The Morris Family

With the assistance of the late Noel Morris.

Jacob Morris [1833-14.Sep.1894] of Stanwick, married Elizabeth [1832-18.Jun.1905] of Warmington. They are buried in the churchyard.

7 children — Ellen b:1857, Frederic(k), James, Alfred, Salome b:1869, Susana b:1872 & Clara b:1873.

The first record of Jacob living in Chelveston is in the Mercury 1844 – "William Wagstaffe (28) charged with stealing two tame rabbits, property of Jacob Morris of Brook Lane, Chelveston. Found guilty at Northampton Quarter sessions and sent to the county goal".

Jacob listed as a boot and shoemaker in the 1851 - 1891 censuses.

At the 2nd Annual Chelveston Flower, Fruit, and Vegetable Show in 1880, he won first prize in the best cultivated shoemakers' gardens category.

Frederic(k) [1859-16.Feb.1942] married Eliza [1858-29.Oct.1924]. They are buried in the churchyard.

Daughter Elsie May died age 2 in 02.Jun.1897.

Founder member of the Parish Council from 1895—1918, plus a further 12 years interrupted service.

Frederic(K) is listed as a boot and shoemaker in the 1871 - 1891 censuses.

James Morris b:1861

James is listed as a boot and shoemaker in the 1881 - 1901 censuses.

Listed as the librarian of the Library & Reading rooms in 1890 trade directory.

Alfred Morris [1864-02.Mar.1933] married Emma [1876-27.Jan.1945]. They are buried in the churchyard.

They lived in Brook Street, at what is now 43 Water Lane (pictured above in the 1930's).

7 children — Ellen b:1889, Wilfred, Edith b:1893, Frank, Harry, Arthur [died age 10 months on 05.Jun.1898] & Albert.

Listed as a shoemaker in the 1881 and 1901 censuses and an army shoemaker in the 1891 census. He served as a Special or Parish Constable. He was a trustee of the Chelveston Working Mens Club in 1902.

Wilfred (Billy) b:1890

They had 2 daughters - one died young, but Joyce later married - she did serve in her father's shop, as did Mrs Morris.

Billy Morris served in the 11th Supply Company, Army Service Corps in WW1.

To start with Billy worked as a butcher for W.Russell [1932] Ltd Pork Butcher (pictured above). Russell's shop was originally next to Co-op Fish Shop in High Street, later to become Frank Richardson's Co-op Gent's Outfitters.

Billy certainly seems to have been a butcher in his own right by the 1950's - he is remembered as such by several people. He had a small pony and trap for deliveries, with the pony kept in paddock below Old Cemetery next to First Arch Bridge.

(Information care of Irthlingborough historical society).

Frank [1895-1983] married Emily [d:1987]

2 children — Anthony Noel & Betty.

L/Corporal Frank Morris served in the 7th (Service) and 6th (Service) Battalions, Northants Regiment in WW1, being wounded 4 times in the course of his service.

Harry [1898-31.Jul.1917]

Served in the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers and was Killed in Action 31.Jul.1917 on the first day of the third battle of Ypres (battle of Passchendaele). His body was never recovered.

Listed amongst the missing on the Menin Gate memorial, Ypres France.

Albert Morris [1901-83]

Anthony Noel [1938-2011] married Janet in 1961

2 daughters, one of whom still lives in the village.

Noel served for 29 years on the Parish Council (1964—1993). He was the Chairman in 1988 and Vice-chairman in 1973, 1987 & 1992. He was also a trustee of the Educational Foundation (1983—2010).