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

Friday 28 February 2014

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Private George Eaton - A Battle with Depression

**Originally posted 16th January 2013**



"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 Eaton was born in 1859 in Hurley, Berkshire to Thomas, an agricultural labourer and his wife Sarah Herbert.

George first appears on the 1861 Census aged 2, living with his parents and siblings in Hurley Berkshire. Ten years later in 1871 George and his family are still living in Hurley, at 8 Lady Place, Ashley Hill.  Joining the family is George's aunt Mary Ann Herbert, who is listed as servant domestic (invalid). 

It seems that in 1871 George served time at her majesty's pleasure for poaching pheasant eggs.

On 12th August 1871 the Reading Mercury reported:

"George Eaton of the parish of Hurley, was summoned for having on the 12th May last, at the parish of Hurley, unlawfully taken from a nest nine pheasants' eggs, on land in the occupation of Sir G. East.  It appeared from the evidence that after the offence was committed defendant left the neighbourhood and kept out of the way until 5th August.  The case was now clearly proved, and he was sentenced to a fine of 2s. for each egg, and 10s. 6d. costs or one month's imprisonment.  Committed." 


In 1881 George is working with his father and elder siblings as an agricultural labourer.

In 1884 George married Harriet Pickett.  Their first child, a daughter Alice was born in 1885, closely followed by Ann in 1887.  Their first son George William was born in 1889.

In 1891 the small family can be found living at 6 Long Acre, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where George is now a bricklaying labourer.  By 1901 George and his family had moved to Tyrells Buildings in Maidenhead, where George is listed as a ground works labourer.  Catherine aged 9, Thomas aged 6, Benjamin aged 4 and John aged 1 have joined the family.  George and Harriet's youngest child Robert was born in 1904.

It seems however that George was plagued with depression, which at one point caused him to attempt to take his own life, for which he served a week's imprisonment at Reading Gaol.  The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reports on 15th September 1906 -

"The Case Of Attempted Suicide

At the Maidenhead Borough Police-court on Friday George Eaton, a resident, was charged on remand with having cut and wounded himself with a razor, intending to kill and murder himself.

The Magistrates' Clerk explained to the Bench that the Governor of Reading Gaol had written to the effect that he was of the opinion the suicidal attempt was a feint, and that there were no signs of insanity in regard to the prisoner.

Police-constable Hay said that he was stationed at Maidenhead.  On the 30th August he had received information that the prisoner had cut his throat.  In company with Police-constable Barr he went to Denmark-street and found that the prisoner had gone out.  He went in search of the prisoner and found him in a field on the other side of the Furze Platt, on the way to Cookham.  He asked him what he was doing and he said, "Nothing."  He noticed a razor sticking out of his pocket; it was in the condition in which it now was (with blood upon it).  Prisoner's throat was covered in blood.  He examined the prisoner's throat, but found no serious cut.  He eventually got him into the road, when he "turned up rough" and said he wanted to go on to the Thicket to finish the job.  They were obliged to handcuff the prisoner; they had no trouble with him after that.  Eaton said several times on the way to the station that he would "finish it off" some time, but he was in a dazed condition, and did not seem to know what he was doing.

Mr Cox:  Was he sober?- Yes, sir.
Had he been drinking
No, I think not, sir.  He was in a dazed state.

The Magistrates' Clerk (to the prisoner) What did you do this for?
Prisoner:  I do not know anything about it; I have been ill.
When you came to your senses did you know what you had done?- No.

Mrs. Eaton, mother of the prisoner, told the magistrates that on Monday when her son came home she said that he was ill, and he looked it.  He was very much depressed.  She advised him to see Dr. Montgomery.

The Magistrates' Clerk:  Do you think he will do this kind of thing again?
Mrs. Eaton:  No, sir.  He thought he was going to lose his father and it upset him.  He looked so funny when he came to me on the Monday that I thought he was "going off" like some other members of the family.  He has never threatened his wife; it was only what people had said about him.

Prisoner's wife, a most respectably-dressed woman, was in court with a baby in her arms, but was not called.

The Mayor (to Mrs. Eaton sen.):  After what you say, if you will keep an eye on your son the magistrates are disposed to dismiss the case.
Mrs. Eaton:  Thank you, sir.

Prisoner afterwards left with his wife and mother."



In 1911 the family had moved to 78 Reform Road where George is listed as a domestic gardener. 

Sometime after the out break of World War One, George enlisted with The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  I have been unable to locate any War Service Records for George. 

Before his death on 26th July 1915 in Hampshire at the age of 56, George was treated at Netley Military Hospital in Hampshire.  Netley Hospital boasted the first purpose built military asylum where men suffering from severe psychosis and Shell Shock were treated.





