Part 1d – The Descendants of William Alchorne and Jane Booker of Shoreham

This family may be descended from Richard Alchorne of Uckfield who married Mary Belchanger in about 1699. Their youngest son Philip (baptised at Buxted in 1705) married Deborah Masters at St Benet Paul’s Wharf in London on 30th June 1730 and that couple in turn had children the eldest of whom was also called Philip (1730-1811). However when Philip Alchorne senior died at Otford in 1758 the only sons mentioned in the will are  Richard and Samuel Alchorne so there must be some doubt on the lineage of this family.

However it does seem likely that the Shoreham branch of the Alchorne/Alchin’s are descended from this couple as Philip Alchorne died on 26th August 1758 aged 53 years and Deborah died on 4th February 1753 aged 44 years. They are buried together at Otford. Philip Alchorne junior died at Otford in 1811. William Alchorne (below) was born at Otford in about 1767.

Shoreham is a small village located between Sevenoaks and Dartford in Kent.

1.  ~~  William Alchin / Alchorne

According to the 1851 census William was born at Otford, Kent between 1765 and 1767. He may have been the son of Philip Alchorne (1730-1811) and Sarah Waler (1737-1800) who baptised several other children at Otford. However there is no surviving record of William’s baptism at either Otford or Shoreham.

William married Jane Booker at Shoreham on 27th October 1788. The banns were published at Shoreham on 12th, 19th and 26th October 1788. The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev’d William Shaw and the witnesses included the parish clerk Edward Medhurst.

Jane Booker was probably born at Shoreham in 1770 the daughter of William and Mary Bookham (the family appear to have changed their name to Booker in the 1780’s) and she was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 27th May 1770.

William and Jane had at least nine children – Sarah (1789), William (1791), Maria (1792), Jesse (1795), Harriett (1797), William (1800), David (1803), Ann (1806) and John (1810). The two eldest children were baptised at Chelsfield near Orpington and the remaining seven were all baptised at Shoreham midway between Sevenoaks and Dartford. However William was an agricultural labourer and it appears that some of his children were born in the smaller villages as he moved around looking for work.

Left: Otford church; Right: Sutton at Hone church

Many of William’s descendants used variations of the surname Alchorne (Allchorn, Allchorne etc) instead of Alchin or Allchin. Jane died in 1811 aged about 41 years leaving her husband several young children to bring up on his own. She was buried at Shoreham on 8th December 1811. William probably subsequently married Martha Steer; she was born in 1780 but she died before 1841.

The 1841 census records that William was a widowed agricultural labourer and he was living with his youngest son John and his family at Shoreham. The 1851 census records that William was a former agricultural labourer and he was still living with his youngest son John and his family at Shoreham. The census confirms that his birthplace was Otford.

William died in 1855 (Sevenoaks 1855 September qtr Volume 2a Page 221) aged between 88 and 90 years. He was buried at Shoreham on 15th July 1855.

1.1  ~~  Sarah Alchin

Sarah was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 20th December 1789. She and her younger brother died of croup within days of each other in July 1794. Sarah was 5 years old and she was buried at Shoreham on 27th July 1794.

1.2  ~~  William Alchin

William was born at Shoreham on 29th July 1791 and he was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 14th August 1791. He and his sister died during an epidemic of croup at Shoreham in July 1794. William was 3 years old and he was buried at Shoreham on 31st July 1794.

1.3  ~~  Maria Alchin

Maria was born at Shoreham on 6th December 1792 and she was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 20th January 1793. Maria had an illegitimate child – Jane (1810).

1.3.1  ~~  Jane Carruthers Alchin

Jane was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 25th March 1810. It is possible that the father of the baby was named Carruthers.

1.4  ~~  Jesse Alchin

Jesse was born at Shoreham on 12th July 1795 and he was baptised the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 2nd August 1795. Jesse married Maria Richardson at Shoreham on 9th August 1818; she was born at Shoreham in 1796. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Vicar, Rev’d Robert Price and the witnesses were Maria Alchorne and John Porter.

Jesse and Maria had at least eight children – William (1819), Ann (c1821), Sophia (1823), Jane (1825), Jesse (1828), Maria (1831), Frances (1833) and John (1837). Apart from their eldest child, all of their children were born or baptised at Horton Kirby.

