failing health soon caused May to be placed in a nursing home where she lived until her death in 1990. Em lived in the cottage until shortly before her own death, remaining very active until she lost her sight due to "drooping" eyelids..

Extra note: After Ada's daughter Mary Jessup married Donald McLeod, they visited with Em during the time Em and May's father, Henry William, lived with them. Donald McLeod remembers leaning on the upstairs bathroom sink and causing it to separate from the wall. Em blamed her father, and Donald remembers, shamefacedly, that he allowed her to believe that because he wanted her to like him.

12. Alice Florence Abnett born June 25, 1897 Maidstone, Kent, England died unknown married December 25, 1919 St Michaels Church in Maidstone Kent England to Lewis John Ansley born Unknown died Unknown (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Uncle Lou and Auntie Alice lived on Tunbridge Road next door to the home of Henry and Mercy Abnett, her parents. Uncle Lou always had a pocketful of sweets for the children. I can remember in later years, that although he drooled, visits there were a treat because of those sweets.

13. Bertie Leonard Abnett born March 7, 1899 Maidstone, Kent, England died at age 74 August 21, 1973 Maidstone, Kent, England married June 26, 1926 St Michaels Church in Maidstone, Kent, England to Ethel Maud Withers born Unknown died November 2, 1974 (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

adopted one son - no information

14. Arthur Edward Abnett born August 18, 1900 Maidstone, Kent, England died at age 60 September 28, 1960 Maidstone, Kent, England (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Arthur never married and lived with his sister Eliza Emily until his death in 1960.

15. Ada May Louisa Abnett born 21 Nov 1901 in Maidstone Kent England Christened at St Michaels, Maidstone Kent England died at age 89 in 1990 Nursing Home, Nutbourne, Nr. Chichester, Sussex, England buried in Jessup Family Plot Sutten Vallence Cemetery, England married 27 Nov 1926 St Michaels Maidstone Kent England Frank Harris Jessup born 1904 in Maidstone Kent England died February 26, 1983 at home in Maidstone Kent England buried in Jessup Family Plot Sutten Vallence Cemetery, England - (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

Lori and Kevin McLeod, Frank and May Jessup,
and Donald Ross McLeod cr. 1963 in South Bend, Indiana
click to view full size

16. Harold Ambrose Abnett born January 2, 1903 Maidstone Kent England married December 26, 1928 All Saints Maidstone Kent, England to Clara Ellen Foord (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

17. Sidney Abnett born September 8, 1904 Maidstone Kent England died September 8, 1904 Maidstone Kent England (sources: Frank H. Jessup, Mary Jessup McLeod, Jill Cole; and FamilySearch.org; county information found at FreeBMD)

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