George & Celia Coldridge of Exeter

George COLDRIDGE, born in Doddiscombsleigh in 1819, is the fifth son of John & Betsey COLDRIDGE and just 2 years older than my great-great-grandfather Charles. When he appears in the censuses he is living in Exeter working as an organ builder. He had 1 daughter by his first marriage.

George COLDRIDGE, age 30, Bachelor, Organ builder, residing The Friars Walk, son of John COLDRIDGE, Farmer, married Celia NICHOLLS, age 29, Spinster, residing Upper St Paul, daughter of Henry NICHOLLS, Relieving Officer, on 25th September 1852 in the Parish Church of St Mary Steps Exeter after banns. Both signed. Witnesses Jarvis NICHOLLS and Merina COLDRIDGE.

George COLDRIDGE's marriage to Celia NICHOLLS was registered in September 1852 in Exeter.

1861 census for Exeter

Address	Name	Age	Relation	Occupation
Exeter St Sidwell Holy Trinity Paragon Place	Nathaniel PIDGEON Ann PIDGEON George COLDRIDGE	53 60 40	Head Wife Visitor	Porter Organ Builder
Exeter St David St Mary Arches Mary Arches St	Charles DICKER Elizabeth DICKER Laura COLDRIDGE James EASTERBROOK	68 60 8 22	Head Wife Boarder Boarder	Organ Builder Cabinet Maker

In 1861 George was living in Exeter like most of his brothers. In the census his status is given as widower and I found the following records:

Henry Nichols COLDRIDGE's birth was registered in June 1857 in Exeter, and his death was registered in September 1857 in Exeter. [†]

Celia COLDRIDGE's death was registered in December 1857 in Exeter. They had only been married for 5 years when Celia died.

A notice of Celia's death appeared in the Exeter Flying Post on Thursday 7th January 1858:

December 21, in Upper Paul-street, Exeter, aged 36, Celia, the beloved wife of Mr. George COLDRIDGE, and daughter of Mr. NICHOLLS, of Kingsbridge.

George and Celia's daughter also appears in the 1861 census. Presumably this is George's normal abode given the uncommon occupation of both George and his landlord Charles DICKER.

Laura Nicholls COLDRIDGE's birth was registered in June 1853 in Exeter.