Cemeteries and graveyards, full of love, betrayal, tragic deaths, murder, and suicide. What will you find?

Sunday 31 March 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Hearts and Angels






Grave decorations found at All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.




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Friday 29 March 2013

Charles Crocker - Silk Merchant




Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Celtic Cross monument to Charles Crocker, St James the Less, Stubbings, Berkshire.


"Charles Crocker born October 23rd 1840 - Died November 8th 1896.  R. I. P."


Charles Crocker was born in Paddington, London in 1840 to Jonathan Crocker, A silk and textile merchant, and his wife Ann Clift.

Charles first appears on the 1841 census, aged only 16 months living with his parents, elder siblings Ann Attwood aged 5 and Jonathan aged 3 and his younger brother Edmund aged only 6 months old, in Lambeth Surrey.

In 1851 the family had moved to Camberwell, Surrey, where the family had six servants including a governess to school Ann.  Both Jonathan Jr and Charles were schooled away from the home.  Sadly little Edmund had died in 1849 at the age of 7.  However Arthur W Crocker born in Norwood Surrey in 1843 is boarding at a grammar school in East Street, Maidstone, Kent.

In 1861 the family are living in Rosebank House in Camberwell, both Jonathan Jr and Charles are assisting their father in his textile business.  Arthur W is a clerk to a wine merchant.  Ann Attwood has no occupation listed other than merchant's daughter.

On 25th April 1863 Ann Attwood married Martin Bezeth.  In 1871 Ann and her husband can be found living with her parents at 28 Eaton Square, Belgrave, London.

In 1869 Jonathan Jr married Marianne Arabella Pyne and in the same year the celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter, Marianne Annie Crocker.  In 1871 they had moved to 7 Sussex Place in Paddington, London.

1871 finds Charles visiting the Goodlake family at The Rectory in Swindon, Gloustershire.  A few months later Charles marries Grace Emily Goodlake, the daughter of Thomas William, the rector, and his wife Mary Price.

Not long after Charles marriage, Arthur William marries Edith Elizabeth Nichols in Sussex.

Sadly Jonathan Crocker Snr was to pass away in 1881.

In 1881 Charles and Grace have moved to Ferry Lodge in Wargrave, Berkshire where Charles is working as a silk merchant.  Living with them is their son Charles Edward G Crocker born in 1874 in London.  1891, just 5 years before Charles's death finds the family and their six servants still living at Ferry Lodge in Wargrave.

Charles Crocker passes away on 8th November 1896 at Ferry Lodge.

In 1901 the widowed Grace has moved to Taplow, Buckinghamshire.  Charles Edward, now a racehorse trainer is visiting George Arnold at the Raleigh Club in Westminster.

Both Grace and Charles Edward seem to vanish after the 1901 Census.




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Wednesday 27 March 2013

Wednesday's Child - Caroline Cannon




Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Caroline Cannon, All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.



" In loving memory of Caroline Cannon who died November 1878 aged 5 years and 4 months - She is <rest illegible>."


Little Caroline Cannon was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1873 and sadly passes away in the November of 1878 aged 5 years and 4 months old.






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Tuesday 26 March 2013

William Henry Edwards - Waterman of Maidenhead



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Anchor monument to William Henry Edwards, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of William Henry Edwards who departed this life June 2? 1902 aged 48 years"


William Henry Edwards was born in 1853 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Charles Edwards, a railway labourer, and his wife Elizabeth Scrafield.

William first appears on the 1861 Census, listed as W Edwards, aged 8, living with his parents and siblings in North Town, Maidenhead Berkshire.

In 1871 William is serving as a Private in the Coldstream Guards in Essex.

In 1879 William marries Emma Gomm in Maidenhead Berkshire and their first child, a son William Frank is born a year later in 1880.  The family can be found on the 1881 Census living at North Town Court where William trade is a waterman. Watermen of the Thames were boat or barge men who offered their services for hire to transport goods or passengers along the river. 


The Company of Watermen and Lighterman was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to control the Watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers. Indeed it remains the only ancient City Guild to he formed and controlled by Act of Parliament.

Even today it still licences the Watermen and Lighterman working on the River Thames, the former being concerned with passenger transport and the latter with the carriage of goods. The young Freemen of the Company are eligible to participate in the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, which has been held annually since 1715. This gruelling boat race is held each July and goes along the river from London Bridge to Chelsea. The winner has the honour of
wearing the scarlet coat, breeches and silver arm badge that are based on the original costume of an eighteenth century Watermen"  - Watermens Hall


1891 finds William and his family still living in North Town Court, joining the family are Henry Charles aged 9, Beatrice Mary aged 7, Rhoda aged 5, James (Stephen James) aged 3 and 1 year old Mary.  Living a few doors away are William's brother Ernest J and his family.  Ernest is also a waterman by trade.

By 1901, just a year before William's death, the family has moved to 9 Rose Cottage, Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Also at this time William Frank is currently residing as a patient at the Royal Naval Hospital in Alverstoke, Hampshire.  William Frank was listed as an Able Seaman.  Sadly William Frederick was to pass away at the end of 1901 in Bury St Edmunds aged only 21 years.

1901 was to be a sad year for the Edwards family as 13 year old Rhoda passed away in Windsor, Berkshire.

Maybe the marriage of Henry Charles to Louisa Georgina Goddard in 1904 and the marriage of Beatrice Mary to Frederick Charles in 1906 brought back some happiness to the family

William died in the June of 1902 aged only 48 years old.  I wondered if his death could be related to his occupation, as being a waterman on the river Thames had it's hazards.  I came across several reports of drowned watermen being dragged from the river Thames, but not one of those accounts matched up with William's time of death.  Of course he simply could have died of natural causes.

In 1911 the widowed Emma is still living in Rose Cottage with her son James aged 18 and now a jobbing gardener and her daughter Beatrice.  Living in Emma's household at the time is Beatrice's husband Frederick Andrews, an electrical engineer and their two sons, Frederick aged 3 years and Cecil aged 2.

Henry Charles, now a police constable, and his wife Louisa have moved to 27 Pinnacle Hill, Bexley Heath in Kent by 1911.  Their two daughters Rhoda Lily, (possibly named after Henry's sister) aged 5 and Hilda Margarite aged 2 years are living with them.

Mary is a parlour maid for the Plumby family at 34, The Pryors, East Heath Road, Hampstead.

Emma Edwards eventually followed William to the grave in 1927.



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Sunday 24 March 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Spring in the Cemetery








Signs that Spring may have sprung are evident in the local churchyards and cemeteries.  Is there anything more cheerful than a daffodil bobbing in the breeze?



Do you like cemeteries and churchyards? Found anything interesting on your wanders? Why not join in with the Cemetery Sunday linky? Just link up with your favourite picture or story, you can say as much or as little as you like. Link up via your blog, Flikr or Photobucket account. Please visit other contributors and say, 'Hi.'




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Friday 22 March 2013

Frances Mitchell - Baby Farmer and Almswoman



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Broken monument to Frances Mitchell, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"Frances Mitchell died June 22 1878 aged 90 years."


Frances Mitchell is a bit of a mystery woman, she was born Frances Stevens sometime arouns 1788 - 1791 in White Waltham, Berkshire, but I am unable to find any record of her birth.  In 1815 she marries Thomas Mitchell, an agricultural labourer, in Beenham, Berkshire.

She first appears on the 1841 Census aged 45 and living in Bray, Berkshire.  However her husband Thomas appears on the Census living in Foxley Green, Holyport, Berkshire.

In 1851 both Frances and Thomas are living in Holypport, Berkshire where Thomas is a garderner.  Frances has become a baby farmer to make ends meet.  Baby farmers were woman who took in illegitimate and unwanted children for a fee.  Some of the most infamous baby farmers, such as Amelia Dyer, found that it was far more profitable to simply murder their charge and pocket the fee.

Frances had two nurse children children living with her in 1851, Ruth Naomi White, aged 3 from Southampton, Hampshire and Emily Mary Halfarce aged 4 months from Bray, Berkshire.  I am unable to trace Ruth after 1851, but in 1861 Emily is living with the Adam family in Middlesex, where she is listed as an orphan.

In 1861 Frances and Thomas have moved to Boyne Hill Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Lodging with them at the time is James Hicks, and agricultural labourer.

Thomas Mitchell passes away in 1863.

In 1871 Frances, then aged 83, is living in the Almshouses at All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire

"In 1858 through donation by Misses Lamotte, an almshouse designed by Street was built on the boundary of the site for 6 needy ladies of the parish over the age of 60. (In 1980’s converted to 4 flats)."

© Copyright Derek Harper
and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence



According to Frances's gravestone, she died on 22nd June 1878, however I have been unable to find any record of her death.



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Wednesday 20 March 2013

War Grave Wednesday - C. B. Fryer - Army Catering Corps

 
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them".
 
 
 
Private Charles Benjamin Fryer was born in 1927 in Shropshire to Ben Fryer and his wife Emma.
 
At sometime Charles joined the Army Catering Corps, which was responsible for feeding all the Army Units.  It was originally formed in 1941 as part of the Royal Army Service Corps and became a corps in it's own rights in 1965.  For more history on the Army Catering Corps, please click here.
 
 
Charles Fryer died on 19th May 1947 in Windsor Berkshire.  Charles has a Commonwealth War Grave because his army service was found to have either caused his death through injury or disease, or exacerbated an existing condition that he may have suffered from.
 
I often wonder if Charles was the subject of some ribbing from his Army comrads, due to the nature of his surname and his chosen unit.
 
 


Tuesday 19 March 2013

Joseph, Emma and Lydia Potter - Stag and Hounds, Pinkney's Green



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Joseph, Emma and Lydia Potter, St James the Less churchyard, Stubbings, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Joseph Potter the beloved husband of Emma Potter died March 23rd 1915 aged 41 years - thy will be done - Also his wife Emma died Jan 30th 1947 aged 82 years - rest in peace - Also Lydia Potter died Dec 14th 1960 aged 53 years."


Joseph Potter was born in Binfield Berkshire in 1874 to Robert Potter, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Harriet Welsh.  Joseph first appears on the 1881 Census aged 6, living with his parents in Rose Hill, Binfield, Berkshire.

In 1891 Joseph has left the family home to work as a servant for the Cureton family at Morville Hall in Morville, Shropshire.  Oddly his occupation is listed as what looks like, useful man servant.

I am unable to locate Joseph on the 1901 Census, however in 1904 Joseph marries Emma Wickens in Basingstoke Hampshire.

Emma Wickens was born in Stratfield Saye in Hampshire in 1865 to Richard Wickens, a horse groom, and his wife Sarah Foster.  Emma first appears on the 1871 Census aged 6, living with her parents and siblings, Mary Ann Foster aged 14, Sarah Wickens aged 5, Minnie Wickens aged 3 and baby Wickens aged just 2 days old.

Emma then seems to disappear from the records altogether until her marriage to Joseph.

Their first child, a son Frederick was born in 1907.  Their second son, Robert was born in 1909.

In 1911 Joseph aged 37 and Emma aged 46 are living at and running the Stag and Hounds Public House in Lee Lane, Pinkney's Green, Berkshire.  Living with them and their two sons at the time is Emma's aunt Hannah Foster aged 76 and Lily Richards a niece.

Joseph was to pass away four years after the 1911 Census was taken.  Emma followed him to the grave 32 years later in 1947.


Lydia Potters was born Lydia Nicholls in 1908 in Maidenhead to Thomas William Nicholls, a jobbing gardener, and his wife Annie Green.

Lydia first appears on the 1911 Census aged 2 years, living with her parents and siblings, Elsie aged 6, Mary aged 5 and Arthur aged 4.

In Maidenhead in 1933 Lydia Nicholls married Robert Potter.  Lydia passed away in 1960.





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Sunday 17 March 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Headless Cherub




 
Poor headless cherub found resting against a modern gravestone at All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.
 

 
Do you like cemeteries and churchyards? Found anything interesting on your wanders? Why not join in with the Cemetery Sunday linky? Just link up with your favourite picture or story, you can say as much or as little as you like. Link up via your blog, Flikr or Photobucket account. Please visit other contributors and say, 'Hi.'
 



Friday 15 March 2013

Eveline and John Walter Stephens - Frosty




Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Frost covered monument to Eveline and John Walter Stephens, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.


Eveline Stephens was born Eveline Foale in Dartmouth, devon in 1872 to David Foale, a farmer, and his wife Mary Ann Cutmore Hingston.

Eveline first appears in the 1881 Census living with her parents and siblings, Alice, David, Charles, William and Harry at the 165 acre Townstall Farm in Dartmouth, Devon.

In 1891 Eveline and her family have moved to another farm in Dartmouth.

In 1898 Eveline marries John Water Stephens, a furnishing draper, in Totnes, Devon.

1901 sees the birth of their first child, a son, John Stephens.  On the 1901 Census, eveline, John Walter and baby John aged 2 months are living in Watford Hertfordshire in a house names Woodlands.  Visiting the family at the time is Eveline's younger sister Edith, aged 12.

1904 sees the birth of their second son, David.

In 1911 the family have moved to 66 High Street, Berkhampstead.


John Walter Stephens was born in St. Albans, Hertfordshire in 1868 to John Stephens, a clerk at a registry office, and his wife Sarah Rosanna Coltart.

John first appears in the 1871 Census aged 2 years living with his parents and siblings, Rosanna and Hugh at 3 Canterbury Terrace, Harrow, Middlesex.  At some point between the 1871 and 1881 Census, John Snr passes away.

In 1881 The widowed Sarah and her children, Rosanna, Hugh and John Walter have moved back to St Albans in Hertfordshire.

In 1891 the family, minus Rosanna are styill linging in St Alban's Road in Watford Hertforshire.  Hugh is now a railway clerk and John is simply listed as a clerk.  I am unable to locate Rosanna's whereabouts on the 1891 Census.  However in 1892 Rosanna marries Henry Thomas Horton a butcher.

Eveline Stephens was to pass away in 1948 in Maidenhead Berkshire.  John Watlter joined Eveline in 1955.



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Wednesday 13 March 2013

Wednesday's Child - Eileen Mae Taylor


 
Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.
 
 
Angel monument to Eileen Mae Taylor, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
 
 
"In loving memory of our darling Eileen Mae Taylor died August 9th 1935 aged 5 years. Until we meet again."
 
"And of her father Thomas J. Taylor who died December 26th 1975 aged 71 years."
 
"Andf of her mother Winifred G. Taylor who died June 8th 1995 aged 85 years."
 
 
Eileen Mae Taylor was born in Maidenhead in 1930 to Thomas James Taylor and his wife Winifred Emmons.  Eileen Mae is the great grand-daughter of James Meeks, landlord of the Greyhound Inn, King Street, Maidenhead.
 
 
Thomas James Taylor was born in 1904 in Maidenhead, berkshire to Charles George Taylor, a sugar buyer for a jam factory and his wife Annie Meeks, James Meeks daughter from his second marriage to Eliza Esther Favell.
 
Thomas (Arthur) James Taylor can be found on the 1911 Census aged 6 years, living at 40 Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, Middlesex with his parents Charles and Annie as well as his siblings, Gladys Victoria, Edith Ada, Hilda Annie, William Charles and Henry Alfred.
 
In 1928 Thomas married Winifred Gladys Emmons in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
 
Winifred Gladys Emmons was born in 1909 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to Joseph Emmons, a general labourer and his wife Edith Ellen Mooring.
 
Winifred Gladys can be found on the 1911 Census aged 1 year, living at 18 Denmark Street, Maidenhead Berkshire with her parents Joseph and Edith as well as her siblings, Albert, Francis, Lilian and Edith.
 
Little Eileen Mae and her parents are now together for all time.
 
 
 



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Tuesday 12 March 2013

Samuel Joseph Slator of Killarney - Boot Trade




Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Samuel Joseph Slator, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Samuel Joseph Slator who fell asleep Decr 21st 1913 agerd 21 years.  Till the morning breaks."


Samuel Jospeh Slator was born in Killarney in Ireland in 1891 to William Henry Slator, a carpenter, and his wife Margaret Jane Allen.

Samuel first appears on the 1901 England Census living with his parents and siblings, William, Maurice, John Henry and Edwin at 20 Denmark Street in Maidenhead.

In 1911 the family had moved to 98 Cordwallis Road in Maidenhead.  Samuel had at some point entered the boot trade.  Sadly Samuel was to pass away 2 years later in 1913.

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Sunday 10 March 2013

Cemetery Sunday - A Faithful Friend

Small dog statue at graveside
All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead


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Friday 8 March 2013

Sidney Farnell Vidler - Sad Death After War Service



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

Monument to Sidney Farnell Vidler, All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Sidney Farnell Vidler youngest son of Harriet and the late Thomas Vidler.  Who entered into rest July 2nd 1902 Aged 32.

Served in the Field Hospital on Her late Magesty's Royal Army Medical Staff Corps in the South African War. "


Sidney (sometimes Sydney) Farnell Vidler was born in Hounslow Middlesex in 1869 to Thomas William Vidler, a Cabinet maker, and his wife Harriet Death.  He was christened on 25th June 1869 at the Holy Trinity church in Hounslow, Middlesex.

For some strange reason I am unable to locate Sidney on the 1871 Census when he would have been around 2 years of age.  His parents Thomas and Harriet along with their sons Stephen aged 21 and Frank aged 11 are living at Cannalls Cottage in Salehurst, Sussex.

In 1881 Sidney is living with his parents and siblings, Alfred, a joiner aged 22, Frank, now Frederick, a decorator aged 20, Henry, a silversmiths assistant aged 18, Kate (born Harriet Kate) aged 15 and Alice aged 10 at Isleworth Villa in Maidenhead Berkshire.  Also living with the family is Thomas' brother William Vidler, an investor in houses and land.

In 1888 Thomas Vidler was to pass away

1891 finds the widowed Harriet still living at Isleworth Villa with her brother-in-law William Vidler and daughter Harriet Kate.  Sidney is currently visiting the house on leave from the 19th Royal Hussars stationed at Aldershot.  At some point Sidney joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and served as a nurse in the field hospital during the Second Boer War 1899 - 1902 (also known as the South African War).

In 1901, just a year before his death, Sidney is in Croyden, Surrey, visiting his sister Mary Ann and her husband Edward Bridges.  Sidney's occupation is listed as male nurse.

Sidney was to pass away from heart disease at his sister Mary Ann's house in Croyden on July 2nd 1902. 

On Saturday 12th July 1902 the Reading Mercury reported

"Sad Death After War Service

Mr. Sydney Vilder, son of Mrs. Vidler, of "The Castle," Castle Hill, Maidenhead, died suddenly at the age of 32.  He served during the South African War in the army Medical Corps, and contracted heart disease as a result of hardships with General Buller's column at Colenso and at the Modder River, during the early part of the campaign.  He was subsequently invalided home and suffered a great deal.  He fell down dead of Wednesday morning last week at his sister's house in A Thornton Heath, having arrived there only the day before to spend a few days with her.

The deceased was present when Lord Robert's son was mortally wounded in his heroic attempt to save the guns at Calenso.  He assisted to carry the officer to the hospital tent, and rendered assistance, with others, while Mr. Treves (now Sir Frederick Treves) operated on Lord Robert's son, who, however, succumbed to his wounds.  Mr. Vilder's funeral took place at All Saints churchyard, Boyne Hill on Saturday afternoon, the Rev. E. J. G. Forse officiating.  The mourners were members of the family of  the deceased, and there were many beautiful wreaths, including one to represent the badge of the Medical Corps."


Sidney left his entire estate consisting of £400 to his sister Harriet Kate Vidler.









Wednesday 6 March 2013

Wednesday's Child - Queenie Marian Blake



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Queenie Marian Blake and Nellie Louise Blake, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In ever loving memory of our only darling child Queenie.  Left Mummy and Daddy, but gone to Jesus.

Queenie Marian Blake born June 17th 1903 - Died Sept 2nd 1911.

And of her mother Nellie Louise Blake died May 29th 1955."


Queenie Marian Blake was born on 17th June 1903 in Bradfield, Berkshire to Ayton James Blake, an officer in the army, and his wife Nellie Louise Woodhouse.

Queenie first appears on the 1911 Census aged 7 living with her parents and their servant Lily Oakley at Rosetta, Ray Lea Road, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Her father Ayton is listed as being a Retired Officer H.M Army.  Sadly Queenie was to pass away on 2nd September 1911 aged just 8 years old.




Nellie Louise Blake was born Nellie Louise Woodhouse in 1879 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Henry Woodhouse, a boat builder and owner of the Thames Hotel, Ray Mead Road, Maidenhead, and his wife Mary Ann F West.

Nellie first appears on the 1881 Census, aged one year, living with her parents in Bridge Street, Maidenhead.  At that time Henry Woodhouse was a boat builder employing 4 men and 12 boys.  He had yet to go into business with his ex brother-in-law William Deacon and build the Thames Hotel, which opened in the late 1880s.  In 1891 Nellie, now aged 11 and her family, including her younger sisters Winifred, Daisy and Ella, are living at the Thames Hotel in Ray Mead Road, Maidenhead.  Nellie is still living with her family at the hotel in 1901.  In 1902 she marries Lieutenant Ayton James Blake of the Imperial Yeomanry.  Their only child, Queenie, was born in 1903.

Nellie Sadly passed away in 1955.





Tuesday 5 March 2013

Tombstone Tuesday - Captain Frederick Charles Boehmer - Uncle to Agatha Christie





Monument to Captain Frederick Charles Boehmer, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"Captn Frederick Charles Boehmer.  Late east Surrey Regiment.  Born ?? 1851 Died 22nd Oct 1909."

Frederick Charles Boehmer was born in Ireland in 1851 to Frederick Boehmer, an Army Officer and his wife Mary Ann West.

In 1861 Frederick Charles appears on the Census living in the Channel Islands at Campbell Terrace with his parents and and younger siblings Clarissa M Born 1854 (later the mother of Agatha Christie) and Ernest E B born 1860.  Sadly the family was to be touched by tragedy in 1863 when Frederick Snr was thrown from his horse an killed while stationed in Jersey.  This left the 27 year old widowed Mary Ann with four children and no means of support.  The elder children Frederick and Clarissa were sent away to live with others.

Frederick aged 11 in 1863 was sent to Wellington College in Crowthorne Berkshire where he studied until 1867.  In 1865 he became captain of the college cricket team.

Frederick soon joined the 51st Foot (South Yorkshire Regiment) where he became a Colour-Sergeant and saw action int he Jowaki Expedition 1877-1878, - "an expedition against the Jowaki Afridis under Colonel Mocatta in 1877. In that year the government proposed to reduce the Jowaki allowance for guarding the Kohat Pass, and the tribesmen resented this by cutting the telegraph wire and raiding into British territory. A force of 1500 troops penetrated their country in three columns, and did considerable damage by way of punishment." - Encyclopedia Britannica.  Frederick was awarded the India medal with Jowaki Clasp.

Next Frederick was to serve in the Second Anglo Afghan War 1878-1880 as a Colour-Sergeant, where he was awarded the Afghan Medal with Clasp.

In 1883 Frederick became a Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment. In 1884 Frederick married Geraldine Ada Fitzgerald, daughter of Charles Egerton Fitzgerald, a doctor and his wife Julianna in Elham, Kent and the birth of their son Frederick Fitzgerald West followed in 1887 in Jalmapore, Bengal, India.

Frederick was again to serve in India in the January 1887 as an Adjutant of the Madras Railwayd Volunteers and again in the March 1889 as an Adjutant of the East India Railway Volunteer Rifle Corps.  Sometime after the campaigns in India Frederick joined the East Surrey Regiement where he was promoted to Captain in 1889.  However it looks as if military life and foreign travel had taken their toll on Frederick's health as he was placed on half-pay.  The London Gazette reports on 26th May 1896 -

"East Surrey Regiment, Captain Frederick C, Boehmer is placed on temporary half-pay on account of ill-health.  Reported 8th May 1896."

Eventually Frederick was placed on retirement pay in the November 1896.  I can find no record of what that illness may have been. 

In 1902 Frederick was residing at 11 Shewsbury Road, Paddington, London and was the general manager of the People's Refreshment House Association Limited, a temperance movement to promote soberity amoung the people and co founded by the Bishop of Chester and Colonal Craufaud in 1896.

Frederick Boehmer allegedly committed suicide on 22nd October 1909.  The Derby Daily Telegraph reported on Monday 25th October 1909 -

"An Officer Found Shot In A Train

The Maidenhead police succeeded on Saturday in establishing the indenity of the gentleman who was found shot in a first-class compartment in a train at Maidenhead Station on Friday night.  The body is that of Captain Frederick Chalres Boehmer (57) of Twyford near Winchester."



The Manchester Courier reported on 29th October 1909 -

"Train Mystery Solved

The body of a man found in a train at Maidenhead Station has been identified as that of Captain Frederick Charles Boehmer, aged 57 years of Twyford, near Wincester.  Captain Boehmer left an open letter addressed to the Coroner, but the signature was not decipherable.  This letter stated that he was at his wits' end, and had contemplated suicide for four and a half years, but was only now able to commit the act.  He also said that he had a son in the Navy that had cost him a lot of money.  Captain Boehmer had seen service in India and had the medal and clasp for the Jowaki Expedition 1877 and the Afghan Campaign of 1878-1880.  He retired in 1889 and was on retired pay."

Geraldine Ada Boehmer passed away in 1926

In 1911 Frederick Fitzgerald West Boehmer can be found on the HMS Mutine as a lieutenant.  In 1942 Frederick married Alice M Brown. 

In 1946 Frederick Fizgerald West was Court Martialed accused of receiving Navy furniture.  On 5th April 1946 The evening Telegraph reported -

"Commander Charged

Commander Frederick Fitzgerald West Boehmer R.N. (retired), formally maintainance officer on the staff of the flag offcier in charge at Southampton, pleaded not gulity on four charges of receiving furniture belonging to the Navy. He denied receiving four single wardrobes, sever framed mirrors, five chests of drawers, one dressing table, three mattresses, three single iron beds, four reclining chairs, two tables, two windsor strong chairs and one easy chair.  He also denied having them for his personal use.

When seen by Detective-Sergeant John Quinlan, of Southampton Police, at his flat, Commander Boehmer was alledged to have said, "I only had it on loan.  when I got some furniture I intended to return it.  I did not intend to steal it.  I admit it is very irregular, but that is it not stealing, is it?"  It is alledged that later Commander Boehmer said, "I have been trying to get furniture,but you have to wait for months.  when I got all this stuff I signed for it, and they knew that I was having it for my own use."


On 6 April 1946 the Western Morning News reported -

"Officer Cleared

A retired naval commander stood at attention in the wardroom of Nelson's flagship H.M.S Victory, last night, and heard letter after letter read from admirals, rear-admirals, and other hight ranking officers telling of his good character

For more than seven hours the commander, Frederick Fiztgerald West Boehmer R.N, 58 , had faced a court-martial accusing him of receiving Navy furniture.

At the end he was told the courts decision - (1) "Not guilty" and acquitted on two charges alleging fraudulent receipt of the stores - which included wardrobes, mirrors, chairs, beds and mattresses; and, (2) "guilty" and severely reprimanded for acting prejudicial to good order and naval discipline in receiving the goods at his private residence for his personal use."


Alice died in 1965 and Frederick in 1966, both in Southampton.


Sunday 3 March 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Isabel Rooksby




Monument to Isabel Rooksby, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Isabel Rooksby who died Sept 13rd 1916 aged 39 years."


Isabel Rooksby was born Isabel Lyne in 1877 in Maidenhead Berkshire, the youngest daughter of Thomas Lyne, a boot maker and warehouseman, and his wife Georgina Lyne.

Isabel first appears on the 1881 Census, listed as Bella aged 3, living at 10 Queen Street Maidenhead with her parents and elder sisters Alice, born 1869 and Georgina born 1873.

In 1891 the family is still living and running a shop at 10 Queen Street in Maidenhead Berkshire.

In 1901 Isabel marries Henry Lucas Rooksby and boot salesman and son of Jacob Rooksby, a manager of a boot shop, and his wife eliza Jane Fillingham.

The newly wed couple cna be found on the 1901 Census living at 7 High Street, Uxbridge Middlesex.  In 1902 they celebrated the birth of their daughter Georgina Gladys Rooksby.  Sadly Henry Lucas was to pass away in 1909 in Brentford Middlesex.

I am undable to find Isabel on the 1911 Census, however her daughter Georgina is staying with her Aunt and Uncle, Jessie Maud Mary and JOhn Frederick Humphrey.

Isabel passed away on 23rd September 1916 in Maidenhead Berkshire, where she lies buried.






Friday 1 March 2013

Muriel Mahala Lord, Richard Painter Lord, Anthony John Lord and Joan Mary Hanbury - Suicide



Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Muriel Mahala Lord, Richard Painter Lord, Anthony John Lord and Joan Mary Hanbury, St James the Less, Stubbings, Berkshire.

"In memory of Muriel Mahala Lord beloved wife of Richard P Lord born March 23rd 1884 died Oct 4th 1940 and of the above Richard Painter born September 28th 1871 died December 8th 1952 and their son Anthony John Painter born March 11th 1910 died October 7th 1977."

"In loving memory of Joan Mary beloved wife of Arthur Margus Hanbury and eldest daughter of Richard and Muriel Lord of Pinkney's Lodge born Aug 21st 1908 died Dec 29th 1939 At Rest."


Muriel Mahala Lord was born Muriel Mahala Smith in Cirencester, Gloustershire in 1884 to William Henry Smith, a fishmonger and poulterer, and his wife Sarah Jane Cave.

Muriel first appears on the 1891 Census aged 7, living with her parents and elder sister Evelyn at 17 Dyer Street in Cirencester, Gloustershire.  In 1901 Muriel and her parents are still living at 17 Dyer Street.

In 1907 Muriel married Richard Painter Lord, a greengrocer born in 1871 in Cirencester to John Lord, a greengrocer, and his wife Mary Painter.

Richard first appears in the 1881 Census aged 9, living with his parents at 84 Westmoor Road in Cirencester.  In 1891 Richard had moved to Warickshire and is boarding at 34 Belgrave Road in the home of the Holmes family.  Richard is now and apprentice grocer.

In 1901 Richard had moved back to Cirencester and is living with his father and sister Ethel, at 20 Gosditch Street.

Muriel and Richard celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter Joan Mary in 1908 and the birth of their second child, a son Anthony John in 1910.

In 1911 Muriel and Richard are staying at the Riviera Palace Hotel in Penzance, Cornwall.  Joan and Anthony are staying with their grandmother Sarah Jane Smith at 1 Roman Villas, Victoria Road, Cirencester.

In 1938 Joan married Arthur Marcus Hanbury, 33 years her senior and son of Capel Hanbury, a firework and ammunition manufactorer, and his wife Catherine Sophia Lewis in Westminster, Middlesex.  Sadly Joan was to take her own life only ten months later.  The Western Morning News reported in Tuesday 2nd January 1940 reported -

"Pink Fluid Mystery

Coroner Adjourns Inquest for Analysis of Organs.

Maidenhead (Berks) coroner Mr. Owen Stuchberry, today adjourned an inquest on a young wife for a week for some of her organs to be analysed.

It was stated that a post-mortem examinations of Mrs, Joan Mary Hanbury, 31, of Paddock Cottage, Maidenhead Thicket, Maidenhead, who was well known in social circles in Berkshire, had failed to establish the cause of her death.  Mention was made of a pink fluid found in her mouth.

Arthur Macus Hanbury, departmental manager of a motor firm, an elderly man, gave evidence that his wife died early on Friday.

Dr J. J. Paterson said that Mrs. Hanbury had recently suffered from shingles.  There was a bright pink coloured fluid in Mrs. Hanbury's mouth and lungs and indications of the presence of asprin, but a final decision on the cause of death would have to await the analyst's  report.

The dead woman was Mr. Hanbury's third wife.  They were married in February 1938."


The Aberdeen Journal reported on Tuesday 9th January 1940 -

"Took 200 Asprin

Evidence that a woman had a delusion that her husband intended to do away with himself, possibly by driving a car over a cliff, was given at the inquest at Maidenhead, Berks, yesterday on Joan Mary Hanbury, (31), living a Paddock Cottage, Pinkney's Green, Maidenhead, who committed suicide by taking over 200 asprin tablets.

The coroner returned the verdict of suicide whilst the balance of her mind was disturbed."

Such a sad end to a young life.  Yet I have my suspicions over the alledged reason.  It seems that Arthur Marcus Hanbury had an eye for the ladies.  In 1912 Arthur had married Norah Diana Maude, however the marriage was not to last as Arthur started an affair with Lady Hilda Beatrix Bonn, the wife of Sir Max Julius Philip Bonn a merchant banker from New York, which resulted in a rather scandalous divorce.  The Derby Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday 4th July 1928 -

"Merchant Banker And His Wife

In the Divorce Court to-day Lord Merrivale and a special jury resumed the hearing of the petition by Lady Hilda Betrix Bonn and the corss-petition of Sir Max Julius Philip Bonn, the merchant banker, her husband for divorce.

In Lady Bonn's petition one lady is named, and in the cross petition of Sir Maz Bonn the partied cited are Lieu, Colonel Sir Ronald Waterhouse and Mr. Arthur Marcus Hanbury."

After the divorce was granted in 1929 Arthur divorced Norah and then married Lady Hilda Bonn on 5th October of that year.  Hilda passed away aged 47 in 1935 in Kensington, London, just six years after her marriage to Arthur.  Arthur passed away in 1959 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

In 1936 Anthony John Lord, of Cirencester was fined 4 shillings court costs for ignoring the halt sign at Lewis Lane, Cirencester.

In 1939 Anthony married Sylvia E Briggs, but he was later to divorce her in 1945.  Anthony passed away in 1977.


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