Ada m. trotter
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1849 - 1938
Ada Mary Trotter was born in the Forest of Dean, the daughter of a local colliery owner and businessman. After her father's death she emigrated to Canada, later moving to America where she would live for the rest of her life. She regularly crossed the Atlantic to visit Britain and mainland-Europe well into her later life. A regular contributor to the Girls Own Paper she also wrote for several other magazines and was widely syndicated in US newspapers. Her work varied from reportage to homely tales and advice for young women. She published two novels both set in the Forest of Dean, full of fascinating local detail. |
eARLY lIFE & FAMILY
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Ada was born in September 1849 the fourth of what would be nine children. Her mother, Benedicta (nee Lewis, 1819-1890) had been born into a non-conformist family in the Ross-On-Wye area. Ada's father, Theophilus Jones Trotter (1817-1870) was born at Wynols (Winnalls)Hill in Coleford. His father John, (1793-1822), had also been born in the Forest of Dean and he was known to have hosted Baptist prayer meetings at his home in Coleford. Theophilus' grandfather, John (1756-1831), was born in Northumberland though the family may have had roots as far back as the c16th in the Forest of Dean parish of Newland. Theophilus' grandmother (John's wife) Elizabeth Weare, had been baptised at Newnham-on-Severn in 1763.
By the time of Ada's birth Theophilus was a man of some influence in the Forest having interests in several collieries and iron mines. He was a partner in the company Trotter Thomas & Co. that also had interests in quarries and part-ownership of several small ships sailing out of Lydney (shipping coal). In 1850 he was part of a group of influential businessmen in the Forest that met to consider and promote the planned Great Exhibition (The Monmouthshire Beacon, 15th June 1850, p4a) to be held in London; two years later he was at a meeting discussing potential improvements to railways in the Forest (The Monmouthshire Beacon, 27th November 1852, p7b); and at a meeting in 1854 he was nominated overseer to the Board of Guardians for Lydney (The Monmouthshire Beacon, 22nd April 1854, p6e). As was common for a man wishing to make his way, Theophilus had joined the local Freemason's lodge in his early twenties (Loyal Monmouth Lodge, register book No.671, 1838-49, p60). In the 1851 census the family are recorded as living in the Lydney area, and at the time of the following one in 1861 specifically at Aylburton, near Lydney. At that time Aylburton was a lively village with a busy high street, several pubs, tradespeople and businesses such as solicitors. The residents were typically employed in neighbouring tin-plate works, iron working, coal mining, farming, and salmon fishing on the near-by River Severn. Aylburton School did not open until 1870, though there was a Sunday school at Aylburton Chapel from 1847 and Ada may have attended it. Ada and her siblings would also have had many social opportunities through the chapel. Due to the family's relative comfort and social standing as children they may have been educated by a private tutor or governess. Ada and her sister Katherine's involvement in the Women's Suffrage movement in later life suggest they may have attended Cheltenham Ladies College under its Principal - and suffragist - Dorothea Beale. Ada grew up surrounded by literature, music, and art. Her father was one of the subscribers to Cinderford poet Catherine Drew's A Collection of Poems on the Forest of Dean and its Neighbourhood, published in 1841. In 1852 he donated sixty books to Swindon Library and Literary Institute (Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette, March 11th 1852, p3b) being a friend to one of the committee there. He also supported contemporary arts through his subscription to The London Art Union, with success in its annual lottery of 1853 securing him a bronze statuette entitled 'A Boy at a Stream' (Gloucester Journal, 30th April 1853, p9c). Ada's father was also an active member of the Aylburton Cricket Club, referred to as a 'veteran with the bat' in 1864 (Hereford Times September 24th, p8e), and he was secretary of the Coleford Teetotal Society (The Hereford Times, May 21st 1842, p295e). Growing up as part of a large immediate and extended family, and with parents active in the local community, Ada would have had a busy and lively childhood and adolescence. In May 1867 Ada was bridesmaid at the wedding of J. T. Thomas's daughter to Mr T. Sully, held at the Baptist Chapel in Coleford (Gloucestershire Chronicle, May 11th 1867, p5b) - the Thomas and Sully families were partners in the family firm. In 1855 Ada's brother Fredrick died aged just two years old, and on Christmas Day 1862 the family suffered another tragedy when Ada's older sister Annie died. She was 20 years old.
