War Grave Wednesday - Harry deSwart

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.

 

 

"Of your charity pray for the soul of Harry deSwart who was killed in France Sept 30 1916 aged 29 R.I.P"

 

 

Harry deSwart is a bit of a mystery.  I have been unable to find out much about his family as he appears as a boarder in various schools and with various families on the Census returns.  He was born in 1887 in Pancras, London.

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War I Harry deSwart joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.   Sadly he died of wounds he received in battle on 30th September 1816.

 

Harry's sister, Florence deSwart requested that she receive his medals after the war.  Her address at the time was Rio-de-Janeiro.

 

 

 

Please note that Harry is not buried at the grave site pictured above as he is buried where he fell in France.

 

 

 

 



Taphophile Tragics - Martha, William and Henry East of Marlow Buckinghamshire

Monument to Martha, William and Henry Eats, All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.


"To the Memory of Martha East who died Sept 12th 1838 aged 59 years - Also of - William East Butcher of this town who died August 19th 1852 aged 70 years - Also of Henry East son of the above who died July 19th 1857 aged 37 years."



Martha East was born Martha Grey around 1785 in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  On 5th June 1804 Martha married William East, a butcher from Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Sadly Martha was to pass away on 12th September 1838.

The recently widowed William appears on the 1841 Census, aged sixty, living in Spittal Street in Marlow Buckinghamshire.  Living with William at the time is twenty five year old Amelia, twenty year old Henry, six year old William and two year old Eliza, William Snr's grand-daughter.

Later that year Amelia East marries Thomas Fry, a butcher, in Chelsea, London.  They later moved to live in Cookham, Berkshire, leaving Amelia's illegitimate daughter, Eliza, to live with her grandfather and uncle.



1851 finds the family still living at Spittal Street in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  Henry now aged thirty, is working with his father as a butcher.  Eliza, now aged thirteen is currently attending a local school.

Sadly William was to pass away just over a year later on 19th August 1852.  Sadly Henry was to follow his farther on 19th July.  Leaving Eliza alone.

Eliza moved to Kent to find work in a paper factory, where she met her future husband Alfred Eldridge, a fellow paper mill labourer.  In 1861 Eliza can be found lodging at her boyfriend's parents house, in Paul's Cray, Kent, along with her son William Eldridge who was born in 1858.  Alfred and Eliza married in Orpington, Kent in 1862.  Sadly young William Eldridge was to pass away in 1866 aged just eight years old.

By 1871 Eliza and her family had moved to Lower Road in Orpington, Kent.  Living with them, their children - seven year old Esther, four year old Georgina and five month old William.

1881 finds the family in Field Place in Orpington, Kent.  Joining the family is seven year old Alfred, three year old John and nine month old Joseph.

1891 and the family has moved again to Ford Croft Road.  Joining the family is eight year old Hannah.

1901 and the family has moved to Poverest Road. 

Sadly Eliza was to pass away to be reunited with her lost loved ones, in 1909 aged seventy one years old.


Taphophile Tragics

Cemetery Sunday - Embrace

Gravestone Embrace, St Peter's Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.

 

The above gravestone held no further information, only the craving of a couple embracing.

 

 



Darling Little Dick Russell - Died on his 7th Birthday

 

"In Loving Memory of Darling Dick.  

The dearly beloved son of DICK and GID RUSSELL 

who died on his seventh birthday July 9th 1896 -

Teach Me Thy Ways O Lord!"

Dick Russell was born on 9th July 1889 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey to Richard Russell a Stockbroker, and his wife Lina Mary Scott.  Dick's mother was from a very wealthy family, her mother being Lady Maria Scott, and her sister Countess Mabel Edith Russell (no relation to Richard Russell).  Countess Mabel and Lady Maria Scott where implicated in the great Russell - Scott Scandal.

