|
Go to: John's Page / John's Family Tree Home / John's Family Tree Index. |
Comments: An entry appears in the IGI for the christening of a James Hockin in Northam, Devon, on 10th Jan 1836. His date of birth is not listed, and the only parent entered is his mother, Elizabeth Hockin.
It seems likely therefore that James' biological father either died before he was born or was unknown (!). At some later date, his mother Elizabeth (re)married John Mules, and at some time after 1871 the whole family decided to adopt the name Mules rather than Hockin.
So in fact John Mules is probably James' step father.
A James Hocking appears in the 1851 census aged 15, with place of birth entered as Northam. Here his occupation is entered as farm labourer and his relationship to the head of household is "servant". He is living in Tadworthy, Northam Bideham, Devonshire with the Mill family. The head of family is one John Mill, 47, a "Farmer Of 56 Acres".
However, a James Mules also appears in this mother and (step?) father's house on Silver Street in Bideford. Here he is aged 15 and his place of birth is entered as Northam. His relationship to the head of household is entered as "Son".
Appears in the 1871 census under the surname Hocking, but with other details such as occupation and place of birth consistent with later census entries. Here his age is recorded as 34.
His age is recorded as 44 at the time of the 1881 census, his birthplace is recorded as Northam, Devon. His occupation is recorded as iron moulder.
His age is recorded as 56 (should probably be 54) at the time of the 1891 census, and his occupation is again recorded as iron moulder. As before, his place of birth is recorded as Northam.
His age is recorded as 64 at the time of the 1901 census, and his other details are consistent with the two earlier census entries.
Spouse: Anna Lemon (Married)
Children: William J. Hocking, Elizabeth Mules, John Mules Hocking, Samuel M. Hocking, Anna Mules, Bertha Mules
There is some confusion surrounding the actual name of the family. Whereas in the 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses the family are named Mules, what appears to be almost exactly the same family appears in the 1871 census under the name Hocking.
At the time of the 1871 census the family are living at 21 Silver Street, Bideford. As a further twist, living at 22 Silver Street are a John and Elizabeth Mules (aged 60 and 56) living with their grand daughter Mary E. M. Hocking (aged 8).
At the time of the 1881 census, the family's address was 22 Folletts Buildings, Exeter St Mary Major, Devon.
The family appeared to be living at the same address at the time of the 1891 census, although of course many of the children had left home by that time.
At the time of the 1901 census, the family were living at what looks to be something like 6, Lucy (?) Lane, Exeter.
James's Heritage
Parents: John Mules, Elizabeth Hockin
Siblings: