Jesse Henry and Jemima Rhoda Cripps

Jesse working on the land

The following photos were sent in by Linda Beavis she says:

These photos are of my great grandparents Jesse Henry and Jemima Rhoda Cripps who were living at Little Russell Head Farm in 1911. In 1939 they were living at Walnut Cottage, Benfleet. During that period Jesse was working on the ferry.

She does not know much more about her family. So I have been doing a little digging.

Jesse and Jemima (Known as Rhoda) were born on Foulness in 1872 and 1874. They married c1902 although I have not yet found the marriage. They had five children Jess b1903, Rose b1907, Violet b1909, Lily b1912 and Alfred b1915. Rose died at just three years old and is buried in St Katherine’s Churchyard. The eldest was born in Benfleet, Rose we just have as Rochford District but the family were definitely on Canvey by 1909. All the younger children were born on Canvey but only the eldest Jesse and the second daughter Violet were baptised in St Katherine’s  on the 26th September 1909.

Jemima Rhoda

The family lived at Little Russell Head and were there until at least 1915 when the youngest was born. In the 1911 census at Little Russell Head Jesse occupation is stated as Railways Contractors Labourer. They are not in the 1918 Electoral Roll. They moved to Benfleet where they can be found in 1921 in the High Street, South Benfleet. At this time he was working for Harrisons on Canvey as a binder and Thatcher. The 1939 register shows Jesse and Rhoda living at 1 Walnut Cottage in the High Street, South Benfleet and Linda tells us it was at this time he was working on the ferry. Several of the photos were taken then.

Headstone in St Mary’s Churchyard

Jesse died in 1945 and Jemimma Rhoda died in 1940 they are buried in St Mary’s Churchyard in South Benfleet. Their son Jesse Henry died 1939 and is also buried there.

Jesse Cripps on the right when he was a ferryman. The chap on the left is Ted Edwards.

Linda Beavis

The ferry at Canvey

Linda Beavis

I think this photo was taken in the 50's. My nan, Lily Cripps told me she lived there but I have no evidence for that.

Linda Beavis

Linda Beavis