Born in Lichfield Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, on the 12th of April 1833, the third of the ten sons [children?] born to John and Mary Edden, nee Thiriby. He was christened in St. Ethrida's church on the 1st of May 1835.
1841 Census
Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
John Edden, 45, Agricultural Labourer.
Mary Edden, 35.
Six children are shown: Mary, 10; Emma, 9; John, 6; Samuel, 4; Joseph, 3, William, 5 months.
Death registered
John Edden [father], December Quarter 1850, Tamworth.
His youngest brother, Alfred, born posthumously in 1850, emigrated to Australia in the 1880s. He entered politics and, becoming a Secretary of State, was one of the principal movers in bringing the Colony into the First World War.
1851 Census
Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
Mary Edden, widow, 42, Pauper, born Tamworth.
Samuel Edden, 14, Collier's Boy, Tamworth.
Joseph Edden, 12, Ropemaker's Boy, Tamworth.
William Edden, 10, Ropemaker's Boy, Tamworth.
Thomas Edden, 8, Scholar, Tamworth.
Charles Edden, 6, Scholar, Tamworth.
Alfred Edden, 1, Tamworth.
Enlisted at Lichfield on the 13th of February 1851.
Age: 17 years 11 months.
Height: 5' 7".
Trade: Labourer.
Sent to Scutari on the 29th of November 1854.
Tried by a District Court-martial on the 9th of March 1854 for "Disobedience of orders" and "Using abusive language". Given 50 lashes.
Rode in the Charge at Balaclava, 25th October 1854.
From the Tamworth Herald, a speech he made in 1897:
Speech by a survivor of the 600
"Thank you — I would have thought it almost time that the word "Balaclava" should have died out, but it appears to me that it is handed down in history and in school books. I know this because children in the streets call me "Old Balaclava". I don't mind that, but am rather proud of it and I am equally proud to be able to address you. I only wish there were a few more left to join me so that you could hear two versions of the tale for it is impossible to give an opinion alike. Unfortunately the survivors lie a great many miles apart and they are rapidly becoming fewer.
There are many "Balaclava" men and many people cannot understand it. It is rather misleading — the engagement should be defined as "Balaclava Proper" and the "Balaclava Charge by the Six Hundred." The great majority of survivors belong to the former — in which the 93rd Highlanders and The Heavy Brigade did excellent work, but this was before the Charge of the Light Brigade.
For two hours the Russians were forcing their army up what was called the "Valley of Death". We were formed across the valley and the Russians showed such a threatening attitude that the light cavalry were ordered to advance. We could see the trap laid for us, Lord Cardigan led us, but he did not bring us back, He led us to the guns and the Russian gunners stuck to their work like men, Englishmen could have done no more, for they allowed themselves to be cut down and I don't think a man escaped.
But where the English were wrong was that we went too far, for when we got the advantage the result was that their whole army was poured on us. We were caught as nicely in a trap from the sides as could be. Commanders, there were none, two dragoons could not get together and we were mixed up with the Russians like a row in a tap room. We were surrounded with a set of the deadliest cut-throats, the Cossacks and they — the cowardly brutes — could not do without piercing the wounded men.
My horse was shot from under me and fell pinning me to the ground but in its wriggling and plunging with pain I was able to get loose. I was in an awful position. I could see that if I went one way I had a deadly fire to go through and I knew that if I went the other way I should be subject to the tender mercies of the Cossacks. But an Englishman always thinks twice before he acts once. My mind was made up and I decided to go through the firing.
How I got through I don't know, I can't even think. The ground was ploughed up all along and men and horses were cut down by the score. And I will say it now — and I wish others were here to bear me out — although it is not generally known — I was the last man that ever came out of the Charge to answer my name. Out of the four hundred and seventy men who went into the charge only one hundred and ninety eight answered to their names and a great proportion of them were wounded.
In my opinion, the Charge was the outcome of jealousy. I have heard that the Retreat was sounded but I did not hear it and even if I had it was impossible to go back for there would have been more destruction.
Then those of us left behind had to face the Crimea, but you might put that as nothing compared with the severe winter which followed. We had water to drink which the horses refused and the poor animals were so hungry that they ate each other's tails. Comparatively speaking we had no clothes and we had to carry our own shot to the front and to stand to for many hours in mud up to our knees and then — tired as we were — to be ready at any moment's notice for the worst.
I think the Charge of the Six Hundred did good because it created such an impression in the eyes of Europe — and the Russians — that they were very careful afterwards how they dealt with our forces.
I am glad to represent one of the Six Hundred and I am pleased that Tamworth appreciates me as such. I can claim a little credit for making the Empire what it is. The Volunteer forces are of great service and I believe they will do as they are bid. If they are ever led into such a trap as the Light Brigade were though I hope they come out of it as well as the Six Hundred."
[Source: Tamworth Herald, Saturday 20th November 1897, page 8 column 3. Headed "Speech by a survivor of the 600", it was delivered at the Court House, the Prince of Wales Inn, on Wednesday evening of 17th November 1897. John Edden was a guest at the Anniversary dinner in connection with the Court Sir Robert Peel A. O. of Foresters. We are grateful to Roy Ashwood, a descendant, for providing further details of this event.]
There is an interesting reference to John Edden in the Charge in an obituary for 1361 Henry Wilsden, 4th Light Dragoons, published in the Oxford Times, 4th of March 1916:
Mr. Wilsdon had an especial friend in the regiment, a man named John Edden, to whom, while in the heat of the charge, he handed a bottle of water, which revived Edden, and enabled him to reach a place of safety. For many years Mr. Wilsdon did not see his old friend, but at the Dinner given in 1875 to the survivors of the gallant "600" the two comrades met again and Edden, a Lancashire man [actually, Staffordshire!], exclaimed to Wilsdon, "Eh, Harry, God bless you; you saved my life."
An affidavit by John Edden was filed in the Cardigan-Calthorpe law-suit in June 1863:
1. I have 12 years' service. I was in the 4th Light Dragoons on the 25th of October 1854 and I remember the charge of the Light Cavalry Brigade at Balaclava on that day. On that occasion I was in the left squadron of the 4th Light Dragoons, in the front rank, and about the centre of the squadron.
2. As we were charging up to the Russian battery and were within about 300 yards of it we met Lord Cardigan returning to the rear. He was on a chestnut horse and being quite alone, was cantering back. I am well acquainted with Lord Cardigan's appearance and am therefore able to swear positively that it was him. He was to the left of our regiment...
3. We then charged through the guns, and while we were at the rear of the guns I heard Lord George Paget ask where Lord Cardigan was. Captain Low said that he had got back; and then Lord Paget ordered us to reform on the 17th, but someone said they were not the 17th, but the enemy, and Lord George then gave the order to retire. My horse got shot just after this and I did not get back until after the remnants of the regiment had formed up.
4. The fact of Lord Cardigan's returning was immediately talked of after among the regiment, and has often been talked of amongst us since."
See the records of 635 Samuel Parkes and Trumpeter Crawford, also 4th Light Dragoons, in their vain efforts to carry Major John Halkett, 4th Light Dragoons, to safety after he had been wounded.
At some time after the campaign Halkett's daughter presented Edden with an ambrotype picture of her father. This is still in family possession, a label on the back stating:
"Portrait of the late Major Douglas Halkett who was killed in the Light Cavalry Charge at Balaclava Oct. 25th 1854.
Given by his daughter, Mary K. Robertson to John Edden."
Tried by a District Court-martial on the 20th of December 1854 for "disobedience of a command given by a superior officer and resisting escort and arrest." Given 50 lashes.
He married, on the 12th of April 1861, Margaret Edmunds, daughter of George Edmunds, a Mason, of 39, Mount Pleasant Square, Dublin. They later had four sons and five daughters.
Births registered
1. George Edden, born c.1861, Ireland.
2. John Edden, September Quarter 1865, Tamworth.
3. Margaret Edden, December Quarter 1867, Tamworth.
4. Eliza Edden, December Quarter 1869, Tamworth.
5. Fanny Edden, June Quarter 1872, Tamworth (died December Quarter 1874, Tamworth).
6. Jane Edden, December Quarter 1874, Tamworth.
7. Lillie Edden, December Quarter 1876. Tamworth.
8. Charles Henry Edden, June Quarter 1879. Tamworth.
9. Alfred Edden, June Quarter 1881, Tamworth.
Discharged, "time expired", from Newbridge on the 22nd of July 1863.
Conduct and character: "Indifferent". Twice tried by Court martial.
Not in possession of any Good Conduct badges.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol.
Attended the first Balaclava Banquet in 1875 [at which he met again with Henry Wilsden, mentioned above].
Member of the Balaclava Commemoration Society in 1877 and 1879.
Signed the Loyal Address to the Queen in 1887.
Attended the Annual Dinners in 1893-95 and 1897.
He was also present at the Jubilee celebrations organised by T.H. Roberts at his Fleet Street offices in June 1897 and signed the testimonial given to Mr. Roberts at this time in appreciation of his work on behalf of the veterans. (See copy of this in the "Memoirs" file) He was also a pensioner of the Roberts Fund during the latter years of his life.
He wrote from 44, Lichfield Street, Tamworth when he accepted the invitation of Mr. T. H. Roberts to attend the Jubilee celebrations in June 1897:
Dear Sir,
I shall have much pleasure in accepting your kind invitation on the day named, and hope the rest of the old veterans will be able to do the same,
Believe me,
Yours truly,
John Edden.
His son wrote to Mr T.H. Roberts on the 16th of October 1898:
44 Lichfield Street,
Tamworth.
Dear Sir, I am sorry to inform you of the death of my father, John Edden. He passed away on Saturday evening about seven o'clock. He had been suffering from a chest complaint for several years, but he passed away sooner than expected.
I wish to thank you on behalf of my mother and myself for the many kindnesses my father received from you.
I cannot find words strong enough so I trust you will accept the above few as though they were many.
Yours truly,
[Signed] G. Edden.
Awarded a "Special Campaign Pension", but no date shown.
1871 Census
Bradbury Square, Tamworth.
John Edden, 36, Labourer to Bricklayer, born Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 30, Labourer's wife, born Ireland.
George Edden, 10, Scholar, born Ireland.
John Edden, 5, Scholar, born Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 3, born Tamworth.
Eliza Edden, 1, born Tamworth.
1881 Census
In the Leys, Cottage Hospital, Tamworth.
John Edden, 47, Mason's Labourer, born Tamworth.
A Matron, two servants and five other men and five women patients are also shown.
Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 39, Laundress, born Ireland.
George Edden, 19, Tailor's Cutter, Ireland.
John Edden, 15, Coal Miner, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 13, Scholar, Tamworth.
Eliza Edden, 12, Scholar, Tamworth.
Jane Edden, 6, Scholar, Tamworth.
Lillie Edden, 4, Tamworth.
Charles H Edden, 2, Tamworth.
Marriages registered
Eliza Edden [daughter] to Henry Croshaw, March Quarter 1886, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden [daughter] to Ebenezer Spicer, September Quarter 1890, Tamworth.
1891 Census
Scotch Row, Little Eaton, Shardlow.
John Edden, Father in law, 60, born Tamworth.
Visiting his married daughter Eliza and her husband Henry and three children.
44, Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 48, born Wicklow, Ireland.
Jane Edden, 17, Tailoress, born Tamworth.
Lilly [sic] Edden, 14, Charles, 12, Alfred, 10...all born Tamworth.
St John Street, Tamworth.
Ebenezer Spicer, 35, Sewing Machineist Fitter, born Bloxwich.
Margaret Spicer [daughter], 33, born Tamworth.
There is a reference in an obituary to "his business as a small carting contractor", with a horse and cart, which he ran until about 1897.
John Edden died at 44, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, on the 15th of October 1898 at the age of 65. (See picture of the house in which he lived, and died, in the 4th Hussar files. This was demolished circa 1966.)
Death registered
John Edden, aged 65, December Quarter 1898, Tamworth.
He was buried in Wigginton Road Cemetery, Tamworth, Staffs, and a memorial stone was later erected over his grave by public subscription.
The inscriptions read:
In memory of John Edden. Born April 12th 1833 — Died October 15th 1898.
He served his Queen and Country for 12 years in the 4th (The Queen's Own) Light Dragoons. Had 2 horses shot under him during the Charge of Balaclava and received the Crimean medal with four clasps for Alma, Balaclava, Inkermann & Sevastopol, & the Turkish medal.
This monument is erected by the residents in his native town of Tamworth as a token of their esteem and respect for one who so ably did his duty.
His wife, Margaret, was buried with him on the 13th of May 1912, aged 72.
[PB, Feb 2013: when was the monument erected?]
However, because of the weight of the memorial and ground subsidence, the monument started to tilt and had to be removed and re-erected some distance away on a floating concrete platform, the actual grave area now being clear ground.
(There is a copy of a photograph of this stone and also a photograph of John Edden wearing his medals, in the 4th Hussar file.)
Extract from the Tamworth Herald, Saturday 22nd of October 1898:
Death of Mr. John Edden — The Balaclava Hero.
We regret to record that Mr. John Edden, a survivor of the Light Brigade, died at 7 o'clock on Saturday evening at his residence in Lichfield Street, Tamworth. He was aged 65. For about two years past he had been suffering from asthma and general weakness, induced, it is believed, by the wounds he received in the Crimea, and about a year ago he was forced to abandon his business as a small carting contractor, and dispose of his horse and cart.
Since that time he has frequently been laid aside by illness. As late, however, as Saturday, October the 8th, he was able to be out and take a walk through the market in the afternoon, but the cold weather of the past two days had its effects on him, and he suddenly succumbed to his complaint on Saturday, October 15th, in the presence of his wife. The immediate cause of death was failure of the heart action. His medical attendant was Dr. Richardson.
The old veteran maintained the full use of his faculties to the last. He bore his illness with great fortitude, and viewed the inevitable end with that courage which was to be expected of one who, as Tennyson in his immortal poem said, had been in 'The Valley of Death'.
The late Mr. Edden was in receipt of a small pension of 1/- per day, and a year ago he began to receive a pension of 5/- per week from the "Illustrated Bits" Jubilee Fund. He was present at the Balaclava Dinner given about two or three years ago to the surviving members of the Light Brigade at Birmingham, and was one of the company of survivors who were stationed in Fleet Street on Jubilee Day to see the Queen pass.
Last November the veteran attended the public dinner in connection with the Tamworth Sir Robert Peel Court of Foresters, and on that occasion, with native eloquence, he related to the company a few of his reminiscences of the famous "Charge of the Six Hundred."
He said that in the charge "his horse was shot under him and in falling pinned him to the ground, but through the animal's wriggling and plunging with pain he was able to get loose. He was in an awful position. He could see that if he went one way he had a deadly fire to go through, and if he went the other way he would be subject to the tender mercies of the Cossacks.
His mind was quickly made up and he decided to go through the fire. How he got through he did not know — he could not even think. The ground was ploughed up all around and men and horses were being cut down in scores. And he would say it now, and how he wished that others were around to verify his statement, which was not generally known, that he was the last that ever came out of the Charge to answer his name.
He was glad to represent "one of the 600", and he was pleased that Tamworth appreciated that man. He claimed a little credit for making the Empire what it was.
And that credit he deserved. The deed he took part in will never be forgotten, and is enshrined for ever in the annals of the Empire and in the hearts of its people.
"When can their glory fade?
Oh the wild charge they made,
All the world wondered.
Honour the charge they made, Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble Six Hundred."The late grey old warrior bore with becoming modesty the honours that were paid to him on all sides, and he rejoiced perhaps, most of all in the name of "Old Balaclava" with which the children used to greet him.
The late Mr Edden, who was a native of Tamworth, enlisted at Lichfield into the 4th Dragoons in 1851 and joined the regiment at Dublin. About three years later, when hostilities broke out, the regiment formed at Exeter for the Crimea and embarked at Devonport on board the "Simla." The immortal charge in which the regiment took part was made on the 25th of October 1854, almost exactly 44 years ago.
On the signing of peace, the Dragoons came home, and were stationed in Ireland, where Mr. Eden married, and at the end of his term of service (twelve years) he gave up the army and settled in Tamworth. He was decorated with two medals — the Crimean medal with four clasps; Inkerman, Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol — and the Turkish medal. He stood 6ft 1 inch in his boots, and when he attended the funeral of Trumpeter Brown in Lichfield earlier this year [this was 476 John Brown, 17th Lancers] attired in the uniform of his old regiment, his soldierly bearing was commented upon.
One of the deceased's prized possessions was a picture of Lord Cardigan leading the Charge, which had been presented to him, in common with the other survivors, by Lady Cardigan. He has a son in the Coldstream Guards and another was formerly in the Northumberland Fusiliers.
As soon as Mr. Edden's death was known, the Mayor (Dr. Scunthorpe), at the request of Lieutenant Shaw, of the Tamworth Volunteers, communicated the fact to the military authorities at Whittington Barracks, who readily acceded to the desire that the remains of the deceased should be afforded a military funeral.
The Funeral
The remains of the deceased veteran were interred in Tamworth Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, when the respect and esteem with which he was held by his fellow townspeople was amply testified by the large concourse of spectators which attended to pay a last tribute of respect to one who had so nobly risked his life for the sake of old mother England. It is only natural and what everyone would have wished, is that one who had played such a part in the defence of his country should be laid to rest in true military fashion.
The Tamworth Corps of Volunteers, to the number of forty, attended in uniform, and there was also a firing party and band present representing the troops stationed at Whittington Barracks, besides several of the deceased's old comrades and the mourners. The procession was headed by the firing party, composed by men of the Lancaster Regiment under the command of Sergeant Johnson and these bore their arms reversed. The drum and fife band followed, the drums draped in black crepe, and the drum-major also attended, his mace also being draped in crepe.
Then came the hearse in which was the coffin draped in the Union Jack and wreaths and marching alongside as pall-bearers were six sergeants of the Lancashire Regiment. Immediately behind the hearse came six of the deceased's old comrades, including Mr. John Howes, late Sergeant Major in the Light Dragoons, who wore his old uniform; Mr. Richard Cutts, late of the 85th Foot. Ist. Staffordshire Infantry, Mr White of Lichfield, Mr. F. Ovary and Mr. Joseph Hunter of Tamworth. The mourners followed in coaches, and included the widow, Mr. G. Edden, Mr. C. Edden (a Private in the Coldstream Guards) and Mr. A. Edden, sons; Mrs. Spicer, Mrs. W. Jones, the Misses Jane, Ellen, and Lily Edden (daughters).
Marching with the Volunteers were Lieutenant Sultan, who, in the unavoidable absence of Lieutenant Shaw, was in command; Sergeant-Major Hughes, (Burton), who represented the Volunteer Battalion; Sergt. Instructor Pownall, Col. Sergeant Kinson, Sergts. G. Ashwood, J, Westbury, F. Bird, W. Pallett and W. Rudge of the Volunteers; Sergt. Halpin, representing the Army Service Corps; and the Sgt, Major and five Colour-Sgts, and one Signalling-Sergt. of the South Sttaffordshire Regiment.
The procession left the deceased's residence, 44, Lichfield Street, at three o'clock, at a slow pace, the fifes and drums playing the Dead March in "Saul", the route to the church being lined by a crowd of people. The drums kept up a continuous roll, which added to the solemnity of the occasion.
On arrival at the Church a short service was held, and was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. J.H. Courtney Clarke) assisted by the Rev. J. T. W. Claridge. The procession afterwards proceeded in the same order to the cemetery, the whole of the route being lined with people.
At the cemetery the remainder of the burial service was read by the Vicar, at the conclusion of which three volleys were fired over the grave by the soldiers, The coffin, which was of polished oak, with brass furniture, bore the following inscription on a brass shield. "John Edden, died October 15th 1898, aged 65 years."
The wreaths were of a choice description, and the largest, "With deep sympathy from the Non-commissioned officers of the 34th/68th Regimental Depot" was composed of lilies, stephanotis and white chrysanthemums, with a background of maidenhair fern and greenery. The wreath sent by the officers and non-commissioned officers of the and men of the 2nd Volunteer North Staffs. Regiment, was also of a handsome character.
Other floral tributes were sent "From a soldier's children, Tamworth Vicarage"; from the Survivors of the Light Brigade who rode in the Charge at Balaclava, "In loving memory of their dear old comrade"; from his children, "In loving memory of our dear father", from Katie and Alex.; from Mr. and Mrs. Fred Harrison. "In memory of a brave old veteran"; from his Widow, "In loving memory of my dear husband"; from Sergt. Herbert, President of the Balaclava Banquet, and from T. H. Roberts (Balaclava Survivors Relief Fund), "With sincere regret". The latter also bore the following from Tennyson's immortal poem:
"Honour the Charge they made, Honour the Light Brigade."
[PB, Feb 2014: Position the following images appropriately.]
Of his two sons who had served in the Army, John had served in the Northumberland Fusiliers as No. 403. He enlisted in August 1883 at the age of 19, his trade being given as "Miner". His next of kin is shown as his father, John, of 44 Lichfield Street, Tamworth, his mother, Margaret, and brother, George. He was already serving in the Militia (3rd West Yorks. Regt.) at this time. From Paid L/Corporal in February of 1885 to Corporal in October of 1885, he was reduced to Private in March of 1886, but back to L/Corporal in April of 1889.
Embarking for India in October 1886 he served there until April 1891, during which time he had taken part in the Hazara Expedition of 1888 (hence entitled to the medal for this with clasp). He had obtained three Certificates of Education during his service, and was finally discharged, "In consequence of the termination of his first period of limited service", at Newcastle upon Tyne on the 12th of August 1895. Later becoming a Workhouse Master, he died at Gateshead in 1906. (See picture of him, his wife and child. in the 4th Hussar files.)
His brother, Charles Henry, had enlisted into the 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards as No. 577 in August of 1886 at the age of 18 years 6 months, his trade being that of a Carter and his next of kin also shown as his father, of 44 Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
[CP, December 2013: If Charles Henry was indeed aged 60 when he died in 1939, he could not have been 18 years old when he enlisted.]
Charles Henry Edden was tried by a D.C.M in February of 1890 (no charge specified) but returned to duty 14 days later. From Gibraltar he went to South Africa in October of 1899 and served there until October of 1902, and was awarded the Queen's medal with clasps for Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Belfast, and the Kings S.A. medal with clasps for 01 and 02.
He was discharged as being "Medically unfit" on the 2nd of December 1902, having served 6 years 119 days. Written in pencil on his documents is "18d pension is required". His death certificate exists — endorsed on the back by the District Registrar — "The payment of 2/7d is requested, being the amount due to me for the certificate of death of Charles Henry Edden, stated to have been an Army Pensioner, is requested, as well as the sum of 1/7 due for the required copy of his identity card".
The certificate shows that he died at 38, Cross Street, Kettlebrook, Tamworth, aged 60 years, a bricklayer's labourer, from "Myocardial degeneration and a combination of other bronchial illnesses" on the 17th of March 1939. His son, J. W. Edden, of the same address, was present at his death. (This son died at Tamworth in April of 1999 at the age of 93, see picture of him in the 4th Hussar files) and was buried at Glascote, Tamworth. His wife, Harriet, nee Kinson, whom he had married at Stowe in January of 1905, died at the same address in February 1975 and was buried in the same grave.
