BISSON FAMILY of JERSEY by Brian Torode

BISSON FAMILY OF JERSEY by Brian Torode

(?) Daniel Bisson and Elizabeth Rondel (?) of St John’s, Jersey

Philippe Bisson (1781-) and Marie Buesnel (1794-) Fisherman of St John’s, Jersey

Jean Bisson (1825-) and Anne (Nancy) Pinel (1822-1870) Blacksmith of St John’s, Jersey |

Emelie Bisson (1861-1934) and Desire Jean Batiste Salmon (1846-1911) of Trinity Parish, St Helier and St Peter Port, Guernsey

Alice Beatrice Salmon (1903-1993) and Edward John Torode (1911-1982) of St Peter Port, Guernsey

Brian Edward Torode (1941-2014)

1 THE BISSONS OF ST JOHN’S PARISH, JERSEY

PHILIPPE BISSON, Great II Great Grandfather

(?) Son of Daniel Bisson and Elizabeth Rondel Husband of Marie Buesnel Father of Jean Bisson

Also Father of Mary Ann, Betsey and Charles

A Baptism recorded at St John’s, Jersey, on 26 August 1781 of a Philippe, son of Daniel Bisson and Elizabeth Rondel his wife, may refer to my Great II Grandfather, Philippe Bisson.

‘Philippe, fils de Daniel Bisson et d’Elizabeth Rondel sa femme, fut baptise et presente par M Philippe Nicolle et Mme Elizabeth Mauger sa femme le 26 jour d’aout 1781’.

There is also another Philippe Bisson who was baptised on 22nd March 1772. He married a Marie and worked as a shoemaker. He appears in Trinity Parish in both the 1841 and 1851 censuses. In the latter census return he was aged sixty-nine-years and his wife was fifty- four-years. He was buried on 28th April 1851 at Trinity. This Philippe was the son of Philippe Bisson and Marie Gruchy and may well be a first cousin of my ancestor.

We do know the Philippe married Marie Buesnel before 1819. She may have been baptised in Grouville (?), Jersey, on August 17th 1794, the daughter of Jean Buesnel and Elizabeth Payn of Grouville, although Marie was born in St Saviour’s Parish. Philippe Bisson was a fisherman and we know this detail from the marriage certificate of his son Jean. Philippe and his wife Marie had four children who were baptised at St John’s Jersey:

Mary Anne born 16th October 1819 Betsey born 20th May 1823 John baptised 17th April 1825 Charles baptised 18th June 1828.

There may also have been siblings born before the known birth of Betsey in 1823.

Philippe Bisson had died by the time of the 1841 Census.

MARIE BISSON nee BUESNEL, Great II Grandmother

(?) Daughter of Jean Buesnel and Elizabeth nee Payn Wife of Philippe Bisson Mother of Jean Bisson

2 Also Mother of Mary-Ann, Betsey and Charles

Marie Buesnel may have been baptised in Jersey on August 17th 1794, the daughter of Jean Buesnel and Elizabeth Payn (of Grouville?), although Marie was born in St Saviour’s Parish according to the census returns.

Before 1819 she married Philippe Bisson, a fisherman, who died before 1841 and they had four children who were baptised at St John’s:

Mary Anne born 16th October 1819 Betsey born 20th May 1823 John baptised 17th April 1825 Charles baptised 18th June 1828.

There may also have been siblings born before the known birth of Betsey in 1823.

In the 1841 census return for the Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity, we find the following entry:

Marie Bisson, 56 Jean Bisson, 16 Betsey Bisson, 18 Charles Bisson, 12

Mary Lempriere, 13 Elizabeth Luce, 53 Sarah de Gruchy, 3

By the time of the 1851 Census, Marie Bisson was living with her younger son, Charles, and her daughter, Betsey, at 27 Paulinerie (?). Living with them was a lodger Mary Lempriere who was presumably the Mary Lempriere who was living with the family in 1841.

1851:

Charles Bisson, Head, Unmarried, 22, Shoemaker, born St John Marie Bisson, Mother, Widow, 68, Former Seamstress, born Saint Saviour Betsey Bisson, Sister, Unmarried, 27, Dressmaker, born St John

Mary Lempriere, Lodger, Unmarried, 22, Seamstress, born St John

By 1861 Marie was living at 4, Seale Street St Helier, with her son, Charles, and she is listed as the ‘housekeeper’, aged seventy-four-years, and a widow, born in St Saviour’s Parish.

3 The Children of Philippe and Marie were Great II Aunts and Uncles:

MARY ANNE BISSON, Great II Aunt

Mary Anne Bisson was born on 16th October 1819. Mary Anne’s baptism entry in the parish register of St John’s Jersey is as follows:

‘Mary Anne, fille de Philippe Bisson et de Marie Buesnel sa femme, nee le 16 octobre 1819 apres avoir recu le bapteme particulier fut representee a L’Eglise par Philippe Cabot + Ann Laulilie le 3 avril 1820’.

She has not been traced in the 1841 Census but may have married by that time, as she would have been 22 years of age.

BETSEY BISSON, Great II Aunt

Betsey was born on 20th May 1823. Her baptism entry in the parish register of St John’s, Jersey is as follows:

‘Betsey, fille de Philippe Bisson et de Marie Buesnel sa femme, nee a Grouville le 20 Mai 1823 fut baptisee en particulier le 1 Juin et representee a St Jean le 14 Septembre suivant par George Alix & Nancy Marguerite Cabot.’

At the time of the 1841 Census Betsey was living at home with her mother and brothers at Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity. She was described as aged eighteen years.

By the time of the 1851 Census, Betsey Bisson had moved from the family home and was living with her brother Charles at 27 Paulinerie (?). Also living with them was their widowed mother, Marie (Buesnel), and a lodger, Mary Lempriere, who was presumably the Mary Lempriere who was living with the family in 1841.

1851:

Charles Bisson, Head, Unmarried, 22, Shoemaker, born St John Marie Bisson, Mother, Widow, 68, Former Seamstress, born Saint Saviour Betsey Bisson, Sister, Unmarried, 27, Dressmaker, born St John

Mary Lempriere, Lodger, Unmarried, 22, Seamstress, born St John

By the time of the 1861 Census, Betsey had moved out of her brother’s home or even may have died. I have not been able to trace her in the 1861 nor subsequent Censuses.

4 JEAN BISSON, Great Grandfather

Two years after Betsey’s birth and three years before Charles, their brother Jean was born, and baptised on 17th April 1825 at St John’s Jersey.

‘Jean fils de Philippe Bisson et de Marie Buesnel sa femme fut baptise le dix-septieme jour d’Avril. Mr Jean Bisson parrain et Mme Marie Lesbirel, marraine.’

CHARLES BISSON, Great II Uncle

Charles Bisson was baptised on 18th June 1828 at St John’s, Jersey. He was the fourth known child of Philippe and Marie.

‘Charles, fils de Philippe Bisson et de Marie Buesnel, sa femme, baptise en particulier le dix neuvieme jour de juin fut presente a l’eglise le vingt quatrieme jour d’aout suivant. M Jean Mauger, jnr parrain et Mme Nancy Mauger, marraine.’

He became a shoemaker of Trinity Parish in Jersey.

At the time of the 1841 Census, Charles was living at home with his mother and siblings at Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity. He was described as aged twelve years.

He had his widowed mother and sister living with him by 1851 when he was aged 22 and single –

1851:

Charles Bisson, Head, Unmarried, 22, Shoemaker, born St John Marie Bisson, Mother, Widow, 68, Former Seamstress, born Saint Saviour Betsey Bisson, Sister, Unmarried, 27, Dressmaker, born St John

Mary Lempriere, Lodger, Unmarried, 22, Seamstress, born St John

By the time of the 1861 census he was living at 4, Seale Street St Helier, where his mother is listed as the housekeeper. He is described as a thirty-two-year-old bachelor and shoemaker and born in Trinity Parish. They had nobody else living with them. However, by 1871, Charles had married Jane, ten years his senior, and they were living at 15, le Geyt Street Cottage, one of three families in the house.

1871:

Charles Bisson, Head, Married, 42, Shoemaker, born St John Jane Bisson, Wife, Married, 53, born St John

5 By 1881 Charles had moved to Carrefour Heaux, Mon Plaisir, and his wife has adopted the name ‘Jeanneton’. Her age and place of birth however correspond to her previous census details.