The 1841 census records that Jesse was an agricultural labourer and he and his wife and their four children were living at Horton Kirby. The 1851 census records that Jesse was an agricultural labourer and he and his wife and two of their children were living at Lumber Street, Horton Kirby.

The 1861 census records that Jesse was an agricultural labourer. He and his wife were living at Horton Kirby along with their married daughter and her two children. Jesse died on 20th January 1864 (Dartford 1864 March qtr Volume 2a Page 247) aged about 68 years. He was buried with his daughter Sophia Hickson at Horton Kirby on 28th January 1864.

The 1871 census records that Maria was widowed and she was living with her youngest son John and his family at Horton Kirby. Maria died on 7th June 1878 aged ‘85’ years (Dartford 1878 June qtr Volume 2a Page 234). She is buried at Horton Kirby next to her husband and daughter.

1.4.1  ~~  William Alchin

William was born at Shoreham in 1819 and he was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Shoreham on 15th January 1819. The 1851 census records that William was an unmarried Police Constable in the London Metropolitan Police and he was stationed at Greenwich Police Station. William married Matilda; she was born at Sherborne, Dorset in 1831.

The 1871 census records that William was a Police Sergeant and he and his wife were living alone at Castle Cottage, Eltham. The 1881 census records that William was now a watchman and he and his wife were living in London.

William died in 1906 aged 86 years (Hendon 1906 March qtr Volume 3a Page 154). Matilda died in 1909 aged 73 years (Hendon 1909 March qtr Volume 3a Page 205).

1.4.2  ~~  Ann Alchin

Ann was probably born at Horton Kirby in 1820 or 1821. She married William Ayles at Horton Kirby on 19th May 1839 (Dartford 1839 June qtr Volume 5 Page 141); he was born at Monksford (?), Somerset in 1816 the son of John Ayles a labourer. The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev’d George Rashleigh and the witnesses included the parish clerk William Bell.

William and Ann had at least two children – William (1840) and John (1842). The 1841 census records that William was a paper maker and he and his wife and their infant son were living at Selby Row, Horton Kirby. The 1851 census record that William was still a papermaker and he and his wife and their two sons were living at Horton Kirby.

There is no sign of any member of this family in any subsequent English census and they probably emigrated.

1.4.2.1  ~~  William Ayles

William was born at Sutton (at Hone?) in 1840. The 1841 census records that the infant was living with his family at Selby Row, Horton Kirby. The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Horton Kirby.

1.4.2.2  ~~  John Christopher Ayles

John was born at Horton Kirby in 1842 and he was baptised at St Mary’s church, Horton Kirby on 29th May 1842. The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Horton Kirby.

1.4.3  ~~  Sophia Alchin

Sophia was born at Horton Kirby in April 1823 and she was baptised at St Mary’s church, Horton Kirby on 18th May 1823. Sophia married John Hickson in 1854 (Dartford 1854 June qtr Volume 2a Page 329). Sophia died in late July 1860 aged only 37 years. She was buried at Horton Kirby on 5th August 1860. She shares her grave with her father who died in 1864.

1.4.4  ~~  Jane Alchin

Jane was born at Dartford in 1825 and she was baptised at St Mary’s church, Horton Kirby on 11th December 1825. She was not recorded with the rest of her family in the 1841 census. At the time of her marriage Jane was a spinster of Horton Kirby.

Jane married John William Summers at Horton Kirby on 1st October 1844 (Dartford 1844 December qtr Volume 5 Page 171); he was born at Dartford in about 1817 the son of John Summers a cow keeper. The wedding ceremony was performed by Rev’d H.B. Rashleigh and the witnesses were Jesse Alchin and Ann Eyles.

John and Jane had at least nine children – John (1845), Ellen (1847), Frederick (1849), Jane (1851), Walter (1853), Sophia (1855), Alice (1859), Elwin (1861) and William (1863). The 1851 census records that John was a ‘pig dealer’ and he and his wife and their four young children were living at Overy Street, Dartford.

The 1861 census records that John was a dairyman and he and his wife and their seven children were living at Queen Street, Dartford. There seems to have been a split in the family in the late 1860’s and Jane may have subsequently deserted her family. The 1871 census records that John was a married cow keeper and he and his seven children were living at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford. There is no trace of Jane in the 1871 census.