Members of his greater family were present at the dedication service of the grave-marker placed on the grave of Samuel Parkes, VC, in Brompton Cemetery, London, in May 1999 (see his record). Enquiry of them regarding John Edden's life after leaving the service, showed that he remained in Tamworth until his death. Various items of memorabilia belonging to him are scattered amongst various members of his greater family, and include his medals, paybook, and various photographs of him when attending veteran's functions.
Marriage registered
Jane Edden [daughter] to William Henry Ashwood, September Quarter 1900, Tamworth.
Death registered
Ebenezer Spicer [son-in-law], aged 44, September Quarter 1900, Birmingham.
1901 Census
44, Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 61, Housekeeper, born Dublin.
Alfred Edden, 19, son, single, Tailor Stock cutter, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 32, widow, dau-in-law [sic], Trouser Hand.
Lily [sic] Edden, 23, single, Jacket Hand.
Maggie Matilda Croshaw, 13, grand-daughter.
[CP, Dec. 2013: I believe Margaret Edden [above aged 32] could be Margaret Spicer [daughter] widowed the year before. Also ME's age ties up with MS's birth year.]
96, Rawling Road, Gateshead.
John Edden [son], 36, Workhouse Clerk, born Tamworth.
Elizabeth Edden, 36, Hospital Nurse, Warrington.
Winnie Edden, 5, Gateshead.
A sister-in-law is also shown.
Death registered
John Edden [son], aged 41, March Quarter 1906, Gateshead.
Marriage registered
Lily Edden [daughter] to Isaac Pearn, December Quarter 1905, Tamworth.
Birth registered
Edwin Ashwood [grandson], December Quarter 1906, Tamworth.
1911 Census
80, Lichfield Street, Tamworth.
Margaret Edden, 72, widow, Housekeeper, born Ireland.
Margaret [illegible], 37, widow, Machinist.
Alfred Edden, 30, son, Collier Loader, Tamworth.
285, Watling Street, Wilnecote.
William Ashwood, 36, Labourer Pottery Works, born Tamworth.
Jane Ashwood [daughter], 34, born Tamworth.
Six children are also shown: William, 9; Alexander George, 8; Doris Irene, 6; Edwin, 4; Arthur, 2; Stanley, 5 days.
A seventh child, Winifred M Ashwood, was born in 1913 but died in 1918, aged 5 years.
7, Dewis Row, Bedworth.
Isaac Pearn, 33, Coal Miner, born Rugeley.
Lily Pearn [daughter], 33, Tamworth.
Deaths registered
Margaret Edden [wife], aged 72 years, June Quarter 1912, Tamworth.
Jane Ashwood [daughter], 51, June Quarter 1926, Tamworth.
Charles H. Edden [son], 60, March Quarter 1939, Tamworth.
Marriages registered
Charles H Edden [son] to Charlotte M Tulley, September Quarter 1916, Islington.
Edwin Ashwood [grandson] to Edith M. Betteridge, September Quarter 1929, Tamworth.
Numerous additional marriage, birth and death registrations, and Census information for 1841, 1851, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911, kindly provided by Chris Poole.
PB: In 2013, the editors were contacted by Roy Ashwood, of Tamworth, who is John Edden's great-grandson. Roy has since (2014) published an interesting biography of Edden and his descendants: "Old Balaclava", Trooper John Edden 4th Queen's Own Light Dragoons. This work, which is illustrated with colour and black and white images, A4, approx 64pp, is available from the author, who can be contacted via this website. Roy has kindly provided the EJBA with additional information, and a number of images, for which we are very grateful.
PB: May 2018: Roy has emailed to say he is hard at work on an updated edition with new information. He is particularly interested in a mezzotint of Lord Cardigan on horseback based on a painting by Alfred de Prades that was distributed by Lady Cardigan to about 100? veteran Chargers around 1876?
PB, 11.2.2015: Check the above against Wendy Leahy's Shadows of Time page on John Edden — http://shadowsoftime.co.nz/4ths/dragoonde/edden1.html.