1881:

Charles Bisson, Head, Married, 52, Shoemaker, born St John Jeanneton Bisson, Wife, Married, 64, Laundress, born St John

In the 1891 Census return Charles was listed as a widower and living with his nephew John Bisson, together with his wife and four children, at their home ‘Greenwood’ in St John’s Parish. Charles was described as a retired shoemaker.

1891:

Charles Bisson, Uncle, Widower, 62, Retired Shoemaker, born St John

He does not appear in the 1901 Census.

JEAN BISSON, Great Grandfather

Son of Philppe Bisson and Marie nee Buesnel Husband of Anne (Nancy) Pinel Father of Emelie Salmon

Also Father of John, Anne Nicole, Mary Ann, Rachel, infant Philippe, Elizabeth, Philippe, Josue and Ellen

Two years after Betsey’s birth and three years before Charles, their brother Jean Bisson was born, and baptised on 17th April 1825 at St John’s Jersey.

‘Jean fils de Philippe Bisson et de Marie Buesnel sa femme fut baptise le dix-septieme jour d’Avril mil huit vingt cinq. Mr Jean Bisson parrain et Mme Marie Lesbirel, marraine.’

In the 1841 census return for the Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity, we find the following entry:

Marie Bisson, 56 Jean Bisson, 16 Betsey Bisson, 18 Charles Bisson, 12

Mary Lempriere, 13 Elizabeth Luce, 53 Sarah de Gruchy, 3

Jean Bisson, who was aged twenty-five at the time of the 1851 census, had been a blacksmith for at least seven years and had been married for nearly seven years. His marriage to Anne Pinel of St John’s Parish, took place at St John’s Church on 12th June 1844:

John Bisson, 19, celebataire, Forgeron, St Jean (Place of Residence), St Jean (Place of Birth), Philippe Bisson (Father) Marin (Fr’s occupation)

Nancy Pinel, 21, Fille, Couturiere, St Trinite (Place of Residence), St Jean (Place of Birth), Elie Pinel (Father)

Maries dans La Paroisse de St Jean conformement aux rites et Ceremonies de L’Eglise Anglicane par Licence par moi Philippe Le Maistre, Vicaire. Witnesses Elie Pinel, fils Elie Pinel et Anne Le Measurier. Jeanne Carterette Esnouf, sa Femme.

7 Elie Pinel was probably Nancy’s elder brother. The bride, Nancy, daughter of Elie Pinel and Anne Le Masurier, had been born in about 1822, thus a few years older than her husband.

John and Anne Pinel had at least nine children, the first, John, being born six months after the marriage. The 1851 Census entry for the family is as follows. Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity, Jersey:

John Bisson, Head, Married, 25, Blacksmith, born St John. Anne Bisson, Wife, Married, 28, born St John John Bisson, Son, 6, Scholar, born Trinity Anne Bisson, Daughter, 4, born Trinity Mary Anne Bisson, Daughter, 2, born Trinity Rachel Bisson, Daughter, 1 month, born Trinity

To which have been added in 1861:

Philippe Bisson, Son, 1, born Trinity.

This Philippe was baptised 14th August 1859 and was named after his deceased brother Philippe who had been baptised on 3 October 1852 and had died in infancy. A sister Elizabeth, baptised 26 February 1857 had also died in infancy.

The 1871 Census completed the record of John and Anne’s offspring with the addition of Emelie, baptised 29 September 1861, Josue baptised 8 May 1864 and Ellen born in 1868.

1861 Census: Trinity (Parjurai?)

John Bisson, Head, Married, 36, Blacksmith, worker, born St John Anne Bisson, Wife, Married, 38, Housekeeper, born St John Anne Bisson, Daughter, Unmarried, 15, Dressmaker, born Trinity Mary Anne Bisson, Daughter, Unmarried, 13, Scholar, born Trinity Rachel Bisson, Daughter, Unmarried, 11, Scholar, born Trinity Philippe Bisson, Son, Unmarried, 1, born Trinity

Betty Blampied, Lodger, Unmarried, 72, Retired Dressmaker, born Trinity

John Bisson, junior, had left home by this time to pursue his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. In 1861 he was described as a blacksmith aged 17, living in St Helier as a lodger in the home of John Bates a retired shoemaker and his daughter Jane.

Before the 1871 Census, John and Anne had added two daughters to their family namely, Emelia, born 1861 and Ellen, born 1868.

Anne Pinel died at St Saviour’s on 19th December 1870 aged 47, of feebleness. The informant was John Matthew Nicolle, her son-in-law and husband of Anne.

By the time of the 1871 Census Anne Pinel had died and John was living at Le Hurel, Trinity with six of their children. Mary Anne, Rachel and John junior had all left home and the first Philippe and Elizabeth had died in infancy.

Also living with John Bisson, senior, in 1871 were his son-in-law, Anne’s husband, John Nicolle, a plasterer, aged 27, born in St Saviour’s. John and Anne Nicolle had a son, John Sherry Bisson, aged 3 years. The Nicolle family lived next door.

1871 Census. Le Hurel, Trinity.

John Bisson, Head, Widower, 45, Blacksmith, born St John Philippe Bisson, Son, 11, Scholar, born Trinity Josue Bisson, Son, 7, Scholar, born Trinity Anne Bisson, Daughter, Married, 25, Dressmaker, born Trinity Mary Anne Bisson, Daughter, Unmarried, 22, Ironer , born Trinity Emelia Bisson, Daughter, 8, Scholar, born Trinity Ellen Bisson, Daughter, 3, born Trinity John Sherry Bisson, Grandson, 3, born Trinity John Nicolle, Son-in-law, 27, Plasterer, born St Saviour

Rachel was in service in 1871 at the home of C Pallot, next to the Royal Hotel, in the Rondin district of Trinity Parish. She was then aged 20 and still unmarried.

On 26th November 1876 a Jean Bisson, a Macon or Builder, died of Apoplexy, aged forty- seven years, three months, in Trinity Parish. He was buried on 29th November by the Rector, the Reverend William Heaume. Neither the age or occupation are correct but there would appear to be no other burial entry that fits.

By the time of the 1881 Census, John Bisson, son of Philippe and Marie had died.

The children of Jean and Anne Bisson were Great Aunts and Uncles of Brian Edward Torode:

JOHN BISSON, Great Uncle of Brian Edward Torode

John Bisson was born on 8th October 1844 in Trinity Parish, Jersey.

The 1851 Census entry for the family reveals that John was living with his family at Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity, Jersey:

John Bisson, Son, 6, Scholar,born Trinity

By the time of the 1861 census John Bisson Junior had left home to pursue his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. In 1861 he was described as a blacksmith, aged 17, living in St Helier as a lodger in the home of John Bates, a retired shoemaker, and his daughter, Jane.

By 1864 John had married Elizabeth (Elise) Mollet who was born at Trinity, Jersey, on 28th March 1841. Elizabeth’s family lived in Vingtaine du Rondin, Mont Molle.

In 1851 Eizabeth was aged 9, living at home with her father Jean, a farmer of 9 acres, and born in Trinity. Her mother, Marguerite, was listed as aged 45. Her siblings included John, aged 20; Marguerite, aged 18; Charles, aged 16; Esther, aged 14; Philippe, aged 11; Frances, aged 7; Mary Marguerite, aged five and George, aged just 1. All of the children were born in Trinity.

In 1871 the couple were living as the third family at Oakside Cottage in Trinity Parish. John was described as a twenty-seven-year-old blacksmith, born at Trinity. Elizabeth was aged thirty years and born at Trinity. Their children included Ellen M. aged five years and born at St Helier, John P.M. aged three years and born at St Helier. Living with them was George Mollet, John’s brother-in-law, who was described as a twenty-one-year-old boot and shoemaker born in Trinity Parish.

In 1881 John and Elizabeth were living in St John’s Parish. John Bisson was described as a thirty-six-year-old blacksmith, born in Trinity. Elizabeth was aged forty and from Trinity. The children included Ellen a fifteen-year-old dressmaker born in St Helier; John P. a thirteen- year-old scholar born in St Helier; Sidney aged three born in St John’s; George P. aged nine born in Trinity; Louisa aged two born in St John’s and Delphine aged three months born in St John’s. Living with them was Francis Mollet, Elizabeth’s brother, who was deaf but described in this census as a thirty-four-year-old boarder and idiot born in Trinity Parish.

