Mary Ann Chapple

(1870 - ????)

Mary Ann Chapple is believed to have been born to parents William and Mary Ann in Plymouth Devon during 1870 / 1. She was the second child born.

Between 1870 and 1873, the family moved to North Molton, Devon. This is evidenced by the birth of sister Harriet in 1873.

Mary's mother Mary Ann, died during or shortly after the birth of a further child Esther, born in 1876.

On 26 March 1877, in the parish church of North Molton, Mary's father married Susanna Gould from North Molton.

It is worthy of note that William married Susanna ten months at most after the death of his first wife. This appears more unusual today than was the case in 1877. At the age of 52 and with no other family support, William would have found it very difficult to support and raise four young children, the oldest of whom was eight.

The 1881 census records Mary as a 10 year old scholar, living with her parents, brother and sisters at 'Roberts', North Molton. Her father was employed as a farm labourer.

Mary's step mother Susan died on 07 January 1885 in North Molton; Mary was thirteen years old.

Further information about Mary has yet to be researched.