Family name spelled STEPHENS in the baptismal register.
Note that Caroline was born in Alciston but grew up just over 4 miles north-west in West Firle.
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At the time of the 1861 England Census Caroline Stevens, age 6, born in Alciston Sussex, scholar, was with her parents at 68 Wick Street, West Firle Sussex.
At the time of the 1871 England Census Caroline Stevens, age 16, born in West Firle Sussex, was working as a housemaid in Hanscombe Farm, South Malling Sussex.
At the time of the 1881 England Census Caroline Welsh, age 26, born in West Firle Sussex, and husband James Welsh, age 25, born in Bracknell Berks, platelayer on railway, were living in Railway Cottages, Seaford Sussex. With them were sons (born in Seaford): James J. (3) and Ernest W. (9 mo). Boarding was (Caroline's younger brother] George Stevens (18) of West Firle, gen lab.
At the time of the 1891 England Census Caroline Welch, age 36, born in West Firle Sussex, and husband James Welsh, age 35, born in Bracknell Berks, railway laborer, were living at 3 Railway Cottages, Seaford Sussex. With them were children (born in Seaford): James J (13), grocer's boy, Ernest W (10), scholar, Bertie (7), scholar, Gertrude (4), scholar, and Percy (2).
At the time of the 1901 England Census Caroline Welsh, age 45, born in Firle Sussex, and husband James Welsh, age 45, born in Binfield Berkshire, railway platelayer, were living in Bridge Cottage, Barcombe Sussex. Present were children (born in Seaford): Gertrude (14), school teacher, and Percy (11).
At the time of the 1911 England Census Caroline Welsh, age 56, born in Firle Sussex (mother of 6 children, 1 deceased), and husband of 34 years James Welsh, age 55, born in Bracknell Berkshire, railway foreman platelayer, were living in Bridge Cottage, Barcombe Sussex. Present were son Ernest Welsh (30) of Seaford, married, railway guard, Ernest's wife Nellie (31) of Willesborough Kent (mother of 2 children, 1 deceased), their son Arthur Welsh (5 months) of Eastbourne Sussex, daughter Gertrude Welsh (24) of Seaford, school teacher, and son Percy Welsh (21) of Seaford, railway clerk.
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Caroline Welsh of Barcombe died aged 69 years (burial record). Caroline and her husband James died a week apart and were buried in the same grave.
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A DOUBLE BEREAVEMENT.—Shortly following the death of Mrs. Caroline Welsh, of "Brookside," Hamsey-road, on Tuesday of last week, reported in our last issue, the widower was taken to Lewes Victoria Hospital on Sunday, and passed away the following day, a week after his wife's death. It will be remembered that Mr. James Welsh retired only six months ago after 48 years in the employ of the Railway Company. He will be buried to-morrow (Saturday). Mrs. Welsh's funeral took place on Saturday at the Parish Church, where she was laid to rest beside her sons. The coffin was of polished elm and bore the inscription: "Caroline Welsh. Died November 27th, aged 69 years." The family mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. J. Welsh (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Pullinger (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. Thorpe (sister), Mr. J. Stevens, Mr. A. Stevens and Mr. G. Stevens (brothers), Mrs. G. Stevens (sister-in-law), Miss Thorpe (niece), and Mrs. Burton (sister-in-law).....
Sussex Agricultural Express, 7 December 1923, p. 7
Research Notes: