Robert Henley Shaw Eden, youngest son of the 3rd Baron of Auckland

 

Monument to Robert Henley Shaw Eden, All Saints' Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire

"Robert Henley Shaw

Eden

youngest son

of 3rd Baron of Auckland

Born Sept 25th 1840

Died Dec 28th 1916"

Robert Henley Shaw Eden was born on 28th September 1840 to Robert John Eden, 3rd Baron of Auckland, and his wife Mary Hunt. Robert was christened on 6th November 1840, at St Mary's Church, Church Road, Battersea, by his own father who was vicar of Battersea at that time.

Robert first appears on the 1851 Census, aged 10, living with his parents and siblings at Bishops Court, Michael, Isle of Mann.

On the 1861 Census 20 year old Robert is visiting the home of Edward John Littleton, Baron of Hatherton, at Teddesley Hall, Staffordshire.  On November 26th 1862 in Swannington, Norfolk, Robert married Jessie Ellen Hildyard, daughter of Frederick Hildyard, Rector of Swannington, and his wife Laetita Shore.

In 1864 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Robert Hildyard Henley Eden. He was shortedly followed by a daughter, Mabel Kate Eden, in 1865. Another daughter, Alice Mary Eden, was born in 1866, and another son, William Annesley Eden in 1869.

1871 finds the family living at 36 Town Street, Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, where Robert Sr's occupation is listed as Peers son.  Living with and working for the family are Mary Dainty, a parlour maid, Elizabeth Bayse, a cook, Phoebe Goodacre, a nurse, and Bridget Bordman, a ladies maid.

In 1881 Robert, Jessie, and their two daughters, Mabel and Alice, were living at Minety House, Green Hill, Minety, Whiltshire. Minety House once belonged to Henry VIII, and was gifted to Edward Seymour, brother of Henry's third wife Jane Seymour. Robert's occupation is given as a land agent. Boarding with the family is William Stanley, a student land agent. Visiting the family is Henry George Ricardo, a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery. Bridget Boardman is still working for the family as a ladies maid, also working for and living with the family is Charlotte Downes, governess to Mabel and Alice, Sarah Chivers, a cook, Lucy West, a parlour maid, and Elizabeth Amey, a school room maid.

Minety House, Minety, Whiltshire

I have been unable to trace Robert and Jessie on the 1891 Census.

By 1901 Robert and Jessie had moved to Llandrillo, Wales. Visiting the family is 7 year old Muriel Jessie Smith their granddaughter, daughter of Alice Mary and her husband Harold Smith. Also visiting are sisters Gwendolyn Floyd Wynn, and Margaret Constance Wynn. Living with and working for the family are Millicent Field, a cook, Edith Hardwith, a house maid, Cynthia Hughes, a kitchen maid, and John Maxwell, a stable boy.

Robert and Jessie are still in Llandrillo, Wales, in 1911. Visiting the family is 15 year old Elizabeth Ann Evans, a student. Living with and working for Robert and Jessie are Beatrice Elizabeth Brooks, a cook, Sarah Elizabeth Roberts, a house maid, and Elizabeth Lean, a kitchen maid.

Robert was to pass away on 28th December 1916. On 30th December 1916 the Newcastle Journal reported:

"The death took place Thursday his residence in London of the Hon. Robert Henley Shaw Eden, of Llandrillo, youngest son of the third Baron Auckland, in his 77th year. married in 1862 Jessie Ellen, daughter of the late Rev. Frederick Hildyard."

Jessie was to pass away on 23rd January 1927 in Sussex, England.

William Creed, Builder, Funeral Director, and Landlord of the Pond House, Punt Hill , Maidenhead, and his first wife Mary Ann

 

Monument to Mary Ann Creed and William Creed, All Saint's Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.

