The oldest member of the family that I've been able to trace back without any doubt is found in the 1851 and 1861 census living in Lancaster and in his death record for 1866. Obviously, if the age is correct Rowland was born in 1786. The census return tells us that he was head of the household and was born in Cartmel and that he was a huntsman. I've referred to him as Rowland (Senior).

Elleray	Rowland (Senior)	64	Head	Huntsman	Cartmel, Lancashire

But is it possible to go back further to the 1851 census and trace this person? Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be anybody aged 54 in the 1841 census but given the likelihood of clerical or other errors there may be possibilities.

The next section inside the frame shows the various possibilities I came to before discovering who Rowland Elleray (Senior) actually married.

1841 census

One possibility at first appeared to be this. There was a Rowland Elleray (aged 50 so born about 1791) who was a painter living in Lower Allithwaite, which is about a mile from Cartmel. The owner of the house was a school teacher so it may be that Rowland didn't live there but was lodging whilst he painted the house.

Name	Rowland Elleray
Age	50
Estimated Year of Birth	1791
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Address	Fell Gate
District	Ulverston Union, Cartmel
Parish	Cartmell
Administrative County	Lancashire

However, it looks like this is the same Rowland Elleray who was buried in 1854 at Cartmel so this can't be Rowland (Senior) because he died in Lancaster in 1866.

Burial: 16 Aug 1854 Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael, Cartmel, Lancashire, England
Rowland Elleray -
    Age: 63
    Abode: Cartmel
    Buried by: Wm.Holliett, Curate

There were several Rowland Ellerays living in this part of Lancashire at the time of the 1841 Census so this opened up other possibilities.

There were two Rowland Ellerays shown working at Bowness village in 1841 as painters. Bowness is only a few miles north of Cartmel by the side of Lake Windermere. In the 1840s Bowness was expanding and there would undoubtedly have been a need for painters at this time.

In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Bowness like this:

BOWNESS, a small town in Undermilbeck township, Windermere parish, Westmoreland; on a small bay of Windermere lake, opposite Belle Isle, 1½ mile SSW of Windermere village. It has a post office‡ under Windermere, three fine hotels, a handsome grammar school built in 1836, and the parish church of Windermere,-a long, low, ancient edifice with a square tower. It has been much improved and extended since the opening of the Windermere railway in 1847; contains many new neat houses; and is a grand centre of tourists visiting the lakes. A good quay and small pier are at it; two steamers ply from it on the lake; and some trade is carried on in the exporting of slate. Pop., about 1,100.

The elder of the two Rowlands was 45, so was born in 1795/96. .

Elleray	Rowland	45	-	Painter	No

The reference "No" refers to the fact that Rowland was not born in the County of Westmorland, where Bowness was located. Cartmel was in Lancashire.

In the book "History, directory and gazetteer of the county palatine of Lancaster. The directory department" by W. Parson. published in 1825 the section on Cartmel shows this entry for Rowland Elleray, glazier and painter. If it's the same person he would have been approximately 39 in 1825 and 55 in the 1841 census at Bowness mentioned above. Of course it could also have been the Rowland Elleray who died in 1854 in Cartmel!

Link to Google books

Name	Rowland Elleray
Age	45
Estimated Year of Birth	1796
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Address	Bowness
District	Kendal, Ambleside
Parish	Windermere
Administrative County	Westmorland

There is also a second Rowland Elleray who is working at Bowness and is described as a painter. He is shown as being born in 1821. Now moving forward to the 1871 Census Rowland (Junior) is shown as being 50 and thus born in 1821. His age seems to vary in the different census records. In 1851 he's shown as 28, in 1861 as 42, in 1871 as 50 and in 1881 as 60! However there is no doubt that from 1851 onwards this is the same person. I suspect that these variations are clerical errors or simply the relationship between the census date and his birthday, or possibly he doesn't want to admit to being 30 in 1851...

Elleray	Rowland (Junior)	20	-	Painter	No

Name	Rowland Elleray
Age	20
Estimated Year of Birth	1821
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Address	Bowness Village
District	Kendal, Ambleside
Parish	Windermere
Administrative County	Westmorland

In the 1841 entry for the 'West part of Cartmel' we find the following entry for the Elleray family.

Elleray	Roger	85	-	Independent	No
Elleray	Isabella	85	-		Yes
Elleray	Emma	55	-		Yes
Elleray	Roger	50	-	Joiner	Yes
Elleray	Ann	45	-	Dress Maker	Yes
Elleray	Isabella	45	-	Dress Maker	Yes

IIIsabella and Emma Elleray (1868) are recorded as giving for the poor, £14. 17s. 8d. so the family were clearly well off

My theory for the start of the family before the definite information in the 1851 Census is as follows:

I believe Rowland (Senior) Elleray's parents were Roger and Isabella who were both born in 1756. I think that it looks possible that Rowland was the second oldest child being born in 1786. His sister Emma on her death certificate is shown as dying 1871 aged 87 so born 1784. They had three other children Roger ( a joiner) and another pair of twin girls Ann and Isabella who were both dress makers. At the time of the census I think both Rowland (Senior) and Rowland (Junior) were working away from home as painters in Bowness.

So to summarise what I think may be the start of the family in the 18th century:

Rowland (Senior) was born 1786 in Cartmel, possibly the son of Roger and Isabella and the twin of Emma.

By 1810 he would have been 24 and I believe the next entry shows who he married. It is taken from:

It would seem likely that the Rowland Elleray referred to here is possibly the one we're looking for. They presumably moved back to Cartmel and they had Roland Elleray (Junior) who was born about 1817-1821 his birth date changes in all the future census.