In 1870 Ada's father Theophilus died at the age of just 52. |
BOOKSHeaven's Gate; A Story of the Forest of Dean (1886) [published in the UK, circa 1888, as Heaven's Gate or The Miner's Hero']
Bledisloe, or Aunt Pen's American Nieces: An International Story (1887) Journalism & sHORT STORIESExamples of her work: Complexion (1888) in 'The Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper'. Aunt Tabitha's Mission (1888) in 'The Abbeville press and Banner', 25th April 1888, p6ab. The Witch House: a story of the Olden Times (1888) in 'The Buffalo Weekly Express', 26th April 1888, p3. Hans Alder; Or The Giant of the Alp (1889) in 'Harper's Young People' (1890). The Proto-Helvetes, or Lake-Dwellers of Switzerland (1890) in 'The Popular Science News and Boston Journal of Chemistry'. The Yacht Race: and the Strange Revelations that Brought it About. 'The Times-Philidelphia', 24th August 1890, p15c-e The Captain's Daughter: A Story of the Mutiny in India (1891) in 'The Times - Philidelphia' March 15th 1891. Part one of two. An Hour in the Botanical Gardens of Padua (1891) in 'The Popular Science News', October 1891. After Twenty Years (1891) in 'The Argosy'. The Explosion at Rome (1891) in 'Chamber's Journal'. Our Great-Grandmother's Wedding Dress (1891) in 'The Argosy', December 1891 The Event at Milford (1892) in 'The Argosy', Jan. 1892 A Few Hours in a Blizzard in 'The Argosy', Jan. 1892 The Masquerade Ball (1892) in 'The Argosy', Vol.LIII Jan-June 1892 A Pansy Legend (1892) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. The Idyl of a Sea Moss (1892) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. My Lady Marjorie (1893) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. At the Seigneure: A Canadian Story (1894) in 'The Argosy'. Brownie (1894) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Into the Light (1894) in 'Girl's Own Paper', August 1894 Marsh Marigolds (1894) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Patty's Emancipation (1894) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. [unknown title] (1895) in 'The Golden Rule'. A Story of 1857 (1895) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Fightin' Judy, or The Answer to a Prayer (1896) The Girls' Crusade (1898) in 'St Nicholas, An Illustrated Magazine For Young Folks'. There is Plenty of Room on the Top: A True Story (1899) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Moon Lilies (1900) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Hester's Upbringing (1903) in 'The Parent's Review'. Phillis (1905) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. Als Ike Kan (1906) in 'Girl's Own Paper'. The Scoula Di Beneficenza At Taormina, Sicily (1909) in 'The Queen, the Lady's Newspaper |
EMIGRATING TO CANADA
The loss of her father may have prompted her and her mother and sisters' decision to leave the Forest of Dean for a new life in Canada - following in the footsteps of Ada's brothers. Another reason for their departure, suggested by Penny Fox (Akron Women's History, online, posted 16th August 2013), may have been to help care for the two daughters of their late cousin Jane (who had also died in 1870). Jane had been married to the geologist Edward Claypole (1835-1901) originally from Ross-on-Wye. After Jane died Claypole resigned his position at Stokescroft College (the Baptist College) in Bristol in 1872 and moved to America, where in 1873 he was appointed professor at Antioch College, Ohio (Comstock, T.B., 1901, Memoir of Edward Waller Claypole). His son Arthur died aged 7 in Gloucestershire in 1874 suggesting that his children had remained in England (perhaps initially cared for by Edward's sister Elizabeth with whom Edward and the children were living in Bristol in 1871). In 1879 he remarried in Montreal to Ada's older sister Katherine (Gloucestershire Chronicle, July 19th 1879, p4a).
Ada is recorded arriving aboard the ship The Saint Lawrence at Quebec, Canada on 1st August 1874. She was with her mother, older sister Kate (Katherine Benedicta, aged 28) and younger sister Benedicta (aged 16). With regular transatlantic steamship services to Canada having begun in 1861 Ada's crossing on the S.S. St Lawrence would have only taken about a week: before then, by sail, the journey took about six weeks.
Some of the Trotter family were already well established in Montreal, Ada's brother Wallace having arrived in 1871 (immigration date cited in 1925 passenger arrivals 2nd May, Quebec). In the Canadian census of 1871 Wallace is recorded living in Montreal with his brother Henry ('Harry') and Henry's wife Emma. Ada's brother John was also in Montreal, possibly having emigrated in 1869 (1921 census Canada). Wallace went on to some considerable success in business, listed in the Montreal directory of 1878 as both manufacturer and supplier of rubber goods, and later setting up his own manufacturing company.
Ada is recorded arriving aboard the ship The Saint Lawrence at Quebec, Canada on 1st August 1874. She was with her mother, older sister Kate (Katherine Benedicta, aged 28) and younger sister Benedicta (aged 16). With regular transatlantic steamship services to Canada having begun in 1861 Ada's crossing on the S.S. St Lawrence would have only taken about a week: before then, by sail, the journey took about six weeks.
Some of the Trotter family were already well established in Montreal, Ada's brother Wallace having arrived in 1871 (immigration date cited in 1925 passenger arrivals 2nd May, Quebec). In the Canadian census of 1871 Wallace is recorded living in Montreal with his brother Henry ('Harry') and Henry's wife Emma. Ada's brother John was also in Montreal, possibly having emigrated in 1869 (1921 census Canada). Wallace went on to some considerable success in business, listed in the Montreal directory of 1878 as both manufacturer and supplier of rubber goods, and later setting up his own manufacturing company.
Life in montreal
Ada quickly found a place for herself in the city, in particular establishing connections with influential philanthropic women who also had interests in women's education and securing the vote for women. This would be just the beginning of a network of connections Ada established with other similar such women in North America and beyond.
Mrs Lovell's Academy
According to a reference in the Dominion Annual Register and Review of 1886 (published 1887) to Ada's first novel, she had, whilst living in Montreal, attended "Mrs Lovell's Academy". Sarah Lovell (nee Kurczyn) (1829-1917) was the wife of printer and publisher John Lovell (1810-1893). In 1877 Sarah founded a school for young ladies of 15-20 years of age (Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol.XII, Lovell, John. Online). With her husband's position as a publisher giving the couple a level of status and influence in the city they mixed with some of the leading Canadian thinkers and writers of the day, some of whom spoke at the school. Ada appears to have been involved with the school from the beginning, with a report on the end of its first academic year noting that she taught logic there (The Star (Montreal), 18th June 1878, p1e). At the end of the 1881-82 year she is mentioned as teacher of instrumental music (The Gazette (Montreal), 16th June 1882, p3e). Ada was an accomplished pianist - in fact 'a superb player' (The Summit County Beacon, 26th October 1892, p11c) - and advertised herself as offering piano lessons in Montreal from 1879-1880.
According to a reference in the Dominion Annual Register and Review of 1886 (published 1887) to Ada's first novel, she had, whilst living in Montreal, attended "Mrs Lovell's Academy". Sarah Lovell (nee Kurczyn) (1829-1917) was the wife of printer and publisher John Lovell (1810-1893). In 1877 Sarah founded a school for young ladies of 15-20 years of age (Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol.XII, Lovell, John. Online). With her husband's position as a publisher giving the couple a level of status and influence in the city they mixed with some of the leading Canadian thinkers and writers of the day, some of whom spoke at the school. Ada appears to have been involved with the school from the beginning, with a report on the end of its first academic year noting that she taught logic there (The Star (Montreal), 18th June 1878, p1e). At the end of the 1881-82 year she is mentioned as teacher of instrumental music (The Gazette (Montreal), 16th June 1882, p3e). Ada was an accomplished pianist - in fact 'a superb player' (The Summit County Beacon, 26th October 1892, p11c) - and advertised herself as offering piano lessons in Montreal from 1879-1880.
Louisa Goddard Molson
Ada dedicated her first novel, Heaven's Gate (1886) to 'Mrs. J. H. R. Molson'. Louisa Goddard Molson (nee Forthingham) was the daughter of Montreal's largest hardware wholesaler, and her husband John was partner in the Molson Brewery. Louisa was an active supporter - in terms of both time and money - of several charities in the city, including the Montreal Protestant Orphan Asylum, Industrial Rooms, and Montreal Maternity Hospital. She too (similar to Sarah Lovell, above) was involved with female education as president of Montreal Ladies' Educational Association (Dictionary of Canadian Biography, online). The Association provided high quality lectures for women and lead eventually to the admittance of women into the city's McGill University. Louisa's parents had helped to found the Unitarian Messiah church in the city, the church that would be attended by Ada's brothers. 'Unitarian' would also later be recorded in various census and travel records as Ada's own religious conviction.
The circles Ada moved in during her time in Montreal fit very much with her later writing and activities supporting female education, and her and her sister Katherine's involvement in the North American women's suffrage movement.
Ada dedicated her first novel, Heaven's Gate (1886) to 'Mrs. J. H. R. Molson'. Louisa Goddard Molson (nee Forthingham) was the daughter of Montreal's largest hardware wholesaler, and her husband John was partner in the Molson Brewery. Louisa was an active supporter - in terms of both time and money - of several charities in the city, including the Montreal Protestant Orphan Asylum, Industrial Rooms, and Montreal Maternity Hospital. She too (similar to Sarah Lovell, above) was involved with female education as president of Montreal Ladies' Educational Association (Dictionary of Canadian Biography, online). The Association provided high quality lectures for women and lead eventually to the admittance of women into the city's McGill University. Louisa's parents had helped to found the Unitarian Messiah church in the city, the church that would be attended by Ada's brothers. 'Unitarian' would also later be recorded in various census and travel records as Ada's own religious conviction.
The circles Ada moved in during her time in Montreal fit very much with her later writing and activities supporting female education, and her and her sister Katherine's involvement in the North American women's suffrage movement.
