James Dendle came from humble beginnings. He was the son of one of the many Devonshire families that left the county for opportunities in south Wales (Cardiff). His family only stayed there for a few years, however, before laying down roots in Ilfracombe, back in Devon, where James was born in 1846. His mother, Sarah Bellew, was a laundress and his father, John Dendle, was a carpenter. James was destined to become a carpenter like his father, but first, after leaving school before the age of 15, he worked odd jobs as an errand boy.

In his mid 20s, James married Mary Grace Bailey, a carpenter’s daughter, with whom he had two children[1]; however, only their son, Edwin John, lived beyond childhood. Both James and his wife were very much business-minded. While their son was still young, James started a money-lending business through the Ilfracombe Loan Society.[2] In later years, he occupied his time with a taxi cab business. Mary Grace also worked—she was in charge of running Collingbrook Lodging House. They raised their son to follow in their footsteps and, by 1911, he was in charge of his father’s taxi cab business.[3]

Outside of James’ many occupations, he also participated in a number of community events. In 1875 and 1876, he competed in the Ilfracombe Garden Exhibition, which boasted the best vegetables, fruit, poultry, and flowers from all around. John showed his canaries and two of his dogs, Fanny[4] and Florie,[5] who were pink-skin Spanish poodles.[6] These weren’t the family’s only animals—they also had horses as part of the taxi cab business, two of whom, that he sold in 1890, were named Prince and Forester.[7]

James was also a member of “The Pride of Ilfracombe” Lodge of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a fraternal society.[8] At the 1875 Foresters’ dinner, he gave a short speech about the development of their town, remarking that “the difference between Ilfracombe now and twenty years ago was so great that one could hardly tell it was the same place, and that if they went on at the same rate of progression for another twenty years, they would all have made their fortunes, and be able to live without work.”[9] Beyond the Order of Foresters, he was also the treasurer for the Ilfracombe Workmen’s Club.[10]

According to his brother, Thomas, James struggled with chronic illnesses and depression throughout his life. During their frequent meetings, James sometimes confided in him about how depressed he was feeling.[11]

On August 29th, 1892, James died by suicide at the age of 46.[12] He was buried at the parish church in Ilfracombe a few days later. His simple tombstone, which still stands in the graveyard today, reads, “In Loving Memory of James Dendle, the beloved husband of M. G. Dendle.”[13]

Supporting Trans People

Trans people face significantly higher rates of death by suicide due to the violence of discrimination, institutional prejudice, lack of support from family and friends, and lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare. According to research carried out in the UK (cited in the fact sheet) the rate of suicidal ideation before transitioning was 67%, whereas that dropped to just 3% after transitioning. This shows that, without a doubt, being able to transition safely, both in terms of having access to healthcare and a supportive and equitable society, saves lives.

If you are in immediate need of support, check HERE for helplines in your country.

---

[1] 1911. England and Wales Census, 1911. Devon, Ilfracombe, ALL, 11. Digital Images. Ancestry. Entry for Mary Grace Dendle, (p. 194/401), entry #96.

[2] 1882. James Dendle, “In the Matter of the Ilfracombe Loan Society,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, October 21, 1882, p. 2. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[3] 1911. England and Wales Census, 1911. Devon, Ilfracombe, ALL, 11. Digital Images. Ancestry. Entry for Mary Grace Dendle, (p. 194/401), entry #96.

[4] 1875. Anonymous, “Ilfracombe: Cottage Garden Exhibition,” Western Times, August 23, 1875, p. 3. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[5] 1876. Anonymous, “Ilfracombe: The Cottage Garden Society’s Exhibition,” North Devon Journal, August 24, 1876, p. 6. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[6] 1876. Anonymous, “Ilfracombe: The Cottage Garden Society’s Exhibition,” North Devon Journal, August 24, 1876, p. 6. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[7] 1890. Anonymous, “Sale of Horses at Barnstaple,” Western Times, November 10, 1890, p. 3. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[8] 1875. Anonymous, “Foresters’ Dinner,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, January 9, 1875, p. 7. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[9] 1875. Anonymous, “Foresters’ Dinner,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, January 9, 1875, p. 7. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[10] 1892. Anonymous, “Workmen’s Club,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, February 20, 1892, p. 5. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[11] 1892. Anonymous, “An Inquest…,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, September 3, 1892, p. 2. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[12] 1892. Anonymous, “An Inquest…,” Ilfracombe Chronicle, September 3, 1892, p. 2. Digital Images. FindMyPast.

[13] Tombstone of James Dendle. Holy Trinity’s Church Burial Ground, Ilfracombe, Devon, England. Digital Images. GravestonePhotos.com. ID 6713, GPR ref. 634957, #1327, http://www.gravestonephotos.com/public/cemeterynamelist.php?cemetery=2225&limit=1326.