There is a marriage recorded in Sealand Parish Church on the 8th August 1884 between William Hughes, 23 a bachelor and Joiner, abode Great Saughall, his Father Samuel Hughes was a Blacksmith and Hannah Mousedale, 18, Spinster, abode Sealand and whose father was John Mousedale, a Butcher. I believe this to be Edward’s parent’s marriage.
The 1891 census finds them living at 32, Faulkner St, Hoole, Chester. William was 29, a Butcher, born Saughall, Cheshire, wife Hannah, 24 also born Saughall, Cheshire. Daughter Ellen, 5, son William, 3 had been born in Saughall, Cheshire, daughter Annie, 1, had been born in Chester. Margaret Jones, 19, a general servant, who had been born in Penymynydd, Flintshire was also there in the household.
The 1901 census shows us William & Hannah living, with their family, at Chester Road, Shotton, Hawarden, which at that time came under Cheshire. William was head of the household and 39, a Butcher. His wife Hannah, 33 had been born in Sealand, Flintshire, their daughter Ellen, 15, son William, 13 and daughter Ann, 11 and son Edward, 8, had also been born in Saughall, son Samuel, 2 had been born in Shotton, Flintshire. Also living there was a niece Ellen, 9, born in Saughall. A servant was also there, a Thomas Williams,20, a Butcher born in Caergwrle Flintshire.
Edward is remembered on the Hawarden County School Roll of Honour in the School Hall so he obviously went there and became a Teacher, as the following census of 1911 shows. Their home was now Sea View Farm, Nr. Hawarden, Flintshire. There were 8 rooms. William, 49, was still head of the household and a Farmer, his wife Hannah was 44, they had been married 26 years, and 9 children had been born to them, but they had lost 3 of these children so had suffered loss before they also lost Edward. Son William, 23 and single was also a Butcher. Daughter Annie, 21 and single, son Edward John was18, single and a Teacher, son Samuel, 12 was at school, as was son Arthur, 8, both born in Shotton. Their Son-in-Law, John Edward Griffiths, 26 and working at the Ironworks had been born in Amlech Anglesey. Daughter Ellen Griffiths, 25 had been married 3 years, 1 child had been born and was still living, their daughter, Gwyneth, 1 had been born in Shotton. Also living there was George Peters, 28, a widower and Labourer who had been married 7 years, (had 3 children who were still living (this was crossed out by the enumerator)) and Priscilla Roberts, 21 and single, a servant born Higher Shotton.
Edward John Hughes married Beatrice Pluke in Liverpool (Qtr June 1917 vol 8b page 172)
I cannot find a Flintshire WW1 Index Card for Edward, neither “Fallen” nor “Living”. I believe that he may not have had one as it seems that he may have been living in Liverpool when he enlisted as Edward’s widow was living in Liverpool, according to his Medal Card, where his Widow’s address was listed.
British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 about Edward J Hughes tells us that the Theatre of War he first served in was France and he entered it on 1st December 1915. Also tell us about him being awarded the M.C. & M.M.** Reverse of card:- Widow, Mrs. E.J.Hughes*, End House, Garmoyle Road, Sefton Park, Liverpool.
* Women always signed their names with the husband’s initials in these days.
** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Medal and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Cross
The Flintshire Observer on the 7th Nov 1918 and The County Herald on the 8th November 1918 published this story about the death of Edward (Ted) Hughes.
Well Known Footballer’s Death.
Flintshire Footballer Killed – Mr Walter Davies, of Wrexham, an old Welsh international, has received from his brother, Lieut and Quartermaster Harold Davies, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, a letter, in the course of which he says:-“Poor old Ted Hughes, of Flint, who played football for Wrexham, and one of nature’s noblemen – the bravest dearest, friend and officer – fell leading his men, shot in the leg, then in the head while still leading and bleeding, and then through the heart.” Though generally known as “of Flint,” Lieut Hughes belonged to Aston, near Hawarden, and was captain of the Holywell team. He was an amateur, and played centre-forward for Wrexham on many occasions. Lieut Hughes was a school teacher, and joined up soon after war broke out. He gained rapid promotion, and as a Sergeant won the Military Medal.
Edward John Hughes left a will which is listed in the England & Wales National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations 1858-1966). Hughes, Edward John, of 8, Park-lane, Liverpool, second lieutenant 3rd King’s Liverpool Regiment died 20 October 1918 in France. Administration, Liverpool 28 July to Beatrice Hay Hughes Widow. Effects £181. 5s 8d.
UK soldiers who died in the Great War 1914 -19, accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental information above and adds that he was awarded the Military Cross.
Edward John is mentioned in the Book “Officers Died in the Great War 1914 – 1919”. HUGHES, Edward John M.C., Lt. Killed in action, 20th April 1918 (Att. 13th RW. Fus.)
E J Hughes in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 show that there was no Legatee, but Transfers of £89.11s 2d and £1. 12s 2d on the 12th February 1919 and the 5th March 1919 respectively, then C.P. Base. Two amounts (1) £12. 6s 8d in January 1919 and (2) £5. 3s 5d in November 1918. Effectes 1919 – 1920 – £17. 0s 0d.
Edward John was named on 4 other memorials – the Hawarden War Memorial, the memorial screen at St Ethelwold’s Church and School Roll of Honour and on the Hawarden County School (Grammar School) Roll of Honour. There is a T. Hughes named on the St. Ethelwold’s Church Memorial Screen, is this also Ted? Somebody made an effort to ensure he was remembered.
* To read about the Military Medal and the Military Cross please see http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/gallantry.htm
