1. JANE2 ST. LEGER (?1) was born Abt. 1802 in England/Ireland, and died 27 July 1855 in St. James Infirmary, Soho, London. She married WILLIAM O'NEILL 1 December 1822 in St. Anns, Soho, London.
Notes for JANE ST. LEGER:
Jane St. Leger was a great grandaughter of Elizabeth St. Leger (Honble. Mrs Aldworth), the first lady freemason. A mezzotint portrait of Elizabeth St. Leger is still in the family. Jane was a direct descendant of St. Leger Aldworth, 1st. Viscount Doneriale (of the 2nd creation). Jane was possibly a daughter of Hayes, 2nd Viscount Doneraile or was very closely related to him.
She was born into a world of privilage and wealth, her lifestyle would never have wanted for anything but unfortunately both her parents died when she was young and that lifestyle then changed dramatically.
Like all young aristocratic ladies of the time Jane was taught how to sew and embroider - skills which she was to use later in life to earn a living as a dressmaker. At that time it was common practice for impoverished daughters of 'gentlemen' to earn their living by dressmaking.
Jane was made a 'Ward in Chancery' living with her 'Uncle Richard'. She supposedly ran away from her uncle's home in Ireland with William O'Neill (born Rockmills abt 1798), her uncle's groom. It is assumed that this 'Uncle Richard' was Col. Richard St. Leger because of the connection with the Berney family. It is also possible that this 'Uncle Richard' was Richard Aldworth of Rockmills House. Of course, it is possible that her 'uncle Richard' was on her mother's side of the family, and therefore not a St. Leger at all. Family tradition says she came down from a Henrietta. (?her mother). Whatever, she was disowned by the St. Leger family because she eloped and married "beneath" her and she never received her inheritance which was rightfully hers.
Jane and William then settled in the Soho area of London. William became a tailor and Jane, a dressmaker.. Jane died on 27 July 1855 in St. Jame's Infirmery, Poland St. in the parish of St. Jame's, Westminster, London.
It is possible that Jane's mother might have been connected to the Berney family of Norfolk. A copy of the Berney family tree and also an original Writ (found in a violin) regarding the Berney family has been passed down through the generations from Jane St. Leger's family. A Charlotte Berney married Thomas Nathan Frederick whos sister Charlotte married Richard Thomas Arthur St. Leger (nephew of Viscount St. Leger). His son later became the 5th Viscount Doneraile.
Jane could read and write and was well educated.
Burial place : unknown
Known addresses:
1824 - 8 Moor Street, Soho, London
1855 - 3 Pulteney Court, Soho. (later known as Silver Place)
and possibly 2 Macclesfield St. Soho
More About JANE ST. LEGER:
Fact 1: A Ward in Chancery
Fact 2: A Dressmaker
Cause of Death: Disease of the lungs - many years
Notes for WILLIAM O'NEILL:
William was able to write.
On his Death Certificate William O'Neill occupation was given as a Tailor (Journeyman) and he died at 3 Pulteney Court, Soho (later Silver Place).
A Journeyman is an artisan who had served his apprenticeship and was employed by the day.
At Westminster Archives a William O'Neill and a John O'Neill are listed in the Deeds index at at 2 Macclesfield St (Macclesfield St. is in the parish of St. Ann, Soho) but no date is mentioned.
More About WILLIAM O'NEILL:
Fact 1: A Groom
Fact 2: 1822, A Tailor
Cause of Death: Apoplexy - Stroke
Marriage Notes for JANE ST. LEGER and WILLIAM O'NEILL:
Witnesses on marriage register:
Thos. Newbery and Jos. Davies
Child of JANE ST. LEGER and WILLIAM O'NEILL is:
2.
i.
MARY ANN3 O'NEILL, b. 7 March 1824, Soho, London; d. Abt. 1911.
