Benjamin George, Solicitor's Clerk and Patent Bed Merchant, and his wife Lucy Louisa George

 

Monument to Benjamin George and Lucy Louisa George, All Saints' Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.

"In Loving Remembrance Of

Benjamin George

Who Entered Into Rest

September 30th 1878

In His 73rd Year

-There Remaineth Therefore A Rest To The People Of God-

Also

Lucy Louisa Widow Of The Above

Who Died October 17th 1894

In Her 85th Year

-At Evening Time It Shall Be Light-"

Benjamin George was born on 18th April 1806 in Southwark, Surrey to James George, a mariner, and his wife Sarah.

In 1830 Benjamin and Lucy's only child, a daughter Sarah Eleanor Elizabeth was born in Wets Malling, Kent.

On 28th February 1835 at St Mary's Church, Chatham, Kent Benjamin married Lucy Louisa Allchin.

St Mary's Church, Chatham, Kent

Lucy Louisa Allchin was born on 17th December 1809 in West Malling, Kent, to Sarah A Allchin (married name)

Benjamin and Lucy and their daughter Sarah first appear on the 1841 Census living in Swan Street, West Malling, Kent. Benjamin's occupation is given as a solicitors clerk. Living with them at the time is Grace Allchin

The family were still living in Swan Street, West Malling, Kent in 1861, Sarah is now listed as being a governess, living with the family is Lucy's mother Sarah A Allchin, and housemaid Eliza Woodger.

In 1861 Benjamin and Lucy had moved to 4 Watts Builds, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, Middlesex. Benjamin's occupation is now listed as a patent bed merchant. Living with the family is domestic servant Susan Hopper.

By 1871 Benjamin and Lucy had moved to 7 Alexandra Terrace, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Benjamin's occupation is listed as Solicitor's Managing Clerk. I guess the patent bed business didn't work out. Living with the family is Eleanor Pullen, a domestic servant. Benjamin was to pass away on 30th September 1878 aged 73.

1881 finds the widowed Lucy living at Cromwell Cottage, 24 Bath Road, Maidenhead, along with Eleanor Pullen. Lucy and Eleanor are still at Cromwell Cottage in 1891. Lucy was to pass away on 17th October 1894 aged 85 years.

 

Little Edward Walcott Man - The Lord Hath Need Of Him

 

Broken Monument to Edward Walcott Man, All Saints' Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.

"In
Loving Remembrance of

Edward Walcott Man

Died Septb 22nd 1878

The Lord Hath Need Of Him"

Edward Walcott Man was born in 1878 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to Edward Hovell Man from Barbados, a partner in Clairmonte, Man & Co, Trinidad, and his wife Marion (Minnie), sometimes listed as Mary Jane, Badcock from Maidenhead Berkshire.

Edward's parents married in 1877 in Maidenhead Berkshire. Edward was born soon after and sadly passed away at just a few months old. It seems that Edward and Marion had no further children.

Edward's father Edward Hovell Man was to pass away in 1902 in New York, USA, aged 65 years, leaving all his estate to Marion. Marion was to later pass away in 1935 in Essex aged 83 years.

Nehemiah Best, Cab Proprietor, and his Second Wife Emma Best

Monument to Nehmiah Best and his wife Emma Best. All Saints' Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory Of
Nehemiah Best

who entered into rest

February 7. 1882

Aged 65

Thy Will Be Done

Also Emma beloved wife of the above

Died April 13. 1886

Aged 58"

Nehemiah Best was born around 1817/1818 in Durweston, Dorset to Christopher James Best and his wife.  Nehemiah first appears on the 1841 Census aged 20, living with his first wife Elizabeth James, and their two children, daughter Augusta Caroline, and son Christopher James. Nehemiah's occupation is listed as M.S. this was an abbreviation on the 1841 Census for Male Servant, this category included domestic servants and various estate staff such as game keepers, butler,s footmen, and grooms. From   information gathered from later Census returns it seems probable that Nehemiah was a groom.

In 1851 Nehemiah, Elizabeth and their family were living at 11 Ledbury Mews West, Kensington, London. Nehemiah is now listed as a cab proprietor, and Elizabeth is a dress maker. The family has expanded to include Mary, Nehemiah Jr, Elizabeth, and Benjamin. Sadly Elizabeth Sr was to pass away in 1858 in Kensington. On may 17th 1859 at St Matthew Bayswater church, Middlesex, Nehemiah married Emma Keeley.

St Matthew Bayswater Church,
Middlesex, London.

Emma Keeley was born in 30th July 1827 in West Mousley, Surrey to Christopher Keeley, a show maker, and his wife Anne Longland.  It seems Emma Keeley is a popular name in West Mousley and I am having difficulty finding the correct Emma.

In 1861 the newly wed Nehemiah and Emma were living at 8 Palace Villas, Kensington London. along with Nehemiah's children from his first marriage, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Joseph, and Samuel. Visiting the family is Emma's elder sister Anne. Not long after the 1861 Census Nehemiah and Emma moved to Maidenhead where their only child, daughter Emma Best was born in 1862.

In 1871 Nehemiah, Emma, and their daughter were living in Boyn Hill, Maidenhead. Nehemiah was currently unemployed, while Emma worked as a dressmaker. Sadly not long after the Census was taken, little Emma passed away.

1881 Nehemiah and Emma were living at Stuchbery Villa, Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Emma is still working as a dressmaker. Visiting them at the time were Sarah Frith a dressmaker, and Agnes Fisher aged 10 years.

Nehemiah was to pass away on 7th February 1882, followed by his second wife Emma on 13th April 1886.

Henry Hance, Wheelwright and Carpenter of Cox Green, his First Wife Mary Ann, and the Suicide of his Second Wife Kate

Monument to Mary Ann and Henry Hance, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory 

of 

Mary Ann Hance

 beloved wife of 

Henry Hance 

of Cox Green.  

Died February 6th 1900 aged 80 years.  

Also of 

Henry Hance.  

Died January 8th 1914 aged 85 years

 - Rest In Peace-"

*Author's Note: This was a difficult and frustrating monument to research because there were two Henry Hances, both born in White Waltham around the same time, who both married a Mary Ann around the same time, and both lived in Maidenhead. The other Henry and Mary Ann Hance ran the Craufurd Arms, Gringer Hill.*

Mary Ann Hance was born Mary Ann Mantle in 1820 in Hurley, Berkshire to James Mantle a bricklayer and his wife Mary. Mary first appears on the 1841 Census aged 21 living in Flint Grove, White Waltham, Berkshire with her parents and siblings. Sometime between the 1841 and 1851 census Mary's father passed away. In 1851 she can be found living with her widowed mother and her siblings at Flint House, Maidenhead Thicket. By 1861 Mary and her family had moved to Woolley Road, Woolley Green, White Waltham. Mary's sisters are working as school mistresses and she is assisting them.

On the 1871 census Mary has moved back to Flint House and is living with her sisters Matilda, Emily and Ellen. Her occupation is given as a school manager. In 1876 Mary married Henry Hance in Maidenhead Berkshire.

Henry Hance was born in White Waltham, Berkshire in 1828 to John Castle Hance, a grocer and fruiterer, and his wife Martha Hatch.

Henry first appears on the 1841 census listed as Henry House , aged 14 living with his parents and siblings in White Waltham. In 1851 the family were living on the Bath Road, White Waltham and Henry was assisting his father in the grocery business.  

Strangely Henry is listed on the 1871 census as living in Holloway, White Waltham with Mary listed as his wife. Some funny business must have been afoot because in 1871 Mary is listed under her maiden name f Mantle, living with her sisters in Flint House, White Waltham, and of course Henry and Mary didn't officially marry until 1876. It is not uncommon to find people appearing on census returns twice in different locations. The 1871 census was recorded on the night of Sunday 2nd April 1871, however in some areas with large populations some enumerators started filling their returns out the previous evening.  This as well as enumerator error, people unsure of their exact age, place of birth, and even the spelling of their name, this can make research frustrating.

In 1881 Henry and Mary were now living in Cox Green, Maidenhead. Living with them at the time is Keiza Gilding, an elderly widow who has been incorrectly recorded as the mother-in-law to the head of the household.