Moving to the USA
It is not known exactly when Ada moved to the USA. One record (1930 census USA) states her immigration year as 1878, whilst others variously state 1898 (1910 census USA) and 1899 (1900 census USA) - these dates most likely recording her various entries into the USA from Canada and travels in Europe. She was certainly established in the USA by the mid-1880s. In 1885 she gave a talk to The Summit County Horticultural Society in the town of Akron, Ohio, USA - the home of her sister Katherine and husband Edward Claypole (The Summit County Beacon, August 5th 1885). In the talks Ada described her winter home of Summerville, South Carolina, USA. This small town (population circa 2,000 in 1890) is still known as 'The Flower Town in the Pines' and its cooler climate made it a popular summer retreat for the 19th century residents of near-by Charleston. The surrounding landscape was most likely the inspiration for her only known poem, 'The Pinelands'. Just a year after her talk Ada was in Summerville when it was hit by an earthquake that lead to a fire that destroyed many of the town's buildings. Her first-hand account of the earthquake recorded in her diary (held today in the collection of University California, Berkley) went on to be used by scientists studying the earthquake.
Akron was another important location for her for several years during this period whilst she travelled within and beyond the USA. She was at the Women's Suffrage Convention there, with her sister (secretary of the local branch) , in 1892 (The Summit County Beacon, October 26th 1892) and at 'the great meeting of The Women's Council' the following year (The Akron Beacon and Journal, November 3rd 1893). In 1897 she was giving a talk in Akron about her recent travels in Italy ('The Akron Beacon and Journal', April 27th 1897).
Moving to California
By 1899, if not earlier, Ada had moved to California the place that, apart from her continued travels, would remain her home for the rest of her life.
Akron was another important location for her for several years during this period whilst she travelled within and beyond the USA. She was at the Women's Suffrage Convention there, with her sister (secretary of the local branch) , in 1892 (The Summit County Beacon, October 26th 1892) and at 'the great meeting of The Women's Council' the following year (The Akron Beacon and Journal, November 3rd 1893). In 1897 she was giving a talk in Akron about her recent travels in Italy ('The Akron Beacon and Journal', April 27th 1897).
Moving to California
By 1899, if not earlier, Ada had moved to California the place that, apart from her continued travels, would remain her home for the rest of her life.
becoming an author
Research is yet to reveal any published writing by Trotter before that of her first novel, Heaven's Gate published in 1886 by D. Lothrop & Co. in Boston, USA. This was followed by the second or her only two novels, Bledisloe, or Aunt Pen's American Nieces in 1887 also published in Boston, by Cupples and Hurd. Both novels are set in the Forest of Dean, with Heaven's Gate drawing very much on events concerning her extended family whilst she was growing up. It is possible she may have had work published anonymously - common for unknown writers at the time - before then in newspapers or journals in the UK, or later in Canada or the USA , though nothing has yet been found. Heaven's Gate itself was published under the pseudonym of 'Lawrence Severn', a conjunction of the St Lawrence River running through her adopted home of Montreal, Canada and the River Severn next to her childhood home of Aylburton in the Forest of Dean. After her two novels Trotter became a prolific contributor to journals, magazines, and newspapers. Syndication would see her work appearing in newspapers across Canada and the USA, and in children's periodicals and annuals distributed across the English-speaking world. As early as 1888 she was already being referred to as one of American newspaper The Yankee Blade's 'noted writers' in an advertisement for it ('Weekly Graphic', November 30th 1888, p2g).
Her work varied widely in subject matter and in the readership it was aimed at, though the majority of her later work would be squarely aimed at girls and young women. In 1888 alone her writing included a short story about the virtues of fresh air, 'Aunt Tabitha's Mission' ('The Abbeville Press & Banner', April 25th 1888, p6ab); a poem (the only verse so far discovered), 'The Pinelands' ('North Carolinian', October 3rd 1888, p1g); a story set in 1694 called 'The Witch House' ('The Morning Oregonian', April 24th 1888, p6); and a piece on the lessons to be learned for North American women from their 'British sisters' regarding skin complexion ('Ladies Home Journal & Housekeeper, vol5, no11', October 1888, p9).
She became a regular contributor to periodicals such as 'The Argosy', the 'Girls Own Paper, and 'Saint Nicholas' aimed at girls and young women. Many of these stories focused on female protagonists seeking opportunities for independent agency - whilst not unduly challenging the patriarchal order of the day. These periodicals offer a fascinating insight into the emerging role model of the educated, informed, christian (mainly middle-class) woman of the time active in contributing to wider civic life as well as that of the home.
Trotter travelled throughout her life both to continental Europe and within the USA, and she drew on theser travels for some of her journalism. In 1891 she reported on the fatal explosion of the gunpowder store in Rome ('Chambers Journal, no.389, vol viii', June 13th 1891, p369-70); for Popular Science News in 1890 she wrote on the botanical gardens of Padua, Italy; and in 1909 she wrote about the work of English woman Miss Mabel Hill to revive the art of lace making in the town of Taormina, Sicily ('The Queen, the Lady's Newspaper', June 5th 1909, p973).
