Thomas Francis Prowse was born in Teignmouth in 1856 and married Mary Ann Soby in Devon, in 1883.
In the 1871 census, Thomas was living in West Teignmouth, with his parents John Fulford (a Sawyer) and Susannah. He was the fourth son of the family, followed by 2 more boys and one girl, all born in Devon.
Thomas Francis joined the Navy in 1872, signing up for 10 years. His occupation was recorded as Gardener. He was 5ft 2in tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. His first ship was the Implacable, a training ship.
In the 1881 census he was recorded as an Able-Seaman, on board HMS Training Ship the Impregnable, at berth in Devonport.
He was discharged, from Cushendall, in 1890, then appears to have re-enlisted as a Coastguard, serving in Ireland, Weymouth, Camber, and Worthing.
Mary Ann was the daughter of William and Charity Soby, of Halwill by Holdsworthy, in Devon. She was the second of their 12 children. Father William was a Farmer of 150 acres. In 1881, now living in Mill Lane, Highweek, at home on the farm, at Highweek, Mary Ann was a Cook.
Mabel was their first child and she was born in Ballycastle. Thomas Cecil was born at Ellanbough, County Antrim, in 1894, their sixth child, and only son.
In 1901 Thomas Francis was Station Officer at Culdaff Bay, in Donegal.
In 1911 Thomas and Mary Ann were living at 110 Marine Parade, Worthing, with single daughters Beatrice, Ethel May and Selina.
Thomas Francis of Cornwallis, Wordsworth Road died leaving effects of £1489.19s.1d to William Edward Carter general post office overseer.
Mary Ann of Cornwallis, Wordsworth Road died leaving effects of £755.15s.6d to William Edward Carter post office overseer