In 1841 Mary Elleray is shown living in Bowness with the two Rowlands also living there but not necessarily in the same house - they were painters so possibly recorded where they were working.

Elleray	Rowland (senior?)	45 (55) b 1787	-	Painter	No

Elleray	Mary	56	-	Female Servant	No

Elleray	Rowland (Junior?)	20 (b1817-1821)	-	Painter	No

The line is complete from this point forward and can be traced forwards to the present day uninterrupted

The pair moved to Lancaster by the 1851 census after Rowland (Senior) wife's death. From this point on the Elleray line is complete and completely traceable.

Rowland (Junior) married Mary Ann Bird in 1849. She was born in Lancaster in 1831 and was employed as a house keeper.

Baptism: 16 Mar 1814 St Peter, Heysham, Lancashire, England
Jane Blamire - Daughter of George Blamire & Hezia
    Abode: Heysham
    Occupation: Servant
    Baptised by: William Gray, Curate

Address	Penny Street
Parish	Lancaster
District	Lancaster, Lancaster
Administrative County	Lancashire

Householder 1
Name	George Blamire
Age	30
Estimated Year of Birth	1811
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 2
Name	Kesia Blamire (Hezia on doc)
Age	65
Estimated Year of Birth	1776
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 3
Name	James Blamire
Age	30
Estimated Year of Birth	1811
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire

Baptism: 14 Jan 1810 St Mary, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
John Bird - Son of Isaac Bird & Elizabeth
Born: 26 Dec 1809
Abode: Lancr.

Marriage: 23 Feb 1831 St Mary, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
John Bird - Bachelor of This Town and Parish
Jane Blamire - (X), Spinster of This Town and Parish
Witness: William Winder; E Blamire
Married by Banns by: John Hull, Curate

Baptism: 21 Aug 1831 St Mary, Lancaster, Lancs.
Mary Bird - Daughter of John Bird & Jane
    Born: 3 Aug 1831
    Abode: Lanc'r
    Occupation: Tailor
    Baptised by: John HULL, Curate

Address	Mary Street
Parish	Lancaster
District	Lancaster, Lancaster
Administrative County	Lancashire

Householder 1
Name	Margaret Dobson
Age	40
Estimated Year of Birth	1801
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 2
Name	Elizabeth Dobson
Age	15
Estimated Year of Birth	1826
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 3
Name	Jane Dobson
Age	12
Estimated Year of Birth	1829
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 4
Name	Henry Dobson
Age	6
Estimated Year of Birth	1835
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 5
Name	Agnes Dobson
Age	3
Estimated Year of Birth	1838
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 6
Name	Thomas MACKA
Age	16
Estimated Year of Birth	1825
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 7
Name	Margaret Kelly
Age	6
Estimated Year of Birth	1835
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 8
Name	William Kelly
Age	3
Estimated Year of Birth	1838
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 9
Name	Edward Dobson
Age	10
Estimated Year of Birth	1831
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 10
Name	Jane Bird
Age	25
Estimated Year of Birth	1816
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 11
Name	Mary Bird
Age	10
Estimated Year of Birth	1831
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 12
Name	William Bird
Age	8
Estimated Year of Birth	1833
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Householder 13
Name	Kesia Bird
Age	1
Estimated Year of Birth	1840
Relationship to Head of Household
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Lancashire
Birth County	Lancashire

Name	Alice Elleray
Year of Registration	1850
Quarter of Registration	Apr-May-Jun
Registration District	Lancaster

In 1860 they had their son baptised aged six. I suspect they may have become Anglicans at this stage. The following year the third child Agnes Ellen was born.

It's also interesting to note the Rowland George refers to himself as Huntsman in 1860 and Painter in 1861.

Baptism: 1 Feb 1860 St Mary, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Rowland George Elleray - [Child] of Rowland Elleray & Mary
    Born: 18 Aug 1854
    Abode: Ann Street
    Occupation: Huntsman
    Baptised by: John Palmour, Curate

Baptism: 23 Jan 1861 St Mary, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Agnes Emma Elleray - [Child] of Rowland Elleray & Mary
    Born: 28 Dec 1860
    Abode: Ann Streeet
    Occupation: Painter
    Notes: [Elleray in registration index]
    Baptised by: E Pedder, Curate

By 1861 the family had moved to 7 Ann Street Lancaster and shared a house with the Timperley family. Rowland (senior) was now 74 and was a house painter. They had four children:

Rowland (Senior) still lived with them and was now 74 – he was a house painter.

Rowland (Junior) appears to have been in hospital. There is a reference to a Roland Elliray, a painter, being in Thurnham Street Lancaster Infirmary. Although the ages and birthplace don't match he was in hospital so mistakes were probably made.

Elliray	Rowland	42 (actually 40)	Patient	House Painter	Lancaster, Lancashire

Rowland (Senior) died in 1866 in Lancaster aged 80 and is recorded as being born in 1786

In the 1871 census Rowland’s wife is not recorded – she appears to have been away from home. The family were living at 7 Ann Street Lancaster. It appears that Agnes Ellen may have died as a child.

Mary was married in 1874 to John Green, a blacksmith from Pendlebury in Lancashire. By the 1881 census they had one son James and lived at 51 Grasmere Road.

It is at this point when we need to consider the Rabone family history up to the 1881 census.