We find Henry and Mary again on the 1891 census living at Fern Villas, Cox Green, Maidenhead. In fact Henry and Mary lived at a property called Fern Cottage and owned and rented out several properties called Fern Villas. Sadly Mary was to pass away on 6th February 1900.

1901 finds the recently widowed Henry still living at Fern Villas in Cox Green along with his domestic servant Jane Cambray.  

In 1902 Henry was remarried to Kate Mortimore, daughter of William Henry Mortimore and agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Headington. Sadly the marriage was to be short as Kate committed suicide Thursday 6th July 1905.

On Wednesday 12th July 1905 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Tragedy At Cox Green

Wife Cuts Her Throat Behind The Chapel

On Friday last, the body of Mrs. Kate Hance, the wife of Mr. Henry Hance, who owns several houses at Cox Green, was discovered by her husband at the rear of the little Primitive Methodist Chapel at Cox Green, with a big gash in her throat. She was quite dead, and there was every appearance that the body had been laying there all night. There was a pool of blood near, and also a black-handled razor - which the husband explained at the inquest was deceased's property, and used by her for cutting corns and nails.

It is evident from what transpired at the inquest, that for the past few weeks the poor woman, who was 51 years of age, had been strange in her manner. The alteration in this respect was noticed by her brother-in-law (Mr. Fletcher), and a neighbour (Mrs. Weller) On Thursday evening Mrs. Hance went into the greenhouse attached to her house, where her husband was engaged mixing up some paint, which he intended using at one of his houses. Nothing particular was passed between them, and there was nothing unusual about the deceased's condition or appearance to excite the least suspicion on the part of the husband. After her visit to the greenhouse, the deceased appeared not to have gone indoors, as her husband supposed she had done, bit evidently proceeded to the rear of the chapel, and during a fit of insanity took her life.

Deceased was not missed until between 8 and 9. Her husband made a search for her, and was assisted by Mr. Fletcher and others, but they failed to trace her whereabouts. The next morning the search was resumed , and acting on the suggestion of Mrs. Weller, Mr. Hance paid a visit to the chapel grounds, and was horrified to find his wife dead, and lying in a pool of blood, with a deep wound in her throat.

It was mentioned at the inquest that the deceased appeared to have worried a great deal - and she was naturally of a worrying disposition - over some additions that her husband was carrying out at one of his houses. She thought he would never get his money back on the outlay. Beyond this she appeared to have no other worry. Much sympathy is felt with Mr. Hance, who is an old and much respected resident of Cox Green, and  who is just recovering from an accident, which he received a short while ago. *He fell from some scaffolding* The police having been communicated with, the body was removed from the chapel grounds to the deceased's residence to await the inquest."

Painting of the Primitive Methodist Chapel,
Cox Green Lane, Cox Green, Maidenhead

The Inquest was held the day after Kate's body was found, at The Foresters public house, Cox Green, by Coroner Mr. W. Weedon. The Foresters was a very short distance from Fern Cottage, the home of Henry and Kate. The grounds of the Primitive Methodist Chapel were separated from Fern Cottage and Fern Villas, where witness Mrs Weller lived, by a fence.

Just three years before his passing Henry can be found on the 1911 census living at Fern Villa, Cox Green, with his housekeeper and nurse Jane Longhurst.

 

Regiment of the 1st Life Guards - Household Cavalry - Arthur Richard Silver

All Saints Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In 

Loving Memory 

of

Arthur Richard Silver

Born Feb 19th 1874

Fell Asleep

August 8th 1906

~

Whosoever Liveth and Believeth In

Me Shall Never Die - St. John Chap 11. Ver26."

Arthur Richard Silver was born on 19th February 1874 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, the only son to parents Joseph Love Silver, a builder and church organist, and Eliza Mills.

Arthur can be first found on the 1881 Census aged 7, living with his parents and siblings in Fountain Cottage, Tittle Row, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Arthur is still living there in 1891 at the age of 14. His occupation is listed as being a builder's assistant.

In 1900 Arthur was selected to represent the Regiment of the 1st Life Guards (The Household Calvary) at the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported as follows: 

"Mr Arthur Silver, late assistant at Messrs. Stutchbury and Thompson's, High-street, Maidenhead, and son of Mr. J. Silver, "Avondale", All Saints' Avenue, is one of eight men chosen from the 1st Life Guards to represent that regiment on the occasion of the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia, Mr Silver is twenty years of age, (he was actually 26), and only joined the Army 1st March. The men selected are of splendid physique, of first-class education, and bear the highest character. Each man will be presented with £5, and are looking forward with delight to pleasant trip to the Antipodes." - Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer, November 17th 1900.

1901 finds Arthur still living with his parents in Fountain Cottage at Tittle Row, Maidenhead Berkshire. On March 24th 1903 Arthur married Louisa Mary Hawker, the sister of his sister Kate's husband Charles Frederick Hawker.  An announcement was placed in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Silver - Hawker

On March 24th, at All Saints' church, Maidenhead, by the Rev. E. J. G. Forse, M. A., Arthur Richard Silver, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Silver, of Altwood-road, Maidenhead, to Louisa, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Hawker, King-street, Maidenhead."

In 1904 Arthur and Louisa celebrated the birth of their daughter Dorothy Edna Silver.  Sadly, Arthur was to pass away just two years later on 8th August 1906. An announcement was placed in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 15th August 1906:

"Sliver - On August 8th, at The Walnuts, Altwood-road, Maidenhead, after a short illness, Arthur Richard Silver, in his 33rd year."

Arthur's widow Louisa and his daughter Dorothy can be found in 1911 in running a boarding house at Thistledene, 9 Bourne Street, Eastbourne, Sussex

Family Connections:

Parents Joseph Love Silver and Eliza Mills.

Grandmother Mary Kay/Kuy, Great Uncle Augusta, and Great Aunt Annette.

Accidentally Shot By Her Brother - Emma Winter

All Saint's Churchyard
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Memory Of

Emma Winter

Who Died Decr 31. 1874

Aged 41 Years

Jesu Mercy."

Emma Winter was born in Wallingford, Berkshire in 1834 to parents John Winter, a bricklayer, and Mary Ann Coates. Emma may have had some form of mental disability from birth as a later news report states she was an imbecile, a rather unflattering term for someone with mental or learning disabilities.

Emma first appears on the 1841 Census, aged just five years old, living with her parents and younger brother Peter Winter, in Fish Street, Wallingford, Berkshire. Living with the family at the time appears to be relatives of Mary Ann's, John, George, and Richard Coates. Unfortunately, the 1841 Census did not record the relationship between residents.

Emma is still living with her parents in Fish Street, Wallingford in 1851. Her brother James having been born in 1844.  

In 1861 Emma is living at her Uncle Jessie Winter and Aunt Sarah's home in Brook Street, Sutton Courtney, Berkshire. James her brother, now a carpenter is lodging at the home of John Viner, also a carpenter, at 5 Upper Thames Street, Reading, Berkshire. In 1864 James marries Rhoda Vickers in Reading, Berkshire. 

1871 finds Emma living with her brother James, his wife Rhoda, and their two sons, Arthur, and Earnest in Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Tragically Emma was killed on 31st December 1874. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported as follows:

"Shocking Accident. Young Woman Shot By Her Brother.

A shocking incident marked the close of the Old Year at Boyn Hill.  On Thursday afternoon a young married man named James Winter, a carpenter and joiner, had been out with a companion named Crockford, shooting.  On the way home the two called at the Crown public-house, and leaving there is companion, Winter went into his own house, which is nearly opposite. Immediately afterward the report of a gun was heard, and winter ran outside crying "I've shot my sister!" Neighbours flocking in found the inner room filled with smoke, Emma Winter (an imbecile sister of Winter) lying dead, and near her a gun with the hammer broken off.  His statement was that the gun exploded as he was putting it down in a corner, and that it must have been at half-cock when he entered. The death of the unfortunate woman was immediate, for the charge entered her brain. Dr, Playne was called in, but was, of course, unable to render material aid. Soo afterwards constable Venables arrived, and took winter to the lock-up, where he remained all night. At 10 o'clock next morning he was brought up at the Town Hall, before the Mayor. He was in great distress, and his father and wife were weeping bitterly. 

