Edwin Rogers proprietor of the Maidenhead Steam Laundry, Furze Platt, and his wife Elizabeth Rogers

 

 

Memorial to Edwin Rogers, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Memory of 

Edwin Rogers.  

Born December 18 1834.  D

ied April 16 1890.  

A faithful servant of Jesus Christ and His Church.  

And for many years a ringer in the belfry of All Saints, Boyn Hill.  

This stone was erected by his family and friends.  

Be Ye Also Ready.

 

Also Elizabeth Rogers. Born September 29 1835.  Died January 19 1921."

 

 

Edwin Rogers was born on 18th December 1834 in Hughenden, Buckinghamshire to Edward Rogers, a farmer, and his wife Elizabeth Hall.

 

On the 1841 Census 7 year old Edwin is living at Holmer's Farm in Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire with his parents and siblings, Sophia, Eliza, Elizabeth, and Hezekiah.  Sadly that same year Edwin's father, Edward, was to pass away.

 

By the 1851 Census, Edwin was an apprenticed blacksmith to Thomas Fox in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire.

 

In 1857 Edwin married Elizabeth Exlar in Henley.  In 1859 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Edward.  In 1860 another son was born, Hezekiah.

 

Elizabeth (Bessy) Exler was born in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire in 1835 to Thomas Exler, a labourer, and his wife Ann Blackall.

 

In 1841 3 year old Elizabeth was living in Nettlebed Common with her parents and siblings, Thomas, William, Moses, and Richard.

 

1851 13 year old Elizabeth, listed as Bessy is still living with her parents and siblings in Nettlebed Common, Oxfordshire.



1861 finds the not long married Edwin and Elizabeth Rogers living in Chaddleworth, Berkshire where Edwin is listed as being a blacksmith and ironmonger employing one man and one boy.  Apprenticed to Edwin at the time was 15 year old George Barney.

 

By 1871, Edwin and Elizabeth had moved their family, which had since expanded to include, Eliza born in 1862, Ann born in 1865, Sophia born in 1867, and Martha born in 1870, to live in the High Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Edwin worked as an iron monger, employing five men.

 

In 1881 the Rogers family was living and working at 94 High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire where Edwin is listed as being a Master iron founder.  By now the family had expanded to include, Elizabeth born in 1872, Rose born in 1876, Frederick born in 1878 ,and baby Edith born in 1880.

 

Sadly in 1883, Eliza Rogers passed away aged just twenty two.

 

Unfortunately in 1884 at the age of five, poor little Edith was assaulted by a fifteen year old bot by the name of Thomas Saunders, whilst she and her older brother Frederick were playing in Boyn Hill fields.  On 24th September the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Serious Charge-

Thomas Saunders, a lad of 15, residing in Ray-street, was charged with having, on the 13th inst., criminally assaulted a little girl named Edith Rodgers, aged 5 years. The 'Bench hesitated at first to accept the complainant's evidence, on the ground that she she not understand the nature of an oath. The subsequent test was, however, held to be efficient. The Acting Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. R. A. Ward) asked the child if she knew it was naughty to tell stories. She replied in the affirmative, and the oath having been explained and administered, she went on to state that on Saturday morning she was playing with her brother in Boyn Hill fields, and saw the prisoner there. 

She described in detail the nature of the assault, and added that Saunders promised her twopence, but ran away without giving it to her. Frederick Rogers, brother of the child, said he saw Saunders push his sister down on the grass, and he corroborated her account of the assault, and stated that he went home with his sister and told their mother what had happened.

The mother gave evidence as to what she was told, and the result of her examination of the child. She sent for Superintendent Taylor on Monday and told him what had occurred. Saunders came to her, she said, on the previous (Tuesday) night and admitted the offence, and said he was sorry, and asked for her forgiveness.