Jean Bisson

In 1891 John and Elizabeth were residing at ‘Greenwood’ in St John’s Parish. John was described as a forty-six-year-old blacksmith, an employer, born at Trinity. Elizabeth was aged fifty and born in the same parish. The children at home included John P. a single twenty-three-year-old blacksmith, born at Trinity; Sidney J a thirteen-year-old scholar, born at St John’s; George P. a twenty-year-old, born in Trinity; Louisa R. aged twelve years and born at St John’s. Living with them was Charles Bisson, John’s uncle, a widower and retired shoemaker aged sixty-two-years and born at St John’s.

In 1901 John and Elizabeth Bisson were still at ‘Green Wood House’, St John’s. John was by now a fifty-six-year-old Edge Tool Maker working on his own account at home. Elizabeth was now sixty-years-old. Children at home included George Philippe, aged thirty years a smith, born in Trinity Parish; Sydney John was aged twenty-three years, a smith, born at St John’s and Louisa was aged twenty-two-years, a dressmaker, born at St John’s. Philip A. Reneaux (?) a twenty-one-year-old quarryman, was boarding with them from St John’s.

Elizabeth Bisson died on 12th August 1910 and her husband John died on 17th December 1920.

In the 1911 Census, John was listed as living with his son Sidney and his wife Agnes, at 1, James Street, St Helier. He is aged 67 and an assistant in Sidney’s business.

11 This Weekend, Saturday July 27th 1985: (Brian has a copy of this photograph)

C Bjurton, W Bastard, A Hillion, George Bisson, A Colback, N John Bisson, Sidney Bisson

Caption: ‘The parish hall now stands on the site of this old blacksmith’s forge. The picture is dated 1902, when the forge was repairing bicycles in addition to its more customary work. The owner, Mr J. Bisson (holding the hammer), is thought to be the maker of the first Jersey fork.’

Peter Bisson, Westbury, New Zealand Avenue, St Saviour, Jersey, C.I. wrote on 23rd May 1983:

‘Thank you for your letter and for sending the family tree showing the connection between our families. I am afraid I can add nothing to it as we have no relatives, elderly or otherwise, to ask. My father was an only child, his father had a brother and sister both of whom are now dead and left no issue, and as far as we know the only cousins on the Bisson side do not live in Jersey and we have never kept in touch with them.

We have an old studio photograph of my great-grandfather John Bisson, which I can arrange to have copied if you will confirm that you authorise the expenses, but I am afraid there are no photos of his brothers or sisters – in fact my father knew nothing about his grandfather’s brothers or sisters until you contacted us.

The forge at St John’s was opposite St John’s Hotel, where the Parish Hall now stands. In 1906 my grandfather Sidney John Bisson moved with his wife (Agnes Le Cras) and infant son (my father Sidney Walter Bisson) from St John’s to Burrard Street, St Helier, where he started a cycle shop. His father and mother lived with them above the shop.

12 My great-grandmother died on August 12th 1910, and soon afterwards the family moved to Hallcott Place, where my grandfather continued to run the shop until he retired in 1919. The Hallcott Place property belonged to him and I have often wished we still had it today!

My grandfather died before I was born, but I remember my grandmother quite well as she was still alive when I was a child and used to stay with us for part of the time. I can just remember my great aunt Louisa (grandfather’s sister) who was very kind and jolly in spite of being a pillar of the Methodist Church, but great uncle George I cannot remember at all as I was quite tiny when he died.

Kind regards Peter Bisson.’

Their Children were cousins of Alice Beatrice Torode:

ELIZA MARY BISSON, Infant cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Eliza Mary Bisson was born on 10th November 1864 who died on 21st January 1865

HELENE MARGUERITE DOLBEL, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Helene Marguerite Bisson was born on 25th January 1866 at St Helier. At the time of the 1871 census she was living at home at Oakside Cottage in Trinity Parish and was described as Ellen M. aged five years and born at St Helier. Ten years later in 1881 she was still at home but now in St John’s Parish. Ellen was described as a fifteen-year-old dressmaker born in St Helier.

She married John Dolbel. In the 1891 census they were living at East Coin Motion, St Lawrence, in eight rooms. The Census return reveals:

John Dolbel, head, married, twenty-nine-years, stone-cutter, born at Trinity Ellen wife, married, twenty-five-years, born St Helier Ellen M., daughter, two years, born St Ouens, John, son, six months, born St Lawrence

According to Peter Bisson they emigrated to England and later settled in Wales.

In 1901 the family had moved to Calstock, Cornwall where they were living in Alma Terrace in St Andrew’s Parish:

John Dolbel, Head, 41, granite mason (stone), born Jersey Ellen M.Dolbel, wife, 35, born Jersey Ellen M. Dolbel, daughter, 12, born Jersey John Dolbel, son, 11, born Jersey Lizzie Dolbel, daughter, 9, born Jersey Blanche Dolbel, daughter, 6, born Jersey

Their children were second cousins of Brian Edward Torode:

Ellen M. Dolbel was born in about 1889 at St Ouen and was at home for the 1891 census aged two years. In 1901 she was living with the family in Calstock, Cornwall aged twelve years John Dolbel was born in 1890 at St Lawrence and was at home for the 1891 census aged six months. In 1901 he was living with the family in Calstock, Cornwall, aged eleven years. Stewart Dolbel Lizzie Dolbel was born in Jersey in about 1891 and was at home at Calstock, Cornwall, aged nine years in the 1901 census Blanche Dolbel was born in Jersey in about 1894 and was at home at Calstock, Cornwall, aged six years in the 1901 census.

JOHN PHILIPPE MOLLET BISSON, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

John Philippe Mollet Bisson was born on 24th June 1867 at St Helier. In 1871 he was at home with his parents at Oakside Cottage in Trinity Parish. John P.M. Bisson was described as aged three years and born at St Helier. In 1881 the family was living in St John’s Parish and John P. Bisson was a thirteen-year-old scholar born in St Helier.

Ten years later in 1891 John P. Bisson was residing at home in Greenwood in St John’s Parish and was described as. a single twenty-three-year-old blacksmith born at Trinity. He died on 25th August 1895.

GEORGE PHILIPPE BISSON, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

George Philippe Bisson was born on 4th April 1871 at Trinity. In 1881 he was living with his family in St John’s Parish and was described as George P. aged nine and born in Trinity. In 1891 he was residing at Greenwood in St John’s Parish with his family and described as George P. a twenty-year-old born in Trinity. In 1901 he was still at home at Green Wood House - George Ph. Aged thirty years a smith born in Trinity Parish.

The 1911 Census shows him living with his brother Sidney at 1, James Street, St Helier. He is aged 40, still single and working as a repair mechanic for Sidney.

WALTER JOHN BISSON, Infant cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Walter John Bisson was born on 8th March 1873 and died on 7th April 1874.

SIDNEY JOHN BISSON, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Sidney John was born on 29th October 1877 in St John’s Parish. In 1881 he was living with his family in St John’s Parish and was described as Sidney aged three born in St John’s. In 1891 the family was at Greenwood in St John’s Parish and Sidney J. Bisson was a thirteen-year-old scholar born at St John’s. Ten years later in 1901 they were still at Green Wood House and Sydney J. Bisson was aged twenty-three years a smith born at St John’s.

14 He married Agnes Le Cras and had a son Sydney Walter Bisson.

The 1911 Census gives the following information about Sydney, living at the time at 1 James Street, St Helier, where he and his family occupied 5 rooms.

Sydney J Bisson, head, aged 33, married 7 years, one child alive. He is described as a cycle agent, employing staff, He was born in St John’s parish but his father was born in Trinity. Agnes (le Cras) wife, aged 30, married 7 years, assisting in the business. She was born in Clapham, London, while her father had been born in St Lawrence, Jersey. Their son, Sydney Walter is aged 5 and was born, as was his father, in St John’s parish. Living with Sydney and Agnes were: John Bisson, Sydney’s father, a widower aged 67, employed assisting in the business. He had been born in Trinity and his father had been born in St John. George P Bisson, Sydney’s brother was also living with the family, aged 40 and single. He worked as a cycle repairer and had been born in St John, his father in Trinity. A servant, Angele Georgelin, aged 20 and born in France, lived in. Her father had been born in Trinity. Angele was single and described as a domestic servant

The Census return is signed in his own hand, by Sydney.

