Jessica Campbell Stone was the second wife of Charles William Segrave, whose first wife Mary Lucy Harwood, an American, had died in 1898. The couple married in St George Hanover Square on 11 Jun 1901.
The letter below has survived in the collection of Molly Evans dated 4 Aug 1929 and has a few interesting references. Jessica Segrave’s stepson was Sir Henry Segrave, the speed pioneer and the letter reveals that Sir Henry was to be the best man at Jessica’s own son Rodney’s wedding later that year. Sir Henry was to be killed on Lake Windermere the following year attempting a new speed record.
Jessica Segrave to Molly Downing letter, 4 Aug 1929, pp. 1,2
Jessica Segrave to Molly Downing letter, 4 Aug 1929, pp. 3,4
The letter also references members of the Talbot Power family, all of whom were descendants of Captain Henry Segrave and his wife Mary Elizabeth Dehane.
Edith Ogden was another relative with strong Irish connections, married to the Rector of Blarney Thomas Royse.
Jessica Segrave was born on 23 Jul 1874 and died on 15 Apr 1958.
Notes
- Molly Evans father, Henry Evans was the first cousin of Mary Elizabeth Dehane, wife of Captain Henry Segrave. The respective mothers of Henry and Mary were both Shaw-Helliers by birth