Supt. Taylor said Yesterday morning Mrs. Rogers made a statement to me and gave me a description of a lad. I found that the prisoner was in the neighbourhood of Boyn Hill shortly before one o'clock on Saturday. I sent for Saunders to the station, and placed him with four other lads about his own size and age. The two children at the time were in my office, and the door was closed. I first called out the little girl and said to her, "Do you see anyone there who you have seen before?" She went direct to  the prisoner, and she said "That is the one'" I then told the defendant he could change his position if he liked and he did so, and stood on the extreme right. I then called the little boy out of my office, and he pointed out the prisoner as the one he had seen before. 

I dismissed the other lads, and had the defendant in my office. I said to him, "Those children make a serious complaint against you, and you  had better be very careful what you state." He replied. 'lt is quite true what they say, and I am sorry for it." I allowed him to return to his work. but subsequently a warrant was issued, and when I arrested him this morning he said," I am. very sorry." - The boy asked no questions of the witnesses, pleaded guilty. The Bench amended the charge to one of common assault. and sentenced Saunders to two months' herd labour." 

 

In 1886 at the age of 52, Edwin embarked on a new business venture when he opened Maidenhead Steam Laundry in what was previously a chicken farm in Furze Platt, Maidenhead, which later traded as Clean Linen Services.

 

Sadly on 16th April 1890 aged fifty six, Edwin passed away, leaving Maidenhead Steam Laundry under the control of his widow, Elizabeth.  On 23rd April the following announcement appeared in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"Deaths-

Rogers- April 16th, at Mossy Hill, Maidenhead, Edwin Rogers, after a long painful illness, aged 56. Deeply lamented."

Edwin's obituary appears in the same issue:

"Obituary-

Mr. Edwin Rogers, proprietor of the Steam Laundry, Furze Platt, died on Wednesday last, after a long illness. Mr. Rogers was an old inhabitant of Maidenhead. He was for many years connected with the Iron Works, High-street, which he carried on in association with Mr. Bulstrode, and in that capacity his ability and integrity won him A large circle of friends.

A clever practical engineer, and a man of enterprise and industry, he built, fitted  up, and successfully worked the Steam Laundry, an undertaking of considerable magnitude. He was a man of simple,  self denying and honourable character, and ardent member of the Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers, and an active and valued supporter of the little church at Furze Platt. *I think this may have been St Peter's not far from the laundry*

In the autumn of last year he underwent in London an operation for a most painful and dangerous malady. The result was such as to leave no hope for his recovery, and his has been virtually confined to the house since his return. He bore his great affliction with exemplary resignation and fortitude, sustained by high conviction and the sympathy of all who knew him. The internment took place at St Luke's churchyard on Monday afternoon. In the evening a muffled peal rung on the bells of All Saints'"

 

The 1891 Census shows the recently widowed Elizabeth living at Maidenhead Stream Laundry along with her children, Elizabeth (listed as Lily E), Frederick, and Edith.

  

By 1901 Elizabeth had moved to The Oaks, Courthouse Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where she is living with her son Frederick and his wife Mary.  Frederick's occupations is listed as laundryman.

 

In 1911 Elizabeth, still living at The Oaks, Courthouse Road is listed as the caretaker of Maidenhead Laundry.

 

Sadly Elizabeth was to pass away on 19th January 1921.

 

Cemetery Sunday - Buried Beneath The Holly Tree

 

St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Children of John and Jane Neighbour, Lucy, Joseph, and Emily, and their Grandmother Ann Neighbour

Monument to Ann Neighbour, Lucy Neighbour, Joseph Neighbour and Emily Neighbour, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

'In Loving Memory Of 

Ann Neighbour 

Who Died March 31st 1886 

Aged 92 years.  

Also 

Lucy Neighbour 

Who Died April 24th 1885 

Aged 6 months. 

Also 

Joseph Neighbour 

Who Died July 15th 1885 

Aged 22 years.  

Also 

Emily Neighbour 

Who Died September 19th 1886 

Aged 4 months.  

The Beloved Children of John and Jane Neighbour.'

Ann Neighbour was born in 1795 in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, wife of Joseph Neighbour, an agricultural labourer.

Ann can first be found on the 1841 Census living in Hambledon, Buckinghamshire (now Hampshire) with her husband Joseph,13 year old daughter Martha, who is employed as a sack maker, 4 year old son Joseph, and one month old John.

