The family of Sophia French late Porter formerly Seymour

She was born 3 September 1805 and baptised 31 October 1805 at Independent Non-Conformist Chapel, Heathfield (as Sopia, daughter of Joseph and Phoebe Seymour).

She married John Porter (of Yeovil, Somerset), at Willingdon, by licence, 11 January 1828. The witnesses were John Seymour, Phillis Seymour, Ruth Seymour and Charlotte Seymour.

After John Porter's death (before 15 May 1843 the date of Joseph Seymour's will), Sophia then married James William French.

In 1861 she was probably living at 15 Blackmoor Street, St Clement Danes, Westminster. She was aged 55, a widow and born in Sussex (no additional place). With her were her children William, single aged 23 a bookseller, and Henry, aged 15 a bookseller and both born in London.

In 1871 at 46 Liverpool Street, Pancras, Sophia French was living with Henry Dumbrill as his aunt. This tends to confirm that this Sophia is the daughter of Joseph Seymour as Henry is likely to be Ruth Dumbrill's son. Sophia was aged 65, a housekeeper and born at Eastbourne, Sussex. Henry was aged 29, single and a 'professor of gastronomy', born at Eastbourne. There was also a general servant, Harriet Walker, aged 18 and born at Pancras. There were also three lodgers.

Her death was registered in the December quarter 1872 in the Pancras district (1b 46). She was aged 67.

Sophia and John Porter had children:

  1. Louisa, born about 1829/30. In 1841 she seems to have been a servant in her grandparents, Joseph and Phoebe Seymour's home.
  2. George

Sophia and James William French had children:

  1. William, born about 1837, in London. In 1861 he was a bookseller.
  2. Henry, born about 1845 in London. In 1861 he was a book seller.

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