"In Loving Memory of

Mary Ann

The Beloved Wife Of William Creed

Who Entered Into Rest April 22nd 1905

Aged 56 Years

- Deeply Lamented -

Also of

William Creed

Who Entered Into Rest September 14th 1925

Aged 75 Years

- To Live In The Hearts Of Those We Love, Is not To Die -"

Mary Ann Creed was born Mary Ann Dobson, in 1848 in Marlborough, Wiltshire. I have been unable to locate any records on Mary Ann before her marriage to William Creed in 1872.

William Creed was born in 1849 in Dunfield, Gloucestershire to Alexander Creed, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Spreg.

William first appears on the 1851 Census, aged one, living with his parents and older siblings in Kempsford. Gloucestershire. William is still living with his parents in Kempsford in 1861.

In 1871 William was lodging in the home of Stephen Greenaway in Marlborough, Wiltshire. William's occupation is given as a carpenter. In 1872 William married Mary Ann, sometimes listed a Mariann, in Marlborough, Wiltshire. Their first child, a daughter, Edith Annie Creed was born in 1874, followed by a son, Arthur George Creed in 1878.

The 1881 Census finds the family living at 12 Kensington Place, Ealing, Middlesex. In 1882 William and Mary moved to Maidenhead Berkshire, where they took over the license of the Pond House in Boyn Hill.

On the 1891 Census William and Mary can be found running the Pond House Public House, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead. Living with them at the time is their 8 year old nephew, Harry Dobson.

On 16th April 1892 the Pound House was broken into and some property of William was stolen. On 27th April 1892 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"CHARGE OF BURGLARY. THE ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. 

At the Borough Police Court, on Monday, before the Mayor (J. F. Simpson, Esq.), C. W. Cox, H. R. Burrows, and J. Budgen, Esqrs., 

Charles Walter Colebrook, 21, a clean-shaven man, of 5ft. 71/2in., described on the charge-sheet as of Hanwell. Middlesex, an able seaman, was charged with having burglariously entered the Pond House, Boyn-hill, on the 16th inst., and stolen therefrom 12 cigars, 8 ounces of tobacco, and a meerschaum pipe in case, the property of Mr. Creed, the landlord. 

William Creed said: I am a builder and beerkouse-keeper, living at the Pond House, Boyn Hill. On Saturday night, April 16th, I saw my house secure at 12.30. I examined the door and windows of the bar as usual, and found them securely fastened. On the same morning (the 17th) I came downstairs and went into the bar at 6.30. and on entering the bar I found the glass in a small hanging sash on the top of the bay window broken about four inches square, large enough to insert a hand. It was possible for a hand to be placed through the aperture to undo the fastening. The latter is what is called a stay, and answers the purpose of a fastener and a stay for regulating the ventilation. The stay had been broken off and thrown on to the floor. I found that an entry had been effected. The bar doors were all locked. I missed about twelve cigars taken from a box in the bar, which was on a shelf at the back of the counter. I also missed about eight ounces of tobacco, in ounce packets. The tobacco was "Reading Mixture" and " Tony Lumpkin." I also missed a meerschaum cigar-holder and case, which I had had for about two years. Those produced are the same, and l am sure they are my property. The value of the whole of the property is about 13s. The thief must have left the house by the same way he entered.

By the Mayor: I am satisfied that no one was in the house when I locked up. Whoever stole the things got in from without. 

Mr. Budgen: Is breaking out as bad as breaking in —(Laughter.) 

The Clerk : Yes, if it is done feloniously. 

Examination continued: A chair was placed under the window apparently to assist the thief to get out.

Prisoner had no question to put to Mr. Creed. 

Constable Mines said: On Saturday night, the 16th, I was on duty in the Bath-road, and when in a dark spot I saw the prisoner, at 12.30, near Castle Hill bridge. I suspected and watched the prisoner, and saw him turn round when opposite Mr. Silver's house. I stopped the prisoner, and found on him a sailor's discharge and other things, but no housebreaking implements. He had on him a wooden pipe with a black mouthpiece. I asked him where he was going, and he said "To Cardiff," and I let him go. Prisoner went in the direction of Reading. I kept observation on the prisoner for half an hour, and left him at Punt-hill, some 200 yards from the Pond House, and out of the borough. I saw no more of the prisoner. 