Her work varied widely in subject matter and in the readership it was aimed at, though the majority of her later work would be squarely aimed at girls and young women. In 1888 alone her writing included a short story about the virtues of fresh air, 'Aunt Tabitha's Mission' ('The Abbeville Press & Banner', April 25th 1888, p6ab); a poem (the only verse so far discovered), 'The Pinelands' ('North Carolinian', October 3rd 1888, p1g); a story set in 1694 called 'The Witch House' ('The Morning Oregonian', April 24th 1888, p6); and a piece on the lessons to be learned for North American women from their 'British sisters' regarding skin complexion ('Ladies Home Journal & Housekeeper, vol5, no11', October 1888, p9).
She became a regular contributor to periodicals such as 'The Argosy', the 'Girls Own Paper, and 'Saint Nicholas' aimed at girls and young women. Many of these stories focused on female protagonists seeking opportunities for independent agency - whilst not unduly challenging the patriarchal order of the day. These periodicals offer a fascinating insight into the emerging role model of the educated, informed, christian (mainly middle-class) woman of the time active in contributing to wider civic life as well as that of the home.
Trotter travelled throughout her life both to continental Europe and within the USA, and she drew on theser travels for some of her journalism. In 1891 she reported on the fatal explosion of the gunpowder store in Rome ('Chambers Journal, no.389, vol viii', June 13th 1891, p369-70); for Popular Science News in 1890 she wrote on the botanical gardens of Padua, Italy; and in 1909 she wrote about the work of English woman Miss Mabel Hill to revive the art of lace making in the town of Taormina, Sicily ('The Queen, the Lady's Newspaper', June 5th 1909, p973).
heaven's gate: a story of the forest of dean (1886)
Trotter's first novel follows young woman Marta De Clifford and her extended family, in 'the village of K— in the vale of Severn' in the Forest of Dean. Though not completely autobiographical it does draw heavily on events, characters and locations in Ada's own early life, often only thinly disguised. The family are colliery owners, and just as in her own family they are partners in a family firm. Some of the difficulties experienced by the business are strikingly similar to those that touched the real Trotter Thomas partnership.
The family home is by a village near the River Severn and next to a local manor with Roman remains in its grounds. The house of the title 'Heaven's Gate' is a real house near the Lydney Park Estate, with its Roman remains. The house, that still stands to this day, was built in 1815 and originally known as 'Rockwood'. It closely resemble's Trotter's description of the house in the book and if it wasn't Ada's own actual home growing up she clearly knew it well.
Trotter explains that the story is set in the past, in an 'England before railways', a time before 'emigration had carried its thousands away to a free life in the New World', and before schools had been established for the education of the poor. She also goes into some detail about the religious context of that time and the tensions between the established Church of England and dissenters, in particular the Baptists. Though not the main concern of the book, religious differences provides some of the colour and narrative thrust to the book. At the beginning of the story young William is shown to be wasting his time and talents, distracted by drinking at the local inn. It is a newly arrived Church of England vicar in the 'muscular Christianity' mould, who befriends and becomes a mentor to William, helping to turn his life around. We're still working on this page, come back soon to find out more....
The family home is by a village near the River Severn and next to a local manor with Roman remains in its grounds. The house of the title 'Heaven's Gate' is a real house near the Lydney Park Estate, with its Roman remains. The house, that still stands to this day, was built in 1815 and originally known as 'Rockwood'. It closely resemble's Trotter's description of the house in the book and if it wasn't Ada's own actual home growing up she clearly knew it well.
Trotter explains that the story is set in the past, in an 'England before railways', a time before 'emigration had carried its thousands away to a free life in the New World', and before schools had been established for the education of the poor. She also goes into some detail about the religious context of that time and the tensions between the established Church of England and dissenters, in particular the Baptists. Though not the main concern of the book, religious differences provides some of the colour and narrative thrust to the book. At the beginning of the story young William is shown to be wasting his time and talents, distracted by drinking at the local inn. It is a newly arrived Church of England vicar in the 'muscular Christianity' mould, who befriends and becomes a mentor to William, helping to turn his life around. We're still working on this page, come back soon to find out more....
Later life and death
We're still working on this page, come back soon to find out more....
brothers and sisters
The lives and careers of Ada's siblings offer a fascinating insight into the possibilities available - for some - of life in the British Empire at the time. The advent of reliable steam shipping routes allowed for frequent visits back to the 'old country' for her family, as well as opportunities further afield.