Dick appears on the 1891 Census aged just one year old, living with his parents and older brother Claude, as well as grandmother Lady Maria Scott and his aunt Countess Mabel at The Fisheries, Bray, Berkshire.  Dick was to pass away on 9th July 1896, the day of his seventh birthday. The Berkshire Chronical carried the following announcement: 

"Russell - On his birthday, July 9, The Nest, Bray. Berks, Dick Russell, the dearly-loved younger son of Dick and Gid Russell, aged seven."

The funeral was held at St Michael's Church, Bray and the burial at All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery on Monday13th July, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Wednesday 15th July 1896:

" AN IMPOSING FUNERAL. 

One of the most imposing funerals ever seen in Maidenhead was that of one of the little sons of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Russell, of the riverside, who passed away on Thursday last, on his seventh birthday. The deceased was a bright little fellow, and was frequently seen on the Maidenhead Cricket Ground with his parents and Lady Scott and Countess Russell, always in company with his little brother. 

The cause of death wav intestinal obstruction. An operation had been performed on the poor little fellow, but he was unable to survive the after-effects and collapsed. He was only ill a few days: though in some pain he was anticipating his birthday with much pleasure. 

Much sympathy is felt with Mr. and Mrs. Russell in their peculiarly sad bereavement, as was evidenced by the large and costly assortment of wreaths, etc at the funeral. The latter took place on Monday last. The remains of the deceased were placed in a handsome white coffin, with silver-plate and handles. On the top were the words, in the form of a star "Teach me Thy way, 0 Lord," and the breast-plate bore the following inscription: 

Dick Russell, 

Died 9th July, 1896,

His 7th Birthday. 

The coffin was conveyed from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Russell (Fishery Estate) in a very handsome funeral car drawn by four fine black horses, adorned with white rosettes, and wearing white side cloths and tassels. The car was also decked with white ribbon, and was filled with floral emblems of love and respect, while Lady Scott's Victoria immediately following was completely filled with wreaths, crosses and other floral designs.

The procession, which was a very lengthy one, proceeded to Bray church, where it was met by the Vicar (Rev. C. A. Raymond) and Rev. J. C. Gawtherne (Chaplain Jesus Hospital) and a full choir of about thirty voices. The chancel had b?en beautifully decorated with white flowers b Mr. W. Broughton (Maidenhead), and Mrs. James Woodhouse (Bray). The service, which was conducted by the Vicar and Rev. J. C. Gawtherne, was fully choral. The appropriate hymn, There's a friend for little children " (399), was very effectively sung by the choir and large congregation. The opening sentences were chanted unaccompanied to music by Tanis. and Psalm 39 to a chant by Barnby. As the procession left the church, the organist (Mr. Arthur Keeble) ably played Mendelsohn's " 0 Rest in the Lord." 

The funeral party then proceeded to the Cemetery, via Bray-road, Forlease-lane, Bridge-street. High-street and Castle-hill. The choir proceeded by another route to the Cemetery and met the funeral cortege at the lych.gate. The grave was a brick one, having been built by Mr. T. Lamb, and it had been lined with evergreens and choice white flowers. It is situate on the northern slope almost opposite the fine Cope memorial. The service by the graveside was fully choral, and was shared by the choir, the Rev. C. A. Raymond and Rev. J. C. Gawtherne. The responses were by Elvey, and hymn 399, " When our heads are bowed with woe." was very nicely sung to tune by Redhead. 

The scene at the graveside was most affecting and sonic difficulty was experienced with the heartbroken mother. Mr. Russell and Countess Russell. Lady Scott and others strewed flowers on the coffin, upon which a large heart of white flowers was lowered. There was a splendid collection of magnificent wreaths.

We may add that Mr. J. C. Webber, Highstreet, was the undertaker, and that he carried out his duties to the entire satisfaction of Mr. and Mrs. Russell, Countess Russell and Lady Scott. Sergt. Meade and Constable Spratley regulated the traffic outside Bray Church."

By 1901 Dick's parents and brother had moved to London. The 1901 Census finds Richard and Lina living at 6 Eccleston Street, St George Hanover Square, London. Claude is away at St Michael's private school in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. Richard Russell would pass away in Hastings, Sussex in 1917 aged 56, and Lina in 1930 aged 66.

One mystery remains, why was Lina referred to as Gid Russell in Dick's death announcement and on his grave. Was it a nickname of sorts.

Arthur Kenneth Bromley taken by Diphtheria aged Two Years

Monument to Arthur Kenneth Bromley, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"To the Memory of Arthur Kenneth dearly loved third son of Arthur A & Kate L Bromley."



Arthur Kenneth Bromley was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in August 1902 to Arthur Ashby Bromley, a baker and confectioner, and his wife Kate Louise Mills.  Sadly, Arthur Kenneth was to pass away in 1904.

At the time of Arthur Kenneth's death most of Berkshire was in the grip of a measles epidemic.  Many young children lost their lives.  However young Arthur was to die from Diphtheria.

Arthur Ashby and his family lived at 33-37 Bridge Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire where they ran a bakery, confectionary shop, corn dealership and a post office.  Sadly, the building no longer exists.



A.A. Bromley and Staff c1905

Arthur and Kate had five children together, four who survived into adulthood, Ashby Donald, Collis Norman, Olive Kathleen, and Edith Joyce.



A.A. Bromley 33-37 Bridge Street, Maidenhead c1930
At this time run by Ashby Donald and Collis Norman Bromley

On Wednesday 7th December 1904, the Maidenhead Advertiser printed the following announcement:

"Deaths

Bromley - On 2nd December, Arthur Kenneth Bromley, the much-loved youngest child of Arthur A. and Kate L. Bromley."

Taphophile Tragics - Emily and Thomas Worster

Monument to Emily Worster and Thomas Worster, Holy Trinity Churchyard, Cookham, Berkshire England.


"To the Memory of Emily daughter of Henry & Martha Worster.  Born ?? 5th 1835. Died ?? ?? 1878.

Also

Thomas Worster.  Born April 17th 1831.  Died April 22nd 1880."


Thomas Worcester was born on 17th April 1831 and Emily was born in 1835, In Cookham, Berkshire to Henry Worster, a master butcher, and his wife Martha Lanaway.

For more information on Thomas and Emily's early life, see the previous Taphophile Tragics post, Worsters of Cookham.

In 1861 after the recent death of their father Henry Worster, Thomas aged twenty nine and Emily aged twenty five can be found living and working as butchers in Cookham High Street.

In 1871 Thomas, thirty eight, and Emily, thirty five, are still living and working in Cookham High Street.  Sadly in 1878, aged only forty four, Emily passed away.  Only two years later at the age of 47, Thomas followed her to the grave.

Thomas and Emily never married and remained single all their lives, living and working together in the small village of Cookham.  The Worster family were well respected members of the community, eventually having a road, Worster Road, in Cookham named after them.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Direction

 

Pointing hand at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 



Flashback Friday - Josiah Wheeler - Lighterman

**Originally posted on 10th July 2012**

(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012

Monument to Josiah and Jane Wheeler, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Josiah Wheeler, Born October 4th 1849, Died January 2nd 1910.

'Not my will, but thine be done.'

Also

Jane beloved wife of Josiah Wheeler, Born October 4th 1845, Died Sept 27th 1916

'Till . The . Eternal . Morrow.' "

Josiah Wheeler was born on 4th October 1848 in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire to Josiah Wheeler, a bargeman and Mary Ann Russell.

In 1871 the year Josiah married his wife Jane Martin, he is listed as living with his parents at 'The Victoria Beer House' in Henley.  Josiah's occupation is listed as a boatman.  In 1881 however Josiah, incorrectly listed as Joseph, is now a publican and 'dealer' running and un-named public house in Bix Oxfordshire.

