Page updated 30th April 2008 by Sue Froud

ROBERT CRUSE

ROBERT CRUSE 1818 -

Robert was the 4th child of Samuel Cruse and Mary Discombe, he was baptised at Kenton on 18th October 1818. Robert followed the family tradition of working with Iron and became a Blacksmith. He married Sarah Cockwill daughter of Robert Cockwill on 12th April 1839 at St Mary Steps. Both were living in Bartholomew St. All Hallows on the Walls, Exeter at the time of their marriage.  Robert and Sarah settled at Dawlish and raised their family. Henry was born 1843, John was born 1845 and Grace was born 1847.

The 1851 census shows the family living at Cockwood, Dawlish, Robert is age 34, a Blacksmith born at Kenton, his wife Sarah age 35, born at Dawlish, son Henry age 8, born at Dawlish, son John age 6, born at Dawlish and daughter Grace age 4, born at Dawlish. 

The 1891 census shows the family living at Cockwood, which is near Dawlish Warren. Robert, aged 74, Blacksmith, born at Kenton. Sally, his wife, aged 75, born at Dowland. Grace A, his daughter, aged 44, single, born at Cockwood.

JOHN CRUSE 1845 -

John was the 2nd son of Robert Cruse and Sarah. He was born at Dawlish in 1845. John followed his fathers trade and became a blacksmith. I imagine that he and his father worked together in the village of Cockwood. The 1891 census shows John aged 46, Blacksmith, born at Cofton (the village next to Cockwood). Ellen his wife, aged 42, born at Witheridge. Annie S, daughter, aged 9, Scholar, born at Cofton. Harry, son, aged 1, also born at Cofton.

The 1901 census, shows John aged 57, Blacksmith, born at Cockwood. Ellen his wife aged 50, born at Witheridge. Harry his son aged 11, born at Cockwood. John's daughter Annie was working in Exeter as a Housemaid.

HENRY CRUSE 1843 -

Henry was the first child of  Robert Cruse and Sarah, he was born about 1843 at Cofton, near Dawlish. He married Charlotte also from Cofton. Their first child Richard was born about  1880 at Cofton. The family moved to Starcross where their next child Robert was born about  1846.

I found them on the 1891 census living at 43 Strand, Starcross. Henry Cruse, aged 48, Mariner?, born at Cofton. His wife Charlotte, aged 41, born at Cofton. son Richard, aged 11, Scholar, born at Cofton, son Robert, aged 5, Scholar, born at Starcross.

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