My 3rd great grandfather, William Bennett Wood was born in Kent, England in 1813, by the time he was 21 he married Sarah Quelch. Together they had four children, one of which was my 2nd great grandfather, Walter Bennett Wood.  

In 1948, William worked as a warden and lived at the Pentonville Prison cottages.  At this time tragedy struck the family. In April 1848 Sarah died of TB, in that same month their 7 year old son died along with 5 year old Harriet who died of scarlet fever.

Six months later William married Sarah’s sister, Ellen Quelch and in 1850 and ’51 they had 2 sons - George and John. Things either didn’t work out between the two, or Ellen died, but on the 6th November 1853 William married Ann Sweetland.  Which was quickly followed by babies Alfred and Edgar.

On Williams’ death certificate in in 1876, aged 63 his occupation is listed as a “labourer” and his cause of death “serious apoplexy”.  

William’s son and my 2nd great grandfather, Walter arrived in Melbourne, Australia in 1868 when he was 30 years old. Walter told people he was related to the famous conductor of the Proms, Sir Henry Joseph Wood – the link I’ve never been able to find.  

I feel for my 2nd great grandfather, Walter who was witness to all this death in his family and came through with two healthy children, who grew up to be respected members of the community.