The First Generation
The Sons and Daughters of
Francis and Harriot JOSEPH
Period 1751 to 1808
about the times
London in the 18th century was a vibrant and rapidly growing city, but it was also a place of stark contrasts and challenges. This period, known as the Georgian era, spanned from 1714 to 1830 and witnessed significant changes in the city's conditions and customs.
The 18th century saw London become one of the largest cities in the world. Its population grew exponentially, driven by rural migration and the effects of the Industrial Revolution. This rapid urbanisation led to overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions for many inhabitants.
The 18th century also brought about the rise of London's middle class. Merchants, traders, and skilled workers saw increased economic opportunities, leading to the development of elegant townhouses in areas like Mayfair and Bloomsbury. The wealthy elite lived in grand mansions, such as those found in St. James's Square and Grosvenor Square.
Social customs in 18th century London were heavily influenced by class distinctions. The aristocracy and gentry held significant power and privilege, often engaging in extravagant parties, social events, and leisure activities. Etiquette and manners were highly regarded, and social interactions were governed by strict rules of conduct.
Entertainment played a crucial role in the lives of 18th-century Londoners. The city offered a wide range of cultural experiences, including theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. The Theatre Royal in Covent Garden and Drury Lane were popular venues for plays and operas, attracting both the wealthy and commoners. Coffeehouses emerged as places for intellectual discussions, with famous establishments like Lloyd's Coffee House becoming hubs for insurance and shipping information.
However, 18th century London faced numerous challenges, particularly concerning crime and public order. High levels of poverty and unemployment led to an increase in petty theft and pickpocketing. Notorious criminal gangs, such as the Black Act gang, terrorized the streets, making life dangerous for both residents and visitors. To combat crime, the Bow Street Runners, founded in 1749, became one of London's first organised police forces.
about francis JOSEPH
Francis JOSEPH was born on 7 June 1751 in Westminster, London, to Ann and William JOSEPH. He married Harriot Caroline BROWN on January the 10th, 1779, in St James Westminster, London, when he was 27 years old. As a young boy he was apprenticed by his father, William, to a London publisher as an apprentice book/paper/printing tradesman. Later he became a cutler (someone who makes, deals or repairs cutlery) and starting taking on apprentices of his own. Eventually, Francis later became a schoolmaster and probably worked for some time at one of the local workhouses, which were popular at that time for housing and schooling of orphaned children.
Francis lived at St James, Westminster, London all his life and was buried from St James's Church when he died on 19 March 1829.
ANCESTRY FOR FRANCIS
Father:
William JOSEPH
William JOSEPH was born on 11 June 1705, to Frank (Francis) and Margaret JOSEPH, East Horsley, St Martin, Surrey, England.. He married Hannah (Ann) Chitty and they had eight children. He died in 1790 having lived a long life of 85 years, and was buried in Westminster, Middlesex.
Mother:
Hannah CHITTY
Hannah Chitty was born in 1716, the daughter of Jo. She married William Joseph / Jousiffe on 8 February 1734 in Westminster, Middlesex. They had eight children in 24 years. She died in 1798 at the age of 83 years.
Siblings:
Hannah JOSEPH b. 16 December 1735
William JOSEPH b. 20 March 1737
Sarah JOSEPH born 1739
Ann JOUSIF born 1741
Elizabeth JOUSIF born 1742
James JOSEPH b. 18 September 1754
John JOSEPH b. 10 November 1759
In the case of Francis and William, the baptismal record shows their mother as 'Ann'. It is assumed that Hannah was often referred to as 'Ann" as was the custom in those days.
Hannah would have had her last child, John JOSEPH, born 10 November 1759 and baptised 25 November 1759 at St. James', Westminster, Middlesex, England. William is 54 years, and Hannah 44 years old.
The challenge in tracing Francis's ancestors lies in the fact that no marriage banns have been found for William and Hannah. They were not married in a church and chose rather to marry according to clandistine procedures prevalent at they time that saw marriages being undertaken by government officials and lay ministers, such as that provided at Fleet Street Prison in London. Limited information is provided in these clandistine marriage records.
William's father is Francis (Frank) JOSEPHS, born in 1686 and christened on 21 May 1686 at St Saviour's, Denmark Park, Southwark, Surrey, England. Francis’s parents are recorded as John and Mary JOSEPHS. John was born circa 1660.
The exact lineage of Francis is still open for debate. However, the fact that both William and Hannah are from Surrey-based families, and William's forefathers are also lived in Surrey, would suggest that his roots lie in Surrey and it was his father William that moved the family to St James where he held the position of Chairman at a Lord's Manor. Applying the traditional naming conventions would also suggest that the lineage provided herein, is highly probable.
about harriot Brown
Harriot Caroline BROWN was born in 1765 in England, the daughter of Frances and Walter. She married Francis JOSEPH on 10 January 1779. At the time of her marriage to Francis, she was 14 years of age and the marriage cerificate had to be signed by her mother, Frances, as she was still a minor. At the time of her marriage, she had an elder sister, Frances Elizabeth, aged 19.
Between 1780 and 1808, the couple had 16 sons and daughters.
In 1818 she accompanied her son George Edward to South Africa where her son began a farming operation in Somerset East.
Harriot Caroline BROWN died on 29 October 1836 in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, South Africa, when she was 71 years old. Her gravestone is still visible in the grounds of the old frontier church.
THE CHILDREN OF FRANCIS AND HARRIOT JOSEPH
(Spelling of names as per Birth Records)
01
William Charles JOUSIFFE
Occupation: Iron Founderer
Birth: 14 Apr 1780, Westminster, London, England
Death: 12 Jun 1851 in London, England aged 72 years
Marriage: Elizabeth Needs on 9 November 1815 in England.
Issue: Yes
02
Francis George Augustus JOSEPH
Occupation: Mariner
Birth: 12 Mar 1782, Westminster, London, England
Death: 29 Jan 1825 • Bath, St Michael, Somerset, England, aged 44
Marriage: Agness Crinnick COLE on 11 May 1822, St Pancras, London, England
Issue: Unknown
03
John James JOSEPH
Occupation: Hatter
Birth: 21 Nov 1783, Westminster, London, England
Death: July 1834
Marriage: Mary PROSSER on 12 Sep 1809, St James, Piccadilly, England
Issue: Yes
05
Germain Winnock JOSEPH
Occupation: Cook
Birth: 13 May 1786, London, England
Death: 1826, London, England, aged 40 years
Marriage: Susan PROSSER on 11 Sep 1809, Hereford,England
Issue: Yes
06
Charlotte Georgina JOUSIFF
Occupation: Workhouse
Birth: 9 Sept 1787, London, England
Death: 1826, England
Marriage: Unkown
Issue: Yes, illigitimate John JOSEPH, born 3 Jul 1812
07
Harriot Caroline JOSEPH
Occupation: Wife of Coachman
Birth: 14 Jun 1789, London, England
Death: 5 Apr 1873, London, England, aged 84 years
Marriage: Thomas William WATSON on 30 October 1813 in Westminster, Middlesex.
Issue: Yes
09
Mitchell JOUSIF
Occupation: Grocer
Birth: 5 May 1794, London, England
Death: Unknown
Marriage: Sarah Ann PROSSER, on 23 May 1816 at Westminster, England and Sarah Georgina CASY on 1 Sept 1821 at Islington.
Issue: Yes
10
Thomas JOUSIFF
Occupation: Hatter
Birth: 18 Feb 1796, London, England
Death: He died on 28 May 1854 in Liverpool, England at the age of 58.
Marriage: Catherine JOHNSON on 5 August 1824 in Bath, Somerset
Issue: Yes
11
Mary Ann JOUSIF
Occupation: Died in Infancy
Birth: 12 Nov 1797, London, England
Death: Dec 1797, London, England
Marriage: None
Issue: No
13
Mary Ann JOSEPH
Occupation: Unknown
Birth: 10 Aug 1801, London, England
Death: abt 1801, in infancy
Marriage: None
Issue: None
14
George Edward JOSEPH
Occupation: Merchant/Farmer
Birth: 18 Feb 1803, London, England
Death: 25 July 1866 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, aged 63 years
Marriage: Eliza PEACOCK on 8 December 1830 in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Issue: Yes
15
Edward JOSEPH
Occupation: Surgeon
Birth: 25 Sept 1804, London, England
Death: 14 March 1857 in Westminster, Middlesex, at the age of 52.