John Edward Rabone's father was Samuel Rabone so we will start the Rabone family story with him. The early census details for 1841 don't tell us where he was born but in 1871 it states he was born in Northamptonshire. In 1841 he was living with his parents Joseph and Elizabeth in Aston near Birmingham. There were six other children.

Householder 7
Name	William Rabone
Age	4
Estimated Year of Birth	1837

Householder 8
Name	Patience Rabone
Age	2
Estimated Year of Birth	1839

Address	Aston Road
Parish	Aston Near Birmingham
District	Aston, Duddeston
Administrative County	Warwickshire

Householder 1
Name	Joseph Rabone
Age	52
Estimated Year of Birth	1799
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation	Boatman
Birth Place	Studley
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 2
Name	Elizabeth Rabone
Age	46
Estimated Year of Birth	1805
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation
Birth Place	Alvechurch
Birth County	Worcestershire

Householder 3
Name	Thomas Rabone
Age	21
Estimated Year of Birth	1830
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Boatman
Birth Place	Alvechurch
Birth County	Worcestershire

Householder 4
Name	Joseph Rabone
Age	17
Estimated Year of Birth	1834
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Boatman
Birth Place	Yardley
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 5
Name	John Rabone
Age	15
Estimated Year of Birth	1836
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Porter In Coal Yard
Birth Place	Yardley
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 6
Name	Elizabeth Rabone
Age	13
Estimated Year of Birth	1838
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Laundress
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 7
Name	Ruth Rabone
Age	7
Estimated Year of Birth	1844
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Scholar
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 8
Name	John Pearson
Age	18
Estimated Year of Birth	1833
Relationship to Head of Household	Lodger
Occupation	Groom Servant
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Address	Forge Street
Parish	Aston
District	Aston, Duddeston
Administrative County	Warwickshire

Householder 1
Name	Elizabeth Rabone
Age	56
Estimated Year of Birth	1805
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation
Birth Place	Alvechurch
Birth County	Worcestershire

Householder 2
Name	John Rabone
Age	24
Estimated Year of Birth	1837
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Boatman
Birth Place	...
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 3
Name	Elizabeth Rabone
Age	22
Estimated Year of Birth	1839
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 4
Name	Ruth Rabone
Age	19
Estimated Year of Birth	1842
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 5
Name	Charles Blackwell
Age	29
Estimated Year of Birth	1832
Relationship to Head of Household	Son In Law
Occupation	Forge Labourer
Birth Place	Anstry
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 6
Name	Mary Blackwell
Age	4
Estimated Year of Birth	1857
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 7
Name	Ann Blackwell
Age	2
Estimated Year of Birth	1859
Relationship to Head of Household	Granddaughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 8
Name	George Robinson
Age	20
Estimated Year of Birth	1841
Relationship to Head of Household	Lodger
Occupation	Boatman
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Samuel married Eliza(beth) Dingley in Solihull in Oct-Dec 1850 when they were both 23.

Elizabeth lived in Harbury in Warwickshire with her parents and four brothers

In the 1851 census Elizabeth is now referred to as Eliza and is shown as a visitor with the Dingleys in Kings Norton. Given that Edward is one year older than her father I think we can presume that she was staying with her uncle.

John Edward Rabone was born on 19^th August 1854 in Kings Norton (Long Eaton) the second of at least seven children.

In 1871 Samuel and Elizabeth are living in Birmingham with their children including John Edward

Address	Bell Barn Road York Terrace
Parish	Birmingham
District	Birmingham, St Thomas
Administrative County	Warwickshire


Name	Samuel Rabone
Age	45
Estimated Year of Birth	1826
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Birth Place	Northamptonshire


Name	Eliza Rabone
Age	43
Estimated Year of Birth	1828
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation
Birth Place	Warwickshire


Name	Anne Rabone
Age	18
Estimated Year of Birth	1853
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation
Birth Place	Worcestershire


Name	John Rabone
Age	16
Estimated Year of Birth	1855
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation
Birth Place	Warwickshire


Name	Emily Rabone
Age	13
Estimated Year of Birth	1858
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Warwickshire


Name	Rosamond Rabone
Age	9
Estimated Year of Birth	1862
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Warwickshire


Name	Clement Rabone
Age	6
Estimated Year of Birth	1865
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Warwickshire


Name	Ada Rabone
Age	4
Estimated Year of Birth	1867
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Worcestershire


Name	Nora Rabone
Age	0
Estimated Year of Birth	1871
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Warwickshire

Address	219, Bell Barn Road
Parish	Edgbaston (Warwick)
District	Kings Norton, Edgbaston
Administrative County	Worcestershire

Householder 1
Name	Samuel Rabone
Age	54
Estimated Year of Birth	1827
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation	Coachman (Dom)
Birth Place	Charlton
Birth County	Northamptonshire

Householder 2
Name	Eliza Rabone
Age	52
Estimated Year of Birth	1829
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation	Dressmaker
Birth Place	Solihull
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 3
Name	Ann Rabone
Age	28
Estimated Year of Birth	1853
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Vest Maker (T)
Birth Place	Sparkbrook
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 4
Name	Emily Rabone
Age	23
Estimated Year of Birth	1858
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Steel Pen Piecer
Birth Place	Sparkbrook
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 5
Name	Clement Rabone
Age	16
Estimated Year of Birth	1865
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Carriage Trimmer
Birth Place	Sparkbrook
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 6
Name	Ada Rabone
Age	14
Estimated Year of Birth	1867
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Vest Maker (T)
Birth Place	Bournbrook
Birth County	Worcestershire