In 1851 Ann and her family are still living in Hambledon where she and her husband Joseph are working as field labourers.  The younger Joseph is making his living as a teacher in a school, and young John is attending school himself.  Sadly Ann's husband Joseph passes away in 1855, leaving her destitute with a young son to care for.

On the 1861 Census Ann is listed as an almswoman, a person in receipt of poor aid.  Living with her is her youngest son John, now 19 and working as an agricultural labourer.  In 1862 John marries Jane Willis.  You can read more about their lives together here.

Ann continued to live with her son and daughter in law, Jane, until her death in 1886.

**

Joseph was born in Henley in 1863 to John Neighbour, an agricultural labourer, gardener and later publican, and his wife Jane Willis.

He first appears on the 1871 Census aged seven years, living with his parents, younger brothers Walter and Henry and his paternal grandmother Ann in Aldershot, Hampshire.

In 1881 Joseph, aged eighteen, is lodging in the home of Thomas Stedman and his wife Sarah at Gay's House Cottage, Holyport, Berkshire, where Joseph is working as a domestic groom for horses.  Sadly just four years after that Census was taken, Joseph died at the age of twenty two.

The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on August 1st 1885 -

"Forester's Funeral - The remains of Joseph Neighbour, aged 22, a member of the local Court of Foresters, were interred on Tuesday last in St. Luke's churchyard.  About 24 of the Foresters attended as a last mark of respect to the deceased, in addition to nearly 20 relatives.  The Rev, W. G. Sawyer officiated.  A large number of wreaths were sent by various friends."


Lucy Neighbour was born in the October of 1884 in Maidenhead to John and Jane Neighbour, sadly she passed away in the April of 1885 aged 6 months

Emily Neighbour was born in May 1886 to John and Jane Willis, sadly she passed away in September of 1886.


Family Connections:

Jane Neighbour nee Willis

Cemetery Sunday - Alone

 

A lone small cross gravestone lent against a tree.

 

St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

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Henry Hunter of The Reform Inn , Bridge Street, Maidenhead, and his wife Elizabeth Hunter

 

 

Monument to Henry and Elizabeth Hunter, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Memory Of 

Henry Hunter 

Who Died October 11th 1883 

Aged 57 years 

- Asleep in Jesus - 

Also 

Elizabeth Hunter 

Wife Of The Above 

Who Died June 26th 1903 

Aged 75 years."

 

 

Henry Hunter was born in 1827 in North Pickerham, Norfolk to John Hunter, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Elizabeth Simmons.

 

Henry first appears on the 1841 Census aged fifteen living with his parents and siblings, William, Harriet, Charles and Edward, in North Pickerham, Norfolk.

 

In 1851 Henry has left the family home to work for the Reverend Henry Say, the Rector of North Pickerham, as a groom.  Working in the same household as a cook was Elizabeth Mason, Henry's future wife.

 

Elizabeth Mason was born in 1828 in Wiggenhall, St Germans, Norfolk to John Mason, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Ann Smith.

 

Elizabeth first appears on the 1841 Census aged thirteen years living with her parents and siblings, Mary, Sarah, Martha and George, in Wiggenhall, St Germans, Norfolk.

 

In the October of 1857, Elizabeth and Henry married.  Their first child, a son John Henry arrived soon after in 1858, followed closely be another son, George in 1860.  A daughter, Susan followed in 1862 and in 1863 a second daughter, Sarah arrived.

 

In 1861 Henry and his family have moved to Water Oakley Lodge in Bray, Berkshire, where Henry is working as a coachman for Sir Richard Hall-Say, the nephew of the Reverend Henry Say and the builder of Water Oakley Mansion (now called Oakley Court Hotel).  Living with the family at the time is Elizabeth's sister Frances.

 

1871 and the family is still living at Water Oakley Lodge where Henry is continuing his employment as a coachman for Sir Hall-Say.  Visiting the family at the time was Elizabeth's aunt, Susan Smith.

