EDGOOSE:
In search of Ancestry
EDGOOSE, John William
1860 - 1943 (83 years) Has 16 ancestors and 43 descendants in this family tree.
1833 - 1874 (42 years)-
Name EDGOOSE, John William Birth 7 Apr 1860 Skirbeck Quarter, Lincolnshire, England 
Gender Male Burial 1943 Frampton, Lincolnshire, England Death 1 Sep 1943 Frampton, Lincolnshire, England Person ID I592 Edgoose Last Modified 3 Feb 2026
Father WESTMORELAND, John Metcalfe, b. 1841, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 1891, Spalding Registration District, Lincolnshire (Age 50 years) Mother EDGOOSE, Sarah Lawson, b. Between 1832 and 1833, Newport, Shropshire, England d. 27 Mar 1874, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire (Age 42 years) Marriage 15 Dec 1861 Skirbeck, Lincolnshire, England Family ID F419 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family WOODS, Sarah Ann, b. 14 Aug 1861, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 21 Aug 1945, Frampton, Lincolnshire, England (Age 84 years) Marriage 16 May 1883 Boston Register Office, Lincolnshire Children 1. EDGOOSE, James, b. 17 Sep 1883, Kirton, Lincolnshire d. 2 Feb 1937, Gosberton, Lincolnshire, England (Age 53 years)2. EDGOOSE, Sarah Ann, b. 10 Sep 1885, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 14 Jan 1953, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire (Age 67 years)3. EDGOOSE, Alice, b. 23 Nov 1887, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 1971, Boston Registration District, Lincolnshire (Age 83 years)4. EDGOOSE, Frederick, b. 17 May 1891, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 9 Mar 1957, Boston, Lincolnshire, England (Age 65 years)5. EDGOOSE, Elizabeth, b. 8 Jan 1894, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 20 Jan 1962, Peterborough, Northamptonshire, England (Age 68 years)6. EDGOOSE, Harriet Annie, b. 16 May 1896, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. Jan 1984, Boston Registration District, Lincolnshire (Age 87 years)7. EDGOOSE, Harry, b. 24 May 1898, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire d. 4 Apr 1900, Kirton In Holland, Lincolnshire (Age 1 year)8. EDGOOSE, Walter, b. 26 Jun 1901, Kirton, Lincolnshire d. 4 Nov 1957, Boston, Lincolnshire, England (Age 56 years)9. EDGOOSE, Frank Woods, b. 12 Oct 1903, Kirton, Lincolnshire d. 17 Oct 1979, Boston, Lincolnshire, England (Age 76 years)10. EDGOOSE, Hilda, b. 6 Jun 1906, Boston Registration District, Lincolnshire, England d. 8 Jan 1992, Boston Registration District, Lincolnshire, England (Age 85 years)Family ID F421 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 27 Jan 2026
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Biographies 
EDGOOSE, John William (1860-1943)
John William EDGOOSE was born at Rope Walk, Skirbeck Quarter, Boston, Lincolnshire, on 7 April 1860, son of Sarah EDGOOSE of the same address. The name of the father, John Metcalfe WESTMORELAND, did not appear on the birth certificate.
(GRO June Q 1860 Boston 07A 372)
Sarah EDGOOSE (1832 or 1833-1874) was the daughter of Joel and Mary EDGOOSE whose marriage has never been traced.
At the time of the 1861 census he was living at Skirbeck Quarter:
Sarah EDGOOSE, widow, aged 29, born at Newport, Shropshire;
Henry EDGOOSE, son, aged 3, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire;
*John EDGOOSE, son, aged 1, born at Skirbeck Quarter, Lincolnshire;
John WESTMORLANT, lodger, unmarried, aged 20, brickmaker, born at Kirton.
(RG9/2338/71)
In 1871 he was living south of Donington Road, Kirton Bank, Lincolnshire:
John WESTMORELAND, head, married, aged 28, brickmaker, born at Kirton;
Sarah WESTMORELAND, wife, married, aged 37, brickmaker's wife, born at Newport, Staffordshire (sic);
Henry WESTMORELAND, son, aged 13, brickmaker's son, born at Kirton;
*John WESTMORELAND, son, aged 10, born at Skirbeck, Boston, Lincolnshire;
William WESTMORELAND, son, aged 8, labourer's son, born at Skirbeck, Boston;
Frederick WESTMORELAND, son, aged 6, labourer's son, born at Kirton;
Abel WESTMORELAND, son, aged 4, labourer's son, born at Kirton;
James WESTMORELAND, son, aged 2, labourer's son, born at Kirton;
Elizabeth EDGOOSE, niece, aged 7, born at Boston Union;
(RG10/3333/33)
According to his daughter Hilda (1906-1992) he started work on the Great Northern Railway.
