a William BURCH (age 50) is living in Friston with daughter Maria (age 25) in the 1851 census, could this be Elizabeth’s brother, and who was a witness?
Also John Birch 76 and wife Alice 80
Spouses
Birth18 Apr 1799, Snape?18
Death1881/1882 Age: 81
Burial26 Jan 1882, Theberton (Age 84)18
Baptism24 Aug 1799, Snape18 Age: <1
OccupationShepherd
Homes
Leiston Commom, Roundhouse Leiston
Information
Marriage William Ralph singleman married Elizabeth BIRCH singlewoman in Friston 7 May 1827, witnesses William BIRCH and Benjamin BROOM.
Much information about the Ralph family has come from Malcolm P. Marjoram Scarff. Mary and her two next sisters were baptised at Theberton together, both these sisters died young. Her mother probably died after the birth of Sophia,when Mary was only about 11 and her father remarried. His new wife Emma already had one child, Betsey (father unknown).
2nd Marriage Willi8am RALPH Widower married Emma GOODING Leiston 16 Sept 1836 Witnesses John Ralph and Matilda Ralph.
In 1841 census spelt RAFE in 1861 census spelt RALPH.
In 1841 census living at Leiston Common. Age given as 40 , this is probably rounded up by as much as 8 years, which is the corresponding age given in 1861 census. Likewise for Emma, whose age is given as 30 in 1841.
In 1841 children were Betsy12, Sally 8, John 5, Eliza 3, and William 3mths. Mary would have been the eldest (15) and may appear as a servant to a draper at Leiston.
1851 census William and Emma (RAFE) are at Upper Abbey, Leiston,(shepherd)now William is 56! Emma 36, John 18, Eliza 12, William 8, George,1.
In 1861 census William and Emma are at the Roundhouse, Leiston, ages 52 and 42, william still a shepherd. They are with son John, age 26, labourer, son George Ralph, age 16; and granddaughter Sarah age 4 , presumably John's daughter.
William Ralph appears in Tithe Apportionment Leiston 1840
Marriage7 May 1827, Friston18