Sidney John Bisson moved to Burrard Street, St Helier, from St John’s and ran a cycle shop. From later in 1911 to 1919 he was at Hallcott Place from where he retired in 1919. He died in January 1942.

Peter Bisson, Westbury, New Zealand Avenue, St Saviour, Jersey, C.I. wrote on 23rd May 1983:

‘Thank you for your letter and for sending the family tree showing the connection between our families. I am afraid I can add nothing to it as we have no relatives, elderly or otherwise, to ask. My father was an only child, his father had a bother and sister both of whom are now dead and left no issue, and as far as we know the only cousins on the Bisson side do not live in Jersey and we have never kept in touch with them.

My great-grandmother died on August 12th 1910, and soon afterwards the family moved to Hallcott Place, where my grandfather continued to run the shop until he retired in 1919. The Hallcott Place property belonged to him and I have often wished we still had it today!

15 My grandfather died before I was born, but I remember my grandmother quite well as she was still alive when I was a child and used to stay with us for part of the time. I can just remember my great aunt Louisa (grandfather’s sister) who was very kind and jolly in spite of being a pillar of the Methodist Church, but great uncle George I cannot remember at all as I was quite tiny when he died. Kind regards Peter Bisson.’

Their child was a second cousin of Brian Edward Torode:

Sydney Walter Bisson was an only child. He married and had a son Peter Bisson who worked for the Jersey Land Registry.

Sidney Walter Bisson wrote:

‘Aunt Louisa used to refer to a Mrs Clark who visited her when I was a schoolboy as “Aunt Mary”. I do not know if she was a sister of my grandfather or of my grandmother or an aunt by marriage. Aunt Louisa also used to be in touch with a family de la Fosse in Guernsey who were said to be related in some way. I remember that, as a schoolboy, I was sometimes taken to visit a Mr. John Bisson and his wife Marie, who lived at Chevalier Road (or somewhere near there). The husband was obviously related to us and seemed to be about the same age as my father. The wife was French. I also sometimes came across the two Bisson sisters (when I was still at school) called - if I remember rightly – Laura and Lily. They were perhaps eight or ten years older than me. They were called cousins and I seemed to remember hearing that their grandfather (?) was brother of my grandfather.’

Anton Bruder wrote:

‘I am a PhD student at the University of Cambridge working on French Renaissance literature and history. I am particularly interested in the life and work of Claude Fauchet, a humanist and historian. In the course of my research I came across references to an unpublished thesis written at Oxford in around 1929/1930 by one S. W. Bisson entitled "Claude Fauchet's Knowledge of Old French Literature".

Unfortunately, Oxford doesn't appear to hold a copy, and as it was never published it is not available online. The reason I am addressing this message to you however is that I came across Sidney Walter Bisson's name here, as part of your family tree.

I am afraid I cannot see who put this together or why, but I noticed that the author of the document referred to S W Bisson as his/her father. I was hoping that it might be possible for you to help me get in touch with the producer of this document in order to enquire of them whether they know of any copy of Sidney's thesis. I have reason to believe it could be quite important and certainly very useful. Many thanks for your time and any assistance you may be able to provide.

S. W. Bisson, MA, B Litt, about 50, St John’s Church area (N W St John). Official in local Civil Service. This is clearly your man! See list of informants, A Glossary of Jersey-French, NCW Spence, 1960, Blackwell, Oxford. Referred to in La Section de la Langue Jerriaise.

LOUISA RENOUF MESSERVEY, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Louisa Renouf Bisson was born on 18th March 1879 in St John’s Parish. In 1881 she was at home in St John’s Parish and was described in the census return as Louisa aged two born in St John’s Parish. In 1891 her family was residing at ‘Greenwood’ in St John’s Parish and we find in the return Louisa R. aged twelve years and born at St John’s. Ten years later in 1901 they were still at Green Wood House, St John’s. and Louisa was aged twenty-two-years a dressmaker born at St John’s.

Louisa married Philippe George Renault and then Albert Messervey.

DELPHINE BISSON, Infant cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Delphine Bisson was born on 15th December 1880 in St John’s and died on 23rd March 1883.

At the time of the 1881 census she was living at home with her family in St John’s Parish. Delphine was aged three months born in St John’s.

WALTER BISSON, Infant cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Walter Bisson was born on 18th July 1883 and died on 18th February 1885

ANNE NICOLLE, Great Aunt of Brian Edward Torode

Anne Bisson was born on 12th February 1846 in Trinity Parish, Jersey.

The 1851 Census entry for the family finds Anne at home at Vingtaine de la Ville a l’Eveque, Trinity. She was described as:

Anne Bisson, Daughter, 4, born Trinity

Ten years later the 1861 Census Anne was still living at home in Trinity Parish:

Anne Bisson, Daughter, Unmarried, 15, Dressmaker, born Trinity

She married John Nicolle and in the 1871 Census return we find them living with Anne’s family at Le Hurel, Trinity.

Anne, Daughter, Married, 25, Dressmaker, born Trinity John Nicolle, Son-in-law, 27, Plasterer, born St Saviour

In 1881 John and Anne Nicolle were living at Almorah Cottage Lodge St Helier. John M. Nicolle was described as married, thirty-seven-years-old, Sexton of the Cemetery and born at St Saviour’s, Jersey. Anne was described as thirty-five, and born at Trinity Parish. Their children who were all born at St Helier included Ada aged eight, Lizzie aged four, Laura aged five, Walter aged three and Annie aged one year.

In 1891 the family was at Richmond Road Cemetery Lodge, St Helier. John was a forty- seven-year-old sexton of the church, born in St Saviour’s. Anne was aged forty-five-years and born at Trinity. Their children all born at St Helier included Laura aged fifteen, Walter aged thirteen, Annie aged eleven and Florence, a scholar, aged eight years.

In 1901 John and Anne were living in four rooms of the Cemetery Lodge. Their family included John aged fifty-seven from St Saviour’s, Ann aged fifty-five-years from Trinity, Walter aged twenty-three a blacksmith, Annie a twenty-one-year-old dressmaker and Florence an eighteen-year-old ironer. All three children were single and natives of St Helier.

The 1911 Census gives further details:

Cemetery Lodge, Almorah, St Helier.

John Nicolle, Head aged 67, married 40 years. Nine children of marriage of whom three have died. Sexton at Cemetery born St Saviour’s Jersey and father born Trinity. Ann Nicolle, aged 65, wife, born Trinity, father born St John Annie Nicolle, daughter aged 31 single, dressmaker on own account, born St Saviour’s father born St Saviour’s. John Nicolle signed the Census return in his own hand.

Their children were first cousins of Alice Beatrice Torode:

ADA NICOLLE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Ada Nicolle was born in about 1872 at St Helier. She was at home aged eight years for the 1881 census.

LAURA NICOLLE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Laura Nicolle was born in about 1875 at St Helier. She was at home aged five years for the 1881 census and fifteen at the time of the 1891 census.

LIZZIE NICOLLE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

18 Lizzie Nicolle was born in about 1876 at St Helier. She was at home aged four years for the 1881 census.

WALTER NICOLLE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Walter Nicolle was born in about 1877 at St Helier. He was at home aged three in 1881 and thirteen in 1891. In 1901 he was still at home and working as a twenty-three-year-old blacksmith.

ANNIE NICOLLE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Annie Nicolle was born in about 1880 at St Helier. She was at home aged one year in 1881 and eleven in 1891. In 1901 she was still at home and working as a twenty-one-year-old dressmaker.

FLORENCE NICOLLE first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Florence Nicolle was born in about 1882 at St Helier. She was at home, aged eight, and a scholar, at the time of the 1891 census. In 1901 she was still at home and an eighteen-year- old ironer.

MARY ANN BISSON, Great Aunt of Brian Edward Torode

Mary Ann Bisson was born on 11th September 1848 at Trinity, and baptised 15th October that year. Her Godparents were Helier Pinel and Elizabeth Bisson sa femme. (Helier bapt 1828)

In 1851 she was living at home aged two years and born at Trinity. Ten years later she was still at home and aged thirteen, a scholar.

In 1871 she was still at home aged twenty-two-years and described as an ironer. We also find in the same household John Sherry Bisson, aged three years and born at Trinity, grandson of the head of the house – Jean Bisson the blacksmith. This was at Le Hurel in Trinity Parish. This child could well be an illegitimate son of Mary Ann Bisson.