The 1881 census records that Jane Summers (born at Horton Kirby) was a married woman and she worked as a cook for Robert Fauser at 174 Peckham Road, Camberwell. However the 1881 census also records that John was a widowed retired dairyman and he, three of his children and a grandson were living at 61 East Hill, Dartford.

The 1891 census records that Jane was a cook for Mary Ann Fraser and her brother at College Road, Epsom. The 1901 census records that Jane (still listed as a married woman) was living on her own means and she was visiting her married daughter Alice Diment at 25 Colney Road, Dartford.

The 1901 census also records that John was an 83 year old widower with no occupation. He and his two granddaughters (Jessie L. Summers who was born at Dartford in 1885 and Ada Summers who was born at Dartford in 1892) were still living at 61 East Hill Road.

1.4.4.1  ~~  John William Summers

John was born at Dartford in 1845 (Dartford 1845 June qtr Volume 5 Page 100). The 1851 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Overy Street, Dartford. The 1861 census records that John was living with his family at Queen Street, Dartford. He was almost certainly helping his father with the dairy cattle.

John married Julia Tolhurst; she was born at Dartford in 1850. John and Julia had at least six children – Florence (1867), Lilian (1870), Maud (1873), Christina (1876), Grace (1878) and Ethel (1880). The 1871 census records that John was a labourer in the paper mill and he and his wife and their two young daughters were living at 61 Queen Street, Dartford. Julia’s 11 year old brother Charles Tolhurst was also living with them.

John moved his family to London in about 1880. The 1881 census records that John was a foreman in the cement works and he and his wife and their five children were living at Hillingdon in Middlesex. There is no trace of John or his family in any subsequent English census and they probably emigrated.

1.4.4.1.1  ~~  Florence Ellen Summers

Florence was born at Dartford in 1867 (Dartford 1867 September qtr Volume 2a Page 340). The 1871 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 61 Queen Street, Dartford. The 1881 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Hillingdon.

1.4.4.1.2  ~~  Lilian Emily Summers

Lilian was born at Dartford in 1870 (Dartford 1870 June qtr Volume 2a Page 362). The 1871 census records that the infant was living with her family at 61 Queen Street, Dartford. Lilian is not recorded with the rest of her family in the 1881 census.

1.4.4.1.3  ~~  Maud Mary Summers

Maud was born at Dartford in 1873 (Dartford 1873 June qtr Volume 2a Page 373). The 1881 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Hillingdon.

1.4.4.1.4  ~~  Christina Julia Summers

Christina was born at Dartford in 1876 (Dartford 1876 March qtr Volume 2a Page 423). The 1881 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Hillingdon.

1.4.4.1.5  ~~  Grace Esther Summers

Grace was born at Dartford in 1878 (Dartford 1878 December qtr Volume 2a Page 418). The 1881 census records that the young girl was living with her family at Hillingdon.

1.4.4.1.6  ~~  Ethel J. Summers

Ethel was born at West Drayton in London in late 1880. The 1881 census records that the 5 month old infant was living with her family at Hillingdon.

1.4.4.2  ~~  Ellen Maria Summers

Ellen was born at Dartford in 1847 (Dartford 1847 March qtr Volume 5 Page 104) and she was baptised at St Mary’s church, Horton Kirby on 23rd May 1847. The 1851 census records that the young girl was living with her family at Overy Street, Dartford. The 1861 census records that Ellen was living with her family at Queen Street, Dartford. She was probably working as a dairy maid.

Ellen married William Seaker; he was born at Woolwich in 1845. William and Ellen had at least two children – William (1869) and Alexander (1871). The 1871 census records that William was a carpenter and joiner and he and his wife and their two children were living at 6 Grove Street, Deptford.

1.4.4.2.1  ~~  William James Seaker

William was born at Dartford in about 1869. The 1871 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 6 Grove Street, Deptford. The 1881 census records that the school boy was living with his grandfather at 61 East Hill, Dartford.

1.4.4.2.2  ~~  Alexander John Seaker

Alexander was born at Hatcham, Surrey in January 1871 although his birth was registered elsewhere (Greenwich 1871 March qtr Volume 1d Page 786). The 1871 census records that the 3 month old infant was living with his family at 6 Grove Street, Deptford.

1.4.4.3  ~~  Frederick Summers

Frederick was born at Dartford in 1849. The 1851 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Overy Street, Dartford. The 1861 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Queen Street, Dartford. The 1871 census records that Frederick was a labourer and he was living with his father and siblings at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.4  ~~  Jane Summers

Jane was born at Dartford in 1851. The 1851 census records that the 3 month old infant was living with her family at Overy Street, Dartford. The 1861 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Queen Street, Dartford. The 1871 census records that Jane was a dairy maid and she was living with her father and siblings at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.5  ~~  Walter J. Summers

Walter was born at Dartford in 1853. The 1861 census records that the school boy was living with his family at Queen Street, Dartford. The 1871 census records that Walter was a labourer and he was living with his father and siblings at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

The 1881 census records that Walter was unmarried, working as a bricklayer and he was boarding with the family of Sarah West at 16 Colney Road, Dartford. Walter married Julia Stevens in 1881 (Dartford 1881 June qtr Volume 2a Page 687); she was born at Dartford in 1862.

Walter and Julia had at least nine children – Ellen (1881), Hilda (1883), Elsie (1885), Walter (1887), John (1889), Winifred (1892), Jessie (1894), William (1896), Frederick (1898). The 1891 census records that Walter was a bricklayer and he and his wife and their five young children were living at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford.

The 1901 census records that Walter was a builder and he and his wife and their nine children were living at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.1  ~~  Ellen Alice Summers

Ellen was born at Dartford in 1881 (Dartford 1881 December qtr Volume 2a Page 457). The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford. The 1891 census records that Ellen was an assistant in a dress shop and she was living with her parents at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.2  ~~  Hilda Jane Summers

Hilda was born at Dartford in 1883 (Dartford 1883 September qtr Volume 2a Page 461). The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford. The 1891 census records that Hilda was a factory hand in a chemical works and she was living with her parents at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.3  ~~  Elsie Summers

Elsie was born at Dartford in 1885 (Dartford 1885 December qtr Volume 2a Page 466). The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford. The 1891 census records that Elsie was a factory hand in a chemical works and she was living with her parents at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.4  ~~  Walter Frederick Summers

Walter was born at Dartford in 1887 (Dartford 1887 September qtr Volume 2a Page 487). The 1891 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that Walter was a carpenter’s apprentice and he was living with his parents at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.5  ~~  John Summers

John was born at Dartford in 1889 (Dartford 1889 December qtr Volume 2a Page 486). The 1891 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 81 Great Queen Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that John was a stationer’s assistant and he was living with his parents at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.6  ~~  Winifred Summers

Winifred was born at Dartford in 1892 (Dartford 1892 March qtr Volume 2a Page 494). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.7  ~~  Jessie Summers

Jessie was born at Dartford in 1894 (Dartford 1894 September qtr Volume 2a Page 488). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.8  ~~  William Arthur Summers

William was born at Dartford in 1896 (Dartford 1896 December qtr Volume 2a Page 522). The 1901 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.5.9  ~~  Frederick Jesse Summers

Frederick was born at Dartford in 1898 (Dartford 1898 December qtr Volume 2a Page 513). The 1901 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Elmsdale Villa, 10 York Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.6  ~~  Sophia Summers

Sophia was born at Dartford in 1855. The 1861 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Queen Street, Dartford. The 1871 census records that Sophia was a dairy maid and she was living with her father and siblings at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

Sophia married George James Garrett in 1881 (Dartford 1881 March qtr Volume 2a Page 525); he was born at Chatham in 1856. George and Sophia had at least seven children – Bruce (1882), Arthur (1887), Edith (1890), Louis (1892), Grace (1894), Mary (1896) and Sylvia (1900).

The 1881 census records that George was a blacksmith and the newly wed couple were living at 5 Sophia Cottages, Dartford. The 1891 census records that James was a master blacksmith and he and his wife and their three children were living in the ironmonger’s shop on Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

The 1901 census records that George was a blacksmith and he and his wife and their seven children were still living at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.1  ~~  Bruce George Garrett

Bruce was born at Dartford in 1882 (Dartford 1882 September qtr Volume 2a Page 481). The 1891 census records that the school boy was living with his parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone. The 1901 census records that Bruce was a blacksmith and he was living with his parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.2  ~~  Arthur A. Garrett

Arthur was born at Sutton at Hone in 1887 (Dartford 1887 June qtr Volume 2a Page 472). The 1891 census records that the young boy was living with his parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone. The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.3  ~~  Edith Ellen Garrett