Constable Venables said: About half-past seven last evening, from information I received from Dr. Playne I went to Winter's house at Boyn Hill. I found him at home, with his wife and children and Mr Petite. I made some inquires and found that Emma winter had been shot. I asked Winter how it happened, and he said he had done it, and that it was an accident. I didn't ask any further questions in the house, but said he must go with me, and he said, "I know that I've been expecting it." As we were walking from his house to the lock-up he said that he had been out shooting all afternoon with a man named Jospeh Crockford, and he took his gun home loaded and he supposed it was cocked, but he did not know whether it was or not; that he opened the door and as he was going to shut it he had the gun under his arm ; his sister was passing at the time to get some water from the kettle, and he supposed she must have touched the gun and it went off. She was shot through the head. he immediately threw the gun down and <illegible> the fall the hammer was broken off.

Thomas Petite said: I live at the Crown Inn, Boyn Hill, just opposite Winter's. Last evening, about 5 o'clock, Winter and Crockford came into my house. Winter was carrying a gun and said they had been out shooting small birds. He put the gun down in a corner of the room and asked for a pint of half-and-half, (two parts beer: pale ale and stout) which he and Crockford drank. Crockford said, "We'll have some more." but Winter said he'd not have any more then. Crockford said he should, and gave me the cup to fill. While I was gone to the cellar to fill the pint Winter left, taking the gun with him. In about ten minutes after Winter's little boy came running over and asked me to go across, as his farther had shot - Whom I did not hear, for I ran across as fast as I could. I met Winter running towards me about half way to his house. He said, "Oh dear, I've shot my sister!" I said, "Where?" and ran as fast as I could. He said, "Oh dear, Oh dear!" and went with me. I went into the room, which was filled with the smoke of an explosion. I went to the body, and it was quite dead. I said, "However did it happen?" and winter said, "I can't say; I was just inside the door; my sister was going to get some water from the kettle; I was going to put the gun behind the door when it went off, and I flung it down and ran away," The gun was still on the floor, and I did not move it. I sent for Dr. Playne immediately. I kept company with Winter until the doctor had come and the police fetched Winter away. 

By the Mayor: Winter and his siter have always been on good terms. I have known him four years, and during that time they have lived very comfortably. I have known Winter as a sober, steady man.

Emma Hicks said: I live at Boyn Hill, near Winter's house, and ran across and found that the sister had been shot. Winter did not say anything to me : he was with Mr. Petite. I have known the family ever since they have been here, and they have always been comfortable together. 

By the Mayor: I have never a difference between brother and sister, nor any threats used.

The Mayor decided to dismiss the case, saying that careful consideration of the evidence had satisfied him the young woman's death was the result of a pure accident; but he hoped it would be a warning to the accused and others not to take loaded firearms into the house - which was a most reprehensible and dangerous practice." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 6th January, 1875.

Crown Inn, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The Inquest into Emma's death was held at the Crown Inn, Boyn Hill Road, on the afternoon of the 1st of January 1875, just 50 yards from the tragic accident. The report in the Maidenhead Advertiser continued:

"Rhoda Winter, speaking through choking sobs, gave this narrative:- My husband's name is James Winter, He is a carpenter and joiner living at Boyn Hill. The deceased, my husband's sister, lived with us. Her father allowed us about 12s. a-week for keeping her. She had been with us about nine years, and she and my husband were on very good terms. Yesterday evening, between five and six o'clock, I was sitting undressing the little children, and the tea-things were waiting for my husband, who was rather late. Just as he came in his siter got up and said, "I'll put away the tea-things," I said, "Yes, when James has had his tea." He came in with his gun slightly under his arm, in the way he usually carried it - the barrel in front <illegible>. He said, "Have you locked up the shop?" and I said "Yes." He said, "Have you fed the pigs?" "Yes." "Very good," he said. Just upon that his sister got up and went past him, and the gun went off. I did not see him raise the gun at all. He was holding it under his left arm. When the gun went off I was terrified. I did not know what had occurred. I thought it was my husband that had been shot. Myself, five children, and my sister-in-law were in the room. She fell against the wall and I cried, "What have you done; what have you done!" He cried, "Oh what have I done!" I told a child to run for Mr. Petite. The hair of my daughter Lizzie was on fire from the discharge, and I thought at first it was she that had been shot. My husband has had the gun about two years ; it was one his farther gave him, and he has frequently gone shooting round the premises with it. He was in the habit of keeping it loaded in the house hung over the mantlepiece in the kitchen. He was not the worse for liquor as I saw. He spoke to me in his usual manner. 

By Mr. Ward: When he came in he usually hung up the gun. I think he must have been doing this when it went off. He did it to keep the gun away from the children. The deceased was close to the gun. the charge went near the hair of one of my children. The deceased was in the act of picking up the kettle - in a stooping position - when she was shot.

By the Jury: She was very useful about the house, and we have sustained a great loss by her death. She was doatingly [sic] fond of our children.

Emma Hicks said the deceased was very fond of the children, and they of her. She then related: About six o'clock yesterday evening I heard the report of a gun and screaming. I went across towards Winter's house and met Mrs. Winter coming out. She said her husband had shot his sister, and I went into the room and I saw the body in the position it is in now. Winter was in the kitchen with Mr. Petite, the landlord of this house. I saw the gun lying just inside the door - the barrel towards the deceased. The that the hammer was off the gun. I have known them about six years : during that time I have never known Winter and the deceased to have a disagreement. Winter appeared to be perfectly sober. I ran across to the house as soon as I heard the report. Winter is a man of cheerful disposition. Winter and his sister seemed to be on very friendly terms. He was almost distracted after the occurrence, and I stayed with him until the police came and took him away.

Winter was then called in, and having been cautioned, said : The deceased is my sister, and had been living with me for over nine years, my father allowing me 12s. a week for her maintenance. She was very useful - in fact a slave to us and the children. She would do anything for us, and we shall miss her very much. I went out shooting, yesterday afternoon, with Joseph Crockford, and after calling at this house went home between five and six o'clock. Whether my wife spoke to me or the children I know not, but the gun went off, and my sister, who was going to the fireplace, was shot. I had the gun nearly level. I think it must have been cocked, but I cannot swear whether it was or not. It is a great wonder I hadn't shot my wife or some of the children. I was sober. I can't say I hadn't had a few glasses of ale - perhaps four pints altogether during the afternoon. I always kept the gun loaded, over the kitchen mantlepiece.

The father stated the deceased was in her 41st year. 

The Jury at once returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 6th January, 1875.

In 1879 James and his family were evicted from the home in Boyn Hill, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 23rd April 1879 as follows:

"Ejectment - Mr. F. T. Ward, as agent to the Maidenhead Charity Trustees, applied for a warrant of possession in respect of a tenement in Boyn Hill, which was leased at Lady Day, 1872, for seven years to Mr. James Winter. The lease expired on 25th Match last. Notice addressed to Mr. Winter was said to have been served on the person in possession, and as there was no appearance, the magistrates made an order for a warrant of possession to issue. There was no other business." - Maidenhead Advertiser, 23rd April, 1879.  

By 1881 James and his family had moved to 26 Coningsby Road, Ealing, Middlesex. Just six years later James's wife Rhoda was to pass away. James remarried in 1893 to Lousia Campbell at Hammersmith, Middlesex. Sadly, the marriage was short as Lousia passed away in 1903, James himself would pass away in 1909 aged 65 years old in Croydon, Surrey. 

Sad Boating Accident - Seth Charles Ward - Drowned at Boulter's Weir

All Saint's Churchyard,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Holy Memory of

Seath Charles Ward

For 19 Years A Chorister in This Church

Called To His rest June 4th 1878 Aged 69

His mercy is on them that fear Him throughout all generations."

Seth Charles Ward was born on 15th May 1809 in Camberwell, Surrey, England, to parents Seth Stephen Ward, and Maria Black.  On the 26th September 1840 Seth married Rose Barraud at Saint Giles, Camberwell Church Street, Southwark.  Seth is listed on his marriage certificate as being a Clerk in court in Chancery. 