Annie (1843-1862)
Little is known about Ada's older sister, apart from that she died on Christmas day at Kingston House, Aylburton (Gloucester Journal, 3rd January 1863, p5b)
Little is known about Ada's older sister, apart from that she died on Christmas day at Kingston House, Aylburton (Gloucester Journal, 3rd January 1863, p5b)
Katherine 'Kate' Benedicta (1846-1901)
'Kate' achieved a first class pass in the University of London General Examination in May 1874 (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 30th May 1874, p4f). Female students at the time were not allowed to receive a degree so instead, on passing this rigorous exam, were awarded a certificate of proficiency. Kate may have been a pupil at Cheltenham Ladies College, many of whose students are known to have been entered for the exam at the time. The Principal of the school was suffragist, author and educational reformer Dorothea Beale (1831-1906) whose beliefs were mirrored by Kate in later life. After emigrating to Canada at the same time as Ada, sister Benedicta and their mother, in 1879 in Montreal she married the respected and recently widowed English geologist Edward Waller Claypole who at that time was teaching at Antioch College, Ohio, USA (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 19th July 1879, p4a). Penny Fox provides an excellent outline of Kate's life on the Akron Women's History blog (online, accessed August 4th 2021): In 1883 Kate, Edward and the children (from Edward's first marriage) moved to Akron, Ohio where Edward served as chair of natural sciences at Buchtel College. Kate had become involved in the Women's Suffrage Association and was appointed 4th vice president of its Ohio branch. As a result of her work the Akron's Women's Council was formed in 1893 and Kate was made its first president, serving until 1897. In 1898 she and Edward moved to California , according to Fox due to her ill health. Both died within weeks of each other in August 1901.
'Kate' achieved a first class pass in the University of London General Examination in May 1874 (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 30th May 1874, p4f). Female students at the time were not allowed to receive a degree so instead, on passing this rigorous exam, were awarded a certificate of proficiency. Kate may have been a pupil at Cheltenham Ladies College, many of whose students are known to have been entered for the exam at the time. The Principal of the school was suffragist, author and educational reformer Dorothea Beale (1831-1906) whose beliefs were mirrored by Kate in later life. After emigrating to Canada at the same time as Ada, sister Benedicta and their mother, in 1879 in Montreal she married the respected and recently widowed English geologist Edward Waller Claypole who at that time was teaching at Antioch College, Ohio, USA (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 19th July 1879, p4a). Penny Fox provides an excellent outline of Kate's life on the Akron Women's History blog (online, accessed August 4th 2021): In 1883 Kate, Edward and the children (from Edward's first marriage) moved to Akron, Ohio where Edward served as chair of natural sciences at Buchtel College. Kate had become involved in the Women's Suffrage Association and was appointed 4th vice president of its Ohio branch. As a result of her work the Akron's Women's Council was formed in 1893 and Kate was made its first president, serving until 1897. In 1898 she and Edward moved to California , according to Fox due to her ill health. Both died within weeks of each other in August 1901.
© Musée McCord Museum
Henry Theophilus (1847-1924)
A newspaper report of 1868 records Henry appearing as a witness at the inquest into a fatal accident (in which his father was also involved). Taking to the stand Henry states that he is "a merchant, carrying on business at Lydney" ('The Advertiser', 19th September 1868, p8f). Known also as 'Harry' , in 1871 he is recorded as living in Montreal with his wife Emma (nee Hewlett, 1852-1932, born in the Forest of Dean) and brother Wallace, and the Canadian photograph here is dated 1876. Sometime after this he moved to the British colony of South Africa. In 1882 he was partner in the firm of Messrs. Hannam, Archibald and Co. when he was charged with forgery (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 15th April 1882, p2a). The court proceedings were described in some detail in Cinderford's Dean Forest Mercury newspaper (5th May 1882). The Cheltenham Mercury (15th April 1882, p4d) reported that after the forgery had been discovered he purchased chloroform and used it on himself in a suicide attempt. He was discovered by none other that his senior partner in the firm Mr. Hannman who immediately went for a doctor. Henry later confessed to the forgery admitting that it was one of several committed by him in his time at the firm. We've yet to discover what sentence he received for his crimes, however we believe he had two further children born in 1888 and 1890 (both daughters), and he continued to live in South Africa until his death - presumably a free man.
A newspaper report of 1868 records Henry appearing as a witness at the inquest into a fatal accident (in which his father was also involved). Taking to the stand Henry states that he is "a merchant, carrying on business at Lydney" ('The Advertiser', 19th September 1868, p8f). Known also as 'Harry' , in 1871 he is recorded as living in Montreal with his wife Emma (nee Hewlett, 1852-1932, born in the Forest of Dean) and brother Wallace, and the Canadian photograph here is dated 1876. Sometime after this he moved to the British colony of South Africa. In 1882 he was partner in the firm of Messrs. Hannam, Archibald and Co. when he was charged with forgery (Gloucestershire Chronicle, 15th April 1882, p2a). The court proceedings were described in some detail in Cinderford's Dean Forest Mercury newspaper (5th May 1882). The Cheltenham Mercury (15th April 1882, p4d) reported that after the forgery had been discovered he purchased chloroform and used it on himself in a suicide attempt. He was discovered by none other that his senior partner in the firm Mr. Hannman who immediately went for a doctor. Henry later confessed to the forgery admitting that it was one of several committed by him in his time at the firm. We've yet to discover what sentence he received for his crimes, however we believe he had two further children born in 1888 and 1890 (both daughters), and he continued to live in South Africa until his death - presumably a free man.