 

However in 1879 Henry had decided on a change of career and had become the Inn Keeper at The Reform, 44 Bridge Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire. John Henry had left the family home to work as a 2nd Coachman in London.  George is working as a barman at The Vine Hotel in Reading, Berkshire. I am unable to locate Susan on the 1881 Census. 

 

Sadly, just two years later, Henry was to pass away on 11th October 1883.

 

In 1888 Susan Hunter married Thomas Wright, a carpenter and joiner, in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Also in 1881 there was some monkey business afoot as a circus monkey escaped and climbed onto the roof of the Reform Inn. On 19th September 1888 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Monkey Hunt-

On Saturday morning last one the large monkeys in Lord George Sangers' Circus," which had been taken from its cage for exercise succeeded in escaping. After indulging in a few frolics on the Moor, it made for the Green Dragon opposite, and was soon on the Berken's home, after which it got on to the roof of the Reform Inn. The runaway was eventually captured and taken back to its cage."

 

1891 and the widowed Elizabeth has taken over the running of The Reform public house, along with her son George.

 

Elizabeth and George are still running The Reform together in 1901, this time employing a live in bar keeper, Ernest Wheeler.  Just two years later in 1903, Elizabeth followed her husband to the grave.

 

The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 4th July 1903 -

 

"Death Of An Old Resident - We regret to have to record the death of another old Maidenhead resident, Mrs. Elizabeth Hunter, that occurred at her residence, The Reform, Bridge Road on Friday Last.  Mrs. Hunter, who was 75 years of age, had resided at The Reform for over 20 years.  The house was kept by her late husband, Mr. Henry Hunter, from 1879 until his death in October 1883.  since the latter date, Mrs. Hunter has carried on the business with the help of her son, Mr. George Hunter.  The funeral took place on Tuesday at St. Luke's church.  The body was interred in the grave where lie the remains of the deceased's husband.  The mourners included Mr. George Hunter (son), Mrs. Wright (daughter)and Mr. Grinstead; and the following members of the Maidenhead Licensed Victuallers Society were also present:  Mr. J. Meeks (Chairman),  Mr. J. Maio, Mr. J. T. Cotton, Mr. Smith (Green Dragon), and Mr. W. A. Thompson (Secretary).  There were a large number of very handsome wreaths, including one from the Maidenhead Licensed Victuallers." 

 

George Hunter continued the run The Reform until 1907. During the 1900 floods which saw considerable amounts of water in Bridge Street, George is quoted in the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"The Reform inn contains a considerable depth of water, and Host Hunter is not to be envied. 'By hook or by crook, however, he seeks to quench the thirst of any who may punt up to his bar.'"  

In 1904 the floods came again, this time worse. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"The Reform Inn, kept by Mr. Geo. Hunter, could only be approached by punt, and the water inside was so deep that it was almost impossible to serve customers, and he closed the house early in the evening."

The Reform Inn during the 1947 floods

 

  

Cemetery Sunday - Snow Angel

 

 

Finch Family Grave, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

I realise that I have used this picture for Cemetery Sunday before, but unfortunately this week a family member suffered a health scare, so I haven't had a lot of time available for sorting through pictures.

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

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Alfred Playne, Surgeon and Barrister of Maidenhead, and his first wife Frances Maria Playne

Monument to Alfred and Frances Maria Playne, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In loving memory 

of 

Alfred Playne 

Died Sept. 9th 1908. 

Aged 79 years.  

Also 

Frances Maria 

His Beloved Wife 

Died Sept. 21st 1871.  

Aged 42 years. 

- The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God."

Frances Maria Playne was born Frances Maria Clifford in 1829 in Camberwell, Surrey to William Clifford, a newspaper agent and his wife Mary Maria Newcomb.

Frances Maria first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 11, living at her uncle Joseph Newcomb's home Morton Cottage, Upton-Cum-Chalvey, along with her eldest sisters Ellen, and Emma.  

The 1851 Census finds Frances aged 22 is living with her parents and her siblings, Joseph, Ellen ,and Emma, at 3 Bedford Terrace in Lambeth, Surrey.

