Saturday 31 July 2010

Blackmore: Ovel Family

The War Memorial commemorates three survivors of the First World War with the surname Ovel.

Six generations of the Ovel family have lived in Blackmore. James, born 1827 married Rebecca Wheal of Blackmore, and raised a family, of whom the eldest son was also James, born 1851. With his wife Ruth (nee Pond) they had 12 children. Albert, Ernest and Herbert were brothers. The family lived at Hyde Farm in 1881, The Poplars just after the First World War and The Green (which could have been the same property) in 1933.

Albert was the great grandfather of Donna Ovel, representing the sixth generation who kindly lent the Research Group the family tree and enabled the identification of the names of these survivors. Albert was born in 1897, so was only 21 when the War ended. He married Ethel Mary Root in 1922 but lived at The Poplars, recorded on the Electoral Roll in 1920, with his brother Herbert and parents James and Ruth. Other sisters may have lived there too who did not qualify for a vote.

Ernest and Herbert were Donna’s great great uncles. Their medal cards identify these men with the inscription on the War Memorial.

2 comments:

Colin Walker said...

Good afternoon.

I thought you would like to know that my wife, Valerie, has the Blaackmore Bowling Club's silver plated cup last won in 1914 by H Ovel.

The cup was inherited from her uncle, Reg Maynard. some 30 years ago.

Valerie would like to hear from anyone associated with Ovel family who could throw more light on the subject.

Thanks.

Colin Walker
Tele: 01728 638232
colvinfrank@btinternet.com

Michael Livings said...

I think that the most likely candidate may be Henry Charles Ovel, born 1888 in Blackmore. Parents being James Ovel 1851 and Ruth Pond 1856.
It is just possible that it may alternatively be Henry Ovel 1869. Parents being James Ovel 1827 and Rebecca Wheal 1829.