19 Amelia Jane Bisson, daughter of Rachel, was born on 17th October 1877 at 14 Journeaux Street and Rachel’s sister Mary Ann Bisson was present at the birth and informant. This Mary Ann made a mark instead of a signature.

Amelia Jane appears in the 1911 Census as a domestic servant aged 34, single and born in St Helier, her father also born St Helier. Amelia is in the employ of Aloys Sprengu, a H Civil Engineer, Indian Pensioner and British by parentage. The address is given as 4 Belgrave Terrace, St Helier.

In 1881 Mary Ann is living with her sister Rachel at 14 Journeaux Street, St Helier, Jersey. Both were unmarried and both are identified as ‘Ironers’. Mary Ann is described as aged thirty-two-years and born at Trinity.

In 1891 Mary Ann is still living with her sister Rachel and her family in three rooms at 26 Aquila Road, St Helier which is in St Simon’s Parish. She was described as a laundress, aged forty-two-years and born at Trinity.

By 1901 Mary Ann had moved to 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier where her sister Rachel also occupied four rooms in All Saints’ Parish. Rachel was described as single, aged fifty years, an ironer and washer woman working on her own account at home, and from Trinity Parish. Living with her were her daughter Lydia aged twenty-six, a dressmaker, single, and working on her own account at home and Mabel, aged twelve years and born at St Helier. Also living with them was Violet – Rachel’s ‘niece’ (probably grand-daughter) – aged three years and born in St Helier.

At the same address, occupying three rooms, lived John Bisson (presumably Mary Ann’s illegitimate son, John Sherry Bisson), single, aged thirty-three-years, a grocer on his own account working from home. Mary-Ann Bisson, widow, aged fifty-two-years, an ironer and mother and Victor Cailly, a boarder, unmarried, aged fifty years, a blacksmith and French subject.

In the 1911 Census, Mary Ann Bisson’s household at Prince Edward Place, Cannon Street, living in 5 rooms, consisted of: Mary Ann Bisson, Head aged 62, singe, an Ironer employer born Trinity, father born St John. Rachel Bisson, aged 60, sister, single, an ironer working form home, born Trinity and father born St John. Mable (sic) Mary Ann Bisson, niece aged 21, single, tailoress self employed born St Helier, father’s birthplace unknown. Violet Mary, niece aged 12, single at school, born St helier, father’s birthplace unknown. Edmond Jenkins, boarder aged 8, at school, born South Wales (resident) father’s birthplace unknown.

Mary Ann signed this entry in her own hand.

Mary Ann’s son was a cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode:

JOHN SHERRY BISSON, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

John Sherry Bisson was born in about 1867 at Trinity. In the1871 census we find John Sherry Bisson, aged three years and born at Trinity. He was described as the grandson of the head of the house – Jean Bisson the blacksmith. This was at Le Hurel in Trinity Parish. This child could well be an illegitimate son of Mary Ann Bisson. who was still at home aged twenty- two-years and described as an ironer.

By 1901 Mary Ann and Rachel Bisson had moved to 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier in All Saints’ Parish. Occupying three rooms, lived John Bisson (presumably Mary Ann’s illegitimate son, John Sherry Bisson), single, aged thirty-three-years, a grocer on his own account working from home, born Trinity. Living with him was his mother Mary-Ann Bisson, widow, aged fifty-two-years, an ironer. His aunt Rachel also occupied four rooms in the same house.

The 1911 Census lists John Cheri Bisson, living at 12, Stone Street (Hue Street?) St Helier. He is aged 43, married and a storeman for a wine merchant. He was born in Trinity. His father is listed as born Jersey. John is married to Marie, aged 26. They have been married for three years and have no children. Marie was born in France as was her father.

John signed the enumerator’s entry in his own hand.

By this time, 1911, Mary Ann Bisson had moved to St Edward’s Place, Cannon Street occupying five rooms, where she is described as head of the household, single and aged 62. She is an ironer employing others, and her father was born in St John’s and she in Trinity. Living with her were her sister Rachel Bisson, aged 60, a single ironer, working from home, born Trinity and father born St John. Also in the house were Mable (sic) Mary-Ann Bisson, an unmarried niece aged 21, a tailoress working form home. She was born in St Helier and her father is unknown. Violet May, a great grand niece aged 12 was also living with them, again, born in St Helier, Father unknown. There was also a border, Edmond Jenkins aged 8 at school who came from South Wales, but whose father was unknown.

RACHEL BISSON, Great Aunt of Brian Edward Torode

Rachel Bisson was born on 2nd March 1851 at Trinity, Jersey. She was baptised on 16th March 1851 at Trinity, Jersey. She appeared in the 1851 census at home and aged one month. In 1861 she was still at home and aged eleven. She was described as a scholar who was born at Trinity.

Ten years later in 1871 she had left home and she was working as a general servant at the home of Mr. C. Pallot, next door to the Royal Hotel in Rondin District of Trinity Parish. She was described as aged twenty, unmarried, and born at Trinity.

The Baptism Register of Trinity Parish, Jersey includes the following details:

21 ‘John Francis Salmon - date of birth 3.10.1873; Date of Baptism 14.12.1873; Father’s name: John Salatin Salmon; Mother’s name: Rachel Bisson; Father’s occupation: domestic.’

However, the civil register of births records that John Francis was born at Trinty, and was the son of John Senateur Salmon, a day labourer, who was also the informant of the child’s birth on 13th October. Salmon was himself described as living at Vingtaine des Augres.

On 6th January 1876 at 12 Dumaresq Street, St Helier, Rachel Bisson gave birth to a daughter Lydia Rachel whose father was named on the birth certificate as John Senateur Salmon, a carter. The informant on 13th January 1876 was Carterette Pinel of Seaton Place who was present at the birth.

There is no marriage between John Salmon and Rachel Bisson at Trinity, no other children of theirs in the name of Salmon were baptised in that parish and there is no record of Rachel Bisson’s death between 1873 and 1880. There is no direct evidence but it is possible that her future brother-in-law Desire Jean Salmon had had a romantic relationship with her before marrying Emilie.

Amelia Jane Bisson, daughter of Rachel, was born on 17th October 1877 at 14 Journeaux Street and Rachel’s sister Mary Ann Bisson was present at the birth and informant. This Mary Ann made a mark instead of a signature.

On 21st July 1879 at 14 Journeaux Street, St Helier, John Bisson was born to a Rachel Bisson. No name of father is given but the birth was registered on 20th August 1879 and the informant was Carterette Haps of 56 King Street. John Bisson was baptised on 24th August 1879 at (?) and his godparents were Peter Haps and Emilie Bisson.

At the time of the 1881 census Rachel Bisson was living at 14 Journeaux Street, St Helier, one of seven families occupying the premises. She was described as Head, unmarried, aged thirty years, an ‘Ironer’ born in Trinity. With her were her sister Mary Ann, single, aged thirty-two, also an ‘Ironer’ born in Trinity. Also Rachel’s two daughters Lydia Bisson aged five, a scholar and Amelia Jane aged three years. In neither case is place of birth given.

Mabel Mary Ann Bisson was born on 22nd November 1890 at St Helier. She was baptised on 2nd August 1892 in St Helier and her sponsors were John Salmon, Mary-Ann Bisson and Amelia Bisson.

In the 1891 census return Rachel was living in three rooms at 26 Aquila Road, St Helier in St Simon’s Parish. She is described as a widow, a laundress, aged forty years and born in Trinity. Living with her are her sister Mary Ann, single, aged forty-two, also a laundress born in Trinity. Rachel has her three daughters living with her namely Lydia Rachel, a fifteen-year- old scholar born St Helier; Emelia (sic) a thirteen-year-old scholar born in St Helier and Mabel M. aged one year and born St Helier.

By 1901 Rachel had moved to 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier where she occupied four rooms in All Saints’ Parish. She was described as single, aged fifty years, an ironer and washer woman working on her own account at home, from Trinity Parish. Living with her were her

22 daughter Lydia aged twenty-six, a dressmaker, single, and working on her own account at home and Mabel, aged twelve years and born at St Helier. Also living with them was Violet – Rachel’s ‘niece’ (probably grand-daughter) – aged three years and born in St Helier. At the same address, occupying three rooms, lived John Bisson, single, aged thirty-three-years, a grocer on his own account working from home. Mary-Ann Bisson, widow, aged fifty-two- years, an ironer and mother and Victor Cailly, a boarder, unmarried, aged fifty years, a blacksmith and French subject.

