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John (10) Woodhurst was born to parents Andrew (3) Woodus and his wife Susannah. He was christened at Fairlight on June 15th 1794 with his surname spelled as Woodus [Fairlight Parish Register]. Like many of his siblings he adopted the Woodhurst surname in his adult life, although he occasionally spelled it as "Woodhouse".
He married Sarah Morley at Smeeth, Kent on August 9th 1818 [Smeeth Parish Register]. Both parties are entered in the register as "of this parish" and neither could sign their name. His surname is spelt "Woodhouse". The witnesses were William Morley (clearly a relative of Sarah), John Fagg (connection unknown) and one other whose name is too faint to read.
He was occupied as a labourer when his children were christened in 1818, 1823 and 1825.
The 1841 Census finds him living with his wife and daughter Ann (5) at Scott's Hall in Smeeth, aged in his 40s and occupied as an agricultural labourer. The record cites his surname as Woodhurst but wrongly indicates that he was born in Kent.
The original Scott's Hall was a very splendid mansion and estate belonging to the ancient Scott (or Scot) family of nearby Brabourne. Both Brabourne and this family have a very interesting history dating back to the 13th century. The eventual decline of the family led to the Hall being demolished in 1808, and no visible trace now remains beyond a few hummocks in an otherwise empty field. The dwelling-place of John (10) in 1841 may have been simply named after the old Hall, or may have been in some surviving structure situated on its original site.
The 1851 Census finds him, with just his wife, still living at Scott's Hall, now aged "56" and again occupied as an agricultural labourer. This record cites his surname as Woodhouse but correctly states that he was born at Fairlight in Sussex. It also states that Sarah was born in Smeeth, around 1794.
He was named as "John Woodhurst, labourer" on the marriage certificate of his daughter Ann (5) in 1846, but as "John Woodhurst, farmer" on the marriage certificate of his son John (5) in 1853.
The 1861 Census finds him living with his wife at an unspecified address in Smeeth, occupied as a shepherd. The record cites his surname as Woodhouse. From the schedule it appears that they were living close to a dwelling named Pigeon House. Also living with him was his 11-year-old grandson John Andrew, the child of his own son Comfort.
The 1871 Census finds him living with just his wife in an unnamed cottage in Smeeth, occupied as a labourer. This record cites his surname as Woodhurst. From the schedule it appears that they were living between a cottage near a bridge and other cottages near the Woolpack.
He died aged "78" in 1873 [Death Index: E. Ashford 2a 423, 1873 (March)].
It is not yet known where or when Sarah died.