Alfred Playne was born in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire in 1829 to Peter Playne, a woollen cloth manufacturer, and his wife Ann Dancey.

I have been unable to locate Dr Alfred on the 1841 Census.  Alfred appears on the 1851 Census as a medical student lodging in the home of Charles Gauneisen in Westminster, London.

In 1860 in Windsor, Berkshire, Frances married Alfred Playne, now a general practitioner doctor.  1861 finds the newly married couple living at 1 Northwick Terrace in Market Street, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Together, Dr Alfred and Frances had six daughters, Mary born in 1861, Fanny Clifford born in 1863, Ellen Armitage born in 1865, Emma Clifford in 1867, Margaret Newcombe in 1868 and Lucette Golden in 1869. 

During the Census of 1871 Frances is visiting Miss Isabella Fleming and her family at The Grove in Cookham, next to The Ferry Inn. Sadly the original building burnt to the ground during the Cookham floods in 1919.

Dr Alfred is at home with his daughters during the 1871 Census at their property in the High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Sadly, two years after the birth of her youngest daughter Lucette, and a few months after the 1871 Census, Frances passed away aged just 42.  The Berkshire Chronicle carried the following announcement:

"Deaths-

Sept. 21, at Maidenhead, Frances Maria, the beloved wife of Alfred Playne, Esq., M. B., of Maidenhead, and Box House, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. "

In 1874 Dr Alfred Playne remarried to Sarah Seamark Suter from Kent.

In 1881 Dr Alfred and his second wife are living at his High Street property in Maidenhead, along with five of his daughters from his first marriage.  Working as a domestic servant for the family is Sarah Hammerton.  Mary Playne is living with her maternal aunt Ellen Clifford at 4 Clarence Crescent in Windsor, Berkshire.  Mary remained unmarried until her death in 1958.

In 1886 Dr Alfred and several other doctors from Maidenhead put forward a proposal for a Medical Association to help the poor of Maidenhead with the cost of healthcare.  Unfortunately the proposal was turned down as unsatisfactory.

In 1887 Ellen left the family home and married Walter Stanley Armitage, a surgeon, thus becoming Ellen Armitage Armitage. 

By 1891 Dr Alfred had become a magistrate as well as moving to Lynhames, Castle Hill, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead. Two years later Fanny leaves the family home to marry Frederick Beames

Sadly Dr Alfred's second wife was to pass away on 20th May 1897. On 26th May 1897 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"Death of Mrs Playne- We much regret to have this week to record the death of Mrs. Sarah S. Playne, wife of Dr. A. Playne, J. P., who passed away on Thursday last at her residence, "Lynhames," Castle-hill, after an illness of some months. The deceased lady was very highly esteemed , and her death was heard of throughout the town with much sorrow. 

The funeral took place on Monday, at 1.30, at All saints' Boyn Hill, the service being very impressively rendered by the Vicar, Rev. A. H. Drummond

The outer coffin was of English oak with brass mountings, and bore the following inscription: 

"Sarah Seamark Playne 

Died 20th May 1897

Aged 64 Years" 

The grave had been effectively adorned with moss, evergreens, and  narcissi bu Messrs. Owen of Castle-hill Nurseries. The funeral arrangements were well carried out by Mr. Theo. Hewitt, High-street."

Four years after the death of his second wife Dr Alfred has moved to 3 Boyn Hill Avenue where he is now listed as a retired surgeon. On 9th September 1908 Dr Alfred passed away.

On Saturday 21st November 1908 the Cheltenham Chronicle reported -

"Mr. Alfred Playne, M.B., J.P., youngest son of the late Mr. Peter Playne, of Box House, Minchinhampton, who died on Sept 9th last aged 78 years, appointed his daughter Miss. Mary Playne, of The Wilderness, Maidenhead, and his nephew, Mr. Frances George Playne, of The Grange, Minchinhampton, solicitors, executors, by whom the estate is sworn at £16,223, 2s, 11d. gross, of which £14,149, 12s, 11d, is net personalty."

Cemetery Sunday - Until The Day Breaks

 

"Until The Day Breaks"  War Grave, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

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