Colebrook asked no question of Mines. 

Detective-Constable Ilott said: On Sunday morning, the 17th inst., I received instructions from Supt. Taylor to go to the Pond House, where I examined the windows and found the sash of the taproom partly wrenched off. I next examined the bar window, and found the sash there partly wrenched off at the left-hand corner. and the fastening inside was off. The glass was broken sufficiently to admit a hand. Mr. Creed handed me the piece of wood produced, and I have no doubt from the marks on the sash that the sash was prised open with that piece of wood. I have compared the marks on the sash with the wood. I made enquiries in company with Mr. Creed and traced the prisoner as far as Reading. On Thursday last I again went to Reading to make further enquiry and saw the prisoner in custody at the County Police-station. I told him that he would be charged with breaking into the Pond House at Maidenhead and stealing a cigar-holder, some cigars, and some tobacco. I left him there for a short time, and afterwards returned to the cell, when prisoner made a voluntary statement, in the presence of Supt. Pocock. Prisoner said "I came into Maidenhead on Saturday evening. I was stopped and searched by a policeman. I afterwards met another policeman, and he saw me along the road a little way. I then went on a little farther and broke into the public-house. I wrenched the window open with a piece of wood, which I picked up near the fence. I got inside and took a cigar-holder, about eight cigars, and some tobacco. I got out and went along the road a little way towards Reading, and went into a shed and went to sleep. I then came on into Reading, and sold the cigar-holder for 2s. at a little shop in West-street; I think it was just before 12 o'clock, and I smoked the cigars and tobacco. So now I have told you the truth." 

Mr. Cox : Did you previously caution this man? 

Ilott I had previously cautioned him, your worship—in the morning. 

Asked if he had any questions to put to the detective the prisoner said, " No ; it's quite correct, your worship." 

Harry James, detective-constable for the Borough of Reading, said: On Sunday morning, the 17th inst., I was on duty at the G.W.R. downstation, where I saw Constable Mines and Det.-sergeant Gamble, who informed me that a burglary had been committed at Maidenhead. I made enquiry, and on Thursday I went to 7, West-street, and obtained the cigar-holder and case produced from Mr. William Boseley, tobacconist. I took the cigar-holder and case to the County Police-station and showed them to Supt. Pocock. 

William Boseley, tobacconist, 7, West-street, Reading, was the next witness. He said he remembered having seen the prisoner on one day early in last week, but could not say on what day. Witness was several times asked to endeavour to remember the day, but he could not do so, and said he thought it must have been on the Monday or Tuesday. He did not think it was on the Sunday. He said: The prisoner came to me and said " I have a cigar-holder for sale. Will you buy it ? " The cigar-holder and case produced were the same as those offered to me and which I bought. I am sure the prisoner is the man of whom I bought them. I gave him two shillings for them. I handed them over to Detective-Constable James about Thursday. The prisoner said the property belonged to him, and that he had come from Portsmouth and was hard up. The prisoner said what the witness had said was quite right. 

William Smith, sergeant in the Berks Constabulary, stationed at Reading, said: I brought the prisoner from Reading this morning, and he was charged by Supt. Taylor. He replied "That is quite correct." In reply to Mr. Cox, Sergeant Smith said the prisoner was under remand at Reading on another charge, and a further one was to be preferred against him. He had brought the prisoner up in custody. 

Answering the Mayor, Mr. Creed said there was no money in the till. The latter, however, had been taken out and put on the counter, and the papers, &e., inside had been turned over. 

The prisoner was charged and cautioned in the usual way, and said "I'm guilty of it." He was then formally committed for trial at the Berkshire Assizes. In reply to Mr. Cox, Sergeant Smith said the prisoner was charged with having broken into Thesis railway-station and also into the Sun public-house, Castle-street, Reading. The accused, who is manifestly a very bungling, inexperienced burglar, was caught when breaking into Theale railway-station, and also the Sun public-house, Castle-street, Reading.

The accused, who is manifestly a very bungling, inexperienced burglar, his capture being effected by a Reading officer of the Berks County Constabulary." 

Charles Colebrook was later sentenced to five years penal servitude at the Berkshire Assizes for the crime.

Pond House Public House

In July 1893 William was called as a witness to an assault. On 23rd July 1893 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"ALLEGED ASSAULT ON A WIFE. 

Charles Digby was charged with having assaulted his wife. Emily Digby, on the 11th inst —He pleaded Not Guilty.—

The parties live at Boyn Hill, near the Crooked Billet, and have been married 12 years, and have 5 children. Mrs. Digby declared that on the 11th inst., she saw her husband with some loose women, and she went home and got to bed at about 11 o'clock. Soon after her husband returned and started ill-using her and called her all sorts of names. He punched her with his two fists, and she was afraid to live with him as he had ill-used her before.— 

Defendant called Mr. William Creed, landlord of the Pond House, who said that he saw the defendant on the llth inst. at his house between 8 and 9. He had been in there about ten minutes when Flint, the coachman from Chalk Pit Farm, and others drove up in a trap Digby went out and "spoke to them, and defendant's wife then came up and said to her husband, "l am very glad I have caught you myself," and began to abuse him and struck him with an umbrella and broke it. Defendant did not strike his wife that he saw. Complainant was either intoxicated or excited. --

In answer to Mr. Cox. Mr. Creed said that so far as he knew of the defendant, he was a very good man and always behaved himself well when in his house. —

Defendant said that his wife was a very violent woman,and she had beaten him; in fact, he was afraid of her instead of her being afraid of him.—The magistrates dismissed the case. The complainant had to pay the costs (6d.), but her husband paid the money."

In the late 1890's William Creed also went into the funeral business.

On 14th February 1898 the license for the Pond House was transferred from William to Mr. E. A. Parish.

In 1899 William and Mary's only daughter, Edith, married Frank Horley. The following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 13th September 1899:

"Marriages-

HORLEY--CEED.—On September 6th, at All Saints', Boyn Hill, by the Vicar, the Rev. A. H. Drummond, Frank, son of Alfred Horley, of 4, Park Villas, to Edith Annie, only daughter of William Creed, of Boynhurst, Maidenhead."

 

The 1901 Census finds William and Mary living at Boynhurst, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Just a few years later on 22nd April 1905 Mary Ann was to pass away. The following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 26th April 1905:

"Deaths-

Creed —On April 22nd, at Boynhurst, Maidenhead, pissed peacefully away Mary Ann, the dearly beloved wife of William Creed. Deeply lamented."

Boynhurst, Boyn Hill Road, Maidenhead

In 1906 in Southhampton, Hampshire William married Florence Jane Hubbard, widow of John Brill farmer at Norden Farm.

1911 finds William and Florence living at Boyn Works, 5 Boyn Hill, Maidenhead along with three of Florence's children from her first marriage.

On 18th January 1915 William was involved in an accident where he was knocked from his bicycle by a motor car. On 2nd February 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"A Sergeant's Joy Ride.

Maidenhead Builder's Narrow Escape.

At Maidenhead Borough Police Court on Monday, before thee Mayor and other magistrates, Sergt. Geo Cox, of the R. H. A. Barracks, Woolwich, was summoned for driving a motor-car eat an excessive speed and without a licence.