He cannot be traced in the 1881 census index for England, Scotland and Wales, unless he was still using the name John WESTMORELAND and was working as an indoor farm servant for William DAFT at The Arn Farm Road, Coningsby, Lincolnshire. He was 21 years old but his place of birth was said to be unknown.
(RG11/3252/127/9)
John William EDGOOSE, a 23 year old bachelor from Kirton, Lincolnshire, married Sarah Ann WOODS, a 21 year old spinster from Kirton and daughter of a groundkeeper John WOODS, at Boston Register Office on 16 May 1883. John EDGOOSE was described as a platelayer. Witnesses were Joseph HUBBARD and Jane WOODS.
(GRO June Q 1883 Boston 7a 684)
His son James EDGOOSE was born on 17 September 1883.
His daughter Sarah EDGOOSE was born on 10 September 1885.
His daughter Alice EDGOOSE was born on 23 November 1887.
The 1891 census returns for Horseshoe Lane, Kirton, Lincolnshire:
*John W. EDGOOSE, head, aged 32, railway platelayer, born at Skirbeck;
Sarah A. EDGOOSE, wife, aged 29, born at Kirton;
John EDGOOSE, son, aged 10, scholar, born at Kirton (probably John WOODS);
James EDGOOSE, son, aged 7, scholar, born at Kirton;
Sarah EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 6, scholar, born at Kirton;
Alice EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 3, scholar, born at Kirton.
(RG12/2570/11/16)
His son Fred EDGOOSE was born on 17 May 1891.
His daughter Elizabeth EDGOOSE was born on 8 January 1894.
His daughter Harriet Annie EDGOOSE was born on 16 May 1896.
His son Harry EDGOOSE was born on 24 May 1898.
From The Boston Guardian and Lincolnshire Independent: Saturday, October 8, 1898.
"MORE ANTI-VACCINATORS.
The following persons were granted exemption certificates under the new Vaccination Act: ----
John MOULDS, labourer, Kirton Skeldyke, - Mabel Annie
George William ISSITT, labourer, Old Leake, - George Wm
Willie HAWKESWORTH, labourer, Freiston, - Frank
Lawrence Thomas HEWSON, blacksmith, Kirton - Joseph Henry
Thomas SARGIANTSON, chimney sweep, Chapel Hill - Alice Mary
Charles Chambers ROBERTS, foreman, West Ville - Kate
William THORPE, Cottager, Sibsey - William Henry
Albert Richard COX, railway porter, Sibsey - Grace Mary
Fredk. LAWSON, farmer, Butterwick - Alice Mary
John William EDGOOSE, platelayer, Kirton - Harry
His son Walter EDGOOSE was born in 1901.
The 1901 census returns for Horseshoe Lane, Kirton, Lincolnshire:
*John W. EDGOOSE, head, aged 40, railway platelayer, born at Skirbeck;
Sarah A. EDGOOSE, wife, aged 39, born at Kirton;
John EDGOOSE, son, aged 19, agricultural labourer, born at Kirton;
James EDGOOSE, son, aged 17, blacksmith's apprentice, born at Kirton;
Alice EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 13, born at Kirton;
Fred EDGOOSE, son, aged 9, schoolboy, born at Kirton;
Elizabeth EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 7, schoolgirl,born at Kirton;
Harriet A. EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 4, schoolgirl, born at Kirton.
(RG13/3040/55/10)
The John EDGOOSE described as the 19 year old son of John EDGOOSE was John WOODS, a son of Sarah Ann WOODS before her marriage.
His son Frank WOODS EDGOOSE was born in 1903.
His daughter Hilda EDGOOSE was born in 1906.
According to his obituary he had twelve children. Hilda BURTON (nee EDGOOSE 1906-1992) wrote on 15 October 1969 that she felt sure she remembered her mother speak of two children who died in infancy. Sarah Ann WOODS had an illegitimate daughter and an illegitimate son John WOODS. This could account for the other two children and John William EDGOOSE could well have been the father.
John EDGOOSE was described as a plate layer on birth and death certificates in 1887, 1891, 1894, 1896, 1898, and 1900, but as a cottager when his son James EDGOOSE married Daisy LAMBLEY in 1912. According to his daughter Hilda BURTON he became a smallholder and was a familiar figure in Boston Market for many years. She wrote (23 November 1967) that he was a very robust man 6' tall and 15 stone in weight.