On the 1841 Census Seth and Rose can be found living in Queen's Row, Grove Lane, Camberwell, Southwark. On the 22nd August 1841 they celebrated the birth of their son Percival Seth Ward. Their daughter Marion Rose Ward followed in 1843 and another son, Bernard Stephen Ward on 5th August 1846. The family is still living in Queen's Row in Grove Lane, Camberwell in 1851. In 1854 another daughter Dora May ward was born but sadly she was to pass away in 1855.

By 1861 the family had moved to Maidenhead and were living in Castle Hill. Seth is listed as a clerk of records and writs in the High Court of Chancery. Percival is now an undergraduate of the College of Oxford (Oxford University). 

In 1871 Seth, his wife Rose, and their daughter Marion are still living in Castle Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Percival has married Annie Trueman and moved away to Farnborough, Warwickshire, where he is training to become a vicar. Bernard, now and organist and pianist, had moved out to Dresden, Germany, where he met and married Susan Theresa Davey Holdich. 

Seth Charles Ward was to pass away on 4th June 1878, by drowning in the Thames at Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the accident: 

"Serious Occurrence

We regret to have to have to announce a shocking accident which occurred yesterday (Tuesday) morning to a boating party who were out on the river under Taplow woods. Mr. P. S. Ward [sic], an aged gentleman, residing on Castle Hill, (this is a mistake in the reporting as P. S. Ward was Seth Charles's son, and lived until 1925) and was well known and generally respected in this neighbourhood, (so well known and respected in fact, they go his name wrong in the report), took with him yesterday morning, on an excursion on the river, his daughter and two nieces. They engaged a boat at Mr. Rose's, and went down the river and spent some time in enjoyment of the beauty of the scenery. They then appear to have gone to the weir to examine the sluices, and to have got out there. Returning to the boat, they turned into the backwater, and the boat, getting clear of the point, was carried broadside on to the sluice nearest the Bucks shore. The danger became manifest in a moment, and one of the ladies jumping ashore, dragged the second after her, and the third, having hold of the dress of the second, the three escaped, just as the boat capsized. Mr. Ward, however, was carried under and lost to view. A man on the shore saw the accident, and ran to Lord Dangan's and set to the lock for aid, and the ladies promptly rescued. A search was also made for the body of Mr. Ward, but without avail. All the afternoon and evening parties were out dragging for the unfortunate gentleman, but up to the time of our going to press the body had not been recovered. 

The man who witnessed the occurrence is named Charles Tuckwell, and he gives the following account:- at about 12 o'clock, I was sitting on the bank of the river and I saw a gentleman and two ladies near the weir. I saw them go near the centre sluice and land on it and look around. They then go into the boat again, and rowed around the backwater between the sluices. As soon as the boat got clear of the point, it was drawn broadside onto the sluice nearest the land on the Bucks side of the river. I saw one of the ladies jump ashore and pull another, the third having hold of the second one's dress. I also saw the gentleman's feet up out of the water, as though he was being drawn under. The ladies signalled to me that he had gone under, and I ran to Lord Dangan's (Henry Arthur Mornington Wellesley, 3rd earl Cowley J.P.) for assistance, and sent a boy to the lock to tell the man there.

The boat was broken into fragments, and these have been recovered in various places at a considerable distance from the scene of the accident. Lord Dangan rendered prompt assistance to the ladies, and conveyed them to his residence, and he afterwards placed a carriage at their disposal to return homeward.

Mr. Ward was an active member to the choir and the congregation of All Saint's. His sad and sudden death is a subject of deep and general sorrow, and the sincere sympathy of many friends is given to the bereaved and mourning relatives."  Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 5th June 1878.

Maidenhead (Boulter's) Weir
where Seth Charles Ward drowned
on 4th June 1878

Seth's body wasn't recovered from the river until the 10th of June, his inquest was held at the Ray Mead Hotel near the river.  The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the discovery of the body and the inquest as follows:

"Sad Boating Accident - The Inquest.

We gave last week an account of the sad boating accident at the weir above Boulter's Lock, by which Mr Seth Charles Ward, and aged gentleman, residing at Boyn Hill, was unfortunately drowned. The search for the body of the deceased commenced shortly after the accident, was continued without success until Monday morning. A reward was offered, and several punts were out each day, and the river was carefully dragged for a considerable distance; but no trace could be found of the body, and the general opinion was that it had been sucked down and retained in one of the holes or ledges underneath the bank near the weir. On Saturday morning, by the permission of Captain Etheridge, superintendent of the Thames Conservancy, the water was drawn off to a depth of nearly two feet, but the body still remained undiscovered. At about four o'clock Monday morning, however, a man named Harmand was out with a punt in the back stream near the gas works, and saw a dark object near the bank in the vicinity of the fish baskets, nearly facing Mr. Rose's boathouse. He put down his punt pole to it, and found it was the body of the unfortunate gentleman; it was thereupon lifted into the punt, and being conveyed therein to the gas works, where Mr. Harmand is employed, it was removed to the Ray Mead Hotel, and subsequently by the coroner's permission, to the deceased residence, near Boyn Hill Church.

Here an inquest was held at 3 o'clock, before W. Weedon, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, of whom Mr. F. Hillersdon was foreman. The first witness was Marian [sic] Rose Ward, who said: I am the daughter of the deceased. He was 69 years of age, and engaged in the Record and Writ Office. On the 4th of this month the deceased, I, and my two cousins were out boating. Mt father and I were rowing. He was accustomed to rowing, and I was fond of it, he knew the river quite well. We got out of the boat to look at the weir above Boulter's Lock, and he stood in the boat holding it. We got in again, and he sat down to his oar, but missed his stroke, and fell back into the boat. Instantly, he got up again, saying that it was all right; but by this time the boat was drifting close to the weir. As we came quite close to it we all caught hold of the beam there. I knew the danger, and my father told me to get out. My cousins stepped out on to the land, and I followed them. I saw the boat filling with water and quite on one side : at that moment he went down, feet foremost, as I just landed. 

"Do you, " asked the Coroner, "attribute the accident to his losing the stroke?" - "Yes," was the reply, "I attribute a good deal to losing control of the boat in that way; or I think he would have prevented it, he had just time to say 'Sit still.'"

"Was it by his wish that you went to the weir?" - "It was : I ought to say, we had been to the weir more than a dozen times before, I should think."

"He did not rise again?" - "No ; I thought I at first saw a hand and arm, but it must have been the oar; the oars were very white."

"You and your cousins didn't get into the water?" - "No."

"What happened next?" - "We called for help. There was a little boy on the opposite side of the river, and I think he ran to the lock. In about a quarter of an hour several men came, and a gentleman and a lady in a sort of canoe. The boat went into three pieces as he sank."

Charles Tuckwell, the next witness, said: "I am a labourer. On Tuesday I was standing on the bank of the river just above the weir, and I saw a gentleman and three ladies past in a boat. I did not know who they were. I saw them go near the pier, and the three ladies got out. They got in again, and the gentleman began pulling. It appeared that he wanted to go down the dead water; instead of that, the stream caught the head of the boat, and as he pulled it brought the boat right across the stream, which took him down to the weir. The stream was too strong for him, and took him the contrary way to what he wished. When he got to the sluice, as far as I could see, one side of the boat tipped up, and the ladies saw the danger and stepped out onto the brickwork. I heard the boat crush, but I did not see where the gentleman went. I fancied I saw his legs as he went down, and I called to the ladies a dozen times, I should think; to know if he had gone down. I then sent a boy to the lock, and went myself to Lord Dangan's for assistance. The gentleman seems to row very well. I helped search for the body, but could not find it.

By the Jury: If the ladies had been one minute later, they would have been swamped altogether.

Henry Harmand said: "I am a stoker at the Gas Works. About four o'clock this morning I found the body. I started away from the Gas Works at about three o'clock, and found it in about an hour, against the old bucks, near Mr. Rose's. It was over quarter of a mile from the weir. I saw the deceased's coat first, and lifted the body into the punt and took it down to the Gas Works. It was taken to the Ray Mead Hotel."