1891 sees Josiah and his family living in Maidenhead at 7 Denmark Terrace, Denmark Street, Maidenhead.  Now a dairyman and butcher.  Sadly nothing remains of Denmark Terrace as it was demolished to make way for industrial units.  1901 and the family have now moved to 1 East Street (now East Road), Maidenhead.  Josiah is now a lighterman as is his son Frank.  Lightermen were workers who transferred goods from large ships to the quay on flat bottomed barges called lighters.  It was dangerous and highly skilled work.

Josiah died on 2nd January 1910 aged 61.

Jane Wheeler was born Jane Martin on 4th October 1845 in Windermere, Westmorland to Nicholas Martin a shoemaker and later a railway porter and Harriet Hodgson.  Between 1851 and her marriage to Josiah in 1871, it is impossible to separate Jane for all the other Jane Martin's born around 1845 in Westmorland.  Seems it was a popular name.

Second World War Commonwealth War Grave - First Officer Dora Lang, Air Transport Auxiliary - Killed in Air Crash

 

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.

Monument to First Officer Dora Lang, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


Dora Lang was born on 30th March 1914 to Thomas William Tily, a jobbing gardener, and his wife Amelia Fielding, Shepherd's Bush, Middlesex. Dora flew at several flying clubs and became a Civil Air Guard (CAG). The Civil Air Guard was established in July 1938 to encourage and subsidise pilot training with the prospect of war on the horizon.

In 1935 Dora married Henry Albert Lang, a motor engineer and Civil Air Guard pilot.

After the outbreak of World War Two, Dora enlisted with the WAAF (Women Auxiliary Air Force) and served as an Operations Room Plotter. She applied to join the ATA, Air Transport Auxiliary service after hearing a radio appeal. The ATA was a British civilian organisation responsible for the ferrying of new, damaged, and repaired military aircraft between assembly plants, factories, maintenance units, scrapyards, and delivery points.

First Officer Dora Lang

On 2nd March 1944, whilst ferrying damaged a de Havilland Mosquito FB. Mrk VI aircraft with her Flight Engineer Janice Margaret Harrington, on approach to the RAF station at Lasham, Hampshire, Dora undershot her landing.  In an attempt to correct her mistake Dora 'opened up' her aircraft and climbed 150ft before the engines stalled.  The aircraft then flipped to the left and ploughed into the ground.  Dora and Janice were killed instantly.

On Wednesday 8th March 1944 the Daily Mirror reported:

"Two Women Ferry Pilots Die In Crash

Two women ferry pilots were killed while delivering a plane to an aerodrome in Hampshire. They were Mrs. Dora Lang, 29, of Sydney-street, Chelsea, London, S.W., and Miss Janice Maragret Harrington, 23, of The Orchard, Pudnoe-lane (misprint of Ludnoe), Bedford. At yesterday's inquest evidence showed that the aircraft was flying too slow for landing speed. It accelerated and rose sharply, and after stalling, crashed and burst into flames."

De Havilland Mosquito FB Mrk VI at Lasham RAF Station 1944.

 

  

Taphophile Tragics - Worsters of Cookham, Berkshire

Monument to Henry Worster, Ann Ester Worster, Annetta Worster, Martha Worster and Henry Worster, Holy Trinity Church, Cookhma, Berkshire, England.


"To The Memory Of Henry Worster died June 7th 1860 Aged 68 Years.  Also Ann Ester Aged 9 Years, Annetta Aged 21 Years - Daughters of the above - Also Martha Worster - Wife of the above - Died Feb 17th 1868 Aged 75 Years.  Also Henry Worster - Eldest son of the above Died Aug 20th 1896 Aged 73 Years."


Henry Worster was born in 1792 in Cookham, Berkshire to Henry Worster and his wife Hester Hancock.

Henry was Christened on 27th May 1792 in Cookham, Berkshire.  On 11th June 1820 Henry married Martha Lanaway in Westminster in London.

He first appears on the 1841 Census aged around 40, living in and working as a master butcher in Cookham with his wife Martha and children Annette aged 20, Henry aged 18, Thomas aged 10, Ann Ester aged 8, Emily aged 6 and Edward aged 3.

Sadly in 1842 both Annette and Ann Ester pass away aged 21 and 9.

On the 1851 Census the family is still living and working in Cookham, however Henry Jr can be found lodging at 12 New Cavandish in Marylebone, London.

Henry Snr was to pass away 9 years later on 7th June 1860.

Just under a year later on the 1861 Census, the recently widowed Martha can be found visiting friends in Kensington, London.  Young Edwards is working as a grocers apprentice for Philip Mason in Swindon, Wiltshire.  I have been unable to locate Henry Jr on the 1861 Census.  Just 7 years later, in 1868, Martha joined her husband.

It is at this point that I will leave Thomas and Emily's story for a later post.

1871, Edward is a grocers assistant for Benjamin Christopher, living at 11 Abbey Gate Street, Bury, St. Edmunds in Suffolk.  Henry jr, now aged 47 is working as a Butler at Cross Hayes Hall in Yoxall, Staffordshire.

I have been unable to locate Henry on the 1881 Census.

In 1891 Henry has returned home to Cookham and is living at Newton House with his servant Sarah Woods.  Living next-door is Henry younger brother Edward and his family.

Henry then passes away on 20th August 1896 aged 75 years.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - All Saints Church, Bisham

Riverside view of All Saints Church, Bisham, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 



The Angel of Cookham - George Pendrill - Killed in a Boiler Explosion, Also Arthur Reed Louch, and William Louch



The Angel Cookham Churchyard
(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012

Angel monument to George Pendrill, Arthur Reed Louch and William Louch, Holy Trinity Churchyard, Cookham Berkshire.

"To The Memory Of - George Pendrill who died at Sutton Courtney, Berks July 8th 1890 aged 34 years.  Also of Arthur Reed Louch third son of the late Henry Louch Esq of Poplar London.  Who died at Sutton Courntey, Berks.  November 1st 1897 aged 58 years.  Also of William Louch twin brother of Arthur Reed Louch who died at Sutton Courtney, Berks June 8th 1901"

Arthur Reed and William Louch were born on 17th June 1839 in Poplar London to Henry, a ropemaker and Anna Louch nee Masterman.  On the 1841 Census they're shown living with their parents and sisters Ellen Masterman Louch and Ada Reed Louch at Manor Cottage, Poplar London.  Henry Louch was to die in 1848 and the family rope making business dissolved by his widow and son Henry Louch in 1859.

"NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us the undersigned. Anna Louch, Henry Louch, and John Thompson, under the firm of Reed, Louch Brothers, and Thompson, at Love-lane, Shadwell, in the county of Middlesex, Rope Makers, has been dissolved by mutual consent, so far as regards the undersigned

John Thompson.—Dated the 27th day of December,

1859.  Anna Louch.  Henry Louch.  John Thompson."

In 1851 both Arthur and William were attending a boarding school in George Lane Woodford Essex.  Arthur and William split briefly in 1861 when Arthur was serving on a vessel in Pembrokeshire as an engineer and William, now a civil engineer was boarding with a Samuel Grey in Swindon GWR railway village, built by Brunel to help house the many railway workers and their families.  However in 1862 they can be found both serving in the Wiltshire Rifle Volunteer Corps 11th Company, Arthur as a Lieutenant and William as an Ensign.

On 24th November 1859 Arthur and William's sister Ada Reed Louch married John Henry Skilbeck, a Drysalter from Lea Bridge in Hackney, London.  Drysalters were dealers in a range of chemicals, including glue, varnish, dye, and colourings.  Ada's brother Henry and sister Louisa were witnesses to the marriage.

In 1871 Arthur and William were back living with their mother Anna and sister Louisa at The Elms in Hackney.  Both Arthur and William are listed as being ropemakers. 

