The Rowden Research

The Rowden family has been traced back as far as 1692 when Nathanuell Rowden marries Agnes Saunders. The family originates from Devon, with the marriage taking place in Zeal Monachorum. Other towns with a high proportion of births and marriages are Bow and North Tawton, all of the towns/villages are approximately 20 miles north west of Exeter at the northern point of Dartmoor National Park.

1877

Laura Louisa Rowden born to James Rowden and Elizabeth (nee Corey), in Knock Westmorland on the 5^th September 1877. James and Elizabeth have 7 children with Laura being the youngest. The other children are; Eliza (1859), Jane (1860), James H (1867), Frederick (1870) Charles (1870) and Albert (1873). Laura’s birth is recorded by post, indicating that the family had moved from Knock to Hellifield which is south of Settle. Again a railway town, as an extension to the Settle to Carlisle branch line, I have enquired about a property in Knock called “Hellifield”, and none exists.

After the construction of the Settle to Carlisle railway a project making Hellifield a major railway junction had just started including the construction of a new station.

Knock is a little village about 4 miles north of Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Long Marton lies between Appleby-in-Westmorland and Knock on the Settle to Carlisle railway.

1892

Joseph Tibbot (23) marries Laura Louisa Rowden (17) **, on the 8th November 1892, both residing at 12 Ship Canal Huts, Frodsham, in the Parish of Runcorn. (Question over Laura’s age based on records of Birth) The marriage is conducted in the ‘Primitive’ Methodist Chapel and witnessed by Elizabeth Owens and Jane Woodcock. The presiding minister is Henry Richard Didcock.

** It is known from the previous census records and birth certificate that Laura was only just turned 15 when she married and also 5 or 6 months pregnant. The additional 2 years added to her age were maintained throughout her life when reading the death certificate.

Joseph Tibbot is a Locomotive Engine Driver and Laura Louisa Rowden is a Spinster.

Joseph’s father, Richard Tibbot (deceased) was a Horseman.

Laura’s father, James Rowden (deceased) was a Joiner.

1943

Laura Louisa Harrogate (nee Rowden) dies aged 66 (on her death certificate it records age 69, yet that is covering the under age marriage 51 years previous). Laura has a major stroke and is paralysed, also has thickening of artery walls and major kidney failure. Laura dies on the 17^th October 1943.