The Coroner said this appears to be all the evidence needful. No doubt, he added, the occurrence was an accident, for which no-one was to blame. At this point Rev. Percy Ward, son of the deceased gentleman, asked leave to say a few words to the jury. The Coroner acquiesced, and Mr. Ward observed: "Of course, in cases of accident of this kind there may be suspicions of carelessness or want of skill, and I should like to say of my dear father that there never was a man more careful than he was; and I assure you, as to the skill, that 40 years ago he was considered to be one of the best oarsmen on the Thames. And he was especially careful when he had ladies with him. He had become accustomed to go to that very spot when the sluices were shut, and when the water had not such a head on."

The Coroner said that the family of the deceased had his sympathy under these sad circumstances.  The Foreman added to this that the jury sincerely sympathised, as did indeed, the whole neighbourhood, with the deceased's relatives in their said bereavement. The Jury at once returned a verdict that the deceased was accidentally drowned by the upsetting of a boat at the weir near Boulter's Lock; on the Thames; and at their request, the Coroner promised to write to the Conservancy, suggesting that "Danger" boards should be put up at either end of the weir. They handed their fees (13s) to the Editor of the Maidenhead Advertiser for presentation to the funds of the Cottage Hospital.

The remains of the deceased were interred yesterday afternoon in the churchyard of All Saint's, Boyn Hill, amid great expressions of sorrow." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 12th June 1878.

Ray Mead Hotel, Maidenhead, Berkshire. 

Seth's widow Rose would continue to live in Maidenhead until her death in 1905.

Dairyman of Kidwell's Park - Henry Lovejoy

All Saints Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

Monument to Henry Lovejoy, All Saints' Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 "In Loving Memory

of

Henry Lovejoy

Who Passed Away

November 28th 1908

Aged 74 Years

-

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth."

Henry Lovejoy was born in Bray Berkshire in 1834 to Parents Peter Lovejoy, and agricultural labourer, and his wife Hannah.

Henry first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 7, living in Oakley Green near Fifield, Berkshire, with his parents and siblings, George already an agricultural labourer at 10 years old, Sarah, Caroline, and baby Mary. Henry's older brother James Lovejoy, a carpenter, is boarding in the house of Sarah Langley in Victoria Street, New Windsor, Berkshire. In 1851 the family, including James are still living near Fifield, Berkshire. All the boys are listed as agricultural labourers along with their father.

In 1857 in Henry married Martha Grove and in 1861 the newlywed couple can be found in an area called Builder's Wells near Tithe Barn, Berkshire. The road has since been renamed Westbrook. Henry is listed as being a garden labourer and living with them is their 7-month-old daughter Clara Ann who was born in 1860. Later Annie was born in 1863. Sadly, Martha Lovejoy was to pass away in 1865 due to complications after giving birth to her third daughter Martha, the baby Martha was also to pass away. A year later in 1866, Henry's mother Hannah passed away. Later in 1867, Henry married Emma Bosher.

In 1871 the family had moved to the Green Beer House, in Holyport, Berkshire. Henry is listed as being a Dairyman. Living with the family are Clara Ann, Annie, and Emma and Henry's daughter Louisa.

1881 finds the family now living in Kidwells Lodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Henry is now a Dairy Farmer farming 100 acres and employing 6 men and 3 boys. Living with the family is Henry's widowed father Peter Lovejoy. in 1885 Clara Ann Lovejoy married William Thomas Rolfe and left the family home.

In August 1890 Henry took two young boys to court for property damage to his trees. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the 27th August 1890 as follows:

"A Whipping.

John Saunders, and Waldeck-terrace, and James Gomm of Reform-lane, each 10 years of age, were said to have done wilful damage to some trees (willow-pollards) belonging to Mr. Henry Lovejoy.

Mr. Lovejoy, who is a farmer living at North Town, stated that on the 11th inst. he went towards his meadows in Sunnymead-lane at 10.30 a.m., and he saw three boys in one of them. He stood watching the boys, and saw some branches falling from the centre of one of his pollard trees. He went towards the tree and caught Gomm, but Saunders ran away. Gomm said, "If you'll forgive me, Mr. Lovejoy, I'll teel you all about it."  He asked him who cut the branches from the trees, and he replied, "Saunders. I was going to, only we saw you coming." He found his pollard damaged, and he put the damage at a shilling. Mr/ Lovejoy explained that there were two younger boys (named Laily) there, but he had not summoned them, and that he only summoned the defendants because he wished to put a stop to the damage being done to his property.

The parents were asked if they would whip their sons, if they were let off. Gomm said he would thrash his boy, but Mrs. Saunders said she could not beat her son. Asked if she would allow Gomm to do so she said "Yes," and Gomm promised to whip the two boys in the presence of the police, the case dismissed." - Maidenhead Advertiser, 27th August 1890.

1881 finds the family now living in Kidwells Lodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Henry is now a Dairy Farmer farming 100 acres and employing 6 men and 3 boys. Living with the family is Henry's widowed father Peter Lovejoy. in 1885 Clara Ann Lovejoy married William Thomas Rolfe and left the family home.  Henry's father Peter was to pass away in 1883 aged 86 years.

By 1891 the family had moved to North Town Farm in Maidenhead, where Henry is listed as just a farmer. That same year Lousia, known a Louie, married William Thomas Lynn.

1901 just 7 years before Henry's death he can be found living with his wife Emma, and daughter Annie at 25 Marlow Road, Maidenhead Berkshire. Henry is now a retired farmer. Visiting the family at the time is Ann Smart 

Henry was to pass away on 28th November 1908 aged 74. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on his death as follows:

"Death of Mr. Henry Lovejoy

One of maidenhead's oldest and best-known passed away on Saturday last - Mr. Henry Lovejoy, who died at his residence "Ænon," Marlow-road, at the age of 74 years. Mr. Lovejoy had been failing in health for some time, but was able to get about and take walks within two days of his death. Mr. Lovejoy was highly respected in the town and neighbourhood, being of a kindly, sympathetic disposition, and in the best sense of the term a Christian gentleman. He came to Maidenhead in 1870, and until some eight years ago he was a dairy-farmer at Kidwell's Park, North Town farm, and Redstone Farm. About eight years ago he retired from business. He was at the time of his death a sidesman for St. Mary's Church, which position he filled for many years. He was pressed to succeed the late Mr. R. Clifton Davy as the Churchwarden, but owing to his failing health declined the honour. He took a keen interest in the work of the church, and the loss of his assistance will be very much felt...

The funeral will take place to-day (Wednesday), at Maidenhead Cemetery." - Maidenhead Advertiser, December 2nd 1908.

Emma and Annie Lovejoy were to remain at Ænon, Marlow Road, Maidenhead until their deaths in 1909 and 1932. Annie never married.

Bakers of Maidenhead - Thomas Henry and Jane Ashby Bromley

All Saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Loving Memory 

of

Thomas Henry Bromley

who entered into rest

November 22nd 1897

Aged 61 Years

Also of

Jane Ashby Bromley

the dearly loved wife of the above

who fell asleep on June 3rd 1915

Aged 80 Years

Thanks Be Unto God Which Giveth Us The Victory

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ"

Thomas Henry Bromley was born in Shinfield, Berkshire in 1836 to parents William Bromley, a baker, and Essey Herbert. Thomas can be found on the 1851 Census living with his parents and siblings in the village of Three Mile Cross in Shinfield, Berkshire. Jospeh is working as a baker at his father's shop in Three Mile Cross. Thomas remained at the family home until his marriage to Jane Ashby in Reading Berkshire in 1862.

Jane Ashby was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire in 1834 to parents William Ashby, a grocer, and Ann Catlin. Jane first appears on the 1841 Census living with her parents and siblings in Bushey, Hertfordshire. In 1851 Jane is a dressmaker's apprentice at the home of Mary Jane Wade in Watford, Hertfordshire. 1861 finds Jane as a visitor at the home of John Stevens, a farmer, in Swallowfield, Berkshire

By 1871 Thomas and Jane have moved to Maidenhead High Street where Thomas is a baker. Living with the family are their children, Beatrice Mary born in 1864, Arthur Ashby born in 1866, Elizabeth Jane born in 1870, and Ann Louise (Baby Bromley on the Census) born in 1871. Thomas was a steward at the High Street Methodist Church.