In 1911 Census, Rachel is living with her sister Mary Ann Bisson – see entry above.

Rachel Bisson died on 1st February 1927 in St Saviour’s Hospital, Jersey, and was buried in Sion Cemetery in St Helier. She is described on her death certificate as residing at 11 Cannon Street, St Helier, a spinster aged seventy-four-years.

Her children were cousins of Alice Beatrice Torode and possibly John Francis and Lydia Rachel were both children of her father:

JOHN FRANCIS SALMON (BISSON), Half Uncle of Brian Torode

John Francis Salmon was born on 3rd October 1873 and the civil register of births records that John Francis was born at Trinity, and was the son of John Senateur Salmon, a day labourer, who was also the informant of the child’s birth on 13th October. Salmon was himself described as living at Vingtaine des Augres.

The Baptism Register of Trinity Parish, Jersey includes the following details:

‘John Francis Salmon - date of birth 3rd October1873; Date of Baptism 14th December.1873; Father’s name: John Salatin Salmon; Mother’s name: Rachel Bisson; Father’s occupation: domestic. The godparents were Louis Leveille and his wife by William du Heaume, the Rector’

LYDIA RACHEL QUIROT, Half Aunt of Brian Torode

In the 1891 census Lydia was at home with her mother Rachel living in three rooms at 26 Aquila Road, St Helier in St Simon’s Parish. She is described as a widow, a laundress, aged forty years and born in Trinity. Living with her are her sister Mary Ann, single, aged forty- two, also a laundress born in Trinity. Rachel has her three daughters living with her namely Lydia Rachel, a fifteen-year-old scholar born St Helier; Emelia (sic) a thirteen-year-old scholar born in St Helier and Mabel M. aged one year and born St Helier.

Alice Salmon, Lydia Bisson her aunt, & Norah Salmon her niece

By 1901 Lydia had moved with her mother to 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier where they occupied four rooms in All Saints’ Parish. Lydia aged twenty-six, a dressmaker, single, and working on her own account at home and Mabel, aged twelve years and born at St Helier. Also living with them was Violet – Rachel’s ‘niece’ (probably grand-daughter) – aged three years and born in St Helier.

Lydia married Philip Quirot who was also born in 1876. They had a family which included Doris Joyce (1905-1915), Philip (-1946), Cyril Raymond (bn 3-12-1909), Clarence John (bn 30th January 1910), Phyllis Doreen (bn 26-3-1912)

The 1911 Census for Jersey lists the family living at 11 Cannon Street, St Helier., where they occupied four rooms.

Head of the family is Philip Quirot, married aged 35. He is employed as a carter. He was born at St Helier as was his father.

His wife is Lydia aged 35, a dressmaker working form home. They have been married for 10 years. Lydia was born in St Helier and her father is not known. Lydia and Philip had 5 children of whom four survived and one died.

The surviving children are:

Philip Edward, son, aged 8 and at school. He was born at St Helier as was his father. Doris (Lillian?), (see 1901 census) daughter aged 5 and at school. Her birth details are the same as Philip’s. Cecil Raymond, son aged 2 birth details as above. Clarence John, son, aged 1 and again, birth details as above.

Philip Quirot signed this Census return in his own hand.

24 Lydia died in 1943.

Their children were both Half First Cousins and Second cousins of Brian Edward Torode:

Doris Joyce Quirot (1905-1915) Philip Edward Quirot (-1946)

Philip Edward Quirot

Cyril Raymond Quirot (bn 3-12-1909)

Cyril Raymond Quirot

Clarence John Quirot (bn 30th January 1910) Phyllis Doreen Quirot (bn 26-3-1912)

AMELIA JANE COOMBS, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

In the 1891 census return Amelia was at home with her mother Rachel living in three rooms at 26 Aquila Road, St Helier in St Simon’s Parish. Rachel was described as a widow, a laundress, aged forty years and born in Trinity. Living with her are her sister Mary Ann, single, aged forty-two, also a laundress born in Trinity. Rachel has her three daughters living with her namely Lydia Rachel, a fifteen-year-old scholar born St Helier; Emelia (sic) a thirteen-year-old scholar born in St Helier and Mabel M. aged one year and born St Helier. In 1911 Census Amelia Jane was a domestic servant in the employ ay 4, Belgrave Terrace, of one, Aqloys Sprengu, a Higher Civil Engineer and an Indian Pensioner but British by parentage. Amelia is described as single and born in St Helier, where her father had also been born.

Amelia had three illegitimate children namely Violet who was born in 1898, William and Edward. She later married George Joseph Coomb, born 18th July 1879 at 4, Pitt Street. He died 5th May 194/53, but another gravestone records as follows:

George Henry Coombs and Rachael Elizabeth Churchill d. 1943 aged 86, Amelia died 23rd May 1944 at 3, Prospect Cottages, Columbus Street, St Helier aged 67and was buried in Grave U37 1st North, Mont Alabe, St Helier.

The Jersey Evening Post reported on May 24th 1944:

26 Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 21st last, Amelia Jane Bisson, beloved wife of Joseph George Coombs aged 67, of 3Prospect Cottages. Deeply regretted by her sorrowing husband and family. All friends wishing to attend the funeral are invited to attend the Congregational Church, Victoria Street on Friday at 3pm.

On Tuesday May 30th 1944 the Jersey Evening Post also reported the death as recorded ikn the Civil Register- aged 66 years 9 months.

Amelia’s illegitimate children were second cousins of Brian Torode:

Violet Bisson was born in about 1898. In the 1901 census she was living with her grandmother Rachel Bisson at 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier where they occupied four rooms in All Saints’ Parish. We find Lydia aged twenty-six, a dressmaker, single, and working on her own account at home and Mabel, aged twelve years and born at St Helier. Also living with them was Violet – Rachel’s ‘niece’ (probably grand-daughter) – aged three years and born in St Helier. William Bisson Edward Bisson

JOHN BISSON, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

On 31st July 1879 at 14 Journeaux Street, St Helier, John Bisson was born to a Rachel Bisson. No name of father is given but the birth was registered on 20th August 1879 and the informant was Carterette Haps of 56 King Street. John, illegitimate son of Rachel Bisson was baptised on 24th August 1879 at St Helier’s Church by I. U. Pilbeam, Curate, and his sponsors were Peter Haps and Emilie Bisson.

This John may well be the one recorded in the 1911 Census for 4 Devonshire Lane, St Helier: John Bisson, head, aged 31, married, plasterer worker, born Trinity, father born Trinity. Amanda L, wife, aged 30 married 6 years. Born St John, Father born St Mary. Two surviving children, one deceased. Raymond John, son aged 2 born St Helier, Father born Trinity Queenie May, daughter 4 months, born St Helier, Father born Trinity. They were living in 3 rooms, and John Signed the Census return in his own hand.

MABEL MARY ANN ELLIOT, cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Mabel Mary Ann Bisson was born on 22nd November 1890 at St Helier. She was baptised on 2nd August 1892 in St Helier and her sponsors were John Salmon, Mary-Ann Bisson and Amelia Bisson.

In the 1891 census return Mabel was at home with her mother Rachel living in three rooms at 26 Aquila Road, St Helier in St Simon’s Parish. Rachel was described as a widow, a laundress, aged forty years and born in Trinity. Living with her are her sister Mary Ann, single, aged forty-two, also a laundress born in Trinity. Rachel has her three daughters living

27 with her namely Lydia Rachel, a fifteen-year-old scholar born St Helier; Emelia (sic) a thirteen-year-old scholar born in St Helier and Mabel M. aged one year and born St Helier.

By 1901 Mabel had moved with her mother to 11 ½ Cannon Street, St Helier where they occupied four rooms in All Saints’ Parish. We find Lydia aged twenty-six, a dressmaker, single, and working on her own account at home and Mabel, aged twelve years and born at St Helier. Also living with them was Violet – Rachel’s ‘niece’ (probably grand-daughter) – aged three years and born in St Helier.

On 13th April 1914 at the age of twenty-four-years she married Edward Robert Elliot of the same age, a soldier in the East Sussex Regiment. He was the son of Edward Elliot born on 20th June 1865 of Bethnel Green and Elizabeth Thwaites of 59 Compton Street, London.

Edward died on 29th August 1957 and Mabel died on 23rd November 1971 at St Saviour’s Hospital, Jersey, aged eighty-one-years.