Householder 7
Name	Nora Rabone
Age	10
Estimated Year of Birth	1871
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Scholar
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 8
Name	Ena Rabone
Age	8
Estimated Year of Birth	1873
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Scholar
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Address	157, Gooch Street
Parish	Birmingham
District	Birmingham, St Martin
Administrative County	Warwickshire

Householder 1
Name	Samuel Rabone
Age	64
Estimated Year of Birth	1827
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation
Birth Place	Charlton
Birth County	Northamptonshire

Householder 2
Name	Eliza Rabone
Age	62
Estimated Year of Birth	1829
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation	Bank Caretaker
Birth Place	Solihull
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 3
Name	Annie Rabone
Age	38
Estimated Year of Birth	1853
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Sailoress
Birth Place	Kings Norton
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 4
Name	Clement Rabone
Age	25
Estimated Year of Birth	1866
Relationship to Head of Household	Son
Occupation	Grocers Assistant
Birth Place	Sparkbrook
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 5
Name	Nora Rabone
Age	20
Estimated Year of Birth	1871
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Warehouse Girl
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 6
Name	Lily Rabone
Age	18
Estimated Year of Birth	1873
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Paper Box Maker
Birth Place	Birmingham
Birth County	Warwickshire

John Edward was employed by the Midland Railway, initially I believe at Kings Norton. He was transferred to Lancaster Green Ayre shed where he became a locomotive fireman. Alice Elleray and John Edward married in summer 1880

Baptism: 5 Dec 1880 St John, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Samuel Rabone - [Child] of John Edward Rabone & Alice
    Born: 10 Oct 1880
    Abode: Nicholas St.
    Occupation: Fire-man
    Notes: [Samuel Henry in index of stat'y birth reg'n]
    Baptised by: Geo. O. Redman Curate

The Rabone's moved in with the Ellerays after they married and lived at he Golden Ball Inn in Lancaster. Rowland (Junior) now 60 is described as an Eating House Keeper and Mary Ann was now 49.

The Golden Ball Inn has been a pub since the 1650s and is by the River Lune in Lancaster.

John Edward and Alice had another child Annie born in 1884 but who died in late 1885.

Baptism: 2 Nov 1884 St John, Lancaster, Lancashire, England
Annie Rabone - [Child] of John Edward Rabone & Alice
    Born: 11 Sep 1884
    Abode: Wolseley St. Dry Dock Lancaster
    Occupation: Foreman Mid-land Ry.
    Baptised by: Wm. H. Ewald Vicar assisted by Rev. W.O. Blunt

It shows John Edward Rabone on the footplate of Midland Railway No.555 at Lancaster Green Ayre shed some time in the 1880s. This locomotive was allocated to Carnforth shed in December 1880, Lancaster in April 1892 and then back at Carnforth in 1902

In 1884 he was a foreman, possibly at Green Ayre shed and then by the 1891 census he was a locomotive driver at Sheffield Grimesthorpe shed.

By 1891 John Edward Rabone had been promoted to driver and they lived at 292 Petre Street Brightside, Sheffield.

John Edward Rabone died in 13th December 1892 at Lancaster and Alice moved back home (at least by the 1901 census) with her mother Mary and presumably her son Samuel.

Samuel Rabone first joined the Cavalry Regiment at the age of 17 in 1897/8. Later he enlisted in the Manchester Regiment at Lancaster on the 9^th January 1899 aged 18 y 3m for a period of 7 years and then5 in the reserves. He gave his address as 23 St Nicholas St and was 5ft 5 ¾ inches tall. His military record book states that he was butcher before enlisting.

The Manchester Regiment was formed in 1881 by the amalgamation of the 63rd Regiment of Foot and the 96th Regiment of Foot.

At this point I am going to consider my grandfather's military service details through until he left the army. The detail is taken from his “The small book”, In the Will section his mother Alice was shown as living at 38 Wyresdale Road

He had grey eyes, brown hair and was a member of the Church of England. His trade is listed as butcher and lived at 23 St Nicholas Street

He enlisted on 9/1/1899 at Lancaster, was promoted to Corporal on 1/6/1900, then to Sergeant on 1/8/1902, Company Sergeant on 17/3/1909 and finally to Warrant Officer Class II CSM on the 13/6/1916. For most of his service he was in the 1st Battalion.

The full dress uniform of the Manchester Regiment. Samuel's wife Henrietta kept this in a trunk in her home long after Samuel died - Stephen remembers being shown it in the 1960s.

Amidst growing tension between Boers and the British in the Transvaal, the 1st Manchester shipped to South Africa in September 1899.

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in May 1902. The 1st Manchesters departed South Africa for Singapore in 1903.

Samuel was then seconded to the Shanghai Volunteer Force and served in Shanghai 13/4/14 - 1/11/15 and then returned home.

The Shanghai Volunteer corps was first created on April 12, 1853 during the Small Swords Societys Uprising, disbanded in 1855 but re-established in 1861. In 1870 the running of the SVC was taken over by the Shanghai Municipal Council.

The unit was mobilised in 1900 for the Boxer Rebellion and in 1914 for the First World War. Prior to 1917, the SVC had a German Company and an Austro-Hungarian Company but these were disbanded when China declared war on Germany.

At various times during its history the Shanghai Volunteer Corps comprised British, American, Italian, Austro-Hungarian, Danish, German, Filipino, Jewish, Portuguese, Japanese, White Russian and Eurasian companies. Weapons and a commanding officer were supplied by the British War Office.