Mr Owen Stuchbury appeared for the defendant. P.C. Smith was on duty in King-street at 3.40 p.m. on Jan. 18th, when a motor-car came out of the Station Approach at a speed of about 20 miles an hour. After passing witness the car skidded right across the road on to the pavement in front of the Fuller, Story, & Coy's office and knocked Mr. William Creed off his bicycle. He called upon the driver to stop, but he took no notice and went along King-street. Defendant returned in three or four minutes, when witness asked him why he did not stop after an accident and he replied "I couldn't change gears." He afterwards said "Do what you like; I shall be out in Egypt tomorrow."

Cross-examined: Defendant cut the corner and could have turned on King-street. The braked were not applied. He did not notice that driver was trying to avoid a cart.

William Creed, builder, Boyne Hill, said he was riding his bicycle along King-street, and when near the brewery the motor-car shot across the road at right angles and threw witness and his machine over. He should think the car was travelling at about ten miles an hour.

In reply to Mr. Stuchbery, witness said he was riding on the right side of the road trying to escape the motor-car. Defendant, who was in uniform at the time, paid him £2 7s. 6d. for damage to the bicycle.

Percy Watkins, cab-driver, stated that he saw the motor-car on the afternoon in question come down Station-approach at a very fast pace and skid on to the pavement, colliding with Mr. Creed."

After taking Sergeant Cox's excellent record as a soldier and the fact he was the son of a well known townsman, he was fined 20 shillings for driving at an excessive speed, and 20 shillings for not having a licence. Since both the offences carried a fine of £40 it really is who you know. Interestingly in 1924 William's bicycle, worth £4, was stolen by Frederick Gauch.

On September 14th 1925 at the Kenmore Nursing Home, Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 16th September 1925:

"Death Of Mr. William Creed.

With deep regret we record the death of Mr. William Creed, of Boynhurst, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, one of our oldest and most highly-esteemed residents. He had been unwell for some time and entered the Kenmore Nursing Home, Taplow, for an operation. This had fatal consequences , and Mr. Creed passed away at 11:30 on Monday night last, at the age of 76 [sic]. He was until his retirement two years ago, in business as a builder and carried out many building contracts in Maidenhead and district with entire satisfaction. The last contract in which he was concerned was the erection of the new Midland Bank, in High-street. His death will be heard with great regret throughout the town, and sympathy will be extended to his widow and relatives."

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on William's funeral at All Saint's Church in Boyne Hill on 23rd September 1925:

  "Funeral Of The Late Mr. W. Creed.

The funeral of the late Mr. William Creed, of Boynhurst, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, whose death we recorded last week, took place at All Saints',  Boyn Hill, on Saturday afternoon at 3.15, the officiating clergymen being the Vicar, Rev. W. S. Mahony, assisted by the Rev. H. D. Bruce. The service was fully choral and an anthem was beautifully rendered. Mr. W. J. Elliott presided at the organ. The coffin was carried from deceased's residence to the Church by six of his oldest employees- Messrs. C. Johnson, H. Young, T. Cunnington, J. Box, W. Lloyd and G. North, and the undertaker for Messrs. Creed and Co., *William's own funeral director business* was Mr. R, Startford, who had been in Mr. Creed's employ for over 30 years. Over 80 of the employees subscribed for a wreath which was sent, and they attended the funeral. His tenants in Raymond-road also sent a beautiful wreath. 

Although the weather was so bad there was a large congregation in the church." 

Florence, William's second wife, remained in Maidenhead until her own passing on 25th June 1934, at Boynhurst. Boyn Hill, aged 73.

Henry Treeton Starling, For 35 Years Faithful Friend and Servant of Reverend W. B. Van Notten Pole of Ambler House, Maidnehead

 

Monument to Henry Treeton All Saints' Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.

"Loving Memory Of

Our Dear Father

Henry Treeton

Who Departed This Life

Feb 11th 1896 Aged 66 Years

35 Years The Faithful

Friend And Servant Of The

Rev W. B. Van Notten Pole

-He That Is Faithful In That Which Is

Least Is Faithful Also In Much-"

Henry Starling Treeton was born Henry Treeton Starling in Bushley, Worcestershire, in 1828 to Benjamin Treeton, a framer, and later his wife Elizabeth Starling. 