Their children were second cousins of Brian Edward Torode:

Phylis Gladys Elliot was born in 1914 Doreen Joyce Elliot was born on 20th September 1919. Beryl Eileen Ozouf was born on 14th February 1923 and married Leon Walter Ozouf on 6th December 1947. Edith Olive Wills was born on 19th June 1926 and married Thomas William Wills also on 6th December 1947

28 PHILIPPE BISSON, Infant Great Uncle of Brian Edward Torode

Philippe Bisson was baptised on 3rd October 1852 and died as an infant.

ELIZABETH BISSON, Infant Great Aunt of Brian Edward Torode

Elizabeth Bisson was baptised on 26th February 1857 and died as an infant

PHILIPPE BISSON, Great Uncle of Brian Edward Torode

Philippe Bisson was baptised on 14th November 1859. At the time of the 1861 census he was at home with his family aged one year and born in Trinity Parish. Ten years later in 1871 he was at home at Le Hurel in Trinity Parish and described as an eleven-year-old scholar, born in Trinity.

He married Pauline Audrain and in 1881 the census return reveals that they were living in St John’s Parish, Jersey. Philip was described as married, twenty-three-years-old, a blacksmith, born in Trinity. His wife Pauline was aged twenty-five-years, working as a dressmaker, and born in France. Staying with them was Ann Audrain, a six-year-old boarder from Jersey who was still living with them ten years later in 1891.

Pauline Audrain was the daughter of Jean and his wife Jeanne Marie, both of whom were born in France. The 1861 Census lists them and their two children, Pauline aged 5 born in France and Jeanne Louise aged 1 born Trinity, living in the home of Philip de Gruchy and his wife Elizabeth, at Medland House, St John’s Road, Trinity. Jean Audrain aged 38 is an Agricultural labourer and his wife aged 35, a servant of all work.

In 1891 Philip and Pauline were living at 1 Meadow View, St John’s off Bechel or Bichet Road. Philip was by now a thirty-one-year-old blacksmith born in Trinity. His wife was described as thirty-five-years-old and born in France. Their children included Annie M. Bisson, a scholar, aged nine years, Philip aged eight, John aged five and George aged three years. All the children were born in St John’s Parish.

In 1901 Philip and Pauline Marie were living at 25 Le Geyt Street, St Helier. Philip was a forty-one-year-old shoeing smith born in Trinity. Pauline Marie was aged forty-five-years and from France. Their children included Annie Mary a nineteen-year-old dressmaker born at St John’s; John Alfred a fifteen-year-old pastry cook apprentice born in St John’s Parish; George Francis aged thirteen, Laura aged nine, Elsie aged four and Alice aged nine months. The four younger children were all born in St Helier.

The 1911 Census lists the family living in 6 rooms at 55 Great Union Street, St Helier (enumerator adds Great Union Road).

29 Phillipe Bisson, Head aged 51, married, working as blacksmith in a carriage works in Trinity. He was born in St John’s as was his father. Pauline Bisson, wife aged 55, married 32 years, 12 children of whom 5 were still alive and 7 had died. She was a dressmaker working from home. She was born in France, St Quinton and her father too was born in France. George Bisson, aged 23, son and single. A baker/journeyman born St John, father born St john Laura Bisson, daughter aged 19, single, dressmaker born as her brother George. Elsie, a single daughter aged 14, a worker milliner born as her siblings. Alice, aged ten, a daughter at school, born as her siblings.

Phillipe signed the enumerator’s details in his own hand.

Their children were first cousins of Alice Beatrice Torode:

ANNIE MARY DE LA FOSSE, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Annie Mary Bisson was born in about 1881 at St John’s. She was at home for the 1891 census aged nine years and a scholar. In 1901 she was a nineteen-year-old dressmaker living at home.

She married Eugene Percy de la Fosse in Jersey and her husband brought the family over from Jersey to Guernsey to manage the Army and Navy Stores in 1923.

Annie Mary died at 32 Mill Street on 22nd June 1946 in Guernsey aged sixty-five-years. She was described as the wife of Eugene Percy de la Fosse and daughter of Phillip Bisson and Pauline Audrain and was born in St Helier.

Eugene remarried a Mrs Mills and he died in the 1956.

Letter from Len de la Fosse, Le Pignon, Monument Gardens, St Peter Port, Guernsey, 5th September 1986:

‘I thank you for your letter received a few weeks ago and sorry to be so long in answering. I don’t think I can give you all that much information, however, I will do my best to rake up what little I know. I am the eldest son of Eugene Percy de la Fosse who married Annie Bisson who had a sister Laura all being deceased. Percy, my father, came over from Jersey to manage the Army and Navy Stores in 1923 until his death in 1956. ...’

Mrs Joy de la Fosse of ‘The Haven’, Croutes Havilland, St Peter Port, Guernsey, wrote on 27th August 1986:

30 Percy) remarried a Mrs Mills and they were living at the Army and Navy Stores at the time of his death. I will enclose her address hoping she will be of more assistance to you but she has remarried since then and now she is Mrs Hamon of Lothian, Damouettes Lane, St Peter Port tel no 22406. You can mention that I suggested this to you. I am sorry that this is all that I can help you with and if you do write to Mrs Hamon I would like you to let me know if she is any help to you. I will bring this letter to a close hoping that you will get the information that you want.’

Sidney Walter Bisson wrote:

‘Aunt Louisa also used to be in touch with a family de la Fosse in Guernsey who were said to be related in someway.’

Their children were second cousins of Brian Edward Torode:

Gordon de la Fosse who married Joy and had two sons. He died in 1968.

Mrs Joy de la Fosse of ‘The Haven’, Croutes Havilland, St Peter Port, Guernsey, wrote on 27th August 1986:

‘Thank you very much for your nice letter in tracing your family history. I really cannot be much help to you in that way. I am Mrs Gordon de la Fosse and I was widowed in 1968 and left with two sons. I don’t know much about the family at all. I can say that my husband’s family came here from Jersey when he was a young lad and his father was in charge of the Army and Navy Stores in Mill Street and he died in the 1950s but I think I am right in saying that this Aunt Laura you mentioned was living in Jersey and then decided to come to Guernsey and found a flat in St Peter Port. She was getting on in age. Unfortunately, she had a sorry end because she was found dead in the flat from gas poisoning. Gordon’s father (Eugene Percy) remarried a Mrs Mills and they were living at the Army and Navy Stores at the time of his death. I will enclose her address hoping she will be of more assistance to you but she has remarried since then and now she is Mrs Hamon of Lothian, Damouettes Lane, St Peter Port tel no 22406. You can mention that I suggested this to you. I am sorry that this is all that I can help you with and if you do write to Mrs Hamon I would like you to let me know if she is any help to you. I will bring this letter to a close hoping that you will get the information that you want.’

Len de la Fosse

Letter from Len de la Fosse, Le Pignon, Monument Gardens, St Peter Port, Guernsey, 5th September 1986:

31 PHILIP BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Philip Bisson was born in about 1882 in St John’s Parish. He was at home aged eight years at the time of the 1891 census but had left home by 1901.

JOHN ALFRED BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

John Alfred Bisson was born in about 1885 in St John’s Parish. He was at home aged five years at the time of the 1891 census and still there in 1901 when he was described as a fifteen-year-old apprentice pastry cook.

Sidney Walter Bisson wrote

‘I remember that, as a schoolboy, I was sometimes taken to visit a Mr. John Bisson and his wife Marie, who lived at Chevalier Road (or somewhere near there). The husband was obviously related to us and seemed to be about the same age as my father. The wife was French’.

GEORGE FRANCIS BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

George Bisson was born in about 1887 in St John’s Parish. In 1891 he was at home aged three-years and from St John’s whereas in 1901 he was still at home, aged thirteen and born at St Helier.

LAURA BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Laura Bisson was born in about 1891 at St Helier. She was at home, aged nine years, at the time of the 1901 census. She died at Les Cotils on 7th September 1966 aged seventy-five- years. She was described as the daughter of Philip Bisson and Pauline Audrain and born at St Helier. Les Cotils was a Catholic Home for the elderly infirm run by Roman Catholic sisters.

Mrs Joy de la Fosse of ‘The Haven’, Croutes Havilland, St Peter Port, Guernsey, wrote on 27th August 1986:

‘Aunt Laura you mentioned was living in Jersey and then decided to come to Guernsey and found a flat in St Peter Port. She was getting on in age. Unfortunately, she had a sorry end because she was found dead in the flat from gas poisoning.’

