Maria Charlotte Sperling (née Stephens)

Co-heiress of her father Ellis Anderson Stephens (q.v), and one of three (possibly four) daughters and their husbands who appear as remaindermen in a series of awards in Barbados, the largest concerning the Byde Mill estate for which an agent, Joseph Warner Bromley, received the compensation on behalf of all the trustees involved.

1. In 1841, Maria Sperling age 40 was living at Atwoods, Halstead, Essex with her husband George age 40, Solicitor, children George age 8, Mary age 6 and Charlotte age 4, 4 female servants, 1 male servant and 2 others. In 1851 Maria C. Sperling aged 54 born Bristol Gloucestershire was living at Attwoods on Braintree Road Halstead Essex with husband George Sperling aged 50 Attorney and Solicitor and son George P aged 18 'no profession' and daughters Mary K.A. 16 and Charlotte E 13.   

2. Administration of estate of Maria Charlotte Sperling late of Great Maplestead Essex who died 25/04/1881 at Takeley Vicarage granted 18/07/1881 to Mary Katherine Anderson Hart of Takeley Vicarage the daughter, personal estate £1411 6s 4d.

3. The correspondence of the Sperling family of Dynes Hall, Great Maplestead, includes letters from Maria Charlotte to her husband before their marriage.

T71/895 Barbados claim no. 555B. T71/898 Barbados claim no. 3601B, 3777 (Byde Mill) and 3779B. T71/899 Barbados claim no. 4293B.

1. 1851 census online.

2. National Probate Calendar 1881.

3. Seax - Essex Archives Online, D/DGd C1-44, Sperling Family of Dynes Hall, Great Maplestead, available at https://secureweb1.essexcc.gov.uk/seaxpam2012/ViewCatalogue.aspx?ID=124165 [accessed 25/11/2013].