In September 1915, just before the Ottoman Empire entered the war on Germany's side, six of the regiment's battalions joined the Egypt garrison.They belonged to the territorial East Lancashire Division (later numbered the 42nd), which was selected to release regular troops for service in active theatres.In May 1915, the division landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli to reinforce the British beachheads established during the initial landings in April.

The Manchesters disembarked at "V" and "W", where, in the April landings, there had been at least 2000 casualties.The Manchester battalions took part in the Third Battle of Krithia on 4 June. The 127th (Manchester) Brigade reached their first objective and advanced a further 1000 yards, capturing 217 Ottomans in the process. A few hours later, the brigade withdrew when an Ottoman counter-attack threatened its flanks. Further fighting took place at the positions the British had withdrawn to and were soon repusled after many days fighting.

During the Battle of Krithia Vineyard, the Manchesters suffered heavy losses and gained a Victoria Cross for gallantry by Lieutenant Forshaw of the 1/9th Battalion. The evacuation of Cape Helles lasted from December 1915 to January 1916. The Manchester battalions suffered many casualties during the Dardnalles Campaign. At the Helles Memorial, 1,215 names of the Manchesters fill the memorial alone.

In the Mesopotamian Campaign, the 1st Manchesters took part in the Battle of Dujaila in March 1916, which was intended to relieve the British forces in Kut-al-Amara, which was being besieged by Ottoman forces. In the battle, the 1st Manchesters seized the trenches of the Dujaila Redoubt with the 59th Scinde Rifles (Frontier Force); however, they were subsequently displaced by an Ottoman counter-attack, being forced back to their starting lines. During the withdrawal, Private Stringer held his ground single-handedly, securing the flank of his battalion. He was awarded the Victoria Cross. British and Indian forces suffered 4,000 casualties. After five failed attempts to relieve the town, Kut surrendered to Ottoman forces on 29 April 1916.

The 1st Garrison Battalion was formed at knowsley park in September 1915 and moved to India in February 1916 where the remained for the rest of the war.

The 1st Manchesters would take part in further actions in Mesopotamia, but in April 1918 the regiment moved to Egypt. The battalion then moved to Ottoman-controlled Palestine, still part of the 3rd (Lahore) Division, to take part in the campaign there against the Ottomans. They fought in the last major offensive there, at Megiddo, on 19 September. Within three hours the Turkish lines, held by the Eighth Army, had been broken. Open warfare defined the theatre. During the Megiddo offensive, the cavalry advanced more than 70 miles in 36 hours. The 1st Manchesters took part in further engagements until the Armistice with the Ottoman Empire, remaining in the area until 1919.

On leaving the Army in 1921 he entered the Civil Service and was for many years at the Oldham No. 2 District, Tax Inspector's Office. He retired early in 1956.

1st Battalion
August 1914 : in Jullundur, India. Part of the 8th (Jullundur) Brigade in 3rd (Lahore) Division. This Division left India on 29 August 1914 as part of the Indian Corps and moved to France, landing at Marseilles on 26 September 1914. It served on the Western Front until leaving France on 10 December 1915, whereupon it moved to Mesopotamia, landing at Basra on 8 January 1916. The Division moved to Egypt in March 1918 and later moved into Palestine.

The 1st Manchesters were the British battalion of the 8th (Jullundur) Brigade of the 3rd (Lahore) Division having joined this formation in 1912. The 1st Manchesters were serving in India when the Great War broke out

My grandmother referred to the Kirkby Lonsdale connection during our conversations about the family and this is where this comes into the story. This is Rachel Wilson's story.

Her mother was Jane Cowin who in 1871 lived on a farm at Kirkby Lonsdale with her parents

James Wilson obviously moved with Jane to Liverpool where Rachel Wilson was born in 1874.

Some time between 1874 and the 1881 census James died and Jane and her children moved back to her father's farm in Kirkby Lonsdale.

(Note Stephen Rabone remembers visiting these two as old ladies in the 1960s in Lancaster and knew them as Milie and Cissy)

By the 1901 census Rachell Elleray and the two children had moved into Mary Elleray’s house together with Alice Rabone - a house of widows!!

The 1911 census was the first that had to be filled in by the head of the household so for the first time we can see the handwriting of family members. This is filled in by Alice Rabone, my great grandmother. The family were now living at 38 Wyresdale Road Lancaster.

Household information
Address	38 Wyresdale Road Lancaster
Parish	Lancaster
Town	Lancaster
Type of Building	Private House
Number of Rooms	8

Householder 1
Name	Alice Rabone
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Condition / Years Married	/ Years
Gender	F
Age	61
Estimated Year of Birth	1850
Occupation	Letting Apartments To Lodgers
Employed	Y
Working at Home	Y
Place of Birth	Lancs Lancaster
Nationality	British

Householder 2
Name	Rachel A Elleray
Relationship to Head of Household	Partner Sister In Law
Condition / Years Married	/ Years
Gender	F
Age	37
Estimated Year of Birth	1874
Occupation	Letting Apartments To Lodgers
Employed	Y
Working at Home	N
Place of Birth	Lancs Liverpool
Nationality	British

Householder 3
Name	Mary Elleray
Relationship to Head of Household	Mother
Condition / Years Married	/ Years
Gender	F
Age	79
Estimated Year of Birth	1832
Occupation	Pensioner
Employed	Y
Working at Home	N
Place of Birth	Lancs Lancaster
Nationality	British

Householder 4
Name	James Elleray
Relationship to Head of Household	Brother
Condition / Years Married	/ Years
Gender	M
Age	47
Estimated Year of Birth	1864
Occupation	Tailor
Employed	Y
Working at Home	Y
Place of Birth	Lancs Lancaster
Nationality	British

Householder 5
Name	Ciceley Elleray
Relationship to Head of Household	Niece
Gender	F
Age	13
Estimated Year of Birth	1898
Occupation	Scholar
Employed	Y
Working at Home	N
Place of Birth	Lancs Lancaster
Nationality	British

Also visiting was James Bird an Uncle formerly of Lancaster but now a USA citizen

There were also two male school teacher lodgers who taught at The Royal Grammar School.

