John Rix married Fanny Ellis in Hempnall on 31 October 1883. He was a farmer and they lived at Manor House, Tasburgh.
They had three sons, Thomas being the youngest born 10 January 1889 in Tasburgh.
His brothers were Frank Ellis Rix born 1884
John Brown Rix born 1 November 1885.
His brothers were both killed in the First World War. John on 17 June 1916 and Frank on 9 April 1917.
Frank is remembered on the Church Memorial in St. Mary’s Church, Saxlingham and details about his life can be found on this website in Men with Village Connections. He was a teacher.
John had emigrated to Canada in 1905, where he worked as a carpenter on the railways. He was in 46th Battalion, Canadian Army when he was killed. Unlike his brother he is not remembered in Saxlingham Nethergate.
In 1911 Thomas was working on his father’s farm. His father died in 1914. Sometime after 1911 Thomas moved to Foxhole, Saxlingham Thorpe where he was a farmer. After June 1916 his mother moved to live with him. Saxlingham is given as her address in 1918 when her son John’s medals and pay were sent to her.
Thomas was in 2nd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, Service number 26697. The battalion served in Iraq for the whole of the war. It was said by his family that his health was affected by his war service, It is not known in what way but perhaps like many other men he suffered from malaria.
By 1919 he was back in Foxhole, Saxlingham Thorpe and continued farming.
He married Agnes Laura England in St. Mary’s Church, Saxlingham Nethergate in October 1923. Agnes was the village nurse and midwife. She was born in Ludham on 10 June 1893 and her father Lionel was a millwright and engineer.
Their son John Lionel was born 19 July 1924.
Fanny Rix died in Shaldon, Devon on 19 November 1924. It is believed that she was visiting her sister’s family at the time. Thomas was granted probate and she left £22 17s 3d. Thomas put a notice of her death in the Norfolk Chronicle and at that time he was living in Hoveton St. John. Norfolk and was a farmer.
In 1928 and until their death Thomas and Agnes lived in Ludham. She became the district nurse and midwife there. They lived initially in Wembley Cottage but move to live at 20 Council Houses in 1930. This was later known as Whitegate Estate.
In 1939 Thomas was working as a farm labourer. Agnes was a relief district nurse and state registered midwife. Their son John was living at home and was still at school.
Died Agnes died on 19 October 1974 at 20 Whitegate Estate, Ludham.
Thomas died at the Vale Hospital, Swainsthorpe on 5th February 1976.
The Vale Hospital was a community hospital for the elderly.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
British Army Medal Roll Index cards, 1914-1920
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe, (Absent Voters Lists 1918-1920)
Norfolk, Church of England Diocesan Baptismal Records
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar 1858-1995
St Mary’s Church Saxlingham Marriage records (transcribed by Mary Muir)
The History of the Norfolk Regiment. Vol.II. – F. Loraine Petre. Norwich: Jarrold and Son Ltd. The Empire Press
Very many thanks to Jane Brook, granddaughter of Frank Rix, for invaluable information and for access to family papers and photographs. Her interest and support is greatly appreciated. See entry for Frank Ellis Rix on Church War Memorial.
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person, please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk