The Goldby Family

Hypothesis

Maria Ellen GOLDBY, b. Oxford, appears in the 1851 census as an accomplished needlewoman, a Dressmaker in an upmarket London establishment where the owners and some of the employees were French. During her life she shows herself to be enterprising also. Unmarried, her heir was Frederick William GOLDBY the younger, a Stained Glass Painter. His father, Frederick William GOLDBY senior, made Piano Fortes; his father Thomas GOLDBY, b. Berkshire, was a Herald Painter (coats of arms, etc.). A line of skilful crafts-people.

Thomas GOLDBY, b. Oxfordshire, was a Coach Painter; his older son Thomas GOLDBY a Sign Writer; and his younger son George GOLDBY first a Coach Painter, then a Builder of Omnibuses. A line of skilful crafts-men.

Jessie Bissett DOWN, grandaughter of Thomas GOLDBY the Coach Painter, married Edward Dudley CARR, a gentleman, and blind from birth, but well-educated. Sadly, Jessie did not live very long after marriage. Later, widower Edward D. CARR married Flora Alice GOLDBY, daughter of Frederick William GOLDBY the Stained Glass Painter.

Maria Ellen GOLDBY was companion and friend to Jane [SOMERTON] CARR, mother of Edward Dudley CARR and his brother Sydney Herbert CARR. Jane's unmarried sister Emma remained in Maria Ellen's company until her death in Brighton. During the years after leaving the dress-making establishment, Maria Ellen was also in the company of Sydney Herbert CARR - and perhaps also of Edward Dudley CARR?

Although proof is lacking, the hypothesis is that Thomas GOLDBY the herald painter was the father: of Thomas the coach painter, of Frederick William the piano forte maker, and of Maria Ellen the dressmaker.