Millicent Elleray had left home and was working as a servant at 5, Newland Terrace, Morecambe East

This is the last entry I can find for Millicent and Ciceley who never married and continued to live in Lancaster quite close to Lancaster Castle station. I visited them some time in the late 1960s or early 1970s

In 1911 Samuel Rabone was stationed at Verne Citadel barracks Portland in Dorset, along with his regiment, led by the Master of the Regiment William Ilderton Cordon his wife and two children, all of whom were born in India. Samuel Rabone (my future grandfather) was

The Moss family

Ann Sophia had first child when she was 23 in 1885, Married in Ashton in Jan- March 1883

Father was Edwin Moss Insurance agent. Mother was Ann Sophia Summerfield (born 1851)

Born 20 August 1892 (should be 1888) married Edmund White Oct-Dec 1924 in Ashton died Oct-Nov 1977

1st Marriage to James (Henrietta called him Augustus) Morris (age 29) so born 1882 sergeant in Manchester regt on 22/11/11– father was John Morris and engine driver who was deceased. Henrietta was 26 and was an insurance agent. Marriage at Wesleyan chapel

They had a son James Brian Morris born 31 January 1913 who was born at Curragh in the Newbridge district of Ireland and died in 1916 flu epidemic. .

2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment were in Curragh serving with 14th Brigade, 5th Division when war broke out in August 1914. They mobilised and proceeded to France landing at Le Harve on the 17th of August 1914 and entrained to La Cateau. They went into action on the 23rd forming a defensive line near Wasmes on the Mons-Conde canal at The Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat. They were also in action at The Battle of Le Cateau, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, at La Bassee, Messines and The First Battle of Ypres. In 1915 they were in action at The Second Battle of Ypres and the Capture of Hill 60. In autumn 1915, many units from 5th Division were exchanged with units from the newly arrived volunteer 32nd Division, to stiffen the inexperienced Division with regular army troops and the 2nd Manchesters moved with 14th Brigade to 32nd Division. In 1916 they were in action during the Battles of the Somme 1916, In 1917 they were involved in Operations on the Ancre and the pursuit of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. On the 6th of February 1918 the battalion transferred to 96th Brigade, still with 32nd Division. In 1918 they were in action on the Somme, in the Battles of the Hindenburg Line and the Final Advance in Picardy.

MORRIS, Company Serjeant Major, JAMES GUST, 8731, 2nd Bn., Manchester Regiment. 16 September 1914. Age 31. Medaille Militaire (France). Husband of Henrietta Rabone (formerly Morris), of "Wyrendale," Montague Rd., Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs. http://www.themanchesters.org/Manchester%20casualties%201914%201916.html

MORRIS, JAMES GUST

Additional Information:

Medaille Militaire (France). Husband of Henrietta Rabone (formerly Morris), of "Wyrendale," Montague Rd., Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs.

Location Information

La Ferte-sous-Jouarre is a small town 66 kilometres to the east of Paris, located on the main road (N3) running east from Paris.

The Memorial is situated in a small park on the south-western edge of the town, on the south bank of the River Marne, just off the main road to Paris, The Memorial Register is kept at the Town Hall.

Visiting Information

Names are listed on the memorial by Regiments in order of precedence, under the title of each Regiment by rank, and under each rank alphabetically.

Historical Information

La Ferté-sous-Jouarre Memorial to the Missing

The La Ferté-sous-Jouarre Memorial commemorates 3,740 officers and men of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) who fell at the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne between the end of August and early October 1914 and have no known graves. The monument is constructed of white Massangis stone and surmounted by a sarcophagus onto which military trophies are laid. At the four corners of the pavement on which the monument stands are stone columns supporting urns which bear the coats of arms of the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. The memorial was designed by George H. Goldsmith, a decorated veteran of the Western Front, and unveiled by Sir William Pulteney, who had commanded the III Corps of the BEF in 1914, on 4 November 1928.

Close to the bridge on both banks of the river stand the stone columns which make up the 4th Division Royal Engineers Memorial. The columns are surmounted with the flaming grenade of the Royal Engineers and mark the spot at which British sappers constructed a floating assault bridge under German artillery fire on 9 and 10 September 1914.

The British Expeditionary Force at the Battle of the Marne.

By the beginning of September 1914, the German Imperial Army had swept through much of Belgium and north eastern France and was fast approaching Paris. By 3 September, the British and French forces had been retreating south west for over two weeks, German victory was a definite possibility, and the Allied Commander, Général Joffre, prepared to launch a major counter offensive. As night fell on 5 September, the men of the British Expeditionary Force began to halt approximately 40 kilometres south east of Paris and their gruelling retreat was at an end. For the next two days, British I, II and III Corps advanced north eastward, encountering only minor resistance from the German forces in the area, which had reached the limit of their advance and were now carrying out a tactical retreat. On 8 September, British infantry brigades advancing toward the Marne came under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire from German units in La Ferté sous Jouarre and on the north bank of the river where they had formed a bridgehead. The British withdrew, began bombarding the German positions, and by mid-afternoon had entered the town in force. Both of the local bridges had been blown, but the Royal Engineers immediately began to construct a floating bridge, over which III Corps crossed the Marne on 10 September and joined I and II Corps which had crossed the river further to the east the previous today.

