John Charles Constable

Born in the West Indies, served in a number of offices in Dominica between c.1800 and 1810, but in Britain by the time of compensation.

1. John Charles Constable Clerk [of Council?] at Government House in Dominica [Matson Letters 11/03/1803]; appointed Deputy Post Master General for Dominica 06/11/1805.

2. 1841 census shows 'John Constable' at Oak House 'Ind.' aged 70 with inter alios George C. Constable (aged 30) and John and Laetitia Revans (both aged 35). Given the next item below, this must have been John Charles Constable. In the 1851 census 'John Constall' aged 81 fundholder born West [Indies] was living with William and Jane Sandon (his son-in-law and daughter) at 37 Gloucester Road.

3. 31/08/1877 administration of effects of John Charles Constable formerly of Hyde Park Square but late of Westbourne Park Terrace who died 09/04/1855 at 14 Westbourne Park Terrace left unadministered by John Constable the son a contingent residuary legatee granted to Laetitia Revans, of Northaw Herts the daughter a contingent residuary legatee, effects under £20. Administration had first been granted to John Constable 01/05/1856.

4. The will of Foulcrand Mourgue, a pewterer of No. 8 Racket Court Fleet Street, proved 07/01/1813 identified Laetitia Maria, the wife of John Charles Constable, as his niece, the daughter of his brother Henry Mourgue, and made her his residuary legatee. Mourgue had one slave-trade voyage to St Vincent, with Henry Mourgue as captain, presumably tied in with the connection to John Charles Constable.

T71/881 Dominica claim nos. 118 (Delaford), 209 (Babillard), 277 (Try Again & Resource) and 943; T71/885 British Guiana claim no. 580 (Plantn Grove).

1. Vere Langford Oliver, Caribbeana being miscellaneous papers relating to the history, genealogy, topography, and antiquities of the British West Indies (6 vols., London, Mitchell, Hughes and Clarke, 1910-1919), Vol 1 p. 274; British Postal Service Appointment Books 1737-1969.

2. 1841 census online.

3. National Probate Calendar 1877; PROB 11/2232.

4. PROB 11/1540/72.

The family are the subject of the detailed and well-referenced life story appearing under 'Constable of Oak House Battersea' on www.ancestry.com. The will of John Charles Constable of Cunningham Place St John's Wood proved 28/04/1841 [PROB 11/1944] appears unrelated - the will is short and uninformative, leaving his estate to his sisters Maria Louisa and Isabel Constable and his pictures and prints to his brother Charles Golding Constable.

We are grateful to Hugh Constable for his help with this entry.