Family History

We have traced the McSoley family back by 5 generations. We know that the name was mis-spelt in 1846 (see James Peter's Baptismal Entry) and was originally McSorley.

The earliest record we have is Peter McSorley's discharge papers. Peter served as a Clerk in the 27^th Inniskillin Regiment of Foot from 16 Feb 1843 to 16 Jan 1866. These records have allowed us to work out that he was born in February or March 1823 near Augher, in the parish of Clougher in County Tyrone, in Ireland.

We know that Peter was the father of James Peter McSoley (b. 18 May 1846) as this is recorded in James’ baptismal entry in the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church register. James was born in St Martin’s, Guernsey, where his father was stationed at the time. It appears that the name was mispelt several times hereafter.  James’ mother was Anne Steddon b. 1811, Titchfield Street, London, Middlesex (1881 Census).

Peter McSorley spent several years abroad whilst in the army.  He was in the Cape of Good Hope for 4 months and in India for 7 ½ years. He was discharged on 16 January 1866 in Cork, Ireland. His discharge papers indicate that he was intending to go to Brisbane, Australia. We have no record of his death.

In the 1851 Census Ann Steddon, aged 39, was living at 7 Fort George Road, St.Peter Port, Guernsey with James Steddon, aged 5. She was unmarried at the time and the census gives no relationship on the census to James.

According to the 1861 Census, in St Sampson's, Guernsey, James McSoly, aged 14, was lodging at 147 Delaney Lane. He was a stone breaker.

James Peter married Elizabeth Back (b.1845 nee Rushton) on 14 October 1874 at the parish church in Camberwell, Surrey. Their marriage certificate states that Elizabeth was a widow, and we know she had another son, William, from this previous marriage. James Peter's occupation was stated as a Mariner.

James Peter and Elizabeth McSoley had one son, James Samuel, who was born on 15 July 1877 at 12 Cork Street, Camberwell. His birth certificate indicates that his father was a mariner.  

In the 1881 census, James McSoly (unmarried, aged 36) and Ann McSolly (Widow, aged 70) were both lodging with Harriet Fuller at 4 Tanfield Place, Southbridge Road, Croydon, Surrey). Ann McSolly and Harriet Fuller were both born in Titchfield Street, London, Middlesex and we presume they must have been related- possibly sisters.

The same census tells us that James' wife, Elizabeth McSolly (Back), a laundress aged 35, was living at 14 Manor Grove, Camberwell, Surrey, with her two sons, William J Back (McSolly), aged 11 and James McSolly, aged 3. She died aged 39 on 28 March 1885 at 233 Calor Street, Peckham.

James Peter was married again to Mary Hodge (b. 23 March 1861 in Witheridge, Devon) on June 14, 1886 at the Parish Church, Croydon, Surrey.

James Peter's mother, Ann, died at 25 Ford's Market, West Ham, London, on 4 August 1892, aged 83 (a widow of Peter McSoley, a colour Sergeant from the 28th Royal Irish Regiment). James was with his mother when she died, and is listed as the informant on her death certificate. At the time he was living at 25 Tate Road, Silvertown.

James and Mary McSoley had 9 children, 3 of whom died as babies. The children were all born in London, most of them in Woolwich. Henry Peter (Harry) was born on 7 January 1887; Annie Maria was born and died Sept 1888; Ellen Mary was born 15 Dec 1889 (at 36 Muir Street, Plaistow) and died in 1891; Susan born 1891; Maud Elizabeth born 1893; Richard William 1895 and died same year; Walter John was born 26 Feb 1896; Alice Mary 1897; Sarah Minnie born and died 1899.

James Peter's son, Harry, married Rosa Georgina (nee? b.1874? d. 29 October 1960)

James Peter's youngest son, Walter John McSoley (b. 26 Feb 1896) married Ellen Campbell (b. 1896) on April 2 1923 in St Mary & Edward Church, Newland Street, Silvertown, London. Walter was an accountant's clerk.

Henry (Harry) and Walter both served in WW1 and were awarded campaign medals. Harry enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Hereford on 7 December 1915, aged 28. After the war he took up his job as a newsagent in Hereford again. He was very much involved in Hereford Football Club, and was on their Board.

James Peter's wife, Mary, died on 6 May 1926, in London, 2 years before her husband. James died at The Infirmary, 188 Anlaby Road, Hull on September 3 1928.

Walter and Ellen had one son, Henry Lawrence who was born on May 3 1932 in Woolwich, London.

Henry Lawrence (Harry) married Iris Chapman (b. Jan 3, 1931) on 20 June 1953 at St Patrick's Catholic Church, Griffin Road, Plumstead. Harry was an Assistant Estate Officer for London City Council, and Iris worked as a Clerk in a ship stores company. They had 8 children. In 1956? the family moved to Harlow, Essex. In 1965 they moved to Reading, Berkshire where most of the family still live.

Henry Peter was widowed in 1960, and married Bertha ????

Walter's wife, Ellen, died in 1966 in Margate. Walter lived to a ripe old age of 90, and died at Elizabeth Court, Theale, Reading on May 26 1986.

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