Edith was born at Sutton at Hone in 1890 (Dartford 1890 March qtr Volume 2a Page 486). The 1891 census records that the infant was living with her parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone. The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.4  ~~  Louis James Garrett

Louis was born at Sutton at Hone in 1892 (Dartford 1892 June qtr Volume 2a Page 483). The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.5  ~~  Grace Alice Garrett

Grace was born at Sutton at Hone in 1894 (Dartford 1894 March qtr Volume 2a Page 503). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.6  ~~  Mary Sophia Garrett

Mary was born at Sutton at Hone in 1896 (Dartford 1896 June qtr Volume 2a Page 523). The 1901 census records that the young girl was living with her parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.6.7  ~~  Sylvia Pretoria Garrett

Sylvia was born at Sutton at Hone in 1900 (Dartford 1900 December qtr Volume 2a Page 533). The 1901 census records that the 6 month old infant was living with her parents at Main Street, Sutton at Hone.

1.4.4.7  ~~  Alice Summers

Alice was born at Dartford in 1859. The 1861 census records that the young girl was living with her family at Queen Street, Dartford. The 1871 census records that Alice was a dairy maid and she was living with her father and siblings at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford. The 1881 census records that Alice was the housekeeper for her father at 61 East Hill, Dartford.

Alice married John Diment in 1882 (Dartford 1882 June qtr Volume 2a Page 715); he was born at Bridport, Devonshire in 1859. John and Alice had at least three children – Mabel (1884), Grace (1894) and Hector (1900). It is possible that they were the parents of Jessie (1885) who was enumerated as a Summers and was visiting her grandfather at the time.

The 1901 census records that John was a leather currier and he and his wife and their three children were living at 25 Colney Road, Dartford. Alice’s mother Jane Summers was visiting them at the time.

1.4.4.7.1  ~~  Mabel Alice Diment

Mabel was born at Dartford in 1884 (Dartford 1884 March qtr Volume 2a Page 477). Neither Mabel nor her family are recorded in the 1891 census. The 1901 census records that Mabel was a chemist’s assistant and she was living with her parents at 25 Colney Road, Dartford.

Mabel married either Henry Roland Carrier or George Fairweather in 1907 (Dartford 1907 June qtr Volume 2a Page 1094).

1.4.4.7.2  ~~  Grace Ellen Diment

Grace was born at Dartford in 1894 (Dartford 1894 June qtr Volume 2a Page 474). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 25 Colney Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.7.3  ~~  Hector Robert Diment

Hector was born at Dartford in mid 1900 (Dartford 1900 June qtr Volume 2a Page 564). The 1901 census records that the 11 month old infant was living with his family at 25 Colney Road, Dartford.

1.4.4.8  ~~  Elwin Summers

Elwin was born at Dartford in 1862 (Dartford 1862 March qtr Volume 2a Page 2**). The 1871 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford. The 1881 census records that Elwin was a gardener and he was living with his father at 61 East Hill, Dartford.

Elwin married Fanny Holmwood in 1883 (Dartford 1883 September qtr Volume 2a Page 697); she was born at Wormshill in 1863. Elwin and Fanny had at least four children – Lilly (1884), Frank (1888), Ernest (1890) and Rose (1894).

The 1891 census records that Elwin was a cow keeper and he and his wife and their three children were living at Lowfield Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that Elwin was a dairyman and he and his wife and their four children were living at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.8.1  ~~  Lilly Summers

Lilly was born at Dartford in 1884 (Dartford 1884 March qtr Volume 2a Page 483). The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at Lowfield Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that Lilly was living with her parents at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.8.2  ~~  Frank Edwin Summers

Frank was born at Dartford in 1888 (Dartford 1888 June qtr Volume 2a Page 474). The 1891 census records that the young boy was living with his family at Lowfield Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.8.3  ~~  Ernest Summers

Ernest was born at Dartford in 1890 (Dartford 1890 June qtr Volume 2a Page 480). The 1891 census records that the 11 month old infant was living with his family at Lowfield Street, Dartford. The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.8.4  ~~  Rose Summers

Rose was born at Dartford in 1894 (Dartford 1894 September qtr Volume 2a Page 481). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford.

1.4.4.9  ~~  William Summers

William was born at Dartford in 1863. The 1871 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 22 Little Queen Street, Dartford. The 1881 census records that William was an engineer’s apprentice and he was living with his father at 61 East Hill, Dartford.

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