The German armies were now in full retreat to the north and east, hotly pursued by the combined British and French forces. Retreating German units fought rearguard actions under heavy rainfall throughout the day on 11 September and by the morning of the 12th they had occupied defensive positions on the high ground overlooking the northern banks of the River Aisne.

The Battle of the Marne, referred to in the French press as the ‘Miracle of the Marne’, halted the month-long advance of the German forces toward Paris and decisively ended the possibility of an early German victory. The battle also marked the beginning of trench warfare as Allied and German forces entrenched during and after the Battle of the Aisne in mid-September. By November battle lines had been drawn that would remain virtually unchanged for almost four years. The British Expeditionary Force suffered almost 13,000 casualties during the Battle of the Marne, of whom some 7,000 had been killed.

Before the arrival of the 1st Battalion from India, the 2nd Manchesters embarked for France with the 5th Division in August 1914 and contributed to the rearguard actions that supported the British Expeditionary Force's retreat following the Battle of Mons.^[11] Engaged in the battles of the Marne, the Aisne and "First Ypres", the 2nd Battalion was the regiment's sole representative on the Western Front until the arrival of the Indian Corps, comprising two infantry divisions and cavalry. Each brigade contained a constituent British battalion, the 1st Manchesters being the Jullundur's of the Lahore Division.

2^nd marriage to Samuel Henry Rabone (coy sgt Major No 5639 M/cr regt) on 27/2/19

Samuel Henry died 8^th December 1956 –dead body found in Montague Road. Obituray in Ashton paper.

BORN in-Lancaster 76 years ago, Mr Samuel Henry Raybone, of Wyresdale, 7, Montague Road, Ashton, joined the Cavalry Regiment at the age of 17. Later he was transferred to the Manchester Regiment and with them saw service in South Africa, Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia, For a period he was seconded to the Volunteer Force in Shanghai.

On leaving the Army in 1921 he entered the Civil Service and was for many years at the Oldham No. 2 District, Tax Inspector's Office. He retired early in this year.

Service was held at Ashton Parish Church on Thursday, conducted by the rector, Canon C. Lamont, who also officiated at the committal at Dukinfield Crematorium. W. Bro. B. Greaves, P.P.A.G.D.C., conducted the Masonic funeral oration.

Mourners: Mrs H. Raybone, Mr and Mrs G. E. Raybone, Mrs G. White, Mr R. Moss, Mr and Mrs J. C. Robinson, and Mr and Mrs F. Carr.

Representing Milton Lodge were WJM. S. M. Millar, W. Bro. A. George, W. Bro. W. H. Sutton, W. Bro. T. Hague, Bro. A. E. Hague, W. Bro. J. H, Parker, Bro. F. Kehworthy, Bro. W. Greaves.

Representing the W.V.S.: Mrs D. Dakin, Mrs Buchanan, Mr Huddart, Mrs Pidcock, Mrs Higginbottom, Miss M. E. Batty.

Also present: Mrs ArGeorge, Mrs Sutcliffe, Mrs T. Hague, G. Hastewell, C. Hastewell, Mr Albert Shaw, Mr and Mrs Alan Shaw.

Lieut.-Colonel G. L. Usher and R.S.M. B, L. Benson represented the Manchester Regiment Old Comrades' Association, and Mr J. Huddart the Manchester Regiment O.C.A. Inland Revenue representatives: Mr G. W. Davies, M.B.E., and H. Rigby.

Floral tributes were from relatives, friends, and neighbours; Milton Lodge No. 1144; the Manchester Regiment; and all at Oldham Tax Office.

Name	Rowland Elleray
Year of Marriage	1849
Quarter of Marriage	Oct-Nov-Dec
Registration Distric	Lancaster

Add Update	137	Mary	Elleray	Daughter	9	abt 1852	Female	Lancaster	Lancashire	England
Add Update	137	Rowland George	Elleray	Son	6	abt 1855	Male	Lancaster	Lancashire	England
Add Update	137	Agnes Emma	Elleray	Daughter	3 Months	abt 1861	Female	Lancaster	Lancashire	England
Add Update	137	Rowland	Elleray	Father-in-law	74	abt 1787	Male	Cartmel	Lancashire	England

Elleray	Mary Ann	29	Wife	Painters Wife	Lancaster, Lancashire
Rowland (Junior) painter not at home
Elleray	Alice	11	Daughter	Scholar	Lancaster, Lancashire
Elleray	Mary	9	Daughter	Scholar	Lancaster, Lancashire
Elleray	Rowland George	6	Son	Scholar	Lancaster, Lancashire
Elleray	Agnes Ellen	3M	Daughter		Lancaster, Lancashire
Elleray	Rowland	74	Father In Law	House Painter	Cartmel, Lancashire

Address	Farm Street
Parish	Harbury
District	Southam, Southam
Administrative County	Warwickshire


Name	Samuel Dingley
Age	40
Estimated Year of Birth	1801
Birth County	Warwickshire


Name	Elizabeth Dingley
Age	40
Estimated Year of Birth	1801
Birth County	Warwickshire