1881 and Thomas has moved his family and business to 17 Bridge Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Joining the family is Ernest Henry born 1878. Arthur is working as a baker for his father. The family would remain at 17 Bridge Street until Thomas's death on 22nd November 1897 aged 61. Jane would make a donation to the Methodist Church's One Million Guinea Fund in memoriam to Thomas.

The widowed Jane is living with her son Ernest Henry, his wife Florence, and their unnamed week-old baby daughter, in Farnham Lane, Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire. Jane has a sick nurse called Sarah North living with her at her son's home.

By 1911 Jane has moved back to Maidenhead and is living at 1 St Luke's Road along with a boarder Elizabeth Bolton, and their servant Evelyn Mable Anstiss. Jane would later pass away on 3rd June 1915 aged 80. On the 9th June 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Deaths

Bromley - On 3rd June, at Ashby, St Luke's-road, Maidenhead, Jane Ashby Bromley, the dearly-loved wife of the late Thomas Henry Bromley, in her 81st year."

Family Links: Grandson Arthur Kenneth Bromley.

Musical Genius, Church Organist and Builder - Joseph Love Silver and Elizabeth Silver

 

All saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

"Sacred 

to the Memory

of

Joseph Love silver

Who Entered Into Rest

On September 16th 1911

In His 72nd Year.

'There Remaineth Therefore A Rest To The People Of God'. Heb. IV 9

Also In Loving Remembrance of 

Eliza

Widow Of The Above

Who Fell Asleep On Oct 7th 1919

In Her 81st Year.

'The Night Is Passed. And Lo, It Is Day'."

Joseph Love Silver was born in Tittle Row, Maidenhead, Berkshire om 29th January 1840 to parents Richard Silver, a carpenter and builder, later Alderman and Justice of the Peace for Maidenhead, and Mary Kay. 

Joseph's mother and two sisters are buried at St James the Less, Stubbings. You can read about them here: Silver - Believeth.

Joseph can first be found on the 1841 Census living with his parents in Tittle Row, Berkshire. The family ran a building business called Silver and Sons. In 1844 Silver and Sons built the St John the Baptist Church in Cookham Dean

In 1851 the family is still living in Tittle Row, but has expanded to include Augusta born in 1842, Kate born in 1846 (living with her aunt and uncle Sarah and James Silver in 1851), Agness born in 1848, and Annette born in 1850. Sadly, Augusta was to pass away in 1860, and Annette in 1861. Visiting the family at the time of the 1851 Census is Maria Ashwell King.

In 1856 Silver and Sons manufactured the bricks used in the construction of All Saint's Church, Boyn Hill Maidenhead. Silver and Sons owned a brick and tile works in believed to have been in Bisham.

1861 Jospeh, now a builder working for his father, is still living with his family, now including James Edward born in 1852, in Tittle Row. In 1862 in Bray Berkshire Joseph married Eliza Susannah Mills. 

Elizabeth Susannah Mills was born in 1839 in Stepney, Middlesex to parents Robert Mills, a grocer, and Martha Fletcher. In 1841 the family can be found living in Great Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London. 

By 1851 Eliza has moved with her family to Maidenhead High Street where they run a grocery shop. Eliza's mother Martha would pass away in 1856. In 1861 Eliza is still living with her widowed father and younger brother in Maidenhead High Street.

In 1871 Joseph and Eliza can be found living in Maidenhead High Street, where Joseph is listed as a builder and organist. Joseph had since taken over the family business of Silver and Sons. Living with them are their children, Alice Augusta 1865, Helen Annette born 1868, Eva Mary born 1869, and Amy Martha born in 1871. Joseph was the organist and choir master for St Luke's Church, Maidenhead. In 1874 resigned as choirmaster and organist for St Luke's. The Musical Times and Singing Circular reported:

"Maidenhead - In a meeting in the National Schools on the 19th ult., the choir of St. Luke's Church presented Mr. J. L. Silver, organist and choirmaster, on his resignation, with a very elegant Album (in which is to be placed a portrait of each member) in appreciation of his professional ability and kindness of manner to them on all occasions."  - The Musical Times and Singing Circular, Vol 16, No. 375, May 1st 1874. - A History of the Parish.

In 1879 Joseph's business Silver &Sons was contracted to build St Joseph's Church in Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

"In 1879 Canon John Scannell acquired a 'finely situate' acre of land as the site a Parish Church and set about raising funds at erect a building to accommodate the town's growing Catholic population. The eminent architect Leonard Stokes was appointed and the builders were Messrs Silver and Sons and Filewood." 

By 1881 Joseph and his family have moved back to Tittle Row, including Arthur Richard born in 1874, and Kate born in 1877. 1891 and the family remain in Tittle Row, the address of the house given as Fountain Cottage where Joseph remained living until his death in 1911. in 1894 Silver and Sons erected the Bath Stone spire of St Luke's Church, Maidenhead.

In 1904 Joseph was involved in a serious accident. The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 22nd October 1904:

"Serious Accident At Maidenhead

On Friday morning last a somewhat serious trap accident occurred on Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Mr. T. A. Durrant's son Colin was returning from delivering meat in the Castle Hill district and when about halfway down the hill, between the railway bridge and Messrs Cooper and Son's, the band of the harness gave way, and the startled horse, in breaking free from the harness and cart swerved the latter round and overturned a trap coming in the opposite direction, and in which was Mr. Joseph Silver, of Altwood-road, and his man Marsh who was driving. Mr. Silver was badly shaken, while Marsh sustained an injury to one of his shoulders, and was incapacitated for work. Mr. Silver had only recently recovered from a severe illness, and he had to take his bed again on his arrival home in a cab. The trap was badly damaged, Mr. Durrant's horse, getting free bolted down the High-street and Bridge-street, and proceeding by the riverside returned to the High-street via North Town and Market street. It was stopped at the Saracen's Head, after a quarter of an hour's good gallop, during which it kicked off a couple of shoes and injured its legs. Fortunately, no further personal injury was sustained. It was lucky that the animal did not drag the cart with it as it careered down the High street, as a good deal of traffic was about, and a serious collision would have been inevitable. Mr. Silver, we are glad to say, is progressing satisfactorily." - Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer, 22nd October 1904.

Joseph was to pass away on 16th September 1911 aged 71 years old. Elizabeth was to follow Joseph later on the 7th October 1919. 

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 20th September 1911 as follows:

"Death of Mr. Joseph Silver

We much regret to have to record the death of one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Maidenhead, Mr. Joseph Love Silver, A.R.C.O. (associate of the Royal College of Organists), eldest son of the late Alderman R. Silver J.P., of Tittle Row, Maidenhead. Mr. Joseph Silver had been unwell for some years, but it was only a few days before his death that his condition gave any cause for anxiety. He had been addended some years by Dr. Moore, who did all that medical skill could suggest to prolong his patient's life. Mr Silver was able to transact business up to within a short time of his death, but ominous developments ultimately rendered it necessary for him to keep his bed. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve, and he passed away peacefully on Saturday last, at the age of 71.

Mr. Silver was born on 29th January 1840, at Tittle Row. Early in life he was seen to be possessed of considerable musical talent, and his parents encouraged him all they possibly could in his musical studies. Subsequently, he became associated with the Royal College of Organists, and took the degree of A.R.C.O. in 1872. He was organist at St. Luke's Chruch, Maidenhead, for ten years, resigning through stress of business in 1877. He served as organist under two Vicars of St. Luke's - the late Rev. W. B. Hole and the Rev. W. G. Sawyer. Previous to this he was an organist at Maidenhead Congressional Church. West-street, during the pastorate of the eat Rev. John Mcfarlane. On resigning his post at St. Luke's, presentations were made to Mr. Silver by the clergy and congregation in recognition of his valuable services and as a mark of esteem and goodwill.