From the 1911 census of Drain Side, Kirton, Lincolnshire:
*John EDGOOSE, head, aged 51, aged 28, married, farmer on own account at home, born at Boston, Lincolnshire;
Sarah Ann EDGOOSE, wife, aged 50, married 28 years, 11 children of whom 10 living, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire;
Fred EDGOOSE, son, aged 20, single, labourer to potato merchant, born at Kirton;
Harriet Annie EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 15, single, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire;
Walter EDGOOSE, son, aged 10, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire;
Frank Woods EDGOOSE, son, aged 8, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire;
Hilda EDGOOSE, daughter, aged 5, born at Kirton, Lincolnshire.
(RG14/19552)
John EDGOOSE is probably the J. EDGOOSE whose name appears on a subscription list dated 31 December 1915. "Per Messrs. TUNNARD Bros. - J. EDGOOSE, Kirton, 5s. 0d."
(Imperial War Museum: Women at Work Collection; Boston, Lincs and District; Pamphlet, Balance Sheet and Subscription List, L.R. 54/3)
According to Kelly's Lincolnshire Directory John EDGOOSE, farmer, lived at Sandholme, Frampton, in 1922, 1930 and 1933. There was no entry in 1937.
"CAUGHT BY THE CAMERA IN BOSTON
Mr. J. EDGOOSE
This week, as our photographer was wandering round the beast pens, he came across the subject of this week's photograph, Mr. J. EDGOOSE of Frampton, a typical old Lincolnshire stalwart.
For over half-a-century Mr. EDGOOSE has visited the Boston market, and, although he has retired from active farming, he is happy when meeting his old friends and casting his experienced eye over the stock penned for sale.
Mr. EDGOOSE has seen the market both in its "ups" and "downs," and it still has for him the same interest and attraction that it had in his younger days."
(Boston Guardian, 20 November 1936)
From the 1939 Register of Park Cottage, Boston R.D., Lincolnshire:
Fred BURTON, born 20 June 1904, married, private service gardener
Hilda BURTON, born 6 June 2006, married, house keeper
*John EDGOOSE, born 7 April 1860, married, retired
Sarah A. EDGOOSE, born 13 August 1861, married, retired
(RG101/6371D/004/7 THBF)
"GOLDEN WEDDING AT FRAMPTON
[photograph]
MR. and MRS. JOHN EDGOOSE
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. John EDGOOSE, of Sandholme, Frampton, who celebrated their golden wedding on Tuesday. They were the recipients of many messages of congratulations from their friends in Frampton and district.
Mr. and Mrs. EDGOOSE were married at Boston on May 16th 1883. We are pleased to state that they both enjoy excellent health. They are early risers, and can still do their daily work on their farm.
Mr. and Mrs. EDGOOSE attribute their splendid health to hard work and plain living. They are both strong Conservatives. They have brought up ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are married. There are 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Their many friends hope they will still enjoy many more years of good health and reach their diamond wedding."
(British Newspaper Archive: Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian, Saturday 20 May 1933)
From the Lincolnshire Standard on 29 February 1936.
"FRAMPTON, Nr. BOSON [sic]
3 HORSES. 2 BEASTS. 5 PIGS.
Farm Implements & Equipment of Mr. John EDGOOSE
Sale, MONDAY, 16 March
"DIAMOND WEDDING AT FRAMPTON
Married at Boston in 1883
MR. and Mrs. John EDGOOSE celebrated their 60th anniversary of their wedding on Sunday. They have been a hard-working and have brought up a family of twelve children, nine of whom are still living.
For the anniversary seven of the sons and daughters were able to visit their parents, the other two being unable to attend owing to illness.
This grand old couple, whose ages are 83 and 82 respectively, were married at Boston on May 16th 1883. Up to a few weeks ago both had enjoyed the best of health; but about a fortnight ago Mrs. EDGOOSE had a fall and hurt her leg. They have 20 grand-children and 10 great-grand-children. Mr. and Mrs. EDGOOSE received many letters and telegrams of congratulation, and also a cable-gram from their son-in-law serving in the Middle East.
Mr. EDGOOSE started work on the G.N. Railway and later became a smallholder. He was a well-known figure in Boston market for a great number of years.
Despite his age, he walks up to the old blacksmith's shop, about half a mile, nearly every day."
(The British Newspaper Archive: Lincolnshire Standard 22 May 1943)
DEATH CERTIFICATE
John EDGOOSE died at Frampton, Lincolnshire, on 1 September 1943 aged 83. He was described on his death certificate as a Retired Farmer.
Cause of Death: Cerebral Haemorrhage.
His son Walter EDGOOSE of Middlegate, Frampton, informed the registrar on 2 September 1943.