Name	Elizbeth Dingley
Age	14
Estimated Year of Birth	1827
Birth County	Warwickshire

Name	Eliza Dingley
Year of Marriage	1850
Quarter of Marriage	Oct-Nov-Dec
Registration District	Solihull
Registration County	Warwickshire

Address	Thomas Street
Parish	Kings Norton
District	Kings Norton, Kings Norton
Administrative County	Worcestershire


Name	Edward Dingley
Age	49
Estimated Year of Birth	1802
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation	Carpenter
Birth Place	Bartton
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 2
Name	Ann Dingley
Age	51
Estimated Year of Birth	1800
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation
Birth Place	Knowle
Birth County	Warwickshire

Householder 4
Name	Eliza Rabone
Age	24
Estimated Year of Birth	1827
Relationship to Head of Household	Visitor
Occupation	Dress Maker
Birth Place	Solihull
Birth County	Warwickshire

Name	John Edward Rabone
Year of Registration	1854
Quarter of Registration	Jul-Aug-Sep
Registration District	Kings Norton
Registration County	Worcestershire

Address	118 Larches St
Civil Parish	Aston
Rural District
Town or Village or Hamlet
Ecclesiastical Parish	Christ Church
Parliamentary Borough or Division	Boadesley
County Borough, Municipal Borough or Urban District	Birmingham
Administrative County	Birmingham

Householder 1
Name	Annie Rabone
Relation to Head of Family	Daughter
Condition as to Marriage	Single
Age Last Birthday	48
Sex	Female
Profession or Occupation	Vest Maker
Employment Status
Where Born	Sparkbrook
Language
Infirmity

Household information
Address	118 Larches St Sparkbrook Birmingham
Parish	Aston
Town	Sparkbrook Birmingham
Type of Building	Private House
Number of Rooms	5
Inhabited	Y
Reference	RG14PN18228 RG78PN1100 RD385 SD2 ED39 SN45
Administrative County	Warwickshire
Registration District	Aston
Registration Sub District	Bordesley
Enumeration District	39

Name	Samuel Henry Rabone
Year of Registration	1880
Quarter of Registration	Oct-Nov-Dec
Registration District	Lancaster

Rabone	John E	36 (1855)	Head	Railway Engine Driver	Long Eaton, Worcestershire
Rabone	Alice	39 (1852)	Wife		Lancaster, -
Rabone	Samuel	10 (1881)	Son	Scholar	Lancaster, -

Name	Rowland George Elleray
Year of Marriage	1894
Quarter of Marriage	Apr-May-Jun
Registration Distric	Lancaster

Name	Rachel Ann Wilson
Year of Marriage	1894
Quarter of Marriage	Apr-May-Jun
Registration District	Lancaster

1841 Census Record

1841 Census Record

1841 Census Record

841 Census Household Record

1841 Census Household Record

Marriage Record

Marriage Record

Birth Record

Birth Record

Death Record

1841 Census Household Record

1851 Census Household Record

1861 Census Household Record

1841 Census Household Record

Marriage Record

Marriage Record

1851 Census Household Record

Birth Record

1871 Census Household Record

1881 Census Household Record

1891 Census Household Record

Death Record

1901 Census Household Record

Death Record

1911 Census Household Record

Death Record

Birth Record

Birth Record

Death Record

Death Record

At this point I am going to consider my grandfather's military service details through until he left the army. The detail is taken from his “The small book”, In the Will section his mother Alice was shown as living at 38 Wyresdale Road

Marriage Record

Marriage Record

1871 Census Household Record

Marriage Record

Marriage Record

Birth Record

1881 Census Household Record

1891 Census Record

Birth Record

Birth Record

Death Record

1911 Census Household Record

Death Record

The Moss family

MORRIS, JAMES GUST

Additional Information:

Location Information

Visiting Information

Historical Information

Address	Spittle Farm
Parish	Kirkby Lonsdale
District	Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale
Administrative County	Westmorland

Householder 1
Name	William Cowin
Age	62
Estimated Year of Birth	1809
Relationship to Head of Household	Head
Occupation
Birth Place	Cumberland
Birth County	Cumberland

Householder 2
Name	Ann Cowin
Age	62
Estimated Year of Birth	1809
Relationship to Head of Household	Wife
Occupation
Birth Place	Cumberland
Birth County	Cumberland

Householder 3
Name	Jane Cowin
Age	26
Estimated Year of Birth	1845
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation
Birth Place	Cumberland
Birth County	Cumberland

Householder 5
Name	Sarah Cowin
Age	22
Estimated Year of Birth	1849
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation
Birth Place	Cumberland
Birth County	Cumberland

Name	James Wilson
Year of Marriage	1872
Quarter of Marriage	Apr-May-Jun
Registration District	Kendal
Registration County	Westmorland

Address	Keastwick Hill
Parish	Kirkby Lonsdale
District	Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale
Administrative County	Westmorland


Name	Jane Wilson
Age	36
Estimated Year of Birth	1845
Relationship to Head of Household	Daughter
Occupation	Housekeeper
Birth Place	Dacre
Birth County	Cumberland


Name	Rachel Wilson
Age	7
Estimated Year of Birth	1874
Relationship to Head of Household	Grand Daughter
Occupation	Scholar
Birth Place	Liverpool
Birth County	Lancashire


Name	Annie Wilson
Age	2
Estimated Year of Birth	1879
Relationship to Head of Household	Grand Daughter
Occupation	Juvenile
Birth Place	Kirkby Lonsdale
Birth County	Westmorland