In 1881 Arthur and William have moved to Great Marlow and are living at Quarry Chalk Pits House along with George Pendrill.  Arthur and William are again listed as engineers and George is an Engine driver.  George James Pendrill was born on 1st June 1856 in Rotherhithe Surrey to James a barge builder and Caroline Rachel Pendrill nee Gorsuch.

On Saturday 12th July 1890 the Grantham Journal reported:

"Shocking Boiler Explosion

While a gentleman named Louch, and a party, were on the Thames on Tuesday afternoon, on a steam launch, at Sutton Courtney, near Abingdon, the boiler burst with a terrific explosion. George Pendrill, the driver, was blown into the water, and his dead body was found shortly afterwards.The owner of the launch and several others had a narrow escape, one gentleman being scolded. Mrs Skillbeck, of Hampstead, who, with her husband and two sons, was in a boat about the leave the launch, when the accident happened, jumped or fell into the water, and the exhaustion which followed produced syncope. The boiler was hurled some distance to the back of the launch, which foundered."

Syncope is a state of unconsciousness, one from which poor Ada Skilbeck never recovered.  She died a day later, leaving behind her husband John and sons Cuthbert and  Clement.

A inquiry was opened into the accident that had now claimed two lives and later on 31st July 1890 the paper reported: 

"31st July 1890.

A Neglectful Steam Launch Owner

Two Commissioners of the Board of Trade held and investigation, at Abingdon on Wednesday, into the fatal explosion of a steam launch on the Thames. Experts stated that the fire-box plates of the verticle boiler had in places worn away to the thiness of paper. Mr Arthur Louch, a retired engineer, was the owner of the launch, and had a narrow escape, being on board that the time of the explosion. The Commissioners found him guilty of neglect, and ordered him to pay £60 towards the cost of the inquiry."

1891 finds the brothers living together aged 49 at Milton House, the Green, Sutton Courtney in Abingdon, then Berkshire (now Oxon).  They're now listed as 'living on their own means'.

Sadly, the twin brothers were to be separated by death with Arthur dying in 1897 and William in 1901.  His brother's passing must has come as a shock to poor William, who had to get used to living without his twin for a further four years.  Perhaps it was the guilt and stress of the inquiry that hastened Arthur to his grave in 1897. I suspect as George died whilst in the employ of Arthur Louch and due to his negligence he took it upon himself to pay for George's burial, possibly in the plot already ear marked for himself and his brother.
The Angel in the churchyard of Holy Trinity in Cookham was to inspire Sir Stanley Spencer.  He painted a picture of The Angel with the church tower in the background in 1953





The Angel, Cookham Churchyard 1953

Sir Stanley Spencer looking at The Angel
in Cookham Churchyard

Wednesday's Child - Little Christina Lesley Cornish

Angel monument to Christina Lesley Cornish, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Treasured Memory Of Our Little Girl Christina Lesley Cornish.  Fell Asleep Suddenly May 14th 1955 Aged 20 Months."

John and Harriet Nott of Cookham, Berkshire.

Monument to John and Harriet Nott, Holy Trinity Churchyard, Cookham, Berkshire, England.


"Sacred to the memory of John Nott, - late Lieutt in the 63rd Regiment of The Foot - Who died May. 30, 1839 aged 68 years.  Also Harriet Nott who died Octr. 17, 1863 aged 71 years.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."


I have been unable to find very much on John Nott other than he was born around 1771.  On 8th October 1812 in Bedminster, Somerset, John married Harriet Thomas.  Together they had seven children that I have been able to trace between 1818 and 1830, William Thomas, Elathea, George, Henry Thomas, Albert, Julia and Jane.

 John Nott was to pass away on 30th May 1839.

I can find no further record of the Nott family until the 1861 Census when Harriet can be found living in Cookham, Berkshire with her son Albert Nott, his wife Ann and their six year old daughter, Grace Lousia.

Harriet then passes away 7 years later on 17th October 1868.

Cemetery Sunday - St Peter's Churchyard, Marlow.

St Peter's Church in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England was opened on 30th June 1846.  However very few early gravestones remain.

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