(GRO September Q 1943 Boston 7a 358)
"EDGOOSE.----On Sept.1st, 1943 at Park Cottage, Frampton, John EDGOOSE, in his 84th year"
(www.findmypast.com: Lincolnshire Standard & Boston Guardian, Saturday, Septermber 11, 1943)
"OCTOGENARIAN PASSES
Late Mr. J. Edgoose of Frampton
THE death occurred, on Wednesday last week, of Mr. John EDGOOSE, of Park Cottages, Frampton. Well-known and respected by a wide circle, he started work on the G.N. Railway, later becoming a smallholder. He was a prominent figure in Boston market for a number of years.
Despite his 84 years, only the day previous to his death, he had had his customary daily walk of half-on-mile to the old blacksmith's shop.
In May of this year Mr. and Mrs. EDGOOSE, who have resided in Frampton for over thirty years, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. The grand old couple, whose ages were 83 and 82 respectively, were married at Boston on May 16th 1883.
Besides the widow, Mr. EDGOOSE leaves nine surviving children, out of a family of 12, 20 grand-children, and 10 great-grand-children.
THE FUNERAL
The funeral service, conducted by the Vicar of Frampton, (Rev. T. M. TUNNARD), took place on Friday. The interment followed in the churchyard.
The family mourners were: The widow, Messrs. Fred and Frank EDGOOSE (sons), Mrs. F. BURTON (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Walter EDGOOSE (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Syd CARTWRIGHT, Mr. and Mrs. W. WATTS, Mr. and Mrs. W. LENTON, and Mr. and Mrs. J. WOODS (sons-in-law and daughters), Mr. and Mrs. W. WESTMORELAND (brother and sister-in-law), Ptes Jack and Don EDGOOSE (grandsons), Mrs. A. BAUGLEY and Nelly MASON (nieces), Mr. and Mrs. Fred WOODS (grandson and wife), Miss A. WOODS (grand-daughter), Mr. and Mrs. W. WELBY (grandson and wife), Mrs. Jim EDGOOSE (daughter-in-law), Harold and Fred EDGOOSE (grandsons), Mrs. C. SPALDING, Mrs. PINNOCK and Mrs. DANN (friends).
Others noticed in the church were: Mr. Peter DENNIS (representing Mr. and Mrs. F. W. DENNIS), Mr. and Mrs. G. H. KEMP, Mr. and Mrs. T. E. EAST, Mr. and Mrs. F. SHARP and Rita, Mrs. SIMMONS and daughter, Mrs. CUMBERWORTH, Mrs. T. TUNNARD, Mr. W. H. BARKER, Mrs. H. PEDLAR, and others.
Wreaths were from: Mam; Hilda and Freddie; Maud, Walter and Mary: "His Garden"; Fred, Nellie and grand-children; Brother Walter and Nellie, Boston; Alice and Will; Ciss and Bill; Nance, Syd, John, Bill and Stan; Jack and Florrie; Freda and Fredd; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. DENNIS and family; Terry and Paul (great-grandchildren); Nellie, Kitty, Arthur and Lydia; Hilda, John and family; Mr. and Mrs. H. FLATTERS; Michael And Robin; Mrs. PINNOCK and family; Hilda, Douglas and the boys (Darpenden)nn); Mr. and Mrs. J. YOUNG; Peg, Bob, Dorothy and Bobbie; Chris and Frank; Evelyn YOUNG; Hilda and Herbert; Daisy and grand-children; Mr. and Mrs. J. BARKER and Grace; Mr. and Mrs. Bill BARKER; Mr. and Mrs. A. SINGLETON; Joe and Iris; Nephews and Nieces of the late Mr. and Mrs. WOODS; Nieces and Nephews, Frampton Marsh; Fred, Violet and Annie; Sam and Joyce (great-grandchildren); Barry and Beryl; G. and H. COULSTON; Mr. and Mrs. F. SHARPE; Mrs. PEACH; Arthur, John and Roy; Alf and Elizabeth SPICE."
(British Newspaper Archive, Lincolnshire Standard and Boston Guardian, 11 September 1943)
(revised 26.072026)
Photos: People 
Edgoose JohnWilliamEdgoose 668 604
JOHN WILLIAM EDGOOSE (1860-1943)
WHO: Daughter of Sarah Lawson EDGOOSE (Circa 1832-1874); he married Sarah Ann WOODS (1861-1945) on 16 May 1883 at Boston Register Office, Lincolnshire, England.
WHERE: Boston Cattle Market, Boston, Lincolnshire, England, where he is said to have been a familiar figure for many years.