The Rhodes of Leeds

Jack and Alexander are linked to the Rhodeses via their paternal grandfather, MALCOLM MORTON HUDSON (1934-1979) whose paternal grandmother was FLORENCE MARGUERITE RHODES, b 1872.

This family was relatively easy to trace via the censuses - apart from once, when we became convinced that Florence's father was an Alphonso Rhodes, born near Hull. We have quite a bit of info on Alphonso if you want it!It also became confusing when Dorothy Ellen Rhodes switched between her first names!

SIXTH GENERATION

In 1841, James Rhodes, stonemason, is recorded as aged 25, living with his wife Dorothy, 25, and son Thomas, 6 months, and also Ann Fenton, a 20-year-old dressmaker.

In 1861, the family are living in Back Street, Chapelallerton, Leeds. Here, we find that James was born in Wigan, Lancashire. Dorothy is 45, and a dressmaker, born in Potternewton. Their children are Thomas, 20, a housepainter, Alice, 14, Ann Elizabeth, 12, Dorothy Ellen, 9, James, 6, and John.

In 1871, they are living in Back Lane, Bay Horse Lane, and James and Dorothy are still working. John is aged 13 and an errand boy. Also staying with the couple are granddaughters Sareah Ann BURROWS , 3 and Emily BURROWS, 2, of Marton, Cheshire.

By 1881, they have moved to 70 Town Street. All the children have flown the nest, and the couple have two gardeners as lodgers - Charles Kearn and Ephraim Mann.

In 1891, James is still listed as a mason, aged 80! Dorothy is 76, but no job is listed. Living with them are James Rhodes jnr, 36, a housepainter, Annie Rhodes, 28, and Emily Alice Rhodes, 1 (Annie is probably James jnr's wife).

By 1901, it looks as if James has died. Dorothy, aged 87, has moved to 25 Gatelane Lane, Shadwell, Wetherby, where John Lenton Rhodes, 42, possibly the couple's youngest son, is head of household. With him are Mary Elizabeth Rhodes, 30, James William Rhodes, 1, John George Lenton Rhodes, 4 weeks, and James Green Rhodes, painter, aged 44.

FIFTH GENERATION

Our line continues via Dorothy Ellen RHODES, born 1852 in Potternewton, Leeds. Dorothy appears in the 1871 census as Ellen Rhodes, living in service at 180 Crow Trees, Gomersal. On February 18, 1872, she has an illegitimate daughter, Florence Marguerite RHODES. It is not clear who the father is, but it is noted that the family with whom she was in service also have a baby daughter named Florence. At the time of the 1871 census, a Mark MORTONis shown as living at the Mexbro Arms public house, Harrogate Road, Leeds. Mark Morton is shown as having been born in Grimston, Norfolk - it is possible to trace a family of Mortons, all born in Grimston, who move North to escape the depression affecting East Anglia.

In 1881, Mark MORTON and (Dorothy) Ellen, both aged 28, are married and living at 6 Bay Horse Yard, Chapel Allerton, Leeds. Their children are listed as Florence M Morton, Louis Morton and Eva MA Morton. Mark is a coachman.

By 1891, Dorothy Ellen is using her correct first name, and they are living at Rydal Mount Cottage, apparently next door to 167 Chapeltown Road. Louis is working as a cashier while Eva is still at home. There is a new daughter, Alice, 3. We are unsure if she is connected to the family (note the surname), but there is a Maggie Morton, 18, working as a servant at no 167.

The 1901 census has Mark and Dorothy living at Coachman's Cottage, 167a Chapeltown Road. He is still a coachman; Alice is still at home and there is a son, Mark 8. At No 167, there are an Alfred and Esther Davis, who might be Mark's employers.

FOURTH GENERATION

Florence Marguerite married John Wilkinson HUDSON in the December quarter of 1894. They are shown in the 1901 census living at 5 Abbey Street, Leeds, with children Emma W, 6, George, 6, William, 5, and Susannah, 6 months.

Our line continues via Jack HUDSON, born 1901. For more information, see the Hudson family line.

NB: The name Morton survived as the middle name of Jack and Alexander's grandfather Malcolm Morton HUDSON, and is the first name of one of their cousins, and the second name of another cousin.

The picture of "Mrs Morton in Whitby", right, is from a little picture album handed down from Jack Hudson's wife, Ada HOGGARTH. It isn't certain, but it could be Florence Rhodes.