Wallace Cuthbert (1851-1928)
Later travel records indicate the date of Wallace's immigration into Canada as 1871. The Canadian census that same year shows Wallace living in the St Louis ward of Montreal with his brother Henry and Henry's wife Emma. By 1878 Wallace is recorded as manufacturer and supplier of rubber goods with the company Trotter & Bulmer Rubber Goods, in partnership wIth Edward Bulmer (Lovell's Montreal Directory, 1878-9). In that same year (1879) he married English immigrant Kate Morse Moss Evans (1855-1909) in Montreal (The Citizen, 9th April 1879, p3e). By 1884 Wallace had set up his own firm of W. C. Trotter & Bros along with his brothers John and Lewis (Lovell's Directory for Montreal, 1884-5). The company provided warehousing and forwarding. In 1891 it was transferred to Lionel J. Trotter (Montreal Illustrated, 1894, p241). According to Montreal's McGill University Archives, in that same year, 1884 Wallace founded the Standard Drain Pipe Company, acting as its president and general manager. The company had a manufacturing plant in the St Jean district of the city. Between 1879 and 1900 he also served with the city's Garrison Artillery, commanding a battery as captain during the Riel Rebellion in 1885. Although Wallace remained living in Montreal until his death, passenger records record him returning from England in 1910 (recorded as 'Major' Wallace C. Trotter), 1921, and in 1925 with his son Cuthbert.
Fredrick John (1853-1855)
Fredrick died aged 2 years 11 months on 30th December at Warren House, Aylburton (Gloucester Journal, 5th January 1856, p3b).
Later travel records indicate the date of Wallace's immigration into Canada as 1871. The Canadian census that same year shows Wallace living in the St Louis ward of Montreal with his brother Henry and Henry's wife Emma. By 1878 Wallace is recorded as manufacturer and supplier of rubber goods with the company Trotter & Bulmer Rubber Goods, in partnership wIth Edward Bulmer (Lovell's Montreal Directory, 1878-9). In that same year (1879) he married English immigrant Kate Morse Moss Evans (1855-1909) in Montreal (The Citizen, 9th April 1879, p3e). By 1884 Wallace had set up his own firm of W. C. Trotter & Bros along with his brothers John and Lewis (Lovell's Directory for Montreal, 1884-5). The company provided warehousing and forwarding. In 1891 it was transferred to Lionel J. Trotter (Montreal Illustrated, 1894, p241). According to Montreal's McGill University Archives, in that same year, 1884 Wallace founded the Standard Drain Pipe Company, acting as its president and general manager. The company had a manufacturing plant in the St Jean district of the city. Between 1879 and 1900 he also served with the city's Garrison Artillery, commanding a battery as captain during the Riel Rebellion in 1885. Although Wallace remained living in Montreal until his death, passenger records record him returning from England in 1910 (recorded as 'Major' Wallace C. Trotter), 1921, and in 1925 with his son Cuthbert.
Fredrick John (1853-1855)
Fredrick died aged 2 years 11 months on 30th December at Warren House, Aylburton (Gloucester Journal, 5th January 1856, p3b).
Obituary, Montreal Star, 11th October 1926. Thanks to Alison Mitchell-Reid.
John (1856-1926)
According to the 1921 Canadian census John records 1869 as the date of his immigration to Canada (making him approximately 13 years old at that time). In 1881 he is recorded as living in Montreal with his mother Benedicta and a 'Mary Trotter'. This may have been his wife (Mary Catherine nee Harrison), though they may not have actually married until 1883 (Centre d'archives de Montréal, CE601, S81). Mary, born in Liverpool, had emigrated with her family to Canada as a baby. In 1884 John is listed, alongside his younger brother Lewis and older brother Wallace under 'W. C. Trotter & Bros' in the Lovell's Montreal Directory. In the same directory for 1888-9 - after Wallace set up his drain pipe manufacturing firm - he is listed with Lewis under simply 'Trotter Brothers, warehousemen, forwarders and custom house agents' with their offices at 32 St Nicholas St. In the census of 1911 and in 1921 John is still recorded as a sales agent, and earlier as a member of the Society of Manufacturers. Like his sister Ada, John became a Unitarian, and was a worshiper at Montreal's imposing Unitarian Messiah church.