Tuesday 25 February 2014

Annie Harriet Lowndes - Lady Superintendent of St John's National School, Winchester

 
 
 
Monument to Annie Harriet Lowndes, All Saints Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"Annie Harriet Lowndes.  Born 2nd February 1855.  Died 15th January 1914."
 
 
Annie Harriet Lowndes was born on 2nd February 1855 in Belgravia, London to Samuel Lowndes, a stock broker and magistrate, and his wife Letitia Baden.
 
Annie first appears the 1861 Census, aged six, living at Esher House, Cobham, Surrey, with her parents and her six year old cousin Edith Phillips.
 
In 1870 Annie's mother, Letitia passed away.
 
At the age of sixteen on the 1871 Census, Annie can be found boarding at Sussex House School for Girls in Clifton, Bristol.
 
In 1881 Annie is living with her Grandmother Eliza Lowndes, father Samuel and Aunt Rebe at 84 Oxford Terrace, in London Paddington.
 
In 1882 Annie's father, Samuel, married his second wife, Isabel Gore Browne in Christchurch, Hampshire.
 
By the 1891 Census, Annie had moved again, this time to live at 71 Oxford Terrace in the home of her Uncle Thomas, a retired Army Major General, Along with her father Samuel, his second wife Isabel and her elderly Aunt Rebe Lowndes.
 
annie had moved again by the 1901 Census, where she is now recorded as the lady superintendent of St John's National School for Girls and Infants at 4 and 4a St John's Street, Winchester, Hampshire.  The building still stands to this day and is now called St John's Hall.
 
© Copyright Chris Talbot and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
 

By the 1911 Census Annie had moved again, this time to St Helen's, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Living with Annie at the time is Margaret Ann Kempe, who worked at St John's National School for Girls and Infants as a matron along side Annie.  Both ladies are now recorded as living by 'private means'.

Annie Harriet Lowndes passed away on 15th January 1914 at her home, 87 Dorset Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

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Friday 21 February 2014

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Ordinary Telegraphist Harry Chamberlain, Royal Navy

**Originally posted 9th January 2013**



"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".
Charles Harry Chamberlain was born in Maidenhead in 1924 to Charles Richard Chamberlain, a carpenter, and his wife Lilian Charlotte Lock.
Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Charles Harry (known as Harry) enlisted with the Royal Navy and began his training as an Ordinary Telegraphist at the H.M.S Collingwood Training Camp.  Unfortunately Harry was to die that the tragically young age of 18 on 24th August 1942 from illness.  It is unclear as to whether Harry ever got to see active service, but that does not make him any less brave.


Tuesday 18 February 2014

Mary Louisa Haines Built - Domestic Cook

 
 
 
Monument to Mary Louisa Haines Built, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
 
"Sacred To The Memory Of Mary Louisa Built died Dec 19th 1902 aged 39 years."
 
 
Mary Louisa Haines Built was born illegitimately to Benedicta Built in 1863 in Ross, Herefordshire, Mary was Christened on 1st April 1863.  Haines may have been her father's surname.  Six years later in 1869 Mary's illegitmate sister, Benedicta Built was born.
 
 
On the 1871 Census, eight year old Mary is boarding with the Ashley family at Daycroft House Walford, Herefordshire.  Mary's mother, working as a dressmaker, and younger sister Benedicta are boarding at the home of the Whittaker family at Bulls Hill in Walford, Herefordshire.
 
In 1875 Mary's mother Benedicta married saddler Charles Lancaster, in Hereford, Herefordshire.
 
In 1877 Mary and Benedicta's half brother George James Lancaster was born, sadly he died that same year.  Charles and Benedicta Lancaster had no further children together.  Charles had two children from his previous marriage, Drusilla Lancaster and Frederick Charles Lancaster
 
In 1881 Mary the eighteen year old Mary is still living in the Ashley family home at Daycroft House and his now working as a general servant.  Mary's twelve year old sister, Benedicta, is visiting the home of Elizabeth Davis at 2 Bellevue, Burcott Row, Herefordshire.  Living next door at 3 Shrewsbury Place is Mary and Benedicta's mother Benedicta Lancaster, her husband Charles and his children Drusilla and Frederick. 
 
I have been unable to locate Mary on the 1891 Census, her sister Benedicta however is working for the Graves family in Bradenham, West Wycombe as a general domestic servant. Mary and Benedicta's mother, is living in the town on Tiberton, Herefordshire with her husband Charles.  Boarding with them are two children twelve year old Alice E Edmonds and eleven year old Leonard Phillips.
 
In 1901 Mary is working as a domestic cook at Boyne Holme, Maidenhead, Berkshire, the residence of Captain Charles H S Prettyman and his wife Agnes.
 
Mary's younger sister, Benedicta,  is working as a domestic cook at 1 Ilchester Gardens in Paddington, London in the home of  William Bailey Heath.
 
An aging Benedicta Lancaster and her husband Charles are now living alone at Crossways, Tiberton, Herefordshire.
 
