29th August 1904 FMD to Lilly Karslake nee jennings

combe martin, devon to barnstaple, devon

8.3 miles

the message

“Combe Martin Aug 29th 1904

If all is well I shall be in to see you tomorrow.

It is a glorious day today.

Hope you had a nice time on Saturday. Thanks for card.

Love to all

F. M. D.”

the sender

There are no clues to FMD’s identity.

the recipient

Lilly Karslake nee Jennings (1868-1959) was born in Sampford Peverell, Devon. Her parents were William Jennings (1841-1918) and Ellen Vickery (1845-1934). William was a House Painter and Glazier while Ellen was a Shopkeeper.

In the 1871, 1881 and 1891 censuses Lilly was living with her parents in Lower Town, Sampford Peverall. In 1892 she married Edwin Karslake (1860-1942). Edwin was a Carpenter and Builder. In 1901 they were living in Barnstaple, Devon. In the 1911 census they were living at 39 Bear Street in Barnstaple which is the address to which the card was sent in 1904. They were still there in the 1939 Register.

Lilly’s death was recorded at 39 Bear Street in 1959.

the tree

THe places

Combe Martin, Devon to Barnstaple, Devon

Combe Martin, Devon

Barnstaple, Devon showing Bear Street

what the card says to us

The picture shows “Ye Olde Treaty House, Uxbridge in 1605”. This appears to have no connection to the message or the family.

The message is part weather report for Combe Martin and part advanced warning of a visit. The purpose of the visit is not revealed. If we knew who FMD was, we might know more.