Henry first appears on the 1841 Census aged 13, living with his parents and younger siblings in Bushley Green, Worcestershire.

1851 finds Henry as a foot man for John Edmund Dowdeswell, Master in Chancery, a judge within the Chancery division of the High Court, at Pull Court, Bushley, Worcestershire. Also living with the family and working as a nurse is Emily Hunt. On November 9th 1852 Henry married Emily Hunt in Bushley, Worcestershire, using the surname Treeton Starling. The following announcement appeared in the Worcester Journal on 25th November 1852:

"Marriages-

Nov. 9, at Bushley, Mr. Henry Treeton, of the Upper Lode, Tewkesbury, to Miss Emily Hunt, of Bushley."

Their first child, a daughter, Fanny was born in 1854, followed by Emily in 1855, and a son Arthur in 1857.

By 1861 Henry had entered the employ of Reverend Watson Buller Van Notten Pole as a house servant at the rectory in Upper Swell, Gloucestershire. Emily and the children are living at Holdfast Hall, a farm in the town of Holdfast, Worcestershire. Ellen Treeton was born in 1865.

By 1871 Henry had risen to the rank of butler of the household. Emily, Arthur, and Ellen are still living in the town of Holdfast. Sadly Emily was to pass away in 1879

On the 1881 Census Henry had moved with the Van Notten Pole family to Goldalming, Surrey, where he is still the butler. His daughter Emily was to pass away in 1881.

In 1891 Henry had moved with Watson Buller Van Notten Pole to Ambler House in Maidenhead, Berkshire. On 11th February 1896 Henry was to pass away aged 66. The following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 19th February 1896:

"Deaths-

Treeton - February 11th, at Hawthorn House, Grenfell-place, Henry Treeton, aged 66 years. For 35 years the faithful friend and servant of the Rev. W. B. Van Notten Pole."

Henry's friend and employer Watson Buller Van Notten Pole was to pass away in Maidenhead in 1900. He was later buried in Hampshire.

William Herbert, Carpenter of Maidenhead, and his wife Louisa Herbert

 

Monument to Louisa Herbert and William Herbert, All Saints' Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead.

"Sacred

To The Memory Of

Louisa

Wife Of 

William Herbert

Who Died June 29th 1904

Aged 70 Years

Also Of The Above

William Herbert

Who Died Feby 20th 1910

Aged 70 Years"

Louisa Herbert was born Louisa Dancy in 1834 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Henry Dancey, a labourer, and his wife Amy.

Louisa first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 6, living with her parents and siblings at Back Lane near Kidwells House in Maidenhead Berkshire. I have been unable to locate Louisa on the 1851 Census. In 1861 Louisa was working as a domestic servant in the home of Reverend Septimus Lee-Warner at Parsonage House, Little Walsingham, Norfolk. in 1865 Louisa married William Herbert in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

William Herbert was born in Hurley, Berkshire in 1839 to Ann Herbert, a laundress. I have been unable to locate a record of William's father.

The first record of William I can find is the 1851 Census, William aged 12 is living with his mother Ann in East Haddon, Northamptonshire. On the 1861 Census William is lodging at the home of Charles Marriott in Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire. William's occupation is given as a joiner.

In 1871 William and Louisa were living at 22 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Lodging with them are Edward Broughton, and Thomas Wright, both carpenters. 

By 1881 William and Louisa had moved a few doors down to 28 King Street. They are still in King street in 1891, living with them as their servant Jane Hunt. Visiting William and Louisa is Frances Moyes. 1901 finds William and Louisa still living at 28 King Street, lodging with them at the time was George Fuller, a grocer's assistant. 

Louisa was to pass away on 29th June 1904. On  6th July 1904 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths-

Herbert - On June 29th, at 28 King-street, Louisa, wife of William Herbert. Deeply Lamented."

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.