Edward Fry was the fifth child of John Fry & Caroline Stephens christened May 2nd, 1819 at East Grinstead, Sussex.
In 1841 Edward was living at home at Bower Farm, Hammerwood, East Grinstead with his parents.
In 1842 Edward was a witness of the wedding of his brother Samuel Fry to Sarah Smeed at St Swithin's Church, East Grinstead.
Edward married Maria Monk in July-September 1844 at Marylebone, Middlesex. Maria was in fact Maria Ray christened May 7th, 1809 in East Grinstead, Sussex, the daughter of Elizabeth & John Ray, a farmer. Maria had previously married William Monk, a shoemaker, on April 21st, 1828 at St Giles, Camberwell, Surrey with whom she had 3 children – Eliza, John & William Monk.
In 1851 Edward & Maria were living at …..house Farm, Lindfield, Sussex where Edward was a farmer of 20 acres. Living with them were Maria’s children from her first marriage – Eliza & John Monk, both 22 years old & William Monk, 18, all described as servants. Also visiting them was Maria’s father John Ray, 80, & a 12 year old Eliza West. There were also 2 farm labourers, David & John Bates living at the farm.
Edward Fry died in Jan-March 1860, his death being registered at Cuckfield.
In 1861 widow Maria was living at Averys Cottage, Cowfold, Sussex & was described as a farmer. She had a servant Ruth Roberts (18). Living next door at Averys Farm was her son William Monk, now married to Mary & their 3 children – William, Phoebe & George. William was a farmer of 200 acres employing 4 men & 2 boys. He also had a house servant, Maryann Heasman (19) & 2 agricultural labourers living at the farm.
By 1871 Maria was lodging with Andrew Clinghell? & his wife, a farmer of 270 acres at Greatwick Farmhouse, Cowfold. Maria, indexed as Maria Try in Ancestry.co.uk, was described as a 63 year old pauper.
Maria died in April-June 1880, aged 72, her death being registered at East
Grinstead.