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

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Edwin and Elizabeth Rogers - Maidenhead (Furze Platt) Steam Laundry

 
 
Memorial to Edwin Rogers, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"In Loving Memory of Edwin Rogers.  Born December 18 1834.  Died 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, seven year old Edwin is living at Holmers 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, three year old Elizabeth is living in Nettlebed Common with her parents and siblings, Thomas, William, Moses and Richard.
 
1851, thirteen 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 fifteen 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.  Where Edwin worked as an iron monger, employing five men.
 
In 1879, Edward, now and engineer and engine fitter, married Sarah Ann Savin in London.
 
In 1881 the Rogers family is living and working at 94 High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire were Edwin is listed as being a Master ironfounder.  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.
 
Edward and his wife Sarah Ann have moved to Battersea in London.
 
In 1882, Hezekiah Rogers, now and engineer and engine fitter married Maria Scarlett in London.
 
Sadly in 1883, Eliza Rogers passes 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.   Edith was not injured in the assault and the case when to court.  The presiding judges decided to treat the case as common assault and ordered Thomas Saunders to complete two months of hard 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 is still trading today 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.
 
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.
 
Edward and Sarah and their children, Edward born 1882, Lily born 1884, Eva born 1887, Mable born 1890 and baby Frank born in 1891, had returned to Maidenhead and were now living in Furze Platt, not far from the steam laundry.
 
Hezekiah, his wife and children, Edwin born in 1885and Hezekiah Jr born in 1889.  However just a month after the 1891 Census was taken, Hezekiah Snr passed away.  He left his wife and children the sum of 3$6 after his death.
 
In 1900, Edith Rogers married Francis George Kearwell, a carpenter, in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  That same year Frederick Rogers married Mary Ann Nicholls.
 
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 a pass away on 19th January 1921.
 
 
***
 
Merry Christmas from Beneath Thy Feet
And a very Happy New Year.
 
 
Beneath Thy Feet will return after the New Year.
 
 
***

Sunday 22 December 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Buried Beneath The Holly Tree

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

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Friday 20 December 2013

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Edward Norkett

**Originally posted 7th November 2012**
 
 
 
"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".
 
 
 
Edward Norkett was born in Maidenhead Berkshire in 1880 to Edward Norkett, an art metal worker and later Mayor of Maidenhead, and his wife Harriet Bissley

In 1881, one year old Edward is living with his parents and maternal aunts Catherine and Mary Ann Bissley in Broadway, Maidenhead.

1891 and Edward now aged eleven is living with his parents and younger siblings, John, Mary Ann and Amy in All Saints Avenue.
 
On the 1901 census, Edward is listed living with his parents and siblings at 6 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Edward's occupation is listed as a blacksmith.
 
On 28th July 1904 Edward married Amy Ann Pattisson at St Mary's Le Park Chapel of ease in Battersea London, where Amy was living at the time, in Bolan Street.
 
Edward Norkett was an active member in St Luke's Church in Maidenhead, playing violin there as a child and later dedicating a wrought iron and gold leaf screen, made by himself, to the church in 1910.
 
Sometime after the outbreak of World War I, Edward enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps.  The Royal Army Service Corps were responsible for land, coastal and lake transport; air dispatch; supply of food, water, fuel, and general domestic stores such as clothing, furniture and stationery; administration of barracks; the Army Fire Service; and provision of staff clerks to headquarters units.
 
Unfortunately I cannot trace Edward's Military Service Records.  He died from sickness on 25th March 1919.  His World War I Medal Card suggests that Amy applied for his Territorial Forces Medal after his death on 3rd May 1920.  The Territorial Force War Medal was a campaign medal awarded to members of the British Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Services who served overseas in World War I; it is the rarest of the five British Great War medals.
 
Edward and Amy's only child Walter Edward Norkett was to serve with the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II, sadly he died during service sometime between 31st May and 4th June 1940, just two years after the death of his mother.  He is buried in Dunkirk Cemetery in France.
 
Maybe it was some small mercy that Amy died before Walter after losing her Edward to war service.


 



Tuesday 17 December 2013

Taphophile Tragics - The Neighbours



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, thirteen year old daughter Martha, who is employed as a sack maker, four 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 nineteen 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 the May 1886 to John and Jane Neighbour, sadly she passed away in the September of 1886.


Linked with -

Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday


Sunday 15 December 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Alone

 
A lone small cross gravestone lent against a tree.
 
St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
 

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Friday 13 December 2013

Flashback Friday - War Grave - George James Devonshire

**Originally posted 31st October 2012**
 
 
 
"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".
 
 
 
George James Devonshire was born in 1891 in Slough Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire) to William Herbert Devonshire, a butcher, and his wife Sarah Ann May.
  
In 1901 George and his family were living in Middle Green, Langley Marsh, Buckinghamshire.  However in 1911 George can be found working as a cowman on a farm and lodging with Emma Plum a 66 year old widow and her son Fred, in Hurley Village, Berkshire.
 
On 19th November 1915 George enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment.  Unfortunately I can find no more information on George's time in the Royal Berks.
 
Sadly George was to pass away the day after World War I came to an end.
 
 


Tuesday 10 December 2013

Taphophile Tragics - Henry and Elizabeth Hunter - The Reform Public House

 
 
Monument to Henry and Elizabeth Hunter, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"In Loving Memory Of Henry Hunter who died October 11th 1883 added 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.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday 8 December 2013

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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Friday 6 December 2013

Flashback Friday - War Grave - George Grove

 
**For the month of November in honour of Armistice Day we will be revisiting the local war graves I have researched.  This post was originally published 24th October 2012.**
 
 
 
 
"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".
 
 
 
George Grove was born in Bray Berkshire in 1883 to John Grove, a gardener, and Emma Styles.  From 1901 George and his brother Arthur Henry lived with their uncle and aunt George and Mary Hunter.  The break up of the Grove family was caused by the death of Emma in 1900.  John Grove spent the years leading up to his own death lodging in various public and common lodging houses.

Sometime after the outbreak of war George enlisted with the Worcestershire Labour Corps Regiment.  Labour Corps were generally made of of men who were not fit for service in the trenches.

Geogre was to pass away on 24th October 1918 in Wareham Dorset.
 


Tuesday 3 December 2013

Taphophile Tragics - Dr Alfred and 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.

I cannot locate Frances or her family on the 1841 Census.  However, on the 1851 Census, Frances aged twenty two 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.

Again I am unable to locate 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 passes away aged just 42.

Dr Alfred remarried in 1874 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, 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 in 1897.

Four years after the death of his second wife Dr Alfred has moved to 3 Boyne Hill Avenue where he is now listed as a retired surgeon. In 1908 Dr Alfred passes away.

On Saturday 21st November 1908 the Cheltenham Chronicle reported -

"Mr. Alfred Playne, M.B., J.P., youngest son fo 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."


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday



Sunday 1 December 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Until The Day Breaks

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

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