He was quite an enthusiast in musical matters and a recognised authority on organ-building, in connection with work he was frequently consulted and prepared plans and specifications. Mr. Silver was a college-friend of Dr. Bridge of Westminster Abbey, and was well known by all the leading organists of the time. He was also a composer of organ-music, and some of his compositions are still favourites in local churches. These include chants and settings to the Te Deum Kyrie, Venite, and other portions of the Church Service. Mr. Silver was very gifted in extempore playing and many of our readers will recall with pleasure recitals given by him in various churches, more especially at St. Lukes, St. Pauls, and St. Peter's. It is not too much to say that he was a musical genius; his whole soul entered into his playing, and the service of praise was always marked by the truest reverence and devotion and real sympathy when he was seated at the keyboard of the organ. To the musical world, Mr. Silver's death is a great loss. He was a Christian gentleman in the highest sense of the term, and was greatly loved by all who were privileged to enjoy his friendship. The deceased was throughout the greater part of his life a valued member of the well-known firm of Messrs. Silver and Sons builders, etc., Altwood Works, and at the time of his death was one of the firm Messrs. Silver and Sons Ltd.

The deepest sympathy is felt with Mrs. Joseph Silver - who we regret to say is an invalid - and family in their great bereavement. The funeral with take place this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 3.30, at Maidenhead Cemetery." Maidenhead Advertiser, 20th September 1911. 

The Ricardos of Ray Mead Cottage

All Saint's Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In 

Loving Memory 

of

Albert Ricardo

of Ray Mead Maidenhead

Dec 23 1908.

And

Charlotte Frances Ricardo

'Daisy'

his wife

Sep 20 1906."

Albert Ricardo was born in Lambeth, London in 1820 to parents Jacob James Ricardo, a member of the London Stock Exchange, and Harriet Levy. Albert was a keen sportsman who played cricket and was a member for the I Zingari team and the Marylebone Cricket Club. He was also a steeplechase rider who went on to win the Cambridgeshire Stakes in 1847 on a horse named The Widow. Albert also enjoyed amateur dramatics and co-founded a society called The Windsor Strollers. Albert was an avid hunter and kept a pack of hunting beagles called the Ray Mead Pack for hunting hares.

Charlotte Frances Ricardo was born Charlotte Frances Tyrwhitt in Bridgnorth, Shropshire in 1828 to parents Sir Thomas John Tyrwhitte Jones, 2nd Baronet of Stanley Hall and a member of the British Parliament, and Eliza Walwyn Macnamara.

Albert is first found on the 1841 Census living at 5 Upper Eccleston Street, St George Hanover Square, London with his widowed mother Harriet and his siblings. On 6th of August 1850 Albert Ricardo married Charlotte Frances Tyrwhitt in St Goerge Hanover Square, London.

1851 finds the newlywed couple living at 3 Charles Street, Chelsea, London, where Albert is listed as a Merchant and Foreign Stock Dealer. Working for the family are Mary Ann Deighton a cook, Lousia Basaillae a lady's maid, Sarah Woods a housemaid, and Thomas Frys the butler.

In 1861 Albert and Charlotte are visitors at the home of Lady Eliza Webster, a fundholder, at Granard House, Putney Park Lane, Surrey. On the 30th December 1861 they celebrated the birth of their son Charles Tyrwhitt Ricardo.

By 1871 albert and Charlotte have moved to Ray Mead Cottage, Maidenhead, Berkshire. They are at Ray Mead Cottage during the 1881 Census. Albert owned Ray Mead Cottage for his entire life. Living with them are their domestic servants, Charles Road, Annie Jones, Eliza Creed, and Emma Silvery.  Charles Ricard is away from home studying at The Royal Agricultural College, The School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

Albert and Charlotte Ricardo
at the doors of Ray Mead
Cottage.

In 1890 Charlotte Ricardo was involved in a carriage accident near the Red Lion Pub in Maidenhead. The Reading Mercury reports:

"ACCIDENT - On Tuesday afternoon, in endeavouring to avoid a collision whilst passing a van near the "Red Lion," the wheel of a light carriage driven by Mrs. Ricardo, of Ray Mead, came in contact with the kerb and overturned the carriage. Fortunately, Mrs. Ricardo retained possession of the reins, and the pony did not bolt. Assistance was rendered by P.C. Boulter and Mr, Simpson, but beyond being bruised and shaken Mrs. Ricardo was not injured." - Reading Mercury 1890 

The family including Charles remained at Ray Mead Cottage until Albert's death. Charlotte Frances Ricardo was to pass away on 20th September 1906 her obituary in the Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer, read as follows:

"We very much regret to have to record the death of Mrs. Ricardo, wife of Mr Albert Ricard J.P., which occurred at her residence opposite Boulter's Lock on Thursday in last week, after a brief illness. Mrs. Ricardo was 72 years of age. She was a lady widely-known and universally esteemed, and her familiar figure and cheery voice will be greatly missed by frequenters of Boulter's Lock. By her death the Maidenhead Cottage Hospital, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and other charitable and deserving causes lose and active and generous supporter, and her death will be heard on every hand with much regret. Mrs. Ricardo was one of those kindly, sympathetic, generous ladies a community can ill afford to lose, and Maidenhead will be poorer by her demise. Funeral to place at the cemetery on Monday last." - Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer. 26th September 1906.

Albert was to follow Charlotte on the 23rd of December 1908. His obituary in the Australian Star for Sydney and NSW reads as follows:

"Mr. Albert Ricardo, of Raymead, Maidenhead, opposite Boulter’s Lock, died last month. Mr. Ricardo, who was 89 years of age, had been in ill-health for some years. Born in 1820, he spent the early years of his life in Paris. He was keenly interested in racing in France, and rode in the first steeplechase ever held in that country. Afterwards he raced in the old country, and in 1847 won the Cambridgeshire with The Widow.

A keen cricketer, Mr. Ricardo was an original member of the I. Zingari, which started as a dramatic as well as a cricket club, the members often associating private theatricals with the matches which they played all over the country. Mr. Ricardo captained the Zingaris for twenty years in their annual match on the last day of Ascot Week against the Household Brigade, at Windsor, and he played frequently with the old and famous Maidenhead Cricket Club, in which he always showed consistent form, both as a batsman and in the field. He was also a member of the Windsor Strollers, and for many years acted with them in their autumn plays in Windsor. In the ‘fifties and ‘sixties Mr. Ricardo and his wife—who was a daughter of Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt—entertained a great deal in their Maidenhead residence.
From his earliest days Mr. Ricardo had been extremely fond of the river, and only eight or ten years ago took a morning plunge in the Boulter’s weir, however cold the water might be. Indeed he gave up his morning swim only when latterly his infirmities compelled him.

As showing the change that has come over the River Thames, the “South Bucks Free Press” recalls that on a summer Sunday many years ago Mr. Ricardo was the only man out boating who took his skiff round to the lock. A man stopped him, and indignantly asked him whether he knew what day it was, telling him in very plain language his opinion of a person who used the river on Sunday. Where one boat was out on the river in those days thousands now pass through Boulter’s Lock in a season." - Australian Star 20th February 1909.

Charles Tyrwhitt Ricardo moved away from Maidenhead after the death of his parents. In 1911 he can be found living in a house names Ray Mead in Bembridge, Isle of Wight. He later renamed the home Catlands. Charles was to pass away in the Isle of Wight on 5th of January 1941.

For more information and photographs on Albert and Charlotte's life, please visit The Ricardo Album.

Boots, Booze, Boats, Heroes and Villains - Samuel and Emily Rose

All Saint's Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.

 "In Loving Memory of

Samuel Rose

Who Died March 6th 1905

Aged 82 Years

'The days come and the years pass.

But you are ever in my thoughts, dear.'

Also of

Emily Wife of the Above

Died July 23rd 1926

Aged 82 Years."

Samuel Rose was born in Suffolk in 1824 to parents Jonathan Rose, a Boot and Shoemaker and his wife Mary.  

In 1841 Samuel can be found living with his parents and younger brother Josuha at Dowsett Farm in South Weald, Essex. on the 20th of August 1849 Samuel married Sophia Gates at St James Church, Clerkenwell, Islington, London. Samual occupation on his marriage certificate is listed as a Shoemaker.