Marriage: Elizabeth Mary Alder on 6 August 1836 in St Marylebone, Middlesex
Issue: Yes
Stories About Francis and Harriot
Residence of Francis in St James
In 1798, Francis is resident at Thatched House Court, Little St James Street, where he rents property from Sir William Pulteney at GBP 3,26. He continued to reside here for most of his life. This house was just across the road from the Thatched House Tavern and was well-known for the many famous people that gathered there. One of the political parties of the time had their own room here were they used to gather to plot political strategy.
One of the most significant social customs of the time was the practice of "seasons." During the social season, which typically occurred in the spring, the aristocracy and wealthy elite flocked to London for a series of balls, dances, and social gatherings. This provided an opportunity for matchmaking, networking, and maintaining social connections.
More Stories About Francis and Harriot
In the 1780-84 electoral register, Francis Joseph of Little Street, St James, profession is school master.
Teachers became needed in many different schools and in late Georgian times, most english elementary schools were provided by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education (1811). The first specialist infant school appeared in Spitalfields in the 19th century. Teacher training arrived in the 1840s. The BFSS funded teacher training colleges in Stockwell, wile the National society colleges in St Marks, Chelsea and St Johns, Battersea. After 1847 the government funded “pupil teacher” apprenticeships for children 13yrs+.
Harriot Caroline JOSEPH (nee Brown) landed in Table Bay, South Africa on 11 March 1818, arriving aboard HMS Golden Grove. She was accompanied by her son George Edward Joseph and her daughter Eliza. Soon they departed for Somerset East, where they took to farming. Harriot was a leading figure in the community and remained in the town when her son sold their farm, Pavo Park and moved to Port Elizabeth. It remains a mystery as to why she left her husband and family in London.
More Stories About the Children of Francis and Harriot
John James JOSEPH (03)
Admiral Lord Nelson
1817 and 1818 Poll John James is living at 34, Bury St, Occupation Hatter.At around this time, Admiral Lord Nelson visits Lock & Co (Leading Hatters in the area) for the first time to order a "cocked hat and cockade 7 1/8th full" - his signature bicorne complete with eyeshade. He returns in subsequent years to order two more. His final visit is recorded in September 1805, when he settles his bill before sailing to Spain. He would never return, losing his life in the Battle of Trafalgar against Admiral Villeneuve.
1 Jan 1818, John Joseph, hatter, St James, Piccadilly, Bury St votes in the borough of Westminster elections (4 July 1818) and voted for Romilly and Maxwell. Up until 1832, to be able to vote you need to own your own house, male and have a certain social standing a professional man or craftsman like a hatter to be eligible to vote.
George Edward JOSEPH (13)
St John's Bathhurst, SA
One of the joint ventures of George and his father-in-law, Richard Peacock was their participation in the building of St John’s Anglican Church in Bathurst. They bought shares in a company created for this purpose. Shares were sold at GBP5 and 141 shares were sold. In exchange for these shareholders, they were able to obtain their own pews in the church. This church is the oldest Anglican Church in South Africa (1836). George played a significantly influential role in Somerset East, and apart from owning a farm (a homestead called Pavo Park), he also owned substantial properties in the town. One such property is in Francis Street, supposedly named in honour of his father, Francis Joseph. In 1855 he sold some of this land to Elizabeth Dold. In 1835, George was appointed captain of the infantry allied to the Somerset Municipal Force.
Eliza JOSEPH (12)
Battle of Waterloo, 1815
Eliza JOSEPH married Major William OGILVIE in 1836 in Somerset East, Eastern Cape, South Africa. In the mid-1800s William Ogilvie, who sold fire arms made by the famous Birmingham gunsmiths, Westley Richards, in his Grahamstown hardware store, received two interesting visitors. They were Henry and William Richards, sons of gunsmiths. They came to congratulate him on sales and ended up marrying his daughters, Caroline and Fanny. Ogilvie, who could trace his family history back to the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, fought at Waterloo and came to the Cape with Lord Charles Somerset. He moved to Grahamstown in 1816. William was a well-known, well-liked man with a strong social conscience. He went to England in 1850 to discuss the difficult convict question on the frontier with Earl Grey. On his way home he fell on board ship and injured his spine. This led to his death in December 1850.