Sidney Walter Bisson wrote:

‘I also sometimes came across the two Bisson sisters (when I was still at school) called - if I remember rightly – Laura and Lily. They were perhaps eight or ten years older than me. They were called cousins and I seemed to remember hearing that their grandfather (?) was brother of my grandfather.’

32 ELSIE BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Elsie Bisson was born in about 1896 at St Helier. At the time of the 1901 census she was at home aged four years.

ALICE BISSON, first cousin of Alice Beatrice Torode

Alice Bisson was born in about 1900 at St Helier. She was aged nine months at the time of the 1901 census and at home.

EMELIE SALMON, Grandmother of Brian Edward Torode

Daughter of Jean Bisson and Anne(Nancy) Pinel Wife of Desire Jean Batiste Salmon alias John Senateur Salmon Mother of Alice Beatrice Torode

Also mother of John, Walter, Albert John, Henry Francis, Nicholas Mauger, William John, Albert William, Emily, George, Francis, Frederick, Alfred and Arthur

Emelie Bisson was the eighth child of the nine children of John and Anne Bisson. John Bisson and Anne Pinel who had married at Trinity Church in Jersey in 1844.

Emelie was born at Trinity, Jersey, on the 30th July 1861 and her birth certificate gives the following information:

‘Number 661. 30th July 1861, Emelie, girl, father John Bisson, mother Anne Pinel. Father’s occupation blacksmith. Informant John Bisson father of the child, Vingtaine de la Ville a L’Eveque. Date registered 9th August 1861. Signed Francis de la Lande, Deputy Registrar.’

Emelie was baptised by the Reverend William de Heaume, Rector of Trinity Parish, 29th September 1861, and her godfather was John Bisson her father. Her godmother was Emelie Esnouf.

Her mother, Anne Pinel, died when Emelie was only nine-years-old.

In the 1871 census Emelie was at home at Le Hurel, Trinity Parish, with her widowed father and siblings. She was described as an eight-year-old scholar born in Trinity Parish.

There is an entry in the St Helier’s Parish Register of the birth of Walter John Bisson on 17th August 1877 to Emelie Bisson at 14 Journeaux Street, St Helier. This child died aged one week on 25th August and is described as illegitimate.

Probably in order to find work, but more likely to escape the political troubles that were raging through France at the time, a young Frenchman, Desire Jean Baptiste Salmon moved to live in Jersey. It appears that he settled in the Parish of St Martin and found work as a Mason. At this time this Desire was aged about twenty-six-years and he may have been the father of this illegitimate child.

The reason for this suggestion takes us back to a curious entry in the Baptism Register of Trinity Parish, Jersey. The details are as follows:

‘John Francis Salmon - date of birth 3.10.1873; Date of Baptism 14.12.1873; Father’s name: John Salatin Salmon; Mother’s name: Rachel Bisson; Father’s occupation: domestic.’

34 However, the civil register of births records that John Francis was the son of John Senateur Salmon, a day labourer, who was also the informant of the child’s birth on 13th October and was described as living at Vingtaine des Augres.

There is no marriage between John Salmon and Rachel Bisson at Trinity, no other children of theirs in the name of Salmon were baptised in that parish and there is no record of Rachel Bisson’s death between 1873 and 1880. However, this Rachel Bisson was probably an older sister of Emelie, ten years her senior, who was born on 2nd March 1851.

There is no direct evidence but it is possible that Desire Jean had had a romantic relationship with both sisters and that he transferred his affections from the older to the younger one. At the time of the birth of this Walter John Bisson, Emelie Bisson would only have been sixteen-years-old. At this time Desire Jean Salmon was aged about twenty-six- years and so he could have been the father of young Walter John Bisson.

Whether this is true or false we do know that by 1879 Desire Jean Salmon and Emelie Bisson were living as man and wife. As with the elder sister, Rachel, there seems to be no record of a marriage in either Jersey or Guernsey. Their first ‘legitimate’ child, John Salmon, was born in St Helier on 13th January 1879 when his mother was only eighteen and his father about twenty-eight or twenty-nine-years-old. John was the first of the fourteen children of Desire Jean and Emelie Salmon but the only one born in Jersey. The second child Walter was born in Guernsey in 1880. At that time there was a shortage of work in Jersey and many French settlers moved to Guernsey to find work in the quarries or in ship-building. As Desire was a mason he probably did just that.

However, standing against this evidence for a liaison between this Frenchman and these two sisters is the fact the family acted as godparents for their respective children and Rachel Bisson seems to have kept in contact with the Salmon Family when they moved to Guernsey.

In the 1881 census we find Desire is simply referred to as John Salmon and he and Emelie were living at 43 Cornet Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey. The couple was described as married, John was a thirty-one-year-old Mason and his wife, Emelie, aged twenty-one, was born in St John’s Parish in Jersey. Their children were John, aged two years was born in St Helier whilst Walter, aged just six months, was born in St Peter Port.

In February and March 1885 their twins, Henri and Francois, died at an address in Burnt Lane but by October 1885 the family had moved to 10, Hauteville, St Peter Port, a house which was situated on land behind the shop at the junction of Pedvin Street with Hauteville.

The 1891 census shows the family living at 10 Hauteville and occupying three rooms there. This was in canton four, Holy Trinity Parish, St Peter Port. Again, simply referred to as John, the head of the household is now a forty-two-year-old stone mason and surprisingly gives his place of birth as St Martin’s Parish, Jersey. This may well be explained by the fact that he was asked, “where are you from?” His wife, Emelie was aged thirty-two-years-old and the children were John, aged thirteen, a port messenger, born in St Peter’s Jersey; Walter, aged

35 twelve, also a port messenger; William aged five, a scholar; Bertie, aged three, and Emeline is ten months.

Of the thirteen children who were born in Guernsey between 1880 and 1903 the majority were baptised at either Holy Trinity or its mother church, the ‘Town Church’.

Little is known about the family probably because of their acute poverty. Cornet Street was an extremely poor area in which lived many immigrant workers, particularly of French extraction. Most of what we do know about Desire John is to be found in the circumstances concerning his death in 1911.

From 1911 Emelie would have spent her life bringing up a large family. Most of the boys enlisted in the First World War and four of them were to lose their lives.

Walter Salmon died in 1916, aged thirty-six Alfred James Salmon died on 10th September 1916, aged nineteen George Henry Salmon died on 12th April 1918, aged twenty-five Albert William (aka John) Salmon died on 13th April 1918, aged thirty-five

The following article was published in the Guernsey Weekly Press, dated Saturday 4th May 1918:

‘Mrs E. Salmon, 2 Tower Hill, St Peter Port, received a letter from Lt. Gordon Hall, R.G.L.I., informing her that her 5th son, Corporal George Salmon, R.G.L.I. was killed in action on April 12th…

Mrs Salmon has 3 other serving sons – William, 3rd son, R.I. Fusiliers; John, eldest son, in a Divisional Ammunitions column; and Albert in the RGLI. Two other sons have been killed in action – Walter, 2nd son, and Fred the youngest RI Fusiliers.’ (This report is incorrect as Fred in fact died as an infant)

These newspaper articles seem unaware that Albert John was by now already dead- although he had only been dead three weeks. Fred is obviously the Alfred who had died in September 1916 of his wounds.

Emelie, herself, died on 15th July 1934 at 11.30pm at 42 Pedvin Street, St Peter Port. The cause of death was given as senile decay and syncope. She was buried after a private funeral at the Foulon Cemetery ‘in her seventy-eighth year’. In fact, if she was born in 1861 she was only seventy-three-years-old at the time of her death!

36 JOSUE BISSON, Great Uncle of Brian Edward Torode

Josue Bisson was baptised on 8th May 1864 at Trinity Church, Jersey. In the 1871 census he was at home aged seven years. He was born at Trinity and described as a scholar.

In 1881 he was a servant at the home of Clement Picot and his family at Montpellier Farm, Rondain, Vingtaine. He is described as aged seventeen and born at Trinity. He has not been traced in later censuses.

ELLEN BISSON, Great Aunt of Brian Edward Torode

Ellen Bisson was born in 1868. She appears in the 1871 census at living at home, Le Hurel in Trinity Parish, Jersey. Her birthplace is given as Trinity and she was then aged three years. There are no further references.