By 1851 Samuel had moved to Stondon Massey in Essex and had a change in carer as he is now the Licensed Victualler of the Bricklayers Arms, as well as Boot Maker. Living with Samuel and Sophia is their two-month-old daughter Maria, and Sophia's younger brother Frank Gates, a Baker. Sadly, little Maria was to pass away in the same year. Samuel and Sophia would welcome and lose another child, John in 1852. The Rose family stayed at the Bricklayer's Arms until 1855.

Bricklayer's Arms
Stondon Massey, Essex, UK.

On the 1861 Census Samuel is now in charge of The Fox and Goose public house at 584, London Road, West Thurrock, Essex.  Living with Samuel and Sophia are their children, Mary Ann Rose born in 1855, Sophia Rose born in 1857, Harry Rose born in 1858, and Samuel Rose Jnr born in 1860. Lodging at the Fox and Goose are Agricultural Labourers, Thomas Scrivner, John Baker, Walter Smith, John Kemp, Henry Farnsworth, John Hosley, John Flack, and Sophia's younger brother James Gates.

1871 the family has moved to 8 Causeway Cottage, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, where Samuel is now a Boat Builder. Samuel and Sophia have since welcomed into the family Francis Rose born 1863, Robert Rose born 1864, and Eliza Rose born 1866. Lodging with the family is Benjamin Cowan, a Painter.

By 1881 Samuel, Sophia and their younger children Harry, Robert, and Eliza have moved to Riversdale Cottage, Ray Park, Maidenhead. Samuel is still listed as a boatman, Harry is now a Carpenter, and Robert a Waterman. Sophia was to pass away in 1885 aged 60-year-old. She is buried at St Luke's Churchyard in Maidenhead. 

Samuel Rose Snr appeared in a report in the Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer on 25th August 1888. The report was as follows:

"Twice Saved From Drowning

On Saturday afternoon last, at about 4 o'clock, as a little boy aged seven years, named Walter Plummer, son of Mr. R Plummer, jun., was playing on the river wall opposite the old bathing-place at Maidenhead, he accidentally fell into the water. A young man named George Henry Harvey noticed the boy struggling in the water and promptly jumped in and rescued him. This is the same boy whom Mr. Samuel Rose saved from drowning at the same spot on August 15th, 1882. A girl then who was in charge of the little one, took him out of the perambulator and allowed him to walk, when he fell a distance of 6ft down the bank into the river. Mr. S. Rose, who was in a boat a hundred yards off, heard screams, and observing something in the water proceeded to the spot and rescued the child, who was then only 20 months old. Beware the third time!" - Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer, 25th August 1888.

Rescuing drowning people from the river Thames seems to have been a family affair as on the 22nd September 1888, the Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer reported on Samuel's son, Samuel Rose Jnr as follows:

"Reward for Bravery

On Thursday the 13th, inst., at noon, Mr. Samuel Rose, jun., of Maidenhead, was publicly presented in the Town Hall with the Royal Humane Society's Honorary Testimonial 'for having on the 22nd of July, 1888, gone to the rescue of Edgar Cross, who was in imminent danger of drowning in the River Thames at Maidenhead, and whose life he gallantly saved.' The circumstances of the rescue were reported by us. The presentation was made by the Mayor (Ald. Mackie) in suitable terms, and Mr. Rose thanked the Mayor for his remarks, and the ladies and gentlemen who had honoured him with their presence. The testimonial was enclosed in blue cloth covers, on which were the words in gilt characters, 'Presented by the Royal Human Society.' It was on vellum and surmounted by the arms of the society. The inscription recorded the specific act for which the certificated was granted. There was a large attendance of the public." - Slough, Eton, and Windsor Observer, 22nd September 1888.

The report on the incident and rescue was as follows:

"Narrow Escape From Drowning

At about 5.45 on Sunday evening last, as Edgar Cross whose parents live at Barge Farm, Taplow, and who is seven years of age, was walking along the river wall, accompanied by an elder brother, he suddenly lost his balance and fell into the river. A gentleman in a punt jumped into the water and swam towards the boy, but the stream was so strong he could make little headway. In the meantime, Mr. S. Rose, who was at the time of the mishap on a raft a hundred yards off, rank along the bank, and without stooping to divest himself of any clothing, plunged into the river and rescued the drowning boy, after the latter had disappeared under water for a second time. Mr. Rose had some difficulty himself to get out of the water, owing to there being nothing in the wall for him to cling to, and he had to be assisted out by three or four persons. The boy was taken to Mrs. Benningfield's , The Lawn, where every possibly kindness and attention were shown him. Cross's parents were made acquainted with the mishap, and the promptly sent some clothing and a vehicle to convey him home. Several persons on the bank witnessed the accident and rescue, and Rose was deservedly praised for his very timely aid, without which the life of the boy might have been lost. Mr. G. R. Cross has written as follows:- 'Sir, on Sunday last one of my boys fell off the river wall and most narrowly escaped drowning. Indeed, had it not been for the intrepid conduct of Mr. Charles Hawtrey and Mr. S. Rose, I should now be mourning the loss of one very dear to Mrs. Cross and myself. Surely, Sir, it is time that some protections should be afforded against the possibility of such accidents. The river wall is nothing more not less than a death-trap. Either a railing should be run along it or the top of the wall coped, to prevent children and grown-up persons walking on it. I noticed it is proposed to run a chain along the side of the wall, but what avail would this have been Sunday last, and what avail will it be in the future? Protection is required for those who use the river side road, and if something in the nature of my suggestion is not speedily done, and a fatal accident occurs, the Corporation of Maidenhead will be to blame."- Slough, Eton , and Windsor Observer, July 28th 1888.

However, Samuel Rose Jnr's heroic reputation was not to last when in 1896 he was tried at the Maidenhead Borough Police Court for the neglect of his children Samuel aged 10, Beatrice aged 7, and Edith aged 5. Samuel Jnr had become intemperate after the breakup of his business partnership with his brother Harold Rose, and the loss of this business at The Bull Public House in Wycombe. Samuel had sent his three small children to live with Mrs Agnes Such, a widow and storekeeper at 52 Bridge Street who had three children of her own, with the promise of paying 5 shillings a week for their care. Samuel paid a total of 15 shilling for the first three weeks and nothing after. Samuel's father and brother gave evidence against him in court and Samuel was fined £1 with costs of 12 shillings or 14 days imprisonment with hard labour.

~ ~ ~

Emily Rose was born Emily Woodhouse in Bray, Berkshire in 1844 to parents William Woodhouse, a Farmer, Inn Keeper, and Registrar of Births and Deaths, and his wife Sarah Purton. 

Emily first appears aged 7 on the 1851 Census, living in Bray Berkshire with her parents and siblings. The family are still in Bray in 1861

Postcard of Bray Village High Street c1905

In 1871 Emily is visiting the home of Elizabeth Burgress at 107 Strand, Westminster. In 1881 she is back with her parents, living at 2 Thames Villa, Bray, Berkshire.

After the death of his first wife Sophia, Samuel remarried in 1886 to Emily Woodhouse, twenty years his junior.

1891 Samuel and Emily Rose are living at The Hut, Ray Lea Road, Maidenhead. Samuel is now living by his own means. In 1898 Samuel and Emily took Mr Cecil A Lumley to court for allegedly stealing roses from their garden at Westview, Ray Lea Road on 18th September 1898. The court found in favour of Samuel and Emily and Mr Lumley was fined 20 shillings, with 10 shillings costs. The fine was immediately paid.

On 6th March 1905 Samuel was to pass away aged 82 years.

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the death of Samuel Rose as follows:

"Death of Mr. Samuel Rose. We regret to have to inform of the death of an old inhabitant, Mr. Samuel Rose, which occurred at his residence in Ray Lea Road on Monday last, at the advanced age of 81 [sic]. Mr. Rose, who took a keen interest in local affairs, successfully carried on the business of a boat-builder, &c., at the Riverside for over 20 years, but retired from the business many years ago. He was succeeded by his son Mr. Harry Rose. The deceased gentleman had been in ill-health for some time. The funeral takes place at the Cemetery on Friday afternoon next." - Maidenhead Advertiser.

  

In 1911 the widowed Emily is still living at The Hut, Ray Lea Road, living with her is her servant Mary Elizabeth Davies. Emily was to pass away on 23rd July 1926 aged 82 years.