The life of Jane Duffin 1834

I found Jane's sampler not far from her life's story. In fact only 30 minutes by car in today's travel times. It was in York, Yorkshire, England.

By the early 1800s, coastal ships were increasing in size and had problems navigating the twisting river Ouse up to Selby. The Knottingley & Goole Canal was opened in 1826. The brand new town of Goole was built at the eastern end where it joined the Ouse. 

Jane Duffin was born in 1825 in Selby, Yorkshire, England. Her Baptism was documented on 17 Feb 1825 in Selby. Her parents were Robert and Elizabeth Duffin. Shortly after her birth the family moved to the new town of Goole. They lived on a Dock Side Barge. Dad was a Seaman, later in years he worked as a master grocer. Her mother was born in 1795 and her father in 1797 (he was a couple of year younger than mom). Jane's sister Elizabeth was 3 years younger, born in 1828.

Jane met Horatio Rowett in Goole and they married on April 6th 1847. She was 22 at the time. It shows her name in registering for marriage in 1847 documents. You can see York, Selby and Goole on the map easily.

Horatio received his Masters Certificate from the British Merchant Service in the foreign coasting trade (a notoriously dangerous job) in January of 1851, after 19 years in apprenticeship. His Service as a British Merchant Seaman lasted from 1835 to 1857. Their bliss was short-lived.....They remained childless, most likely because of his lengthy voyages and Jane was a widow after just 10 years of marriage. She was only 32.

In the 1851 census Jane's father was listed as a Master Grocer and her sister Elizabeth as a grocer's assistant. Mom and dad were 56 and 54 at that time.

In the 1861 Census Jane was living back at home with her parents. Dad still had the grocer store. I often wonder if she wished her husband would have stepped into her fathers footsteps. Her mom passed away in 1869.

In 1871 her father was retired  at age 74 and Jane still lived at home at age 46. her niece Ruth Blackburn, daughter of her sister Elizabeth also resided with them as a "scholar" most likely being taught by her aunt.

Jane found happiness once again with Benjamin Hewitt whom she married in May of 1874. He was about 12 years her senior. It also was his second marriage - his wife passing away after only 2 years of marriage in 1871. I assume they had a common bond, both being widowed. Also his mother was a Blackburn, most likely related to Jane's sister Elizabeth's' husband (as all were from the same area in Yorkshire) It also somewhat explains why little Ruth (Blackburn) remained with them as she was a relation to both. Benjamin was a shipwright and "Overlooker" by profession, (similar to an overseer) and in later years Inspector over carpenters and joiners. I am sure he was making his fortune in Goole with the booming ship trade.

Jane & Benjamin had a few good years together. They lived just north of Goole in Hook and then Leeds. Benjamin passed away in 1893 and was buried in Goole.

Jane passed away December 31st 1918 at age 93. Quite the age for the 1800s. Little Ruth passed away five years later at age 63.

I am so grateful for Jane stitching her beautiful sampler and allowing a glimpse into her illustrious life. 

You can find the sampler Charts here: Jane Duffin