James Waters b1809 in Weston Coleville, Cambs
In 1841 James was living in Pentney with wife Priscilla (nee Carveley), who was 15 years older than him, born 1794 in Framlingham, Suffolk. Priscilla had been married before to Joseph Pitt who she married in 1814 in Horningsea, Cambs, they had at least one child, Elizabeth b 1822 who in 1849 had a child, also named Priscilla who at age 12 was living with her grandparents in Pentney in 1861.
In 1833 Priscilla Snr, now a widow, married James Waters in Cambridge and in 1841 are living at Carter House, Pentney. James’ employment is stated as labourer, but also says he’s an inmate.
Also living there is John Waters age 15, probably James’ son from a previous marriage.
In 1851 James and Priscilla are living in Pentney at Dales End Green, James is 42 working as a bone boiler (presumably at the bone mill).
In 1861 listed at Dales Green, James is still a bone boiler. Priscilla’s 12 year old granddaughter also called Priscilla is living with them.
In 1863 Priscilla Snr dies, she was buried in Pentney aged 68 on 17/1/1863.
Between October and December 1863 James re marries Elizabeth Springell from Castle Acre, baptised in Swaffham, they lived in 1871 at Grays Buildings, Pentney. He is listed as a labourer, aged 60, wife Elizabeth is 47. Daughter Mary aged 6, born in Pentney lives with them.
James dies on 1/12/1874 of cancer pylorus (stomach cancer). Present at death is Sarah Ann Eagle. James was aged 64 and was buried on December 5th. In 1881 his widow Elizabeth is working in Kings Lynn as a servant for Robert Fuller, a tailor and draper.
In 1891 she is a housekeeper for Robert Fuller and her daughter Mary is also working there as general servant. Before marrying James in 1861 Elizabeth was a housekeeper in Castle Acre to John Chilvers, a blacksmith.
An article in The Norfolk Chronicle below mentions James Waters in a court case from 25/3/1867 about trespassing on farm land on his way to work at the bone mill. There is also an article about the same case in the Norwich Mercury but it doesn’t mention James by name.
Bone Mill Employees Bone Grinding & Boiling
