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Nell
01-12-09, 10:57
Ruth Barnes born 25 Jan 1846 and baptised 12 Apr 1846 in Langham, North Norfolk, the illegitimate daughter of Susanna Barnes, a dressmaker. Father unknown.

Ruth's mother died in 1851 and Ruth was brought up by her maternal grandparents, Mark and Ann (nee Massingham).

In 1861 Ruth and her cousin Elizabeth Barnes are working as school mistresses at the National Schools in Limpenhoe, South East Norfolk and lodging with the rector.

1867 1st January Ruth married John Gray, a fisherman, of Limpenhoe, in Langham. Their eldest son was baptised there.

In 1871 Ruth and John were in Limpenhoe, where they lived the rest of their lives, iwth John's widowed mother Susan, and their sons John William and Samuel Henry.

In 1877 Ruth's eldest son died of meningitis.

In 1881 they had 5 more sons, Frederick Barnes, Robert Lemuel, Jeuel Jabez [my grandfather], Walter Randal and the second John William.

In 1891 their family had increased to include Ruth's two daughters, Ruth Elizabeth and Violet Jane, and her final son Harry George.

1901 Ruth and John are still living on the Common, Limpenhoe, with children [Robert] Lemuel, Violet and Harry, their other children all having left to find employment elsewhere, most of them in London.

Ruth died on 14 February 1908 of heart disease, and was buried in Limpenhoe. She and her husband have a memorial stone which reads "blest are the pure in heart".

Family story has it that Ruth was very devout - several of her children have Biblical names - and would stand up and correct the vicar in church if he misquoted the Good Book!