According to the 1921 Canadian census John records 1869 as the date of his immigration to Canada (making him approximately 13 years old at that time). In 1881 he is recorded as living in Montreal with his mother Benedicta and a 'Mary Trotter'. This may have been his wife (Mary Catherine nee Harrison), though they may not have actually married until 1883 (Centre d'archives de Montréal, CE601, S81). Mary, born in Liverpool, had emigrated with her family to Canada as a baby. In 1884 John is listed, alongside his younger brother Lewis and older brother Wallace under 'W. C. Trotter & Bros' in the Lovell's Montreal Directory. In the same directory for 1888-9 - after Wallace set up his drain pipe manufacturing firm - he is listed with Lewis under simply 'Trotter Brothers, warehousemen, forwarders and custom house agents' with their offices at 32 St Nicholas St. In the census of 1911 and in 1921 John is still recorded as a sales agent, and earlier as a member of the Society of Manufacturers. Like his sister Ada, John became a Unitarian, and was a worshiper at Montreal's imposing Unitarian Messiah church.
Theophilus (1857-1910)
He was a master mariner with the rank of captain when he married Charlotte Louisa ('Lottie') Jones in Brixton, London in 1883. The couple settled in the area though Theophilus spent a great deal if time at sea, in particular on routes to Australia and New Zealand. He was taken ill on board the Indralem after setting out from Melbourne. By the time he arrived in London he was gravely ill and died just a few days later, reportedly from a heart ailment (Kalgoorlie Miner, 28th September 1910, p5e)
Benedicta (1858-1914)
Benedicta is recorded in the 1871 census as a pupil at Dome House School - a small, private girl's school - in Bognor Regis. Although it is not clear why she was at a school in Sussex, there are several Trotter families recorded living in the area at the time, so it is possible she was there because she had relatives in the area. In 1874 she emigrated to Canada with her mother and sisters, and in 1883 she married Scottish immigrant James Robertson. They had nine children and remained living in Montreal for the rest of their lives. Like many in her family, in the 1911 census Benedicta's religion is stated as Unitarian.
Lewis Thackwell (1860-1913)
In Lovell's Directory for Montreal of 1884, Lewis is listed under 'W.C. Trotter & Bro.' with brothers Wallace and John. By 1889 this is simply 'Trotter Brothers' - Wallace by then having set up his own company. In 1886 he married Florence Augusta Strachen (1863-1938) originally from Surrey, herself having emigrated to Canada in 1873. In 1903 Lewis was granted a homestead in Alberta (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta Homestead registers 1872-1930, 21st October 1903) , and by the time of the 1911 Census the couple and their children are living at the town of Medicine Hat, Alberta (nearly 2,000 miles from his former home of Montreal). Lewis's occupation at the time is noted as farmer. He was also a justice of the peace in the province (Edmonton Journal, 21st July 1913, p18c).
He was a master mariner with the rank of captain when he married Charlotte Louisa ('Lottie') Jones in Brixton, London in 1883. The couple settled in the area though Theophilus spent a great deal if time at sea, in particular on routes to Australia and New Zealand. He was taken ill on board the Indralem after setting out from Melbourne. By the time he arrived in London he was gravely ill and died just a few days later, reportedly from a heart ailment (Kalgoorlie Miner, 28th September 1910, p5e)
Benedicta (1858-1914)
Benedicta is recorded in the 1871 census as a pupil at Dome House School - a small, private girl's school - in Bognor Regis. Although it is not clear why she was at a school in Sussex, there are several Trotter families recorded living in the area at the time, so it is possible she was there because she had relatives in the area. In 1874 she emigrated to Canada with her mother and sisters, and in 1883 she married Scottish immigrant James Robertson. They had nine children and remained living in Montreal for the rest of their lives. Like many in her family, in the 1911 census Benedicta's religion is stated as Unitarian.
Lewis Thackwell (1860-1913)
In Lovell's Directory for Montreal of 1884, Lewis is listed under 'W.C. Trotter & Bro.' with brothers Wallace and John. By 1889 this is simply 'Trotter Brothers' - Wallace by then having set up his own company. In 1886 he married Florence Augusta Strachen (1863-1938) originally from Surrey, herself having emigrated to Canada in 1873. In 1903 Lewis was granted a homestead in Alberta (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta Homestead registers 1872-1930, 21st October 1903) , and by the time of the 1911 Census the couple and their children are living at the town of Medicine Hat, Alberta (nearly 2,000 miles from his former home of Montreal). Lewis's occupation at the time is noted as farmer. He was also a justice of the peace in the province (Edmonton Journal, 21st July 1913, p18c).
Sources
The Girl's Own Paper Index, Stories by Ada M. Trotter [online] Available at: https://www.lutterworth.com/gop/all-authors/ada-m-trotter
The Girl's Own Paper Index, Stories by Ada M. Trotter [online] Available at: https://www.lutterworth.com/gop/all-authors/ada-m-trotter