Just a year later Mary had passed away at the age of 39.
 
In 1911, nine years after the death of her sister  Benedicta Built is working as a domestic cook for the Nicholson family at 55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London.
 
Benedicta Lancaster and her husband Charles have since moved to Wales.  In 1916 Charles Lancaster passes away, followed by Benedicta in 1921 in Knighton, Radnorshire.
 
Benedicta Built passes away in Windsor, Berkshire in 1953.
 
 
 
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Sunday 16 February 2014

Cemetery Sunday - In Loving Memory Of...

 
In Loving Memory Of... All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
 
 
 
 


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Friday 14 February 2014

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Private Albert Blay

|**Originally posted 2nd January 2013**
 
 

"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".
 
 
 
Albert Blay was born in 1907 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Frederick Blay, a bricklayer, and his wife Louisa Green.
 
On the 1911 Census, three year old Albert is living with his parents and older brother Frederick Archie Blay at 1 Spencers Road, Maidenhead Berkshire.
 
In 1931 Albert married Phyllis Ida Burrows in Grantham, Leicestershire
 
Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Albert enlisted with The Cheshire Regiment.  Unfortunately Albert was to die as a result of war action on 10th May 1941.
 
 
 


Tuesday 11 February 2014

Frederick James, Deborah Elizabeth and Herbert Henry "Duke" Baylis - Maidenhead Advertiser

 
 
 
Memorial to Frederick James Baylis, Deborah Elizabeth Baylis and Herbert Henry "Duke" Baylis, All Saint's Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
"In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Parents And Brother, Frederick James died Dec 27 1895 aged 34 years and Deborah Elizabeth died August 10 1940 Aged 78 years.  Herbert Henry "Duke" Killed In Action in France August 2 1917."
 
 
Frederick James Baylis was born in 1862 in Gloucestershire to Frederick George Baylis, a newspaper editor and reporter, and his wife Louisa Lane.
 
Frederick first appears on the 1871 Census aged nine living with his parents, grandfather William Baylis and younger siblings Edith and Gerald at 4 Jessamine Villas Parliament Street, Littleworth, Gloucestershire.
 

In 1872 Frederick George Baylis a partner in the Maidenhead Advertiser bought out the other five owners and began the family's association with the paper that remains to this day under Baylis Media Ltd.  In 1873 Bertha Baylis was born and in 1875 Watson, younger siblings to Frederick James Baylis.
 
By the 1881 Census the family was living at 9 Crawford Rise, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where Frederick is working as a compositor and accountant for his father's paper, the Maidenhead Advertiser.  Three years later in 1884, Frederick married Deborah Elizabeth Drewett in Maidenhead.
 
A year after their marriage, Frederick and Deborah celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Gilbert Frederick, closely followed by a daughter Eva Deborah in 1886.  Beatrice Mary was born later in 1888, followed a year later by Herbert Henry in 1889 and Henry Gerald in 1890.
 
Deborah Elizabeth Drewett was born in 1862 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to George Drewett, landlord of The Swan Inn, High Street, Maidenhead, and his wife Mary Ann Palmer.
 
Deborah first appears on the 1871 Census aged eight, living with her uncle and aunt, Robert and Charlotte Angel, landlords of The Bull Inn in Warfield, Berkshire.  Living with the Angel family is Deborah's grandmother Ann Drewett.
 
However by 1881 Deborah is back living with her parents at The Swan Inn in Maidenhead, along with her younger brothers, George a mineral water manufacturer and Henry.
 
 
***
 
On the 1891 Census, Frederick, Deborah and their children can be found living in Albert Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire where Frederick is listed as a journalist for the Maidenhead Advertiser. 
Just a year later in 1892 Frederick and Deborah welcome another daughter, Kate, into their family.  Sadly just three years later in 1895, Frederick passed away aged just thirty four years.  Deborah was expecting her seventh child at the time of Frederick's passing.  Frederick Watson Baylis was born after his father's death in 1896
 
The 1901 Census finds the widowed Deborah working as a dressmaker and living at 2 Grenfell Avenue with her children, Gilbert Frederick - a fishmongers assistant, Eva Deborah - a school teacher, Kate and young Frederick.  Henry Gerald Baylis is living with his uncle and aunt Henry and Emma Drewett in Church Street, Alburgh, South Norfolk.  I cannot locate Herbert Henry on the 1901 Census.
 
Frederick George Baylis passes away on 3rd October 1906 at his home Belmont Lodge in Belmont Road, Maidenhead.  He left control of the Maidenhead Advertiser to his four surviving children Edith, Bertha, Gerald and Watson
 
In the January of 1911 Beatrice Mary married Arthur Kille, a coal merchant from Clewer, Windsor, Berkshire.
 
By 1911 Deborah has moved to 3 Raymond Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire along with her married daughter Beatrice and her baby granddaughter Phyllis Deborah Kille.  Still living with Deborah are her daughter Eva who is working as a grocers clerk for the Co Operative, her son Herbert Henry who is working as an assistant antique dealer, Henry Gerald who is working as an iron smith.  Her daughter Kate is working as a drapers clerk and finally young Frederick who is working as an apprentice printer for the Maidenhead Advertiser. 
 
Corporal Herbert Henry Baylis of the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment was killed in action on 2nd August 1917 in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge part of the Battle of Passchendaele (the third Ypres campaign which took place between 31st July - 2nd August 1917.  Herbert Henry is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium.
 
 
 
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Sunday 9 February 2014

Cemetery Sunday - IHS

 
IHS Celtic Cross, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
 
 

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Friday 7 February 2014

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Air Mechanic 1st Class Frederick George Bennett

**Originally posted 19th December 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".
 
 
 
Frederick George Bennett was born in Marlow Buckinghamshire in 1895 to Henry C Bennett, a paper maker in a paper mill, and his wife Julia Joyce.
 
In 1901 Frederick can be found living with his parents and siblings at Temple Cottages, Bisham Berkshire.  1911 and Frederick is still living with his parents in Temple Cottages in Bisham, Berkshire.  His occupation in 1911 is listed as a house boy.
 
Sometime after the outbreak of World War I Frederick enlisted with the Royal Air Force, becoming an Air Mechanic 1st Class for No 6 Stores Depot which was located in buildings at Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire. This depot was responsible for the packing and despatch of all aircraft and engines which were to be sent aboard.

He married Frances Dora Larter in the September of 1918.  Their time together was short as Frederick died on 21st November 1918 of pneumonia at Cliveden Military Hospital, aged just 23 years.

During the November of 1918, several of the servicemen and woman at No 6 Stores Depot died from influenza and pneumonia.

 
 
 
 


Tuesday 4 February 2014

James and Anne Chamberlain - Maidenhead Station Master

 
 
 
Monument to James and Ann Chamberlain, All Saint's Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"In Loving Memory Of James Chamberlain who departed this life December 26th 1892 aged 79 years.  Also Anne his wife who died October 25th 1895 aged 85 years.  Gone But Not Forgotten."
 
 
James Chamberlain was born in Leicestershire in 1813 to Ann Chamberlain.  Sometime before the birth of their first child, a daughter, Ann Elizabeth, James married his wife Anne.
 
The family first appears in the 1841 Census living in Bridge Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Along with James's widowed mother Ann.  James's occupation is simply listed as a porter.
 
In 1846 James and Anne celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Sophia, followed by a son, James, in 1849.
 
The family is still residing in Bridge Street at the time of the 1851 Census, however James's occupation is now listed as a rail porter.  His wife Ann is listed as a shopkeeper.  I have been unable to locate Ann Elizabeth post 1851.  James would have been working at Maidenhead (Riverside) and Taplow Rail Station, the first and only railway station to serve Maidenhead at the time.  The station was situated on the Buckinghamshire side of the Thames.  Passengers alighted and were ferried across the bridge to Maidenhead in horse drawn carriages.
 
1852 saw the birth of a third daughter, Martha Jane (sometimes listed as Jane).
 
In 1854 a new railway station on the Wycombe line opened in Maidenhead and was situated on Castle Hill.  This station was then used as Maidenhead's main station until the completion of the current station in 1871.
 
By the 1861 Census the family had moved to Maidenhead High Street.  James had also moved up the career ladder as his occupation is now listed as Station Master.
 
James and his family had moved once again before 1871 to 26 Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  James's occupation is now listed as simply a railway servant.  Sophia is helping the household income as a Milliner (hat maker),  James Jr has left the family home and can be found working as a shop man in Clifton, Gloucestershire for Mrs Kingcome.  Martha Jane is working as a draper's assistant in Queen's Square, High Wycombe
 
In 1873, Sophia married Samuel William Bateman, a chair manufacturer from High Wycombe.
 
In 1877 Martha Jane marries William Hunt Smith, a draper from Middlesex.  In 1879 they celebrate the birth of their son Herbert and in 1880 the birth of their daughter Dora.
 
1881 James and Anne are still residing at 26 Victoria Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  James Jr is now working as a shop man in St Martin in the Fields, in London, Sophia and her husband Samuel are living and working in Queen's Square, High Wycombe and Martha Jane and her family are living and working in Great Marlow, Buckinghmashire.
 
In 1891 James and Anne are still living in Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  James's occupation is now listed as a retired station master.  Just a year after that Census was taken, James passed away aged 79 years.  Anne followed him to the grave in 1895 aged 85.
 
 
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Sunday 2 February 2014

Cemetery Sunday - All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery

 
Celtic Cross in the fog at All Saint's Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
 

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